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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to use shear-wave elastography (SWE) to assess testicular stiffness changes during the Valsalva maneuver in adolescents and young adults with varicocele, to compare these changes according to clinical severity, and to evaluate the role of SWE in the diagnosis of varicocele.Methods: This study included patients undergoing testicular ultrasonography for the diagnosis of varicocele or for post-varicocelectomy follow-up between June 2016 and February 2017. Fifty-four testicles of 27 consecutive patients (mean age, 15.9 years) were classified by clinical grade (grade 0-3). Using SWE, mean testicular stiffness (Emean) was measured at rest and during the Valsalva maneuver. The correlations between multiple ultrasonographic parameters (volume asymmetry, Emean at rest, and absolute and percentage changes in Emean during the Valsalva maneuver) and clinical grade were assessed using the Spearman correlation test.Results: The Emean at rest was similar across clinical grades. During the Valsalva maneuver, increased testicular stiffness was frequently observed in patients with grade 2 or 3 varicocele but rarely observed in those with grade 0 or 1 varicocele. The changes in Emean were positively correlated with the clinical grade (all P0.05).Conclusion: A transient, reversible increase in testicular stiffness during the Valsalva maneuver was observed in adolescents with high-grade varicocele, and the degree of stiffness change was correlated with the clinical grade. Stiffness change identified using SWE during the Valsalva maneuver is a potential surrogate indicator of venous congestion.

Background Pediatric patients with liver disease require noninvasive monitoring to evaluate the risk of fibrosis progression. This study aimed to identify the significant factors affecting liver stiffness values using two-dimensional shear-wave elastography (2D-SWE), and determine whether liver stiffness can predict the fibrosis stage of various childhood liver diseases. Methods This study included 30 children (22 boys and 8 girls; mean age, 5.1 ± 6.1 years; range, 7 days–17.9 years) who had undergone biochemical evaluation, 2D-SWE examination, histopathologic analysis of fibrosis grade (F0 to F3), assessment of necroinflammatory activity, and steatosis grading between August 2016 and March 2020. The liver stiffness from 2D-SWE was compared between fibrosis stages using Kruskal–Wallis analysis. Factors that significantly affected liver stiffness were evaluated using univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses. The diagnostic performance was determined from the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) values of 2D-SWE liver stiffness. Results Liver stiffness at the F0-1, F2, and F3 stages were 7.9, 13.2, and 21.7 kPa, respectively (P P P = 0.021, respectively). However, in patients with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels below 200 IU/L, the only factor affecting liver stiffness was fibrosis stage (P = 0.030). The liver stiffness value could distinguish significant fibrosis (≥ F2) with an AUC of 0.950 (cutoff value, 11.3 kPa) and severe fibrosis (F3 stage) with an AUC of 0.924 (cutoff value, 18.1 kPa). The 2D-SWE values for differentiating significant fibrosis were 10.5 kPa (≥ F2) and 18.1 kPa (F3) in patients with ALT levels below 200 IU/L. Conclusion The liver stiffness values on 2D-SWE can be affected by both fibrosis and necroinflammatory grade and can provide excellent diagnostic performance in evaluating the fibrosis stage in various pediatric liver diseases. However, clinicians should be mindful of potential confounders, such as necroinflammatory activity or transaminase level, when performing 2D-SWE measurements for liver fibrosis staging.

Background While ETV6- NTRK3 fusion is common in infantile fibrosarcoma, NTRK1/3 fusion in pediatric tumors is scarce and, consequently, not well known. Herein, we evaluated for the presence of NTRK1/3 fusion in pediatric mesenchymal tumors, clinicopathologically and immunophenotypically. Methods We reviewed nine NTRK fusion-positive pediatric sarcomas confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization and/or next-generation sequencing from Seoul National University Hospital between 2002 and 2020. Results One case of TPR-NTRK1 fusion-positive intracranial, extra-axial, high-grade undifferentiated sarcoma (12-year-old boy), one case of LMNA-NTRK1 fusion-positive low-grade infantile fibrosarcoma of the forehead (3-year-old boy), one case of ETV6-NTRK3 fusion-positive inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) (3-months-old girl), and six cases of ETV6-NTRK3 fusion-positive infantile fibrosarcoma (median age: 2.6 months, range: 1.6–5.6 months, M: F = 5:1) were reviewed. The Trk immunopositivity patterns were distinct, depending on what fusion genes were present. We observed nuclear positivity in TPR-NTRK1 fusion-positive sarcoma, nuclear membrane positivity in LMNA-NTRK1 fusion-positive sarcoma, and both cytoplasmic and nuclear positivity in ETV6-NTRK3 fusion-positive IMT and infantile fibrosarcomas. Also, the TPR-NTRK1 fusion-positive sarcoma showed robust positivity for CD34/nestin, and also showed high mitotic rate. The LMNA-NTRK1 fusion-positive sarcoma revealed CD34/S100 protein/nestin/CD10 coexpression, and a low mitotic rate. The IMT with ETV6-NTRK3 fusion expressed SMA. Six infantile fibrosarcomas with ETV6-NTRK3 fusion showed variable coexpression of nestin (6/6)/CD10 (4/5)/ S100 protein (3/6). Conclusions All cases of NTRK1 and NTRK3 fusion-positive pediatric tumors robustly expressed the Trk protein. A Trk immunopositive pattern and CD34/S100/nestin/CD10/SMA immunohistochemical expression may suggest the presence of NTRK fusion partner genes. LMNA-NTRK1 fusion sarcoma might be a low-grade subtype of infantile fibrosarcoma. Interestingly, more than half of the infantile fibrosarcoma cases were positive for S100 protein and CD10. The follow-up period of TPR-NTRK1 and LMNA-NTRK1 fusion-positive tumors are not enough to predict prognosis. However, ETV6-NTRK3 fusion-positive infantile fibrosarcomas showed an excellent prognosis with no evidence of disease for an average of 11.7 years, after gross total resection of the tumor.

To evaluate the clinical usefulness of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) in children and young adults with Crohn’s disease. From August 2017 to October 2018, 30 patients with Crohn’s disease (21 males and 9 females; mean age 15.1 ± 2.5 years) underwent DCE-MRI with MRI enterography. We assessed the endoscopic finding, pediatric Crohn’s disease activity index (PCDAI), C-reactive protein (CRP) level (mg/dL), Crohn’s disease MR index (CDMI) score, and the perfusion parameters of DCE-MRI (Ktrans, Kep, and Ve) at the ileocecal region between the inactive and active groups based on the histopathologic status. The active Crohn’s disease group showed higher PCDAI, CRP, and CDMI scores than the inactive group (22.2 ± 18.8 vs. 6.3 ± 6.4, p = 0.027; 1.32 ± 1.79 vs. 0.10 ± 0.13, p = 0.005; 7.4 ± 3.9 vs. 4.5 ± 3.0, p = 0.047, respectively). The active Crohn’s disease group showed a higher Ktrans value than the inactive group (0.31 ± 0.12 vs. 0.16 ± 0.46 min−1, p = 0.002). Endoscopic finding; PCDAI, CRP, and CDMI scores; and Ktrans value were significant parameters in the identification of the active Crohn’s disease (p = 0.002, p

This study aimed to evaluate a deep learning model for generating synthetic contrast-enhanced CT (sCECT) from non-contrast chest CT (NCCT). A deep learning model was applied to generate sCECT from NCCT. We collected three separate data sets, the development set (n = 25) for model training and tuning, test set 1 (n = 25) for technical evaluation, and test set 2 (n = 12) for clinical utility evaluation. In test set 1, image similarity metrics were calculated. In test set 2, the lesion contrast-to-noise ratio of the mediastinal lymph nodes was measured, and an observer study was conducted to compare lesion conspicuity. Comparisons were performed using the paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test. In test set 1, sCECT showed a lower mean absolute error (41.72 vs 48.74; P P P P P P ≤ .001). Synthetic CECT generated from NCCT improves the depiction of mediastinal lymph nodes.

