Segmental high intensity on T1-weighted hepatic MR images

Background We investigated the diagnostic importance of segmental high-intensity (SHI) areas not corresponding to mass lesions on T1-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images. Methods We conducted a retrospective investigation of hepatic MR images obtained from 634 patients during a 4-year period at our institution. Images were compared with findings reported in the patients’ medical records. There were 16 patients (2.5%) with SHI areas not corresponding to a mass lesion. We compared MR images with plain computed tomographic (CT) scans (n = 16), angiograms (n = 12), and histologic findings (n = 10). Results The segments with intrahepatic bile duct dilatation showed hyperintensity on T1-weighted images. In six of 16 patients, the biliary duct was more dilated in the area of hyperintensity than in areas without hyperintensity. The SHI areas appeared as areas of low attenuation (n = 13), high attenuation (n = 1), or isoattenuation (n = 2) on plain CT scans. Histologically, these areas showed ductular proliferation and deposition of bile pigment within the hepatocytes. Conclusion Segmental areas of increased signal intensity on T1-weighted images were probably due to intrahepatic cholestasis.     

Intra- and interobserver variability in detection and assessment of calcified and noncalcified coronary artery plaques using 64-slice computed tomography

Objective Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) is an emerging noninvasive technique for detecting coronary plaques. The present study investigated agreement in the detection and characterization of coronary plaques and reproducibility of volumetric analysis. Methods A total of 20 patients underwent MSCT coronary angiography using 64 * 0.5 mm detector collimation. Two readers independently visually evaluated all MSCT datasets for the presence of coronary plaques (n = 82 in 262 coronary segments) and then classified them as calcified, mixed and noncalcified. In addition, one of the readers also manually determined total volumes as well as calcified and noncalcified volumes of each plaque. After a period of at least 4 weeks the complete volumetric analysis was repeated. Results Interobserver agreement was good for detection of coronary plaques on the segment level (weighted κ = 0.88, 95% CI [0.76, 0.95]). However, there was only moderate interobserver agreement for plaques classification (unweighted κ = 0.45, 95% CI [0.35, 0.61]). Intraobserver agreement was good for plaque detection on segment level (weighted κ = 0.90, 95% CI [0.77, 0.96]), while it was moderate with respect to their characterization (unweighted κ = 0.65, 95% CI [0.55, 0.80]). There was moderate reproducibility for total plaque volume (limits of agreement = ±6 mm³ at a mean measured volume of 10 mm³ and = ±28 mm³ at a mean measured volume of 100 mm³). Variation of relative differences significantly decreased for total volume and noncalcified volume with increasing mean volume. Conclusions Detection and volumetry of plaques by means of MSCT shows good to moderate reproducibility. Agreement of volume measurements depends on plaque size. Variation of relative differences decrease with increasing mean plaque volume.     

Comparison of capsule endoscopy with enteroclysis in the investigation of small bowel disease

Purpose  To compare results of capsule endoscopy with those of barium enteroclysis or CT enteroclysis. Methods  Retrospective review of hospital records revealed 65 patients who had an enteroclysis and small bowel capsule endoscopy. The diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy was compared with the enteroclysis using Fisher’s exact test. Results  The main indications were obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 37) and suspected Crohn disease (n = 17). Radiologic studies included CT enteroclysis (n = 30), and fluoroscopic barium enteroclysis with carbon dioxide (n = 18) or with methylcellulose (n = 17). Capsule endoscopy had a higher diagnostic yield (8/17) compared to barium–methylcellulose cellulose enteroclysis (1/17) (P = 0.02). The diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy was not significantly different compared with barium–carbon dioxide (12/18 vs. 10/18) enteroclysis or with CT enteroclysis (9/30 vs. 8/30). Vascular lesions were better assessed with capsule endoscopy. However, the CT enteroclysis found more lesions in patients with chronic abdominal pain. Conclusion  Barium–carbon dioxide enteroclysis and CT enteroclysis have similar diagnostic yields for small bowel disease compared to capsule endoscopy. Barium methylcellulose has an inferior diagnostic yield.     

