Focal Nodular Hyperplasia with Retraction of Liver Capsule: A Case Report

Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is characterized by the presence a central scar with radiating fibrous septa. Our case had a capsular retraction, which was the result of an extension of the central scar to the surface. In addition, a hypointense scar on the T2-weighted image and a minimal enhancing central scar on the enhanced T1-weighted image, which was due to dense, sclerotic collagenous tissue, were observed. We report the first case of FNH with a capsular retraction.     

Differentiating Focal Eosinophilic Infiltration from Metastasis in the Liver with Gadoxetic Acid-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Objective

To determine the most useful findings of gadoxetic acid-enhanced 3.0 Tesla (T) MRI for differentiating focal eosinophilic infiltration (FEI) from hepatic metastasis with verification of their usefulness.

Materials and Methods

Pathologically or clinically proven 39 FEIs from 25 patients and 79 hepatic metastases from 51 patients were included in the study. Gadoxetic acid-enhanced 3.0T MRI was performed in all cancer patients. Size differences measured between T2-weighted and hepatobiliary-phase images for lesions > 1 cm and morphologic findings (margin, shape, signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted images, enhancement pattern on dynamic images, and target appearance on hepatobiliary-phase images) were compared between two groups via Student''s t test as well as univariate and multivariate analyses. Diagnostic predictive values of two observers for differentiating two groups were assessed before (session 1) and after (session 2) recognition of results.

Results

Mean size difference (2.1 mm) in FEIs between the two images was significantly greater than for metastases (0.7 mm) (p < 0.05). An ill-defined margin and isointensity on T1-weighted images were independently significant morphologic findings (p < 0.05) for differentiating the two groups. All observers achieved a higher diagnostic accuracy in session 2 (97% and 98%) than session 1 (92% and 89%) with statistical significance in observer 2 (p < 0.05). All observers had significantly higher sensitivities (95%) and negative predictive values (NPVs) (98%) in session 2 than in session 1 (sensitivity, 74% in two observers; NPV, 89% and 88%) (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

With the size change, an ill-defined margin and isointensity on T1-weighted images are the most useful findings for differentiating FEI from hepatic metastasis on gadoxetic acid-enhanced 3.0T MRI.     

Follow-up Results After Negative Findings on Unenhanced Hepatic MR Imaging for Hepatic Metastasis from Rectal Cancer

Objective

To assess the follow-up results after negative findings on unenhanced hepatic MR imaging in rectal cancer patients who have undergone locally curative surgery.

Materials and Methods

From all pertinent imaging reports and medical records, we selected 255 patients who had negative results on unenhanced hepatic MR imaging. When selecting patients who had undergone curative resection, the following patients were excluded from the study: 1) patients in whom extrahepatic metastases were detected on preoperative staging work-ups, 2) patients in whom the surgery was judged to be non-curative due to peritoneal seeding or local aggressiveness. Cases with follow-up periods of less than 18 months were also excluded, as these cases were considered insufficient to confirm the negative outcomes. Thus, a total of 149 patients were ultimately enrolled in our study. The follow-up results of unenhanced MR imagings were assessed according to the assumption that the newly developed hepatic metastases had been false-negative lesions on preoperative MR image.

Results

During a median follow-up period of 29.3 months, 25 hepatic metastases were detected in 13 patients (8.7%), which indicated a negative predictive value of 91.3%.

Conclusion

Unenhanced hepatic MR imaging provides a high negative predictive value with regard to the detection of hepatic metastasis in the preoperative evaluation of rectal cancer.     

Hypereosinophilic Syndrome: CT Findings in Patients with Hepatic Lobar or Segmental Involvement

Objective

The purpose of this study was to describe the CT findings of hepatic hypereosinophilic syndrome in which hepatic lobes or segments were involved.

Materials and Methods

Seven patients with hypereosinophilic syndrome with hepatic lobar or segmental involvement were included in our study. In all seven, diagnosis was based on liver biopsy and the results of corticosteroid treatment. CT findings were retrospectively reviewed by three radiologists, who reached a consensus. Biopsy specimens were examined, with special reference to portal and periportal inflammation.

