Introduction: A negative computed tomography (CT) scan does not preclude an insulinoma, as small lesions frequently remain undetected on conventional imaging. This case highlights the indispensable role of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)— not just for localizing occult tumors, but as a definitive, minimally invasive therapeutic alternative to high-risk surgical resection. Case: A 39-year-old female with underlying hypertension presented with a 5-month history of predominantly fasting hypoglycemia (glucose <3.0 mmol/L) and neuroglycopenic symptoms, fulfilling Whipple’s triad. A supervised 72-hour fast confirmed endogenous hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia at 31 hours, with a nadir glucose of 1.4 mmol/L, insulin 116 pmol/L, and C-peptide 821 pmol/L. Notably, contrastenhanced CT of the pancreas was reported as normal. To overcome this, EUS was performed, successfully identifying a hidden 19 × 18 mm lesion in the head of the pancreas, intimately abutting the main pancreatic duct. Despite medical therapy with diazoxide and strict dietary modifications, her hypoglycemia remained refractory. Given the tumor’s proximity to the main pancreatic duct, surgical enucleation carried a prohibitively high risk of complications. Consequently, she underwent EUS-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Immediate post-procedure outcomes demonstrated near-complete resolution of the hypoglycemic episodes. Diazoxide was subsequently stopped. Outpatient continuous glucose monitoring confirmed sustained normoglycemia and marked symptom resolution, with no procedure-related complications. Conclusion The absence of a pancreatic lesion on CT demands persistent clinical suspicion in cases of biochemically proven hypoglycemia. EUS remains paramount for detecting occult lesions missed by standard imaging. Importantly, EUSRFA serves as a highly effective, tissue-sparing alternative to surgical resection for insulinomas, especially when conventional surgery poses prohibitive anatomical risks.
Insulinoma ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Introduction: Insulinoma is a rare functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor and the most common cause of endogenous hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia. Although biochemical confirmation is usually straightforward, tumor localization may be difficult when lesions are small and not detected on conventional cross-sectional imaging. In such cases, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) plays an important role in identifying occult lesions and facilitating definitive treatment. Case: A 52-year-old female was admitted in April 2025 with recurrent seizures secondary to hypoglycemia for 3 years, with increasing frequency over time. She fulfilled Whipple’s triad, with documented capillary glucose of 1.8 mmol/L during an episode and symptom resolution following glucose administration. A supervised prolonged fasting test confirmed endogenous hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, with plasma glucose 1.4 mmol/L, insulin 122 pmol/L, and C-peptide 1,010 pmol/L. Short Synacthen test demonstrated adequate adrenal reserve. Due to persistent hypoglycemia, she required high-dose diazoxide. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography abdomen did not reveal a pancreatic lesion but incidentally detected a right ovarian teratoma. She underwent total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in June 2025, with histopathology confirming a mature cystic teratoma without malignancy. However, hypoglycemic episodes persisted. Further evaluation with EUS in July 2025 identified a highly vascular isoechoic 8 × 8 mm lesion in the pancreatic body. Fine-needle biopsy confirmed a well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor (WHO grade 1) with Ki-67 index of 2%. She subsequently underwent EUSguided radiofrequency ablation in August 2025. Follow-up EUS in December 2025 showed post-ablation change, and her hypoglycemic episodes resolved completely, allowing diazoxide to be discontinued. Conclusion This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of occult insulinoma in the presence of negative conventional imaging. EUS was pivotal for tumor localization and tissue diagnosis, while EUS-guided radiofrequency ablation provided effective minimally invasive treatment in a carefully selected patient.
Insulinoma ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

INTRODUCTION: Out-of-hospital-cardiac-arrest (OHCA) is a major public health challenge and post-return-of-spontaneous-circulation (ROSC) goals have shifted from just survival to survival with intact neurology. Although post-ROSC care is crucial for survival with intact neurology, there are insufficient well-established protocols for post-resuscitation care. We aimed to evaluate post-resuscitation care in the emergency department (ED) of adult (aged ≥16 years) OHCA patients with sustained ROSC and its associated neurologically intact survival. METHODS: A retrospective review of electronic medical records was conducted for OHCA patients with sustained ROSC at the ED. Data including demographics, pre-hospital resuscitation, ED resuscitation, post-resuscitation care and eventual outcomes were analysed. RESULTS: Among 921 OHCA patients, 85 (9.2%) had sustained ROSC at the ED. Nineteen patients (19/85, 22.4%) survived, with 13 (13/85, 15.3%) having intact neurology at discharge. Electrocardiogram and chest X-ray were performed in all OHCA patients, whereas computed tomography (CT) was performed inconsistently, with CT brain being most common (74/85, 87.1%), while CT pulmonary angiogram (6/85, 7.1%), abdomen and pelvis (4/85, 4.7%) and aortogram (2/85, 2.4%) were done infrequently. Only four patients (4.7%) had all five neuroprotective goals of normoxia, normocarbia, normotension, normothermia and normoglycaemia achieved in the ED. The proportion of all five neuroprotective goals being met was significantly higher ( P = 0.01) among those with neurologically intact survival (3/13, 23.1%) than those without (1/72, 1.4%). CONCLUSION Post-resuscitation care at the ED showed great variability, indicating gaps between recommended guidelines and clinical practice. Good quality post-resuscitation care, centred around neuroprotection goals, must be initiated promptly to achieve meaningful survival with intact neurology.
