Optimal Imaging Protocols for Lung Cancer Staging: CT, PET, MR Imaging, and the Role of Imaging

Chest radiography, the most commonly performed imaging technique for the detection of lung disease, is limited in accurately detecting early lung cancer. The main imaging modality for the staging of lung cancer is computed tomography (CT), supplemented by positron emission tomography (PET), usually as a hybrid technique in conjunction with CT (PET/CT). Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a useful diagnostic tool for specific indications and has the advantage of not using ionizing radiation. This article discusses the optimal imaging protocols for lung cancer staging using CT, PET (PET/CT), and MR imaging, and the role of imaging in patient management.     

Imaging of the gallbladder, 1987

Gallbladder disease, and the patients with symptoms suggestive of gallbladder disease, remains a widespread clinical problem that requires investigation by imaging techniques. Sonography, and to a lesser extent cholescintigraphy, has facilitated the evaluation of these patients and allows the diagnosis of cholelithiasis, and its principal complication of cholecystitis, with a high degree of reliability and accuracy. Interventional techniques are being developed that may provide nonsurgical approaches to improved therapy of gallbladder calculi and their complications.     

Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Diplopia: Neural Pathway,Imaging, and Clinical Correlation

The role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diplopia is to diagnose various diseases that occur along the neural pathway governing eye movement. However, the lesions are frequently small and subtle and are therefore difficult to detect on MRI. This article presents representative cases of diseases that cause diplopia. The purpose of this article was to 1) describe the anatomy of the neural pathway governing eye movement, 2) recommend optimal MRI targets and protocols for the diagnosis of diseases causing diplopia, 3) correlate MRI findings with misalignment of the eyes (i.e., strabismus), and 4) help familiarize the reader with the imaging diagnosis of diplopia.     

Imaging the pleura: sonography, CT, and MR imaging

A variety of imaging techniques can be used to evaluate the pleura and the pleural space. Standard radiographs are the most common. In this article, however, we review the use of three other imaging techniques: sonography, CT, and MR imaging. Sonography allows easy identification of pleural fluid and loculation and differentiation from pleural masses; CT is best for characterizing location and composition of pleural masses; MR is somewhat limited, but is best for imaging superior sulcus carcinoma.     

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Body,Third Edition

Charles B. Higgins, Hedvig Hricak, Clyde A. Helms Philadelphia, Lippincott-Raven Publishers, 1997, $249.00, pp. 1588, 3426 illustrations     

Imaging biomarkers, quantitative imaging, and bioengineering

Imaging biomarkers define objective characteristics extracted from medical images that are related to normal biological processes, diseases, or the response to treatment. To develop an imaging biomarker, it is necessary to carry out a series of steps to validate its relation with the reality studied and to check its clinical and technical validity. This process includes defining tests for the concepts and mechanisms; obtaining standardized and optimized anatomic, functional, and molecular images; analyzing the data with computer models; displaying data appropriately; obtaining the appropriate statistic measures; and conducting tests on the principle, efficacy, and effectiveness. In this article, we aim to explain the steps that must be established to enable biomarkers to be correctly applied, from their theoretical conception to their clinical implementation. To this end, we use the evaluation of angiogenesis in articular cartilage as an example.     

Systemic diseases affecting the breast: Imaging,diagnosis, and management

Various systemic diseases of benign or malignant etiologies can clinically manifest in the breast. Some imaging findings of breast lesions can be pathognomonic for a given condition, while others are non-specific, mimicking primary breast carcinoma and requiring tissue biopsy for definitive diagnosis. In addition to obtaining a detailed clinical history, radiologists should be familiar with the diverse clinical and imaging characteristics of these conditions to help exclude primary breast cancer and avoid unnecessary interventions. This review aims to discuss the clinical presentations, imaging features, pathologic findings, and management of systemic conditions that may affect the breast.