Eccentric Wall Thickening Research Articles

Comprehensive CT Imaging Analysis of Primary Colorectal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the findings of CT scans in patients with pathologically confirmed primary colorectal squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC). The clinical presentation and CT findings in eight patients with pathologically confirmed primary colorectal squamous-cell carcinoma were retrospectively reviewed by two gastrointestinal radiologists. Hematochezia was the most common symptom (n = 5). The tumors were located in the rectum (n = 7) and sigmoid colon (n = 1). The tumors showed circumferential wall thickening (n = 4), bulky mass (n = 3), or eccentric wall thickening (n = 1). The mean maximal wall thickness of the involved segment was 29.1 mm ± 13.4 mm. The degree of tumoral enhancement observed via CT was well enhanced (n = 4) or moderately enhanced (n = 4). Necrosis within the tumor was found in five patients. The mean total number of metastatic lymph nodes was 3.1 ± 3.3, and the mean short diameter of the largest metastatic lymph node was 16.6 ± 5.7 mm. Necrosis within the metastatic node was observed in six patients. Invasions to adjacent organs were identified in five patients (62.5%). Distant metastasis was detected in only one patient. In summary, primary SCCs that arise from the colorectum commonly present as marked invasive wall thickening or a bulky mass with heterogeneous well-defined enhancement, internal necrosis, and large metastatic lymphadenopathies.

MRI findings of sporadic/simple lymphoepithelial cyst of the parotid gland.

This study aimed to determine the MRI features of sporadic/simple lymphoepithelial cyst (SLEC) of the parotid gland. Ten patients (seven men, three women; mean age, 60years; age range, 38-77years) with histopathologically and clinically proven SLEC of the parotid gland who underwent MRI before surgical resection were enrolled in this study. No enrolled patient had HIV infection or Sjögren syndrome. MRI findings of SLEC were retrospectively assessed. We confirmed 10 SLECs larger than 10mm with a mean maximum diameter of 26.6mm (range, 12-42mm). Nine patients (90%) had a single cyst, and one (10%) had a large cyst accompanied by small cysts (<10mm) within the ipsilateral parotid gland. Eight SLECs (80%) were unilocular, and two (20%) were bilocular, with complete septa. Among seven SLECs (70%) with internal septa, five unilocular SLECs (50%) had incomplete septa. Six SLECs (60%) had eccentric cyst wall thickening, and five (50%) were surrounded by small solid nodules that were isointense relative to lymph node. On T1-weighted images, all cyst contents were homogeneously hyperintense relative to cerebrospinal fluid. SLECs of the parotid gland are usually single unilocular lesions. Internal septa, eccentric cyst wall thickening, and small solid nodules surrounding the lesion were often observed. Cyst contents are always homogeneously hyperintense on T1-weighted images.

Proliferative Vasculopathy Associated With Antiphospholipid Antibodies in Patients With Neurological Symptoms.

BackgroundProliferative vasculopathy (PV) associated antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) in the central nervous system is a rare un(der)recognized form of extra-criteria manifestations of APS. This study investigated the angiographic characteristics of cerebral and cervical arteries in patients with PV associated with antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs).MethodsPatients with aPLs, neurologic symptoms and diffuse luminal narrowing on brain or neck magnetic resonance angiography were selected from electronic medical records. Vascular wall and intraluminal pathology were examined by high-resolution vessel wall MR imaging (VW-MRI).ResultsA total of 11 patients (six men and five women) with PV-aPL, of median (interquartile range) age 42 (34–61) years, were included. Median anticardiolipin antibodies IgG titer was 78.9 (28.2–134.0) units and anti-beta 2 glycoprotein I antibodies (aB2GPIs) IgG titer was 227.2 (0.0–1012.1) units. All patients had diffuse luminal narrowing in the carotid basilar and/or cerebral arteries, five in the internal carotid artery (ICA); two each in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and vertebral artery; and one each in the basilar artery (BA) and posterior cerebral artery. On VW-MRI, four patients showed concentric thickening of the vascular walls of the ICA and/or MCA and two showed mild eccentric wall thickening of the ICA or BA. All patients received antithrombotic treatment. In two patients with extremely high aB2GPIs titer, diffuse narrowing progressed despite treatment with antithrombotic agents on follow-up imaging.ConclusionsThis study suggests that PV-aPL might be a distinct extra-criteria manifestation of APS that can manifest as long-segmental diffuse stenosis of cerebral and cervical arteries. It should be considered in relatively young patients with neurologic symptoms and aPLs.

