With high morbidity, branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) is a common retinal vascular disease in the clinic. Although the classic characteristics of BRVO have been recognized for a long time, the traditional understanding of BRVO has been challenged along with development and application of new imaging technologies, including the reasonable classification and staging of the disease, and the vascular characteristics at the occlusive site via multimodal imaging, etc. Thus, re-summarizing and refining these features as well as further improving and optimizing traditional imaging evaluation, can not only deepen the correct acknowledge of the entity, but also find biomarkers of prognosis of visual function, which is helpful to establish better diagnosis and treatment strategy. In the meanwhile, it is necessary that clinical characteristics of BRVO on imaging and the reliability of these imaging techniques are worth correct understanding and objective assessment.
ObjectiveTo explore the CT imaging features and independent risk factors for cystic pulmonary nodules and establish a malignant probability prediction model. Methods The patients with cystic pulmonary nodules admitted to the Department of Thoracic Surgery of the First People's Hospital of Neijiang from January 2017 to February 2022 were retrospectively enrolled. They were divided into a malignant group and a benign group according to the pathological results. The clinical data and preoperative chest CT imaging features of the two groups were collected, and the independent risk factors for malignant cystic pulmonary nodules were screened out by logistic regression analysis, so as to establish a prediction model for benign and malignant cystic pulmonary nodules. ResultsA total of 107 patients were enrolled. There were 76 patients in the malignant group, including 36 males and 40 females, with an average age of 59.65±11.74 years. There were 31 patients in the benign group, including 16 males and 15 females, with an average age of 58.96±13.91 years. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that the special CT imaging features such as cystic wall nodules [OR=3.538, 95%CI (1.231, 10.164), P=0.019], short burrs [OR=4.106, 95%CI (1.454, 11.598), P=0.008], cystic wall morphology [OR=6.978, 95%CI (2.374, 20.505), P<0.001], and the number of cysts [OR=4.179, 95%CI (1.438, 12.146), P=0.009] were independent risk factors for cystic lung cancer. A prediction model was established: P=ex/(1+ex), X=–2.453+1.264×cystic wall nodules+1.412×short burrs+1.943×cystic wall morphology+1.430×the number of cysts. The area under the receiver operating charateristic curve was 0.830, the sensitivity was 82.9%, and the specificity was 74.2%. ConclusionCystic wall nodules, short burrs, cystic wall morphology, and the number of cysts are the independent risk factors for cystic lung cancer, and the established prediction model can be used as a screening method for cystic pulmonary nodules.
Objective To explore the diagnosis and treatment strategies for elderly patients with ground-glass opacity (GGO). MethodsThe imaging features and postoperative pathological findings of the elderly patients with pulmonary GGO receiving surgery in our hospital from 2017 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into an elderly patient group and a non-elderly patient group based on their age. Results Finally 575 patients were included in the study. There were 281 elderly patients, including 83 males and 198 females, with an average age of (67.0±5.3) years. There were 294 non-elderly patients, including 88 males and 206 females, with an average age of (49.1±7.3) years. Compared with the non-elderly patients, elderly GGO patients showed the following distinct clinical features: long observation time for lesions (P=0.001), high proportion of rough edges of GGO (P<0.001), significant pleural signs (P＜0.001) and bronchial signs (P＜0.001), and high proportion of type Ⅱ-Ⅳ GGO (P<0.001), lobectomy type (P=0.013), and invasive lesions reported in postoperative pathology (P<0.001). There was no statistical difference in the average hospital stay between the two groups (P=0.106). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that GGO diameter and GGO type were the main factors affecting the operation. Observation time, GGO diameter, GGO type and pleural signs were the main influencing factors for postoperative pathological infiltrative lesions. The cut-off value of GGO diameter in predicting infiltrating lesions was 10.5 mm in the elderly patients group. Conclusion The size and type of GGO are important factors in predicting invasive lesions and selecting surgical methods. Elderly patients with radiographic manifestations of type Ⅱ-Ⅳ GGO lesions with a diameter greater than 10.5 mm should be closely followed up.
