Primary primitive neuroectodermal tumor in the pericardium—a focus on imaging findings: A case report

BACKGROUNDPrimitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) are rare, sporadic malignant tumors of the peripheral nervous system, bone, or soft tissues. However, to the best of our knowledge, only three cases of PNET in the pericardium have been reported in the English literature, and their magnetic resonance imaging findings have not previously been described.CASE SUMMARYA 3-year-old boy was hospitalized with a 1-wk history of recurrent vomiting and weakness. Detailed history-taking revealed no evidence of heart disease. Computed tomography demonstrated a soft tissue mass in the left pericardial cavity with heterogeneous contrast enhancement. The border between the mass and the heart was poorly defined. Thoracotomy revealed a mass invading the left ventricle, with a high risk of bleeding. The mass was considered inoperable. A biopsy was performed, and the histological and immunohistochemical findings confirmed the diagnosis of primary PNET of the pericardium. The patient received four cycles of standard chemotherapy. Chest magnetic resonance imaging 3 mo after the initiation of chemotherapy revealed that the tumor in the pericardium still existed, but its volume had slightly decreased. The patient was lost to follow-up, and the final outcome was therefore unknown.CONCLUSIONMedical imaging plays an important role in defining the pericardial origin of PNET and understanding its characteristics. Magnetic resonance imaging can provide more information on the tumor than computed tomography and may thus aid therapeutic planning.     

Magnetic resonance imaging of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant tumor that shows distinct distributions into geographical and into well-defined high-risk ethnic groups. Radiation therapy is the mainstay of treatment, and imaging plays a central role in tumor mapping and post-treatment follow-up. Magnetic resonance imaging is better than computed tomography in demonstrating tumor extent, tumor recurrence, and postradiation complications. However, differentiating postradiation changes from tumor recurrence may be difficult using magnetic resonance imaging. Mucosal recurrence is best detected with endoscopy.     

肾上腺髓质脂肪瘤的诊治（附13例报告）

目的分析和总结肾上腺髓质脂肪瘤的临床特征及其诊断和治疗原则。方法回顾性分析我院1997年至2009年收治的肾上腺髓质脂肪瘤13例,对其临床特征、影像学表现、诊断和治疗以及随访结果进行总结。结果 10例患者接受手术治疗,术后病理均证实为肾上腺髓质脂肪瘤,与影像学诊断结果高度一致。肿瘤大小与临床表现无明显相关性。术后无复发,预后良好。3例未手术者随访无临床症状,肿瘤亦无明显变化。结论影像学检查可以明确诊断,腹腔镜手术是治疗该病的金标准。该病预后良好,无复发。无症状患者可长期随访观察。     

18F-FDG PET/CT显像在上皮性卵巢癌术后随访中的应用价值及对临床决策的影响

目的 探讨PET/CT显像在上皮性卵巢癌术后和(或)综合治疗后随访中的应用价值及对临床治疗决策影响.方法 回顾性分析52例上皮性卵巢癌术后,接受18F-FDG PET/CT显像及常规影像学方法检查患者的随访及临床评价资料,与临床随访的金标准[再次术后病理和(或)长期随访观察]进行对比,并分析PET/CT显像对临床决策的影响.结果 52例患者中,33例经临床随访确诊为复发和(或)转移,19例无明显复发和(或)转移.PET/CT显像以视觉分析法结合标准摄取值(SUVmax≥2.5作为阳性诊断标准),34例诊断为复发和(或)转移(真阳性30例,假阳性4例),阴性结果18例(其中3例为假阴性).PET/CT在随访中诊断复发和(或)转移的灵敏度、特异度、准确率、阳性预测值、阴性预测值分别为90.91%(30/33)、78.95%(15/19)、86.54%(45/52)、88.24%(30/34)和83.33%(15/18);而常规影像学分别为70.00%(28/40)、58.33%(7/12)、67.31%(35/52)、84.85%(28/33)和36.84%(7/19).基于PET/CT结果,16例(16/52,30.77%)患者的治疗方案发生改变.结论 应用18F-FDG PET/CT检查对卵巢癌综合治疗后患者进行随访,在监测复发和(或)转移的诊断价值明显高于常规影像学检查.     