Drug-Coated Balloon-Oriented Angioplasty for Severe Symptomatic Atherosclerotic MCA Stenosis in Young Adults.

PurposeThe clinical significance of endovascular therapy in young patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis is not clear. We aimed to report our preliminary findings on the safety and effectiveness of a new endovascular treatment strategy, drug-coated balloon (DCB)-oriented angioplasty for young adults with severe symptomatic atherosclerotic middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis.MethodsWe retrospectively retrieved the data of seven young patients aged 21–32 years old with severe symptomatic atherosclerotic MCA stenosis treated with DCB-oriented angioplasty from January 2018 to October 2020. We collected clinical presentations, perioperative complications, and clinical and radiological outcomes.ResultsThe DCB was successfully dilated at the lesions in all seven patients and good antegrade perfusion was achieved in five. The other two patients underwent remedial stent implantation due to residual stenosis >50% and unstable antegrade perfusion after DCB dilatation. However, none of the patients had perioperative complications. There were no recurrent ischemic symptoms after a mean clinical follow-up period of 15.4 ± 6.9 months. Repeat vascular images of the patients showed no restenosis at 3- or 6-month imaging follow-up periods. High-resolution MRI (HRMRI) was completed in all the patients before the angioplasty procedure and at follow-up. Focal eccentric wall thickening was present at the site of stenosis preoperatively; however, the plaques had disappeared by the time of follow-up for all patients.ConclusionDCB-oriented angioplasty may be safe and effective for young patients with severe symptomatic atherosclerotic MCA stenosis.

Colorectal endometriosis with a large polypoid lesion

A 39-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of a positive fecal occult blood test result. She had undergone uterine myomectomy 6 years earlier, and she had been treated with levothyroxine for hypothyroidism after thyroidectomy for Graves’s disease. A physical examination revealed a left-sided abdominal mass without tenderness. A laboratory test showed that the levels of serum tumor markers were within normal range. A barium enema revealed a 4-cm protruding lesion in the descending colon (A). The lesion looked like a submucosal tumor with reddish mucosa and dilatated vessels (B). Magnifying endoscopy with crystal violet staining showed 2 types of pit pattern: most was regular and rounded, whereas a small area had an enlarged and irregular pit pattern (C). Surgical histopathologic examination confirmed that the protruding lesion was composed of endometrial glands and stroma surrounded by smooth muscle bundles (D, H&E, orig. mag. ×40). The results of testing for immunohistochemistry, estrogen receptor (ER), and progesterone receptor were positive. Therefore, we diagnosed polypoid endometriosis. Retrospectively, a biopsy specimen from the lesion with irregular pits showed that a few glands were positive for ER (E, Immunohistochemistry for ER, orig. mag. ×200). Colorectal endometriosis usually presents as eccentric wall thickening and surface nodularities, and diagnosis by endoscopic biopsy is difficult. Our case suggests that magnifying endoscopy is useful for diagnosis with target biopsy for intestinal endometriosis.

Differentiation between stercoral perforation and colorectal cancer perforation.

