MRI Findings of the Subacute Combined Degeneration of the Spinal Cord: A Case Report

Subacute combined degeneration (SCD) of the spinal cord is a neurological complication arising from vitamin B12 deficiency. Typical findings are demyelination and axonal loss of the posterior and lateral columns of the thoracic and cervical spinal cord, leading to sensory ataxia and paresthesia. Clinical and neurological features and MRI findings all contribute to the diagnosis of this entity. In the Korean medical literature, only one case of SCD involving pre-treatment MRI has been reported. We describe one case of SCD in a post-gastrecto-my patient who initially presented with progressive sensory abnormality in both upper and lower extremities and showed T2 hyperintensity in the posterior and lateral columns of the spinal cord; this diminished, with clinical improvement, after vitamin B12 therapy. Our report includes the MR images obtained during follow up.

The Frequency and the Degree of Fusion of the Lung on High-Resolution CT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the frequency and degree of fusion of the lung, as seen on high-resolution CT(HRCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 210 patients high-resolution CT scans from the apex to the diaphragm were obtained at 1mm collimation and 7mm interval. We retrospectively analysed the frequency and degree of fusion of the lung bordering each interlobar fissure. Fusion of the lung was defined when fissure appeared without complete lobar separation. The degree of lung fusion was classified as mild (less than 1/3 of the fissure), moderate (greater than 1/3 and less than 2/3 of fissure), or severe (greater than 2/3 of the fissure). RESULT: In 90 of 210 patients, all fissures were identified. In 73 of these 90 (81.1%), lung fusion was noted, the most frequent site of this being between the right upper and right middle lobe (53.3%). The least frequent site was between the upper portion of the left upper and left lower lobe (32.2%). Am mild degree of fusion was most frequently found between the right middle and right lower lobe (83.9%), while a severe degree was most frequentl between the right middle and right upper lobe (50.0%), followed by the lingular division and the left lower lobe (41.9% ). CONCLUSION: HRCT can be used to were able to evaluate the frequency and degree of interlobar lung fusion.

CT Angiogram Sign: Differentiation of Malignant and Benign Lung Consolidation

PURPOSE: To assess the frequency of the CT angiogram sign, as seen on spiral CT and to evaluate the usefulness of this sign in the differentiation of benign and malignant lung disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients with lung consolidation, as seen on mediastinal window setting were studied retrospectively and the frequency of the CT angiogram sign was determined. In cases in which the sign was present, the following points were analysed; 1) discontinuity of vessels; 2) the avascular zone; 3) abnormal vessels, 4) displacement of pulmonary vessels, 5) separation of bronchovascular bundles. RESULTS: Of sixty patients with lung consolidation, 48 patients showed the CT angiogram sign; its frequency showed no significant statistical differences between benign and malignant disease(p>0.05). There were, however statistically significant differences between discontinuity of vessels (malignant, 46 %; benign, 15 %; p=0.030) the avascular zone(malignant, 63 %; benign, 20%;p=0.003) and separation of bronchovascular bun-dles (malignant, 60%; benign, 4 %; p=0.001). In the case of abnormal vessels (malignant, 32 %; benign 16 %; p=1.588) and displacement of pulmonary vessels (malignant, 37 %; benign, 16 %; p=2.737) there were no statistically significant differences. CONCLUSION: The CT angiogram sign, as seen on spiral CT was nonspecific Where the sign is present, angiogram sign, discontinuity of vessels, the avascular zone and separation of bronchovascular bundles may be useful signs for the diagnosis of central lung cancer with obstructive pneumonitis.

CT Angiogram Sign: Differentiation of Malignant and Benign Lung Consolidation

PURPOSE: To assess the frequency of the CT angiogram sign, as seen on spiral CT and to evaluate the usefulness of this sign in the differentiation of benign and malignant lung disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients with lung consolidation, as seen on mediastinal window setting were studied retrospectively and the frequency of the CT angiogram sign was determined. In cases in which the sign was present, the following points were analysed; 1) discontinuity of vessels; 2) the avascular zone; 3) abnormal vessels, 4) displacement of pulmonary vessels, 5) separation of bronchovascular bundles. RESULTS: Of sixty patients with lung consolidation, 48 patients showed the CT angiogram sign; its frequency showed no significant statistical differences between benign and malignant disease(p>0.05). There were, however statistically significant differences between discontinuity of vessels (malignant, 46 %; benign, 15 %; p=0.030) the avascular zone(malignant, 63 %; benign, 20%;p=0.003) and separation of bronchovascular bun-dles (malignant, 60%; benign, 4 %; p=0.001). In the case of abnormal vessels (malignant, 32 %; benign 16 %; p=1.588) and displacement of pulmonary vessels (malignant, 37 %; benign, 16 %; p=2.737) there were no statistically significant differences. CONCLUSION: The CT angiogram sign, as seen on spiral CT was nonspecific Where the sign is present, angiogram sign, discontinuity of vessels, the avascular zone and separation of bronchovascular bundles may be useful signs for the diagnosis of central lung cancer with obstructive pneumonitis.

Radiologic Finding of Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia: A Case Report

Gastric antral vascular ectasia ("watermelon stomach") is characterized by a prominent longitudinalerythematous fold of gastric antrum. Because it has usually been diagnosed by gastroscopy and biopsy, itsradiologic findings have not been well described. We report a case of gastric antral vascular ectasia, anddescribe its findings, as seen on UGIS, ultrasonography, and computed tomography.