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Patients presenting to the emergency with thoracic symptoms could have a wide variety of causes, even if the traumatic and vascular causes are excluded. Therefore, the diagnosis is often a challenge for emergency physicians. Anamnesis, physical examination and laboratory testing need to be integrated with imaging to get a rapid diagnosis and to distinguish among the potential causes. This review discusses the role of diagnostic imaging studies in the emergency setting in patients with non-traumatic non-cardiovascular thoracic symptoms. The use of chest x-ray, bedside lung Ultrasound and Computed Tomography in the diagnosis and care of these patients have been reviewed as well as the common findings on imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abdominal acute pain is a manifestation of heterogeneous medical conditions, with difficult clinical-laboratory assessment. Multi-detector CT (MDCT) is the gold standard imaging technique for evaluating adult patients with acute abdominal pain. Due to its fast execution and the high spatial resolution, CT is fundamental in the diagnostic and therapeutic work-up of patients with time-dependent pathology that could require surgical treatment, reducing mortality and morbidity. However, the radiological risk connected to the ionizing radiation use should not be underestimated, especially in young patients. The aim of this study is to identify optimized CT protocols to apply in the management of non-traumatic acute abdomen. In particular, this review is focused on the main emergency settings: acute pancreatitis, small bowel obstruction, acute appendicitis and acute diverticulitis. This survey would not be complete without mentioning Dual-Energy CT (DECT) technique, one of the last frontiers in CT, achieving encouraging results also in acute abdominal conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive imaging technique (non-ionizing radiation) with superior soft tissue contrasts and potential morphological and functional applications. However, long examination and interpretation times, as well as higher costs, still represent barriers to MRI use in clinical routine. Abbreviated MRI protocols have emerged as an alternative to standard MRI protocols. Abbreviated MRI protocols eliminate redundant sequences that negatively affect cost, acquisition time, patient comfort. However, the diagnostic information is generally not compromised. Abbreviated MRI protocols have already been utilized for hepatocellular carcinoma, for prostate cancer detection, and for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Lesion overlooking and late diagnostic workup can compromise the efficacy of low-dose CT (LDCT) screening of lung cancer (LC), implying more advanced and less curable disease stages. We hypothesized that the azygos esophageal recess (AER) of the right lower lobe (RLL) might be an area prone to lesion overlooking in LC screening., Materials and Methods: Two radiologists reviewed the LDCT examinations of all the screen-detected incident LCs observed in the active arm of 2 randomized clinical trials: ITALUNG and national lung screening trial. Those in the AER were compared with those in the remainder of the RLL for possible differences in diagnostic lag according to the Lung-RADS 1.1 recommendations, size, stage, and mortality., Results: Six (11.7%) of 51 screen-detected incident LCs of the RLL were located in the AER. The diagnostic lag time was significantly longer (P=0.046) in the AER LC (mean 14±9 mo) than in the LC in the remaining RLL (mean 7.3±1 mo). Size and stage at diagnosis were not significantly different. All 6 subjects with LC in the AER and 16 (35.5%) of 45 subjects with LC in the remaining RLL (P=0.004) died of LC after a median follow-up of 12 years., Conclusion: Our retrospective study indicates that AER might represent a lung region of the RLL prone to have early LC overlooked due to detection or interpretation errors with possible detrimental consequences for the subject undergoing LC screening., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

The somatic sex determination gene transformer ( tra ) is required for the highly sexually dimorphic development of most somatic cells, including those of the gonads. In addition, somatic tra is required for the germline development even though it is not required for sex determination within germ cells. Germ cell autonomous gene expression is also necessary for their sex determination. To understand the interplay between these signals, we compared the phenotype and gene expression of larval wild-type gonads and the sex-transformed tra gonads. XX larval ovaries transformed into testes were dramatically smaller than wild-type, with significant reductions in germ cell number, likely due to altered geometry of the stem cell niche. Additionally, there was a defect in progression into spermatocyte stages. XY larval testes transformed into ovaries had excessive germ cells, possibly due to the earlier onset of cell division. We suggest that germ cells are neither fully female nor male following somatic sex transformation, with certain pathways characteristic of each sex expressed in tra mutants. We found multiple patterns of somatic and germline gene expression control exclusively due to tra , exclusively due to sex chromosome karyotype, but usually due to a combination of these factors showing tra and sex chromosome karyotype pathways regulate gene expression during Drosophila gonad development., Competing Interests: Competing interests The authors declare no competing interest.