Struma ovarii: CT findings

Background  The purpose of this study was to evaluate computed tomographic findings of struma ovarii. Methods  Computed tomography (CT) scans of 13 pathologically proven struma ovarii were retrospectively reviewed by two radiologists in consensus. Scans were evaluated for the laterality, size, mass configuration, margins, internal architecture, presence of intracystic high attenuation lesions on precontrast scans, and cyst wall enhancement. Results  The mean size of the tumors was 11.4 cm (range 4.7–21.0 cm). Mainly cystic (n = 8, 61.5%) or cystic (n = 5, 38.5%) appearance was common to all the tumors. All tumors were unilateral and had smooth margins. The most common internal architecture in the tumors was multicystic architecture (n = 11, 84.6%). Eleven tumors (84.6%) showed a high attenuation lesion in the cyst portion of the mass on precontrast scans and the attenuation ranged from 92.2 to 120.5 Hounsfield units (HU) (mean, 106.8 ± 8.8 HU). The cyst wall showed no (n = 7, 53.8%), moderate (n = 5, 38.5%), or marked (n = 1, 7.7%) enhancement after administration of contrast medium. Conclusions  On CT scans, struma ovarii appeared most often as a smooth marginated multicystic mass with a high attenuation lesion on precontrast scans and no or moderate cyst wall enhancement.     

Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse Elastography for Chronic Liver Disease: Comparison with Ultrasound-Based Scores of Experienced Radiologists,Child-Pugh Scores and Liver Function Tests

The purpose of our study was to investigate whether acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography provides better diagnostic performance for diagnosis of chronic liver disease and correlates better with Child-Pugh scores and liver function tests, compared with an ultrasound (US) scoring system based on visual assessment of conventional B-mode US images by experienced radiologists. Five hundred and twenty-one patients with clinically proven chronic liver disease (n = 293), fatty liver (n = 95) or normal liver (n = 133) were included in this study. B-mode liver US and ARFI elastography were performed in all patients. ARFI elastography was performed at least five times, with each measurement obtained at a different area of the right hepatic lobe; mean shear wave velocity (SWV) was calculated for each patient. The mean SWV was compared with US-based scores from two radiologists (based on liver surface nodularity, parenchyma echotexture and hepatic vein contour), Child-Pugh scores and liver function tests. The mean SWV of the normal liver group was 1.08 m/s ± 0.15; of the fatty liver group, 1.02 m/s ± 0.16; and of the chronic liver disease group, 1.66 m/s ± 0.60 (p < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of the mean SWV in ARFI elastography was significantly higher than that of the conventional B-mode US-based scores by two radiologists (0.89 vs. 0.74 and 0.77, p < 0.05), with a sensitivity of 75.4% and a specificity of 89.5% at the cut-off value of 1.22 m/s. The sensitivity of the mean SWV was significantly higher than the US-based scores (p < 0.001), although the specificity was not (p > 0.05). The mean SWV was better correlated with Child-Pugh scores and all liver function tests (except total protein) than the US-based scores from two radiologists. In conclusion, ARFI elastography showed better diagnostic performance than visual assessment of experienced radiologists for diagnosis of chronic liver disease, as well as for evaluation of the severity of chronic liver disease. (E-mail: leejy4u@snu.ac.kr)     

Assessment of the extension and the inflammatory activity in Crohn’s disease: comparison of ultrasound and MRI

