Evaluation of chest wall invasion by lung cancer using respiratory dynamic MRI

Conventional CT or MRI has low accuracy in assessing chest wall invasion in patients with peripheral lung cancer. For preoperative evaluation of chest wall invasion by peripheral lung cancer, respiratory dynamic (RD) MRI was carried out in 98 patients in whom conventional CT scan showed that the tumour was abutting the pleural surface, but there was no evidence of definite tumour invasion. We used 1.5-T MR equipment. RD MR images were acquired by snapshot fast field echo sequence (repetition time = 8, echo time = 3, flip angle = 100) and 25 consecutive images were taken while the patient took deep breaths. These images were evaluated in cine mode to assess tumour movement along the chest wall. Sixty-one patients underwent surgical resection of the tumour and RD MR findings were compared with those in pathological specimens. RD MR showed free tumour movement along the chest wall in 34 patients. At pathological examination, the RD MR findings were proved correct in all patients. Pathologically, 20 patients had chest wall invasion and their RD MR was positive (sensitivity 100%). There were seven false-positive results among the 41 patients without chest wall invasion (specificity 82.9%). RD MR may improve the accuracy of conventional CT scan or MRI in the prediction of chest wall invasion of lung cancer, especially in patients in whom the results of conventional CT scan or MRI appear equivocal in the presence of a peripheral mass abutting the chest wall surface without obvious chest wall invasion.     

肉瘤样恶性间皮瘤的CT与MRI表现

目的 探讨肉瘤样恶性间皮瘤的CT与MRI表现特征.方法 回顾性分析6例经病理证实的肉瘤样恶性间皮瘤的CT与MRI资料.5例发生在胸膜,1例发生在腹膜.所有病例均行CT平扫加增强扫描,1例行MRI平扫加增强扫描.结果 5例胸膜肉瘤样恶性间皮瘤全部发生在左胸,广泛不规则胸膜增厚、胸腔积液.其中,3例形成巨大软组织肿块,平扫密度不均,增强明显不均匀强化;1例伴纵隔多发淋巴结肿大.1例腹膜肉瘤样恶性间皮瘤表现为大量腹腔积液,腹膜不规则增厚,形成巨大软组织肿块,平扫密度不均,增强不均匀强化,腹腔、腹膜后多发淋巴结肿大.MRI表现为不规则软组织肿块,T1加权像(T1 weighted imaging,T1 WI)等低信号、T2抑脂高信号,扩散加权成像(diffusion wighted imaging,DWI)高信号,增强后呈明显不均匀强化.结论 CT与MRI表现能较准确显示肉瘤样恶性间皮瘤的病变特征,对定性诊断有一定的提示作用.     

肺癌胸膜种植转移的CT表现及其解剖分布

目的 总结胸膜种植转移的CT征象及其解剖分布。方法 回顾分析32例临床、病理确诊为原发性肺癌伴胸膜种植转移患者的CT表现。结果 本组患者的胸部CT征象主要表现为胸腔积液(24例)、脏层胸膜转移结节(10例)、壁层胸膜转移结节(16例)及胸膜增厚(3l例)。脏层胸膜转移结节中，分布于肺表面脏层胸膜9处，叶间胸膜l0处。壁层胸膜转移结节分布在膈胸膜、肋胸膜、纵隔胸膜、肺韧带，共45处。结节小至2—5mm的粟粒，大至5～10mm。胸膜增厚中因直接侵犯造成者10例，间接转移者2l例，后者中9例表现为增厚≤10mm，4例一侧胸膜环状增厚，5例纵隔胸膜增厚，3例肺韧带增厚。结论 肺癌胸膜转移最常见的CT征象为胸腔积液，其次为胸膜转移结节及胸膜增厚。转移结节最常分布在隔胸膜、肋胸膜，并可转移至肺韧带；早期表现为粟粒状，在肺窗容易发现。     

