Spontaneous thrombosis of a pseudoaneurysm complicating pancreatitis

Patients with a visceral aneurysm are at high risk for acute transpapillary, intra-, or retroperitoneal hemorrhage, necessitating either surgical or endovascular therapy. We report an instance of spontaneous thrombosis of a pseudoaneurysm complicating pancreatitis before endovascular treatment could be performed. Causality and the literature of spontaneous thrombosis in pseudoaneurysms are discussed. Received: 14 December 1998/Accepted: 13 January 1999     

Successful treatment of a ruptured mycotic aneurysm of the ileocolic artery with transcatheter embolization and antibiotic therapy

We report a case of mycotic aneurysm of the ileocolic artery due to Streptococcus bovis endocarditis and acute septicemia complicated by active hemorrhage, that was treated successfully with transcatheter embolization and subsequent intravenous antibiotic treatment. This case suggests that a mycotic aneurysm can be treated successfully by percutaneous embolization in an emergent situation (active bleeding, septicemia) even without previous antibiotic therapy. Received: 19 November 2000/Revision accepted: 27 December 2000     

Mesenteric cyst: sonographic findings

Background: Mesenteric cyst (MC) is a relatively rare disease, and its sonographic characteristics have not been sufficiently analyzed. Methods: We studied the sonographic findings of eight patients with MC, with attention paid to its size, shape, internal echoes, and especially the presence or absence of lateral shadowing and the mode of back echoes. In four cases, the sound velocity and acoustic impedance of cystic fluid were also measured. The mode of blood flow was evaluated by color Doppler sonography. Results: Six cases showed an oval or comma-shaped mass. Internal echoes were present in six cases, and two of them showed a pseudosolid pattern. In these cases, M-mode sonography confirmed the movement of these internal echoes. Only one case showed a posterior echo enhancement, and no case showed lateral shadowing. Sound velocity measured in four cases was 1515–1537 m/s, with an acoustic impedance of 1.550–1.576 kg/m²/s. No blood flow signals were obtained from the lesion. Conclusion: MC exhibits so many patterns on ultrasound that we should consider the possibility of MC when encountering an avascular oval mesenteric mass. Received: 30 August 1999/Accepted: 6 October 1999     

Percutaneous balloon dilatation for benign hepaticojejunostomy strictures

Background: Percutaneous balloon dilatation of biliary tract strictures is generally accepted as a safe and inexpensive procedure. The effectiveness in selected groups of patients remains under discussion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of percutaneous balloon dilatation in patients with a benign stricture of a hepaticojejunostomy. Methods: Fifteen patients with a benign stricture of a hepaticojejunostomy were examined between 1993 and July 1997. An ultrasound-guided percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) procedure was performed, followed by a balloon dilatation. Follow-up was performed prospectively by outpatient visits and laboratory testing. Results: Percutaneous dilatation was successful in 14 patients. Three patients developed a recurrence. In one of these patients, the procedure was repeated successfully. Gastrointestinal bleeding occurred in one patient. The success rate for balloon dilatation in this group of patients was 73% after a mean follow-up of 30 months. When the procedure was repeated, the success rate was 80% after a mean follow-up of 33 months. Conclusions: Percutaneous balloon dilatation for benign hepaticojejunostomy strictures is feasible in the majority of patients and produces acceptable medium-term to long-term results. Advantages are its minimal invasive character and the fact that all options remain open in case of failure. Received: 25 June 1999/Accepted: 28 July 1999     

Altered flow dynamics of intravascular contrast material to the liver in superior vena cava syndrome: CT findings

