Lumbar disk herniation: diagnosis with CT or myelography

The value of computed tomography (CT) and myelography as single investigations in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with radiating leg pain probably due to lumbar disk herniation (LDH) has been adequately demonstrated. However, the extent to which CT can replace myelography and the conditions in which the examinations should be combined and in which order are still uncertain. Results of CT scans and myelograms from 461 patients with symptoms of lumbar root compression, probably due to LDH, were evaluated and compared with surgical results, if available. The sensitivity of myelography exceeded that of CT (82% vs. 73%), but its specificity was lower (67% vs. 77%). The positive predictive value of myelography only slightly differed from that of CT (93% vs. 94%). These results were used to establish a sequential diagnostic workup for patients with radiating leg pain. If, in this population with a high prior probability for surgery, CT had been the investigation of first choice in patients suspected of having LDH, the number of myelographic procedures performed could have been reduced by two-thirds.     

Mammotome biopsy: impact on preoperative diagnosis rate

AIM: To assess the impact of mammotome biopsy on preoperative diagnosis rate. METHODS: A prospective study was undertaken to examine the referral patterns, radiological abnormalities, sensitivity, specificity and outcome of the first 150 patients undergoing mammotome biopsy at our institution. Most of the referrals were from the NHS Breast Screening Programme (85/100). RESULTS: The commonest radiological abnormality was microcalcification (87%). The accuracy of this biopsy technique for the target lesion was over 99%. Post-biopsy, 11 patients needed to proceed to a diagnostic surgical biopsy (7%). Forty-two malignancies were identified at final histology; 41 were diagnosed preoperatively. The positive predictive of mammotome biopsy was 98% for the present study. The present results for mammotome biopsy with regard to predicting invasion were: sensitivity 71.4% (10/14); specificity 100% (0/0); positive predictive value 100% (10/10); and negative predictive value 87% (27/31). CONCLUSION: Prone mammotome biopsy has proven to be highly accurate, considerably improving the preoperative diagnosis within our unit, and obviating the majority of diagnostic excision biopsies.     

基于CT影像组学鉴别非小细胞肺癌纵隔转移性淋巴结的模型研究

目的建立不同CT扫描时相图像鉴别非小细胞肺癌(non-small cell lung cancer,NSCLC)纵隔淋巴结的影像组学模型,并探讨不同模型的诊断效能。方法回顾性分析86例NSCLC患者的术前CT图像,所有患者均行平扫期、动脉期和静脉期CT扫描。选取231枚纵隔淋巴结为研究对象,将2015年1月—2017年6月入组的163枚淋巴结作为训练组,2017年7月—2018年6月入组的68枚淋巴结作为验证组。分别在三时相图像上勾画感兴趣区域(regions of interest,ROI),每个ROI提取841个影像特征,使用LASSO算法筛选特征,基于各时相CT影像组学特征和两不同时相CT影像组学特征的差值建立模型。比较不同模型的受试者工作特征曲线(receiver operating characteristic,ROC)下面积(AUC值)、敏感性、特异性、准确度、阳性预测值和阴性预测值的差异。结果共建立6个模型,其AUC值均>0.800。平扫期CT模型具有最优的鉴别效能,其训练组的AUC值、特异性、准确度、阳性预测值分别为0.926、0.860、0.871、0.906,验证组的AUC值、特异性、准确度、阳性预测值分别为0.925、0.769、0.882、0.870,均高于其他模型。平扫和静脉期CT图像联合动脉期CT图像之后,训练组的敏感性、阴性预测值分别从0.879、0.821和0.919、0.789提高到0.949、0.878和0.979、0.900。结论CT各时相影像组学模型均可用于辅助临床诊断淋巴结。平扫CT影像组学模型的AUC值最高,而联合动脉期CT图像可提高模型的敏感度及阴性预测值。     

Evaluation of expansive myelo-vertebral pathology using different radiologic modalities, magnetic resonance excluded

