Basic Imaging Techniques Research Articles

Ultrasound of the bowel with a focus on IBD: the new best practice.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a lifelong chronic disease affecting any part of the gastrointestinal tract with a predilection for the terminal ileum. IBD patients require repeat imaging throughout the course of their disease, necessitating a safe, noninvasive, available, and repeatable method. Imaging is required at diagnosis, routine surveillance, and acute exacerbation of disease. Ultrasound imaging meets these demands with a high degree of accuracy and wide patient acceptance. Ultrasound provides high-resolution imaging and is excellent for detailed evaluation of the bowel wall and surrounding soft tissues. Regular greyscale bowel evaluation and color Doppler imaging now have accepted standards for evaluating disease activity based on wall thickness, perienteric inflammatory fat, and blood flow, which is invaluable in staging and grading disease. High-resolution dynamic real-time imaging on ultrasound has the ability to show functional as well as morphologic detail, including dysfunctional peristalsis associated with bowel stricture and incomplete mechanical bowel obstruction. Fibrostenotic and penetrating complications of IBD may be associated with an acute or chronic presentation that is easily assessed using ultrasound. Newer software technologies for ultrasound, including Contrast-Enhanced ultrasound and Shear wave elastography, have transformed ultrasound from a basic preliminary imaging technique into a highly sophisticated modality that is now competitive with CT and MR enterography for managing IBD patients. Our long experience with ultrasound of the bowel suggests that the new best practice would include ultrasound as the first test for evaluation of the bowel at any stage of the disease.

Abstract PO5-23-10: Development of a long-term in vitro assay able to identify compounds that can overcome resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitor plus endocrine therapy in ER+ HER2- breast cancer

Abstract CDK4/6 inhibitor plus endocrine therapy (ET) has emerged as the standard of care first line therapy in ER+ HER2- breast cancer. While this combination has shown the ability to extend overall survival, nearly all patients acquire resistance and progress after 2-3 years. Subsequently, interest has turned to identifying a third partner compound that can be integrated into the CDK4/6i plus ET backbone regimen with the goal of overcoming resistance and driving a deeper response. However, a comprehensive assay-based workflow proficient in identifying compounds with the most promising potential is lacking. To fill this need, we set out to develop a high-throughput in vitro assay with relevant multi-faceted readouts to assess the efficacy of potential triplet combinations using 12 human ER+ breast cancer lines. For this assay, cells were engineered to express nuclear RFP to enable accurate cell counting using basic imaging techniques in 384 well plates. Each third partner compound was tested at two different doses and, in addition to the triplet combination (CDK4/6i + ET + third partner), single agent as well as double agent combinations were investigated. The assay was imaged and re-dosed every 5 days until day 15. On day 15, the compounds were washed out and the cells underwent a 25-day drug holiday to monitor relapse. Duplicate plates of all conditions were monitored and imaged every two hours for 24 hours for live cell staining of apoptosis markers. Additional duplicate plates were fixed and stained on days 5 and 15 for markers of senescence and cell cycle. Images were subsequently fed into a python-based algorithm to determine the percentage of cell population expressing the various markers and phenotypic correlates were extracted. We are looking for triplet combinations that induce a deeper cell cycle arrest, senescence, and/or cell death compared with the CDK4/6 inhibitor plus ET only treatment. Our drug holiday results will help elucidate the treatments able to continue to induce suppression once washed out, indicating treatment options that may induce long-lasting, possibly irreversible effects on the cells. Finally, by extracting phenotypic correlates from brightfield images we hope to cluster the various compounds in their effects across cell lines of diverse backgrounds to help understand the best way to benefit multiple patient populations. Overall, the assay will be able to identify and differentiate various therapeutic combinations based on cell count, senescence, and cell death. The format of this assay enables depth of analysis not accessible using other techniques such as FACS, including full dose-response curves, combination matrices, and longitudinal analyses. Additionally, the assay can be modified to evaluate any number of cellular markers and can be useful across a number of applications. The approach developed here will be foundational in discovering next-step strategies for patients with therapy resistance. Citation Format: Stephanie Kronstadt, Neil Umbreit, Matt Niederst, Rens Janssens. Development of a long-term in vitro assay able to identify compounds that can overcome resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitor plus endocrine therapy in ER+ HER2- breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO5-23-10.