Objectives The diagnostic role of an ultrasound (US) and plasma renin activity (PRA) combination is unknown, despite the usefulness of Doppler US as a screening tool for renovascular hypertension (RVHT). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of US for RVHT in children stratified according to PRA. Methods We identified 336 children who underwent renal Doppler US examinations for hypertension and divided them into a high-renin group (n = 177) and a normal-renin group (n = 159) based on PRA and stratified them by age. The Doppler US findings were retrospectively reviewed, and computed tomographic angiography (CTA) for the same children was used as the reference standard. Results In the high-renin group, 36 patients had positive Doppler US findings that were confirmed by CTA in 32 cases. The sensitivity and specificity values for Doppler US in the high-renin group were 84.2% and 93.6%, respectively. In the normal-renin group, 10 patients had positive Doppler US findings; these positive findings were confirmed by CTA in 9 cases. The sensitivity and specificity values for US in the normal-renin group were 100.0% and 100.0%. There were anatomic variations (n = 3) and segmental artery stenosis (n = 2) among the cases with false-negative US findings, which were confirmed by CTA. Conclusions If patients have high PRA, a Doppler US examination should be performed with caution to avoid false-negative detection. If patients have normal PRA, renal Doppler US might be adequate for diagnosis of RVHT to avoid unnecessary CTA.

Background: The guideline for managing pediatric thyroid nodules has not been established. We investigated the appropriateness of the Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology (KSThR) guidelines and the ...

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the feasibility of shear-wave elastography (SWE) for assessing the testicular involvement of hematologic malignancies in children and young adults.Methods: Eight patients (mean age, 11.0 years; range, 0.8 to 20 years) with biopsy-confirmed testicular involvement of hematologic malignancy between January 2018 and December 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. Multiparametric ultrasound examinations, including grayscale, color Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS), and SWE, were performed. Stiffness was measured in the involved testicular area and contralateral normal parenchyma. If there was bilateral testicular involvement, the stiffness of the involved area and the adjacent normal echoic parenchyma was measured on one testis. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare stiffness values.Results: On grayscale, the testicular lesions were noted as a solitary mass in one patient, multiple lesions in four patients, and diffuse involvement in three patients. On CDUS and SWE, all patients demonstrated increased vascularity, and the stiffness of the involved area was higher than the values of normal parenchyma (the involved area vs. normal parenchyma, 11.6 kPa [3.9-20.2 kPa] vs. 2.9 kPa [1.1-3.7 kPa], P=0.003). The ratio of stiffness between the involved area and normal parenchyma was 3.4, ranging from 1.9 to 5.1. One patient showed decreased stiffness on follow-up SWE after treatment (affected testis vs. normal testis: initial, 13.8 vs. 3.2 kPa; 1 year later, 2.2 vs. 2.4 kPa).Conclusion: Increased testicular stiffness on SWE in children and young adults with hematologic malignancies suggests the possibility of testicular involvement.

Objective To describe the anatomic locations and imaging features of posterior lung herniation in unilateral pulmonary agenesis and aplasia, focusing on radiograph-CT/MRI correlation. Materials and methods A total of 10 patients (seven with pulmonary agenesis and three with pulmonary aplasia, male: female = 1:9, mean age 7.3 years, age range from 1 month to 20 years) were included. Chest radiographs (n = 9), CT (n = 9), and MRI (n = 1) were reviewed to assess the type of lung underdevelopment, presence of anterior and posterior lung herniation, bronchus origin, supplying artery, and draining vein of the herniated lung. Results Pulmonary agenesis/aplasia more commonly affected the left lung (n = 7) than the right lung (n = 3). Anterior lung herniation was observed in nine of the 10 patients. Posterior lung herniation was observed in seven patients with left pulmonary agenesis/aplasia. Two patients showed posterior lung herniation crossing the midline but not beyond the aorta, and five patients showed the posteriorly herniated right lower lobe crossing the midline to extend into the left hemithorax farther beyond the descending thoracic aorta through the space between the esophagus and the aorta. This anatomical configuration resulted in a characteristic radiographic finding of a radiolucent area with a convex lateral border and a vertical medial border in the left lower lung zone, revealing a tongue-like projection on CT and MRI. Conclusion Posterior lung herniation occurs in unilateral left lung agenesis/aplasia. Approximately 70% of the cases of posterior lung herniation reveal a unique radiolucent tongue-like projection in the left lower lung zone on imaging studies, which is caused by the extension of the posteriorly herniated right lung farther beyond the descending aorta.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify imaging risk factors on contrast-enhanced hip MRI after closed reduction of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) that could predict future development of avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head. Materials and methods Fifty-eight infants (F: M = 53: 5, aged 3–18 months) who underwent immediate postoperative contrast-enhanced hip MRI after closed reduction of DDH were included in this study. Quality of reduction (concentric vs eccentric reduction with or without obstacles), abduction angle of the hip, presence of ossific nucleus, and pattern of contrast enhancement of the femoral head were retrospectively evaluated on MRI. Interobserver agreement of contrast enhancement pattern on MRI were evaluated by two radiologists. Development of AVN was determined through radiographic findings at 1 year after reduction. Results AVN of the femoral head developed in 13 (22%) of 58 patients. Excessive abduction of the hip joint (OR 4.65, [95% CI 1.20, 18.06] and global decreased enhancement of the femoral head (OR 71.66, [95% CI 10.54, 487.31]) exhibited statistically significant differences between the AVN and non-AVN groups (P < 0.05). Eccentric reduction (P = 0.320) did not show statistically significant difference between two groups and invisible ossific nucleus (P = 0.05) showed borderline significance. Multi-variable logistic regression indicated that global decreased enhancement of the femoral head was a significant risk factor of AVN (OR 27.92, 95% CI [4.17, 350.18]) (P = 0.0031). Interobserver agreement of contrast enhancement pattern analysis and diagnosis of AVN were good (0.66, 95% CI [0.52, 0.80]). Conclusion Contrast-enhanced hip MRI provides accurate anatomical assessment of the hip after closed reduction of DDH. Global decreased enhancement of the femoral head could be used as a good predictor for future development of AVN after closed reduction of DDH.

