Magnetic resonance imaging of lipoma and atypical lipomatous tumour/well-differentiated liposarcoma: observer performance using T1-weighted and fluid-sensitive MRI

The aim of this study was to evaluate observer performance using T1-weighted spin-echo and fluid-sensitive MRI sequences in distinguishing between lipoma and atypical lipomatous tumour/well-differentiated liposarcoma (ALT/WDL). Magnetic resonance images of 51 patients with benign lipoma and ALT/WDL of the musculoskeletal system were reviewed. There were 33 benign lipomas and 18 ALT/WDL. The character of septa and nodularity of the fatty tumours on T1-weighted spin-echo sequences and the presence of high signal on fluid-sensitive sequences were assessed. Two independent observers took part. Observer agreement was measured. The two observers achieved sensitivities of 100 and 94% for T1-weighted images and 100% each for fluid-sensitive sequences. Specificities were 76 and 64% for T1-weighted and 70 and 73% for fluid-sensitive images. Observer agreement was very good (kappa 0.87 for T1-weighted and 0.88 for fluid-sensitive images). In distinguishing lipoma from ALT/WDL, observer performance was comparable using T1-weighted and fluid-sensitive MR sequences. High sensitivity and moderately high specificity were attained.     

Bilateral lipoma arborescens of the subdeltoid bursa

Lipoma arborescens is a rare cause of chronic monoarticular arthritis. It is most commonly seen in the knees, but only a few cases involving other joints, especially the subdeltoid bursa, have been described. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of lipoma arborescens involving bilateral subdeltoid bursae. Although it is associated with joint effusion, synovial cysts and erosions, the presence of reactive bone formation has not been reported. Magnetic resonance imaging is a very effective method for the diagnosis of this rare condition because of its ability to do tissue characterization.     

Early MRI findings in High Grade Glioma

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is more sensitive than computerized tomography in the detection of many intracerebral lesions; however, the significance of some MRI findings may be unclear. Over four years, nine patients, aged 40–79 years, have been encountered whose initial MRI scans were negative or had minimal abnormalities and soon thereafter had high grade glioma. Initial MRI was performed in eight patients for new-onset seizures and one patient for a focal deficit. MRI was negative in four of the patients and mildly abnormal in five of the patients (small areas of increased T2 and/or minimal enhancement). The initial diagnoses usually included inconclusive differentials of stroke and infection with neoplasm less frequently considered. Radiographic progression leading to the diagnosis of high grade glioma became evident on repeat MRI in 1–8 months with six patients showing progression within three months. All patients underwent surgery and had histologic diagnosis of glioma. Although MRI is quite sensitive, four of the initial scans were negative with reasonable quality studies. Conversely, in five of the initial scans, the tumors were detected when so small that the radiographic findings were not typically diagnostic. Glioma must be considered as a possible cause of initial seizures or new neurologic deficits in adults with normal or minimally abnormal MRI. In this group, seizures were the overwhelming hallmark of presentation. In such a clinical situation, close follow-up with short interval repeat MRI should be performed.     

纵隔髓性脂肪瘤影像学表现及鉴别诊断

目的:探讨纵隔髓性脂肪瘤（mediastinal myelolipoma）的CT及MRI表现特点、诊断价值,以提高本病的认识及术前诊断的准确性。方法:回顾性分析经手术、病理证实的 7例纵隔髓性脂肪瘤的CT及MRI表现,分析其影像学特点。结果:7例患者肿块均位于后纵隔;其中5例患者单侧单发,1例单侧两个结节,1例双侧多发。CT表现:病灶形态较规则,部分呈类圆形,呈等、低混杂密度,其内见CT值为负值的更低密度脂肪区,增强扫描呈轻度-中度不均匀性强化;MRI表现:病变T1WI及T2WI序列上均呈不均匀混杂信号,病灶内见斑点状、小片状脂肪信号,呈明显不均匀性强化。结论:CT及MRI检查可以发现纵隔髓性脂肪瘤的相关影像学特征,是术前诊断髓性脂肪瘤最重要的检查方法,能为本病的诊断及鉴别诊断提供重要依据。     

Central neurocytoma occurring in the thalamus: CT and MRI findings

A case of central neurocytoma occurring in the thalamus, confirmed by electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry, is reported. Computed tomography demonstrated a hypodense mass with an irregular margin arising from the right thalamus, extending into the lateral ventricle and crossing the midline. It contained areas of calcification and showed slight enhancement after contrast injection. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, the tumour was hypointense to the brain in T1-weighted images and was heterogeneously hyperintense to the brain in T2-weighted images.     

Atrial septal aneurysm: MRI and echocardiography correlation

A case of a patient with atrial septal aneurysm with findings in echocardiography and MRI is described.     

