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.     

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.     

CT and US Findings of Multilocular Cystic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Objective

Multilocular cystic renal cell carcinoma (MCRCC) is a recently described variety of renal cell carcinoma with characteristic pathologic and clinical features. The purpose of this study was to analyze the imaging findings of MCRCCs.

Materials and Methods

Ten adult patients with pathologically proven unilateral MCRCC who underwent renal US and CT were included in this study. The radiologic findings were retrospectively evaluated for cystic content, wall, septum, nodularity, calcification and solid portion by three radiologists who established a consensus. Imaging and postnephrectomy pathologic findings were compared.

Results

All patients were adults (six males and four females) and their ages ranged from 33 to 68 years (mean, 46). On US and CT images, all tumors appeared as well-defined multilocular cystic masses composed of serous or complicated fluid. In all patients, unenhanced CT scans revealed hypodense cystic portions, and in four tumors, due to the presence of hemorrhage or gelatinous fluid, some hyperdense areas were also noted. In no tumor was an expansile solid nodule seen in the thin septa, and in only one was there dystrophic calcification in a septum. Small areas of solid portion constituting less than 10% of the entire lesion were found in six of the ten tumors, and these areas were slightly enhanced on enhanced CT scans. In all patients, imaging and pathologic findings correlated closely.

Conclusion

On US and CT images, MCRCC appeared as a well-defined multilocular cystic mass with serous, proteinaceous or hemorrhagic fluid, with no expansile solid nodules in the thin septa, and sometimes with small slightly enhanced solid areas. Where radiologic examinations demonstrate a cystic renal mass of this kind in adult males, MCRCC should be included in the differential diagnosis.     

Hepatic Cavernous Hemangioma in Cirrhotic Liver: Imaging Findings

Objective

To document the imaging findings of hepatic cavernous hemangioma detected in cirrhotic liver.

Materials and Methods

The imaging findings of 14 hepatic cavernous hemangiomas in ten patients with liver cirrhosis were retrospectively analyzed. A diagnosis of hepatic cavernous hemangioma was based on the findings of two or more of the following imaging studies: MR, including contrast-enhanced dynamic imaging (n = 10), dynamic CT (n = 4), hepatic arteriography (n = 9), and US (n = 10).

Results

The mean size of the 14 hepatic hemangiomas was 0.9 (range, 0.5-1.5) cm in the longest dimension. In 11 of these (79%), contrast-enhanced dynamic CT and MR imaging showed rapid contrast enhancement of the entire lesion during the early phase, and hepatic arteriography revealed globular enhancement and rapid filling-in. On contrast-enhanced MR images, three lesions (21%) showed partial enhancement until the 5-min delayed phases. US indicated that while three slowly enhancing lesions were homogeneously hyperechoic, 9 (82%) of 11 showing rapid enhancement were not delineated.

Conclusion

The majority of hepatic cavernous hemangiomas detected in cirrhotic liver are small in size, and in many, hepatic arteriography and/or contrast-enhanced dynamic CT and MR imaging demonstrates rapid enhancement. US, however, fails to distinguish a lesion of this kind from its cirrhotic background.     

Small Cell Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder: CT and MR Imaging Findings

Objective

Primary small cell carcinoma (SCC) is a rare aggressive malignancy of the urinary bladder, with identical histopathology to that of the lung. The treatment and prognosis of bladder SCC are somewhat different from those of more frequent transitional cell carcinoma. The purpose of this study was to analyze the CT and MR imaging findings of bladder SCC.

Materials and Methods

Six adult patients (five males and one female) with pathologically proven SCC of the urinary bladder who had undergone pelvic CT and/or MR imaging were included in this study. The radiologic findings were retrospectively evaluated in terms of tumor location, texture, calcification, depth of invasion, perivesical extension, lymph node involvement, and local or distant metastasis, by two radiologists, who established a consensus.

Results

CT and MR images depicted all tumors as large, ill-defined, relatively well enhancing, broad-based polypoid intramural masses with (n=3) or without (n=3) cystic portions. Their frequent location was posterior and trigonal (n=3). Calcification was found within one tumor, and lymphadenopathy in four. At T2-weighted MR images, the solid portion of the tumor was relatively hypointense. The stage at the time of diagnosis was C in three patients, and D1 in three. Follow-up imaging showed brain metastasis in one patient and liver metastasis in two.

