Gadolinium-DTPA enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of bone cysts in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVES--To examine the contents of intraosseous cysts in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) through the signal intensity characteristics on gadolinium-DTPA (Gd-DTPA) enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. METHODS--The hand or foot joints of nine patients with the cystic form of RA (where the initial radiological abnormality consisted of intraosseous cysts without erosions) were imaged before and after intravenous administration of Gd-DTPA. A 0.6 unit, T1 weighted spin echo and T2* weighted gradient echo were used to obtain images in at least two perpendicular planes. RESULTS--Most cysts showed a low signal intensity on the non-enhanced T1 weighted (spin echo) images and a high signal intensity on the T2* weighted (gradient echo) images, consistent with a fluid content. No cyst showed an enhancement of signal intensity on the T1 weighted images after intravenous administration of Gd-DTPA, whereas synovium hyperplasia at the site of bony erosions did show an increased signal intensity after Gd-DTPA. Magnetic resonance imaging detected more cysts (as small as 2 mm) than plain films, and the cysts were located truly intraosseously. In six patients no other joint abnormalities were identified by magnetic resonance imaging; the three other patients also showed, after Gd-DTPA administration, an enhanced synovium at the site of bony erosions. CONCLUSIONS--It is suggested that intraosseous bone cysts in patients with RA do not contain hyperaemic synovial proliferation. The bone cysts in patients with the cystic form of RA may be the only joint abnormality.     

Retrorectal tumors in adults: magnetic resonance imaging findings

AIM:To retrospectively evaluate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of adult retrorectal tumors and compare with histopathologic findings.METHODS:MRI features of 21 patients with preoperative suspicion of retrorectal tumors were analyzed based on the histopathological and clinical data.RESULTS:Fourteen benign cystic lesions appeared hypointense on T1-weighted images,and hyperintense on T2-weighted images with regular peripheral rim.Epidermoid or dermoid cysts were unilocular,and tailgut cysts were multilocular.Presence of intracystic intermediate signal intensity was observed in one case of tailgut cyst with a component of adenocarcinoma.Six solid tumors were malignant lesions and showed heterogeneous intensity on MRI.Mucinous adenocarcinomas showed high signal intensity on T2-weighted and mesh-like enhancing areas on fat-suppressed T2-weighted images.There was a fistula between the mass and anus with an internal opening in mucinous adenocarcinomas arising from anal fistula.Gastrointestinal stromal tumors displayed low signal intensity on T1-weighted images,and intermediate to high signal intensity on T2-weighted images.Central necrosis could be seen as a high signal on T2-weighted images.CONCLUSION:MRI is a helpful technique to define the extent of the retrorectal tumor and its relationship to the surrounding structures,and also to demonstrate possible complications so as to choose the best surgical approach.     

A case of thymic cyst with thymic hyperplasia]

A 70-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for treatment of an anterior mediastinal tumor. Although he was asymptomatic, an abnormal shadow was visible on chest radiography. CT revealed a heterogeneous tumor located in the anterior mediastinum. On MRI, the tumor demonstrated low signal intensity in T1-weighted images and high signal intensity in T2-weighted images. Laboratory data, including tumor markers, were mostly within the reference ranges. Although a CT-guided needle biopsy was performed, histologic diagnosis could not be confirmed. We resected the tumor with the thymus by median sternotomy. Histopathological examination demonstrated that the tumor was a multilocular thymic cyst with thymic hyperplasia and numerous lymphocytes. The lining epithelial cells gave positive reactions to immunohistochemical staining for carbohydrate antigen 19-9. Carcinoembryonic antigen and squamous cell carcinoma antigen levels in the cystic fluid were elevated. This case appeared to be an acquired thymic cyst with thymic hyperplasia. There are few reports of such cysts.     

