Malignant hemangiopericytoma: computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of a malignant hemangiopericytoma in a 58-year-old woman are described. The tumor was initially found in the abdomen and resected 34 years ago, but recurred 18 years later, followed by repeated recurrence and eventually metastasis to the lung and then to the liver. The lung nodules were round or oval, homogeneous, and well circumscribed while the massive tumor in the right lobe of the liver was poorly delineated with irregular areas of cystic necrosis. With proper setting of the repetition time and echo delay, the metastatic tumor became distinct from the uninvolved hepatic tissue on magnetic resonance imaging. In this case computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were complementary in evaluation of such a tumor.     

An Inexpensive and Easy Ultrasound Phantom

Ultrasound models, commonly referred to as “phantoms,” are simulation tools for ultrasound education. Commercially produced phantoms are available, but there are “homemade” alternatives such as raw poultry and gelatin molds. Precooked, processed meat, better known as SPAM (Hormel Foods Corporation, Austin, MN), can be used as an ultrasound phantom to teach several ultrasound applications. It is a versatile, hygienic, and easily manipulated medium that does not require refrigeration or preparatory work and can be easily discarded at the end of use.     

A randomised control trial of physical activity in a perceived environment on self-esteem and mood in UK adolescents

This study assessed whether exercising whilst viewing natural or built scenes affected self-esteem (SE) and mood in adolescents. Twenty-five adolescents participated in three exercise tests on consecutive days. A graded exercise test established the work rate equivalent to 50% heart rate reserve for use in subsequent constant load tests (CLTs). Participants undertook two 15-min CLTs in random order viewing scenes of either natural or built environments. Participants completed Rosenberg’s SE scale and the adolescent profile of mood states questionnaire pre- and post-exercise. There was a significant main effect for SE (F(1) = 6.10; P < 0.05) and mood (F(6) = 5.29; P < 0.001) due to exercise, but no effect of viewing different environmental scenes (P > 0.05). Short bouts of moderate physical activity can have a positive impact on SE and mood in adolescents. Future research should incorporate field studies to examine the psychological effects of contact with real environments.     

Economics of Stratified Medicine in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Calcinosis is one of the hallmark sequelae of juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM), and despite recent progress in the therapy of JDM, dystrophic calcification still occurs in approximately one third of patients. This review discusses our current, albeit limited, understanding of risk factors for the development of calcinosis in JDM, as well as approaches to assessment, and current views on its pathogenesis. Anecdotal approaches to treating calcinosis associated with JDM, including both anti-inflammatory therapies and agents aimed at inhibiting the deposition of calcium hydroxyapatite, are reviewed. An improved understanding of the pathogenesis of calcinosis, the establishment of standardized measurement tools to assess calcinosis, and randomized controlled trials employing more sensitive outcome measures are needed to develop efficacious therapies for this often disabling complication.