Radiological Signs Research Articles

What a knee pain, doctor! Pellegrini-Stieda Syndrome

The Pellegrini-Stieda sign is a radiological sign that represents proximal calcification of the medial collateral ligament of the knee. Occurs after direct or indirect trauma to the knee. The associated symptoms of pain and limitation of the functional range is what is known as Pellegrini-Stieda syndrome. Radiologically diagnosed, it is a recognizable condition in our primary care services. For this reason, and thus being able to carry out better treatment and guidance in referral to a specialist, the case is presented for review.

FEATURES OF THE TREATMENT OF HYPERMOBILITY OF THE ARTICULAR HEADS AND DISLOCATIONS OF THE LOWER JAW ON THE BACKGROUND OF FRACTURES OF THE CONDYGAL PROCESSES OF THE MANDIBLE, AS A PREVENTION OF ALLOPLASTIC REPLACEMENTS OF THE TEMPOMANDIBULAR JOINT

Acute, chronic, and recurrent dislocations are currently defined as conditions in which the mandibular process becomes dislocated from its joints and requires manipulation by another person to return to its normal position. Such conditions are usually preceded by either iatrogenic factors, including fractures of the mandibular branch, or joint instability and hypermobility of its heads. This pathology requires a personalized treatment algorithm: in each case, the clinical and radiological signs of this pathology should be clearly taken into account and the method of conservative or surgical treatment should be determined. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages, and their combined use is also possible, which is the key to preventing more significant complications that can lead to allostatic replacements, joint components, or joint replacement as a whole.
 The purpose of the study is to conduct a comparative analysis of the data of clinical examinations, conservative and surgical treatment, complications and postoperative results, taking into account the prevalence of chronic dislocations of the mandible against the background of condylar fractures.
 Clinical cases of chronic dislocations of the mandible lasting from one to three months after osteosynthesis were analyzed by the authors. Attempts at manual reduction did not bring a positive result, so it was decided to treat the patients conservatively, using bite blocks made of self-hardening plastic and the use of elastic methods of fixation of the mandible, which gave a positive result already in the third week of treatment. Also, these patients were observed in the clinic for 6 months without visualization of complications of both mechanical and inflammatory nature.
 The analysis of clinical case data allows us to state that the goal of treatment should be to return the condyles to their original physiological position, and conservative methods should be in the first place when creating an algorithm. Early manual reduction of the joint heads is the best method of treatment, if it is possible to carry it out in a timely manner. As the duration of the dislocation increases, the joint cavity is filled with connective tissue, cartilaginous changes occur, adhesions between the articular surfaces are formed, the masticatory muscles shorten with possible fibrosis of the temporalis muscle. We have confirmed the fact that one of the best conservative treatments is the use of an elastic chin-parietal bandage, which acts as a fulcrum to move the heads back under the anterior slope of the articular tubercle, with the simultaneous use of arches and posterior occlusal rollers. If this treatment does not bring a positive result, we use intraoral splints with a fulcrum in the area of the second molar in combination with extraoral traction to move the heads in the posterior direction with simultaneous stretching of the capsule of the temporomandibular joint and its intracapsular ligaments.
 It should be noted that in each case, all the features of the pathogenesis of this disease should be taken into account and a personalized treatment algorithm should be developed, consisting of conservative methods, and, if ineffective, surgical treatment.

The Increasing Burden of Emergency Department and Inpatient Consultations for "Papilledema".