Humans ; Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest/mortality* ; Retrospective Studies ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation/methods* ; Return of Spontaneous Circulation ; Aged ; Adult ; Treatment Outcome ; Electrocardiography ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Aged, 80 and over

INTRODUCTION: This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of postoperative computed tomography (CT) measurements of aortic lumen volumes in predicting aortic-related complications following acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) repair. METHODS: We conducted a single-institution retrospective aortic volumetric analysis of patients after ascending aorta replacement performed during 2001-2015. The volumetric measurements of total lumen (total-L), true lumen (TL), false lumen (FL), as well as the TL:FL ratio from the first and second postoperative computer angiograms were obtained. A generalised structural equation model was created to analyse the predictive utility of TL:FL ratio. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-five patients underwent surgical intervention, of whom 97 patients were eventually discharged and analysed for postoperative complications. A total of 19 patients were included in the final analysis. Patients with late postoperative aortic complications had a significantly higher FL volume and total-L volume on the first (FL volume P = 0.041, total-L volume P = 0.05) and second (FL volume P = 0.01, total-L volume P = 0.007) postoperative scans. The odds of having aortic complications were raised by 1% with a 1 cm 3 increase in total-L volume and by 2% with a 1 cm 3 increase in FL volume. The TL:FL ratio was significantly lower in patients who developed complications. CONCLUSION Postoperative CT volumetric measurements in patients who developed complications are characterised by a significant increase in the FL volume and total-L volume from the first postoperative scans. Patients with disproportionately expanded FL presenting with TL:FL ratios less than 1 were associated with aortic complications. Hence, the TL:FL ratio may be a reliable and useful parameter to monitor postoperative disease progression and to evaluate the risk of late complications in ATAAD patients.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Singapore ; Aortic Dissection/diagnostic imaging* ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications/diagnostic imaging* ; Aged ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Aortic Aneurysm/diagnostic imaging* ; Aorta/surgery* ; Adult ; Treatment Outcome ; Computed Tomography Angiography

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the imaging and clinical features of diaphragm dysfunction in patients who underwent selective cardiac sternotomy with diaphragm ultrasound and chest CT. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted. The patients undergoing selective cardiac sternotomy in the cardiac and vascular surgery department of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from June to September 2023 were enrolled. Bedside ultrasound was performed on the day before surgery, within 24 hours of extubation, and on the 7th day after surgery to measure diaphragm excursion (DE) and diaphragm thickness (DT), and to calculate the diaphragm thickening fraction (DTF). The distance from the diaphragm's apex to the thorax's apex in the chest CT scout view was measured before and after the operation, and the diaphragm elevating fraction (DEF) was calculated. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether diaphragm dysfunction (DE < 1 cm) occurred on the 7th day after surgery. The change patterns of imaging indicators were analyzed in both groups. The clinical data of both groups before, during, and after surgery were compared. RESULTS: In total, 67 patients who underwent cardiac sternotomy were enrolled. Among them, 24 patients developed diaphragm dysfunction within 24 hours after extubation; on the 7th day after surgery, 19 patients (28.4%) still exhibited diaphragm dysfunction, while 48 patients (71.6%) did not. Ultrasonic examination of the diaphragm revealed that, compared with the non-diaphragm dysfunction group, patients in the diaphragm dysfunction group exhibited varying degrees of decrease in DE and DTF before and after surgery, with a more significant decrease on the left side, and the differences were statistically significant on the 7th day after surgery [DE (cm): 1.06±0.77 vs. 1.59±0.63, DTF: 19.3% (14.8%, 21.1%) vs. 21.3% (18.3%, 26.1%), both P < 0.05]. There was no statistically significant difference in DT between the two groups at each time point. Changes in bilateral DE and DTF revealed that the non-diaphragm dysfunction group experienced early transient postoperative weakening of diaphragm function, followed by rapid recovery to the preoperative level on the 7th day after surgery, unlike the diaphragm dysfunction group. There were no significant differences between bilateral DE in the two groups on the day before surgery, and the left DE was significantly lower than the right DE within 24 hours after extubation and on the 7th day after surgery in the diaphragm dysfunction group (cm: 0.93±0.72 vs. 1.45±0.70 within 24 hours after extubation, 1.06±0.77 vs. 1.70±0.92 on the 7th day