CT-Guided Transthoracic Needle Aspiration Biopsy of Subsolid Lung Lesions

PurposeTo assess the diagnostic performance of computed tomography (CT)–guided transthoracic needle aspiration biopsy (TNAB) in the evaluation of persistent subsolid lung lesions.Materials and MethodsA retrospective review of all CT-guided TNABs performed at a single institution from January 2002 to November 2012 was conducted to identify patients with persistent subsolid lung lesions. The diagnostic performance of CT-guided TNAB was assessed through comparison of cytologic diagnoses with core needle biopsy, surgical resection, or imaging and clinical follow-up. The cytologic, histologic, and imaging features of each lesion were characterized, and CT-guided TNAB complications were recorded.ResultsIn 32 patients, a diagnosis of benign or malignant disease was identified through evaluation of pathologic or follow-up data. There were 18 men and 14 women, with a mean age of 67.1 years ± 9.6 (range, 52–86 y). The mean lesion diameter was 21 mm ± 11 (range, 8–62 mm). A final diagnosis of malignancy was made in 28 cases (87.5%); four benign lesions were also diagnosed. The overall sensitivity of CT-guided TNAB in the evaluation of these lesions was 89.2%, and the specificity and positive predictive value were 100%. Two pneumothoraces (6.3%) were identified.ConclusionsAmong patients with subsolid lung lesions, CT-guided TNAB is safe and shows high sensitivity. The high specificity and positive predictive value of the procedure allow for definitive treatment decisions to be made for most patients.     

Cystic lymphangiomas of the abdomen. CT and US findings

Cystic lymphangiomas of the abdomen are an uncommon kind of hamartoma. Their diagnosis is often difficult and calls for an accurate differential diagnosis of this disease and such lesions as cystic pancreatic neoplasms, pseudocysts, hematomas, abscesses and urinomas. Eight cases of abdominal lymphangioma are reported, in patients ranging 35 to 68 years; all lesions were uni/multilocular containing serous fluid. Lymphangiomas were located in the retroperitoneal space (3 cases), in the mesenteric bed (3 cases), close to the left lumbar ureter (1 case), and on the left colon wall (1 case); the symptoms were little characteristic, mostly due to pressure on the adjacent organs. Both CT and US were able to detect and evaluate the lesions; in particular, CT provided also with exact topography. A small lymphangioma in the left colon was revealed only by barium enema. In 2 huge retroperitoneal lymphangiomas the diagnostic evaluation was improved by the use of CT-guided fine-needle biopsy; in patients with mesenteric lesions angiography was employed, also for surgical planning. Lymphography was never performed because CT and US proved the best diagnostic procedures. All patients underwent surgery, whose results confirmed the previous diagnosis, but for the patient with para-ureteral location the surgeon thought nephrectomy necessary.     

MSCT增强扫描诊断胸膜孤立性纤维瘤的价值

目的：探讨 MSCT 诊断胸膜孤立性纤维瘤(SFTP)的价值。方法回顾性分析经病理证实的12例 SFTP 患者的临床及CT 资料。结果12例 SFTP 患者中,8例出现胸闷,6例呼吸困难,5例胸痛,2例咳嗽;7例呈类圆形,5例不规则形;可见包膜6例、分叶征5例;可见坏死9例,钙化3例;病灶直径3~22 cm,平均(11.3±2.4)cm;9例与肺组织分界清晰,7例与胸壁呈锐角,增强后9例明显不均匀“地图样”强化,其中7例病灶内可见迂曲血管影,3例呈轻-中度强化。结论SFTP 在 CT 上具有一定特征性表现,尤其增强 CT 对 SFTP 具有独特优势。     

