ABSTRACT
The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer are dependent upon early detection of the disease by physical examination and mammography. Although mammography is a relatively good and cost-effective method of early breast cancer detection, there are some inherent weaknesses associated with this imaging modality that limit its sensitivity and specificity. Contrast-enhanced MRI of the breasts provides the additional capability to answer questions raised or unanswered with conventional imaging methods. This paper reviews contrast-enhanced breast MRI interpretation guidelines and patient preselection criteria for diagnostic problem cases. Technical aspects using a commercially available three-dimensional (3D) spoiled gradient-echo technique are discussed.
Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms/diagnosis , Contrast Media , Gadolinium DTPA , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Adult , Female , Gadolinium DTPA/administration & dosage , Humans , Image Processing, Computer-Assisted , Injections, Intravenous , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/instrumentation , Mammography , Middle Aged , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/diagnosis , Sensitivity and SpecificityABSTRACT
Three cases of granular cell tumor of the esophagus are added to the 17 previously reported in the literature. These tumors, thought to be of neural origin, are difficult to diagnose preoperatively. The diagnosis should be considered in adult females presenting with an intramural mass of the proximal or distal third of the esophagus. Symptoms of dysphagia and substernal discomfort are likely to occur with lesions greater than one centimeter in diameter. Preoperative biopsy is not advised as a mistaken diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma can result.
Subject(s)
Esophageal Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Esophagus/diagnostic imaging , Neoplasms, Muscle Tissue/diagnostic imaging , Adult , Esophageal Neoplasms/pathology , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Neoplasms, Muscle Tissue/pathology , RadiographyABSTRACT
In three cases of congenital diaphragmatic hernia presenting long after the newborn period, there was striking enlargement of the intraabdominal stomach. In each case there was herniation of the entire small bowel into the thorax and absence of a hernial sac. Despite the enormous capacity of the stomach, which was suggestive of obstruction preoperatively, no site of obstruction could be demonstrated at operation. This enlargement disappeared following surgical repair of the hernia.
