Pattern Of Calcification Research Articles

The prevalence of elongated styloid process in the population of Barcelona: a cross-sectional study & review of literature

BackgroundStyloid process (SP) is a cylindrical bony projection that originates from the inferior part of the petrous temporal bone just anteriorly to the stylomastoid foramen. Several nerves, muscles, and ligaments are related closely to the (SP). It is considered elongated when the measurement exceeds 30 mm. The overall prevalence of the styloid process is between 3.3% to 84.4%. The elongation of the styloid process (ESP) is associated with the manifestation of Eagle’s Syndrome (ES) which is characterized by various types of pain in the head and neck region such as headache, tinnitus, otalgia, and trigeminal neuralgia. Eagle’s syndrome occurs in 4–10.3% of individuals with an elongated styloid process (ESP). The objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of (ESP) in the patients who were treated in the Dental Hospital University of Barcelona (HOUB), to review the literature to spot the light on the different demographic data worldwide.MethodsThe archived panoramic image in the University of Barcelona dental Hospital were consecutively retrieved to investigate the prevalence of (ESP). Of all digital panoramic radiographs (OPG), 400 met the inclusion criteria and were furtherly analyzed. The results are correlated with the participant’s gender, age, and occurrence. Age is subcategorized into three groups. A chi-square test is used to measure the significant differences and the P-value is set at < 0.05 for the level of significance.ResultsAmong the included 400, we found 291 demonstrating (ESP). The prevalence of (ESP) which exceeds 30 mm is 72.75%. It is found that the most common morphological type is type 1 which is regarded as the uninterrupted (ESP) regardless of gender and age group. Concerning the calcification pattern, the most prevalent is the partial calcified (ESP) despite genders and age groups.Conclusion(OPG) is a sufficient tool for the screening of the elongated styloid process. Regarding the prevalence, our results are considered higher than previously reported prevalence in different populations using (OPG) radiography tool. A study on a wider spectrum of the Spanish population is recommended to further investigate the correlation between the elongated styloid process and the occurrence of Eagle’s syndrome.

Spotty calcium deposits within acute coronary syndrome (ACS)-causing culprit lesions impact inflammatory vessel-wall interactions and are associated with higher cardiovascular event rates at one year follow-up: Results from the prospective translational OPTICO-ACS study program

Background and aimsSpotty calcium deposits (SCD) represent a vulnerable plaque feature which seems to result - as based on recent invitro studies - from inflammatory vessel-wall interactions. SCD can be reliably assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Their prognostic impact is yet unknown. Therefore, the aims of this translational study were to comprehensively characterize different plaque calcification patterns, to analyze the associated inflammatory mechanisms in the microenvironment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS)-causing culprit lesions (CL) and to investigate the prognostic significance of SCD in a large cohort of ACS-patients. MethodsCL of the first 155 consecutive ACS-patients from the translational OPTICO-ACS-study program were investigated by OCT-characterization of the calcium phenotype at ACS-causing culprit lesions. Simultaneous immunophenotyping by flow-cytometric analysis and cytokine bead array technique across the CL gradient (ratio local/systemic levels) was performed and incidental major adverse cardiovascular events plus (MACE+) at 12 months after ACS were assessed. ResultsSCD were observed within 45.2% of all analyzed ACS-causing culprit lesions (CL). Culprits containing spotty calcium were characterized by an increased culprit ratio of innate effector cytokines interleukin (IL)-8 [2.04 (1.24) vs. 1.37 (1.10) p < 0.05], as well as TNF (tumor necrosis factor)-α [1.17 (0.93) vs. 1.06 (0.89); p < 0.05)] and an increased ratio of circulating neutrophils [0.96 (0.85) vs. 0.91 (0.77); p < 0.05] as compared to culprit plaques without SCD. Total monocyte levels did not differ between the two groups (p = n.s.). However, SCD-containing CLs were characterized by an increased culprit ratio of intermediate monocytes [(1.15 (0.81) vs. 0.96 (0.84); p < 0.05)] with an enhanced surface expression of the integrin receptor CD49d as compared to intermediate monocytes derived from SCD-free CLs [(1.06 (0.94) vs. 0.97 (0.91)] p < 0.05. Finally, 12 months rates of MACE+ were higher in patients with, as compared to patients without SCD at CL (16.4% vs. 5.3%; p < 0.05). ConclusionsThis study for the first time identified a specific inflammatory profile of CL with SCD, with a predominance of neutrophils, intermediate monocytes and their corresponding effector molecules. Hence, this study advances our understanding of ACS-causing CL and provides the basis for future personalized anti-inflammatory, therapeutic approaches to ACS.

