Background Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is a novel imaging technique with growing application in onco-imaging. This modality evaluates the diffusion of water molecules in various tissues, which is restricted in hyper cellular regions such as malignant tissue. Apparent diffusion co-efficient (ADC) is a method which can quantify the degree of restriction in tissues and can have diagnostic roles in characterization of hepatic lesions. In this study, 93 patients with proven hepatic lesions were included. These patients had undergone initial evaluation via ultrasonography and dynamic CT scan, and had a definite diagnosis confirmed by biopsy. These patients underwent DW imaging and ADC values of their lesions were calculated. Patients were divided into two groups, benign and malignant groups, based on their biopsy results; and ADC values of hepatic lesions were compared in the two groups. Results The two groups were gender matched. There was a significant difference in the age distribution between the two groups. Mean ADC values for benign and malignant hepatic lesions were 1.58 ± 0.35 (10-3 mm2/s) and 0.87 ± 0.16 (10-3 mm2/s), respectively. There was a statistically significant differences between benign and malignant hepatic lesions (p value < 10-3). DW imaging had a sensitivity of 97.6% and specificity of 98.7% in detecting malignant hepatic lesions from benign ones (p = 0.0001, AUC = 0.99). Conclusion DW MRI imaging can differentiate malignant and benign liver lesions with high sensitivity and specificity using ADC values generated; furthermore, each subgroup of hepatic lesions could be determined based on ADC values.

Background:Varicocele is an important cause of infertility in men. Some studies have suggested that because of the similar pathologic processes involved in chronic venous diseases and varicocele, saphenofemoral insufficiency is an example of chronic venous disease, which causes varicose veins in the lower extremity. It is thought that there may be a relation between saphenofemoral abnormality and the emergence of varicocele, but this relation is not backed by sufficient evidence. Methods: In this prospective diagnostic study, a total of 50 patients suffering from varicocele and 50 control patients were included. Ultrasonography was performed to determine the emergence of saphenofemoral insufficiency (SFI). Results:Mean age of patients in the varicocele group and the control group was 32.4 ± 8.44, and 34.9 ± 6.39, respectively. Out of 50 patients being included in the study with varicocele, 8 had left sided SFI and 9 had right sided SFI, while in the control group, 4 patients were diagnosed with SFI, 2 on each side. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant. There was no relation between the time from diagnosis of varicocele, side of varicocele and the existence of saphenofemoral insufficiency. Conclusions: Saphenofemoral insufficiency was shown to be significantly related to varicocele, and can be a sign of probability of emergence or re-emergence of varicocele, and further can be used in clinical examination to guide clinicians in diagnosing varicocele.

Background: Prostate cancer is a common malignancy among men and is one of major problem of health care system. Ultrasonography is useful, safe, and available method for evaluation of prostate problem. The aim of present study was to evaluate the role of duplex ultrasound in diagnosis of prostate cancer and localization for biopsy. Methods & Materials: In a descriptive analytical study, 27 patients with increased level of PSA, who were referred to ultrasonography ward of Imam Reza Hospital for prostate biopsy, were included in the study and examined with color doppler and duplex ultrasonography. Biopsy was done for all patients using transrectal guided ultrasonography. Resistance index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), prostate volume, and pathology findings of biopsy, were evaluated. Results: Among 27 patients, 12 patients (44.4%) had prostate cancer and 15 patients (55.6%) had benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In evaluation of RI & PI in prostate arteries, there were no significant differences between patients with malignancy and patients with BPH (P>0.05). Mean volume of prostate in patient with prostate cancer was 36.56±3.13 ml and in patients with BPH was 54.76±5.42 ml. Mean volume of prostate in patients with BPH was significantly more than patients with prostate cancer (P=0.020). Conclusion: Based on the findings of present study; there is no significant correlation between vascular features of prostate arteries and prostate malignancy, and volume of prostate in patients with BPH was significantly higher than patients with prostate cancer.