Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging in Various Diseases

A special issue of Medicina (ISSN 1648-9144). This special issue belongs to the section "Infectious Disease".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2024 | Viewed by 13263

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Anatomy Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: anatomy; imaging; trauma

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Guest Editor
Pathology Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: pathology; ultrasound imaging; interventional

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Guest Editor
Otorhinolaryngology Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: otorhinolaryngology; imaging; surgery; interventional; oncology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are honored to launch this Special Issue entitled “Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging in Various Diseases”. The main goal of this Special Issue is to gather current updated research centered on imaging modalities such as computer tomography (CT), ultrasonography (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or positron emission tomography (PET). Anatomy landmarks should be mastered by any imaging specialist, and we welcome reviews regarding complex structures. We encourage articles by imaging specialists joined by specialists from various domains of activity: surgery, otorhinolaryngology, orthopedics, ophthalmology, and urology, just to mention some of the possibilities. The future developments of current imaging modalities are of great interest for many specialists using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) or fusion imaging (FI). Another novelty is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in imaging screening for various diseases. Patients can benefit from the increased use of interventional imaging procedures, minimizing the risk and lowering the costs of healthcare procedures.

Dr. Romica Cergan
Prof. Dr. Adrian Costache
Dr. Mihai Dumitru
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • anatomy
  • ultrasound
  • tomography
  • magnetic
  • interventional
  • imaging
  • surgery
  • artificial intelligence
  • otorhinolaryngology
  • pathology

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 622 KiB  
Article
Can MRI Accurately Diagnose and Stage Endometrial Adenocarcinoma?
by Ramona-Andreea Rizescu, Iulia Alecsandra Sălcianu, Alexandru Șerbănoiu, Radu Tudor Ion, Lucian Mihai Florescu, Ioana-Andreea Gheonea, Gheorghe Iana and Ana Magdalena Bratu
Medicina 2024, 60(3), 512; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60030512 - 21 Mar 2024
Viewed by 688
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Endometrial carcinoma is one of the most common gynecological cancers, and benign lesions such as endometrial hyperplasia, polyps, adenomyosis and leiomyomas should be included in the differential diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging has an important role in evaluating endometrial cancer [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Endometrial carcinoma is one of the most common gynecological cancers, and benign lesions such as endometrial hyperplasia, polyps, adenomyosis and leiomyomas should be included in the differential diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging has an important role in evaluating endometrial cancer and assessing the depth of myometrial invasion, and it closely correlates with the prognosis of the patient. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the MRI semiology of the endometrial carcinomas that mimic benign lesions, the main factors that may affect the correct diagnosis and the feasibility of magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate the depth of the myometrial invasion of endometrial cancer. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of 45 patients that underwent MRI examinations and the lesions were pathologically diagnosed as endometrial carcinoma after surgical resection. This study evaluated the staging accuracy of T2-weighted imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), ADC mapping and T1-weighted imaging with fat saturation before and after gadolinium injection. Results: In 36 of the 45 cases, the MRI of the lesion showed the characteristics of endometrial cancer and the diagnosis was certain. Nine lesions (20%) were described as unequivocal and had unspecific MR appearance. In eight of the nine cases (89%), the histopathologic report revealed the presence of leiomyomas and two of these cases (22%) were also associated with adenomyosis. The cause of underestimation in these patients was coexisting lesions exhibiting heterogenous intensity and contrast enhancement, which made it difficult to detect the margins of the lesions. The depth of the myometrial invasion was underestimated in nine cases and overestimated in three cases. The staging accuracy with MRI was 74%. There was a significant correlation between MR imaging and histopathologic finding in the assessment of myometrial invasion (p < 0.001). Cervical extension was noted in eight cases (18%), but was missed on MR imaging in two patients and overstaged in none. Six of them were associated with myometrial invasion in more than 50% of the thickness. There was a significant correlation between MR imaging and histopathologic finding in the assessment of cervical extension (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our data confirm the high accuracy of MRI in the diagnosis and local staging of endometrial carcinoma. The information provided by MRI has an important role in planning the treatment and the prognosis of the patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging in Various Diseases)
