Abdominopelvic Magnetic Resonance Imaging Research Articles

Management challenges for Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia in a 54 years old perimenopausal woman ; A case report.

Background: Gestational trophoblastic diseases (GTD) are pregnancy-related disorders that originate from trophoblast cells. They include benign and aggressive tumors, such as invasive moles, choriocarcinomas, placental site trophoblastic tumors, and epithelioid trophoblastic tumors. Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) mostly occur in women of reproductive age, whereas it is extremely rare in postmenopausal women. Case presentation: A 54-year-old woman presented with prolonged bleeding, abdominal fullness, and pelvic mass with a history of a missed abortion two months prior to the onset of the symptoms and was medically managed. Her general and systemic examination findings were unremarkable. On abdominal examination, the uterus was 14 weeks in size. On speculum examination, the cervix and vagina were normal. On bimanual examination, the uterus was 14 weeks, mobile, and the adnexa were normal. Investigations included serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), abdominopelvic magnetic resonance imaging, and chest computed tomography. Her initial hCG was 179,000 mIu/ml with a bulky uterus and endometrial mass of approximately 6 cm and multiple bilateral chest metastatic nodules. The patient was scored as stage III:10 and started on etoposide, methotrexate, actinomycin alternating with cyclophosphamide, and vincristine (EMACO). She received 11 cycles of EMACO. Her management included repeated transfusions, granulocyte-stimulating factors administration, and ICU admission. Discussion: Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia accounts for rare gynecological malignancies in postmenopausal women. The risk of GTD progressing to GTN is 5% in younger women and five-fold higher (27%) after 45 years. Conclusion: GTN is a rare gynecological malignancy in postmenopausal women. The presentation mimics other gynecological malignancies. Hence, a high index of suspicion is required. Histopathological confirmation is mostly unavailable. It carries a poor prognosis compared with younger women with a high incidence of metastatic, recurrent, and low tolerance to standard multi-agent chemotherapeutic drugs.

The Society for Pediatric Radiology Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Emergency and Trauma Imaging Committees' consensus protocol recommendation for rapid MRI for evaluating suspected appendicitis in children.

The imaging evaluation of acute abdominal pain in children with suspected appendicitis has evolved to include rapid abdominopelvic MRI (rMRI) over recent years. Through a collaborative effort between the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Emergency and Trauma Imaging Committees of the Society for Pediatric Radiology (SPR), we conducted a survey on the utilization of rMRI to assess practice specifics and protocols. Subsequently, we present a proposed consensus rMRI protocol derived from the survey results, literature review, and discussion and consensus between committee members.

Management of an Uncommun Giant Ovarian Hydatid Cyst

We report the case of a 52-year-old patient. She was overweight and thought at first she was gaining weight. She presented to our department with a gradually increasing huge abdomen after 11 months of clinical evolution. She was not febrile and had normal vital signs on general assessment. No icterus or edema was present. On examination of the abdomen, there was widespread distension and a dull tone on percussion. The liver and spleen could not be felt. A large abdominal echogenic tumor filled the whole abdomen and pelvic cavity, according to the CT scan (Figure 1). Despite their rarity, peritoneal cystic mesothelioma and abdominal cystic lymphangioma should be suspected in the presence of such a pelvic mass. The huge cyst was confirmed on an abdomino-pelvic Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and measured 65 x 52 cm, supero-laterally displacing the liver and spleen. The kidneys were located in the back, and the bowel loops were located in the front. The ovaries were not visible. There was fluid in the peritoneal cavity (Figures 2 and 3). Tumor markers (CEA, a-fetoprotein and CA-125) were within normal limits. The hydatid cyst serology was positive.

Giant hepatic adenoma managed with anatomical right hepatectomy: A case report

We report the case of a 38-year-old Nigerian female who presented with right hypochondrial pain. She had previously used oral contraceptive pills for about a year. Physical examination revealed tender hepatomegaly. Her liver function tests were within normal limit as well as alfa-feto protein. Abdominopelvic magnetic resonance imaging showed hepatomegaly with a lobulated mass occupying segments VII and VIII of the liver. She underwent right hepatectomy, and she recovered well post operatively. She is currently being followed up.

Predictive value of preoperative MRI using the #ENZIAN classification score in patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis.

