Carcinoma papilar difuso de tiroides: microcalcificaciones fuera del nódulo tiroideo / Diffuse Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: Microcalcifications Outside the Thyroid Node

Resumen: Introducción: La incidencia de cáncer papilar de tiroides (PTC) ha aumentado de 1975 a 2015. Basados en criterios publicados, el ultrasonido (US) es muy efectivo para predecir el riesgo de malignidad. Todos estos criterios se enfocan en los nódulos tiroideos; sin embargo, 2% de los casos se pueden presentar como focos ecogénicos difusos sin un nódulo identificable. Caso: Mujer de 17 años con historia de 3 meses con una masa palpable en la región anterior derecha del cuello, sin otros síntomas. El US de cuello revela múltiples focos ecogénicos de distribución difusa en el parénquima tiroideo con un nódulo de 6 mm TI-RADS 5 en el lóbulo izquierdo y ganglio linfáticos con componentes sólidos y quísticos, pérdida del hilio graso y con puntos ecogénicos. Se le realizó tiroidectomía total con linfadenectomía bilateral. Discusión: Las microcalcificaciones son muy sugestivas de CPT. Los ecos puntiformes se correlacionan en patología con una forma de calcificación distrófica llamada cuerpos de Psammoma, los cuales se depositan en tejido no viable. La tiroiditis crónica también puede presentar calcificaciones distróficas. Por lo tanto, un parénquima tiroideo normal con presencia de microcalcificaciones, obliga a realizar una biopsia con aguja fina para descartar CPT. Estudios recientes sugieren que la lobectomía es una opción viable y debe ser la primera elección en CPT localizado (< 2 cm). Sin embargo, esto no se debe realizar en estos pacientes, ya que la presencia de microcalcificaciones difusas nos indica un tamaño del tumor mucho mayor y resultaría en un pronóstico desfavorable. Conclusión: Las microcalcificaciones difusas deben obligar al radiólogo a sospechar la variedad difusa del CPT como primera sospecha diagnóstica.

Abstract: Introduction: The incidence of thyroid papillary cancer (PTC) has increased from 1975 to 2015. Ultrasound is effective for predicting thyroid malignancy based on published criteria. All of these criteria focus on thyroid nodules but also 2% of the cases may appear as diffuse punctuate echogenic foci without an identifiable nodule. Case: A 17-year-old female with a 3-month history of a palpable mass on the right anterior side of the neck without any further symptoms. Neck ultrasound revealed multiple punctuate echogenic foci scattered along the thyroid parenchyma with a 6 mm nodule TI-RADS 5 on the left lobe, lymph nodes with cystic and solid components, loss of echogenic hilum and punctuate echogenic foci. The patient underwent a total thyroidectomy with bilateral lymphadenectomy. The pathology report revealed diffuse distribution of papillary cancer with a nodule on the left lobe and metastatic disease on the lymph nodes. Discussion: Microcalcifications are highly suggestive of PTC. Punctuate echogenic foci correlate in pathology with a form of dystrophic calcifications, called Psammoma bodies, which are deposited in nonviable tissue. Chronic thyroiditis may also present dystrophic calcifications. Thus, a normal thyroid parenchyma with microcalcifications should encourage the radiologist to perform a fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). Recent studies suggest that lobectomy is a viable option and should be pursued in the setting of localized PTC (<2 cm). A lobectomy should not be performed in patients with diffuse microcalcifications since it would result in an unfavorable outcome. Conclusions: Diffuse microcalcifications should immediately make the radiologist suspect diffuse PTC as a first diagnostic option.

Urinary System anomalies at birth.

Background: Congenital anomalies of urinary system are common and are found in 3-4% of population, and lethal urinary anomalies account for 10% of termination of pregnancy. Methods: A study was done to know the incidence of congenital anomalies at birth for the period of 4 months from May 99 - Sept 99 at Cheluvamba hospital attached to Mysore medical college. Congenital anomalies in the still births, live births and aborted fetuses >20 weeks were studied along with the case history and ultrasound reports. Aborted fetuses and still born babies were collected for autopsy after the consent of parents. These babies were fixed in 10% formalin and autopsy was done after fixing, and anomalies were noted. Results: Total births during study period were 3000. There were 61 babies with congenital anomalies and 6 babies had anomalies of urinary system. Among the urinary system anomalies 1 baby had bilateral renal agenesis, 1 baby had unilateral renal agenesis with anophthalmia (Fraser syndrome), 2 babies had Multicystic dysplastic kidney disease (MCDK) and 1 live baby had hydronephrosis due to obstruction at pelvi ureteric junction, and 1 live female baby had polycystic kidneys. Conclusion: Incidence of urinary system anomalies in the present study was 2 per 1000 births. U/S detection of urinary anomalies varies with period of gestation, amniotic fluid volume and visualisation of urinary bladder. Autopsy helps to detect renal agenesis.

