Radiology Centers Research Articles

Evaluation of Submandibular Gland Fossa Variety by CBCT in Patient Referring to Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Center in Yasuj in the Academic Year of 2017-2018

Evaluation of Submandibular Gland Fossa Variety by CBCT in Patient Referring to Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Center in Yasuj in the Academic Year of 2017-2018

COVID radiology preparedness in Nigeria: How ready are we?

The novel human coronavirus (COVID-19) began in Wuhan China as an interstitial pneumonia of unidentifiable origin in December 2019 and thereafter spread its tentacles all over the world. There is a need for radiology departments in both government and private facilities to be prepared to meet this crisis. Their efforts should be geared not only toward diagnosis, but also to preventing patient-to-patient, staff-to-patient, and staff-to-staff transmission of infection by utilizing social distancing measures and personal protective equipment (PPE). Aim: To evaluate the preparedness of radiologic departments of government hospitals and private centers, by assessing the outlay of the facility and likelihood to attend to COVID patients, type of equipment in the centers, and plans in place for protection of staff and the public. Materials and Methods: The radiology departments of government and private facilities in each geopolitical zone of the country were randomly selected to discuss radiology preparedness in Nigeria using preset guidelines which were sent to radiologists at the facilities. Written informed consent was obtained from the radiologists at the participating centers. Ethical approval was also obtained from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital Health Research Ethics Committee. Results: A total of twelve centers were included in the study, comprising eight government and four private centers. All had plans in place to attend to COVID patients; majority were in the process of developing standard operating procedures (SOPs). Majority of the government facilities lacked mobile equipment and adequate PPEs, with only one computed tomography machine and no holding area in some of the facilities for symptomatic patients unlike the private facilities. They, however, had infection control teams in place. Conclusion: Private radiological centers appear better prepared and more equipped to cope with the crisis than government hospitals. Adequate PPEs, mobile equipment, and isolation rooms need to be provided for the government facilities. Radiology information systems should be installed for remote viewing. Training and retraining on COVID management and decontamination should be conducted periodically. SOPs should be drafted universally and modified for each facility.

The Development of Interventional Radiology Suite and the Roles of Interventional Radiology Nurses in China

By summarizing the literature and our experience, this paper analyzes the development trends of interventional radiology suite and the roles of nurses in China, also proposes countermeasures in order to provide the basis for clinical nursing management of interventional therapy. Interventional Radiology Center, interventional hybrid operating room and cardio-cerebrovascular first aid center are the 3 development trends of interventional radiology suite. These development trends reflect that the characteristics of interventional radiology suite is getting more centralized, specialized, diversified and advanced, which means that interventional therapy is becoming more and more important in modern medicine. As the roles of administrator, coordinator and caregiver of interventional radiology suite, interventional radiology nurses are responsible for important jobs like reasonably arranging interventional therapy schedule arrangement, assisting arranging therapy professionally and saving lives. Interventional radiology nurses are suggested to keep in step with the development of interventional radiology suite and strengthen the skills to provide professional and scientific nursing services, which is the gateway to propel the construction and development of Interventional Radiology. In addition, hospitals in China can also configure nursing human resources according to the different development levels and specialties of the interventional operating suites, in order to optimize the nursing workflow, improve the efficiency and reduce waiting time of patient.

Value of adding a T2 mapping sequence to a routine MR imaging protocol in evaluation of articular cartilage of the knee joint

