Search

Intracranial epidermoid cysts are benign, slow-growing congenital tumors of ectodermal origin. They are rare embryonal benign cystic masses with an incidence rate of approximately 0.04%-0.6% of intracranial tumors. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are fundamental diagnostic tools providing valuable information for surgical management. We reported a 59-year-old male patient with right limb weakness twelve hours prior to admission, slurred speech, and paresis of the facial nerve. Based on history taking, physical examination, and radiology examinations, we concluded a diagnosis of non-communicated hydrocephalus due to a right cerebellar intra-axial tumor with a suspicion of low-grade glioma (Pylocitic Astrocytoma). CT and MRI in intracranial epidermoid cysts are fundamental diagnostic tools for diagnosing and obtaining helpful information for surgical planning. Intracranial epidermoid cysts appear as lobulated lesions filling and expanding CSF spaces and exerting a gradual mass effect, insinuating between structures and encasing adjacent nerves and vessels. In this case, we noted a hypodense lesion with irregular calcifications and well-defined on the right cerebellar region measuring 6.15 × 5.47 × 5.7 cm, surrounded by a hypodense image suggesting an intra-axial mass suspected of low-grade glioma with a differential diagnosis of brain abscess. The hypointense lesion on the T1WI sequence found in the MRI examination, with no significant contrast enhancement and restricted diffusion area on DWI, was one of the notable features described in the epidermoid cyst. Intracranial epidermoid cyst rarely occurs in the intracranial, resulting in many symptoms in this case, which should be diagnosed and treated promptly. Imaging aids in proper diagnosis and provides more valuable information for further treatment.

Introduction and Objective: Thoracic disc calcification is a radiological finding which may be incidental or diagnosed in patients presenting with myelopathy due to spinal cord compression. We performed a study to analyze the imaging patterns of calcified thoracic discs (CTDs). Patients and Methods: A retrospective review of the spinal and radiology database of a tertiary referral orthopedic hospital was conducted for the incidence of CTDs between 2007 and 2020. Patients’ demographics and radiological findings were recorded. The relationship between disc size, morphology, spinal cord compression, and management was assessed. Results: Fifty-one cases of CTDs were identified. The mean size of CTD was 806.2 mm3 (range: 144–2340). The most common level of disc calcification was T9–T10 (24%) in 12 patients. Thoracic disc calcifications in our series commonly involved disc “protrusion” in 67% (34 patients), followed by “mushroom” type in 31% (16 patients) and “extrusion” in 2% (1 patient). 37% (19 patients) had spinal cord compression with 12% (6 patients) undergoing surgical interventions. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean sizes of CTD between the groups with and without spinal cord compression (P = 0.566, independent sample t-test). Patients with “mushroom” type calcification were more likely to have surgical intervention (P = 0.01, Fisher’s exact test). Conclusion: Thoracic disc calcifications, while common, can still be underdiagnosed till late myelopathic deterioration. Care of the elderly physicians, spinal surgeons, and radiologists need to be aware of them to guide diagnosis and management. Our study demonstrates that disc morphology plays a vital role in myelopathic presentation and therefore determines the need for surgical intervention instead of the absolute size of disc calcification.

