Secondary Omental Infarction Related to Open and Laparoscopic-Assisted Distal Gastrectomy: Report of Two Cases

Omental infarction occurring after open and laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy with partial omentectomy for gastric cancer was a very rare disease in the past, but its incidence has increased as more partial omentectomies are now being performed. But there are few case reports or radiologic studies on its increasing incidence. It is necessary to differentiate omental infarction from carcinomatosis peritonei, since both have similar imaging findings. In this report, we describe two cases of omental infarction; each occurred after open and laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy in early gastric cancer patients. Partial omentectomy was performed in both cases. Omental infarction following distal gastrectomy with partial omentectomy can be discriminated from carcinomatosis peritonei by comparing with different initial and follow up CT findings.

Metastatic Gastric Linitis Plastica from Bladder Cancer Mimicking a Primary Gastric Carcinoma: a Case Report

Primary gastric carcinoma is the most common cause of linitis plastica. Less frequently, metastatic gastric cancer from the breast, omental metastases and non-Hodgkin lymphoma involving the stomach have been reported to show similar radiographic findings as for linitis plastica. A metastatic gastric cancer from bladder cancer is extremely rare. We present an unusual case, the first to our knowledge, of gastric linitis plastica that resulted from a metastatic urothelial carcinoma of the bladder.

CT and MR Findings of Neurological Disorders Associated with Pregnancy and Childbirth

The onset of pregnancy may predispose women to a variety of neurological diseases due to changes in their hemodynamics, hormonal effects, and complications associated with childbirth. The spectrum of neurological disorders associated with pregnancy and childbirth include hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhaging, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) (secondary to eclampsia), Wernicke encephalopathy, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, Sheehan's syndrome, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (secondary to pulmonary amniotic fluid embolism), multifocal infarctions, and extra-potine myelinolysis. The recognition of the various imaging findings of these diseases, along with the clinical presentations, should aid in their early diagnosis and prompt treatment. The purpose of this pictorial assay is to describe the characteristic CT and MR findings of these diseases with a literature review to explain the mechanisms and clinical symptoms.

Retropharyngeal Bronchogenic Cyst

Few reports exists citing a case of a retropharyngeal bronchogenic cysts. In this study, we report a bronchogenic cyst with a cystic appearance observed in the retropharyngeal space.

An Analysis of the Ultrasound Findings of False Negative Cases for an Initial Ultrasound-guided Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB)

PURPOSE: To analyze the ultrasonographic (US) findings of thyroid nodules that yielded false negative results after an initial ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between August 2003 and February 2006, 389 patients with 405 thyroid nodules received a repeat US-guided FNAB. We retrospectively reviewed the US findings, cytology results and postsurgical pathological results. The cytology diagnoses were classified as benign, a suspicious malignancy, a follicular neoplasm, a papillary carcinoma, and a non-diagnostic result. The US findings of the thyroid nodules were analyzed with regard to size, internal content, shape, margin, echogenecity, and calcification pattern. RESULTS: Of the 405 thyroid nodules, 17 nodules were false negative. The major US findings of these nodules were a solid internal component in 16 nodules, hypoechogenicity or marked hypoechogenicity in 14 nodules, microcalcifications in 12 nodules, an ovoid to round shape in 9 nodules and a well-defined smooth margin in 9 nodules. CONCLUSION: An repeat US-guided FNAB should be performed if the thyroid nodules have one of the malignant US features such as hypoechogenecity or marked hypoechogenecity, a microcalcification, a taller than wide shape or a well-defined spiculate margin although the cytology results indicated a benign lesion. In addition, thyroid nodules with findings of a well-defined smooth margin, ovoid to round shape, and solid internal component might also be subject to a repeat US-guided FNAB to exclude a malignancy.

Imaging Findings of Central Nervous System Vasculitis Associated with Goodpasture's Syndrome: a Case Report

Glomerulonephritis and pulmonary hemorrhage are features of Goodpasture's syndrome. Goodpasture's syndrome accompanied with central nervous system (CNS) vasculitis is extremely rare. Herein, we report a rare case of CNS vasculitis associated with Goodpasture's syndrome in a 34-year-old man, who presented with a seizure and sudden onset of right sided weakness. He also had recurrent hemoptysis of one month's duration. Goodpasture's syndrome is histologically diagnosed by intense linear deposits of IgG along the glomerular basement membrane in both renal and lung tissues.

The Spectrum of Various Intracranial Manifestations in Leukemic Patients: A Pictorial Review

The recent therapeutic advances for treating hematologic neoplasm have improved patients' survival, but these treatments have increased the frequency of neurologic complications and toxic effects. Most of the neurological features of leukemia are divided into three main categories: the primary effects of the disease, the treatment-related side effects and the infectious complications. The purpose of this pictorial assay is to document the radiologic abnormalities seen in the intracranial structures during and after the treatment of leukemia, and to aid in the clinical management of patients.