Increasing incidence of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), overreported radiologic signs of intracranial hypertension, difficult access to outpatient neuro-ophthalmology services, poor insurance coverage, and medicolegal concerns have lowered the threshold for emergency department (ED) visits for "papilledema." Our objective was to examine referral patterns and outcomes of neuro-ophthalmology ED and inpatient consultations for concern for papilledema. At one university-based quaternary care center, all adults referred for "papilledema" over one year underwent a standardized ED "papilledema protocol." We collected patient demographics, final diagnoses, and referral patterns. Over 1 year, 153 consecutive patients were referred for concern for papilledema. After papilledema protocol, 89 of 153 patients (58%) had bilateral optic disc edema, among whom 89% (79/89) had papilledema (intracranial hypertension). Of the 38 of 153 (25%) consultations for suspected disorder of intracranial pressure without previous fundus examination (Group 1), 74% (28/38) did not have optic disc edema, 21% (8/38) had papilledema, and 5% (2/38) had other causes of bilateral disc edema. Of the 89 of 153 (58%) consultations for presumed papilledema seen on fundus examination (Group 2), 58% (66/89) had confirmed papilledema, 17% (15/89) had pseudopapilledema, and 9% (8/89) had other causes of bilateral optic disc edema. Of the 26 of 153 (17%) patients with known IIH (Group 3), 5 had papilledema and 4 required urgent intervention. The most common diagnosis was IIH (58/79). Compared with IIH, patients with secondary causes of intracranial hypertension were older (P = 0.002), men (P < 0.001), not obese (P < 0.001), and more likely to have neurologic symptoms (P = 0.002). Inpatient and ED consultations for "papilledema" are increasing. Of the 153 ED and inpatient neuro-ophthalmology consultations seen for "papilledema" over 1 year, one-third of patients with optic disc edema of unknown cause before presentation to our ED had new vision- or life-threatening disease, supporting the need for prompt identification and evaluation of optic disc edema in the ED. In the face of limited access to neuro-ophthalmologists, this study supports the need for emergency department access to expert eye-care evaluation or ocular fundus camera for prompt identification of optic disc edema and standardized evaluation for neurologic emergencies.

RADIOLOGICAL FEATURES OF THE LOCATION OF CYSTIC FORMATIONS IN THE MAXILLARY SINUS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH ALVEOLAR BONE PATHOLOGY OF THE UPPER JAW

The aim of the study. To study the features of the location of cystic formations in the maxillary sinus based on CT scans and to determine their relationship with the pathology of the upper jaw teeth.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The study involved the analysis of 552 head computed tomography scans of patients referred for examination by an otolaryngologist or dentist. The total number of individuals examined was 552, comprising 44.7% females and 55.3% males, aged 18-74 years. The investigation was conducted using the NewTom GO device with a measurement range of 155-172 mGy/cm±10%, with an error of ±4.24%. Statistical processing of data was carried out using the STATISTICA v.12.6 software.&#x0D; Results. Out of 552 computed tomography images analyzed, 92 images of individual maxillary sinuses (MS) of 79 patients with single cysts were selected. They were divided into two groups. Group 1 involved patients with cysts on the lower wall of MS (n=76). Group 2 included patients with cysts on other walls (n=16). The assessment of the ratio of 4, 5, 6, 7 tooth roots of the upper jaw to the lower wall of the upper jaw showed that the protrusion frequency in Group 1 was significantly higher (42.1%) compared to Group 2 (18.7%). Meanwhile, the average thickness of the bone over these teeth in Group 2 was significantly greater (3.4 ± 1.09 mm) than in Group 1 (1.9 ± 0.92 mm) (p=0.0003). In both patient groups, the greatest thickness was observed over tooth 4, and the smallest over tooth 7. Additionally, in 33.7% of cases, the cyst was associated with involvement of deep structures of the projecting teeth and the spread of inflammation to the lower wall of MS.&#x0D; Conclusions. Among patients referred by an otolaryngologist or dentist for CT examination to radiologically verify pathological processes in the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and the upper jaw teeth, MS cysts were detected in 19.6% of cases, with 83% of them being localized in its lower parts. In patients with cysts located in the lower parts of MS, the roots protruding into the sinus cavity and a thinner layer of bone over them are more frequently observed compared to those where cysts are located in other areas of MS. In patients with cystic formations in the alveolar recess of MS, radiological signs of pathology of the upper jaw teeth are detected in 34% of cases.

Bone pattern changes in post liver transplant patients using bisphosphonates.

