PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the prognostic significance of paranasal sinus invasion for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and its suitable position in the T classification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of 695 patients with previously untreated, biopsy-proven, non-metastatic NPC that was treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: The incidence of paranasal sinus invasion was 39.4% (274 of 695 patients). Multivariate analysis showed that paranasal sinus invasion was an independent negative prognostic factor for local failure-free survival (LFFS) (p < 0.05). According to the eighth American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system, 275 patients were classified as T3 classification. Of these, 78 patients (28.4%) developed paranasal sinus invasion (T3b) and 197 (71.6%) didn't (T3a). The estimated 5-year LFFS and overall survival (OS) rates for the patients with T3b and T3a classification were 88.6% versus 95.0% (p=0.047), and 84.5% versus 93.3% (p=0.183), respectively. The estimated 5-year LFFS and OS rates for the patientswith T4 classificationwere 89.5% and 83.2%,whichwere similarwith the outcomes of patients with T3b classification. CONCLUSION: MRI-determined paranasal sinus invasion is an independent prognostic factor of NPC treated by IMRT. Paranasal sinus invasion is recommended to classify as T4 classification in the 8th AJCC staging system for NPC.
Classification ; Humans ; Incidence ; Joints ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Multivariate Analysis ; Paranasal Sinuses ; Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated* ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVE: Myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) is considered as one of the risk factors of ischemic stroke. Some MPN patients manifest stroke as their first symptom. Our purpose was to assess diagnostic rate of MPN in newly diagnosed acute ischemic stroke patients. METHODS: This study was performed using National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital dataset. Data retrieving was performed by defining by defining the patient with coding of acute ischemic stroke from January 2013 to June 2017. We selected only the patients who had checked brain magnetic resonance imaging and complete blood cell count (CBC) in emergency room or on admission. Among the results of CBC finding, hemoglobin and platelet count were analyzed. Erythrocytosis was defined >16.5 g/dL (male), >16 g/dL (female) according to revised World Health Organization (WHO) classification of polycythemia vera (PV) criteria. Thrombocytosis was >450,000/µL according to revised WHO classification of essential thrombocythemia (ET). RESULTS: Total number of newly diagnosed acute ischemic stroke was 1,613 patients. Seven patients (0.43%) were diagnosed MPN (ET=2, PV=5) after ischemic stroke. Patients who had thrombocytosis and erythrocytosis were 18 and 105, respectively. Three patients who had thrombocytosis were diagnosed MPN (ET=2, PV=1). Two patients with erythrocytosis were diagnosed MPN (PV=2). Two patients had both thrombocytosis and erythrocytosis, and two of them were diagnosed PV. Seventy-one patients who had erythrocytosis were normalized in follow-up period. Six patients who had thrombocytosis and 30 patients who had erythrocytosis did not further evaluate. CONCLUSION: CBC has to be carefully read and MPN can be suspected. Diagnosis must be confirmed by hematologist to initiate appropriate treatment. It is important to recognized suspected MPN patients to prevent stroke.
Blood Cell Count ; Brain ; Classification ; Clinical Coding ; Dataset ; Diagnosis ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; National Health Programs ; Platelet Count ; Polycythemia ; Polycythemia Vera ; Risk Factors ; Stroke ; Thrombocythemia, Essential ; Thrombocytosis ; World Health Organization

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‒determined lymph nodal necrosis (LNN) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and explore the feasibility of an N-classification system based on the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MRI scans of 616 patients with newly diagnosed stage T1-4N1-3M0 NPC who were treated with definitive intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) were reviewed. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis showed that LNN was an independent negative prognostic predictor of distant metastasis free survival (hazard ratio, 1.634; 95% confidence interval, 1.023 to 2.609; p=0.040) and overall survival (hazard ratio, 2.154; 95% confidence interval, 1.282 to 3.620; p=0.004). Patients of classification N1 disease with LNN were reclassified as classification N2, and classification N2 disease with LNN as classification N3 in the proposed N-classification system. Correlation with death and distant failure was significant, and the total difference between N1 and N3 was wider with the proposed system. CONCLUSION: MRI-determined LNN is an independent negative prognostic factor for NPC. The proposed N classification system is powerfully predictive.
Classification ; Humans ; Joints ; Lymph Nodes ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Multivariate Analysis ; Necrosis ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neoplasm Staging ; Prognosis ; Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated

Hyperglycemia-induced hemichorea (HGHC) is a rare but characteristic hyperkinetic movement disorder involving limbs on one side of the body. In a 75-year-old woman with a left-sided HGHC, conventional brain MR imaging showed very subtle T1-hyperintensity and unique gadolinium enhancement in the basal ganglia contralateral to movements. Multi-parametric MRI was acquired using pulse sequence with quantification of relaxation times and proton density by multi-echo acquisition. Myelin map was reconstructed based on new tissue classification modeling. In this case report of multi-parametric MRI, quantitative measurement of myelin change related to HGHC in brain structures and its possible explanations are presented. This is the first study to demonstrate myelin loss related to hyperglycemic insult in multi-parametric quantitative MR imaging.
Aged ; Basal Ganglia ; Brain ; Classification ; Extremities ; Female ; Gadolinium ; Humans ; Hyperglycemia ; Hyperkinesis ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Movement Disorders ; Myelin Sheath ; Protons ; Relaxation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Neurological involvement in Behçet's disease [neuro-Behçet's disease (NBD)] is uncommon, but it is worth investigating since it can cause substantial disability. However, difficulties exist in understanding the clinical features of NBD due to regional variations and the lack of studies utilizing well-established diagnostic criteria. We therefore analyzed the clinical features of patients with NBD based on the recent international consensus recommendation. METHODS: We retrospectively searched electronic databases for patients with Behçet's disease (BD) between 2000 and 2017, and reviewed their medical records. Based on the recent international consensus recommendation, patients with definite or probable NBD were included. RESULTS: Of 9,817 patients with the diagnosis code for BD, 1,682 (17.1%) visited the neurology clinic and 110 (1.1%) were classified as NBD. Ninety-eight patients exhibited parenchymal NBD and 12 exhibited nonparenchymal NBD. Their age at the onset of NBD was 37.6±10.6 years and the male-to-female ratio was 1.24:1. Brainstem syndrome (43.9%) was the most common condition in the 98 patients with parenchymal NBD, followed by multifocal (32.7%) and spinal cord (12.2%) syndromes. 72.4% exhibited acute NBD and 27.6% exhibited a progressive disease course. Frequent manifestations included pyramidal signs (52.0%), headache (45.9%), dysarthria (42.9%), and fever (31.6%). A frequent pattern in brain MRI was an upper brainstem lesion extending to the thalamus and basal ganglia. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 1% of the patients with suspected BD exhibited NBD. Neurologists must understand the clinical characteristics of NBD in order to perform the differential diagnosis and management of these patients.
Basal Ganglia ; Brain ; Brain Stem ; Classification ; Consensus ; Diagnosis ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Dysarthria ; Fever ; Headache ; Humans ; Korea ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Medical Records ; Neurology ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Cord ; Thalamus

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of antibiotic-loaded cement spacers (ALCSs) for the treatment of diabetic foot infections with osteomyelitis as a salvage procedure and to analyze the risk factors of treatment failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study reviewed retrospectively 39 cases of diabetic foot infections with osteomyelitis who underwent surgical treatment from 2009 to 2017. The mean age and follow-up period were 62±13 years and 19.2±23.3 months, respectively. Wounds were graded using the Wagner and Strauss classification. X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (or bone scan) and deep tissue cultures were taken preoperatively to diagnose osteomyelitis. The ankle-brachial index, toe-brachial index (TBI), and current perception threshold were checked. Lower extremity angiography was performed and if necessary, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was conducted preoperatively. As a surgical treatment, meticulous debridement, bone curettage, and ALCS placement were employed in all cases. Between six and eight weeks after surgery, ALCS removal and autogenous iliac bone graft were performed. The treatment was considered successful if the wounds had healed completely within three months without signs of infection and no additional amputation within six months. RESULTS: The treatment success rate was 82.1% (n=32); 12.8% (n=5) required additional amputation and 5.1% (n=2) showed delayed wound healing. Bacterial growth was confirmed in 82.1% (n=32) with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus being the most commonly identified strain (23.1%, n=9). The lesions were divided anatomically into four groups; the largest number was the toes: (1) toes (41.0%, n=16), (2) metatarsals (35.9%, n=14), (3) midfoot (5.1%, n=2), and (4) hindfoot (17.9%, n=7). A significant difference in the Strauss wound score and TBI was observed between the treatment success group and failure group. CONCLUSION: The insertion of ALCSs can be a useful treatment option in diabetic foot infections with osteomyelitis. Low scores in the Strauss classification and low TBI are risk factors of treatment failure.
Amputation ; Angiography ; Angioplasty ; Ankle Brachial Index ; Classification ; Curettage ; Debridement ; Diabetic Foot ; Follow-Up Studies ; Lower Extremity ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Metatarsal Bones ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ; Osteomyelitis ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Toes ; Transplants ; Treatment Failure ; Wound Healing ; Wounds and Injuries

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. PURPOSE: We report our experience with 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)–assisted resection of spinal cord ependymomas in adults. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Ependymoma is the most frequent primary spinal cord tumor in adults. Surgery is the treatment of choice in most cases. However, while complete resection is achieved in approximately 80% of cases, clinical improvement is achieved in 15% only. Five-ALA fluorescence–guided surgery seems to be useful for this tumor type. METHODS: We studied 14 patients undergoing 5-ALA fluorescence-guided surgery for spinal cord ependymomas in our service. The modified McCormick classification was used to determine clinical status and the degree of resection was assessed with magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: Of the 14 patients, the tumor showed an intense emission of fluorescence in 12 and the fluorescence was weak and nonuniform in two. Complete resection was achieved in 11 cases. According to the McCormick classification, 10 patients improved, two remained the same, and two deteriorated. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm that 5-ALA fluorescence-guided resection is useful in spinal cord ependymoma resection. Although the rate of complete resections is similar to that in published series without 5-ALA, clinical results are better when using 5-ALA with a lower percentage of clinical deterioration.
Adult ; Aminolevulinic Acid ; Classification ; Ependymoma ; Fluorescence ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Cord Neoplasms ; Spinal Cord