after surgery, both P < 0.05) but no significant difference was found in bilateral DT or DTF. The chest CT scan showed that, the incidence of postoperative diaphragm elevation was 61.2% (41/67), and 38.8% (26/67) did not, while no statistically significant difference in DEF was found between the two groups, nor within each group on both sides. Analysis of the clinical data showed a higher proportion of atrial fibrillation and pulmonary hypertension before surgery [atrial fibrillation: 36.8% (7/19) vs. 10.4% (5/48), pulmonary hypertension: 15.8% (3/19) vs. 2.1% (1/48), both P < 0.05], a higher incidence of high-flow oxygenation and pneumonia during surgery [high-flow oxygenation: 52.6% (10/19) vs. 25.0% (12/48), pneumonia: 73.7% (14/19) vs. 45.8% (22/48), both P < 0.05], and a longer duration of mechanical ventilation and length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay [duration of mechanical ventilation (hours): 47.0 (38.0, 73.0) vs. 24.5 (20.0, 48.0), length of ICU stay (hours): 69.0 (65.0, 117.5) vs. 60.0 (42.3, 90.6), both P < 0.05] in the diaphragm dysfunction group as compared with those in the non-diaphragm dysfunction group. CONCLUSIONS There was a high incidence of diaphragm dysfunction after cardiac sternotomy, which reflected the early transient postoperative weakening of diaphragm function, followed by rapid recovery to the preoperative level in most patients, predominantly on the left side. Diaphragm dysfunction, which was associated with atrial fibrillation and pulmonary hypertension significantly increased the incidence of postoperative pneumonia and prolonged the duration of mechanical ventilation and length of ICU stay.
Humans ; Diaphragm/physiopathology* ; Prospective Studies ; Sternotomy/adverse effects* ; Ultrasonography ; Postoperative Complications/diagnostic imaging* ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Cardiac Surgical Procedures/adverse effects*

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of lumbar spondylolysis (LS) and the proportion of spondylolytic spondylolisthesis (SS) in China, and to evaluate the musculoskeletal status of patients with LS and SS. METHODS: Spine Computed Tomography (CT) images were collected from community populations aged 40 and above in a nationwide multi-center project. LS was diagnosed, and SS was graded by an experienced radiologist. Bone mineral density (BMD) and paraspinal muscle parameters were quantified based on CT images. RESULTS: One hundred and seventeen patients of a total of 3,317 individuals were diagnosed with LS, corresponding to a prevalence rate of 3.53%. 63 of the 1,214 males (5.18%) and 54 of the 2,103 females (2.57%) were diagnosed with LS. SS occurred in 64/121 vertebrae (52.89%). BMD was not associated with LS ( P = 0.341). The L5 extensor paraspinal muscle density was higher in the LS group than in the non-LS group. In the LS group, patients with SS had a smaller L5 paraspinal extensor muscle cross-sectional area than those without SS ( P = 0.003). CONCLUSION The prevalence of LS in Chinese adults was 3.53%, with prevalence rates of 5.18% in males and 2.57% in females. Patients with LS have higher muscle density, whereas those with SS have smaller muscle cross-sectional areas at the L5 level.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; China/epidemiology* ; Prevalence ; Adult ; Lumbar Vertebrae/diagnostic imaging* ; Spondylolysis/diagnostic imaging* ; Aged ; Bone Density ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Aged, 80 and over ; Spondylolisthesis/epidemiology* ; East Asian People

OBJECTIVE: Cigarette smoking exacerbates the progression of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). The role of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) in chronic lung diseases has gained attention; however, it remains unclear whether smoking-exacerbated lung damage in TB is associated with TLS. This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of pulmonary TLS in smokers with TB and to explore the possible role of TLS in smoking-related lung injury in TB. METHODS: Lung tissues from 36 male patients (18 smokers and 18 non-smokers) who underwent surgical resection for pulmonary TB were included in this study. Pathological and immunohistological analyses were conducted to evaluate the quantity of TLS, and chest computed tomography (CT) was used to assess the severity of lung lesions. The correlation between the TLS quantity and TB lesion severity scores was analyzed. The immune cells and chemokines involved in TLS formation were also evaluated and compared between smokers and non-smokers. RESULTS: Smoker patients with TB had significantly higher TLS than non-smokers ( P < 0.001). The TLS quantity in both the lung parenchyma and peribronchial regions correlated with TB lesion severity on chest CT (parenchyma: r = 0.5767; peribronchial: r = 0.7373; both P < 0.001). Immunohistochemical analysis showed increased B cells, T cells, and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 13 (CXCL13) expression in smoker patients with TB ( P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Smoker TB patients exhibited increased pulmonary TLS, which was associated with exacerbated lung lesions on chest CT, suggesting that cigarette smoking may exacerbate lung damage by promoting TLS formation.
