SE Images Research Articles

A comparison study of pore structure and permeability of sandstone by BSE-SE images

The pore structure and permeability of geotechnical materials are critical parameters that guide underground engineering. With advancements in digital imaging technology, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has emerged as a vital tool for examining the pore structure and permeability of these materials. SEM operates in two primary modes: backscattered electron imaging (BSE) and secondary electron imaging (SE), each of which emphasizes different aspects of the material's structure. However, few studies have been conducted to elucidate the influence of these two modes on the quantification of geotechnical structural characteristics. This study undertakes a more comprehensive quantitative analysis of the structure and permeability of sandstones by juxtaposing the two modes. The findings indicate that the BSE mode excels in analyzing the structure and composition, whereas the SE mode highlights the surface morphology. In terms of image segmentation, BSE mode images are more conducive to effective segmentation. Although SE images permit viable segmentation when preprocessed, they tend to represent a greater number of discrete tiny pores. Furthermore, there exists a discernible correlation between pore size and shape, wherein larger pores exhibit heightened roughness and deviate more from sphericity. Notably, these larger pores predominantly contribute to the material's permeability. Given that the BSE mode more readily captures continuous pore structures, the permeability values derived from BSE images are significantly higher than those obtained from SE images. These findings hold profound implications for enhancing our comprehension of geotechnical materials' pore structure and permeability, thereby informing the strategic use of BSE and SE modes in related studies.

Litho- and chronostratigraphy of the Upper Quaternary sediments from the Piedra Buena Terrace, Patagonian Continental Margin (SW Atlantic)

This paper presents a detailed description of the lithostratigraphy of mostly contouritic deposits from the Piedra Buena Terrace (PBT), collected at water depth of 2–2.5 km. It is based upon a multi-proxy investigation of five gravity cores, including visual description and scanning, grain size distributions, microfossils and sand fraction study, supported by the analysis of high-resolution sub-bottom profiles. Two older seismic units were identified in addition to those previously described in the area. The defined lithostratigraphic units were correlated to the upper seismic units, while the age of the younger units was confirmed using AMS-14C dating. In terms of the sedimentary facies, the dark quartz-glauconitic sands, which seem to be a fingerprint of the Piedra Buena Terrace, were investigated by applying the X-ray diffraction and performing grain SEM - SE images. The sandy facies correspond to sea-level low-stands during cold glacials (MIS 2 and MIS 4), when glauconite and terrigenous material were transported from the emerged shelf down and along the Patagonian continental slope by vigorous bottom currents. The latter is confirmed by an occurrence of parts of bi-gradational sequences reported from the grain-size distributions in lithostratigraphic units 2 and 4. Units 1 and 3, represented by mostly hemipelagic calcareous ooze, were formed during warm high sea-level stages (MIS 1 and 3). Unlike Unit 1, Unit 3 also demonstrates clear contourite features, similar to Units 2 and 4. They include common bioturbation, occurrence of mottles, lenses, irregular thin layers of sand, erosional boundaries and hiatuses between and within the units, good sorting of fine sands, and microfossil reworking. Together with our previous data from canyons on the Perito Moreno Terrace and the Ameghino segment, supported by available publications from the PBT and Mar del Plata areas, this study demonstrates that the Patagonian Continental Margin could be used as a natural laboratory to investigate and better understand contourite systems.

Relevant input data for crack feature segmentation with deep learning on SEM imagery and topography data