Results

CT demonstrated well-defined, homogeneous or heterogeneous low attenuation with a straight margin limited to a hepatic lobe (n = 2), segments (n = 3), or subsegments (n = 2), particularly during the portal phase. Where there was subsegmental involvement, lesions were multiple, ovoid or wedge-shaped, and showed low attenuation. In two patients with lobar or segmental involvement, segmental portal vein narrowing was observed. Histopathologic examination disclosed eosinophilic infiltration in the periportal area, sinusoids and central veins, as well as portal phlebitis.

Conclusion

Hypereosinophilic syndrome may involve the presence of hepatic lobar, segmental, or subsegmental low-attenuated lesions, as seen on CT images. Their presence may be related to damage of the liver parenchyma and to portal phlebitis.     

容易被忽视的肝单发转移瘤螺旋CT表现特点

目的：探讨肝单发转移瘤的螺旋CT影像学特点。方法：以12例肝单发转移瘤为研究对象,其中9例经手术病理证实,3例随访复查CT证实．均行肝脏CT平扫加动态增强扫描,回顾性分析肝单发转移瘤的CT特点。结果：肝单发转移瘤CT诊断难度较高,本组CT诊断正确5例。除了转移瘤的CT常见特点以外,肝单发转移瘤可有以下几点特殊征象：病灶直径小,边缘可有假包膜强化,门脉期可为等密度强化,肝周病灶可有包膜凹陷改变。结论：肝单发转移瘤的CT诊断难度大,但掌握它的特点,能够提高它的诊断符合率。     

胃癌患者放射性肝损伤的CT表现

目的：分析胃癌患者放射性肝损伤的CT表现。方法：回顾分析52例行三雏适形放射的胃癌患者随访CT平扫和动态增强资料。结果：52例患者18例CT上观察到肝放射性反应,其中8例在第2次复查时受累区域较前缩小,且在门脉期由第1次随访时低密度转变成等密度,其CT增强方式发生改变,3例在第3次随访时完全恢复。结论：放射性肝损伤增强CT表现为放疗结束后1个月后出现,平扫及增强各期为低密度不增强表现,2个月开始出现门脉期或延迟增强表现且受影响区域减小,无肝基础病放射性肝损伤在随访9～11个月时可完全恢复。     

经肝动脉化疗栓塞术联合激光热疗治疗大鼠肝转移癌

目的:评价经肝动脉化疗栓塞术(TACE)联合激光热疗(LITT)治疗大鼠肝转移癌的疗效.方法:30只雄性WAG大鼠肝包膜下注入CC531结直肠癌肝转移癌细胞混悬液,种植术后13天行MRI检查,测量肿瘤体积V1,然后采取介入治疗措施:①第14天时采取单纯TACE治疗(丝裂霉素(碘油(降解淀粉);②第14天时采取单纯LITT治疗(Nd:YAG激光);③联合TACE(第14 天时)和LITT治疗(第21 天时).第28天时再次行MRI检查以确定肿瘤体积V2变化,比较肝肿瘤体积生长率V2/V1.结果:介入治疗后肿瘤体积与治疗前肿瘤体积之比分别为A组5.42、B组6.14、C组3.15.与对照组A组和B组相比,采取C组即TACE联合LITT的治疗方案明显抑制肝肿瘤的生长(Bonferroui检验,P＜0.01).结论:联合TACE和LITT的综合介入治疗方法与单纯TACE以及LITT相比,能明显抑制大鼠肝转移癌的生长.     

Solitary Necrotic Nodules of the Liver Mimicking Hepatic Metastasis: Report of Two Cases

We present two cases of solitary necrotic nodules of the liver which on radiologic images mimicked hepatic metastasis. Solitary necrotic nodule of the liver is a rare but benign entity which histopathologically consists of an outer fibrotic capsule with inflammatory cells and a central core of amorphous necrotic material. The lesion was seen on contrast-enhanced CT as an ovoid-shaped hypoattenuating nodule; on CT during hepatic arteriography as enhancing nodule; on intraoperative US as a target-appearing hypoechoic nodule; on T2WI as a hyperintensity nodule, and on dynamic MR as a subtle peripheral enhancing nodule. Although the radiologic features are not specific, solitary necrotic nodule of the liver should be included in the differential diagnosis of hepatic metastasis.     

