Central Calcification Research Articles

6850 A Case of Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma With a Complete Metabolic Response to Pembrolizumab

Abstract Disclosure: E. Tirthani: None. J.T. Kung: None. Background: Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is an aggressive disease with limited therapeutic options and generally poor prognosis. Post-surgery, most patients are treated with a combination of chemotherapy, radiation, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors +/- immune checkpoint inhibitors. We describe a unique case of ATC with a complete metabolic response to pembrolizumab, a selective PD-1 inhibitor, as evidenced by imaging. Clinical Case: A 69-year-old female presented to the clinic for evaluation of a rapidly enlarging neck mass. The initial ultrasound showed a large mixed cystic-solid right thyroid nodule with irregular margins with micro- and macrocalcifications, which was biopsied. Cytology showed discohesive high-grade malignant tumor cells with enlarged nuclei, nuclear hyperchromasia in the background of necrosis, and dense neutrophilic infiltration concerning for ATC. A CT scan of the neck and chest showed a complex cystic thyroid mass with central necrosis and calcification with paratracheal, supraclavicular, and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. MRI of the brain was negative for metastatic disease. The patient underwent a total thyroidectomy with right and left level 6 and 7 neck dissection. Intra-operatively, gross extrathyroidal extension of the tumor was noted to the right carotid, larynx, right recurrent laryngeal nerve, and esophagus, with residual tumor left behind near the larynx. Pathology confirmed stage IVC ATC, positive for PIK3CA, NF1, p53 mutations, and BRAF negative. 90% of tumor cells showed PD-L1 expression on immunohistochemical staining. The post-surgical PET scan showed two discrete, well-defined foci of very intense FDG uptake, corresponding to the right lower cervical and para-esophageal lymph nodes with no evidence of distant metastasis. Systemic chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel (5 cycles) was initiated with concurrent intensity modulated radiation therapy (total 60 Gy/40 fractions to thyroid bed and bilateral neck). Repeat imaging showed minimal change in the size of the PET-positive lymph nodes. Immunotherapy was initiated and with just 2 cycles of 400 mg IV pembrolizumab, a repeat PET scan was obtained, which showed a complete metabolic response to therapy. Minimal residual FDG activity in the right supraclavicular region was thought to be secondary to posttreatment changes. The patient was able to resume her activities of daily living and had an improvement in appetite. The plan is to continue 400 mg IV pembrolizumab every 6 weeks while cautiously assessing for adverse effects from immunotherapy. Conclusion: It is rare to see a complete metabolic response to therapy with pembrolizumab without concurrent use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with ATC. A high tumoral PD-L1 expression may be the key to having this kind of dramatic response. Presentation: 6/3/2024

A comprehensive MRI analysis of osteoid osteomas in patients with diverse radiological features across various regions.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which does not involve ionizing radiation, is the preferred imaging modality for diagnosing osteoid osteoma (OO), an ailment more common in children and young adults. This study aims to perform a literature review and delineate the MRI findings of OO lesions in patients exhibiting varying radiological features across different regions. A retrospective study included 63 patients diagnosed with OO through MRI, assessed independently by two blinded radiologists using both standard and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI techniques. After excluding 7 patients with prior biopsy, surgery, or RFA, the study included 56 patients with 57 lesions. Of 57 lesions evaluated, 50 were in long, and 7 in flat bones. One patient presented with two separate nidi within the intertrochanteric region. Most of the lesions, 49 (86%), were extra-articular, while 8 (14%) were intra-articular. The nidus was intracortical in 45 (78.9%) patients, intramedullary in 5 (8.8%), subperiosteal in 5 (8.8%), and endosteal in 2 (3.5%). Average nidus diameter was 7.02 ± 2.64 mm (3-12.6 mm). Central nidal calcification was present in 68.4% (n = 39) cases. Contrast enhancement was intense at 90.5%, moderate at 9.5%. Reactive sclerosis around the nidus was severe (50.9%), moderate (22.8%), and mild (26.3%). Bone marrow edema was severe (70.2%), moderate (14.0%), and mild (15.8%). Soft tissue edema was identified in 77.2% of all lesions. To minimize delays in diagnosis and treatment, radiologists should become acquainted with the typical OO MRI findings and the atypical MRI findings that might be mistaken for other conditions.

