Correlations Between Diagnostic Imaging and Morphology in Personalized Medicine

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2027 | Viewed by 6054

Editors


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Guest Editor
Pathology Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: pathology; ultrasound; imaging; oncology; artificial intelligence; personalized medicine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
ENT Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: imaging; otorhinolaryngology; surgery; ultrasound; oncology; personalized medicine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to submit a manuscript to this Special Issue, entitled “Correlations Between Diagnostic Imaging and Morphology in Personalized Medicine”. This Special Issue aims to highlight the importance of diagnostic imaging modalities such as computer tomography (CT), ultrasonography (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or positron emission tomography (PET) in managing complex cases of personalized medicine. The imaging findings must be correlated with the final pathology result, and thus there should be a strong collaboration between the clinician, pathologist and imaging specialist. This Special Issue welcomes the submission of original research articles, reviews and complex case reports whose scope includes, but is not limited to, the following topics: surgery, otorhinolaryngology, orthopedics, ophthalmology, dermatology, and urology.

Dr. Adrian Costache
Dr. Mihai Dumitru
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • imaging
  • tomography
  • ultrasonography
  • personalized medicine
  • pathology
  • oncology
  • otorhinolaryngology
  • surgery
  • dermatology
  • artificial intelligence

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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9 pages, 762 KB  
Article
Cochlear Implants in Inner Ear Malformations—Considerations Regarding the Role of Imaging in Preoperative Evaluation
by Cristian Mircea Neagoș, Adriana Neagoș, Refka Dalia Najar, Răzvan Marian Melinte, Ana Fulga and Ileana Anca Sin
Healthcare 2026, 14(13), 1906; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14131906 - 1 Jul 2026
Viewed by 159
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Addressing cochlear malformations in the context of cochlear implantation is particularly important because the dimensions of the cochlea can affect intraoperative surgical decisions and options as well as the postoperative outcomes of each patient. High-resolution computed tomography (CT) is routinely used [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Addressing cochlear malformations in the context of cochlear implantation is particularly important because the dimensions of the cochlea can affect intraoperative surgical decisions and options as well as the postoperative outcomes of each patient. High-resolution computed tomography (CT) is routinely used to assess the dimensions of the cochlea and the presence of any structural malformations. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the dimensions of the cochlea and its malformations by using imaging measurements and correlating the data obtained with certain types of medical devices used. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted, through the systematic analysis of computed tomography images, on 130 cochlear implants between 2014 and 2024 at the ENT Clinic in Târgu Mureș, Romania, analyzing 103 patients. Data related to the anatomical features of the cochlea and their dimensions were evaluated, with an emphasis on the volume of the malformed and non-malformed cochleas. The collected data were statistically analyzed, evaluating the volume of the cochlea in relation to the gender and age of the patients, as well as the presence of cochlear malformations related to the analyzed side—the right and left ear. Results: The age groups analyzed were 58% between 0 and 7 years, 14% between 8 and 17 years, and 28% between 17 and 68 years, with the minimum age for implantation being 10 months and the maximum age being 68 years. Analyzing the presence of malformations by gender, it was found that enlarged cochlear aperture occurs at a rate of 14.89% in females and 17.02% in males, while an enlarged vestibular aqueduct occurs at a rate of 4.26% in females and 8.51% in males. Incomplete partition types I and II have a frequency of 10.64% in women and 14.89% in men. Incomplete partition type I is equally present in 10.64% of women and men. Cochlear hypoplasia occurs at a low frequency of 2.13% in women and is not observed in men in our analysis. Conclusions: In this study, we analyzed cochlear volume variables between malformed and normal cochleae. Cochlear dimensions (width and height) did not show statistically significant variations between the right and left ears, both in malformed and non-malformed cochleae. The cochlear volume is consistent across the groups studied and is not influenced by malformations or the demographic variables analyzed. Cochlear malformations, according to our assessments, do not present contraindications for a cochlear implant, which nevertheless demonstrates that a preliminary imaging assessment is extremely useful for determining the type of implant that can be used. Full article
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12 pages, 4740 KB  
Article
Intraoperative Surgeon-Performed Ultrasound in Complex Partial Nephrectomy: Insights from Challenging Renal Tumors
by Stelian Ianiotescu, Constantin Gingu, Nicoleta Sanda, Alexandru Iordache, Alexandru Dick and Ioanel Sinescu
Healthcare 2025, 13(18), 2325; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13182325 - 17 Sep 2025
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Abstract
Introduction: Intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) is increasingly utilized in nephron-sparing surgery for its ability to provide real-time, high-resolution imaging that enhances tumor localization and resection accuracy. Its role becomes particularly important in anatomically complex cases such as endophytic, multifocal, or recurrent renal tumors, as [...] Read more.
Introduction: Intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) is increasingly utilized in nephron-sparing surgery for its ability to provide real-time, high-resolution imaging that enhances tumor localization and resection accuracy. Its role becomes particularly important in anatomically complex cases such as endophytic, multifocal, or recurrent renal tumors, as well as in patients with a solitary kidney. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 152 patients who underwent partial nephrectomy for localized renal tumors between January 2019 and December 2024. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (n = 24) included patients with a solitary surgical kidney or tumor recurrence; Group B (n = 128) included patients with a contralateral functional kidney. IOUS was used in 31 cases (20%). Demographic, perioperative, and oncological outcomes were compared, with specific attention to the use and impact of IOUS. Results: IOUS was significantly more common in Group A (75%) than in Group B (10%) (p < 0.001), reflecting its preferential use in higher-complexity surgeries. The rate of positive surgical margins was low overall, with no significant difference between the IOUS and non-IOUS groups (3.2% vs. 1.7%; p = 0.54). IOUS was more frequently employed in cases involving medium/high RENAL nephrometry scores and multifocal tumors, contributing to improved intraoperative tumor delineation without increasing complication rates. Conclusions: IOUS enhances surgical precision and supports oncologic safety in both robotic and open partial nephrectomies, particularly in complex scenarios. Its use should be encouraged as a standard adjunct in conservative renal surgery, especially in patients with a solitary kidney, recurrent disease, or multifocal tumors. Full article
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14 pages, 652 KB  
Article
Diagnostic Yield of Fusion-Guided and Randomized Biopsies in Prostate Cancer: Evidence for an Integrated Approach
by Osama Salloum, Iulian-Alexandru Taciuc, Alexandru Dick, Costin Petcu, Costin Gingu, Nicoleta Sanda, Andreea Nicoleta Marinescu, Crenguta Serboiu and Adrian Costache
Healthcare 2025, 13(17), 2214; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13172214 - 4 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1455
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Improving prostate cancer (PCa) detection remains a key clinical goal. While multiparametric MRI (mp-MRI) fusion-guided biopsy has shown advantages over systematic randomized biopsy, variability persists across studies. This study aimed to compare detection rates between fusion-guided and randomized biopsy techniques and assess [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Improving prostate cancer (PCa) detection remains a key clinical goal. While multiparametric MRI (mp-MRI) fusion-guided biopsy has shown advantages over systematic randomized biopsy, variability persists across studies. This study aimed to compare detection rates between fusion-guided and randomized biopsy techniques and assess the combined predictive value of clinical risk factors. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 138 male patients aged 50–82 years with PSA (prostate-specific antigen) < 25 ng/mL, undergoing both mp-MRI fusion-guided and systematic randomized biopsies. PI-RADS v2.1 was used for lesion assessment. The patient data included PSA, prostate volume, PI-RADS score, and age. Multicollinearity was evaluated, and a multivariate logistic regression model was developed. ROC analysis assessed predictive performance. Results: Fusion-guided biopsy detected cancer in 68.1% (95% CI: 60.3–75.9%) of cases, randomized biopsy in 76.1% (95% CI: 68.9–83.2%), and the combined approach in 88.4% (95% CI: 83.1–93.7%). McNemar’s test confirmed a significant improvement when combining both methods (p < 0.001). PSA exhibited the strongest individual predictive power (AUC = 0.782, 95% CI: ~0.70–0.86), followed by prostate volume (AUC = 0.631, 95% CI: ~0.53–0.73), PI-RADS score (AUC = 0.619, 95% CI: ~0.51–0.72), and age (AUC = 0.572, 95% CI: ~0.46–0.68). The multivariate model achieved an AUC of 0.751 (95% CI: ~0.66–0.83) and an accuracy of 89.6%. Conclusions: Combining fusion-guided and randomized biopsy techniques enhances prostate cancer detection compared with either method alone. PSA, prostate volume, PI-RADS score, and age contribute independently to risk prediction. Future studies will aim to refine stratification models and explore familial cancer risk factors. Full article
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Other

