Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery最新文献

{"title":"Exploring non-invasive diagnostic tools for deep gluteal syndrome: a multimodal approach integrating clinical and imaging techniques.","authors":"Simona Kurková, Martin Kynčl, Ibrahim Ibrahim, Hynek Lachman, Kristina Sakmárová, Stanislav Machač","doi":"10.21037/qims-2025-241","DOIUrl":"10.21037/qims-2025-241","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Deep gluteal syndrome (DGS) involves extrapelvic entrapment or irritation of the sciatic nerve (SN) within the deep gluteal space, often mimicking S1 radicular syndrome. Accurate differentiation between DGS and true nerve root pathology is essential for effective treatment. This study aimed to distinguish DGS from nerve root affections and identify the causes of symptoms in individuals with suspected DGS using a comprehensive multi-modal evaluation, including advanced diagnostic techniques.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Nineteen subjects (13 females, 6 males, mean age of 36.8±10.9 years, range 23-65 years) with unilateral gluteal pain radiating to the S1 dermatome for at least three months and symptoms exacerbated by prolonged sitting were evaluated. All underwent 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (Siemens MAGNETOM VIDA) for standard spine and pelvis imaging, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of the lumbosacral plexus (LSP) and SN, electromyography (EMG) of the H-reflex circuit with positional maneuvers, and clinical tests targeting DGS.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Nerve root contact was demonstrated in only two subjects on the pathology side. Morphological findings on standard MRI with the potential to cause DGS symptoms were inconsistent. Surprisingly, narrowing between the ischium and lesser trochanter of the femur was found in 42% on the symptomatic side. Statistically significant higher mean diffusivity (MD) (P=0.023), radial diffusivity (RD) (P=0.038), and axial diffusivity (AD) (P=0.026) values were observed on the symptomatic side of the SN, indicating edema and microstructural changes. No significant differences were noted in fractional anisotropy (FA) (P=0.913) and normalized quantitative anisotropy (NQA) values (P=0.778). No changes in diffusivity were observed at the LSP level. Twelve subjects (63%) showed increased latency (>1.2 ms) or complete disappearance of the H-reflex when using modified muscle position/activation on the symptomatic side. Clinical tests showed inconclusive results.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Advanced diagnostic tools such as DTI and EMG combined with positional maneuvers can help identify DGS when standard imaging and clinical tests are inconclusive. Elevated diffusivity values in the symptomatic SN suggest possible edema and structural changes, supporting the utility of a multimodal approach for accurate diagnosis and treatment of DGS.</p>","PeriodicalId":54267,"journal":{"name":"Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery","volume":"15 9","pages":"8409-8422"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12397617/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144978618","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dual-volume reconstruction technology in the detection and classification of recurrent aneurysms following intracranial aneurysm embolization.","authors":"Rui Wang, Shuo Leng, Han Xu, Zhiming Tian, Shujuan Xu, Yi Zhang","doi":"10.21037/qims-2025-303","DOIUrl":"10.21037/qims-2025-303","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Accurate detection of recurrent intracranial aneurysms (ICAs) after embolization is critical for guiding clinical management and preventing re-rupture. Although two-dimensional digital subtraction angiography (2D-DSA) remains the gold standard, its invasive nature limits routine use. Non-invasive imaging modalities such as computed tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) have limitations in detecting small or morphologically complex recurrent aneurysms. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of dual-volume reconstruction technology (DVRT) in comparison to CTA and MRA for detecting recurrent ICA and to explore the correlation between aneurysm imaging characteristics and clinical outcomes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;This retrospective study included 152 patients who underwent ICA embolization and subsequent follow-up imaging with CTA, MRA, and DVRT. All patients received standardized pre-procedural imaging (CTA, MRA, and DVRT) within 48 hours before intervention to document baseline aneurysm characteristics including size, morphology, and location. Postoperative surveillance was systematically performed using triple-modality imaging (CTA, MRA, and DVRT) at 3- and 12-month intervals to monitor treatment efficacy and detect potential recurrence. For the classification of recurrent aneurysms, post-embolization imaging attributes (size, morphology, location) were compared to pre-embolization baseline data to confirm recurrence. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to pre-embolization characteristics to predict recurrence risk. Visualization techniques, including heatmaps and forest plots, were used to illustrate comparative detection performance.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;DVRT demonstrated higher detection rates for recurrent aneurysms (94.4%, 17/18) compared to CTA (77.8%, 14/18) and MRA (50.0%, 9/18) (P&lt;0.001), with notable performance for small aneurysms (&lt;5 mm: 80.0% &lt;i&gt;vs.&lt;/i&gt; 60.0% &lt;i&gt;vs.&lt;/i&gt; 40.0%; P=0.317) and medium aneurysms (5-10 mm: 100.0% &lt;i&gt;vs.&lt;/i&gt; 88.9% &lt;i&gt;vs.&lt;/i&gt; 55.6%; P=0.012). Morphological analysis showed that DVRT had high detection rates for saccular (100.0% &lt;i&gt;vs.&lt;/i&gt; 88.9% &lt;i&gt;vs.&lt;/i&gt; 66.7%; P=0.039) and lobulated aneurysms (100.0% &lt;i&gt;vs.&lt;/i&gt; 75.0% &lt;i&gt;vs.&lt;/i&gt; 50.0%; P=0.250), while maintaining detection rates of 92.3% for anterior circulation (&lt;i&gt;vs.&lt;/i&gt; 76.9% &lt;i&gt;vs.&lt;/i&gt; 46.2%; P=0.008) and 100.0% for posterior circulation aneurysms (&lt;i&gt;vs.&lt;/i&gt; 80.0% &lt;i&gt;vs.&lt;/i&gt; 60.0%; P=0.200) compared to CTA and MRA, respectively. Multivariable analysis identified size &gt;10 mm [odds ratio (OR) =2.51, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.83-3.51, P=0.030], irregular morphology (OR =3.02, 95% CI: 2.15-4.43, P=0.003), and posterior location (OR =2.07, 95% CI: 1.43-2.91, P&lt;0.001) as independent predictors of recurrence. Heatmap and forest plot analyses highlighted DVRT's improved diagnostic consistency and narrower CIs across different aneurysm subt","PeriodicalId":54267,"journal":{"name":"Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery","volume":"15 9","pages":"8008-8022"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12397631/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144978633","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Factors affecting preoperative sentinel lymph nodes contrast-enhanced ultrasound in breast cancer.","authors":"Yijie Dong, Juan Liu, Wanru Jia, Xiaohong Jia, Jingwen Zhang, Ying Zhu, Minjing Mao, Haifeng Ying, Weiwei Zhan, Jianqiao Zhou","doi":"10.21037/qims-2024-2879","DOIUrl":"10.21037/qims-2024-2879","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Preoperative evaluation of sentinel lymph nodes is very important in breast cancer patients. This study aimed to explore factors affecting the result of preoperative percutaneous contrast-enhanced ultrasound for sentinel lymph nodes (SLN-CEUS) using Sonovue.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 176 patients with breast cancer who underwent preoperative SLN-CEUS to trace axillary sentinel lymph nodes were included. The positive result of SLN-CEUS was defined as both lymphatic vessels and SLN visible. The negative result was defined as the visible lymphatic vessels but the SLNs invisible, and neither lymphatic vessel nor SLNs invisible. Clinical features, histopathology, ultrasound features and doses of contrast agents were analyzed between the positive and negative groups.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of SLN-CEUS were 81.5%, 90.7%, and 87.8% respectively. The false negative and false positive rates were 18.5% and 9.3%. Age, distance from the anterior edge of the mass to the body surface (DTS), tumor location, pathologies and lymph nodes metastasis were significantly correlated with the results of SLN-CEUS between the negative and positive groups (P=0.032, 0.035, 0.036, 0.047 and <0.001). Logistic regression showed that age, location, DTS, and lymph node metastasis were independent factors influencing negative SLN-CEUS.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In conclusion, independent factors affecting negative results of SLN-CEUS were lymph node metastasis, age, tumor location and DTS.</p>","PeriodicalId":54267,"journal":{"name":"Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery","volume":"15 9","pages":"8125-8136"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12397643/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144978636","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhancing postoperative recurrence assessment in gastric and colorectal cancer patients with intraperitoneal fluorouracil implants: overcoming the diagnostic challenge of fluorouracil implant-related tumor-like lesions.","authors":"Luwen Hao, Xin Chen, Sijia Zhou, Xuemei Hu, Daoyu Hu, Zhen Li, Yaqi Shen","doi":"10.21037/qims-24-2033","DOIUrl":"10.21037/qims-24-2033","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy using sustained-release fluorouracil implants has been used to reduce the recurrence of gastrointestinal tumors. However, these implants may persist and present as tumor-like lesions in imaging studies, potentially leading to false-positive interpretations as metastatic sites, affecting patient management. Our study aimed to enhance the diagnostic accuracy of radiologists in assessing gastric and colorectal cancer patients with fluorouracil implants.