Objective  The purpose of this prospective study was twofold: to examine the efficacy of MRI and sonography in the assessment of Crohn’s disease (CD) activity in comparison with clinical scoring and biologic tests and to compare both techniques in the evaluation of extension and transmural complications. Material and methods  Thirty patients with histologically proven Crohn’s disease were prospectively examined the same day first with sonography and after MRI. Sonographic exam included evaluation of bowel wall thickness, vascularity pattern, and perienteric changes. Thirty minutes prior to MRI imaging, patients were given 250 mL of dilute sodium phosphate solution and additional 750 mL of water orally. MRI images evaluation included bowel wall thickening, bowel wall enhancement, and perienteric changes. The gastrointestinal tract was divided into five segments. Findings and extension of the both techniques were verified by means of barium studies, surgery, or/and colonoscopy. The sonographic and MR findings were compared with clinical and laboratory data. Results  About 53 of 119 (45%) bowel segments showed pathological changes in gold standard tests. Sonography was superior to MRI in the localization of affected bowel segments (sensitivity: US 91%; MRI 83%; intertechniques agreement, kappa: 0.905) and in recognizing transmural complications (sensitivity: US 80%; MRI 72%), although significant differences were not found (p > 0.05). A statistically significant correlation between color Doppler flow and MR bowel wall enhancement (segment-by-segment analysis and per patient analysis; p > 0.5), and between perienteric changes in both techniques (p > 0.5) were found. Wall thickness measured on sonography was significantly greater in the group of patients with clinical activity (p = 0.023) or with clinical-biologic activity (p = 0.024). Grades of hyperemia and MR contrast enhancement of patients with clinical–biologic activity was higher than in patients without clinical–biologic activity (p = 0.019; p = 0.023). Conclusion  In summary, both ultrasound and MRI are sensitive to localize the affected bowel segments and to detect transmural complications in patients with Crohn’s disease. A significant correlation between color Doppler flow and bowel wall enhancement on MRI was found. Sonographic wall thickness, color Doppler flow, and bowel wall enhancement on MRI are related with clinical or biologic activity.     

Preface

Objects  We present computer-assisted diagnosis (CAD) software designed to improve prostate cancer detection using perfusion MRI data. Methods  In addition to standard visualization features, this software allows for the 2D and multislice 2D contouring of suspicious areas based on a seeded region growing algorithm, and area labeling based on zonal anatomy. Tumor volume assessment and the semiquantitative analysis of DCE-MRI sequences can both be performed. We retrospectively analyzed DCE-MRI examinations of 100 patients and found 121 lesions showing a suspiciously high intensity with early enhancement in 84 of them. Seventy-one patients turned out to be malignant, whereas 50 were benign. Based on an analysis of the median wash-in and wash-out values of these foci, we designed a standardized 5-level cancer suspicion score (ranging from “probably benign” to “highly suspicious”). This comprehensive score provides a scaled likelihood of malignancy in the region of interest taking account of its location in relation to prostate zonal anatomy. We compared its accuracy with that of visual assessments of time–intensity curves performed by specialist and non-specialist radiologists. Results  Parameters of the scoring algorithm were designed to provide the greatest possible sensitivity in our sample population. A re-substitution evaluation provided an Se/Sp of 100/45% for peripheral zone cancer, and 100/40% for transition zone cancer characterization. When identifying malignant areas using time–intensity curves data, this simple algorithm performed significantly better (AUC = 0.77) than a non-specialist (AUC = 0.57, P < 0.0001) radiologist, and better than a trained (AUC = 0.70) radiologist, although this difference was not significant. Conclusion  Our new prostate MRI CAD software provides a standardized cancer suspicion score for suspicious foci detected in DCE-MRI T1-w images. Our results suggest that it may improve radiologists’ performances in prostate cancer identification, especially when they are not specialized in prostate imaging.     

Associations between quality of life, fatigue, and cytokine levels in patients aged 50+ with acute myeloid leukemia