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows direct visualization of all tissues of the knee joint, including the articular cartilage with direct evaluation of chondral lesions. Beyond the morphological evaluation, MRI allows to characterize the structural organization (collagen network) and the matrix content of the cartilage. Such a quantitative approach may be performed in clinical practice by T2 mapping technique which can be used as early biomarker for knee osteoarthritis. T2 relaxation time measurements reflect these pathophysiological changes. T2 mapping technique had recently shown its potentiality to evaluate the quality of the cartilage composition since the transversal relaxation time (T2) reflects the ability of proton molecule to move and to exchange energy inside the cartilaginous matrix. Each variation of matrix content (water, proteoglycan and collagen) or each modification of the organization of the collagen network can induce T2 variations. Objective: The primary purpose of this study was determine whether the addition of a T2 mapping sequence to a routine MR imaging protocol could or could not improve diagnostic performance in the detection of the articular cartilage lesions and early identification of the cartilage degeneration within the knee joint. Methods: The current study is a cross sectional study that was conducted at private radiology centres in cairo.in the period between September 2019 and December 2020. The study included 20 patients. 13 Males and7 Females with age range from 25 to 65 years (mean age 41.53 years). Complaining from knee pain after direct trauma or twisting. Routine knee MR images from all patients were assessed for gross articular lesion. Then mean T2 values are obtained and the T2 maps are generated and reviewed. Comparative data of the overall Diagnostic indices of conventional MRI and T2 mapping are taken. Results: The age of the study group ranged from 25 to 65 years (mean age 41.53 years). The male patients represented the majority of our cases. We noted that there was more affection of the left knee compared to the right one with regional differences in the T2 values were observed as higher T2 values in the medial compartments cartilage (weight-bearing) compared to lateral ones’ cartilage (non-weight-bearing). Cases can be categorized according to the site of pain which was correlated later to the T2 values as: 15% anterior 35% medial, 15% lateral and 35% global. Out of the 20 cases, 12/20 (60 %) cases presented by knee pain following direct trauma, and 8/20 (40 %) cases presented by knee pain following knee twisting. All cases underwent conventional MRI with complementary T2 mapping sequence. In this study, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the conventional MRI results are 82.3%, 100 %, and 85 %, respectively. While the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the T2 mapping finding results are 100 %, 100 %, and 100 %, respectively. Conclusion: In this study The addition of a T2 mapping of the knee cartilage sequence to a routine MR knee protocol at 1.5 T improved sensitivity in the detection of cartilage lesions within the knee joint from 82.3 % to 100 %, with improvement of accuracy from 85 % to 100%. The improvement in sensitivity with use of the T2 maps was in the identification of early cartilage degeneration.

Comparison of dentinal wall thickness in the furcation area (danger zone) in the first and second mesiobuccal canals in the maxillary first and second molars using cone-beam computed tomography

Objective:Differences in the morphology of the root canal system might result in favorable or adverse treatment outcomes. The present study compared the thickness of the dentinal wall in the danger zone (furcation area) of the first and second mesiobuccal canals in the maxillary first and second molars using cone beam computed tomography.Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 50 CBCT images of maxillary first and second molars were evaluated from one of the specialized radiology centers in Kerman, Iran. The images were prepared by a Planmeca Promax 3D Max machine (Planmeca, Helsinki, Finland), with a field of view (FOV) of 8×8 cm and a resolution of 0.1 mm and analyzed with Romexis Viewer software version 3.1.1 (Planmeca, Helsinki, Finland). In the 0.1-mm-thick axial cross-sections with a distance of 1 mm, the distances from the center of the MB1 and MB2 root canals to the furcation area were measured in three areas: A) furcation area, B) 2 mm below the furcation area, and C) 4 mm below the furcation area (at a magnification of ×10). The data were then analyzed with paired t-test.Results:The thickness of the dentinal wall in the MB2 root canal was significantly less than that in the MB1 root canal in all the specimens (P<0.05). In both maxillary first and second molars, the thicknesses of the MB1 and MB2 root canals were significantly different in the furcation area and 4 mm below the furcation area (P=0.001). There was no significant difference between the maxillary first and second molars 2 mm below the furcation area; however, the difference was marginal (P=0.07).Conclusion:Considering the low thickness of the dentinal wall in the MB2 root canal compared with the MB1 root canal in the maxillary first and second molars, the anti-curvature techniques away from the furcation should be used to prepare this root canal to reduce the risk of strip perforation. On the other hand, it might indicate that highly tapered instruments and other aggressive instruments, such as Gates-Glidden drills, should be used with caution in these root canals.

Incisor root length in individuals with and without anterior open bite: a comparative CBCT study.