Diagnostic Performance of Deep Learning-Based Lesion Detection Algorithm in CT for Detecting Hepatic Metastasis from Colorectal Cancer

ObjectiveTo compare the performance of the deep learning-based lesion detection algorithm (DLLD) in detecting liver metastasis with that of radiologists.Materials and MethodsThis clinical retrospective study used 4386-slice computed tomography (CT) images and labels from a training cohort (502 patients with colorectal cancer [CRC] from November 2005 to December 2010) to train the DLLD for detecting liver metastasis, and used CT images of a validation cohort (40 patients with 99 liver metastatic lesions and 45 patients without liver metastasis from January 2011 to December 2011) for comparing the performance of the DLLD with that of readers (three abdominal radiologists and three radiology residents). For per-lesion binary classification, the sensitivity and false positives per patient were measured.ResultsA total of 85 patients with CRC were included in the validation cohort. In the comparison based on per-lesion binary classification, the sensitivity of DLLD (81.82%, [81/99]) was comparable to that of abdominal radiologists (80.81%, p = 0.80) and radiology residents (79.46%, p = 0.57). However, the false positives per patient with DLLD (1.330) was higher than that of abdominal radiologists (0.357, p < 0.001) and radiology residents (0.667, p < 0.001).ConclusionDLLD showed a sensitivity comparable to that of radiologists when detecting liver metastasis in patients initially diagnosed with CRC. However, the false positives of DLLD were higher than those of radiologists. Therefore, DLLD could serve as an assistant tool for detecting liver metastasis instead of a standalone diagnostic tool.     

非典型肺转移瘤的X线和CT表现及其鉴别

目的 :探讨非典型肺转移瘤的X线和CT表现及其鉴别。材料和方法 :回顾性分析 14例有原发病灶并经手术病理及组织学证实的非典型肺转移瘤的X线和CT表现。结果 :非典型肺转移瘤的X线和CT表现有多发性钙化 2例、单发转移 4例、多发性空洞 3例、肺炎型 1例、自发性气胸 1例和肺泡壁蔓延 1例。结论 :熟悉非典型肺转移瘤的X线和CT表现有助于原发恶性肿瘤及非恶性病变诊断和鉴别诊断     

Early Recurring Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Partial Hepatic Resection: Preoperative CT Findings

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the utility of preoperative CT in predicting early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after partial hepatic resection.

Materials and Methods

Preoperative three-phase helical CT scans in 53 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were retrospectively reviewed by two radiologists. In 27 patients (group I), HCC had recurred within six months, while 26 (group II) had remained disease free for at least two years. In each group, preoperative CT findings were evaluated in each group for the tumor size and number, the presence or absence of capsule, distinctness of tumor margin, perinodular extension, and the presence or absence of portal vein thrombosis.

Results

In group I, a tumor capsule of tumor was seen in five of 27 patients (19%), and in group II, in 16 of 26 (62%) (p = .001). The tumor margin was distinct in eight patients (30%) in group I and in 20 (77%) in group II (p = .001). Multiple tumors, perinodular extension, and portal vein thrombosis were more frequently seen in group I but the differences were not statistically significant (p > .05). Tumor size was similar in each group (p > .05).

Conclusion

Preoperative CT findings that may help predict the early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after surgical resection are an absence of capsule of tumors and an indistinct margin. Reference to these findings during preoperative CT can guide clinicians in their choice of treatment.     

Peliosis Hepatis with Hemorrhagic Necrosis and Rupture: a Case Report with Emphasis on the Multi-Detector CT Findings

We report here on an uncommon case of peliosis hepatis with hemorrhagic necrosis that was complicated by massive intrahepatic bleeding and rupture, and treated by emergent right lobectomy. We demonstrate the imaging findings, with emphasis on the triphasic, contrast-enhanced multidetector CT findings, as well as reporting the clinical outcome in a case of peliosis hepatis with fatal hemorrhage.     