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14 pages, 2149 KiB  
Article
Use of Lung Ultrasound in Reducing Radiation Exposure in Neonates with Respiratory Distress: A Quality Management Project
by Alexandra Floriana Nemes, Adrian Ioan Toma, Vlad Dima, Sorina Crenguta Serboiu, Andreea Ioana Necula, Roxana Stoiciu, Alexandru Ioan Ulmeanu, Andreea Marinescu and Coriolan Ulmeanu
Medicina 2024, 60(2), 308; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60020308 - 10 Feb 2024
Viewed by 949
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Our quality management project aims to decrease by 20% the number of neonates with respiratory distress undergoing chest radiographs as part of their diagnosis and monitoring. Materials and Methods: This quality management project was developed at Life Memorial Hospital, Bucharest, [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Our quality management project aims to decrease by 20% the number of neonates with respiratory distress undergoing chest radiographs as part of their diagnosis and monitoring. Materials and Methods: This quality management project was developed at Life Memorial Hospital, Bucharest, between 2021 and 2023. Overall, 125 patients were included in the study. The project consisted of a training phase, then an implementation phase, and the final results were measured one year after the end of the implementation phase. The imaging protocol consisted of the performance of lung ultrasounds in all the patients on CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) or mechanical ventilation (first ultrasound at about 90 min after delivery) and the performance of chest radiographs after endotracheal intubation in any case of deterioration of the status of the patient or if such a decision was taken by the clinician. The baseline characteristics of the population were noted and compared between years 2021, 2022, and 2023. The primary outcome measures were represented by the number of X-rays performed in ventilated patients per year (including the patients on CPAP, SIMV (synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation), IPPV (intermittent positive pressure ventilation), HFOV (high-frequency oscillatory ventilation), the number of X-rays performed per patient on CPAP/year, the number of chest X-rays performed per mechanically ventilated patient/year and the mean radiation dose/patient/year. There was no randomization of the patients for the intervention. The results were compared between the year before the project was introduced and the 2 years across which the project was implemented. Results: The frequency of cases in which no chest X-ray was performed was significantly higher in 2023 compared to 2022 (58.1% vs. 35.8%; p = 0.03) or 2021 (58.1% vs. 34.5%; p = 0.05) (a decrease of 22.3% in 2023 compared with 2022 and of 23.6% in 2023 compared with 2021). The frequency of cases with one chest X-ray was significantly lower in 2023 compared to 2022 (16.3% vs. 35.8%; p = 0.032) or 2021 (16.3% vs. 44.8%; p = 0.008). The mean radiation dose decreased from 5.89 Gy × cm2 in 2021 to 3.76 Gy × cm2 in 2023 (36% reduction). However, there was an increase in the number of ventilated patients with more than one X-ray (11 in 2023 versus 6 in 2021). We also noted a slight annual increase in the mean number of X-rays per patient receiving CPAP followed by mechanical ventilation (from 1.80 in 2021 to 2.33 in 2022 and then 2.50 in 2023), and there was a similar trend in the patients that received only mechanical ventilation without a statistically significant difference in these cases. Conclusions: The quality management project accomplished its goal by obtaining a statistically significant increase in the number of ventilated patients in which chest radiographs were not performed and also resulted in a more than 30% decrease in the radiation dose per ventilated patient. This task was accomplished mainly by increasing the number of patients on CPAP and the use only of lung ultrasound in the patients on CPAP and simple cases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging in Various Diseases)
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11 pages, 3176 KiB  
Article
Prostatic Artery Origin Variability: Five Steps to Improve Identification during Percutaneous Embolization
by Alexandru Șerbănoiu, Rareș Nechifor, Andreea Nicoleta Marinescu, Gheorghe Iana, Ana Magdalena Bratu, Iulia Alecsandra Sălcianu, Radu Tudor Ion and Florin Mihail Filipoiu
Medicina 2023, 59(12), 2122; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59122122 - 05 Dec 2023
Viewed by 893