Comparison between EPI and HASTE for ultra-fast MR imaging of the human brain

Our purpose was to evaluate and compare the performance of ultra-fast single-shot T2-weighted sequences: echo-planar imaging (EPI) versus half-Fourier single-shot turbo spin-echo (HASTE) and to assess the usefulness of their combined reading. Comparative experiments on a phantom as well as a prospective clinical study in 47 patients were done. Axial images acquired with the following methods were compared: (a) HASTE; (b) segmented HASTE (s-HASTE); (c) single-shot spin-echo EPI (SE-EPI); and (d) gradient-echo EPI (GREEPI). Quantitative and qualitative criteria as well as lesion detectability were analyzed against the "gold standard" fast spin-echo (FSE) sequence. For contrast and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) between gray and white matter, GRE-EPI was best. The visibility of small markedly hyperintense lesion was best with HASTE and s-HASTE in the clinical study. Small hyperintense lesions were detected equally well with all four sequences, although all performed significantly worse than FSE. The two HASTE variants were better than the EPIs for the extraaxial lesions. The combination of the GRE-EPI and s-HASTE was judged best, and sometimes superior to the FSE image. HASTE or EPI alone cannot substitute for FSE in the screening evaluation of the brain. However, together, EPI and HASTE could provide comparable diagnostic information to that of FSE because their combination compensates for their individual limitations.     

Staging of regional lymph nodes in melanoma patients by means of 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy.

Most first relapses in patients with melanoma occur in regional lymph node basins. Such lesions are frequently diagnosed clinically during the first 2 y of follow-up. In the last few years, our group has been studying the usefulness of (99m)Tc-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) scintigraphy in the evaluation of recurrent melanoma lesions. The aim of the present study was to prospectively evaluate the clinical value of (99m)Tc-MIBI scintigraphy in the diagnosis of subclinical nodal metastases. METHODS: We included 66 patients within 3 mo of melanoma diagnosis, with Breslow thickness > 1.0 mm, all treated with wide local excision of the primary lesion. When (99m)Tc-MIBI scanning was performed, 49 of them did not have evidence of nodal disease, and 17 had clinically questionable regional lymph node lesions. Planar images of lymph node regions were acquired 10 min after injection, using a dose of 740-1,110 MBq and a large-field-of-view gamma camera equipped with a low-energy high-resolution collimator. Scan findings were confirmed by pathology or by clinical follow-up (median, 35 mo). RESULTS: Thirty of 33 patients with regional lymph node metastases received a correct diagnosis, 14 with palpable lesions and 16 with nonpalpable lesions. In 3 cases that were initially (99m)Tc-MIBI negative, nodal metastases were found during follow-up. The following diagnostic values were calculated: sensitivity, 0.91 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75-0.98); specificity, 0.85 (95% CI, 0.67-0.94); likelihood ratio of a positive test, 6.0 (95% CI, 2.7-13.5); and likelihood ratio of a negative test, 0.11 (95% CI, 0.036-0.32). CONCLUSION: (99m)Tc-MIBI scanning may have a secondary role in the staging of regional lymph nodes in patients with clinically localized melanoma who are not good candidates for sentinel node biopsy.     

Symptomatic shoulder instability due to lesions of the glenoid labrum

Lesions of the glenoid labrum can be associated with and cause shoulder instability and symptomatology by (1) allowing the shoulder to dislocate recurrently (anatomical instability); (2) allowing the shoulder to subluxate (anatomical instability); and (3) allowing the shoulder to click, catch, and lock secondary to partially attached fragments becoming interposed between the articular surfaces (functional instability). The latter two clinical entities are usually associated with "lesser" labral damage and diagnosis can be difficult. Six illustrative cases are presented and salient diagnostic and therapeutic points are discussed. The glenohumeral axillary arthrotomogram is presented as a sensitive diagnostic test for detecting labral lesions.     

Combining fine-needle aspiration and core biopsy under CT fluoroscopy guidance: a better way to treat patients with lung nodules?

