The role of computed tomography in the detection of bone metastases in breast cancer patients

Computed tomography (CT) of bone was carried out in 20 patients with breast cancer, all of whom had abnormal radionuclide uptake on skeletal scintigrams but normal conventional radiographs. Twenty-eight sites were examined and 13 showed metastases in 11 patients. Five of these patients had no evidence of extra-skeletal recurrent disease. Follow-up at eight of these sites showed healing, sclerosis or progression, all of which correlated well with clinical findings. CT showed benign causes of radionuclide accumulation in three patients (7 sites) but no abnormality in six patients (8 sites). None of these patients has subsequently developed bone metastases. CT is superior to conventional radiographs in the diagnosis of skeletal metastases and should be carried out when skeletal scintigraphy is positive and conventional examinations are normal.     

新生儿支气管肺发育不良的影像学表现(附21例分析)

目的：探讨新生儿支气管肺发育不良的影像学特征，提高对该病的认识。方法：搜集新生儿支气管肺发育不良21例，全部病例均摄胸片，其中18例行螺旋CT扫描，对所有病例的影像学表现进行回顾性分析。结果：21例中，胸片显示两肺野模糊，肺透光度减低．类似肺透明膜样病改变j例，局限性肺气肿4例，弥漫性间质纤维化病变4例。胸片无异常8例。18例CT检查，表现为毛玻璃样病变和实变影5例，多发囊泡状阴影11例，肺间质纤维化改变5例。结论：新生儿支气管肺发育不良的诊断主要根据临床病史及影像学资料。胸片、CT表现虽无特征性，但具有诊断意义，尤其是高分辨率CT能提供更多有价值的征象，有助于本病的诊断。     

The value of computed tomography in the diagnosis and management of bronchiectasis

In order to evaluate the usefulness of computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis and management, as distinct from only the diagnosis, of bronchiectasis, we retrospectively reviewed the clinical, lung function, and radiological data of 38 patients suspected of having the disease. All had chest radiographs, CT scans, and bronchograms. The approach was to examine the radiological investigations with the clinical data in three stages: I, chest radiograph; II, CT; III, bronchography (BG), as if they were newly presenting cases. At the end of each stage, a decision was made either to proceed to the next stage or to stop because further investigation was considered unlikely to alter management. Apparent normality, equivocal abnormality, or unilateral abnormality were criteria for proceeding. Unfitness for surgery, unequivocal bilateral disease, or mild disease were criteria for stopping after a firm diagnosis had been made. We stopped at stage I in four patients (11%) because the chest radiograph showed bilateral bronchiectasis and two had poor lung function. We stopped at stage II in 15 patients (39%): 12 had bilateral disease on CT; three had unilateral disease on CT but their clinical features were so mild that BG was considered unjustified. Scrutiny of the CT and BG films of those patients who were judged not to require CT or BG in the retrospective review confirmed that these would not have altered their management. Of the remaining 19 patients who proceeded to stage III, BG was useful in 15 (39%) by confirming or refuting CT findings, but was not useful in four (11%) because of underfilling. We conclude that optimal use of chest radiographs and CT in patients suspected of having bronchiectasis can significantly reduce the necessity of performing BG.     

Lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia in children with AIDS: high-resolution CT findings

Pulmonary involvement in children with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) represents a wide spectrum of diseases. Among the non-infectious, non-neoplastic affections associated with AIDS, lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia (LIP) is now a well-recognized entity, but its radiological pattern studied with high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) has rarely been described in children. The aim of this study was to illustrate the HRCT spectrum of pulmonary involvement in children with LIP and to evaluate its usefulness in the early diagnosis of this entity. Twelve children with AIDS, aged 3–9 years (mean age 5 years 7 months), underwent chest radiographs and HRCT. A control group of 7 healthy aged-matched children was also studied in the same conditions. Diagnosis of LIP was based on clinical data and HRCT findings. Eight children of 12 had a reticulonodular pattern on chest radiographs. Two children had normal chest films and two children showed peribronchiolar thickening. High-resolution CT displayed micronodules, 1–3 mm in diameter, with a perilymphatic distribution in all patients. High-resolution CT demonstrated also subpleural nodules in children without reticulonodular opacities on chest radiographs. High-resolution CT is able to define a more specific pattern of abnormalities than conventional chest radiographs in children with LIP, allows an earlier and more confident diagnosis and may be useful for the detection of other pathologies associated with AIDS, such as opportunistic infections or superimposed malignancies. Electronic Publication     