The aim of this study is to investigate the correlation between the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and intraoperative findings of deep infiltrating endometriosis using the #ENZIAN score. This retrospective study included 64 patients who underwent surgery for deep infiltrating endometriosis between January 2017 and August 2020. Preoperative abdominopelvic MRI assessment was evaluated and scored using the #ENZIAN classification. Operative scores were considered the gold standard, and the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) of MRI for each category were calculated. MRI has higher sensitivity and specificity in showing the lesions of the compartments O (ovarian lesions), A (rectovaginal septum and posterior vaginal fornix), and B (uterosacral ligaments and parametrium) (100-100%, 100-100%, and 97-100%, respectively, p < 0.001) compared to the other compartments. The lowest sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and PPV of the MRI was found in compartment P (14%, 76%, 70%, and 7%, respectively). We demonstrated that the #ENZIAN classification in MRI reports has significant sensitivity and specificity in compartments A, B (uterosacral ligaments and parametrium), and O. Furthermore, the determination of peritoneal lesions via MRI is inadequate.

Can magnetic resonance imaging replace conventional computerized tomography for follow-up of patients with testicular cancer? A systematic review

PurposeFollow-up protocols for patients with testicular cancer (TC) have significantly reduced the number of cross-sectional imaging studies to reduce radiation exposure. At present, it is unclear whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could replace conventional computerized tomography (CT) imaging. The objective of this study is to summarize the scientific evidence on this topic and to review guideline recommendations with regard to the use of MRI.MethodsA systematic literature review was performed searching Medline and Cochrane databases for prospective studies on patients with TC in the follow-up care (last search in February 2021). Additionally, guideline recommendations for TC were screened. Data extraction and quality assessment of included studies were performed and used for a descriptive presentation of results.ResultsA total of four studies including two ongoing trials were identified. Overall, the scientific evidence of prospective comparative studies is based on 102 patients. Data suggest that abdominal imaging with MRI can replace conventional CT for detection of lymph node metastasis of the retroperitoneum to spare radiation exposure and contrast media application. However, experienced radiologists are needed. Clinical guidelines are aware of the risk of diagnosis-induced secondary malignancy due to CT imaging and some have adapted their recommendations accordingly. Results of the two ongoing trials on 738 patients are expected soon to provide more reliable results on this topic.ConclusionsThere is growing evidence that abdominopelvic MRI imaging can replace CT imaging during follow-up of patients with TC in order to reduce radiation exposure and diagnosis-induced secondary malignancy.

The clinical utility of inpatient MRI following an abdominopelvic CT.

The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic yield of abdomen magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the inpatient setting following a computed tomography (CT). All inpatient abdominopelvic MRIs performed on patients for a 1-year period were identified and medical records were retrospectively reviewed for the following information. Only MRIs with a preceding CT were included in the study. A total of 221 MRIs were included. Forty exams were deemed technically inadequate due to motion, while 9 more patients did not tolerate a full examination. The most common indications were focal liver lesion (n = 101), pancreaticobiliary ductal dilatation (n = 39), abnormal liver function tests (n = 26), acute pancreatitis (n = 14), abdominal pain (n = 10), and fever/sepsis (n = 10). 83 MRIs were recommended on CT and 138 were requests from the care team. In 63 cases, MRI offered new information over CT. Thirty-two MRIs recommended by radiologists affected patient management, while only 31 MRIs recommended by the care team affected management. Of these 63 MRIs, 29 cases changed immediate inpatient management, requiring further intervention. In these cases, MRI identified abscesses, choledocholithiasis, or made other diagnoses such as cholecystitis, which were not diagnosed on CT. Patient LOS increased in 24 patients in order to receive an MRI. Average costs of outpatient CTs and MRIs are typically 20% less than inpatient costs. Inpatient abdomen MRIs have limited impact on patient care following a CECT and entail higher cost, utilize more resources, scanner time, and increase patient LOS. Therefore, it should be reserved for select clinical indications.