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective study comprised a summary of fluorouracil implant-related lesion characteristics by a multidisciplinary team (MDT), and a three-stage evaluation of tumor-like lesions by two radiologists. In total, 240 computed tomography (CT) examinations were randomly selected from all the available CT examinations of all patients, whom were then further divided evenly into three groups. Two radiologists independently assessed the implant-related tumor-like lesions across the following three stages: stage 1: pre-training without surgical information; stage 2: post-training without surgical information; and stage 3: post-training with surgical details provided. The training was based on the characteristics of the lesions identified earlier by the MDT. The radiologists evaluated the malignancy or benignity of each lesion, and rated their diagnostic confidence using a three-point scale. The reference standard was determined by the MDT. Diagnostic accuracy and diagnostic confidence were compared using Pearson's Chi-squared test and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 168 fluorouracil implants were confirmed in the subdiaphragmatic regions, paracolic gutters, and tumor beds of 164 patients. Imaging features such as a typical foreign body reaction (85.71%), no contrast enhancement on CT/magnetic resonance imaging, and no diffusion restriction on diffusion-weighted imaging were important for differentiating between fluorouracil implant-related lesions and malignant lesions. Follow-up CT scans showed a size reduction in 67.26% of the lesions and density changes in 52.98%. The diagnostic accuracy and confidence of the radiologists were improved in stage 2 (accuracy: 91.25%; confidence: most often classified as medium) compared to stage 1 (accuracy: 67.5%; confidence: most often classified as low; both P<0.001). When surgical information was available, the diagnostic accuracy and confidence of the radiologists were improved in stage 3 (accuracy: 100%; confidence most often classified as high) compared to stage 2 (accuracy: P=0.007; confidence: P<0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The diagnostic accuracy and confidence of radiologists can be improved by providing them with training on implant imaging characteristics and precise surgical record documentation on the implant location and quantity.</p>","PeriodicalId":54267,"journal":{"name":"Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery","volume":"15 9","pages":"7774-7787"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12397638/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144978638","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unveiling the unexpected: spontaneous ruptured pancreaticoduodenal artery pseudoaneurysm with retroperitoneal hematoma requiring pancreaticoduodenectomy.","authors":"Aarohi Parikh, Trishna Parikh, Ismail Hader","doi":"10.21037/qims-2025-212","DOIUrl":"10.21037/qims-2025-212","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":54267,"journal":{"name":"Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery","volume":"15 9","pages":"8674-8677"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12397689/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144978648","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Management of bilateral molar deep overbite with buccal crossbite using bracket-free clear aligners: a case description.","authors":"Miao He, Yang-Dong Lin, Bo Zhao","doi":"10.21037/qims-2025-110","DOIUrl":"10.21037/qims-2025-110","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":54267,"journal":{"name":"Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery","volume":"15 9","pages":"8693-8702"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12397692/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144978680","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Minimizing radiation dose in coronary CT angiography using dual single-cardiac phase acquisition with a whole-heart motion correction technology: a prospective randomized study on image quality.","authors":"Xin Fang, Shuang Li, Ping Xie, Huanrui Hu, Wenyu Ting, Yongchun You, Jianying Li, Kaiyue Diao, Wanjiang Li","doi":"10.21037/qims-2025-287","DOIUrl":"10.21037/qims-2025-287","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) plays an increasingly important role in coronary artery disease (CAD) evaluation, but radiation dose remains a clinical concern. Conventional multi-cardiac phase (CMP) scanning covers wide R-R intervals to ensure optimal image quality, leading to higher radiation exposure. Recent advances in motion correction technology, particularly whole-heart motion correction algorithms, offer potential solutions for dose reduction. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using dual single-cardiac phase (DSP) acquisition (end-systole: 45% R-R interval and end-diastole: 75% R-R interval) in CCTA with a whole-heart motion correction (SnapShot Freeze 2, SSF2) technology to minimize radiation dose and maintain image quality in comparison with CMP scanning.