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Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of RME on upper airway structure and its relationship to improvements in sleep disordered breathing., Methods: The study was carried out in 23 children with malocclusion and OSA. Clinical assessment visits, daytime sleepiness questionnaire, polysomnography and orthognatodontic examination were performed before (T0) and 4 (T1) and 12 (T2) months after RME. CB CT scans with 2D and 3D reconstructions were performed before (T0) and 12 after months (T2) RME. The relationship between airway changes and improvements in sleep disordered breathing were evaluated., Results: In all cases, opening of the mid-palatal suture was successfully achieved. Volume of the total upper airways, nasal cavity, nasopharynx and oropharynx increased significantly as well as the nasal osseous width. The increase in posterior suture, pterygoid process, maxillary, nasal cross-sectional width were significantly correlated with total upper airway volume, nasal cavity volume, nasopharyngeal airway volume, and oropharyngeal airway volume. The improvement in AHI was correlated with the increase in total upper airway volume at 12 months., Conclusion: The study provides important details about the effect of RME on upper airway structure, including an enlarged posterior suture, pterygoid process, maxillary width and nasal cross-sectional width and enlarged airway volume., (© 2024 Australian Dental Association.)

Purpose: To evaluate if digital breast tomosynthesis spot compression view (DBT-SCV) could be an additional projection to confirm or deny architectural distortions (ADs) detected by digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) while assessing the average glandular radiation dose., Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study enrolling 8864 DBT exams, of which only cases detecting primary AD and with BI-RADS 2-5 score were considered. Seventy-one AD cases examined with DBT-SCV, US and MRI were evaluated for correlation in terms of BI-RADS score; variables among exams were assessed for inter-relationships., Results: Of all ADs identified at DBT, biopsy yielded malignancy in only 38%. PPV in identifying malignancy of ADs was higher for DBT-SCV than DBT (p < 0.05); the NPV of DBT-SCV was 94%. The difference between DBT and DBT-SCV in the detection of benign ADs was statistically significant (p < 0.05). AD without US or MRI confirmation was less likely to represent malignancy (p < 0.05). In detecting malignant cases of ADs, both DBT and DBT-SCV were strongly correlated with US and RM (Kappa > 0.90). In identifying benign cases of ADs, DBT-SCV was poorly/moderately correlated with US and RM (Kappa 0.25 and 0.66); DBT was negatively correlated with US and MRI., Conclusion: DBT-SCV could be useful to better characterize AD firstly identified by DBT, keeping dose levels within the reference limits. If AD is detected by DBT without an US or MRI correlate, that is not confirmed by DBT-SCV, a "wait and see" approach can be applied to reduce unnecessary biopsy., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Throughout this recent ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the European Society of Breast Imaging have surely contributed in improving the management of unilateral axillary adenopathy appearance homolaterally to the side of vaccine inoculation. After considering the patient's COVID-19 history of vaccination, our group produced a day-to-day scheme that evaluates meticulously the probability of mammary malignancy, according to the lymph node characteristics including vascular abnormalities. It comprises of a UN (ultrasound node) score ranging from 2 to 5, that increases with the suspicion of malignancy. In this setting and in view of the additional incoming COVID-19 boost-dose vaccinations, we believe our model could be of great utility to radiologist when assessing patients whom do not have a straight forward diagnosis, in order to reduce breast cancer missed diagnosis, avoid delaying vaccinations, reduce rescheduling of breast imaging examinations and lastly avoid unnecessary lymph node biopsies.

Objective: The first objective of this study was to evaluate skeletal changes and changes in dimensions and volume of the upper airways before and after rapid maxillary expansion (RME) therapy in children with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), by Cone Beam computed tomography (CBCT). The second objective was to evaluate if RME therapy could improve both the patency of the nasal airways and the Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS)., Methods: 19 children with OSA and malocclusion took CBCT scans with a Dentascan and 3D reconstruction program before (T0) and 4 months after (T1) RME. Patients underwent an ENT visit with auditory and respiratory tests, including a daytime sleepiness questionnaire, a 19-channel polysomnography, and an orthognatodontic examination before orthodontic therapy (T0), after 2 months (T1) with the device still on, and 4 months after the end of the orthodontic treatment (T2)., Results: In all cases opening of the mid-palatal suture was demonstrated. Nasal osseous width, volume of the total upper airways, nasal cavity and nasopharynx and oropharynx increased significantly (P, .001). The increased W-ANS, W-mid and WPNS were closed linked to the enlarged midpalatal suture (P, .001). The increased WPNS were closed linked to the enlarged pterygoid processes (P, .001). The increased V-NC and V-NPA was closely linked to the enlarged W-PNS (P, .001) as well as VOPA and consequently to the enlarged midpalatal suture and pterygoid processes., Conclusion: RME treatment had a positive effect on children affected by chronic snoring and OSA, causing an increase in volume of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx, with expansion of the nasal osseous width and maxillary width. Enlarged nasal width at the PNS plane contributed to the increase in nasopharynx volume. Enlarged maxillary width showed a direct correlation to increased airways volume, bringing a functional improvement. The results show that the RME therapy can restore and improve a normal nasal airflow with disappearance of obstructive sleep breathing disorder., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Well-differentiated retroperitoneal liposarcomas are slow growing and low-grade tumors, reaching usually huge size before being symptomatic and so diagnosed, therefore with increase of the surgical risk and of the probability of dedifferentiation. Inguinal location of these tumors is unusual and rarely diagnosed.