Neural tube defects: current view on etiology, prenatal prevention, and early diagnosis. A review

A literature review on the etiology, prevention, and early diagnosis of neural tube defects is presented, focusing on the causes and risk factors for these disorders. Various pathogenetic mechanisms for neural tube defects and the role of folic acid in their prevention are described. The main stages of ultrasound evaluation of the central nervous system structures in the first trimester of pregnancy are addressed. A basic ultrasound imaging technique that allows to identify spina bifida is provided. This review aims to present current data on the etiology, prevention, and early diagnosis of neural tube defects. A search was conducted in domestic and foreign literature databases (eLIBRARY, Medline/PubMed, Embase, Crossref, RSCI) using the keywords "neural tube defect," "spina bifida," "prenatal diagnosis," "folic acid," "meningomyelocele," "myeloschisis." Twenty-five papers met the selection criteria and were included in the review. Healthcare providers' awareness of the methods of prenatal prophylaxis and the possibilities of early perinatal ultrasound diagnosis of neural tube defects will reduce their incidence and infant morbidity rates and increase the effectiveness of medical care.

Ex vivo comparison of 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging and multidetector computed tomography arthrography to identify artificial soft tissue lesions in equine stifles.

OBJECTIVETo determine the diagnostic performance of computed tomographic arthrography (CTA) and 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detecting artificial meniscal, meniscotibial ligament (MTL) lesions and cruciate ligament (CL) lesions in horses.STUDY DESIGNEx vivo controlled laboratory study.ANIMALSNineteen stifles from adult horses.METHODSStablike defects (n = 84) (16 mm long, 10 mm deep) were created in the menisci (n = 35), CLs (n = 24), and MTLs (n = 25) via arthroscopy prior to MRI and CTA (80 mL contrast at 85 mg/mL per joint). Two radiologists, unaware of the lesions, reached a consensus regarding the presence of lesions, based on 2 reviews of each study. Sensitivity and specificity of MRI and CTA were determined using arthroscopy as a reference and compared with McNemar's tests.RESULTSThe sensitivity and specificity of MRI (41% and 86% respectively) and CTA (32% and 90% respectively) did not differ (P = .65). The sensitivity (MRI: 24%‐50%; CTA:19%‐40%) and specificity (MRI: 75%‐92%; CTA 75%‐100%) of imaging modalities did not differ when detecting lesions of the menisci, MTLs, and CLs (P = .1‐1.0). The highest sensitivities were achieved when MTLs were evaluated with MRI (50%) and CLs with both modalities (40%).CONCLUSIONSThe diagnostic performance of CTA was comparable with that of MRI, with a low to moderate sensitivity and high specificity.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEComputed tomographic arthrography should be considered as an adjunct to diagnose CL injuries. This is important for equine clinicians, as the CL cannot be visualized adequately using basic imaging techniques preoperatively.

Correction of Radio Interferometric Imaging for Antenna Patterns

We describe and demonstrate a technique for correcting direction dependent artifacts due to asymmetries in antenna patterns and differences among antennas used in radio interoferometric imaging. The technique can correct images in all Stokes parameters I, Q, U and V and is shown with simulated data to reduce the level of artifacts to near the level of those from the basic imaging technique. The demonstrations use simulations of a mixed array of 13.5 and 15 m antennas with asymmetric patterns. The flux densities and spectral indices of the sources in a high dynamic range realistic simulated sky model are well recovered. Source polarization properties are also recovered in tests using unpolarized and partly polarized sources. The additional computational run time for Stokes I correction is about 50% in a realistic test described.

CLINICAL PROFILE OF 2D ECHO CARDIOGRAPHY AT THE CARDIOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF CHL MULTISPECIALTY HOSPITAL AND RESEARCH CENTRE.

