Hemosuccus pancreaticus: diagnosis with CT and MRI and treatment with transcatheter embolization

We report the case of a 56-year-old woman with a presyncopal episode followed by melena. A sentinel clot sign in the pancreatic duct on precontrast computed tomography and the presence of a splenic artery aneurysm on postcontrast computed tomography strongly suggested a fistula between the aneurysm and the duct, as visualized by magnetic resonance imaging. The patient was treated successfully by complete embolization of the splenic artery aneurysm. Received: 25 January 2000/Accepted: 21 February 2001     

MR imaging of primary uterine lymphoma

Primary malignant lymphoma of the uterus is a rare disease. We present the MR findings in three cases where the uterus was the initial site. MR findings were retrospectively evaluated. Although the intact junctional zone is a specific finding for lymphoma, diffuse enlargement of the uterus and relatively homogeneous signal intensity on MR imaging in spite of large tumor size are helpful for diagnosing uterine lymphoma. Received: 14 March 1996/Accepted: 22 March 1996     

Primary splenic malignant lymphoma associated with hepatitis C virus infection

We present two cases of primary splenic malignant lymphoma associated with chronic hepatitis C virus infection detected early by routine follow-up imaging studies. Septumlike structures were seen on postcontrast computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, which presented characteristic gross findings. These findings may suggest primary splenic malignant lymphoma during the course of chronic hepatitis C. Received: 17 March 2000/Accepted: 19 April 2000     

Splenic lymphoma: differentiation from splenic cyst with ultrasonography

Background and Methods: Lymphoma can be nearly anechoic and mimic a cyst on ultrasonography (US). To investigate whether this phenomenon occurs at the level of the spleen, we analyzed the US findings of 38 cases of splenic lymphoma and 16 cases of splenic cyst. Results: (1) With regard to shape, echogenicity of the lesion, and mode of posterior echo, there was no difference between splenic lymphomas and splenic cysts. However, the boundaries of the lesions were indistinct in splenic lymphomas and distinct in splenic cysts. (2) Blood flow signals and vascular penetration were seen exclusively in splenic lymphomas. Conclusion: The mode of boundary echo (distinct or indistinct) distinguishes splenic lymphomas from splenic cysts. Color Doppler US increases the diagnostic confidence of US. Received: 25 September 2000/Revision accepted: 27 December 2000     

Esophagobronchial fistula following redo Nissen fundoplication

Gastrobronchial fistula is a rare complication of antireflux surgery, whereas esophagobronchial fistula as a complication of Nissen fundoplication has, to the best of our knowledge, not been reported previously. We report on a case of esophagobronchial fistula in a patient with left subphrenic abscess following redo Nissen fundoplication. Chest radiographs suggested an unresponsive pneumonia of the left lower lobe. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen showed partial consolidation of the left lower lobe and contrast filling of the left bronchial tree from a left subphrenic abscess. CT diagnosis of fistula originating from the region of fundoplication was confirmed by Gastrografin follow-through.     

Focal splenic lesions in patients with AIDS: sonographic findings

Background: The purpose of this study was to describe the sonographic features of the focal splenic lesions in patients with AIDS and to know the frequency and etiology of these features. Methods: Sonographic exams of 278 AIDS patients were reviewed retrospectively. We recorded the clinical indications for sonograms and sonographic findings of those patients with focal splenic lesions. In addition, patients' histories were reviewed to determine the etiology of such lesions. Ultrasound exams were performed with a 3.5-MHz transducer. Results: Sonography demostrated focal splenic lesions in 22 patients (7.9%). Eighteen patients (81.8%) showed small, multiple, hypoechoic, rounded splenic lesions; one patient had a solitary defect with similar features. In these 19 patients (86.3%), splenic lesions were due to disseminated Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. One case showed two large hypoechoic wedge-shaped lesions that were splenic infarctations secondary to acute bacterial endocarditis. In two patients (9%) with solitary and multiple small hypoechoic lesions, the cause of the lesions remained unknown. All patients had splenomegaly. Hepatomegaly with focal lesions, retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy, or ascites were also seen. Conclusion: In our area, the finding of splenomegaly with small, multiple, hypoechoic lesions in AIDS patients should make clinicians suspect splenic tuberculosis as a first possibility. Received: 25 June 1996/Accepted after revision: 13 November 1996     

Sinusoidal spread of liver metastases from renal cell carcinoma: simulation of diffuse liver disease on MR imaging

Rarely, hepatic metastases can simulate hepatic infiltrative diseases. We present a case of a patient with advanced metastatic renal cell carcinoma who developed hepatomegaly and clinical signs of hepatocellular injury. On magnetic resonance imaging, the injury simulated a diffuse process, e.g., acute fulminant viral or chemical hepatitis or drug toxicity. Despite its high resolution, magnetic resonance imaging might not depict focal lesions in patients with extensive metastases. In correlation with clinical history, malignant disease should be considered when diffusely abnormal hepatic signal intensity is noted. Received: 2 April 2001/Revision accepted: 21 April 2001     

High resolution MRI of anorectal malformation in the newborn: case reports of Currarino syndrome and anocutaneous fistula

To show the accuracy of a high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique with a phased array coil in diagnosing anorectal malformation, we present two neonates with Currarino syndrome and anocutaneous fistula, respectively. Anatomy was visualized correctly with this technique, but conventional MRI did not show the complete extent of the disease. The reported high-resolution MRI findings concerning these conditions are scanty. Received: 26 March 2001/Accepted: 2 May 2001     