Introduction and Objective: Thoracic disc calcification is a radiological finding which may be incidental or diagnosed in patients presenting with myelopathy due to spinal cord compression. We performed a study to analyze the imaging patterns of calcified thoracic discs (CTDs). Patients and Methods: A retrospective review of the spinal and radiology database of a tertiary referral orthopedic hospital was conducted for the incidence of CTDs between 2007 and 2020. Patients' demographics and radiological findings were recorded. The relationship between disc size, morphology, spinal cord compression, and management was assessed. Results: Fifty-one cases of CTDs were identified. The mean size of CTD was 806.2 mm3 (range: 144-2340). The most common level of disc calcification was T9-T10 (24%) in 12 patients. Thoracic disc calcifications in our series commonly involved disc "protrusion" in 67% (34 patients), followed by "mushroom" type in 31% (16 patients) and "extrusion" in 2% (1 patient). 37% (19 patients) had spinal cord compression with 12% (6 patients) undergoing surgical interventions. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean sizes of CTD between the groups with and without spinal cord compression (P = 0.566, independent sample t-test). Patients with "mushroom" type calcification were more likely to have surgical intervention (P = 0.01, Fisher's exact test). Conclusion: Thoracic disc calcifications, while common, can still be underdiagnosed till late myelopathic deterioration. Care of the elderly physicians, spinal surgeons, and radiologists need to be aware of them to guide diagnosis and management. Our study demonstrates that disc morphology plays a vital role in myelopathic presentation and therefore determines the need for surgical intervention instead of the absolute size of disc calcification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) provides non-invasive quantitative assessments of plaque burden and composition. The quantitative assessment of plaque components requires the use of analysis software that provides reproducible semi-automated plaque detection and analysis. However, commercially available plaque analysis software can vary widely in the degree of automation, resulting in differences in terms of reproducibility and time spent. Aim: To compare the reproducibility and time spent of two CCTA analysis software tools using different algorithms for the quantitative assessment of coronary plaque volumes and composition in two independent patient cohorts. Methods: The study population included 100 patients from two different cohorts: 50 patients from a single-center (Siemens Healthineers, SOMATOM Force (DSCT)) and another 50 patients from a multi-center study (5 different > 64 slice CT scanner types). Quantitative measurements of total calcified and non-calcified plaque volume of the right coronary artery (RCA), left anterior descending (LAD), and left circumflex coronary artery (LCX) were performed on a total of 300 coronaries by two independent readers, using two different CCTA analysis software tools (Tool #1: Siemens Healthineers, syngo.via Frontier CT Coronary Plaque Analysis and Tool #2: Siemens Healthineers, successor CT Coronary Plaque Analysis prototype). In addition, the total time spent for the analysis was recorded with both programs. Results: The patients in cohorts 1 and 2 were 62.8 ± 10.2 and 70.9 ± 11.7 years old, respectively, 10 (20.0%) and 35 (70.0%) were female and 34 (68.0%) and 20 (40.0%), respectively, had hyperlipidemia. In Cohort #1, the inter- and intra-observer variabilities for the assessment of plaque volumes per patient for Tool #1 versus Tool #2 were 22.8%, 22.0%, and 26.0% versus 2.3%, 3.9%, and 2.5% and 19.7%, 21.4%, and 22.1% versus 0.2%, 0.1%, and 0.3%, respectively, for total, noncalcified, and calcified lesions (p < 0.001 for all between Tools #1 and 2 both for inter- and intra-observer). The inter- and intra-observer variabilities using Tool #2 remained low at 2.9%, 2.7%, and 3.0% and 3.8%, 3.7%, and 4.0%, respectively, for total, non-calcified, and calcified lesions in Cohort #2. For each dataset, the median processing time was higher for Tool #1 versus Tool #2 (459.5 s IQR = 348.0–627.0 versus 208.5 s; IQR = 198.0–216.0) (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The plaque analysis Tool #2 (CT-guided PCI) encompassing a higher degree of automated support required less manual editing, was more time-efficient, and showed a higher intra- and inter-observer reproducibility for the quantitative assessment of plaque volumes both in a representative single-center and in a multi-center validation cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sparse data are available on the etiology, morphology, clinical presentation, and outcomes of adrenal calcification. In this single-center retrospective study of 540 consecutive patients (median age 65 years, 45% women) with adrenal calcification on computed tomography (December 2017 to January 2021), most were discovered incidentally (472, 87%). The commonest etiology was idiopathic (389, 72%), followed by the adrenal tumor (113, 21%), hemorrhage (29, 5%), and infiltrative disease (7, 1%). Calcified adrenal tumors were predominantly benign (92, 81%) and primarily adenomas (63, 69%), whereas the most common calcified adrenal malignancy (16, 18%) was metastasis (12, 67%). Calcification (unilateral 94%, bilateral 6%) morphology varied from punctate (313, 58%) to coarse (165, 30%), linear/curvilinear (46, 9%), and rim-like (16, 3%). In summary, adrenal calcifications are usually incidentally discovered unilateral, punctate, or coarse lesions of unclear etiology. Most calcified adrenal tumors are benign and <20% malignant or pheochromocytomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Folia Cardiologica is the property of VM Medica-VM Group (Via Medica) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Various tumorous and non-tumorous aetiologies are associated with massive calcification outside the bone. Case report: In this article, we discuss the bizarre presentation of a sarcomatous lesion in a 72-year-old man having a chief complaint of sudden onset of pain in a chronic swelling in his right thigh. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the swelling was suggestive of three unrelated possibilities i.e. intramuscular soft tissue tumor, myositis ossificans, and, tumoral calcinosis. Biopsy was performed and histopathology findings revealed it to be a vascular tumor with two possibilities (a) Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma which is a vascular tumor with intermediate malignant potential and a strong propensity to metastasize and (b) Angiosarcoma. The patient refused further molecular studies or medical/surgical management and died of metastatic disease a few months later. Conclusion: The possibility of a soft tissue sarcoma should be considered despite the protracted course and benign-looking imaging.

Pericardial cysts are rare benign intrathoracic lesions, and calcified pericardial cysts are even more uncommon. Most pericardial cysts are asymptomatic, but patients may present with chest pain, dyspnea and any complications of pericardial effusion. We present a case of a left-sided calcified pericardial cyst, highlighting its rarity and symptoms in relation to its location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paraspinal hematomas are common complications following spine surgery. In general, these hematomas are asymptomatic and resolve without issue. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of literature that describes the recurrence of these hematomas in a chronic setting. This case report describes a patient with a chronic recurrent calcified paraspinal hematoma that first developed over 4 years and then reoccurred 11 years later at the same site. The case features a 53-year-old female presented with severe lumbar back pain and right lower extremity radiculopathy in which she underwent a lumbar decompression posterior spinal fusion from L3 to L5 in 2008. Postoperatively, she developed a lumbar paraspinal hematoma which was treated with aspiration followed by conservative management. Four years later, the patient had a large paraspinal mass removed from a similar location in an outside medical facility. The procedure required the assistance of plastic surgery for flap closure and a pathologic review of the mass revealed a calcified hematoma. Ten years later, the patient sought treatment from her index surgeon for a recurrence of the lumbar mass with new onset radicular symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine confirmed the presence of a large paraspinal mass. The patient proceeded with the removal of hardware, revision of laminectomy, revision of posterior instrumentation from L2 to L5, and removal of the lumbar mass. The pathology report classified the mass as a chronic calcified hematoma. The patient remains symptom-free for 1 year following the revision procedure. This case demonstrates an extremely rare presentation, ill-described in the existing literature, of a recurrent symptomatic calcified lumbar paraspinal hematoma requiring repeat operative intervention., Competing Interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© The Author(s) 2025.)