Primary skeletal neoplasms: osteosarcoma and ewing sarcoma

The care for children and adolescents with malignant bone tumors such as osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma will be improved by the magnetic resonance imager that can recognize the tumor early in its course and can stage it correctly for proper chemotherapy and local control. This can be accomplished by attention to the proper magnetic resonance imaging technique, recognition of the magnetic resonance appearance, and knowledge of the prognostic factors at diagnosis. Determination of response on follow-up static and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and knowledge of optimal methods to determine recurrent tumor will improve the outcome for these children.     

Imaging for spine tumors and new applications

OBJECTIVES: Discuss intramedullary, intradural/extramedullary, and extradural spinal tumors including imaging characteristics with emphasis on MR and advances in treatment. METHODS: Literature and institutional review. RESULTS: Spinal tumors: intramedullary, intradural/extramedullary, and extradural, comprise a wide range of histological tumors with an even wider range of clinical symptoms and prognostic features. They are relatively rare and if left untreated, can cause serious neurological deficits and disability. An accurate diagnosis is therefore crucial in determining prognosis and directing therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has revolutionized the diagnosis of intraspinal tumors, allowing for early detection and improved anatomical localization. Magnetic resonance has also become an integral part in staging of both primary and metastatic neoplasms of the spine for guiding therapy and is an excellent modality for follow-up. Advances in MRI (perfusion and molecular imaging) may help refine and describe these neoplasms for accurate treatment and prognosis in the future. Surveillance protocols and role of magnetic resonance are not well established. CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance plays an integral role in evaluation of spinal tumors with increasing role in staging and treatment.     

Magnetic resonance imaging of bone tumors and joints

PURPOSE: In this invited review, the main subtypes of commoner bone tumors will be reviewed. Background and general concepts on pathology and surgery will be given with magnetic resonance imaging features of bone tumors. TEXT: The main malignant bone tumors being: osteogenic sarcoma, Ewings sarcoma, and chondrosarcoma are reviewed. Malignant intra-articular tumors are mentioned. The differential diagnoses including tumor mimickers are also reviewed. CONCLUSION: Magnetic resonance imaging allows for basic anatomical review and characterization of tumor type for diagnosis, therapy monitoring, and preoperative planning. A team approach to tumor imaging and treatment is optimal.     

Magnetic resonance imaging of aneurysmal bone cyst

A case of aneurysmal bone cyst is presented, and the radiographic, computed tomographic, and magnetic resonance imaging findings are discussed. The potential advantages of magnetic resonance imaging compared with those of computed tomography are explained. The case is presented to illustrate the potential value of magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of bone and soft tissue tumors.     

Advances in the care of children with brain tumors.

Recent advances in diagnostic imaging, neurosurgical techniques and oncologic therapies provide a more optimistic outlook for practitioners, children with brain tumors and their families. Newer imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography improve accuracy of both initial diagnosis and follow-up evaluation for recurrence or metastasis. Recent advances in microsurgical technique allow for more complete tumor resection. Improving immunological and chemotherapeutic agents show future promise for tumor-specific treatment. Craniospinal irradiation techniques are changing in response to research into long-term effects of radiation on the developing nervous system and patterns of tumor recurrence and metastasis. Stereotactic radiation allows high-dose radiation to be given to focal areas minimizing radiation effects to surrounding normal structures. These changes impact the nursing care of children, requiring neuroscience nurses to be aware of current treatment modalities. Greater awareness of these changes ensures optimum patient care.     

