Comparison of different magnetic resonance imaging sequences for assessment of fistula-in-ano

AIM: To assess agreement between different forms of T2 weighted imaging(T2WI), and post-contrast T1WI in the depiction of fistula tracts, inflammation, and internal openings with that of a reference test. METHODS: Thirty-nine consecutive prospective cases were enrolled. The following sequences were used for T2WI: 2D turbo-spin-echo(2D T2 TSE); 3D T2 TSE; short tau inversion recovery(STIR); 2D T2 TSE with fat saturation performed in all patients. T1WI were either a 3D T1-weighted prepared gradient echo sequence with fat saturation or a 2D T1 fat saturation [Spectral presaturation with inversion(SPIR)]. Agreement for each sequence for determination of fistula extension, internal openings, and the presence of active inflammation was assessed separately and blindly against a reference test comprised of follow-up, surgery, endoscopic ultrasound, and assessment by an independent experienced radiologist with access to all images.RESULTS: Fifty-six fistula tracts were found: 2 intersphincteric, 13 trans-sphincteric, and 24 with additional tracts. The best T2 weighted sequence for depiction of fistula tracts was 2D T2 TSE(Cohen's kappa = 1.0), followed by 3D T2 TSE(0.88), T2 with fat saturation(0.54), and STIR(0.19). Internal openings were best seen on 2D T2 TSE(Cohen's kappa = 0.88), followed by 3D T2 TSE(0.70), T2 with fat saturation(0.54), and STIR(0.31). Detection of inflammation showed Cohen's kappa of 0.88 with 2D T2 TSE, 0.62 with 3D T2 TSE, 0.63 with STIR, and 0.54 with T2 with fat saturation. STIR, 3D T2 TSE, and T2 with fat saturation did not make any contributions compared to 2D T2 TSE. Post-contrast 3D T1 weighted prepared gradient echo sequence with fat saturation showed better agreement in the depiction of fistulae(Cohen's kappa = 0.94), finding internal openings(Cohen's kappa = 0.97), and evaluating inflammation(Cohen's kappa = 0.94) compared to post-contrast 2D T1 fat saturation or SPIR where the corresponding figures were 0.71, 0.66, and 0.87, respectively. Comparing the best T1 and T2 sequences showed that, for best results, both sequences were necessary. CONCLUSION: 3D T1 weighted sequences were best for the depiction of internal openings and active inflammatory components, while 2D T2 TSE provided the best assessment of fistula extension.

Intestinal amyloidosis:Two cases with different patterns of clinical and imaging presentation

The involvement of the small bowel in systemic forms of amyloidosis may be diffuse or very rarely focal.Some cases of focal amyloidomas of the duodenum and jejunum without extraintestinal manifestations have been reported.The focal amyloidomas consisted of extensive amyloid infiltration of the entire intestinal wall thickness.Radiological barium studies,ultrasound and computed tomography(CT)patterns of diffuse small bowel amyloidosis have been described:the signs are non-specific and may include small-bowel dilatation,symmetric bowel wall thickening,mesenteric infiltration,and mesenteric adenopathy.No data are available about the positron emission tomography (PET)/CT and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)patterns of intestinal amyloidosis.We report two cases of small bowel amyloidosis:the former characterized by focal deposition of amyloid proteins exclusively within blood vessel walls of the terminal ileum,the latter characterized by diffuse intestinal involvement observed on MRI and PET/CT studies.

慢性阻塞性肺病气管软化的发病率、形态改变以及与肺气肿、支气管扩张和支气管管壁增厚的关系

本研究的目的是明确慢性阻塞性肺病（COPD）病人气道软化的发病率及与其形态学改变之间的关系。对一组连续COPD病人的吸气相和动态呼气相多层螺旋CT（MD-CT）影像进行了回顾性分析。呼气时气道直径减小50％以上定义为气道软化。评价气道软化的分布和形态改变。

Colonic perforation with duodenal-colic fistula formation by a biliary stent in a liver transplant recipient

Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) is increasing utilized in the setting of liver transplantation for a number of post-operative related biliary issues. Although ERCP represents an excellent technology, it is not without attendant risk including sepsis, bleeding and perforation. In this case report, the first of its kind, is described the occurrence of a migrated biliary stent induced duodenal-colic fistula formation in a liver transplantation patient who had required dual biliary stenting given post-operative biliary structuring. The placement of dual stents and their size are likely implicated in the cause of perforation. The enteric anatomy and the medical immunosuppression likely contributed to a delay in diagnosis and worse outcome.

CT Findings in Patients Affected by H1N1 Influenza Virus

Objectives: To evaluate the primary lesions, the complications and the evolution of disease in patients affected by H1N1 viral infection. Materials and Methods: 24 Patients affected by H1N1 infection, diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on throat swabs, underwent CT examination. Seven patients were hospitalized in intensive care unit (ICU). In five patients the evolution of disease was monitored. The following features were evaluated: primary lesions significant for viral infection, their possible complications and the evolution of disease in controlled patients. Results: Primary lesions variously associated with each other were found in 22 out of 24 patients: ground glass opacities (19/24, 79.2%), interstitial thickening (13/24, 54.2%), centrilobular nodules (3/24, 12.5%) and consolidation (8/24, 33.3%). The following complications were observed: 3 consolidations with air bronchogram, 9 pleural effusions, 7 ARDS and 1 barotrauma. In the 5 patients who underwent follow-up (including 3 admitted to ICU), complete resolution was demonstrated in 4 cases and focal fibrotic evolution in one case. 3 ICU patients affected by ARDS died. Conclusions: In case of H1N1 virus infection. CT is an important tool for staging the disease, recognize complications and to study disease