The Effect of Contrast Enhanced Abdominopelvic Magnetic Resonance Imaging on Expression and Methylation Level of ATM and AKT Genes.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of contrast enhanced abdominopelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), using a 3 Tesla scanner, on expression and methylation level of ATM and AKT genes in human peripheral blood lymphocytes.Materials and Methods In this prospective in vivo study, blood samples were obtained from 20 volunteer patients with mean age of 43 ± 8 years (range 32-68 years) before contrast enhanced MRI, 2 hours and 24 hours after contrast enhanced abdominopelvic 3 Tesla MRI. After separation of mononuclear cells from peripheral blood, using Ficoll-Hypaque, we analyzed gene expression changes of ATM and AKT genes 2 hours and 24 hours after MRI using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). We also evaluated methylation percentage of the above mentioned genes in before, 2 hours and 24 hours after MRI, using MethySYBR method. ResultsFold change analysis, in comparison with the baseline, respectively showed 1.1 ± 0.7 and 0.8 ± 0.5 mean of gene expressions in 2 and 24 hours after MRI for ATM, while the results were 1.4 ± 0.6 and 1.4 ± 1 for AKT (P>0.05). Methylation of the ATM gene promoter were 8.8 ± 1.5%, 9 ± 0.6% and 9 ± 0.8% in before contrast enhanced MRI, 2 and 24 hours after contrast enhanced MRI, respectively (P>0.05). Methylation of AKT gene promoter in before contrast enhanced MRI, 2 hours and 24 hours after contrast enhanced MRI was 5.4 ± 2.5, 5 ± 3.2, 4.9 ± 2.9 respectively (P>0.05).ConclusionContrast enhanced abdominopelvic MRI using 3 Tesla scanner apparently has no negative effect on the expression and promoter methylation level of ATM and AKT genes involved in the repair pathways of genome.

Performance of overnight on-call radiology residents in interpreting unenhanced abdominopelvic magnetic resonance imaging studies performed for pediatric right lower quadrant abdominal pain

BackgroundAbdominopelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly being used to evaluate children with abdominal pain suspected of having acute appendicitis. At our institution, these examinations are preliminarily interpreted by radiology residents, especially when performed after hours.ObjectiveTo determine the accuracy of preliminary reports rendered by radiology residents in this setting.Materials and methodsThree hundred seventy-seven pediatric abdominopelvic MRI examinations were included. The preliminary (resident) and final (attending) radiology reports were coded as diagnosing acute appendicitis or no acute appendicitis. The concordance between resident and attending radiologist interpretations was calculated. Additionally, both resident and attending reports were compared to available surgical pathology or clinical follow-up data.ResultsOverall concordance rate for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis was 97.1%. Concordance for verified cases of acute appendicitis was 93.4%. Concordance rates did not differ by residents’ postgraduate year levels. When compared against surgical pathology or clinical follow-up data, residents demonstrated 91.2% sensitivity and 97.6% specificity. There was no statistically significant difference in the sensitivity or specificity of resident or attending radiologist interpretations.ConclusionRadiology residents demonstrate high concordance with attending pediatric radiologists in their interpretations of pediatric abdominopelvic MRI for acute appendicitis. The diagnostic performances of residents and attendings were comparable.

Ovarian Gynandroblastoma with a Juvenile Granulosa Cell Tumor Component in a Postmenopausal Woman.

Ovarian gynandroblastoma (GAB) is an extremely rare sex cord-stromal tumor showing morphological evidence of both female (granulosa cell tumor) and male (Sertoli–Leydig cell tumor (SLCT)) components. Almost all GAB cases have been reported in children, adolescents, or women of reproductive age, and most of them typically have adult granulosa cell tumors as the female component. In contrast, GAB with a juvenile granulosa cell tumor (JGCT) component is a very rare condition; to the best of our knowledge, only one case of GAB with JGCT in a postmenopausal woman has been reported. In this report, we present an extremely rare case of ovarian GAB with JGCT in an elderly patient. A 65-year-old woman presented with an abdominal mass. Abdominopelvic magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large multiseptated cystic mass measuring 20 cm. No peritoneal seeding, lymph node enlargement, or hematogenous metastasis was identified. Laboratory test showed a slight elevation of serum CA 125 level (37.1 U/mL). Based on the preoperative clinical impression of ovarian cancer, she underwent a total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Grossly, the ovarian mass had a smooth and glistening surface without excrescences. The cut sections showed yellow-to-tan solid areas with foci of necrosis, myxoid degeneration, and hemorrhage, as well as multilocular cystic cavities filled with serosanguinous fluid. Histologically, the female component was characterized by JGCT displaying nodular growth patterns with follicle-like structures of various shapes and sizes. Most of the microcysts contained eosinophilic or basophilic secretions. The JGCT cells had indistinct cell borders, an abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm, and round-to-oval hyperchromatic nuclei with many mitotic figures. The SLCT component consisted predominantly of intermediately differentiated Sertoli cells forming lobulated solid nodules. They were arranged in cords, solid tubules, or nests, and possessed oval-to-spindle-shaped darkly stained nuclei and scant cytoplasm. In several foci, well-formed Sertoli cell tubules were loosely aggregated within areas of moderately differentiated SLCT. In summary, we described GAB in a postmenopausal woman with JGCT and SLCT as the female and male components, respectively. This is the second case of GAB with JGCT occurring in an elderly patient. Our findings can help pathologists and clinicians make accurate histological diagnoses of GAB with a JGCT component and plan an adequate treatment strategy for this rare tumor.

