Anomalous pancreaticobiliary junction: image analysis and treatment principles

BACKGROUND: Anomalous pancreaticobiliary junction is often associated with biliary tract carcinoma and acute pan- creatitis. We assessed the value of image analysis in the diag- nosis of patients with anomalous pancreaticobiliary junction (APBJ) and the principles for the treatment of APBJ. METHODS: Sixty-four patients with APBJ were subjected to ultrasound imaging, endoscopic retrograde cholangio- pancreatography (ERCP) and magnetic resonance cholan- giopancreatography (MRCP) before surgery. The diagnos- tic accuracy of image analysis and their surgical outcomes were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: On ERCP and MRCP, the length of the com- mon channel was calculated to be 15 mm or longer in all patients, and the angle of the junction was more than 75° in 49 (76.6%) of the 64 patients. Of the 64 patients, 28 were defined of pancreatic duct type (P-C) (28/64, 43.75%), 32 bile duct type (C-P) (32/64, 50%), and 4 common chan- nel type (4/64, 6.25%). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with APBJ are often associated with biliary tract and pancreatic diseases, and early detec- tion and correct surgical treatment could avoid serious complications. ERCP and MRCP are accurate in the diag- nosis of APBJ.

Tuberous sclerosis complex combined with primary lymphedema:A case report

BACKGROUND Tuberous sclerosis complex(TSC)and primary lymphedema(PLE)are both rare diseases,and it is even rarer for both to occur in the same patient.In this work,we have provided a detailed description of a patient's clinical presentation,imaging findings,and treatment.And a retrospective analysis was conducted on 14 published relevant case reports.CASE SUMMARY A 16-year-old male came to our hospital for treatment due to right lower limb swelling.This swelling is already present from birth.The patient’s memory had been progressively declining.Seizures had occurred 1 year prior at an unknown frequency.The patient was diagnosed with TSC combined with PLE through multimodal imaging examination:Computed tomography,magnetic resonance imaging,and lymphoscintigraphy.The patient underwent liposuction.The swelling of the patient's right lower limb significantly improved after surgery.Epilepsy did not occur.after taking antiepileptic drugs and sirolimus.CONCLUSION TSC with PLE is a rare and systemic disease.Imaging can detect lesions of this disease,which are important for diagnosis and treatment.

Chinese expert consensus on the non-invasive imaging examination pathways of stable coronary artery disease

1 Introduction Early detection and diagnosis of stable coronary artery disease （SCAD） is essential for proactive secondary prevention of myocardial infarction （MI）, control of disease progress, and reduction of mortality. Clinical decision-making in modem medicine is increasingly dependent on cardiovascular imaging techniques. 2012 ACCF/AHA/ACP/AATS/ PCNA/SCAI/STS guideline for the diagnosis and management of patients with stable ischemic heart disease has been issued by American Heart Association （AHA）. European Society of Cardiology （ESC） has issued 2013 ESC guidelines on the management of stable coronary artery disease.

EFFECT OF ACUPUNCTURE ON CEREBRAL IMAGES IN AUTISM CHILDREN

Objective: To observe the effect of acupuncture on images in autism children. Methods; A total of 27 cases of autism children were subjected into this study. By using a SPECT, the cerebral images were collected before and after acupuncture treatment and analyzed according to the recommended methods in 《Clinical Nuclear Medicine》 for assessing the state of blood flow, radioactivity quantity distribution and radioactivity count in bilateral hemispheres. 'JIN's three-needling' was employed. The acupuncture treatment was given once every other day, with 4 months being a therapeutic course and an interval of one month between two courses. Results: After acupuncture treatment, of the 22 cases, 20 had remarkable improvement and 2 had improvement in cerebral blood flow, with the total effective rate being 90.8%. Before the treatment there were significant differences between the left and right cerebrum (P<0. 001), and between the left and right frontal lobes in radioactive areas (P<0.01); however, after treatment, no differences were found between them (P>0.05). After treatment, the radioactivity count in the whole brain decreased significantly in comparison with that of pretreatment (P<0.01). It indicates the improvement of cerebral blood flow and cellular metabolism after the treatment. Conclusion: Acupuncture can significantly improve cerebral blood flow in autism children.

Clinical Study on Evaluation of Autonomic Nervous Dysfunction Based on Imaging Urodynamic Examination with Slow Filling and Synchronous Blood Pressure Monitoring in the Patients with Cervicothoracic Spinal Cord Injury

