US LI-RADS visualization score: diagnostic outcome of ultrasound-guided focal hepatic lesion biopsy in patients at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma

Purpose@#This study investigated the diagnostic outcome of ultrasound (US)-guided focal hepatic lesion biopsy in patients at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and evaluated the US visualization score as a risk factor for non-diagnostic results. @*Methods@#We retrospectively evaluated 208 focal hepatic lesions in 208 patients who underwent US-guided biopsy in 2016. Using the US Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2017, each exam was assigned a US visualization score (A, B, or C). Final diagnoses were made using pathology reports, and biopsy results were categorized as diagnostic or non-diagnostic. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to determine risk factors for non-diagnostic results, including US visualization score and other clinical covariates. @*Results@#Of the 208 lesions, 85.1% were diagnostic and 14.9% were non-diagnostic. The rates of non-diagnostic results were 8.9%, 25.5%, and 57.1% for scores of A, B, and C, respectively. In the univariable analysis, scores of B or C were associated with a significantly higher rate of nondiagnostic results than scores of A (58.1% vs. 24.9%, P<0.001). In the multivariable analysis, US visualization score of B or C (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.7; P=0.027), high-risk needle pathway usage (aOR, 5.7; P=0.001), and lesion size ≤2.0 cm (aOR, 2.7; P=0.024) were independent risk factors for non-diagnostic results. @*Conclusion@#US-guided biopsy had a high diagnostic yield for focal hepatic lesions in patients at risk for HCC. US visualization score of B or C, lesion size ≤2.0 cm, and high-risk needle pathway usage were independent risk factors for non-diagnostic results.

Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation for Metachronous Hepatic Metastases after Curative Resection of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with metachronous hepatic metastases arising from pancreatic adenocarcinoma who had previously received curative surgery.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2002 and 2017, percutaneous RFA was performed on 94 metachronous hepatic metastases (median diameter, 1.5 cm) arising from pancreatic cancer in 60 patients (mean age, 60.5 years). Patients were included if they had fewer than five metastases, a maximum tumor diameter of ≤ 5 cm, and disease confined to the liver or stable extrahepatic disease. For comparisons during the same period, we included 66 patients who received chemotherapy only and met the same eligibility criteria described.RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in all hepatic metastasis without any procedure-related mortality. During follow-up, local tumor progression of treated lesions was observed in 38.3% of the tumors. Overall median survival and 3-year survival rates were 12 months and 0%, respectively from initial RFA, and 14.7 months and 2.1%, respectively from the first diagnosis of liver metastasis. Multivariate analysis showed that a large tumor diameter of > 1.5 cm, a late TNM stage (≥ IIB) before curative surgery, a time from surgery to recurrence of < 1 year, and the presence of extrahepatic metastasis, were all prognostic of reduced overall survival after RFA. Median overall (12 months vs. 9.1 months, p = 0.094) and progression-free survival (5 months vs. 3.3 months, p = 0.068) were higher in the RFA group than in the chemotherapy group with borderline statistical difference.CONCLUSION: RFA is safe and may offer successful local tumor control in patients with metachronous hepatic metastases arising from pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Patients with a small diameter tumor, early TNM stage before curative surgery, late hepatic recurrence, and liver-only metastasis benefit most from RFA treatment. RFA provided better survival outcomes than chemotherapy for this specific group with borderline statistical difference.

Muscular Variations of Extensor Digitorum Brevis Muscle Related with Anterior Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome / 체질인류학회지

During routine dissection, additional muscular head of extensor digitorum brevis muscle attaching to the third toe and accessory muscle perforated by the branch of the deep peroneal nerve were observed in the right foot of a 71-year-old male cadaver. The additional muscular head originated from the dorsal surface of cuboid bone, and ran parallel with the third tendon of the extensor digitorum brevis muscle. It was conjoined with the third tendon of extensor digitorum brevis at the middle of its course. The accessory muscle was a small muscle which was covered with the muscle belly of the extensor hallucis brevis muscle. It originated from the dorsal surface of the calcaneus, and inserted to the lateral one-third of transverse retinacular band. These two variants were innervated by the branches of deep peroneal nerve. The branches of deep peroneal nerve were compressed under the tendon of extensor hallucis brevis and around the site where the nerve branch perforated the small muscle. The clinical significances of these variations and tendon of extensor hallucis brevis muscle were discussed.

