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Aim: The aim of this study is to elucidate the patterns of characteristic hypometabolism on 18F-Fluoro Deoxy-glucose (18F-FDG) Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) in the variants of Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and its correlation with their core clinical features. Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 88 subjects with clinically suspected PSP was done. An institutional informed consent to participate in the study was taken from all the subjects. All the subjects had undergone a prior 99mTechnetium labeled Tropane derivative of dopamine transporter Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (99mTc TRODAT-1 SPECT) study and had abnormal scans to confirm degenerative parkinsonism. The subjects were clinically examined by the neurologists using the Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Rating Scale proposed by the Movement Disorder Society and were further clinically segregated into eight subtypes. All the included subjects further underwent a detailed clinical analysis to obtain their individual Schwab and England activities of daily living scale and Modified Hoehn and Yahr staging by a neurologist. All the subjects underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT scan after adequate preparation. The scans were analyzed both qualitatively (visually) and quantitatively using Statistical Parametric Mapping. Results: The frontal, limbic, and sensorimotor cortices represented the common areas of hypometabolism among all the subtypes of PSP. The subcortical regions showing the most significant hypometabolism were the thalami, mid-brain, nucleus accumbens, caudate, globus pallidus, and putamen in descending order. Multiple cortical and subcortical regions of hypometabolism were identified in different subtypes of PSP. Conclusion: The characteristic patterns of hypometabolism observed in the different subgroups were more apparent on quantification and based on visual analysis alone, it may not be possible to differentiate the different subtypes of PSP. A good correlation was seen between some of the core clinical features and hypometabolic clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To elucidate the patterns of characteristic hypometabolism on 18F- fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in multisystem atrophy (MSA) and their correlation with the patterns of uptake on dopamine transporter imaging with 99mTc TRODAT-1 SPECT. Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 67 patients with clinically diagnosed MSA was performed. All the subjects underwent 99mTc TRODAT-1 SPECT and 18F-FDG PET/CT scanning on two separate days. The 99mTc-TRODAT-1 scans were analyzed visually for asymmetry and rostro-caudal gradient. The FDG uptake patterns were recorded, and areas of hypometabolism that were two standard deviations from the mean were considered abnormal. Results: All the subjects had an abnormal pattern of FDG uptake on PET scan, both on a visual inspection and semiquantitative analysis. In MSA-P subjects (n = 29), diffuse predominant hypometabolism of the globus pallidus-putamen complex was noted, with relative sparing of the caudate nuclei. In MSA-C subjects (n = 25), characteristic hypometabolism was noted in the cerebellum and brainstem. In mixed subtypes (n = 13), variable involvement of the basal ganglia, cerebellum, and brainstem was noted with frontoparietal hypometabolism. A statistically significant difference between MSA-P and MSA-C for gradient reduction and asymmetry with gradient reduction was observed. Conclusion: Dopamine transporter imaging with 99mTc TRODAT-1 SPECT not only helps in confirmation of parkinsonian disorders but also demonstrates varying patterns of distribution in different subtypes of MSA. Characteristic patterns of hypometabolism in 18F-FDG PET may help in the differentiation of the subtypes of MSA in the presence of clinically overlapping symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostate cancer usually metastasizes to regional lymph nodes and bone. Laryngeal cartilage metastases are very rare and only few cases have been published so far describing thyroid cartilage metastatic lesions from prostate cancer. Here, we describe 5 cases of carcinoma prostate, 3 staging and 2 follow-up, where 68Ga-prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography/ computed tomography (PET/CT) scan revealed multiple skeletal lesions along with thyroid cartilage metastasis. Initially, laryngeal cartilage metastases remain asymptomatic and in later stages patients present with symptoms. These metastatic lesions to thyroid cartilage are rare entities and can often easily be missed on conventional imaging. PET-CT imaging has overcome this diagnostic problem due to its ability to provide for both anatomical and functional imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melanomas are the malignancies that can affect any anatomic region where melanocytes exist (such as the epidermis, eyes, nasal cavity, and anus). Anorectal melanoma is a rare mucosal melanocytic malignancy, comprising 0.8% of all anorectal malignancies. Here, we report a case series of three patients of anorectal melanoma and role of positron emission tomography/computed tomography in diagnosis and follow-up to evaluate the local recurrence and distant metastases. Of three patients, two presented with rectal bleeding and one with obstruction. One patient had recurrence after 10 months, other after 24 months, and third remained disease