Liposarcoma del cordón espermático

Introduction: liposarcoma of the spermatic cord (LSC) is a rare condition and accounts for about 3 to 7% of all paratesticular sarcomas. A case is presented in an 80-year-old patient who consulted for a left inguinoscrotal painless swelling, that had been present for several years. Physical examination revealed a soft left hemiscrotal tumor that appeared not to be adherent to the testicle. Ultrasonography showed a solid, heterogeneous hyperschoic paratesticular mass with central calcifications and peripheral hypervascularity. During surgery, a diffuse lipomatous tumor was found in the spermatic cord on the superior pole of the left testicle, separated from it. Anatomopathological examination revealed a well-differentiated liposarcoma of the spermatic cord. Discussion: this neoplasm features a slow-growing palpable paratesticular mass. This site of occurrence is rare and represents 7 to 10% of all scrotal tumors. Imaging differentiation between LSC and benign lesions is sometimes challenging. Surgical treatment should include radical orchiectomy wide local excision, and spermatic cord and inguinal ring surrounding soft tissue resection. Conclusion: spermatic cord liposarcoma is a rare and unusual mesenchymal tumor and should be considered among the differential diagnoses of scrotal tumors.

Unilateral lifebuoy cataract: A case report.

Lifebuoy cataract is a rare congenital condition characterized by lens thinning. Due to its rarity, detailed treatment reports and standardized surgical approaches are limited. This study aims to enhance the current body of knowledge by presenting comprehensive case reports and describing surgical techniques for the treatment of lifebuoy cataracts. A 14-year-old boy was diagnosed with a congenital cataract in his right eye at the age of 9, which was left untreated. The patient visited our hospital due to progressive visual impairment. The visual acuity of the right eye was counting fingers at 30 cm. The uncorrected visual acuity of the left eye was 20/100, whereas the best corrected visual acuity was 20/20. The intraocular pressures were 18 mm Hg (left eye) and 20 mm Hg (right eye). Slit-lamp microscopy revealed central calcification of the lens capsule in the right eye and slightly opaque cortical tissue in the periphery, with no observable lens nucleus. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (CASIA2, TOMEY, Nagoya, Japan) of the right eye showed fused anterior and posterior capsules and an absence of the lens nucleus, leading to a diagnosis of lifebuoy cataract. Cataract surgery was performed on the right eye. Following a 2.4-mm sclerocorneal incision and trypan blue staining, continuous curvilinear capsulorrhexis was performed around the central opacity. The surrounding cortex was removed using irrigation and aspiration, while a viscoelastic agent was injected between the central calcified membrane and the posterior capsule. The membranous tissue was carefully peeled away and removed using forceps. Despite residual posterior capsular opacification, posterior capsulotomy was not performed due to concerns about vitreous prolapse. The intraocular lens was fixed within the capsule. Ten days post-surgery, the remaining posterior capsular opacification was treated with neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser capsulotomy. The uncorrected visual acuity and best corrected visual acuity of the right eye improved to 20/100 and 20/50, respectively. This case report demonstrates a successful surgical approach for a lifebuoy cataract, highlighting its unique morphology and the need for careful, specialized techniques. These findings aim to guide ophthalmologists in managing this rare condition, potentially improving patient care.

A rare case of giant peritoneal loose body: A case report

Peritoneal loose bodies (PLBs) are uncommon abdominal lesions, typically asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during surgery. Giant PLBs, exceeding 5 cm in size, are even rarer and can present with clinical symptoms mimicking other abdominal pathologies. We present a 57-year-old male with a giant PLB presenting as intermittent abdominal pain, distention, and rectal bleeding. Imaging studies suggested colo-colic intussusception due to a colonic lipoma. The patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy revealing a segment of the descending colon containing multiple lipomas, one causing intussusception. In addition, a separate giant PLB 6 × 5.5 cm with central calcification was identified. A segmental colectomy with primary anastomosis and resection of the PLB was performed. The patient recovered well and reported complete resolution of symptoms at follow-up. Pathology confirmed a benign lipoma and a giant PLB. This case highlights the potential for giant PLBs to cause clinical symptoms and emphasizes the importance of including them in the differential diagnosis of abdominal complaints, even in the absence of a classic presentation. Exploratory laparotomy remains a definitive approach for diagnosis and management in such cases.

