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Purpose Our aim was to assess the sinonasal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFRS) in coronavirus disease (COVID)-associated mucormycosis (CAM) and to correlate these with histopathology and patient outcome in terms of duration of hospital stay and survival at 10 weeks. Methods Twenty patients with histopathologically confirmed sinonasal CAM underwent MRI (including postcontrast T1-weighted and diffusion-weighted imaging). Histopathological findings (presence of coagulative necrosis, granulomatous reaction, and fungal burden) were recorded and all patients were followed up at 6 and 10 weeks. Statistical analysis was done using chi-square test and Fischer's exact test. Results Enhancement patterns seen in our subjects included homogeneous, heterogeneous, and lack of contrast enhancement (LOC), with LOC being the most common (65%). Diffusion restriction was found in 90% patients. Statistically significant correlation was found between LOC pattern and presence of coagulative necrosis (p-value = 0.007), extent of fungal hyphae (p-value = 0.047), and duration of hospital stay (p-value = 0.004). Restricted diffusion was also seen to correlate with a high fungal load (p-value = 0.007). Conclusion Our study describes the MRI findings of AIFRS in CAM and highlights the imaging features which may be surrogate markers for coagulative necrosis and fungal burden.

Recent pandemic of COVID19 infection has witnessed a re-emergence of invasive fungal sinusitis especially of the Mucor species, which has been a rare entity in the pre covid era. Covid associated mucormycosis (CAM) is one of the dreaded and fatal complications which has surfaced up and early diagnosis is critical for management and survival .It is identified to affect both subset of patients, those with active COVID-19 infection and those who have recovered from the disease in the last 4-6 weeks. Imaging features suggestive of early invasion with supportive imaging examples and relevance of these findings in clinical decision making is presented.This paper reviews the various imaging signs of early invasion in CAM A comprehensive checklist for clinically relevant and quick reporting is also presented.Emphysematous or ulcerative mucosal changes in the nasal cavity is an early imaging feature of CAM. Periantral soft tissue and soft tissue within the pterygopalatine fossa are important imaging signs to indicate extrasinus invasion. Disease within pterygopalatine fossa may lead to multidirectional spread and is an important check site. These findings are seen even in absence of bony erosions owing to the neurovascular spread of disease. Intra orbital and intracranial extensions were found to be fairly common and must be sought for.The knowledge of early subtle signs of CAM on imaging can aid in prompt diagnosis of this fatal entity in the pertinent clinical setting. Imaging signs of spread of disease and delineation of its extent as inferred from CT imaging aids in prognosis and appropriate surgical management.

To correlate the clinical, radiological, and histopathological features in Covid-associated Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis cases presenting with acute visual loss.Cross-sectional study.Covid-associated Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis cases with unilateral visual loss, planned for exenteration, underwent orbital and ophthalmological ocular examination. The available radiological sequences, doppler ultrasonography and histopathology findings were correlated with clinical manifestations.The median age was 51 years and the male: female ratio was 3:1. All except one presented with unilateral ophthalmoplegia. The ocular media were hazy in 2 eyes. In 8 eyes, retinal changes were suggestive of occlusion of CRA (6), combined occlusion of CRA and central retinal vein (1), and myopic degeneration with hypertensive retinopathy (1). The contralateral eye showed retinal ischemic changes in one patient. Radiological imaging showed orbital apex involvement in the 10 affected eyes and one contralateral eye. Ipsilateral cavernous sinus thrombosis, diffusion restriction on MRI of optic nerve, internal carotid artery narrowing/thrombosis, and cortical watershed infarcts were seen in 8, 4, 4, and 2 cases, respectively. The blood flow in CRA and ophthalmic artery was absent or reduced in all the 10 affected eyes and in 1 contralateral eye. On histopathology, orbital fat necrosis, fungal hyphae, acute inflammation, granuloma formation, ischemic thrombosis of ophthalmic artery was observed in 10 specimens. CRA was patent in 9 and thrombosed in 1 eye. Optic nerve was ischemic in 8 and viable in 2 eyes.Acute visual loss in ROCM cases is associated with orbital apex involvement and thrombotic ischemia of ophthalmic artery. Cessation of flow in CRA possibly occurs secondary to ophthalmic artery thrombosis.