Conclusion

On CT and MR images, SCC of the urinary bladder appeared as a large, enhancing, broad-based polypoid mass. It was stage C or higher, and lymph nodes and distant metastasis were frequent. T2-weighted MR images showed that the solid portion of the tumor was relatively hypointense. When radiologic examinations demonstrate a bladder tumor of this kind in adults, SCC of the urinary bladder should be included in the differential diagnosis.     

硬化型肝癌的螺旋CT多期扫描表现

目的：分析总结硬化型肝癌的螺旋CT多期扫描表现，以进一步提高对该病的诊断准确性。材料和方法：经手术证实的7例硬化型肝癌患者行螺旋CT平扫和多期增强扫描。注射造影剂后30s开始动脉期扫描，70s开始门脉期扫描，另有4例加做3—4min的延迟期扫描，观察病灶的强化方式。结果：平扫7个病灶均为低密度。动脉期6个病灶有轻度的不规则环形、点状或结节状强化，1例无强化。门脉期7个病灶均有不同程度的强化，如不规则环形强化、边缘结节状强化或中心强化等，强化范围较动脉期增大。延迟期4个病灶仍有各种各样的强化表现。结论：硬化型肝癌的螺旋CT多期扫描表现特殊，以早期轻度强化、门脉期和(或)延迟期仍有持续强化为主，需认真与血管瘤及炎性假瘤鉴别，了解其CT表现有助于临床正确诊断和治疗方案的选择。     

螺旋CT多期增强扫描诊断小肝癌的价值

目的 :分析小肝癌的螺旋CT多期增强扫描的表现特征 ,评价其应用价值。材料和方法 :2 1例经手术病理或临床证实的小肝癌患者 ,全部接受螺旋CT多期增强扫描检查 ,以双盲法分析其各期的CT表现。结果 :2 1例共发现 2 4个病灶。平扫呈低密度或等密度 ;肝动脉期 87.5 %均匀或不均匀增强 ,12 .5 %无明显增强 ;门脉期均呈低或稍低密度 ;延迟扫描全部为低密度。病灶密度变化的主要形式是“低—高—低—低”的模式。结论 :多期螺旋CT增强扫描能反映小肝癌的血供变化特点 ,从而为准确诊断提供了可靠的影像学依据     

Recurrent Uterine Cervical Carcinoma: Spectrum of Imaging Findings

Uterine cervical carcinoma is one of the most common malignant tumors occurring in females. After primary treatment, patients are usually followed up with CT or MRI and the findings of these modalities may be the first sign of recurrent disease. Because earlier additional treatment by chemotherapy or radiation therapy may improve the prognosis, the early detection of recurrent cervical carcinoma is clinically important. In this article, we review the CT and MR imaging findings of recurrent uterine cervical carcinoma, and assign them to one of four groups: a) recurrence at the primary site, involving the intrapelvic organs, b) extension to the pelvic side-wall, c) metastases to pelvic and extrapelvic lymph nodes, or d) metastases to distant organs. A further contribution of CT and MR imaging is the detection of hydronephrosis due to ureteral obstruction. The cases in each group are illustrated and discussed, and since an awareness of the spectrum of imaging findings of recurrent cervical carcinoma is likely to lead to its early detection, radiologists should be familiar with the information presented.     

Local Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Segmental Transarterial Chemoembolization: Risk Estimates Based on Multiple Prognostic Factors

Objective

To determine the prognostic factors for local recurrence of nodular hepatocellular carcinoma after segmental transarterial chemoembolization.

Materials and Methods

Seventy-four nodular hepatocellular carcinoma tumors ≤ 5 cm were retrospectively analyzed for local recurrence after segmental transarterial chemoembolization using follow-up CT images (median follow-up of 17 months, 4-77 months in range). The tumors were divided into four groups (IA, IB, IIA, and IIB) according to whether the one-month follow-up CT imaging, after segmental transarterial chemoembolization, showed homogeneous (Group I) or inhomogeneous (Group II) iodized oil accumulation, or whether the tumors were located within the liver segment (Group A) or in a segmental border zone (Group B). Comparison of tumor characteristics between Group IA and the other three groups was performed using the chi-square test. Local recurrence rates were compared among the groups using the Kaplan-Meier estimation and log rank test.