Primary brain tumors in adults

Primary malignant brain tumors account for 2 percent of all cancers in U.S. adults. The most common malignant brain tumor is glioblastoma multiforme, and patients with this type of tumor have a poor prognosis. Previous exposure to high-dose ionizing radiation is the only proven environmental risk factor for a brain tumor. Primary brain tumors are classified based on their cellular origin and histologic appearance. Typical symptoms include persistent headache, seizures, nausea, vomiting, neurocognitive symptoms, and personality changes. A tumor can be identified using brain imaging, and the diagnosis is confirmed with histopathology. Any patient with chronic, persistent headache in association with protracted nausea, vomiting, seizures, change in headache pattern, neurologic symptoms, or positional worsening should be evaluated for a brain tumor. Magnetic resonance imaging is the preferred initial imaging study. A comprehensive neurosurgical evaluation is necessary to obtain tissue for diagnosis and for possible resection of the tumor. Primary brain tumors rarely metastasize outside the central nervous system, and there is no standard staging method. Surgical resection of the tumor is the mainstay of therapy. Postoperative radiation and chemotherapy have improved survival in patients with high-grade brain tumors. Recent developments in targeted chemotherapy provide novel treatment options for patients with tumor recurrence. Primary care physicians play an important role in the perioperative and supportive treatment of patients with primary brain tumors, including palliative care and symptom control.     

Bone morphogenetic protein 7 in dormancy and metastasis of prostate cancer stem-like cells in bone

Metastatic disease is the major cause of cancer deaths, and recurrent tumors at distant organs are a critical issue. However, how metastatic tumor cells become dormant and how and why tumors recur in target organs are not well understood. In this study, we demonstrate that BMP7 (bone morphogenetic protein 7) secreted from bone stromal cells induces senescence in prostate cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) by activating p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and increasing expression of the cell cycle inhibitor, p21, and the metastasis suppressor gene, NDRG1 (N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1). This effect of BMP7 depended on BMPR2 (BMP receptor 2), and BMPR2 expression inversely correlated with recurrence and bone metastasis in prostate cancer patients. Importantly, this BMP7-induced senescence in CSCs was reversible upon withdrawal of BMP7. Furthermore, treatment of mice with BMP7 significantly suppressed the growth of CSCs in bone, whereas the withdrawal of BMP7 restarted growth of these cells. These results suggest that the BMP7-BMPR2-p38-NDRG1 axis plays a critical role in dormancy and recurrence of prostate CSCs in bone and suggest a potential therapeutic utility of BMP7 for recurrent metastatic disease.     

New perspectives and strategy research biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide. Cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus or chronic alcohol intake is associated with major risk. Systematic screening for HCC of asymptomatic patients with cirrhosis is needed for earlier detection of small tumors requiring treatment (liver transplantation, surgical resection, percutaneous techniques). The recommended screening strategy among cirrhotic patients is based on regular liver ultrasonography associated with serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) assay. As the performance of AFP is not satisfactory, additional tumoral markers are proposed (des-gamma-carboxyprothrombin, glycosylated AFP-L3 fraction). Currently, diagnosis of HCC in cirrhotic patients includes non-invasive tests (imaging after contrast administration, AFP assay); diagnostic biopsy is performed when imaging is limited. After treatment, tumor recurrence is assessed by regular follow-up (AFP assay and imaging). Despite the lack of accurate markers, recent developments in genomic and proteomic approaches will allow the discovery of new biomarkers for primary tumors, as well as for recurrence. This review summarizes the current state of biomarkers for screening, diagnosis and follow-up of HCC, and highlights new perspectives in the field.     