Core Needle Biopsy of Thyroid Nodules: Consensus Statement and Recommendations

Core needle biopsy is a complementary diagnostic method of fine needle aspiration for patients with thyroid nodules. The Task Force Committee of the Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology has developed recommendations for diagnosis of thyroid nodules and recurrent thyroid cancers using core needle biopsy. These recommendations are based on evidence from the current literature and expert consensus.

Complex Cysts of the Breast: Analysis using Sonographic Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of sonographic BI-RADS in differentiation between benignity and malignancy of complex breast cysts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among 855 female patients who underwent ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy at our hospital from March 2012 through August 2012, 82 pathologically proven complex cysts detected on ultrasonography were included. The BI-RADS classification was made by radiologists prospectively and the imaging characterization of cystic lesions were classified retrospectively as cystic masses with a thick septa or thick wall, mixed solid and cystic masses, or solid masses with eccentric cystic foci. All lesions examined by ultrasonography were classified prospectively according to the BI-RADS lexicon. The pathologic findings were compared with sonographic appearance. We reviewed and compared the radiologic features between malignant lesions and benign lesions. RESULTS: Finally, according to biopsy results, there were 71 benign and 11 (13.4%) malignant lesions. The frequency of malignancy was significantly higher in solid masses with eccentric cystic foci (p value <0.025). The size of sonographic lesions was significantly larger in malignant lesions than in benign lesions (41.82 mm+/-34.36 vs 18.41 mm+/-16.8 respectively, p=0.049). No statistically significant difference was observed in the sonographic findings according to the BI-RADS lexicon, however, statistically significant difference in final assessment categories was observed between benign and malignant lesions (p value <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The malignancy rate was higher in cystic lesions with predominantly solid masses and classified as suspicious malignancy using the BI-RADS lexicon.

Breast Imaging after Breast Augmentation with Autologous Tissues

The use of autologous tissue transfer for breast augmentation is an alternative to using foreign implant materials. The benefits of this method are the removal of unwanted fat from other body parts, no risk of implant rupture, and the same feel as real breast tissue. However, sometimes there is a dilemma about whether or not to biopsy for calcifications or masses detected after the procedure is completed. The purpose of this study is to illustrate the procedures of breast augmentation with autologous tissues, the imaging features of various complications, and the role of imaging in the diagnosis and management of complications and hidden breast diseases.

Soft Tissue Masses in the Extremities: The Accuracy of an Ultrasonographic Diagnosis

PURPOSE: We wanted to retrospectively determine the accuracy of an ultrasonographic diagnosis of superficial soft tissue masses in the extremities by using the histologic results as the reference standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2005 to June 2010, 154 patients with soft tissue masses in the extremities and who underwent ultrasonographic evaluation followed by biopsy or resection were retrospectively evaluated. The ultrasonographic and histologic diagnoses of the soft tissue masses were lipoma, ganglion cyst, hemangioma, neurogenic tumor, giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath, epidermoid cyst, fibroma, glomus tumor, Baker's cyst and neurofibromatosis. RESULTS: Out of 154 patients, 114 (74%) patients showed concordance between the histologic diagnosis and the ultrasonographic diagnosis, and the remaining 40 (26%) patients did not. The diagnostic accuracy of each soft tissue mass was 95% for lipoma, 83% for ganglion cyst, 75% for hemangioma, 72% for neurogenic tumor, 50% for giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath, 43% for epidermoid cyst, 33% for fibroma and 100% each for glomus tumor, fibromatosis and Baker's cyst. Aside from these tumors, there were also sarcoma, malignant melanoma, elastofibroma, Kimura disease and pilomatricoma. Among the cases that showed discordance between the histologic diagnosis and the ultrasonographic diagnosis, three of them were notable; pilomatricoma being misdiagnosed as dermatofibroma protuberans, angiolipoma being misdiagnosed as vascular leiomyoma and malignant fibrous histiocytoma being misdiagnosed as a malignant soft tissue mass. CONCLUSION: The accuracy of an ultrasonographic diagnosis for soft tissue masses in the extremities varies greatly according to each type of mass. Lipoma, ganglion cyst, hemangioma, glomus tumor, neurogenic tumor and Baker's cyst showed a relatively high rate of concordance between the ultrasonographic diagnosis and the histologic diagnosis, but epidermoid cyst and fibroma showed a relatively lower rate of concordance.