Expanding the spectrum of tyrosine kinase fusions in calcified chondroid mesenchymal neoplasms: Identification of a novel PDGFRA::USP8 gene fusion.

Calcified chondroid mesenchymal neoplasms represent a distinct, and recently recognized, spectrum of tumors. To date most cases have been reported to be characterized by FN1 gene fusions involving multiple potential tyrosine kinase partners. Following incidental identification of a tumor morphologically corresponding to calcified chondroid mesenchymal neoplasm, but with a PDGFRA::USP8 gene fusion, we undertook a retrospective review to identify and characterize additional such cases. A total of four tumors were identified. Each was multilobulated and composed of polygonal-epithelioid-stellate cells with a background of chondroid matrix containing distinctive patterns of calcification. Targeted RNA sequencing revealed an identical PDGFRA (exon 22)::USP8 (exon 5) gene fusion in each case. Subsequent immunohistochemical staining confirmed the presence of PDGFRα overexpression. In summary, we report a series of four tumors within the morphologic spectrum of calcified chondroid mesenchymal neoplasms. In contrast to prior reports, these tumors harbored a novel PDGFRA::USP8 gene fusion, rather than FN1 rearrangement. Our findings expand the molecular diversity of these neoplasms, and suggest they are united through activation of protein kinases.

Peripheral arterial disease treatment planning using noninvasive and invasive imaging methods

With the growing prevalence and mortality of peripheral arterial disease, preoperative assessment, risk stratification, and determining the correct indication for endovascular and open surgical procedures are essential for therapeutic decision-making. The effectiveness of interventional procedures is significantly influenced by the plaque composition and calcification pattern. Therefore, the identification of patients for whom endovascular treatment is the most appropriate therapeutic solution often remains a challenge. The most commonly used imaging techniques have their own limitations and do not provide findings detailed enough for specific, personalized treatment planning. Using state-of-the-art noninvasive and invasive imaging modalities, it is now possible to obtain a view, not only of the complex vascular anatomy and plaque burden of the lower extremity arterial system, but also of complex plaque structures and various pathologic calcium distribution patterns. In the future, as these latest advancements in diagnostic methods become more widespread, we will be able to obtain more accurate views of the plaque structure and anatomic complexity to guide optimal treatment planning and device selection. We reviewed the implications of the most recent invasive and noninvasive lower extremity imaging techniques and future directions.

The correlation between medial pattern of intracranial arterial calcification and white matter hyperintensities

Background and aimsDespite reported correlations between intracranial arterial calcification (IAC) and white matter hyperintensities (WMH), little is known about the relationship between IAC pattern and WMH. By differentiating intimal and medial IAC, we aimed to investigate the relationship between IAC pattern and WMH. MethodsConsecutive acute stroke patients were included. IAC pattern was categorized as intimal or medial on plain brain CT. The number of cerebral arteries involved by IAC for each patient was recorded. IAC severity was defined as focal or diffuse. On brain MRI, the burden of WMH was visually graded and classified as absent mild, moderate and severe. Multiple logistic regression was performed to examine the relationship between IAC and WMH. ResultsAmong 265 patients, intimal IAC was detected in 54.7% patients and medial IAC in 48.5% patients. Diffuse IAC was present in 27.9% patients, all of which were medial. WMH was found in 75.5% patients, including 39.6% patients with mild WMH, 26.0% with moderate WMH, and 9.8% with severe WMH. The severity of medial IAC was correlated with WMH occurrence (p < 0.001). Chi-square linear trend suggested the number of arteries involved by medial IAC (p < 0.001) and the severity of medial IAC (p < 0.001) were correlated with WMH burden. Multiple ordinal logistic regression demonstrated a positive correlation of WMH burden with the number of arteries involved by medial IAC (p < 0.001) and the severity of medial IAC (p < 0.001). ConclusionsMedial IAC was correlated with WMH. The dose-effect relationship between medial IAC and WMH suggests underlying shared mechanisms of intracranial large artery disease and small vessel disease.