DWI在颅内囊性病变鉴别诊断中的价值

目的 探讨磁共振扩散加权成像（DWI）对颅内囊性病变的鉴别诊断价值。方法 回顾性分析102例临床及手术病理证实的颅内囊性病变（脑脓肿9例、胶质瘤25例、转移瘤19例、蛛网膜囊肿25、表皮样囊肿24例）患者的DWI信号特征及囊变坏死区表观扩散系数（ADC）。结果 9例脑脓肿中6例呈高信号,3例呈高低混杂信号;25例胶质瘤中,3例呈高低混杂信号,其余22例均为低信号;19例脑转移瘤中,单发病灶中1例为高信号,15例为低信号;3例多发病灶中,部分为高信号,部分为低信号;25例蛛网膜囊肿均呈低信号;24例表皮样囊肿均呈明显高信号。脑脓肿患者ADC值明显低于囊变坏死性脑肿瘤患者,P〈0．01;表皮样囊肿患者ADC值明显低于蛛网膜囊肿患者,P〈0．01。结论 DWI在脑脓肿和囊变坏死性脑肿瘤及蛛网膜囊肿与表皮样囊肿的鉴别诊断中具有重要价值。     

Choledochal cysts in adults and their complications

BackgroundDespite refinements in the management of choledochal cysts in children, an increasing number of patients present with ongoing symptoms in adult life. The aim of this study was to review the management of adult patients with choledochal cysts in a tertiary referral centre.MethodA retrospective review was carried out of all adult patients presenting with choledochal cysts to this department between 1992 and 2000. Patient records were reviewed and detailed analyses were made of the clinical presentation, radiological and biochemical findings, anatomical anomalies, management, complications and outcomes.ResultsOf 16 patients (12 women and 4 men; median age 23 years), 8 had undergone previous upper gastrointestinal operations before referral, including 5 who had had previous cyst drainage procedures. All patients underwent elective complete cyst excision with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. There were no operative deaths and there was a low early postoperative morbidity rate (25%). There was no evidence of biliary malignancy in any cyst. During a median postoperative follow-up of 44 months, five patients (31%) continued to experience cholangitis and two of these required additional revisional procedures, but are now symptom-free.ConclusionPatients with choledochal cysts should be referred to specialised tertiary surgical units. Total choledochal cyst excision with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy is the treatment of choice. Patients with previous inadequate cyst excisional procedures should undergo revisional surgery, to reduce recurrent symptoms and the risk of developing cholangiocarcinoma.     

Lymphoepithelial cysts of the pancreas: The use of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration in diagnosis

Lymphoepithelial cysts (LECs) are rare non-neoplastic lesions that can appear as a complex cyst or a mass in the pancreas. Cytology from endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) can be helpful in making a diagnosis with the aim of avoiding unnecessary surgical resection. A case involving a 51-year-old woman with lower abdominal pain who was found to have a multiloculated cystic lesion at the junction of the pancreatic body and tail is described. Cytology from EUS-FNA was consistent with a pancreatic LEC. The lesion was managed conservatively and follow-up imaging of the cyst over the following two years was unchanged. The patient remains clinically well. Cytology from EUS-FNA can help distinguish LECs from cystic neoplasms, thus preventing radical surgical resection of this benign pancreatic cyst.     

3.0T磁共振弥散加权成像在肝脏局灶性病变中的诊断价值初探

目的初步探讨3.0T磁共振弥散加权成像（DWI）对肝脏局灶性病变的鉴别诊断价值。方法采用GE 3.0T Signal EXCITE超导型磁共振扫描系统对65例共68个病灶患者行DWI,并分析病灶信号特征。肝囊肿13个病灶,肝血管瘤12个病灶,炎性假瘤4个病灶,局灶性结节性增生（FNH）5个病灶;肝细胞癌13个病灶,转移瘤21个病灶。应用弥散敏感系数b值0、500、1000 s/mm2的图像拟合出ADC图并测量ADC值。结果肝囊肿、血管瘤、炎性假瘤、FNH、肝细胞癌、转移瘤平均ADC值（×10-3mm2/s）分别为3.34±0.45、2.07±0.35、1.59±0.16、1.50±0.18、1.25±0.31、1.04±0.20;肝囊肿、血管瘤与其它病灶平均ADC之间差异均有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。随着b值的增加,肝囊肿信号衰减最明显,肝细胞癌、转移瘤信号衰减不明显。结论 3.0T磁共振弥散加权成像及其定量ADC值对肝脏占位病变的鉴别诊断具有重要的临床价值。     

