Post-Ischemic Bowel Stricture: CT Features in Eight Cases

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the characteristic radiologic features of post-ischemic stricture, which can then be implemented to differentiate that specific disease from other similar bowel diseases, with an emphasis on computed tomography (CT) features. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight patients with a diagnosis of ischemic bowel disease, who were also diagnosed with post-ischemic stricture on the basis of clinical or pathologic findings, were included. Detailed clinical data was collected from the available electronic medical records. Two radiologists retrospectively reviewed all CT images. Pathologic findings were also analyzed. RESULTS: The mean interval between the diagnosis of ischemic bowel disease and stricture formation was 57 days. The severity of ischemic bowel disease was variable. Most post-ischemic strictures developed in the ileum (n = 5), followed by the colon (n = 2) and then the jejunum (n = 1). All colonic strictures developed in the “watershed zone.” The pathologic features of post-ischemic stricture were deep ulceration, submucosal/subserosal fibrosis and chronic transmural inflammation. The mean length of the post-ischemic stricture was 7.4 cm. All patients in this study possessed one single stricture. On contrast-enhanced CT, most strictures possessed concentric wall thickening (87.5%), with moderate enhancement (87.5%), mucosal enhancement (50%), or higher enhancement in portal phase than arterial phase (66.7%). CONCLUSION: Post-ischemic strictures develop in the ileum, jejunum and colon after an interval of several weeks. In the colonic segment, strictures mainly occur in the “watershed zone.” Typical CT findings include a single area of concentric wall thickening of medium length (mean, 7.4 cm), with moderate and higher enhancement in portal phase and vasa recta prominence.

Gastrointestinal Involvement of Recurrent Renal Cell Carcinoma: CT Findings and Clinicopathologic Features

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively evaluate the CT findings and clinicopathologic features in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) involvement of recurrent renal cell carcinoma (RCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records were reviewed for 15 patients with 19 pathologically proven GI tract metastases of RCC. The CT findings were analyzed to determine the involved sites and type of involvement; lesion size, morphology, and contrast enhancement pattern; and occurrence of lymphadenopathy, ascites and other complications. RESULTS: The most common presentation was GI bleeding (66.7%). The average interval between nephrectomy and the detection of GI involvement was 30.4 ± 37.4 months. GI lesions were most commonly found in the ileum (36.8%) and duodenum (31.6%). A distant metastasis (80%) was more common than a direct invasion from metastatic lesions. The mean lesion size was 34.1 ± 15.0 mm. Intraluminal polypoid masses (63.2%) with hyperenhancement (78.9%) and heterogeneous enhancement (63.2%) were the most common findings. No patients had regional lymphadenopathy. Complications occurred in four patients, with one each of bowel obstruction, intussusception, bile duct dilatation, and pancreatic duct dilatation. CONCLUSION: GI involvement of recurrent RCC could be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with heterogeneous, hyperenhanced intraluminal polypoid masses in the small bowel on CT scans along with a relative paucity of lymphadenopathy.

Effect of Reducing Abdominal Compression during Prone CT Colonography on Ascending Colonic Rotation during Supine-to-Prone Positional Change

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of reduced abdominal compression in prone position on ascending colonic movement during supine-to-prone positional change during CT colonography (CTC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen consecutive patients who had undergone prone CTC scanning with cushion blocks placed under the chest and hip/thigh to reduce abdominal compression and had confirmed sessile polyps > or = 6 mm in the well-distended, straight, mid-ascending colon, were included. Radial location along the ascending colonic luminal circumference (degrees) was measured for 24 polyps and 54 colonic teniae on supine and prone CTC images. The supine-to-prone change ranging between -180degrees and +180degrees (- and + for internal and external colonic rotations, respectively), was determined. In addition, possible causes of any ascending colonic rotations were explored. RESULTS: Abdominal compression during prone CTC scanning completely disappeared with the use of cushion blocks in 17 of 18 patients. However, some degrees of ascending colonic rotation were still observed, with the radial location changes of -22degrees to 61degrees (median, 13.9degrees) for the polyps and similar degrees for teniae. Fifty-four percent and 56% of polyps and teniae, respectively, showed changes > 10degrees. The radial location change of the polyps was significantly associated with the degree of anterior shift of the small bowel and mesentery (r = 0.722, p < 0.001) and the degree of posterior displacement of the ascending colon (r = 0.566, p = 0.004) during supine-to-prone positional change. CONCLUSION: Ascending colonic rotation upon supine-to-prone positional change during CTC, mostly in the form of external rotation, is not eliminated by removing abdominal compression in prone position.