Imaging diagnosis in preoperative TNM staging of lung cancer

Conventional chest radiography (CR), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as staging modalities were compared in assessing the tumor extension and node status before operation in 57 patients with non-small cell bronchogenic carcinoma. The results showed that accuracy of 47 T1 and T2 lesions was 94%, 73% and 77% for CR, CT and MRI, respectively. CR and CT correctly evaluated 1 of the 2 T3 lesions and MRI was correct in both. CT and MRI correctly evaluated 4 of the 7 T4 lesions. MRI was superior to CT for left pulmonary artery invasion, but inferior to CT for pleural metastases. CR underestimated all of the 7 T4 lesions. The mediastinal lymph node metastases were evaluated preoperatively, giving sensitivities in CR, CT and MRI of 17%, 71% and 67%, respectively. The sensitivity of CT and MRI was higher than CR (P less than 0.01). The short axis of nodes greater than or equal to 10 mm was recommended for metastasis on the right side of mediastinum and the long axis greater than or equal to 10 mm for that in the other areas of mediastinum.     

Posterior mediastinal biphasic synovial sarcoma in a 12 year-old boy: a case report and review of literature

We report a case of biphasic synovial sarcoma of the mediastinum, a very rare tumor, in a 12-year-old boy with left-sided chest pain of 3 years duration at presentation. Chest X-ray showed left-sided opacity with loss of cardiac silhouette and the mediastinum deviated to the opposite side. Computed tomography (CT) of thorax showed left-sided posterior mediastinal mass with left-sided pleural effusion and pleural thickening. CT guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) from the mass reported it as spindle cell variant of adenocarcinoma. Ultrasonography (USG) of the whole abdomen revealed no abnormality. The mediastinal tumor was resected by left thoracotomy and histopathological report confirmed it to be a biphasic synovial sarcoma with capsule invasion at places.     

外周型原始神经外胚层肿瘤的CT和MRI影像特征

背景与目的:外周型原始神经外胚层肿瘤(primitive neuroectodermal tumor,PNET)用组织学方法检查难以与其它的小圆形细胞肿瘤(如尤文氏肉瘤)区别.本研究目的在于分析和探讨外周型PNET的CT和MRI影像特征.方法:回顾性分析7例经病理证实的外周型PNET的CT和MRI表现.结果:7例PNET发病部位分别为左鼻翼、右下颌骨、左/右胸壁、左精索、胸椎旁及腰段椎管内.发生于软组织的PNET CT表现主要为边界不清的软组织肿块,密度不均匀伴坏死、囊变,无钙化,增强后明显不均匀强化.发生于骨的PNET CT表现为溶骨性骨质破坏并伴巨大软组织肿块形成.发生于椎旁或椎管内的PNET MRI表现为与脊髓和马尾分界清的软组织肿块,在T1WI上呈稍低或等信号改变,在T2WI上呈稍高或等信号改变.结论:外周型PNET的CT和MRI表现缺乏特异性影像特征;CT和MRI检查可显示肿瘤的范围和发现远处转移,对确定手术的可切除性及评价治疗效果有重要参考价值.     

肺肉瘤样癌的临床病理分析

目的探讨肺肉瘤样癌（pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma,PSC）的临床病理学特征,以提高对肺肉瘤样癌的早期诊断。方法回顾性分析6例肺肉瘤样癌的临床特征、影像学表现及病理学特征。结果6例患者最常见的呼吸系统临床表现为咳嗽、咳痰（100．O％）,其次5例为痰中带血（83．3％）和4例胸痛（66．7％）;影像学表现为增强CT扫描可见肿块实体部分轻度强化,转移淋巴结环形强化1例,肺内转移3例,纵隔转移2例,腋窝淋巴结转移2例,胸膜及胸壁侵犯3例,胸腔积液3例,肋骨转移1例,肝转移1例,脑转移2例;病理诊断3例为多形性癌,2例梭形细胞癌,1例为巨细胞癌。结论肺肉瘤样癌临床少见,其临床表现无特异性,肺部增强cT检查具有一定的特异性,诊断仍需依靠病理学检查,免疫组织化学有助于确诊。     

Preoperative evaluation of the depth of chest wall invasion and the extent of combined resections in lung cancer patients