The authors review their personal experience in tumors of the spine and the spinal cord, based on 30 cases evaluated with plain x-ray film of the spine, plain Computed Tomography (CT), myelography and myelo-CT. The value of both plain film of the spine and CT in tumoral lesions involving the skeleton is assessed; however, as far as nervous structures are concerned myelography and myelo-CT are necessary. Both myelography and myelo-CT showed high sensitivity (96%), thus allowing the definition of intra- extra-thecal extension of the tumor, and its relationships with the spinal cord and surrounding structures. Myelo-CT turned out to be extremely useful in myelographic stop: the upper extension of the lesion could be defined in 85% of cases. However, the contribution of myelography and myelo-CT was relatively limited when positive findings were present at CT. The evaluation of the density of the lesions proved to be of limited value since no significant differences could be recognized in different tumors. Finally, a diagnostic protocol is proposed for patients with spinal neurologic symptoms, based upon the clinical level of the lesion.     

肺灌注显像结合Wells评分及D-二聚体检查对急性肺血栓栓塞症的诊断价值

目的评价肺灌注显像结合Wells评分及D-二聚体检查对急性肺血栓栓塞症（APE）的诊断价值。方法选择2006年1月至2008年12月连续121例疑诊APE的初诊患者,所有患者均进行Wells评分、D-二聚体检查、胸部X线检查及核素肺灌注显像。分别计算肺灌注显像结合x线胸片（Q／X显像）、Q／X显像结合Wells评分或（和）D-二聚体检查用于诊断APE的灵敏度、特异性、阳性预测值和阴性预测值。结果全部121例患者中,41．3％（50／121）的患者最终诊断为APE;58．7％（71／121）最终排除了APE。Q／X显像示APE阳性者49例（40．5％）。Q／X显像的诊断灵敏度、特异性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值分别为86．O％（43／50）、91．5％（65／71）、87．8％（43／49）和90．3％（65／72）。Q／x显像对于Wells评分〉4且D-二聚体阳性（≥0．5mg／L）的患者,其APE阳性预测值为100．0％（29／29）;Q／X显像对Wells评分≤4且D-二聚体阴性（〈0．5mg／L）的患者,其APE阴性预测值亦为100．0％（41／41）。结论Q／X显像结合Wells评分及D-二聚体检查可以有效提高Q／X显像诊断APE的阳性预测值和阴性预测值,从而更准确地诊断APE。     

低场磁共振成像对膝关节外伤的诊断敏感性

目的探讨低场强（0．35T）磁共振成像对膝关节外伤的诊断敏感性，并与X线平片及常规CT检查结果比较。方法64例有膝关节外伤史及相应临床表现的患者，于外伤后1d至3个月内均经自旋回波（SE）和快速自旋回波（FSE）磁共振成像，21例又经X线平片检查，10例又经常规CT检查。对所有患者的MRI表现进行了分析，并与X线及CT所见进行了对比。结果在接受X线平片检查的21例中，各种异常见于15例，其诊断敏感性为72％。在常规cT检查的10例中，骨折、隐匿性骨折及半月板损伤分别见于2，3和1例，其诊断敏感性为60％。在MRI检查的64例中，骨挫伤见于40例（66处），合关骨折及隐匿性骨折23处，合并韧带损伤31例，合并半月板损伤23例，仅2例未见异常。MRI诊断膝关节外伤的敏感性为97％。结论MRI对膝关节外伤的诊断敏感性显著高于X线平片或常规CT。合理选用磁共振扫描序列与参数，能够准确地诊断膝关节外伤。     