Goals of work  Quality of life (QOL) is significantly impaired in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and fatigue is the most common and disabling symptom; effective treatment measures have yet to be found. Cytokines, biomarkers of inflammation, may moderate both health outcomes, but published data are limited. We looked at the role of cytokines in modulating QOL and fatigue in an older AML population. Patients and methods  We recruited 34 English-speaking patients (23 men, 11 women) aged 50 or older with AML within 1 year of diagnosis. QOL and fatigue were assessed with validated questionnaires. Blood was simultaneously drawn for quantitative measurement of a 13-cytokine panel. Repeat measurements were done 4–6 weeks later (n = 28 patients). Spearman correlations between health measures and cytokine levels were examined at baseline, as were changes in variables between time points. A potentially clinically important correlation was defined as an r ≥ 0.30. Results  At baseline, potentially clinically important correlations were noted between global QOL and interferon (IFN)-γ (r = −0.376, p = 0.031), interleukin (IL)-2 (r = −0.340, p = 0.053), IL-5 (r = −0.368, p = 0.035), IL-8 (r = −0.312, p = 0.077), and TNF-α (r = −0.326, p = 0.064). A similar correlation was observed between IL-6 and fatigue (r = 0.332, p = 0.059). Between time points, there were no potentially important correlations between changes in global QOL and any cytokine. However, potentially important correlations with fatigue were seen with both IL-5 (r = 0.344, p = 0.073) and IL-10 (r = 0.326, p = 0.091) between time points. Conclusions  These preliminary data provide support for a larger controlled study of cytokines, fatigue, and QOL in patients with AML.     

CT features of hepatic metastases from hepatoid adenocarcinoma

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to report the imaging presentation of hepatic metastases from hepatoid adenocarcinoma (HAC).

Methods

We retrospectively identified 11 patients (10 men and 1 woman; median age 66) with HAC liver metastasis who underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) which included arterial phase and portal venous phase. Two radiologists analyzed the imaging parameters, which included the enhancement pattern on arterial and portal phase images, necrosis, venous thrombi, and overall imaging diagnosis, and arrived at a consensus.

Results

On arterial phase, the liver lesions had global hyper-enhancement (n = 0), heterogeneous hyper-enhancement (63.6%; n = 7/11), peripheral hyper-enhancement (n = 0), iso-enhancement (n = 0/11), or hypo-enhancement (36.4%; n = 4/11). On portal venous phase, homogenous hypo-enhancement (18.2%; n = 2/11) and heterogenous hypo-enhancement (81.8%; n = 9/11) were observed. Venous thromboses occurred in four patients (36.4%; n = 4/11). The overall imaging diagnoses were “HCC-like” in seven patients (63.6%; n = 7/11), “indeterminable” in 1 patient (9.1%; n = 1/11), and “HCC-unlike” in three patients (27.3%; n = 3/11).

Conclusions

The imaging features of HAC liver metastasis were varied. Arterial phase enhancement coupled with venous phase washout (resembling HCC imaging features) was a major finding, but arterial phase hypo-enhancement (distinct from HCC imaging features) was also frequently encountered.

     

超声造影对肝脏瘤样病变的诊断及鉴别诊断

目的 对肝脏瘤样病变的超声造影图像特征进行分析总结.方法 回顾性分析经病理及其他影像学方法 确诊的19例患者21个肝脏瘤样病灶的超声造影图像特征.结果 21个肝脏瘤样病灶中,超声造影确诊了16个,其中局灶性脂肪变性(FFC)7个,炎性假瘤(IPT)5个,局灶性结节增生(FNH)4个;另外4个局灶性结节增生超声造影提示肝脏良性占位病变;将1例炎性假瘤误诊为原发性肝癌(PLC).结论 病灶超声造影后延迟相的回声与周围肝实质相比较来判断其良恶性具有重要价值.     

High-intensity focused ultrasound ablation in hepatic and pancreatic cancer: complications