Imaging Features of Primary Tumors and Metastatic Patterns of the Extraskeletal Ewing Sarcoma Family of Tumors in Adults: A 17-Year Experience at a Single Institution

OBJECTIVE: To comprehensively analyze the spectrum of imaging features of the primary tumors and metastatic patterns of the Extraskeletal Ewing sarcoma family of tumors (EES) in adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a computerized search of our hospital's data-warehouse from 1996 to 2013 using codes for Ewing sarcoma and primitive neuroectodermal tumors as well as the demographic code for > or = 18 years of age. We selected subjects who were histologically confirmed to have Ewing sarcoma of extraskeletal origin. Imaging features of the primary tumor and metastatic disease were evaluated for lesion location, size, enhancement pattern, necrosis, margin, and invasion of adjacent organs. RESULTS: Among the 70 patients (mean age, 35.8 +/- 15.6 years; range, 18-67 years) included in our study, primary tumors of EES occurred in the soft tissue and extremities (n = 20), abdomen and pelvis (n = 18), thorax (n = 14), paravertebral space (n = 8), head and neck (n = 6), and an unknown primary site (n = 4). Most primary tumors manifested as large and bulky soft-tissue masses (mean size, 9.0 cm; range, 1.3-23.0 cm), frequently invading adjacent organs (45.6%) and showed heterogeneous enhancement (73.7%), a well-defined (66.7%) margin, and partial necrosis/cystic degeneration (81.9%). Notably, 29 patients had metastatic disease detected at their initial diagnosis. The most frequent site of metastasis was lymph nodes (75.9%), followed by bone (31.0%), lung (20.7%), abdominal solid organs (13.8%), peritoneum (13.8%), pleura (6.9%), and brain (3.4%). CONCLUSION: Primary tumors of EES can occur anywhere and mostly manifest as large and bulky, soft-tissue masses. Lymph nodes are the most frequent metastasis sites.

Assessment by Using a Water-Soluble Contrast Enema Study of Radiologic Leakage in Lower Rectal Cancer Patients With Sphincter-Saving Surgery

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the efficacy of a water-soluble contrast enema (WCE) in predicting anastomotic healing after a low anterior resection (LAR). METHODS: Between January 2000 and March 2012, 682 consecutive patients underwent a LAR or an ultra-low anterior resection (uLAR) and were followed up for leakage. Clinical leakage was established by using physical and laboratory findings. Radiologic leakage was identified by using retrograde WCE imaging. Abnormal radiologic features on WCE were categorized into four types based on morphology: namely, dendritic, horny, saccular, and serpentine. RESULTS: Of the 126 patients who received a concurrent diverting stoma, only two (1.6%) suffered clinical leakage due to pelvic abscess. However, 37 patients (6.7%) in the other group suffered clinical leakage following fecal diversion (P = 0.027). Among the 163 patients who received a fecal diversion, 20 showed radiologic leakage on the first WCE (eight with and 12 without a concurrent diversion); 16 had abnormal features continuously until the final WCE while four patients healed spontaneously. Eleven of the 16 patients (69%), by their surgeon's decision, underwent a stoma restoration based on clinical findings (2/3 dendritic, 3/4 horny, 5/7 saccular, 1/2 serpentine). After stoma reversal, only 2 of the 11 (19%) complained of complications related to the rectal anastomosis. CONCLUSION: WCE is helpful for detecting radiologic leakage before stoma restoration, especially in patients suffering clinical leakage after an uLAR. However, surgeons appear to opt for stoma restoration despite the persistent existence of radiologic leakage in cases with particular features on the WCE.