ABSTRACTObjective: This study aimed to compare the root length of maxillary and mandibular incisors between individuals with open bite versus matched individuals with adequate overbite. Methods: This comparative, matched and retrospective study included 48 cone beam computed tomographies (CBCTs) obtained at a university radiological center. Scans belonged to 24 individuals with open bite (overbite ≤ 0 mm) and 24 individuals with adequate overbite (controls). Both groups were matched by age, sex, malocclusion classification and skeletal characteristics (ANB and FMA angles). Root length of each maxillary and mandibular incisor was measured in millimeters (mm) in a sagittal section from a perpendicular line to the enamel cement junction until the root apex (384 length measurements were made). The means of root length in both groups were compared using t-tests. In addition, correlations between variables were evaluated with the Pearson correlation coefficient (α = 0.05). Results: In both groups, the root length of the upper central incisors was approximately 12 mm and the root length of the maxillary lateral incisors was approximately 13 mm (p˃ 0.05). Likewise, the root length of lower central incisors in both groups measured approximately 12 mm (p˃ 0.05). However, the mandibular lateral incisor roots of open bite patients were significantly longer than in the normal overbite patients (approximately 1 mm, p= 0.012 right side, p= 0.001 left side). Conclusions: Root length of maxillary incisors and central mandibular incisor is similar in individuals with or without open bite, but the mandibular lateral incisor roots in open bite patients were significantly longer than in the normal overbite patients.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and eye strain among the radiologists in Belagavi

BACKGROUND: Radiologists face unique occupational health hazards among which musculoskeletal injuries, chronic eye strain, and others are yet to receive adequate attention. Mental strain due to demanding turnaround times and work pressures may lead to burnout. These combine to decrease overall work satisfaction and productivity.AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and eye strain among the radiologists in Belagavi.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was an observational study where a self-administered questionnaire inclusive of the Nordic Musculoskeletal and Eye Strain Survey Questionnaire was provided to 47 radiologists. This questionnaire was given to most of the radiology centers in Belagavi specifically to radiographers who had at least more than 2 years of experience and daily work duration of more than 7 h.STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The statistical analysis was carried out using Statistical Package of the Social Science s Version 20.0.RESULTS: The prevalence of neck pain among candidates was 74.4% followed upper back pain with rate of 65.9% and lower back pain with rate of 63.8%. The prevalence of shoulder pain was 57.4%. Wrist/hand pain was 55.3% while 29.7% complained of elbow pain. Twenty radiologists state that their symptoms have aggravated after introduction of picture archiving and communication system.CONCLUSIONS: There was a prevalence of MSDs and eye strain seen among radiologists.

Structural findings of hysterosalpingography in infertile women in Enugu, southeast Nigeria

Background: In the Nigerian culture, barrenness is a near catastrophe for women. Hysterosalpingography (HSG), being a prime investigation for infertility, is widely used in developing countries because of its positive yield, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness. Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the pattern and the most common radiologic findings in the HSG of women with infertility in Enugu, southeast Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 160 female patients who presented at the gynecology clinic of a private hospital in Enugu, Nigeria with clinical impression of infertility. The women were in turn referred to the radiology center for HSG. Data were analyzed using RStudio. Results: A total of 254 radiologic features were obtained as some patients had more than one radiological findings. The age range of the participants was 20 - 46 years, and the most prevalent age group was 25 - 29 years (31.1%). The most common clinical type of infertility was secondary infertility.The most common abnormal cervical and uterine findings were synechia (80%) and fibroids (65%) respectively. Bilateral tubal blockage 29.4% was the most common finding in the fallopian tubes. Normal findings were seen in 5.44%. Conclusion: Synechia and fibroids were the most common abnormal radiologic findings in the cervix and uterus, respectively. HSG was found to be informative in infertility evaluation, hence should still be recommended as a first-line imaging modality in infertility.

