Image_1_The imaging features of ectopic spleen: which modality is more consistent? A cases series report and literature reviews.pdf

Ectopic spleen (ES) is a rare condition. It is difficult to diagnose with conventional imaging modalities. In this case series, we presented the imaging features of three misdiagnosed ES cases in our hospital and previously reported cases to compare the consistency of enhancement patterns among different imaging modalities with varied phases. Finally, 22 cases were reviewed. We determined that variable arterial phase enhancement and persistent enhancement throughout the portal and delayed phases are present in contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging of the ES and found the arterial phase of CEUS had the highest consistency compared with computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).</p

Mean adjusted values of carotid intima-media thickness and elastic modulus, calculated by the least mean squares method, in the absence or presence of multiple CVRFs.

<p>The multivariate model included age, gender, BMI, dyslipidemia, diabetes, overweight and smoking. Data are presented as the mean value ± SD. Abbreviations as in <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0067809#pone-0067809-t001" target="_blank">Table 1</a>.</p

Clinical characteristics of study participants.

<p>Data are presented as the mean value ± SD or percentage of subjects. BMI = body mass index; SBP = systolic blood pressure; DBP = diastolic blood pressure; PP = pulse pressure; FPG = fasting plasma glucose; IMT = intima-media thickness; CVRFs = cardiovascular risk factors.</p

RF_analysis_Data1

RF_analysis_Data

Prevalence of individual components and clusters of components of the cardiovascular risk factors by age quartile.

<p>By ANOVA. Data are presented as the mean value ± SD or percentage of subjects. The abbreviations as in <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0067809#pone-0067809-t001" target="_blank">Table 1</a>.</p

Common carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) (A) and elastic modulus (B) by the number of risk factors.

<p>Common carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) (A) and elastic modulus (B) by the number of risk factors.</p

The diagnostic capability of CEUS in differential diagnosis of adnexal masses.

<p>A Earlier or simultaneous beginning of enhancement; B Hyper- or iso-enhancment; C Heterogeneous enhancement.</p

A 22-year-old woman with serous cystadenocarcinoma.

<p>A: Gray-scale sonogram shows an 5.2-cm echogenic mass (arrow) with solid projection at the left of uterus. B: Color Doppler shows minimal-moderate vascularization. C: CEUS scan at 12 s shows earlier enhancement (arrow) in comparison with myometrium. D: CEUS scan at 15 s shows inhomogeneous hyper-enhancement with agent perfusion inside (arrow).</p

The Spearman’s rho Correlation Analysis between ^MAXIMT and ^RFQIMT, DC, CC, α, β, PWVβ measured by the ultrasound RF-tracking technology.

<p>The Spearman’s rho Correlation Analysis between ^MAXIMT and ^RFQIMT, DC, CC, α, β, PWVβ measured by the ultrasound RF-tracking technology.</p

Size-Modulable Nanoprobe for High-Performance Ultrasound Imaging and Drug Delivery against Cancer

Among medical imaging modalities available in the clinic, ultrasonography is the most convenient, inexpensive, ionizing-radiation-free, and most common. Micrometer-size perfluorocarbon bubbles have been used as efficient contrast for intravascular ultrasonography, but they are too big for tumor penetration. Nanodroplets (250–1000 nm) encapsulating both perfluorocarbon and drug have been used as an ultrasound-triggered release drug delivery platform against cancer, but they are generally not useful as a tumor imaging agent. The present study aims to develop a type of pH-sensitive, polymersome-based, perfluorocarbon encapsulated ultrasonographic nanoprobe, capable of maintaining at 178 nm during circulation and increasing to 437 nm at the acidic tumor microenvironment. Its small size allowed efficient tumor uptake. At the tumor site, the nanoparticle swells, resulting in lowering of the vaporization threshold for the perfluorocarbon, efficient conversion of nanoprobes to echogenic nano/microbubbles for ultrasonic imaging, and eventual release of doxorubicin from the theranostic nanoprobe for deep tissue chemotherapy, triggered by irradiation with low-frequency ultrasound