OBJECTIVE: The goal of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of the combined use of fine-needle aspiration and tissue core biopsy under real-time CT fluoroscopy guidance. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred thirty-eight percutaneous needle lung biopsy samples were obtained by two methods. The samples obtained by tissue fine-needle aspiration underwent cytologic evaluation, and those obtained by core biopsy using an automated cutting needle underwent histologic evaluation. The final diagnosis was confirmed by independent surgical pathologic findings, independent culture results, or clinical follow-up. RESULTS: Rates of adequate specimens obtained and of precise diagnosis by combined use of fine-needle aspiration and core biopsy were 97.1% (134/138) and 94.2% (130/138) evaluated lung lesions, respectively, whereas those rates were 84.8% (117/138) and 79.7% (110/138) by fine-needle aspiration alone and 91.3% (126/138) and 89.1% (123/138) by core biopsy alone, respectively. Precise diagnosis was achieved by the combined use of the techniques in 30 (93.8%) of 32 lesions ranging from 3 to 10 mm in diameter, 42 (93.3%) of 45 lesions ranging from 11 to 20 mm, 43 (93.5%) of 46 lesions ranging from 21 to 30 mm, and 100% of 15 lesions ranging from 31 to 100 mm. In 89 of 90 lesions shown to be malignant by CT-guided lung biopsy and 30 of 44 shown to be benign, specific cell types could be proven from specimens obtained by the combined use of the two different types of needle biopsy. CONCLUSION: The combined use of fine-needle aspiration and core biopsy improves the diagnostic ability of CT fluoroscopy-guided lung biopsy, even in small lesions.     

Computerized cranial tomography and radionuclide imaging in the detection of intracranial mass lesions

Computerized cranial tomography (CCT) and radionuclide imaging (RI) of the brain are both accurate techniques for detecting intracranial mass lesions. CCT is superior in detecting low-grade gliomas, cystic lesions, parasellar tumors, and brain stem lesions. Overall, CCT detection rates are slightly higher than those with RI, but the use of iodinated contrast media with CCT increases the risk of this examination. There is a significant difference in the generally binary (positive/negative) type of information offered by RI and the more specific information offered by CCT about the pathologic nature of a lesion and its precise location. In the evaluation of patients with suspected intracranial mass lesions, CCT is generally the preferable initial diagnostic test. However, RI may still serve as a satisfactory screening examination in certain well-defined clinical situations.     

MRT des Kniegelenks

Since its introduction into clinical use, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become well established in the diagnosis of injuries of the knee joint and has replaced diagnostic arthroscopy as the primary evaluation method. Traumatic lesions of the ligaments, menisci, and articular surfaces are common injuries that can be confidently detected using MRI. This article reviews the basic principles of the examination technique of the knee, the normal MRI anatomy of the internal joint structures, and the typical findings in injuries of the cruciate ligaments, collateral ligaments, and mensci, in traumatic dislocation of the patella, and in acute osteochondral lesions.     

The diagnosis of traumatic cervical lesions: a decade of evidence-based change

The growing awareness of the need for emergency centers specializing in the care of trauma patients, together with advances in diagnostic imaging technology, have led to the occasional indiscriminate use of diagnostic methods to the detriment of ordering diagnostic tests based on the risk of fracture and of the clinical examination itself. In many institutions, this practice is carried out without appropriate controls and without analyzing the risks and benefits of a particular clinical conduct. This is particularly true in cases of multiple trauma with suspected traumatic lesions of the cervical spine. For many years, radiological examination was based on plain-film radiography, with CT playing a complementary role. Over the last decade, since the introduction of helical CT, and more recently multidetector CT scanners, the diagnostic approach has undergone rapid, significant changes. This article summarizes the experience based on publications centered on establishing the diagnostic effectiveness of CT in comparison to plain-film radiography and the importance of recognizing risk factors when determining the diagnostic strategy. On the other hand, the importance of avoiding unnecessary tests and excessive radiation in providing appropriate and efficient medical care is stressed. In general, the evidence indicates that CT should be the first-line approach in high-risk patients and plain-film radiography should be reserved for the initial evaluation of patients with a low risk of traumatic lesions.     

Capsule enteroscopy and radiology of the small intestine

In a very few years, the video capsule for small bowel enteroscopy has gained widespread clinical acceptance. It is readily ingested, disposable, and allows for a complete, low-invasive endoscopic examination of the entire mucosa of the small bowel. It is a patient-friendly method and a first-line procedure in the difficult evaluation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. It has the highest proven figure of diagnostic sensitivity for detecting lesions of the mucosa, irrespective of aetiology. The limitations of capsule endoscopy include difficulty in localising mucosal lesions anatomically and its restricted use in patients with dysphagia, strictures or motor dysfunction. Strictures, transmural and extra-mural lesions in patients with small bowel Crohn’s disease are evaluated by MRI- enterography and CT-enterography.     