Comparison between CT Colonography and Double-Contrast Barium Enema for Colonic Evaluation in Patients with Renal Insufficiency

OBJECTIVE: To compare the CT colonography (CTC) and double-contrast barium enema (DCBE) for colonic evaluation in patients with renal insufficiency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two sequential groups of consecutive patients with renal insufficiency who had a similar risk for colorectal cancer, were examined by DCBE (n = 182; mean +/- SD in age, 51 +/- 6.4 years) and CTC (n = 176; 50 +/- 6.7 years), respectively. CTC was performed after colon cleansing with 250-mL magnesium citrate (n = 87) or 4-L polyethylene glycol (n = 89) and fecal tagging. DCBE was performed after preparation with 250-mL magnesium citrate. Patients with colonic polyps/masses of > or = 6 mm were subsequently recommended to undergo a colonoscopy. Diagnostic yield and positive predictive value (PPV) for colonic polyps/masses, examination quality, and examination-related serum electrolyte change were retrospectively compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Both the CTC and DCBE were positive for colonic polyps/masses in 28 (16%) of 176 and 11 (6%) of 182 patients, respectively (p = 0.004). Among patients with positive findings, 17 CTC and six DCBE patients subsequently underwent a colonoscopy and yielded a PPV of 88% (15 of 17 patients) and 50% (3 of 6 patients), respectively (p = 0.089). Thirteen patients with adenomatous lesions were detected in the CTC group (adenocarcinoma [n = 1], advanced adenoma [n = 6], and non-advanced adenoma [n = 6]), as compared with two patients (each with adenocarcinoma and advanced adenoma) in the DCBE group (p = 0.003). Six (3%) of 176 CTC and 16 (9%) of 182 DCBE examinations deemed to be inadequate (p = 0.046). Electrolyte changes were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION: In patients with renal insufficiency, CTC has a higher diagnostic yield and a marginally higher PPV for detecting colorectal neoplasia, despite a similar diagnostic yield for adenocarcinoma, and a lower rate of inadequate examinations as compared with DCBE.

Comparative analysis of radiofrequency ablation and surgical resection for colorectal liver metastases / 대한외과학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the comparative therapeutic efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and hepatic resection for the treatment of colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM). METHODS: Between 1996 and 2008, 177 patients underwent RFA, 278 underwent hepatic resection and 27 underwent combination therapy for CRLM. Comparative analysis of clinical outcomes was performed including number of liver metastases, tumor size, and time of CRLM. RESULTS: Based on multivariate analysis, overall survival (OS) correlated with the number of liver metastases and the use of combined chemotherapy (P or = 3 cm, DFS was significantly lower in the RFA group as compared with the resection group (P = 0.015). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that RFA may be a safe alternative treatment for solitary CRLM less than 3 cm, with outcomes equivalent to those achieved with hepatic resection. A randomized controlled study comparing RFA and resection for patients with single small metastasis would help to determine the most efficient treatment modalities for CRLM.

Efficacy of Barium-Based Fecal Tagging for CT Colonography: a Comparison between the Use of High and Low Density Barium Suspensions in a Korean Population - a Preliminary Study

OBJECTIVE: This preliminarily study was designed to determine and to compare the efficacy of two commercially available barium-based fecal tagging agents for CT colonography (CTC) (high-density [40% w/v] and low-density [4.6% w/v] barium suspensions) in a population in Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a population with an identified with an average-risk for colorectal cancer, 15 adults were administered three doses of 20 ml 40% w/v barium for fecal tagging (group I) and 15 adults were administered three doses of 200 ml 4.6% w/v barium (group II) for fecal tagging. Excluding five patients in group I and one patient in group II that left the study, ten patients in group I and 14 patients in group II were finally included in the analysis. Two experienced readers evaluated the CTC images in consensus regarding the degree of tagging of stool pieces 6 mm or larger. Stool pieces were confirmed with the use of standardized CTC criteria or the absence of matched lesions as seen on colonoscopy. The rates of complete fecal tagging were analyzed on a per-lesion and a per-segment basis and were compared between the patients in the two groups. RESULTS: Per-lesion rates of complete fecal tagging were 52% (22 of 42; 95% CI, 37.7-66.6%) in group I and 78% (28 of 36; 95% CI, 61.7-88.5%) in group II. The difference between the two groups did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.285). The per-segment rates of complete tagging were 33% (6 of 18; 95% CI, 16.1%-56.4%) in group I and 60% (9 of 15; 95% CI, 35.7%-80.3%) in group II; again, the difference between the two groups did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.171). CONCLUSION: Barium-based fecal tagging using both the 40% w/v and the 4.6% w/v barium suspensions showed moderate tagging efficacy. The preliminary comparison did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference in the tagging efficacy between the use of the two tagging agents, despite the tendency toward better tagging with the use of the 4.6% w/v barium suspension.