Introduction:Echocardiography is the basic and important imaging technique used for the diagnosing the various numbers of Cardiac Conditions. This helps clinicians for diagnosing a various number of clinical variations. This functional data is needed to care for patients with many pathologies and used to diagnose a number of diseases. Trans-Thoracic Echocardiography is the most common Echocardiography done in every Cardiology Department of Centre. The use of 2D Echo provides the proper and fast diagnosis and allows the clinicians to make further diagnosis. In this study, we focus on Current Clinical Prole of the distributed Age Groups along with risk factors and advised recommendations with comparison of Diagnosis. Methods: In this case study, total of 1447 patients were divided in 6 Age Groups, proled for the outcomes of the 2D Echocardiography. We aimed to determine the Current Clinical Prole with the Diagnosis, Risk Factors and Advised Recommendations in each age group in a Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) in CHL Multispeciality Hospital and Research Center, Chandrapur using a prospective observational study. Patients: All consecutive patients followed up for 2D Echocardiography at the Cardiology Department between April 2021 and August 2021 were included if they were aged more than 18 years. Patients eligible for the study were evaluated for the current prole of the patient, risk factors and Advised Recommendations in each Age group. Results: In the study conducted, the clinical prole had a good result in suggesting that most of the patients in all age groups had the diagnosis of Good biventricular systolic function, No RWMA, Normal chamber dimension & Valve function. Uncontrolled Sugars and Accelarated Hypertension made worse for patient's cardiac management. Some Results of 2D Echo were also affected because of the emergency in the CICU, for which 2D Echo was postponed later or after stability of the patient. Past Medical History had the signicant role. The clinical prole helped us understand the proper diagnosis and recommendations done

Imaging Considerations in Spinal Cord Evaluation.

Multiple diverse pathologies result in the clinical presentation of myelopathy. The preferred way to image the spinal cord depends on clinical history, anatomic site of interest, and patient issues limiting certain imaging modalities. This radiology-focused article discusses pertinent physiological considerations, reviews basic and newer imaging techniques, and examines several distinct disease entities in order to highlight the key role of imaging in the work-up of myelopathy.

Left atrial emptying fraction determined during atrial fibrillation predicts maintenance of sinus rhythm after direct current cardioversion in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation.

Echocardiography is the basic imaging technique used to determine the odds of maintaining sinus rhythm (SR) following direct current cardioversion (DCCV) for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). However, most studies are focused on the echocardiographic parameters obtained during SR resulting from successful DCCV. The aim of this study was to assess the value of the echocardiographic parameters measured before DCCV for the prognosis of SR maintenance after DCCV. The study included 146 patients with persistent AF who underwent DCCV. Clinical and echocardiographic data were collected directly before DCCV and, for patients with SR, one month, six months, and 12 months after DCCV. We found that left atrial emptying fraction (LAEF) assessed during atrial fibrillation was significantly larger in the group with SR maintenance after 12 months than in the group with AF recurrence (30.8±8.3 vs. 24.6±10.4%; p<0.001). In multivariable logistic regression analysis with a model containing echocardiographic parameters, LAEF (OR 1.053; 95% CI 1.011-1.096; p = 0.013) and the E/e'mean ratio (OR 0.883; 95% CI 0.788-0.990; p = 0.033) were independent predictors of SR maintenance. Analyzing a model including clinical and echocardiographic variables, only LAEF (OR 1.046; 95% CI 1-1.095; p = 0.049) and beta-blockers used before DCCV (OR 14.694; 95% CI 1.622-133.139; p = 0.017) were independent predictors of SR maintenance after 12 months. Our results indicate that LAEF measured during AF is a significant predictor of SR maintenance in the 12 months following DCCV due to persistent AF. Our findings confirm the recently raised hypothesis about the superiority of echocardiographic parameters assessing mechanical remodeling over parameters assessing structural remodeling of left atrium in predicting sinus rhythm maintenance after electrical cardioversion.