Brain connectivity can now be studied with topological analysis using persistent homology. It overcame the arbitrariness of thresholding to make binary graphs for comparison between disease and normal control groups. Resting-state fMRI can yield personal interregional brain connectivity based on perfusion signal on MRI on individual subject bases and FDG PET produces the topography of glucose metabolism. Assuming metabolism perfusion coupling and disregarding the slight difference of representing time of metabolism (before image acquisition) and representing time of perfusion (during image acquisition), topography of brain metabolism on FDG PET and topologically analyzed brain connectivity on resting-state fMRI might be related to yield personal connectomics of individual subjects and even individual patients. The work of association of FDG PET/resting-state fMRI is yet to be warranted; however, the statistics behind the group comparison of connectivity on FDG PET or resting-state MRI was already developed. Before going further into the connectomics construction using directed weighted brain graphs of FDG PET or resting-state fMRI, I detailed in this review the plausibility of using hybrid PET/MRI to enable the interpretation of personal connectomics which can lead to the clinical use of brain connectivity in the near future.
Brain ; Classification ; Connectome ; Glucose ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Metabolism ; Perfusion

The accurate judgement of the upper and lower borders of the adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG) by radiology can facilitate the decisions on surgical approach and staging criteria. X-ray double contrast radiography, CT and MRI are the common modalities. The accuracy of X-ray double contrast radiography in determining the invasion length of esophagus and the central point of gastric infiltration can be improved by standardized pretreatment, combination of multiple contrast methods such as double contrast and flow-coating procedure, and combination of multi-angle observations such as conventional frontal, left /right anterior oblique and supine right posterior oblique position. Abdominal enhanced CT is the imaging method recommended by clinical guidelines for the radiological examination of AEG. The relative position of the central point of the tumor from 2 cm line can be determined through the combination of measurement and formula calculation on multi-planar reconstructed CT images. The "three-layer four-type" classification can provide reference for the selection of abdominothoracic incision. The direct demonstration of the tumor extension can be achieved through the CT curved planar reconstruction by drawing lines along esophagus to stomach. The combination of multiple sequences of MRI is helpful to determine the extension of the lesions. In the future, more radiological studies are needed to establish criteria with high accuracy, repeatability and convenient operation,and to assist clinical evaluation of AEG invasion.
Adenocarcinoma ; classification ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; surgery ; Contrast Media ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; classification ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; surgery ; Esophagogastric Junction ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; surgery ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Neoplasm Staging ; Stomach Neoplasms ; classification ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; surgery ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

PURPOSE: Extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) subluxation has a low incidence rate, to date, there has only been a few studies evaluating the operative treatment for type of injury. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively analyze 11 patients with ECU subluxation who underwent operative treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2005 and February 2015, 11 patients received operative treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging and dynamic ultrasound were used to make the diagnosis. ECU subluxation patterns were classified by the Inoue's classification system. There were two cases of type A, one case of type B, five cases of type C, and three cases unfit for Inoue's classification. We also found two cases of radial subluxation and one case of ulnar locked subluxation. In type A and B cases, ECU tendons were relocated then sheaths repair was performed, and the extensor retinaculum reconstruction was performed. In type C cases, the fibro-osseous sheaths were fixed. In the three unclassified cases, extensor retinaculum reconstruction was performed. In all cases, fibro-osseous sheaths were fixed using the anchor suture technique. We compared the clinical results based on the following: motion range of the wrist joint; grip strength; visual analogue scale (VAS) score; quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (Q-DASH) score; and Mayo wrist score. RESULTS: The median age of patients at the time of the operation was 32 years, and the average follow-up period was 11.2 months. There were five cases of triangular fibrocartilage complex tear, two cases of distal radioulnar joint instability, three cases of ECU split tear as accompanying injury. There were significant differences in the clinical results. The average motion range of the wrist increased compared with the preoperative value (84.7% to 92.4% compared to contralateral normal side). The postoperative VAS score, Q-DASH score and Mayo wrist score showed better results compared with the respective preoperative values (6.0 to 1.1, 40.9 to 12.4, 75.9 to 86.4). CONCLUSION: ECU subluxation is a rare occurrence. Dynamic ultrasound is useful in diagnosing ECU tendon subluxation. Satisfactory results can be obtained with the use of a proper technique, which depends on the type of subluxation.
Arm ; Classification ; Diagnosis ; Dislocations* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hand ; Hand Strength ; Humans ; Incidence ; Joint Instability ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Retrospective Studies ; Shoulder ; Suture Techniques ; Tears ; Tendons* ; Triangular Fibrocartilage ; Ultrasonography ; Wrist ; Wrist Joint