Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency in multiple sclerosis: a highly prevalent age-dependent phenomenon

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and clinical relevance of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and healthy controls using extra- and intracranial colour Doppler sonography. METHODS: We examined 146 MS patients, presenting with a clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting, secondary progressive, or primary progressive MS, and 38 healthy controls. Sonographic examination was performed according to Zamboni’s protocol and was performed by three independent sonographers. The results of sonographic examination were compared with clinical and demographic characteristics of the patients. RESULTS: CCSVI, defined as the presence of at least two positive Zamboni’s criteria, was found in 76% of MS patients and 16% of control subjects. B-mode anomalies of internal jugular veins, such as stenosis, malformed valves, annuli, and septa were the most common lesions detected in MS patients (80.8%) and controls (47.4%). We observed a positive correlation between sonographic diagnosis of CCSVI and the patients’ age (p = 0.003). However, such a correlation was not found in controls (p = 0.635). Notably, no significant correlations were found between sonographic signs of CCSVI and clinical characteristics of MS, except for absent flow in the jugular veins, which was found more often in primary (p<0.005) and secondary (p<0.05) progressive patients compared with non-progressive patients. Absent flow in jugular veins was significantly correlated with patients’ age (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Sonographically defined CCSVI is common in MS patients. However, CCSVI appears to be primarily associated with the patient’s age, and poorly correlated with the clinical course of the disease

Early stent thrombosis with bivalirudin in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: A meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials

Although bivalirudin has been shown to reduce bleeding events in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, residual concerns remain about a possible higher risk of early (within 30 days) stent thrombosis (ST). Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis of randomised trials reporting ST events with bivalirudin compared to other antithrombotic therapies (heparins ± glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors). A systematic literature search of electronic resources was performed through May, 2014. The primary endpoint was definite early ST, according to Academic Research Consortium criteria. Secondary endpoints included: all-cause death, myocardial infarction and major bleeding. A total of 11 trials, including 16,415 patients, were accrued. Compared to other regimens, bivalirudin significantly increased the risk of early ST (odds ratio [OR]=1.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28-2.52; p=0.0007) and reduced the risk of major bleeding (OR [95%CI]=0.64 [0.51-0.82], p=0.0003), with a comparable risk ofmortality or myocardial infarction. The higher risk of early ST was mainly attributable to acute (OR [95% CI] =4.33 [2.33-8.05], p &lt; 0.001) than subacute (OR [95% CI] =0.89 [0.53-1.50], p =0.67) ST events (p for interaction &lt; 0.001). Non-fatal myocardial infarction was the most common presentation (83%) of early ST events, while death occurred infrequently (about 5%). In conclusion, in patients undergoing PCI, bivalirudin compared to heparins is associated with a higher risk of early ST, which is mainly related to more frequent acute events. Further studies are required to evaluate alternative strategies to mitigate this risk, without hampering the benefits derived from the reduction in bleeding events with bivalirudin

Radiomics Applications in Head and Neck Tumor Imaging: A Narrative Review

Recent advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence technology have ensured automated evaluation of medical images. As a result, quantifiable diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers have been created. We discuss radiomics applications for the head and neck region in this paper. Molecular characterization, categorization, prognosis and therapy recommendation are given special consideration. In a narrative manner, we outline the fundamental technological principles, the overall idea and usual workflow of radiomic analysis and what seem to be the present and potential challenges in normal clinical practice. Clinical oncology intends for all of this to ensure informed decision support for personalized and useful cancer treatment. Head and neck cancers present a unique set of diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. These challenges are brought on by the complicated anatomy and heterogeneity of the area under investigation. Radiomics has the potential to address these barriers. Future research must be interdisciplinary and focus on the study of certain oncologic functions and outcomes, with external validation and multi-institutional cooperation in order to achieve this

Virtual conferences: results of an international survey on radiologist preferences and perspectives

Background We explored perceptions and preferences regarding the conversion of in-person to virtual conferences as necessitated by travel and in-person meeting restrictions. Methods A 16-question online survey to assess preferences regarding virtual conferences during the COVID-19 pandemic and future perspectives on this subject was disseminated internationally online between June and August 2020. Findings A total of 508 responses were received from 73 countries. The largest number of responses came from Italy and the USA. The majority of respondents had already attended a virtual conference (80%) and would like to attend future virtual meetings (97%). The ideal duration of such an event was 2–3 days (42%). The preferred time format was a 2–4-h session (43%). Most respondents also noted that they would like a significant fee reduction and the possibility to attend a conference partly in-person and partly online. Respondents indicated educational sessions as the most valuable sections of virtual meetings. The reported positive factor of the virtual meeting format is the ability to re-watch lectures on demand. On the other hand, the absence of networking and human contact was recognized as a significant loss. In the future, people expressed a preference to attend conferences in person for networking purposes, but only in safer conditions. Conclusions Respondents appreciated the opportunity to attend the main radiological congresses online and found it a good opportunity to stay updated without having to travel. However, in general, they would prefer these conferences to be structured differently. The lack of networking opportunities was the main reason for preferring an in-person meeting

The Italian version of the quick mild cognitive impairment (Qmci-I) screen: normative study on 307 healthy subjects

OBJECTIVE: To devise an Italian version of the quick mild cognitive impairment screen (Qmci) and to obtain normative data. METHODS: An Italian version of the Qmci screen (Qmci-I) was administered to 307 subjects free from cognitive impairment. The normative sample was divided into three age levels (50-59; 60-69 and 70-80 years) and four education levels (3-5; 6-8; 9-13; >13 years of school attendance). Multiple regression analyses were used to evaluate the effect of age, sex and schooling on Qmci-I scores (overall and by domains) and to calculate cut-off values, with reference to the confidence interval on the fifth centile. RESULTS: The mean Qmci-I score was 64/100 (SD = 11). The age variable showed a significant negative effect on the overall Qmci-I score, with older people performing worse than younger ones. Conversely, education was associated with higher scores. Significant effects of age and education affected logical memory alone. For the other domains, the following effects were found: (1) higher age associated with lower scores on delayed recall; (2) higher education levels associated with higher scores on immediate recall, clock drawing and word fluency. The adjusted cut-off score for the Qmci-I screen in this sample was 49.4. Qmci-I scores were weakly correlated with those of MMSE (rho = 0.20). CONCLUSIONS: The Qmci-I is a rapid and multi-domain short cognitive screening instrument useful for evaluating cognitive functions. However, like other screening tools, it is significantly influenced by age and education, requiring normative data and correction of values when used in the clinical practice