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Biomedical subjects

A M De Schepper

Publications and source records attributed to A M De Schepper.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Multiple growing fractures and cerebral venous anomaly after penetrating injuries: delayed diagnosis in a battered child.

A growing fracture usually results from a skull fracture with dural tear after blunt head trauma during infancy. We present a case of child abuse with multiple growing fractures resulting from penetrating head trauma by scissors. MR imaging confirmed the presence of growing fractures and revealed a presumably post-traumatic venous anomaly (occluded left cavernous sinus and aberrant posterior venous drainage via the internal cerebral veins). Diagnosis of the growing fractures and venous anomaly was delayed until the age of 15 years. Medical expertise should be more readily available to battered children, and MR imaging is advocated in growing skull fracture to exclude associated post-traumatic brain lesions.

Adolescent↗

MR features of peripheral nerve sheath tumors: can a calculated index compete with radiologist's experience?

The aims of this study were, firstly, to provide a formula (neurogenic index) based on MR characteristics used in daily routine for predicting whether a soft tissue tumor is neurogenic or not, secondly, to test prospectively the performance of this formula, and thirdly, to compare this performance with that of radiologists experienced in MR imaging of soft tissue tumors. Retrospectively, MR images of 70 neurogenic and 70 non-neurogenic soft tissue tumors were evaluated in random order by two teams of two observers each. A neurogenic index (NI) was calculated based on those MR parameters that showed no or minor interobserver variability. Subsequently, three investigators in concert used the NI in a validation group of 15 neurogenic and 22 nonneurogenic soft tissue tumors. The same team, based on their own experience, tried to differentiate in the same validation group neurogenic from non-neurogenic soft tissue tumors. This was expressed in a subjective score (SS). Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were calculated. NI comprised spread (intra- or extracompartmental), distribution, fluid-fluid levels, homogeneity on T2-weighted images (WI), highest signal intensity (SI) on T1WI, lowest SI on T2WI, and delineation on T2WI. In the validation group, NI had a sensitivity of 88.6%, a specificity of 52.0%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 54.1%, and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 84.6% for neurogenic tumors. The subjective score SS was superior and had a sensitivity of 93.3%, a specificity of 77.2%, a PPV of 73.7%, and a NPV of 94.4%. Our NI was less accurate than the SS; however, the low number of false-negative diagnoses for neurogenic tumors warrants continued efforts in development of neural networks.

Adolescent↗

Low-grade chondrosarcoma vs enchondroma: challenges in diagnosis and management.

A 28-year-old man presented with a swelling at the right thoracic wall. Computed tomography showed an aggressive process involving the cortex of the rib with concomitant soft tissue mass. However, a needle biopsy specimen revealed an enchondroma and consequently the physician decided to apply a "wait-and-see" strategy. After 3 years of careful follow-up by MR imaging, the patient complained of subtle enlargement of the lesion, which was later confirmed on repeated CT scan. Despite an aggressive appearance on control MR imaging, histopathological examination after incisional biopsy could not differentiate between enchondroma and low-grade chondrosarcoma. Wide excision including previous biopsy trajectory was performed. Diagnosis of a low-grade (grade I) chondrosarcoma was made on findings of the excisional specimen and seeding of cartilage tissue along the previous incisional biopsy trajectory was found.

Adult↗

Bare lymphocyte syndrome: imaging findings in an adult.

Bare lymphocyte syndrome (BLS) is a rare primary immune disorder characterized by defective expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) on lymphocytes, often resulting in extensive and recurrent multi-organ infections. We describe a previously undiagnosed case of an adult woman who presented with radiological findings of severe bronchiectases, near-total granulomatous destruction of facial bones, and osteomyelitis. Diagnosis of BLS should be considered when evaluating children with unexplained bronchiectases or adults with long history of chronic multi-organ infections.

Female↗

Hepatosplenic antracosilicosis: a rare cause of splenic calcifications.

