Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of pulmonary hypertension: Pulmonary vessels and right ventricle

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is very heterogeneous and the classification identifies five major groups including many associated disease processes. The treatment of PH depends on the underlying cause and accurate classification is paramount. A comprehensive assessment to identify the cause and severity of PH is therefore needed. Furthermore, follow-up assessments are required to monitor changes in disease status and response to therapy. Traditionally, the diagnostic imaging work-up of PH comprised mainly echocardiography, invasive right heart catheterization, and ventilation/perfusion scintigraphy. Due to technical advances, multidetector row computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have become important and complementary investigations in the evaluation of patients with suspected PH. Both modalities are reviewed and recommendations for clinical use are given.     

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in cystic fibrosis lung disease

Computed tomography (CT) is the current "gold standard" for assessment of lung morphology and is so far the most reliable imaging modality for monitoring cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. CT has a much higher radiation exposure than chest x-ray. The cumulative radiation dose for life-long repeated CT scans has limited its use for CF patients as their life expectancy increases. Clearly, no dose would be preferable over low dose when the same or more relevant information can be obtained. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is comparable to CT with regard to the detection of most morphological changes in the CF lung. It is thought to be less sensitive to detect small airway disease. At the same time, MRI is superior to CT when it comes to the assessment of functional changes such as altered pulmonary perfusion. The recommendation is to further reduce radiation dose related to the use of CT and to use MRI in the follow-up of morphological changes where possible.     

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings in cerebral hydatid disease

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the discriminative computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of cerebral hydatid disease.Methods: The CT and MRI findings of four cases of surgically proven cerebral hydatid cysts were retrospectively reviewed. Results: CT demonstrated well-defined cystic lesions with no perilesional oedema and no contrast enhancement in all cases except one recurrent disease that showed both peripheral oedema and rim enhancement. MR images revealed well-defined cystic lesions with a quite clear rim that showed relative hypointensity limited to some aspects of the cyst walls on T2-weighted images. The cysts were spherical and obvious mass effect was observed on both CT and MR examinations. Conclusions: Although the cystic nature of intracranial hydatid disease could be equally well demonstrated on CT and MR examinations, CT is superior in detecting calcification of the cyst wall or septa, when present, and MR is better in demonstrating cyst capsule, detecting multiplicity and defining the anatomic relationship of the lesion with the adjacent structures and helps in surgical planning.     

眼色素膜黑色素瘤的CT与MRI研究

目的研究色素膜黑色素瘤的ＣＴ和ＭＲＩ表现，探讨最佳ＭＲＩ的扫描序列。材料与方法１５例患者用各种ＭＲＩ序列进行扫描，其中１１例行ＣＴ扫描，并与手术病理进行对照。结果ＣＴ示９例表现为与眼外肌等密度的肿块，２例肿瘤太小未能显示。ＭＲＩ示１４例具有典型的短Ｔ１、短Ｔ２信号，１例３ｍｍ高度的虹膜黑色素瘤在Ｔ１ＷＩ上未能显示；１１例伴有视网膜脱离，呈短Ｔ１及长Ｔ２信号，与肿瘤在Ｔ１ＷＩ上很难区分。使用脂肪抑制和增强扫描的Ｔ１ＷＩ能较好地显示较小肿瘤（高度＜５ｍｍ）能区分肿瘤及其伴发的视网膜脱离。结论ＭＲＩ显示黑色素瘤的准确率和特异性较ＣＴ和Ｂ超优越。     

Rhabdomyolysis of the head and neck: computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings

Rhabdomyolysis is rare in the head and neck. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential to prevent serious complications such as hyperkalaemia, acidosis, acute renal failure and disseminated intravascular coagulation. We present a case of rhabdomyolysis of the head and neck. CT and MRI findings supported the diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis with the patient's clinical and laboratory findings. While imaging is not crucial, it can aid in the detection of rhabdomyolysis and narrow the differential diagnosis along with laboratory findings and physical examination.     

Ameloblastic carcinoma of the mandible with metastasis to the skull and lung: advanced imaging appearance including computed tomography,magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography computed tomography

Ameloblastic carcinoma is a very rare malignant odontogenic tumour with characteristic histopathological and clinical features, which requires aggressive surgical treatment and surveillance and, therefore, differs from ameloblastoma. Metastasis typically occurs in the lung. Only one patient with metastasis to the skull has previously been described and no prior case reports have presented MRI and positron emission tomography-CT (PET-CT) imaging findings. We describe a case of ameloblastic carcinoma with metastasis to the skull and lung with emphasis on imaging features including MRI and PET-CT.     

