Iranian Journal of Radiology
Year:2016 | Volume:13 | Issue:4|Papers Count:21

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) is a well-established noninvasive imaging modality in clinical cardiology. Its ability to provide tissue characterization make it well suited for the study of patients with cardiac diseases. We describe a multi-modality imaging evaluation of a 45-year-old man who experienced a near drowning event during swimming. We underline the unique capability of tissue characterization provided by cMRI, which allowed detection of subtle, clinically unrecognizable myocardial damage for understanding the causes of sudden cardiac arrest and also showed the small damages caused by cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) is a rare mesenchymal tumor composed of immunohistochemically and histologically distinctive perivascular epithelioid cells. Here, we report on the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of ovarian PEComa with pulmonary metastasis. The tumor was visible as a multilocular hemorrhagic mass that encased the ovarian vessels. These findings were different to those of other common ovarian tumors.

Background: The relationship between biomarkers and imaging features is important because imaging findings can predict molecular features.Objectives: To investigate the relationship between clinic opathologic and radiologic factors and the immunohistochemical (IHC) profiles associated with breast cancer.Patients and Methods: From December 2004 to September 2013, 200 patients (mean age, 56 years; range, 29 - 82 years) were diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery at our institution. Their medical records were reviewed to determine age, symptom presence, mammographic findings (including mass, asymmetry, microcalcifications, or negativity), sonographic Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category, pathologic type of cancer (invasive ductal, mucinous, medullary, or papillary carcinoma), histologic grade, T-stage, and IHC subtypes. Based on the IHC profiles, tumor subtypes were classified as luminal A, luminal B, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) enriched, or triple-negative (TN) cancers. Using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, we looked for correlations between four IHC subtypes and two IHC subtypes (TN and non-triple negative [non-TN]) and clinic opathologic and radiologic factors, respectively.Results: Based on our univariate analyses with the four subtypes, the TN subtype showed a higher incidence of masses on mammography compared to the other subtypes (P=0.037), and the TN subtype also tended to have the highest histologic grade among the subtypes (P<0.001). With regard to the two IHC subtypes, the TN subtype had a significant association with medullary cancer (P=0.021), higher histologic grade (grade 3; P<0.001), and higher T stage (T2; P=0.027) compared to the non-TN subtypes. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis of the clinic oradiologic factors compared to luminal A, the HER2 subtype had a significant association with BI-RADS category 4b (odds ratio [OR], 9.005; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.414 - 57.348; P=0.020) and borderline significance with category 4c (OR, 4.669; 95% CI, 0.970 - 22.468; P=0.055). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis of the clinic oradiologic factors associated with the non-TN subtypes, the TN subtype was significantly correlated with medullary carcinoma (OR, 7.092; 95% CI, 1.149 - 43.772; P=0.035).Conclusion: These results suggest that patients with the TN subtypes are more likely to have higher-histologic-grade tumors and medullary cancer. The HER2 subtype was typically associated with a higher BI-RADS category.

Desmoid tumor of breast is a rare benign, locally aggressive tumor with a high recurrence rate. It has been associated with scar from previous breast surgery or trauma. Especially in breast cancer patients with previous operation history, it may simulate recurrent breast cancer clinically and radiologically. We presented multimodality imaging findings (ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography/computed tomography) of chest wall desmoid tumor mimicking recurrent breast cancer in a 38-year-old patient with a history of left modified mastectomy. The desmoid tumor is a rare benign tumor that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of malignant local tumor recurrence after breast cancer operation. Biopsy was required for accurate diagnosis and wide local excision was its appropriate surgical management.