free post surgery till 9 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metastatic lesions to thyroid cartilage are very rare and can be often missed on conventional imaging. Anatomical and functional fused positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging has higher sensitivity as compared to conventional CT imaging and can thus identify such atypical sites of metastasis. Here, we present four cases of thyroid cartilage metastases detected on 18fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT scan from carcinoma lung, breast, stomach and urinary bladder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are heterogeneous group of muscle disorders characterized by variable degree of muscle weakness and muscle inflammation. Various classification systems have been proposed for myositis. However, there remains a diagnostic uncertainty due to the presence of overlapping clinical and pathological features. Similar treatment outcomes to immunosuppressant drugs further add to diagnostic confusion. Introduction of myositis-specific and myositis-associated autoantibodies has widened the disease spectrum of IIMs. Despite being very crucial for the diagnosis and classification of myositis, these autoantibodies are not always present. Therefore, histopathological features and immunohistochemical markers are considered gold standard for the diagnosis of myositis. A correct diagnosis has important clinical and therapeutic implications. In this review, we have focused on salient clinicopathological features and newly developed serological markers in major subtypes of IIMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE), is a rare, neurological condition characterised by prolonged periods of refractory epileptic seizure with no readily identifiable cause in otherwise healthy individuals. Anatomical imaging like MRI and serology is usually unremarkable. In patients who have underlying etiology as auto-immune encephalitis without any evidence of auto-antibodies FDG PET may help in early diagnosis and treatment response as it tends to accumulate in the neuronal tissue whenever there is increased blood flow, metabolic demand or increased electrical activity which reverts back with clinical recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Radical prostatectomy (RP) and radical radiotherapy (RT) are well established primary curative options for localized prostate cancer. Despite technical improvements, prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-recurrence after RP and RT is a common clinical scenario. We aimed to assess the role of 68Gallium (68Ga) prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography computed tomography (PSMA PET/CT) in patients with biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer after RP or RT for the detection and localization recurrent and metastatic disease. Materials and Methods: We ambispectively (70 retrospective and 100 prospective) analyzed the data of men with biochemical recurrence post-RP and post-RT who were evaluated by 68Ga PSMA PET/CT at our institute. We aimed to assess the relationship between serum PSA levels and the probability of having a positive scan in patients with recurrent prostate cancer. Results: The study included 170 men, all had adenocarcinoma of the prostate, 124/170 had previous RP and 46/170 had prior RT. The median serum PSA in the RP group was 1.8 ng/ml and 5.2 ng/ml in the RT group. In the post-RP cohort, the detection rate of 68Ga PSMA PET/CT was 39.3% for PSA 0.2 to <0.5 ng/ml, 47.3% for PSA 0.5 to <1 ng/ml, 68.4% for PSA 1 to <2 ng/ml and 93.1% for PSA ≥2 ng/ml. In the post-RT group, the detection rate was 88.8% for PSA 2 to <4 ng/ml and 100% for PSA ≥4 ng/ml. Conclusions: 68Ga PSMA PET/CT provides a novel imaging modality for the detection of prostate cancer recurrence and metastases at low posttreatment PSA levels, which may help in directing appropriate salvage treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a case of Anti-IgLON 5 encephalitis with Lewy body dementia. 18F fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) scan and 99 mTc-TRODAT-1 SPECT/CT scan were done. 99 mTc-TRODAT-1 scan findings revealed severely reduced concentration of dopamine transporter in bilateral basal ganglia, suggestive of a degenerative parkinsonian disorder. 18F-FDG PET scan findings were suggestive of moderate-to-severe hypometabolism in the bilateral parieto-temporal and bilateral occipital cortices including the primary visual cortices, supporting Lewy body spectrum disease with associated hypermetabolism in the bilateral sensorimotor cortices, bilateral basal ganglia, thalami, brain stem, and bilateral cerebellar hemispheres suggestive of inflammatory pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG)-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is emerging as a useful imaging modality in suspected large-vessel vasculitis (LVV), owing to its ability to accumulate at the sites of inflammation within the arterial walls. However, there remains scope for standardization of reporting criteria to ensure reproducibility. Recently, a semiquantitative scoring system called "total vascular score" (TVS) has been suggested as a method to standardize and harmonize FDG PET/CT evaluation in LVV patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical utility of the proposed semiquantitative grading scale in LVV patients. Materials and Methods: Patients presenting with clinical symptoms of vasculitis, who had undergone a baseline FDG-PET/CT were evaluated.18F-FDG uptake in the major vessels was quantified with standardized uptake values (SUVsmax) using four-point scale by three independent nuclear physicians. TVS was calculated based on the calculation of the vascular uptake values with respect to mediastinal blood pool and liver uptake and the number of vessels involved. Results: A total of 106 PET-positive patients (74 males and 32 females) were evaluated. The most frequently involved vessels were thoracic aorta >abdominal aorta >subclavian arteries with mean SUVmaxvalues of 4.05, 3.12, and 2.70, respectively. Mean TVS was 13.18 ± 3.4 (range 03–19) among 276 involved vessels. TVS showed significant positive correlation with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (r = 0.82; P < 0.005). 