Brain Tumor Identification and Classification of MRI images using deep learning techniques

The detection, segmentation, and extraction from Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) images of contaminated tumor areas are significant concerns; however, a repetitive and extensive task executed by radiologists or clinical experts relies on their expertise. Image processing concepts can imagine the various anatomical structure of the human organ. Detection of human brain abnormal structures by basic imaging techniques is challenging. In this paper, a Fully Automatic Heterogeneous Segmentation using Support Vector Machine (FAHS-SVM) has been proposed for brain tumor segmentation based on deep learning techniques. The present work proposes the separation of the whole cerebral venous system into MRI imaging with the addition of a new, fully automatic algorithm based on structural, morphological, and relaxometry details. The segmenting function is distinguished by a high level of uniformity between anatomy and the neighboring brain tissue. ELM is a type of learning algorithm consisting of one or more layers of hidden nodes. Such networks are used in various areas, including regression and classification. In brain MRI images, the probabilistic neural network classification system has been utilized for training and checking the accuracy of tumor detection in images. The numerical results show almost 98.51% accuracy in detecting abnormal and normal tissue from brain Magnetic Resonance images that demonstrate the efficiency of the system suggested.

Imaging of soft tissue sarcomas.

Soft tissue sarcomas are rare and a heterogeneous group of neoplasms. Over the years imaging has played a crucial role in the initial staging, monitoring response to chemotherapy, and surveillance for recurrence. In the era of rapidly evolving individualized treatment due to evolving chemotherapies, increasing demand has been placed on the role of imaging in the management of this heterogeneous group. The rapidly evolving technologies in imaging are trying to keep up with the challenge, with development of newer strategies and hybrid imaging. However, many of these newer technologies are either not available or too costly, even in advanced countries, and hence their exact role remains uncertain. Due to this, and the vast diversity of sarcomas, the imaging appearance and management strategies vary and there is no universally accepted algorithm for the role of individual imaging technologies. The basic imaging techniques; however, remain the same, with these newer techniques and strategies vying for their roles in management. We review current imaging techniques and their role in the management of soft tissue sarcomas.

Geophysical survey over molybdenum mines using the newly developed M-TEM system

Multi-channel transient electromagnetic (M-TEM) system, which is a time-domain control source electromagnetic (CSEM) system, is mainly used in hydrocarbon exploration. In this paper, we experimentally applied the method to the investigation of mineral resources. Firstly, we introduced the basic principles and imaging technique of a typical M-TEM survey. Then, we presented a field example which was conducted over a molybdenum mine with the newly developed instruments. The high power transmitter and the pseudo random binary sequences (PRBS) are employed in the field work. The result of the field test validates the feasibility of the M-TEM system in identify orebody.

The Role of Dynamic Contrast Enhanced and Diffusion Weighted MRI in Characterization of Suspicious Breast Masses

Background: Early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer are mandatory for accurate management. Traditionally, mammography and ultrasound are the basic imaging techniques for the detection and localization of breast masses. The low sensitivity and specificity of these imaging tools resulted in a demand for new imaging modalities. Aim of study: to evaluate the role of either diffusion weighted images-MRI or dynamic contrast enhanced MRI in differentiating malignant from benign breast lesions comparing with histopathology results. Patients and Methods: from November 2016 to July 2017, a total of 20 patients presented with suspicious breast lesions BIRADS (4&5) were included in the study. All participants underwent breast DWI and DCE-MRI. Results were compared with histopathological results as a standard final diagnostic method. Results: the study included 20 female patients with suspicious breast lesions, there was 15 (75%) malignant lesions while benign lesions, while benign lesions were 5 (25%) cases. DCE-MRI was found to have a sensitivity of 86.7% and specificity of 80%. ADC cutoff value was found to have a value of 1.143*10-3, which was the best to differentiate between benign and malignant breast masses. DWI MRI was found to have sensitivity of 93.3% and a specificity of 80%. Conclusion: DW-MRI alone gave the same performance as in combination with DCE-MRI. The comparison of DWI and DCE-MRI provides a dramatic superiority in the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of breast DWI-MRI over other modality.