Sonographic Findings of Morel-Lavallee Lesions

PURPOSE: We reviewed the sonographic features of Morel-Lavallee lesions by correlating the US image findings with a lesion's age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We obtained the sonography reports of 20 Morel-Lavallee lesions of the hip and extremities from 18 patients with a history of trauma. The US images were reviewed to characterize the echogenicity, shape, homogeneity, margins, location and size of the lesions. The results were correlated with the age of the lesions and the clinical histories. RESULTS: All the Morel-Lavallee lesions were hypoechoic or anechoic fluid collections located between the subcutaneous fat and the underlying fascia. Regarding the shape of the fluid collections, the lobular shaped lesions were all less than 21 days for the lesion's age, and the flat fluid collections were all greater than 1 month of age. Regarding the homogeneity, the heterogeneous fluid collections were all less than 25 days of age, and the homogeneous fluid collections were all greater than 1 month of age. CONCLUSION: A Morel-Lavallee lesion is seen as a posttraumatic fluid collection in the potential space between the subcutaneous fat and the underlying fascia on an ultrasound examination. Acute Morel-Lavallee lesions tended to be heterogeneous and lobular, and they became more homogeneous and flat in shape as the lesions evolved. Awareness of these imaging findings will help us to properly diagnose Morel-Lavallee lesions.

Ultrasonographic Findings of Fibrous Pseudotumor Arising from the Tunica Vaginalis Testis: A Case Report

Fibrous pseudotumors are rare, benign fibroproliferative tumor-like lesions in the scrotum, and they most commonly arise from the tunica vaginalis testis (75%). There have been few reported cases of the fibrous pseudotumor of the tunica vaginalis testis with the radiologic findings, so we report on this rare case with focusing on the ultrasonographic findings. A 20-year-old man was admitted with a palpable mass in the right scrotum. On ultrasonography, multiple nodules were seen together with posterior shadowing along the inner surface of the scrotal wall. Fibrous pseudotumor arising from the tunica vaginalis testis was pathologically confirmed after surgical excision.

Anatomic Illustrations of Cranial Ultrasound Images Obtained Through the Mastoid Fontanelle in Neonates

PURPOSE: Neonatal cranial sonongraphy performed through the mastoid fontanelle is more useful to evaluate the peripheral structures at the convexity of the cerebral hemispheres and brainstem rather than that performed through the anterior fontanelle. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the anatomy of the extracerebral CSF space and brainstem and to suggest appropriate scan planes for performing neonatal cranial sonography through the mastoid fontanelle using MRI and multiplanar reconstruction programs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A neonate with normal features on ultrasonography and good image quality on MRI, including the 3D-SPGR axial scans, was selected. We made the reconstructed MR images corresponding to the sonongraphic planes and the anatomic models of the neonatal cranial sonographic images by using axial MRI as the standard reference on the same screen. We demonstrated the sonographic images at the levels of the body of the caudate nucleus and lentiform nucleus, the head of the caudate nucleus and thalamus, the third ventricle and midbrain, and the midbrain and cerebellar vermis on the oblique axial scans. Four oblique coronal images at the levels of the periventricular white matter, basal ganglia, thalamus and tentorium were also obtained. RESULTS: We illustrated the anatomic atlas with including four oblique axial scans and four oblique coronal scans that corresponded to the neonatal cranial sonographic images through the mastoid fontanelle. CONCLUSION: We objectively analyzed the anatomy of the extracerebral CSF space and brainstem by using MRI and multiplanar reconstruction programs and we provided the standardized sonographic scan planes through the mastoid fontanelle. This study will be very helpful for evaluating the abnormalities of the peripheral structures at the convexity of the cerebral hemispheres and brainstem.

A Glance at the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology

Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is an accurate and cost effective diagnostic tool for differentiating malignant and benign thyroid nodules. Despite the efforts of the Papanicolaou group to standardize thyroid cytopathology reporting, no universal standard reporting system exists to date. Pathologists believe that clinicians sufficiently understand FNAB cytological reports. However, this is not necessarily the case. There is often a significant gap between pathologists' beliefs and the clinicians' understanding. As a result, we propose "The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology" by the National Cancer Institute. In this editorial, we briefly introduce the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology.