Background: To evaluate the findings of altered flow dynamics in the livers of patients with obstruction of superior vena cava (SVC) on helical computed tomography (CT). Methods: In six patients (age range = 28–80 years) with SVC obstruction, CT findings were retrospectively reviewed to identify the abnormal enhancement patterns of the liver and the relation with the extrahepatic collateral vessels and hepatic vessels. Results: Abnormal hepatic enhancement was observed in the following four (A–D) portions: (A) anterior portion of segment IV (n = 5), (B) subdiaphragmatic portion of the liver (n = 4), (C) posterior portion of the right lobe (bare area; n = 1), and (D) lateral segment of the left lobe (n = 2). Two major collateral pathways to the liver were demonstrated as follows: A and D → from the umbilical vein to the left portal vein, and B and C → from the subcapsular vein to the bare area of the liver or to the hepatic veins. On helical CT, these collateral pathways were also clearly visualized. Conclusion: When these abnormal enhancements of the liver on CT are recognized within the liver, these findings indicate diversion of contrast material into collateral pathways to the liver with SVC obstruction. Received: 31 March 1999/Revision accepted: 25 June 1999     

Abdominal involvement in neurofibromatosis 1: sonographic findings

Background: Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) has been studied from many viewpoints, but its abdominal involvement has rarely been reported. Sonography (US) is now the initial diagnostic tool for abdominal exploration, which prompted us to determine the clinical manifestations and US findings of abdominal involvement in NF1. Methods: We analyzed the US findings and clinical data of eight NF1 cases with abdominal involvement. Results: Abdominal involvement included neurofibromatous tumor growth in the liver, mesentery, and retroperitoneum, in addition to mesenteric leiomyomatosis and gastric carcinoma. Color Doppler US was useful not only in detecting blood flows in the lesions but also in preventing hazardous vascular injury during tumor biopsy. Conclusion: A better understanding of the clinical manifestations and US findings of abdominal involvement in NF1 translates into improved NF1 patient care. Received: 6 October 1999/Revision accepted: 26 January 2000     

Portal tumor thrombus due to gastrointestinal cancer

Methods: We studied the clinical data of seven patients with portal tumor thrombus (PTT) due to gastrointestinal (GI) cancer to determine the radiologic patterns and clinical implications of this rare complication. Results: (a) PTT was located along the entire splenic vein in three cases, at the splenomesenteric confluence in one case, and in the superior mesenteric vein in one case. Intrahepatic PTT occurred in two of four cases with liver metastasis. (b) One cirrhotic case was complicated by the occurrence of colon cancer associated with PTT in the splenic vein; the esophageal varices became rapidly enlarged and poorly controlled, and the patient died due to repeated variceal rupture. (c) In all patients, abdominal sonography (US) detected PTT and color Doppler sonography confirmed the US findings. Conclusions: The splenic vein should be meticulously observed by color Doppler sonography to check for PTT in patients with GI cancer to improve patient care. Received: 29 December 1998/Accepted: 24 February 1999     

Evaluation of the intratumoral vasculature of hepatocellular carcinoma by power Doppler sonography: advantages and disadvantages versus conventional color Doppler sonography

Background: To determine whether a difference exists in the relative ability of power Doppler sonography and conventional color Doppler sonography to detect the intratumoral vasculature of hepatocellular carcinoma based on lesion size and location. Methods: Sixty patients with 88 hepatocellular carcinoma lesions that showed tumor staining on angiography and were enhanced on dynamic computed tomography were evaluated. Power Doppler sonography and color Doppler sonography were used to detect the intratumoral vasculature, and their sensitivity to blood flow was evaluated. Results: Power Doppler sonography showed a superior detection rate for lesions smaller than 2 cm and located 4–8 cm from the abdominal surface in the right hepatic lobe as compared with color Doppler sonography (p < 0.01). Neither power Doppler sonography nor color Doppler sonography depicted the intratumoral vasculature of lesions located more than 8 cm from the abdominal surface (n = 14). Both color Doppler imagings exhibited a low detection rate for lesions in the left hepatic lobe (n = 31, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Power Doppler sonography should be applied in the evaluation of small or intermediate depth lesions because it is more sensitive to these lesions than color Doppler sonography, but it is not useful for left lobe and deep lesions. Received: 31 March 1999/Accepted: 14 July 1999     