Purpose: To evaluate the complications of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in patients with hepatic and pancreatic cancer. Materials and Methods: From January 2006 to December 2008, 133 sessions of HIFU treatment were performed in 114 consecutive patients with primary hepatic tumor (n = 57), hepatic metastasis (n = 22), and pancreatic cancer (n = 35) under general anesthesia. The extracorporeal, ultrasound-guided Model-JC system (HAIFU, Chongqing, China) was used. Artificial pleural effusion was created to obtain an adequate sonographic window for ablating hepatic dome masses in 53 patients. We reviewed medical records and imaging findings before, during, and after HIFU. Results: All patients had skin redness, edema, and pain in the treatment regions. All hepatic tumor patients had necrosis of the ribs along the main ultrasound beam path that did not require further treatment. Major complications included biliary obstruction, symptomatic pleural effusion, pneumothorax and fistula formation between an abdominal wall abscess and the ablated hepatic tumor. In 35 pancreatic cancer patients, major complications included third-degree burns and fistula formation between the tumor and duodenum. Delayed complications in hepatic tumor patients included a diaphragmatic rupture and rib fractures along the ultrasound pathway. Conclusion: The complications of HIFU develop mainly around the targeted lesions or along the ultrasound beam pathway. It is essential to have awareness of the possible complications related to HIFU and its imaging features for to avoiding serious complications.     

Improving treatment decisions from radiographs: effect of a decision aid

Purpose  To test whether dental students’ accuracy of treatment decision making for dentine caries using radiographs improved after using a decision aid (DA). Methods  Dental students (n = 227) assessed the need for treatment for proximal surfaces of a test set of radiographs for a scenario patient. These 20 simulated bitewings contained 56 proximal test surfaces of which 14 were sound, 19 had enamel lesions and 23 had dentine lesions according to the histological “Gold standard”. The students next used a DA, followed by re-evaluation using the same test radiographs. In this test–retest design, paired two-sided T tests were used to test for improvement in sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp) and log diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of treatment decisions for dentine caries. Results  The students’ initial mean Se, Sp and DOR were 0.66, 0.82, and 12.9 (SD 0.11, 0.10 and 8.2). After using the decision aid, mean values improved (0.67, 0.83 and 14.1) (P =  0.83, 0.07 and 0.04). Conclusions  Using the stand alone DA led to a slight improvement in student performance.     

Focal hepatic nodules after transcatheter oily chemoembolization; detection with spiral CT versus conventional CT

Background: The objective of this study was to determine if spiral computed tomography (CT) results in increased rate of detection of focal hepatic nodules containing iodized oil after transcatheter oily chemoembolization when compared with conventional CT. Methods: Spiral CT with single 24-s breath-hold technique was compared with conventional sequential CT in 42 patients with suspected hepatocellular carcinomas. Two sets of CT scans obtained after transcatheter oily chemoembolization were independently reviewed by two radiologists. The slice thickness was 10 mm for both data sets. The number and sizes of focal hepatic nodules containing iodized oil were documented. All 42 patients had at least one hepatic nodule. The lesion size varied from 2 mm to 12 cm. Results: In six of the 42 patients, more hepatic nodules could be identified on spiral CT compared with conventional CT. When scans with spiral CT were used, 107 nodules were detected, whereas 98 nodules were detected with conventional CT. Overall, nine (9%) more nodules were detected with spiral CT (<+>p= .002). If lesions larger than 2 cm are excluded, nine (15%) more lesions were detected with spiral CT (<+>p= .002). Conclusion: Spiral CT results in increased rate of detection of focal hepatic nodules after transcatheter oily chemoembolization, particularly in lesions smaller than 2 cm. Received: 11 October 1994/Accepted: 6 November 1994     

Fascioliasis: US, CT, and MRI findings with new observations

Background: The purpose of this study is to describe the ultrasonographic (US), computed tomographic (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in fascioliasis and to emphasize the impact of radiology in diagnosis. Methods: Radiologic findings in 23 consecutive patients with fascioliasis were prospectively recorded. All patients had at least one US and CT examination, and 10 of them were studied by MRI. All diagnoses were confirmed by serologic methods. In the first three cases, initial diagnosis was reached by microscopic demonstration of the parasites' eggs in bile obtained by US-guided gallbladder aspiration. Results: In the hepatic phase of fascioliasis, multiple, confluent, linear, tractlike, hypodense, nonenhancing hepatic lesions were detected by CT. On US, the parasites could be clearly identified in the gallbladder or common bile duct as floating and nonshadowing echogenic particles. MRI showed the lesions as hypo- or isointense on T1-weighted images and as hyperintense on T2-weighted images. Conclusions: CT findings in the hepatic phase and US findings in the biliary phase are characteristic of fascioliasis. Because clinical and laboratory findings of fascioliasis may easily be confused with several diseases, radiologists should be familiar with the specific radiologic findings of the disease to shorten the usual long-lasting diagnostic process. Received: 15 December 1999/Accepted: 26 January 2000     

