Contribution of Imagery in the Diagnosis of Multisystemic Sarcoidosis in the Service Radiology Department of the Mother and Child Hospital “Le Luxembourg” in Bamako: A Case Report

The aim of this study was to report a case of multi-visceral sarcoidosis at the Mother-Child Hospital Center (CHME) “Le Luxembourg” in Bamako, Mali. Observation: This is a patient aged 62 at the time of consultation, a housewife, residing in the Banconi district, who was referred to us for thoracic-abdominopelvic imaging for chronic liver disease. After several diagnostic errors, the thoracic-abdominopelvic CT scan and liver MRI performed in our center showed, at the thoracoabdominal level, bilateral diffuse pulmonary micronodules and bilateral mediastinal-hilar lymphadenopathy;on the abdominal level, a dysmorphic liver with plaques of steatosis and a granular appearance of the liver parenchyma without periportal fibrosis. These imaging data combined with those from the liver nodule biopsy and biology confirmed the diagnosis of sarcoidosis type II. Treatment with corticosteroids gave satisfactory results and the patient recovered after 18 months. Clinical and CT monitoring 2 years from the start of the disease and 2 months from the end of treatment showed complete resolution of the lesions. Conclusion: The multi-visceral location of sarcoidosis is an entity whose diagnosis remains difficult;diagnostic and interventional imaging has an important place in its management.

Profile of Radiological Examinations in the Radiology and Medical Imaging Department of the Medical Clinic “KALALE” in Mali

Introduction: Radiology and medical imaging examinations bring together the means of acquiring and restoring images of the human body from different physical phenomena such as the absorption of X-rays, nuclear magnetic resonance, reflection of ultrasound waves or radioactivity, with which we sometimes associate optical imaging techniques such as endoscopy. The objective of our study was to study the profile of radiological examinations in the radiology and medical imaging department of the “KALALE” medical clinic. Methodology: This was a descriptive, prospective study that took place over a period of six (6) months in the radiology and medical imaging department of the “KALALE” medical clinic and the centers of health of communes III and IV of Bamako in Mali. Data collection was carried out on a survey form. The parameters studied were sociodemographic data, clinical data, radiological data. Results: We recorded 6030 radiology examinations of which 19% of the examination frequency cases came from the “KALALE” medical clinic and 81% of the cases were referrals from the reference health centers of communes III and IV. There were 1500 X-rays or 24.9% of cases including 54% cases of bone X-rays;5% of cases of skull and face X-rays;5% of cases of Intravenous Urography (IVU);4% of cases of Hysterosalpingography (HSG);3% of cases of Retrograde Ureterocystography (UCR) and 1% of cases of X-ray of the Abdomen without preparation (ASP). We found 4530 ultrasounds or 75.1% of cases. Conclusion: Medical imaging has become essential in the study of the human body and now constitutes an essential tool for the detection and treatment of most pathologies, from simple fractures to the most serious tumors.

Importance of establishing radiation protection culture in Radiology Department

The increased use of ionization radiation for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, the rapid advances in computed tomography as well as the high radiation doses delivered by interventional procedures have raised serious safety and health concerns for both patients and medical staff and have necessitated the establishment of a radiation protection culture(RPC) in every Radiology Department. RPC is a newly introduced concept. The term culture describes the combination of attitudes, beliefs, practices and rules among the professionals, staff and patients regarding to radiation protection. Most of the time, the challenge is to improve rather than to build a RPC. The establishment of a RPC requires continuing education of the staff and professional, effective communication among stakeholders of all levels and implementation of quality assurance programs. The RPC creation is being driven from the highest level. Leadership, professionals and associate societies are recognized to play a vital role in the embedding and promotion of RPC in a Medical Unit. The establishment of a RPC enables the reduction of the radiation dose, enhances radiation risk awareness, minimizes unsafe practices, and improves the quality of a radiation protection program. The purpose of this review paper is to describe the role and highlight the importance of establishing a strong RPC in Radiology Departments with an emphasis on promoting RPC in the Interventional Radiology environment.