Relevance and Compliance of Requests for Dental Panoramic Radiography Examination at Yaounde (Cameroon)

Background: Research studies made in Cameroon on compliance and relevance in the various areas of imaging, show the failure to comply with administrative and clinical criteria. These research studies led to recommendations meant for result amelioration. However, the orthopantomogram (OPT) field remains less studied in that regard in Cameroon. Aim: Evaluate the relevance and compliance of examination requests for panoramic dental radiography. Setting and Design: It is a descriptive cross-sectional study with a consecutive sample of dental panoramic requests identified during the study period in 4 radiology centres of Yaounde. Material and Methods: Variables studied here were the validity criteria of imaging examination. Request: Five of which are of administrative order (date of the request, requesting department, patient’s identity, patient’s age, applicant’s identity) and three of clinical order (anatomic region, reason for the examination and the purpose of the examination). Statistical Analysis: Chi-squared test was used with confidence interval of 95%. Results: Patient’s identity (name) was the criteria carrying the highest information (98.9%), followed by the name of the applicant physician (91.6%). Out of 179 requests analysed, 8.6% had complete information. 46.4% of requests had no indications. Dental surgeon was the top prescriber with a total of 112 (62.6%). Conclusion: The quality of dental panoramic requests was not optimal in Yaounde, with lack of precision mostly noted at the level of clinical criteria.

Hemorrhagic complications after percutaneous nephrolithotomy: angiographic diagnosis and management by transcatheter arterial embolization.

ObjectiveTo identify the main hemorrhagic complications after percutaneous nephrolithotomy, as well as the results obtained with transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) at an interventional radiology center.Materials and MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing TAE for the treatment of hemorrhagic complications after percutaneous nephrolithotomy. All patients underwent computed tomography angiography (CTA).ResultsWe evaluated a total of nine patients. At emergency department readmission, the most common symptom was macroscopic hematuria, which was seen in five patients. Three patients had an isolated pseudoaneurysm, two had a pseudoaneurysm together with active bleeding (perirenal hematoma), and one had a pseudoaneurysm together with arteriocalyceal fistula. Arteriovenous fistula was diagnosed in three patients and was not seen in combination with other vascular lesions. We did not identify arteriocalyceal fistula in isolation. Five patients underwent TAE with 6 × 15 mm and 6 × 20 mm microcoils. Four patients underwent TAE with n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate and ethiodized oil. Follow-up CTAs revealed no complications.ConclusionBecause of its high diagnostic accuracy, CTA provides the interventional radiologist with valuable data for individualized therapeutic planning. The TAE procedure is safe and effective. It can therefore be used as a first-line treatment for hemorrhagic complications resulting from percutaneous renal procedures.

Role of PET/CT Versus Conventional Ct in Post-Operative Follow up of Breast Cancer Patients

Cancer breast is one of the leading causes of death and it is the commonest cause of women death by cancer, its prevention remains a challenge, thus early and accurate diagnosis are mandatory to achieve this target. This work is aiming for a comparison between sensitivity and specificity of CT alone versus those of PET/CT in post-surgical follow up of patients with breast cancer. This study was conducted on (31) female patients from 2015 to 2019. Their ages ranged from 25 to73 years with mean age of 51 years All patients have positive history of breast cancer surgery. Those patients were referred to Misr Radiology Center, Cairo for post-operative follow up by PET/CT. FDG-PET-CT is very useful in evaluating the response after therapy. The technique also can detect response to therapy very early before any other available imaging modality. PET-CT is helpful in evaluating regions treated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy and differentiating between recurrence and post treatment changes.

Foramen of Vesalius - constant or variable foramen

Introduction/Objective. The foramen of Vesalius is a variable foramen located at the base of the skull, anteromedial to the foramen ovale, and lateral to the foramen rotundum. Through this foramen, passes one of the emissary veins, which establishes communication between the cavernous sinus and the pterygoid plexus. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of this foramen in adults depending on gender, along with the number of foramina, distributions relative to the side of the skull and diameter of the foramen. Methods. A material used in the study were digital computed tomography (CT) scans of adult paranasal cavities from the archives of the Radiology Center, archived in the PACS software system. We analyzed axial CT sections of 1 mm thickness. The research included 500 subjects (250 males and 250 females). Results. The foramen of Vesalius was present in 67.6% of respondents. In 50.9% cases, the foramen was bilateral and in 49.1% it was unilateral. The average oblique diameter of the foramen in men was 1.75 ? 0.59 mm and in women 1.56 ? 0.48 mm. In 22 subjects (6.51%) the foramina were doubled, and in two (0.60%) they were tripled. Conclusion. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of the foramen of Vesalius concerning gender. The mean diameter of the foramen was statistically higher in males. The presence of this foramen is important for neurosurgeons because, during the percutaneous trigeminal rhizotomy, the needle can pass through this foramen, injure the surrounding blood vessels, and lead to intracranial hemorrhage.