Pitfalls in the diagnosis of complicated pulmonary hydatid disease

The aim of this study was to present the pitfalls in the diagnosis of complicated pulmonary hydatid disease and to discuss the unusual radiological presentations of this endemic disorder in Turkey. We retrospectively evaluated 34 patients (12 females) aged between 8 and 64 years, who were operated on at our centre between 1991 and 1998 and diagnosed with complicated pulmonary hydatid cyst histopathologically. Computerized tomography (CT) scans of these patients were reviewed double-blind by two radiologists. The patients were then divided into two groups: group 1: initial radiological impression is pulmonary hydatid cyst and group 2: initial radiological impression is not pulmonary hydatid disease. These two groups were evaluated in terms of symptoms, radiographical presentation and laboratory tests. The presence of cystic appearance, water-lily sign, ring enhancement concomitant with intact cysts unanimously led the radiologists to the diagnosis of complicated pulmonary hydatid cyst, whereas solid appearance and presence of bronchial obliteration made the diagnosis unlikely. In such circumstances patient history, laboratory findings and bronchoscopic evaluation helped the diagnosis. In conclusion, in endemic regions like Turkey, atypical radiological presentation of complicated pulmonary hydatid disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of solid pulmonary lesions.     

Lymphoepithelial cyst in the lung: a case report

An unusual endobronchial presentation of lymphoepithelial cysts (LECs) is described in a HIV-seropositive patient. The bilateral infrahilar cysts had followed an apparently benign course for 2 years. Bronchoscopy revealed an endobronchial mass occluding the anterior basilar segment of the left lower lobe. Biopsy resulted in emptying of the cyst and showed the typical pseudostratified columnar epithelium with intraepithelial lymphocytes of an LEC. This diagnosis should be considered in patients with HIV infection and pulmonary cysts on CT.     

Advanced diagnostics for pancreatic cysts: Confocal endomicroscopy and molecular analysis

Technological advances and the widespread use of medical imaging have led to an increase in the identification of pancreatic cysts in patients who undergo crosssectional imaging. Current methods for the diagnosis and risk-stratification of pancreatic cysts are suboptimal, resulting in both unnecessary surgical resection and overlooked cases of neoplasia. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for guiding how a pancreatic cyst is managed, whether with surveillance for low-risk lesions or surgical resection for high-risk lesions. This review aims to summarize the current literature on confocal endomicroscopy and cyst fluid molecular analysis for the evaluation of pancreatic cysts. These recent technologies are promising adjuncts to existing approaches with the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy and ultimately patient outcomes.     

Morphological changes of small pancreatic cysts in response to secretin stimulation observation by endoscopic ultrasonography

It is difficult to discriminate clinically the etiology of small pancreatic cysts using conventional methods. Endoscopic ultrasonography can delineate small lesions. In order to help differentiate the etiology of cystic lesions of the pancreas by endoscopic ultrasonography, we investigated morphological changes following stimulation of the pancreatic secretion with secretin. After an intravenous injection of secretin (50 CU), the size, shape, and echogenicity of a cyst smaller than 2 cm were recorded for 15 min. Of 17 cases examined, 10 patients showed an alteration of these factors. These cases were thought to be nonneoplastic cysts, which included all six cases where communication to the main pancreatic duct was demonstrated by ERCP. Five cases of neoplastic cyst did not show the change in shape and size. These results indicate that secretin stimulation provides useful information in the diagnosis of the etiology of pancreatic cyst by endoscopic ultrasonography.     

The utility and the safety of EUS-guided FNA in the evaluation of duplication cysts

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of a foregut duplication cyst is of great clinical impact. A definitive diagnosis of a foregut duplication cyst can avert the need for major thoracic surgery in the otherwise asymptomatic individual. This study sought to evaluate the safety and the utility of EUS and EUS-guided FNA (EUS-FNA) in the diagnosis of foregut duplication cysts. METHODS: Over a period of 4 years, 4771 patients underwent EUS for various indications at two EUS referral centers. EUS findings were consistent with a mediastinal cyst in 30 cases. EUS-FNA was performed in 22 patients. A definitive diagnosis was established based on cytology, surgical pathology, and/or clinical follow-up. FNA was done with 22-gauge needles and antibiotic prophylaxis. RESULTS: The appearance of cyst contents on EUS ranged from completely anechoic (23 cases) to hypoechoic (7 cases). Hypoechoic cystic lesions contained echogenic foci. All anechoic lesions were confirmed as benign duplication cysts based on cytology, pathology, and clinical follow-up. Hypoechoic cystic lesions were confirmed to be benign duplication cysts in 4 cases. Three cases proved to be malignant or granulomatous necrotizing lymph nodes. No periprocedural complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Variation exists in the EUS appearance of benign mediastinal cysts. EUS-FNA of mediastinal cysts with smaller-gauge needles, and antibiotic prophylaxis appears safe and can provide a definitive diagnosis in atypical mediastinal cystic lesions.     