BACKGROUND. Hippocampal sclerosis (HS) is a leading cause of medically refractory temporal lobe epilepsy in children. The diagnosis is clinically important because most patients with HS have good p...

Background The image quality of abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in children who cannot hold their breath has been severely impaired by motion artifacts. Purpose To evaluate the usefulness of T1-weighted (T1W) BLADE MRI for axial abdominal imaging in children who cannot hold their breath. Material and Methods Two different BLADE sequences, with and without an inversion recovery (IR-BLADE), were compared to conventional turbo-spin echo (TSE) with a high number of excitations in 18 consecutive patients who cannot hold their breath. Overall image quality, motion artifact, radial artifact, hepatic vessel sharpness, renal corticomedullary differentiation, and lesion conspicuity were retrospectively assessed by two radiologists, using 4- or 5-point scoring systems. Signal variations of each sequence were measured for a quantitative comparison. The acquisition times of the three sequences were compared. Results IR-BLADE and BLADE showed significantly improved overall image quality and reduced motion artifact compared with TSE. IR-BLADE showed significantly better hepatic vessel sharpness and corticomedullary differentiation compared to both BLADE and TSE. Radial artifacts were only observed on IR-BLADE and BLADE. In nine patients with lesions, there were no significant differences in lesion conspicuity among three sequences. Compared to TSE, both IR-BLADE and BLADE showed decreased signal variations in the liver and muscle, and an increased signal variation through air. The mean acquisition times for IR-BLADE, BLADE, and TSE were comparable. Conclusion Compared to the TSE sequence, T1W IR-BLADE for pediatric abdominal MRI resulted in improved image quality, tissue contrast with a diminished respiratory motion artifact, and a comparable acquisition time.

Toxicity of carmustine and cyclophosphamide can cause pulmonary injury after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. To evaluate the radiologic findings of pulmonary injuries following carmustine- and cyclophosphamide-based preparative regimens in children. From 2010 to 2014, 35 children received carmustine- and cyclophosphamide-based preparative regimens. Fourteen of 35 children presented with symptoms and radiologic abnormalities. Eight of 14 children had no evidence of infection, cardiogenic edema, or other explainable causes. We retrospectively analyzed their chest radiographs and CT scans for ground-glass opacity, consolidation, septal thickening and pleural effusion. Major chest radiographic findings were bilateral diffuse ground-glass opacity (n=8) and septal thickening (n=7). CT findings were multifocal patchy (n=4) or inhomogeneously diffuse (n=4) ground-glass opacity, multifocal consolidations (n=7) and septal thickening (n=7). All of these lesions at CT were bilateral, but showed lower lobe predominance in 88, 100, and 63%, respectively. There was no central/peripheral or anterior/posterior predilection. Six children had small pleural effusions, which were bilateral in five children. Bilateral ground-glass opacity with or without consolidation, septal thickening and pleural effusion were common radiologic findings in pulmonary injury following carmustine- and cyclophosphamide-based preparative regimens.

The aim of this study was to identify the signal intensity (SI) changes in the dentate nucleus (DN) and the globus pallidus (GP) on unenhanced T1-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images after multiple administration of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) in children and compare those changes between linear and macrocyclic GBCAs.This retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board and the requirement for informed consent was waived. We identified 92 children who underwent at least 4 consecutive MR examinations exclusively using either linear GBCA (gadodiamide or gadopentetate dimeglumine, n = 41) or macrocyclic GBCA (gadoterate meglumine, n = 51). Signal intensity ratio changes in the DN to pons and GP to thalamus between the first and last MR examinations were calculated.The SI ratios in the linear group increased significantly between the first and last MR examinations (mean difference: DN to pons, 0.0461 ± 0.0480, P0.001; GP to thalamus, 0.0332 ± 0.0385, P0.001), but not in the macrocyclic group (mean difference: DN to pons, -0.0010 ± 0.0371, P = 0.855; GP to thalamus, 0.0007 ± 0.0294, P = 0.867). In the linear regression analysis, the numbers of administrations of gadodiamide and gadopentetate dimeglumine were highly associated with the differences in SI ratios (DN to pons, P0.001 and P = 0.003; GP to thalamus, P0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively).The SIs of the DN and GP on unenhanced T1-weighted images increased after serial administrations of linear GBCA, but not macrocyclic GBCA, in children. The number of linear GBCA administration had a linear association with the SI changes in the DN and GP.

To evaluate the predictive value of ultrasonography in children with clinically suspicious hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Among 216 children who underwent HSCT, 70 also underwent colour Doppler ultrasonography. Of these, 59 had only one sign/symptom, which did not fulfil the diagnostic criteria (clinical suspicion of VOD) at that time. VOD was confirmed in 20 patients (VOD group), while 39 had other conditions (non-VOD group). The following findings were reviewed and compared between groups: left portal vein (peak velocity, direction), left hepatic artery (peak-systolic/end-diastolic velocities, resistive index), middle hepatic vein (peak velocity, phasicity), hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, gallbladder wall thickness, and ascites. The VOD group showed significantly higher reversed flow in portal vein (P = 0.011), peak systolic velocity of left hepatic artery (P = 0.028), monophasicity of middle hepatic vein (P = 0.015), hepatomegaly (P = 0.001), gallbladder wall thickness (P

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and added value of transcatheter dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) lymphangiography for nontraumatic lymphatic disorders. Five patients (2 males and 3 females; median age, 16.0 years; range, 3-74 years) who underwent both intranodal and transcatheter dynamic contrast-enhanced MR lymphangiography for suspected nontraumatic lymphatic leakages from June 2017 to January 2020 were included in this retrospective study. The imaging findings of both dynamic contrast-enhanced MR lymphangiography techniques were assessed for the presence of chylolymphatic reflux or direct sign of leakage. Intranodal dynamic contrast-enhanced MR lymphangiography demonstrated chylolymphatic reflux into the thoracic area in 2 patients (40%) but no direct evidence of leakage in any of the 5 patients. Transcatheter dynamic contrast-enhanced MR lymphangiography revealed chylolymphatic reflux and extravasation of the contrast agent in all 5 patients (100%). In conclusion, transcatheter dynamic contrast-enhanced MR lymphangiography may reveal additional signs of reflux and extravasation even when the findings of intranodal dynamic contrast-enhanced MR lymphangiography are negative.