Fractography plays a critical role in failure analysis of engineering components and has a considerable importance for safety investigations. Usually, the interpretation of fracture surfaces is done by experts with the help of literature and experimental data, that requires a lot of experience. The use of deep learning (DL) with neural networks in failure analysis becomes more and more relevant with the rapidly developing possibilities. Especially, the modern network architectures can assist fractographers in determining various fracture features on SEM images of the fracture surfaces. The basis for the best possible evaluation is the understanding of the influence of the input data used for training deep neural networks (DNN). Therefore, this study discusses the influence of the selection of the input data used for the prediction quality of these networks in order to take this into account for future data acquisition. Specimens of various metallic materials were subjected to fatigue cracking experiment under laboratory conditions. The fractured surfaces were then imaged using various modes or detectors (such as SE, BSE and topography) in SEM, and those captured images were used to create a training data set. The relevance of the individual data for the quality of the prediction is determined by a specific combination of the different detector data. For the training, the well-established architecture of a UNet-ResNet34 with a fixed set of hyperparameters is used. It has been found in this present study that the combination of all input data significantly increases the prediction accuracy, whereby even the combination of SE and BSE data provides considerable advantages over the exclusive use of SE images.

High temperature corrosion behaviour of calcium magnesium aluminosilicate coated oxide-oxide ceramic matrix composites

Corrosion on turbine blades in calcium magnesium alumino-silicate (CMAS) environment is a crucial failure for turbine engines and its components. In this study, oxide-oxide (O-O) ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) (AS-N610), the potential materials for gas turbine components are examined for its corrosion behaviour at high temperatures at various intervals of time in presence of CMAS. The corrosion studies indicated that dip coated with CMAS revealed a weight gain of ∼3% owing to the formation of α-Al2O3 at 1400 °C. The SE images indicated cracks at the interface due to thermal mismatch between CMAS and O-O substrate. With increase in corrosion time, cracks at the interface propagated onto the matrix and fibres of O-O CMCs. This crack propagation is attributed to the diffusion of calcium aluminosilicate (CAS) with small traces of Mg which wicks the columns of O-O CMCs. Indentation fracture toughness of O-O CMCs degraded by ∼22% for 1400 °C in presence of CMAS compared to un-corroded sample.

Assessing the Quality of Oxygen Plasma Focused Ion Beam (O-PFIB) Etching on Polypropylene Surfaces Using Secondary Electron Hyperspectral Imaging.

The development of Focused Ion Beam-Scanning Electron Microscopy (FIB-SEM) systems has provided significant advances in the processing and characterization of polymers. A fundamental understanding of ion-sample interactions is still missing despite FIB-SEM being routinely applied in microstructural analyses of polymers. This study applies Secondary Electron Hyperspectral Imaging to reveal oxygen and xenon plasma FIB interactions on the surface of a polymer (in this instance, polypropylene). Secondary Electron Hyperspectral Imaging (SEHI) is a technique housed within the SEM chamber that exhibits multiscale surface sensitivity with a high spatial resolution and the ability to identify carbon bonding present using low beam energies without requiring an Ultra High Vacuum (UHV). SEHI is made possible through the use of through-the-lens detectors (TLDs) to provide a low-pass SE collection of low primary electron beam energies and currents. SE images acquired over the same region of interest from different energy ranges are plotted to produce an SE spectrum. The data provided in this study provide evidence of SEHI's ability to be a valuable tool in the characterization of polymer surfaces post-PFIB etching, allowing for insights into both tailoring polymer processing FIB parameters and SEHI's ability to be used to monitor serial FIB polymer surfaces in situ.

Utilizing waste latex paint toward improving the performance of concrete

In this paper, incorporating the waste latex paint (WLP) into the conventional concrete as a partial replacement of sand to improve its durability was investigated. The fresh and hardened characterizations, in addition to the durability of concrete, were examined. The slump test was used to evaluate the fresh properties, while the hardened properties were evaluated through the volume of voids and absorption rate, in addition to the compressive, splitting tensile, and flexural strengths tests. The durability performance was evaluated by the surface resistivity, bulk electrical resistivity, as well as freeze and thaw resistance tests. The results showed a reduction in the workability with the addition of WLP, which required high dosages of superplasticizer to maintain the same slump in all the mixtures. Although there was a reduction in the compressive, splitting tensile, and flexural strengths, incorporating the WLP into the OPC concrete improved the durability significantly. Specimens had 5% and 10% of WLP passed the 300 freeze and thaw cycles without deterioration in the relative dynamic modulus of elasticity, compared with the reference mixtures that failed after only 144 cycles. Simultaneously, the surface and bulk electrical resistivity increased by approximately 125% and 138%, respectively, as result of reducing the volume of air voids that was decreased by 9%. The SE images and EDS spectrums showed denser cementitious matrixes with a film of polymeric layer covered the hydration products with adding waste latex paint.