MR Differentiation of Craniopharyngioma from Pituitary Macroadenoma

PURPOSE: We wanted to determine the differential points between craniopharyngioma and pituitary macroadenoma on MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MRI findings in twenty seven patients (age range: 14-67 years, mean age: 46 years, 17 males and 10 females) with pathologically proven craniopharyngioma and twenty four patients (age range: 23-64 years, mean age: 54 years, 8 males and 16 females) with pathologically proven pituitary macroadenoma were analyzed retrospectively by two radiologists. We analyzed the location, the contour of the mass, the presence of high signal intensity on the T1 weighted images, the thickness of the enhancing wall, separation between the mass and the pituitary gland, and the presence of attachment or compression to the midbrain. RESULTS: On MRI, craniopharyngiomas showed a suprasellar location, high signal intensity on the T1 weighted images and a larger suprasellar portion. After contrast enhancement, the separation of the mass from the pituitary gland is more distinct than that of the pituitary macroadenomas. The craniopharyngiomas showed the presence of attachment or compression to the midbrain. The pituitary macroadenomas had a larger intra- or infrasellar portion than that of the craniopharyngiomas, and they also showed a thicker enhancing wall after contrast enhancement. CONCLUSION: The location, contour of the mass, presence of high signal intensity on T1 weighted images, thickness of the enhancing wall, separation of the mass from the pituitary gland and the presence of attachment or compression to midbrain are useful differential points between craniophayngioma and pituitary macroadenoma on MRI.

High-intensity Focused Ultrasound in the Solid Tumor Treatment

High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a technique that was first introduced in the 1940s as a potential method of destroying selective regions within the brain to aid neurobehavioral studies. A beam of ultrasound can be delivered to a targeted focus at a distance from its source, and if a sufficient amount of energy is concentrated in the focus, the cells lying within this focal volume are selectively killed. This is, therefore, a non-invasive method of producing selective and "trackless" tissue destruction in deep-seated targets in the body without damage to the overlying tissues. Although it had not been in clinical use for a long time, HIFU is now widely used as a non-invasive treatment method for malignant tumors of the liver, kidney, breast, bone, uterus and pancreas, as well as for the relief of chronic pain of malignant origin. Further improvement of technology and imaging of HIFU in the near future will make it one of the most important tools in the treatment of solid tumors, further expanding its clinical applications.

Osteonecrosis of the Hip in Patients with Aplastic Anemia

The incidence and clinical and magnetic resonance imaging features of osteonecrosis of the hip were evaluated in patients with aplastic anemia. Two hundred and forty-one patients with aplastic anemia were examined using MR imaging of bone marrow during the five years from 1994 to 1998. Osteonecrosis of the hip was observed on MR imaging in nineteen (15 males and 4 females, mean age 35 yr) of the 241 patients. It was present in both hips in 14 patients, and there were five cases with unilateral occurrence, with a total of 33 involved hips. All except for five hips with associated bone marrow edema revealed increased fatty marrow conversion in the proximal femoral metaphysis. In nine patients, osteonecrosis was detected without any pain. Five patients already had osteonecrosis before any medication was administered. Twelve patients received antilymphocyte globulin, and seven patients received a low dose of steroids before the MR diagnosis of osteonecrosis. Osteonecrosis of the hip frequently develops in patients with aplastic anemia (7.9%), associated with fatty marrow conversion of the proximal femoral metaphysis.

Cholesterol Granuloma of the Mastoid: Case Report

We describe two cases of cholesterol granuloma arising from the mastoid in a 51-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man who underwent CT and MRI. CT depicted lobular soft tissue masses involving the right mastoid, while T1- and T2-weighted MRI demonstrated high signal intensities. Underlying chronic inflammation of the middle ear cavity was noted.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Bone Marrow After Bone Marrow Transplantation or Immunosuppressive Therapy in Aplastic Anemia

To compare magnetic resonance (MR) images of the bone marrow (BM) after bone marrow transplantation or immunosuppressive therapy in patients with aplastic anemia (AA), MR imaging of BM was reviewed retrospectively in 16 patients (13 males and 3 females, mean age 26 yr) with AA who completely responded clinically after transplantation or immunosuppressive therapy. The signal intensity (SI) of BM was classified into four patterns according to the increasing amount of cellular marrow, i.e., pattern I to IV. SI of MR imaging of BM exhibited an increase of cellular marrows following both transplantation and immunosuppressive therapy. Of the eight patients on transplantation, the SI of the lumbar spinal BM was pattern III in two patients and IV in six on T1-weighted and short tau inversion recovery (STIR) images. In the eight patients with immunosuppressive therapy, the SI of the lumbar spinal BM was pattern II in one, III in five, and IV in two on T1-weighted images and pattern II in one, III in four, and IV in three on STIR images. SI on MR imaging of the lumbar spinal BM showed a more cellular pattern in patients on transplantation than in those on immunosuppressive therapy.