MR imaging in the triage of pregnant patients with acute abdominal and pelvic pain

Purpose  To retrospectively assess the performance of MR imaging in the evaluation and triage of pregnant patients presenting with acute abdominal or pelvic pain. Method and materials  MRI studies of pregnant patients who were referred for acute abdominal pain between 2001 and 2007 were included. MR images were retrospectively reviewed and compared with surgical and pathologic findings and clinical follow-up data. Analysis of imaging findings included evaluation of the visceral organs, bowel and mesentery, appendix (for presence of appendicitis), ovaries (detection and adnexal masses were evaluated), focal inflammation, presence of abscesses, and any other abnormal findings. Results  A total of 118 pregnant patients were included. MR findings were inconclusive in 2 patients and were positive for acute appendicitis in 11 patients (n = 9 confirmed by surgery, n = 2 improved without surgery). One patient with inconclusive MR had surgically confirmed appendicitis; the other patient with inconclusive MR had surgically confirmed adnexal torsion. Other surgical/interventional diagnoses suggested by MR imaging were adnexal torsion (n = 4), abscess (n = 4), acute cholecystitis (n = 1), and gastric volvulus (n = 1). Two patients with MR diagnosis of torsion improved without surgery. One patient with MR diagnosis of abscess had biliary cystadenoma at surgery. The rest of the MR diagnoses above were confirmed surgically or interventionally. MR imaging was normal in 67 patients and demonstrated medically treatable etiology in 28 patients: adnexal lesions (n = 9), urinary pathology (n = 6), cholelithiasis (n = 4), degenerating fibroid (n = 3), DVT (n = 2), hernia (n = 1), colitis (n = 1), thick terminal ileum (n = 1), rectus hematoma (n = 1). Three of these patients had negative surgical exploration and one had adnexal mass excision during pregnancy. Other patients were discharged with medical treatment. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive values (ppv), and negative predictive values (npv) of MR imaging for acute appendicitis, and surgical/ interventional diagnoses were 90.0% vs. 88.9%, 98.1% vs. 95.0%, 97.5% vs. 94.1%, 81.8% vs. 76.2%, 99.1% vs. 97.9%, respectively. Conclusion  MR imaging is an excellent modality for diagnosis of acute appendicitis and exclusion of diseases requiring surgical/interventional treatment. Therefore MR imaging is useful for triage of pregnant patients with acute abdominal and pelvic pain.     

Detection of flat lesions in the colon with CT colonography

Background:We investigated whether flat lesions of the colon could be detected on computed tomographic colonography (CTC). Methods: CTC and conventional colonoscopy were performed on 547 consecutive patients. A subset of 22 polyps was described as flat on colonoscopy (n= 16) or CTC (n= 6) and are the basis of this report. CTC was performed with a standard technique (5-mm collimation, 3-mm reconstruction intervals). Patients were scanned in supine and prone positions. Examinations were randomly assigned and reviewed in a blinded fashion by two of three radiologists. Prospective interpretations were recorded. All patients had conventional colonoscopy, which served as the gold standard. Results: Twenty-two flat lesions ranging from 0.4 to 3.5 cm were histologically classified as adenomatous (n= 8) or hyperplastic (n= 14). The sensitivities for detecting all flat lesions and flat adenomas by each reviewer were 43% and 100%, 65% and 100%, and 15% and 13%, respectively. “Double reading” resulted in detection of 68% of all lesions and 100% of adenomas. Of the seven hyperplastic polyps missed by both reviewers, four were identified retrospectively. Conclusion: Flat lesions of the colon represent an important source of false negative CTC examinations. Awareness of their morphology can assist radiologists in finding most of these challenging lesions.     