Rationale Schnittbildgebung des hepatozellulären Karzinoms

Clinical/methodical issue

Both computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) constitute the gold standard in radiological imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In cases of typical contrast behavior each modality as a single dynamic technique allows the diagnosis of HCC. There is still a challenge in detection of small HCCs <?2 cm, in differentiating HCC and high-grade dysplasia from other benign liver lesions as well as the evaluation of hypovascular liver lesions in the cirrhotic liver.

Performance

Nowadays, both modalities achieve high detection rates of 90–100?% for lesions >?2 cm. Regarding lesions between 1 and 2 cm there is a higher sensitivity for MRI ranging between 80 and 90?% compared to 60–75?% with CT. Besides the multimodal diagnostic criteria, MRI provides significant benefits with the use of hepatobiliary contrast. Especially in combination with diffusion- weighted imaging (DWI) increased sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy compared to CT has been described for lesions sized <?2 cm. Regarding the differentiation from other hepatic nodules in the cirrhotic liver there is strong evidence that the coexistence of arterial enhancement and hypointensity on hepatobiliary imaging is specific for HCC. Moreover, hypointensity on hepatobiliary imaging is associated with a high positive predictive value (PPV) of up to 100?% for the presence of high-grade dysplasia and HCC.

Achievements

The use of MRI including hepatobiliary imaging and DWI has to be regarded as the best non-invasive imaging modality for the detection of HCC and for the characterization of nodules in patients with liver cirrhosis. In comparison to CT there are benefits regarding detection of small lesions <?2 cm and evaluation of hypovascular liver lesions in the context of the hepatocarcinogenesis including prognostic values of premalignant lesions.

Practical recommendations

Both MRI and CT provide a high diagnostic performance in evaluation of HCC in liver cirrhosis. With MRI there are considerable advantages regarding the detection rate and specificity. For daily clinical routine, CT offers a fast, reliable and easy available modality with benefits for patients in reduced general state of health and restricted compliance.     

Comparison of mangafodipir trisodium- and ferucarbotran-enhanced MRI for detection and characterization of hepatic metastases in colorectal cancer patients

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the validity of mangafodipir trisodium-enhanced versus ferucarbotran-enhanced MRI in the detection and characterization of hepatic lesions in colorectal cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-one patients who were known to have or suspected of having hepatic metastasis from colorectal carcinoma underwent mangafodipir trisodium- or ferucarbotran-enhanced MRI in block randomization methods. Two radiologists independently reviewed the MR images to determine the number of hepatic lesions and to characterize the lesions as malignant or benign. Each lesion was assessed according to its size (small, 2 cm in diameter) on both mangafodipir trisodium- or ferucarbotran-enhanced MRI. The data were correlated with the reference diagnosis: histopathology and intraoperative sonography (n = 16); intraoperative sonography (n = 4); and imaging and clinical diagnosis with follow-up (> 3 months; n = 21). The detection rates and diagnostic accuracies of hepatic lesions on both sets of MR images were assessed using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Eighty-two hepatic lesions (53 metastatic and 29 benign) were identified in 41 patients. No significant differences were seen between mangafodipir trisodium- and ferucarbotran-enhanced MRI for detecting all hepatic lesions (p = 0.183), small hepatic lesions (p = 0.299), all metastases (p = 0.695), and small metastases (p = 0.689). The diagnostic accuracies of mangafodipir trisodium- and ferucarbotran-enhanced MRI showed no significant differences in all hepatic lesions (p = 0.624) and small hepatic lesions (p = 0.641). CONCLUSION: Mangafodipir trisodium- and ferucarbotran-enhanced MRI are similar in hepatic lesion detection and characterization in colorectal cancer patients.     

Testicular masses in association with adrenogenital syndrome: US findings.