Detection of local recurrent disease in musculoskeletal tumors: magnetic resonance imaging versus computed tomography

A 2 1/2-year prospective study of surgically treated malignant mesenchymal neoplasms showed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to be superior to computed tomography (CT) in sensitivity for local recurrent disease measuring less than 15 cm³. Larger masses were detected with similar sensitivity; specificity and predictive values did not differ. The presence of areas of high signal intensity on T2-weighted images proved to be a reliable criterion except in fibrous neoplasms. However, differentiation between non-hemorrhagic fluid collections, cross-sectioned veins or bowel contents and small tumor nodules cannot be made simply by signal intensity, but has to be based upon the evaluation of gross morphologic criteria.     

Imaging diabetes mellitus with coronary computed tomography angiography, cardiovascular magnetic resonance, and positron emission tomography

The prevalence and medical expense associated with diabetes mellitus continue to increase. Using the diagnostic imaging techniques of coronary computed tomography angiography, cardiovascular magnetic resonance, and positron emission tomography, it may be possible to make earlier, non-invasive diagnoses of the type and extent of disease, thereby preventing or delaying some morbidity and mortality.     

颞下窝原发肿瘤的CT及MR表现

目的：探讨颞下窝原发肿瘤CT及MRI表现。方法回顾性分析20例经病理证实的颞下窝原发肿瘤的CT及MR资料。结果颞下窝肿瘤形态多不规则。神经鞘瘤多边界清楚（5/6）,MR T1WI为等信号,T2WI为高信号肿物伴线状分隔样低信号,2例通过卵圆孔伸入中颅窝呈哑铃状生长。恶性外周神经鞘膜肿瘤边界多不清楚（4/5）,MR T1WI为等信号,T2WI为不均匀高信号,病变可侵犯邻近肌肉及骨质。横纹肌肉瘤MR T1WI为等信号,T2WI为高信号。孤立性纤维性肿瘤边界清楚,MR T1 WI等信号,T2 WI为混杂略高信号,增强后较明显强化。腺样囊性癌边界不清,沿神经浸润生长。侵袭性多形性腺瘤MR T1 WI为等、低信号,T2 WI为高信号,侵犯邻近肌肉。淋巴瘤形态不规则,边界清楚,MR T1WI为低信号,T2WI为中高信号,轻度强化,内有线样血管影穿行。结论熟悉颞下窝原发肿瘤CT及MRI表现,有助于提高该部位病变诊断及鉴别诊断水平。     

Diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance imaging for detecting osseous abnormalities of the temporomandibular joint and its correlation with cone beam computed tomography

Objective

With cone beam CT (CBCT) as the reference standard, the objective of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of MRI for assessing osseous abnormalities of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Methods

106 TMJs from 55 patients with temporomandibular disorder were examined by CBCT and MRI. CBCT images were evaluated by two experienced oral radiologists with regard to the presence or absence of each of the following eight types of osseous abnormalities: Type 1, destructive and erosive osseous changes of the condyle; Type 2, flattening of the articular surface of the condyle; Type 3, deformity of the condyle; Type 4, sclerosis of the condyle; Type 5, osteophyte formation; Type 6, ankylosis; Type 7, erosion of the articular fossa and/or eminence; and Type 8, sclerosis of the articular fossa and/or eminence. For detection of these osseous abnormalities by MRI, proton density-weighted images and T₂ weighted images were evaluated independently by three observers. Using CBCT findings as the reference standard, the diagnostic performance of MRI for detecting various types of osseous abnormalities was evaluated by calculating its sensitivity and specificity.

Results

Out of 106 joints, CBCT revealed Types 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 abnormalities in 25, 19, 26, 20, 14, 5, 19 and 22 joints, respectively. The mean sensitivities of MRI among the three observers for detecting Types 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 abnormalities were 61%, 30%, 82%, 40%, 48%, 34%, 61% and 41%, respectively, whereas the mean specificities were 86%, 92%, 91%, 95%, 84%, 98%, 89% and 91%, respectively.

Conclusions

Although high specificity (84–98%) was obtained with MRI, this modality showed relatively low sensitivity (30–82%) for detecting osseous abnormalities of the TMJ. The value of MRI for the detection of TMJ osseous abnormalities is considered to be limited.     

Recent technological and application developments in computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging for improved pulmonary nodule detection and lung cancer staging

This review compares the emerging technologies and approaches in the application of magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography (CT) imaging for the assessment of pulmonary nodules and staging of malignant findings. Included in this review is a brief definition of pulmonary nodules and an introduction to the challenges faced. We have highlighted the current status of both MR and CT for the early detection of lung nodules. Developments are detailed in this review for the management of pulmonary nodules using advanced imaging, including: dynamic imaging studies, dual energy CT, computer aided detection and diagnosis, and imaging assisted nodule biopsy approaches which have improved lung nodule detection and diagnosis rates. Recent advancements linking in vivo imaging to corresponding histological pathology are also highlighted. In vivo imaging plays a pivotal role in the clinical staging of pulmonary nodules through TNM assessment. While CT and positron emission tomography (PET)/CT are currently the most commonly clinically employed modalities for pulmonary nodule staging, studies are presented that highlight the augmentative potential of MR.     