Management and Reconfiguration of a Radiology Department under the Threat of Coronavirus Disease 2019:Experience from Wuhan

Summary:The corona virus disease 2019(COVID-19)is an emerging respiratory infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2,which first occurred in December 2019 in Wuhan,China.These days,in China,chest CT is used for diagnosis of COVID-19,as an important complement to the reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)test.Because of contacting with a large number of suspected or probable cases closely during chest CT examination,radiographers are easily infected with COVID-19.This article included the rearrangement of CT examination room in fever clinic,the rearrangement of human resources in radiology department,and the drafting of new operating procedures for radiologists who carry out CT examination on COVID-19 patients.This article also introduced the emergency management procedures of the department of radiology during the outbreak,and the experience of infection prevention for the staff of the department of radiology.

Interdepartmental miscommunication regarding radiology:Addressing chronic challenges and exploring solutions

Effective communication and collaboration among healthcare professionals are crucial for delivering high-quality patient care.Interdepartmental miscommunication poses a significant challenge to healthcare systems,potentially undermining the quality of healthcare services provided.In the same manner,communication barriers between referring physicians and radiologists can specifically affect radiology services and patient outcomes.This article attempts to put the spotlight on the ever-present chronic challenges of this issue and prompt readers to recognize the relevant potential pitfalls in their daily clinical practice.Practical solutions are explored and proposed,which should be tailored to the specific needs and issues that each individual institution may face.

Diagnostic Reference Levels of Adults CT-Scan Imaging in Cameroon: A Pilot Study of Four Commonest CT-Protocols in Five Radiology Departments

CT-scan is the most irradiating tool in diagnostic radiology. For 5% - 10% of diagnostic X-ray procedures, it is responsible for 34% of irradiation according to UNSCEAR. Patients radiation protection must therefore be increased during CT-scan procedures. This requires the rigorous application of optimization principle which imposes to have “diagnostic reference levels”. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) of the four most frequent CT-scans examinations of adults in Cameroon. Material and Method: It was a cross-sectional pilot study carried out from April to September 2015 in five health facilities using CT-scan in Cameroon. The studied variables were: patients age and sex, type of CT-scan examination (cerebral, chest, abdomino-pelvic, lumbar spine), Used of IV contrast (IV﹣/ IV+), acquisition length, time of tube rotation, voltage (kV), mAs, pitch, thickness of slices, CTDIvol and DLP. For each type of examination, at least 30 patients were included per center, consecutively on the randomly predetermined days. The DRL for each type of examination was defined as the 75th percentile of its PDL and CTDIvol. Results: Of the 696 examinations, 41.2% were cerebral, 26.9% abdomino-pelvic, 17.7% lumbar spine and 14.2% chest. The mean age of patients was 52 ± 15 years [20 - 90 years], 58.9% were 50 years and older. The sex-ratio was 1.26 (55.9% males). The CT machines were 4, 8 and 16 multidetectors. The 75th percentile of DLP or DRLs [standard deviation] was: [1150 ± 278 mGy·cm], [770 ± 477 mGy·cm], [720 ± 170 mGy·cm] and [715 ± 187 mGy·cm] respectively for cerebral, lumbar spine, abdominopelvic and chest CT-scans. Taking in consideration the number of detectors, the 75th percentile of the Dose-Length product decreased with the increase number of detectors for cerebral examinations but was the highest with 16 MDCT for the abdominopelvic, lumbar spine and chest CT-scans. For the chest and lumbar spine examinations, there was a significant increase in patient-dose with the increase in the number of detectors. Conclusion: Our DRLs values lie between the norms of some European countries and those of some African countries. There is remarquable variation in dose for the commonest CT-scans examinations in Cameroon, requiring then an optimization process from these determined DRLs and establishment of national DRLs. Special attention to optimization should be paid when using 16 MDCT.