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The purpose of the current paper is to present our study on the variability in the prostatic artery origin, discuss the less frequent origins, and present the challenges of the prostatic artery embolization (PAE) procedure, thus aiding young interventional [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: The purpose of the current paper is to present our study on the variability in the prostatic artery origin, discuss the less frequent origins, and present the challenges of the prostatic artery embolization (PAE) procedure, thus aiding young interventional radiologists. Materials and Methods: We studied the origins of the prostatic artery on digital subtraction angiography (DSA) examinations from PAE procedures on 35 male pelvises (70 hemi-pelvises). Results: Our study has demonstrated that the most frequent origin of the prostatic artery (PA) is the internal pudendal artery (IPA), 37.1%, followed by the anterior gluteal trunk, 27.1%, and the superior vesical artery (SVA), 21.4%. Less frequent origins are the obturator artery (OBT), 11.4%, and the inferior gluteal artery (IGA), 2.8%. Conclusions: Compared to other studies, we notice some differences in the statistical results, but the most frequent origins remain the same. What is more important for young interventional radiologists is to be aware of all the possible origins of the PA in order to be able to offer a proper treatment to their patients. The important aspect that will ensure the success of the procedure without post-procedural complications is represented by the successful embolization of the targeted prostatic parenchyma. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging in Various Diseases)
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11 pages, 1217 KiB  
Article
A Cone Beam Computed Tomography-Based Investigation of the Frequency and Pattern of Radix Entomolaris in the Saudi Arabian Population
by Muhammad Qasim Javed, Swati Srivastava, Badi Baen Rashed Alotaibi, Usman Anwer Bhatti, Ayman M. Abulhamael and Syed Rashid Habib
Medicina 2023, 59(11), 2025; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59112025 - 17 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1011
Abstract
Background and Objectives: An understanding of the anatomical complexity of teeth is a significant factor for a successful endodontic treatment outcome. The aim of this study was to explore the frequency and pattern of distribution of radix entomolaris (RE) in mandibular first [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: An understanding of the anatomical complexity of teeth is a significant factor for a successful endodontic treatment outcome. The aim of this study was to explore the frequency and pattern of distribution of radix entomolaris (RE) in mandibular first molars (MFMs) of a Saudi Arabian subpopulation using CBCT scans. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at dental clinics of Qassim University from February to May 2023 by evaluating CBCT scans that were previously obtained for diagnostic purposes. Scans of Saudi national patients with bilaterally present MFMs and fully formed root apices were included. Conversely, scans with one/or two missing MFMs, MFMs with incomplete root apices, full- or partial-coverage prosthesis, endodontic treatment, and associated radicular resorption were excluded from study. A total of 303 CBCT scans with 606 bilateral MFMs were analyzed by two calibrated evaluators for the presence of, and type according to Song’s typolgy of RE. The data were analyzed using SPPS-24. The descriptive variables were documented as frequencies and percentages. The chi-square test was used to determine the association between the prevalence of RE with the gender, jaw side and age group. Both inter-rater and intra-rater agreements were estimated for detecting and classifying RE using Cohen’s kappa test. Results: The sample had 63.7% males and 36.3% females. The prevalence of RE was 6.6%, with Song’s type III (57.5%) as the most common variant. Absolute agreement was noted between the raters about the presence of RE and very strong agreement was noted for the classification of the RE. Conclusions: RE is an uncommon finding among the mandibular first molars of the Saudi population without any gender and quadrant predilection. The clinicians’ knowledge of the presence and Song’s type of RE may contribute towards the enhancement of endodontic treatment outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging in Various Diseases)
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10 pages, 285 KiB  
Article
High-Resolution Computed Tomography in Middle Ear Cholesteatoma: How Much Do We Need It?
by Eugen Horatiu Stefanescu, Nicolae Constantin Balica, Sorin Bogdan Motoi, Laura Grigorita, Madalina Georgescu and Gheorghe Iovanescu
Medicina 2023, 59(10), 1712; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59101712 - 25 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1127
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The diagnosis of cholesteatoma is usually clinic, and the only efficient treatment is surgical. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is not considered absolutely necessary for the management of an uncomplicated cholesteatoma, but unsuspected situations from a clinical point of view [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: The diagnosis of cholesteatoma is usually clinic, and the only efficient treatment is surgical. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is not considered absolutely necessary for the management of an uncomplicated cholesteatoma, but unsuspected situations from a clinical point of view can be discovered using the scans, warning the surgeon. Our objective is to compare HRCT scan information with intraoperative findings in patients with cholesteatoma and analyze the usefulness of a preoperative HRCT scan from a surgical point of view. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective descriptive study conducted in the Department of Otolaryngology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Romania, from May 2021 to April 2022. It was carried out on 46 patients with a clinical diagnosis of cholesteatoma who were consequently operated on in our department. All patients received full clinical and audiological examinations. In all cases, an HRCT scan was performed preoperatively as a mandatory investigation. Preoperative HRCT scans were analyzed, and their findings were compared to the intraoperative notes. The two sets of observations were analyzed using standard statistical methods. Results: Extensive cholesteatoma was the most common type of disease, involving 46% of the patients, followed by pars flaccida cholesteatoma (35%) and pars tensa cholesteatoma (19%). Eroded scutum was the most frequent lesion involving 70% of the patients, followed by incus erosion (67%). Comparison of the HRCT and intraoperative findings revealed a very good correlation for tegmen tympani erosion, sigmoid plate erosion, scutum and malleus erosion, and a moderate-to-good correlation for lateral semicircular canal erosion, incus and stapes erosion, and fallopian canal erosion. Conclusions: HRCT is a valuable tool in the preoperative assessment of cholesteatoma, helping in making surgical decisions. It can accurately predict the extent of disease and is helpful for detecting unapparent dangerous situations. However, it is not very accurate in detecting fallopian canal and stapes erosion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging in Various Diseases)
13 pages, 1661 KiB  
Article
Profile of Newly Diagnosed Patients with HIV Infection in North-Eastern Romania
by Isabela Ioana Loghin, Andrei Vâţă, Ioana Florina Mihai, George Silvaş, Şerban Alin Rusu, Cătălina Mihaela Luca and Carmen Mihaela Dorobăţ
Medicina 2023, 59(3), 440; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59030440 - 23 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1865
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Human immunodeficiency virus infection and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) pandemic are unquestionably the most serious public crisis of our time. Identifying, preventing, and treating HIV-associated comorbidities remains a challenge that must be addressed even in the era of [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Human immunodeficiency virus infection and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) pandemic are unquestionably the most serious public crisis of our time. Identifying, preventing, and treating HIV-associated comorbidities remains a challenge that must be addressed even in the era of antiretroviral therapy. Materials and Methods: In this study, we aimed to characterize the aspects of newly diagnosed patients with HIV/AIDS, during 2021–2022 in Northeastern Romania. We reviewed the frequency and associated comorbidities of these patients in correspondence with national and global results. Results: Our study found that of all newly diagnosed HIV cases (167 cases—74 cases in 2021 and 98 cases in 2022), 49.70% were diagnosed with HIV infection and 50.30% had AIDS. Based on sex correlated with the CD4+ T-lymphocyte level, the most affected were males, with a lower CD4+ T-lymphocyte level overall. The average HIV viral load was 944,689.55 copies/mL. Half of males had an abnormal ALT or AST (39.53% and 49.61%); as for the females, less than a quarter had an increased value of ALT or AST, respectively (18% and 26%). The most frequent co-infections were as follows: oral candidiasis (34.73% of patients), hepatitis B (17.37% of patients), and SARS-CoV-2 infection (8.38%), followed by hepatitis C (6.39%), tuberculosis (TB), syphilis, toxoplasmosis, Cryptococcus, Cytomegalovirus infections. Males were more affected than females, with a higher percentage of co-infections. The prescribed antiretroviral treatment focused on a single-pill regimen (79.04%) to ensure adherence, effectiveness, and safety. Therefore, 20.96% had been prescribed a regimen according to their comorbidities. Conclusions: Our study found a concerning rise in the incidence of HIV in 2022 compared to that in 2021 in Northeastern Romania, because of the rise in post-SARS-CoV-2 pandemic addressability. Advanced immunodeficiency and the burden of opportunistic infections characterize newly diagnosed HIV patients. The physicians should keep in mind that these patients may have more than one clinical condition at presentation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging in Various Diseases)
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Review

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15 pages, 2044 KiB  
Review
Neuroimaging Modalities Used for Ischemic Stroke Diagnosis and Monitoring
by Jasmin J. Nukovic, Valentina Opancina, Elisa Ciceri, Mario Muto, Nebojsa Zdravkovic, Ahmet Altin, Pelin Altaysoy, Rebeka Kastelic, Diana Maria Velazquez Mendivil, Jusuf A. Nukovic, Nenad V. Markovic, Miljan Opancina, Tijana Prodanovic, Merisa Nukovic, Jelena Kostic and Nikola Prodanovic
Medicina 2023, 59(11), 1908; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59111908 - 28 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1951
Abstract
Strokes are one of the global leading causes of physical or mental impairment and fatality, classified into hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes. Ischemic strokes happen when a thrombus blocks or plugs an artery and interrupts or reduces blood supply to the brain tissue. Deciding [...] Read more.