Background: Biparametric MRI (bpMRI) has an important role in the diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa), by reducing the cost and duration of the procedure and adverse reactions. We assess the additional benefit of the ADC map in detecting prostate cancer (PCa). Additionally, we examine whether the ADC value correlates with the presence of clinically significant tumors (csPCa)., Methods: 104 peripheral lesions classified as PI-RADS v2.1 score 3 or 3+1 at the mpMRI underwent transperineal MRI/US fusion-guided targeted biopsy., Results: The lesions were classified as PI-RADS 3 or 3+1; at histopathology, 30 were adenocarcinomas, 21 of which were classified as csPCa. The ADC threshold that maximized the Youden index in order to predict the presence of a tumor was 1103 (95% CI (990, 1243)), with a sensitivity of 0.8 and a specificity of 0.59; both values were greater than those found using the contrast medium, which were 0.5 and 0.54, respectively. Similar results were also found with csPCa, where the optimal ADC threshold was 1096 (95% CI (988, 1096)), with a sensitivity of 0.86 and specificity of 0.59, compared to 0.49 and 0.59 observed in the mpMRI., Conclusions: Our study confirms the possible use of a quantitative parameter (ADC value) in the risk stratification of csPCa, by reducing the number of biopsies and, therefore, the number of unwarranted diagnoses of PCa and the risk of overtreatment.

Pulmonary vasculitis identifies a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by inflammation, damage and necrosis of the wall of pulmonary vessels. The most common approach to classify vasculitis is according to etiology, therefore dividing them into primary and secondary, with a further sub-classification of primary vasculitis based on the size of the affected vessels (large, medium, and small). Pulmonary involvement is frequently observed in patients with systemic vasculitis and radiological presentation is not pathognomonic, but may vary between diseases. The main findings using high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) include small vessel wall thickening, nodular lesions, cavitary lesions, reticular opacities, ground-glass opacities (GGO), consolidations, interlobular septal thickening, tracheobronchial stenosis, and aneurysmal dilatation of pulmonary arteries, with or without pleural effusion. Radiological diagnosis alone is difficult since signs and symptoms of lung vessel involvement are often non-specific and might overlap with other conditions such as infections, connective tissue diseases and neoplasms. Therefore, the aim of this review is to describe the most common radiological features of lung involvement in pulmonary vasculitis so that, alongside detailed clinical history and laboratory tests, a prompt diagnosis can be performed.

Background and Aim: Hughes-Stovin syndrome (HSS) is a rare systemic vasculitis with widespread venous/arterial thrombosis and pulmonary vasculitis. Distinguishing between pulmonary embolism (PE) and in-situ thrombosis in the early stages of HSS is challenging. The aim of the study is to compare clinical, laboratory, and computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) characteristics in patients diagnosed with PE versus those with HSS., Methods: This retrospective study included 40 HSS patients with complete CTPA studies available, previously published by the HSS study group, and 50 patients diagnosed with PE from a single center. Demographics, clinical and laboratory findings, vascular thrombotic events, were compared between both groups. The CTPA findings were reviewed, with emphasis on the distribution, adherence to the mural wall, pulmonary infarction, ground glass opacification, and intra-alveolar hemorrhage. Pulmonary artery aneurysms (PAAs) in HSS were assessed and classified., Results: The mean age of HSS patients was 35 ± 12.3 years, in PE 58.4 ± 17 (p < 0.0001). Among PE 39(78 %) had co-morbidities, among HSS none. In contrast to PE, in HSS both major venous and arterial thrombotic events are seen.. Various patterns of PAAs were observed in the HSS group, which were entirely absent in PE. Parenchymal hemorrhage was also more frequent in HSS compared to PE (P < 0.001)., Conclusion: Major vascular thrombosis with arterial aneurysms formation are characteristic of HSS. PE typically appear loosely-adherent and mobile whereas "in-situ thrombosis" seen in HSS is tightly-adherent to the mural wall. Mural wall enhancement and PAAs are distinctive pulmonary findings in HSS. The latter findings have significant therapeutic ramifications., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no conflict of interest regarding this study., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is an infiltrative cardiomyopathy divided into two types: light-chain (LA) and transthyretin (ATTR) CA. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has emerged as an important diagnostic tool in CA. While late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), T1 mapping and extracellular volume (ECV) have a consolidate role in the assessment of CA, T2 mapping has been less often evaluated. We aimed to test the value of T2 mapping in the evaluation of CA. This study recruited 70 patients with CA (51 ATTR, 19 AL). All the subjects underwent 1.5 T CMR with T1 and T2 mapping and cine and LGE imaging. Their QALE scores were evaluated. The myocardial T2 values were significantly ( p < 0.001) increased in both types of CA compared to the controls. In the AL-CA group, increased T2 values were associated with a higher QALE score. The myocardial native T1 values and ECV were significantly ( p < 0.001) higher in the CA patients than in the healthy subjects. Left ventricular (LV) mass, QALE score and ECV were higher in ATTR amyloidosis compared with AL amyloidosis, while the LV ejection fraction was lower ( p < 0.001). These results support the concept of the presence of myocardial edema in CA. Therefore, a CMR evaluation including not only myocardial T1 imaging but also myocardial T2 imaging allows for more comprehensive tissue characterization in CA.