HASTE MRCP and MRI findings in alveolar echinococcosis of the liver

Alveolar echinococcosis is a rare mass‐producing inflammatory process of the liver. Experience with MRI, and particularly magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), demonstrates that features of this disease are limited. The HASTE (half‐Fourier acquisition single‐shot turbo spin echo) MRCP and MRI findings of alveolar echinococcosis of the liver are presented in this report. HASTE MRCP was used to define the biliary system and the biliary system–mass relationship. It was found that results were comparable with those of invasive techniques such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography.     

Adhesive capsulitis: contrast-enhanced shoulder MRI findings

Purpose: Evaluation of contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE‐MRI) findings in cases clinically diagnosed as adhesive capsulitis (AC). Methods: CE‐MRI images of 12 cases diagnosed as AC (13 shoulder joints) and nine control cases were retrospectively evaluated. AC diagnosis was established based on the history and clinical symptoms. MR signal intensity changes in the axillary pouch, rotator interval, biceps anchor and anterior–posterior capsules were analysed with regard to the presence of abnormal soft tissue and contrast enhancement. Capsular and synovial thickening were measured in the axillary recess and rotator interval on coronal oblique CE T1‐weighted images. Patient and control groups were compared by Fisher's exact and McNemar tests in terms of signal intensity changes and contrast enhancement in the described areas. Results: Comparison of the group with AC and the control group regarding intensity changes showed a statistically significant difference in the axillary pouch (P < 0.001). No significant difference was found in the rotator interval, biceps anchor and anterior–posterior capsules (P > 0.05). Comparison of AC and control groups in terms of contrast enhancement revealed statistically significant differences in the axillary pouch, rotator interval, biceps anchor and anterior–posterior capsules (P < 0.001). A significant difference was determined between the AC and control groups with regard to thickening in axillary pouch and rotator interval (P < 0.001). Conclusion: CE studies are useful for diagnosis of AC as it demonstrates thickening of specific soft‐tissue areas like joint capsule and synovium.     

Brain MRI findings in two cases with eclampsia

Neurological complications in patients with eclampsia are varied and include headache, visual disturbances, focal neurological deficits, altered mental status and coma. Occasionally, a focal neurological deficit includes a variety of visual disturbances. The pathophysiology of CNS abnormalities in patients with eclampsia is uncertain. Our cases, combined with a review of the literature, demonstrate that there is no correlation among severity of hypertension, parity, and location of lesions at initial magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings or between the severity of hypertension and neurological symptoms. Two typical patterns are seen on MR images of patients with eclampsia. Lesions in the region of the posterior cerebral circulation are most common and are frequently associated with visual disturbances. Although there are lesions in the deep white matter or basal ganglia, a focal neurological deficit or alterations in mental status may not develop. This demonstrates the sensitivity of MR imaging in the detection of abnormalities in patients with eclampsia, even those without neurological deficits.     

MRI findings of cerebral cryptococcosis in immunocompetent patients

Worldwide, cerebral cryptococcal infections caused by cryptococcus neoformans are mostly found in immunocompromised patients, but less found in immunocompetent patients with fewer related imaging reports in literatures. This pictorial essay describes some important MR imaging features in arriving at diagnosis for cerebral cryptococcosis in immunocompetent patients by way of five illustrative cases with intact MRI data.     

Sarcoidosis of the thoracic and lumbar spine: Imaging findings with an emphasis on magnetic resonance imaging

Vertebral sarcoidosis is exceedingly rare with only a few cases reported in the published literature. The case of a 40‐year‐old man with vertebral sarcoidosis is presented, emphasizing the role of MRI and biopsy in confirming the diagnosis. A brief review of the published literature is also presented.     

Radiological considerations in von Hippel-Lindeau disease: imaging findings and the review of the literature

Background

Von Hippel Lindau disease is an autosomal dominant multisystem/multitumoral cancer disease diagnosed by clinical, radiologic and genetic findings. Its prevalence has been estimated to be of 1/36000 inhabitants. The tumours can be benign or malignant.

Case report

We represent MR findings of a family with ten children. Mother and five siblings had von Hippel-Lindau disease.

Conclusions

Radiologic imaging is very important for the early diagnosis and treatment of asymptomatic patients. Diagnosing it early is important because the tumours in von Hippel Lindau disease are treatable. Also, an early detection allows the patient’s survival and quality of life. A multidisciplinary team approach is important in screening.     

卵黄囊瘤的CT及MRI表现

目的:探讨卵黄囊瘤CT及MRI的表现及在诊断中的应用价值。方法:回顾性分析2005年1月至2015年5月经病理证实的40例卵黄囊瘤的CT或MRI表现及临床特征。结果:发病年龄9个月~50岁,平均年龄12.7岁;其中男17例,女23例。肿瘤位于卵巢18例,睾丸12例,骶尾部6例,阴道2例,膈肌1例,腹股沟1例。影像学表现为类圆形或不规则形肿块,呈实性或囊实混合性,肿瘤最大径1.5~28cm。增强扫描实性部分明显不均匀强化,实性部分及囊壁内可见迂曲血管影。结论:卵黄囊瘤在CT及MRI存在特征性的影像学表现,结合发病年龄、AFP升高等临床特征,可以提高对该病的鉴别诊断。     