Strokes are one of the global leading causes of physical or mental impairment and fatality, classified into hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes. Ischemic strokes happen when a thrombus blocks or plugs an artery and interrupts or reduces blood supply to the brain tissue. Deciding on the imaging modality which will be used for stroke detection depends on the expertise and availability of staff and the infrastructure of hospitals. Magnetic resonance imaging provides valuable information, and its sensitivity for smaller infarcts is greater, while computed tomography is more extensively used, since it can promptly exclude acute cerebral hemorrhages and is more favorable speed-wise. The aim of this article was to give information about the neuroimaging modalities used for the diagnosis and monitoring of ischemic strokes. We reviewed the available literature and presented the use of computed tomography, CT angiography, CT perfusion, magnetic resonance imaging, MR angiography and MR perfusion for the detection of ischemic strokes and their monitoring in different phases of stroke development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging in Various Diseases)
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20 pages, 25115 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances and Adaptive Strategies in Image Guidance for Cervical Cancer Radiotherapy
by Beatrice Anghel, Crenguta Serboiu, Andreea Marinescu, Iulian-Alexandru Taciuc, Florin Bobirca and Anca Daniela Stanescu
Medicina 2023, 59(10), 1735; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59101735 - 27 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1897
Abstract
The standard of care for locally advanced cervical cancer is external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) with simultaneous chemotherapy followed by an internal radiation boost. New imaging methods such as positron-emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have been implemented into daily practice for better tumor [...] Read more.
The standard of care for locally advanced cervical cancer is external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) with simultaneous chemotherapy followed by an internal radiation boost. New imaging methods such as positron-emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have been implemented into daily practice for better tumor delineation in radiotherapy planning. The method of delivering radiation has changed with technical advances in qualitative imaging and treatment delivery. Image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) plays an important role in minimizing treatment toxicity of pelvic radiation and provides a superior conformality for sparing the organs at risk (OARs) such as bone marrow, bowel, rectum, and bladder. Similarly, three-dimensional image-guided adaptive brachytherapy (3D-IGABT) with computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been reported to improve target coverage and reduce the dose to normal tissues. Brachytherapy is a complementary part of radiotherapy treatment for cervical cancer and, over the past 20 years, 3D-image-based brachytherapy has rapidly evolved and established itself as the gold standard. With new techniques and adaptive treatment in cervical cancer, the concept of personalized medicine is introduced with an enhanced comprehension of the therapeutic index not only in terms of volume (three-dimensional) but during treatment too (four-dimensional). Current data show promising results with integrated IGRT and IGABT in clinical practice and, therefore, better local control and overall survival while reducing treatment-related morbidity. This review gives an overview of the substantial impact that occurred in the progress of image-guided adaptive external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging in Various Diseases)
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13 pages, 7280 KiB  
Review
Gallbladder Pancreatic Heterotopia—The Importance of Diagnostic Imaging in Managing Intraoperative Findings
by Crenguţa Sorina Şerboiu, Cătălin Aliuș, Adrian Dumitru, Dana Țăpoi, Mariana Costache, Adriana Elena Nica, Mihăilescu Alexandra-Ana, Iulian Antoniac and Sebastian Grădinaru
Medicina 2023, 59(8), 1407; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59081407 - 01 Aug 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1699
Abstract
Pancreatic heterotopy is a rare entity defined as the presence of abnormally located pancreatic tissue without any anatomical or vascular connection to the normal pancreas. Heterotopic pancreatic tissue can be found in various regions of the digestive system, such as the stomach, duodenum, [...] Read more.
Pancreatic heterotopy is a rare entity defined as the presence of abnormally located pancreatic tissue without any anatomical or vascular connection to the normal pancreas. Heterotopic pancreatic tissue can be found in various regions of the digestive system, such as the stomach, duodenum, and upper jejunum, with the less commonly reported location being the gallbladder. Gallbladder pancreatic heterotopia can be either an incidental finding or diagnosed in association with cholecystitis. Pancreatitis of the ectopic tissue has also been described. In this context, we report three cases of heterotopic pancreatic tissue in the gallbladder with different types of pancreatic tissue according to the Heinrich classification. One patient was a 24-year-old male who presented with acute pancreatitis symptoms and an ultrasonographical detected mass in the gallbladder, which proved to be heterotopic pancreatic tissue. The other two cases were female patients aged 24 and 32, respectively, incidentally diagnosed on histopathological examination after cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholelithiasis. Both cases displayed chronic cholecystitis lesions; one of them was also associated with low grade dysplasia of the gallbladder. Although a rare occurrence in general, pancreatic heterotopia should be acknowledged as a possible incidental finding in asymptomatic patients as well as a cause for acute cholecystitis or pancreatitis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging in Various Diseases)
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