Background: The localization of the additional canal orifice is one of the primary factors influencing the success of endodontic treatment. To deal with this problem, several techniques that each have their own advantages and disadvantages have been discussed in the literature.Objectives: The aim of the present in vitro study was to review a new approach to localizing second mesiobuccal (MB2) canals in maxillary first molars using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).Patients and Methods: The CBCT scans of 296 patients who were referred to the department of dentomaxillofacial radiology were included in the study. The presence of MB2 canals, the angle formed by the mesiobuccal, distobuccal, and palatal root canal orifices (ÐMDP), and the angle formed by the mesiobuccal, distobuccal, and MB2 canal orifices (ÐMDMB2) were evaluated on the axial section.Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression methods were used for all predictions. All of the analyses were performed using SPSS for windows version 22.0. A two-sided P value<0.05 was defined as statistically significant.Results: Of the 468 first molars, MB2 canals were observed in 296 subjects (141 females and 155 males). There were no statistically significant differences between females and males (P=0.300). The ÐMDP and ÐMDMB2 were detected and evaluated. A moderate positive correlation was found between the ÐMDPand the ÐMDMB2. To predict the ÐMDMB2values, it was shown that the ÐMDMB2 increased by 0.420 degrees when the6 MDP increased by 1 degree. If the ÐMDP was greater than 90.95 degrees, there was a 78% probability that MB2 canals could be found.Conclusion: The determination of the presence of MB2 in the maxillary first molars may be carried out using CBCT scans. If the ÐMDP was 91 degrees or greater, there was considered to be a higher probability that MB2 canals would be found in the endodontic cavity. Due to the positive correlation between the ÐMDP and the ÐMDMB2, the localization of MB2 canals may be easily performed in relation to the main MB canal.

Background: Calcification has been well reported in basal ganglia and it grows rapidly in globus pallidus (GP) followed by putamen (PUT) and caudate nucleus because of their high metabolic rate and displays high susceptibility effects. Therefore, the current study focused on magnetic susceptibility effect of calcium content in normal and diseased tissue due to metabolic changes.Objectives: To evaluate calcium content in GP and PUT structures of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients versus healthy subjects using quantitative susceptibility mapping.Patients and Methods: We compared 10 MS patients with mean age of 48.3 years (standard deviation [SD]=11.89) with 10 healthy subjects with mean age of 39.6 years (SD=11.52). Scanning of subjects was performed with high resolution (0.50.52mm3) using susceptibility weighted imaging sequence on 3 Tesla (Trio-Siemens, Erlangen, Germany). Data was processed in homemade SPIN software to produce susceptibility mapping. Threshold was set in healthy subjects to detect calcium content in PUT and GP structures.Results: Magnetic susceptibility (x) of calcium content was assessed by number of pixels induced by GP and PUT in MS patients as well as healthy subjects. Two sample t-test was used to assess the difference between susceptibilities of GP and PUT of MS patients (P=0.06, P>0.05). Susceptibilities of GP and PUT also showed P=0.3 in healthy subjects. One way analysis of variance was used to assess the difference of susceptibilities in four variables of both populations. Insignificant results (P=0.7, P> 0.05) were found among four variables. There was no statistically significant difference between magnetic susceptibilities of both populations.Conclusion: Statistical analysis of susceptibilities of MSpatients versus healthy subjectsfoundnoexcess deposition of calcium content indeepgray matter of MSpatients. Calcification may not be considered as a biomarker of prognosis in MS.

Primary pleuropulmonary synovial sarcomas are rare soft tissue malignancies; combined metastatic involvement of the heart is extremely rare. In this case report, a 17-year-old female presented with a history of chest pain. Chest radiographs revealed a round mass in the left upper hemithorax, and computed tomography (CT) showed a well-defined heterogeneous enhancing mass abutting the pleura. A core needle biopsy revealed malignant spindle cells. Surgical resection was performed, and a final diagnosis of primary pleural synovial sarcoma, monophasic fibrous type, was made. The patient underwent radical irradiation and chemotherapy and remained stable for 28 months until a follow-up chest CT showed a poorly enhancing nodule in the left pericardial region that enlarged after 5 months. Surgical resection was performed. Histological examination confirmed metastatic cardiac involvement from a primary pleural synovial sarcoma. We report this unusual case of a primary pleural synovial sarcoma metastasis to the heart.