Objective: Explore the rule of autonomic nervous dysfunction in the patients with urination disorder after high level spinal cord injury, and seek a safe, objective and accurate method to evaluate autonomic nervous function. Patients and Method: 48 patients with dysuria after cervicothoracic SCI were selected. Before, during and after imaging urodynamic examination with slow filling in supine position, blood pressure and ECG were monitored simultaneously. The symptoms of sweating, shivering, headache, flushing and chills were observed and recorded. The study of the relationship among the changes of blood pressure, heart rate and urodynamic indexes and the above symptoms was analyzed. Results: They were divided into three groups: group A (no obvious abnormality), group B (hyperactivity) and group C (hypoactivity) according to their BP, HR and existing the symptoms or not. Conclusion: The incidence of autonomic dysfunction in the high level SCI patients with dysuria was very high (79.17%), most of them were hyperactivity, and a few were low function. The changes of SBP and DBP in the hypoactivity group all appeared an increasing and then declining trend, while the change of HR in the low function one was lower than normal and decreased continuously. The main inducements of AD are neurogenic detrusor overactivity, detrusor sphincter dyssynergia, elevated abdominal pressure and abnormal bladder sensitivity. The asymptomatic patients had a higher occurrence rate (43.75%). Only by imaging urodynamic examination with slow filling and synchronous blood pressure monitoring, can autonomic nervous function of the patients be evaluated safely, objectively, early and accurately.

Multidisciplinary discussion and management of synchronous colorectal liver metastases: A single center study in China

BACKGROUND The multidisciplinary team(MDT)has been carried out in many large hospitals now.However,given the costs of time and money and with little strong evidence of MDT effectiveness being reported,critiques of MDTs persist.AIM To evaluate the effects of MDTs on patients with synchronous colorectal liver metastases and share our opinion on management of synchronous colorectal liver metastases.METHODS In this study we collected clinical data of patients with synchronous colorectal liver metastases from February 2014 to February 2017 in the Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital and subsequently divided them into an MDT+group and an MDT-group.In total,93 patients in MDT+group and 169 patients in MDT-group were included totally.RESULTS Statistical increases in the rate of chest computed tomography examination(P=0.001),abdomen magnetic resonance imaging examination(P=0.000),and preoperative image staging(P=0.0000)were observed in patients in MDT+group.Additionally,the proportion of patients receiving chemotherapy(P=0.019)and curative resection(P=0.042)was also higher in MDT+group.Multivariable analysis showed that the population of patients assessed by MDT meetings had higher 1-year[hazard ratio(HR)=0.608,95%confidence interval(CI):0.398-0.931,P=0.022]and 5-year(HR=0.694,95%CI:0.515-0.937,P=0.017)overall survival.CONCLUSION These results proved that MDT management did bring patients with synchronous colorectal liver metastases more opportunities for comprehensive examination and treatment,resulting in better outcomes.

Endoscopic ultrasound features of gastric schwannomas with radiological correlation:A case series report

Gastric schwannomas are rare mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract.They are usually misdiagnosed as other submucosal tumors preoperatively.Experience of the imaging features of gastric schwannomas is extremely limited.In this report,we summarize the features of a series of endoscopic ultrasound(EUS) images of gastric schwannomas in an effort to improve the diagnosis and differential diagnosis rate.We retrospectively reviewed the endosonographic features of four patients with gastric schwannomas and their computed tomography imaging results.Gastric schwannomas had heterogeneous hypoechogenicity or isoechogenicity,and a well-demarcated margin.The tumors originated from the fourth layer.Cystic changes and calcification were uncommon.Marginal hypoechoic haloes were observed in two patients.The results described here were different from those of previous studies.In the EUS evaluation,the internal echogenicity of gastric schwannomas was heterogeneous and low,but slightly higher than that of muscularis pro-pria.These features might help us differentiate gastric schwannomas from other submucosal tumors.Further investigation is needed to differentiate these mesenchymal tumors.

Inguinal endometriosis: Ten case reports and review of literature

BACKGROUND To describe the characteristics,diagnosis and surgical treatment of inguinal endometriosis(IEM).CASE SUMMARY We retrospectively analyzed 10 patients diagnosed with IEM at Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital from 2011 to 2019.Relevant features,symptoms,images,surgical treatment,hormonal therapy and follow-up were collected and discussed.A total of 10 cases of IEM diagnosed by surgery and pathology were characterized by a lesion on the right side(9/11);five patients had symptoms related to the menstrual cycle,and only 3 patients were clearly diagnosed before surgery.Ultrasonography was of little assistance in confirming the diagnosis,but magnetic resonance imaging showed specific,high-intensity patterns.Anatomically,most of the IEM lesions were located in the extraperitoneal ligament(10/11);nine patients had inguinal hernias(IH),five had concurrent or prior pelvic endometriosis,and four had infertility.The clinical results from extensive resection were satisfactory.CONCLUSION IEM is an extremely rare condition that can easily be misdiagnosed prior to surgery.A right IH may contribute to the formation of right-sided IEM,and extensive resection involving the round ligament and hernia sac is essential to prevent recurrence.