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the optimal balloon diameter for intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided balloon angioplasty in calcified below-the-knee (BTK) tibial artery lesions., Methods: Between February 2024 and April 2024, a retrospective review was conducted on 17 patients with Rutherford category 4-6 severely calcified tibial arteries with >70% stenosis, treated with IVUS-guided balloon angioplasty. Sequentially, 3 mm and then 3.5 mm diameter balloons were inflated. The minimum lumen diameter and area were measured before and after the procedure in the proximal, mid, and distal segments of the tibial arteries. One- and three-month follow-ups were conducted using Doppler ultrasound., Results: Significant increases in lumen diameter ( P < 0.001 for all) and lumen area ( P < 0.001, P = 0.003, P = 0.002, respectively) were observed in the proximal, mid, and distal segments of the BTK arteries following IVUS-guided 3.5 mm balloon angioplasty. Ultra-low iodinated contrast media was used [median 2 mL (range, 1-4 mL)]. Lumen area increase ratios were similar among the proximal, mid, and distal segments ( P = 0.905). No target vessel revascularization, major amputation, or mortality was observed during follow-up. Wound healing was seen in 62.5% of the cases with foot ulcers., Conclusion: In the treatment of calcified BTK tibial arteries, a gradual balloon diameter increase up to 3.5 mm in IVUS-guided balloon angioplasty is safe and effective., Clinical Significance: Gradual balloon diameter increase up to 3.5 mm under IVUS guidance in calcified BTK lesions demonstrates significant potential. It enables ultra-low contrast usage, provides low complication rates, and achieves high patency and limb salvage, along with satisfactory wound healing in the short term.

Chronic calcified subdural empyema is an extremely rare complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunt. The authors report two consecutive cases of chronic calcified subdural empyema, which are bilateral for the first one and unilateral right for the second one, occurring respectively 10 years and 16 years after placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. The diagnosis was made during surgery, and the operation was successfully performed by a wide bilateral burr hole for the first case and a right unilateral one for the second. These cases highlight the late morbidity of ventriculoperitoneal shunting and the need for prolonged and regular follow-up in children who have undergone this procedure.

Abstract We report on retrograde retrieval of the soft end of dislodged guidewires during complex interventions. Interventionalists may consider this as an option for the endovascular management of this complication if an antegrade retrieval is not possible or fails.

Background and Importance: Subdural empyema is a rare complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunts. The ventriculoperitoneal shunt is a common technique used in the treatment of hydrocephalus. It is often plagued with multiple complications, especially infectious ones. However, the appearance of infectious complications related to ventriculoperitoneal shunt remotely from surgery is rather unusual. Case Presentation: Through this observation, we are reporting an unusual case of chronic bilateral calcified subdural empyema which occurred 8 years after ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery. The child underwent a bilateral craniotomy in order to evacuate the empyema and meanwhile remove the valve. One month later, the empyema relapsed along with active hydrocephalus. Consequently, the implementation of an external ventricular shunt was performed and the child benefited from adapted antibiotic therapy. After the infection was treated, a second ventriculoperitoneal shunt valve was implemented. Afterwards, the evolution was favorable, the child retained a discrete left hemiparesis as a sequel. Conclusion: This observation is reporting the existence of late morbidity due to the insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal valve; which shows that a regular and prolonged follow-up is necessary in children with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt valve.

Introduction: Chronic calcified/ossified subdural hematoma is a rare diagnosis. The incidence of chronic calcified subdural hematoma is 0.3-2.7% of all chronic subdural hematomas. Surgical treatment is indicated in most cases, but there is still some controversy. Materials and Methods: We present a case report of 81-year-old woman with calcified chronic subdural hematoma. Patient underwent an osteoplastic left craniotomy, evacuation of chronic subdural mass with careful dissection andsuccessful removal of inner and outer membrane. Postoperative CT scan showed removal of subdural hematoma, decrease of left shift of median line and good brain re-expansion. Postoperative period was without any serious complications. Results: Subdural hematoma was successfully removed, resulting in a good recovery with complete resolution of patients symptoms. From our experience, we highly recommend surgical treatment in cases of chronic symptomatic calcified subdural hematomas.

Background: Complex craniopharyngiomas pose a significant surgical challenge owing to its proximity to critical structures and its intrinsic nature to resist radical excision. Objective: To show that endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) is potentially a better alternative to transcranial approach in tumors that have been operated multiple times by transcranial route for achieving radical excision with minimal morbidity. Materials and Methods: A 32-year-old male previously operated twice through interhemispheric approach for craniopharyngioma presented with blurring of vision accompanied by headache and intermittent diplopia. Imaging revealed a large lobulated suprasellar recurrence with a large calcified part adjacent to left internal carotid artery. The tumor was resected by an extended endonasal approach. The patient experienced improvement in his vision with no significant endocrine complication. Results and Conclusion: This case demonstrates the surgical technique and various operative nuances of endoscopic endonasal resection of a complex craniopharyngioma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is currently an established therapy for elderly patients with symptomatic severe aortic valve stenosis across all surgical risk categories. Access is an important aspect when planning for and performing TAVI. The superiority of a transfemoral (TF) approach compared to a transthoracic (transapical, direct aortic) approach has been demonstrated in several studies. Recently, the introduction of intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) has made it possible to treat patients with calcified iliofemoral disease by TF approach. This article aimed to provide a comprehensive overview on the following aspects: (1) preprocedural planning for IVL-assisted TF-TAVI; (2) procedural aspects in IVL-assisted TF-TAVI; (3) outcomes of IVL-assisted TF-TAVI in an experienced TAVI center; and (4) literature review and discussion of this new emerging approach.