To identify radiographic findings suggestive of drug-induced osteonecrosis and evaluate radiomorphometric patterns indicative of changes in bone mineral density in individuals transplanted for liver disorders using bisphosphonates. The study group included panoramic x-rays of liver transplant patients who are being monitored and who present a clinical status of osteoporosis and use bisphosphonates. The control group was made up of liver transplant patients who did not have osteoporosis. On panoramic radiographs, mental index (MI) and mandibular cortical index (MCI) and the presence of radiographic anomalies suggestive of osteonecrosis were evaluated. There were significant statistical results when comparing the groups in relation to the decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) with MCI-C3 (p=0.036), however, there were none in relation to MI (p=0.14). There were no valid statistical results when relating MCI (p=0.94) and MI (p=0.66) with reduced BMD and use of bisphosphonates. Liver transplant individuals using bisphosphonates present greater radiographic signs of bone sclerosis suggestive of a greater propensity to develop osteonecrosis of the jaw and an increased risk of presenting changes suggestive of reduced bone mineral density on panoramic radiographs when compared to liver transplant individuals not using bisphosphonates.

Possibilities of Computer Tomography in Preoperative Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment Planning of Juvenile Angiofibroma of the Nasopharynx and Skull Base

The purpose of work was to determine CECT characteristics of primary juvenile angiofibroma of the nasopharynx and skull base (JNA), as well as determination of the paths of spread for the tumor, search for those of them, which are statistically significantly associated with surgical blood loss of subsequent treatment and search for ways to model possible blood loss on their basis.Materials and methods. The data of 60 patients aged from 8 to 17 years were analyzed retrospectively. All patients were boys. The median age was 14 years. The median duration of the disease at the time of surgery was 7 months. The correlation between each of 45 evaluation criteria and intraoperative blood loss was determined for patients in the study group.Results. CT characteristics of JNA were established. The factors, detected by CECT, statistically significantly influencing intraoperative blood loss in angiofibroma treatment were established. A method for modeling intraoperative blood loss based on imaging data was presented.Conclusion. CT with contrast enhancement allows determining of characteristic radiological signs of JNA as well as its characteristics influencing blood loss during surgical treatment. Based on CT data it is possible to model blood loss potential during the JNA treatment.

A case of Perforated Retroperitoneal Appendicitis Mimicking Pyelonephritis

Introduction: Appendicitis is one of the most commonly diagnosed surgical diseases in childhood with emergency abdominal pain. Retrocecal retroperitoneal appendicitis is uncommon and potentially difficult to diagnose. This condition might present with atypical clinical, and radiological signs. Here, we present a patient with perforated retrocecal appendicitis in whom the clinical findings mimicked acute pyelonephritis. Case Report: A 3-year-old boy presented with right flank pain, fever, and vomiting since a two days. The abdomen was soft but right costovertebral angle tenderness positive. There was pyuria. The clinical impression was pyelonephritis. Ultrasonography showed perirenal fluid collection but did not show any collections pericecal area. In the Multi-detector CT (MDCT) MDCT a long inflamed retrocecal retroperitoneal appendix was seen with surrounding inflammation that extended to anterior pararenal space, and retroperitoneal air. At surgery, there was retrocecal retroperitoneal appendicitis with perforation and retroperitoneal collection. Appendectomy and drainage were performed. Conclusions: Patients with retroperitoneal appendicitis is that these patients often present with atypical and less severe abdominal complaints. In this situation, MDCT could be a rapid and efficient tool for localizing the appendix and for the differential diagnosis.

Understanding Variations in the Management of Displaced Distal Radius Fractures With Satisfactory Reduction.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has set forth Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) to help guide management of closed, displaced distal radius fractures (DRFs). There still exists variation in practice regarding operative vs nonoperative decision-making. This study aims to identify which factors influence the decision to treat DRFs not indicated for surgery by the CPGs after initial closed reduction. Fifteen sets of DRFs and clinical vignettes were distributed via email to over 75 orthopedic residency programs, Orthopaedic Trauma Association, and New York Society for Surgery of the Hand membership. A Qualtrics survey collected respondent demographics, choice of treatment, and rationale. Responses were received from 106 surgeons and resident trainees. The odds of selecting operative management for fractures with 5 or more radiographic instability signs versus 3 or 4 was 3.11 (P < .05). Age over 65, higher patient activity level, and dominant-hand injury were associated with greater odds of operative management (3.4, 30.28, and 2.54, respectively). In addition, surgeons with more years in practice and high-volume surgeons had greater odds of selecting operative management (2.43 and 2.11, respectively). Assessment of instability at the time of injury, patient age and activity level, as well as surgeon volume and time in practice independently affect the decision to manage well-reduced DRF with surgical or nonsurgical treatment. The source of heterogeneity in the treatment of these fractures is borne at least in part from a lack of formal direction on the importance of prereduction instability from the CPGs.