Percutaneous gastrostomy in oncologic patients: analysis of results and expansion of the indications

Background: Percutaneous gastrostomy is generally performed for permanent enteral nutrition or gastric decompression. Methods: In our series of oncologic patients, percutaneous gastrostomy was also used temporarily in some patients for enteral nutrition while awaiting functional recovery of swallowing, in preparation for surgery, or for the treatment of fistulas in the upper digestive tract. Fifty-one procedures were performed in 50 patients: 42 for feeding, eight for decompression, and one for transgastric drainage of a duodenal fistula. Results: Of the 35 patients treated for permanent enteral nutrition, four are still alive, with a total survival time of 2167 days. In three patients, gastrostomy was performed for temporary feeding and was removed once the ability to swallow was restored. In four patients, it was created to restore metabolic balance before surgery. In the patient with a duodenal fistula, healing was achieved in 19 days. The seven patients in whom the procedure was performed for decompression survived for a mean of 19.2 days. There was only one major procedure-related complication (peritonitis). Conclusions: Percutaneous gastrostomy is a safe, low-cost method that allows the patient to maintain essential nutrition without the discomfort of a nasogastic tube and therefore warrants wider and earlier use. We feel that its application should also be extended to temporary feeding of patients about to undergo long courses of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which can lead to severe deterioration of nutritional status. Received: 24 March 1999/Accepted: 22 September 1999     

Four-year study of abdominal ultrasound in 900 Central African adults with AIDS referred for diagnostic imaging

Background: In the majority of sub-Saharan African countries, the absence of computed tomography facilities makes abdominal ultrasound (US) an alternative diagnostic tool in the clinical investigation of infectious and noninfectious complications of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–infected individuals. We studied the abdominal US findings in Central African adult AIDS patients to determine whether the findings were consistent between different population groups and neighboring countries. We performed a longitudinal study of AIDS patients and age- and sex-matched HIV-negative adults referred for abdominal US at two tertiary referral city hospitals: the Gecamines Sendwe Hospital (GSH), Lubumbashi, Congo, and the University Teaching Hospital (UTH), Lusaka, Zambia. Methods: Between 1992 and 1996, abdominal US findings in 900 adults (300 Congolese adults from GSH and 600 Zambian adults from UTH; age range = 15–55 years) with a diagnosis of AIDS referred for diagnostic imaging from the inpatient medical wards were recorded; 900 abdominal ultrasound findings from age and sex-matched HIV-negative adults were studied for comparative purposes. Results: Abdominal US for diagnostic purposes in AIDS patients is requested by clinicians for a range of primary clinical indications: abdominal pain, fever of unknown origin, hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, and abnormal liver function tests. Compared with the HIV− individuals, the AIDS group of patients had a significantly higher proportion of splenomegaly (35% vs. 24%; p≤ 0.001), hepatomegaly (35% vs. 22%; p= 0.001), lymphadenopathy (31% vs. 11%; p≤ 0.001), biliary tract abnormalities (25% vs. 12%; p≤ 0.001), gut wall thickening (15% vs. 5%; p≤ 0.001), and ascites (22% vs. 9%; p≤ 0.001). There were no differences in renal tract and pancreatic abnormalities between the AIDS and HIV− groups. There were significantly fewer gallstones in the AIDS group (23% vs. 75%; p≤ 0.001). These patterns of abdominal US abnormalities were consistent across both hospitals. Conclusions: Diagnostic imaging by abdominal US is commonly used in the management of a variety of clinical indications in Central Africa. The changes seen on abdominal US in AIDS patients appear uniform across the two countries in Central Africa. These findings may have implications for the radiologist, especially in developing countries, where accurate microbiological or pathologic diagnosis of infectious and noninfectious diseases afflicting the HIV-infected patient is often not possible and US is sometimes relied upon as a “diagnostic” investigation by many physicians. Further studies are required to define patterns of clinical findings, plain films, and pathologic and laboratory correlates with US to develop and refine diagnostic algorithms for clinical use in resource-poor countries. Received: 24 June 1999/Revision accepted: 8 September 1999     