Positioning During CT Gastrography in Patients with Gastric Cancer: the Effect on Gastric Distension and Lesion Conspicuity

OBJECTIVE: We wanted to prospectively evaluate the effect of various positions of the patient on gastric distension and lesion conspicuity during performance of CT gastrography (CTG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred thirteen consecutive patients with gastric cancer underwent CTG in the 30degrees left posterior oblique (LPO), supine, and prone positions. Two radiologists scored (a grade from 1-4) the degree of gastric distension and the lesion conspicuity according to the three scanning positions and the three gastric portions. Two- (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) images were used for analysis. Finally, these data were compared with the endoscopic findings and surgical results. RESULTS: The mean scores of gastric distension and lesion conspicuity for the LPO and supine positions were higher than those for the prone position (p or = 0.21). As for the gastric upper portion, the mean scores of gastric distension in the prone position were higher than those in the two other positions (p < 0.001). The prone position showed better lesion conspicuity than the two other positions for only one of two cases of gastric cancer in the upper portion of the stomach. CONCLUSION: CTG performed in the LPO position or the supine position combined with CTG performed in the prone position is optimal for achieving good gastric distension and evaluating the lesion conspicuity of gastric cancer.

Comparison of Double Balloon Enteroscopy and Small Bowel Series for the Evaluation of Small Bowel Lesions / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The role of double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) is still evolving. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic yield of DBE with that of small bowel series (SBS). METHODS: We enrolled patients with suspected small bowel disease consecutively, and performed both DBE and SBS in all patients. RESULTS: Eighteen patients (M:F=12:6, 14-82 years) were included. Indications for small bowel evaluation were obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (10), abdominal pain (5), diarrhea (2) and abnormal CT finding (1). Of 10 obscure gastrointestinal bleeding patients, 6 showed the same findings in both studies. However, 4 showed negative findings in SBS while DBE detected erosions or ulcerations. Of 5 abdominal pain patients, 3 showed the same results in both studies. However, 2 demonstrated different results. One was suspected of early Crohn's disease in SBS, but proved to be normal in DBE, and the other was suspected of malignancy in SBS but was suspected of benign ulcers in DBE. Of 2 chronic diarrhea patients, one was diagnosed as Crohn's disease in both studies. The other was suspected of tuberculosis in SBS but diagnosed as lymphangiectasia by DBE with biopsy. One patient with jejunal wall thickening in CT proved to be normal in both DBE and SBS. There were no serious complications associated with DBE and SBS. CONCLUSIONS: DBE is better than SBS in terms of diagnostic accuracy. DBE may become an important method for the evaluation of small bowel diseases.

Hepatic Hemangiomas with Peritumoral Sparing of Fatty Infiltration in Hepatic Steatosis: Findings on Contrast-enhanced MR Imaging and on Sonography

PURPOSE: We wanted to determine the frequency of peritumoral sparing of fatty infiltration (PTSF) around hepatic hemangioma in hepatic steatosis and to evaluate the finding of these tumors on dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging and on sonography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 76 hemangiomas in 67 patients suffering with hepatic steatosis. A diagnosis of hemangioma was based on the histologic findings, hemangioma SPECT or a compatible enhancement pattern on the dynamic contrast-enhanced MR study. For chemical shifting, PTSF was defined when there wasn't any decrease in signal intensity of the liver parenchyma on the opposed-phase images as compared with the in-phase images, and this intensity appeared as a hyperintense area around the tumor. We evaluated the frequency of PTSF and we analyzed if the presence of PTSF was related to the tumor size, the rapidity of enhancement or an associated arterioportal shunt. Among those, sonographic images were available in 55 hemangiomas. We also evaluated the sonographic appearances of hemangiomas with PTSF. RESULTS: Of the 76 hemangiomas, PTSF was noted on the MR chemical-shift images in 57 hemangiomas (75%). There was no significant relationship between tumor size and the presence of PTSF (p=.578). However, this finding was more frequently found in high-flow hemangiomas than in the slow-flow ones (p=.0038) and it was also related to the presence of associated arterioportal shunt (p=.0158). Sonographically, hemangiomas with PTSF were commonly surrounded by a peritumoral low-echoic area (28/41, 68%); these tumors more frequently showed a thin high-echoic rim on sonography than did the tumors without this finding (p=.0055). CONCLUSION: PTSF is commonly seen in hemangiomas in hepatic steatosis patients. Hepatic hemangiomas with PTSF tend to show rapid enhancement on dynamic MR imaging and this is accompanied by arterioportal shunt. They tend to be seen as an iso- or low-echoic mass with a thin high-echoic rim on sonography, and the mass is commonly surrounded by a peritumoral low-echoic area.