Delayed femoral artery injury caused by heterotopic ossification: a rare case report and review of the literature

BackgroundArterial injury caused by heterotopic ossification (HO) following fractures is rarely reported, yet it can have catastrophic consequences. This case report presents a unique instance of femoral artery injury and hematoma organization, occurring a decade after intramedullary nail fixation for a femoral shaft fracture complicated by HO.Case presentationA 56-year-old male presented with right femoral artery injury and organized hematoma, a decade after suffering bilateral femoral shaft fractures with mild head injury in a traffic accident. He had received intramedullary nailing for the right femoral shaft fracture and plate fixation for the left side in a local hospital. Physical examination revealed two firm, palpable masses with clear boundaries, limited mobility, and no tenderness. Peripheral arterial pulses were intact. Radiography demonstrated satisfactory fracture healing, while a continuous high-density shadow was evident along the inner and posterior aspect of the right thigh. Computed tomography angiography identified a large mixed-density mass (16.8 × 14.8 × 20.7 cm) on the right thigh’s medial side, featuring central calcification and multiple internal calcifications. The right deep femoral artery coursed within this mass, with a smaller lesion noted on the posterior thigh. Surgical consultation with a vascular surgeon led to planned intervention. The smaller mass was completely excised, but the larger one partially, as it encased the femoral artery. The inability to remove all HO was due to excessive bleeding. Postoperatively, the patient experienced no complications, and one-year follow-up revealed a favorable recovery with restoration of full right lower limb mobility.ConclusionThis case underscores the potential gravity of vascular injury associated with heterotopic ossification. Surgeons should remain vigilant regarding the risk of vascular injury during HO excision.

Diagnostic Value of Ultrasound for Thyroid Nodules With a Spoke-Wheel Blood Flow Pattern

Objective To explore the diagnostic value of ultrasound for thyroid nodules with a spoke-wheel blood flow pattern.Methods The clinical data of the patients with thyroid nodules presenting a spoke-wheel blood flow pattern examined by ultrasound were collected,and the gray-scale ultrasound features of the nodules were recorded.The diagnostic performance of the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System by American College of Radiology (ACR TI-RADS),Chinese Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (C-TIRADS),and combined specific indicators for the thyroid nodules with a spoke-wheel blood flow pattern was evaluated by comparison with the pathological results,which was regarded as the gold standard.Results A total of 64 patients with thyroid nodules were finally included,including 47 patients with malignant nodules and 17 patients with benign nodules.In addition to the general ultrasound features,central scar mostly appeared in malignant nodules (χ2=5.968,P=0.015),while central coarse calcification was more common in benign nodules (χ2=10.899,P=0.001).After the combination of central scar and central gross calcification,the diagnostic performance of ACR TI-RADS and C-TIRADS was improved (both P<0.001).Conclusions When the thyroid nodule shows a spoke-wheel blood flow pattern,one should be cautious of the possibility of malignancy.Combining central scar and central coarse calcification can improve the accuracy of ultrasonic diagnosis.

Full-Moon Coronary Calcification as Detected With Computed Tomography Angiography in Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