Traumatic Dissection of Subcutaneous Fatty Tissue: Ultrasonographic Findings and Treatment

PURPOSE: To evaluate the imaging findings of a traumatic dissection of subcutaneous fatty tissue and the treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen lesions from 13 patients treated by sonography were investigated in our study. The lesions were treated by aspiration only, aspiration followed by steroid injection, and by surgical procedure. Based on the treatment, five factors such as location, size and extent of the lesions, nature of the contents, and treatment effectiveness were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 6 lesions in the thigh, 4 in the leg, 3 in the knee, and 1 each in proximal forearm and flank. All lesions were found in subcutaneous fatty tissue with an average size of 8.9 cm. The nature of the contents was serous (n = 2), hemorrhaging (n = 9), and an abscess (n = 1). Without treatment, three lesions disappeared. Five of the 7 lesions vanished after being treated by aspiration. Only one out of three lesions disappeared when they were treated by steroid injection after aspiration. The three hemorrhaging lesions disappeared after operation, but one serous lesion remained. CONCLUSION: Dissection of subcutaneous fatty tissue represents a cystic mass with serous fluid or hemorrhage. The effectiveness of lesion treatment may relate to the location, size, and content of the lesion.

Thyroid Ultrasound: Change of Inter-observer Variability and Diagnostic Performance after Training

PURPOSE: To investigate and compare inter-observer variability and diagnostic performance of thyroid ultrasound (US) between a faculty member and observing residents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From October 2007 to June 2009, 18 residents underwent training in thyroid US section. Group 1 included 8 residents that were trained for the first time and group 2 included 10 residents that were trained for the second time. US features of nodules were recoded according to the composition, echogenicity, margin, calcifications, shape, and final assessment by a faculty member and residents, respectively. Following a discussion, a faculty member performed fine needle aspiration. Then, the inter-observer variability and diagnostic performance between a faculty member and residents were investigated and compared for US. RESULTS: In group 1, agreement for composition in resident 1, calcification for residents 5 and 6, and shape for resident 4 were slight, moderate, moderate, and moderate, respectively. In group 2, agreement for composition in residents 1 and 10 were moderate. Substantial or greater agreement was observed more frequently in group 2 than 1. The diagnostic performances for both the faculty and residents were high and not statistically different. CONCLUSION: Agreement for US features between a faculty and residents as well as diagnostic performance were high. Moreover, diagnostic performance of residents that underwent training a second time of training was higher than residents that underwent training only once.

Phyllodes Tumors and Fibroepithelial Lesions with Cellular Stroma of the Breast and Diagnosed by Sonographically Guided Core Needle Biopsy: A Comparison Between the Results of Excision Biopsy and the Sonographic Findings

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the histologic concordance of sonographically guided core needle biopsy for phyllodes tumors or fibroepithelial lesions with cellular stroma of the breast by comparing this with the outcomes of excision biopsy and to identify any sonographic features that are helpful to predict phyllodes tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 60 breast masses that were diagnosed as phyllodes tumors (n = 43) or fibroepithelial lesions with cellular stroma (n = 17) on a sonographically guided core needle biopsy. The tumors were all subsequently excised by surgery. The sonographic features were compared between the phyllodes tumors and the non-phyllodes tumors according to the results of excision biopsy. RESULTS: By the results on excision biopsy, there were 48 (80%) phyllodes tumors and 12 (20%) non-phyllodes tumors. Phyllodes tumors were diagnosed at a rate of 90.7% (39/43) for the nodules with phyllodes tumors on the sonographically guided core needle biopsy, and at a rate of 52.9% (9/17) for the nodules with fibroepithelial lesions with cellular stroma on the sonographically guided core needle biopsy. On sonography, heterogeneous internal echotexture (58% vs. 17%, respectively, p = 0.0239), clefts (56% vs. 17%, respectively, p = 0.0331) and horizontal linear striations (71% vs. 33%, respectively, p = 0.0221) were significantly more frequent in the phyllodes tumors than that in the non-phyllodes tumors. CONCLUSION: Identification of a heterogeneous-internal echotexture, clefts and horizontal linear striations on sonography might help differentiate phyllodes tumors from non-phyllodes tumors.

