Longitudinal assessment of annular fissures of the cervical spine: overlooked and static.

Background: Cervical annular fissures (AFs) have not been studied specifically as to their prevalence, imaging features, and persistence over time. We sought to determine the prevalence and natural history of cervical AFs. We hypothesized that these are static lesions that are not prevalent in the population.

MR imaging of thoracic annular fissures.

Objective: Annular fissures are common findings on MR studies of the lumbar spine but have not been specifically examined in the thoracic spine. We sought to review the prevalence and stability of MRI imaging features of thoracic annular fissures and the association of thoracic AFs with intervertebral degenerative disk changes.

Materials And Methods: We surveyed 10 years of MRI studies in which patients had one or more repeated examinations of the thoracic spine.

Neuroimaging of Headache: Indications and Controversies.

Headache is a common presenting symptom in the ambulatory setting that often prompts imaging. The increased use and associated health care money spent in the setting of headache have raised questions about the cost-effectiveness of neuroimaging in this setting. Neuroimaging for headache in most cases is unlikely to reveal significant abnormality or impact patient management.

Prognostic significance of conventional and volumetric PET parameters with and without partial volume correction in the assessment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: The optimal quantification of PET in assessment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is still under development. The effect of partial volume correction (PVC) on the evaluation of survival in the HNSCC patients has not been investigated yet.

Methodology: Pretreatment 18F-FDG-PET/CT scans of a selected group of 57 patients with advanced stage HNSCC were collected.

An International Survey on Utilization of Five Thyroid Nodule Risk Stratification Systems: A Needs Assessment with Future Implications.

Multiple ultrasound-based risk stratification systems (RSSs) for thyroid nodules are used worldwide. Variations in structure, performance, and recommendations are confusing for physicians and patients and complicate management decisions. The goal of this study was to determine the factors that are associated with choice of RSS and barriers to RSS use.

Creating joy in the workplace.

Creating a joyful workplace is not the same as dealing with issues of stress, fatigue, burn-out, and resilience. It requires a proactive approach to augment feelings of worth, appreciation, and well-being in the members of the team. The sense that one is pursuing worthwhile, valuable activities requires a wholesale commitment to the mission, vision and values of the organization.

The role of imaging techniques in understanding and evaluating the long-term pulmonary effects of COVID-19.

Introduction: Limited data exist regarding the long-term pulmonary sequelae of COVID-19. Identifying features utilizing multiple imaging modalities engenders a clearer picture of the illness's long-term consequences.

Areas Covered: This review encompasses the common pulmonary findings associated with different imaging modalities during acute and late remission stages of COVID-19 pneumonia.

FDG-PET/CT of COVID-19 and Other Lung Infections.

While not conventionally used as the first-line modality, [F]-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) - positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) can identify infection and inflammation both earlier and with higher sensitivity than anatomic imaging modalities [including chest X-ray (CXR), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)]. The extent of inflammation and, conversely, recovery within the lungs, can be roughly quantified on FDG-PET/CT using maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) values. The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted the value of FDG-PET/CT in diagnosis, elucidation of acute pulmonary and extrapulmonary manifestations, and long-term follow up.

Advanced magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy in a case of neurocysticercosis from North America.

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a parasitic infection caused by , the metacestode of pork tapeworm (). NCC is one of the most common public health problems worldwide. We present a patient harboring a bilobed ring-enhancing lesion with a presumed diagnosis of brain metastasis, who returned to the USA after traveling to an endemic region.

Comparison of atherosclerotic burden in non-lower extremity arteries in patients with and without peripheral artery disease using F-NaF-PET/CT imaging.

Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of peripheral artery disease (PAD). We compared the atherosclerotic burden in non-lower extremity arteries in patients with and without PAD using F-sodium fluoride (NaF)-PET/CT. We identified five individuals (61.

NaF-PET/CT global assessment in detecting and quantifying subclinical cardiac atherosclerosis and its association with blood pressure in non-dyslipidemic individuals.

Background: We used F-sodium fluoride (NaF) to assess early atherosclerosis in the global heart in asymptomatic individuals with a coronary calcium score of zero and without a formal diagnosis of hypertension. We hypothesized that these individuals might present with subclinical atherosclerosis that correlates with systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure (SBP, DBP, and MAP).

Methods: We identified 20 asymptomatic individuals (41.

Longitudinal ultra-high field MRI of brain lesions in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders.

Background: In neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), clinical disability in NMOSD patients is relapse-related and progressive phase is rare. This observation raises the question whether there is any radiographic disease activity. The aim of present study was to determine the longitudinal changes in cerebral lesion number, lesion size, lesion-to-venule relationship, and morphological patterns of lesions in NMOSD using multiparametric 7T MR imaging.

FAST for blunt abdominal trauma: Correlation between positive findings and admission acid-base measurement.

Purpose: This study aimed to determine any association between positive findings in ultrasonography examination and initial BD value with regard to diagnosis of intra-abdominal bleeding following blunt abdominal trauma.

Methods: A prospective, multi-center study of consecutive adult patients was performed from April to September 2015. Demographics, initial vital signs and arterial BD were evaluated with respect to presence of any association with intra-abdominal bleeding and in-hospital mortality.

Predictive factors for re-displacement in diaphyseal forearm fractures in children-role of radiographic indices.

Background and purpose - Manipulation and cast immobilization is the primary management for diaphyseal forearm fractures in children, and re-displacement is the most common complication. We wanted (1) to analyze the incidence of re-displacement in a group of children treated with close reduction and casting; (2) to determine predictive factors such as demographics, mechanism of injury, affected bone, fracture pattern, degree of initial displacement and angulation, and reduction accuracy; and (3) to determine the prognostic effect of previously defined radiographic indices. Patients and methods - We prospectively studied 269 consecutive children with closed and complete middle-third diaphyseal fractures treated with close reduction and casting from October 2014 to April 2015.