Postmortem computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in a case of terminal-stage small cell lung cancer: an experience of autopsy imaging in tumor-related death

We report a case of terminal-stage small-cell lung cancer with multiple metastases in which postmortem computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (collectively called “autopsy imaging”) were performed and correlated with conventional autopsy findings. In this case, autopsy imaging provided contemporaneous data that supported conventional autopsy findings. Autopsy imaging revealed the process of primary tumor growth, changes in metastatic lesions, and occurrences of new metastases in the terminal stage and made it easier to understand the clinical course of the patient. The usefulness of autopsy imaging after traumatic death, sudden death from natural causes, or congenital anomaly has been reported. Here, we attempted a preliminary study of its use in the detection of death due to tumor. Our results indicated that autopsy imaging provides useful information in cancer-related death and may be an alternative when conventional autopsy cannot be performed.     

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings of peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors of the head and neck

Purpose

We aimed to analyze the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor (pPNET) of the head and neck.

Methods

Eight patients with pPNET of the head and neck confirmed by histopathological examination were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

The average patient age was 8 years. The tumor location in the 8 patients was as follows: maxillofacial region (right, 2; left, 1), left maxillary sinus (1), right masticator space (1), left carotid space (1), right infratemporal fossa (1), and left parotid gland (1). All 5 patients who underwent CT demonstrated ill-defined soft masses and no calcification. Three patients with tumors in the maxillofacial region showed homogeneous small masses and a mild enhancement. The patient with left maxillary sinus tumor showed a heterogeneous mass with patchy, necrotic foci and mild heterogeneous enhancement. The patient with right masticator space tumor showed a heterogeneous mass, and marked heterogeneous enhancement. The T1-weighted images of the patients with right infratemporal fossa, left carotid space, and left parotid gland tumors were isointense. The T2-weighted images were heterogeneous and mildly hyperintense in 2 patients and hyperintense in 1 patient. Heterogeneous intermediate enhancement was demonstrated in 2 patients and mild ring enhancement in 1 patient.

Conclusion

The imaging features of pPNET of the head and neck are non-specific. An ill-defined, aggressive mass and variable enhancement on CT and MR images may suggest the diagnosis of pPNET. Peripheral PNET should be included in the differential diagnosis of children and adolescents’ regional tumors.     

Preoperative evaluation of patients awaiting liver transplantation: comparison of multiphasic contrast-enhanced 3D magnetic resonance to helical computed tomography examinations

PURPOSE: To determine the feasibility of using a multiphasic magnetic resonance (MR) examination to evaluate the hepatic arterial anatomy and parenchyma in patients awaiting orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty consecutive patients awaiting OLT underwent multiphasic MR (using a T1-weighted 3D gadolinium-enhanced gradient-echo (GRE) sequence and two separate injections of contrast material) and computed tomography (CT) imaging; both imaging studies were performed within a 1-week period for each patient. Quantitative and qualitative assessment of the hepatic arterial system on MR data was performed. Two independent observers classified the hepatic arterial anatomy and evaluated the hepatic parenchyma from the MR data. The prospective CT interpretation was used as the gold standard. RESULTS: Overall qualitative rating of hepatic arterial system-to-background contrast on MR data was good to excellent (average pooled score of 2.00 +/- 0.27), with no significant difference between the two observers after the first or second injections of contrast material. Classification of hepatic arterial anatomy by MR angiography (MRA) and CT angiography (CTA) was concordant in 85% (17/20) of patients and discordant in 15% (3/20) of patients. Focal parenchymal lesions were detected in 25% (5/20) of patients by MR and CT; however, two lesions in one patient with multiple lesions were detected only with MR. CONCLUSION: Multiphasic T1-weighted 3D gadolinium-enhanced MR examination can provide comprehensive evaluation of the hepatic arterial anatomy and parenchyma in patients awaiting OLT. MR may offer an advantage over CT in the detection of focal parenchymal lesions.     