ObjectiveTo explore the efficiency of Ki-67 expression and CT imaging features in predicting the degree of invasion of lung adenocarcinoma. MethodsThe clinical data of 217 patients with pulmonary nodules, who were diagnosed as suspicious lung cancer by multi-disciplinary treatment clinic of pulmonary nodules in our hospital from September 2017 to August 2021, were retrospectively analyzed. There were 84 males and 133 females, aged 52 (25-84) years. The patients were divided into two groups according to the infiltration degree, including an adenocarcinoma in situ and microinvasive adenocarcinoma group (n=145) and an invasive adenocarcinoma group (n=72). ResultsThere was no statistical difference in the age and gender between the two groups (P>0.05). The univariate analysis showed that CK-7, P63, P40 and CK56 expressions were not different between the two groups (P=0.172, 0.468, 0.827, 0.313), while Napsin A, TTF-1 and Ki-67 expressions were statistically different (P=0.002, 0.020, <0.001). The multivariate analysis showed that Ki-67 expression was statistically different between the two groups (P<0.001). Ki-67 was positively correlated with malignant features of CT images and the degree of lung adenocarcinoma invasion (P<0.05). Ki-67 and CT imaging features alone could predict the degree of lung adenocarcinoma invasion, but their sensitivity and specificity were not high. Ki-67 combined with CT imaging features could achieve a higher prediction efficiency.ConclusionCompared with Ki-67 or CT imaging features alone, the combined prediction of Ki-67 and imaging features is more effective, which is of great significance for clinicians to select the appropriate operation occasion.
Objective To use imaging features of pulmonary nodules to predict the risk of lymph node metastasis in patients with cT1-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), providing a reference for clinical decision-making. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the imaging features and postoperative pathological results of cT1 NSCLC patients who underwent surgical treatment at Linyi People’s Hospital from July 2019 to July 2022. Patients were grouped and analyzed according to lymph node metastasis status. Results A total of 1 123 patients were included, comprising 471 males and 652 females, with a median age of 59 (52, 66) years. Comparative analysis revealed that sex, age, nodule location, nodule size on imaging, solid component size, consolidation tumor ratio (CTR), average CT value, and tumor proximity to the pleura all influenced lymph node metastasis. A nomogram was constructed, indicating that the probability of lymph node metastasis in cT1 NSCLC was positively correlated with solid component size, CTR, and average CT value of the pulmonary nodule, and negatively correlated with patient age. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.929. Conclusion For cT1 NSCLC patients, the probability of lymph node metastasis can be predicted by measuring the solid component size, CTR, and average CT value of the pulmonary nodule, in conjunction with patient age. However, relying solely on pulmonary nodule imaging characteristics is insufficient to determine a specific lymph node dissection strategy.
Objective To observe the multimodal imaging features and explore the treatment of parafoveal exudative vascular anomaly complex (PEVAC). Methods A retrospective study. Six patients (6 eyes) with PEVAC diagnosed in Tianjin Eye Hospital were included in this study from July 2018 to December 2021. All patients were female with monocular disease. The age was (61.1±9.3) years. All patients showed a sudden painless decline in monocular vision with metamorphopsia. All patients underwent best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), color fundus photography, fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA). Indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) was performed in 4 eyes. In 6 eyes, 3 eyes were treated with intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drug; 5 eyes were treated with micropulse laser photocoagulation and/or local thermal laser photocoagulation; 1 eye was treated with photodynamic therapy. Five patients were followed up for (9.2±7.4) months, and 1 patient was lost. At follow-up, the same equipment and methods were used as at the initial diagnosis. The clinical manifestations, multimodal image features and treatment response were observed. Results Baseline BCVA of affected eyes were ranged from 0.1 to 0.5. PEVAC was isolated in 6 eyes, and the fundus showed isolated hemangioma-like leision, accompanied by small bleeding and hard exudation. There were 2 isolated hemangiomatous lesions adjacent to each other in 2 eyes. In the early stage of FFA, punctate high fluorescence lesions near the macular fovea were seen, and the leakage was enhanced in the late stage. There was no leakage in the early stage of ICGA, or slight leakage with late scouring. OCT showed an oval lesion with high reflection wall and uneven low reflection. The central macular thickness (CMT) was (431±76) μm. OCTA showed blood flow signals in PEVAC, 2 eyes in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP), and it was also observed in the deep capillary plexus (DCP), but the intensity of blood flow signal was slightly weaker than that in the SCP. The blood flow signal was visible only in DCP in 2 eyes. SCP and DCP showed similar intensity of blood flow signals in 2 eyes. After treatment, the bleeding was absorbed basically in 4 eyes, the hard exudation partially subsided, the CMT decreased, the intercortical cystic cavity of the fovea nerve decreased, the hemangiomatous lesions narrowed, and BCVA increased. In 1 eye, the macular sac was reduced and partially absorbed by hard exudation, which was later relapsed due to blood pressure fluctuation.ConclusionsThe majority of PEVAC patients had monocular onset. The fundus is characterized by solitary or structure with strong reflex walls, with or without retinal cysts, hard exudates, and subretinal fluid, and visible blood flow signals inside.