Introduction: Cardiac Calcified Amorphous Tumors (CATs) are rare non-neoplastic heart intracavitary mass lesions. Cardiac CATs may arise in any heart chamber and are characterized histopathologically by diffuse calcium infiltration. The recommended treatment of choice is complete resection of the mass through surgery. Herein, three cases with thalassemia were presented with significant CATs that remained asymptomatic during close observation without any surgical interventions. Case Presentation: The three patients suffered from thalassemia. One of them had a calcified mass (3.8 x 0.74 cm) in the right ventricle in the vicinity of ventricular trabeculations, which prolapsed into the tricuspid valve orifice that resulted in moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation without the development of any stenosis. Another case had an irregular calcified mass (2.3 x 0.75 cm) in the roof of the left atrium. The third case had a large calcified mass with a mobile component in right ventricular trabeculation. Surgical resection of the mass was recommended in all the cases, but they were closely monitored without surgical intervention. During the five-year follow-up, they remained totally asymptomatic and had no cardiovascular or cerebral events. Conclusions: Immobile CATs in patients with thalassemia can be asymptomatic. Hence, they can be closely monitored and surgical intervention can be delayed for many years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on retrograde retrieval of the soft end of dislodged guidewires during complex interventions. Interventionalists may consider this as an option for the endovascular management of this complication if an antegrade retrieval is not possible or fails. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 52-year-old man with no comorbidities was seen in the emergency department with a two-day history of right-sided dull aching, non-radiating upper abdominal pain. He had no symptoms of liver or peptic ulcer disease. His general examination was unremarkable.

Background  Leriche syndrome is the result of the atherosclerotic occlusion of the distal aorta that may also involve pelvic arteries. The standard treatment for this condition is considered surgical with various techniques available for establishing appropriate flow to both limbs. However, due to the technical advances in the last decades, endovascular approaches are now also capable to tackle such lesions. The 'pave-and-crack' technique enables the treatment of severely calcified lesions. This two-step procedure consists of firstly placing a covered stent prothesis (VIABAHN) into the severely calcified segment, which is afterwards aggressively dilated with high-pressure balloons. Subsequently, an interwoven nitinol SUPERA stent with high radial forces is placed within the prothesis. Case summary  Herein, we describe the case of an 81-year-old male patient, who presented with critical limb-threatening ischaemia of his right leg. Doppler ultrasound revealed a long occlusion of the right external iliac artery, common femoral, superficial femoral, and deep femoral artery. The lesion was successfully tackled using antegrade and retrograde punctures and the 'pave-and-crack' technique. Discussion  The 'pave-and-crack' technique is an endovascular approach for the treatment of severe circumferential calcified lesions. Based on this technique covered stents are initially placed to prevent vessel rupture, which might occur during the aggressive balloon dilatation. Subsequently, the covered stents are relined by interwoven Supera stents, which provide high radial force preventing recoil and restenosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Calcified neurocysticercosis (NCC) predisposes patients to an enduring state of epilepsy. The predictors for calcification in parenchymal neurocysticercosis are not well defined.Method: In this prospective cohort study, consecutive children with single-lesion parenchymal NCC were enrolled and followed up for one year. All patients were investigated with brain 3 T-MRI and electroimmunotransfer blot (EITB). Clinical follow-ups were performed every 3 months. Radiology was repeated at the 6-month and one-year follow-ups. The proportion of calcified lesions at one year and the predictors of calcification were studied.Result: During the study period from June 2013 to December 2015, 93 children with single lesion parenchymal NCC were enrolled. At presentation, 90 % of the lesions were in the colloidal stage, and 71 % of the lesions had moderate to severe perilesional oedema. All children had 6 months of follow-up, and 86 (92.5 %) had one year of follow-up. Seizure recurrence was present in 13 (14 %) children. Follow-up radiology at one year showed lesion resolution in 51 (59 %) lesions and calcification in 28 (32.5 %) lesions. Children with calcified lesions during follow-up had a higher odds of seizure recurrences {OR, 95 % CI 3.6(2.3-5.6)}. The presence at baseline of diffusion restriction {OR, 95% CI 2.9 (1.01-8.8)}, scolex or wall calcification in the T2 Star weighted angiography MRI images {OR, 95% CI 3.7 (1.7-8.2)} and >10 mm size of the lesion {OR, 95 % CI 2.4 (1.2-5.01)} predicted lesion calcification.Conclusion: Children with calcification of the parenchymal NCC lesions have a higher risk for seizure recurrence during follow-up. The presence of diffusion restriction, calcified nidus in the colloidal nodular stage, and >10 mm size of the lesion at baseline predicted calcification of the lesion during follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Balloon uncrossable lesions are common and can be challenging to treat. The most commonly used initial treatment strategies are using a small balloon (occasionally intentionally rupturing it) and increasing guide catheter support. Atherectomy can be challenging to perform in this setting, as the insertion of an atherectomy guidewire requires crossing the lesion with a microcatheter or over-the-wire balloon, which often fails. We report the use of the ViperWire Advance flex tip guidewire (Cardiovascular Systems, Inc., St. Paul, Minnesota) for primary wiring of a heavily calcified balloon uncrossable lesion, followed by orbital atherectomy and successful equipment crossing leading to procedural success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Calcified chronic subdural hematoma could occur in elderly patient. • Early presentation of calcium deposition following trauma is possible. • Surgery in elderly entail a risk of fatality, despite successful operation. Calcified chronic subdural hematoma which is usually found in children and takes several months for calcification to be seen on imaging is presented in an elderly patient in which the calcification could be visible early after trauma. An elderly man, 83, living with caregiver, was brought to our hospital due to dysarthria and suffocation for 2 days. Three months ago, he experienced his head injury from a fall. Four days ago, he developed progressive left hemiparesis. Because of clinically progressive deterioration and computed tomography scan revealing acute epidural hematoma, the patient was transferred to operating room. Gross findings and pathologic reports unfolded that the lesion was consistent with calcified chronic subdural hematoma. Despite a successful operation, the patient cannot survive. In addition to the presentation in an elderly patient, there was scarcely any paper reporting an early presentation of calcium deposition. Nevertheless, according to the lack of previous data recorded for his earlier performance, deviation on walking or sitting, before the accident, we cannot actually know whether there has been calcium deposition in his brain before or not. Calcified chronic subdural hematoma could present in elderly group of patient and early presentation of calcium deposition following trauma is possible. However, surgery in this group of patient entails a risk of fatality, despite the successful operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Chronic calcified/ossified subdural hematoma is a rare diagnosis. The incidence of chronic calcified subdural hematoma is 0.3-2.7% of all chronic subdural hematomas. Surgical treatment is indicated in most cases, but there is still some controversy. Materials and Methods. We present a case report of 81-year-old woman with calcified chronic subdural hematoma. Patient underwent an osteoplastic left craniotomy, evacuation of chronic subdural mass with careful dissection andsuccessful removal of inner and outer membrane. Postoperative CT scan showed removal of subdural hematoma, decrease of left shift of median line and good brain re-expansion. Postoperative period was without any serious complications. Results. Subdural hematoma was successfully removed, resulting in a good recovery with complete resolution of patients symptoms. From our experience, we highly recommend surgical treatment in cases of chronic symptomatic calcified subdural hematomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report our single-center experience in encrusted ureteral stent management and to compare the utility of two different scoring systems, KUB (Kidney, Ureter, Bladder) versus FECal (forgotten, encrusted, calcified), in patient management.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of all patients who were found to have encrusted/retained ureteral stent and underwent various procedures to remove encrusted ureteral stent in our clinic between May 2014 and December 2018. Encrusted stent grading was performed using KUB and FECal grading systems. KUB system score is the sum of the stone burden scores of 3 different parts of an encrusted stent within the kidney, ureter and bladder determined using a scale from 1 to 5 according to the maximal diameter of encrustation. FECal grading system is based on the stone size, location and degree of stent encrustation and scored from Grade 1 to Grade 5.Results: A total of 39 patients (29 males and 10 females) were included the study. The mean age of the patients was 46.4 ± 14.5 years, ranging from 13 to 71 years. The mean time from ureteral stent insertion to encrustation was 13.7 ± 26.4 months, varying between 2 and 120 months. The mean KUB score was 6.4 ± 2.4. According to FECal system, 53.8% of the patients were classified as Grade 1 and 15.4% as Grade 2. The encrusted ureteral stents of eight patients (20.5%) could be removed with the aid of a foreign body forceps inserted through a cystoscope. Fourteen patients (35.9%) underwent cystolithotripsy, seven (17.9%) underwent flexible ureterorenoscopy (URS), six (15.4%) underwent rigid URS, and three (7.7%) underwent combined percutaneous nephrolithotomy and URS beside stent removal. In multivariate regression analysis, largest encrustation diameter, FECal system grade and KUB score were found to be significant predictors of stone- and stent-free status (p<0.001 for all). Also, KUB score was found to be associated with the number of required procedures (r= .506, p= .001).Conclusion: KUB encrusted stent scoring system might be useful in predicting the number of required procedures to achieve stone- and stent-free status. Pure intracorporeal endourologic procedures, percutaneous interventions or open surgery might be preferred according to the patient's situation and the surgeon's experience and preference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advent of newer imaging modalities retained surgical items are now easily diagnosed by their characteristic imaging appearances. A combination of complementary imaging modalities helps to arrive at the diagnosis of this relatively rare complication. Factors contributing to their imaging features include the timing of diagnosis and imaging, presence of secondary infection, communication of the retained item with hollow viscus or external skin wound, and type of imaging modality used. A high index of suspicion is necessary for diagnosis before labeling it as a retained surgical item. In parallel with recent advances in surgery, it is essential that there is increasing awareness among radiologists regarding the newer types of retained surgical items.