MRI findings in deep infiltrating endometriosis: A pictorial essay

Endometriosis is an important gynaecological disorder which can impact significantly on an individual's quality of life and has major implications on fertility. Deep infiltrating endometriosis is a severe form of endometriosis which can cause obliteration of anatomic compartments. Laparoscopy remains the gold standard for diagnosis of endometriosis, although is an invasive procedure that has the potential to be hindered by obliterative disease. Ultrasound is often employed as the first‐line imaging modality when endometriosis is suspected, however, MRI is more accurate in assessment of complex disease. Pre‐operative MRI is highly specific in the diagnosis of endometriosis and characterization of disease extent, and plays a key role in guiding surgical management. MRI findings in deep infiltrating endometriosis are described.     

子宫内膜间质肉瘤的MRI表现

目的:探讨子宫内膜间质肉瘤的MRI表现特点。方法:回顾性分析7例经手术及病理证实的子宫内膜间质肉瘤患者的临床和MRI资料。所有病例均行MRI平扫。结果:本组7例患者子宫体积均增大。6例病变位于宫腔内,呈息肉状突向宫腔或弥漫性填充宫腔;1例位于子宫肌壁间,类似囊性变性子宫肌瘤。2例囊实混合性占位,5例实性占位。7例ESS病变直径范围为2.5cm-15cm,平均8.8cm。肿瘤在MRI平扫上5例T1WI 呈等信号或低信号,T2WI呈稍高信号;2例T1WI呈等及低信号,T2WI呈稍高为主的混杂信号,伴有出血或坏死囊变,其中1例位于子宫肌壁间。6例可见向子宫肌层侵润性生长,子宫T2WI结合带低信号中断或消失,其中1例可见宫颈、双侧输卵管壁、卵巢及膀胱受侵,1例子宫肌层及宫旁可见扭曲条点状流空信号影。4例合并少量盆腔积液,2例合并子宫肌瘤,1例合并卵巢滤泡囊肿,3例合并增殖期子宫内膜。病理示低度恶性ESS 6例,未分化ESS 1例。结论:子宫内膜间质肉瘤好发于宫腔内,也可见于子宫肌壁间,多向子宫肌层浸润性生长,于T1WI呈等或低信号,T2WI呈稍高信号,伴出血或坏死囊变时呈T2WI稍高信号为主的混杂信号,其在MRI上具有一定的信号特点,能为该病的诊断提供帮助。     

Prostatosymphyseal fistula and osteomyelitis pubis following transurethral resection of the prostate: CT and MRI findings

We present a very rare case of osteomyelitis pubis in a 75‐year‐old male patient due to a prostatosymphyseal fistula, which constituted a few weeks after trans‐urethral resection of the prostate. The patient had a previous history of prostatic carcinoma treated by radiotherapy, which may have played a role in the development of the fistula. Computed tomography with excretory phase and magnetic resonance imaging were performed and enabled to make the final diagnosis.     

Spinal angiolipoma: Report of three cases and review of MRI features

We report three cases of spinal angiolipoma, two intramedullary and one epidural, and review their MRI features. Diagnoses were established preoperatively in all cases. Specific MRI features including the importance of postgadolinium fat‐saturated T1‐weighted images and presence of vascular flow‐voids are discussed with histopathological correlation. A characteristic morphological appearance of intramedullary angiolipoma has been suggested.     

Medial meniscus posterior root attachment injury and degeneration: MRI findings

The posterior root attachment of the medial meniscus is readily identifiable on MRI. Unless specifically reviewed, injuries involving this structure may be overlooked. Significant meniscal root pathology may cause functional incompetence of the meniscus, with consequent early onset cartilage degeneration and osteoarthritis. This review article emphasizes the importance of positive identification of an intact meniscal root and illustrates the known association of meniscal root injury or tear with medial extrusion of the medial meniscus by greater than 3 mm beyond the joint margin.     

Scintigraphic findings in synovial sarcoma with structural correlation

Synovial sarcoma is a relatively rare malignant soft tissue tumour. It is highly aggressive, tends to occur in young adults and has a poor prognosis. The scintigraphic findings in 10 patients with histopathologically proven synovial sarcoma were reviewed. Most of the lesions occurred in the extremities and intense uptake of thallium was observed on 30‐min and 4‐h imaging in almost all cases. Thallium has an important role in the detection of possible metastatic disease and in monitoring response to therapy. The scintigraphic features of synovial sarcoma are presented and correlated with the radiographic findings.     

Isolated intrapetrous carotid canal atraumatic internal carotid artery dissection: MRI and digital subtraction angiography findings

A case of spontaneous internal carotid artery (ICA) dissection confined to the intrapetrous carotid canal that was confirmed by angiography and magnetic resonance imaging is presented. Isolated dissection involving the intrapetrous ICA is rare; however, whenever arterial dissection is a consideration, specific review of imaging in this region is warranted.