An Innovative Ultrasound Technique for Evaluation of Tumor Vascularity in Breast Cancers: Superb Micro-Vascular Imaging / 한국유방암학회지

Tumor vascularity is an important indicator for differential diagnosis, tumor growth, and prognosis. Superb micro-vascular imaging (SMI) is an innovative ultrasound technique for vascular examination that uses a multidimensional filter to eliminate clutter and preserve extremely low-velocity flows. Theoretically, SMI could depict more vessels and more detailed vascular morphology, due to the increased sensitivity of slow blood flow. Here, we report the early experience of using SMI in 21 breast cancer patients. We evaluated tumor vascular features in breast cancer and compared SMI and conventional color or power Doppler imaging. SMI was superior to color or power Doppler imaging in detecting tumor vessels, the details of vessel morphology, and both peripheral and central vascular distribution. In conclusion, SMI is a promising ultrasound technique for evaluating microvascular information of breast cancers.

Usefulness of Digital Tomosynthesis for the Detection of Airway Obstruction: A Case Report of Bronchial Carcinosarcoma / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

Bronchial carcinosarcoma is a very rare malignant tumor that is composed of carcinomatous and sarcomatous elements. We describe the first case in which digital tomosynthesis was useful for the evaluation of airway obstruction by bronchial carcinosarcoma that was overlooked on initial chest radiography.

Pancreatic Adenosquamous Cell Carcinoma with Solitary Liver Metastasis Showing Different Imaging Features

Among exocrine pancreatic tumors, adenosquamous carcinoma is a rare, aggressive subtype with a poor prognosis and a high potential for metastases compared with its more conventional glandular counterpart, adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. We herein describe the imaging findings of pancreatic adenosquamous cell carcinoma with solitary liver metastasis showing different imaging features and also review the previous literature to recognize characteristic imaging features of pancreatic adenosquamous cell carcinoma.

Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Ischiorectal Fossa : CT and MRI Findings

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare neoplasm, which is usually presented as a pleural based mass, but can also occur in unusual locations based on its mesenchymal origin. However, the radiologic features of SFT occurred in the ischiorectal fossa have been rarely reported. In this case, we describe the MRI findings in a case of a SFT involving the ischiorectal fossa of a 36-year-old man. The tumor appeared as homogeneous iso-signal intensity relative to the adjacent muscle on T1 weighted images, a mixed high signal intensity on the T2 weighted images, and heterogeneous enhancement following the administration of the contrast material.

The Role of an Axial MR Scan on the Diagnosis of a Meniscal Tear of the Knee Joint

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of standard axial MR images for the diagnosis of meniscal tears of the knee. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five patients with a prior MRI examination that underwent arthroscopic surgery of the knee due to clinical impression of a meniscal tear were included in the study group. The sequence for meniscal evaluation was an axial fat-saturated proton density-weighted image with a 4 mm slice thickness. Axial MR images were independently reviewed by two radiologists and were compared with findings of arthroscopy. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of the axial MR scan for the diagnosis of the meniscal tear were calculated. RESULTS: A total 90 menisci of 45 patients were evaluated in the axial MR scans. Forty-two patients had meniscal tears, and two of the patients had tears in both menisci; thus, a total of44 meniscal tears were found by arthroscopy. For meniscal tears, the sensitivity of the axial plane was 76.2%, the specificity was 89.1% and the accuracy was 81.1%. False negative meniscal tears were seen in 12 cases and false positive meniscal tears were seen in 5 cases on the axial MR images. CONCLUSION: In standard knee MRI examinations, axial images may be valuable for the detection and localization of meniscal tears.