Deep learning for automated size and shape analysis of nanoparticles in scanning electron microscopy.

The automated analysis of nanoparticles, imaged by scanning electron microscopy, was implemented by a deep-learning (artificial intelligence) procedure based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs). It is possible to extract quantitative information on particle size distributions and particle shapes from pseudo-three-dimensional secondary electron micrographs (SE) as well as from two-dimensional scanning transmission electron micrographs (STEM). After separation of particles from the background (segmentation), the particles were cut out from the image to be classified by their shape (e.g. sphere or cube). The segmentation ability of STEM images was considerably enhanced by introducing distance- and intensity-based pixel weight loss maps. This forced the neural network to put emphasis on areas which separate adjacent particles. Partially covered particles were recognized by training and excluded from the analysis. The separation of overlapping particles, quality control procedures to exclude agglomerates, and the computation of quantitative particle size distribution data (equivalent particle diameter, Feret diameter, circularity) were included into the routine.

Experimental and mathematical modelling of corrosion behaviour of CMAS coated oxide/oxide CMCs

CMAS corrosion of turbine blades is a crucial failure in turbine engines and their components. In this study, oxide/oxide CMCs (AS-N610), which are candidates for gas turbine (GT) applications, are investigated for its corrosion behaviour at different temperatures and time in presence of CMAS. The corrosion studies using CMAS coating of the CMCs reveal that CMCs had a weight gain of ∼6% owing to formation of α-Al2O3 at 1000 °C. The SE image indicated the penetration of CMAS into the porous CMC. At 1000 °C, CMAS degraded to form a black glassy substance (Calcium alumino silicate) with traces of Mg which led to corrosion of the matrix. Indentation fracture toughness of the oxide/oxide CMCs was 7.78 ± 0.5 MPa m0.5 which degraded by ∼12% at 1000 °C after 10 h in the presence of CMAS. A mathematical model derived through diffusion equation indicated weight gain of ∼0.3 g which was closer to experimental data.

Bi-Modal Transfer Learning for Classifying Breast Cancers via Combined B-Mode and Ultrasound Strain Imaging

Although accurate detection of breast cancer still poses significant challenges, deep learning (DL) can support more accurate image interpretation. In this study, we develop a highly robust DL model based on combined B-mode ultrasound (B-mode) and strain elastography ultrasound (SE) images for classifying benign and malignant breast tumors. This study retrospectively included 85 patients, including 42 with benign lesions and 43 with malignancies, all confirmed by biopsy. Two deep neural network models, AlexNet and ResNet, were separately trained on combined 205 B-mode and 205 SE images (80% for training and 20% for validation) from 67 patients with benign and malignant lesions. These two models were then configured to work as an ensemble using both image-wise and layer-wise and tested on a dataset of 56 images from the remaining 18 patients. The ensemble model captures the diverse features present in the B-mode and SE images and also combines semantic features from AlexNet and ResNet models to classify the benign from the malignant tumors. The experimental results demonstrate that the accuracy of the proposed ensemble model is 90%, which is better than the individual models and the model trained using B-mode or SE images alone. Moreover, some patients that were misclassified by the traditional methods were correctly classified by the proposed ensemble method. The proposed ensemble DL model will enable radiologists to achieve superior detection efficiency owing to enhance classification accuracy for breast cancers in ultrasound (US) images.