Mullerian cysts of the posterior mediastinum: report of two cases and review of the literature

Cystic lesions can be occasionally be found in the mediastinum, and typically include bronchogenic cysts, esophageal duplication cysts, and neuroenteric cysts. In 2005, Hattori described the first mediastinal cyst with Mullerian differentiation. Since that time, three other authors have described similar cysts occurring in the posterior mediastinum. Here we present two cases of patients with ciliated cysts with Mullerian differentiation with expression of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, PAX8 and Wilm’s tumor 1, occurring in the posterior mediastinum and review the related literature.KEY WORDS : Mediastinal, mullerian cyst, estrogen receptor     

Lymphoepithelial cyst of the pancreas. No evidence for Epstein-Barr virus-related pathogenesis.

Compared to pseudocyst formation after prior pancreatitis, true cysts of the pancreas are rare. Pancreatic cysts with irregular wall components or a mucinous content raise the suspicion for the presence of a cystic neoplasm, and surgical resection is recommended. A case of a patient with a history of prostate cancer is described in whom a cyst of the pancreatic tail was discovered incidentally. Based on the radiographic features, which did not support the presence of a serous cystadenoma, a spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy was performed. Histologic features were characteristic for a lymphoepithelial cyst (LEC) of the pancreas, lined with thinned squamous epithelium surrounded by benign lymphoid tissue. Since LECs of the parotid gland, which are associated with acquired human immunodeficiency, are frequently related to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, EBV in situ hybridization was performed and did not reveal evidence for EBV. Twenty-eight instances of pancreatic LECs have been reported, primarily affecting adult males, without evidence of increased numbers of EBV-positive cells. The pathogenesis, differential diagnosis, and clinical implications of lymphoepithelial pancreatic cysts are discussed.     

Differential diagnosis of space-occupying lesions of the liver with MR imaging.

In a retrospective study of 84 patients who underwent MRI examination of the liver the qualitative parameters margin, shape, internal structure, signal intensity and the presence of a capsule were evaluated in 152 lesions comprising 48 hemangiomas, 54 secondary deposits, 23 hepatomas, 8 simple cysts, 17 hydatid cysts, 1 abscess and 1 focal fatty infiltration. Our main objective was to differentiate hemangiomas from secondary deposits and hepatomas. In hemangiomas the combination of smooth margin (98%) round or oval shape (90%) homogeneity (96%) very high signal intensity on T2-weighted sequence (94%), and the complete absence of capsule helped to distinguish them from secondary deposits and hepatomas in the majority of cases. It is concluded that with MR imaging we can establish the diagnosis of focal lesions of the liver in about 95% of cases.     

Lymphoepithelial cyst of pancreas. Role of endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration

Lymphoepithelial cysts of the pancreas are extremely rare, benign, nonneoplastic cysts that may simulate pseudocysts or cystic neoplasm of the pancreas. Endosonographic and cytologic features of pancreatic lymphoepithelial cysts are poorly characterized because of their rarity. However, appropriate prospective diagnosis of pancreatic lymphoepithelial cysts using endoscopic ultrasound-guided fined needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) cytology may permit conservative management because of their benign nature. We conducted a MEDLINE search using the MeSH terms "pancreas", "cyst" and identified 16 patients who were diagnosed with endosonography or computerized tomography (CT) guided fine needle aspiration. Usefulness and pitfalls of EUS- or CT-guided cyst fluid analysis in the pre-operative diagnosis of pancreatic lymphoepithelial cysts are discussed.     