Results

Local tumor recurrence occurred in 19 hepatocellular carcinoma tumors (25.7%). There were: 28, 18, 17, and 11 tumors in Group IA, IB, IIA, and IIB, respectively. One of 28 (3.6%) tumors in Group IA, and 18 of 46 (39.1%) tumors in the other three groups showed local recurrence. Comparisons between Group IA and the other three groups showed that the tumor characteristics were similar. One-, two-, and three-year estimated local recurrence rates in Group IA were 0%, 11.1%, and 11.1%, respectively. The difference between Group IA and the other three groups was statistically significant (p = 0.000).

Conclusion

An acceptably low rate of local recurrence was observed for small or intermediate nodular tumors located within the liver segment with homogeneous iodized oil accumulation.     

结节型肝细胞癌的螺旋CT多期扫描

目的：描述结节型肝细胞癌的螺旋ＣＴ动脉期、门脉期和延迟期增强特点,比较各期的病灶检出率,重点评价动脉期、延迟期的价值。方法：２６例结节型肝细胞癌病人行螺旋ＣＴ双期、三期动态扫描后,观察病灶的强化方式,统计各期病灶检出数。结果：２６例基于手术病理和影像方法共发现４５ 个病灶,螺旋ＣＴ多期扫描共发现４２个,平扫、肝动脉期、门脉期、延迟期及三期合计的检出率分别为６６．７％ 、８６．７％ 、７１．１％ 、６５．２％ 、９３．３％ 。动脉期检出敏感性明显高于其他各期,三期结合可明显提高对结节型肝癌的检出率。结论：螺旋ＣＴ多期动态扫描能显示肝细胞癌的增强特点,明显提高结节型肝细胞癌的检出敏感性。     

Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation of Hepatocellular Carcinomas

Although surgical resection remains the best option as potentially curative therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma, radiofrequency thermal ablation has begun to receive much attention as an effective minimally invasive technique for the local control of unresectable malignant hepatic tumors. Most recent radiofrequency devices equipped with a powerful generator and larger needle electrode permit larger thermal lesions, up to 5 cm in diameter, with a single ablation. In this article, the author reviews the technical developments and early clinical results obtained with radiofrequency ablation techniques.     

唾液腺黏液表皮样癌CT表现与病理对照研究

目的分析唾液腺黏液表皮样癌的 CT 表现,探讨 CT 在唾液腺黏液表皮样癌中的诊断价值.资料与方法回顾性分析经病理证实的23例唾液腺黏液表皮样癌的 CT 征象,包括病灶部位、形态、边界、密度、均匀度、有无坏死及临近组织侵袭,以及增强方式,其中9例行增强扫描,并与病理结果进行对照.结果组织病理学分型中,低、中及高级黏液表皮样癌分别10、7、6例.CT 表现:各腺体部位:7例边界清楚,16例边界不清;9例轮廓规则,14例轮廓不规则;5例密度均匀,18例密度不均匀;9例发生坏死,14例未发生坏死;9例邻近组织受侵,14例邻近组织未受侵;1例发生淋巴结转移;9例行增强扫描均显著强化.结论唾液腺黏液表皮样癌的 CT 表现具有一定特征性,可为临床诊断提供帮助.     

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.     

Nasal Chondromesenchymal Hamartoma: CT and MR Imaging Findings

We report CT and MR imaging findings for a case of nasal chondromesenchymal hamartoma occurring in a 19-month-old boy. A nasal chondromesenchymal hamartoma is a rare benign pediatric hamartoma that can simulate malignancy. Although rare, knowledge of this entity is essential to avoid potentially harmful therapies.     