This article aims to detect lung cavitations using lung ultrasound (LUS) in a cohort of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and correlate the findings with chest computed tomography (CT) and chest X-ray (CXR) to obtain LUS diagnostic sensitivity. Patients with suspected TB were enrolled after being evaluated with CXR and chest CT. A blinded radiologist performed LUS within 3 days after admission at the Infectious Diseases Department. Finally, 82 patients were enrolled in this study. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) confirmed TB in 58/82 (71%). Chest CT showed pulmonary cavitations in 38/82 (43.6%; 32 TB patients and 6 non-TB ones), LUS in 15/82 (18.3%; 11 TB patients and 4 non-TB ones) and CXR in 27/82 (33%; 23 TB patients and 4 non-TB ones). Twelve patients with multiple cavitations were detected with CT and only one with LUS. LUS sensitivity was 39.5%, specificity 100%, PPV 100% and NPV 65.7%. CXR sensitivity was 68.4% and specificity 97.8%. No false positive cases were found. LUS sensitivity was rather low, as many cavitated consolidations did not reach the pleural surface. Aerated cavitations could be detected with LUS with relative confidence, highlighting a thin air crescent sign towards the pleural surface within a hypoechoic area of consolidation, easily distinguishable from a dynamic or static air bronchogram.

Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest All authors declare no conflict of interest.

Background and Aim:  Pulmonary artery aneurysms (PAAs) are the most well-defined type of pulmonary vascular complication in Behçet's disease (BD).The aim of this study is to analyze which CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) signs are associated with serious morbidity and mortality., Methods: The study included 42 BD patients with pulmonary vascular complications. All patients' medical records were reviewed retrospectively in terms of demographics, disease characteristics, laboratory investigations, pulmonary manifestations, arterial and/or venous thrombosis and CTPA vascular and parenchymal findings., Results: Deep venous thrombosis was observed in 31(73.8%) patients, arterial thrombosis in 13(31%), peripheral arterial aneurysms in 12(286%), haemoptysis in 38 (90.5%), and fatal haemoptysis in 8(19 %) patients. CTPA revealed: in situ thrombosis in 14(33.3%) patients, true stable PAAs in 13(31), true unstable PAAs in 11(26.2%), stable pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysms (PAPs) in 7(16.7%), unstable PAPs in 17(40.5%), the latter were associated with perianeurysmal leaking in 26(61.9%) and bronchial indentation in 19(45.2%).In regression analysis, fatal outcomes were associated with age in years (p=0.035), arterial thrombosis (p=0.025), peripheral arterial aneurysms (p=0.010), intracardiac thrombosis (p=0.026) and positively associated with haemoptysis severity (p<0.001)., Conclusion: Peripheral arterial thrombosis and/or aneurysms, intracardiac thrombosis and haemoptysis severity are predictor of fatal outcomes in BD pulmonary vasculitis. PAPs with perianeurysmal alveolar haemorrhage and/or bronchial indentation are serious CTPA signs that require prompt identification and aggressive treatment. PAPs are a more serious aneurysmal pattern than true PAAs because they are a contained rupture of a PA branch in the context of pulmonary vasculitis.

