CT and ultrasound imaging of retropharyngeal abscesses in children.

PURPOSE: To show the role of ultrasound (US) in distinguishing retropharyngeal abscess from adenitis in children. METHODS: Eleven infants and children had clinical symptoms suggestive of retropharyngeal infection. Radiographic evaluation included, lateral neck radiography (11/11), contrast-enhanced neck CT (10/11), contrast-enhanced neck MR (1/11), and real time US (11/11) patients. US was used to characterize masses as solid (adenitis) or complex (abscess) and for guiding intraoperative aspiration and drainage. RESULTS: Contrast CT and MR showed findings suspicious for abscess in all 11 cases. Only three children had surgically drainable abscesses. CT numbers within inflammatory masses did not distinguish adenitis from abscess. US was able to correctly diagnose abscess or adenitis in each case. CONCLUSION: Lateral neck radiography and contrast CT identify and localize retropharyngeal inflammatory masses in children. US, but not CT, distinguishes between adenitis and abscess and aids in intraoperative aspiration and drainage.     

External auditory canal cholesteatoma: clinical and imaging spectrum

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cholesteatoma is an inflammatory lesion of the temporal bone that uncommonly involves the external auditory canal (EAC). In this large case series, we aimed to define its imaging features and to determine the characteristics most important to its clinical management. METHODS: Thirteen cases of EAC cholesteatoma (EACC) were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical data were reviewed for the history, presentation, and physical examination findings. High-resolution temporal bone CT scans were examined for a soft-tissue mass in the EAC, erosion of adjacent bone, and bone fragments in the mass. The middle ear cavity, mastoid, facial nerve canal, and tegmen tympani were evaluated for involvement. RESULTS: Patients presented with otorrhea, otalgia, or hearing loss. Eight cases were spontaneous, and five were postsurgical or post-traumatic. CT imaging in all 13 cases showed a soft-tissue mass with adjacent bone erosion. Intramural bone fragments were identified in seven cases. This mass most often arose inferiorly (n = 8) or posteriorly (n = 8), but it was circumferential in two cases. We noted middle ear extension (n = 5), mastoid involvement (n = 4), facial canal erosion (n = 2), and tegmen tympani dehiscence (n = 1). CONCLUSION: Temporal bone CT shows EACC as a soft-tissue mass within the EAC, with adjacent bone erosion. Bone fragments may be present within the mass. The cholesteatoma may extend into the mastoid or middle ear, or it may involve the facial nerve canal or tegmen tympani. Recognition of this entity and its possible extension is important because it may influence clinical management.     

肝脓肿的CT诊断

目的分析不同病理演变时期肝脓肿的CT表现,提高对肝脓肿的诊断水平。方法回顾分析经临床病理证实的50例不同发病时期肝脓肿的CT平扫及三期强化特点,并与肝癌、肝转移瘤、肝血管瘤等对照分析。结果按照肝脓肿病变发展阶段不同,其CT表现可分3种。早期肝脓肿(10例,有2种表现形式:小房腔性和团块状肝脓肿),典型肝脓肿(38例)和纤维肉芽肿性肝脓肿(2例)。结论肝脓肿在不同病理演变时期CT平扫表现不同,动态三期强化扫描有助于提高肝脓肿诊断符合率。     

颈深筋膜间隙感染的影像学表现及其临床意义

目的 分析颈深筋膜间隙蜂窝织炎和脓肿的CT和MRI表现，探讨深筋膜间隙感染的诊断标准。方法 回顾分析28例经临床及穿刺证实的颈深筋膜感染的CT和MRI表现。包括咽后间隙11例，咽旁间隙5例，嚼肌间隙4例，多间隙感染8例。结果 颈深部筋膜间隙感染包括蜂窝织炎和脓肿，15例蜂窝织炎，CT可见软组织肿胀，伴有脂肪间隙移位、变小或消失。炎性组织在T1WI呈等、低信号，T2WI呈高信号。13例脓肿，CT可见局部低密度灶，边界清或不清，有强化。脓肿在MRI T2WI上见显著高信号，边界可有强化。结论 CT和MRI对颈深筋膜间隙蜂窝织炎和脓肿的诊断和定位十分准确，能为临床医生提供十分有价值的信息。     

Magnetic resonance imaging of peripheral T-cell lymphoma.