四肢骨巨细胞瘤保肢术后的局部影像学评价

目的探讨四肢骨巨细胞瘤保肢术后局部正常转归与并发症的影像学表现及其价值。方法分析104例因四肢骨巨细胞瘤而接受外科保肢治疗的患者的影像学随访资料,其中74例接受肿瘤刮除术(包括植骨术44例和骨水泥填充术30例),30例接受瘤段切除术(包括单纯切除术4例、移植骨重建术9例和肿瘤型假体关节置换重建术17例),术后平均随访时间(45.65±10.32)个月,分析术后随访的影像表现。结果 104例患者中,因手术方式不同,66例术后正常转归的影像学表现不尽相同。术后3年总并发症发生率为36.54%(38/104),随手术方式而有所不同;肿瘤复发率为28.85%(30/104)。结论在骨巨细胞瘤保肢术后随访中,影像学检查可较早发现局部并发症。     

Imaging treated prostate cancer

In patients with a clinical suspicion of recurrence after treatment for prostate cancer, imaging can be used to distinguish between local recurrence and metastatic disease. Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) of the prostate may be a valuable imaging modality for the detection and localization of local recurrence in patients treated for prostate cancer. In mpMRI, morphological T2-weighted images are combined with functional MRI techniques including diffusion-weighted imaging, dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging, and magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging to improve accuracy. In this paper, the current status of imaging techniques used to detect and to localize tumor recurrence in patients treated for prostate cancer will be reviewed, with emphasis on mpMRI for local prostate cancer recurrence.     

Interventional magnetic resonance image-guided percutaneous cryoablation of renal tumors

We describe the first two cases of percutaneous cryoablation under magnetic resonance imaging guidance. To date, this minimally invasive procedure has been used for the treatment of renal cell tumors in patients who cannot tolerate or refuse surgical nephrectomy. The two patients described showed no evidence of recurrence or complications 35 and 36 months after the procedure.     

Flash echo gray scale imaging with subtraction in assessment of small hepatocellular carcinoma treated with percutaneous ethanol injection: preliminary report.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the therapeutic effect of percutaneous ethanol injection on small hepatocellular carcinoma by using a flash echo imaging system, a newly developed technique for detecting echoes from microbubble contrast agents more efficiently. METHODS: Six patients with 7 small nodular hepatocellular carcinomas, proved by fine-needle aspiration cytologic or pathologic examination, were included. Percutaneous ethanol injection was performed until there was no intratumoral color signal on conventional color and power Doppler ultrasonography. A bubble contrast agent was then injected, and flash echo imaging in the subtraction mode was performed for assessment of the therapeutic effect. Dynamic computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and hepatic angiography were also used for evaluation of the therapeutic effect. RESULTS: Five tumors had perfusion defects that were equal in size to or larger than the tumors. No tumor stain was shown on hepatic angiography. Two tumors had partial perfusion defects. Viable tumors were confirmed by tumor resection in 1 case and cytologic examination in the other. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary results show that flash echo imaging with subtraction has potential value in evaluation of the therapeutic effect of percutaneous ethanol injection on small hepatocellular carcinoma.     

骨水泥填充法与钢板内固定保肢治疗转移性恶性骨肿瘤（英文）

背景：目前保肢治疗已成为四肢恶性骨肿瘤的规范治疗方式,但若治疗处理不当,则会造成肿瘤复发、继发性感染、内固定或重建假体松脱等并发症。目的：文章以传统的肢体转移性骨肿瘤外科治疗原则为基础,从四肢恶性转移性骨肿瘤患者的实际情况出发,制定人性化、个体化、简单化的姑息性治疗方案,观察骨水泥填充法结合内固定治疗转移性恶性骨肿瘤的合理性、临床疗效及预后情况。方法：回顾分析解放军第四二一医院骨科2008年1月至2009年6月收治的恶性转移性骨肿瘤患者中筛选的31例患者,均要求保肢治疗。将31例患者按治疗方式分为2组：肿瘤清除＋钢板内固定组11例,采用骨水泥填充法结合钢板内固定内固定姑息性治疗;肿瘤清除＋钢板内固定＋固定前放化疗组20例,采用固定前放化疗结合钢板内固定保肢治疗。全部患者固定后获4-38个月随访,平均18个月。结果与结论：随访结果显示,肿瘤清除＋钢板内固定组11例均存活、生活能自理,肢体运动功能良好;肿瘤清除＋钢板内固定＋固定前放化疗组20例患者中17例存活,3例分别于固定后第9,13个月因原发肿瘤的多脏器转移和自身条件较差、并发其他并发症而死亡。肿瘤清除＋钢板内固定组保肢治疗后肢体神经及运动功能综合评分均较固定前提高至少1个级别以上。结果证实,对于转移性恶性骨肿瘤的保肢治疗可不采用放化疗技术,简单的骨水泥填充法结合内固定姑息性治疗的方法也有较好的效果。     