Motivation: The Positional Burrows-Wheeler Transform (PBWT) is a data structure that indexes haplotype sequences in a manner that enables finding maximal haplotype matches in h sequences containing w variation sites in O(hw) time. This represents a significant improvement over classical quadratic-time approaches. However, the original PBWT data structure does not allow for queries over Biobank panels that consist of several millions of haplotypes, if an index of the haplotypes must be kept entirely in memory., Results: In this article, we leverage the notion of r-index proposed for the BWT to present a memory-efficient method for constructing and storing the run-length encoded PBWT, and computing set maximal matches (SMEMs) queries in haplotype sequences. We implement our method, which we refer to as μ-PBWT, and evaluate it on datasets of 1000 Genome Project and UK Biobank data. Our experiments demonstrate that the μ-PBWT reduces the memory usage up to a factor of 20% compared to the best current PBWT-based indexing. In particular, μ-PBWT produces an index that stores high-coverage whole genome sequencing data of chromosome 20 in about a third of the space of its BCF file. μ-PBWT is an adaptation of techniques for the run-length compressed BWT for the PBWT (RLPBWT) and it is based on keeping in memory only a succinct representation of the RLPBWT that still allows the efficient computation of set maximal matches (SMEMs) over the original panel., Availability and Implementation: Our implementation is open source and available at https://github.com/dlcgold/muPBWT. The binary is available at https://bioconda.github.io/recipes/mupbwt/README.html., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press.)

The positional Burrows-Wheeler Transform (PBWT) was presented as a means to find set-maximal exact matches (SMEMs) in haplotype data via the computation of the divergence array. Although run-length encoding the PBWT has been previously considered, storing the divergence array along with the PBWT in a compressed manner has not been as rigorously studied. We define two queries that can be used in combination to compute SMEMs, allowing us to define smaller data structures that support one or both of these queries. We combine these data structures, enabling the PBWT and the divergence array to be stored in a manner that allows for finding SMEMs. We estimate and compare the memory usage of these data structures, leading to one data structure that is most memory efficient. Lastly, we implement this data structure and compare its performance to prior methods using various datasets taken from the 1000 Genomes Project data.

The assessment of tumor response, after neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy (n-CRT), permits the stratification of patients for the proper therapeutical management. Although histopathology analysis of the surgical speciemen is considered the gold standard for assessing tumor response, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with its significant developments in technical imaging, have allowed an increase in accuracy for the evaluation of response. MRI provides a radiological tumor regression grade (mrTRG) that is correlated with the pathologic tumor regression grade (pTRG). Functional MRI parameters have additional impending in early prediction of the efficacy of therapy. Some of functional methodologies are already part of clinical practice: diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) and perfusion imaging (dynamic contrast enhanced MRI [DCE-MRI])., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Metabolic and overload disorders are a heterogeneous group of relatively uncommon but important diseases. While imaging plays a key role in the early detection and accurate diagnosis in specific organs with a pivotal role in several metabolic pathways, most of these diseases affect different tissues as part of a systemic syndromes. Moreover, since the symptoms are often vague and phenotypes similar, imaging alterations can present as incidental findings, which must be recognized and interpreted in the light of further biochemical and histological investigations. Among imaging modalities, MRI allows, thanks to its multiparametric properties, to obtain numerous information on tissue composition, but many metabolic and accumulation alterations require a multimodal evaluation, possibly using advanced imaging techniques and sequences, not only for the detection but also for accurate characterization and quantification. The purpose of this review is to describe the different alterations resulting from metabolic and overload pathologies in organs and tissues throughout the body, with particular reference to imaging findings., (© 2023. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Japan Radiological Society.)