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this prospective randomized study, 140 patients were randomly assigned to either DSP (n=70) or CMP (n=70) scanning groups. All examinations were performed on a 256-row wide-detector computed tomography (CT) scanner with similar data acquisition parameters and reconstruction algorithms except cardiac phase range selections. Image quality was assessed both objectively [signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR)] and subjectively (5-point scale). Image quality, diagnostic confidence, and acceptability between the two groups and across different heart rates were evaluated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>DSP scanning achieved 29% radiation dose reduction [volume CT dose index (CTDIvol): 19.24±4.59 <i>vs.</i> 27.01±6.02 mGy, P<0.001] with comparable image quality scores in both systolic {5, [interquartile range (IQR), 5.0-5.0] <i>vs.</i> 5 (IQR, 5.0-5.0), Reader 1: P=0.591, Reader 2: P=0.587} and diastolic phases [5 (IQR, 4.0-5.0) <i>vs.</i> 5 (IQR, 4.0-5.0), Reader 1: P=0.908, Reader 2: P=0.951]. All scans in our study cohort were diagnostically acceptable (100%) when both phases were available. Using only systolic or diastolic phases reduced acceptability to 97.1% and 94.3%, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>DSP scanning with SSF2 technology achieves significant radiation dose reduction while maintaining comparable image quality to CMP, with 100% diagnostic acceptability when both phases are available.</p>","PeriodicalId":54267,"journal":{"name":"Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery","volume":"15 9","pages":"8205-8218"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12397654/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144978683","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The value of percutaneous contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the detection and diagnosis of sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer: comparison with pathological features.","authors":"Caixin Huang, Jia Luo, Manying Li, Zhen Shan, Tiantian Zhen, Jiaping Li, Jinyu Liang, Xiaoyan Xie, Yanling Zheng","doi":"10.21037/qims-2024-2631","DOIUrl":"10.21037/qims-2024-2631","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The diagnostic performance of percutaneous contrast-enhanced ultrasound (P-CEUS) in classifying sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) in breast cancer varies. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of P-CEUS in identifying SLNs and to explore the correlation between P-CEUS patterns and pathological characteristics of SLNs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective study included consecutive breast cancer patients who underwent preoperative or axillary surgery between June 2019 and March 2021. Each patient underwent conventional ultrasound of the ipsilateral breast and axilla, and SLNs were localized and diagnosed via P-CEUS. Histopathological examination served as the gold standard to assess the diagnostic accuracy of P-CEUS classification based on lymph node structure. The relationship between P-CEUS patterns and pathological characteristics of SLNs was also examined.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 238 breast cancer patients (including 1 male) with a mean age of 51.0±11.3 years were included. Five patients with bilateral breast cancer underwent P-CEUS on both sides. The SLN detection rate by P-CEUS was 96.29% (234/243). Pathology results indicated that 64 SLNs (21.8%) were metastatic and 229 SLNs (78.2%) were non-metastatic. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of P-CEUS in detecting SLNs were 76.56% (49/64), 97.38% (223/229), 89.09% (49/55), 93.70% (223/238), and 92.83% (272/293), respectively. SLNs with different P-CEUS patterns exhibited varying pathological characteristics. Pathology sections of non-metastatic lymph nodes revealed varying degrees of adipose tissue and fibrous tissue hyperplasia. The different enhancement patterns of metastatic lymph nodes were closely associated with the distribution of metastatic lesions within the lymph nodes.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The P-CEUS pattern of SLNs was closely correlated with their pathological characteristics. The P-CEUS classification of SLNs based on lymph node structure could aid in the diagnosis of SLNs in breast cancer.</p>","PeriodicalId":54267,"journal":{"name":"Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery","volume":"15 9","pages":"8309-8319"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12397642/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144978715","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Disruptions of morphological brain networks and their associations with multi-symptoms in children with spastic cerebral palsy.","authors":"Chunfeng Zhao, Xiaofan Qiu, Xinyu Luo, Ying Peng, Yu Yin, Lisha Nie, Jinhui Wang, Heng Liu","doi":"10.21037/qims-2024-2949","DOIUrl":"10.21037/qims-2024-2949","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Spastic cerebral palsy (SCP) is associated with extensive alterations in regional cortical morphology. However, the specific effects of SCP on the topological organization of morphological brain networks remain largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate these effects and explore their potential correlations with clinical manifestations in SCP children.