Introduction: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a widely used imaging modality in the imaging evaluation of carcinoma of cervix. The aim of our study was to evaluate the response in carcinoma cervix patients following chemoradiotherapy by Diffusion weighted (DW-MRI) and Dynamic contrast enhanced-MRI (DCE-MRI). Methods: 21 inoperable biopsy proven patients (mean age 48.43 years) of carcinoma cervix were included in the study. All patients underwent MRI (conventional, DW and DCE) of the pelvis thrice. Baseline MRI, Post chemotherapy MRI after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and Post chemoradiotherapy MRI after completion of concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Post treatment apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC) values and Time intensity curve(TIC) pattern were compared with baseline values. Results: Baseline meanADC value of all patients was 0.82 x10-3 mm2/s. After completion of treatment, 18 patients showed complete resolution of tumor and showed 0.50 x10-3 mm2/s increase in meanADC value from baseline MRI which was significantly higher than remaining 3 patients with residual tumor (0.50 x10-3 mm2/s v/s 0.17 x10-3 mm2/s). ADC threshold value of 1.15 x10-3 mm2/s was defined, differentiating the residual tumor from the healthy cervical tissue after chemoradiation. On post treatment MRI, 17 out of 18 patients with complete resolution of tumor showed increasing trend of enhancement on TIC and only one patient showed plateau pattern. 2 of the 3 patients with residual tumor showed washout pattern and one patient showed plateau pattern. Conclusion: ADC values and TIC pattern differ in patients with complete response to chemoradiotherapy from patients with residual tumor, so helps in differentiating residual tumor from cancer free cervix. Keywords: Carcinoma of cervix; Chemoradiotherapy; Diffusion weighted MRI; Dynamic contrast enhanced MRI; Time intensity curve.

Presacral space is a potential space between the rectum anteriorly and lumbosacral spine posteriorly containing derivatives from various primitive germ cell types which serve as origin to a myriad of tumors. Imaging plays a vital role in diagnosis, characterization, assessing extent and evaluation of spread. We present a series of six cases of pediatric presacral tumors with intraspinal extension. The series comprises of an immature sacrococcygeal teratoma (Altman type II), a malignant sacrococcygeal teratoma (Altman type IV), a neuroblastoma, a rhabdomyosarcoma, a clear cell sarcoma and an Ewing’s sarcoma of the ilium which can be broadly categorized as tumors of germ cell, neuroblastic, mesenchymal, osteogenic origin. In spite of overlapping imaging features, careful retrospective observation revealed few distinctive features that would aid in optimal characterization of tumors with a fair degree of certainty.In summary, the salient imaging features that aid in differentiation are the epicentre of the tumor, pattern and degree of bone involvement, status of sacral foramina and neural elements and internal characteristics such as presence of fat, calcification, hemorrhage, necrosis, etc.

Purpose: To determine the role of functional magnetic resonance imaging techniques (diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging [DW-MRI] and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging [DCE-MRI]) in the differentiation of various salivary gland tumours. Material and methods: In this prospective study, we evaluated 32 patients with salivary gland tumours using functional MRI. Diffusion parameters (mean apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC], normalized ADC and homogeneity index [HI]), semiquantitative DCE parameters (time signal intensity curves [TICs]) and quantitative DCE parameters (Kep, Ktrans and Ve) were analysed. Diagnostic efficiencies of all these parameters were determined to differentiate benign and malignant tumours as well as to characterize 3 major subgroups of salivary gland tumours, namely pleomorphic adenoma, Warthin tumour, and malignant tumours. Results: Mean ADC, normalized ADC and HI were insignificant in differentiating benign and malignant tumours but were significant in differentiating pleomorphic adenomas, Warthin tumours, and malignant tumours. Mean ADC was the best parameter in predicting both pleomorphic adenomas and Warthin tumours (AUC: 0.95 and 0.89, respectively). Amongst DCE parameters, only TIC pattern could differentiate between benign and malignant tumours, with an accuracy of 93.75% (AUC: 0.94). The quantitative perfusion parameters aided greatly in characterizing pleomorphic adenomas, Warthin tumours and malignant tumours. For predicting pleomorphic adenomas, the accuracy of Kep and Ktrans was 96.77% (AUC: 0.98) and 93.55% (AUC: 0.95), respectively and for predicting Warthin tumours, the accuracy of both Kep and Ktrans was 96.77% (AUC: 0.97). Conclusions: DCE parameters (particularly TIC, Kep and Ktrans) had higher accuracy in characterizing various tumour subgroups (pleomorphic adenomas, Warthin tumours, and malignant tumours) than DWI parameters. Hence, dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging adds immense value with only a minimum time penalty to the examination.