Objective To discuss the main pathological types and imaging characteristics of pulmonary nodules that are highly suspected to be malignant in clinical practice but are pathologically confirmed to be benign. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of patients with pulmonary nodules who were initially highly suspected of malignancy but were subsequently pathologically confirmed to be benign. These patients were treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University from December 2020 to April 2023. Based on the outcomes of preoperative discussions, the patients were categorized into a benign group and a suspicious malignancy group. The clinical data and imaging characteristics of both groups were compared. Results A total of 232 patients were included in the study, comprising 112 males and 120 females, with a mean age of (50.7±12.0) years. Among these, 127 patients were classified into the benign group, while 105 patients were categorized into the suspicious malignancy group. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding age, gender, symptoms, smoking history, or tumor history (P>0.05). However, significant differences were noted in nodule density, CT values, margins, shapes, and malignant signs (P＜0.05). Further analysis revealed that in the suspicious malignancy group, solid nodules were predominantly characterized by collagen nodules and fibrous tissue hyperplasia (33.3%), followed by tuberculosis (20.4%) and fungal infections (18.5%). In contrast, non-solid nodules were primarily composed of collagen nodules and fibrous tissue hyperplasia (41.2%) and atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (17.7%). ConclusionBenign pulmonary nodules that are suspected to be malignant are pathologically characterized by the presence of collagen nodules, fibrous tissue hyperplasia, tuberculosis, atypical adenomatous hyperplasia, and fungal infections. Radiologically, these nodules typically present as non-solid lesions and may exhibit features suggestive of malignancy, including spiculation, lobulation, cavitation, and pleural retraction.
Objective To investigate the possible mechanism and fracture stability of subtypes of type B Hangman’s fracture by using imaging observation. Methods Patients with type B Hangman’s fractures admitted to multiple centers between January 2008 and October 2023 were selected as the research objects. The clinical data and imaging data of patients who met the selection criteria were extracted. The patients’ age, gender, cause of fracture, disease duration, visual analogue scale (VAS) score of neck pain, neck disability index (NDI), and American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) classification of spinal cord function were collected. Based on the imaging data, the anatomical structure of the contralateral superior articular process fracture, the relationship between the superior articular process fracture line and the position of the odontoid process, the associated posterior vertebral wall fracture and its classification, the incidence of vertebral arch floating and C2, 3 instability were observed. The superior articular fracture angle (SAFA), superior articular fracture displacement distance (SAFD), and C2 vertebral body rotation (VBRA) were measured. According to the anatomical structure of the contralateral superior articular process fracture, the patients were divided into a pedicle fracture group (POA group), a inferior articular process fracture group (IAP group), and a laminar fracture group (CSL group). The baseline data and imaging indexes were analyzed between groups, and the imaging anatomical characteristics of each subtype of fracture were observed to explore its possible mechanism and fracture stability.Results A total of 86 cases of type B Hangman’s fractures were collected. There were 67 males and 19 females. The mean age was 51.0 years (range, 21-78 years). There were 48 cases of pedicle fracture (POA group), 25 cases of inferior articular process fracture (IAP group), and 13 cases of laminar fracture (CSL group). There was no significant difference in age, gender, cause of fracture, disease duration, VAS score of neck pain, and NDI between groups (P>0.05). However, the incidence of spinal cord injury in POA group was the highest (P<0.05). The incidences of superior articular process fracture line posterior to the odontoid process and posterior vertebral wall fracture in POA group were the highest (P<0.05). The incidences of vertebral arch floating and C2, 3 instability in IAP group were the highest (P<0.05). There were significant differences in SAFA and VBRA between groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in SAFD between groups (P>0.05). The differences in the incidences of fracture displacement>3 mm and VBRA>5° between groups were significant (P<0.05). There were 78 cases of unstable Hangman’s fracture, including 2 cases of simple C2、3 instability, 22 cases of simple axis rotation and displacement instability, 8 cases of simple vertebral arch floating instability, and the rest of the patients had two or more types of instability. Conclusion The mechanism of different subtypes of type B Hangman’s fracture may be that the lateral mass of the rotation of the atlas applied the overextension compression force to the unilateral superior articular process of the axis vertebra, and the contralateral pedicle, inferior articular process and lamina fractures were caused by direct violence or/and rotational violence to different degrees. The decomposition of this type of fracture into C2, 3 intervertebral, axis vertebra body displacement and rotation and vertebral arch floating instability is beneficial to the treatment and surgical approach selection.