Metastatic Pulmonary Calcification: Single-Center Review of Typical and Atypical Imaging Features.

The purpose of this study is to bring attention to an atypical form of metastatic pulmonary calcification, which is conventionally described as a metabolic process with upper lobe predominance in patients with a specific clinical history, which has not been reported as a distinct entity. Patients with metastatic pulmonary calcification (MPC) were first identified with mPower keyword search, including MPC or metastatic calcifications on computed tomography chest radiological reports. Patients were then filtered on likelihood of MPC based off imaging reports. Images were then reviewed by three senior radiologists for pertinent characteristics such as location of MPC, degree of calcifications and pleural effusions. Based on the predominant location of MPC, cases were labeled as either typical or atypical. Clinical and imaging characteristics relevant to MPC were noted and compared across typical and atypical cases. In our study, we describe 25 patients with MPC, 13 defined as typical MPC and 12 with atypical MPC. Through consensus of senior radiologists, MPC was deemed to be mild (52%), moderate (44%), or severe (4%). Twenty-three patients (92%) had underlying renal disease including 21 requiring dialysis at the time of diagnosis. Outside of age at diagnosis, there was no significant clinical difference between the two groups. Evaluation of imaging characteristics (average HU attenuation, 267; range, 186-295), pattern and distribution of calcification, and clinical history strongly supported a diagnosis of atypical MPC. This study presents several cases of lower lobe subpleural MPC associated with pleural effusions, which has not been reported as a distinct entity, despite comprising a significant portion of MPC cases at our institution.

Actualización de los tumores cartilaginosos según la clasificación de la OMS de 2020

Cartilaginous tumours are a large and heterogeneous group of neoplasms characterised by the presence of a chondroid matrix, with lobular growth and arcuate, ring-like or popcorn-like calcification patterns. MRI shows hyperintensity in T2-weighted sequences and a lobulated or septal relief in postcontrast images.In the WHO 2020 classification, chondral tumours are classified as benign, intermediate or malignant. Despite technological advances, they continue to pose a challenge for both the radiologist and the pathologist, being the main difficulty the differentiation between benign and malignant tumours, which is why they require a multidisciplinary approach.This paper describes the main changes introduced in the 2020 update, describes the imaging characteristics of the main cartilaginous tumours and provides the radiological keys to differentiate between benign and malignant tumours.

Diffuse calcification of pancreas impairs endocrine function and predicts poor outcome in total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation

In patients with chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic calcification is a risk factor for diabetes development, poor islet yield, and metabolic outcomes after total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT). We investigated whether calcification pattern based on computed tomography is associated with outcomes using our database of 200 consecutive TPIAT procedures. Three groups were compared: noncalcification (NC); focal calcification, limited to the pancreas head, body, or tail; and diffuse calcification (DC), with calcification in >2 sections. Maximum changes in outcomes were seen in the DC vs focal calcification group. In the DC group, preoperative hemoglobin A1c levels were higher (P < .01), and stimulated C-peptide levels were lower (P < .01) than in the NC group. Islet isolation from the DC pancreas resulted in the lowest islet equivalent (IEQ) yield and IEQ/kg among the 3 groups (P < .0001), with no insulin independence 12 months posttransplant (P < .05 vs NC group). Notably, at 12 months, the DC group was 91.7% narcotic-free, significantly higher than the NC group (P < .05). Although DC is a sign of diabetes risk after TPIAT, the DC group showed exceptional pain relief. These findings suggest that TPIAT can be beneficial for patients with chronic pancreatitis with severe calcification.