Exploring the novel role of oligodendrocyte precursor cells in phagocytosis:beyond myelinogenesis

Roles of oligodendrocyte precursor cells in the central nervous system:Oligodendrocyte precursor cells(OPCs)have long been recognized for their critical role as precursors to oligodendrocytes,the primary myelin-producing cells.As precursors,OPCs mature and differentiate into oligodendrocytes,which contribute significantly to the formation of myelin sheaths around axons.This myelination,which is critical for the conduction of salutatory nerve impulses in the cerebral white matter,underscores the classical role of oligodendrocytes in central nervous system(CNS)functionality.Importantly,because oligodendrocytes are differentiated cells that cannot proliferate.

Primary parenchymal squamous cell carcinoma of the kidney:A case report

BACKGROUND Primary squamous cell carcinoma(SCC)of the renal parenchyma is extremely rare,with only nine cases reported.CASE SUMMARY This study reports a 51-year-old man with primary SCC of the renal parenchyma.The patient was admitted with recurrent dull pain and discomfort in the right lumbar region,which had worsened over 2 weeks,accompanied by painful gross hematuria.SCC antigen(SCCA)levels were elevated,and imaging revealed a renal mass with associated calculi.The patient underwent laparoscopic unilateral nephrectomy and lymph node dissection.Postoperative pathology confirmed highly differentiated SCC with necrosis in the right renal parenchyma,with negative renal pelvis and ureter.The pathological stage was Pt3aN1M0.Four months after surgery,the tumor recurred with involvement of the liver,right psoas major muscle,and inferior vena cava.The patient refused chemotherapy and succumbed to the disease 6 months postoperatively due to disease progression.CONCLUSION We report a case of primary SCC of the renal parenchyma,a rare renal malignancy.The clinical symptoms,laboratory tests,and imaging findings are nonspecific,making accurate and timely diagnosis challenging.According to the literature,for patients with renal calculi accompanied by a renal mass,elevated serum SCCA levels,and magnetic resonance imaging showing cystic or cystic-solid masses within the kidney with pseudocapsules and heterogeneous mild enhancement,the possibility of this disease should be considered.

Multisensory mechanisms of gait and balance in Parkinson’s disease:an integrative review

Understanding the neural underpinning of human gait and balance is one of the most pertinent challenges for 21st-century translational neuroscience due to the profound impact that falls and mobility disturbances have on our aging population.Posture and gait control does not happen automatically,as previously believed,but rather requires continuous involvement of central nervous mechanisms.To effectively exert control over the body,the brain must integrate multiple streams of sensory information,including visual,vestibular,and somatosensory signals.The mechanisms which underpin the integration of these multisensory signals are the principal topic of the present work.Existing multisensory integration theories focus on how failure of cognitive processes thought to be involved in multisensory integration leads to falls in older adults.Insufficient emphasis,however,has been placed on specific contributions of individual sensory modalities to multisensory integration processes and cross-modal interactions that occur between the sensory modalities in relation to gait and balance.In the present work,we review the contributions of somatosensory,visual,and vestibular modalities,along with their multisensory intersections to gait and balance in older adults and patients with Parkinson’s disease.We also review evidence of vestibular contributions to multisensory temporal binding windows,previously shown to be highly pertinent to fall risk in older adults.Lastly,we relate multisensory vestibular mechanisms to potential neural substrates,both at the level of neurobiology(concerning positron emission tomography imaging)and at the level of electrophysiology(concerning electroencephalography).We hope that this integrative review,drawing influence across multiple subdisciplines of neuroscience,paves the way for novel research directions and therapeutic neuromodulatory approaches,to improve the lives of older adults and patients with neurodegenerative diseases.