Lymphoproliferative lung diseases are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by primary or secondary involvement of the lung. Primary pulmonary lymphomas are the most common type, representing 0.5-1% of all primary malignancies of the lung. The radiological presentation is often heterogeneous and non-specific: consolidations, masses, and nodules are the most common findings, followed by ground-glass opacities and interstitial involvement, more common in secondary lung lymphomas. These findings usually show a prevalent perilymphatic spread along bronchovascular bundles, without a prevalence in the upper or lower lung lobes. An ancillary sign, such as a "halo sign", "reverse halo sign", air bronchogram, or CT angiogram sign, may be present and can help rule out a differential diagnosis. Since a wide spectrum of pulmonary parenchymal diseases may mimic lymphoma, a correct clinical evaluation and a multidisciplinary approach are mandatory. In this sense, despite High-Resolution Computer Tomography (HRCT) representing the gold standard, a tissue sample is needed for a certain and definitive diagnosis. Cryobiopsy is a relatively new technique that permits the obtaining of a larger amount of tissue without significant artifacts, and is less invasive and more precise than surgical biopsy.

Urothelial tumours are the fourth most common cancer in the world and account for the majority of tumours involving the bladder. The symptom that often leads to diagnosis is the presence of haematuria. Diagnosis is made by cystoscopy, which is currently the gold standard in bladder cancer. Computed tomography (CT) performed with pre- and post-contrastographic phases is essential in order to assess the loco-regional and distant extension of disease. The diagnosis and staging of upper tract urothelial cancer (UTUC) are best done with computed tomography urography and flexible ureteroscopy (URS). In the acquisition protocol of this type of tumour, a urographic phase is mandatory, which allows for an accurate diagnostic assessment of the renal pelvis, ureter and bladder, especially in papillary forms. The use of multiple acquisition phases, especially in this type of patient who will have to perform follow-up CTs, leads to the problem of overexposure to ionising radiation, as well as the frequent administration of iodinated contrast medium. For this reason, in recent year, the focus has been put on advanced technologies such as dual-energy CT (DECT), that is a method that can offer some advantages for both radiologist and patient, in the diagnosis of cancer and, in particular, urinary tract disease.

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Objectives: To develop a structured reporting (SR) template for whole-body CT examinations of polytrauma patients, based on the consensus of a panel of emergency radiology experts from the Italian Society of Medical and Interventional Radiology., Methods: A multi-round Delphi method was used to quantify inter-panelist agreement for all SR sections. Internal consistency for each section and quality analysis in terms of average inter-item correlation were evaluated by means of the Cronbach's alpha (Cα) correlation coefficient., Results: The final SR form included 118 items (6 in the "Patient Clinical Data" section, 4 in the "Clinical Evaluation" section, 9 in the "Imaging Protocol" section, and 99 in the "Report" section). The experts' overall mean score and sum of scores were 4.77 (range 1-5) and 257.56 (range 206-270) in the first Delphi round, and 4.96 (range 4-5) and 208.44 (range 200-210) in the second round, respectively. In the second Delphi round, the experts' overall mean score was higher than in the first round, and standard deviation was lower (3.11 in the second round vs 19.71 in the first round), reflecting a higher expert agreement in the second round. Moreover, Cα was higher in the second round than in the first round (0.97 vs 0.87)., Conclusions: Our SR template for whole-body CT examinations of polytrauma patients is based on a strong agreement among panel experts in emergency radiology and could improve communication between radiologists and the trauma team., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Background: The aim is to find a correlation between texture features extracted from neuroendocrine (NET) lung cancer subtypes, both Ki-67 index and the presence of lymph-nodal mediastinal metastases detected while using different computer tomography (CT) scanners., Methods: Sixty patients with a confirmed pulmonary NET histological diagnosis, a known Ki-67 status and metastases, were included. After subdivision of primary lesions in baseline acquisition and venous phase, 107 radiomic features of first and higher orders were extracted. Spearman's correlation matrix with Ward's hierarchical clustering was applied to confirm the absence of bias due to the database heterogeneity. Nonparametric tests were conducted to identify statistically significant features in the distinction between patient groups (Ki-67 < 3-Group 1; 3 ≤ Ki-67 ≤ 20-Group 2; and Ki-67 > 20-Group 3, and presence of metastases)., Results: No bias arising from sample heterogeneity was found. Regarding Ki-67 groups statistical tests, seven statistically significant features (p value < 0.05) were found in post-contrast enhanced CT; three in baseline acquisitions. In metastasis classes distinction, three features (first-order class) were statistically significant in post-contrast acquisitions and 15 features (second-order class) in baseline acquisitions, including the three features distinguishing between Ki-67 groups in baseline images (MCC, ClusterProminence and Strength)., Conclusions: Some radiomic features can be used as a valid and reproducible tool for predicting Ki-67 class and hence the subtype of lung NET in baseline and post-contrast enhanced CT images. In particular, in baseline examination three features can establish both tumour class and aggressiveness., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Due to the rich vascularization and lymphatic drainage of the pulmonary tissue, lung metastases (LM) are not uncommon in patients with cancer. Radiomics is an active research field aimed at the extraction of quantitative data from diagnostic images, which can serve as useful imaging biomarkers for a more effective, personalized patient care. Our purpose is to illustrate the current applications, strengths and weaknesses of radiomics for lesion characterization, treatment planning and prognostic assessment in patients with LM, based on a systematic review of the literature.