Adrenogenital syndrome (AGS) is the result of inborn enzymatic defects in the synthesis of steroid hormones. The production of cortisol is deficient and that of adrenocorticotropic hormone is increased. Sometimes male patients have clinically detectable testicular lesions, known as testicular tumors of AGS (TTAGS). From 1985 to 1991, scrotal ultrasonography (US) was performed in 30 consecutive pubertal and postpubertal patients with AGS to investigate the prevalence and US characteristics of TTAGS. Eight of 30 patients had a testicular lesion (27%); six of the eight lesions were clinically undetected. The mean diameter of the lesions was 16.44 mm (range, 2-28 mm). The lesions were hypoechoic in all cases, with well-defined margins in six cases. The nodules were multifocal in all patients and bilateral in six (75%). If testicular lesions are present in a patient with AGS, TTAGS are likely, and frequent US monitoring is adequate for diagnostic evaluation.     

Differentiation between small benign and malignant adrenal masses with dynamic incremented CT

Contrast-enhanced dynamic incremented CT scans in 37 patients with 44 small adrenal masses (28 benign and 16 malignant) were reviewed by two observers unaware of the histologic diagnosis to determine if applying morphologic criteria could help differentiate small benign adrenal masses from malignant adrenal masses. Only lesions smaller than 5 cm with diagnoses confirmed by histology (12 masses) or follow-up (32 masses) were included. Features evaluated to suggest a benign diagnosis were homogeneous low attenuation, possibly with punctate contrast enhancement; an enlarged gland (adrenal configuration maintained); a thin or absent rim; round or oval shape with sharp margins; and diffusely homogeneous attenuation about equal to or greater than that of muscle. Features studied to suggest a malignant diagnosis were a thick enhancing rim, invasion of adjacent structures, irregular or poorly defined margins, and inhomogeneous attenuation. Both observers' diagnoses of benign vs malignant lesions with CT criteria were highly statistically significant. The positive predictive value of a benign diagnosis was 100% for both observers and of a malignant diagnosis was 82% and 62% for the two observers. Evaluated singly, all but three diagnostic criteria were statistically significant in differentiating lesions for both observers; the other three criteria were present in a smaller percentage of patients, but nevertheless had positive predictive values for benignancy of 89-100%. We conclude that experienced observers who use CT criteria can often discriminate accurately between benign and malignant small adrenal masses and, in particular, minimize the number of false-negative diagnoses of adrenal metastases. If these results are confirmed and refined by prospective studies, aggressive diagnostic evaluation can be eliminated in some patients with benign adrenal lesions.     

Bone biopsy of uncertain bone lesions using a new biopsy cannula measuring 1.4 mm

Bone biopsy for the clarification of ambiguous lesions has until now been the last resort in diagnostic procedures because obtaining the material for histological evaluation has involved very traumatizing methods (biopsy by surgical intervention, percutaneous biopsy with high-caliber needles). A new bone-biopsy apparatus has now been developed that is provided with a cannula not much larger than a fine needle (1,4 mm); it can be used to obtain histologically evaluable biopsy material from almost all regions of the skeletal system. As the procedure can be carried out under local anesthesia, there is no undue stress to the patient. The complication risk is no higher than when using conventional fine-needle biopsy. Despite the small diameter of this needle it is possible to obtain biopsy specimens not only of osteolytic but also of osteoplastic lesions. An electric motor (20 rotations/min) is the power source for apparatus. The value of bone biopsy in diagnostic procedures has increased considerably.     

The importance of radiographic imaging in the microscopic assessment of bone tumors

Introduction

Primary bone tumors are rare and require a multidisciplinary approach. Diagnosis involves primarily the radiologist and the pathologist. Bone lesions are often heterogeneous and the microscopic diagnostic component(s) may be in the minority, especially on core needle biopsies. Reactive processes, benign, and malignant tumors may have similar microscopic aspects. For these challenging cases, the correlation of microscopic and radiologic information is critical, or diagnostic mistakes may be made with severe clinical consequences for the patient. The purpose of this article is to explain how pathologists can best use imaging studies to improve the diagnostic accuracy of bone lesions.