Humans ; Male ; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary/immunology* ; Middle Aged ; Tertiary Lymphoid Structures/pathology* ; Adult ; Lung/pathology* ; Smoking/adverse effects* ; Smokers ; Aged ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVES: This retrospective study aimed to investigate factors influencing positional changes of the condyle and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) following mandibular defect reconstruction with bone flaps, and to evaluate the biomechanical impacts of flap reconstruction on condylar positioning, thereby providing evidence for optimizing surgical protocols and TMJ functional rehabilitation. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 90 patients undergoing mandibular segmental resection with immediate bone flap reconstruction at Guizhou Medical University Affiliated Stomatological Hospital (June 2019 to May 2024). After strict screening, 50 cases with complete data were analyzed. Clinical parameters (defect size, location, reconstruction method) and craniofacial CT scans at four timepoints [preoperative (T0), 7-10 days (T1), 3 months (T2), and 6 months (T3) postoperatively] were collected. Mimics 20 software facilitated 3D reconstruction for measuring TMJ anterior/posterior/superior joint spaces (Kamelchuk method) and calculating condylar position via the Pullinger index [Ln (posterior/anterior space)]. Vitral and Krisjane methods quantified mandibular linear parameters (ramus length, condylar pole distances to the sagittal plane, angulation) and glenoid fossa morphology. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 21.0. RESULTS: Mandibular defect size and location were significant factors influencing postoperative condylar position changes (P<0.05). Compared to preoperative measurements, postoperative condylar anterior, posterior, and superior joint spaces were significantly increased (P<0.001). The most pronounced anterior condylar displacement occurred within 7-10 days postoperatively (P<0.05). In patients with condyle resection, postoperative joint space and angle changes were significant; in patients with condyle preservation, only superior and anterior joint space changes were statistically significant (P<0.05). Additionally, from T1 to T2, the changes in condylar medial-lateral distance, superior joint space, and anterior joint space were negatively correlated with the preoperative condylar position. Compared with preoperative,in the T0-T1 period, condylar medial-lateral distance, posterior joint space, and articular tubercle angle changes were significantly negatively correlated with time (P<0.05). Notably, the angle between the condylar long axis and the coronal axis showed a sustained negative trend from T1 to T3 (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Condylar position changes after mandibular defect repair with bone flap reconstruction are associated with the size and location of the defect. Additionally, adaptive remodeling of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) joint space occurs postoperatively. The phenomenon of anterior displacement of the condyle in the early postoperative period (7-10 days) shows a trend of reduction with prolonged follow-up time, and further sample size research is needed.
Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Temporomandibular Joint/surgery* ; Mandibular Condyle/surgery* ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Mandibular Reconstruction/methods* ; Mandible/surgery* ; Surgical Flaps ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Young Adult ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Aged ; Adolescent ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional

A nodule in the right middle lobe of the lung was treated by a combination of cone-beam CT,three-dimensional registration for fusion imaging,and electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy-guided thermal ablation.The procedure lasted for 90 min,with no significant bleeding observed under the bronchoscope.The total radiation dose during the operation was 384 mGy.The patient recovered well postoperatively,with only a small amount of blood in the sputum and no pneumothorax or other complications.A follow-up chest CT on the first day post operation showed that the ablation area completely covered the lesion,and the patient was discharged successfully.
Humans ; Bronchoscopy/methods* ; Catheter Ablation/methods* ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Electromagnetic Phenomena ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Lung Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging* ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Quantitative CT (QCT) is a method of measuring bone mineral density (BMD) of human based on a CT machine,calibrated by QCT body model and analyzed by professional software.Compared with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry,QCT can not only assess the cortical and cancellous BMD but also exclude the influences of osteophytes and aortic/vascular calcification,thus being capable of accurately reflecting patients' bone mass.In recent years,increasing studies on QCT and osteoporosis (OP) have been carried out,and the application of QCT in the diagnosis of OP,evaluation of vertebral bone conditions,prediction of fracture risks,and assessment of anti-OP treatment is garnering increasing attention from researchers at home and abroad.This article reviews the research progress in this field,aiming to provide a reference for the research on QCT in the diagnosis and treatment of OP.
Humans ; Osteoporosis/diagnosis* ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods* ; Bone Density