The optimal extent of a combined resection in patients with lung cancer invading the chest wall remains controversial. To assess whether specific preoperative findings could lead to the precise evaluation of the depth of chest wall invasion and evade en-bloc resection of the chest wall in cases of tumor invasion limited to the parietal pleura, 132 patients with resected lung cancer involving the chest wall were retrospectively surveyed for the preoperative findings, surgical procedures, pathological results, and survival. A pathological examination of the resected specimens showed that 58 tumors had invaded only to the parietal pleura (shallow invasion) and 74 had involved the soft tissue or ribs (deep invasion). A multivariate analysis showed that preoperative CT findings of obvious tumor invasion beyond the parietal pleura (p = 0.005) and complaints of chest pain (p = 0.015) were independent indicators of deep invasion. In patients with lung cancer involving the chest wall, chest pain and/or invading on chest CT suggested that an en-bloc resection was a suitable surgical procedure, because 79% of those patients had deep invasion. On the other hand, in patients without chest pain and invasion on chest CT, an extrapleural approach was recommended at first based on the fact that 63% of them had shallow invasion. In practice, an extrapleural resection was performed in 40 cases and an en-bloc resection in 10 patients with shallow invasion. There was no significant difference in the survival between the two surgical procedures. Therefore, the CT findings of obvious tumor invasion beyond the parietal pleura and/or the presence of chest pain indicate the need to perform an en-bloc resection in patients with lung cancer involving the chest wall. However, in patients without these findings, an extrapleural approach could be initially attempted for chest wall resection, because an en-bloc resection had no survival benefit for patients with shallow invasion.     

3T MRI in evaluation of asbestos-related thoracic diseases - preliminary results

Background

3T high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners have recently become available for the clinical use and are being increasingly applied in the field of whole-body imaging and chest imaging as well. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic potential of 3 T MRI as a complementary imaging modality to CT in detecting the pathological changes of asbestos-related thoracic diseases.

Patients and methods

Fifteen patients with the asbestos-related thoracic disease were scheduled for 3T MRI. Five had a benign form of the disease and 10 had malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). From the patients with a benign form of the disease their last CT examination in digital form was acquired and patients with MPM were scheduled for CT examination with contrast media. The protocol of MR imaging consists of T2-weighted cardiac-gated breath-hold turbo spin echo (TSE) sequences in coronal, sagittal and axial plane and T1-weighted cardiac-gated breath-hold TSE black blood in axial plane. In T2-weighted sequences in axial plane, fat saturation was also used. CT examinations were obtained with the administration of the contrast medium from lung apices to the lower end of the liver. Images of 5 mm (mediastinum window) and 3 mm (lung window) in axial plan were reconstructed. MRI signal intensity of lesions and adjacent muscles on Syngo MultiModality Work Place were measured.

Results

Compared to muscles pleural plaques appeared hypo-intense to iso-intense on T1 weighted images (in 100%) and also hypo-intense on T2 fs-weighted images (in 100%). MPM appeared inhomogeneous hypo-intense to iso-intense on T1-weighted and hyperintense on T2 fs-weighted images in all patients (100%).

Conclusions

These preliminary results pointed out that MRI was equal or even better compared with CT examination for detecting possible malignant potential of pleural changes in the asbestos-related pleural disease, using signal intensity measurements of T2 fs-weighted images. The 3T MRI enabled the accurate determination of chest pathology and it could be used for imaging of patients with the asbestos-related thoracic disease. MRI is particularly valuable because a patient is not exposed to the harmful radiation which is important if imaging methods are used repeatedly, like in screening programs or in monitoring of treatment results. This finding turned us to propose 3T MRI imaging technique as a non-ionizing imaging method for the follow-up of patients with the isolated pleural form of the asbestos-related disease.     

