MRI of the nasopharynx

Magnetic resonance imaging with its superior soft tissue contrast resolution and absence of beam hardening artifacts, combined with its ability to perform multiplanar imaging, is now the method of choice for the primary evaluation of the patient who presents with suspected nasopharyngeal pathology. The relative ease (compared to CT) of localization of the primary process coupled with the exquisite definition of the extent of disease allows the radiologist to play an even more important role in the diagnosis and management of patients presenting with nasopharyngeal disease.     

Calcified ganglioneuroma of the bladder

Ganglioneuromas involving the genitourinary tract are extremely rare but are potentially serious tumors. We describe a patient, known to have von Recklinghausen's disease, who presented with a calcified ganglioneuroma of the bladder demonstrated by intravenous urography, sonography, and computed tomography.     

Calcified ganglioneuroma of the bladder

The online version of the original article can be found at     

Posttreatment imaging of the nasopharynx

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the most common epithelial tumor of the nasopharynx. Radiation therapy is the mainstay of treatment while surgery or chemotherapy is used in selected patients. NPC usually regresses after 3 months of radiation therapy. Nonetheless, a residual mass may be present following treatment and this does not necessarily indicate viable tumor. Imaging studies are often used in conjunction with clinical examination following treatment. While computed tomography (CT) is widely used due to its greater availability, less expensive, and less time consuming, MR imaging is now becoming the preferred modality. MR imaging is more capable than CT for identifying mature scarring, tumor recurrence and postradiation complications. However, MR imaging cannot reliably demonstrate mucosal recurrence or differentiate tumor recurrence from postradiation tissue changes. Familiarity with the imaging findings of various posttreatment changes, tumor recurrence and postradiation complications is essential for management of NPC. Comparison with previous images or imaging-guided biopsy facilitates definitive diagnosis.     

Calcified amyloidoma of the larynx.

We describe a case of laryngeal amyloidoma in a 39-year-old man in whom CT examination disclosed a calcifield soft-tissue mass arising in the epiglottis. The presence of focal calcifications suggested a cartilaginous tumor.