Patients with lysosomal acid lipase (LAL) deficiency and glycogen storage disease (GSD) demonstrated hepatomegaly and dyslipidemia. In our case, a 6-year-old boy presented with hepatosplenomegaly. At 3 years of age, GSD had been diagnosed by liver biopsy at another hospital. He showed elevated serum liver enzymes and dyslipidemia. Liver biopsy revealed diffuse microvesicular fatty changes in hepatocytes, septal fibrosis and foamy macrophages. Ultrastructural examination demonstrated numerous lysosomes that contained lipid material and intracytoplasmic cholesterol clefts. A dried blood spot test revealed markedly decreased activity of LAL. LIPA gene sequencing identified the presence of a novel homozygous mutation (p.Thr177Ile). The patient's elevated liver enzymes and dyslipidemia improved with enzyme replacement therapy. This is the first report of a Korean child with LAL deficiency, and our findings suggest that this condition should be considered in the differential diagnosis of children with hepatosplenomegaly and dyslipidemia.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the stability index (SI) in liver stiffness measurements using shear wave elastography (SWE) in children. Methods A total of 29 children and young adults (mean age, 16.1 years; range, 8 to 28 years; 11 boys and 18 girls) who underwent liver stiffness measurements using SWE under free-breathing and breath-holding conditions were included in our study. Ten SWE measurements were acquired in each of four groups: free-breathing and breath-holding, and with and without using the SI. The failure rate of acquisition of SI values over 90% was calculated in each group. To evaluate variability in the SWE measurements, the standard deviation, coefficient of variation, and percentage of unreliable measurements were compared. Intraobserver agreement and the optimal minimal number of measurements were calculated using intraclass correlation coefficients. Results A failure to acquire SI values over 90% was observed in 17% of the scans in the free-breathing group and in 7% of the scans in the breath-holding group. In both groups, utilizing the SI led to a significantly lower standard deviation and coefficient of variation. When using the SI, the percentage of unreliable measurements decreased from 16.7% to 8.3% in the free-breathing group and 14.8% to 0% in the breath-holding group. With the use of the SI, intraobserver agreement increased and the optimal minimal number of repeated measurements decreased in both the free-breathing and breath-holding groups. Conclusion Utilization of the SI in the measurement of liver SWE in children reduced measurement variability and increased reliability in both free-breathing and breath-holding conditions.

Computed tomography (CT) has generated public concern associated with radiation exposure, especially for children. Lowering the tube voltage is one strategy to reduce radiation dose. To assess the image quality and radiation dose of non-enhanced brain CT scans acquired at 80 kilo-voltage peak (kVp) compared to those at 120 kVp in children. Thirty children who had undergone both 80- and 120-kVp non-enhanced brain CT were enrolled. For quantitative analysis, the mean attenuation of white and gray matter, attenuation difference, noise, signal-to-noise ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio and posterior fossa artifact index were measured. For qualitative analysis, noise, gray-white matter differentiation, artifact and overall image quality were scored. Radiation doses were evaluated by CT dose index, dose-length product and effective dose. The mean attenuations of gray and white matter and contrast-to-noise ratio were significantly increased at 80 kVp, while parameters related to image noise, i.e. noise, signal-to-noise ratio and posterior fossa artifact index were higher at 80 kVp than at 120 kVp. In qualitative analysis, 80-kVp images showed improved gray-white differentiation but more artifacts compared to 120-kVp images. Subjective image noise and overall image quality scores were similar between the two scans. Radiation dose parameters were significantly lower at 80 kVp than at 120 kVp. In pediatric non-enhanced brain CT scans, a decrease in tube voltage from 120 kVp to 80 kVp resulted in improved gray-white matter contrast, comparable image quality and decreased radiation dose.

Purpose Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) is a rare, aggressive vascular tumor that typically occurs during infancy or early childhood. Though several case reports have discussed the imaging findings of KHE, larger comprehensive studies are lacking. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the imaging findings of KHE in children. Materials and methods A total of twelve cases of pathologically proven KHE were collected by searching our institution’s pathology database for children diagnosed between January 2004 and April 2016 (6 male, 6 female; median age: 3 months; age range 7 days − 18 years). CT (n = 7) and MRI (n = 9) findings were retrospectively evaluated. The location, morphology, enhancement, and growth pattern were analyzed. Results KHEs involved various locations: superficial or deep soft tissue of the extremities (n = 4); abdomen (n = 3; 2 cases, pancreas; 1 case, small bowel), neck and mediastinum (n = 1); chest wall, diaphragm, and pericardium (n = 1); abdominal wall (n = 1); and head (IAC, CP angle) (n = 2). Eight of 10 cases (80%) with CT/MR findings were locally invasive and involved two or more adjacent organs. Three cases presented as well-defined solid masses, and seven were associated with infiltrative lesions of the surrounding areas with (n = 4) or without definite solid regions (n = 3). In nine patients with MRI, all KHEs were heterogeneous and hyperintense to muscles on T2-weighted images (T2WI), while four KHEs consisted of some regions that were nearly isointense to muscle. Eight of the 10 cases with imaging exhibited heterogeneous intense enhancement, while only one demonstrated mild enhancement. Signal voids (n = 2), engorged vessels (n = 1), calcification (n = 3), hemorrhage (n = 1), or bone changes (n = 4) were infrequently observed. Four patients (33%) had Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon, and recurrence was observed in two cases. Conclusion KHEs occurred in various locations, affected mostly infants, and generally exhibited intense heterogeneous enhancement. In more than half of the included cases, KHEs were highly infiltrative and locally invasive with ill-defined margins. Awareness of these features should prompt radiologists to include KHE in the differential diagnosis for pediatric masses.

To evaluate whether a frequency-selective non-linear blending (BC) technique can improve tissue contrast and infarct detection on non-enhanced brain CT (NECT) in postoperative Moyamoya (MMD) patients.From January 2010 to December 2017, 33 children (13boys and 20girls; mean age 9.1±3.4 years) with MMD postoperatively underwent NECT followed by diffusion MRI. We compared the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) between gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) in NECT and BC images and the CNR between the infarct lesion and adjacent normal-appearing brain in NECT and BC images using a paired t-test. We assessed image noise, GM-WM differentiation, artifacts, and overall quality using a Wilcoxon signed rank test. A McNemar two-tailed test was conducted to compare the diagnostic accuracy of infarct detection.The CNR between GM and WM and the CNR of the infarct was better in BC images than in NECT images (3.9±1.0 vs. 1.8±0.6, P0.001 and 3.6±0.3 vs. 1.9±0.2, P0.001), with no difference in overall image quality observed. The sensitivity and specificity of infarct detection were 55.0% and 76.9% using NECT, and 70.0% and 69.2% using BC technique. The diagnostic accuracy of NECT and BC technique was 63.6% (21/33) and 69.7% (23/33), respectively.This study showed that the BC technique improved CNR and maintained image quality. This technique may also be used to identify ischemic brain changes in postoperative MMD patients by improving the CNR of the infarct lesion.