CT imaging for long-term functional outcome after spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage: A 3-year follow-up study.

Primary Objective: To define the prognostic value of head computed tomography (CT) in patients suffering from SICH after 3 years of follow-up.

Research Design And Methods: Between January 2011 and May 2012, consecutive patients with SICH who underwent brain CT scans within the first 12 hours of presentation were prospectively included. Independent predictors of 30-day mortality and unfavourable functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale = 4-6 and Barthel Index ≤ 60) at 36 months were identified by univariable and multivariable regression analysis.

Reducing head computed tomography after mild traumatic brain injury: Screening value of clinical findings and S100B protein levels.

Primary Objective: The present prospective study was performed to investigate whether primary clinical findings and serum S100B concentrations at 3 and 6 hours post-trauma can contribute to the selection of patients for an initial computed tomography (CT) scanning.

Research Design And Methods: S100B was measured in serum samples obtained at 3 and 6 hours after the injury. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) associated with demographics and clinical predictors of positive CT scan were calculated.

Histamine Antagonists for Treatment of Peripheral Vertigo: A Meta-Analysis.

Objective: Vertigo, the hallucination of movement of oneself or one's surroundings, can have substantial adverse effects on the quality of life of affected patients. It is essential to decrease the frequency, severity, and duration of vertigo attacks using effective medications with minimal debilitating adverse effects. We performed a meta-analysis of available clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy of histamine antagonists in the treatment of vertigo compared to the rate of resolution in untreated control groups.

S100B protein as a screening tool for computed tomography findings after mild traumatic brain injury: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Primary Objective: To determine whether S100B protein in serum can predict intracranial lesions on computed tomography (CT) scan after mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI).

Research Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis Methods and procedures: A literature search was conducted using Medline, Embase, Cochrane, Google Scholar, CINAHL, SUMSearch, Bandolier, Trip databases, bibliographies from identified articles and review article references. Eligible articles were defined as observational studies including patients with MTBI who underwent post-traumatic head CT scan and assessing the screening role of S100B protein.

Efficacy and safety of valproic acid versus haloperidol in patients with acute agitation: results of a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group trial.

The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of valproate versus haloperidol in decreasing the agitation level in affected patients in the emergency department. We assigned 80 acutely agitated patients to receive either intravenous sodium valproate (20 mg/kg) or intramuscular haloperidol (5 mg/1 ml). Agitation was measured at baseline and 30 min after the first injection using the Agitation-Calmness Evaluation Scale (ACES), the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale-Excited Component subscale, and the Agitated Behavior Scale.

Prediction of neuropsychological outcome after mild traumatic brain injury using clinical parameters, serum S100B protein and findings on computed tomography.

Primary Objective: To identify if demographics, clinical and computed tomographic (CT) characteristics at first presentation and S100B concentrations at 3 and 6 hours after mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) predict the development of post-concussion syndrome (PCS) after 1 month.

Research Design And Methods: All consecutive MTBI patients (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] score 13-15) admitted to the Emergency Department aged older than 15 were included in this prospective, observational study. Outcome was assessed using a Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire to identify the patients with and without PCS 1 month after the injury.

Risk factors for increased multiple sclerosis susceptibility in the Iranian population.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex autoimmune disease with increasing prevalence. Many factors have been assessed in relation to its development and its worldwide geographical and racial distribution. Therefore, we decided to conduct a nationwide case-control matched study to estimate the possible influence of putative risk factors on MS status in an Iranian MS population.

Immobilization in external rotation combined with abduction reduces the risk of recurrence after primary anterior shoulder dislocation.

Background: We aimed to compare the effectiveness of immobilization in abduction and external rotation vs immobilization in adduction and internal rotation after primary anterior dislocation of the shoulder.

Methods: The study randomized 102 patients (age range, 15-55 years) with the diagnosis of primary anterior dislocation of the shoulder to receive immobilization in adduction and internal rotation (AdIR, n = 51) using sling and swathe bandage or immobilization in abduction and external rotation (AbER, n = 51) with a stabilizer brace. Patients received a rehabilitation program 3 weeks after the intervention.

Intravenous promethazine versus lorazepam for the treatment of peripheral vertigo in the emergency department: A double blind, randomized clinical trial of efficacy and safety.

Background: Vertigo imposes considerable health restrictions with significant impact on the patient's quality of life. The most effective antivertigo agent is undetermined thus far.

Objective: This study was performed to assess whether promethazine has superior vertigo reduction compared with lorazepam in ED patients.

Orthotopic heart transplant for treatment-resistant cardiomyopathy in Kawasaki syndrome: report of a successful case.

Kawasaki disease is a systemic vascular inflammatory disorder of yet unknown cause that is associated with critical cardiovascular complications. Several long-term medical therapies, coronary revascularization, and heart transplant have been introduced to treat coronary artery lesions. This report describes a 20-year-old man with Kawasaki disease manifesting as intermittent chest pain and nausea who had advanced decompensated cardiomyopathy (ejection fraction, 15%) diagnosed.

Promethazine plus sumatriptan in the treatment of migraine: a randomized clinical trial.

Objective: This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combination of sumatriptan (50 mg) plus promethazine (SPr) (25 mg) compared with sumatriptan (50 mg) plus placebo in patients with migraine attacks.

Background: Migraine is a chronic, disabling disorder with an estimated worldwide prevalence of 10% in adults imposing substantial social and economic impact. Efficient treatment of migraine attacks could benefit patients by reducing their disability and the need for health care resources, and improving economic productivity.