To determine the computed tomography (CT) signs associated with stercoral perforation and colorectal cancer perforation. From May 2003 to Feb. 2015, all surgically and pathologically confirmed patients with stercoral perforation (n=8, mean age 68.3 years) or colon cancer perforation (n=11, mean age 66.3 years) were retrospectively reviewed by two board-certified radiologists blinded to the proven diagnosis. The following CT findings were evaluated and recorded for each patient: wall thickness of the distal colon adjacent to perforation site, pattern of the colon wall thickening and enhancement, length of the thickened bowel wall, presence of fecaloma, degree of proximal colon dilatation, and pericolonic inflammation or presence of pericolonic abscess, and number of enlarged pericolonic lymph nodes. These findings were correlated with the pathologic diagnosis. The mean thickness of the distal colonic wall adjacent to the perforation site was 13.6 mm in patients with colorectal cancer perforation and 5.1 mm with stercoral perforation, which was statistically different. There was a significant correlation between colorectal cancer perforation and eccentric wall thickening (p<0.01). CT findings of layered enhancing wall thickening (p<0.01) and the presence of fecaloma in the proximal colon (p<0.01) were significant findings for stercoral perforation. Patients with colorectal cancer displayed more pericolonic lymph nodes (mean 2.27, p<0.05). Fecaloma in the proximal colon and layered enhancing wall thickening adjacent to perforation site are likely due to stercoral perforation. Eccentric bowel wall thickening at the distal portion of the perforation site with many enlarged pericolonic lymph nodes is most likely due to colorectal cancer perforation.

Utility of intracranial high-resolution vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging in differentiating intracranial vasculopathic diseases causing ischemic stroke.

High-resolution vessel wall imaging (HRVWI) by MRI is a novel noninvasive imaging tool which provides direct information regarding vessel wall pathologies. The utility of HRVWI in differentiating various intracranial vasculopathies among ischemic stroke is still evolving. Consecutive ischemic stroke/TIA patients within 2weeks of symptom onset between January 2016 to December 2017, with symptomatic vessel stenosis of 50% or more/occlusion on baseline luminal imaging studies were recruited into the study. Stroke subtypes were classified as per TOAST classification initially on the basis of luminal imaging findings alone and subsequently after incorporation of HRVWI findings as well. Forty-nine subjects were recruited into the study. The median age of the population was 42years (range 11 to 75) with 69% being males. Incorporation of HRVWI findings classified 38.8% subjects into intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD), 32.6% as stroke of other determined aetiology (ODE) (inflammatory vasculopathy [IVas] being the major subgroup [81.2%]) and 28.6% into stroke of undetermined aetiology (UE). HRVWI enabled a diagnostic reclassification in an additional 47.3% among the baseline UE category as against luminal imaging findings alone. ICAD was likelier to have eccentric vessel wall thickening, eccentric vessel wall enhancement and T2 juxtaluminal hyperintensity with surrounding hypointensity (P < 0.001), while IVas were more likely to exhibit concentric vessel wall thickening with homogenous enhancement (P < 0.001). HRVWI is a useful noninvasive adjunctive tool in the diagnostic evaluation of intracranial vasculopathies, with maximum benefit in ICAD and IVas subtypes.

Segmental arterial mediolysis in splanchnic arteries: an uncommon cause of abdominal pain

Segmental arterial mediolysis is an uncommon arterial disease that primarily involves splanchnic arteries; abdominal pain is the most common clinical manifestation. We report the case of a 53-year-old male with postprandial diffuse abdominal pain of one month's standing. Physical examination was uneventful, and laboratory tests revealed no abnormal findings. Abdominopelvic CT/Angio-CT showed an increased caliber of the superior mesenteric artery resulting from eccentric circumferential wall thickening. The patent lumen had a segment with fusiform aneurysmal dilatation, 7 x 26 mm long. These vascular changes extended along a number of distal jejunal branches, which also presented complete lumen obliteration. Abdominal arteries were free from signs of arteriosclerotic disease. Findings were consistent with segmental arterial mediolysis.

CT and MR imaging findings of infection-free and benign second branchial cleft cysts.