Carcinosarcoma of the breast:Facing the challenge of a rare nosologic entity

Carcinosarcoma(CS),also known as metaplastic breast carcinoma with mesenchymal differentiation,is one of the five distinct subtypes of metaplastic breast cancer.It is considered as a mixed,biphasic neoplasm consisting of a carcinomatous component combined with a malignant nonepithelial element of mesenchymal origin without an intermediate transition zone.Although cellular origin of this neoplasm remains controversial,most researchers declare that neoplastic cells derive from a cellular structure with potential biphasic differentiation.Despite recent research on the therapeutic strategies against CS neoplastic disorders,surgical resection appears the only potentially curative approach.Since CS metastasize by the lymphatic route,axillary assessment with sentinel lymph node biopsy and/or axillary lymph node dissection is always implemented.Nevertheless,the tumor also presents a hematogenous metastatic pattern including pleural,pulmonary,liver,brain and less commonly bone metastases.Thus,surgical removal of breast CS does not necessarily ensure patient’s long-term recovery.Moreover,alternative therapies,such as radio-and chemotherapy proved insufficient and 5-year survival rate is limited.Nevertheless,there is evidence that following surgery,the combination of radio and chemotherapy is associated with a better prognosis than either treatment alone.The aim of this review is to evaluate the results of surgical treatment for breast CS with special reference to the extent of its histological spread.Clinical features,histogenesis,morphological and immunochemical findings are discussed,while the role of current diagnostic and therapeutic management of this aggressive neoplasm is emphasized.

Storage time affects the level and diagnostic efficacy of plasma biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases

Several promising plasma biomarker proteins,such as amyloid-β(Aβ),tau,neurofilament light chain,and glial fibrillary acidic protein,are widely used for the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases.However,little is known about the long-term stability of these biomarker proteins in plasma samples stored at-80°C.We aimed to explore how storage time would affect the diagnostic accuracy of these biomarkers using a large cohort.Plasma samples from 229 cognitively unimpaired individuals,encompassing healthy controls and those experiencing subjective cognitive decline,as well as 99 patients with cognitive impairment,comprising those with mild cognitive impairment and dementia,were acquired from the Sino Longitudinal Study on Cognitive Decline project.These samples were stored at-80°C for up to 6 years before being used in this study.Our results showed that plasma levels of Aβ42,Aβ40,neurofilament light chain,and glial fibrillary acidic protein were not significantly correlated with sample storage time.However,the level of total tau showed a negative correlation with sample storage time.Notably,in individuals without cognitive impairment,plasma levels of total protein and tau phosphorylated protein threonine 181(p-tau181)also showed a negative correlation with sample storage time.This was not observed in individuals with cognitive impairment.Consequently,we speculate that the diagnostic accuracy of plasma p-tau181 and the p-tau181 to total tau ratio may be influenced by sample storage time.Therefore,caution is advised when using these plasma biomarkers for the identification of neurodegenerative diseases,such as Alzheimer's disease.Furthermore,in cohort studies,it is important to consider the impact of storage time on the overall results.

Evaluation of the Fetal-Maternal Radiation Doses in CT-Pelvimetry and Estimation of the Fetal Radiation Risks in 03 Radiology Departments in Douala-Cameroon

Background: CT in pregnant patients requires careful consideration of the radiation dose and corresponding radiation risks from ionizing radiation to the unborn child. The determination of foetal dose in diagnostic radiology is of interest as a basis for risk estimates from medical exposure of the pregnant patient. Objective: To evaluate the foetal-maternal radiation doses delivered during the CT-Pelvimetry procedure and to estimate the risk to the unborn child to develop a cancer in childhood and hereditary disease. Materials and Methods: We investigate the foetal-maternal radiation doses during CT-scan Pelvimetry in Douala (Cameroon). Data of 194 helical acquisition CT-Pelvimetry were collected between May 2017 and May 2019. An average DLP for the examination was established and the average effective dose was evaluated. The fetal dose was calculated and the FetDose V5 program was used for risk estimations. Results: The average dose length product (DLP) was 56.17 mGy·cm (range: 51.69 - 59.21 mGy·cm). The average effective dose received by women pregnant was 0.78 mSv. The mean individual fetal dose was 1.5 mGy (range: 0.76 - 1.87 mGy). The risk of Childhood Cancer calculated was: range 1 in 16,000 to 1 in 10,000 and 1 in 260,000 to 1 in 106,000 to the risk of Hereditary Disease, respectively. Conclusion: This study shows that the foetal-maternal doses delivered during CT-Pelvimetry examinations are very low and the risks of childhood cancers and hereditary diseases are derisory, the technology should be further investigated to ensure its full potential for optimal diagnostic accuracy.