The clinical importance of magnetic resonance imaging versus computed tomography in malignant pleural mesothelioma

There is no standard therapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), but recent reports have shown that extensive surgery combined with chemo- and radiotherapy prolongs the survival of selected patients with early stage disease. This emphasises the need for accurate staging procedures at diagnosis and reliable imaging methods to assess response to treatment. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest has been the standard imaging method for these purposes for the last decade, but it is limited in its ability to demonstrate accurately the platelike growth pattern of MPM within the thorax due to the partial volume effect on curved surfaces. In order to define the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the imaging of MPM, we have compared the findings from 26 parallel paired CT and MRI scans of mesothelioma patients at various stages of the disease. MRI showed tumour spread into the interlobar fissures, tumour invasion of the diaphragm and through the diaphragm, and invasion of bony structures better than CT. Invasion of the chest wall and mediastinal soft tissue and tumour growth into the lung parenchyma were equally well seen on both imaging methods. CT was better for detecting the inactive pleural calcifications. MRI is a sensitive detector of the characteristic growth pattern and extension of MPM and we recommend its use more widely for the clinical management of MPM especially when evaluating tumour resectability and in research protocols when an accurate evaluation of disease extent is essential.     

Pleural involvement in chronic sarcoidosis detected by thoracic CT scanning

BACKGROUND AND AIM: 5-10% of patients with sarcoidosis exhibit pleural involvement by standard chest radiograph (CXR) usually associated with chronic advanced lung disease. The frequency of pleural disease in sarcoidosis by chest CT scan is unknown. This study compared pleural involvement by standard CXR with thoracic CT scan and assessed the impact of pleural involvement on pulmonary function tests (PFT) in patients. METHODS: The records of 61 consecutive patients seen in the Sarcoidosis Service at Mount Sinai Hospital who had thoracic CT scan, standard CXR, and recent PFT were reviewed. RESULTS: 25 of the 61 patients (41%) had pleural involvement by CT (20 thickening, 5 effusions), compared to 7 (11%) by standard CXR (3 thickening, 4 effusions). Bilateral pleural thickening was more commonly seen in patients with CT evidence of parenchymal fibrosis. On univariate analysis, CT evidence of parenchymal fibrosis and CT pleural thickening were significantly associated with an increased odds of restrictive PFTs, ORs of 7.49 (CI 1.7-31.8) and 4.1 (CI 1.32-12.7), respectively. The association between CT pleural thickening and restrictive PFTs lost significance when adjusted for the confounding effect of parenchymal fibrosis. Restrictive physiology was associated with CT evidence of parenchymal fibrosis even when adjusted for pleural thickening (OR = 5.35 CI = 1.18-24.2). CONCLUSION: Sarcoidal pleural involvement as detected by CT scan is much more common than by CXR and is associated with restrictive pulmonary dysfunction. Pleural thickening was also associated with CT evidence of pulmonary fibrosis but not restrictive physiology when adjusted for parenchymal scarring.     

胸部恶性肿瘤放化疗后肺内癌性淋巴管炎临床及影像学诊断分析

目的：探讨胸部恶性肿瘤在放化疗后出现癌性淋巴管炎的临床及影像学特点。方法：回顾性分析23例经临床证实的胸部恶性肿瘤放化疗后出现癌性淋巴管炎的临床及影像学资料。结果：PLC主要表现为咳嗽、干咳为主,气短进行性加重抗炎治疗无效,肺功为限制性通气障碍。X线片：双肺弥漫性网状,结节状等间质纤维样变,可见胸腔积液。CT见：小叶间隔不均一增厚,结节状,胸膜不规则增厚,肺门纵隔淋巴结增大。放疗后的病人改变多出现在放射野外。结论：对治疗后病人的当影像学检查提示肺呈类间质纤维化改变时,尤其合并肺门纵隔淋巴结肿大、胸水者,应进一步检查必要时病理确诊,早期诊断早期治疗。     

胰腺导管内黏蛋白性乳头状瘤CT、MRI诊断及鉴别诊断（附6例报告)

目的:探讨胰腺导管内黏蛋白性乳头状瘤CT、MRI表现特点及诊断价值。方法:6例经手术和病理证实的胰腺导管内黏蛋白性乳头状瘤均行CT平扫及增强检查。4例行MRI检查,其中2例行MRI增强扫描。结合文献,回顾性分析其临床表现及CT、MRI征象表现。结果:本组患者主胰管型5例,混合型1例。CT表现:主要表现为胰腺主胰管或分支胰管不规则扩张,呈分叶状囊性表现,其中4例显示壁结节。增强扫描肿瘤实性部分轻度强化。MRI扫描:胰腺导管不规则扩张,T1WI扩张胰管呈均匀低信号,2例扩张囊壁上见结节样隆起呈等信号。T2WI扩张胰管呈高信号,壁结节显示不清。压脂T1WI扫描肿瘤结节显示清楚。增强扫描肿瘤结节中度强化。结论:CT、MRI对胰腺导管内黏蛋白性乳头状瘤的诊断具有重要价值。     