The present study aimed to assess CT and MR imaging findings of infection-free and benign second branchial cleft cysts (SBCCs). Eleven patients with histopathologically confirmed infection-free and benign SBCCs underwent preoperative contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) and/or MR imaging. We assessed qualitative (presence and extent of wall thickening, degree of contrast enhancement of the thickened wall on CECT images, and signal intensity of the thickened wall on T2-weighted images) and quantitative (maximum thickness of the thickened wall) imaging findings. Eccentric and smooth wall thickening was observed in 11/11 (100%) patients. The wall thickening extent (percentage of the thickened wall to the circumference of the wall) was small (1%-25%) in 4/11 (36%), moderate (26%-50%) in 6/11 (54%), extensive (51%-75%) in 1/11 (9%), and diffuse (76%-100%) in 0/11 (0%) patients. Mild homogeneous enhancement of the thickened wall on CECT images was observed in 7/7 (100%) patients. The signal intensity of the thickened wall on T2-weighted images was isointense relative to that of normal lymph nodes in 7/8 (88%) and mildly hyperintense in 1/8 (12%) patient. The maximum thickness of the thickened walls ranged from 2 to 4 (mean 3.4) mm. Infection-free and benign SBCCs are identifiable as cysts with eccentric and smooth wall thickening on CECT and MR images. The wall thickness was almost always less than half of the wall circumference, isointense relative to normal lymph nodes, and showed mild homogeneous enhancement.

Images 3 months prior to current admission images show eccentric wall thickening of the descending thoracic and suprarenal abdominal aorta, beginning beyond left subclavian artery and extending to the level of the SMA

Images 3 months prior to current admission images show eccentric wall thickening of the descending thoracic and suprarenal abdominal aorta, beginning beyond left subclavian artery and extending to the level of the SMA

Intramural gastric metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: an analysis of imaging findings and clinicopathological features

Objective: To discuss the imaging findings and clinicopathological features of the intramural gastric metastasis (IGM) of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Methods: The imaging findings of 11 patients with IGM confirmed by surgical pathology were reviewed retrospectively, and compared with clinicopathological features. Of the 11 cases, eight underwent upper gastrointestinal radiography, ten underwent contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT) scans and one underwent plain CT scanning. Results: In all 11 cases, the primary cancer was located in the middle or lower thoracic esophagus, and nine of 11 had lymph nodes metastasis. All of the 11 tumors within the stomach were located in the upper one-third of the stomach, with the maximum diameter of tumor ranging from 1.0 cm to 12.0 cm. Gastrointestinal radiography showed irregular filling defect of the stomach in three cases with clear border resembled a submucosal tumor. Mucosal folds of the stomach were irregular and rough in two cases. On CT scans, nodule or mass in the gastric wall was found in seven patients, and two of them were accompanied with ulcer formation. Eccentric or nodular gastric wall thickening was found in the other two patients. All of them were heterogeneous mild-to-moderate enhancement. Conclusions: The imaging appearances of IGM have certain characteristics, but final diagnosis depends on histopathology. The prognosis of IGM was extremely poor, so the preoperative diagnosis is very important to guide clinical treatment.

Proposal of a diagnostic algorithm for intraductal ultrasonography to distinguish between benign and malignant biliary strictures

To reexamine the recognizability of intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS) findings from an imaging database and propose a novel algorithm for clinical application. IDUS images of 102 patients who had undergone IDUS examinations for indeterminate causes of common bile duct dilation were independently reviewed by two endoscopists. The strength of the inter-rater agreement between the endoscopists was analyzed using Cohen's kappa (κ). An algorithm was implemented by arranging the IDUS characteristics according to their recognizability. The proposed algorithm was evaluated by examining the inter-rater agreement and diagnostic accuracy before and after the use of the algorithm. The strength of the inter-rater agreement was good for common bile duct stones with or without acoustic shadowing; intraluminal tumors; or bile duct wall thicknesses of more than or equal to 9 mm (κ > 0.8); followed by intraluminal hypoechoic nodules without common bile duct stone characteristics (κ = 0.771); and finally eccentric wall thickening, outer layer disruption, irregular mucosa, and destructed mural layers (κ: 0.595–0.419). Our algorithm improved the strength of inter-rater agreement with a diagnostic accuracy of 81.4%. We proposed an algorithm according to the recognizability of IDUS characteristics, and it can be used by endoscopists to evaluate such characteristics and determine the cause of biliary obstruction.