Elastography of the Thyroid Glands

Although the current resolution of ultrasound (US) has markedly improved the ability to detect nodules and it can be used to differentiate malignant thyroid nodules from benign thyroid nodules, gray scale US alone is not perfectly capable of making this differentiation. US elastography is a relatively novel dynamic technique that evaluates the degree of distortion of a tissue under the application of an external force and it is based on the principle that the softer parts of tissues deform more easily than do the harder parts under compression, thus allowing an objective determination of tissue consistency. This review provides the basic concepts of US elastography and the potential clinical applications and limitations for diagnosing thyroid nodules.

Nodular Fasciitis in the Finger: The Sonographic Findings and a Literature Review

A 39-year-old woman presented with a rapidly growing nodule on the right thumb. An ultrasound study demonstrated a mass located in the deep subcutaneous tissue on the ulnar side of the interphalangeal joint. Incisional biopsy yielded the diagnosis of nodular fasciitis. We discuss the ultrasound appearance of nodular fasciitis as reported in the literature and how to make the differential diagnosis of an echogenic finger mass.

Ultrasound-based Liver Elastography: Recent Advances

The invasiveness and sampling errors of liver biopsies have prompted the development of diverse non-invasive methods for evaluating liver stiffness. Recently, shear wave-based ultrasound elastography, such as transient elastography (TE), acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging and supersonic shear imaging (SSI), as well as quasi-static elastography, such as real-time tissue elastography, have been introduced as noninvasive techniques for evaluating liver stiffness. This editorial reviews each elastographic technique in terms of the principle and clinical applications for the liver diseases.

Imaging Findings of Scrotal Tumors in Children: A Pictorial Essay

The diagnosis of scrotal tumors in children can be challenging because of the rarity, vague symptoms, and varied imaging features of the tumors. The pathology and frequency of scrotal tumors that occur in children are different from tumors that arise in adults. In this pictorial essay, we illustrate the imaging findings of scrotal tumors in children with pathological correlations. In addition, we present the clinical manifestations that are valuable for a differential diagnosis. Familiarity with the imaging findings and clinical manifestations of pediatric scrotal tumors may be helpful in making an accurate diagnosis and providing proper patient management.

Diffuse Type Primary Mycobacterium Tuberculosis of the Breast: A Case Report

Tuberculous mastitis is a rare manifestation of mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. It mimics inflammatory breast cancer or other pyogenic inflammations. In most of the tuberculous mastitis reports, coexisting or prior tuberculosis infection and secondary infection of the breast by direct spread via axillary or cervical lymphadenopathy, or hematogenous spread have been noted. We describe the mammographic and ultrasonographic findings of a case of diffuse type mycobacterium tuberculosis of the breast showing diffuse edema which was confirmed as tuberculosis through biopsy and had no evidence of old or concurrent pulmonary tuberculosis on chest computed tomography.

Evaluation of Portal Venous Velocity with Doppler Ultrasound in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

PURPOSE: We examined the relationship between portal venous velocity and hepatic-abdominal fat in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), using spectral Doppler ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, 35 patients with NAFLD and 29 normal healthy adults (control group) underwent portal Doppler US. The severity of hepatic steatosis in patients with NAFLD was assessed by MRI through chemical shift imaging, using a modification of the Dixon method. Abdominal (intra-abdominal and subcutaneous) fat was measured by MRI. RESULTS: The difference in portal venous velocity between the patients with NAFLD and the control group was significant (p 0.05). There were strong correlations between the hepatic fat fraction and subcutaneous adiposity (p < 0.0001), intraperitoneal fat accumulation (p = 0.017), and retroperitoneal fat accumulation (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that patients with NAFLD have lower portal venous velocities than normal healthy subjects.

Eccrine Spiradenoma Arising in the Breast Misdiagnosed as an Epidermal Inclusion Cyst

Eccrine spiradenomas are rare, benign, cutaneous tumors that originate in the sweat glands. Eccrine spiradenomas in the breast are very rare and only a few cases have been reported. We report here on the case of a 47-year-old woman with superficial masses in the breast and these masses had gradually increased in size during follow-up. They were confirmed to be an eccrine spiradenoma on pathologic examination. There have been a few reports about the radiologic findings of eccrine spiradenomas of the breast. This is the first case of an eccrine spiradenoma in the breast that was characterized by multiple imaging modalities, including mammography, ultrasonography and MRI. The lesion in our patient was first diagnosed as an epidermal inclusion cyst based on the imaging findings and the mass's superficial location. Although the mammographic and ultrasonographic imaging findings of eccrine spiradenomas and epidermal inclusion cysts are similar, the MRI findings are different between epidermal inclusion cysts and eccrine spiradenomas. Eccrine spiradenomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cutaneous and subcutaneous lesions of the breast.