We report magnetic resonance (MR) findings of two unusual cases of peripheral T-cell lymphoma, one initially presenting as a soft-tissue mass in the neck and the other in the foot. MR imaging provides better tissue contrast and lesion delineation than CT. However, MR signal characteristics cannot differentiate this lymphoma from other soft-tissue tumours. Although it is rare, peripheral T-cell lymphoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of a soft-tissue mass.     

肾急性炎症性病变的CT诊断

作者回顾分析２１例肾急性炎症性病变的临床和ＣＴ表现，包括急性肾盂肾炎１４例、肾脓肿５例、炎性假瘤和化脓性肾盂肾炎各１例。结果表明，肾的各类急性炎症性病变具有一定的较特征性的ＣＴ表现。ＣＴ能准确地显示病变的程度和范围，为临床上及时诊断和治疗提供依据。     

Childhood diskitis: computed tomographic findings

The spectrum of computed tomographic findings in seven children with diskitis is reported. Paravertebral inflammatory masses, intraspinal (epidural) soft-tissue extension with thecal sac deformity, and psoas involvement with abscess were demonstrated in 7/7, 6/7, and 1/7 patients, respectively. Plain radiographic findings of disk space narrowing and vertebral end-plate destruction were confirmed by CT in all cases. Follow-up CT in two patients revealed persistent bone destruction despite resolution of soft-tissue inflammation and clinical abnormalities. CT proved most useful in the diagnosis of early and atypical cases. The CT spectrum of childhood diskitis may simulate other diseases, including neoplasm, tuberculosis, and disk herniation. While CT is not routinely indicated in typical childhood diskitis, it may confirm the diagnosis in those patients with atypical clinical presentation or nonspecific plain radiographs, and exclude other lesions in patients unresponsive to routine treatment.     

Seminal vesicle abscesses: spectrum of computed tomographic findings

The computed tomographic (CT) findings in four cases of seminal vesicle abscess are presented. The predominant infectious organism in two cases was Escherichia coli, one case was probably caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and another by atypical mycobacterium. The CT findings included unilateral (three cases) or bilateral involvement (one case), seminal vesicle enlargement with hypodense areas within the gland (three cases), adjacent perivesicle inflammation (three cases), and associated bladder wall thickening (three cases). Although the diagnosis of seminal vesicle abscess is often overlooked clinically, CT may help suggest the correct diagnosis early thereby helping to initiate therapy.     

CT of benign soft-tissue masses of the extremities

The computed tomographic (CT) scans and medical records of 35 patients with proven benign soft-tissue masses of the extremities were reviewed to assess the contribution of CT in the evaluation of such masses. CT demonstrated the mass in all 35 cases and was able to provide a specific diagnosis in 28 (80%); 25 prospectively, three retrospectively. Correct diagnoses made using CT included hematomas (five), synovial cysts (seven), myositis ossificans (six), fatty tumors (four), aneurysms (three), pseudoaneurysms (two), schwannoma (one), and abscess (one). The CT appearance of a hematoma depends on its age. Synovial cysts are near-water-density masses, often associated with a small joint effusion. Myositis ossificans can be differentiated from parosteal osteosarcoma by virtue of its characteristic zonal ossification. Lipomas are recognized on noncontrast scans by the characteristic low attenuation of fat, while aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms are best diagnosed on postcontrast scans. In seven cases (20%) a specific diagnosis could not be made on the basis of the CT scan. However, in these cases CT delineated the extent of the mass and demonstrated its relation to surrounding structures; this anatomic information was helpful in planning surgical excision or percutaneous biopsy. The authors conclude that CT is a valuable noninvasive imaging method for the evaluation of soft-tissue masses of the extremities.     