CT findings of pulmonary infections]

Although many pulmonary infections are diagnosed using chest radiographs in combination with clinical findings and are treated empirically with antibiotics, there are situations in which chemotherapy is not effective and further examinations are necessary. In those cases, CT, especially high-resolution CT (HRCT), can provide additional information about detailed morphological changes of the lung that are sometimes indicative of the causative organisms of pneumonia, such as pulmonary tuberculosis. Although it is true that the same organism can present a wide spectrum of radiological findings, it is also important for differential diagnosis to understand the basic features of pathological changes of the lung and the CT findings caused by each of the various organisms. Such CT information would also be useful in differentiating infectious pneumonia from noninfectious pneumonia. This review article presents the principal CT findings of pulmonary infections and their pathological correlations with various pneumonias, including bacterial, tuberculous, fungal, and viral pneumonias.     

Evaluation of the role of chest computed tomography in the management of trauma patients

The role of chest computed tomography (CT) in the management of trauma patients is evolving. The present study reviews the chest radiographic and chest CT findings in a group of trauma patients to determine the clinical impact of findings noted exclusively on chest CT.Fifty-five trauma patients examined with chest radiography and chest CT and whose clinical charts were available for review were retrospectively identified. There were 46 men and 9 women, with a mean age of 39 years. The presence (and size) of pneumothorax, hemothorax, pulmonary contusion, and fractures was tabulated for the chest radiographs and CT scans. The presence of mediastinal widening on chest radiographs and all mediastinal findings on CT were noted. The results of aortography, when applicable, were correlated. The clinical charts were reviewed to assess the impact of CT findings on patient management.Pneumothorax (P<0.05), hemothorax (P<0.05), pulmonary contusions, and fractures were noted more frequently on chest CT than on chest radiography. However, clinical management was affected in only three (5%) of these patients. Chest CT findings related to the mediastinum affected patient management in 13 (24%) patients. CT obviated the need for aortography in 7 of 10 patients with mediastinal widening on chest radiographs. Six other patients had aortography, four for mediastinal hematoma with a normal-appearing aorta on contrast medium-enhanced CT, and two for mediastinal hematoma and aortic injury on CT.Despite detection of significantly more pneumothoraces and hemothoraces on chest CT, clinical management was affected in only a small minority (5%) of cases. CT did prove useful in evaluating the mediastinum, obviating the need for aortography in 7 of 10 patients with a widened mediastinum on chest radiography and accurately diagnosing the presence and site of aortic injury in the two patients with that diagnosis.     

胸内瘤样髓外造血组织影像分析(附2例报告)

目的提高对胸内瘤样髓外造血组织影像诊断的准确性。方法回顾性分析2例地中海贫血患者的胸部瘤样髓外造血组织平片和CT表现。结果2例患者胸部正位片表现为由纵隔向肺野突出呈圆形肿块,其CT表现为后下纵隔两侧脊柱旁沟内呈圆形或分叶状软组织肿块影,边缘光滑,密度均匀,增强后轻度均一强化。结论胸内瘤样髓外造血组织的影像学表现虽然缺乏特征性,但结合临床、实验室检查和影像分析,可以正确诊断本病。     

Radiologic assessment of femoro-patellar instability. Personal experience and review of the literature