D-penicillamine has been reported to cause antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis presenting as rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis or pulmonary-renal syndrome mostly in adults. We report a pediatric case of D-penicillamine induced ANCA-associated vasculitis that manifests as a pulmonary-renal syndrome with a mild renal manifestation. A 13-year-old girl who has been taking D-penicillamine for five years under the diagnosis of Wilson disease visited the emergency room because of hemoptysis and dyspnea. She had diffuse pulmonary hemorrhage, microscopic hematuria, and proteinuria. Myeloperoxidase ANCA was positive, and a renal biopsy revealed pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis. Under the diagnosis of D-penicillamine-induced ANCA-associated vasculitis, D-penicillamine was switched to trientine, and the patient was treated with plasmapheresis, glucocorticoid, cyclophosphamide, and mycophenolate mofetil. Pulmonary hemorrhage improved rapidly followed by the disappearance of the hematuria and proteinuria five months later., Graphical Abstract

To evaluate the image quality of a double-low protocol (low tube voltage and low iodine concentration) for abdominal CT in children. The double-low protocol was compared to the conventional protocol in pediatric patients weighing less than 40 kg from May 2016 to December 2016. Double-low protocol (Group A, n = 18): tube voltage, 70 kVp; and iodine concentration,: 250 mgI/mL versus Conventional protocol (Group B, n = 13): tube voltage, 80–100 kVp; and iodine concentration, 350 mgI/mL. Mean attenuation, noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were compared between the two groups. Image contrast, noise, beam-hardening artifacts, and overall image quality were subjectively scored. Reader performance for correctly differentiating two groups by visual assessment was evaluated. Radiation dose and total iodine load were recorded. The mean attenuations of the portal vein and liver and the mean image noise in Group A were higher than in Group B (p = 0.04, 0.03, 0.004, respectively). The mean SNR and CNR of the main portal vein and liver were lower in Group A without any statistically significant difference. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in qualitative analysis (image contrast, image noise, and overall image quality) with substantial agreement between the reviewers (weighted kappa values; 0.59–0.76). Significantly diminished radiation dose and iodine load were observed in Group A compared with Group B (25.0%, 36.8% reduction; p = 0.007, 0.006, respectively). The double-low protocol was feasible for pediatric abdominal CT and reduced both radiation dose and iodine load, while maintaining image quality.

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic performance of a deep learning algorithm for the automated detection of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) on anteroposterior (AP) radiographs. Materials and Methods Of 2601 hip AP radiographs, 5076 cropped unilateral hip joint images were used to construct a dataset that was further divided into training (80%), validation (10%), or test sets (10%). Three radiologists were asked to label the hip images as normal or DDH. To investigate the diagnostic performance of the deep learning algorithm, we calculated the receiver operating characteristics (ROC), precision-recall curve (PRC) plots, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) and compared them with the performance of radiologists with different levels of experience. Results The area under the ROC plot generated by the deep learning algorithm and radiologists was 0.988 and 0.988–0.919, respectively. The area under the PRC plot generated by the deep learning algorithm and radiologists was 0.973 and 0.618–0.958, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of the proposed deep learning algorithm were 98.0, 98.1, 84.5, and 99.8%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the diagnosis of DDH by the algorithm and the radiologist with experience in pediatric radiology (p = 0.180). However, the proposed model showed higher sensitivity, specificity, and PPV, compared to the radiologist without experience in pediatric radiology (p < 0.001). Conclusion The proposed deep learning algorithm provided an accurate diagnosis of DDH on hip radiographs, which was comparable to the diagnosis by an experienced radiologist.

Purpose: Swyer-James-Macleod syndrome (SJMS) is a rare disorder characterized by the hyperlucency of a unilateral lung due to ip silaterally arrested lung growth. No sufficient information on progressive lung function changes during growth is available in SJMS. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed SJMS cases using a clinical database from January 2000 to August 2018. Results: A total of 40 patients were enrolled in this study. The median age of the patients was 4.8 years (interquartile range [IQR], 2.7-9.0 years), boys (n=21, 52.5%) were more affected, and left lungs (n=27, 67.5%) were more involved. The interval between in fection and diagnosis was 1.8 years (IQR, 0.7-6.4 years). Mycoplasma pneumoniae (n=14) and adenovirus (n=5) were most preva lent among the 21 subjects with presumably identifiable causes. Most of the 16 patients with available pulmonary function data presented moderate obstructive lung function (z-score, median; FEV1: -4.320 [IQR, -5.955 to -3.400] and FVC: -2.600 [IQR, -3.590 to -1.570], respectively) with the more decreased median in forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of FVC (FEF25%-75%) (z-score, -4.470; IQR, -5.330 to -3.170). Linear mixed effect models indicated that younger age at first infectious insult was significantly related to decreased FEV1 z-score (P=0.041), and that the FEV1/FVC and FEF25%-75% z-scores were reduced by 0.082 (P=0.005) and 0.069 (P≤0.001) per year. Conclusion: In children with SJMS, the initial infectious insult occurs in the early life with M. pneumoniae being the most common pathogen. Lung function may deteriorate with an obstructive pattern during growth. The impairment can progress slowly not in the FEV1, but in the FEV1/FVC or FEF25%-75%. (Allergy Asthma Respir Dis 2021;9:156-163)

OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of arterial spin-labeling (ASL) perfusion MRI in identifying cerebral perfusion changes after indirect revascularization in children with moyamoya disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included pre- and postoperative perfusion MRI data of 30 children with moyamoya disease (13 boys and 17 girls; mean age ± standard deviation, 6.3 ± 3.0 years) who underwent indirect revascularization between June 2016 and August 2017. Relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and qualitative perfusion scores for arterial transit time (ATT) effects were evaluated in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory on ASL perfusion MRI. The rCBF and relative time-to-peak (rTTP) values were also measured using dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) perfusion MRI. Each perfusion change on ASL and DSC perfusion MRI was analyzed using the paired t test. We analyzed the correlation between perfusion changes on ASL and DSC images using Spearman's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The ASL rCBF values improved at both the ganglionic and supraganglionic levels of the MCA territory after surgery (p = 0.040 and p = 0.003, respectively). The ATT perfusion scores also improved at both levels (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). The rCBF and rTTP values on DSC MRI showed significant improvement at both levels of the MCA territory of the operated side (all p < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between the improvements in rCBF values on the two perfusion images (r = 0.195, p = 0.303); however, there was a correlation between the change in perfusion scores on ASL and rTTP on DSC MRI (r = 0.701, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Recognizing the effects of ATT on ASL perfusion MRI may help monitor cerebral perfusion changes and complement quantitative rCBF assessment using ASL perfusion MRI in patients with moyamoya disease after indirect revascularization.

Background Previous classification systems of pectus excavatum have been based on subjective morphologic characteristics. We sought to suggest a new classification system derived from objective variables. Methods Patients who underwent surgical repair of pectus excavatum without a history of previous chest operations were included. Objective morphologic variables were measured from chest computed tomography scan images, and classification was performed by hierarchical clustering of measured indexes. Clinical relevance of the suggested classification was also verified. Results Included were 230 patients who underwent operation for pectus excavatum from January 2001 to August 2013. These patients were classified into two major groups: typical (group I; 197 [85.7%]) and atypical (group II; 33 [14.3%]). Group I was further classified into three subgroups according to flatness and symmetry of the chest wall. Group II was further classified into four subgroups according to the severity of sternal torsion and sternal angulation. Two unique types of deformity were identified in group II: the double distortion subgroup (group IIa; 8 [3.5%]) and the reverse torsion subgroup (group IIc; 16 [7.0%]). Scoliosis was more frequently associated with group IIa ( p = 0.008). Conclusions Morphologic classification obtained from computed tomography indexes hierarchical clustering identified seven distinct subtypes of pectus excavatum.