A case of a 62-year-old man with known longstanding pulmonary antracosilicosis, with associated hepatosplenic antracosilicosis, is presented. A CT scan of the upper abdomen revealed multiple calcifications within the spleen, and to a lesser degree within the subcapsular region of the liver, as well as "egg-shell" calcifications of abdominal lymph nodes, most noticeable at the splenic hilum. Although histopathologically not proven, the similar appearance of the calcified hepatosplenic nodules to the small round calcifications scattered throughout the lungs, as well as the typical "egg-shell" morphology of the calcified abdominal lymph nodes, should raise the suspicion of hepatosplenic antracosilicosis.

Anthracosilicosis↗

Thyroid acropachy: correlation of imaging and pathology.

Thyroid acropachy is a rare manifestation of autoimmune thyroid disease, in the form of soft tissue swelling of the hands and feet with insidious onset, associated with clubbing and characteristic periosteal reactions. It is usually part of a syndrome consisting of a typical triad of thyroid acropachy, exophthalmos, and pretibial myxedema. The purpose of this case report is to demonstrate the imaging features of this typical triad in a 65-year-old-woman. This case is the first in which the MRI features of thyroid dermopathy are documented.

Aged↗

Intracranial hemorrhage: principles of CT and MRI interpretation.

Accurate diagnosis of intracranial hemorrhage represents a frequent challenge for the practicing radiologist. The purpose of this article is to provide the reader with a synoptic overview of the imaging characteristics of intracranial hemorrhage, using text, tables, and figures to illustrate time-dependent changes. We examine the underlying physical, biological, and biochemical factors of evolving hematoma and correlate them with the aspect on cross-sectional imaging techniques. On CT scanning, the appearance of intracranial blood is determined by density changes which occur over time, reflecting clot formation, clot retraction, clot lysis and, eventually, tissue loss. However, MRI has become the technique of choice for assessing the age of an intracranial hemorrhage. On MRI the signal intensity of intracranial hemorrhage is much more complex and is influenced by multiple variables including: (a) age, location, and size of the lesion; (b) technical factors (e.g., sequence type and parameters, field strength); and (c) biological factors (e.g., pO2, arterial vs. venous origin, tissue pH, protein concentration, presence of a blood-brain barrier, condition of the patient). We discuss the intrinsic magnetic properties of sequential hemoglobin degradation products. The differences in evolution between extra- and intracerebral hemorrhages are addressed and illustrated.

Brain↗

Congenital skeletal abnormalities: an introduction to the radiological semiology.

Despite the recent advances in the molecular diagnosis of congenital abnormalities, the initial identification and the decision to refer a patient for further molecular analysis and expensive genetic tests still relies frequently on clinical and radiological criteria. The radiological identification of syndromes, dwarfs and dysplasias is a difficult task, because there are so many findings to consider and so many syndromes to remember that the problem is overwhelming. There is a definite need for an easy and systematic analysis system, in order to try to categorize a skeletal dysplasia in a certain group. In this brief review, we suggest an approach to the evaluation of skeletal syndromes, based on the analysis of cardinal criteria, from which the most useful information is derived, and additional criteria, making further differentiation possible. Generally, cardinal information is derived from analysis of the long bones, hands, pelvis and the spine, whereas the analysis of other skeletal elements, like the skull, feet, and other flat bones is of additional value.

Bone Diseases, Developmental↗

Hereditary neuromuscular diseases.

This article presents the actual classification of neuromuscular diseases based on present expansion of our knowledge and understanding due to genetic developments. It summarizes the genetic and clinical presentations of each disorder together with CT findings, which we studied in a large group of patients with neuromuscular diseases. The muscular dystrophies as the largest and most common group of hereditary muscle diseases will be highlighted by giving detailed information about the role of CT and MRI in the differential diagnosis. The radiological features of neuromuscular diseases are atrophy, hypertrophy, pseudohypertrophy and fatty infiltration of muscles on a selective basis. Although the patterns and distribution of involvement are characteristic in some of the diseases, the definition of the type of disease based on CT scan only is not always possible.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease↗

Molecular and radiological diagnosis of sclerosing bone dysplasias.