Alveolar soft-part sarcoma of the head and neck: clinical and imaging features in five cases

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Alveolar soft-part sarcoma (ASPS) of the head and neck is an extremely rare malignancy. Although the clinical and imaging features of this tumor have been reported, a periodic review of unusual tumors is useful. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical and imaging features of ASPS of the head and neck. METHODS: Between January 1990 and May 2004 at our institution, five head and neck ASPS were diagnosed in five patients (two male and three female patients; age range, 4-22 years). Clinical and imaging findings were reviewed retrospectively. Imaging studies consisted of contrast material-enhanced CT (in four patients), MR imaging (in four patients), and digital subtraction angiography (in two patients). RESULTS: The locations of the tumor were tongue in two cases, larynx in one case, buccal space in one case, and paravertebral space in one case. This tumor appeared as a large lobulating-contoured mass with high signal intensity and flow voids on T2-weighted images and showed strong enhancement on contrast-enhanced CT and MR images. Preoperative angiography showed high vascularity. Wide surgical excisions were performed in four cases. Mean follow-up periods were 16 months (range, 6-30 months), and no recurrence was noted except for the laryngeal case. CONCLUSION: ASPS should be included in the differential diagnosis of head and neck tumor when a slow-growing, large mass with high signal intensity and flow voids on T2-weighted images and strong enhancement on contrast-enhanced CT or MR image is seen, particularly in young female patients.     

Seminal vesicle abscesses: Spectrum of computed tomographic findings

The computed tomographic (CT) findings in four cases of seminal vesicle abscess are presented. The predominant infectious organism in two cases wasEscherichia coli, one case was probably caused byMycobacterium tuberculosis, and another by atypical mycobacterium. The CT findings included unilateral (three cases) or bilateral involvement (one case), seminal vesicle enlargement with hypodense areas within the gland (three cases), adjacent perivesicle inflammation (three cases), and associated bladder wall thickening (three cases). Although the diagnosis of seminal vesicle abscess is often overlooked clinically, CT may help suggest the correct diagnosis early thereby helping to initiate therapy.     

Cervical osteomyelitis due to i.v. heroin use: radiologic findings in 14 patients

We reviewed the radiographs of 14 patients who had cervical osteomyelitis and were IV heroin users. Eleven were men and three were women. Their age range was 33-48 years (mean, 39 years). Eleven regularly used the jugular vein access, and three alternated between the jugular and femoral veins. Initial radiographs of the cervical spine in 13 patients showed destruction of two or more vertebral bodies and the adjacent intervertebral disk, as well as a prevertebral soft-tissue mass. In one patient, findings on initial radiographs were normal, but marked destruction at two contiguous intervertebral levels and a large prevertebral abscess were identified 2 weeks later. All the patients had positive results on cultures of joint aspirates or bone biopsy materials (10 patients) or blood (four patients). Ten grew Staphylococcus aureus; two, Staphylococcus epidermidis; one, Streptococcus viridans; and one, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. CT in nine patients showed inflammatory reaction adjacent to the carotid sheath resulting from the repeated jugular injections and delineated the extent of prevertebral abscess and bone destruction. Scintigrams were of minimal value in establishing the diagnosis. Advanced vertebral body destruction, disk space infection, prevertebral abscess, and anterior cervical inflammatory reaction appear to be typical findings on radiographs in heroin abusers with cervical osteomyelitis.     

CT and MR imaging of intralabyrinthine schwannoma: report of two cases and review of the literature

Two cases of intralabyrinthine schwannoma were studied with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. On CT scans, a soft-tissue mass was identified in the round window niche in both cases. Widening of the basilar turn of the cochlea and characteristic erosion of the promontory were noticed in one case. Preoperative MR imaging (performed in only one case) revealed a soft-tissue mass in the labyrnth, extending into the round window niche. Findings at CT and MR imaging are discussed, and a differential diagnosis is given. The literature is reviewed. The authors' findings suggest that CT and MR imaging may prove very valuable in the previously difficult preoperative diagnosis of these tumors. In the setting of progressive sensorineural hearing loss, atypical Meniere disease, or recurrent vertigo, the presence of a mass in the labyrinth or labyrinthine windows- delineated on CT or MR images, despite a normal internal auditory canal, cerebellopontine angle, or brain stem - is highly suggestive of intralabyrinthine schwannoma.     