Gender Medicine is rapidly emerging as a branch of medicine that studies how many diseases common to men and women differ in terms of prevention, clinical manifestations, diagnostic-therapeutic approach, prognosis, and psychological and social impact. Nowadays, the presentation and identification of many pathological conditions pose unique diagnostic challenges. However, women have always been paradoxically underestimated in epidemiological studies, drug trials, as well as clinical trials, so many clinical conditions affecting the female population are often underestimated and/or delayed and may result in inadequate clinical management. Knowing and valuing these differences in healthcare, thus taking into account individual variability, will make it possible to ensure that each individual receives the best care through the personalization of therapies, the guarantee of diagnostic-therapeutic pathways declined according to gender, as well as through the promotion of gender-specific prevention initiatives. This article aims to assess potential gender differences in clinical-radiological practice extracted from the literature and their impact on health and healthcare. Indeed, in this context, radiomics and radiogenomics are rapidly emerging as new frontiers of imaging in precision medicine. The development of clinical practice support tools supported by artificial intelligence allows through quantitative analysis to characterize tissues noninvasively with the ultimate goal of extracting directly from images indications of disease aggressiveness, prognosis, and therapeutic response. The integration of quantitative data with gene expression and patient clinical data, with the help of structured reporting as well, will in the near future give rise to decision support models for clinical practice that will hopefully improve diagnostic accuracy and prognostic power as well as ensure a more advanced level of precision medicine.

Behcet's disease (BD) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disorder characterized by underlying chronic vasculitis of both large- and small-caliber vessels. Thoracic involvement in BD can occur with various types of manifestations, which can be detected with contrast-enhanced MSCT scanning. In addition, MR can be useful in diagnosis. Characteristic features are aneurysms of the pulmonary arteries that can cause severe hemoptysis and SVC thrombosis that manifests as SVC syndrome. Other manifestations are aortic and bronchial artery aneurysms, alveolar hemorrhage, pulmonary infarction, and rarely pleural effusion. Achieving the right diagnosis of these manifestations is important for setting the correct therapy and improving the patient's outcome.

Aims: The aim is to describe lung ultrasound (LUS) findings in a cohort of patients with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and compare them with computed tomography (CT) and chest x-ray (CXR) findings in order to evaluate the potentiality of LUS in TB diagnosis., Methods: In this prospective study, 82 subjects with suspected TB were enrolled after being evaluated with CXR and chest CT. LUS was performed by blinded radiologists within 3 days after admission. A semiquantitative index was used: score 1 (lesions that extend for about 1-15% of the affected zone), score 2 (15-40%) and score 3 (40-100%)., Results: Microbiological analysis confirmed TB diagnosis in 58/82 (70.7%). CT was positive in all patients, LUS in 79/82 (96.3%) CXR in 78/82 (95.1%) and adding LUS and CXR in 100%. In PTB patients we found a great number of lungs zones with micronodules and with total findings than non-TPB patients (p < 0.05). Overall LUS sensitivity was 80%, greater for micronodules (82%) and nodules (95%), lower for consolidation with air bronchogram (72%) and cavitations (33%). We reported 5 complicated pleural effusion at LUS, only 1 in CT. CXR overall sensitivity was 81%. Adding CXR and LUS findings we reported a sensitivity of 90%., Conclusions: LUS could be considered a valid, non-invasive and cost-effective diagnostic tool especially in world regions where CT were not available, also in addiction with CXR., Trial Registration: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of our University Hospital (rif. CEAVC 14,816)., (© 2021. Società Italiana di Ultrasonologia in Medicina e Biologia (SIUMB).)