"Full moon" is a central calcification that occludes the entire vessel on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). We examined the association of “full moon” calcification as identified by CCTA, on clinical and procedural outcomes of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We studied patients who underwent elective CTO PCI in two European centers and had pre-procedural CCTA. The primary endpoint was the inability to cross the lesion and/or the need for extensive debulking techniques. Secondary endpoints were procedural success, in-hospital cardiac mortality, the need for extensive debulking techniques, myocardial infarction (MI), major adverse cardiac events (MACE, defined as in hospital death, MI and clinically driven target vessel revascularization) and stent thrombosis. Secondary procedural endpoints included procedural time, fluoroscopy time, number of guidewires and balloons, stent length, number and diameter and contrast volume. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed identifying potential covariates related to the primary outcome according to knowledge and prior studies. Subsequently, a stepwise selection approach was performed to select factors with the greatest predictive value. Among 140 patients included, 28 (20%) had a “full moon” calcified CTO-plaque. Patients in the full moon group were older and had more cardiovascular risk factors. There was not significant difference in the need for retrograde approach and antegrade dissection and re-entry (ADR) techniques in the “full moon” group vs the other groups (32.1% vs 37.5%, p=0.59 and 0% vs 1.7%, p=0.47 respectively). Compared with patients who did not have full moon morphology, full moon patients had higher incidence of the primary outcome (53.5% vs 12.5%;p<0.001). On multivariable analysis that included chronic kidney failure and prior coronary artery bypass surgery, full moon calcification was associated with higher incidence of the primary endpoint; OR 6.5;95% CI 2.1-20.5;p=0.001). Moreover, lower procedural success (71.4% vs 87.5%;p=0.03), higher incidence of coronary perforations (14.2% vs 3.5%;p<0.02) and higher procedural [172.5 (118.0-237.5) vs 144.0 (108.50-174.75); p=0.02] and fluoroscopic time [62.6 (38.1-83.0) vs 42.8 (29.5-65.7); p=0.03] were observed in the “full moon” group. Overall MACE did not differ between the two groups (1 patient in the “full moon” group vs 1 patient in the no “full moon” group; 3.5% vs 0.8%, p=0.29). In conclusion, “full moon” calcification on CCTA was independently associated with procedural complexity and adverse outcomes in CTO-PCI.

Calcific Myonecrosis of Tibialis Anterior in a 76-Year-Old Man with Foot Drop

Background: Calcific myonecrosis is a rare entity that is considered a sequela of chronic compartment syndrome. A fusiform mass with central liquefaction and peripheral calcification replaces the affected muscle unit.&#x0D; Case Report: We are presenting a case of calcific myonecrosis of the tibialis anterior in a 76-year-old man. Although the mass was present for several years, the patient recently developed leg pain and foot drop. After radiological and histopathological diagnosis, patient was treated with surgical excision of the mass.&#x0D; Conclusion: Although calcific myonecrosis is a benign condition, due to the pressure effect on surrounding structures, it may be a source of leg pain and foot drop. Cortical erosion and scalloping of underlying major bone may be reasons for extremity pain. To relieve pain, alleviate pressure effect, and prevent pathological fracture of the underlying bone, complete surgical excision of the lesion is essential.

FRI364 A Case Of Carcinoid Syndrome Symptoms Masked By Niacin Use

Abstract Disclosure: S. Yang: None. R. Sharag Eldin: None. D. Teves Qualler: None. Case Presentation: A 72 male presented with worsening of facial flushing and diarrhea for 10 years. The patient described episodic feeling of hotness in the face associated with red- purplish discoloration of his facial skin lasting for 2 to 3 minutes. He has had 5 to 6 episodes per day. The patient reported the use of Niacin in the past and it was believed that it was the cause of his flushing episodes despite its persistence for years after stopping it. The patient also suffered from long standing diarrhea which started around the same time of the flushing. Diarrhea has been watery or loose and he has 5 to 6 bowel movements a day. His symptoms were concerning for Carcinoid syndrome and a 24-hour urine collection for HIAA showed elevated HIAA to 108.7 mg/24 hour (&amp;lt;6 mg/24 hour). A CT scan of the abdomen revealed a 1.8 cm wall thickness in the cecum and a 3.6 cm spiculated mesenteric mass with central calcification with multiple hypervascular masses in the liver concerning for a metastatic neuroendocrine tumor. Core biopsy of one of the liver masses showed a well differentiated neuroendocrine tumor. He was also found to have tricuspid valve regurgitation as well as a Glycohemoglobin of 9%. The patient was treated medically with octreotide rather than surgery due to the significant disease burden. Interestingly, he was initially started on Lanreotide but developed foreign body granulomas at the injection sites. Discussion: Carcinoid-syndrome is a category of well-differentiated neuroendocrine neoplasms. The overproduction of serotonin is most used to assess the presence of carcinoid syndrome via its breakdown product 5- HIAA in the urine. Symptoms from niacin supplementation are variable and may include flushing and constipation. Patient’s flushing presented for years after discontinuing niacin supplementation. However, clinicians continued to attribute it to its use despite typical resolution of symptoms within 3 hours of discontinuing use. Niacin exposure may have been a mimicker of his underlying neuro endocrine neoplasia (NEN) as diarrhea is also an overlapping feature as seen in our patient’s presentation. DM as seen in our patient is not well documented in relation to carcinoid syndrome. One study (n=10) of the patients with functionally active NENs, 70% had borderline to diabetic-level blood glucose. Of the patients with carcinoid syndrome, there was no significant difference in fasting plasma glucose concentration or fasting plasma insulin concentration when compared to age-matched normal volunteers. Conclusion: Clinicians should have low level of suspicion in diagnosing carcinoid syndrome in the presence of typical symptoms of flushing and diarrhea. Due to the past use of niacin, our patient’s diagnosis was delayed despite the persistence of flushing years after stopping it. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