Objective- To assess the potential effect of Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) on placental perfusion by examining change in uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI) between first and second trimesters of pregnancy. Design- It was a prospective observational study conducted between August 2017 to January 2019. Setting- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi. Study Sample- Twenty-one singleton pregnancies where CVS was planned were included in the case group whereas forty-two low-risk singleton pregnancies with no invasive testing constituted the control group. Pregnancy resulting in miscarriage or, termination of pregnancy for affected fetus, or demise of fetus beyond 23 weeks or subsequent detection of anomaly or chromosomal defects were excluded. Methods- Dating scan along with first and second trimester UtA doppler study was done at 11-13+6 weeks and 22-24+6 weeks respectively using an ultrasound machine with 2-5 MHz trans-abdominal transducer. Main Outcome Measures- The primary outcome was to evaluate the change in UtA-PI between first and second trimesters of women undergoing CVS and comparing it with control group. Results- The difference between first and second trimester mean PI of case and control group were 0.71± 0.35 and 0.44± 0.45 respectively. This difference of fall in PI between the two groups was statistically significant (p= 0.010) with the change being higher in the CVS group. Conclusions- CVS does not cause undesirable effect on the UtA doppler. UtA doppler being a predictive marker of development of pre-eclampsia or FGR; this study affirms the safety of CVS in experienced hands.

Globally, more than 200 million women become pregnant each year, most of whom receive medications despite limited information on their safe use during pregnancy. The paucity of drug safety data on pregnant and breastfeeding women stems from the routine exclusion of this population from clinical trials due to scientific, ethical, regulatory and legal concerns. Consequently, at the time of initial drug approval, there may be scant safety data to inform the drug benefit-risk balance to the mother, foetus, or infant. Although momentum is growing to include this underrepresented population in clinical trials, most information on drug exposure outcomes comes from data collected in the post-marketing setting. Regulatory guidance and legislation on medication use in pregnancy and breastfeeding were reviewed globally by TransCelerate IGR PV Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Team. ICH standards and CIOMS guidelines served as benchmarks for national safety regulations and guidance. The landscape assessment identified a lack of harmonisation of global regulations on research in pregnant and breastfeeding women. This editorial focuses on the ambiguities and lack of harmonisation in global regulations on post-marketing pregnancy and breastfeeding safety studies. There is currently no ICH standard to guide these types of safety studies and, in most regions reviewed, there are no clear regulations or guidance on when and how to conduct them. While a challenging undertaking, greater clarity and harmonisation would facilitate more timely completion of post-marketing pregnancy safety studies that would ultimately generate the critical data needed to optimize benefit-risk decisions for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

The basis of pharmacovigilance is provided by the exchange of Individual Case Safety Reports (ICSRs) between the recipient of the original report and other interested parties, which include Marketing Authorization Holders (MAHs) and Health Authorities (HAs). Different regulators have different reporting requirements for report transmission. This results in replication of each ICSR that will exist in multiple locations. Adding in the fact that each case will go through multiple versions, different recipients may receive different case versions at different times, potentially influencing patient safety decisions and potentially amplifying or obscuring safety signals inappropriately.The present study aimed to investigate the magnitude of replication, the variability among recipients, and the subsequent divergence across recipients of ICSRs.Seven participating TransCelerate Member Companies (MCs) queried their respective safety databases covering a 3-year period and provided aggregate ICSR submission statistics for expedited safety reports to an independent project manager. As measured in the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), ICSR volume for these seven MCs makes up approximately 20% of the total case volume. Aggregate metrics were calculated from the company data, specifically: (i) number of ICSR transmissions, (ii) average number of recipients (ANR) per case version transmitted, (iii) a submission selectivity metric, which measures the percentage of recipients not having received all sequential case version numbers, and (iv) percent of common ISCRs residing in two or more MAH databases.The analysis reflects 2,539,802 case versions, distributed through 7,602,678 submissions. The overall mean replication rate is 3.0 submissions per case version. The distribution of the ANR replication measure was observed to be very long-tailed, with a significant fraction of case versions (~ 12.4% of all transmissions) being sent to ten or more HA recipients. Replication is higher than average for serious, unlisted, and literature cases, ranging from 3.5 to 6.1 submissions per version. Within the subset of ICSR versions sent to three recipients, a significant degree of variability in the actual recipients (i.e., HAs) was observed, indicating that there is not one single combination of the same three HAs predominantly receiving an ICSR. Submission selectivity increases with the case version. For case version 6, the range of the submission selectivity for the MAHs ranges from ~ 10% to over 50%, with a median of 30.2%. Within the participating MAHs, the percentage of cases that reside within at least two safety databases is approximately 2% across five databases. Further analysis of the data from three MAHs showed percentages of 13.4%, 15.6%, and 27.9% of ICSRs originating from HAs and any other partners such as other MAHs and other institutions.Replication of ICSRs and the variation of available safety information in recipient databases were quantified and shown to be substantial. Our work shows that multiple processors and medical reviewers will likely handle the same original ICSR as a result of replication. Aside from the obvious duplicate work, this phenomenon could conceivably lead to differing clinical assessments and decisions. If replication could be reduced or even eliminated, this would enable more focus on activities with a benefit for patient safety.