Clinico-radiological characteristics of two patients with geroderma osteodysplasticum caused by new nucleotide variants in the GORAB gene

Geroderma osteodysplasticum (OMIM #231070) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by congenital wrinkled skin on the dorsal surface of the limbs and abdomen; marked osteoporosis in childhood. Pathogenic variants of the nucleotide sequence in the GORAB gene, which encodes the GORAB protein located in the Golgi apparatus and plays a crucial role in vesicle transport in the Golgi complex, lead to the disease. This is the first report of 2 patients with this disease in Russia. A detailed description of the clinical-radiological and genetic characteristics of these patients with new nucleotide variants in the GORAB gene in a compound heterozygous state is presented: c.170C&gt;G (p.Ser57Ter) and c.790G&gt;C (p.Ala264Pro); c.295C&gt;T (p.Gln99Ter) and heterozygous deletion on chromosome 1 (chr1:g.170531967–170539494del), affecting exons 1 and 2 of the gene. The main clinical manifestations of the syndrome were congenital wrinkled skin, sagging cheeks, hypoplasia of the cheekbones, prognathism, muscle hypotonia and joint hypermobility. Radiological signs included congenital bilateral dislocation of the hip, compression fractures of the vertebral bodies, and disruption of the continuity of the growth plate of the distal femur and proximal tibia, referred to as “insertion.” The rarity of the syndrome, as well as the similarity of clinical manifestations with a heterogeneous group of hereditary diseases accompanied by decreased skin elasticity, leads to a late correct diagnosis. This necessitates the description of the clinical-genetic characteristics of the disease, the study of the dynamics of the formation of its phenotypic manifestations, and the methods of molecular-genetic diagnostics.

Advices for diagnostics of ankylosing spondylitis/axial spondyloarthritis: A review

The article written by a rheumatologist and a radiologist who have long-term experience in diagnostics of ankylosing spondylitis (axial spondylitis), provides advices on rational recognition of these diseases. The first part of the article discusses adequate visualization of the sacroiliac joints and the need for thoughtful consideration of radiological and MRI signs of sacroiliitis, neither of which, taken alone, is pathognomonic. An optimal, from the authors' point of view, algorithm for conducting visualization studies of sacroilial joints is proposed. Numerous situations simulating sacroiliitis are analyzed.

Multimodality imaging features of small bowel cancers complicating Crohn's disease: a pictorial review.

Patients with Crohn's disease (CD) are at increased risk of developing small bowel cancer, since chronic inflammation may trigger the histopathological sequence that begins from low-grade dysplasia of the intestinal epithelium and may eventually lead to malignant transformation. Owing to their location in a portion of the gastrointestinal tract which is not easily accessible to conventional endoscopic techniques, the detection of CD-related small bowel cancers is still a clinical challenge. The radiological features of CD-related small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA) in patients with CD have been described in some previous studies, including its appearance in both CT and MRI examinations. Radiological signs of active or fibrostenotic CD may be intermixed with those suggesting the presence of CD-related SBA. In CT studies, the most relevant findings consistent with malignant transformation are the presence of a stricture with irregular asymmetric thickening of small bowel walls, loss of mural stratification, and moderate enhancement after intravenous administration of iodinated contrast media, in association with enlarged adjacent mesenteric lymph nodes. Many of the CD-related SBA features that can be observed on CT imaging are similar to those detectable by MRI. This latter modality provides the additional value of the functional characterization of small bowel strictures, thereby helping to distinguish between inflammatory, fibrotic, and malignant stenosis in the setting of active CD. Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/CT enables the metabolic assessment of enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes, and PET/MRI fusion imaging can incorporate morphological, functional and metabolic information into a single set of imaging data, thus overcoming the limitations of the separate assessment of each individual modality. Owing to the low incidence and prevalence of this long-term complication of CD, we believe that a detailed multimodality pictorial essay on this topic, also including the PET-CT and fusion imaging documentation of some cases, would be useful to the medical literature.