Diagnosis

Many bone lesions are microscopically and/or radiographically heterogeneous, especially those with both lytic and matrix components. Final diagnosis may require specific microscopic diagnostic features that may be present in the lesion, but not the biopsy specimen. A review of the imaging helps assess if sampling was adequate. The existence of a pre-existing bone lesion, syndrome (such as Ollier disease or multiple hereditary exostosis), or oncologic history may be of crucial importance. Finally, imaging information is very useful for the pathologist to perform accurate local and regional staging during gross examination.

Conclusion

Close teamwork between pathologists, radiologists, and clinicians is of utmost importance in the evaluation and management of bone tumors. These lesions can be very difficult to interpret microscopically; imaging studies therefore play a crucial role in their accurate diagnosis.     

Computed tomographic diagnosis of traumatic laryngeal injuries

Fifty-seven consecutive patients with acute laryngeal trauma were referred to our emergency department for evaluation. On the basis of the physical examination findings, 40 (70%) of the patients were excluded from further diagnostic evaluation, 2 (4%) patients with penetrating laryngeal trauma underwent immediate surgery, and 15 (26%) patients with blunt trauma were submitted to laryngoscopy and computed tomography (CT). Findings at CT and laryngoscopy were independently evaluated before classifying patients as having grade 1 or grade 2 lesions: grade 1 included the presence of minor injuries (mild edema, laryngeal hematomas, or minor laryngeal lacerations); grade 2 included evidence of major injuries (subcutaneous emphysema, mucosal disruption, and/or laryngeal fractures without exposed cartilages).According to the CT findings, 11 of 15 (73%) patients were classified as having grade 1 and 4 of 15 (27%) patients as having grade 2 injuries. At laryngoscopy, owing to local bleeding, findings were nondiagnostic in 2 of 15 (13%) patients (classified as grade 1 at CT); furthermore, 11 of 15 (73%) patients were classified as grade 1 injuries: of these 11 patients, 9 had clinical follow-up confirmation of appropriate grading of lesions, whereas 2 cases were proved to be underestimated by laryngoscopy owing to the absence of indirect signs of laryngeal skeleton fractures. Finally, in 2 of 15 (13%) patients, findings at laryngoscopy were consistent with grade 2 injuries.CT is the imaging modality of choice in cases of laryngeal injuries, giving valuable support to the physical findings and providing useful information for planning appropriate treatment.     

Soft tissue masses in children

The diagnosis of soft tissue masses in children can be challenging because there is a broad spectrum of entities that can present as such. Ultrasonography is the primary diagnostic imaging modality in the pediatric age and is especially useful for small and superficial lesions. MR imaging can be helpful, particularly in the evaluation of large and deep soft tissue lesions. Correlation of the imaging findings with the clinical information is crucial in the diagnostic work-up. This article reviews the most common causes of soft tissue masses that require imaging in children.     

Role of power Doppler techniques and ultrasound contrast enhancement in the differential diagnosis of focal breast lesions

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the diagnostic impact of ultrasound in differentiating focal breast lesions with special regard on power Doppler and US contrast agents. The sonographic evaluation of breast lesions has become a standard procedure during the past 15 years. Especially the improvement of B-mode resolution and the use of high-frequency probes increased the diagnostic value of US. Assuming that the neoangiogenetic vascular architecture of solid breast lesions can be depicted reliably by color Doppler, many authors tried to differentiate between benignity and malignancy using Doppler criteria such as flow and morphologic aspects. Additionally, adjuvant techniques, such as harmonic imaging and new US contrast agents, are meant to be success-promising tools. Whereas the sensitivity and specificity of color Doppler have varied in different studies, prognostic prediction and treatment monitoring seem to be the future areas of application. To evaluate sufficiently flow signals of very small vessels with low flow velocity, the use of contrast-enhancing agents may be necessary. Nevertheless, an indispensable condition for successful Doppler-based assessment of the entity of breast lesions is the standardization of techniques, evaluation, analysis and weighting of the parameters. Electronic Publication