Clinical applications of gadobenate dimeglumine-enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiography: an expanded pictorial review

Gadobenate dimeglumine (Gd-BOPTA) is taken up by functioning hepatocellular cells and is partially excreted into the biliary system; therefore, it can be used as a potential intrabiliary contrast agent for magnetic resonance cholangiography applications for various clinical conditions such as obstructive disorders (e.g., choledocholithiasis, hepatolithiasis), inflammatory disorders (e.g., acute cholecystitis, cholangitis), benign biliary disorders, and pre- and postprocedural evaluation of the biliary system. In this pictorial review, we aimed to demonstrate the clinical applications of Gd-BOPTA as an intrabiliary contrast agent for imaging various biliary pathologies.     

Evaluation of testicular vein anatomy with multidetector computed tomography

Purpose  

We aimed to evaluate the normal anatomy and variations of testicular veins by multidetector CT (MDCT).     

Analysis of left atrial appendix by dual-source CT coronary angiography: morphologic classification and imaging by volume rendered CT images

Aim

We investigated the evaluability of left atrial appendix by dual source coronary CT angiography and analyzed morphologic features.

Materials and methods

We included 106 consecutive patients who underwent coronary CT angiography for various indications. Technical parameters were slice thickness 0.6 mm, reconstruction interval 0.3 mm, gantry rotation time 165 ms. Images were reconstructed from 10% to 100% R-R intervals at 10% intervals to evaluate the left atrial appendix and 4-D inspace software was used for analysis. We recorded the R-R intervals when the left atrial appendix was at maximum and minimum volume. We also evaluated visibility of appendix at R-R intervals. Maximum appendix volume was calculated. Atrial appendices were classified morphologically based on number of chambers (types 1–3) seen on volume rendered images.

Results

There were 60 male and 46 female patients in the study group and, mean age was 55 ± 13. Mean heart rate was 72 (ranges 47–110). Left atrial was evaluable at maximum and minimum volume by coronary CT angiography in all patients. We noted types 1–3 appendix in 29 (27%), 73 (69%), and 4 (4%) patients, respectively. Mean R-R intervals at maximum and minimum volume were 40% ± 6 (95% CI; 28–52%) and 95% ± 5 (95% CI; 85–5%), respectively. Mean appendix maximum volume was 7 ± 4 cm³. Appendix contours were mildly, moderately and severely irregular in 10 (9%), 58 (55%), 38 (36%) patients, respectively.

Conclusion

Left atrial appendix was visualized in all patients independent of heart rate at maximum and minimum volumes. Volume rendered CT images can allow excellent depiction of left atrial appendix morphology and classification. Presence of moderate and severe irregularity of appendix contour in most of the patients may be the cause of slow flow. This morphologic appearance may be the underlying reason for the propensity to atrial appendix thrombus formation.     

Palliation of Malignant Biliary and Duodenal Obstruction with Combined Metallic Stenting

Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of palliation of malignant biliary and duodenal obstruction with combined metallic stenting under fluoroscopy guidance. Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis of 9 patients (6 men and 3 women) who underwent biliary and duodenal stenting was performed. The mean age of patients was 61 years (range: 42–80 years). The causes of obstruction were pancreatic carcinoma in 7 patients, cholangiocellular carcinoma in one, and duodenal carcinoma in the other. Biliary and duodenal stents were placed simultaneously in 4 patients. In other 5 patients dudodenal stents were placed after biliary stenting when the duodenal obstruction symptoms have developed. In two patients duodenal stents were advanced via transgastric approach. Results Technical success rate was 100 %. After percutaneous biliary drainage and stenting bilirubin levels decreased to normal levels in 6 patients and in remaining 3 patients mean reduction of 71% in bilirubin levels was achieved. Tumoral ingrowth occurred in one patient and percutaneous biliary restenting was performed 90 days after the initial procedure. Of the 9 patients, 6 patients were able to tolerate solid diet, whereas 2 patients could tolerate liquid diet and one patient did not show any improvement. Mean survival periods were 111 and 73 days after biliary and duodenal stenting, respectively. Conclusion Combined biliary and duodenal stent placement which can be performed under fluoroscopic guidance without assistance of endoscopy is feasible and an effective method of palliation of malignant biliary and duodenal obstructions. If transoral and endoscopic approaches fail, percutaneous gastrostomy route allows duodenal stenting.     

Diagnosis and Percutaneous Treatment of Soft-Tissue Hydatid Cysts

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate and discuss the radiological features of four patients with muscular hydatid disease and to evaluate the results of percutaneous treatment in these patients. Four patients (three female and one male) with six muscular hydatid cysts underwent percutaneous treatment and were followed up. The mean age of patients was 35 years (range: 12–60 years). Type I (n = 2), type II (n = 1), and type III (n = 3) hydatid cysts were observed in the thigh (n = 3) and gluteal (n = 1) region on radiologic examination. All interventions were performed under sonographic and fluoroscopic guidance. According to the type of the cyst, the procedure was carried out by either a “catheterization technique with hypertonic saline and alcohol” or a “modified catheterization technique.” The mean cathaterization time was 13.7 days, ranging from 1 to 54 days. The dimensions of the residual cavity were noted at every sonographic control, and an average of 96.1% volume reduction was obtained in six cysts of four patients. No sign of viability was observed during the follow-up period. Cavity infection and cellulitis were observed as complications, which resolved after medical therapy. Percutaneous treatment is a safe and effective procedure in patients with soft-tissue hydatid cysts and should be considered as a serious alternative to surgery.     

Multidetector CT and MRI findings in periportal space pathologies

Periportal region is an anatomic space around portal vein comprising hepatic artery, bile duct, nerves, lymphatics and a potential space. Periportal pathologies may involve any of these structures diffusely or focally with characteristic radiologic findings. Radiologic findings can be helpful in differential diagnosis of pathologies of periportal structures including periportal cavernomatous transformation, hepatic artery aneurysm, biliary diseases, neurofibromatosis, lymphoma, langerhans' cell histiocytosis, periportal fatty infiltration and other causes of periportal halo in adult and pediatric patients. Lobar/segmental intrahepatic involvement can be seen in neurofibromatosis, cavernomatous transformation, fatty infiltration and periportal edema. In this review, we discuss CT and MRI findings of periportal pathologies which can be in the form of diffuse or segmental/lobar involvement.