Purpose To assess the usefulness of the relative position of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and superior mesenteric vein (SMV) in diagnosing intestinal malrotation in situs anomaly. Materials and methods From January 2004 to April 2015, 33 patients with situs anomalies were enrolled in this study who underwent abdominal USG, CT or MRI as well as upper gastrointestinal series (UGIS) or surgery: situs inversus (n = 16), left isomerism (n = 10), and right isomerism (n = 7); age 21.2 ± 23.2 years (mean ± standard deviation), range 0–72 years. The intestinal malrotation was confirmed with UGIS and/or operation in 16 patients. Relative positions of the SMV to the SMA were classified into four groups by reviewing abdominal USG, CT, or MRI: right sided, left sided, ventral sided, and dorsal sided. The incidence of malrotation was analyzed for each group. Results In 16 patients with situs inversus, there was reversed SMA-SMV relationship: left sided (n = 11) or ventral sided (n = 5). One situs inversus patient with ventral sided SMV had intestinal malrotation (6.25%). 17 patients with situs ambiguus showed various SMA-SMV relationships (ventral sided, n = 7; left sided, n = 5; right sided, n = 4; dorsal sided, n = 1). Among them, 15 patients (88.2%) had intestinal malrotation. Two patients with normal rotation had either right sided or dorsal sided SMV. Conclusion Situs ambiguus was commonly associated with intestinal malrotation with a variable SMA-SMV relationship. Reversal of the mesenteric vascular relationship was observed in situs inversus with normal rotation, not excluding the possibility of intestinal malrotation.

To evaluate the changes in using patterns of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in preterm infants after introduction of a MR-compatible incubator coil system.Brain MRIs for preterm infants with the MR-compatible incubator coil from March 2010 to July 2014 (n=154, group A) were compared with MRIs prior to the introduction of the incubator coil, from March 2005 to February 2010 (n=65, group B). Clinical data, MRI findings, acquisition time, and incidence of adverse events during the study were retrospectively reviewed. For the qualitative analysis of the examinations, the presence of motion artefact, spatial resolution, and overall image quality were assessed. Signal uniformity of each sequence was evaluated for a quantitative comparison.Comparing with group B, Group A was significantly younger (36+3 vs. 38+3 weeks, p0.001), had a significantly lower body weight (2006.6 and 2390.3g respectively; p0.001) at the time of MRI, and had shorter time interval (54.3±2.6 vs. 70.5±4.4days, p=0.002) between birth and examination. Abnormal findings were noted more frequently in group A (n=100, 65%) than in B (n=24, 37%. p=0.001) with a significantly higher incidence of diffusion restriction (n=21, 13.6% vs. n=4, 6.2%, p=0.034). Mean image acquisition time was significantly shorter in group A (21.4±4.5 vs. 25.4±5.5min, p0.001) with significant lower adverse events during MRI (n=26, 40 vs. n=6, 3.9%, p0.001). Group A exhibited significantly less motion artefact, better spatial resolution, and better overall image quality with decreased signal variation than group B (all p0.001).Application of the MR-compatible incubator for preterm brain MRI evaluation is safer and provides more timely evaluation of preterm infants with better image quality.

To evaluate the ultrasonography (US) features of Alagille syndrome (ALGS), as compared with biliary atresia (BA) or neonatal hepatitis (NH).Our study included 23 ALGS, 75 BA and 70 NH patients. The initial US images were retrospectively reviewed for gallbladder (GB) morphology with systemic classification, GB length and luminal area, presence of triangular-cord (TC) sign and hypertrophied hepatic-artery. The presence of anomalies associated with ALGS was evaluated. The diagnostic values of each finding and their combinations were evaluated.Both ALGS (57%) and BA (79%) were more frequently associated with abnormal GB shapes than NH (19%, all P0.001). The short and small GBs were more frequently observed in ALGS and BA than in NH (all P0.001). None in the ALGS and NH showed TC sign, while 41% in the BA did (all P0.001). Hypertrophied hepatic-artery was noted less frequently in both ALGS (13%) and NH (14%) than in BA (83%, all P0.001). The combination of US criteria with associated anomalies increased the positive-predictive-value for ALGS.Abnormal shaped GB with absence of the TC sign and hypertrophied hepatic-artery and presence of associated anomalies can be a differential point of ALGS.

It is difficult to diagnosis early stage germ cell tumors originating in the basal ganglia, but early recognition is important for better outcome. To evaluate serial MR images of basal ganglia germ cell tumors, with emphasis on the features of early stage tumors. We retrospectively reviewed serial MR images of 15 tumors in 14 children and young adults. We categorized MR images of the tumors as follows: type I, ill-defined patchy lesions (

Objective To evaluate the incidence and risk factors of emetic complications associated with the intravenous administration of low-osmolality iodinated contrast media (ICM) in children undergoing computed tomography (CT). Materials and methods All children who underwent contrast-enhanced CT between April 2017 and July 2019 were included. Pediatric patients were instructed on the preparative dietary protocol at our institution. Experienced nurses in the radiology department monitored the children during the CT scans and recorded any emetic complications in their electronic medical records. These data were used to calculate the incidence of emetic complications. Various patient factors and technical factors, including fasting duration, the type and volume of ICM, and ongoing chemotherapy, were evaluated to identify risk factors for emetic complications using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results Among the 864 children (mean age, 8.4 ± 5.7 years) evaluated, 18 (2.1%) experienced emetic complications (6 experienced nausea only and 12 experienced nausea and vomiting). None of the children developed aspiration pneumonia. The mean fasting duration of patients with emesis was 7.9 ± 5.7 hours (range, 3-21 hours), whereas that of patients without nausea was 8.7 ± 5.7 hours (range, 0-24 hours). Fasting duration was not associated with the development of nausea and vomiting (p = 0.634). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that ongoing chemotherapy (odds ratio [OR] = 4.323; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.430-13.064; p = 0.009), iomeprol use (OR = 7.219; 95% CI = 1.442-36.146; p = 0.016), and iohexol use (OR = 5.241; 95% CI = 1.350-20.346; p = 0.017) were independent risk factors for emetic complications. Conclusion Only a small proportion (2.1%) of children experienced nausea or vomiting after exposure to low-osmolality ICM. Many children underwent excessive fasting; however, fasting duration was not associated with nausea and vomiting. Moreover, ongoing chemotherapy and the use of iomeprol or iohexol were identified as potential risk factors for emetic complications in children.