Interventional radiology in the management of malignant biliary obstruction

Malignant biliary obstruction is commonly due to pancreatic carcinoma,cholangiocarcinoma and metastatic disease which are often inoperable at presentation and carry a poor prognosis.Percutaneous biliary drainage and stenting provides a safe and effective method of palliation in such patients,thereby improving their quality of life.It may also be an adjunct to surgical management by improving hepatic and,indirectly,renal function before resection of the tumor.

Review of renal cell carcinoma and its common subtypes in radiology

Representing 2%-3% of adult cancers, renal cell carcinoma(RCC) accounts for 90% of renal malignancies and is the most lethal neoplasm of the urologic system. Over the last 65 years, the incidence of RCC has increased at a rate of 2% per year. The increased incidence is at least partly due to improved tumor detection secondary to greater availability of high-resolution cross-sectional imaging modalities over the last few decades. Most RCCs are asymptomatic at discovery and are detected as unexpected findings on imaging performed for unrelated clinical indications. The 2004 World Health Organization Classification of adult renal tumors stratifies RCC into several distinct histologic subtypes of which clear cell, papillary and chromophobe tumors account for 70%, 10%-15%, and 5%, respectively. Knowledge of the RCC subtype is important because the various subtypes are associated with different biologic behavior, prognosis and treatment options. Furthermore, the common RCC subtypes can often be discriminated non-invasively based on gross morphologic imaging appearances, signal intensity on T2-weighted magnetic resonance images, and the degree of tumor enhancement on dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging examinations. In this article, we review the incidence and survival data, risk factors, clinical and biochemical findings, imaging findings, staging, differential diagnosis, management options and posttreatment follow-up of RCC, with attention focused on the common subtypes.

Role of interventional radiology in the management of acute gastrointestinal bleeding

Acute gastrointestinal bleeding(GIB) can lead to significant morbidity and mortality without appropriate treatment. There are numerous causes of acute GIB including but not limited to infection, vascular anomalies, inflammatory diseases, trauma, and malignancy. The diagnostic and therapeutic approach of GIB depends on its location, severity, and etiology. The role of interventional radiology becomes vital in patients whose GIB remains resistant to medical and endoscopic treatment. Radiology offers diagnostic imaging studies and endovascular therapeutic interventions that can be performed promptly and effectively with successful outcomes. Computed tomography angiography and nuclear scintigraphy can localize the source of bleeding and provide essential information for the interventional radiologist to guide therapeutic management with endovascular angiography and transcatheter embolization. This review article provides insight into the essential role of Interventional Radiology in the management of acute GIB.

Successful treatment of complex cholangiolithiasis following orthotopic liver transplantation with interventional radiology

Bile duct stones are a serious and the third most common complication of the biliary system that can occur following liver transplantation.The incidence rate of bile duct stones after liver transplantation is1.8%-18%.The management of biliary stones is usually performed with endoscopic techniques;however,the technique may prove to be challenging in the treatment of the intrahepatic bile duct stones.We herein reporta case of a 40-year-old man with rare,complex bile duct stones that were successfully eliminated with percutaneous interventional techniques.The complex bile duct stones were defined as a large number of bile stones filling the intra-and extrahepatic bile tracts,resulting in a cast formation within the biliary tree.Common complications such as hemobilia and acute pancreatitis were not present during the perioperative period.The follow-up period was 20 mo long.During the postoperative period,the patient maintained normal temperature,and normal total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels.The patient is now living a high quality life.This case report highlights the safety and efficacy of the percutaneous interventional approach in the removal of complex bile duct stones following liver transplantation.