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Structural magnetic resonance imaging and clinical data were collected from 31 children with SCP and 29 sex- and age-matched children with typical development. Single-subject morphological brain networks were constructed separately based on four different morphological indices [i.e., the cortical thickness (CT), fractal dimension, gyrification index, and sulcus depth], which were further characterized using graph-based network approaches. Permutation tests were used to examine between-group differences in regional morphology, interregional morphological connectivity (MC), and graph-based network properties. For magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based features showing significant between-group differences, Spearman partial correlations were used to examine their relationships with the clinical variables in the patients.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Compared with the control group, the SCP group only showed alterations in the CT-based morphological brain networks. Specifically, the SCP group displayed an increased characteristic path length (t=3.909, P=4.0×10^-4), which was negatively correlated with the verbal comprehension index (rho=-0.435, P=0.023), processing speed index (rho=-0.452, P=0.018), and full-scale intelligence quotient (rho=-0.471, P=0.013) of the SCP children, and positively correlated with the Gross Motor Function Classification System (rho=0.399, P=0.039) and Manual Ability Classification System (rho=0.459, P=0.016). Further, the SCP group showed decreased MC for 161 connections. These connections were mainly linked to the right area 25 (a part of the anterior cingulate cortex) at the nodal level and to regions in the default mode network at the subnetwork level. Among these, the MC between the right area 11l, part of the orbital and polar frontal cortex, and the right medial belt complex, part of the early auditory cortex, was positively correlated with the Communication Function Classification System in the SCP children (rho=0.662, P=1.7×10^-4). These results remained unchanged after excluding preterm children from the SCP group.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>SCP is associated with abnormal morphological brain network topology, which may contribute to disturbances in motor and cognition in patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":54267,"journal":{"name":"Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery","volume":"15 9","pages":"7749-7760"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12397673/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144978369","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of plantar static pressure distribution in subject with bilateral hallux limitus: a detailed case-control study.","authors":"Natalia Tovaruela-Carrión, Ricardo Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo, Marta Elena Losa-Iglesias, Daniel López-López, Juan Gómez-Salgado, Javier Bayod López","doi":"10.21037/qims-2025-907","DOIUrl":"10.21037/qims-2025-907","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hallux limitus (HL) is defined as the restriction of dorsiflexion (DF) in the first metatarsophalangeal joint (IMTFJ) under closed kinetic chain conditions, where the distal segment is fixed and the foot is in contact with the ground. This biomechanical condition compromises the Windlass mechanism during the propulsive phase of gait, generating pain and functional disability. Therefore, the aim of this research was to examine the aspect of foot shape linked to distribution of static plantar pressure in individuals with bilateral HL compared to subjects with normal foot.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 90 subjects participated in this case-control study, divided into two groups: 45 individuals with bilateral HL and 45 healthy individuals without any known foot pathology. A portable pressure platform was used to measure each subject's static plantar pressure.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Individuals with HL showed significantly increased contact surface in the forefoot (left: 36.67±8.30 <i>vs.</i> 28.91±7.94 cm²) and heel (left: 30.85±7.70 <i>vs.</i> 24.55±7.17 cm²; right: 31.01±7.98 <i>vs.</i> 25.71±7.64 cm²), and higher medium peak pressure in the left foot (HL: 27.90±5.41 kPa <i>vs.</i> control: 22.58±6.57 kPa) (P<0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Individuals with bilateral HL showed altered static plantar pressure distribution and increased contact surface in the forefoot and heel compared to healthy controls. Limitations include sex imbalance between groups and lack of dynamic data. These findings may reflect compensatory adaptations and support the need for tailored interventions to improve foot function in this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":54267,"journal":{"name":"Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery","volume":"15 9","pages":"8153-8162"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12397620/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144978551","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}