PURPOSE: To propose a simple and reproducible radiological evaluation of patellofemoral instability to enable the orthopaedic surgeon to choose the best therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We have evaluated retrospectively the radiographs and CT examinations of 25 patients, 15 female and 10 male, aged between 18 and 32 years. They underwent surgical treatment for patellar instability in the past 4 years. Lateral retinacular release has been performed in every patient, medial transposition of the anterior tibial tuberosity has been performed in 23 patients and in 5 of them also its distal replacement, proximal Insall's realignement was performed in 20 cases and only 1 patient underwent trochleoplasy. Preoperative conventional radiographs included antero-posterior view, true lateral view (exact superimposition of the posterior trochlear edges) and axial views at 30 degrees of knee flexion. On lateral view, the patellar height was evaluated based on Caton-Deshamps index and trochlear dysplasia assessed using the methods suggested by Dejour. A CT examination of both knees was performed: the images were taken first with knees in extension, with and without quadriceps contraction, then in flexion at 20 degrees. Patellar "bascùle" angles were measured both with quadriceps relaxed and contracted as an index of quadriceps dysplasia; the TAGT in extension was evaluated as an index of the degree of lateral position of the anterior tibial tuberosity. Preoperative conventional and CT findings were compared with those obtained postoperatively at 30.4 months from the surgical intervention. RESULTS: All patients were free from complaints after surgery. In 5 patients a high patella was corrected by distal realignement of anterior tibial tuberosity. A trochlear dysplasia with different degrees of severity was present in all cases and it was not modified by surgical treatment, with the exception of the patient who underwent trochleoplasty. In the 20 patients who underwent proximal Insall's realignment, patellar "bascùle" angles--pathological before surgery--were restored to normal values with the exception of 3 cases. In 23 patients who underwent medial transposition of anterior tibial tuberosity, the values of the TAGT were all normalized: nevertheless, in three patients low values of the TAGT were found after surgery and this condition may predispose to the development of medial patellofemoral by iperpression syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: In patients suffering from patellofemoral instability, a radiological protocol which includes conventional radiographs in two projections and a CT examination both in extension, with and without quadriceps contraction, and in flexion at 20 degrees supplies all the information needed for evaluating patellar height and mobility, trochlear dysplasia, valgism of the knee and the degree of excessive lateral position of the anterior tibial tuberosity. Careful evaluation of such abnormalities is important for selecting the best surgical treatment for each patient. It's a simple, quick, and accurate protocol that may be reproduced, even using different radiographic equipment. The collaboration between the radiologist and the orthopaedic surgeon is crucial for the correct interpretation of radiological findings, which must be evaluated together with clinical findings so that an adequate therapeutical plan could be proposed.     

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia: a radiographic and clinical review of 20 patients

This paper reviews the radiological features of 20 infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, with particular emphasis on the early radiological findings in these infants, the clinical findings and radiological progression. Of 20 infants, eight had idiopathic respiratory distress in the first week of life, two infants had early radiological abnormalities other than idiopathic respiratory distress and 10 infants had normal initial chest radiographs. The complicating features included lower respiratory infections (88%), patent ductus arteriosus (40%) and areas of atelectasis (40%). Areas of atelectasis were more common in infants with an initially normal chest radiograph than in those with idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome (p = 0.015). Mortality from severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia was 70% in this series.     

Radiological findings in nine AIDS patients with Rhodococcus equi pneumonia

Rhodococcus equi (R. equi) infections have been incidentally reported as a cause of pulmonary infection in severely immunocompromised hosts, including AIDS patients. Our purpose is to describe the radiological findings in nine AIDS patients with R. equi pneumonia assessed by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), biopsies, cultures of sputum, and hemocultures. All patients were examined by chest radiographs and contrast-medium-enhanced chest CT. Dense pulmonary consolidations with or without cavitations accounted for the most striking radiological patterns. Chest CT also revealed six mediastinal involvements, strongly mimicking a lymphoma. Two of them had multiple bilateral pulmonary nodular opacities. Pleural effusion was not identified. Although intensive therapies were administered, seven among nine patients died within few months. In an AIDS patient living in a rural area or exposed to horses and presenting these radiological patterns, the possibility of R. equi pneumonia should be considered in the differential diagnosis along with other infectious diseases or lymphomas.Correspondence to: P. Schnyder     

Computed tomography used to exclude pneumothorax in bullous lung disease

We report two patients with bullous lung disease and suspected pneumothorax on plain chest radiographs. Chest tubes were inserted in both patients, but no clinical or radiological improvement occurred. Computed tomographic (CT) scans were then performed and showed bullous lesions without any pneumothorax. This permitted the removal of unnecessary chest tubes. In selected patients with severe bullous disease, CT may be useful, either on admission or later, when the diagnosis of pneumothorax by conventional radiographs is doubtful.     

Imaging of chest wall infections

A wide variety of infections can affect the chest wall including pyogenic, tuberculous, fungal, and some other unusual infections. These potentially life-threatening disorders are frequent especially among immunocompromised patients but often misdiagnosed by physical examination and radiographs. The purpose of this article is to describe the clinical and imaging features of these different chest wall infections according to the different imaging modalities with emphasis on ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The outcome of chest wall infection depends on early diagnosis, severity of the immunosuppression, offending organism, and extent of infection. Because clinical findings and laboratory tests may be not contributive in immunocompromised patients, imaging plays an important role in the early detection and precise assessment of the disease. US, CT, and MRI are all useful: bone destruction is more accurately detected with CT whereas soft tissue involvement are better visualized with US and MRI. CT and US are also used to guide percutaneous biopsy and drainage procedures. MR images are helpful in pre-operative planning of extensive chest wall infections.     