肺癌的磁共振成像诊断

分析68例肺癌的磁共振成像的表现,并与同期X线胸片和CT比较.结果表明对确定胸壁侵犯范围,特别是显示肿块与邻近大血管的关系,以及发现纵隔淋巴结的转移等方面,MRI优于CT.     

Comparison of magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomographic discography in the assessment of lumbar disc degeneration

Eighteen patients with chronic low back pain were studied with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomographic (CT) discography. Each study was classified as being normal, showing early disc degenerative changes including annular tear, showing established disc degeneration or disc herniation. There was comparable information in over 90% of the MRI studies when compared to CT discography, without reliance on pain provocation or carrying out an invasive procedure. The axial and sagittal T1 weighted images were used to exclude other causes of pain, such as foraminal stenosis and disc herniation. The midsagittal T2 weighted image used in this study was considered to be, in part, responsible for the underestimation of disc degeneration because it did not allow visualization of the lateral aspects of the discs.     

Intrathoracic malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors: imaging features and implications for management

Background

The aim of the study was to analyze the clinical and imaging characteristics of primary intrathoracic malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs).

Patients and methods.

In this institutional review board (IRB)-approved retrospective study, clinical and imaging features of 15 patients (eight men; mean age 50 years [range 18–83)] with pathologically proven malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors seen from January 1999 to December 2011 were analyzed. Imaging features (CT in 15, MRI in 5 and PET/CT in 4) of primary tumors were evaluated by three radiologists and correlated with clinical management.

Results

Of the 15 tumors, six were located in the mediastinum (two each in anterior, middle and posterior mediastinum), four in chest wall, two were paraspinal, and three in the lung. Four patients had neurofibromatosis-1 (NF1); four tumors had heterologous rhabdomyoblastic differentiation (malignant triton tumor). Masses typically were elongated along the direction of nerves, with mean size of 11 cm. The masses were hypo- or isodense to muscles on CT, isointense on T1-weighted images, hyperintense on T2-weighted images and intensely fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) avid (mean standardized uptake value [SUV]_max of 10.5 [range 4.4–23.6]). Necrosis and calcification was seen in four tumors each. Finding of invasion of adjacent structures on imaging led to change in management in seven patients; patients with invasion received chemoradiation.

Conclusions

Intrathoracic MPNSTs appear as large elongated masses involving mediastinum, lung or chest wall. Radiological identification of invasion of adjacent structures is crucial and alters therapy, with patients with invasion receiving neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemoradiation.     

鼻咽非霍奇金淋巴瘤的CT及MRI表现

目的分析鼻咽非霍奇金淋巴瘤的CT及MRI表现,以及颈部淋巴结受侵的特点,提高影像诊断及分期水平。方法回顾性分析经病理证实并有随诊记录的鼻咽非霍奇金淋巴瘤33例。结果 33例鼻咽部病变中,8例NK/T细胞型均表现为鼻咽壁轻度或轻微增厚,1例T细胞型表现为肿块样。14例弥漫大B细胞型,10例表现为肿块样,4例表现为弥漫增厚型;5例B细胞来源未分型,其中4例表现为肿块样,1例表现为鼻咽壁弥漫增厚伴鼻腔肿块。其余亚型及未分类共5例,3例表现为肿块样,2例为增厚型。后鼻孔受侵20例(60.6%);口咽壁受侵17例(51.5%);侵犯颅底骨6例(18.2%)。25例伴有颈部淋巴结受侵,多为双侧、多组受侵。鼻咽淋巴瘤与受侵淋巴结多表现为密度均匀,强化均匀、近似肌肉,边界清楚。结论不同病理类型鼻咽淋巴瘤影像表现各有一定特点,多数伴有颈部淋巴结受侵,以双侧、多组同时受侵多见。     