Calcifying fibrous pseudotumor (CFP) is a rare, benign soft tissue tumor that may uncommonly arise in the pleura. These tumors can show multifocal dissemination across the pleural surface, but the mechanism underlying this dissemination is unclear. Review of previously reported cases of pleural CFP demonstrates a strong predilection for basal and diaphragmatic pleural surfaces, and a significantly higher rate of multifocality compared with other locations. We present a 59-year-old male with multiple CFP of the pleura. Reactive-appearing adhesions spanning the pleural surfaces were present, and by electron microscopy, were involved by tumor. We suggest this is the likely mode of dissemination across the pleural surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report discusses the risks and complications of using the extended endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach (EEETA) in a special craniopharyngioma case to caution neurosurgeons. A 38-year-old woman with craniopharyngioma underwent EEETA surgery. Her anterior cerebral artery was punctured intraoperatively and clipped using an aneurysm clip through the nose in an emergency procedure. The coexistence of severe calcified craniopharyngiomas, especially with sharp calcified spurs, a narrow distance between the anterior communicating artery and the planum sphenoidale, and a narrow distance between the bilateral internal carotid arteries is a significant warning signal during EEETA for craniopharyngiomas. In this circumstance, it may be preferable to use open microsurgical approaches. If the anterior communicating artery or anterior cerebral artery is punctured during EEETA, another method is available to fix the problem using an aneurysm clip through the nose, and not only endovascular embolization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction : There are limited data describing bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) implantation in complex lesions. Only short-term clinical outcomes are available for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Aim: To evaluate 12-month clinical outcome, safety and effectiveness of BVS implantation in complex lesions and in stable angina (SA) or ACS. Material and methods: Five hundred ninety-one patients with SA/ACS were enrolled between October 2012 and November 2013 in 30 invasive cardiology centres in Poland. At least one BVS implantation during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was the only inclusion criteria. The clinical endpoint was the occurrence of a major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) (all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), clinically driven target lesion revascularisation (TLR) with urgent PCI or target vessel revascularisation (TVR) with urgent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)) and device-oriented composite endpoint (DOCE) (cardiac death, urgent target vessel revascularisation with PCI/CABG, target vessel MI) during 12-month follow-up. Results: After 12 months TLR with urgent PCI was significantly more often reported in patients with diagnosed UA (4.59%; p < 0.02) in comparison with other PCI indications. No significant differences were found in terms of composite MACE endpoint, cumulative MACE (p = 0.09), stent thrombosis (p = 0.2) or restenosis (p = 0.2). There were no significant differences in cumulative MACE and composite MACE endpoint between patients with no/mild versus moderate/severe tortuosity and no/mild versus moderate/severe calcification of the target vessel. No significant difference was found between groups of patients with or without bifurcation of the target vessel. Device-oriented composite endpoint was significantly more often reported in the ACS group (3.2% vs. 0.47%; p < 0.03), most frequently in patients with diagnosed UA (5.5%). Conclusions : Bioresorbable vascular scaffold can be successfully and safely used for ACS treatment and in lesions of higher complexity.