The Value of Tc-99m DTPA Diuretic Renography for Assessment of Dilated Upper Urinary Tract in Children / 대한핵의학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of Tc-99m DTPA diuretic renal scans in children upper urinary tract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed diuretic renal scans of 14 pediatric patients (age range: 3 days to 4 years) with unilateral hydronephrosis diagnosed by ultrasonography. Diuretic renal scan was done using Tc-99m DTPA and standardized protocol. In 3 neonates, diuretic renal scans were performed within 1 week and 3-7 months after birth. RESULTS: Six patients required pyeloplasty and eight were managed conservatively. All 6 patients requiring pyeloplasty were diagnosed as having ureteropelvic junction obstruction in the diuretic renal scan. In these 6 patients, post-operative renal scans at 3-12 months after surgery were converted to nonobstructive pattern in 5 and a nonobstructive patterns in 1. In 3 patients who underwent diuretic renal scan within 1 week after birth., nonobstructive patterns of initial scan were coverted to obstructive patterns in the follow-up scan. However, all patients with nonobstructive diuretic renal scans performed after the neonatal period did well on serial ultrasonography and showed favorable clinical outcome without progression to obstruction. CONCLUSION: Tc-99m DTPA diuretic renal scan with standarized protocol is useful in assessing suspected ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children as an initial diagnostic or post-operative follow-up modality. Nonobstructive or indeterminate scan RESULTS in the neonatal period requires follow-up scan to monitor development of the obstructive pattern.

Carbon Dioxide as a Venous Contrast Agent: Applications in Interventional Radiology

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and usefulness of carbon dioxide (CO2) as a venous contrast agent for upper-arm placement of peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC), vena caval filter placement, and for visualization of the portal vein in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: About 20-30ml of CO2 was used as an alternative to iodinated contrast material for digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and fluoroscopy to guide upper-arm placement of PICC in 46 patients, for inferior venacavogram before filter placement in five, and for visualization of the portal vein during TIPS in two. Vital signs, peripheral arterial oxygen saturation, and renal function were checked during and after delivery of CO2. RESULTS: All CO2 DSA for PICC placement clearly delineated patency or stenosis of the central veins. In 41 of 46 patients (89%), PICC placement with CO2 guidance was successful. The mean number of venipunctures for PICC placement was 1.9, and the mean volume of CO2 injected for venipuncture was 35 ml. In five patients, Titanium Greenfield filters were successfully implanted into the inferior vena cava following CO2 vena cavography. In two patients in whom hepatopetal portal flow was seen on indirect portography, the portal vein was visualized by CO2-wedged hepatic venography. Injection of CO2 into the splenic vein following TIPS placement revealed shunt patency. Vital signs and oxygen saturation did not change, and there was no evidence of renal toxicity following CO2 injection. CONCLUSION: CO2 is a safe and useful alternative contrast agent for upper-arm placement of PICC, pre-filter placement cavography, and wedged hepatic venography and portography for TIPS.

Diagnosis of Hirschsprung's Disease: Accuracy of Barium Enema Findings

PURPOSE: To determine the relative accuracy of barium enema findings of Hirschsprung's disease (HD) and to calculate a level of probability for three signs combined. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Barium enema findings in 45 patients who had undergone rectal biopsy to prove or exclude the diagnosis of HD were retrospectively analyzed by evaluating the presence of a transition zone, irregular contractions and delayed evacuation of barium. Seventeen were neonates (group 1) and the other 28 were infants and children (group 2). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the findings were compared. RESULTS: In visualization of a transition zone, sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value were 76.5%, 72.7% and 89.7%, respectively. Sensitivity for irregular contractions and delayed evacuation of barium was 76.5% and 91.7%, respectively, whereas for specificity, the corresponding values were 63.6% and 40%. Sensitivities for radiologic signs were higher in group 1 than in group 2, but, the specificities were lower. If two or three findings were positive, the level of probability was 85 - 100%. If two findings were negative, however, the corresponding value was 30%. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the most reliable HD finding is the presence of a transition zone. Irregular contractions and the delayed evacuation of barium are not specific. Two or three positive findings may suggest a higher probability of HD than any single positive finding alone.