Amyloidosis of the alimentary canal: radiologic–pathologic correlation of CT findings

Background: The purpose of the study was to describe the computed tomographic (CT) findings of the alimentary canal and mesentery in amyloid infiltration of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and to correlate the CT findings with histologic extent and distribution and with amyloid subtype. Methods: Abdominal CT scans performed between 1988 and 1997 on patients with pathologically proven amyloidosis of the alimentary canal were reviewed for abnormalities of the alimentary canal and mesentery. Histology was graded for extent of mucosal, submucosal, and muscularis propria involvement and for degree of interstitial and vascular distribution. CT findings were correlated with histologic extent, histologic distribution, and amyloid histochemical type. Results: Twenty-three patients were included. Four (17%) had bowel wall thickening, which was associated with a higher submucosal extent and interstitial distribution than in patients with normal bowel by CT. Four (17%) patients had bowel wall dilatation without thickening, which was not associated with statistically significantly different histology than in patients with normal bowel by CT. There was no statistically significant correlation between CT findings and histochemical subtype. Mesenteric soft tissue infiltration was seen in two patients, and mesenteric adenopathy was seen in one patient. Conclusions: Normal bowel is a common abdominal CT finding in amyloidosis of the alimentary canal. When findings are present, GI wall thickening and/or bowel wall dilatation without wall thickening may be seen. Bowel wall thickening on CT correlates with submucosal extent and interstitial distribution of disease. Soft tissue infiltration and adenopathy are also occasionally seen. Received: 15 January 1999/Accepted: 10 March 1999     

Portal vein aneurysm: report of six cases and review of the literature

Portal vein aneurysm is very rare, and its relation to portal hypertension has been emphasized. We report six cases of portal vein aneurysm (five extrahepatic and one intrahepatic). All patients were asymptomatic and had no signs suggestive of portal hypertension; the lesion was incidentally detected by ultrasound. Color Doppler sonography showed a constant hepatopetal flow along the aneurysmal wall, which immediately led to the diagnosis. We stress the usefulness of color Doppler sonography for studying the hemodynamics of this vascular anomaly and briefly review the literature. Received: 29 December 1995/Accepted: 14 February 1996     

Heterotopic pancreas of the stomach: CT findings correlated with pathologic findings in six patients

Background: The purpose of this study was to characterize the computed tomographic (CT) findings of heterotopic pancreas of the stomach. Methods: CT scans of six surgically proven cases of heterotopic pancreas of the stomach were reviewed. Three were dynamic spiral CT scans, with both arterial dominant and late phase scans. In other three, both unenhanced and contrast-enhanced scans were obtained by using conventional techniques. Particular attention was given to the enhancement of the heterotopic pancreas. Pathologic and surgical findings were correlated with CT findings. Results: The locations were in the gastric antrum in five cases and in the mid-body in one. Size ranged from 1 cm to 3 cm (mean = 2.1 cm). Three cases showed homogeneous, strong enhancement similar to the pancreas and consisted mainly of pancreatic acini with the same histologic features as the normal pancreas. Two cases showed poor enhancement and consisted mainly of ducts and hypertrophied muscle; pancreatic acini were a minor component. In one case appearing as a cystic lesion on CT, a pseudocyst was found with many ducts and some nests of pancreatic acini. Conclusions: Heterotopic pancreas of the stomach showed a diverse spectrum of CT findings. Good understanding of these CT findings may be helpful in making a correct diagnosis. Received: 24 March 1999/Accepted: 19 May 1999     

Detection of hepatocellular carcinoma and its metastases with various pulse sequences using superparamagnetic iron oxide (SHU-555-A)