99Tcm-MIBI显像与钼靶X线对乳腺癌诊断的比较研究

目的 比较99Tcm-MIBI SPECT/CT显像和钼靶X线对女性乳腺癌的诊断价值。 方法 女性患者83例, 先行99Tcm-MIBI胸部SPECT/CT早期显像和延迟显像, 并以延迟显像阳性为判定标准, 再行乳腺钼靶X线摄影, 并与最终的病理结果进行对照。 结果 延迟显像的阳性患者为52例(T/NT值>3.33), 阳性与阴性病灶的早期、延迟显像分别比较, 差异均有统计学意义, 且以延时2 h结果更为显著, 最终病理结果证实45例为恶性病灶。99Tcm-MIBI显像结果的灵敏度为93.33%、特异度为73.68%、阳性预测值为80.77%、阴性预测值为90.32%;而钼靶X线对于相同病灶的灵敏度、特异度分别为64.44%、73.68%, 阳性、阴性预测值分别为74.36%、63.63%。99Tcm-MIBI显像对乳腺癌诊断价值优于钼靶X线(χ2=4.11, P < 0.05), 但两种方法的一致性较差(Kappa=0.217, P < 0.05)。 结论 99Tcm-MIBI显像较之钼靶X线的结果判定更为客观, 而两种方法同时运用则能提高乳腺癌的检出率, 显著提高影像学对于乳腺癌的早期诊断。     

Staging of rectal carcinoma: prospective comparison of endorectal US and CT

One hundred two consecutive patients undergoing surgical treatment for rectal cancer were examined by means of endorectal ultrasound (US) for staging before surgery. Eighty-one of these patients also underwent staging with computed tomography (CT). The diagnostic sensitivity of endorectal US in detection of tumor extension into fat was 67%; specificity, 77%; positive predictive value, 73%; and negative predictive value, 72%. The sensitivity of CT for this finding was 53%; specificity, 53%; positive predictive value, 56%; and negative predictive value, 50%. The sensitivity of endorectal US in detection of lymph node infiltration was 50%; specificity, 92%; positive predictive value, 68%; and negative predictive value, 84%. For this finding the sensitivity and negative predictive value, 76%. These findings suggest that endorectal US may be as accurate as CT, or more so, in the preoperative staging of rectal cancer.     

The value of CT in determining potential instability of simple wedge-compression fractures of the lumbar spine.

PURPOSETo determine whether plain films alone are sufficient in the evaluation of stability of simple wedge-compression fractures of the lumbar spine.METHODSPlain films and CT scans of 53 consecutive patients seen during a 2-year period with lumbar spine fractures were retrospectively reviewed. Six readers blinded to the CT diagnosis independently read each patient''s plain films. Plain-film findings were scored on a five-point graded response scale using criteria proposed by Gehweiler and Daffner. In addition, a fracture was considered to be possibly unstable if there was involvement of more than one vertebral level or greater than 50% loss of anterior vertebral body height. CT findings represented the standard for comparison. CT scans were independently evaluated by three additional readers. Two-column involvement, middle-column involvement alone but with retropulsion, multiple-level involvement, or greater than 50% loss of vertebral height indicated potential instability.RESULTSFor 14 stable and 39 potentially unstable lumbar spine fractures, the pooled (mean) plain-film negative predictive value for detection of potentially unstable fractures was 0.62 (95% confidence interval, 0.53 to 0.70), with a sensitivity of 0.83 (95%, confidence interval; 0.78 to 0.87), and specificity of 0.80 (95% confidence interval, 0.70 to 0.87).CONCLUSIONPlain films are not adequate for determining stability of lumbar spine fractures.     