18F-FDG符合线路SPECT显像联合CT、B超、MRI在结直肠癌术后复发及转移中的诊断价值

目的探讨18F-FDG 符合线路 SPECT 显像联合传统显像(CT、B 超、MRI)在结直肠癌术后复发及转移中的诊断价值.资料与方法107例结直肠癌术后患者行18F-FDG 符合线路 SPECT 显像,并联合 CT、B 超、MRI 诊断结直肠癌术后复发及转移.结果107例患者最终确定复发及转移共29例.18F-FDG 符合线路 SPECT 显像与传统显像诊断均为阳性的15例患者中,传统显像检出病灶20个,符合线路 SPECT 显像检出病灶26个.传统显像检出3个符合线路 SPECT 显像未发现的转移病灶,而符合线路 SPECT 显像检出9个传统显像未发现的病灶.18F-FDG 符合线路 SPECT 显像诊断结直肠癌术后复发及转移的灵敏度、特异性和准确率分别为79.3%、89.7%和86.9%;传统显像的诊断效能分别为62.1%、88.5%和81.3%;二者联合的诊断效能分别为89.7%、92.3%和91.6%.二者联合诊断结直肠癌术后复发及转移的灵敏度和准确率明显优于传统显像(P <0.05).结论18F-FDG 符合线路 SPECT 显像联合 CT、B 超、MRI 在监测结直肠癌术后复发及转移中具有重要临床价值.     

Carcinosarcoma of the Liver: A Case Report

Primary hepatic carcinosarcoma is a rare tumor comprised of a mixture of carcinomatous and sarcomatous elements. Less than 20 adequately documented cases have been reported, however the imaging features of two cases were briefly described. We present here a case of carcinosarcoma of the liver in a 46-year-old woman, which was confirmed based on pathology. Imaging showed a large mass with large necrotic portions, small cystic portions, calcifications and bone formations.     

Liver lesion detection,characterization, and effect on patient management: Comparison of single-phase spiral CT and current MR techniques

This study compares liver lesion detection, characterization, and effect on patient management between single-phase spiral CT and MRI using spoiled gradient echo (SGE), T2-weighted fat-suppressed spin echo, and serial post gadolinium SGE. All patients with suspected liver lesions who underwent spiral CT and MRI within a 1-month period between January 1993 and September 1996 were included in the study. Spiral CT and MRI were interpreted prospectively in a blinded fashion by separate individual experienced investigators, and lesion detection and characterization were determined. Confirmation was obtained by surgery (6 patients), biopsy (18 patients), imaging follow-up (36 patients), or combined reading of all imaging studies and clinical follow-up (29 patients). Effect on patient management was determined by combined chart review and interview of the patients' physicians and by retrospective clinical assessment performed by a surgical oncologist and medical oncologist separately. Eighty-nine patients were included in the study. Regarding true positive lesion detection, 295 and 519 lesions were detected on spiral CT and MR images, respectively, which was significantly different on a patient-by-patient basis (P < .001). More lesions were detected on MR than on spiral CT in 44 of 89 patients (49.4%), and 11 of these 44 patients had lesions shown on MRI in whom no lesions were apparent on CT images. No patients had true positive lesions shown on spiral CT that were not shown on MRI. Regarding lesion characterization, 129 and 466 lesions were characterized on spiral CT and MRI images, respectively, which was significantly different on a patient-by-patient basis (P < .001). More lesions were characterized on MR than CT images in 67 patients (75.3%). Regarding effect on patient management, chart review with physician interview demonstrated that findings on MRI provided information that altered patient management as compared with findings on spiral CT in 57 patients. Retrospective clinical evaluation by the surgical and medical oncologist showed that MRI was considered to have a greater effect on patient management than spiral CT in 58 and 55 patients, respectively. Comparing current MRI technique to single-phase spiral CT, MRI detected more lesions in 49.4% and characterized more lesions in 75.3% of patients investigated for focal liver disease. MRI had a greater effect on patient management in each of the three methods than singlephase spiral CT in more than 61% of patients.     

Subtle Pleural Metastasis without Large Effusion in Lung Cancer Patients: Preoperative Detection on CT

Objective

We wanted to describe the retrospective CT features of subtle pleural metastasis without large effusion that would suggest inoperable lung cancer.

Materials and Methods

We enrolled 14 patients who had open thoracotomy attempted for lung cancer, but they were proven to be inoperable due to pleural metastasis. Our study also included 20 control patients who were proven as having no pleural metastasis. We retrospectively evaluated the nodularity and thickening of the pleura and the associated pleural effusion on the preoperative chest CT scans. We reviewed the histologic cancer types, the size, shape and location of the lung cancer and the associated mediastinal lymphadenopathy.