Bone mineral density (BMD) is a quantitative trait for which the heritability of the variance is estimated to be up to 80%, based on epidemiological and twin studies. Further illustration of the involvement of genetic factors in bone homeostasis, is the existence of an extended group of genetic conditions associated with an abnormal bone density. The group of conditions with increased bone density has long been poorly studied and understood at the molecular genetic level but recently, thanks to recent developments in molecular genetics and genomics, for some of them major breakthroughs have been made. These findings will make the molecular analysis of such patients an additional tool in diagnostics and in genetic counseling. However, the initial identification of affected patients is still largely dependent upon recognition of clinical and radiological stigmata of the disease. Therefore, in this overview of sclerosing bone dysplasias, the classical clinical and radiological signs of this group of disorders will be discussed along with the new molecular insights.

Bone Density↗

Hereditary multiple exostoses: from genetics to clinical syndrome and complications.

OBJECTIVE: To give an overview of genetic, clinical and radiological aspects in two families over four generations with known hereditary multiple exostoses (HME). METHODS AND MATERIAL: After linkage analysis in both families to localize the defective gene, mutation analysis was performed in these genes to identify the underlying mutation. In the 31 affected individuals, location, number and morphology and evolution of exostosis, evolution of remodeling defects at the metaphysis, and the extent of possible complications were evaluated on clinical and imaging (plain radiography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) data over a lifetime period. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Both families demonstrate the gene defect in the same EXT-2 gene locus on chromosome 11p. Exostoses are preferentially located in the lower extremity (hip, knee and lower leg), humerus, and forearm. Any other bone may be involved, except for the calvaria of the skull and the mandible. Exostoses are rather sessile than pedunculated. Exostosis is rarely present at birth but develops gradually and may persist to grow slowly after closure of the growth plates. Preferential expression of the remodeling defect was seen in the hip, distal femur (trumpet-shaped metaphysis) and forearm (shortening of the ulna with secondary bowing of the radius and development of a pseudo-Madelung deformity). These radiological manifestations start at the age of 4-5 years and become more obvious as the enchondral bone formation progresses with age. Reported complications in these families consist of local entrapment phenomenons (vessel, tendon, nerve), frictional bursitis, and sarcomatous transformation. MRI was able to suggest these complications and is the imaging technique of choice in the evaluation of symptomatic exostoses.

Chromosome Mapping↗

CT of angioedema of the small bowel.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the added diagnostic value of CT for the diagnosis of visceral angioedema. CONCLUSION: Thickening of the small-bowel wall and mucosa with increased contrast enhancement, depiction of more layers of the small-bowel wall than normal, prominent mesenteric vessels, ascites, and fluid accumulation in the small bowel or together in the small bowel and the colon were the most significant CT findings in three patients with visceral angioedema. Findings appear to be transient.

Adult↗

Heterotaxy syndrome in an adult, with polysplenia, visceral and cardiovascular malposition.

A rare case of an asymptomatic heterotaxy syndrome associated with dextrocardia is presented in a 45-year-old woman. This anomaly was incidentally discovered on computed tomography and ultrasound of the upper abdomen. Besides the presence of multiple abnormally positioned spleens, right-sided stomach, left-sided liver, short pancreas and venous anomalies, like interrupted left-sided inferior vena cava with azygos continuation, and dextrocardia were seen. Although cardiac abnormalities are frequently associated with heterotaxy syndromes with polysplenia in children, this is far less frequent in adults because of early decease in children with cardiac abnormalities. To the best of our knowledge, this is the third reported case of heterotaxy with polysplenia associated with dextrocardia in an asymptomatic adult patient.

Female↗

MR imaging anatomy of the knee.

MRI of the knee joint is one of the most common and important clinical applications in most MRI units today. Thorough knowledge of the detailed anatomy is a prerequisite for the understanding of knee pathology. This article reviews the MR anatomy of menisci, the cruciate ligaments, the medial and lateral supporting structures, the extensor mechanism, synovial plicae around the joint and some pitfalls in the interpretation.

Humans↗