WHOLE BODY DIFFUSION WEIGHTED IMAGING:A NEW ERA OF ONCOLOGICAL RADIOLOGY

Cancer has become the leading cause of mortality in the urban area of China. Whole body diffusion weigntea imaging （WB-DWI）, also known as virtual positron emission tomography, has gradually become accepted as an image tool in tumor localization, characterization, staging and monitoring response to therapy or tumor recurrence. Our article aimed to summarize the limited initial clinical use of WB-DWI in the referred area, and to analyze the most potential advantage of WB-DWI in therapeutic monitoring and tumor staging. WB-DWI as a highly sensitive, completely non-invasive, well-tolerated and low price technique has a promising furture in tumor assessment. Profound clinical study is necessary for its further application improvement.

Special considerations in the management of lower GI bleed by interventional radiology

Despite the rapid development of diagnostic and therapeutic modalities and techniques to manage LGIB patients from interventional radiology’s standpoint,a successful localization of the bleeding site that leads to an effective embolotherapy remains a significant technical challenge.The interventional radiologist’s decisions when managing patients with LGIB may significantly impact the clinical outcomes;therefore,management should be made based on careful and thorough considerations of factors such as etiology,locations,patient’s comorbidities,and potential post-procedure complications,among others.The purpose of this paper is to review the management of LGIB by interventional radiology,focusing on a few challenging and common clinical situations that require special consideration by interventional radiologists.

Complementary roles of interventional radiology and therapeutic endoscopy in gastroenterology

Acute upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding, enteral feeding, cecostomy tubes and luminal strictures are some of the common reasons for gastroenterology service. While surgery was initially considered the main treatment modality, the advent of both therapeutic endoscopy and interventional radiology have resulted in the paradigm shift in the management of these conditions. In this paper, we discuss the patient's work up, indications, and complementary roles of endoscopic and angiographic management in the settings of gastrointestinal bleeding, enteral feeding, cecostomy tube placement and luminal strictures. These conditions often require multidisciplinary approaches involving a team of interventional radiologists, gastroenterologists and surgeons. Further, the authors also aim to describe how the fields of interventional radiology and gastrointestinal endoscopy are overlapping and complementary in the management of these complex conditions.

Effect of harmless acute pancreatitis score, red cell distribution width and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio on the mortality of patients with nontraumatic acute pancreatitis at the emergency department

BACKGROUND: Harmless acute pancreatitis score(HAPS), neutrophile/lymphocyte ratio and red blood cell distribution width(RDW) are used to determine the early prognosis of patients diagnosed with nontraumatic acute pancreatitis in the emergency department(ED).METHODS: Patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis(K 85.9) in the ED according to the ICD10 coding during one year were included in the study. Patients with chronic pancreatitis and those who had missing data in their files were excluded from the study. Patients who did not have computed tomography(CT) in the ED were not included in the study.RESULTS: Ultimately, 322 patients were included in the study. The median age of the patients was 53.1(IQR=36–64). Of the patients, 68.1%(n=226) had etiological causes of the biliary tract. The mortality rate of these patients within the first 48 hours was 4.3%(n=14). In the logistic regression analysis performed by using Balthazar classification, HAPS score, RDW, neutrophile/lymphocyte ratio, age, diabetes mellitus and systolic blood pressure, the only independent variable in determining mortality was assigned as Balthazar classification(OR: 15; 95% CI: 3.5 to 64.4).CONCLUSIONS: HAPS, neutrophile/lymphocyte ratio and RDW were not effective in determining the mortality of nontraumatic acute pancreatitis cases within the first 48 hours. The only independent variable for determining the mortality was Balthazar classifi cation.