Implementation of an inexpensive cathodoluminescence and electron beam induced current image generator coupled to a scanning electron microscope

In this work, implementation of a novelty cathodoluminescence and electron beam induced current image generator system for do in situ experiments in a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is presented. The equipment is composed by one mechatronic system (MS) with interchangeable probes and digitalization system programed with Labview. Porous silicon and Eu2(WO4)3 microparticles were characterized in cathodoluminescense mode with luminescence peaks centered at 410 and 613 nm, respectively. For CL imaging, the emission signal is collected through a probe of nine optical fibers and transduced to an electrical signal via a photomultiplier tube (PMT). In other way, the configuration in EBIC mode was tested with commercial silicon monocrystalline solar cell to determine internal defects using a current mapping. However for EBIC imaging, the current is collected by two electrodes connected to a picoammeter synchronized with the electron beam. CL and EBIC images are compared with SE images and chemical elemental mapping images to correlate the emission and defects regions of the sample.

Quantitative Imaging Parameters of Contrast-Enhanced Micro-Computed Tomography Correlate with Angiogenesis and Necrosis in a Subcutaneous C6 Glioma Model.

Simple SummaryContrast-enhanced (CE) X-ray imaging techniques have been used to assess angiogenesis in patients and animal models of cancer in order to overcome the limitations of histological quantification of angiogenesis, such as spatial and temporal heterogeneity of tumors. Some studies have compared the quantitative imaging parameters obtained with static and dynamic CE X-ray imaging techniques, but their association with histological biomarkers of angiogenesis has never been directly compared. This study aimed to provide such a comparison in a suitable animal model for the study of angiogenesis, namely, the subcutaneous C6 glioma model. We found an agreement among the quantitative imaging parameters obtained with these techniques, and we also found an association between a set of them with angiogenesis and necrosis descriptors. This set of quantitative imaging parameters demonstrated a high potential to describe angiogenesis and could be used to assess treatment response in further studies with this animal model.The aim of this work was to systematically obtain quantitative imaging parameters with static and dynamic contrast-enhanced (CE) X-ray imaging techniques and to evaluate their correlation with histological biomarkers of angiogenesis in a subcutaneous C6 glioma model. Enhancement (E), iodine concentration (CI), and relative blood volume (rBV) were quantified from single- and dual-energy (SE and DE, respectively) micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) images, while rBV and volume transfer constant (Ktrans) were quantified from dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) planar images. CI and rBV allowed a better discernment of tumor regions from muscle than E in SE and DE images, while no significant differences were found for rBV and Ktrans in DCE images. An agreement was found in rBV for muscle quantified with the different imaging protocols, and in CI and E quantified with SE and DE protocols. Significant strong correlations (Pearson r > 0.7, p < 0.05) were found between a set of imaging parameters in SE images and histological biomarkers: E and CI in tumor periphery were associated with microvessel density (MVD) and necrosis, E and CI in the complete tumor with MVD, and rBV in the tumor periphery with MVD. In conclusion, quantitative imaging parameters obtained in SE micro-CT images could be used to characterize angiogenesis and necrosis in the subcutaneous C6 glioma model.

Sample preparation and microscopical investigation techniques for metal and ceramics containing graphite and graphene-like layered particles.

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques are widely used in microstructural investigations of materials since it can provide surface morphology, topography, and chemical information. However, it is important to use correct imaging and sample preparation techniques to reveal the microstructures of materials composed of components with different polishing characteristics such as grey cast iron, graphene platelets (GPLs)-added SiAlON composite, SiC and B4 C ceramics containing graphite or graphene-like layered particles. In this study, all microstructural details of gray cast iron were successfully revealed by using argon ion beam milling as an alternative to the standard sample preparation method for cast irons, that is, mechanical polishing followed by chemical etching. The in-lens secondary electron (I-L-SE) image was clearly displayed on the surface details of the graphites that could not be revealed by backscattered electron (BSE) and Everhart-Thornley secondary electron (E-T SE) images. Mechanical polishing leads to pull-out of GPLs from SiAlON surface, whereas argon ion beam milling preserved the GPLs and resulted in smooth surface. Grain and grain boundaries of polycrystalline SiC and B4 C were easily revealed by using I-L SE image in the SEM after only mechanical polishing without any etching process. While the BSE and E-T SE images did not clearly show the residual graphites in the microstructure, their distribution in the B4 C matrix was fully revealed in the I-L SE image.