Trace of Electrodes on Follow-up Liver Ultrasonography After Percutaneous Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation: "Tram-Track Sign"

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to report on the trace of the electrode used for a radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for a hepatic tumor on US images and to determine its frequency, factors affecting it, and its usefulness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty three patients had 44 RFA zones in the liver. Two parallel echogenic lines in the RFA zone were regarded as the trace of electrode and classified into four groups according to length. Parametric variables, including diameter of the tumor, location of the RFA zone, type of RFA electrode, length of the exposed tip, and the interval between the RFA procedure and follow-up US examination, were correlated with grades. RESULTS: Mean diameter of tumors was 2 cm and 28 of 44 RFA zones were located in the right hepatic lobe. Forty single and four cluster electrodes were used. Exposed tips measured 2 cm (n = 8), 2.5 cm (n = 4), and 3 cm (n = 32) in length. Two parallel echogenic lines more than 1 cm in length were detected in 23 of 44 RFA zones (52%). The grade of the trace showed negative correlation with the interval (p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: According to the results of our study, the frequency of traces of the electrodes (two parallel echogenic lines more than 1 cm in length, named the "tram-track sign") was 52%, and these fade over time. This sign could be useful as a landmark for accurate targeting in cases of local tumor progression.

The inferior epigastric artery arising from the internal iliac artery via a common trunk with the obturator artery / 대한해부학회지

We report a rare case of a left inferior epigastric artery arising from the internal iliac artery via a common trunk with the obturator artery in an 84-year-old female cadaver. A common trunk for the inferior epigastric and obturator arteries firstly originated from the left internal iliac artery, at 3.0 mm below the bifurcation of the left common iliac artery. This trunk ran straight between the left external iliac artery and left external iliac vein, and was finally divided into the left inferior epigastric and left obturator arteries just superior to the inguinal ligament.

The Role of Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Portal Vein Thrombosis from Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma / 대한방사선종양학회지

PURPOSE: To determine the role of radiotherapy for the treatment of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 70 patients that had been diagnosed with HCC and were treated with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) for the PVT. The radiation dose ranged from 40 Gy to 60 Gy (median dose: 48 Gy) and the biological effective dose (BED) ranged from 31.3 Gy to 78.0 Gy10 (median dose: 61.6 Gy10). Response was determined by measuring the extent of the PVT on a CT image at 0, 1 and 3 months after completion of the radiotherapy. The median follow-up period was 9 months. RESULTS: The response rate was 47.1% (33 patients), with two patients (2.9%) showing a complete response, 31 patients (44.3%) showing a partial response, and 35 patients (50%) showing stable disease or no response. The 1-year progression-free survival rate was 60%, and the median progression-free survival time was 17 months. The median overall survival time was 11 months, the median survival time in the responders was 15 months and in the nonresponders was 8 months (p=0.032). Four patients (5.7%) had transient liver function impairment during treatment. Radiation induced liver disease (RILD) was observed in only one patient (1.4%). CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy for the treatment of PVT from advanced HCC was a relatively effective and safe method.

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.

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.

Coil Embolization in Right Superior Thyroid Artery Pseudoaneurysm by Stab Wound

A case of coil embolization in right superior thyroid artery pseudoaneurysm by stab wound is reported. A fifty-six-year old female, laceration and some bulging in right neck side. Aortic arch angiography, right common carotid angiography was done. Angiography shows 4 2 cm sized right thyroid artery pseudoaneurysm (Fig. 1) and (Fig. 2). We selected right superior thyroid artery by 3F micorofert (CooK, Bloomington, Ind.) and embolized by 2 4 mm (diameter), 2 cm (length) sized micro tornaido coil (CooK, Bloomington, Ind.). Post procedure right common carotid angiography was done. Angiography shows no visualized right thyroid artery pseudoaneurysm (Fig. 3).