非霍奇金淋巴瘤结外侵犯的影像学表现

目的：探讨非霍奇金淋巴瘤在淋巴结以外多系统侵犯的影像学特征。资料与方法：回顾性分析16例经手术病理或穿刺活检证实的非霍奇金淋巴瘤的临床和影像学资料，并复习相关文献。结果：16例非霍奇金淋巴瘤中，侵犯骨骼系统4例，分别累及髂骨、股骨、肱骨和脊柱，其中溶骨性破坏3例，混合性改变1例。侵犯软组织1例，MRI表现为等T1、长T2信号的巨大肿块，增强后明显强化。肝脏侵犯1例，CT表现为边界清楚的巨大肿块，伴有出血、坏死等不典型的肝肿瘤征象。脑室侵犯3例，CT表现为脑室壁有多个稍高密度结节影，增强后结节均匀强化，周围的脑白质有水肿改变。鼻腔及鼻窦侵犯3例，CT表现为鼻腔及鼻窦内软组织肿块和相对较轻的骨质破坏。侵犯胸部3例，表现为纵隔、肺门区肿块影，增强扫描不强化。1例肠系膜侵犯表现为边界清楚的不规则软组织肿块。结论：非霍奇金淋巴瘤结外多系统侵犯因其侵犯部位和生长方式的不同而具有相对特异的影像学表现，结合临床和相关资料，可使其诊断准确率提高，从而为临床治疗提供可靠的依据。     

Bursae and abscess cavities communicating with the hip. Diagnosis using arthrography and CT

Bursae or abscess cavities communicating with the hip joint were demonstrated by hip arthrography or by computed tomography (CT) in 40 cases. The bursae or abscess cavities were associated with underlying abnormalities in the hip, including painful hip prostheses, infection, and inflammatory or degenerative arthritis. Structures communicating with the joint capsule included iliopsoas bursae (13 cases), bursae associated with the greater trochanter (21 cases), ischiotrochanteric bursae created by abnormal articulation between the ischium and lesser trochanter (two cases), and abscess cavities not associated with a bursa (four cases). Symptoms may be produced directly as a result of infection or indirectly as a result of inflammation or pressure on adjacent structures. In cases of suspected infection, direct puncture and aspiration of the bursa or abscess cavity, in addition to joint aspiration, may be necessary to obtain organisms for culture as joint aspiration may not yield fluid. Hip arthrography can confirm a diagnosis of bursae and abscess cavities communicating with the hip joint in patients with hip pain or soft-tissue masses around the groin. Differentiation of enlarged bursae from other abnormalities is important to avoid unnecessary or incorrect surgery.     

Neck infection associated with pyriform sinus fistula: imaging findings

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Acute suppurative neck infections associated with branchial fistulas are frequently recurrent. In this study, we describe the imaging findings of acute suppurative infection of the neck caused by a third or fourth branchial fistula (pyriform sinus fistula). METHODS: Imaging findings were reviewed in 17 patients (11 female and six male patients, 2 to 49 years old) with neck infection associated with pyriform sinus fistula. Surgery or laryngoscopic examination confirmed the diagnoses. Fourteen patients had a history of recurrent neck infection and seven had cutaneous openings on the anterior portion of the neck (all lesions were on the left side). Imaging studies included barium esophagography (n = 16), CT (n = 14), MR imaging (n = 2), and sonography (n = 3). RESULTS: A sinus or fistulous tract was identified in eight of 16 patients on barium esophagograms. In 14 patients, CT studies showed the inflammatory infiltration and/or abscess formation along the course of the sinus or fistulous tract from the pyriform fossa to the thyroid gland. In nine patients, CT scans showed the entire course or a part of the sinus or fistulous tract as a tiny spot containing air. MR images showed a sinus or fistulous tract in two patients, whereas sonograms could not depict a sinus or fistulous tract in three patients. All 17 patients were treated with antibiotics. In one patient, the sinus tract was surgically excised, while 15 patients underwent chemocauterization of the sinus or fistulous tract with good outcome. Follow-up was possible for 16 of the 17 patients. CONCLUSION: When an inflammatory infiltration or abscess is present between the pyriform fossa and the thyroid bed in the lower left part of the neck, an infected third or fourth branchial fistula should be strongly suspected.     