Appropriateness of cardiovascular computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in patients with conotruncal defects

BackgroundTo promote the rational use of cardiovascular imaging in patients with congenital heart disease, the American College of Cardiology developed Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC), but its clinical application and pre-release benchmarks have not been evaluated. We aimed to evaluate the appropriateness of indications for cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and cardiovascular computed tomography (CCT) in patients with conotruncal defects and to identify factors associated with maybe or rarely appropriate (M/R) indications.MethodsTwelve centers each contributed a median of 147 studies performed prior to AUC publication (01/2020) on patients with conotruncal defects. To incorporate patient characteristics and center-level effects, a hierarchical generalized linear mixed model was used.ResultsOf the 1753 studies (80% CMR, and 20% CCT), 16% were rated M/R. Center M/R ranged from 4 to 39%. Infants accounted for 8.4% of studies. In multivariable analyses, patient- and study-level factors associated with M/R rating included: age <1 year (OR 1.90 [1.15–3.13]), truncus arteriosus (vs. tetralogy of Fallot, OR 2.55 [1.5–4.35]), and CCT (vs. CMR, OR 2.67 [1.87–3.83]). None of the provider- or center-level factors reached statistical significance in the multivariable model.ConclusionsMost CMRs and CCTs ordered for the follow-up care of patients with conotruncal defects were rated appropriate. However, there was significant center-level variation in appropriateness ratings. Younger age, CCT, and truncus arteriosus were independently associated with higher odds of M/R rating. These findings could inform future quality improvement initiatives and further exploration of factors resulting in center-level variation.     

Evaluation of the acute effects of distal coronary microembolization using multidetector computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

The purpose of this study was to test the potential of clinical imaging modalities, 64-slice multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for qualitative and quantitative evaluation of acute microinfarcts and to determine the effects of <120 μm microemboli on left ventricular function, perfusion, cardiac injury biomarkers, arrhythmia, and cellular and vascular structures. Under X-ray fluoroscopy, 40-120 μm (16 mm(3) ) microemboli were delivered to embolize the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery of nine pigs. MDCT/MRI were performed at 72 h in a single session. Microinfarcts were visible in six of nine animals on delayed contrast-enhanced MDCT/MR images but measurable in all animals using semiautomated threshold methods. Other MDCT and MRI sequences demonstrated decline in left ventricular ejection fraction, regional strain and perfusion in visible and invisible microinfarcted regions. Microemboli caused significant elevation in cardiac injury enzymes and arrhythmias. Various sizes of microinfarcts appeared microscopically as distinct aggregates of macrophages replacing myocardium. Semiautomated threshold methods are necessary to measure and confirm/deny the presence of myocardial microinfarcts. This study offers support for alternative applications of MDCT/MRI in assessing clinical cases in which microemboli <120 μm escape protective devices during percutaneous coronary interventions. Although microembolization resulted in no mortality, it caused left ventricular dysfunction, perfusion deficit, cellular damage increase in cardiac injury enzymes, and arrhythmias.     

Primary cardiac lymphoma: computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging features

Primary cardiac lymphoma is a rare, extremely aggressive malignancy. Early diagnosis and treatment is important for patient survival. We present a case of a 76-year-old woman admitted for worsening dyspnea caused by a large tumor in the right atrium. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography clearly depicted the primary cardiac tumor, and histopathological study of the surgical specimen confirmed the diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. This paper was presented at the 68th Congress of the Japan Society of Cardiovascular Radiology.     

Central nervous system aspergillosis: magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy features

Aspergillus infection is invasive in nature in the immunosuppressed population and disseminates throughout the body, with the brain being a common site. Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) combined with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) play a life-saving role in the early diagnosis and treatment monitoring of this potentially fatal infection. We present MRI, DWI, and MRS findings of a case of central nervous system aspergillosis with treatment follow-up.     

PET/MRI在肺癌中的潜在临床应用价值

PET/MRI作为新出现的融合影像技术,其临床应用价值尚未得到充分证实。与CT相比,MRI具有软组织对比分辨力高、无辐射、多参数成像、能够提供更多功能信息的优势,PET与MRI的融合对于肺癌的潜在应用价值可能要优于PET/CT。简述不同的PET/MRI系统的设计,并从肺结节的检出、鉴别诊断、TNM分期、预后/早期疗效评价/肿瘤复发4个方面介绍PET/MRI在肺癌中的潜在临床价值。     

Pulmonary artery sarcoma mimicking chronic thromboembolic disease: Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings

Purpose The diagnosis of the rare primary malignant tumors of the pulmonary arteries is often delayed as symptoms are nonspecific.Methods Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of three patients with occlusion of the right pulmonary artery, two with sarcoma and one with chronic thromboembolic disease were analyzed for discriminating diagnostic criteria.Results Criteria suggesting pulmonary artery sarcoma are inhomogeneous high or low attenuation (hemorrhage, necrosis), soft-tissue density in pulmonary arteries, vascular distension, enhancement after administration of gadopentetate dimeglumine. Criteria for chronic thromboembolic disease are homogeneous soft-tissue lesions, abrupt vascular narrowings and cutoffs, as well as regional parenchymal hyperdensities.Conclusion CT and MRI provide complementary findings suggesting advanced pulmonary artery sarcoma instead of chronic thromboembolism.