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     

Epidermoid cyst originating from an intrapancreatic accessory spleen

Pancreatectomy in a 45-year-old woman showed, after pathologic analysis, an epidermoid cyst originating from an intrapancreatic accessory spleen. This mass consisted of parenchymal and cystic components. It is important to note the relation between the splenic parenchyma and the parenchymal component of the mass for the differential diagnosis of a cystic mass in the pancreatic tail. Received: 12 September 2001/Accepted: 23 September 2001     

Rupture of a pancreatic pseudocyst into the portal venous system

Pseudocyst formation is a well-known complication of acute or chronic pancreatitis. We report a case in which pseudocyst ruptured into the splenic and portal veins. Received: 11 September 1998/Revision accepted: 18 November 1998     

Typhlitis as a rare cause of a psoas abscess

Typhlitis is a life-threatening necrotizing process of the cecum associated with leukemia patients who have undergone chemotherapy. We present a rare complication of typhlitis in a boy with leukemia, in whom a right psoas abscess developed secondary to the inflammatory process of the cecum, with an emphasis on the computed tomographic findings of this severe and potentially life-threatening complication. Typhlitis should be added to conditions of the gastrointestinal tract that cause a psoas abscess such as Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, appendicitis, colorectal carcinoma, and appendiceal tumor. Received: 18 May 2001/Accepted: 15 June 2001     

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     

Aortocaval fistula: diagnosis with carbon dioxide angiography

Aortocaval fistulas are an uncommon complication of atherosclerotic aneurysms that can present with a variety of clinical symptoms. Many of these patients present with oliguric renal failure, a contraindication for the use of iodinated contrast in radiological studies. We present a case of an aortocaval fistula diagnosed by using carbon dioxide gas without the use of traditional contrast media. Received: 12 March 1998/Accepted: 22 April 1998     

Sonographic patterns of splenic abscess: an analysis of 34 proven cases

Background: The sonographic patterns of splenic abscess are seldom reported. We report the different sonographic patterns in 34 proven cases. Methods: From 1984 to June 2000, 42 patients were diagnosed with splenic abscess by abscess aspiration or pathologic findings of surgical specimens. Among them, 34 cases underwent sonographic studies. Results: Fifteen cases had typical abscess echo patterns that included gas in the abscess (two cases) and debris in the abscess cavity (13 cases). Five cases of abscess showed subcapsular lesions with or without echo in the lesion. Two cases of abscess showed a thickened wall mimicking a tumor with central necrosis. Two cases showed a pattern suggesting a cyst. Ten cases showed a pattern suggesting tumor: eight had multiple lesions and two had solitary lesions. Of those 10 cases, seven multifocal abscesses were hypoechoic, and two solitary and one multifocal abscess were mixed echoic. Mortality from multiple splenic abscesses was higher than that from solitary abscess (p = 0.032). Both patients with gas in the abscess expired. Conclusion: Sonography of a splenic abscess is variable. A typical pattern was seen in only 44.1% (15 of 34) of patients in our series. We suggest using needle aspiration in each suspected case. Multiple and gas-containing abscesses indicate a poor prognosis. Received: 19 October 2001/Accepted: 12 December 2001     

Extrahepatic arterioportal venous fistula: multidetector CT and volume-rendered angiographic imaging

We present a case of unsuspected extrahepatic arterial–main portal venous fistula diagnosed by multiphase computed tomography with three-dimensional volume-rendered computed tomographic angiography. To our knowledge, this entity has not been reported previously in the literature, and it represents an example of pathology that may only be detected and clarified with multiphase imaging with three-dimensional rendering. This finding has great clinical importance in patient management. Received: 9 January 2001/Accepted: 24 January 2001     

CT and MRI findings of multifocal hepatic steatosis mimicking malignancy

We present two rare cases of multifocal hepatic steatosis as a variant of fatty liver. Multifocal hepatic steatosis can cause misleading findings in the differential diagnosis when using ultrasound and computed tomography. This case report describes the atypical findings of focal fatty liver infiltrations, which were misdiagnosed as diffuse metastatic disease. The correct diagnosis was established with magnetic resonance imaging using T1-weighted gradient-echo and T2-weighted Turbo spin-echo sequences with spectral fat suppression. Multifocal hepatic steatosis was proven by biopsy. Received: 28 December 2001/Accepted: 30 January 2002     

Gallbladder perforation: color Doppler findings

Gallbladder (GB) perforation is a life-threatening complication of acute cholecystitis, and early diagnosis prevents delay in patient management. We present two cases of GB perforation diagnosed by color Doppler ultrasonography. Each clearly showed a flow signal passing through the perforated site, leading to prompt and successful surgical treatment. This interesting observation suggests that color Doppler ultrasonography is useful in the diagnosis of GB perforation. Received: 20 February 2001/Accepted: 21 March 2001     

Splenic calcifications in heterozygote sickle cell patients

A small, fibrotic, and even calcified spleen is the hallmark of homozygote sickle cell disease in adults. Such a condition is very rare in sickle-thalassemia and, to our knowledge, not previously reported in a sickle cell trait. We report two heterozygote sickle cell siblings with splenic calcifications, one sickle cell trait and one sickle-beta+-thalassemia, without any history suggestive of splenic vasooclusive-infarctive crisis.     

Primary central nervous system diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma masqueraded as Bing‐Neel syndrome: Steps in management and review of future directions

Bing‐Neel syndrome (BNS) remains a rare complication of Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia. Given the paucity of this disease, treatment guidelines are based on small clinical trials with limited participants. Here, we present a case of primary CNS diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma masqueraded as BNS that developed while on ibrutinib therapy.