How reliable are imaging techniques in aging males with bladder cancer?

Introduction The aim of this study was to evaluate consistency between clinical lymph node positivity and pathological lymph node positivity in patients undergoing open radical cystectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection due to bladder cancer. Material and method A total of 135 patients who had open radical cystectomy, extended lymph node dissection, and clear preoperative contrast-enhanced abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images were included in the study. Positive clinical lymph nodes and positive pathological lymph nodeswere recorded. The largest positive clinical and pathological lymph nodeswere recorded. In terms of clinical lymph node involvement, compatibility between radiological findings and pathological results was evaluated. Results In the CT group, the sensitivity was 25.81%, specificity was 95.45%, positive predictive value (PPV) was 66.67%, negative predictive value (NPV) was 78.50%, and accuracy was 77.31%. In the MRI group, the sensitivity was 50.00%, specificity was 100%, PPV was 100%, NPV was 76.92%, and accuracy was 81.25%. For consistency between pathological lymph nodes and clinical lymph nodes according to the imaging type, there was no statistically significant difference in the sensitivity, specificity, NPV, and accuracy rates between the imaging techniques (p > 0.05). However, the PPV was significantly higher in the MRI group than the CT group (100% vs.66.67%, respectively; p = 0.014). Conclusion Positive lymph nodes play a critical role in the prognosis of patients with bladder cancer and the sensitivity of contrast-enhanced abdominopelvic CT and MRI used routinely in clinical practice is low in lymph node detection. MRI seems more reliable than CT in lymph node detection.

The genotoxic effects of contrast enhanced abdominopelvic 3-tesla magnetic resonance imaging on human circulating leucocytes

PurposeTo evaluate the effects of contrast enhanced abdominopelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on DNA damage. MethodsFor this study, blood samples of 20 volunteers (15 women and 5 men) with mean age of 43 ± 8 years were assessed. The mean age of women was 41.4 ± 8.9 years and mean age of men was 48.5 ± 4.9 years (P = 0.14). Peripheral blood samples were collected before, 2 and 24 h after MRI in heparin and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) containing tubes. Heparinized blood was cultured to assess the cytogenetic effects using cytokinesis blocked micronucleus (CBMN) assay. After isolation of mononuclear cells, alterations in genes involved in repair (CHEK2, p21) and apoptosis (BAX, BCL2) were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). ResultsThe mean number of MN in binucleated cells at before, 2 and 24 h after MRI were 17.9 ± 2.9, 18.1 ± 2.4 and 18.3 ± 2.6, respectively (p > 0.05). Results of gene expression according to fold change compared with the baseline were 1.2 ± 0.6 and 1.02 ± 0.5 at 2 and 24 h after MRI for CHEK2, and 1.3 ± 0.7 and 1.7 ± 0.7 for CDKN1A (p21); respectively (p > 0.05). Gene expression based on fold change compared with baseline were 0.9 ± 0.6 and 1.2 ± 0.8 at 2 and 24 h after MRI for BAX, and 1.05 ± 0.3 and 1.1 ± 0.7 for BCL2; respectively (p > 0.05). ConclusionContrast enhanced abdominopelvic MRI showed no adverse effect on DNA in terms of MN formation and alterations in expression levels of some genes involved in repair and apoptosis pathways.