Imaging Findings of Abdominal Extraosseous Plasma Cell Neoplasm

PURPOSE: To evaluate the imaging findings of abdominal extraosseous plasma cell neoplasm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From April 2000 to January 2005, eight patients (four men, four women; mean age, 50.6 years) with pathologically proved, extraosseous plasma cell neoplasm involving the abdominal organs were included in this study. The diagnoses were based on consensus agreement between two radiologists who retrospectively reviewed CT, ultrasonography, and enteroclysis findings. We evaluated the findings by focusing on the location, size, margin, and enhancement pattern of the lesion, and lymphadenopathy on each image. RESULTS: There were multiple myeloma in four patients and extramedullary plasmacytoma in the remaining four. Involved abdominal organs were the liver (n = 4), spleen (n = 4), lymph node (n = 3), stomach (n = 1), small bowel (n = 1), and colon (n = 1). The hepatic involvement of plasma cell neoplasm presented as a homogeneous, well-defined, solitary mass (n = 1), multiple nodules (n = 1), and hepatomegaly (n = 2). Its involvement of the spleen and lymph node appeared as splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy, respectively. Its involvement of the gastrointestinal tract including the stomach, small bowel, and colon, presented as a homogeneous, diffuse wall thickening or mass in the gastrointestinal tract. CONCLUSION: Abdominal extraosseous plasma cell neoplasm involves occasionally the liver, spleen, and lymph node, and rarely the gastrointestinal tract. When we encounter a well-defined, homogeneous lesion of the abdominal organs in patients diagnosed or suspected as having plasma cell neoplasm, we should consider its involvement of the abdominal organs.

Bile Duct Hamartomas: US, CT and MR Findings in Eight Patients, Focusing on the US Findings

PURPOSE: To describe the US, CT and MR findings in eight patients with bile duct hamartomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bile duct hamartomas were diagnosed in eight patients (5 men and 3 women; age range, 41-69 years; mean age, 56 years) by liver biopsy. The US, CT and MR findings were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Ultrasonographically, the bile duct hamartomas presented diffuse inhomogeneous and coarse echo texture with focal lesions, including bright spotty echoes or small hyperechoic nodules (n=7), hypoechoic nodules (n=7) and comet-tail echo (n=3) in seven patients. 16 of the 39 definable hypoechoic nodules that ranged in size from 5 mm to 16mm showed posterior enhancement. CT revealed innumerable hypodense nodules measuring 2-5 mm (n=3), 2-13 mm (n=1), 2-15 mm (n=2) and 2-18 mm (n=1) in seven patients. They were usually irregular in shape and showed no enhancement, but became more apparent after the administration of intravenous contrast medium. The innumerable hypodense nodules on enhanced CT scans were uniformly (n=5) or nonuniformly (n=2) distributed throughout the liver. In four patients, MR images showed multiple small cyst-like lesions 2-13 mm in diameter. These small cystlike lesions were much more apparent on T2-weighted images or MR cholangiography. The diagnosis was made by either core-needle or wedge biopsy. In one patient, a small single lesion on the liver surface was not visible on the imaging studies. Pathologic examination revealed multiple bile duct hamartomas of varying size or microhamartomas. CONCLUSION: Although the bile duct hamartomas on CT and MR presented as numerous intrahepatic, small cyst-like lesions, they on US showed variable findings consisting of inhomogeneous and coarse echo texture with focal lesions, including bright spotty echoes or small hyperechoic nodules, hypoechoic nodules, and comet-tail echoes.

Hepatic Tuberculosis: Unusual CT and Sonographic Findings

A case of infiltrative type of hepatic tuberculosis is presented. Ultrasonography revealed a very ill-margined, heterogenously low echoic lesion in the right hepatic lobe. CT scans demonstrated a very ill-defined, geographic, hypodense lesion with minimal contrast enhancement mimicking cholangiohepatitis or infiltrative tumor in the right hepatic lobe.