A clinical example of the effective use of collapse surgery in a patient with a cavity formation of an operated lung complicated by recurrent pulmonary hemoptysis

Relevance. To date, all pathognomonic clinical and radiological signs have not been identified for any disease manifested in the form of cavities in the lung, which leads to diagnostic errors, the frequency of which varies from 19 to 93.7% in various pathological processes in the lungs. The clinical course of most forms of cavities can often be complicated by the development of respiratory failure and/or pulmonary hemoptysis/bleeding.Aim: to demonstrate the result of surgical treatment of a patient with a cavity formation of an operated lung complicated by recurrent pulmonary hemoptysis. Object and methods. A clinical case of successful application of extrapleural pneumolysis with the installation of a silicone implant from the operated lung as a method of eliminating sanitized cavities is described.Clinical case description. Patient M., 54 years old, long-term follow-up for rheumatoid arthritis, receiving courses of immunosuppressive therapy, noted the appearance of cough, a single episode of hemoptysis. Pulmonary tuberculosis was excluded based on the clinical and radiological picture. Due to the recurrence of hemoptysis, an upper lobectomy was performed on the left. In the histological examination of the surgical material: the morphological picture is characteristic of bronchiectasis of the lung with the development of nonspecific purulent granulomatous inflammation. Due to repeated episodes of hemoptysis, extrapleural pneumolysis was performed with the installation of a silicone implant, after which the episodes were not repeated.Conclusion. The EPSI collapsosurgical method made it possible to preserve the patient's functional reserves as much as possible and compress the lung cavity formation, which confirms its high effectiveness.

Spontaneous shrinkage of sporadic vestibular schwannomas: a clinical and radiological analysis.

The natural history of sporadic vestibular schwannoma (VS) is unpredictable, as tumors may or may not grow and can even spontaneously regress. A spontaneous VS shrinkage MRI-based pattern has been proposed with either a scalloped tumor aspect in the cerebellopontine angle or the appearance of a CSF-filled space surrounding the intracanalicular (IC) tumor within an enlarged canal. The authors of this retrospective study aimed to describe the evolution of sporadic VSs with radiological signs of VS regression and to identify prognostic factors for tumor shrinkage. All MRI scans obtained during patient follow-up were reviewed for extracanalicular (EC) and IC size and tumor characteristics. Volumetric measurements were performed on the first and last MRI scans. Shrinkage was considered to have occurred if the tumor size had decreased by ≥ 2 mm in its largest diameter and/or if the volume had decreased by ≥ 20%. Audiometric data were also collected. Among 512 patients under observation for sporadic VSs, 66 (13%) had at least one radiological sign of VS regression and 31 of these (6% overall) had confirmed tumor shrinkage. The mean follow-up was 4 ± 2.5 years. One radiological sign was present on initial MRI in 58% of patients and appeared during the follow-up period in the remaining 42%. Two groups were identified: 31 patients (47%) demonstrated progressive tumor regression during follow-up, and tumors in 35 patients (53%) remained stable once signs of regression were identified (assuming a stabilized regression). The prognostic factors for VS regression were as follows: EC VS extension (p = 0.02), cystic lesion (p = 0.002), and central necrosis (p = 0.02). The mean pure-tone average (PTA) was 43 ± 26.2 dB at the time of diagnosis and 53 ± 28.3 dB at the last visit (p < 0.0001). Among patients with an observed tumor shrinkage, ∆PTA was lower if the inner ear signal on the high-resolution T2-weighted image had improved (-3 ± 8.9 dB, n = 11) than if the inner ear signal had not improved (-10 ± 6.9 dB, n = 20) (p = 0.02) between the initial and last MRI scans. Spontaneous shrinkage of sporadic VSs could be suspected based on two radiological aspects that are indicative of VSs in progressive or stabilized regression and is an additional argument for the conservative management of these tumors. During follow-up, recovery from a reduced to a normal cochlear fluid MRI signal is a good indicator for hearing preservation.

4-aminopyridine improves evoked potentials and ambulation in the taiep rat: A model of hypomyelination with atrophy of basal ganglia and cerebellum.