Objectives: The aim of this single-centre, observational, retrospective study is to find a correlation using Radiomics between the analysis of CT texture features of primary lesion of neuroendocrine (NET) lung cancer subtypes (typical and atypical carcinoids, large and small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma), Ki-67 index and the presence of lymph nodal mediastinal metastases., Methods: Twenty-seven patients (11 males and 16 females, aged between 48 and 81 years old-average age of 70,4 years) with histological diagnosis of pulmonary NET with known Ki-67 status and metastases who have performed pre-treatment CT in our department were included. All examinations were performed with the same CT scan (Sensation 16-slice, Siemens). The study protocol was a baseline scan followed by 70 s delay acquisition after administration of intravenous contrast medium. After segmentation of primary lesions, quantitative texture parameters of first and higher orders were extracted. Statistics nonparametric tests and linear correlation tests were conducted to evaluate the relationship between different textural characteristics and tumour subtypes., Results: Statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences were seen in post-contrast enhanced CT in multiple first and higher-order extracted parameters regarding the correlation with classes of Ki-67 index values. Statistical analysis for direct acquisitions was not significant. Concerning the correlation with the presence of metastases, one histogram feature (Skewness) and one feature included in the Gray-Level Co-occurrence Matrix (ClusterShade) were significant on contrast-enhanced CT only., Conclusions: CT texture analysis may be used as a valid tool for predicting the subtype of lung NET and its aggressiveness., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

The incidental discovery of pre-clinical interstitial lung disease (ILD) has led to the designation of interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA), a radiological entity defined as the incidental finding of computed tomography (CT) abnormalities affecting more than 5% of any lung zone. Two recent documents have redefined the borders of this entity and made the recommendation to monitor patients with ILA at risk of progression. In this narrative review, we will focus on some of the limits of the current approach, underlying the potential for progression to full-blown ILD of some patients with ILA and the numerous links between subpleural fibrotic ILA and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Considering the large prevalence of ILA in the general population (7%), restricting monitoring only to cases considered at risk of progression appears a reasonable approach. However, this suggestion should not prevent pulmonary physicians from pursuing an early diagnosis of ILD and timely treatment where appropriate. In cases of suspected ILD, whether found incidentally or not, the pulmonary physician is still required to make a correct ILD diagnosis according to current guidelines, and eventually treat the patient accordingly., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: S. Tomassetti declares consultancy and speaker's fees from Roche and Boehringer Ingelheim, outside this project. Conflict of interest: V. Poletti has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: C. Ravaglia has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: N. Sverzellati has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: S. Piciucchi has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: D. Cozzi has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: V. Luzzi has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: C. Comin has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: A.U. Wells has nothing to disclose., (Copyright ©The authors 2022.)

Due to the increasing number of COVID-19-infected and vaccinated individuals, radiologists continue to see patients with COVID-19 pneumonitis and recall pneumonitis, which could result in additional workups and false-positive results. Moreover, cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy may show therapy-related pneumonitis during imaging management. This is otherwise known as immune checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis. Following on from this background, radiologists should seek to know their patients' COVID-19 infection and vaccination history. Knowing the imaging features related to COVID-19 infection and vaccination is critical to avoiding misleading results and alarmism in patients and clinicians.

Since the first report of the outbreak in Wuhan, China in December 2019, as of 1 September 2021, the World Health Organization has confirmed more than 239 million cases of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infectious disease named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with more than 4.5 million deaths. Although SARS-CoV-2 mainly involves the respiratory tract, it is considered to be a systemic disease. Imaging plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis of all manifestations of COVID-19 disease, as well as its related complications. The figure of the radiologist is fundamental in the management and treatment of the patient. The authors try to provide a systematic approach based on an imaging review of major multi-organ manifestations of this infection.

Dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) imaging is a non-invasive technique used for the evaluation of tissue vascularity features through imaging series acquisition after contrast medium administration. Over the years, the study technique and protocols have evolved, seeing a growing application of this method across different imaging modalities for the study of almost all body districts. The main and most consolidated current applications concern MRI imaging for the study of tumors, but an increasing number of studies are evaluating the use of this technique also for inflammatory pathologies and functional studies. Furthermore, the recent advent of artificial intelligence techniques is opening up a vast scenario for the analysis of quantitative information deriving from DCE. The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive update on the techniques, protocols, and clinical applications - both established and emerging - of DCE in whole-body imaging., (© 2021. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Japan Radiological Society.)

In the last decades, nanotechnology has been used in a wide range of biomedical applications, both diagnostic and therapeutic. In this scenario, imaging techniques represent a fundamental tool to obtain information about the properties of nanoconstructs and their interactions with the biological environment in preclinical and clinical settings. This paper reviews the state of the art of the application of magnetic resonance imaging in the field of nanomedicine, as well as the use of nanoparticles as diagnostic and therapeutic tools, especially in cancer, including the characteristics that hinder the use of nanoparticles in clinical practice.

Background: Radiomics is a progressing field of research that deals with the extraction of quantitative metrics from medical images. Radiomic features detention indirectly tissue features such as heterogeneity and shape and can, alone or in combination with demographic, histological, genomic, or proteomic data, be used for decision support system in clinical setting., Methods: This article is a narrative review on Radiomics in Primary Liver Cancers. Particularly, limitations and future perspectives are discussed., Results: In oncology, assessment of tissue heterogeneity is of particular interest: genomic analysis have demonstrated that the degree of tumour heterogeneity is a prognostic determinant of survival and an obstacle to cancer control. Therefore, that Radiomics could support cancer detection, diagnosis, evaluation of prognosis and response to treatment, so as could supervise disease status in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) patients. Radiomic analysis is a convenient radiological image analysis technique used to support clinical decisions as it is able to provide prognostic and / or predictive biomarkers that allow a fast, objective and repeatable tool for disease monitoring., Conclusions: Although several studies have shown that this analysis is very promising, there is little standardization and generalization of the results, which limits the translation of this method into the clinical context. The limitations are mainly related to the evaluation of data quality, repeatability, reproducibility, overfitting of the model., Trial Registration: Not applicable., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography (CTPA) is considered the gold standard diagnostic technique in patients with suspected acute pulmonary embolism in emergency departments. Several studies have been conducted on the predictive value of CTPA on the outcomes of pulmonary embolism (PE). The purpose of this article is to provide an updated review of the literature reporting imaging parameters and quantitative CT scores to predict the severity of PE.

Non-neoplastic lesions of central airways are uncommon entities with different etiologies, with either focal or diffuse involvement of the tracheobronchial tree. Clinical symptoms of non-neoplastic tracheobronchial diseases are non-specific, and diagnosis is difficult, especially in the early stages. Three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) is an evaluable tool as it allows to assess and characterize tracheobronchial wall lesions and meanwhile it enables the evaluation of airways surrounding structures. Multiplanar reconstructions (MPR), minimum intensity projections (MinIP), and 3D Volume Rendering (VR) (in particular, virtual bronchoscopy) also provide information on the site and of the length of airway alterations. This review will be discussed about (1) primary airway disorders, such as relapsing polychondritis, tracheobronchophathia osteochondroplastica, and tracheobronchomegaly, (2) airway diseases, related to granulomatosis with polyangiitis, Chron's disease, Behcet's disease, sarcoidosis, amyloidosis, infections, intubation and transplantation, (3) tracheobronchial malacia, and (4) acute tracheobronchial injury. 3D-CT findings, especially with MPR and 3D VR reconstructions, allows us to evaluate tracheobronchial disease morphologically in detail., (© 2021. Japan Radiological Society.)