Background: To identify the most useful combinations of various pre- and postcontrast magnetic resonance (MR) image sequences in detecting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its intrahepatic metastases before and after injection of SHU-555-A. Methods: Thirty-eight lesions in 16 patients were evaluated before and after administration of SHU-555-A by using fast spin echo (FSE), gradient echo (GRE), and echo planar (EP) imaging sequences using a 1.5-Tesla superconducting MR system. The signal intensity ratio (SIR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the lesions, signal-to-noise ratios, and other parameters were calculated. Results: Tumors were better detected after injection of SHU-555-A on all pulse sequences except on out-of-phase T1-weighted (T1W)-GRE sequences. Tumor detectability was higher for precontrast EP imaging and T2*-weighted (T2*W)-GRE sequences, whereas detectability at postcontrast was higher for T2*W-GRE, proton-density-weighted-FSE, and in-phase T1W-GRE sequences. The SIR and CNR at precontrast were highest for EP imaging, and those at postcontrast were highest for T2*W-GRE. Conclusion: SHU-555-A will increase the detectability of HCC and its liver metastases. T1W- and T2*W-GRE sequences would be the sequences of choice. Received: 21 December 1998/Revision accepted: 5 May 1999     

Evolution of the infected abdominal aortic aneurysm: CT observation of early aortitis

Infected aortic aneurysm is an uncommon, life-threatening disease. Early surgical treatment is crucial to survival. An early diagnosis could be made on CT in suspected cases, although CT features of infectious aortitis overlap with retroperitoneal fibrosis, hemorrhage, and lymphadenopathy. We report the case of an infected abdominal aortic aneurysm and describe the additional potentially useful CT finding of early infectious aortitis, which helps localize the abnormality to the aortic wall. Received: 7 August 1995/Accepted: 12 September 1995     

Preoperative assessment of local tumor extent in advanced rectal cancer: CT or high-resolution MRI?

Background: We compared high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with computed tomography (CT) in the assessment of tumor infiltration in surrounding structures for locally advanced primary and recurrent rectal cancer. Methods: Twenty-six patients with operable, locally advanced rectal cancer (15 recurrent and 11 primary) were evaluated with conventional pelvic CT and 1.5-T high-resolution MRI with a quadrature phased-array coil. The images were scored for invasion of nine neighboring pelvic structures, and the results were compared with surgical and histologic findings. Results: A total of 234 structures in 26 patients was evaluated for tumor invasion. For MRI the, sensitivity was 97% and the specificity 98%; for CT, the sensitivity was 70% and the specificity was 85%. The difference in performance was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The failure most frequently made on CT was the false-positive prediction of pelvic floor and piriform muscle invasion (14), whereas MRI showed only four false-positive predictions. MRI correctly predicted all four cases of sacral bone invasion, three of which were missed by CT. MRI was accurate in 20 patients (80%) and CT in only five patients (19%). Conclusion: High-resolution MRI using a quadrature phased-array coil is highly accurate and superior to CT in predicting tumor infiltration in surrounding structures for locally advanced primary or recurrent rectal cancer and is recommended in the preoperative work-up of these tumors. Received: 21 September 1999/Revision accepted: 26 January 2000     

Synchronous mucinous tumors of the ovary and the appendix associated with pseudomyxoma peritonei: CT findings

Background: To present the computed tomographic (CT) findings of synchronous mucinous tumors of the ovary and the appendix associated with pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP). Methods: Imaging studies, mainly abdominal CT scans, of three women aged 49–75 years were reviewed. Attention was directed to the ovarian masses, peritoneal seeding, and the presence of an appendiceal mucocele. Results: The ovarian tumors and the appendiceal mucocele were clearly demonstrated in two cases, and they were part of the extensive PMP in the third patient. Ascites was found in all cases, with internal septation in one. Associated scalloping of the liver margins and hypodense peritoneal implants, with extensive bowel involvement, were seen in another one. Pathologically, there was one case of right ovarian mucinous cystadenoma and villous adenoma of the appendix, one case of right ovarian and appendiceal mucinous cystadenocarcinoma, and one case of bilateral metastatic ovarian implants of appendiceal mucinous cystadenocarcinoma. PMP was found in all. In the case with benign tumors of the ovary and the appendix, the PMP was classified as a benign mucinous spillage. This patient returned 33 months after surgery with PMP, in which epithelial cells were found. Conclusions: Radiologists should be familiar with the clinical occurrence of synchronous mucinous tumors of the ovary and the appendix associated with PMP and with the typical CT findings of the latter two entities. Alternatively, when the imaging findings suggest ovarian cystic tumor with PMP, the radiologist should be alerted to the probability of a clinically unsuspected appendiceal mucocele and should search for it. Received: 10 August 1999/Accepted: 22 September 1999     