Mutation on MT-CO2 gene induces mitochondrial disease associated with neurodegeneration and intracerebral iron accumulation (NBIA)

Mitochondrial diseases are genetic disorders impairing mitochondrial functions. Here we describe a patient with a neurodegenerative condition associated with myopia, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and motor disorders. Brain MRIs showed major cortico-subcortical and infra-tentorial atrophies, as well as intracerebral iron accumulation and central calcifications, compatible with a NBIA-like phenotype. Mitochondrial DNA analysis revealed an undescribed variant: m.8091G>A in the MT-CO2 gene, associated with a complex IV deficiency and a decrease of the mitochondrial respiratory chain capabilities. We report here this pathogenic variant, associated with a NBIA-like phenotype.

Osteoid osteomas of the hands and feet: a series of 71 cases.

Osteoid osteomas typically arise in the long bones of extremities. Patients often report pain relieved by NSAIDS, and radiographic findings are often sufficient for diagnosis. However, when involving the hands/feet, these lesions may go unrecognized or misdiagnosed radiographically due to their small size and prominent reactive changes. The clinicopathologic features of this entity involving the hands and feet are not well-described. Our institutional and consultation archives were searched for all cases of pathologically confirmed osteoid osteomas arising in the hands and feet. Clinical data was obtained and recorded. Seventy-one cases (45 males and 26 females, 7 to 64 years; median 23 years) arose in the hands and feet, representing 12% of institutional and 23% of consultation cases. The clinical impression often included neoplastic and inflammatory etiologies. Radiology studies demonstrated a small lytic lesion in all cases (33/33), the majority of which had a tiny focus of central calcification (26/33). Nearly, all cases demonstrated cortical thickening and/or sclerosis and perilesional edema which almost always had an extent two times greater than the size of the nidus. Histologic examination showed circumscribed osteoblastic lesions with formation of variably mineralized woven bone with single layer of osteoblastic rimming. The most common growth pattern of bone was trabecular (n = 34, 48%) followed by combined trabecular and sheet-like (n = 26, 37%) with only 11 (15%) cases presenting with pure sheet-like growth pattern. The majority (n = 57, 80%) showed intra-trabecular vascular stroma. No case showed significant cytology atypia. Follow up was available for 48 cases (1-432 months), and 4 cases recurred. Osteoid osteomas involving the hands and feet follow a similar age and sex distribution as their non-acral counterparts. These lesions often present with a broad differential diagnosis and may initially be confused with chronic osteomyelitis or a reactive process. While the majority of cases have classic morphologic features on histologic exam, a small subset consists solely of sheet-like sclerotic bone. Awareness that this entity may present in the hands and feet will help pathologists, radiologists, and clinicians accurately diagnose these tumors.

The clinical and genetic spectrum of primary familial brain calcification

Primary familial brain calcification (PFBC), formerly known as Fahr’s disease, is a rare neurodegenerative disease characterized by bilateral progressive calcification of the microvessels of the basal ganglia and other cerebral and cerebellar structures. PFBC is thought to be due to an altered function of the Neurovascular Unit (NVU), where abnormal calcium-phosphorus metabolism, functional and microanatomical alterations of pericytes and mitochondrial alterations cause a dysfunction of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and the generation of an osteogenic environment with surrounding astrocyte activation and progressive neurodegeneration. Seven causative genes have been discovered so far, of which four with dominant (SLC20A2, PDGFB, PDGFRB, XPR1) and three with recessive inheritance (MYORG, JAM2, CMPK2). Clinical presentation ranges from asymptomatic subjects to movement disorders, cognitive decline and psychiatric disturbances alone or in various combinations. Radiological patterns of calcium deposition are similar in all known genetic forms, but central pontine calcification and cerebellar atrophy are highly suggestive of MYORG mutations and extensive cortical calcification has been associated with JAM2 mutations. Currently, no disease-modifying drugs or calcium-chelating agents are available and only symptomatic treatments can be offered.

