Advanced multiparametric MRI-based scoring for isocitrate dehydrogenase mutation prediction of gliomas

Purpose: To propose an advanced multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based scoring system and evaluate its diagnostic accuracy with respect to the isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation status of gliomas. Material and methods: This prospective observational study included 50 consecutive patients with suspected gliomas, enrolled for pre-operative MRI. The exclusion criteria were previous surgery, biopsy, or chemo/radiotherapy and contraindications to the gadolinium-based contrasts or MRI acquisition. A standardized brain-MRI protocol using a 3-Tesla machine and 16-channel head coil consisted of pre-contrast axial-T2WI, FLAIR, DTI, 3D-ASL perfusion, SWI, 3D-T1WI, and post-contrast axial-DSC perfusion followed by 3D-T1WI and MR spectroscopy. ROIs were drawn from the tumoral centre, periphery, and peritumoral oedema (3 ROIs for each) followed by normalization using the ROIs over the contralateral normal white matter. The cut-off values for the statistically significant (p <0.05) continuous variables were derived by drawing receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. A 7-point "glioma-score" was derived from the 3 categorical (T2/FLAIR-mismatch, contrast enhancement, and intratumoral susceptibility signals) and 4 continuous ROI-based variables (ADC, FA, ASL-CBF, and DSC-CBV). Results: The predictability of IDH mutant status using the multiparametric advanced MRI-based glioma score was statistically significant (sensitivity = 69.23%, specificity = 95.65%, PPV = 94.74%, NPV = 73.33%). A glioma score of more than 4.5 out of 7 predicted the IDH-mutation status with higher specificity and sensitivity compared to each of the individual imaging variables. Conclusions: The advanced multiparametric MRI-based glioma score can predict the IDH-mutation status with high statistical significance

Sonographic evaluation of carotid intima-media thickness and carotid plaques in coronary artery disease patients

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Atherosclerosis is the most common pathophysiology behind this condition. This manifests as an increase in arterial wall intima-media thickness and subsequent plaque formation in the asymptomatic phase. Objectives: To measure the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) value of carotid arteries in patients with angiographically diagnosed CAD and also asses the carotids for the presence of plaques and if present to characterize them. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 angiographically diagnosed CAD patients were included in the descriptive study and data were analyzed regarding the increased CIMT, and plaques in the carotid arteries in relation to the corresponding coronary disease. Results: Raised CIMT values were found in 47 out of 100 patients. A linear proportional relationship of mean CIMT values with the number of involved coronary arteries was also observed. A total of 62 plaques were demonstrated in 43 patients. Majority of the plaques (65%) had a smooth surface with uniform outlines. Eighteen plaques were found to have irregular surface outlines (29%), whereas four out of 62 plaques (6%) had ulcerated surfaces. Conclusion: There is increased CIMT prevalence and its linear proportional relationship with an increased number of affected coronary vessels in patients with CAD. Furthermore, an increased prevalence of carotid plaques is present in these patients. Hence, the increased CIMT and the presence of carotid plaques may act as surrogate markers for risk stratification in a patient with CAD

Clinico-radiological patterns of cerebral venous thrombosis in adult males working in the mountainous region of North India - A pilot study from tertiary care hospital

Introduction: Working adults in high-altitude regions (HARs) are at higher risk of developing cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) due to multiple factors. The clinico-radiological patterns pertaining to the high altitude associated with CVT can be different compared to those without HAR exposure. Objective: We aimed to study the clinico-radiological patterns of CVT in adult males diagnosed with CVT while working in mountainous regions at an altitude higher than 8000 feet above sea level. Methodology: The study population consists of adult males aged >18 years who suffered symptomatic CVT while working in mountains at high altitudes. They were divided into groups according to the altitude at which they were working as high-altitude (8202–11,483 ft), very high-altitude (11,484–19,029 ft), and extremely high-altitude (above 19,030 ft) regions. Meticulous history, clinical examination, imaging with computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and laboratory investigations including procoagulation profile were done. The outcome was classified according to the modified Rankin score at 3-month follow-up. Results: Among the forty patients with CVT, 100% had a headache, 65% had vomiting, and 20% suffered convulsions at presentation. Increasing altitude was associated with higher clot load, increasing extent of involvement within the venous sinuses, and a tendency to involve deep veins in isolation or conjunction with the sinuses. Twenty-three recovered without any deficit and 15 were symptomatic without disability at the 3-month follow-up. Conclusion: In patients of CVT who are exposed to high altitudes in mountains, the increasing altitude is associated with higher clot load, increasing extent of involvement within the venous sinuses, and a tendency to involve deep veins. Polycythemia, smoking, alcohol, and deficiency of protein C are the coexisting factors