Skeletal calcification patterns of batoid, teleost, and mammalian models: Calcified cartilage versus bone matrix.

This study compares the skeletal calcification pattern of batoid Raja asterias with the endochondral ossification model of mammalians Homo sapiens and teleost Xiphias gladius. Skeletal mineralization serves to stiffen the mobile elements for locomotion. Histology, histochemistry, heat deproteination, scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/EDAX analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) have been applied in the study. H. sapiens and X. gladius bone specimens showed similar profiles, R. asterias calcified cartilage diverges for higher water release and more amorphous bioapatite. In endochondral ossification, fetal calcified cartilage is progressively replaced by bone matrix, while R. asterias calcified cartilage remains un-remodeled throughout the life span. Ca2+ and PO4 3- concentration in extracellular matrix is suggested to reach the critical salts precipitation point through H2 O recall from extracellular matrix into both chondroblasts or osteoblasts. Cartilage organic phase layout and incomplete mineralization allow interstitial fluids diffusion, chondrocytes survival, and growth in a calcified tissue lacking of a vascular and canalicular system. HIGHLIGHTS: Comparative physico-chemical characterization (TGA, DTG and DSC) testifies the mass loss due to water release, collagen and carbonate decomposition of the three tested matrices. R. asterias calcified cartilage water content is higher than that of H. sapiens and X. gladius, as shown by the respectively highest dehydration enthalpy values. Lower crystallinity degree of R. asterias calcified cartilage can be related to the higher amount of collagen in amorphous form than in bone matrix. These data can be discussed in terms of the mechanostat theory (Frost, 1966) or by organic/inorganic phase transformation in the course evolution from fin to limbs. Mineral analysis documented different charactersof R. asterias vs H. sapiens and X. gladius calcified matrix.

Differences in carbonate chemistry up-regulation of long-lived reef-building corals

With climate projections questioning the future survival of stony corals and their dominance as tropical reef builders, it is critical to understand the adaptive capacity of corals to ongoing climate change. Biological mediation of the carbonate chemistry of the coral calcifying fluid is a fundamental component for assessing the response of corals to global threats. The Tara Pacific expedition (2016–2018) provided an opportunity to investigate calcification patterns in extant corals throughout the Pacific Ocean. Cores from colonies of the massive Porites and Diploastrea genera were collected from different environments to assess calcification parameters of long-lived reef-building corals. At the basin scale of the Pacific Ocean, we show that both genera systematically up-regulate their calcifying fluid pH and dissolved inorganic carbon to achieve efficient skeletal precipitation. However, while Porites corals increase the aragonite saturation state of the calcifying fluid (Ωcf) at higher temperatures to enhance their calcification capacity, Diploastrea show a steady homeostatic Ωcf across the Pacific temperature gradient. Thus, the extent to which Diploastrea responds to ocean warming and/or acidification is unclear, and it deserves further attention whether this is beneficial or detrimental to future survival of this coral genus.

Calcified post-tuberculosis nodule at an unusual site

Abstract Calcification is one of the post-treatment sequelae of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and an isolated calcified pulmonary nodule representing granuloma in a lung fissure is rarely detected. We report the case of pulmonary nodule with calcification within the minor fissure of the right lung in a treated case of smear-positive pulmonary TB. As an incidental finding, a solitary post-tuberculous calcified granuloma may not have clinical significance but has to be differentiated from relapse of TB and other pathologic conditions particularly neoplasms. A computed tomographic scan of the chest is very useful for the detection and detailed evaluation of a pulmonary nodule such as its size, margins, doubling time, pattern of calcification and presence of cavitation and can help to identify whether the pulmonary nodule is benign or malignant.

Marginal calcification of thymoma: differences in the location of calcification indicate differences in the characteristics of thymomas.

Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are the most common tumors located in the anterior mediastinum. Calcification is sometimes observed in thymomas, especially in thymomas, and has been reported to be an indicator of the invasive behavior of thymomas. However, whether or not all calcification indicates invasive behavior is unclear. The present study therefore analyzed the location, size, and patterns of thymoma calcification and the relationships between calcification and clinicopathological factors and prognosis. We conducted a retrospective study among 77 thymoma patients who underwent surgery between January 2012 and May 2022 and analyzed the relationship between the location of calcification and clinicopathological findings. The patients were categorized into three groups: those with inner calcification of the tumor (group I), those with marginal calcification (group M), and those without any calcification (group N). Calcification was identified in 13 thymomas (16.9%) in group I (n=8) and group M (n=5). Group M included significantly more low-risk thymomas than the other groups (P=0.030). In low-risk thymomas, especially type AB thymoma, marginal calcification was observed more frequently than in other lesions. There were significant differences in age (P=0.024) and Masako-Koga stage (P=0.020) among the groups. In group I, younger patients and patients with advanced-stage disease were included. There were no significant differences in the rates of recurrence or the recurrence-free period among the groups. However, recurrence was not recognized in any members of group M. The location of calcification should be a point of focus in thymomas, and differences in the location of calcification indicate differences in the characteristics of thymomas.

Treatment effect of medial arterial calcification in below-knee after Auryon laser atherectomy using micro-CT and histologic evaluation

PurposeTo determine the frequency of medial arterial calcification (MAC) fracture following Auryon laser atherectomy using micro-CT and histologic evaluation in an atherosclerotic human cadaveric limb model. MethodsTwo below-the-knee calcified arterial segments from human cadaver limbs underwent treatment with the Auryon laser system with or without plain old balloon angioplasty (POBA). Micro-CT and angiography were performed before and after treatment followed by histological evaluation of regions showing calcium disruption. ResultsAll treatment zones were successfully treated with the Auryon laser (n = 9). Six of 9 treatment zones showed calcium fracture on micro-CT. Each treatment zone was further subdivided using micro-CT analysis (36 evaluated sections) of which 18 sections revealed calcium fracture. Sections with calcium fracture had significantly more confluent and uninterrupted circumferential calcification than sections without calcium fracture (arc of calcification 360.0 [323.7–360.0] vs 312.8 [247.4–314.2] degree, p = 0.007), whereas there were no differences in size of calcium burden (3.4 [2.8–3.9] vs 2.8 [1.3–4.6] mm2, p = 0.46). No arterial dissection or rupture was seen. ConclusionsAuryon laser atherectomy produced fractures of medial arterial calcification in this cadaveric human atherosclerotic peripheral artery model. This effect was observed in arterial segments with a pattern of circumferential uninterrupted calcification (i.e. larger arc of calcification) regardless of calcium burden. Our pilot data suggests Auryon laser may be a promising therapy for calcified lesions.

Pattern of pericardial calcification determines mid-term postoperative outcomes after pericardiectomy in chronic constrictive pericarditis

ObjectivesAlthough pericardiectomy is an effective treatment for constrictive pericarditis (CP), clinical outcomes are not always successful. Pericardial calcification is a unique finding in CP, although the amount and localization of calcification can vary. We investigated how the pattern and amount of pericardial calcification affect mid-term postoperative outcomes after pericardiectomy to treat CP. MethodsAll patients of total pericardiectomy in our hospital from 2010 to 2020 were enrolled. Preoperative Computed tomography (CT) scans of 98 consecutive patients were available and analyzed. Medical records were reviewed retrospectively. Cardiovascular events were defined as cardiovascular death or hospitalization associated with a heart failure symptom, and all-cause events were defined as any event that required admission. CT scans were analyzed, and the volume and localization pattern of peri-calcification were determined. Pericardium calcium scores are presented using Agatston scores. ResultsOf the 98 patients, 25 (25.5%) were hospitalized with heart failure symptoms after pericardiectomy. The median follow-up duration for all patients was 172 weeks. The group with a cardiovascular event had a lower calcium score than patients without an event. Multivariate Cox proportional analysis showed that high ln(calcium score+1) before pericardiectomy was a dependent predictor of cardiovascular event (hazard ratio, 0.90; p = 0.04) after pericardiectomy. When we set the cut-off value (ln(calcium score+1) = 7.22), there was a significant difference in cardiovascular events in the multivariate Cox proportional analysis (p = 0.04). ConclusionA low burden of pericardial calcification was associated with a high rate of mid-term clinical events after pericardiectomy to treat CP.