The value of thoracic computed tomography in the detection of recurrent Hodgkin's disease

Fifty chest radiographs and concurrent thoracic computed tomography (CT) scans obtained in a total of 44 patients with 50 separate episodes of suspected recurrent Hodgkin's disease were reviewed. Recurrent disease was present in 18 episodes, involving the mediastinum in 12, the lung parenchyma in five and both mediastinum and lung parenchyma in one. In four episodes, mediastinal recurrence was demonstrated on both the chest radiograph and CT scan. In a further two cases, the chest radiograph appeared normal but CT detected recurrence in the mediastinum. In 20 cases, the mediastinal appearances on chest radiography were suspicious but not diagnostic of recurrence, usually because of previous radiotherapy resulting in residual mediastinal widening. Computed tomography diagnosed recurrent disease which was subsequently proven in seven of these cases. Recurrent disease was suggested by CT in a further case, subsequently shown to be radiation fibrosis. Of the 12 remaining chest radiographs in which the mediastinal assessment was indeterminate, CT was true negative for recurrent disease in 10 cases and was also indeterminate in two. Recurrent disease in the lung parenchyma was demonstrated on the chest radiograph and CT scan on five occasions. There was one incident in which the chest radiograph was normal but CT detected recurrent parenchymal disease. The appearances of the lung parenchyma were indeterminate for recurrent disease on three chest radiographs but CT was helpful in only one case in which radiation change alone was diagnosed. In eight cases the diagnosis of recurrent disease by CT resulted in a decision to initiate treatment. Computed tomography is of value in detecting relapse in patients with suspected recurrent Hodgkin's disease when the chest radiograph is inconclusive, and may enable differentiation of radiation change from recurrent disease in the mediastinum.     

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax in children: the role of CT in guiding management

AIM: Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is rare in older children and most likely to be associated with apical subpleural blebs; there is a significant risk of recurrence. Our aim was to assess the radiological findings and final treatment of PSP in children presenting at our institution. METHODS: The study included 3 children presenting over a 15-month period at our institution with PSP; the clinical features at presentation and examination findings were recorded. The chest radiographic and CT appearances and findings at surgery were reviewed. RESULTS: In all cases, chest pain and breathlessness were presenting features and initial treatment included intercostal chest drainage. Chest radiographs on admission raised the suspicion of unilateral apical blebs in 2 children and bilateral apical blebs in the 3rd. Chest CT demonstrated apical blebs/cysts in all 3 children. The cysts ranged in size from 0.5 to 3.0 cm and were bilateral in 2 children. Surgery confirmed the radiological findings in all cases. CONCLUSION: CT is of value in the detection of apical pleural blebs in children with PSP. On CT, particular attention should be paid to the lung apices, where majority of blebs in otherwise healthy young patients are located. Prompt diagnosis of a morphological abnormality in these children is likely to expedite definitive surgical treatment.     

Gefitinib-induced pneumonitis in non-small cell lung cancer: radiological and clinical findings in five patients

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to describe the radiological and clinical features of gefitinib-induced pneumonitis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five patients who suffered dyspnea after gefitinib treatment were selected. Chest radiographs and computed tomography (CT) findings, along with clinical course, were evaluated. RESULTS: Patients complained of subacute dyspnea and hypoxia. Three patients improved after discontinuation of gefitinib, while remaining two showed no response. Unilateral or bilateral ground glass opacity was observed on chest radiographs and CT. CONCLUSION: Radiological findings of gefitinib-induced pneumonitis were nonspecific, but radiologists should be aware of this adverse reaction, which can appear during the treatment in NSCLC patients.     

Traumatic injuries: imaging of spinal injuries

Severe (high-energy) spinal injuries are common sequelae of acute traumas. The task of radiology is to establish the radiological diagnosis, classify it, judge stability and instability and lead further radiological evaluation in cases of non-agreement between the radiological diagnosis and the clinical (neurological) findings. While skeletal abnormalities are best diagnosed with spiral CT and to a lesser degree with plain-film radiographs, soft tissue lesions, such as cord injuries or ligament ruptures, are best outlined with emergency MRI. The classification of fractures depends on fracture (trauma)-biomechanics and location. All these efforts are necessary to get the best clinical outcome for the patient.     