螺旋CT及重组技术对小肠Crohn病的诊断价值

目的：探讨小肠Crohn病的CT表现。方法：回顾性分析经病理证实的8例Crohn病的CT扫描及后处理图像,分析病变肠管的数量、部位、肠壁的厚度和增强后病变肠壁的强化及并发症（蜂窝组织炎、炎性肿块、脓肿和瘘管）。结果：CT及后处理图像均能显示小肠Crohn病的病变肠段,敏感度为100%,8例共显示27段炎症肠壁。小肠Crohn病的CT表现：增强后所有病变肠段肠壁均有强化,25个病变肠段（92%）肠壁增厚,病变累及第6组小肠（回肠远段）8例,累及第5组（回肠中段）、第4组（回肠近段）、第3组（空肠远段）和第2组小肠（空肠近段）者分别7例、3例、2例和2例,累及回盲部3例,广泛累及结肠2例,8例均同时累及2组及2组以上小肠并呈节段性分布。肠系膜血管改变5例（62%）,肠管周围蜂窝织炎3例,炎性肿块2例,腹腔脓肿形成1例,未见瘘管形成。结论：螺旋CT及后处理技术是诊断小肠Crohn病的一种敏感的检查方法,并可判断病变的活动性,对指导临床治疗具有重要意义。     

儿童骨骼尤文肉瘤的影像学诊断和鉴别诊断

目的 探讨儿童骨骼尤文肉瘤在X线平片、CT和MRI上的影像学征象，以提高对其诊断和鉴别诊断能力。资料与方法 回顾性分析经临床病理证实的儿童骨骼尤文肉瘤11例，其中X线平片检查7例，单行MRI扫描2例，单行CT扫描4例，同时行MRI及CT扫描者4例。结果 11例尤文肉瘤中发生于骨盆4例，股骨3例，胫骨、肋骨、趾骨和脊柱各1例，其中胫骨和髂骨各1例术后出现颅骨转移。X线平片上6例表现为虫蚀状或溶骨性破坏，2例病灶略呈膨胀性改变，骨皮质破坏伴单层、多层或放射状骨膜反应，邻近软组织层次欠清；发生于肋骨的1例以硬化为主，CT像上髓腔密度增高，骨质鼠咬状或斑片状破坏伴骨皮质裂隙状或不规则破坏；2例骨皮质呈膨胀、变薄、中断，周围见不完整的层状骨膜反应及较大软组织肿块；MRI上表现为大片长T1长T2信号的骨质破坏和巨大的软组织肿块；1例肿块呈跨关节生长。结论 X线平片、CT和MPI在骨尤文肉瘤的评估方面有重要作用。X线平片可有助于肿瘤的定性和定位；MRI平扫T1WI像及短反转时间反转恢复技术(STIR)能清晰显示肿瘤的范围，在显示肿瘤对骨骺及邻近软组织的侵犯方面尤为敏感；CT在显示骨及骨皮质破坏等方面优于MRI。     

Computed tomographic evaluation of abdominal and pelvic abscesses.

The CT characteristics of abdominal and pelvic abscesses in 29 patients were analyzed. The pathological development of an abscess as it relates to the CT appearance is discussed. Findings such as low-density areas within a soft-tissue mass or a definable wall or rim, while seen in abscesses, can be seen in other pathological entities as well, such as hematomas, noninfected inflammatory masses, and cystic or necrotic tumors. The most specific CT sign of an abscess was extraluminal gas, seen in 38% of patients.     

肝内胆管脓肿的CT诊断

目的 :探讨肝内胆管脓肿的CT诊断和鉴别诊断。方法 :回顾性分析经临床、病理证实的 2 7例肝内胆管脓肿患者的CT表现及临床资料。结果 :2 7例均可见肝脓肿及胆源性病变表现。肝脓肿CT平扫表现为低密度肿块 ,单发圆形(8例 )、多房或簇状 (9例 )或不规则多发 (10例 ) ,增强扫描示脓肿实质部分明显强化 ,呈“肿块缩小征”6例 ,“周围充血征”8例 ,“簇状征”9例 ,“环靶征”仅 4例。胆源性病变CT表现包括胆管扩张、胆管壁增厚并明显强化 ,胆道积气及胆道结石等。结论 :CT扫描可发现肝脓肿及胆道病变 ,是临床诊断肝内胆管脓肿最可靠的影像学方法。