Purpose: The identification of predictive biomarkers for neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (CRT) is a current clinical need. The heterodimer Ku70/80 plays a critical role in DNA repair and cell death induction after damage. The aberrant expression and localization of these proteins fail to control DNA repair and apoptosis. sClusterin is the Ku70 partner that sterically inhibits Bax-dependent cell death after damage in some pathologic conditions. This study sought to evaluate the molecular relevance of Ku70-Ku80-Clu as a molecular cluster predicting the response to neoadjuvant CRT in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC)., Methods and Materials: Patients enrolled in this study underwent preoperative CRT followed by surgical excision. A retrospective study based on individual response, evaluated by computed tomography and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, identified responder (56%) and no-responder patients (44%). Ku70/80 and Clu expression were observed in biopsy specimens obtained before and after treatment with neoadjuvant CRT from the same LARC patients. In vitro studies before and after irradiation were also performed on radioresistant (SW480) and radiosensitive (SW620) colorectal cancer cell lines, mimicking sensitive or resistant tumor behavior., Results: We found a conventional nuclear localization of Ku70/80 in pretherapeutic tumor biopsies of responder patients, in agreement with their role in DNA repair and regulating apoptosis. By contrast, in the no-responder population we observed an unconventional overexpression of Ku70 in the cytoplasm (P<.001). In this context we also overexpression of sClu in the cytoplasm, which accorded with its role in stabilizing of Bax-Ku70 complex, inhibiting Bax-dependent apoptosis. Strikingly, Ku80 in these tumor tissues was lost (P<.005). In vitro testing of colon cancer cells finally confirmed the results observed in tumor biopsy specimens, proving that Ku70/80-Clu deregulation is extensively involved in the resistance mechanism., Conclusion: These results strongly suggest a potential role of these proteins as a new prognostic tool to predict the response to chemoradiation in LARC., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Thyroid ectopia can occur when the process of thyroid embryogenesis fails. Here, we present the case of a 30-year-old woman with thyroid ectopia that was discovered during magnetic resonance imaging of cervical spine for referred neck pain. Imaging revealed the presence of an encapsulated mass at the base of her tongue. The patient was not symptomatic for any compression of the airways. Diagnosis of ectopic lingual thyroid was confirmed by (99m)TC scintigraphy. Incidental diagnosis of thyroid ectopia in asymptomatic adult patients is rare, and it should be considered on diagnostic imaging in case of an anterior midline cervical mass.

Penile metastasis from prostate cancer represents a rare condition, associated with poor prognosis. In the literature, authors have reported less than 500 cases of secondary penile cancers, and among these cases of metastases, only 33% are from prostate cancer. Overall reported rate of survival is about 1-24 months. Here, we present an uncommon case of penile metastasis from prostatic adenocarcinoma, with particular focus on the role of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosis and follow-up.