BackgroundThere has been a recent deluge of coronavirus disease 2019 associated mucormycosis in our country. It affects the paranasal sinuses; however, it has a rapid extrasinus progression (the orbit being most common), which can be fatal if not detected early. It may meander into the orbit through various foramina without frank bone destruction.MethodsThis paper reviews the various gateways of the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 associated mucormycosis to the orbit, even before advent of bone destruction or ocular symptoms. Plausible pathways of invasion and subtle imaging findings are depicted, to enable an early diagnosis.ResultsRelevant anatomy and imaging examples have been illustrated to familiarise the surgeons with various routes of coronavirus disease 2019 associated mucormycosis spread to the orbit. Emphasis is laid on searching for subtle imaging findings for the detection of early orbital invasion.ConclusionEarly detection and extension of coronavirus disease 2019 associated mucormycosis is facilitated by knowledge of its gateways of spread, which aids the surgeon in prognostication and planning of the surgical approach.

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is an extremely rare skeletal dysplasia with characteristic imaging and clinical findings, which includes bilateral hallux valgus, monophalangic great toes with short and stout first metatarsals, heterotopic ossification of muscles and connective tissues, short broad femoral necks, pseudo exostoses, short and stout first metacarpals, C2-C7 facet joint fusion, large posterior elements, and tall narrow vertebral bodies. We present a case of an 8-year-old male child who came with complaints of multiple progressive hard swellings over the neck, chest, and abdomen with restriction of movements for a duration of 2 years and deformity of great toe on both sides since birth. On clinical examination, the patient had multiple non-tender hard bony swellings in neck, chest, and abdominal wall with bilateral hallux valgus deformity. Radiographic examination revealed well- defined rib-like ectopic osseous outgrowths in the posterior aspect of neck, soft tissues of chest and abdominal wall, bilateral hallux valgus, monophalangic great toe and short first metatarsals with normal cervical vertebral bodies, posterior elements, short first metacarpals bilaterally, and pseudo exostoses in medial aspect of upper one-third of both tibia. With the above classic findings, the diagnosis of FOP was made. Early diagnosis of the condition is very important in these cases as intramuscular injections, biopsies, and trivial trauma can exacerbate the condition with painful flare-ups.

Malformations of the inner ear are an important cause of congenital deaf-mutism. Arrest in embryologic development of inner ear during various stages gives rise to the variety of malformations encountered. Current treatment options include hearing aids, cochlear implants, and auditory brainstem implants (ABI). With the advent of cochlear implant surgery and ABI, decent functional outcomes can be obtained provided such cases are diagnosed correctly and timely. To that end, high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) has a fundamental role in the assessment of these conditions, ably supplemented by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The purpose of this pictorial essay is to illustrate the imaging features of inner ear anomalies in children with congenital deaf-mutism as per the latest terminology and classification and provide an algorithmic approach for their diagnosis.

Alveolar soft part sarcoma is a rare soft tissue tumor with uncertain histogenesis. It is a slow growing tumor with a high rate of metastasis. The tumor is not easily identified as clinical symptoms are not pronounced. The retroperitoneum is a rare location of tumor, with a few cases published in literature. Surgical excision is the mainstay of treatment. Here we describe a rare case of a large retroperitoneal Alveolar soft part sarcoma in a young female with radiological and histopathological findings.