CT血管造影在诊断功能相关性冠状动脉狭窄中的应用

目的以 SPECT 心肌灌注显像(MPI)为参考,评价 CT 血管造影检测功能相关性冠状动脉狭窄(FRCS)的诊断效能.资料与方法2005-11~2011-03在天津医科大学心血管病临床学院同期(30d 内)行冠状动脉 CT血管造影(CCTA)和 MPI 的504例可疑或确诊冠状动脉疾病患者,以 CCTA冠状动脉狭窄≥50%并伴有相应血管支配区域 MPI 灌注缺损作为诊断 FRCS的参考标准.以病例或血管为观察对象,分别计算 CCTA 冠状动脉狭窄≥50%或≥75%时检测 FRCS 的诊断效能.结果以病例为观察对象,CCTA 冠状动脉狭窄≥50%或≥75%检测 FRCS 的灵敏度、特异性、阳性预测值和阴性,预测值分别为67.2%和35.8%、84.7%和97.3%、40.2%和66.7%、94.4%和90.8%,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);以血管为观察对象,CCTA 冠状动脉狭窄≥50%或≥75%检测 FRCS 的灵敏度、特异性、阳性预测值和阴性预测值分别为70.2%和33.7%、95.4%和99.0%、42.9%和60.0%、98.5%和97.0%,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05).结论 CCTA 具有较佳的排除 FRCS 的能力.当冠脉狭窄≥50%时,CCTA 虽然对 FRCS 检测灵敏度较高,但其阳性预测值相对较差.当冠脉狭窄≥75%时,CCTA 检测 FRCS 的阳性预测值有一定的提高.     

X线平片腰骶椎间隙高度测量及对腰椎间盘病变诊断价值的研究

目的:确定L_5～S_1椎间隙狭窄的标准并探讨其诊断价值。方法:随机选取964例有标准X线平片、CT、MRI影像资料的病例进行回顾性分析,按年龄及性别分组,测量X线平片L_5～S_1椎间隙高度,并与CT或MRI结果进行对照。结果:正常组不同年龄和性别的L_5～S_1椎间隙高度差异无统计学意义,病变组与正常组的L_5～S_1椎间隙高度差异有统计学意义。椎间隙后缘高度变窄与椎间盘病变的相关性最大。结论:X线平片上椎间隙的变化有助于诊断椎间盘病变。     

Suspected ureteral colic: plain film and sonography vs unenhanced helical CT. A prospective study in 66 patients

The aim of this study was to compare the sensitivity and specificity of plain abdominal films plus ultrasound, vs nonenhanced CT for the diagnosis of ureteral colic in patients with acute flank pain. During a 4-month period, 66 patients (mean age 48 years) with acute flank pain were prospectively studied by means of plain abdominal film, US, and unenhanced CT. The presence of lithiasis and of obstructive uropathy signs were determined. The plain film was only used as a guide for the US exam. Clinical follow-up of all patients was obtained. Ureteral lithiasis was confirmed in 56 patients. The CT had a greater sensitivity (93 vs 79%) and negative predictive value (71 vs 46%) for the detection of lithiasis. The combination of lithiasis plus obstructive signs showed a sensitivity and a specificity of 100% for CT and of 100 and 90%, respectively, for US. The 11 lithiasis not detected by US were passed spontaneously (10 were <5 mm). Both techniques showed similar extraurinary pathology. Computed tomography is the most accurate technique for the detection of ureteral lithiasis; however, the combination of plain film and US is an alternative to nonenhanced CT with a lower sensitivity and radiation dose that has a good practical value.     

常规MRI及DCE-MRI在卵巢肿瘤及肿瘤样病变诊断中的应用

目的:提高常规MRI及DCE-MRI在卵巢肿瘤及肿瘤样病变的诊断准确率。方法:回顾性分析44例我院收治并经手术病理证实为卵巢肿瘤及肿瘤样病变的常规MRI及DCE-MRI影像表现。平扫参考指标:病灶大小(最大径)、形状(规则/不规则)、有无包膜、囊壁/分隔厚度、实性成分比例、T2WI信号、ADC值、盆腔积液;DCE-MRI参考Ktrans、Kep以及Ve值。结果:MRI平扫显示良、恶性肿瘤的病灶大小、形状、实性成分比例、囊壁/分隔厚度、T2WI信号混杂程度、盆腔积液量及ADC值差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);上述7项中ADC值参考价值最大,ADC取1.09×10^-3)mm^2/s为良恶性肿瘤阈值,小于阈值,考虑恶性。DEC-MRI良性肿瘤实性部分Ktrans、Kep以及Ve值显著低于恶性肿瘤,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),Ktrans值参考价值最大,Ktrans值取0.091/min为良恶性肿瘤阈值,大于阈值,考虑恶性。分别以ADC值及Ktrans值敏感度、特异性、准确度、阳性预测值及阴性预测值代表MRI平扫及DCE-MRI各项指标,得出常规MRI敏感度85.7%、特异性91.3%、准确度88.6%、阳性预测值90.0%、阴性预测值87.5%;DCE-MRI上述各项指标为72.7%、81.8%、77.3%、80.0%、75.0%;常规MRI联合DCE-MRI检查敏感度95.2%,特异性100.0%,准确度97.7%,阳性预测值100.0%,阴性预测值95.8%。结论:常规MRI联合DCE-MRI用于卵巢肿瘤及肿瘤样疾病诊断及鉴别诊断能够提高诊断准确率。     