对转移性肝癌CT表现的分析(附23例报告)

目的:分析CT扫描对转移性肝癌的诊断价值。材料与方法:23例转移性肝癌经手术和/或病理证实,其原发灶有肺癌7例,胃癌6例,乳腺癌4例,胰腺癌2例,结肠癌2例,食管癌1例,以及子宫内膜癌1例。全部病例均经CT平扫和增强扫描。11例还于增强后1、3、5分钟做了延迟扫描。结果:CT平扫准确证实了多数病例(19/23)为多发性病灶且大多病灶(13/19)能被清楚辩认。增强扫描后可见如下CT表现:1.病灶整体轻度强化,2.病灶边缘轻度强化,3.病灶不强化,4.病灶缩小乃至消失,5.出现平扫时未检出的病灶。延迟扫描后,未见比增强扫描时更有意义的CT表现。结论:CT平扫和增强扫描对转移性肝癌的诊断具有重要实用价值。     

Supplemental Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization Through a Collateral Omental Artery: Treatment for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Purpose: To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of supplemental transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) through the extrahepatic collateral omental artery (OA) for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: We studied 21 patients with extrahepatic collaterals of the OA, among 1,512 patients with HCC who had undergone angiography. HCCs supplied by collateral OAs were located at: segment IV in seven, segment V in five, segment III in three, segment VI in three and segment VIII in three patients (Couinaud classification of segments). On preoperative CT scans, every HCC was abutting the liver surface. Adjacent omental infiltration or engorgement was noted in 11 patients. Celiac and hepatic arteriograms showed hypertrophy of the feeding OA in all patients. TACE of the OA was performed in 19 patients with an emulsion of iodized oil and doxorubicin hydrochloride. Embolization with gelatin sponge particles was added in five patients. Results: Collaterals of the OA to the HCC were found on the first to seventeenth sessions of TACE. On follow-up CT scans, five patients showed complete uptake of iodized oil in the tumor. Partial uptake of iodized oil was noted in 13 patients and no uptake in one patient. There was no serious complication that related to the omental embolization, such as omental or bowel ischemia. The cumulative survival rates from the time of the TACE of the OA were 81% at 6 months and 68% at 12 months. Conclusion: TACE of the OA is safe and has a potential therapeutic effect in the treatment of HCC.     

Solitary Small Hepatic Angiosarcoma: Initial and Follow-up Imaging Findings

We report an uncommon case of solitary, small hepatic angiosarcoma that was initially considered as a hemangioma. We present the imaging findings, with an emphasis on the initial and follow-up CT and MR findings, as well as report on the more suggestive findings of angiosarcoma than those of a hemangioma.     

Focal Eosinophilic Necrosis of the Liver in Patients with Underlying Gastric or Colorectal Cancer: CT Differentiation from Metastasis

Objective

To determine the helical CT findings which help differentiate between focal eosinophilic necrosis (FEN) of the liver and metastasis in patients with underlying gastric or colorectal cancer.

Materials and Methods

In 21 patients with underlying gastric and colorectal cancer examined during a recent 18-month period, the presence of FEN (n=90) was proven at CT. The diagnosis was verified by biopsy in eight patients and by the transient nature of the findings related to peripheral eosinophilia (>10%) in the remainder. For comparison, 20 consecutive patients with pathologically proven hepatic metastasis from gastric or colorectal cancer (n=158) were selected. Single-phase helical CT images (7-mm collimation, pitch 1:1) were independently analyzed in a random order by two blinded readers. The parameters evaluated included the margin (depicted border, fuzzy), shape (spherical, non-spherical), attenuation (subtle hypoattenuation, hypoattenuation), and the presence or absence of rim enhancement.

Results

FEN far more frequently showed a fuzzy margin (81%, 84%), subtle hypoattenuation (89%, 91%), and a non-spherical shape (84% for both readers) than metastasis, for which the respective findings were 6%, 22%; 20%, 39%; and 15%, 23%. Rim enhancement was seldom found in FEN (0%, 2%), but was recognized by both readers in 40% of metastases. For all parameters, the results were statistically significant (p < .01), and showed that both readers correctly differentiated FEN from metastasis in 78% of the patients (32/41). Interobserver agreement was, in addition, excellent (κ= 0.66).

Conclusion

When focal hepatic lesions with a fuzzy margin, non-spherical shape and subtle hypoattenuation without rim enhancement are found, the possibility of FEN should be considered even in patients with underlying gastrointestinal malignancy.