Role of the Secondary Phase \u03b7 During High-Temperature Compression of ATI 718Plus\xae

High-temperature compression tests were performed on a Ni-base superalloy with a multi-phase microstructure. Particular attention was given on the influence of the η phase on recrystallization of ATI 718Plus®. The compression tests were performed at two temperatures over a variety of strains and strain rates. Meta-dynamic recrystallization was studied by exposing the samples to a set dwell time at the test temperature after deformation. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) was used to investigate the microstructures after the tests. Secondary electron imaging (SEI) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) were utilized in order to investigate the deformation behavior of η and obtaining a detailed understanding of the recrystallization mechanism. The secondary η phase was found to increase the recrystallized fraction compared to η free tests. However, clusters of thin lamellar η inhibited recrystallization. The flow curve softening was distinctly stronger in the microstructure containing precipitates. It could be shown by SE images that this was due to the breakage and realignment of η. In addition, η was also found to accommodate the stresses by a remarkable deformation without breaking up. This was considered to be due to the composite nature of the precipitate as well as the ongoing recrystallization in the surrounding matrix.

Value of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy MRS in Prolonged Febrile Convulsion in Children

Abstract Background: Febrile Convulsion (FC) or Febrile Seizure (FS) is the most common type of seizures that occur in children between the ages of 6 months to 5 years with body temperature over 38oC and without any infection such as meningitis and encephalitis in the central nervous system. The incidence of FC is 5 cases per 1000 children annually. Aim of Study: To determine metabolic changes that occur in temporal lobe and hippocampus after prolonged febrile seizures, by using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS). Patients and Methods: Thirty patients with prolonged febrile seizures more than 15 minutes were included. Control group including thirty child age and gender healthy matched. EEG was done within 72 hour of febrile seizure to all case and control group in the study using Pediatric Neurology Department EEG machine. Also, MRS (Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy) was done within 48h of febrile seizure to the cases and was done to the control group, by using achieva 1.5t Philips. The spectra were all acquired in conjunction with an MRS study of the brain that included coronal T2, axial & coronal FLAIR images through the temporal lobes, and axial T1 and T2 SE images through the entire brain. To obtain MRS technique, scout imaging of the brain in coronal and sagittal orientations was performed with T1 WI. The MRS was per-formed using multi-voxel technique (PRESS-CSI sequence with TE/TR=135ms/1690ms, 12 averages, FOV 120 X 120mm2). The region of interest was placed through whole temporal lobi with the voxel layer position adjusted based on the localization of hippocampi in order to examine the whole hippocampi at long distance (voxel size set to 10 X 10 X 15mm3). The resonances of major metabolites detected were as follows: The N Acetyl Aspartate (NAA) peak at 2.02ppm, the creatine (Cr) and phosphocreatine peak at 3.02ppm, and the choline (Cho) peak at 3.20ppm. Results: We found that there was high significant difference between case and control groups regarding MRS. As in the case group there was reduction of NAA and slightly increase in Cho & Cr, which lead to changes in metabolic ratios (NAA/Cr, Cho/NAA & Cho/Cr). While in the control group was normal.The optimal cut off value of NAA/Cr was less than 2.61, The sensitivity and specificity of NAA/Cr was 96.7% and 93.3% respectively and accuracy was 95%. While, the optimal cut off value of Cho/NAA more than 0.785, the sensitivity and specificity of Cho/NAA was 96.7% and 80% respectively and accuracy was 88.3%. While, the optimal cut off value of Cho/Cr less than 2.115, The sensitivity and specificity of Cho/Cr was 93.3% and 93.3% respectively and accuracy was 93.3%. Conclusion: MR spectroscopy is a very sensitive guiding tool in predicting Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE) and the side of involvement in patients with TLE even in patients with MR negative studies. Also, it helps in detecting abnormal spectra of various brain metabolites at temporal lobe and hippocampus. Further more, it can detect hippocampal injury earlier and with more accurate results than EEG.