Introduction: The first-choice vascular access to starting dialysis in patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is autogenous distal arteriovenous-fistula (AVF) to spare vascular district avoiding proximal fistula complications. One of most significant exclusion criteria to create distal AVF is still now the presence of huge calcification of the feeding artery due to large numbers of early failure (EF) and failure in maturation (FTM). In recent years the possibility to use new devices able to deliver intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) to treat high calcified stenosis could be a possibility to recruit these marginal arteries to create distal AVF., Methods: ESRD patients with totally calcified radial artery wall were enrolled to participate to this prospective, single arm, multicentric study. The selected patients were treated with intraoperative IVL at surgical time, during anastomosis creation to soften calcified radial artery. Patients were followed 1 month after surgery with eco-doppler, for flow and vessels maturation assessment. At 3 month was investigated how many patients have started dialysis treatment with two needle cannulation and good efficiency., Results: Nineteen distal forearm radio-cephalic fistula were built in 19 patients. One-month doppler assessment showed mean AVF flow of 743 ml/min and efferent vein caliper of 6.46 mm. At 3 months 14 patient have started stable 2 needles dialysis (other three patients were not yet dialysis dependent CKD). Were observed one immediate failure, one failure in maturation, and two late failures at 4 and 16 months respectively. Sixteen months primary and secondary patency was 78.9% and 89.5% respectively., Conclusion: These results showed how intraoperative IVL could help to recruit huge calcified marginal artery to create autogenous distal forearm AVF, avoiding proximal AVF, risking distal ischemia syndrome, and sparing vascular district to eventually rebuilt more proximal AVF in future., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Cerebral hydatid disease is a peculiar manifestation of echinococcosis, an infection acquired from Echinococcus tapeworm, in its larval stage. It symbolizes only 2% of all the cerebral space occupying lesions. It is frequently observed in children and young adults. In this paper, we report an exceptional case of intracranial solitary calcified hydatid cyst in a 25 year old male, shepherd by occupation, presenting with history of difficulty in walking and convulsions for the last 20 years. Craniotomy was carried out and an intact calcified mass weighing around 300 grams was excised. It is the largest intracranial calcified hydatid cyst excised till date and is first of its kind. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pilocytic astrocytoma is a less aggressive form of glial tumor that commonly occurs in the pediatric population, and its malignant transformation is extremely rare. Here, we report an elderly case of malignant small cell glioma with hemorrhage coexistent with a calcified pilocytic astrocytoma component. An 80‐year‐old male was found to have a right cerebellar non‐enhanced tumor with hematoma adjoining a calcified nodule. The lesion was surgically removed, and a histological examination verified that the tumor was a malignant small cell glioma with hemorrhagic change and the calcified nodule showed features of pilocytic astrocytoma. Genetic analyses revealed no glioma‐relevant genetic alterations such as IDH and BRAF mutations. Although calcification is generally observed in slowly growing gliomas, the aggressive clinical course of calcified cerebellar pilocytic astrocytoma has been previously reported. Our extremely rare case shows that careful follow‐up is necessary even for calcified pilocytic astrocytomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The giant calcified herniated thoracic disc (HTD), a rare disease, is a challenge for surgeons because of its complications. This review aimed to confirm the surgical treatment, including surgical approach, results, and complications of HTDs. Methods This systematic review of the literature complies with the PRISMA guidelines and involves a search of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for all papers describing surgical treatment of giant calcified HTDs in ≥3 patients. Data on the surgical approach, change in neurologic impairment, and complications were extracted from the search results. Results A total of 11 studies, including 164 patients with giant calcified HTDs that met the inclusion criteria, were included in this systematic review. Of the 164 patients, 145 had myelopathy in giant calcified HTDs, and 8 surgical approaches were included. After the surgical treatment, the neurologic grades were improved in 69% of patients, remained unchanged in 22% of patients, and worsened further in 3% of patients at the final follow-up. Also, of the total patients analyzed, 3% had permanent neurologic deterioration, 4% patients had subarachnoid–pleural cerebrospinal fluid fistula complications, 30% had other complications, 4% had reoperation via transthoracic approach, 13% had permanent neurologic deterioration via the posterolateral approach, and 25% had permanent neurologic deterioration via the thoracoscopy approach. Conclusions Surgical treatment can improve or stabilize neurologic impairment for most patients with giant calcified HTDs. We thus recommend the anterior thoracotomy approach for giant calcified HTDs because of the theoretical advantages over other approaches and the low rate of neurologic deterioration, subarachnoid–pleural cerebrospinal fluid fistula, and reoperation. Highlights • In total, 11 studies and 164 patients with the giant calcified HTDs were included. • Eight surgical approaches used to treat the giant calcified HTDs; 60% were treated by the transthoracic approach. • The surgical treatment can improve or stabilize the neurologic impairment for 96% of patients with the giant calcified HTDs. • Anterior thoracotomy approach for the giant calcified HTDs had low rate of neurologic deterioration, CSF, and reoperation. • We recommend the anterior thoracotomy approach for the giant calcified HTDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thyroglossal duct cyst is the most common upper neck midline lesion in children. Approximately 1% of thyroglossal duct cyst undergoes malignant transformation. Calcification which is a marker of malignancy almost always points out to papillary thyroid carcinoma. Benign case of calcified thyroglossal cyst maybe undiagnosed or under reported. We report a case of a 5 year old girl with a benign calcified thyroglossal duct cyst, a fourth case in world literature. Here the differences between a benign and malignant thyroglossal duct cyst are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advent of newer imaging modalities retained surgical items are now easily diagnosed by their characteristic imaging appearances. A combination of complementary imaging modalities helps to arrive at the diagnosis of this relatively rare complication. Factors contributing to their imaging features include the timing of diagnosis and imaging, presence of secondary infection, communication of the retained item with hollow viscus or external skin wound, and type of imaging modality used. A high index of suspicion is necessary for diagnosis before labeling it as a retained surgical item. In parallel with recent advances in surgery, it is essential that there is increasing awareness among radiologists regarding the newer types of retained surgical items. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhabdoid meningioma (RM) is a relatively new, rare, and aggressive subtype of meningioma, classified as Grade III malignancy in 2000, 2007 versions of WHO classification of the central nervous system. We reviewed the data available from all published cases of RMs. To the best of our knowledge, there are more than 100 published cases of RMs; none have documented extensive calcification or origin from the cranio cervical junction. We report the first case of a totally calcified (stony mass), primary RM, at the cranio cervical junction. Also, we highlighted the role of the transcondylar approach to achieve microscopic total removal of such a challenging lesion. A 37 year old female, allergic to erythromycin, presented with 5 years of progressive right upper extremity numbness and weakness, right facial numbness, and occipital pain. Imaging demonstrated a large calcified mass at the right posterior-lateral margin of the cranio cervical junction, encasing the right vertebral artery and right PICA loop. Patient underwent microscopic total resection of the lesion. Pathological diagnosis was confirmed as RM with atypical features. Subsequently, the patient received postoperative intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) on the tumor bed, and close follow up imaging showed no recurrence 2 years after surgery. We report the first case of a primary RM originating from the cranial cervical junction; also, it is the first case to present with extensive calcification in this morphological subtype. We also conclude that RM has now become a feature of newly diagnosed cases and not only a disease of recurrent cases as it was thought in the past. Since RMs are typically considered aggressive, total surgical resection with close follow up and postoperative adjuvant radiation should be considered. However, the adjuvant therapy of each separate case of RM should be tailored according to its particular histopathologic profile.