The taiep rat is a tubulin mutant with an early hypomyelination followed by progressive demyelination of the central nervous system due to a point mutation in the Tubb4a gene. It shows clinical, radiological, and pathological signs like those of the human leukodystrophy hypomyelination with atrophy of the basal ganglia and cerebellum (H-ABC). Taiep rats had tremor, ataxia, immobility episodes, epilepsy, and paralysis; the acronym of these signs given the name to this autosomal recessive trait. The aim of this study was to analyze the characteristics of somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) and motor evoked potentials (MEPs) in adult taiep rats and in a patient suffering from H-ABC. Additionally, we evaluated the effects of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) on sensory responses and locomotion and finally, we compared myelin loss in the spinal cord of adult taiep and wild type (WT) rats using immunostaining. Our results showed delayed SSEPs in the upper and the absence of them in the lower extremities in a human patient. In taiep rats SSEPs had a delayed second negative evoked responses and were more susceptible to delayed responses with iterative stimulation with respect to WT. MEPs were produced by bipolar stimulation of the primary motor cortex generating a direct wave in WT rats followed by several indirect waves, but taiep rats had fused MEPs. Importantly, taiep SSEPs improved after systemic administration of 4-AP, a potassium channel blocker, and this drug induced an increase in the horizontal displacement measured in a novelty-induced locomotor test. In taiep subjects have a significant decrease in the immunostaining of myelin in the anterior and ventral funiculi of the lumbar spinal cord with respect to WT rats. In conclusion, evoked potentials are useful to evaluate myelin alterations in a leukodystrophy, which improved after systemic administration of 4-AP. Our results have a translational value because our findings have implications in future medical trials for H-ABC patients or with other leukodystrophies.

A Novel Dental and Maxillofacial Sign in Aarskog Syndrome: A Family Case and Review of the Literature

Objective: To describe a case of a novel mutation with dental and maxillofacial expression in a family with Aarskog syndrome and to conduct a literature review to determine the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the pathology. Methods: The authors described a family of a father and mother and 7 children (5 sons affected). The first child is evaluated for multiple mandibular osteolytic lesions and dental malocclusion with eruption disorders. The patient presents facial features of Aarskog syndrome, such as hypertelorism and eyelid ptosis with epicanthal folds, but also an unusual sign of numerous comedones distributed over the body. A literature review on dental and maxillofacial signs in Aarskog syndrome was conducted on Scopus and Pubmed with specific keywords. Results: Osteolytic lesions are described as orthokeratotic keratocysts with giant cellular, foreign body type, calcifications, and bone spicules. A recurrence occurred 2 years after surgery of keratocysts. Ten articles were selected for the description of dental and maxillofacial features associated with Aarskog syndrome. Discussion: Literature has paid little attention to different phenotypic characterizations in the maxillofacial region of patients with Aarskog syndrome. It is important to determine an early diagnosis to provide the best treatments for patients. The family described has some peculiarities: (1) a new nucleotide variation, (2) the sample size, (3) features as multiple comedones of the body, and keratocysts of the jaws are never described in the literature. Conclusion: Clinical and radiological maxillofacial signs, often not evaluated in Aarskog syndrome, should be considered early to obtain an optimal treatment.

Transient Generalized Osteosclerosis in a Newborn Mimicking Congenital Osteopetrosis with Negative Comprehensive Genetic Workup: A Case Report

We present a newborn with transient generalized osteosclerosis and negative genetic workup. The etiology of this condition is unknown. Given overlapping radiologic signs with severe forms of osteopetrosis, familiarity with this condition is crucial for correct diagnosis and management.

Baseline chest computed tomography for diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia treated with intensive chemotherapy: A retrospective single-centre cohort study.