Endobronchial findings of hydatid cyst disease: a report of five pediatric cases

Hydatid disease is still an important public health problem throughout the world. Diagnosis of the disease is generally based on clinical and radiological findings. Evaluation of pulmonary disorders by flexible bronchoscopy (FOB) is a rapidly developing facility, but diagnostic and therapeutic FOB for pulmonary hydatid cysts is still controversial. This study examines the findings of endobronchial hydatid cyst disease in five pediatric patients from Turkey, and clinical experience about this subject is reviewed. All our patients presented with unusual symptoms of the disease, and for all of them, diagnosis had been delayed using current diagnostic methods. As a result of our experience, it can be reported that the endobronchial appearance of the hydatid cyst membrane is whitish-yellow, and it is difficult to differentiate it radiologically from some other common causes of endobronchial lesions in childhood, such as endobronchial tuberculosis, foreign body aspirations, mucous plaques, and granulation scars. The findings of these cases show that, hydatid cyst should also be kept in mind in differential diagnosis of endobronchial lesions. In the diagnosis of pulmonary hydatid cyst in children without typical clinical and radiological findings of the disease, FOB examination is a valuable diagnostic procedure.     

纵隔支气管囊肿39例临床分析

目的 :总结纵隔支气管囊肿行囊肿切除术的治疗经验和体会。方法 :1970年至 2 0 0 0年为3 9例纵隔支气管囊肿患者实施囊肿切除术。年龄 12 0岁～ 60 0岁 (中位数 45 0岁 )。影像学检查在术前非常重要。结果 :术后随访 10年以上者 2 0例 ,5年以上者 17例 ,2例失访 ,无复发病例。结论 :囊肿切除术为治疗纵隔支气管囊肿的最佳治疗方式     

磁共振扩散加权成像在胰腺囊性病变中的鉴别诊断价值

目的 评价磁共振扩散加权成像（DWI）在胰腺囊性病变中的鉴别诊断价值.方法 收集经临床和（或）病理证实的34例胰腺囊性病变,包括非肿瘤性病变的假性囊肿11例、单纯囊肿5例,肿瘤性病变的浆液性囊腺瘤6例、黏液性囊腺瘤10例、黏液性囊腺癌2例.34例均行常规MRI平扫及动态增强、DWI（b值0,600 s/mm2）扫描,记录病变DWI信号特点,测量病变及毗邻胰腺实质表观扩散系数（ADC）值,计算病变-胰腺实质ADC值比（ADCR）.采用受试者工作特征（ROC）曲线评价病灶ADC值及ADCR的诊断价值.结果 16例非肿瘤性囊性病变组中2例DWI上呈稍高信号,14例呈等信号,18例肿瘤性囊性病变组中17例呈高或稍高信号,l例呈等信号,两组差异具有统计学意义（P ＜0.001）.非肿瘤性、肿瘤性囊性病变的ADC值分别为（3.30 ±0.30）×10-3、（2.74±0.34）×10-3mm2/s;ADCR分别为1.85 ±0.20、1.31 ±0.21,差异均具有统计学意义（P值均＜0.001）.ADC值及ADCR诊断胰腺肿瘤性囊性病变的ROC曲线下面积分别为0.94±0.04、0.98±0.02.ADC值以3.105×10-3 mm2/s为阈值,诊断肿瘤性囊性病变的敏感性为81.3％,特异性为94.4％,ADCR值以1.525为阈值,诊断肿瘤性囊性病变的敏感性为100％,特异性为88.9％.结论 DWI在胰腺囊性病变的诊断与鉴别诊断中具有重要价值,可作为常规MRI的重要补充.     

伴钙化及囊变的脑白质病一例报道并文献复习

 目的 提高对罕见的神经系统疾病伴钙化及囊变的脑白质病的认识。方法 分析1例19岁男性患者的临床、影像及病理表现并回顾文献。结果 患者主要临床表现为肢体力弱、智能减退、头痛、视物模糊。头颅影像显示脑内广泛钙化、囊变及白质病变,白质病变区磁共振波谱未见显著异常,磁敏感加权成像(SWI)显示病变区有钙化和微岀血。脑活检病理可见囊壁小血管玻璃样变性及血管瘤样改变,伴钙化和血栓形成,脑组织胶质增生,散在多量Rosenthal纤维。结论 伴钙化及囊变的脑白质病临床表现多样,影像学钙化、囊变和脑白质病变三联征是诊断基础,小血管病变与其病理过程有密切关系,需重视SWI的应用。