A Case of Extensive Splanchnic Vein Thrombosis in a COVID-19 Patient and a Review of the Literature

: Splanchnic vein thrombosis is one of the rare complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). A 43-year-old woman presented with splanchnic vein thrombosis as a rare extrapulmonary complication of COVID-19. She was previously healthy without a medical history of coagulopathy before hospital admission. She complained of epigastric pain, along with nausea and vomiting. Enhanced abdominopelvic CT scan demonstrated extensive acute thrombosis in the portal, superior mesenteric, and splenic veins with total occlusion. Intestinal ischemia or infarction was not clinically observed. All thrombophilia screening tests yielded negative results. Under anticoagulation therapy, she recovered dramatically and was discharged from the hospital. Imaging findings can be used to confirm splanchnic vein thrombosis when a COVID-19 patient has abdominal symptoms.

The Bilateral Sacral Origin of a Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistula: A Case Report

: Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVFs) are characterized by an abnormal connection between a spinal radicular artery and a perimedullary vein, mainly fed by a radicular artery at the nerve root sleeve. Here, we describe the case of a 40-year-old woman, presenting with progressive weakness of the lower extremities and the sphincter. Thoracic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed spinal cord edema and signal voids on the dorsal surface of the cord. Spinal angiography demonstrated a SDAVF with a nidus at the sacral level; the feeder of the arteriovenous fistula was a lateral sacral artery, as a branch of the internal iliac artery. The lateral sacral artery was subselectively catheterized, and SDAVF was embolized with 25% n-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) glue (glue: lipiodol ratio, 1:3). After embolization, no definite residual connection was visualized between the arterial and venous systems.

One-Year Outcomes of Two Different Paclitaxel-Eluting Stents (Zilver PTX and Eluvia) for Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus Document (TASC) C/D Obstructive Femoropopliteal Lesions

Background: Endovascular therapy is one of the standard treatment options for patients with peripheral arterial disease. Paclitaxel-eluting stents (PES) have shown promising results in the treatment of obstructive femoropopliteal lesions. Two types of PES, namely, Zilver PTX (Cook Medical, USA) and Eluvia (Boston Scientific, USA), are available worldwide. However, no study has yet compared the outcomes of applying both PES types in the real world. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the one-year outcomes of two different types of PES for Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus Document (TASC) C/D obstructive femoropopliteal lesions following suboptimal angioplasty. Patients and Methods: This single-center, retrospective, observational study examined 37 limbs of 34 patients (30 males and four females) with the mean age of 71.9 ± 9.1 years (range, 53-90 years), who were included consecutively from February 2017 to May 2018. In all patients, either a Zilver PTX (Cook Medical) or an Eluvia (Boston Scientific) PES was used for TASC C/D obstructive femoropopliteal lesions following suboptimal angioplasty. Moreover, the patients’ one-year primary patency rate, freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization (TLR), and event-free survival rates were determined. Results: The mean lesion length was measured to be 24.6 ± 6.6 cm (range, 9 - 46 cm). Based on the results, 78% of the lesions (29 limbs) showed occlusion, and 46% (17 limbs) showed more than moderate calcification. According to the TASC classification, type D lesions were detected in 25 (68%) limbs, while type C lesions were detected in 12 (32%) limbs. The mean number of stents used was 2.5 ± 0.7 per limb (range, 1 - 3) to cover a mean length of 24.3 ± 7.9 cm (range, 6-35 cm). Overall, 56 Zilver PTX stents for 23 limbs and 36 Eluvia stents for 14 limbs were used. The Kaplan-Meier estimates of one-year primary patency and freedom from TLR were 78% and 88%, respectively (Zilver PTX stent, 76.3% and 81.2%, respectively; Eluvia stent, 91.7% and 100%, respectively). Major adverse events were reported in two patients (2/37, 5.4%), including acute thrombotic occlusion of the treated lesions. Conclusion: Both types of PES showed promising one-year outcomes for TASC C/D lesions regarding safety and efficacy, without any significant differences; therefore, they can be considered as an alternative therapeutic approach for surgery.