Spinal stenosis subsequent to juvenile lumbar osteochondrosis

This paper describes eight patients with spinal stenosis associated with marked osteochondrous changes in the vertebral bodies due to juvenile lumbar osteochondrosis (Scheuermann's disease). In no case was the midsagittal or interpedicular diameter of the spinal canal indicative of bony stenosis. On the other hand, in the myelograms the sagittal diameter of the dural sac was in all cases significantly narrowed, a diagnostic sign of central spinal stenosis. Therefore, myelography should always be contemplated when osteochondrous changes are present and spinal stenosis is suspected clinically regardless of whether the spinal canal diameters are normal in plain films.     

Evaluation of magnetic resonance myelography in the investigation of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy

The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate the accuracy of MR myelography for the demonstration of foraminal nerve root impingement in cervical spondylotic radiculopathy. 40 patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy were imaged with conventional MRI and with MR myelography. The diagnostic accuracy of these imaging strategies for the demonstration of exit foraminal stenosis was calculated relative to a gold standard of the combination of conventional MRI and MR myelography. Conventional MRI had a sensitivity of 88.9%, specificity of 99.1%, and diagnostic accuracy of 94.5% for the demonstration of exit foraminal disease (p<0.001). MR myelography alone had a sensitivity of 84.4%, a specificity of 90.1%, and diagnostic accuracy of 88% (p<0.001). However, the addition of MR myelography increased the diagnostic yield of the MR examination for the detection of foraminal stenotic disease. MR myelography is a useful adjunct to conventional MRI in the investigation of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.     

CTA与MRA诊断动脉瘤及评估动脉瘤破裂风险的比较

 目的 比较CT血管造影术(CT angiography,CTA)与磁共振血管造影(magnetic resonance angiography,MRA)诊断动脉瘤与动脉瘤破裂的风险评估价值。方法 48例高度怀疑为颅内动脉瘤患者随机分为两组,每组24例,记为Ⅰ组和Ⅱ组,其中Ⅰ组行CTA+DSA检查,Ⅱ组行MRA+DSA检查。比较CTA及MRA对颅内动脉瘤的诊断灵敏度、诊断特异性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值及准确率。比较CTA及MRA对5 mm以上动脉瘤的诊断价值。结果 MRA诊断颅内动脉瘤的诊断灵敏度、诊断特异性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值、准确率较CTA稍低,但二者差异无统计学意义。CTA与三维增强MR血管成像(3D CE-MRA)对5 mm以上动脉瘤的诊断能力相当,但与三维时间飞跃法MR血管成像(3D TOF MRA)相比,CTA与CE-MRA的诊断灵敏度、诊断特异性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值、准确率明显较高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);CTA能更清楚地显示瘤颈。结论 CTA和MRA可作为诊断动脉瘤与动脉瘤破裂的风险评估的首要手段,CTA诊断的准确率及三维形态高于MRA。     

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy in the foot: clinical and scintigraphic criteria.