Corrosive-Induced Carcinoma of Esophagus: Esophagographic and CT Findings.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the esophagographic and CT findings of corrosive esophageal cancer. The records of all patients who presented with corrosive esophageal strictures at one institution between June 1989 and April 2015 were retrospectively identified. The search yielded the records of 15 patients with histopathologically proven esophageal cancer. Esophagograms (13 patients) and chest CT images (14 patients) were interpreted independently by two reviewers. Esophagographic findings included the location of tumor, morphologic type, presence and length of mucosal irregularity, presence of asymmetric involvement, and presence of rigidity. CT findings included presence and type of esophageal wall thickening, pattern of enhancement, presence of periesophageal infiltration, and presence of hilar or mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Esophagography showed that the tumor was involved with the stenotic portion in 10 of the 13 patients (76.9%). The most common morphologic feature was a polypoid mass, in 10 patients. In 12 patients (92.3%), mucosal irregularities were observed; the mean affected length was 4.92 cm. Asymmetric involvement and rigidity were observed in nine patients (69.2%). On CT scans, eccentric wall thickening was observed in 10 of the 14 patients (71.4%), homogeneous enhancement in nine (64.2%), and periesophageal infiltration in 11 (78.5%). Esophagography commonly shows corrosive esophageal cancer as a polypoid mass with long-segment mucosal irregularities at the stenotic portion, asymmetric involvement, and rigidity. CT shows eccentric esophageal wall thickening with homogeneous enhancement and periesophageal infiltration, which are suggestive of the development of malignancy in patients with corrosive esophageal strictures.

Abstract 206: High Occurrence Rate of Parent Intracranial Artery Plaque n Patients With Acute Penetrating Artery Territory Infarcts: Interim Results of the Stroke Imaging Package Study

Background: Pathology studies suggested obstruction of the origins of penetrating arteries by parent intracranial artery plaque can cause an infarct. Using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging(HRMRI), intracranial plaque distribution can be identified in vivo. We aimed to investigate the occurrence rate of parent intracranial artery plaque in patients with acute penetrating artery territory infarcts. Methods: Patients with first ever stroke within 72 hours from onset, confirmed by diffusion weighted imaging, were recruited from 16 medical centers. Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance angiography, HRMRI (including 3-dimentional T1 images and 2-dimentional T2 images) and susceptibility-weighted imaging were performed. All patients received thorough evaluations to determine the cause of stroke according to TOAST classifications. A plaque was identified if there was eccentric wall thickening, whereas the thinnest part was estimated to be less than 50% of the thickest point by visual inspection. The plaques within middle cerebral artery(MCA) were further classified based on their orientation being centered on the superior, inferior, dorsal, or ventral side of the vessel. Possible culprit plaques were defined if superior and/or dorsal MCA plaques ipsilateral to the infarcts were observed. The plaques within basilar artery were further classified based on their orientation being centered on the ventral, dorsal, or lateral sides of the vessel ( ipsilateral to infarcts, or contralateral to infarcts). Possible culprit plaques were defined if dorsal plaques or the plaques ipsilateral to brain stem infarcts were observed. Results: Six hundred and one patients (70% male, mean age 61±16 years old, mean NIHSS 6± 5) were enrolled. Two hundred and eighty-eight(48%) patients were diagnosed with penetrating artery territory infarcts. Of them, 139 patients(48%, 85 MCAs and 54 BAs) had a plaque within the parent intracranial artery of the infarcts. Most of the parent artery plaques(119,85%) were identified as possible culprit plaques. Conclusions: High occurrence rate of parent intracranial artery plaques was observed in patients with acute penetrating artery territory infarcts.

Multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) findings of adnexal torsion: An analysis of 116patients.

The purpose of this study was to identify differences in multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) findings of adnexal torsion (AT) according to the anatomical subtypes and identify MDCT findings that may predict conservative treatment. A total of 295consecutive women with pelvic pain who underwent preoperative MDCT and subsequent surgery less than 24h after admission were included in this retrospective study. Among them, 116women (mean age: 33.9years; range: 3-80years) with histopathologically confirmed AT after surgery were included in the final analysis. On histopathological examination, an underlying ovarian mass was found in 98women (98/116, 84.5%). In the group without ovarian mass (n=18), massive edema (12/18, 66.7% vs. 16/98, 16.3%; P<0.001) was frequently found. However, in the group with ovarian mass (n=98), twisted tube or pedicle (5/18, 27.8% vs. 55/98, 56.1%; P=0.027) and concentric or eccentric wall thickening (5/18, 27.8% vs. 82/98, 83.7%; P<0.001) demonstrated a statistically significant higher incidence. Based on the surgical and pathological results, the 116women were classified into three subtypes including ovary-tubal (89/116, 77%), ovary only (22/116, 19%) and tubal only subtype (5/116, 4%). In the ovary-tubal subtype, tubal thickening (88/89, 98.9% vs. 11/22, 50.0%; P<0.001), twisted tube or pedicle (57/89, 64.0% vs. 3/22, 13.6%; P<0.001) and remaining tubal enhancement (52/89, 58.4% vs. 7/22, 31.8%; P=0.025) were more frequently observed than in the ovary only subtype. There was no significant difference between the relative frequency of imaging findings in the cystectomy group and adnexectomy group of the ovary-tubal type. Knowledge of common and characteristic MDCT findings of AT according to the anatomical subtypes is important to make accurate diagnosis and avoid delayed treatment.

Computed tomography findings for a gastric lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma: How often does it present as a submucosal mass?

To describe the anatomical location, size, tumour characteristics and morphology on CT of gastric lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) in order to determine the proportion of lesions that present as submucosal masses, and to review the clinicopathological findings. This retrospective study reviewed CT images of 186 lesions from 178 patients with LELC. CT morphologies and other findings were also analyzed. Pathology and medical records were reviewed. A pathology slide review of the lesions that presented with submucosal masses was performed. Gastric LELC presenting as a submucosal mass was found in 9.1%. The most common CT morphology was eccentric wall thickening (67.7%). On the pathology review, 14/17 submucosal mass lesions (82.4%) had a central ulceration. 105 lesions were T1/T2 stage (94.1%), and N0 stage was diagnosed in 66.1%. Fifty-six of 63 metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) (88.9%) demonstrated homogeneous enhancement, regardless of size. Male predominance (85.4%), upper stomach location (45.7%) and multiplicity (4.5%) were found. Gastric LELC presenting as a submucosal mass is only detected in a small portion of all patients, and the most common finding is eccentric wall thickening. Central ulceration and enlarged LNs with homogeneous enhancement are occasionally other features on CT. • LELCs as submucosal masses on CT were detected in only 9.1 %. • The most common CT finding was eccentric wall thickening (67.7 %). • Central ulceration and enlarged LNs with homogeneous enhancement might be seen.