18 patients showed periarticular FDG uptake, with shoulder joint being the most commonly involved joint. Conclusion: The simplified visual and semiquantitative grading scale for interpretation and reporting classification provides better objectivity in diagnosis, communication with referring clinicians, and planning in patients of LVV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva is a rare genetic disease believed to occur in approximately 1 in 2 million people worldwide and is characterized by progressive extraosseous ossification over the course of a lifetime in an inevitable and unpredictable episodic manner, with most patients being confined to a wheelchair by the third decade of life and requiring life-long care. The extraosseous calcification involves ligaments, tendons, muscles, and connective tissue leading to severe restriction of movements. Another hallmark of this condition is abnormal great toes. The diagnosis is often made on clinical and radiological examination, but Technetium-99m methylene diphosphonate (Tc-99m MDP) bone scan is usually indicated to determine the extent of the disease. We hereby present a case series comprising of four patients suffering from this debilitating illness who underwent Tc99m MDP bone scan for initial diagnosis and localizing sites of heterotopic ossification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin metastases are rare from systemic malignancy, and incidence reported is between 0.7% and 9% in various malignancies and usually occur in advanced stage. Here, we report three cases, one each of carcinoma esophagus, carcinoma breast, and carcinoma lung, where patients presented with metastatic cutaneous lesions and positron-emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) scan whole body helped in localizing the primary site. Whole-body fluorodeoxyglucose PET-CT scan helps in scanning whole body at once and detect occult primary and metastatic sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scan is the imaging modality of choice in the management of lymphoma. However, 18F-FDG is a nonspecific tracer for tumoral metabolic activity and infective pathology, thus posing a challenge in accurate response assessment. Here, we present a case of Hodgkin's lymphoma, referred for staging PET/CT scan which showed FDG-avid disease in the mediastinum, and on interim 18F-FDG PET/CT in addition to the mediastinal mass lesion, a FDG-avid lesion was also noted in the spleen suggestive of disease progression. The biopsy report of the lesion was tuberculosis, which was masquerading as disease progression on interim 18F-FDG PET/CT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ascaris lumbricoides is one of the most common parasitic infections in developing countries. History of previous biliary tract surgery risks migration of these worms to the biliary tree. Usually, 10% of patients with living donor liver transplants have biliary complications including bile leak and strictures. Here, we present an unusual case of ascariasis being a cause of biliary obstruction and bile leak in the immediate postoperative period of liver transplant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibroids are rare in postmenopausal females. Torsion of pedunculated uterine fibroid is also a very rare occurrence in elderly females. We report a rare case of an 84-year-old multiparous, postmenopausal female, a treated case of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, presenting with a large abdominal mass. The comparative positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan study of the patient revealed that a new mass in the abdomen and pelvis connected with the left adnexa with a pedicle and previously seen fibroid was not visualized on the present scan, thus raising suspicion of torsion of subserosal fibroid. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of fibroid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a type II transmembrane glycoprotein which is overexpressed in prostate cancer. However, the widespread use of PSMA positron-emission tomography (PET) scan revealed various nonprostatic PSMA-avid diseases. Here we present a report of a known case of carcinoma prostate, post orchidectomy, radiotherapy, on hormonal therapy with complain of back pain, referred for Ga68 PSMA PET/CT scan. The scan revealed PSMA-avid lesion of contiguous D6 and D7 vertebrae with associated soft-tissue component. The biopsy of the lesion was suggestive of tuberculosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 20-year-old male who developed weakness, gait instability and numbness in bilateral upper and lower limbs. He undergone clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which revealed an intradural lesion. The patient was diagnosed with primary intradural cervical spine melanocytoma.