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Clinics in diagnostic imaging (216).

Surveillance and monitoring of early failing arteriovenous fistula using Doppler assessment in children on regular hemodialysis

BackgroundA well-functioning vascular access is a mainstay to perform an efficient hemodialysis procedure. Limited lifespan of arteriovenous accesses is one of the major challenges of the current long-term hemodialysis therapy. Vascular access-related morbidity accounts for up to 50% of total dialysis patient’s costs. The pediatric vascular access clinical guidelines published by the National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcome Quality Initiative recommend establishing a surveillance strategy to detect access stenosis and direct patients for early intervention. The aim of this study was to test the role of using the color Doppler ultrasonography (CDU) as a surveillance method for arteriovenous fistulae in children on regular hemodialysis and its value for detecting the early vascular access failure or dysfunction to avoid access loss.ResultsDuring 10-month duration, we prospectively conducted surveillance for 30 patients on regular hemodialysis through arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) as a vascular access, clinical assessment of AVF and radiological examination using CDU of the upper limbs. Their ages were ranging from 2 to 18 years with 1:1 male: female ratio. Doppler indices were measured in the afferent arteries, at the site of anastomosis, and the draining veins. AVF stenosis was the highest among all the detected complications (n = 9, 30%), aneurysm and pseudoaneurysmal formation (n = 8, 26%) anastomoses diameter reduction in 16.6%, and it was correlated with the dialysis adequacy measured through the Kt/v. Other complications were thrombosis (n = 2, 6.7%), central venous stenosis (n = 2, 6.7%), steal syndrome (n = 1, 3.3%) and calcifications in (n = 1, 3.3%). In total, 26% of the patients have more than one malfunction. Only one case has access failure a month after CDU examination.ConclusionIn conclusion, among pediatric patients CDU can detect early stenosis of AVF in children, which can affect the dialysis adequacy.

Association of Abdominal Aortic Calcification with Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography Bone Measures in Older Women: The Perth Longitudinal Study of Ageing Women

We have previously shown that abdominal aortic calcification (AAC), a marker of advanced atherosclerotic disease, is weakly associated with reduced hip areal bone mineral density (aBMD). To better understand the vascular–bone health relationship, we explored this association with other key determinants of whole-bone strength and fracture risk at peripheral skeletal sites. This study examined associations of AAC with peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT)-assessed total, cortical and trabecular volumetric BMD (vBMD), bone structure and strength of the radius and tibia among 648 community-dwelling older women (mean ± SD age 79.7 ± 2.5 years). We assessed associations between cross-sectional (2003) and longitudinal (progression from 1998/1999–2003) AAC assessed on lateral dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) images with cross-sectional (2003) and longitudinal (change from 2003 to 2005) pQCT bone measures at the 4% radius and tibia, and 15% radius. Partial Spearman correlations (adjusted for age, BMI, calcium treatment) revealed no cross-sectional associations between AAC and any pQCT bone measures. AAC progression was not associated with any bone measure after adjusting for multiple comparisons, despite trends for inverse correlations with total bone area at the 4% radius (rs = − 0.088, p = 0.044), 4% tibia (rs = − 0.085, p = 0.052) and 15% radius (rs = − 0.101, p = 0.059). Neither AAC in 2003 nor AAC progression were associated with subsequent 2-year pQCT bone changes. ANCOVA showed no differences in bone measures between women with and without AAC or AAC progression, nor across categories of AAC extent. Collectively, these finding suggest that peripheral bone density and structure, or its changes with age, are not associated with central vascular calcification in older women.