Purpose: Pulmonary underdevelopment is one of the pulmonary causes of neonatal mortality, which is categorized into pulmonary agenesis, pulmonary aplasia, and pulmonary hypoplasia. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a well-known cause of pulmonary hy poplasia; however, further studies are needed for other etiologies. Patients with pulmonary underdevelopment show varying de grees of clinical severity. Most patients with pulmonary underdevelopment have respiratory distress at birth, while a few have only mild symptoms. Our study investigated the natural course and prognosis of pulmonary underdevelopment by analyzing multiple cases from a single tertiary medical center. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on patients diagnosed with pulmonary hypoplasia and agenesis from January 2000 to August 2019. Cases were extracted from the clinical database of Seoul National University Children’s Hospital by searching for keywords related to pulmonary underdevelopment. Results: A total of 28 patients were identified. Four patients had pulmonary agenesis, and all were idiopathic. Twenty-four patients had evidence of pulmonary hypoplasia with diverse causes. The median age at diagnosis was 11.5 days (range, 1-240 days) and the mean gestational age was 35 weeks 2 days±3 weeks 6 days. Twenty patients received ventilator care and 11 had various degrees of pulmonary hypertension. The long-term survival rate was 50%. The median age of death among pulmonary hypoplasia patients were 11 days (range, 1-730 days). All patients without ventilator care survived. The incidence of ventilator care, pneumothorax, and pulmonary hypertension were significantly higher among patients who died. Conclusion: The prognosis of pulmonary underdevelopment depends on the severity of respiratory distress and pulmonary hyper tension in earlier life. Patients with severe distress appear to have severe degree of pulmonary hypoplasia. Patients without ventila tor support in the neonatal period survived without significant morbidities. (Allergy Asthma Respir Dis 2020;8:206-212)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of radially sampled 3D fat-suppressed T1-weighted gradient-echo sequences (radial volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination [radial VIBE]) for contrast-enhanced brain MRI of children through comparison with a magnetization-prepared rapid-acquisition gradient-echo (MP-RAGE) sequence.Sixty-five consecutive contrast-enhanced brain MRI examinations performed with axial MP-RAGE and radial VIBE sequences were included. For quantitative analysis, coefficients of variation of gray matter and white matter and CSF and relative contrast between tissue types (gray matter and white matter, gray matter and CSF, and white matter and CSF) for each sequence were calculated. For qualitative assessment, motion, pulsation artifacts, overall image quality, and lesion conspicuity were retrospectively scored on a 5-point scale. Quantitative and qualitative subgroup analyses were performed for patients with serious motion artifacts.Images obtained with the radial VIBE sequence had fewer motion and pulsation artifacts than those obtained with the MP-RAGE sequence (MP-RAGE vs radial VIBE motion score, 3.57 ± 1.00 vs 4.52 ± 0.51; pulsation score, 3.57 ± 0.60 vs 4.91 ± 0.21; all p0.001). Among 25 images with serious motion artifacts, radial VIBE images had significantly higher scores for all qualitative parameters, including overall image quality, than did MP-RAGE images (overall image quality for MP-RAGE vs radial VIBE, 2.63 ± 0.82 vs 3.42 ± 0.55, p0.001).The study showed that a radial fat-suppressed T1-weighted gradient-echo sequence is a viable alternative to conventional cartesian acquisition for contrast-enhanced brain imaging of restless children.

Mutations of the surfactant protein (SP)-C gene (SFTPC) have been associated with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and childhood interstitial lung disease (ILD). If accurate diagnosis and proper management are delayed, irreversible respiratory failure demanding lung transplantation may ensue. A girl was born at term but was intubated and given exogenous surfactant due to RDS. Cough and tachypnea persisted, and symptoms rapidly progressed at 16 months of age despite treatment with antibiotics, oral prednisolone, methylprednisolone pulse therapy, and intravenous immunoglobulin. At 20 months, she visited our hospital for a second opinion. A computed tomography scan showed a diffuse mosaic pattern with ground-glass opacity and subpleural cysts compatible with ILD. A video-assisted thoracoscopic lung biopsy revealed ILD with eosinophilic proteinaceous material and macrophages in the alveolar space. Bilateral lung transplant from a 30-month-old child was done, and she was discharged in room air without acute complications. Genetic analysis revealed a novel c.203T>A, p.Val68Asp mutation of SP-C, based on the same exon as a known pathogenic mutation, p.Glu66Lys.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: For the postoperative follow-up in pediatric patients with Moyamoya disease, it is essential to evaluate the degree of neovascularization status. Our aim was to quantitatively assess the neovascularization status after bypass surgery in pediatric Moyamoya disease by using color-coded digital subtraction angiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Time-attenuation intensity curves were generated at ROIs corresponding to surgical flap sites from color-coded DSA images of the common carotid artery, internal carotid artery, and external carotid artery angiograms obtained pre- and postoperatively in 32 children with Moyamoya disease. Time-to-peak and area under the curve values were obtained. Postoperative changes in adjusted time-to-peak (ΔTTP) and ratios of adjusted area under the curve changes (ΔAUC ratio) of common carotid artery, ICA, and external carotid artery angiograms were compared across clinical and angiographic outcome groups. To analyze diagnostic performance, we categorized clinical outcomes into favorable and unfavorable groups. RESULTS: The ΔTTP at the common carotid artery increased among clinical and angiographic outcomes, in that order, with significant differences ( P = .003 and .005, respectively). The ΔAUC ratio at the common carotid artery and external carotid artery also increased, in that order, among clinical and angiographic outcomes with a significant difference (all, P = .000). The ΔAUC ratio of ICA showed no significant difference among clinical and angiographic outcomes ( P = .418 and .424, respectively). The ΔTTP for the common carotid artery of >1.27 seconds and the ΔAUC ratio of >33.5% for the common carotid artery and 504% for the external carotid artery are revealed as optimal cutoff values between favorable and unfavorable groups. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative changes in quantitative values obtained with color-coded DSA software showed a significant correlation with outcome scores and can be used as objective parameters for predicting the outcome in pediatric Moyamoya disease, with an additional cutoff value calculated through the receiver operating characteristic curve.

The purpose of this study was to compare wide-volume and helical pediatric 320-MDCT of the chest with respect to radiation dose and image quality.From November 2012 to September 2013, 59 wide-volume and 47 helical pediatric chest 320-MDCT images were obtained. The same tube potential and effective tube current-time product were applied in the two groups according to patient weight (group A,10 kg, n = 18; group B, 10-19.9 kg, n = 60; group C, 20-39.9 kg, n = 28). To compensate for overranging, adjusted CT dose index (CTDI) was calculated by dividing dose-length product (DLP) by the scan ranges imaged. Adjusted CTDI, DLP, overall image quality, motion artifact, noise, and scan ranges were compared by Mann-Whitney U test or t test.The adjusted CTDI was significantly lower in the group who underwent wide-volume CT than in the group who underwent helical CT (weight group A, p0.001; group B, p0.001; group C, p = 0.003). The DLP was lower in the wide-volume group than in the helical CT group in weight groups A (p0.001) and B (p0.001) but not in group C (p = 0.162). All CT scans were of diagnostic quality, and there was no significant difference between the wide-volume and helical CT groups (p = 0.318). The motion artifact score was significantly higher in the wide-volume group than in the helical CT group in groups B (p0.001) and C (p = 0.010) but not in group A (p = 0.931). The noise was significantly lower in the wide-volume group than in the helical CT group (p0.001).In pediatric chest CT, use of wide-volume CT can decrease radiation exposure while preserving image quality. It is associated with less noise than helical CT but may be subject to more motion artifact.