Background: Dense calcifications encasing pacing leads with long dwell times are common and increase the difficulty of and risks associated with transvenous lead extraction procedures (TLE). Shockwave intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) focuses sound waves to fracture calcified tissue within a narrow radius to the catheter., Objectives: This study sought to assess the impact of Shockwave IVL pretreatment during extraction of long dwell time pacemaker and defibrillator leads., Methods: Data were compiled retrospectively from patients undergoing TLE at Essentia Health in Duluth, Minnesota, from October 2019 to April 2023. IVL pretreatment was performed using currently available 7- and 8-mm balloons with ≤300 pulses delivered in close proximity to the leads via a retrograde approach, after which the procedure was completed as usual., Results: Of the 120 patients undergoing TLE procedures, 55 were excluded from the study because the leads were freely mobile. Among the remaining 65 patients, 14 received IVL pretreatment. The median patient ages were similar at 67 (IQR: 63-76) years, with a lead dwell time of 10.7 (IQR: 6.9-14.9) years. The frequencies of diabetes, stroke, prior sternotomy, and lead types were not significantly different between the IVL and conventional groups. IVL pretreatment resulted in an average of 25 (IQR: 9-42) fewer minutes actively extracting leads (P = 0.007)., Conclusions: These data represent the first known cases using Shockwave IVL as an adjunctive measure during extraction of high-risk and high-complexity leads, with a resulting significant reduction in the amount of time spent engaging in the highest-risk phase of the procedure., Competing Interests: Funding Support and Author Disclosures This study was not funded. Dr Latanich has performed consulting and research work with Boston Scientific and Medtronic and is in the process of setting up a prospective randomized clinical trial with Shockwave to more exhaustively evaluate this technique but has not received any compensation for this work. Dr Anderson has reported that he has no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose., (Copyright © 2023 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: There are limited data describing bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) implantation in complex lesions. Only short-term clinical outcomes are available for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Aim: To evaluate 12-month clinical outcome, safety and effectiveness of BVS implantation in complex lesions and in stable angina (SA) or ACS. Material and methods: Five hundred ninety-one patients with SA/ACS were enrolled between October 2012 and November 2013 in 30 invasive cardiology centres in Poland. At least one BVS implantation during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was the only inclusion criteria. The clinical endpoint was the occurrence of a major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) (all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), clinically driven target lesion revascularisation (TLR) with urgent PCI or target vessel revascularisation (TVR) with urgent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)) and device-oriented composite endpoint (DOCE) (cardiac death, urgent target vessel revascularisation with PCI/CABG, target vessel MI) during 12-month follow-up. Results: After 12 months TLR with urgent PCI was significantly more often reported in patients with diagnosed UA (4.59%; p < 0.02) in comparison with other PCI indications. No significant differences were found in terms of composite MACE endpoint, cumulative MACE (p = 0.09), stent thrombosis (p = 0.2) or restenosis (p = 0.2). There were no significant differences in cumulative MACE and composite MACE endpoint between patients with no/mild versus moderate/severe tortuosity and no/mild versus moderate/severe calcification of the target vessel. No significant difference was found between groups of patients with or without bifurcation of the target vessel. Device-oriented composite endpoint was significantly more often reported in the ACS group (3.2% vs. 0.47%; p < 0.03), most frequently in patients with diagnosed UA (5.5%). Conclusions: Bioresorbable vascular scaffold can be successfully and safely used for ACS treatment and in lesions of higher complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mönckeberg's disease, a rare medial calcific arteriosclerosis, predominantly affects lower extremity arteries with an unclear etiology. If untreated, severe complications like ischemic necrosis and gangrene may arise. We present a case of a 28-year-old male with spontaneous lower limb swelling, abscess, and itching. Despite a history of deep vein thrombosis and warfarin therapy, Mönckeberg's disease was suspected. Imaging revealed diffuse vascular calcification of the media of the arterial wall bilaterally in the right and left femoral vessels with heterogenous irregular soft tissue collection in the right with suspected infection. Following treatment, the patient's symptoms improved, and follow-up imaging showed resolution of fluid collections and improved calcification appearance. This report highlights the importance of considering Mönckeberg's disease in the differential diagnosis of lower extremity swelling and the need for timely management to prevent serious complications., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Odah et al.)