Assessment of Image Quality of Dual Energy 256 MDCT Technique Focused on keV Changes for MCA Stroke in Cerebral Angiography : Single Energy CT Standard Reference Mode

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of cerebral angiography in each energy level by using dual energy technique in CT. Methods were performed on 15 DE images and SE images of CT angiography. For the analysis of images, mean value, standard deviation, SNR and CNR value were determined by setting ROI on MCA, brain parenchyma tissue, and back ground. As a result of concurrent visual evaluation with Likert 5 point scale, the clearest MCA image was confirmed at DE 40 keV and SE 120 kVp(p>0.05). The SNR value of the SE image was measured to be similar to the 40 keV energy level of the DE image. The low energy level image of 40 keV and 50 keV was measured with a high SNR and the contrast ratio was higher than that of the high energy image.

Characterization of lower limb muscle activation patterns during walking and running with Intravoxel Incoherent Motion (IVIM) MR perfusion imaging

BackgroundThe distribution of energy use among different lower limb muscles during walking and running is not well understood. Local blood flow within skeletal muscle tissue depends on its metabolic activity during activation. The non-invasive magnetic resonance microvascular perfusion method Intravoxel Incoherent Motion (IVIM) is able to quantify muscle activation. PurposeTo non-invasively determine quantitative changes in local microvascular perfusion and blood flow via IVIM in order to characterize specific muscle activation of the lower limb at rest, during walking and during running. Methods3 T MR IVIM diffusion-weighted images of N = 16 lower extremities (bilateral imaging of n = 8 healthy volunteers; mean age 27.5 ± 5.7 years) were acquired at rest and immediately after walking and running for 15 min, respectively. A transverse monopolar pulsed gradient fat suppressed spin echo EPI sequence was used (9 b-values from 0 to 1000s/mm2, 3 orthogonal directions). Anatomical transverse T1-weighted turbo SE images were acquired at rest. Muscles at the pelvis, thigh and lower leg were segmented. IVIM perfusion parameters f, D* and fD* and the diffusion coefficient D were obtained after standard two-steps fitting of the IVIM bi-exponential signal equation. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, Pearson's correlations and Partial Spearman correlations were used for statistical analyses. ResultsThe microvascular blood flow (fD*) increased significantly and stepwise from rest (1.65 ± 0.83*10−3 mm2/s) to walking (1.99 ± 0.80*10−3 mm2/s, P < 0.001) and running (2.18 ± 0.98*10−3 mm2/s, P < 0.001). The perfusion increase was most pronounced for lower leg and feet muscles (P < 0.001). Hamstring muscles showed a higher microvascular perfusion increase than quadriceps muscles (P < 0.05). A higher increase of the heartrate from walking to running correlated significantly with a lower increase of fD* from walking to running (R = -0.16, P = 0.001). ConclusionIVIM MRI quantitatively measures local microvascular muscle perfusion to detect muscle activation patterns through walking and running. A redistribution of blood flow towards the lower leg was observed during running as compared to walking.

Role of CT and MRI in Diagnosis of Pericardial Diseases

Background: Pericardial disease is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease. Although the pericardium is usually sufficiently thick to be identified on CCT and CMR, visualization at the most common site of pericardial defects, the lateral, posterior, and inferior left ventricular wall, can be poor because of a paucity of fat. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of CT & MRI in the diagnosis of pericardial diseases. Patients and Methods: 30 patients with cardiac abnormalities were included. All patients’ data of preoperative were reported. Range of age was 15-59 years. 20 patients were male and 10 patients were female. Results: In our study MR imaging showed accuracy of 93% for differentiation between constrictive pericarditis and restrictive cardiomyopathy on the basis of depiction of thickened pericardium. In our study on MR images, an intact pericardial line may be observed if an adjacent tumor extends to the pericardium but not through it. Tumors that have invaded the pericardium may be recognized by focal obliteration of the pericardial line and the presence of pericardial effusion. Hemorrhagic pericardial effusions secondary to metastases usually have high signal intensity on SE images. Conclusion: CT and MR imaging should be used when findings at echocardiography are difficult to interpret or conflict with clinical findings.