Pattern Analysis of Defecography in Patients with Chronic Functional Constipation: Is It Predictable for the Responsiveness of Biofeedback Therapy?

PURPOSE: To determine if pattern analysis of defecography can predict the responsiveness of biofeedback therapy in patients with chronic functional constipation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over a two-year period, 104 patients with chronic functional constipation underwent defecography and biofeedback therapy. Two blinded readers analyzed the defecographic findings and classified them into six types; I = normal defecation, II = hypertonic lower anal sphincter (poor anal opening due to a persistent contraction of the lower anal sphincter), III = dyskinetic puborectal sling (inadequate laxity of the puborectal sling), IV = spastic pelvic floor syndrome (persistent contraction of both the puborectal sling and the lower anal sphincter), V = unclassified (including paradoxical contraction of the anal sphincter), VI = anatomical obstruction. In addition, the degree of rectal contraction during defecation was scored (grade 0 to 3). After biofeedback therapy, the differences in the defecography patterns or rectal contractions between the two groups, the responsive or non-responsive group, were analyzed. RESULTS: The defecograms revealed that the type IV of the spastic pelvic floor syndrome was most common (50 of 104 patients, 48%), followed by II (21/104, 20%), III (12/104, 11.5%), V (9/104, 9%) and VI (12/104, 11.5%). Biofeedback therapy showed a therapeutic response in 71 out of 104 patients (68%) but failed in 33 patients (32%). However, there were no significant differences in the defecographic pattern between the responsive and non-responsive groups (p=0.630). The defecograms revealed rectal contractions in 78 patients (75%) and moderate to vigorous contractions (more than grade 2) in 66 patients. Most of the biofeedback-responsive group showed rectal contractions (66 of 71 patients, 93%, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: In patients with chronic functional constipation, there was no significant difference in the morphological patterns of the defecogram between the responsive and non-responsive biofeedback groups. However, the presence of rectal contractions during defecation was strongly associated with the therapeutic response after biofeedback therapy.

Usefullness of Upper Gastrointestinal Series Using Indirect Radiography in Mass Screening Program for Gastric Cancer

PURPOSE: To compare the image quality of UGIS (upper gastrointestinal series) obtained by direct radiography with that of UGIS obtained by indirect radiography in a mass screening program for gastric cancer, and to assess the validity of UGIS by indirect radiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 994 persons participated in a mass screening test for gastric cancer between March 2003 and April 2003 at the Korea Association of Health Promotion (KAHP). Of these 994 persons, 494 underwent UGIS by direct radiography, while the remaining 500 underwent UGIS by indirect radiography (i.e. photofluorography using a mirror camera and a 100 mm-roll film). We compared the image quality of UGIS obtained by direct and indirect radiography with, in each case, the image quality being graded as 'excellent', 'good', 'fair', 'poor' or 'very poor'. RESULTS: The image quality of UGIS by both direct and indirect radiography was similar: most images in both groups were rated as either 'excellent', 'good', or 'fair', while the incidences of poorly rated images were similar in both cases (5% versus 6%, respectively); and there were no images rated as 'very poor' in either case. For certain sites of the stomach, the image quality of UGIS by direct radiography was superior to that of UGIS by indirect radiography, namely at the cardia (p0.05). CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in the image quality between UGIS by indirect and direct radiography. Therefore, UGIS by indirect radiography may be used as a method of mass screening for gastric cancer.

Clinical Usefulness of a PET Scan in the Diagnosis of a Recurrent Colorectal Carcinoma

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential efficacy of positron emission tomography using 2- [18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose in detecting recurrent colorectal carcinomas. METHODS: Seventy patients suspected of having recurrent colon cancer were evaluated using PET from January 2001 to March 2003. The PET results were compared with those of computed tomography and clinical examination over 6 months. RESULTS: Among the 70 patients, 17 patients had abnormal CEA levels and no abnormal findings with conventional radiologic methods (group 1), 29 had equivocal findings on computed tomography and other radiologic studies (group 2), and 24 were proven to have recurrent colorectal carcinoma (group 3) respectively. The sensitivity and the specificity of the PET scan, which were proved to be higher then those of CT (93% vs. 72.2%, 88% vs. 48.5%), were 85.7%, and 80%, respectively, in group 1, 86.7%, and 85.7% in group 2 and both 100% in group 3. The interval between diagnosis using PET and conventional studies was 1.9 months. CONCLUSIONS: Positron emission tomography is more sensitive than computed tomography in detecting recurrent colorectal carcinomas. When conventional studies show no abnormal findings except for CEA levels, PET can be a valuable imaging tool in detecting recurrent colorectal cancer and can prevent other unnecessary exploratory procedures.

