Cryoablation of a Small Pulmonary Nodule with Pure Ground-Glass Opacity: A Case Report

Treatments for pure ground-glass nodules (GGNs) include limited resection; however, surgery is not always possible in patients with limited pulmonary functional reserve. In such patients, cryoablation may be a suitable alternative to treat a pure GGN. Here, we report our initial experience with cryoablation of a pure GGN that remained after repeated surgical resection in a patient with multiple GGNs. A 5-mm-sized pure GGN in the left lower lobe was cryoablated successfully without recurrence at the 6-month follow-up.

Serial Micro-CT Assessment of the Therapeutic Effects of Rosiglitazone in a Bleomycin-Induced Lung Fibrosis Mouse Model

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the therapeutic effects of rosiglitazone with serial micro-CT findings before and after rosiglitazone administration in a lung fibrosis mouse model induced with bleomycin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We instilled the bleomycin solution directly into the trachea in twenty mice (female, C57BL/6 mice). After the instillation with bleomycin, mice were closely observed for 3 weeks and then all mice were scanned using micro-CT without sacrifice. At 3 weeks, the mice were treated with rosiglitazone on days 21 to 27 if they had abnormal CT findings (n = 9, 45%). For the mice treated with rosiglitazone, we performed micro-CT with mouse sacrifice 2 weeks after the rosiglitazone treatment completion. We assessed the abnormal CT findings (ground glass attenuation, consolidation, bronchiectasis, reticular opacity, and honeycombing) using a five-point scale at 3 and 6 weeks using Wilcoxon-signed ranked test. The micro-CT findings were correlated with the histopathologic results. RESULTS: One out of nine (11.1%) mice improved completely. In terms of consolidation, all mice (100%) showed marked decrease from 3.1 +/- 1.4 at 3 weeks to 0.9 +/- 0.9 at 6 weeks (p = 0.006). At 6 weeks, mild bronchiectasis (n = 6, 66.7%), mild reticular opacity (n = 7, 77.8%) and mild honeycomb patterns (n = 3, 33.3%) appeared. CONCLUSION: A serial micro-CT enables the evaluation of drug effects in a lung fibrosis mouse model.

Clinical Features and Radiological Findings of Cystic Tumor of the Pancreas

PURPOSE: Most cystic tumors of the pancreas are composed of serous cystic tumor, mucinous cystic tumor, solid pseudo- papillary epithelial neoplasm (SPEN) and intraductal papillary mucinous tumor (IPMT). With advancements in diagnostic imaging, cystic lesions of the pancreas are being detected with increasing frequency; however, there is still difficulty determining the appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic plan. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of 15 cases that underwent surgery for pancreatic cystic tumors in our department between July 1995 and August 2005. All 15 cases identified had their records and radiological images reviewed. Radiological findings were characterized and analyzed by one radiologist. RESULTS: The median age was 55.9 years. Six cases were male and nine were female. Common symptoms included: epigastirc pain 6/14 (43%) and palpable mass 2/14 (14%). The accuracy of the preop radiological diagnosis including abdominal CT and US was 12/15 (80%). One case of serous cystic tumor, one of chronic pancreatitis and one SPEN were misdiagnosed; the preoperative diagnosis for these cases was mucinous cystic tumor. Serous cystic tumors were seen with central calcification 2/3 (67%), external lobulation 3/3 (100%); however, the mucinous cystic tumors were seen with peripheral calcification 4/5 (80%), no external lobulation 5/5 (100%) by radiological evaluation. There was no calcification, but external lobulation was common in the IPMT. The SPEN had no specific radiological findings except for peripheral calcification. CONCLUSION: Future multicenter studies with endoscopic sonography and aspiration cytology is needed for improved accuracy of diagnosis.

Clinical Significance of Neonatal Parafrontal Horn Cysts Detected by Cranial Sonography

PURPOSE: To describe the significance, incidence and characteristics of sonographic findings and long term outcomes of parafrontal horn cysts detected by screening cranial sonography done within the first week following birth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 2122 first cranial ultrasound scans performed over a five year period were retrospectively evaluated and 23 neonates with parafrontal horn cysts were found (which are different from secondary cystic lesions). 17 cases had a birth weight of 2400 gm with gestation between 34 and 41 weeks. The size, shape and location of the parafrontal horn cysts and other associated abnormalities shown on the cranial sonogram were evaluated and sequential ultrasound study, maternal records, neonatal events and neurodevelopmental evaluations were retrospectively assessed. RESULTS: Of the 23 subjects, 21 had isolated parafrontal horn cysts and 2 had subependymal hemorrhages. There was no record of any abnormal perinatal history. The cysts were bilateral in 20 neonates and unilateral in the others. The size of the cysts ranged from 3 to 18 mm in diameter (mean 9 mm). Sonographic features of the parafrontal horn cysts were distinctive morphology (elliptical, thin walled) and location (adjacent to the tip of the frontal horn). In 17 of the cases a follow-up cranial sonography was performed, and all parafrontal horn cysts disappeared within 3 to 6 months. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were normal in those 17 cases. CONCLUSION: Screening cranial sonography of neonates discovers isolated parafrontal horn cyst. The incidence of parafrontal horn cysts in neonates in our study was 1.1%. They are present in the first week following birth and resolve themselves without medical treatment within a few months. In addition, they show normal neurodevelopment. The parafrontal cysts are suspected to be a benign variant of normal neurodevelopment.

The Computerized Indexing of Korean Journals of Radiology with Personal Computer

PURPOSE: To develop an efficient journal searching program. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A graphic user interface oriented program was developed with Microsofts Access 2.0 and its Deveolper Tool Kit under the Windows system. The program needed four floppy diskettes {4.5 megabyte) for in stallment. With the author, title, journal name, volume and pages, index words, and abstracts from JKRS and JKSMU as the input data, the utility of the program was tested for its journal searching ability in 486 DX II with 8 megabyte main memory. RESULT: The author, titlie, index word, abstract, and variable queries were carried out from 3,200 articles within 13 seconds. The test of the program satisfied and useres, radiologists, and physicians. CONCLUSION: The program is recommended for seaching of journals as it is very eary to use and userfriendly.