Acetabular Rim Ossification Variants Are Found in Almost 20% of Patients Presenting With Hip Pain

To determine the prevalence of 4 different types of acetabular rim ossifications, including partial labral ossification or punctate calcification, true os acetabuli, acetabular rim stress fracture, and complete labral ossification, and to determine whether different types of periacetabular ossifications are linked to demographic or radiological factors. We retrospectively reviewed the medial records of patients presenting for hip-related complaints at 2 sports medicine practices from September 2007 to December 2009. An anteroposterior radiograph of both hips and a lateral radiograph of each hip was obtained for all patients and reviewed for findings of cam and pincer femoroacetabular impingement, degenerative changes (Tönnis grade), and periacetabular calcifications for both hips. These parameters were also evaluated with respect to symptoms, sex, and age. Four hundred ninety-one consecutive patients (982 hips) presented to 2 orthopaedic surgeons at 2 centers for "hip"-related complaints. There were 223 males and 268 females (age 39 ± 14 years). The overall prevalence of periacetabular calcifications in hips was 17.6%, with 56.6% of calcifications in the symptomatic hip and 43.4% in the contralateral hip. Four basic patterns of calcification were identified: punctuate calcifications within the labrum (8.0% hips), large rounded calcifications (os acetabuli) (4.2% hip), large fragments with a vertical line of the superior-lateral acetabular rim, consistent with healed or non-healed stress fracture (2.0% hips), and complete ossification of the labrum (3.4% hips). Overall, male sex (P= .002), increased lateral center-edge angle (P= .046), and higher Tönnis grade (P < .001) statistically predicted the presence of periacetabular ossification. Punctate calcifications were more prevalent in males (P= .002). Higher Tönnis grade (P=.029) and increased alpha angle (P= .046) were more prevalent with os acetabuli. Younger age (P= .001), male sex (P= .048), increased alpha angle (P= .012), and increased lateral center-edge angle (P < .001) were more prevalent in acetabular rim fractures. No factors were statistically significant at predicting the presence of an ossified labrum. Periacetabular calcifications are not uncommon. Four particular patterns of calcification are identified: punctate labral calcifications (8%), larger rounded calcifications (i.e., os acetabuli) (4.2%), acetabular rim stress fractures (2%), and complete ossification of the labrum (3.4%) for a combined prevalence of 17.6% in patients presenting to an orthopaedic surgeon with "hip"-related complaints. Nearly half were in the asymptomatic hip. Male sex had a higher prevalence of periacetabular calcifications. An increased lateral center edge angle and higher Tönnis grade also had a higher prevalence of periacetabular calcifications. Younger male patients are more likely to have acetabular rim stress fractures. Patients with an increased alpha angle have a higher prevalence of os acetabuli and rim stress fractures. This study aims to identify, quantify, and categorize periacetabular calcifications about the hip. Their clinical relationships and relevance have been discussed, but no study has distinctly categorized the various types and their prevalence. This study provides a framework for identification and categorization.