Liver Radioembolization: a New Chapter in Russian Oncology

Recent years have seen an increase in the number of patients with malignant tumours of the liver. In this context, new treatment methods are being actively introduced into practice, one of which is liver radioembolization utilizing microspheres embedded with yttrium-90 (90Y).Aim. To review literature data on the history of radioembolization and its application for liver tumours.Key findings. Annually, over 200 thousand patients with inoperable primary liver cancer and over 270 thousand patients with inoperable metastatic liver cancer are registered globally, for whom radioembolization is considered as the most suitable treatment method. 90Y is a pure beta emitter without its own gamma line, which is characterized by a small average particle path in the tissue of 2.5 mm (the maximum level is 11 mm), a maximum beta particle energy of 2.27 MeV (average energy of 0.937 MeV) and a half-life of 64.1 hours. Clinical research into microspheres containing 90Y has been actively conducted since 1977 all over the world. However, it was only in 2004 that the US FDA authorized the clinical use of glass microspheres containing 90Y for the treatment of hepatocellular cancer and liver colorectal cancer metastases. Until recently, radioembolization has not been applied in Russia. In 2018, the joint efforts of the A. Tsyb Medical Radiological Research Centre (MRRC) — branch of the National Medical Research Radiological Centre and BEBIG LLC resulted in the production of Russian microspheres containing yttrium-90, which were subsequently introduced into routine clinical practice. The first liver embolization in Russia using microspheres containing domestic yttrium-90 (BEBIG LLC) to a patient with hepatocellular cancer was carried out by V.V. Kucherov and A.P. Petrosyan at the A. Tsyb RMMC on April, 25 in 2019.Conclusion. The production of microspheres containing 90Y in Russia, as well as a technical improvement of the procedure, will facilitate the introduction of liver radioembolization into the routine management of patients with malignant liver tumours.

Photon Shielding Characterization of a Modified Titania-Bismuth-Borotellurite Glass System for Medical Applications

Shielding against ionizing radiation is considered a crucial issue for the radiation safety of patients and workers at radiology centers. For this purpose, the shielding effectiveness of a modified titania-bismuth-borotellurite (TiO2-Bi2O3-B2O3-TeO2) glass system at diagnostic energy ranges was investigated. This glass system is characterized by the high density of its components and its non-toxicity, which have given it an outstanding reputation in radiation shielding. A comparison of shielding characteristics between different compositions of the mentioned glass system and shielding materials frequently used at radiology centers, including lead glass and ordinary concrete, is implemented. The computational program WinXCom was utilized to evaluate the mass attenuation coefficients (µ/ρ)m of the glass compositions, lead glass and ordinary concrete. The incident diagnostic X-ray photon beams used in imaging tools such as computed tomography (CT), dental imaging, general radiography and mammography were employed at average energies of 60, 40, 30, and 20 keV, respectively. Additional shielding parameters, such as half-value layers (HVLs) and effective atomic numbers (Zeff), were also computed. The results revealed that among the materials tested, the glass system with high bismuth-oxide content in (i.e., the 30Te sample) is the best shielding material for different diagnostic imaging tools. Such a transparent glass system could be advantageous, as it is considered a green and environmentally friendly shielding material that can replace undesirable toxic lead glass and ordinary concrete, which occupies a large amount of space at radiology centers.

Psychometric Validation of a Nonproprietary Survey of Patient Satisfaction for Use in Outpatient Radiology Centers.