Introduction: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) includes a group of disorders caused by extrinsic compression of neurovascular structures between the 1st rib and clavicle. It usually presents as an enlarging neck mass, with shoulder or upper limb pain, weakness, paresthesias and impalpable radial pulse (Raynaud's phenomenon)., Presentation of Case: We report a rare case of TOS caused by an infraclavicular subpectoral lipoma that, although challenging because of limited access and proximity of vital neurovascular structures, was successfully removed through a simple transaxillary incision with an excellent esthetic result. The patients is symptom-free 6 months after surgery., Discussion: Multiplicity of symptoms makes causes, diagnosis, and treatment of TOS controversial. Accurate diagnosis of TOS can be a substantial challenge in practice, because of a lack of physician awareness, overlapping of clinical features, and an absence of clearly defined diagnostic criteria. TOS may be associated with the presence of a benign subpectoral mass like lipomas, that seldom have an irregular distribution that involve neurovascular structures., Conclusion: Although benign soft tissue tumors infraclavicular subpectoral lipomas may exert pressure on neurovascular surrounding structures during their progressive expansion and cause TOS. Therefore, a thorough preoperative study by radiological imaging such as MRI or neurophysiological test should always be performed in order to prevent unintentional lesions of the involved axillo-subclavicular plexus and plan correct surgical procedure., (Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Corpus luteum cyst rupture with consequent hemoperitoneum is a common disorder in women in their reproductive age. This condition should be promptly recognized and treated because a delayed diagnosis may significantly reduce women's fertility and intra-abdominal bleeding may be life-threatening. Many imaging modalities play a key role in the diagnosis of acute pelvic pain from gynecological causes. Ultrasound study (USS) is usually the first imaging technique for initial evaluation. USS is used to confirm or to exclude the presence of intraperitoneal fluid but it has some limitations in the identification of the bleeding source. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) is the imaging modality which could be used in the acute setting in order to recognize gynecological emergencies and to establish a correct management. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) nowadays is the most useful technique for studying the pelvis but its low availability and the long acquisition time of the images limit its usefulness in characterization of acute gynecological complications. We report a case of a young patient with hemoperitoneum from hemorrhagic corpus luteum correctly identified by transabdominal USS and contrast-enhanced CT.

Background: Breast lipofilling is a fairly simple and safe procedure if it is performed by experienced surgeons., Methods: The authors evaluated the radiologic findings from 24 breasts (15 women) subjected to a lipofilling procedure (two sessions) for corrective surgery or cosmetic reasons. Mammography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging were performed before the first lipofilling session (T0) and 12 months after the last session (T12); ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging were used 3 months after the first session (Ti) and 3 and 6 months after the last session (T3 and T6). Volumetric evaluations were also made through three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging reconstruction., Results: Ultrasound showed oily cysts in 66.67 percent of the breasts at Ti, 70.83 percent at T3, 62.5 percent at T6, and 45.83 percent at T12, whereas magnetic resonance imaging detected oily cysts in 8.33 percent at Ti and T3 and T6 months and 4.17 percent at T12. At Ti, T3, and T6, the cytosteatonecrotic areas identified on both ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging were unchanged (8.33 percent), whereas at T12 those cytosteatonecrotic areas were increased on ultrasound (12.5 percent) and even more on the magnetic resonance imaging scans (16.67 percent). The average resorption percentage of injected volume was 15.36 percent at T6 months and 28.23 percent at T12 months., Conclusions: Postlipofilling breast changes can be distinguished from malignant alterations by experienced radiologists and need not interfere with early cancer diagnosis if patients are checked regularly. Moreover, magnetic resonance imaging is very useful for breast volume assessments and for detecting possible changes during longitudinal study., Clinical Question/level of Evidence: Therapeutic, IV.

Background: The purpose of this study was to review the authors' experience of fat grafting, evaluating the effects related to the use of fat grafting with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the improvement of fat volume in breast reconstruction and comparing the results with a control group (only centrifuged fat grafting)., Methods: A total of 50 patients aged between 19 and 60 years affected by breast soft-tissue defects were analyzed at the Plastic and Reconstructive Department of the University of Tor Vergata. They were treated with fat grafting + PRP. The control group (50 patients with breast soft-tissue defects) were treated with centrifuged fat grafting injection according to Coleman's procedure., Results: The patients treated with PRP added to the autologous fat grafts showed a 69% maintenance of the contour restoring and of 3-dimensional volume after 1 year, whereas the patients of the control group treated with centrifuged fat grafting showed a 39% maintenance., Conclusion: PRP mixed with fat grafting leads to an improvement in maintaining breast volume in patients affected by breast soft-tissue defects.