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Abdominal Masses in the Pediatric Patient

Magnetic resonance (MR) plays a unique role in the diagnosis and management of pediatric abdominal masses. The "as low as reasonably achievable" (ALARA) radiation dose of CT is zero when substituted by MR. Whole body MR may also compete with PET imaging to stage abdominal tumors. Specific advantages of MR include determination of resectability of hepatic tumors using MRI and MRA; staging of neuroblastoma in the bone marrow, lymph nodes, liver, and spinal canal; response of bilateral Wilms tumor and nephroblastomatosis; detection of pelvic tumors with sagittal sectioning, and peritoneal tumors with contrast enhancement.     

18F-FDG PET/CT监测骨与软组织肉瘤术后复发及转移的价值

目的：评价18 F-FDG PET/CT显像监测骨与软组织肉瘤术后复发和/或转移的临床价值及对临床治疗决策的影响。方法回顾性分析32例骨与软组织肉瘤术后行18 F-FDG PET/CT检查患者的随访及临床资料,将PET/CT检查结果与临床随访（再次手术后病理和长期随访观察）的结果进行对比分析,并分析PET/CT对临床决策的影响。结果32例患者,18 F-FDG PET/CT提示局部复发13例,正确诊断12例,假阳性及假阴性各1例,PET/CT诊断骨与软组织肉瘤局部复发的灵敏度、特异性、准确率、阳性预测值及阴性预测值分别为92.3%（12/13）、94.7%（18/19）、93.7%（30/32）、92.3%和94.7%（18/19）;PET/CT提示远处转移11例,正确诊断10例,假阳性1例,假阴性2例,PET/CT诊断远处转移的灵敏度、特异性、准确率、阳性预测值及阴性预测值分别为83.3%（10/12）、95%（19/20）、90.1%（29/32）、90.9%（10/11）和90.5%（19/21）。基于PET/CT结果,37.5%（12/32）患者的治疗方案发生改变。结论18 F-FDG PET/CT在骨与软组织术后复发和/或转移的诊断中具有重要的临床价值,是一种较理想的监测方法。     

Branch duct IPMTs: value of cross-sectional imaging in the assessment of biological behavior and follow-up

Branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous tumors (IPMTs) are increasingly being described and represent a challenge for the physician. Recent imaging modalities, especially computed tomography and magnetic resonance, allow for a correct diagnosis, but IPMTs can manifest with different degrees of cellular atypia so it is very important to be able to establish the biological behavior of the lesion. Sixty-five patients were included in this study: 29 of them underwent surgery, and the other 36 were followed with cross-sectional imaging. Among patients who underwent surgery, 11 had benign lesions and 18 had malignant lesions. Overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in the diagnosis of malignancy for all the cross-sectional imaging techniques were 61%, 81%, and 69%, respectively. Among patients who were followed and had a magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatographic diagnosis of branch duct IPMT with imaging features indicative of benignity, only two showed modifications over the follow-up period. Even considering some important biases (small number of patients and relatively short follow-up), interesting conclusions can be drawn: the imaging diagnosis of malignancy can be trusted, whereas that of benignity cannot be relied upon, but if the signs of malignancy are absent, the slow growth of the lesions justifies watchful follow-up in the correct clinical setting.