Demonstrate the psychometric evaluation process for and results from our radiology-specific patient experience measure. We developed a survey to measure five dimensions of patient experience: (1) appointment, (2) reception, (3) registration, (4) procedure, and (5) facility. Each dimension included three to five questions. Each question was answered using a Likert scale (very dissatisfied to very satisfied). Data on procedure type, facility, radiologist interaction, health rating, survey length, and demographics were collected. The survey was implemented at 12 radiology offices. Analyses were conducted using responses from March 2018 to April 2019. Construct validation of the five dimensions was accomplished using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Internal consistency was examined using Cronbach and Guttman analysis. The sample included 20,736 subjects. There was strong evidence for construct validity of the five dimensions of patient experience. The CFA achieved the best fit with the five-factor model relative to other models (comparative fit index: 0.98, standardized root mean square error residual: 0.0307, root mean square error of approximation: 0.0371). There was high internal consistency (Cronbach's α 0.94, Guttman coefficient 0.93). Item analysis showed that no questions were consistently skipped. Eighty-two percent of participants said the survey was not too long. Patients reported high satisfaction on all dimensions of satisfaction across modalities and office sites. The CFA and internal consistency analyses provide evidence for this survey having good psychometric properties: construct validity for five dimensions of patient experience and high internal consistency among the items. This survey is intended to be used by, and to benefit, radiology practices and their patients.

Association between Severity of Low Back Pain (LBP) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Pathologies in Patients with Acute LBP

Background and Objectives: Low Back Pain (LBP) is a common health problem that affects people worldwide, and about 15% of Iranians. It imposes high costs to societies and requires great attention. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is considered a reliable and accurate diagnostic tool, however some studies have questioned the appropriateness of MRI in LBP. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the intensity of LBP and positive findings in MRI, in patients with acute LBP.&#x0D; &#x0D; Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on all patients, who reported less than four weeks of LBP and were referred to the radiology center of Shafa-e-Yahyaeian hospital, ranged from March to July, 2014, to perform MRI. Data collected included demographics and pain characteristics, in addition to an Oswestry Disability Index questionnaire. MRI pathologies were distinguished by two spinal surgeons and one radiologist. Data was analyzed using the SPSS software.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: A total of 200 patients were enrolled in this study with a mean age of 41.78 years. Nearly half (48%) of the studied patients had positive MRI findings on L4-L5, and NFS and disc bulging (42.5%, and 38%, respectively) were the most common pathologies, while 11.5% of patients had normal MRIs. The mean ODI was highest in patients with vertebral body fracture, and disc herniation and lowest in hemangioma.&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion: A noticeable percentage of patients demonstrated a high ODI score, but MRI findings were in significant association with age of patients, indicating that patients with acute LBP do not require MRI immediately. Using the ODI questionnaire can help us towards a better diagnostic approach.

Reducing Burnout Among Radiology Trainees: A Novel Residency Retreat Curriculum to Improve Camaraderie and Personal Wellness – 3 Strategies for Success

ObjectivesTo describe a residency retreat curriculum established to improve wellness and reduce burnout within a radiology residency. MethodsA wellness retreat was created and implemented within a large academic medical center's radiology residency. The retreat curriculum was designed by a Radiology Residency Wellness Committee and was supported by departmental funding. The retreat curriculum centered on 3 strategies for success: teambuilding and bonding, Design Thinking, and guided reflection. A questionnaire was distributed at the end of the retreat, asking 12 questions in 5-point Likert format to assess resident satisfaction with different components of the retreat, as well as open-ended questions to more deeply assess the effects of the retreat on the residency experience and personal wellness in our radiology residency. Questionnaire results were summarized using frequency and percentages. Open-ended responses were qualitatively analyzed using the constant comparative method. ResultsThirty-seven of 41 residents (90%) in our radiology residency participated in the retreat. Thirty-five of the 37 residents (95%) participated in the postretreat questionnaire, with 33 of 37 residents (89%) completing the entire questionnaire. Thirty-two of 33 responders (97%) anticipated the retreat would improve their residency experience, and 27 of 33 responders (82%) indicated the retreat would improve their personal wellness. Based upon the open-ended responses, improved camaraderie was the major benefit of the retreat cited by the majority of residents. ConclusionA departmentally sponsored radiology residency retreat may improve personal wellness and reduce burnout.