Pre-therapy CT scan showing peritoneal thickening from metastatic renal pelvis carcinoma patients

We investigated clinical significance of peritoneal thickening from metastatic renal pelvis based on pretherapy computed tomography (CT) scan findings. The criteria for inclusion were as follows: (1) pathology and CT scan confirmed metastatic renal pelvis carcinoma and (2) peritoneal thickening based on pre-therapy CT scan findings. We investigated the route of spread, gastrointestinal (GI) complications, and response to chemotherapy. A total of 68 cases were enrolled in this study, including seven patients with liver metastases and three with abdominal wall invasion. GI complications included obstruction in ten patients and bleeding in three. Response to chemotherapy demonstrated by reduced peritoneal thickening was noted in 24 patients. In conclusion. peritoneal thickening with clinical suspicion of peritoneal involvement can get indirect evidence from route of spread (liver or abdominal wall), GI complications (obstruction or bleeding) or response to chemotherapy (obvious decrease peritoneal thickening) from metastatic renal pelvis carcinoma patients. Pretherapy CT scan with peritoneal thickening should be alert that tumor has spread to the peritoneum.     

Two cases of small cell lung cancer presenting an unusual pattern of progression mimicking pleural mesothelioma

We describe 2 cases in which small cell lung cancer presented an unusual pattern of progression that mimicked malignant pleural mesothelioma on diagnostic imaging. The patients were a 74-year-old man and a 69-year-old woman, both of whose chest roentgenograms and CT scans showed irregular right pleural thickening with effusion. Small cell lung cancer had been diagnosed by routine examination in the former patient, but the latter had been given a clinical diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma until postmortem examination, which showed small cell lung cancer. The right lung of each patient was found to be fused to the thorax by a thick layer of tumor cell involvement on postmortem examination.     

外周型原始神经外胚层肿瘤的CT和MRI影像学表现

目的 探讨外周型原始神经外胚层肿瘤(pPNETs)的CT和MRI表现,以提高pPNETs诊断的准确性.方法 9例经手术病理证实的pPNETs患者中,4例术前经螺旋CT或多排螺旋CT平扫或增强扫描;6例经自旋回波T1WI、快速自旋回波T2WI和屏气扰相梯度回波T1WI 3个序列平扫,动态增强采用屏气快速多层面扰相位梯度重聚成像T1WI快速扫描序列.将CT和MRI表现与手术病理结果进行对照分析.结果 pPNETs位于肌肉6例,盆腔2例,胸腔1例.肿瘤呈椭圆形4例,不规则形5例.肿瘤直径7.4～18.3 cm,平均11.6 cm,境界不清.2例病灶信号和密度均匀,无明显坏死和囊变;7例病灶有明显的坏死和囊变,其中位于胸腔和盆腔的3例肿瘤均可见显著坏死和囊变.CT平扫肿瘤密度与邻近肌肉相仿,增强扫描呈中等程度以上的强化,双期增强呈进行性持续强化,强化不均匀.MRI T1WI序列肿瘤实体成分呈不均匀等信号或略低信号,T2WI呈不均匀略高信号或高信号,MRI增强强化程度较CT强化显著,强化更不均匀.位于肌肉的6个病灶均位于神经路径,可见明显软组织肿块包绕骨骼,3例骨骼破坏轻微,2例骨骼破坏明显,直径与软组织肿块相仿,1例骨骼破坏直径超过软组织肿块.骨质破坏位于骨髓腔,为溶骨性骨质破坏,无肿瘤成骨,无明显骨膜反应.结论 pPNETs多见于儿童或青少年,多位于四肢、躯干的神经路径上,肿瘤体积较大,边缘不规则,境界很不清楚,强化显著且不均匀;位于胸、腹、盆腔的肿瘤坏死和囊变显著,位于四肢的肿瘤包绕骨骼,或坏死和囊变,或密度、信号相对均匀.pPNETs不仅具有神经源性肿瘤坏死和囊变及明显强化的特征,还具有小细胞恶性肿瘤浸润生长的特征.