Diagnostics最新文献

{"title":"Tongue Behavior in Anterior Open Bite-A Narrative Review.","authors":"Olimpia Bunta, Ioana Filip, Cristina Garba, Ioana-Maria Colceriu-Simon, Cristian Olteanu, Dana Festila, Mircea Ghergie","doi":"10.3390/diagnostics15060724","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diagnostics15060724","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: Multiple factors may contribute to the development of open bite malocclusion, including genetics and environmental factors. Anterior open bite is usually related to the interposition of the tongue between the dental arches during swallowing or at rest. But how important is the role of the tongue in the development of anterior open bite? And how does anterior open bite malocclusion influence tongue behavior? With this study, we would like to offer a better understanding on the importance of tongue function in the context of this malocclusion. <b>Methods</b>: In this narrative review, a comprehensive electronic search was conducted via PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. The inclusion criteria were original research articles published between 2014 and 2024 with full text access. The exclusion criteria were articles older than 10 years and articles with restricted access or without full text access. <b>Results</b>: Out of the initial 1231 articles, 9 articles were found to be eligible for the present study. The tongue is a part of the neutral zone of the oral cavity, together with the lips and cheek musculature, forming a corridor of equilibrium. If this neuromuscular balance is altered, the teeth will move out of the neutral zone, and various malocclusions may develop. Patients with anterior open bite experience difficulties in closing the anterior portion of the oral cavity during swallowing; therefore, adaptative changes occur in an attempt to compensate by changing the dynamics of the tongue. <b>Conclusions</b>: The cause-effect relationship between tongue malfunction and anterior open bite remains controversial. This review article mentions the possible role of the tongue in anterior open bite etiology, but evidence is still needed on this subject, as it is yet unclear whether the influence of the tongue is a primary cause, an influencing factor, or just a consequence of an already-existing vertical occlusal pathology.</p>","PeriodicalId":11225,"journal":{"name":"Diagnostics","volume":"15 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11941358/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143728871","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preprocedural Imaging Review Before Performing Epidural Steroid Injections: Analysis of Physician Practice Parameters.","authors":"Jamal Hasoon, Aila Malik, Christopher L Robinson, Grant H Chen, Jatinder Gill","doi":"10.3390/diagnostics15060729","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diagnostics15060729","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction:</b> Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are a common interventional treatment for managing spinal pain complaints. Despite their widespread use, practice patterns among physicians performing ESIs vary significantly. This study aimed to evaluate preprocedural imaging review by pain physicians who perform ESIs in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. <b>Methods:</b> A survey was distributed to a cohort of physicians who regularly perform ESIs. The survey comprised questions regarding preprocedural imaging review before performing ESIs in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. The respondents included a diverse group of pain management physicians from various specialties and practice settings. <b>Results:</b> The results revealed that the majority of interventional pain management physicians personally interpret their own imaging, followed by a significant percentage of physicians who rely on the radiology reports. There were no physicians who did not perform any imaging review prior to ESIs. Whereas all respondents reported some form of imaging review, only 63.86%, 53.75%, and 64.44% reviewed the actual images prior to cervical, thoracic, and lumbar access, respectively. <b>Conclusions:</b> This survey provides initial data regarding imaging reviews among physicians who perform ESIs. Our results demonstrate that physicians treat imaging review as an essential component of the preprocedural process for performing ESIs, as all physicians reported that they perform some form of imaging review before performing ESIs. However, there is only partial adherence to the multidisciplinary working group opinion that segmental imaging should be reviewed for adequacy of space prior to cervical epidural access.</p>","PeriodicalId":11225,"journal":{"name":"Diagnostics","volume":"15 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11941027/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143729123","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optimizing Final Pathology Determination in Endometrial Cancer: The Role of PET/CT, MRI, and Biopsy in Serous, Mixed Cell, Clear Cell, and Grade 3 Endometrioid Subtypes.","authors":"Gözde Şahin, Ayşe HazırBulan, Işık Sözen, Nilüfer Çetinkaya Kocadal, İsmet Alkış, Aytül Hande Yardımcı, Burcu Esen Akkaş, Hilal Serap Arslan","doi":"10.3390/diagnostics15060731","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diagnostics15060731","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Accurate and timely diagnosis of endometrial cancer is crucial for guiding effective treatment and improving patient survival. Endometrial cancer diagnosis, staging, metastasis detection, and treatment planning utilize endometrial biopsy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) scanning as crucial diagnostic modalities. Aggressive subtypes such as serous, mixed cell, clear cell, and grade 3 endometrioid carcinomas present considerable diagnostic and therapeutic obstacles given their unfavorable prognosis, underscoring the importance of accurate preoperative evaluation. <b>Methods:</b> A retrospective analysis was conducted using data from seventy patients diagnosed with serous, mixed cell, clear cell, or grade 3 endometrioid endometrial cancer, who received surgical treatment from 2020 to 2023. To assess the diagnostic capabilities of each modality in determining final pathology and disease staging, a comparison was performed using results from preoperative endometrial biopsy, MRI, PET/CT, and postoperative histopathology. Cohen's kappa coefficient was employed to determine the level of agreement observed between pre- and postoperative results. <b>Results:</b> Endometrial biopsy demonstrated moderate yet statistically significant concordance with definitive histopathological diagnoses (κ = 0.537, <i>p</i> < 0.001); however, diagnostic errors were observed, especially in instances of mixed and clear cell carcinomas. MRI demonstrated efficacy in identifying local tumor invasion, yet its capacity to detect distant metastases was demonstrably limited. PET/CT was most effective in identifying distant metastases and omental involvement in advanced-stage disease. <b>Conclusions:</b> Definitive pathological diagnosis and staging of endometrial carcinoma are effectively established using endometrial biopsy and MRI. The utility of PET/CT is particularly pronounced in identifying distant metastases in patients with serous carcinoma and advanced-stage disease. Integrating biopsy, MRI, and PET/CT into a multimodal diagnostic strategy enhances diagnostic accuracy and enables personalized treatment planning, particularly for aggressive tumor subtypes.</p>","PeriodicalId":11225,"journal":{"name":"Diagnostics","volume":"15 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11941150/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143729179","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Investigation of Survival and Prognostic Factors with Drug-Related Remission.","authors":"Gökhan Pektaş, Ercan Gönül, Şeyma Öncü, Merve Becit Kızılkaya, Gökhan Sadi, Mehmet Bilgehan Pektaş","doi":"10.3390/diagnostics15060728","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diagnostics15060728","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> Understanding the pathogenesis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has led to the development of new prognostic and diagnostic tools, and efforts are underway to extend survival with new prognostic markers and treatment agents. This study aims to evaluate the factors affecting the prognosis and survival of patients with CLL via a retrospective study. <b>Methods:</b> Accordingly, the demographic features of, clinical and laboratory findings for, and hematological parameters and treatment responses of 178 CLL patients who were followed between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2024 were analyzed before and after treatment protocols were carried out. <b>Results:</b> During the follow-up period, 40.8% of the patients received medical therapy, with 42.5% achieving complete remission, 49.3% experiencing partial remission, and 8.2% demonstrating no response to the treatments. The results demonstrated that an advanced Binet stage, the presence of splenomegaly, a positive direct Coombs test, the presence of a 17p deletion, thrombocytopenia, and elevated creatinine, leukocyte, and lymphocyte counts were associated with increased mortality. Elevated Binet and Rai stages, the existence of 17p deletion, and reduced hemoglobin levels were identified as statistically significant factors. <b>Conclusions:</b> Given the unfavorable prognosis of CLL patients exhibiting a positive direct Coombs test and compromised renal function, further investigations are required to validate the necessity of more rigorous monitoring and, possibly, early intervention. These findings underscore the importance of identifying high-risk factors in CLL to optimize patient management and improve long-term outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":11225,"journal":{"name":"Diagnostics","volume":"15 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11941186/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143728869","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Correlation of Spectral CT-Based Iodine Concentration Parameters with LI-RADS Classification of Suspected Hepatocellular Carcinoma Nodules in Cirrhotic Patients.","authors":"Antonio Celestino, Paolo Marra, Alessandro Barbaro, Carlotta Gargiulo, Riccardo Muglia, Giuseppe Muscogiuri, Pietro Andrea Bonaffini, Sandro Sironi","doi":"10.3390/diagnostics15060725","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diagnostics15060725","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: The LI-RADS classification is widely used for the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk stratification of liver nodules in cirrhotic patients. The evaluation of nodule enhancement, which is a major criterion, commonly relies on qualitative assessment. This study aims to investigate the potential role of material density (MD) parameters in the iodine maps of spectral computed tomography (SCT) to discriminate between LI-RADS (v2018 CORE) categories in cirrhotic patients. <b>Methods</b>: Dual-energy SCT scans of cirrhotic patients with suspected HCC, taken between March 1st, 2022 and September 30th, 2023, were retrospectively reviewed. All the images were reviewed by trained radiologists to classify nodules as LI-RADS 3, 4, or 5 by consensus. MD maps were generated in the hepatic arterial phase (HAP), portal venous phase (PVP), and equilibrium phase (EP). The iodine concentration density (ICD) values of nodules (ICDnodule) and the non-nodular liver parenchyma (ICDliver) were measured to calculate lesion-to-non-nodular liver ICD ratio (LNR), as well as their differences (ΔICD) and ratios (rLNR). Results were correlated with LI-RADS categories. <b>Results</b>: A total of 69 patients were included and 79 DECT exams were assessed. Overall, 197 nodules (size 24.67 ± 23.11 mm, mean ± SD) were categorized into different LI-RADS classes: 44 were classed as LI-RADS 3 (22.3%), 14 were classed as LI-RADS 4 (7.1%), and 139 were classed as LI-RADS 5 (70.6%). The arterial LNR, arterial ICDnodule, ΔICD, and rLNR between HAP and PVP discriminated between LI-RADS 3 and LI-RADS 4+5 nodules (<i>p</i> < 0.001). All the calculated MD parameters showed high diagnostic accuracy rates (all AUCs = 70-73%). <b>Conclusions</b>: MD parameters of liver nodules measured in SCT scans are viable diagnostic tools that may increase the radiologist's confidence in LI-RADS class allocation in cirrhotic patients. This preliminary and speculative study can serve as a baseline for the potential quantification of iodine concentrations of focal liver lesions to reduce subjectivity in hepatic nodule assessment and reporting. Future perspectives include the quantification of iodine concentration for prognostic stratification before locoregional and systemic treatments in HCC patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":11225,"journal":{"name":"Diagnostics","volume":"15 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11941141/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143729095","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Recent Advances in the Diagnosis and Management of Retrograde Ejaculation: A Narrative Review.","authors":"Charalampos Konstantinidis, Athanasios Zachariou, Evangelini Evgeni, Selahittin Çayan, Luca Boeri, Ashok Agarwal","doi":"10.3390/diagnostics15060726","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diagnostics15060726","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Retrograde ejaculation (RE) is a condition where the forward expulsion of seminal fluid is impaired, leading to infertility and psychological distress in affected individuals. This narrative review examines the etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of RE, emphasizing its impact on male fertility. RE may result in the partial or complete absence of the ejaculate. Causes of RE include anatomical, neurological, pharmacological, and endocrine factors, with common triggers such as diabetes, spinal cord injury, and prostate surgery. Diagnosis primarily involves the patient history, a laboratory analysis of post-ejaculatory urine samples, and advanced imaging techniques. Management strategies for RE include pharmacological interventions, surgical approaches, and assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). Sympathomimetic and parasympatholytic agents have demonstrated some success but are limited by side effects and variability in outcomes. ARTs, particularly with sperm retrieved from post-ejaculatory urine, offer a viable alternative for conception, with techniques such as urine alkalization and advanced sperm processing showing promising results. Despite these advancements, treatment efficacy remains inconsistent, with many studies relying on small sample sizes and lacking robust clinical trials. Future research should focus on refining diagnostic tools, optimizing ART protocols, and developing minimally invasive treatments. By addressing these gaps, healthcare providers can improve fertility outcomes and the quality of life for patients with RE.</p>","PeriodicalId":11225,"journal":{"name":"Diagnostics","volume":"15 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11941111/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143729137","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Protocol for a Multicentric Cohort Study on Neonatal Screening and Early Interventions for Sickle Cell Disease Among High-Prevalence States of India.","authors":"Suchitra Surve, Mahendra Thakor, Manisha Madkaikar, Harpreet Kaur, Shrey Desai, Rajasubramanium Shanmugam, Suman Sundar Mohanty, Apoorva Pandey, Anna Salomi Kerketta, Kapil Dave, Kalpita Ganpat Gawit, Lakshmana Bharathi Ramasamy, Oshin Warerkar, Prabhakar Kedar, Ragini Kulkarni, Saritha Nair, Nithin Rajamani, Anita Nadkarni","doi":"10.3390/diagnostics15060730","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diagnostics15060730","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Sickle cell disease (SCD) is consequently associated with increased rates of infant and childhood morbidity and mortality. Therefore, early detection is a crucial aspect of managing SCD to mitigate complications and improve health outcomes for SCD children. Neonatal screening is the primary method for identifying newborns with SCD, enabling early diagnosis, family screening, and comprehensive medical care. The protocol presented in this paper describes a study aimed at screening newborns for SCD in high-prevalence SCD states of India to understand the magnitude of the problem and the benefits of early comprehensive care along with the genotypic and phenotypic correlation. <b>Methods:</b> A prospective cohort study will be conducted across seven sites in six states of India (Rajasthan, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat), having a high prevalence of SCD. The cord blood or heel prick samples of all the live-born babies delivered within the facilities of selected regions will be collected for screening SCD by HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography). All the sickle cell homozygous (SS) babies will be confirmed at 6 weeks for Sickle genotype along with cascade screening. Further, SS babies will be followed up from six weeks up to five years of life with initiation of folic acid, antibiotic prophylaxis, and hydroxyurea treatment at appropriate times. <b>Results:</b> The protocol aims to lay the groundwork for the smooth implementation of newborn screening programs and effective follow-up strategies. <b>Conclusions:</b> It will pave the way for developing a strategic framework for implementing newborn screening programs for haemoglobinopathies in India.</p>","PeriodicalId":11225,"journal":{"name":"Diagnostics","volume":"15 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11941327/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143729108","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Diagnostic Implications of NGS-Based Molecular Profiling in Mature B-Cell Lymphomas with Potential Bone Marrow Involvement.","authors":"Bernhard Strasser, Sebastian Mustafa, Josef Seier, Erich Wimmer, Josef Tomasits","doi":"10.3390/diagnostics15060727","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diagnostics15060727","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Methods such as cytogenetics and immunocytology/immunohistology provide essential diagnostic insights but may be limited in ambiguous cases of mature B-cell lymphoma. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has emerged as a potential tool to improve diagnostics. <b>Methods:</b> We validated the analytical performance of a lymphoid customized NGS panel. Clinical validation was conducted in 226 patients with suspected mature B-cell lymphoma with potential bone marrow involvement across multiple clinically relevant scenarios. <b>Results:</b> NGS (1) achieved 100% sensitivity and specificity with high reproducibility (r = 0.995), confirming its analytical performance. (2) It reliably detected WHO-classified markers, including <i>BRAF</i> mutations in all hairy cell leukemia cases, <i>MYD88/CXCR4</i> mutations in lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, and absence of <i>BRAF</i> mutations in splenic B-cell lymphoma with prominent nucleoli. (3) In lymphoma exclusion diagnostics, NGS identified mutations in previously undiagnosed cases, including a <i>BCORL1</i> mutation leading to reclassification as marginal zone lymphoma. (4) Among 105 confirmed lymphomas, 65% harbored mutations, with detection rates highest in HCL and LPL (100%) and CLL (62%), while follicular lymphoma showed no detectable mutations. (5) In cases with non-interpretable cytogenetics, NGS detected pathogenic variants in 61% of patients, compensating for inconclusive findings. (6) In cases with limited morphological assessment, NGS identified relevant mutations in 70%, outperforming cytogenetics (30%; <i>p</i> = 0.0256, OR = 5.44). <b>Conclusions:</b> NGS enhances the diagnostic accuracy of mature B-cell lymphomas by complementing traditional methods, refining WHO-classified subtypes, and improving detection in cases with inconclusive cytogenetics or morphology. NGS may reduce the need for unnecessary bone marrow re-punctures by providing additional information in ambiguous cases.</p>","PeriodicalId":11225,"journal":{"name":"Diagnostics","volume":"15 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11941227/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143729176","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging and Angiography of Skull Base Tumors Presenting as a Middle Ear Mass in Clinic.","authors":"Dorothy W Pan, Marcela A Morán, Wihan Kim, Zihan Yang, Brian E Applegate, John S Oghalai","doi":"10.3390/diagnostics15060732","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diagnostics15060732","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Skull base tumors can extend into the temporal bone and occasionally even be visible through the tympanic membrane (TM) if they grow into the middle ear cavity. The differential diagnosis of a skull base mass is extensive and ranges from non-tumorous lesions like cholesteatoma to benign tumors like schwannoma and to malignant lesions like metastatic cancer. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive imaging technique that can image tissue with high resolution in three dimensions, including through structures such as the TM and bone. OCT angiography is also able to assess tissue vascularity. We hypothesized that OCT could help shrink the differential diagnosis in clinic on the day of initial presentation. Specifically, we thought that OCT angiography could help distinguish between highly vascular skull base tumors such as glomus jugulare and other less vascular tumors and middle ear pathologies such as cholesteatoma and schwannoma. <b>Objectives</b>: We sought to determine whether OCT can image through the TM in clinic to distinguish a normal ear from an ear with a mass behind the tympanic membrane. Furthermore, we sought to assess whether OCT angiography can detect vascularity in these masses to help inform the diagnosis. <b>Methods</b>: We designed and built a custom handheld OCT system that can be used like an otoscope in clinic. It is based off a 200 kHz swept-source laser with a center wavelength of 1310 nm and a bandwidth of 39 nm. It provides a 33.4 μm axial and 38 μm lateral resolution. Cross-sectional images of the middle ear space, including OCT angiography, were captured in an academic neurotology clinic. Patients with normal ear exams, glomus tumors, cholesteatomas, and facial nerve schwannoma were imaged. <b>Results</b>: OCT images revealed key structures within the middle ear space, including the TM, ossicles (malleus and incudostapedial joint), chorda tympani, and cochlear promontory. OCT also identified middle ear pathology (using pixel intensity ratio in the middle ear normalized to the TM) when compared with patients with normal ear exams (mean 0.082, <i>n</i> = 6), in all patients with a glomus tumor (mean 0.620, <i>n</i> = 6, <i>p</i> < 0.001), cholesteatoma (mean 0.153, <i>n</i> = 4, <i>p</i> < 0.01), and facial nerve schwannoma (0.573, <i>n</i> = 1). OCT angiography revealed significant vascularity within glomus tumors (mean 1.881, <i>n</i> = 3), but minimal vascularity was found in normal ears (mean 0.615, <i>n</i> = 3, <i>p</i> < 0.05) and ears with cholesteatoma (mean 0.709, <i>n</i> = 3, <i>p</i> < 0.01), as expected. <b>Conclusions</b>: OCT is able to image through the TM and detect middle ear masses. OCT angiography correctly assesses the vascularity within these masses. Thus, OCT permits the clinician to have additional point-of-care data that can help make the correct diagnosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":11225,"journal":{"name":"Diagnostics","volume":"15 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11941209/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143729261","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Concurrent Tuberculosis and COVID-19 Testing from a Single Sputum Specimen for Enhanced Disease Detection.","authors":"Anura David, Leisha Genade, Lesley Erica Scott, Manuel Pedro da Silva, Lyndel Singh, Wendy Stevens, Neil Martinson","doi":"10.3390/diagnostics15060720","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diagnostics15060720","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> Tuberculosis (TB) and SARS-CoV-2 share similar symptoms and transmission routes. In early 2021, USAID and Stop TB Partnership recommended an integrated approach for simultaneous COVID-19 and TB testing in high TB burden countries for individuals with respiratory symptoms. In this evaluation, we tested a single sputum for both SARS-CoV-2 and <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> complex (MTBC) from participants at two healthcare facilities in South Africa. The diagnostic accuracy of the Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 (Xpress) assay using a sputum swab capture method was assessed by comparing the results with routine SARS-CoV-2 testing, while also determining the prevalence of TB and TB-COVID-19 co-infection in the study population. <b>Methods:</b> A total of 2274 individuals were screened for enrolment. Eligibility included the presence of respiratory symptoms, close contact with a person with TB, TB diagnosis in the last two years or a person living with HIV. Sputum from 1032 participants was tested on the Xpress assay using a swab capture method while residual sputum was tested on the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay for MTBC and rifampicin-resistance detection. Concordance between the Xpress assay and routine SARS-CoV-2 testing was assessed. <b>Results:</b> The Xpress assay detected SARS-CoV-2 in 183/1032 (18%) participants, TB was detected in 35/1032 (3%) participants and 10/1032 (1%) participants were co-infected with TB and COVID-19. The Xpress assay showed substantial agreement with routine testing (Kappa: 0.755). <b>Conclusions:</b> The study findings underscore a substantial identification of TB and rifampicin-resistant TB that would have been missed if bi-disease testing was not performed. In addition, the sputum swab capture method demonstrated reliable performance for SARS-CoV-2 detection.</p>","PeriodicalId":11225,"journal":{"name":"Diagnostics","volume":"15 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11940921/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143729076","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}