Vaginal opacification during defecography: utility of placing a folded gauze square at the introitus

We evaluated the value of placement of a folded gauze square into the urogenital introitus to improve vaginal opacification in 90 patients who underwent defecography. Of the 50 patients who retained the gauze in the introitus, 96% demonstrated excellent or good vaginal opacification. By contrast, only 75% of the 40 patients who lost the gauze during the study were able to achieve the same level of opacification. This difference was shown to be statistically significant (p < 0.002), suggesting that placement of a folded gauze square in the introitus limits loss of contrast from the vagina, which improves vaginal opacification. Received: 12 October 1998/Revision accepted: 27 January 1999     

Vaginal opacification during defecography: direction of vaginal migration aids in diagnosis of pelvic floor pathology

Background: To determine whether direction of vaginal displacement during defecography aids in diagnosing pelvic floor pathology. Methods: Ninety patients underwent defecography over a 2-year period. Each study was retrospectively reviewed by three radiologists who recorded whether the vagina was displaced cephalad, caudad, or nondisplaced in relation to the urogenital hiatus. This information was then correlated with radiologic diagnosis rendered for the study. Results: Of the 26 patients with normal defecograms, 19 (73%; p < 0.001) demonstrated no vaginal displacement during the procedure. Comparatively, 10 (83%; p < 0.001) of the 12 patients with cystoceles showed caudad vaginal displacement, and no patients with cystoceles showed cephalad displacement of the vagina. Of the 17 patients with rectoceles, 10 (58%) showed cephalad displacement, one (6%) showed caudad displacement, and six (35%) patients showed no vaginal displacement. Thirteen (46%) of 28 patients with enteroceles showed cephalad vaginal displacement, nine (32%) showed no vaginal displacement, and six (21%) demonstrated caudad displacement. Conclusions: Caudad displacement of the opacified vagina suggests the presence of a cystocele. Cephalad vaginal displacement is suggestive of the presence of an enterocele or rectocele. Received: 4 December 1998/Revision accepted: 10 March 1999     

Computed tomography during arterial portography under temporary balloon occlusion of the hepatic artery: evaluation of pseudolesions caused by arterio-portal venous shunts

Background: Computed tomography during arterial portography (CTAP) under temporary balloon occlusion of the hepatic artery (BOHA-CTAP) was introduced to evaluate pseudolesions caused by portal venous impairments such as arterioportal shunt and tumor thrombus. Methods: BOHA-CTAP was performed in seven patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and correlated with clinical outcomes. For patients with wedge-shaped defects suggestive of pseudolesions, BOHA-CTAP was obtained by a 5-F balloon occlusion catheter into the proper hepatic artery through the second 5-F introducer inserted into the common femoral artery a few centimeters below the first 5-F sheath for CTAP. Results: Eight pseudolesions were determined clinically on follow-up CT, ultrasonography, or magnetic resonance imagings. On BOHA-CTAP, five of the eight pseudolesions were eliminated, and two were diminished in comparision with conventional CTAP. One wedge-shaped defect due to tumor thrombus in the portal vein did not show any change. Conclusion: BOHA-CTAP can reduce pseudolesions caused by portal venous impairments and enable the demarcation of the true tumors. RID=" ID=" <E5>Correspondence to:</E5> J. Koizumi Received: 3 August 1999/Revision accepted: 8 March 2000