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16 pages, 752 KB  
Systematic Review
Balancing Accuracy, Safety, and Cost in Mediastinal Diagnostics: A Systematic Review of EBUS and Mediastinoscopy in NSCLC
by Serban Radu Matache, Ana Adelina Afetelor, Ancuta Mihaela Voinea, George Codrut Cosoveanu, Silviu-Mihail Dumitru, Mihai Alexe, Mihnea Orghidan, Alina Maria Smaranda, Vlad Cristian Dobrea, Alexandru Șerbănoiu, Beatrice Mahler and Cornel Florentin Savu
Healthcare 2025, 13(15), 1924; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13151924 - 6 Aug 2025
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2266
Abstract
Background: Mediastinal staging plays a critical role in guiding treatment decisions for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). While mediastinoscopy has been the gold standard for assessing mediastinal lymph node involvement, endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative [...] Read more.
Background: Mediastinal staging plays a critical role in guiding treatment decisions for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). While mediastinoscopy has been the gold standard for assessing mediastinal lymph node involvement, endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative with comparable diagnostic accuracy. This systematic review evaluates the diagnostic performance, safety, cost-effectiveness, and feasibility of EBUS-TBNA versus mediastinoscopy for mediastinal staging. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, including searches in Medline, Scopus, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases for studies published from 2010 onwards. A total of 1542 studies were identified, and after removing duplicates and applying eligibility criteria, 100 studies were included for detailed analysis. The extracted data focused on sensitivity, specificity, complications, economic impact, and patient outcomes. Results: EBUS-TBNA demonstrated high sensitivity (85–94%) and specificity (~100%), making it an effective first-line modality for NSCLC staging. Mediastinoscopy remained highly specific (~100%) but exhibited slightly lower sensitivity (86–90%). EBUS-TBNA had a lower complication rate (~2%) and was more cost-effective, while mediastinoscopy provided larger biopsy samples, essential for molecular and histological analyses. The need for general anaesthesia, longer hospital stays, and increased procedural costs make mediastinoscopy less favourable as an initial approach. Combining both techniques in select cases enhanced overall staging accuracy, reducing false negatives and improving diagnostic confidence. Conclusions: EBUS-TBNA has become the preferred first-line mediastinal staging method due to its minimally invasive approach, high diagnostic accuracy, and lower cost. However, mediastinoscopy remains crucial in cases requiring posterior mediastinal node assessment or larger tissue samples. The integration of both techniques in a stepwise diagnostic strategy offers the highest accuracy while minimizing risks and costs. Given the lower hospitalization rates and economic benefits associated with EBUS-TBNA, its widespread adoption may contribute to more efficient resource utilization in healthcare systems. Full article
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