Intracranial vessel wall MRI: a review of current indications and future applications

Intracranial vessel wall MRI (IVWM) is a new diagnostic imaging approach with the goal of evaluating intracranial vascular pathology by directly visualizing arterial vessel wall abnormalities with MR sequences, preferably at 3 Tesla field strength, that suppress blood and have excellent spatial resolution. The differentiation of intracranial vascular pathology has historically relied on luminal imaging techniques that depict the alteration of flow created by atherosclerotic stenosis or vasospasm. With IVWM, it is possible to identify distinct radiologic findings of the pathology within the intracranial vessel wall itself, ranging from arterial dissection to vasculitis. Futhermore, IVWM imaging characteristics, such as post-contrast enhancement, can elucidate the temporal relationship between imaging findings and clinical pathology; and may predict future behavior of unruptured aneurysms or atherosclerotic plaques. We present a review of the basic IVWM imaging techniques and the relevant published literature on IVWM, with a focus on evidence-based diagnostic indications for IVWM and discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of each indication. Finally, we discuss how IVWM can be used to differentiate between intracranial pathology and future directions for IVWM research.

General principles of sonography, part 1. Basic physics, imaging and Doppler techniques

General principles of sonography, part 1. Basic physics, imaging and Doppler techniques

The diagnostic role of (18)F fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in patients with fever of unknown origin.

Identification of aetiology for fever of unknown origin (FUO) is challenging, due to the high rates of undiagnosed cases. The current diagnostic approach includes initially first-line procedures such as general examination and various laboratory tests and basic imaging techniques followed by second-line tests such as more advanced imaging techniques including (18)F fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) and tissue biopsies. If no diagnosis is obtained, more invasive measures may be in order such as liver biopsy and exploratory laparotomy. This review article is based on the relative published material found on MEDLINE and PubMed up to August 2014. We looked for the terms 'fever of unknown origin, FDG PET' in combination with 'cancer, infection and autoimmune disease'. Several clinical studies have investigated the utility of the FDG PET during the diagnostic approach of FUO. Recent evidence suggests that FDG PET has the advantage of total body imaging and may depict all common causes of FUO such as infections, noninfectious inflammatory causes and tumours because they all exhibit glucose hypermetabolism. Depiction of an abnormal lesion on FDG PET could guide clinicians to the next diagnostic procedure (another imaging method, culture, biopsy or surgery) to establish the diagnosis. Emerging evidence suggests that FDG PET, when available, may provide critical diagnostic information early during evaluation of FUO.

Position of magnetic resonance in the imaging of inflammatory rheumatic diseases.

Position of magnetic resonance in the imaging of inflammatory rheumatic diseases.

English

Proteus mirabilis colonies exhibit striking geometric regularity, and swarm colony terraces correspond to one swarming-plus-consolidation cycle. Basic microbiological methods and imaging techniques were used to measure periodic macroscopic events in swarm colony morphogenesis. Here, adding a respiratory enzyme indicator, 2,3,5-triphenyltetra-zolium chloride (TTC) into the culture medium, the bacteria on the rings gradually changed into red and the change was not synchronous with the formation of ring. According to this phenomenon, we distinguished five phases as P. mirabilis colonize agar surfaces during swarming to investigate the bacteria swarm colony development mechanism by the methods of matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry and real time fluorescence quantitative-polymerase chain reaction (RTFQ-PCR). Through these observations, we found that P. mirabilis swarm colony development was closely related to the gene fusA, fliC1, tufB, ahpC, icd and flaB. The research indicates that the functions of the genes fusA, filC1 and tufB in swarming phase significantly influence the P. mirabilis swarming behavior. In consolidation phase, expression of ahpC connected to oxidative stress decreased as compared to other phases. The gene icd which affected the metabolism had high expression in consolidation phase I and there were more expression from the bacteria on the ring than that from the bacteria between two rings. The increase of flaB was concomitant with the development of cell growth from swarming phase to turn red phase II. The morphology of P. mirabilis was obviously distinct in different growth phase, and periodically changed. The movement and metabolize way of P. mirabilis were diverse in different growth phase. In swarming phase, the swarm colony and antioxidant ability was enhanced, but the functions of respiratory and metabolism was down-regulated. In conclusion, the bacteria fertility ability and respiratory function were enhanced in consolidation phase. These genes related with motion and metabolism played a key role in regulating P. mirabilis swarm colony development. Key words: Proteus mirabilis, real time fluorescence quantitative-polymerase chain reaction (RTFQ-PCR), matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)-TOF, swarm.