‘Fitting In’ vs. ‘Standing Out’: How Social Enterprises Engage with Stakeholders to Legitimize their Hybrid Position

We investigate how social enterprises actively engage with their stakeholders to legitimize their hybrid position in addressing both social and businesses audience. This is particularly important in their effort to capturing stability (expectation to ‘fit in’) within an emerging field and at the same time to address change and growth (expectation to ‘stand out’) with their limited resources, in order to be profitable enterprises, while creating social value. We analyze in-depth interviews with senior members of 21 UK-based social enterprises and we find that for many SEs involved in legitimization exercise through the supportive system, collective system and stakeholders' impression. By outlining the integrated framework on stakeholder engagement for hybrid legitimacy, we found that (i) legitimization exercise through collective sharing of SE identity help to build SE image and legitimize SE socially driven mission, while (ii) legitimization through supportive system (resources and business advantage) help building credibility by demonstrating SE capability to grow economically.

Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy; Comparison Between Conventional Sonography, Sonoelastography, and MRI in Healthy Volunteers and Patients with Shoulder Pain

<i>AIM OF THE WORK</i>: To evaluate the value of sonoelastohraphy in rotator cuff tendinopathy. <i>METHODS & MATERILS</i>: Rotator cuff tendons of 40 patients with shoulder pain, patients with complete rotator cuff tear were excluded, 22 men, 18 women; mean age, 47.9 years and 40 healthy volunteers (22 men, 18 women; mean age, 39.8 years were examined by US, and SEL,&MRI. The MRI findings of tendinopathy were used as reference golden standard and were compared to US and SEL findings. By using US intratendinous focal areas of abnormal echogenicity were defined as pathologic. SE images were evaluated using color mapping grading system representing stiff tissue (blue) to more soft tissue (green, yellow, red). <i>RESULTS</i>: In healthy volunteers, SEL of rotator cuff tendons showed mainly blue color with areas of green coloring and normal findings on US scale & T2 MR images. No red or yellow coloring was detected, interpreted as sign for harder tissue characteristics. In patients with shoulder pain showed typical signs of rotator cuff tendinopathy in MRI, 34/40 showed signs of tendinopathy by US while 38/40 showed signs of tendinopathy using SEL. In details, US showed a sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 95% while SEL showed a sensitivity of 95%, specificity of 100%. ROC analysis showed a SEL cut off value of strain ration < 5.4 has a sensitivity of 97.5% & specificity of 100%. <i>CONCLUSIONS</i>: qualitative and quantitative SEL showed improved the sensitivity and specificity in the detection of rotator cuff tendinopathy to the conventional US.

Role of CT and MRI in Diagnosis of Pericardial Diseases

Background: Pericardial disease is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease. Although the pericardium is usually sufficiently thick to be identified on CCT and CMR, visualization at the most common site of pericardial defects, the lateral, posterior, and inferior left ventricular wall, can be poor because of a paucity of fat. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of CT & MRI in the diagnosis of pericardial diseases. Patients and Methods: 30 patients with cardiac abnormalities were included. All patients’ data of preoperative were reported. Range of age was 15-59 years. 20 patients were male and 10 patients were female. Results: In our study MR imaging showed accuracy of 93% for differentiation between constrictive pericarditis and restrictive cardiomyopathy on the basis of depiction of thickened pericardium. In our study on MR images, an intact pericardial line may be observed if an adjacent tumor extends to the pericardium but not through it. Tumors that have invaded the pericardium may be recognized by focal obliteration of the pericardial line and the presence of pericardial effusion. Hemorrhagic pericardial effusions secondary to metastases usually have high signal intensity on SE images. Conclusion: CT and MR imaging should be used when findings at echocardiography are difficult to interpret or conflict with clinical findings.