An Atypical Subcutaneous Cytomegalovirus Infection Mimicking a Post-transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder in a Solid Organ Transplant Recipient

: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in solid organ transplant recipients and immunocompromised hosts. However, tissue-invasive CMV infection, causing cutaneous or subcutaneous diseases, has been rarely reported in the literature, and proper diagnosis can be easily delayed due to the rarity. Here, we report a rare case of a 45-year-old male renal transplant recipient, presenting with subcutaneous nodules. The nodules were initially suspected as a post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) on CT scan. However, biopsy later indicated a CMV infection. Based on the present findings, clinicians and radiologists are suggested to consider CMV infection as a differential diagnosis of subcutaneous nodular lesions in solid organ transplant recipients.

Diagnostic Value of Digital Breast Tomosynthesis Combined with Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Breast Cancer in Dense Breast Tissues

Background: Early diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial for breast cancer patients. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of full-field digital mammography (FFDM), digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for breast cancer. Patients and Methods: This study was performed on 210 patients diagnosed with breast cancer and benign breast lesions (n = 105) by FFDM, DBT, MRI, and pathological examination from January 2019 to December 2020. The patients’ imaging and clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. The lesions were evaluated according to the breast imaging-reporting and data system, with pathological diagnosis as the gold standard. The diagnostic efficiency of the examination methods was analyzed by plotting the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The DBT and MRI results were finally compared. Results: In 210 patients, 105 benign and 105 malignant lesions were detected. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of FFDM, DBT, MRI, FFDM + DBT, and FFDM + MRI was 0.734, 0.857, 0.883, 0.865, and 0.924, respectively. Based on the results, the AUC values were significantly higher for DBT, MRI, FFDM + DBT, and FFDM + MRI compared to FFDM (P < 0.05), while similar values were reported for the former methods (P > 0.05). The diagnostic sensitivity of MRI was higher than that of DBT and FFDM; the sensitivity of DBT was higher than that of FFDM; and the specificity and positive predictive value were higher for DBT compared to MRI and FFDM. Conclusion: Compared to FFDM, DBT and FFDM + DBT could significantly improve the diagnostic efficiency of breast cancer; the diagnostic efficiency of these modalities was comparable to that of MRI and FFDM + MRI. The sensitivity of DBT was lower than that of MRI and higher than that of FFDM, while its specificity and positive predictive value were higher than those of MRI. Overall, FFDM + DBT and FFDM + MRI are conducive to early diagnosis.

Evaluation of the Relationship Between the Internal Acoustic Canal Anatomy and Loops of the Anterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Using 3-Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Background: Anatomical variations in vascular structures are frequently encountered. In the cerebellopontine region, anatomical variations, especially variations in the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) in relation to cranial nerves passing through the internal acoustic canal (IAC), are common. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides detailed information for the evaluation of the cerebellopontine region and the IAC anatomy. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the relationship between the IAC anatomy and AICA loop variations and to investigate the frequency of anatomical variations and its correlation with demographic variables. Patients and Methods: In this study, 253 patients (age > 18 years), who underwent 3-Tesla MRI of the temporal bone between July 2019 and December 2019, were retrospectively evaluated. The exclusion criteria were images of poor diagnostic quality due to technical or patient-related reasons and the presence of a localized tumor that could disrupt the IAC. Four patients were excluded from the study because they had tumors related to IAC. The AICA variations were categorized according to the Chavda classification. The IAC size, canal diameter, canal length, and meatus width were measured, and the canals were characterized as cylindrical, funnel-shaped, and bud-shaped. Results: A total of 249 patients were included in this study. The Chavda type I vascular loop was the most common type on both sides. The mean size measurements of IACs were significantly higher in the group of vascular loops compared to the group without vascular loops. The presence of a vascular loop was significantly more common in funnel- and bud-shaped IACs compared to cylindrical IAC. Also, there was a negative correlation between the patient’s age and all IAC dimensions. Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that the AICA loop variations were closely related to the size and shape of the IAC.

Sialoblastoma and Hepatoblastoma in an Infant: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

: Sialoblastoma is a rare salivary gland tumor, diagnosed in the neonatal period or during infancy. Hepatoblastoma accounts for less than 1% of all pediatric malignancies. The co-occurrence of these two tumors is extremely uncommon. Here, we report a case of concurrent sialoblastoma and hepatoblastoma in an infant.

Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) Features of Aortic Floating Thrombus: Five Case Reports and Literature Review

: Aortic floating thrombus (AFT) is a rare disease, which is often misdiagnosed as a tumor or another disease. Here, we report five cases of AFT, confirmed by computed tomography angiography (CTA). The patients’ laboratory biomarkers, clinical treatment, dynamic changes, and CTA features, including the AFT location, morphology, size, and aortic segment involvement, were retrospectively analyzed. CTA was the main imaging modality for detecting AFT, as it could depict lesions and determine the therapeutic effects accurately. Overall, the therapeutic strategy should be selected individually, depending on the patient’s physical health; conservative medication use is also recommended.

Breast Imaging Findings of Microcalcifications in Ductal Carcinoma in Situ and Their Correlations with Pathological and Biological Features

Background: Mammography (MMG) is the primary screening tool for breast cancer, as microcalcifications are the most common MMG finding in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The use of high-frequency transducers facilitates the visualization of calcifications on ultrasonography (USG), especially in patients with dense breasts and cancer symptoms. Although a correlation has been reported between the imaging features of DCIS and pathological features, few studies have focused on multiple imaging modalities. Objectives: To evaluate the correlation of DCIS microcalcifications in breast imaging with pathological and biological features. Patients and Methods: The MMG and USG findings of 125 lesions detected in 123 patients, diagnosed with pure DCIS, were retrospectively reviewed according to the breast imaging-reporting and data system (BI-RADS). The USG and comparable MMG findings of microcalcifications were divided into three groups: group 1 (MMG negative, USG negative), group 2 (MMG positive, USG negative), and group 3 (MMG positive, USG positive). The pathological findings (nuclear grade and comedo necrosis) and biological features [estrogen (ER) positive group, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive group, triple negative group, and Ki-67 index] were compared with the MMG and USG features using Chi-square test. Results: Microcalcifications were observed on MMG in 83 (66.4%) DCIS lesions. Positive microcalcifications on MMG were significantly associated with a high nuclear grade (P = 0.001) and comedo necrosis (P = 0.001). Positive microcalcifications on MMG were significantly associated with ER negativity (P = 0.023), HER2 positivity (P = 0.002), and increased Ki-67 index (P = 0.001). There were 62 lesions (49.6%) without microcalcifications on USG (group 1 and group 2), while there were 63 (50.4%) lesions with microcalcifications on USG (group 3). Positive microcalcifications on MMG were significantly associated with ER-negative group (P = 0.023), HER2-positive group (P = 0.002), and increased Ki 67 index (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Based on the present results, DCIS microcalcifications detected via imaging were significantly associated with poor prognostic pathological factors, such as a high nuclear grade and comedo necrosis, as well as poor prognostic biological factors, including ER negativity, HER2 positive group, and a high Ki-67 index.

Quantification of the Brain Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Plaque Volume: Comparison of Quantitative and Qualitative Assessments of the Brain MS Plaque Volume in Successive Magnetic Resonance Images before and after Medication Use

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease with multiple symptoms. To examine the effect of medications, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging can be performed. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the visual assessment of MRI images by physicians and the results of a MATLAB-based software developed for evaluating the MS plaque volume. Methods: TYSABRI (natalizumab)-treated patients were enrolled in this study. MRI was performed before and after treatment. A MATLAB-based software was developed to evaluate the MRI images. The images were then subjectively evaluated by three specialists and objectively assessed by the software, and the results were then compared. Results: Thirty-five patients participated in this study. According to the software, the status of 37.14% of the patients improved; however, 62.86% of cases deteriorated after a year of treatment. There was less than 50% agreement between the physicians and less than 55% agreement between the physicians and the software results. A disagreement of almost 45% was observed between the physicians and the software results, as in some cases, small changes were detected in successive images. The second cause of disagreement could be the physicians’ expectations; although the patient’s recovery was highly expected in some cases, their condition deteriorated. Conclusions: The results revealed that the objective assessment of sequential MRI images of MS patients reduced human errors and improved the evaluation of this disease.