Plasmacytoma of Liver Mimicking Hepatocellular Carcinoma at Multiphasic Computed Tomography Evaluation.

Plasmacytoma of liver is a rare hepatic tumor more often seen at autopsy than described in the literature; it is also more likely diagnosed in the setting of multiple myeloma than as isolated extramedullary plasmacytoma. However, when found in the setting of multiple myeloma, it is associated with worse clinical outcome. The authors describe a case of an elderly man presenting with nonspecific chronic abdominal pain and a new 4-cm hepatic mass. At multiphasic computed tomography, the mass demonstrated an enhancement pattern identical to that expected of hepatocellular carcinoma; however, thorough history failed to uncover necessary risk factors for hepatic cirrhosis. Ultrasound-guided core biopsy of the mass, as well as additional clinical and radiologic assessment, subsequently confirmed a diagnosis of multiple myeloma.

Cine MR enterography grading of small bowel peristalsis: evaluation of the antiperistaltic effectiveness of sublingual hyoscyamine sulfate.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To use a cine balanced steady-state free precession magnetic resonance enterography (cine MRE) pulse sequence to assess the effectiveness of a sublingual (SL) antiperistaltic agent, hyoscyamine sulfate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional review board approval was granted with an exemption for informed consent in this Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant, retrospective, single-institution study. Of the 288 MRE examinations performed between October 1, 2007 and January 15, 2011, 92 using SL hyoscyamine sulfate for antiperistalsis were included for review, each with cine MRE before and after medication. These 184 cine MRE data sets were randomized, blinded for treatment, and independently reviewed by five attending abdominal radiologists, who rated the degree of whole abdomen bowel motility on each cine MRE data set on a 5-point scale. Pre- and postmedication mean peristalsis ratings, standard deviation, mean difference, and treatment effect sizes were calculated. A repeated measures analysis of variance test was performed using a significance threshold of P = .05. Interobserver reliabilities were also calculated. RESULTS: Mean peristalsis ratings ranged 2.63-3.34 and 2.36-3.03, before and after medication administration, respectively. The mean differences ranged from 0.22 to 0.46, which are treatment effect sizes of 0.20 to 0.37. The decrease in peristalsis observed by the five reviewing radiologists after SL hyoscyamine sulfate administration was significant (df = 1/182, f = 7.35, P < .01). The interobserver reliabilities were 0.34 for the pretest and 0.33 for the posttest. CONCLUSIONS: Although cine MRE sequences show decreased bowel peristalsis after the use of SL hyoscyamine sulfate, the small size of the observed treatment effect is likely insufficient to justify its use for MRE.

Diffusion-weighted MRI of renal cell carcinoma, upper tract urothelial carcinoma, and renal infection: a pictorial review.

Diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a functional imaging technique that derives image contrast from differences in water molecule diffusion within tissues. DW MRI helps detect and characterize renal and urothelial malignancies, may help in differentiating some benign from malignant renal masses, and can also recognize renal and upper urinary tract infections. Patients precluded from receiving intravenous contrast agents may particularly benefit from this technique.

Pulmonary embolism evaluation in the pregnant patient: a review of current imaging approaches.

Pregnancy is characterized by a higher incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) than in age-matched nonpregnant women. However, the diagnosis of PE during pregnancy might prove to be more difficult than in the general population. Clinicians strongly rely on imaging studies to establish a prompt diagnosis. On reviewing this article, the reader will learn the pros and cons of the 2 main imaging studies used in the evaluation for PE, computed tomography of the pulmonary arteries and lung scintigraphy. Radiation dose and other important factors to consider during the evaluation for PE in pregnancy are highlighted so that clinicians and radiologists can choose the most appropriate imaging study for diagnosis.

Nontraumatic abdominal pain in pregnancy: imaging considerations for a multiorgan system problem.

Nontraumatic abdominal pain in the pregnant patient can present a clinician with a variety of diagnostic possibilities. The overlap between signs and symptoms expected in normal pregnancy and these many pathologic possibilities does little to help focus the clinician's diagnostic efforts. Fear of ionizing radiation's effects on the fetus has driven efforts to refine medical imaging algorithms in such a way as to attempt to eliminate its use at all cost. In today's world, we are nearly there. In this review the differential diagnosis of nontraumatic abdominal pain in the pregnant patient will be explored. Of note is the recurring theme that much of what can be done today with regard to diagnostic imaging, both in general and with regard to this specific subset of patients, centers on the use of the non-ionizing modalities of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging.

The fetal magnetic resonance imaging experience in a large community medical center.

Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) continues to prove a useful problem solving tool for diagnostic and management decision making issues encountered in the antenatal period. In this paper, we attempt to review basic fetal MRI protocol considerations and demonstrate key imaging findings through multiple modalities, with pathologic correlation in several cases. A study of five fetal MRI cases, from our institution, were selected in order to highlight both the indications for, and benefits obtained from this advanced imaging technique. Fetal MRI proved useful in each case in better defining fetal anomalies, especially where ultrasound (due to drawbacks such as shadowing by pelvic bones) was unable to be completely diagnostic. The more in-depth study made possible by MRI also helped with formulation of disease prognosis and estimation of survival chances of the fetus. Further, MRI as a diagnostic and prognostic tool has become more ubiquitous across the medical community. This imparts tangible benefit to patients, who are now able to find this service within arm's reach. Whereas previously these patients were obligatorily referred up to 90 miles away from our centre for further medical work-up, now a large percentage can obtain their prenatal imaging and perinatal care locally. In addition, medical education benefits as new types of cases, those with pathology of the antenatal period, are retained for work-up and management in these large community settings. Cases from our institution exemplify these types of pathologies, from fetal chest masses to a syndromic presentation of bilateral renal agenesis.

Eosinophilic ascites due to severe eosinophilic ileitis.

BACKGROUND: There is a broad etiology for effusion eosinophilia that includes allergic, reactive, infectious, immune, neoplastic, and idiopathic causes. We report and describe the cytomorphologic findings of a rare case of eosinophilic ascites due to severe eosinophilic ileitis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 17-year-old male manifested acutely with eosinophilic ascites due to severe biopsy-proven subserosal eosinophilic ileitis. Isolated peritoneal fluid submitted for cytologic evaluation revealed that 65% eosinophils were present in a bloody background. The patient responded to corticosteroids, with complete resolution of his ascites. CONCLUSION: Eosinophilic gastroenteritis with subserosal involvement should be added to the list of causes for eosinophils in peritoneal fluid. The finding of eosinophilic ascites, with appropriate clinical and laboratory findings, may warrant the need to perform laparoscopic intestinal biopsies to confirm the diagnosis.