Radiological and clinical course of pneumonia in patients with avian influenza H5N1

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated chest X-ray and clinical findings of patients with lower respiratory tract infection due to influenza H5N1 and presented the radiological findings and clinical course of the infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between December 2005 and February 2006, eight hospitalized patients (median age 10, 5-15 years) with avian-flu were evaluated in this study. All patients were evaluated with chest X-ray and four of them with CT scan. Post mortem pathological characterization were also available for three of the patients. RESULTS: A rapidly progressive pneumonia with high mortality rate was observed especially for cases with late admission. The major radiologic abnormalities were extensive pneumonic infiltration with segmental and multifocal distribution, mostly located in lower zones of the lung. No pleural effusion and hilar lymphadenopathy was noted. CONCLUSION: Avian flu may be presented as rapidly progressive pneumonia. The chest radiography has an important role in diagnosis and should be obtained daily because of rapid change of the findings that may necessitate prompt action.     

Differentiation of radiation-induced fibrosis from recurrent pulmonary neoplasm by CT

We describe and compare the computed tomographic (CT) manifestations of radiation fibrosis and recurrent neoplasm and consider the potential application of CT in the follow-up of patients after radiotherapy for bronchogenic carcinoma. Thirty-one patients were evaluated in this retrospective study. The CT findings in 20 patients with radiation fibrosis were compared with those in 11 patients with recurrent tumor. In 19 of the 20 patients with radiation fibrosis, CT allowed demonstration of consolidation, with a straight lateral margin and containing ectatic air-containing bronchi. In 9 of the 11 patients with recurrent tumor, CT showed a soft tissue mass with a convex lateral border and without air-containing bronchi. Twenty of the 31 patients had a suspected recurrence on plain chest radiographs. CT permitted accurate differentiation between radiation fibrosis and recurrent tumor in all patients, with the exception of two who had large pleural effusions. Because of its great specificity, CT appears useful in complementing chest radiographs in the follow-up of patients after radiotherapy.     

Diagnostic accuracy of thin-section CT and chest radiography of pediatric interstitial lung disease

OBJECTIVE: We assessed the accuracy of thin-section CT and chest radiography to diagnose pediatric interstitial lung disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified 20 infants, boys, and girls (age range, 1 month to 14 years) with histopathologic confirmation of interstitial lung disease. Six boys and girls without interstitial lung disease were also included. Two observers independently assessed chest radiograph and CT images. The observers stated the most likely diagnosis and a differential diagnosis. We evaluated individual CT features and their distribution. RESULTS: Observers' diagnoses on CT images were correct (first choice or differential) in 66% of observations versus 45% on chest radiographs (p < 0.025). Correct diagnoses were made on first choice in 61% of CT observations versus 34% on chest radiographs (p < 0.005). Observers were confident (versus uncertain) in 42% of the CT observations versus 18% on chest radiographs; of the confident diagnoses made on CT, 91% were correct. CT interpretations were most accurate in the diagnosis of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, congenital lymphangiectasia, and idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis. All healthy patients examined with CT were correctly identified as such. We noted a distinctive CT pattern in three patients with nonspecific interstitial pneumonitis and one patient with desquamative interstitial pneumonitis; the CT pattern consisted of upper zone predominant honeycombing on a background of ground-glass attenuation. CONCLUSION: A higher proportion of pediatric interstitial lung diseases can be diagnosed on thin-section CT than on chest radiographs. In our study, confident and correct diagnoses were made more frequently with CT than with chest radiographs.     

早产儿支气管肺发育不良的X线表现

目的 分析早产儿支气管肺发育不良的X线表现,提高对支气管肺发育不良的诊断.方法回顾分析11例早产儿支气管肺发育不良的动态胸片检查表现.结果 支气管肺发育不良的胸部X线表现主要为弥漫混浊影,线网状影,小囊状透亮影,肺过度膨胀.出现以上2种X线表现者4例,分别为弥漫混浊影和线网状影2例,弥漫混浊影和小囊状影1例,弥漫混浊影和肺过度膨胀1例;3种X线表现以上者2例,均表现为弥漫混浊影、小囊状透亮影及线网状影;上述4种X线表现均有的有1例.结论 支气管肺发育不良的胸部X线有一定的特征性.