Vulvovaginal myeloid sarcoma with massive pelvic floor infiltration: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Myeloid sarcoma(MS),including isolated and leukaemic MS,is an extramedullary myeloid tumour.MS can involve any anatomical site,but MS of the female genital tract is rare,with the ovaries and uterine body and cervix being the most commonly seen sites.Involvement of the vagina and vulva is extremely rare.CASE SUMMARY We report a rare case of MS with involvement of the vulva and vagina and massive infiltration of the pelvic floor.A 26-year-old woman presented with a vulvar mass,irregular vaginal bleeding and night sweats.Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an ill-defined,irregular vulvovaginal mass with massive involvement of the paravaginal tissue,urethra,posterior wall of the bladder,and pelvic floor.The signal and enhancement of the huge mass was homogeneous without haemorrhage or necrosis.Positron emission tomography/computed tomography showed high fluorodeoxyglucose uptake by the mass.Peripheral blood count detected blast cells.Vulvovaginal mass and bone marrow biopsies were performed,and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of acute myeloid leukaemia(M-2 type,FAB classification)and vulvovaginal MS.The patient was treated with induction chemotherapy followed by allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation,and achieved complete remission.A systemic review of the literature on vulvovaginal MS was conducted to explore this rare entity’s clinical and radiological features.CONCLUSION Vulvovaginal MS is extremely rare.Diagnosis of vulvovaginal MS can only be confirmed histopathologically.Even though its clinical and imaging presentations are nonspecific,MS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a newly developed T2-hyperintense,homogeneously enhanced vulvovaginal mass,especially in a patient with suspected haematological malignancy.

Unexpected difficult airway due to severe upper tracheal distortion:A case report

BACKGROUND Difficult airway is a significant cause of anesthesia-associated death and disability.Currently,physical examinations of thyromental distance,mouth opening,Mafampaii classification,etc.combined with X-ray,computed tomography(CT),and other imaging technologies are mainly used to evaluate difficult airways.However,in many special cases,i.e.,emergency surgery,imaging examinations cannot be completed preoperatively.Such patients’airway can only be evaluated through general physical examination,which inevitably increases the likelihood of an unexpected difficult airway during anesthesia.CASE SUMMARY We report a rare case of difficult intubation because of severe upper trachea distortion after induction.Emergency holmium laser lithotripsy was performed under transurethral ureteroscopy because the patient had anuria for 4 d and a creatinine level of 890μmol/L.Due to the urgency of the condition,chest radiography or chest CT was not examined before surgery and the anesthesiologist did not evaluate the airway adequately,resulting in an unexpected difficult airway.CONCLUSION The incidence of tracheal malformation and tracheal stenosis is extremely low,but the risk of hypoxia and even death due to difficult airways is extremely high for such patients.It is recommended to complete preoperative imaging examinations of the airway.For life-threatening emergency patients,a pre-anesthesia reassessment should be performed and surgeons should be prepared to prevent and manage the difficult airway.

Clinical and imaging features of desmoid tumors of the extremities

BACKGROUND Desmoid fibroma is a rare soft tissue tumor originating from the aponeurosis,fascia,and muscle,and it is also known as aponeurotic fibroma,invasive fibroma,or ligamentous fibroma.AIM To investigate the clinical and imaging features of desmoid tumors of the extremities.METHODS Thirteen patients with desmoid fibroma of the extremities admitted to our hospital from October 2016 to March 2021 were included.All patients underwent computed tomography(CT),magnetic resonance imaging(MRI),and pathological examination of the lesion.Data on the diameter and distribution of the lesion,the relationship between the lesion morphology and surrounding structures,MRI and CT findings,and pathological features were statistically analyzed.RESULTS The lesion diameter ranged from 1.7 to 8.9 cm,with an average of 5.35±2.39 cm.All lesions were located in the deep muscular space,with the left and right forearm each accounting for 23.08%of cases.Among the 13 patients with desmoid fibroma of the extremities,the lesions were"patchy"in 1 case,irregular in 10,and quasi-round in 2.The boundary between the lesion and surrounding soft tissue was blurred in 10 cases,and the focus infiltrated along the tissue space and invaded the adjacent structures.Furthermore,the edge of the lesion showed"beard-like"infiltration in 2 cases;bone resorption and damage were found in 8,and bending of the bone was present in 2;the boundary of the focus was clear in 1.According to the MRI examination,the lesions were larger than 5 cm(61.54%),round or fusiform in shape(84.62%),had an unclear boundary(76.92%),showed uniform signal(69.23%),inhomogeneous enhancement(84.62%),and"root"or"claw"infiltration(69.23%).Neurovascular tract invasion was present in 30.77%of cases.CT examination showed that the desmoid tumors had slightly a lower density(69.23%),higher enhancement(61.54%),and unclear boundary(84.62%);a CT value<50 Hu was present in 53.85%of lesions,and the enhancement was uneven in 53.85%of cases.Microscopically,fibroblasts and myofibroblasts were arranged in strands and bundles,without obvious atypia but with occasional karyotyping;cells were surrounded by collagen tissue.There were disparities in the proportion of collagen tissue in different regions,with abundant collagen tissue and few tumor cells in some areas,similar to the structure of aponeuroses or ligaments,and tumor cells invading the surrounding tissues.CONCLUSION Desmoid tumors of the extremities have certain imaging features on CT and MRI.The two imaging techniques can be combined to improve the diagnostic accuracy,achieve a comprehensive diagnosis of the disease in the clinical practice,and reduce the risk of missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis.In addition,their use can ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.