This study aimed to assess the therapeutic results of ultrasound (US)-guided water-soluble contrast enema in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants (1,500 g) with meconium obstruction and to study factors that affect therapeutic results.This study included a total of 33 consecutive VLBW infants with clinically diagnosed meconium obstruction underwent US-guided water-soluble contrast enema, from April 2007 to March 2014. Patients were classified into two groups based on to procedure outcome: the success group (evacuation of the meconium plug resolution followed by improved bowel distention within 2 days of the procedure, without additional interventions), and the failure group (the contrast enema failed to relieve the obstruction, or other procedure-related complications occurred). Patient- and mother-related clinical factors and procedure-related factors were compared between both groups.Overall success rate was 54.5%, with 18 successful (M:F=10:8), and 15 failure (M:F=7:8) cases. When compared with the failure group, the success group patients showed statistically significant older gestational age (29(+1) vs. 27 weeks; p=0.028), larger birth weight (1023.1g vs. 790.3g; p=0.048), and higher body weight on the day of the procedure (1036.2g vs. 801.6g, p=0.049). However, no statistically significant differences were seen between other patient and maternal factors. Among the procedure-related factors, retrial of contrast injection during the procedure was associated with significantly higher success than the single trial (p=0.027). The presence of refluxed contrast into the distal ileum was the statistically significant predictor for success of the procedure (p=0.038). There were three cases of bowel perforation (9.1% per person).US-guided water-soluble contrast enema in VLBW infants with meconium obstruction showed a 54.5% success rate and a 9.1% perforation rate per person. Among the procedure-related factors, retrial of contrast injection during the procedure and the presence of refluxed contrast into the distal ileum were related to the success of the procedure.

Objectives To analyze the texture features on cranial sonography in preterm neonates with white matter injury quantitatively and to correlate these features with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods The study included 33 preterm neonates treated in our neonatal intensive care unit who underwent serial cranial sonography and brain MRI near term. Patients were subdivided into 3 groups according to the presence and severity of white matter injury as revealed by MRI: normal (group 1; n = 20), mild (group 2; n = 5), and severe (group 3; n = 8). The periventricular echogenicity on sonography was evaluated quantitatively with second-order gray-level statistics (gray-level co-occurrence matrix [GLCM] method). Four GLCM texture features representing homogeneity were extracted in 12 directions: (1) angular second moment (ASM), (2) inverse differential moment (IDM), (3) contrast, and (4) entropy. Results Thirty of 48 features showed a statistically significant difference between groups 1 and 3 (ASM in 9 directions, IDM in 6 directions, contrast in 3 directions, and entropy in all 12 directions). There were no significant differences observed between groups 1 and 2 or groups 2 and 3. The mean contrast and entropy values were generally lower in group 1 than group 3, whereas the mean ASM and IDM values were higher in group 1. Conclusions Severe white matter injury could be identified by using GLCM texture analysis, whereas mild white matter injury observed on MRI could not be evaluated by GLCM analysis. Quantitative texture analysis using the GLCM may serve as a complementary tool for quantitative assessment of periventricular echogenicity.

Knowledge of the optimal lengths for central venous catheterization prior to the procedure may lessen the need for repositioning and prevent vascular complications. To establish the optimal lengths for non-tunneled central venous catheter insertion through the right and left internal jugular veins. We included 92 children who received US-guided central venous catheterization via right or left internal jugular veins in intensive care units. The calculated distance between the skin and carina was considered the optimal length for right and left internal jugular venous catheterization. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses was used to identify predictors. Age, height and weight showed significant correlations with optimal insertion lengths for right and left internal jugular vein approaches on univariate analysis, while height was the only significant independent predictor of optimal insertion length. The optimal insertion lengths (cm) suggested by our data are, for the right internal jugular vein 0.034 × height (cm) + 3.173, and for the left 0.072 × height (cm) + 2.113.

Radial k-space sampling techniques have been shown to reduce motion artifacts in adult abdominal MRI. To compare a T2-weighted radial k-space sampling MRI pulse sequence (BLADE) with standard respiratory-triggered T2-weighted turbo spin echo (TSE) in pediatric abdominal imaging. Axial BLADE and respiratory-triggered turbo spin echo sequences were performed without fat suppression in 32 abdominal MR examinations in children. We retrospectively assessed overall image quality, the presence of respiratory, peristaltic and radial artifact, and lesion conspicuity. We evaluated signal uniformity of each sequence. BLADE showed improved overall image quality (3.35 ± 0.85 vs. 2.59 ± 0.59, P

BACKGROUND In free flap reconstruction for head and neck cancer, achieving a haemodynamic target using excessive fluid infusion is associated with decreased flap survival rates and extended hospital stays. We hypothesized that goal-directed haemodynamic therapy would improve flap survival rates and shorten hospitalization periods. METHODS Patients scheduled for free flap reconstruction were randomly assigned to a goal-directed haemodynamic therapy group (n = 31) or a conventional haemodynamic therapy control group (n = 31). The control group received extra bolus fluid and ephedrine or norepinephrine to maintain a mean arterial pressure ≥ 65 mmHg. The goal-directed haemodynamic therapy group received a colloid solution as the extra bolus fluid to maintain a stroke volume variation < 12%; dobutamine, ephedrine, or norepinephrine was administered to maintain a cardiac index ≥ 2.5 l/min/m2 and mean arterial pressure ≥ 65 mmHg. Enhanced recovery after surgery protocols were not used except for fluid therapy. An otolaryngologist blinded to group assignments assessed flap outcomes and classified them as 'survival,' 'at risk' or 'failure.' RESULTS The hospitalization period was not significantly different between the groups. The goal-directed haemodynamic therapy group had significantly shorter intensive care unit stays and a higher flap survival rate. The crystalloid volume was significantly lower in goal-directed haemodynamic therapy group. Reoperation rates, post-operative complications, and laboratory data including inflammatory markers were similar between the groups. CONCLUSION Compared to conventional haemodynamic therapy, goal-directed haemodynamic therapy does not reduce hospitalization periods; it may, however, reduce the length of intensive care unit stays and increase flap survival rates. Further studies including multi-centre trials with larger sample sizes are warranted.

Purpose To evaluate the patients’ morphologic factors affecting radiation dose in pediatric chest CT. Materials and methods From November 2013 to May 2015, 315 pediatric chest CT scans were obtained using a CT scanner, and classified into 5 groups according to the patients’ age. For each age group, the chest CT scans were divided into two subgroups. A cut-off value used was the 75th percentile of size-specific dose estimates (SSDE), age-specific diagnostic reference level (DRL): less than the 75th percentile of SSDE (Group A, n = 238) and greater than the 75th percentile of SSDE (Group B, n = 77). All CT scans were performed with the same protocol using automatic tube voltage selection and current modulation techniques. The morphologic factors of the patients including body mass index (BMI), arm angles, presence of medical devices in the scan field, and degree of off-centering within the CT gantry were compared between groups A and B. Results Group B showed narrower arm angles on scout and coronal reformatted images, higher frequency of the presence of devices and higher BMI than group A (P < 0.001, P < 0.001; P = 0.018, and P < 0.001, respectively). In multivariate analysis, narrower arm angles, the presence of devices on the scout images and higher BMI were independently associated with higher SSDE (P = 0.001, P = 0.037, and P < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions During acquisition of the scout images, arms-down position and the presence of medical devices were associated with a high radiation dose above age-specific DRLs in pediatric chest CT, regardless of repositioning before the actual scanning. In addition, off-centering had no clinical impact on radiation dose in the routine practice.