Symptomatic jugular venous reflux with dilatation of the superior ophthalmic vein mimicking cavernous dural arteriovenous fistula

We report a case of symptomatic jugular venous reflux (JVR) with dilatation of left superior ophthalmic vein (SOV), mimicking cavernous dural arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Severe JVR was caused by an AVFfor hemodialysis access and the narrowing of the left brachiocephalic vein. In-flow signals were found from the left internal jugular vein to left SOV on magnetic resonance angiography, and T1-weighted image and T2-weighted images demonstrated flow voids in bilateral sigmoid sinuses and confluence of sinuses due to rapid retrograde venous flow. We would like to emphasize that the presence of in-flow signals/flow voids in the venous sinuses may be the key imaging clues to distinguish JVR with dilatation of the SOV from cDAVF

High glucose concentration-induced expression of pentraxin-3 in a rat model of continuous peritoneal dialysis

Background: Continuous exposure to peritoneal dialysis fluids (PDFs) is associated with pathological responses such as persistent microinflammation, which leads to ultrafiltration failure. Pentraxin-3 (PTX3), a multifunctional soluble pattern recognition receptor, is produced at sites of inflammation by a wide range of cell types. This study investigates the in vivo expression of PTX3 in the peritoneal membrane of a rat continuous peritoneal dialysis (PD) model, as well as the effect of high glucose on the in vitro expression of PTX3. Methods: The expression of PTX3 was analyzed using RT-PCR, real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry and western blotting in a PD rat model receiving saline or conventional PDF containing 3.86% glucose for 8 weeks. The effects of high glucose on the expression of PTX3 were examined in cultured rat peritoneal mesothelial cells (RPMCs), mouse macrophage-like cells, and mouse fibroblasts. Results: In a rat model of PD, eight-week instillation of the conventional PDF produced increased submesothelial thickening, followed by substantially enhanced PTX3 protein levels in the submesothelial layer of peritoneal membrane. PTX3 was detected in peritoneal mesothelial cells, macrophages and fibroblasts in the thickened submesothelial area. Glucose was found to induce PTX3 protein expression in RPMCs as well as macrophage-like cells and fibroblasts. Conclusion: Continuous exposure to conventional PDF induces PTX3 expression in the peritoneal membrane of rats. High glucose may be involved in the mechanism of PDF-induced local micro-inflammation in the peritoneum

Massive true thymic hyperplasia with osseous metaplasia

True thymic hyperplasia is defined as an increase in both the size and weight of the gland, while maintaining a normal microscopic architecture. Massive true thymic hyperplasia is a rare type of hyperplasia that compresses adjacent structures and causes various symptoms.Limited reports address the imaging findings of massive true thymic hyperplasia. Herein, we report a case of massive true thymic hyperplasia in a 3-year-old girl with no remarkable medical history. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed an anterior mediastinal mass with a bilobed configuration containing punctate and linear calcifications in curvilinear septa, which corresponded to lamellar bone deposits in the interlobular septa. To our knowledge, this is the first report of massive true thymic hyperplasia with osseous metaplasia. We also discuss the imaging features and etiology of massive true thymic hyperplasia with osseous metaplasia

Choroid plexus and pituitary gland hemochromatosis induced by transfusional iron overload: Two case reports

Hemochromatosis is a primary or secondary pathological condition characterized by the deposition of excess iron in the body tissues, which can eventually lead to cellular damage and organ dysfunction. Although excess iron deposition in the central nervous system is rare, involvement of the choroid plexus, pituitary gland, cortical surfaces, and basal ganglia has been reported to date. This case report describes 2 cases of transfusion-induced hemochromatosis involving the choroid plexus and pituitary gland, which were diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In both cases, gradient echo (GRE) sequences, such as T2 star-weighted image and susceptibility-weighted imaging demonstrated markedly low signal intensity in the choroid plexus. Furthermore, the pituitary gland showed low signal intensity on T2-weighted images in Patient 2. Because these low signal intensities were not seen prior to red blood cell transfusion, they were diagnosed with transfusion-induced hemochromatosis. Brain MRI with GRE sequences was useful in detecting iron deposition in the choroid plexus. Considering that iron deposition in the body tissues can lead to irreversible organ damage, MRI with GRE sequences should be considered for patients with suspected iron overload