High resolution CT of the lung parenchyma with pathologic correlation

The authors describe a technique for directly correlating high resolution CT scans and gross and histologic sections of the lung. They conclude that HRCT provides anatomic detail comparable to that seen on gross tissue inspection.     

Preoperative assessment of malignant hepatic tumors

Over a 31-month period, 100 patients with malignant hepatic tumors were preoperatively evaluated with three imaging techniques. The results of intravenously enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan, selective hepatic arterial contrast CT, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were compared with operative findings. A total of 227 lesions were identified, with the sensitivity for tumor detection being arteriographically enhanced CT 94% (p less than 0.01), MRI 70%, and CT 66%. This advantage for arteriographically enhanced CT was most marked for lesions less than 1 cm in diameter (82% versus 20% for MRI and 5% for CT; p less than 0.01). Arteriographically enhanced CT was also most sensitive in assessing tumor margins. MRI was clearly superior to arteriographically enhanced CT or CT in detecting vascular involvement (85% versus 30% and 8%, respectively; p less than 0.01). No imaging technique was sensitive in determining extrahepatic involvement. Arteriographically enhanced CT was also best at predicting the operative procedure. The combination of arteriographically enhanced CT and MRI was the best predictor of true disease. We conclude that both arteriographically enhanced CT and MRI should be used for preoperative assessment of hepatic malignancies.     

Pulmonary carcinoid tumors: CT assessment

Computed tomography assessment of 634 surgically proven solitary pulmonary nodules included 12 pulmonary carcinoid tumors. Five were central (involving or directly abutting the bronchial tree), and seven were peripheral (surrounded by parenchyma). Three central and one peripheral lesion had CT numbers indicative of focal calcifications, frequently in the periphery of the nodule. Nodule size ranged from 1.2 to 3 cm. Nine nodules were smooth and round, two were irregular and lobulated, and in one the entire peripheral contour was difficult to assess because of postobstructive atelectasis secondary to tumor occlusion of the bronchus. The calculated average CT number ranged from 80.5 to 179 HU.     

Demonstration of venous thrombosis by computed tomography

Thrombosis within the iliofemoral venous system was diagnosed by computed tomography (CT) in five patients. In three patients thrombosed veins were documented by venography and in all five cases, the presence of venous thrombosis was substantiated by the clinical findings. Venous thrombosis in the iliofemoral veins and inferior vena cava has a typical appearance on CT scans. A thrombosed vein appears dilated with a low density intraluminal content and a high density wall after contrast enhancement. By its anatomic location, a thrombosed vein can be differentiated from other tubular structures such as bowel loops or obstructed ureters which may have a similar appearance.     

National institutes of health (NIH)—Progress on stem cell research

Human embryonic stem cell research offers the promise to elucidate some of the molecular mechanisms that underlie differentiation into specialized types. This knowledge may someday be used to develop new treatments for cellular degenerative diseases. National Institutes of Health has taken several steps to expedite progress in this new field.     

Dyspnée laryngée révélatrice d’une localisation cervicale d’hydatidose : à propos d’un casLaryngeal dyspnea with a hydatid etiology.

Hydatid cysts rarely present as a cervical tumor. We report a case of hydatid cyst of the neck in a child with multiple hydatid cysts in the liver, which was revealed by laryngeal dyspnea. Symptoms occurred in a six year-old country dweller, who presented with progressive laryngeal dyspnea. The chest radiographs showed extrinsic tracheal compression. A cervical ultrasonography showed a liquid filled mass evocative of hydatid cyst type 1. Explorative cervicotomy confirmed the diagnosis. The treatment was conservative after destruction of the parasite using a hypertonic saline solution. The immediate result was the disappearance of the laryngeal dyspnea.