To establish strict clinical criteria for reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) of the foot and to characterize any associated scintigraphic pattern, the authors performed three-phase radionuclide bone scanning in 51 patients prospectively referred because RSD was a diagnostic consideration. To establish sensitivity and specificity data, the cases of an additional 100 consecutive patients referred for a variety of foot problems were retrospectively reviewed. The authors defined RSD of the foot as a pain syndrome characterized by diffuse nonanatomic, often unrelenting pain; autonomic-vasomotor signs including warm or cool skin temperatures and moist-sweaty or dry-scaly skin; and a positive response to a lumbar sympathetic block. Patients with RSD have a characteristic delayed bone-scan pattern consisting of diffuse increased tracer throughout the foot, with juxta-articular accentuation of tracer uptake. Overall, sensitivity in this study was 100%; specificity, 80%; positive predictive value, 54%; and negative predictive value, 100%. False-positive images were obtained in patients with infection, diabetes, and chronic pain. Specificity was 66% in the subgroup of patients who underwent sympathetic block, with a positive-predictive value of 88%. There were no differences in scan pattern related to duration of symptoms prior to imaging.     

腰椎间盘突出X线平片和CT诊断及手术对照(附118例分析)

目的：提高Ｘ线平片腰椎间盘突出（ＬＤＨ）诊断正确率。方法：１１８例ＬＤＨ手术病例全部摄腰椎正侧位片和ＣＴ扫描，然后加以对照分析。结果：腰椎椎间隙前窄后宽或前后等宽；椎体后下和后上缘的唇样变及骨赘形成有明确定位意义。椎体上下缘凹陷和硬化征是腰椎间盘突出最常见征象，也是本文回顾性分析新的见解。结论：充分认识腰椎间盘突出Ｘ线平片特征，能够提高Ｘ线平片的诊断正确率。     

Evaluating the CT diagnosis of Clostridium difficile colitis: should CT guide therapy?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to further characterize the CT findings of Clostridium difficile colitis and to provide for the first time a diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value to help clinicians decide whether antibiotic treatment is warranted on the basis of CT findings while awaiting stool test results (which may take as long as 48 hr). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review covering a 4-year period was performed of the charts and CT scans of 54 symptomatic patients with stool test results positive for C. difficile and of a control group of 56 patients with antibiotic-associated diarrhea with stool test results negative for C. difficile. RESULTS: At our institution, C. difficile colitis was explicitly diagnosed at CT in these patients with a sensitivity of 52%, specificity of 93%, positive predictive value of 88%, and negative predictive value of 67%. The sensitivity can be raised to 70% with no change in specificity with more rigid adherence to diagnostic criteria of colon wall thickening of greater than 4 mm combined with any one or more findings of pericolonic stranding, colon wall nodularity, the "accordion" sign, or otherwise unexplained ascites. CONCLUSION: Although routine CT screening of antibiotic-associated diarrhea is not advocated, the 88% positive predictive value of a diagnosis of C. difficile colitis in those who are scanned may merit consideration of treatment by clinicians on the basis of the CT results alone.     

GM、G试验及真菌培养鉴定对肺部侵袭性真菌感染的诊断价值

目的：检测疑诊为肺部侵袭性真菌感染（IFI）患者的支气管肺泡灌洗液（BALF）和血清半乳甘露聚糖（galacto-mannan,GM）、血清（1,3）-β-D葡聚糖[（1,3）-beta-D-glucan,G test]并对BALF进行真菌培养鉴定,评估上述实验诊断方法对临床深部真菌感染的诊断效率。方法回顾性分析148例IFI疑诊患者,总结血清／BALF GM、血清G试验和真菌培养结果,分别评估其敏感性、特异性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值和联合检测对IFI的诊断价值。结果148例病例中临床诊断为IFI有48例,临床排除100例,在48例IFI患者中,血清GM阳性3例,BALF GM阳性25例,G试验阳性31例,真菌培养阳性30例。联合检测敏感性91．6％、特异性70．0％、阳性预测值59．5％、阴性预测值94．6％,联合检测大幅度提高了其诊断敏感性。结论联合检测GM、G试验和真菌培养鉴定能提高IFI诊断敏感性,对肺部IFI具有较好的诊断价值。