Objective To explore the clinical and imaging features of patients with acute dizziness and assess their associations with 3-month prognosis. Methods We enrolled adult patients with a chief complaint of acute dizziness, who were admitted to the Neurological Clinic at the Emergency Department of West China Hospital, Sichuan University between January 1st and May 31st 2022. We collected clinical and imaging features at baseline for each patient. The primary outcome was recurrent dizziness within 3 months after index dizziness. Secondary outcome was stroke within 3 months after index dizziness. Results A total of 1 322 patients who visited the Neurological Clinic were included, of which 617 (46.7%) had a chief complaint of acute dizziness. Among 222 patients who performed emergent brain and neck CT angiography, 1 patient presented with intracerebral haemorrhage. Among the remaining 221 patients, 206 patients completed 3-month follow-up, with 76 patients reported recurrent dizziness and 7 patients had stroke (6 ischaemic, 1 hemorrhagic). The multivariate logistic regression showed that chronic dizziness duration and parenchymal hypodensity on brain CT were each associated with a higher risk of recurrent dizziness. Compared with those who did not report stroke, the stroke patients were more likely to present with hypertension, headache symptoms, and exhibit parenchymal hypodensity on baseline CT (P<0.05). Conclusions In patients with acute dizziness, those with chronic dizziness duration and parenchymal hypodensity on baseline CT were associated with a higher risk of 3-month recurrent dizziness. Acute dizziness patients experiencing 3-month stroke often have hypertension, headache symptoms, and parenchymal hypodensity on baseline CT.
ObjectiveTo explore value of CT imaging features in differentiating pathological grades of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (pNENs). MethodsThe patients with pNENs admitted to the Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital from October 2017 to December 2023 were retrospectively collected. The enrolled patients were assigned into a low-grade (G1+G2) pNENs and high-grade (G3+neuroendocrine carcinoma) pNENs. Then, the differences in gender, age, presence of neuroendocrine symptoms, tumor location, tumor diameter, clarity of the tumor boundary, cystic change, capsule, dilation of the biliary and pancreatic ducts, pancreatic parenchymal atrophy, vascular invasion, liver metastasis, lymph node metastasis, tumor enhancement pattern, Ct values in each phase, and the ratio of Ct value of the tumor to that of the normal pancreas (T/N value) between the low-grade pNENs and high-grade pNENs were compared. Subsequently, the multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to screen the CT imaging features with statistical significance and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was use to differentiate high-grade from low-grade pNENs. ResultsA total of 47 pNENs patients were enrolled, including 36 low-grade and 11 high-grade cases. Compared with the low-grade pNENs, the patients with high-grade pNENs had higher proportions of pancreaticobiliary duct dilation (χ2=9.124, P=0.003) and vascular invasion (χ2=10.967, P=0.001), more mild enhancement (χ2=9.192, P=0.010), larger tumor diameter (Z=–2.378, P=0.017), and lower Ct values and T/N ratios in the arterial and venous phases (P=0.001, P=0.032, P=0.006, P=0.018). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the pancreaticobiliary duct dilation, vascular invasion, and decreased Ct value in the arterial phase were the predictive factors for the high-grade pNENs. The areas under the ROC curves of these three indicators for distinguishing low-grade from high-grade pNENs were 0.760, 0.749, and 0.843, respectively, the Ct value in the arterial phase had the strongest discriminatory ability, and its cutoff value was 78 HU. ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that pancreatic ductal dilation, vascular invasion, and Ct value in arterial phase play important roles in differentiating high-grade pNENs from low-grade pNENs. Ct value in arterial phase has the greatest diagnostic efficiency.