Cherubism is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by replacement of bone with fibrous tissue containing multinucleated giant cells. It manifests as bilateral mandibular and/or maxillary enlargement. The 2017 World Health Organization classification lists cherubism as a giant cell lesion of the jaws, distinct from fibro-osseous disorders. We discuss 3 cases of familial cherubism having aggressive characteristics and present clinicoradiologic evaluations of the lesions over 12, 18, and 1.5 years, respectively. Follow-up was observational, without active intervention. Analysis of the lesions for change in size and functional impairments was correlated with periodic imaging. All patients are currently being monitored. The outcome in 2 cases has been excellent without intervention, but 1 case had extensive involvement of the jaws and involvement of the condyle and orbit. A secondary giant cell lesion involved the palate in one patient's mother, who had had cherubic lesions in childhood.

PURPOSE: To assess and compare utility of fetal MRI over prenatal ultrasound in management of fetal congenital abnormalities detected in late 2nd and 3rd trimesters (after legal limit of termination). METHODS: 3T MRI was performed in 43 pregnant women with period of gestation ≥20 weeks with suspected congenital abnormalities on ultrasound (USG). Half-Fourier acquisition single shot turbo spin echo sequence was used with T1 sequence wherever required. Ultrasonographic and MRI findings were compared and grouped as: findings concordant on both (Category I), MRI added information with no significant change in diagnosis (Category II), MRI added information with significant change in diagnosis (Category III) or USG superior to MRI (Category IV). Clinical utility of the fetal MRI was assessed in changing fetal prognostication and delivering peri/postnatal management with respect to USG in each of these categories. RESULTS: 18/43(41.8%) showed concordant USG and MRI findings without change in management. In 9/43(20.9%), MRI added information with no significant change in diagnosis causing change in prognosis and management in 4/9(44.4%) and 2/9(22.2%) respectively. In 15/43(34.9%), MRI added information with significant change in diagnosis that worsened prognosis in 13/15(86.7%) and aided in management in 6/15(40%). In 1/43(2.4%), USG was superior than MRI with no influence on management. CONCLUSIONS: Fetal MRI improves ultrasonographic diagnosis leading to change in fetal prognostication in a significant proportion of pregnancies. MRI can help in deciding mode of deliveries. It can act as a preliminary imaging which aids in post-natal management in an unstable baby where cross-sectional imaging is difficult. Funding Information: This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. Declaration of Interests: None. Ethics Approval Statement: Ethical clearance was obtained from the institutional ethics committee.

Wandering spleen is a rare condition in which the spleen is hypermobile due to laxity or lack of its supporting ligaments. It can be located anywhere in the abdomen besides its usual position. The other terms that are used to describe this condition are splenic ptosis, displaced spleen, dislocated spleen and ectopic spleen. Splenic torsion is a dreaded complication and the usual cause of symptoms. There is a high chance of missing the diagnosis as it remains asymptomatic or may be incidentally discovered on radio-imaging done for a different purpose. An acute abdomen is the most common presentation. Here we describe an unusual case presenting with torsion of the wandering spleen that was adherent to the right ovary.

IntroductionImplantation of a gestational sac in a previous Caesarean section scar of the lower uterine segment is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy.Case reportWe report a case of Caesarean scar ectopic pregnancy in a 25-year-old female, diagnosed by ultrasonography and confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. We present the clinical details, imaging findings, and management of the patient.DiscussionImaging plays an important role in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy and ultrasonography is the modality of choice. Ultrasonography features of scar ectopic pregnancy include empty uterus and cervix with normal endometrium and endocervical canal, gestational sac (with embryo and/or yolk sac) in the anterior part of the lower uterine segment in the region of the Caesarean scar with a thin myometrial layer between the bladder wall and gestational sac. Magnetic resonance imaging may be used as an adjunct imaging modality in cases with inconclusive or equivocal sonographic findings. Termination of pregnancy in the first trimester should be considered and treatment options should be individualized as there is no universal agreement on the best or most preferred treatment modality.ConclusionAwareness of specific ultrasound features of scar ectopic pregnancy is crucial for early recognition, correct diagnosis, and initiating prompt management to prevent complications.

Anomalies of the pulmonary venous circulation are extremely uncommon. We report a case of an anomalous unilateral single pulmonary vein also referred to as a meandering pulmonary vein. A single large tortuous pulmonary vein was seen on the right side draining into the left atrium with associated ipsilateral absence of the middle lobe bronchus and interlobar fissures. This is considered a variant of the classical scimitar syndrome. The venous anatomy was depicted with considerable accuracy using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) non-invasively.