Assessment of quiet T2 weighted PROPELLER sequence in pediatric abdominal imaging

IntroductionElevated acoustic noise during Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has been associated with patient anxiety and altered cochlear function. Acoustic Reduction Technique (ART) T2 weighted (T2w) periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction (PROPELLER) has been studied in brain MR but not abdominopelvic imaging. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the image quality and acoustic noise level of ART T2w PROPELLER sequence in comparison with the conventional T2w PROPELLER sequence in pediatric abdomino-pelvic imaging. MethodsEleven consecutive pediatric patients undergoing abdomino-pelvic MRI were scanned on a 3 Tesla magnet using standard and ART T2w PROPELLER sequences. After scanning completion, objective sound level measurements were performed with a sound level meter and microphone. Mann-Whitney U test was used for a non-parametric two-tailed statistical analysis of acoustics, image rating and scan time with significance level set to 0.05. Overall inter-rater agreement was calculated using Cohen's kappa coefficient. ResultsEleven pediatric patients (4 females and 7 males) between 26 days and 18 years of age (mean = 10.0, SD = 5.8) were included. ART T2w produced lower levels of acoustic noise than standard technique in a comparison of mean decibel readings from eleven trials of standard and ART T2w (p value = 0.00008). Streak artifacts were rated greater in ART T2w by both raters (p-value = 0.00278 and 0.00252). There was no significant difference in bile duct blurring, respiratory ghosting, pulsation, fat suppression or hepatic parenchymal depiction. ConclusionPresence of additional streaking artifacts should be considered along with the benefit of reduced acoustic noise from ART T2w.

Diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging in assessing placental adhesion disorder in patients with placenta previa: Correlation with histological findings

ObjectiveTo evaluate MRI accuracy in assessing placental adhesion disorders (PAD) in patients with placenta previa correlating imaging results with histological findings. Materials and methodsSixty-one patients who underwent abdomino-pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for ultrasound suspicion of PAD were prospectively evaluated. T1- and T2-weighted images, with and without fat suppression, were obtained in the three conventional planes using a 1.5 T MRI scanner. MRI accuracy to evaluate the presence of PAD was assessed on the basis of the occurrence of the following abnormal MRI signs: 1) intraplacental dark bands; 2) focal interruption of myometrial border; 3) intraplacental abnormal vascularity; 4) uterine bulging; 5) tenting of the bladder and/or 6) direct visualization of adjacent tissues invasion only in case of percretism. Imaging results were classified as suggestive or not of PAD using histological data as standard of reference; two methods of imaging analysis were used represented by the presence of at least one (Method A) or two (Method B) abnormal MRI signs; the correlation between the presence of each abnormal MRI sign of PAD and the corresponding histological finding was also assessed. ResultsThe accuracy, as the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, was significantly (p = 0.001) higher for Method B (0.92, C.I. 95%: 0.82–0.97) compared to Method A (0.764, C.I. 95%: 0.64–0.86). Among the abnormal MRI signs, intraplacental dark bands and focal interruption of myometrial border were those highly correlated with histological proof of PAD (ρ > 0.71, p < 0.001, for both); as result, a modified version of Method B (Method C) was identified considering as criterion for PAD the combined presence of the two abnormal MRI signs highly correlated with histologically proven PAD; however, the accuracy of Method C was significantly (p = 0.005) lower (0.80, C.I. 95%: 0.67–0.89) than Method B and comparable to Method A. ConclusionsMRI is a useful imaging technique to assess PAD in patients with placenta previa; in particular, the presence of at least two among all the abnormal MRI signs represents the most accurate criterion (Method B) to identify PAD. Although intraplacental dark bands and focal interruption of myometrial border showed the highest correlation with histological proof of PAD as well as this association was the most frequent in PAD, the combination of these latter MRI signs along with other abnormal signs should be considered diagnostic for PAD.