Abstract W P119: High Resolution MRI Characteristics of Unclassified Intracranial Stenosis Under Age 50

Introduction: Intracranial stenoses in the young have various underlying pathologies, including early atherosclerosis, infectious and inflammatory vasculitis, and Moyamoya disease, but specific diagnosis is challenging in clinical practice. We set out to characterize the unclassified intracranial stenoses and probable atherosclerosis in the young using high-resolution MRI (HR-MR) vessel wall imaging techniques. Methods: We reviewed the HR-MR database at our hospital with criteria of patients under 50 years with intracranial stenosis. Patients with primary / secondary CNS vasculitis, infectious vasculitis, Moyamoya disease, dissection or cardio embolic strokes were excluded. Imaging protocol included black-blood gadolinium contrast -enhanced T1-weighted sequence with fat suppression and time-of-flight MRA of the circle of willis with 3-Tesla MRI. Results: Twenty-five patients (9 males, median age 41) met the inclusion criteria. Hyperlipidemia hypertension, history of smoking and diabetes mellitus were noted in 24, 20, 16, and 9 patients respectively. Seventeen had 3 or more vascular risk factors. Twenty-one patients (84 %) had isolated anterior circulation involvement, while 13 patients (52%) had single vessel stenosis. Median time interval between ischemic event and HR-MR was 78 days. Concentric vessel wall enhancement of the culprit stenosis was noted in 18 patients (72%). None had eccentric wall thickening and eccentric enhancement. Vessel wall enhancement was associated with the presence of diabetes (p=0.026) but not associated with other vascular risk factors. Having a risk factor burden of 3 or more (p=0.15), multifocal stenosis (p=0.3), or shorter time to MRI imaging (p=0.6) were not associated with vessel wall enhancement. On follow-up HR-MR imaging after median of 6 months, all 5 patients with early vessel wall enhancement had unchanged findings. Conclusion: In this cohort, while the risk factor burden suggests “accelerated atherosclerosis,” the vessel wall enhancement patterns are unlike atherosclerotic plaques that have been previously described with HR-MR. The nature of these stenoses needs further investigation.

Abstract T MP54: High-resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Intracranial Stenosis in Patients Younger Than 35 Years

Background: Using High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging(HRMRI), we aimed to investigate the etiology of intracranial stenosis in patients younger than 35 years. Methods: Fifty-four consecutive patients (mean age,29±6 years) with middle cerebral artery stenosis were evaluated by HRMRI. The morphology of artery lesions and clinical data were analyzed. Probable atherosclerotic plaques were diagnosed by the presence of eccentric wall thickening. Probable non-atherosclerotic lesions were diagnosed by the presence of concentric wall thickening and absence of plaques.On quantitative analysis, when constrictive remodeling can be identified by visual inspection, vessel shrinkage was defined. Results: Plaques were found in 32 (59%) patients, including 13 patients without any atherosclerosis risk factors. The patients with a plaque tended to be older (p=0.061), male (p=0.013), and more likely have atherosclerosis risk factors(59% vs. 23%, p=0.012), expansive artery remodeling (37.5% vs. 0,p&lt;0.001), and infarctions (75% vs. 45%, p=0.044). The non-atherosclerotic lesions more often displayed vessel shrinkage (100% vs. 31%, p&lt;0.001) and concentric wall enhancement (83% vs.13%, p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: In this study, atherosclerosis accounted for a high percentage of intracranial artery stenosis in patients younger than 35 years when HRMRI was introduced into the diagnostic setting. Intracranial non-atherosclerotic stenosis has distinct vascular pathophysiology from atherosclerotic stenosis and is often free from stroke.

Value of two-phase dynamic multidetector computed tomography in differential diagnosis of post-inflammatory strictures from esophageal cancer.