A Rare Case of Peritoneal Tuberculosis in a 21 Years Old Male Patient

Tuberculosis is among the top 5 causes of death from infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, it most frequently affects the lungs, although it can compromise the digestive tract, genitourinary, peritoneum, pleura, bones, lymph nodes and meninges, composing the group of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Peritoneal involvement is the most common form of abdominal type representing 0.1 to 0.7% of all tuberculosis cases. With nonspecific symptoms, without of laboratory findings that would guide the search for Mycobacteria and imaging tests that overlap common in other pathologies, the diagnosis is difficult. In Abdominal Computed Tomography, ascites, smooth peritoneal thickening, densification of the mesentery root, lymphadenomegaly with central necrosis or calcification are observed. Laparoscopy with the biopsy and collection of ascitic fluid is used as a method for diagnosis. The mortality of abdominal tuberculosis can reach 15% and perforation of intestinal loops, malnutrition, anemia, hypoalbuminemia are the main complications. We present the case of a patient presenting recurrent umbilical hernia, whose diagnosis of peritoneal tuberculosis was made during surgery.

A focused review on recent advances in diagnosis and management of fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma

Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FHCC) is a rare primary malignancy of the liver for which data remain limited. This tumor is more often diagnosed in younger patient populations in the absence of underlying cirrhosis and hepatitis. These lesions can be diagnosed on computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging with common findings including central calcifications, a central stellate scar, and radiating fibrotic bands. Laboratory markers have not proved useful for diagnosis; however, pathologic analysis can be implemented to aid in diagnosis with findings including ample granular eosinophilic cytoplasm, nuclei with open chromatin and prominent macronuclei, hyaline and pale bodies, and dense lamellar fibrosis that divides the cells into cords or trabeculae. FHCC demonstrates aggressive malignant potential with nodal spread. Treatment patterns have remained mainly surgical; however, systemic therapies have been implemented and are under further investigation with clinical trials. Locoregional therapies and radiation therapies have been trialed sparingly. In this focused review, we discuss the most up-to-date perspective on epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, differential diagnosis, treatment regimens, prognosis, and future directions of FHCC.

Imaging Features with Histopathologic Correlation of CNS High-Grade Neuroepithelial Tumors with a BCOR Internal Tandem Duplication.

A new brain tumor entity occurring in early childhood characterized by a somatic BCL6 corepressor gene internal tandem duplication was recently described. The aim of this study was to describe the radiologic pattern of these tumors and correlate this pattern with histopathologic findings. This retrospective, noninterventional study included 10 children diagnosed with a CNS tumor, either by ribonucleic acid-sequencing analysis or deoxyribonucleic acid methylation analysis. Clinical, radiologic, and histopathologic data were collected. A neuropathologist reviewed 9 tumor samples. Preoperative images were analyzed in consensus by 7 pediatric radiologists. All tumors were relatively large (range, 4.7-9.2 cm) intra-axial peripheral masses with well-defined borders and no peritumoral edema. All tumors showed mild and heterogeneous enhancement and marked restriction on DWI of the solid portions. Perfusion imaging showed a relatively lower CBF in the tumor than in the adjacent normal parenchyma. Nine of 10 tumors showed areas of necrosis, with the presence of hemorrhage in 8/10 and calcifications in 4/7. Large intratumoral macroscopic veins were observed in 9/10 patients. No intracranial or spinal leptomeningeal dissemination was noted at diagnosis. CNS tumors with a BCL6 corepressor gene internal tandem duplication present as large intra-axial peripheral masses with well-defined borders, no edema, restricted diffusion, weak contrast enhancement, frequent central necrosis, hemorrhage and calcifications, intratumoral veins, and no leptomeningeal dissemination at the time of diagnosis. Knowledge of these imaging characteristics may aid in histologic, genomic, and molecular profiling of brain tumors in young children.

Abnormal shadow on chest radiograph: a supra – or infradiaphragmatic finding?

Incidental findings on chest X-ray of oncological patients need further evaluation in contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). We report two cases of abnormal shadows, detected on radiograph, in patients with breast cancer: the first one projected under the left hemidiaphragm and the second one obscuring the right hemidiaphragm. Both patients were asymptomatic, subjected to a surgery and to a CT. The first scan revealed a 15 mm diameter nodule in left lung with smooth margins and central calcifications. Whereas, the second exam showed a subcapsular, ring, calcified lesion in the liver. In both cases, CT was essential for staging and therapeutic choice.