Post-radiation dental index: development and reliability

Goals of the work The aim of this paper was to develop, validate, and assess the reliability of a clinical index for assessing post-radiation dentition breakdown. Materials and methods An expert panel of four dentists with expertise in post-radiation patient care, oral radiology, and mineralized tissues reviewed a series of clinical photographs (n = 60) depicting a wide range of post-radiation lesions varying in size, severity, and location. Based on panel input related to lesion severity rankings and cut-points along a continuum of destruction, a semiquantitative, ordinal lesion scale was developed. A companion scale was developed to account for existing restorations. The index was then reviewed by a separate panel of dental clinician/researchers for confirmation of face and content validity and was refined based on their input. Following index approval by the expert and confirmatory panels, the index was evaluated for test–retest reliability by two educator/clinicians. After a brief calibration session, examiners reviewed and independently scored a second series of lesion images (n = 60). One week later, the same examiners independently scored the same images displayed in a different order. Inter- and intra-rater reliability and agreement were assessed (Spearman r and Kappa statistic). Main results Respective to sessions 1 and 2, inter-rater reliability values were r = 0.97 and r = 0.98, with Kappa values of κ = 0.93 and κ = 0.95. Respective intra-rater reliability and agreement values were 0.99 and 0.98 (rater 1), and 0.98 and 0.95 (rater 2). Conclusions A new index was developed and subsequently demonstrated face validity and excellent inter- and intra-rater reliability for potentially evaluating the severity of post-radiation dentition breakdown.     

Imaging-histologic discordance after sonographically guided percutaneous breast biopsy: a prospective observational study

The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of imaging-histologic discordance and to compare the frequency of carcinoma between concordant and discordant lesions in sonographically (US)-guided 14-gauge core needle biopsies (CNBs). From January 2005 to December 2006, we performed US-guided 14-gauge automated CNB on 3339 breast lesions and obtained benign results in 2194 cases. Five radiologists prospectively reviewed the pathologic reports in conjunction with the imaging. We included a total of 1588 lesions that were either excised (n = 658) or followed up for at least 2 years (n = 930) after CNB. We evaluated the rate of discordance and the clinical findings for both discordant and concordant lesions. We also analyzed the clinical and imaging differences between the upgrade and non-upgrade groups. Imaging-histologic discordance was present in 103 of 1588 (6.5%) lesions. The upgrade rate was 6.8% (7/103) in discordant lesions and 0.4% (6/1485) in concordant lesions (p < 0.01). Lesion size, Breast Imaging, Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category and the presence or absence of symptoms was statistically significant between the upgrade and non-upgrade groups in discordant cases (p < .05). Imaging-histologic discordance is an indication for excision because it has a higher upgrade rate than concordant lesions.     

A Descriptive Analysis of Middle School Students’ Conceptions of Autism

The purpose of this study is to document the content and accuracy of middle school students’ spontaneously generated definitions of autism in order to inform future peer education interventions. Authors evaluated 450 middle school students’ written definitions of autism for accuracy and content. Most students (n = 321; 71.3%) provided accurate definitions of autism; the remaining definitions consisted of (a) a combination of accurate and inaccurate information (n = 45; 10.0%), (b) reporting “Don’t know” (n = 43; 9.6%), (c) inaccurate information (n = 20; 4.4%), and (d) combinations of uncertainty in the presence of accurate and inaccurate information (n = 21; 4.6%). Accurate responses reflected only basic understanding that autism was a disability; few accurate responses identified social, communicative, or restrictive patterns of behavior as core difficulties for individuals with autism. Middle school students reported inaccurate information across varied content, such as etiology, core symptoms, and associated problems. Results suggest that peer education messages should highlight information regarding the defining features, etiology, consequences, and outcomes related to autism.