Clinical analysis of 180 cases of primary small intestinal tumor

Objective To improve the knowledge and early diagnostic rate of primary small intestinal tumor. Methods From August 2012 to August 2017, hospitalized patients with pathological diagnosis of primary small intestinal tumor (excluding duodenal neoplasm) from Peking Union Medical College Hospital were retrospectively enrolled. The data of clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, imaging, endoscopy examination, pathological findings and treatment were collected and analyzed. Results A total of 180 patients with primary small intestinal tumor were enrolled. The common clinical manifestations included abdominal pain (76 cases, 42.2%), gastrointestinal bleeding (64 cases, 35.6%), and abdominal distension (30 cases, 16.7%), and 22 (12.2%) patients had no overt clinical symptoms. The sensitivity of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) in the diagnosis of small bowel adenocarcinoma was 57.1% (12/21). The diagnostic rates of computed tomography enterodysis (CTE), positron-emission computed tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT), and abdominopelvic enhanced CT were 96.5% (83/86), 100.0% (29/29), and 91.5% (43/47), respectively. The diagnostic small intestinal tumor patients of barium radiography (14 cases), abdominopelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (eight cases), small bowel endoscopy (18 cases) and capsule endoscopy (eight cases) were seven, six, fifteen and six cases, respectively. Among 180 patients, 14 (7.8%) patients were considered gynecological tumors by imaging examination before surgery, seven (3.9%) patients underwent emergency operation because of intestinal obstruction, four (2.2%) patients underwent emergency surgery due to gastrointestinal bleeding, and four (2.2%) patients underwent emergency surgery because of intestinal perforation. Histopathological type included gastrointestinal stromal tumor (117 cases, 65.0%), lymphoma (25 cases, 13.9%) and adenocarcinomas (21 cases, 11.7%). Except seven patients with intestinal lymphoma who received chemotherapy, the rest 173 patients underwent surgical resection. Conclusions Primary small bowel tumor has no specific clinical manifestations. It should be alert on patients without positive findings by regular gastroendoscopy and colonendoscopy examination but with symptoms of abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding and intestinal obstruction. CTE should be the first choice for patients with symptoms but unclear diagnosis. Key words: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors; Adenocarcinoma; Lymphoma; Small bowel tumor; Computed tomography enteroclysis; Tumor markers

Abdominopelvic 1.5-T and 3.0-T MR Imaging in Healthy Volunteers: Relationship to Formation of DNA Double-Strand Breaks.

Purpose To investigate the relationship between abdominopelvic magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and formation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in peripheral blood lymphocytes among a cohort of healthy volunteers. Materials and Methods Blood samples were obtained from 40 healthy volunteers (23 women and 17 men; mean age, 27.2 years [range, 21-37 years]) directly before and 5 and 30 minutes after abdominopelvic MR imaging performed at 1.5 T (n = 20) or 3.0 T (n = 20). The number of DNA DSBs in isolated blood lymphocytes was quantified after indirect immunofluorescent staining of a generally accepted DSB marker, γ-H2AX, by means of high-throughput automated microscopy. As a positive control of DSB induction, blood lymphocytes from six volunteers were irradiated in vitro with x-rays at a dose of 1 Gy (70-90 keV). Statistical analysis was performed by using a Friedman test. Results No significant alteration in the frequency of DNA DSB induction was observed after MR imaging (before imaging: 0.22 foci per cell, interquartile range [IQR] = 0.54 foci per cell; 5 minutes after MR imaging: 0.08 foci per cell, IQR = 0.39 foci per cell; 30 minutes after MR imaging: 0.09 foci per cell, IQR = 0.63 foci per cell; P = .057). In vitro radiation of lymphocytes with 1 Gy led to a significant increase in DSBs (0.22 vs 3.43 foci per cell; P = .0312). The frequency of DSBs did not differ between imaging at 1.5 T and at 3.0 T (5 minutes after MR imaging: 0.23 vs 0.06 foci per cell, respectively [P = .57]; 30 minutes after MR imaging: 0.12 vs 0.08 foci per cell [P = .76]). Conclusion Abdominopelvic MR imaging performed at 1.5 T or 3.0 T does not affect the formation of DNA DSBs in peripheral blood lymphocytes.

A rare presentation of pheochromocytoma in pregnancy: a case report

BackgroundEarly diagnosis of pheochromocytoma and its proper management can lessen its mortality and morbidity. This case report describes a 24-year-old pregnant woman with an unusual presentation of pheochromocytoma.Case presentationAn Iranian 24-year-old primigravid woman from Kordistan province was referred to our center with left flank pain at 37 weeks of gestation. She had a history of gestational diabetes mellitus since the 12th week of gestation which was managed by insulin administration. She also had a history of pulsatile bi-temporal headache for 2 years prior to her referral to us. She underwent complete abdominal and pelvic ultrasound imaging for her flank pain. This examination revealed a heterogeneous mass of 119 × 87 × 79 mm above her left kidney, highly suspicious of being an adrenal-originating tumor. Subsequently, we consulted an endocrinologist. She underwent abdominopelvic magnetic resonance imaging and her 24-hour urine metanephrine, normetanephrine, and vanillylmandelic acid were assessed. Finally, the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma was confirmed. She underwent a cesarean section and adrenal mass excision at the 40th week of gestation. This timely diagnosis resulted in her proper management and good maternal and neonatal treatment outcomes.ConclusionsOur patient had pheochromocytoma during pregnancy. She had no complaints about hypertension before or during pregnancy until giving birth to her child; her only symptoms were a vague left flank pain, gestational diabetes, and headaches for the past 2 years. The unusual symptom of flank pain led to timely diagnosis and a good treatment outcome.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Compared with Rectal Endoscopic Sonography for the Prediction of Infiltration Depth in Colorectal Endometriosis