Early diagnosis is imperative for adequate management of patients with osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS), which is usually a result of rapid shifts of osmolality secondary to rapid correction of hyponatremia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with its special sequences is the investigation of choice for early detection of the osmotic changes in the brain. We report a case of clinically suspected ODS with noncontributory MRI and positive fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) scan with statistical parametric mapping (SPM) analysis, which localized the focal hypermetabolism in the basal ganglia, thalamus, pons, and cerebellum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Percutaneous computed tomography (CT)‑guided needle aspiration and biopsy technique have developed over time as a method for obtaining tissue specimen. Although this is a minimally invasive procedure, complications do occasionally occur. Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield and complications of 265 percutaneous CT‑guided aspiration and biopsy procedures performed on various intrathoracic lesions. Settings and Design: Data of percutaneous CT‑guided aspiration and biopsy procedures of intrathoracic lesions performed over a 4 year period were retrospectively analyzed. Subjects and Methods: Procedure details, radiological images, and pathological and microbiological reports were retrieved from radiology records and hospital information system. Technical success, diagnostic yield, and complication rates were calculated. Results: Total 265 procedures were performed for lung (n = 179), mediastinum (n = 73), and pleural lesions (n = 13). Diagnostic yield for lung, mediastinal, and pleural lesions was 80.7%, 74.2, and 75%, respectively, for core biopsy specimens. Major complication was noted in only one procedure (0.4%). Minor complications were noted in 13.6% procedures which could be managed conservatively. Conclusions: Percutaneous CT-guided aspiration and biopsy procedures for intrathoracic lesions are reasonably safe with good diagnostic yield. Complications are infrequent and conservatively managed in most of the cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bladder cancer is one of the most common malignancies of the urinary tract. Cutaneous metastasis of bladder carcinoma is extremely rare with a limited number of cases, resulting mainly from iatrogenic seeding. Here, we present scan findings of cutaneous metastasis in a known case of carcinoma urinary bladder. The 18F FDG PET/CT scan revealed FDG avid nodular thickening of the skin and sub-cutaneous tissue with ulcerations involving anterior pelvic wall, walls of the scrotum and the base of the penis. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of cutaneous and subcutaneous metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inguinal hernia is a common pathology seen in the general population. However, the presence of herniated urinary bladder in the inguinal canal is a rare condition. Most cases are asymptomatic and are detected incidentally either during surgery or on imaging. Here, we present a report, where a patient, diagnosed case of carcinoma esophagus, was referred for staging 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) scan and revealed FDG uptake in the right inguinal canal, other than primary and metastatic lesions and corresponding CT and fused PET/CT images revealed herniated urinary bladder in the inguinal canal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary malignant melanoma most commonly originates from the skin; other less common extra cutaneous sites include squamous mucous membranes, uvea, retina, leptomeninges, genitourinary tract, digestive tract, biliary tract, and upper respiratory tract. Primary melanoma of the gastrointestinal tract is exceedingly rare. We are reporting a histo-pathologically proven rare case of primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus and its findings on fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and computed tomography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome is a rare clinical entity involving musculoskeletal and dermatologic systems. Its main features are prominent inflammatory cutaneous and articular manifestations. Anterior chest wall pain, more commonly at sternoclavicular and sternocostal joints, along with palmoplantar pustulosis and acne can point to this uncommon syndrome. Here, we report a case of a 15-year-old female, who presented with swelling at the anterior chest wall, was referred for the bone scan. Bone scintigraphy and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT/CT) detected classical "bull-head" sign, and further physical examination, for skin lesions, confirmed the diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 28-year-old female presented with an incidentally detected mediastinal mass, found on routine chest X-ray. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) was advised to plan course of further management. FDG-PET/CT findings were suggestive of an FDG-avid soft-tissue mass in the left posterior mediastinum in paravertebral location with left pleural effusion. Overall, PET/CT scan findings favored the possibility of a nerve sheath tumor. However, histopathology along with immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of Castleman disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor discussing neuroblastoma in a 18-year-old female is presented.

A letter to the editor discussing superficial siderosis in a 42 year old male patient with filum terminale paraganglioma is presented.

A letter to the editor is presented regarding an article on Budd-Chiari syndrome in pregnancy, published in a previous issue.