Mn-DPDP Enhanced T1-weighted Magnetic Resonance Cholangiography: Usefulness in the Diagnosis and Roadmap for the Treatment of Intrahepatic Choledocholithiasis

PURPOSE: To assess the preliminary findings of Mn-enhanced T1-weighted MR cholangiography for the evaluation of intrahepatic choledocholithiasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven patients with recurrent pyogenic cholangitis underwent conventional heavily T2-weighted and manganese-enhanced T1-weighted MR cholangiography. For the former, the two reviewers focused on intrahepatic ductal dilatation, calculi, and stricture; and for the latter, ductal enhancement. RESULTS: In seven patients, 13 diseased segments were depicted and intrahepatic bile ductal dilatation was present in all 13 of these in all seven patients. Calculi were present in eight segments in six patients, and stricture in four segments in three patients. Of the 13 diseased segmental ducts, six were seen at manganese-enhanced imaging to be filled with contrast material, suggesting a functioning bile duct. CONCLUSION: Combined T2-weighted and mangafodipir trisodium-enhanced T1-weighted MR cholangiography provides both anatomic detail and functional detail of the biliary system. Combined MR cholangiography is useful for the evaluation of intrahepatic choledocholithiasis, demonstrating the stricture and function of the segmental ducts involved.

Anatomic Variation in Intrahepatic Bile Ducts: an Analysis of Intraoperative Cholangiograms in 300 Consecutive Donors for Living Donor Liver Transplantation

OBJECTIVE: To describe the anatomical variation occurring in intrahepatic bile ducts (IHDs) in terms of their branching patterns, and to determine the frequency of each variation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 300 consecutive donors for liver transplantation who underwent intraoperative cholangiography. Anatomical variation in IHDs was classified according to the branching pattern of the right anterior and right posterior segmental duct (RASD and RPSD, respectively), and the presence or absence of the first-order branch of the left hepatic duct (LHD), and of an accessory hepatic duct. RESULTS: The anatomy of the intrahepatic bile ducts was typical in 63% of cases (n=188), showed triple confluence in 10% (n=29), anomalous drainage of the RPSD into the LHD in 11% (n=34), anomalous drainage of the RPSD into the common hepatic duct (CHD) in 6% (n=19), anomalous drainage of the RPSD into the cystic duct in 2% (n=6), drainage of the right hepatic duct (RHD) into the cystic duct (n=1), the presence of an accessory duct leading to the CHD or RHD in 5% (n=16), individual drainage of the LHD into the RHD or CHD in 1% (n=4), and unclassified or complex variation in 1% (n=3). CONCLUSION: The branching pattern of IHDs was atypical in 37% of cases. The two most common variations were drainage of the RPSD into the LHD (11%) and triple confluence of the RASD, RPSD and LHD (10%).

Differential Diagnosis of Benign and Malignant Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Tumors of the Pancreas: MR Cholangiopancreatography and MR Angiography

OBJECTIVE: To compare the usefulness of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and MR angiography (MRA) in differentiating malignant from benign intraductal papillary mucinous tumors of the pancreas (IPMTs), and to determine the findings which suggest malignancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During a 6-year period, 46 patients with IPMT underwent MRCP. Morphologically, tumor type was classified as main duct, branch duct, or combined. The diameter of the main pancreatic duct (MPD), the extent of the dilated MPD, and the location and size of the cystic lesion, septum, and communicating channel were assessed. For all types of IPMTs, enhanced mural nodules and portal vein narrowing were evaluated at MRA. RESULTS: Combined-type IPMTs were more frequently malignant (78%) than benign (42%) (p < 0.05). Compared with benign lesions, malignant lesions were larger, and the caliber of the communicating channel was also larger (p < 0.05). Their dilated MPD was more extensive and of greater diameter (p < 0.05), and the presence of mural nodules was more frequent (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Combined MRCP and MRA might be useful for the differential diagnosis of malignant and benign IPMTs of the pancreas.