Background: Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE - MRI) has been widely used in the management of breast cancer, and its diagnostic value in breast imaging has been demonstrated. There have only been a few reports regarding the usefulness of pre-contrast imaging. Knowledge about clinically significant findings of preoperative, pre-contrast T1 and T2 MR images will allow more accurate decisions regarding patient treatment and management.Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinically significant findings of preoperative, pre-contrast T1 and T2MRimages in recently diagnosed breast cancer patients.Patients and Methods: We analyzed 390 preoperative 3-T MRIs of recently diagnosed breast cancer patients in whom the diagnosis was confirmed by a core needle biopsy.Results: MRI findings that were correlated with post-core needle-biopsy changes were observed in 27.9% of the pre-contrast T1 and T2 MRIs (n=109.390). Two of 35 cases that had a sub areolar ductal high signal area on the pre-contrast T1 were confirmed by surgery as having nipple-areolar complex involvement.Conclusion: A sub areolar ductal high signal area on a pre-contrast T1 MRI must be carefully assessed in combination with dynamic, contrast-enhanced images for proper surgical management.

Fibrovascular polyps are rare, pedunculated, tumor-like lesions that are usually found in the esophagus; occurrence in the stomach is very rare. To our knowledge, sonographic and CT findings of a fibrovascular polyp in the stomach have never been reported. Here, wereport a case of a fibrovascular polyp that was identified in the gastricantrumandprolapsed into the duodenal bulb. Sonography revealed a hyperechoic polypoid mass in the gastric antrum, which prolapsed into the duodenal bulb upon a change in the patient’s position. CT also revealed a pedunculated polypoid mass with an inner fatty component.

Background: X-ray mammography is one of the general methods for early detection of breast cancer. Since glandular tissue in the breast is sensitive to radiation and it increases the risk of cancer, the given dose to the patient is very important in mammography.Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the average absorbed dose of X-ray radiation in the glandular tissue of the breast during mammography examinations as well as investigating factors that influence the mean glandular dose (MGD). One of the precise methods for determination of MGD absorbed by the breast is Monte Carlo simulation method which is widely used to assess the dose.Materials and Methods: We studied some different X-ray sources and exposure factors that affect the MGD. “Midi-future” digital mammography system with amorphous-selenium detector was simulated using the Monte Carlo N-particle extended (MCNPX) code. Different anode/filter combinations such as tungsten/silver (W/Ag), tungsten/rhodium (W/Rh), and rhodium/aluminium (Rh/Al) were simulated in this study. The voltage of X-ray tube ranged from 24 kV to 32 kV with 2 kV intervals and the breast phantom thickness ranged from 3 to 8 cm, and glandular fraction g varied from 10% to 100%.Results: MGD was measured for different anode/filter combinations and the effects of changing tube voltage, phantom thickness, combination and glandular breast tissue on MGD were studied. As glandular g and X-ray tube voltage increased, the breast dose increased too, and the increase of breast phantom thickness led to the decrease of MGD. The obtained results for MGD were consistent with the result of Boone et al. that was previously reported.Conclusion: By comparing the results, we saw that W/Rh anode/filter combination is the best choice in breast mammography imaging because of the lowest delivered dose in comparison with W/Ag and Rh/Al. Moreover, breast thickness and g value have significant effects on MGD.

Objectives: To evaluate morphologic variations at the aortic isthmus with particular attention to ductus diverticulum, a mimicker of traumatic pseudoaneurysm, and to describe differences using Computed Tomography (CT) images.Patients and Methods: From December 2013 to December 2014, patients who underwent a chest CT examination after blunt trauma at our emergency department were included. Aortic isthmus morphologies were evaluated using multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) and maximum intensity projection (MIP) images as follows. Type I -concave contour, type II -convexity without a discrete bulge, or type III -a discrete focal bulge (defined as ductus diverticulum).Results: After excluding 11 cases of traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the aortic isthmus, a total of 432 trauma patients (mean age=47.1±19.1 years, number of males=318) were evaluated for aortic isthmus morphology, and classified as follows; type I (n=240, 55.6%), type II (n=157, 36.3%), and type III (n=35, 8.1%). As compared with traumatic pseudoaneurysm (n=11), ductus diverticulum had a smaller vertical diameter (5.5±1.3mmvs.11.2 ±2.7 mm, P<0.001), a broader base (14.9±4.1mmvs.8.8±4.5 mm, P<0.001), a smoother margin (97.1% vs.27.3%, P<0.001), and formed obtuse angle with the aortic wall. Furthermore, ductus diverticulum was not associated with the presence of a dissection flap or hemomediastinum.Conclusion: Ductus diverticulum, a mimicker of traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the aortic isthmus, is a frequently observed anatomic variant during CT examinations. Familiarity with its CT imaging findings could avoid it being confused with traumatic pseudoaneurysm in blunt trauma patients.

Background: Several dedicated computed tomography (CT) colonography phantoms have been described previously.Objectives: To compare their pros and cons and describe the construction of a dedicated phantom that can be easily manufactured.Materials and Methods: We found 15 different phantom designs by literature search and compared their advantages and disadvantages based on their description and images. We tested various materials for density and mechanical properties and constructed a phantom from polypropylene pipes (30mmand 50mmin diameter, 52 cm in length). Haustral folds were created by heat shaping and 39 intermediate sessile polyps with a target size of 6-10mmand two flat lesions were created from silicone. Nine polyps were attached to a fold. The model was placed in a 30-cm barrel filled with water to simulate attenuation of human body. Attenuation of polyps was compared to intermediate polyps found in patients.Results: None of the earlier colonic phantoms found in the literature incorporated all the properties that would ensure both reproducibility and validity of the model (including a rigid wall, density of the wall and polyps similar to human colon, at least two levels of distension and durability). In the present phantom, the average size of sessile polyps was 8.6± 0.9 mm and their density was 53±24 HU. We found no significant difference in polyp density between simulated polyps in the phantom and polyps in human subjects (P=0.70). All polyps, with the exception of one flat lesion, were detected by computer aided detection.Conclusion: We constructed and validated a CT colonography phantom with correct density allowing performance of reproducible experiments.

Background: Pulsed radiofrequency (RF) magnetic fields, required to produce magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signals from tissue during the MRI procedure have been shown to heat tissues.Objectives: To investigate the relationship between body temperature rise and the RF power deposited during routine clinical MRI procedures, and to determine the correlation between this effect and the body’s physiological response.Patients and Methods: We investigated 69 patients from the Korean national cancer center to identify the main factors that contribute to an increase in body temperature (external factors and the body’s response) during a clinical brain MRI. A routine protocol sequence of MRI scans (1.5 T and 3.0 T) was performed. The patient’s tympanic temperature was recorded before and immediately after the MRI procedure and compared with changes in variables related to the body’s physiological response to heat.Results: Our investigation of the physiological response to RF heating indicated a link between increasing age and body temperature.A higher increase in body temperature was observed in older patients after a 3.0-T MRI (r=0.07, P=0.29 for 1.5-T MRI; r=0.45, P =0.002 for 3.0-T MRI). The relationship between age and body heat was related to the heart rate (HR) and changes in HR during the MRI procedure; a higher RF power combined with a reduction in HR resulted in an increase in body temperature.Conclusion: A higher magnetic field strength and a decrease in the HR resulted in an increase in body temperature during the MRI procedure.

Background: Myocardial bridging (MB) is a congenital anomaly in which a segment of a major epicardial coronary artery courses through the myocardium. This anomaly can lead to myocardial ischemia, arrhythmia, and even death. The effectiveness of coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) in the detection of MB and its morphological features, and the accuracy of invasive coronary angiography (ICA) in the evaluation of systolic compression have been shown in some prior studies.Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the correlation between the depth and the length of MBas determined using CCTA, and the degree of luminal narrowing of the involved tunneled segment as calculated using the ICA.Patients and Methods: For this study, 109 consecutive patients diagnosed with myocardial bridging using CCTA, and who had already undergone ICA, were studied. The depth and length of the MB was determined in the CCTA, while the degree of systolic compression was calculated in the ICA. The correlation between the depth and length of the MB and the systolic compression were then evaluated.Results: The degree of systolic compression was found to be correlated with the depth of the MB. However, there was no correlation between the length of the MB and the degree of systolic compression.Conclusion: The systolic compression of the MB was influenced by the depth of the tunneled segment, not by its length.

Background: Blood concentrations and oxygen saturation levels are important biomarkers for breast cancer diagnosis.Objectives: In this study, the absorption coefficient of hemoglobin (Hb) was used to distinguish between normal and abnormal breast tissue.Materials and Methods: A near-infrared source (637 nm) was transmitted from major and minor vessels of a breast phantom containing 2×, 4×concentrations of oxy- and deoxy-Hb. The absorption coefficients were determined from spectrometer (SM) and powermeter (PM) data.Results: The absorption coefficients were 0.075±0.026 cm-1 for oxygenated Hb (normal) in major vessels and 0.141±0.023 cm-1 at 4×concentration (abnormal) with SM, whereas the breast absorption coefficients were 0.099±0.017 cm-1 for oxygenated Hb (normal) in minor vessels and 0.171±0.005 cm-1 at 4×concentrations with SM. A comparison of the data obtained using a SM and a PM was not significant statistically.Conclusion: The study of the absorption coefficient data of different concentrations of Hb in normal and abnormal breasts via the diffusion of near-infrared light is a valuable method and has the potential to aid in early detection of breast abnormalities with SM and PM in major and minor vessels.

Background: Central vein stenosis or occlusion is a common complication that can lead to significant morbidity and dysfunction of access in the hemodialysis patient. More lesions can develop over time, and preserving access becomes a challenge as life expectancy of the hemodialysis patient increases.Objectives: The goal was to compare long-term results and determine the outcomes of open-cell stent versus closed-cell stent for central vein stenosis or occlusion in hemodialysis patients.Patients and Methods: From 1997 to 2015, in 401 hemodialysis patients, stent placement for central vein stenosis or occlusion was performed if balloon angioplasty was unsatisfactory, due to elastic recoil or occurrence of restenosis within 3 months. When thrombus was present, primary stenting was performed. A total of 257 open-cell stents and 144 closed-cell stents were used. Angiographic findings including lesion site, central vein stenosis or occlusion, and presence of thrombosis and complication were evaluated. Primary patency rate and mean patency rate of the stent were compared between two stent groups by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.Results: For the open-cell stent group, 159 patients were diagnosed as central vein stenosis and 98 were occlusion. For the closed-cell stent group, 78 were stenosis and 66 were occlusion. There were two complications for central migration and two for procedure related vein rupture. Open-cell stents and closed-cell stents had mean patency rates of 10.9±0.80 months and 8.5±10.87 months, respectively (P=0.002).Conclusion: The open-cell stent is effective and its performance is higher than that obtained with the closed-cell stent for treating central vein stenosis or occlusion in hemodialysis patients.