Challenges of Imaging for Cancer in Patients with Diabetes and Obesity

A growing body of evidence supports a connection among diabetes (predominantly type 2), obesity, and cancer. Multiple meta-analyses of epidemiological data show that people with diabetes are at increased risk of developing a variety of different cancers and suffer from an increased rate of perioperative complications and cancer mortality. Computed tomography (CT) has played an important role in diagnosis and staging of cancer. Positron emission tomography is complementary to CT in the diagnosis, staging, and evaluation of treatment response for many types of cancer. Because of generally poor clinical outcome of cancers when they are detected in late stages, more research is now focused on stratifying risk to allow personalized screening of at-risk patients and cancer detection at an earlier stage. In this review, we summarize basic noninvasive imaging techniques currently in use to detect cancer with emphasis on the challenges of imaging for early cancer detection in obese patients with diabetes.

Genetics, Diagnosis, and Management of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma and Pheochromocytoma/Paraganglioma

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma (PHEO/PGL) are rare neuroendocrine tumors. Because of the increased metastatic rates in certain genetic backgrounds, early diagnosis and treatment are essential to improved patient outcomes. Our objective was to summarize recent findings related to the genetics, diagnosis, and management of MTC and PHEO/PGL. A literature review was performed. MTC is primarily associated with mutations in the rearranged during transfection (RET) proto-oncogene. Determining the specific genetic mutation can guide patient management and screening. Early detection and appropriate surgical management of MTC is critical to prevent or limit metastatic spread, as treatment options for patients with metastatic disease are limited. PHEO/PGL also has a strong genetic component, with approximately 50% of cases linked to germline and somatic mutations in 15 genes. Although most PHEO/PGLs are benign, factors such as genetic background, size, tumor location, and high methoxytyramine levels are associated with higher rates of metastatic disease. The state-of-the-art diagnosis and localization of PHEO/PGLs is based on measurement of plasma metanephrines and methoxytyramine and functional imaging studies. For both PHEO/PGL and MTC, surgery is the only curative treatment. Treatment options for patients with metastatic disease are limited. As genetic testing becomes more widely available, the diagnosis of MTC and PHEO/PGL will be made earlier due to routine screening of at-risk patients. In addition, continued advances in basic science, diagnostic methods, and imaging techniques will improve understanding of the pathogenesis of these diseases and facilitate the introduction of novel treatment strategies for patients with metastatic disease.

Lower-dose CT urography (CTU) with iterative reconstruction technique in children - initial experience and examination protocol.

SummaryBackgroundConventional X-ray urography is one of the basic imaging techniques in urinary tract diseases in children. CT urography (CTU) employing standard Filtered Back Projection (FBP) reconstruction algorithms is connected with higher radiation dose. Advanced iterative reconstruction techniques enable lowering the radiation dose to the level comparable with conventional X-ray urography with better visualization of the urinary tract. Study protocol and indications for this modified technique should be discussed.Material/MethodsIntroduction of iterative image reconstruction techniques allowed to significantly reduce the radiation dose delivered during examinations performed at our Department, including CT examinations of urinary tract in children. During the last two years, CT urography replaced conventional X-ray urography and became the basic imaging technique in our Department. We discuss the study protocol regarding pediatric CTU examinations. The main goal is to receive an optimal image quality at reduced radiation dose.ResultsCTU examinations performed using the standard filtered back projection (FBP) reconstruction technique are associated with radiation doses about 1.5 times higher than those in conventional X-ray urography. Implementation of iterative reconstruction algorithms in advanced CT scanners allow to reduce the radiation dose to a level comparable or even lower than that in X-ray urography. In addition, urinary tract can be evaluated more precisely in multiplanar reformatted (MPR) and volume rendered (VR) images.Conclusions1. Advanced iterative reconstruction techniques allow to reduce radiation dose in CT examinations and to extend indications for CT urography in children. 2. Urinary tract can be evaluated more precisely in multiplanar reformatted and volume rendered images. 3. CTU may replace conventional X-ray urography in children.