Changes of Incompletely Embolized Aneurysm with Tungsten Coils: An Experimental Study in Dogs

PURPOSE: To evaluate changes of residual aneurysms according to the size of aneurysmal neck andthrombogenicity of a tungsten coil after incomplete embolization of experimental lateral aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven experimental lateral aneurysms with different aneurysmal neck size were created in the commoncarotid arteries of mongrel dogs. They were then divided into narrow-neck(n=3), wide-neck(n=6) and spontaneouslythrombosed control(n=2) groups. After confirmation of aneurysmal patency, incomplete embolizations of varyingdegrees (about 30% to near total occlusion) were performed using 5mm-diameter tungsten coils. Angiography wasperformed immediately before and after, and one and six weeks after embolizations. The size of residual aneurysmwas measured on each angiogram. After the last angiography, embolized aneurysms were excised and examined underlight and electron microscopes. RESULTS: On angiograms obtained 6 weeks after embolization, all residual narrowneck aneurysms were completely occluded, whereas in those with a wide-neck, therre was either no change (n=4) or aslight increase in size(n=2). On light microscopy, all narrow-neck aneurysms showed total organized fibrosis whileall control aneurysms and half those with a wide neck showed unorganized thrombi. The embolized group showed ahigher degree of organization in the aneurysmal cavity than did the control group. Neointima formation was seen inall embolized aneurysms, but no aneurysm showed foreign body reaction. On electron microscopy, uniform thicknessof plasma coatings was noted on the surface of the tungsten coils. CONCLUSION: A wide-neck residual aneurysm maypersist or increase in size, while one with a narrow-neck can be thrombosed after incomplete embolization withtungsten coils in a lateral aneurym. Careful consideration might be necessary in the embolization of wide-neckaneurysms. With plasma coatings on its surface and organized fibrosis, tungsten coil can be an useful forembolization of an aneurysm.

Comparison of FSE and EPI with Brain MR Imaging

PURPOSE: To compare the usefulness of echo-planar imaging (EPI) and fast spin-echo (FSE) in routine brain MR imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients with various intracranial diseases were prospectively examined with T2-weighted MR imaging on a 1.5T unit using FSE, spin echo singl-shot EPI (SS-EPI) and multi-shot EPI (MS-EPI) techniques. For qualitative assessment, overall image quality, discrimination between cortical gray-white matter and between basal ganglia-white matter, lesion conspicuity, image distortion and artifacts (motion, ghost, flow, and susceptibility) were all evaluated using a subjective scoring system ranging from 1 to 4 (1 for the worst and 4 for the best). For quantitative assessment, contrast and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were calculated for cortical gray-white matter, basal ganglia-white matter, and lesion-white matter. RESULTS: Overall image quality, discrimination between cortical gray-white matter, basal ganglia-white matter, and lesion-white matter, lesion conspicuity, image distortion and susceptibility artifacts showed the highest value in FSE and the lowest in SS-EPI. Motion artifacts were seen only in FSE, while flow and ghost artifacts were most commonly seen in SS-EPI. Contrast and CNR of anatomical and pathologic structures showed the highest value in FSE, especially for cortical gray-white matter and basal ganglia-white matter . CONCLUSION: With regard to overall image quality, image distortion, susceptibility artifacts, contrast and CNR, EPI is far inferior to FSE. In routine brain MR imaging., the usefulness of EPI techniques would therefore be very limited.