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a relatively common infection in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), and is associated with high mortality rates. Optimising early detection is key to reduce the burden of IPA in this population. In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated the added value of baseline chest CT before start of classical induction chemotherapy. Adult patients receiving first-line intensive chemotherapy for AML were included if a baseline chest CT scan was available (±7 days). Data were collected from the electronic health record. IPA was classified using the EORTC/MSGERC 2020 consensus definitions. Between 2015 and 2019, 99 patients were included. During first-line treatment, 29/99 (30%) patients developed a probable IPA. Baseline chest CT was abnormal in 61/99 (62%) and 14/61 (23%) patients had typical radiological signs for IPA. An abnormal scan showed a trend towards higher risk for IPA (hazard ratio (HR): 2.12; 95% CI 0.95-4.84). Ground glass opacities were a strong predictor for developing IPA (HR 3.35: 95% CI 1.61-7.00). No probable/proven IPA was diagnosed at baseline; however, a bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) at baseline was only performed in seven patients. Twelve-week mortality was higher in patients with IPA (7/26, 27% vs. 5/59, 8%; p = .024). Baseline chest CT scan could be an asset in the early diagnosis of IPA and contribute to risk estimation for IPA. In patients with an abnormal baseline CT, performing a BAL should be considered more frequently, and not only in patients with radiological findings typical for IPA.

A clinical protocol for immediate dental implant placement in post-extraction-infected sites decontaminated with Er,Cr:YSGG laser.

Placement of dental implants into fresh extraction sockets offers some advantages, such as reduced treatment times and enhanced patient comfort. The Er,Cr:YSGG (Erbium, Chromium-doped: Yttrium, Scandium, Gallium, and Garnet) laser can significantly reduce bacterial concentration after the extraction of a compromised tooth. The aim of this article is to provide a clinical protocol for the management of implants placed in infected extraction sites decontaminated with Er,Cr:YSGG laser. A compromised tooth, which was an abutment for a fixed bridge, with clinical and radiological signs of infection was extracted. The infected site was treated and decontaminated with an Er,Cr:YSGG laser device (Biolase iPlus®) and two implants (Straumann®) were placed in the same surgery, in order to rehabilitate the edentulous area. The intervention was completed by tissue regeneration with biomaterials. Prosthetic rehabilitation after the surgical phase allowed us to provide correct function and satisfactory esthetics. In the follow-up visit, clinicians found good tissue healing and did not observe any complications, such as implant loss or peri-implantitis. The technique used in our study is repeatable and predictable, but patient selection is very important for this type of protocol as the presence of contraindications can lead to failure. The photoacoustic effect exerted by this type of laser has been proven to be effective against many pathogens. Several authors have previously demonstrated the effectiveness of this technique. Immediate implantation in infected sites decontaminated with Er,Cr:YSGG laser does not seem to contribute to an increased risk of failure; however, it is necessary to follow a certain set of protocols and procedures to prevent peri-implantitis and other complications.

Impact of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors on the Course of Multiple Sclerosis.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are increasingly used in cancer treatment. Their mechanism of action raises the question of possible exacerbation of preexisting multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of our study was to assess the risk of increased MS activity, defined by the occurrence of a relapse and/or a new MRI lesion, after ICI initiation. This French multicentric study collected retrospective and prospective data on patients with MS treated with ICIs after a cancer diagnosis. We identified 18 patients with a median age of 48 years. Three of them (17%), all aged 50 years or younger, with a relapsing-remitting course, showed clinical and/or radiologic signs of MS activity 3 to 6 months after ICI initiation. They had stopped disease-modifying treatment (DMT) several months earlier, at the time of cancer diagnosis. Only one had both clinical and MRI activity, with mild severity and complete recovery. Our study suggests that the overall risk of MS activity under ICI is low and could be mainly driven by DMT discontinuation, as in MS in general. Although larger studies are needed for better risk assessment in younger patients with more active disease, ICI should be considered when needed in patients with MS.

Challenges in radiological evaluation of brain metastases, beyond progression

MRI is the cornerstone in the evaluation of brain metastases. The clinical challenges lie in discriminating metastases from mimickers such as infections or primary tumors and in evaluating the response to treatment. The latter sometimes leads to growth, which must be framed as pseudo-progression or radionecrosis, both inflammatory phenomena attributable to treatment, or be considered as recurrence. To meet these needs, imaging techniques are the subject of constant research. However, an exponential growth after radiotherapy must be interpreted with caution, even in the presence of results suspicious of tumor progression by advanced techniques, because it may be due to inflammatory changes. The aim of this paper is to familiarize the reader with inflammatory phenomena of brain metastases treated with radiotherapy and to describe two related radiological signs: "the inflammatory cloud" and "incomplete ring enhancement", in order to adopt a conservative management with close follow-up.