The Role of PET/CT in Evaluation of Recently Diagnosed Breast Cancer

AbstractBackground: Breast cancer is the most common non-skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer related death in women. Breast cancer strikes women of all ages, races, ethnicities, socioeconomic strata, and geographic locales. Once breast cancer is diagnosed, the tumor stage has to be accurately determined before therapy chosen and the prognosis known.Aim of Study: To investigate the ability of 18F-FDG PET/CT to be used as a pre-operative assessment, staging and metastatic work up tool in patients with recently diagnosed breast cancer which is subsequently reflected in the manage-ment of breast cancer patients.Patients and Methods: This study was carried out in Dokki Scan Radiology Center from April 2016 to October 2018 on a total number of 50 female patients with biopsy proved to have cancer breast. The age of the patients ranged from 27 to 78 years, and the average was 56.98. All exams were done on the PET/CT scanner Phillips Gemini & Siemens time of flight 64 & 20 machines respectively.Results: Whole-body 18F-FDG PET/CT plays an important role in the assessment of breast cancer patients particularly as it helps detection of the extent of the disease in the body, improves staging of breast cancer patients which significantly changes the therapeutic management of these patients.Conclusion: PET/CT proved to be an efficient, accurate and non-invasive imaging technique in detecting metastatic disease with subsequent modification of the initial patient staging management planes.

Nasal Skin Thickness Measurements Using Computed Tomography in an Adult Saudi Population.

Background:Rhinoplasty is one of the most challenging operations in plastic surgery, and nasal skin thickness is a significant factor in determining rhinoplasty success. Only a few studies have measured nasal skin thickness before rhinoplasty. The present study was designed to measure nasal skin thickness to shed light on its importance to successful rhinoplasty.Methods:Altogether, 60 patients underwent measurements of nasal skin thickness at 4 aesthetic points: nasion, rhinion, nasal tip, columella. The thickness was measured using computed tomography (CT), an objective, reliable tool for this purpose. Universally adopted Hounsfield unit measurement using in house software (Consultant Radiology Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) was performed using CT scan.Results:The study group included 32 women and 28 men. Age range was 18–68 years, but most of the patients (53.3%) were within the 20–30-year age range. CT results showed that the mean nasal skin thickness was 3.96 ± 1.08 mm at the nasion, 1.86 ± 0.62 mm at the rhinion, 3.32 ± 0.78 mm at the nasal tip, and 3.32 ± 0.73 mm at the columella. When the nasal skin thicknesses were compared between men and women, a significant difference was observed only at the columella (P = 0.016).Conclusions:The nasal skin is thickest at the nasion, thinner at the rhinion, and again thicker at the nasal tip and columella. Our data could be useful for plastic surgeons who could take the patient’s own nasal area thickness into consideration when planning his or her rhinoplasty.

STUDY OF NORMAL ANATOMICAL VARIATIONS IN PARA-NASAL SINUSES USING COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY SCAN: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY FROM CENTRAL INDIA

Background: The standard imaging in the assessment of the para-nasal sinuses is currently computed tomography scanning. This provides an applied anatomical view of the area as well as the common anatomical variants. The advancement and improvement of computed tomography scans has provided for a comprehensive evaluation of patients' para-nasal sinuses, allowing Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery surgeons to operate with a guide chart.&#x0D; Objectives: To study normal anatomical variations in para-nasal sinuses using Computed Tomography.&#x0D; Material and Methods: This research took place in a tertiary healthcare center's radiology department over the course of two years. Axial para-nasal sinuses cuts were taken using a multi-slice (128 slice scanner), followed by coronal and sagittal reconstruction.&#x0D; Results: The most common anatomic variation, according to the findings, was nasal septal deviation. The rarest variation in our sample was Haller cell and pneumatized septum. There was also a close connection between unilateral Concha bullosa and contra-lateral septal deviation, as evidenced by the research.&#x0D; Conclusion: A wide range of lesions can affect the para-nasal sinus area. Normal anatomical differences and congenital abnormalities in this area are significant because they can have pathological consequences or cause difficulty/complication during surgery.&#x0D; Keywords: Para-nasal sinuses, Computed Tomography, Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery.