World journal of radiology最新文献

{"title":"Approximation of urinary bladder volume with few measurements on cross-sectional imaging.","authors":"Robert Nelson, Celine Torkzad, Dallas Sturdevant, Pardeep K Mittal, Michael R Torkzad","doi":"10.4329/wjr.120003","DOIUrl":"10.4329/wjr.120003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Accurate estimation of urinary bladder volume (UBV) is important for diagnosing and managing bladder disorders. Computed tomography (CT) is often used as a reference standard; however, existing measurement methods vary in complexity and efficiency.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To determine whether UBV can be accurately estimated on CT using a single sagittal measurement compared with multidimensional measurements and reference volumetric analysis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>CT abdomen-pelvis studies of 80 individuals without urinary tract pathology were retrospectively analyzed. Bladder volume was determined using manual volumetric tracing as the reference standard. Sagittal long axis [sagittal length (SL)], sagittal short axis [sagittal short (SS)], and transverse diameter [right-to-left (RL)] were measured, and single- and multidimensional products (SL, SL × SS, SL × SS × RL) were correlated with reference volume using Pearson correlation coefficients. Linear regression models were derived, and agreement was assessed using Bland-Altman analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>SL demonstrated the strongest single-dimension correlation with bladder volume (<i>r</i> = 0.92), compared with SS (<i>r</i> = 0.87) and RL (<i>r</i> = 0.68). Multidimensional measurements showed slightly higher correlations (SL × SS: <i>r</i> = 0.98; SL × SS × RL: <i>r</i> = 0.99). A simplified linear formula was derived: Bladder volume (mL) = 5 × SL (mm) - 222. Bland-Altman analysis showed negligible bias and all values within the limits of agreement for the single-dimension model.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>UBV can be accurately estimated using a single sagittal CT measurement in healthy individuals. This simplified approach provides a rapid and reproducible alternative to multidimensional methods without meaningful loss of accuracy and may serve as a reference standard for validating ultrasound-based bladder volume estimation.</p>","PeriodicalId":23819,"journal":{"name":"World journal of radiology","volume":"18 6","pages":"120003"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13324714/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148377097","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Computed tomography-derived assessment of respiratory impairment in thoracic scoliosis: Comparison between idiopathic and non-idiopathic etiologies.","authors":"Nanae Tsuchiya, Satoko Yogi, Akira Yogi, Gyo Iida, Koji Yonemoto, Takanao Shimabukuro, Kotaro Nishida, Akihiro Nishie","doi":"10.4329/wjr.119975","DOIUrl":"10.4329/wjr.119975","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Thoracic scoliosis causes complex three-dimensional deformities of the thoracic cage that can impair lung mechanics and airway geometry, leading to restrictive ventilatory dysfunction. Respiratory impairment differs by etiology, with non-idiopathic scoliosis often showing more severe and persistent deformity. Conventional pulmonary function testing provides global functional assessment but is frequently limited in patients with non-idiopathic scoliosis. Advances in chest computed tomography (CT) allow quantitative evaluation of lung volume and airway morphology, offering an alternative approach to assess respiratory function and the relationship to spinal deformity.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To investigate CT-derived airway morphology and respiratory function in thoracic scoliosis, focusing on etiologic differences and structure-function relationships.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective observational study included 53 patients ≤ 30 years of age who underwent corrective surgery for thoracic scoliosis and had preoperative and postoperative CT examinations. Patients were classified into idiopathic (<i>n</i> = 25) or non-idiopathic scoliosis (<i>n</i> = 28). Spinal deformity parameters, lung volumes, predicted total lung capacity percentage (TLC%), and airway dimensions were quantified using CT. Group comparisons were performed using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test, correlations were determined using Spearman's rank correlation, and pre- and postoperative changes were determined using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Patients with non-idiopathic scoliosis had significantly more severe spinal deformities and a lower TLC% compared to patients with idiopathic scoliosis (median TLC%: 39% <i>vs</i> 64%, <i>P</i> < 0.001). The Cobb angle was negatively correlated with TLC% (<i>ρ</i> = -0.52, <i>P</i> = 0.004), lung volumes, and multiple airway parameters in patients with non-idiopathic scoliosis. Surgical correction significantly improved spinal alignment in both groups. CT-derived lung volume parameters did not show significant postoperative changes. In contrast, selective improvement was observed in the left bronchus.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>CT-derived analysis showed differences in respiratory impairment between idiopathic and non-idiopathic scoliosis. Surgical correction improved alignment without immediate lung volume improvement, with selective changes in the left bronchus.</p>","PeriodicalId":23819,"journal":{"name":"World journal of radiology","volume":"18 6","pages":"119975"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13324747/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148377065","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Journey through technological advancements in radiation therapy.","authors":"Pratibha Singh, Manoj Kumar Singh, Atul Mishra","doi":"10.4329/wjr.v18.i5.118851","DOIUrl":"10.4329/wjr.v18.i5.118851","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Radiation therapy (RT) has advanced substantially since the introduction of the first medical linear accelerator, progressing through successive generations of technological innovation that have improved treatment precision, efficiency, and patient safety. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of RT technologies-from early linear accelerators to contemporary clinical systems-and examines ongoing research shaping the future of radiotherapy. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, covering peer-reviewed publications from the era of the first linear accelerator to the present. Studies addressing historical milestones, technological developments, clinical implementation, and emerging research directions in RT were included. The literature demonstrates continuous advancement from early accelerator models to modern high-precision platforms integrating image guidance, adaptive radiotherapy, and motion management. Recent developments include automation, artificial intelligence-driven workflows, magnetic resonance-guided radiotherapy, and biologically informed modeling to enable personalized treatment. Ongoing investigations focus on real-time tumor tracking, radiobiology-guided planning, artificial intelligence-based clinical decision support, and next-generation delivery systems. From its origins to today's state-of-the-art systems, RT has undergone transformative growth. Sustained research and rigorous clinical validation remain essential to effectively integrate emerging innovations and enhance patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":23819,"journal":{"name":"World journal of radiology","volume":"18 5","pages":"118851"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13226638/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148158238","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Positron emission tomography tracers in medullary thyroid carcinoma: Current evidence and emerging targets.","authors":"Fahad W Ahmed, Fauwad Ahmed","doi":"10.4329/wjr.v18.i5.120146","DOIUrl":"10.4329/wjr.v18.i5.120146","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) arises from thyroid C-cells and secretes calcitonin. Conventional anatomical imaging frequently fails to identify small lesions and biochemically recurrent tumors, necessitating phenotype-guided positron emission tomography (PET) evaluation. This article summarizes three mainstream PET tracers - ¹⁸F-fluorodihydroxyphenylalanine (FDOPA), gallium-68-labelled somatostatin receptor (SSTR) analogues, and ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) - across initial staging, biochemical recurrence, and restaging settings. Meta-analyses confirm ¹⁸F-FDOPA achieves the highest sensitivity for recurrent or persistent MTC, with detection improved by elevated calcitonin levels and shorter doubling times. Increased FDG uptake indicates aggressive, dedifferentiated disease, while SSTR PET shows lower overall detection rates in MTC but remains valuable for assessing bone involvement and selecting candidates for PRRT. Current guidelines recommend a biology-driven imaging strategy: ¹⁸F-FDOPA is the first-choice tracer for biochemical recurrence when available; FDG is reserved for high-grade progressive disease, and SSTR PET guides pre-PRRT evaluation. Routine PET is not recommended for initial staging, though selective use is reasonable in high-risk patients combined with conventional imaging. This study proposes an evidence-based imaging algorithm for radiologists according to serum markers, tracer advantages and theranostic needs. Further prospective trials, standardized SSTR thresholds and investigations of novel tracers are still required to fill existing research gaps.</p>","PeriodicalId":23819,"journal":{"name":"World journal of radiology","volume":"18 5","pages":"120146"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13226635/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148158274","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Role of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient in subtyping renal cell carcinoma.","authors":"Hira Lal, Pinky Jowel, Pragati Verma, Athar Shamim, Raghunandan Prasad, Anuradha Singh, Uday P Singh, Sanjoy K Sureka, Farhana Siddiqui, Manoj Jain, Aneesh Srivastava, Priyank Yadav","doi":"10.4329/wjr.v18.i5.119367","DOIUrl":"10.4329/wjr.v18.i5.119367","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) has emerged as a non-contrast functional imaging technique for renal mass characterization. Its role in differentiating histopathological subtypes of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains an area of active investigation.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To evaluate the role of DWI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in differentiating histopathological subtypes of RCC.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this prospective observational study, 127 patients with histopathologically proven RCC who underwent preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including DWI were analyzed. Diffusion-weighted imaging was performed using <i>b</i> values of 0 second/mm² and 1000 seconds/mm², and ADC maps were generated. ADC values were measured from solid tumor components and compared among RCC subtypes. Statistical analysis included subgroup comparisons and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to assess the ability of ADC values to differentiate clear cell RCC (ccRCC) from non-ccRCC.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 127 RCCs, 97 (76.4%) were ccRCC, 24 (18.9%) papillary RCC, and 6 (4.7%) chromophobe RCC. The mean ADC value of ccRCC [(1.391 ± 0.271) × 10^-3 mm²/second] was significantly higher than that of papillary RCC [(0.876 ± 0.293) × 10^-3 mm²/second; <i>P</i> < 0.001] and chromophobe RCC [(1.059 ± 0.369) × 10^-3 mm²/second; <i>P</i> = 0.04]. No significant difference was observed between papillary and chromophobe RCC (<i>P</i> = 0.396). When grouped, ccRCC demonstrated a significantly higher mean ADC value compared with non-ccRCC [(1.391 ± 0.271) × 10^-3 mm²/second <i>vs</i> (0.915 ± 0.312) × 10^-3 mm²/second; <i>P</i> < 0.001]. Receiver operating characteristic analysis yielded an area under the curve of 0.889 (95% confidence interval: 0.804-0.975). An ADC threshold of 1.08 × 10^-3 mm²/second achieved 90% sensitivity and 83% specificity for identifying ccRCC.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>DWI with quantitative ADC analysis reliably differentiates clear cell from non-ccRCC and demonstrates significant correlation with RCC subtype and tumor grade. DWI serves as a valuable adjunct to conventional MRI, particularly in patients with contraindications to contrast administration.</p>","PeriodicalId":23819,"journal":{"name":"World journal of radiology","volume":"18 5","pages":"119367"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13226639/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148158326","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular basis of radiation resistance in tardigrades and the medical implications.","authors":"Hiroki Goto, Mariko Takano, Nuchjira Takheaw","doi":"10.4329/wjr.v18.i5.119372","DOIUrl":"10.4329/wjr.v18.i5.119372","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Tardigrades exhibit remarkable resistance to ionizing and ultraviolet radiation, tolerating exposures far beyond the lethal limits for most organisms. Among the tardigrade-derived molecules implicated in this resilience, damage suppressor (Dsup) is the most well-characterized and demonstrates clear radioprotective activity. This mini-review summarizes the molecular mechanisms underlying tardigrade radiation resistance and discusses their potential medical applications. Dsup associates with chromatin, reducing hydroxyl-radical-induced DNA strand breaks and limiting ultraviolet-mediated pyrimidine dimer formation. Human cells expressing Dsup exhibit decreased DNA damage by approximately 40% and enhanced survival following irradiation, indicating that essential protective mechanisms of tardigrades can be functional in mammalian systems. These findings support the exploration of Dsup-based strategies to mitigate radiation-induced cellular injury, improve preservation of biological materials, and enhance resilience in high-radiation environments such as radiotherapy or space missions. Further mechanistic studies of Dsup, DNA repair pathways, and antioxidative systems, along with <i>in vivo</i> evaluations, are essential to fully elucidate the molecular basis of tardigrade radiation resistance. Collectively, these mechanisms provide valuable insights that may guide the development of novel approaches for medical radioprotection.</p>","PeriodicalId":23819,"journal":{"name":"World journal of radiology","volume":"18 5","pages":"119372"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13226637/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148158252","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhanced detection of vascularization in rectal endometriosis: A comparative study of microvascular flow and power Doppler.","authors":"Juan Luis Alcazar, Diego Maria Pich Barroso, Oscar Sanchez, Ignacio Brunel, Jose Carlos Vilches, Rodrigo Orozco","doi":"10.4329/wjr.v18.i5.119223","DOIUrl":"10.4329/wjr.v18.i5.119223","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Conventionally, rectal endometriotic nodules have been considered as poorly vascularized. However, new, more sensitive, Doppler techniques have been developed recently for assessing microvascularization. These new techniques might allow microvascularity in these lesions.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To compare the vascularization of rectal endometriotic nodules using microvascular (MV) flow and conventional power Doppler.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Thirty consecutive women diagnosed with deep endometriosis involving the rectum were recruited for this prospective study. All women underwent transvaginal ultrasound using a Samsung V8 ultrasound system (Samsung Medison, Co., Ltd., Seoul, South Korea). The scanning protocol was performed according to the International Deep Endometriosis Analysis consensus. Endometriotic lesions involving the rectum were identified as hypoechoic lesions with blurred margins. Then, power Doppler was activated and the vascularization of the lesion was assessed. Immediately after, the MV-Flow™ with the LumiFlow™ was activated and the vascularization was assessed again. Vascularization assessment was undertaken based on the subjective examiner's impression, using the vascular score proposed by International Ovarian Tumor Analysis group.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The vascular score using conventional power Doppler was score 1 in 87% (<i>n</i> = 26) and score 2 in 13% (<i>n</i> = 4) of the lesions, respectively. The vascular score using MV-Flow™ was score 1 in 6% (<i>n</i> = 2), score 2 in 27% (<i>n</i> = 8), score 3 in 40% (<i>n</i> = 12) and score 4 in 27% (<i>n</i> = 8) of the cases. Grouping cases into score 1-2 <i>vs</i> score 3-4, there was a statistically significant difference with score 3-4 when using MV-Flow™ (67% <i>vs</i> 0%, <i>P</i> < 0.01).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study shows that many rectal endometriotic nodules exhibit more vascularization than previously thought when using MV-Flow™.</p>","PeriodicalId":23819,"journal":{"name":"World journal of radiology","volume":"18 5","pages":"119223"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13226641/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148158229","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Letter to the Editor: Traditional medical image interpretation and deep learning-based image analysis in predicting risk in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage.","authors":"Qiang Wang, Jian-She Yang","doi":"10.4329/wjr.v18.i5.118969","DOIUrl":"10.4329/wjr.v18.i5.118969","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We read with great interest the study by Yang and Li in <i>World Journal of Radiology</i> entitled \"Deep learning-based imaging model to predict early hematoma enlargement and hospital mortality in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage\". The advantages and disadvantages of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and deep-learning models in predicting hematoma expansion and mortality risk in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage are discussed in this article. Manual image interpretation remains irreplaceable in emergency settings; however, its subjectivity and limitations limit its ability to predict hematoma expansion and mortality risk. Deep learning models significantly improve prediction accuracy through automated analysis and feature extraction, providing robust support for clinical decision making. However, the data requirements and complexity of these models hinder their widespread adoption. Future research should focus on optimizing model architectures, reducing data dependency, and strengthening multicenter validation to enhance their clinical applicability. Moreover, a hybrid evaluation system that combines the strengths of conventional and deep-learning approaches has the potential to enable more precise early intervention strategies for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":23819,"journal":{"name":"World journal of radiology","volume":"18 5","pages":"118969"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13226636/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148158234","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Photon-counting computed tomography enables low-dose, high-quality abdominal imaging: A comparative study with energy-integrating detector computed tomography.","authors":"Ting-Ting Zhu, Xiao-Yun Zhu, Min Yang, Wan-Min Liu, Wen-Jie Yang, Xiao Liu","doi":"10.4329/wjr.v18.i5.119048","DOIUrl":"10.4329/wjr.v18.i5.119048","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Although photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) has demonstrated superior dose efficiency and image quality compared with conventional energy-integrating detector computed tomography (EID-CT) in theory and in some clinical fields, systematic evaluations of its performance in abdominal imaging, particularly comprehensive studies incorporating both radiation dose and image quality, remain very limited.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To compare radiation dose and image quality between PCCT and conventional EID-CT in abdominal imaging, and to evaluate the potential of PCCT for low-dose, high-quality clinical applications.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Eighty participants were included, comprising 40 subjects who underwent prospective abdominal PCCT and 40 subjects retrospectively matched who underwent routine abdominal EID-CT. Radiation dose parameters [computed tomography dose index (CTDI_vol), dose-length product, and effective dose] were recorded. Objective image quality was assessed using signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), dose-normalized metrics [SNR/(CTDI_vol)^1/2 and CNR/(CTDI_vol)^1/2], noise ratio, and excellent image index. Subjective image quality was evaluated by two experienced radiologists using a five-point Likert scale. Intergroup comparisons were performed using appropriate parametric or nonparametric statistical tests.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Compared with EID-CT, PCCT achieved an approximate 50% reduction in CTDI_vol, dose-length product, and effective dose (all <i>P</i> < 0.001). PCCT demonstrated significantly higher SNR, CNR, SNR/(CTDI_vol)^1/2, CNR/(CTDI_vol)^1/2, and excellent image index, along with a lower noise ratio, indicating superior noise uniformity (all <i>P</i> < 0.001). Subjective assessment showed that 77.5% of PCCT images were rated as excellent (Likert score = 5), compared with 10.0% in the EID-CT group (<i>P</i> < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>PCCT provides substantially improved dose efficiency and image quality compared with conventional EID-CT in abdominal imaging, supporting its potential role in low-dose clinical computed tomography protocols.</p>","PeriodicalId":23819,"journal":{"name":"World journal of radiology","volume":"18 5","pages":"119048"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13226634/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148158298","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Predictive performance of cervical elastography for preterm birth: A head-to-head network meta-analysis.","authors":"Hui-Ping Zhang, Na Li, Fan Li, Yu-Qing Zhou","doi":"10.4329/wjr.v18.i5.119213","DOIUrl":"10.4329/wjr.v18.i5.119213","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Early detection of cervical remodeling is vital for predicting preterm birth (PTB). Conventional morphologic indices, such as cervical length (CL) and anterior cervical angle (ACA), demonstrate limited diagnostic accuracy. Elastic imaging of the cervix (E-cervix) elastography offers functional biomechanical insights by quantifying cervical strain and stiffness. However, a systematic comparison of its diverse parameters alongside traditional indices is currently lacking. Identifying the most effective ultrasound-based markers is essential for improving mid-trimester risk stratification and facilitating timely clinical interventions to improve perinatal outcomes.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To evaluate and compare the diagnostic performance of E-cervix parameters, CL, and ACA for PTB.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Data were searched up to December 1, 2025. Studies reporting diagnostic accuracy of E-cervix parameters, CL, or ACA for PTB were included. A Bayesian network meta-analysis estimated pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratios (DOR). The comparative performance was ranked using the advantage index. Heterogeneity was assessed <i>via</i> Cochran's <i>Q</i> and <i>I</i> ² statistics, with meta-regression exploring potential modifiers.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fifteen studies involving 1965 pregnancies (570 PTB cases) were included. The multi-parametric combined model demonstrated the highest diagnostic performance, with an area under the curve of 0.91, sensitivity of 0.83, specificity of 0.83, and a DOR of 26.23. Among individual parameters, ACA (DOR: 13.65) and the E-cervix hardness ratio (DOR: 7.71) significantly outperformed conventional CL (DOR: 3.58). Subgroup analysis revealed that the combined model was particularly effective in singleton pregnancies (sensitivity: 0.837, specificity: 0.882). No significant publication bias was detected except for elasticity contrast index.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>E-cervix elastography provides superior diagnostic value compared to conventional CL measurement. The integration of biomechanical and morphological data <i>via</i> multi-parametric models offers the most precise risk stratification for PTB.</p>","PeriodicalId":23819,"journal":{"name":"World journal of radiology","volume":"18 5","pages":"119213"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13226633/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148158372","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}