Correlation of breast arterial calcification with overall survival in patients with breast cancer.

e12501 Background: Calcifications in breast tissue are common and indicate an array of conditions. Based on pattern of calcifications it indicate cancerous/ precancerous changes. Similarly vascular calcifications indicate a systemic vasculopathy. Aim of this study is to correlate Breast Arterial Calcification (BAC) with overall survival/all cause mortality in patients with breast cancer. Methods: It is a retrospective analysis of all breast cancer patients diagnosed across 3 specialty hospitals In the period of 2013-2017 with at least 5 years of follow up. All cause mortality, breast cancer specific mortality were measured. The comparison was made between the patients with no calcifications (Gr I), vascular calcifications (GrII) ductal calcifications (Gr III), and any breast calcification (Gr IV). Results: The baseline characters of all these groups and the treatment received were balanced. The median survival of the Groups were 43.6+22.6 mo vs 28.6+14.2 mo vs38.5+20.2 mo vs41.6+22.3 months (p=&lt;0.02). Presence of vascular calcifications confers shorter overall survival and the main reason being death due to cardiovascular events. The risk is more in presence of co-morbid conditions (&gt;2 have increased risk of 2.8 fold compared to less than 2), which were defined as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, history of cardiac illness in family, obesity. Those who received Adriamycin based therapy have 1.16 times higher risk than those who did not. Those who smoke are 3.2 times at higher risk than non smokers to have cardiovascular event in presence of breast arterial calcification. Alcohol did not have any impact. Conclusions: BAC is an important marker to predict underlying vasculopathy and risk of coronary cardiac diseases. It confers poor prognosis and reduced overall survival compared to those who do not have it. The challenges to assess CAD risk through CT/angio on community basis is high. Mammograms are being done annually across nations as a routine basis. Risk factors of breast cancer and CAD are common. The cancer detection rates of mammo as &lt;0.2% compared to arterial calcifications, which is almost 12.8%. A simple extra attention towards BAC could help in preventing cardiac related mortality in women both with and without cancer. [Table: see text] [Table: see text]

Fin systems comparative anatomy in model Batoidea Raja asterias and Torpedo marmorata: Insights and relatioships between musculo-skeletal layout, locomotion and morphology.

The macroscopic and microscopic morphology of the appendicular skeleton was studied in the two species Raja asterias (order Rajiformes) and Torpedo marmorata (Order Torpediniformes), comparing the organization and structural layout of pectoral, pelvic, and tail fin systems. The shape, surface area and portance of the T. marmorata pectoral fin system (hydrodynamic lift) were conditioned by the presence of the two electric organs in the disk central part, which reduced the pectoral fin surface area, suggesting a lower efficiency of the "flapping effectors" than those of R. asterias. Otherwise, radials' rays alignment, morphology and calcification pattern showed in both species the same structural layout characterized in the fin medial zone by stiffly paired columns of calcified tiles in the perpendicular plane to the flat batoid body, then revolving and in the horizontal plane to continue as separate mono-columnar rays in the fin lateral zone with a morphology suggesting fin stiffness variance between medial/lateral zone. Pelvic fins morphology was alike in the two species, however with different calcified tiles patterns of the 1st compound radial and pterygia in respect to the fin-rays articulating perpendicularly to the latter, whose tile rows lay-out was also different from that of the pectoral fins radials. The T. marmorata tail-caudal fin showed a muscular and connective scaffold capable of a significant oscillatory forward thrust. On the contrary, the R. asterias dorsal tail fins were stiffened by a scaffold of radials-like calcified segments. Histomorphology, heat-deproteination technique and morphometry provided new data on the wing-fins structural layout which can be correlated to the mechanics of the Batoid swimming behavior and suggested a cartilage-calcification process combining interstitial cartilage growth (as that of all vertebrates anlagen) and a mineral deposition with accretion of individual centers (the tiles). The resulting layout showed scattered zones of un-mineralized matrix within the calcified mass and a less compact texture of the matrix calcified fibers suggesting a possible way of fluid diffusion throughout the mineralized tissue. These observations could explain the survival of the embedded chondrocytes in absence of a canalicular system as that of the cortical bone.