Background: Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), also known as Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome, is a rare autosomal dominant genetic vascular dysplasia.Objectives: The aim is to characterize the liver involvement of HHT by multi-detector helical computed tomography.Patients and Methods: Through the use of multi-detector helical computed tomography, scan data derived from 12 cases of HHT were retrospectively studied, and an abdominal scan was performed on all of the patients.Results: (i) Three types of shunting were found in the livers, including arteriovenous (hepatic artery to hepatic vein) in 6 cases, arterioportal (hepatic artery to portal vein) in 2 cases, and portal venous (portal vein to hepatic vein) in 4 cases, (ii) Biliary diseases were detected in 8 cases, including 3 cases of bilomas accompanied by increases of alkaline phosphatase (mean 271 units, ranging from 152 to 479 units) and arteriovenous shunts, and the other 5 cases revealed slight biliary dilation with no increase of alkaline phosphates, but were instead accompanied by arteriovenous shunts (3 cases) and portal venous shunts (2 cases). (iii) Vascular anatomic variants were observed in 4 cases, including 3 with accompanying arteriovenous shunts and 1 with accompanying arterioportal shunting.Conclusion: The involved liver with HHT typically shows vascular shunting and biliary diseases. Also, arteriovenous shunts may be vulnerable to biliary diseases.

Background: Ultrasound-guided biopsy procedures are the most prominent methods that increase the trauma, stress and anxiety experienced by the patients.Objectives: Our goal was to examine the level of stress in patients waiting for radiologic biopsy procedures and determine the stress and anxiety level arising from waiting for a biopsy procedure.Patients and Methods: This prospective study included 35 female and 65 male patients who were admitted to the interventional radiology department of Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kirdar training and research hospital, Istanbul between the years 2014 and 2015. They filled out the adult resilience scale consisting of 33 items. Patients who were undergoing invasive radiologic interventions were grouped according to their phenotypic characteristics, education level (low, intermediate, and high), and biopsy features (including biopsy localization: neck, thorax, abdomen, and bone; and the number of procedures performed, 1 or more than 1). Before the biopsy, they were also asked to complete the depression-anxiety-stress scale (DASS 42), state-trait anxiety inventory scale (STAI-I), and continuous anxiety scale STAI-II. A total of 80 patients were biopsied (20 thyroid and parathyroid, 20 thorax, 20 liver and kidney, and 20 bone biopsies). The association between education levels (primary- secondary, high school and postgraduate) and thenumberof biopsies (1 and more than 1) with the level of anxiety and stress were evaluated using the above-mentioned scales.Results: Evaluation of sociodemographic and statistical characteristics of the patients showed that patients with biopsy in the neck region were moderately and severely depressed and stressed. In addition, the ratio of severe and extremely severe anxiety scores was significantly high. While the STAI-I and II scores were linedupas neck>bone>thorax>abdomen, STAI-I was higher in neck biopsies compared to thorax and abdomen biopsies. Regarding STAI-I and II scales, patients with neck biopsy had the highest anxiety score.Conclusion: We believe that active briefing of patients who need to undergo neck and bone biopsies and have high anxiety score by healthcare personnel is an effective method to control psychological mood and increase the efficiency of treatment.

Background: Previous studies identifying risk factors for pneumothorax in percutaneous core needle lung biopsies reported inconsistent and contradictory results.Objectives: We aimed to identify independent risk factors for pneumothorax associated with computed tomography (CT) -guided percutaneous core needle lung biopsy (PCNB).Patients and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 591 biopsy procedures for focal lung lesions. Risk factors for pneumothorax as a complication after lung biopsy were determined by univariate and multivariate analyses of variables including the patient’s age, gender, lesion depth from the pleural surface, lesion size, lesion location, presence or absence of fissure crossing by the needle, emphysema in the same lobe where the biopsy was performed, and the final diagnosis of the biopsy lesion.Results: Pneumothorax occurred in 100 (16.9%) of 591 procedures. Based on univariate analyses, significant risk factors affecting the incidence of pneumothorax were patient gender (P=0.039), lesion depth from the pleural surface (P<0.001), fissure crossing by the needle (P=0.002), and the presence of emphysema (P=0.009). From the multivariate analysis, an increased rate of pneumothorax was strongly correlated with lesion depth from the pleural surface (odds ratio [OR], 1.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.50 - 1.96; P< 0.001) and the presence of emphysema (OR, 2.95; 95% CI, 1.73 - 5.04; P<0.001).Conclusion: Lesion depth from the pleural surface and the presence of emphysema were strongly correlated with the increasing incidence of pneumothorax after CT-guided PCNB. Our results may be applicable for the risk management of PCNBs to reduce pneumothorax as a complication.

Background: Detection of foreign bodies (FBs) is challenging. Selection of a fast and affordable imaging modality to locate the FB with minimal patient radiation dose is imperative.Objectives: This study sought to compare four commonly used imaging modalities namely cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and ultrasound (US) for detection of FBs in the head and neck region.Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, iron, glass, stone, wood, asphalt, and tooth samples measuring 0.1 0.5 0.5 cm were placed in the tongue muscle, soft tissue-bone interface and nasal cavity in a fresh sheep’s head and subjected to MRI, US, CT and CBCT. A total of 20 images were captured by each imaging system from the six materials in the afore-mentioned locations. The images were observed by an expert oral and maxillofacial radiologist and a general radiologist. To assess reliability, 20 images were randomly observed by the observers in two separate sessions. The images were classified into three groups of good visibility, bad visibility and invisible. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 18, Wilcoxon Signed Rank, Pearson chi square, and Fisher’s exact tests.Results: All FBs in the tongue and at the soft tissue-bone interface had good visibility on US (P=1.00). Also, CBCT and CT had significantly different performance regarding FB detection (P<0.001). All wooden samples in the nasal cavity were invisible on CT scans; while, only 20% of them were invisible on CBCT scans. MRI showed significant differences for detection of FBs in the three locations (P<0.001). MRI could not locate iron samples due to severe artifacts and only showed their presence (bad visibility) but other FBs except for wood and tooth in the nasal cavity (100% invisible) had good visibility on MRI.Conclusions: Ultrasound is recommended as the first choice when FB is located within the superficial soft tissues with no bone around it. In case of penetration of FB into deeper tissues or beneath bone, CT or CBCT are recommended. Otherwise, considering lower dose, CBCT is preferred over CT. We can use MRI if the FB is not ferromagnetic. However, CT is the first choice in emergency situations because of higher sensitivity.

Background: The accurate evaluation of Crohn’s disease activity is important for the treatment of the disease and for monitoring the response. Computerized tomography (CT) enterography is a useful imaging modality that reflects enteric inflammation, as well as extramural complications.Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between CT enterographic (CTE) findings of active Crohn’s disease and the Crohn’s disease activity index (CDAI) and C-reactive protein (CRP).Patients and Methods: Fifty CT enterographies of 39 patients with Crohn’s disease in the small bowel were used in our study. The CDAI was assessed through clinical and laboratory variables. Multiple CT parameters, including mural hyperenhancement, mural thickness, mural stratification, comb sign, and mesenteric fat attenuation, were evaluated with a four-point scale. The presence or absence of enhanced lymph nodes, fibrofatty proliferation, sinus or fistula, abscess, and stricture were also assessed. Two gastrointestinal radiologists independently reviewed all CT images, and inter-observer agreement was examined. Correlations between CT findings, CRP, and CDAI were assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation and logistic regression analysis. To assess the predictive accuracy of the model, a receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis for the sum of CT enterographic scores was used.Results: Mural hyperenhancement, mural thickness, comb sign, mesenteric fat density, and fibrofatty proliferation were significantly correlated with CDAI and CRP (P<0.05). The binary logistic regression model demonstrated that mesenteric fat density, mural stratification, and the presence of enhanced lymph nodes (P<0.05) had an influence on CDAI severity. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of the CTE index for predicting disease activity was 0.85. Using a cut-off value of 8, the sensitivity and negative predictive values were 95% and 94%, respectively.Conclusion: Most CTE findings correlated with CDAI and CRP in patients with active Crohn’s disease.