Calcinosis cutis describes the deposition of calcium in the dermis. A case of a 69-year-old woman with idiopathic calcinosis cutis that presented as a mobile subcutaneous nodule is described. The patient had an asymptomatic, firm, mobile subcutaneous nodule on her right lower leg of at least six months duration. The nodule could be easily moved from one location to another. An incisional biopsy was performed. Microscopic examination of the tissue specimen showed islands of basophilic calcium material in dense sclerotic dermal connective tissue establishing the diagnosis of calcinosis cutis. Mobile solitary calcification is an unusual presentation of idiopathic calcinosis cutis. In addition to idiopathic calcinosis cutis, benign mobile subcutaneous tumors have also been derived from adnexal structures of hair follicles and adipose tissue. Hence, not only idiopathic calcinosis cutis, but also subepidermal calcinosis in the ocular adnexa, proliferating trichilemmal cyst with focal calcification, and mobile encapsulated adipose tissue can present as a mobile subcutaneous nodule. The features of idiopathic calcinosis presenting as a mobile subcutaneous nodule as well as the characteristics of other benign mobile subcutaneous tumors are reviewed., Competing Interests: The authors have declared financial relationships, which are detailed in the next section., (Copyright © 2023, Osuoji et al.)

Calcified chondroid neoplasms with FN1::FGFR1 or FGFR2 fusions constitute a recently described category of mesenchymal neoplasms mostly encountered in the extremities and temporomandibular joint. Herein, we report a case of FNI1-fused calcified chondroid neoplasm of the hand with a novel FGFR3 fusion partner. The tumor exhibited a multilobulated growth pattern composed of epithelioid cells embedded in abundant stroma with myxoid, chondroid, and fibrous areas and scattered osteoclast-like giant cells. RNA sequencing revealed an in-frame fusion between Exon 31 of FN1 and Exon 3 of FGFR3, which was subsequently confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Our findings expand on the spectrum of potential fusion partners in FN1-fused calcified chondroid neoplasms., (© 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Ossified or calcified subdural chronic hematoma is an uncommon condition with an incidence of 0.3-2% of all chronic subdural hematomas. It can cause significant mortality and morbidity, especially in young patients. Because of the rare incidence of this condition, its pathophysiology and management preferences have not yet been clearly established, which raises the importance of reporting such cases in order to add valuable databases to the literature., Case Presentation: A 34-year-old woman with a history of head trauma several years ago presented with refractory headaches, convulsions, and muscle weakness. Computed tomography showed an extra-axial calcified lesion in the frontal lobe. Surgical treatment was decided considering the patient's age, in addition to the presence of serious medically uncontrolled symptoms. The calcified lesion was successfully removed surgically, and the patient recovered completely. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of ossified subdural chronic hematoma., Clinical Discussion: The symptoms of ossified subdural hematomas are not specific. However, the presence of a history of head trauma should raise suspicion of this condition. Computerized tomography is usually used as the diagnostic method. Nevertheless, it is unable to differentiate ossified chronic subdural hematomas from other intracranial extra-axial calcified lesions that need to be considered as a differential diagnosis. Pathologic investigations are needed to provide the final diagnosis., Conclusions: We highly recommend surgical therapy for ossified subdural hematomas that are symptomatic and persistent, especially in young patients. We further stress the significance of postsurgical anticonvulsant prophylaxis, particularly in patients presenting convulsions., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.Sponsorships or competing interests that may be relevant to content are disclosed at the end of this article., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)