Radiologic Placement of Tunneled Central Venous Catheter

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of fluoroscopy-guided, radiologic placement of a tunneled central venous catheter into the superior vena cava (SVC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty five patients underwent tunneled central venous catheter placement to facilitate long-term chemotherapy. They included 33 leukemicpatients, one colon cancer patient, and one multiple myeloma patient. After confirming central venous patency witha injection of contrast media via the peripheral cephalic or basilic vein in the wrist joint, the subclavian veinwas punctured under fluoroscopic guidance. A 7F double lumen TPN catheter was placed into the SVC through asubcutaneous tunnel in the anterior chest wall. RESULTS: Catheter placements were successful in all patients. The mean procedure time was 17.2 minutes, mean fluoroscopy time was 1.3 minutes, mean number of punctures was 1.4, and mean volume of injected contrast media was 43.5 cc. Only two of all leukemic patients developed mild hematomas atthe puncture site, but these soon resolved themselves. None of the patients developed pneumothorax or hemothorax.but late complications included local infection in two patients (6%) and thrombotic occlusion of the catheter inone (3%). The occluded catheter was successfully recanalized with Urokinase infusion. CONCLUSION: Fluoroscopy-guided, radiologic placement of a tunneled central venous catheter is an easy and safe method, anduseful for patients requiring long-term venous access.

The Modified Pulse-Spray Method Using Urokinase in Subacute and Chronic Thrombotic Arterial Occlusion

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the modified pulse-spray method using Urokinase (UK) in subacute and chronic thrombotic arterial occlusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Modified pulse-spray methods using UKwere performed in seven patients with subacute (1week-1month) to chronic (1 month-5years) occlusive sysmptoms suchas limb pain, claudication and impotence. Angiographic examination revealed thrombotic occlusion of the aorta, common iliac arteries, brachial arterio-venous hemodialysis graft and femoro-popliteal bypass graft. The patients underwent thrombolysis using modified pulse-spray and additional constant infusion of UK. In the presence of underlying stenosis or organized clots, balloon angioplasty or stent placement was performed. RESULTS: Completelysis was obtained in five of seven patients. For initial lysis, the mean dose of UK was 420,000 units, and the mean modified pulse-spray time was 50 minutes. Mean total dose of UK and mean total time for complete lysis were 800,000 units and 161 minutes, respectively. Thrombolysis of the femoro-popliteal bypass graft failed due to severe occlusion of the distal anastomosis. Partial lysis was achieved in one patient with aorto-iliac occlusion, but further thrombolysis was stopped due to bleeding at the puncture site. CONCLUSION: The modified pulse-spraymethod using UK is effective in treating subacute and chronic arterial thrombotic occlusion. It augments the speed, safety and efficacy of thrombolysis. When underlying stenosis or organized clots remain after thrombolysis, balloon angioplasty or stent placement would be helpful.

Adrenal paragonimiasis simulating adrenal tumor: a case report

We describe a case of adrenal paragonimiasis with its computed tomographic and ultrasonographic findings. Computed tomogram showed a well enhancing oval mass at right adrenal gland and ultrasonogram showed a dumbbell-shaped hyperechoic mass saddling on the top of the right kidney. Surgical specimen was multicystic mass filled with creamy material.

Radiologic Findings of Secondary Systemic Amyloidosis Associated with Tuberculosis: A Case Report

Amyloidosis is a rare systemic disease caused by extracellular deposition of insoluble protein. Systemic amyloidosis is subclassified into idiopathic primary and secondary form. The cause of secondary amyloidosis includes tuberculosis, familial Mediterranean fever, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple myeloma. We report a case of tuberculosis-related, secondary systemic amyloidosis which involved liver, spleen, kidneys, stomach, urinary bladder and lymph nodes.

Combined Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization and Percutaneous Ethanol Injection for Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Preliminary Study

PURPOSE: Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and subsequent percutaneous ethanol injection (PEi) was attempted in 8 patients with 9 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) for complete tumor necrosis of HCCs less than 5cm in greatest diameter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PEI was performed with 2-8ml of absolute (99.9%) ethanol two weeks after TACE under CT or ultrasound guidance. For each patient PEI was done twice to four times within 4-10 days of each procedure. After completion of a series of PEI, follow up examination (range:3 months-l.5 year period) was done with angiography, CT or ultrasound and correlated with serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level. RESULTS: On follow up anglograms, the lesions completely disappeared or decreased in size without tumor vessels or staining in 5 of 6 patients. On follow up CT of 6 patients, the lipiodol-laden HCCs were surrounded by non-enhancing low density and the losion sizes were slightly decreased or not changed. These are suggestive of necrosis of tumor itself and adjacent liver parenchyma. The tumors could not be detected on follow up ultrasound examination in 2 patients. Serum AFP was decreased in 7 patients and was well corresponded to the results of imaging modalities. CONCLUSION: The authors concluded that the combined TACE and PEI is an appropriate treatment for small HCCs having high surgical risks.