Study ObjectiveTo compare the accuracies of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and rectal endoscopic sonography (RES) in the prediction of the infiltration depth of colorectal endometriosis. DesignA retrospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SettingA university teaching hospital. PatientsForty patients with symptomatic deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) of the rectum who underwent colorectal resection were included. InterventionsAll patients underwent abdominopelvic MRI and RES preoperatively to assess the infiltration depth of colorectal endometriosis, and segmental resection of the rectosigmoid by laparoscopy was performed if RES showed bowel invasion. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive and negative likelihood ratios (LRs), and intermethod agreement were calculated for DIE muscularis and submucosal/mucosal infiltration confirmed by histopathological analysis. Measurements and Main ResultsFor MRI detection of DIE muscularis infiltration, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and negative LR were 68%, 100%, 100%, 20%, and 0.32, respectively. For the MRI detection of DIE submucosal/mucosal involvement, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and positive and negative LRs were 47%, 81%, 69%, 63%, 2.49, and 0.65, respectively. The PPV of RES detection of DIE muscularis infiltration was 93%. For the RES detection of DIE submucosal/mucosal layers, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and positive and negative LRs were 79%, 48%, 58%, 71%, 1.51, and 0.44, respectively. ConclusionIn the current study, MRI is valuable for detecting endometriosis of the rectum but is less accurate in detecting submucosal/mucosal involvement than RES. Magnetic resonance imaging was not successful for preoperative determination of segmental resection versus a more conservative approach. When bowel involvement is detected by MRI, RES is not essential. When symptoms suggest DIE in patients without intestinal lesions detected by MRI, RES is necessary to exclude bowel invasion.

Cavernous hemangioma of the bladder in a child of 6 years and 11 months

We analyze a clinical case of the patient at the age of 6 years and 11 months with a cavernous hemangioma of the bladder. The disease manifested with isolated macrohaematuria. During the diagnostic assessment by 3D-ultrasound examination of the urinary tract with tight bladder filling, a mass with tuberous shape and echonegative areas inside was visualized on the left bladder wall close to its anterior surface, while external bladder contours were unchanged. Color Doppler mapping showed some vessels in the projection of the mass sprouting from the muscular layer of the bladder. The neoplasm was confirmed by abdominopelvic magnetic resonance imaging (with and without contrast enhancement) and by cystoscopy. Taking into account familial cancer history of the patient (oncological disorders in the maternal and paternal lines) and high degree of vascularization of the mass, a malignancy (rhabdomyosarcoma) was deemed highly probable. At 2 months after the disease manifestation, transurethral endoscopic surgery was performed with coagulation and a resection of an exophytic mass of 1 cm in diameter, with a wide base, irregular tuberous shape, brown colored, with a cystic component. The mucous layer on the lateral bladder wall was abnormal with some hemorrhages. Histological examination of the tissue sample showed a cavernous hemangioma, that was the final diagnosis in this patient. During subsequent 2-year follow up, there was no recurrence of the disease. The described case is of clinical interest because bladder hemangiomas are rare in children; therefore, this disease should be on the list for differential diagnosis in children with macrohaematuria.

Pure Primary Ovarian Squamous Cell Carcinoma Perforating the Rectum

Rectal perforation is uncommon in ovarian cancer, even in advanced stages. Pure primary ovarian squamous cell carcinoma is a very rare subtype of ovarian cancer and has not been reported to cause rectal perforation. A 50-year-old woman presented with rectal bleeding. Rectosigmoidoscopy suggested perforation of a pelvic tumor into the rectum. Abdominopelvic magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 9 cm heterogeneous mass in the pouch of Douglas. We performed complete cytoreduction, including an en-bloc resection of the tumor and rectosigmoid colon. Histopathology showed squamous cell carcinoma of the left ovary penetrating the rectal wall. A common symptom of rectal bleeding was caused by a very rare entity of ovarian cancer penetrating the rectal wall, but thorough evaluation led to its accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.