To characterize the computed tomography (CT) findings in patients with post-inflammatory esophageal strictures (corrosive and peptic) and reveal the optimal scanning phase protocols for distinguishing post-inflammatory esophageal stricture and esophageal cancer. Sixty-five patients with esophageal strictures of different etiology were included in this study: 24 patients with 27 histopathologically confirmed corrosive strictures, 10 patients with 12 peptic strictures and 31 patients with esophageal cancer were evaluated with a two-phase dynamic contrast-enhanced MDCT. Arterial and venous phases at 10 and 35 s after the attenuation of 200 HU were obtained at the descending aorta, with a delayed phase at 6-8 min after the start of injection of contrast media. For qualitative analysis, CT scans of benign strictures were reviewed for the presence/absence of the following features: "target sign", luminal mass, homogeneity of contrast medium uptake, concentric wall thickening, conically shaped suprastenotic dilatation, smooth boundaries of stenosis and smooth mucous membrane at the transition to stenosis, which were compared with a control group of 31 patients who had esophageal cancer. The quantitative analysis included densitometric parameter acquisition using regions-of-interest measurement of the zone of stenosis and normal esophageal wall and the difference between those measurements (ΔCT) at all phases of bolus contrast enhancement. Esophageal wall thickening, length of esophageal wall thickening and size of the regional lymph nodes were also evaluated. The presence of a concentric esophageal wall, conically shaped suprastenotic dilatation, smooth upper and lower boundaries, "target sign" and smooth mucous membrane at the transition to stenosis were suggestive of a benign cause, with sensitivities of 92.31%, 87.17%, 94.87%, 76.92% and 82.05%, respectively, and specificities of 70.96%, 89.66%, 80.65%, 96.77% and 93.55%, respectively. The features that were most suggestive of a malignant cause were eccentric esophageal wall thickening, tuberous upper and lower boundaries of stenosis, absence of mucous membrane visualization, rupture of the mucous membrane at the upper boundary of stenosis, cup-shaped suprastenotic dilatation, luminal mass and enlarged regional lymph nodes with specificities of 92.31% 94.87%, 67.86%, 100%, 97.44%, 94.87% and 82.86%, respectively and sensitivities of 70.97%, 80.65%, 96.77%, 80.65%, 54.84%, 87.10% and 60%, respectively. The highest tumor attenuation occurred in the arterial phase (mean attenuation 74.13 ± 17.42 HU), and the mean attenuation difference between the tumor and the normal esophageal wall (mean ΔCT) in the arterial phase was 23.86 ± 19.31 HU. Here, 11.5 HU of ΔCT in the arterial phase was the cut-off value used to differentiate esophageal cancer from post-inflammatory stricture (P = 0.000). The highest attenuation of post-inflammatory strictures occurred in the delayed phase (mean attenuation 71.66 ± 14.28 HU), and the mean ΔCT in delayed phase was 34.03 ± 15.94 HU. Here, 18.5 HU of ΔCT in delayed phase was the cut-off value used to differentiate post-inflammatory stricture from esophageal cancer (P < 0.0001). The described imaging findings reveal high diagnostic significance in the differentiation of benign strictures from esophageal cancer.

Patterns of intracranial vessel wall changes in relation to ischemic infarcts.

In this retrospective case series study, we used 7.0 tesla MRI to describe patterns of intracranial vessel wall abnormalities in relation to ischemic infarcts in 9 patients with different intracranial vessel wall pathologies. A patient-specific clinical imaging protocol was obtained after regular clinical workup, including a fluid-attenuated inversion recovery and an intracranial vessel wall sequence before and after contrast administration using 7.0 tesla MRI. An attempt was made to describe patterns by grouping the patients by intracranial vessel wall abnormalities (eccentric or concentric; enhancing or nonenhancing), then on the presence of macroinfarcts and cortical microinfarcts (CMIs), and lastly on type of macroinfarct (lacunar, small macroinfarct, or large macroinfarct). Intracranial vessel wall abnormalities were identified in all patients, totaling 45 lesions, 12 of which enhanced after contrast administration. CMIs were found in 5 patients. Two patients had eccentric, enhancing wall thickening but differed based on presence or absence of CMIs. Four patients also had eccentric but nonenhancing wall thickening, 2 of whom showed CMIs. The 2 patients lacking CMIs could be subdivided based on the type of macroinfarct. Concentric, enhanced wall thickening was observed in 2 patients with CMIs who differed regarding macroinfarct types. One patient with previous vasculitis showed concentric, nonenhancing wall thickening. Our results suggest that the combination of intracranial vessel wall abnormalities and infarct type is related to different stroke etiologies.