Objectives: To prospectively investigate diagnostic value and tolerability of MRI after intra-vaginal gel opacification for diagnosis and preoperative assessment of deeply infiltrating endometriosis., Methods: Sixty-three women with clinical suspicion of deeply infiltrating endometriosis were previously examined with trans-vaginal ultrasonography and then with MRI pre and post administration of vaginal gel. We evaluated the tolerability of this procedure with a scoring scale from 0 to 3. We also assessed with a score from 1 to 4 the visibility of four regions: Douglas-pouch, utero-sacral-ligaments, posterior-vaginal-fornix and recto-vaginal-septum. All patients underwent laparoscopic surgery after MRI., Results: Five patients considered procedure intolerable. Visibility of utero-sacral-ligaments and posterior-vaginal-fornix showed to be increased with gel (p<0.001). In 57 out of 80 patients the MRI has allowed us to diagnose deeply infiltrating endometriosis. Overall, the percentages of MRI-sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were respectively 67.8%, 95.3%, 89.4 and 83.5% without gel, and 90.8%, 94.6%, 90.8% and 94.6% with gel; trans-vaginal ultrasonography sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 57.5%, 96.6%, 90.9% and 79.5%. In evaluation of utero-sacral-ligaments trans-vaginal ultrasonography, MRI without gel and with gel sensitivity was respectively 61.9%, 47.6% and 81%; for recto-vaginal-septum these values were 12.5%, 68.7% and 93.7%; for pouch of Douglas 82%, 87% and 97.4%; finally for posterior-vaginal-fornix 27.3%, 36.4% and 81.8%., Conclusions: MRI with gel opacification of vagina should be recommended for suspicion of deep infiltrating endometriosis, in particular for the added value in evaluation of recto-vaginal septum, utero-sacral ligaments and posterior vaginal fornix., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a spectrum of Müllerian duct anomalies characterized by congenital aplasia of the uterus and of the upper part (2/3) of the vagina, in young women presenting otherwise with normal endocrine status. The ovaries and fallopian tubes are present. It is one of the most common causes of primary amenorrhea and affects at least 1 out of 4500 women. Its penetrance varies, as does the involvement of other organ systems and itcan be isolated (type I) or associated with other malformations (type II). The MRKH syndrome usually remains undetected until the patient presents with primary amenorrhea despite normal development of secondary sexual characteristics, so imaging evaluation can demonstrate in one setting, non invasively, the anomalies in development of genital tract. We report a case of MRKH syndrome in a 16-year-old woman who presented with primary amenorrhea, stressing the role and benefit of imaging in the differential diagnosis.

The use of autologous fat grafting is ideal in breast reconstruction. However, published data on long-term outcomes and instrumental results of fat grafting to the breast are lacking. The purpose of this study was to review the authors' experience of fat grafting, evaluating the effects related to the use of enhanced stromal vascular fraction (e-SVF) and fat grafting with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the maintenance of fat volume in breast reconstruction, comparing the results with a control group. Twenty-three patients aged 19-60 years affected by breast soft tissue defects were analyzed at the Plastic and Reconstructive Department of the University of Rome Tor Vergata. Ten patients were treated with SVF-enhanced autologous fat grafts, and 13 patients were treated with fat grafting + platelet-rich plasma. The patients in the control group (n = 10) were treated with centrifuged fat grafting injection according to Coleman's procedure. The patients treated with SVF-enhanced autologous fat grafts showed a 63% maintenance of the contour restoring and of three-dimensional volume after 1 year compared with the patients of the control group treated with centrifuged fat graft, who showed a 39% maintenance. In those patients who were treated with fat grafting and PRP, we observed a 69% maintenance of contour restoring and of three-dimensional volume after 1 year. As reported, the use of either e-SVF or PRP mixed with fat grafting produced an improvement in maintenance of breast volume in patients affected by breast soft tissue defect.

Background: Laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy is a novel procedure to correct internal and external rectal prolapse. Several authors have shown that this approach is safe and improves obstructive defaecation symptoms and faecal incontinence, without inducing new-onset constipation, possible after posterior rectopexy. Over the last decade, as for other procedures, biological meshes are used to correct pelvic floor disorders. Literature data are scant. In this study, we present our experience with this procedure using biological mesh., Patients and Methods: Prospectively collected data on laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy for internal rectal prolapse were analysed. All patients underwent preoperative evaluation with defaecating proctography and/or pelvic dynamic MRI, full colonoscopy, anal physiology studies and endo-anal ultrasound. End-points were to evaluate surgical complications and functional results of this technique such as changes in bowel function (Wexner Constipation Score and Faecal Incontinence Severity Index) at 3 and 6 months. Analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U test for unpaired data and Wilcoxon signed rank test for paired data (two-sided p test)., Results: Thirty-four consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (median age 59, range 25-78 years, mean follow-up was 12 months). Twenty-eight patients (82%) had a constipation score ≥ 5, while 14 (41%) a FISI score ≥ 10. Nine patients (26%) had mixed obstructed defaecation and faecal incontinence. One patient required conversion to open (3%). Median length of stay was 2 days. Overall complication rate was 23.5%. Preoperative constipation (median Wexner score 15) and faecal incontinence (median FISI score 12) improved significantly at 3 months (Wexner 5, FISI 5, both p < 0.001). Two patients experienced prolapse persistence or recurrence. No patients had function worsening or complained of sexual dysfunction., Conclusions: Laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy using biological mesh for internal rectal prolapse is safe and effective in ameliorating symptoms of obstructed defaecation and faecal incontinence.