Results

Subtle pleural nodularity or focal thickening was noted in seven patients (50%) having pleural metastasis and also in three patients (15%) of control group who were without pleural metastasis. More than one of the pleural changes such as subtle pleural nodularity, focal thickening or effusion was identified in eight (57%) patients having pleural metastasis and also in three patients (15%) of the control group, and these findings were significantly less frequent in the control group patients than for the patients with pleural metastasis (p = 0.02). The histologic types of primary lung cancer in patients with pleural metastasis revealed as adenocarcinoma in 10 patients (71%) and squamous cell carcinoma in four patients (29%). The location, size and shape of the primary lung cancer and the associated mediastinal lymphadenopathy showed no significant correlation with pleural metastasis.

Conclusion

If any subtle pleural nodularity or thickening is found on preoperative chest CT scans of patients with lung cancer, the possibility of pleural metastasis should be considered.     

Detection of Small Hypervascular Hepatocellular Carcinomas in Cirrhotic Patients: Comparison of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide-Enhanced MR Imaging with Dual-Phase Spiral CT

Objective

To compare the performance of superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging at 1.5T and dual-phase spiral computed tomography (CT) for the depiction of small hypervascular hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs).

Materials and Methods

Forty-three patients with 70 small nodular HCCs (5-20 mm; mean, 13.7 mm) were examined. Diagnosis was based on the results of surgical biopsy in 22 patients and by the combined assessment of MR imaging, lipiodol CT, alpha feto-protein levels, and angiographic findings in 21. MR imaging consisted of respiratory-triggered turbo spin-echo T2-weighted imaging, T1-weighted fast low-angle shot, and T2*-weighted fast imaging with steady-state precession imaging before and after SPIO enhancement. CT imaging was performed with 5-mm collimation and 1:1.4 pitch, and began 30 and 65 secs after the injection of 150 mL of contrast medium at a rate of 3 mL/sec. Two blinded observers reviewed all images independently on a segment-by-segment basis. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis.

Results

The mean areas (Az) under the ROC curves were 0.85 for SPIO-enhanced MR imaging and 0.79 for dual-phase spiral CT (p < .05). The mean sensitivity of SPIO-enhanced MR imaging was significantly higher than that of CT (p < .05), i.e. 70.6% for MR imaging and 58.1% for CT. MR imaging had higher false-positive rates than dual-phase spiral CT, but the difference was not statistically significant (3.7% vs 3.3%) (p > .05).

Conclusion

SPIO-enhanced MR imaging is more sensitive than dual-phase spiral CT for the depiction of small hypervascular hepatocellular carcinomas.     

超声造影在诊断乳腺癌肝转移中的应用价值

目的:探讨超声造影(CEUS)在诊断乳腺癌肝转移中的应用价值。材料和方法:对89例常规超声疑似乳腺癌肝转移者行CEUS和增强CT(CECT)后,采用穿刺活检、手术病理、影像学随访超过半年临床最后确诊。结果:89例常规超声疑似乳腺癌肝转移经CEUS及相关检查临床最后确诊为良性41例。48例乳腺癌肝转移经CEUS明确诊断47例。CEUS对乳腺癌肝转移诊断的敏感度为97.92%(47/48),假阴性率为2.08%(1/48),特异度为100%(41/41),阳性预测值为100%(47/47),阴性预测值为97.62%(41/42)。经CEUS发现新增转移病灶10例。CEUS从常规超声53.93%(48/89)的诊断准确度提高到98.88%(88/89)。CEUS对乳腺癌肝转移的诊断率与CECT在统计学上无差异(P=0.833)。结论:CEUS能发现乳腺癌较小的肝转移灶,提高了超声诊断乳腺癌肝转移的鉴别能力和准确度。     

Diagnosis of Cardiac Metastasis from Endometrial Cancer by F-18 FDG-PET/CT

We report a case of a 59-year-old woman with right ventricular metastasis of undifferentiated endometrial cancer. Cardiac metastasis from endometrial cancer is a very rare finding. The case demonstrates that undifferentiated endometrial cancer is capable of metastasizing, presumably through a hematogenous route, to unexpected distant organs. These unexpected sites should not be undermined in the restaging and surveillance of these patients.