MR Imaging of Intramedullary Tumors of the Spinal Cord

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristic MR findings of intramedullary spinal cord tumors according to histologic diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR images of 34 patients with surgically-proven intramedullary spinal cord tumor were retrospectively reviewed. Histologic diagnosis revealed 15 ependymomas, ten astrocytomas, three hemangioblastomas, two oligidendrogliomas, one malignant schwannoma, one glioblastoma multiforme, one neuroblastoma and one ganglioglioma. MR images were analyzed for location, size, shape, signal intensity, and degree and pattern of contrast enhancement of the tumors. RESULTS: All tumors showed cord expansion and a varying extent of involvement ranging from 1.5 to 30cm. Variable degrees of contrast enhancement were seen in all cases. Cervical, cervico-thoracic, thoracic, and thoraco-lumbar spinal ependymomas accounted for three, two, six, and four cases, respectively, while four, two, and four cases of cervical, cervico-thoracic, and thoracic spinal astrocytomas respectively, were seen. Other tumors were located most commonly in the thoracic spinal cord. A sharply-defined tumor margin was seen in 13 of 15 ependymomas, in all three hemangioblastomas, one neuroblastoma and one ganglioglioma. Tumors usually showed slightly low- or iso-signal intensity on T1-weighted images and high signal intensity on T2-weighted images. Peritumoral cysts were seen in nine ependymomas, one hemangioblastoma, and one astrocytoma, while peritumoral hemorrhage was seen only in three ependymomas. Relatively homogeneous enhancement was seen in nine of 13 ependymomas, all hemangioblastomas and one neuroblastoma. All ten astrocytomas showed a poorly defined tumor margin and heterogeneous enhancement. CONCLUSION: On the basis of characteristic MR findings, intramedullary cord tumors may be histopathologically diagnosed.

Hepatic Lymphoma: CT and Sonographic Findings

PURPOSE: To describe the computed tomographic (CT) and sonographic (US) findings of hepatic lymphoma presenting as focal lesion(s). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 1989 to August 1996, CT (n = 9) and US (n = 7) findings of ten patients with hepatic lymphoma were retrospectively analyzed. Three were suffering from primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), six had secondary NHL and one had Hodgkin's disease (HD). Findings were analysed with respect to number and contour of the lesions, associated lymphadenopathy or splenic lesion, and the presence or absence of normal vascular structure in the mass. In addition, echogenicity of the lesion and the presence of a capsule or halo was analyzed on US and enhancement pattern was analyzed on CT. RESULTS: Single nodular type lesions were seen in six patients (three primary NHL, three secondary NHL) and the multinodular type were seen in four (three secondary NHL and one HD). Contour was smooth in two patients with secondary NHL and ill-defined or lobulated in all other patients. Lymphadenopathy was seen in three of six patients with secondary NHL, and splenic lesions were seen in the other three. The echogenicity of the mass was mixed in three, homogeneously low in two and target shaped in two. The enhancement pattern was highly variable. CONCLUSION: Hepatic lymphoma has variable radiologic features, so differentiation from other tumorous conditions of the liver was difficult. A history of lymphoma in other part(s) of the body, associated splenic lesion(s) or abdominal lymphadenopathy or normal vasculature within a tumor may suggest the presence of hepatic lymphoma.

Intratumoral Vascularity of Experimentally Induced VX2 Carcinoma: Comparison of Power Doppler Sonography and Microangiography

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness and limitations of power Doppler sonography in determining the tumor vascularity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Power Doppler sonography was performed on VX2 carcinomas present in rabbit thighs, and the findings were compared with those of microangiography in an almost identical plane. Tumor vascularity was qualitatively analysed on the basis of tumor vessel distribution and density, and the presence of thick and thin vesels ; for a comparison of tumor vascularity as seen on microangiography, tumor blood flow signals shown by power Doppler sonography were graded 3, 2, 1, 0. For quantitative analysis, a comparison was made of the percentage of tumor area occupied by vessels, as shown in each study. Data analysis utilized the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Spearman correlation test. RESULTS: Mean tumor vascularity scores, as seen on power Doppler sonography and relating to tumor vessel distribution and density, and the presence of thick and thin vessels, were 2.87, 2.73, 2.93 and 2.73, respectively. The means and medians of the percentages of tumor area occupied by vessels were 22.7% & 23.5% and 36.4% & 34.7% on microangiography and power Doppler sonography, respectively. Thus, there was good correlation between these two modes. CONCLUSION: Power doppler sonography could demonstrate the tumor vascularity on microangiography relatively well but tend to overestimate it.

Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization of Liver Metastasis of Gastrointestinal Leiomyosarcoma

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in the management of gastrointestinal leiomyosarcoma metastatic to the liver. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients with gastrointestinal leiomyosarcoma and hepatic metastasis underwent TACE after surgical resection of the primary tumor. All of the leiomyosarcomas originated from the stomach (n=5), duodenum (n=1) or jejunum(n=4), and the interval between primary tumor resection and hepatic metastasis was 1-120 (mean 26) months. Using an emulsion of 3-20 mL of Lipiodol and 15-60 mg of doxorubicin. TACE was performed, and in five patients, gelfoam embolization was added. Therapeutic response was evaluated by follow-up CT, and nine patients underwent repeated TACE (range :2-9 times ; interval : 1-9 months). RESULTS: On celiac arteriography, all cases showed hypervascular tumor staining. As an initial therapeutic response based on CT assessment, more than 50% regression of the tumor (partial remission) was achieved in seven patients, and in the remaining three, regression was 20-30% (stable disease) ; neither complete remission nor progression was seen. With regard to long-term survival, five patients died at 5, 8, 14, 20 and 49 (median, 19) months after initial TACE. The remaining five, in whom follow-up has extended for 13-54 months, are still alive. Overall, survival time ranged from 5-54 (median, 19) months, and except for postembolization syndrome, there was no specific complication. The period of durable tumor regression before progression ranged from 6 to 54 (median, 17) months. CONCLUSION: TACE can be a safe and effective method for the palliation of gastrointestinal leiomyosarcoma metastatic to the liver.

MR Angiography of Stenosis and Aneurysm Models in the Pulsatile Flow: Variation with Imaging Parameters and Concentration of Contrast Media

PURPOSE: The image quality of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) varies according to the imaging techniques applied and the parameters affected by blood flow patterns, as well as by the shape of the blood vessels. This study was designed to assess the influence on signal intensity and its distribution of the geometry of these vessels, the imaging parameters, and the concentration of contrast media in MRA of stenosis and aneurysm models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MRA was performed in stenosis and aneurysm models made of glass tubes, using pulsatile flow with viscosity and flow profile similar to those of blood. Slice and maximum intensity projection (MIP) images were obtained using various imaging techniques and parameters ; there was variation in repetition time, flip angle, imaging planes, and concentrations of contrast media. On slice images of three-dimensional (3D) time-of-flight (TOF) techniques, flow signal intensity was measured at five locations in the models, and contrast ratio was calculated as the difference between flow signal intensity (SI) and background signal intensity (SIb) divided by background signal intensity or (SI-SIb)/SIb. MIP images obtained by various techniques and using various parameters were also analyzed, with emphasis in the stenosis model on demonstrated degree of stenosis, severity of signal void and image distortion, and in the aneurysm model, on degree of visualization, distortion of contour and distribution of signals. RESULTS: In 3D TOF, the shortest TR (36 msec) and the largest FA (50 degree) resulted in the highest contrast ratio, but larger flip angles did not effectively demonstrate the demonstration of the peripheral part of the aneurysm . Loss of signal was most prominent in images of the stenosis model obtained with parallel or oblique planes to the flow direction. The two-dimensional TOF technique also caused signal void in stenosis, but precisely demonstrated the aneurysm, with dense opacification of the peripheral part. The phase contrast technique showed some distortions in the imaging of stenosis, and partial opacification of ananeurysm. Contrast enhanced imaging offered no advantages in the imaging of the stenosis, but was excellent for demonstration of the aneurysm. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a spectrum of MRA images of stenosis and aneurysm model according to variation in imaging parameters and the concentration of contrast media.