Quantitative CTA vascular calcification, atherosclerosis burden, and stroke mechanism in patients with ischemic stroke

BackgroundVascular calcification is recognized as the advanced stage of atherosclerosis burden. We hypothesized that vascular calcium quantification in CT angiography (CTA) would be helpful to differentiate large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) from other stroke etiology in patients with ischemic stroke. MethodsWe studied 375 acute ischemic stroke patients (200 males, mean age 69.9 years) who underwent complete CTA images of the aortic arch, neck, and head. The automatic artery and calcification segmentation method measured calcification volumes in the intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA), cervical carotid artery, and aortic arch using deep-learning U-net model and region-grow algorithms. We investigated the correlations and patterns of vascular calcification in the different vessel beds among stroke etiology by age category (young: <65 years, intermediate: 65–74 years, older ≥75 years). ResultsNinety-five (25.3%) were diagnosed with LAA according to TOAST criteria. Median calcification volumes were higher by increasing the age category in each vessel bed. One-way ANOVA with Bonferroni correction showed calcification volumes in all vessel beds were significantly higher in LAA compared with other stroke subtypes in the younger subgroup. Calcification volumes were independently associated with LAA in intracranial ICA (OR; 2.89, 95% CI 1.56–5.34, P = .001), cervical carotid artery (OR; 3.40, 95% CI 1.94–5.94, P < .001) and aorta (OR; 1.69, 95%CI 1.01–2.80, P = .044) in younger subsets. By contrast, the intermediate and older subsets did not show a significant relationship between calcification volumes and stroke subtypes. ConclusionAtherosclerosis calcium volumes in major vessels were significantly higher in LAA compared to non-LAA stroke in younger age.

Teaching Neuro Images : Fahr syndrome caused by hypoparathyroidism

A 57-year-old woman with a remote history of thyroidectomy but no prior neurologic symptoms developed seizures, fever, and coma. Limited evaluation at her local hospital in rural Haiti demonstrated serum hypocalcemia (4 mg/dL) and extensive bilateral subcortical calcification in the cerebral and cerebellar hemispheres on CT (figure). This pattern of calcification can occur in inherited conditions such as familial idiopathic basal ganglia calcification (Fahr disease) and acquired conditions (referred to as Fahr syndrome) including parathyroid dysfunction and intrauterine infection.1,2 Given our patient's severe hypocalcemia, Fahr syndrome was attributed to presumed hypoparathyroidism related to prior thyroidectomy in her case.

Assessment of Anatomical Variation of Styloid Process in Multidetector Computed Tomography

Objective: This study aimed to assess the anatomical variation of the styloid process of Nepalese individuals by using multi-detector computed tomography scans. It was carried out to establish the baseline for the normal length of the styloid process and to compare the variability of styloid process measurement between different age group and gender. Materials and methods: This quantitative, cross-sectional was performed in the Department of Radiology and Imaging, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. Imaging data were collected over the period of January to April 2021 with the total number of 153 individuals. The age and gender of the individuals were noted. The measurement was done in the Multiplanar Reconstruction (MPR) coronal sections of Head and Neck, PNS and Cerebral Angiography. Various Styloid Process (SP) morphology parameters like RLSP, RGSP, LLSP, LGSP, Right Elongation Type, Right Calcification Type, Left Elongation Type, and Left Calcification Type was measured. Results: The measurement of the length of SP was found to be 3.06±0.72 cm (ranged 1.80-5.54 cm) in right SP while that of left SP was 3.08±0.72 cm (ranged 1.45-5.69 cm). The gap between the SP and the calcification pattern was found to be 0.51±0.30 cm (ranged 0.08-1.20 cm) in right SP while that of left SP was 0.63±0.43 cm (ranged 0.08- 1.97cm). Similarly, there was a statistical significant difference between the RLSP-RGSP and LLSP-LGSP. The length of styloid process was found to be higher among male than in female. But there was no statistical significant difference between male and female in the SP measurement. The series of elongation patterns were found to be normal SP, followed by elongated, distant elongated, pseudoarticulated, and segmented SP. The series of calcification patterns were found to be calcified SP, followed by nodular, partial, and outlined SP. Conclusion: In this study, the valuable information regarding anatomical length and variation of styloid process with respect to age and gender among the Nepalese individuals was found. 3D CT reconstruction is a gold standard investigation that helps in studying the relation of the SP with surrounding structures.