Clinical characteristics and outcomes of splenic infarction in cancer patients: a retrospective, single center report of 206 cases.

Cancer patients have a high risk of thromboembolic events including splenic infarct (SI). However, risk factors for SI in cancer patients are poorly understood, and the utility of systemic anticoagulation in such patients is uncertain. We performed a retrospective cohort study of all cancer patients with SI treated at Yale New Haven Hospital from 2008 to 2017. Central review of radiology imaging was performed to confirm the diagnosis of SI. Baseline differences in variables among patients with and without recurrent SI were compared using Fisher's exact test, Pearson's χ2 test, and t-test. Multivariable regression models were conducted to identify factors associated with recurrent SI. Of 206 patients with cancer and SI, 42 had a prior venous thromboembolic event, while 29 had atrial fibrillation/flutter. At a median follow-up of 11.4 months (range: 0-142.3 months), 152 patients underwent follow-up imaging, with only 6 having recurrent SI. The use of anticoagulation after initial SI was associated with a nonsignificant increase in recurrent SI (p = 0.054) and was not associated with development of venous thromboembolism after SI (p = 0.414). In bivariate analyses, the risk of recurrent SI showed a significant association with lower platelet counts (p < 0.001) and with atrial fibrillation/flutter (p = 0.036). In a multivariable logistic regression model, no variables were identified that were associated with a higher risk of recurrent SI. SI in cancer patients is typically an isolated event with low recurrence risk. Anticoagulation use should be guided by other thromboembolic risk factors.

Annular pancreas in a 24-year-old woman with persistent abdominal pain.

Annular pancreas (AP) is a rare diagnosis in the adult population but can cause significant morbidity if not correctly identified. In adults, the most common symptoms are abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. While these are not specific to AP, they are important clues to this diagnosis in the right clinical context. We present the case of a 24-year-old woman presenting with a 6-year history of progressive abdominal pain and dyspepsia in the context of an extensive negative workup. Upper gastrointestinal (GI) series and MRI revealed partial duodenal obstruction, concerning for AP. While patients with chronic abdominal pain and vague GI complaints may be diagnosed with functional bowel disorders, it is important to appropriately address the possibility of an underlying structural lesion such as AP. This strategy is not only cost-effective but also saves the patient discomfort associated with unnecessary procedures and allows a timely intervention.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features of Endometrial Polyps: Frequency of Occurrence and Interobserver Reliability.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features and interobserver agreement of endometrial polyps. METHODS: After institutional review board approval, our database was searched for women older than 18 years who underwent MRI pelvis and pelvic surgical intervention from 2012 to 2016. Seventy-two patients with polyps and 75 controls composed the study cohort. Two radiologists evaluated the MRIs retrospectively for polyps. Polyp characteristics and enhancement were assessed. RESULTS: Sensitivity and specificity of readers 1 and 2 were 59.7% and 88.0%, and 44.4 and 96.0%, respectively. There was moderate agreement for presence of polyps (κ = 0.556, P ≤ 0001), T2 fibrous core, and intratumoral cysts, with slight agreement for T2 signal and enhancement. Polyp size moderately correlated with pathology (κ = 0.465 [P = 0.025] for reader 1, κ = 0.562 [P = 0.029] for reader 2). The most common enhancement was same as myometrium. CONCLUSION: Magnetic resonance imaging is moderately sensitive for detecting endometrial polyps, demonstrating features that are not sensitive but can be specific, with moderate interobserver agreement.

Management of the Incidental Renal Mass on CT: A White Paper of the ACR Incidental Findings Committee.

The ACR Incidental Findings Committee (IFC) presents recommendations for renal masses that are incidentally detected on CT. These recommendations represent an update from the renal component of the JACR 2010 white paper on managing incidental findings in the adrenal glands, kidneys, liver, and pancreas. The Renal Subcommittee, consisting of six abdominal radiologists and one urologist, developed this algorithm. The recommendations draw from published evidence and expert opinion and were finalized by informal iterative consensus. Each flowchart within the algorithm describes imaging features that identify when there is a need for additional imaging, surveillance, or referral for management. Our goal is to improve quality of care by providing guidance for managing incidentally detected renal masses.

Role of MRI in the Use of an Absorbable Hydrogel Spacer in Men Undergoing Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer: What the Radiologist Needs to Know.

OBJECTIVE: Hydrogel spacers have a novel role in the treatment of low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer with dose-escalated radiation therapy. Given the growing number of patients undergoing treatment with radiation therapy, the use of hydrogel spacers is expected to increase. The purpose of this article is to review what a radiologist needs to know about the imaging of hydrogel spacers, including MRI technique and appearance on CT and MRI. CONCLUSION: MRI has a critical role in the evaluation of hydrogel spacer placement and is used to facilitate contouring by the radiation oncologist. The radiologist should be familiar with the imaging appearance of hydrogel spacers on CT and MRI to avoid interpretation pitfalls and errors.

Management of Incidental Adrenal Masses: A White Paper of the ACR Incidental Findings Committee.

The ACR Incidental Findings Committee presents recommendations for managing adrenal masses that are incidentally detected on CT or MRI. These recommendations represent an update to the adrenal component of the JACR 2010 white paper on managing incidental findings in the adrenal glands, kidneys, liver, and pancreas. The Adrenal Subcommittee, constituted by abdominal radiologists and an endocrine surgeon, developed this algorithm. The algorithm draws from published evidence coupled with expert subspecialist opinion and was finalized by a process of iterative consensus. Algorithm branches categorize incidental adrenal masses on the basis of patient characteristics and imaging features. For each specified combination, the algorithm concludes with characterization of benignity or indolence (sufficient to discontinue follow-up) and/or a subsequent management recommendation. The algorithm addresses many, but not all, possible pathologies and clinical scenarios. Our goal is to improve the quality of patient care by providing guidance on how to manage incidentally detected adrenal masses.

Differentiating Renal Neoplasms From Simple Cysts on Contrast-Enhanced CT on the Basis of Attenuation and Homogeneity.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to compare the attenuation and homogeneity of renal neoplasms with those of cysts on contrast-enhanced CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 129 renal neoplasms and 24 simple cysts were evaluated. Two readers determined whether each mass was qualitatively heterogeneous or homogeneous. Mean, minimum, and maximum attenuation values were measured. Statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 116 heterogeneous renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) (99 clear cell, four papillary, four oncocytic, seven chromophobe, and two unclassified RCCs), 13 homogeneous RCCs (10 papillary, two oncocytic, and one chromophobe RCC), and 24 cysts (all of which were homogeneous) were evaluated. All homogeneous RCCs had mean attenuation values of more than 42 HU, whereas renal cysts had mean attenuation values of up to 30 HU (p < 0.001). Two readers qualitatively and identically categorized all RCCs as homogeneous or heterogeneous (κ = 1.0; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Homogeneous simple renal cysts can have mean attenuation values of up to 30 HU, as determined by contrast-enhanced CT, whereas homogeneous RCCs have mean attenuation values as low as 42 HU, with no overlap occurring between the two groups. These data suggest that further evaluation of a homogeneous renal mass with a mean attenuation value of 30 HU or less on a contrast-enhanced CT scan likely is unwarranted.

Effect of Fixed-Volume and Weight-Based Dosing Regimens on the Cost and Volume of Administered Iodinated Contrast Material at Abdominal CT.

PURPOSE: To determine the magnitude of subject-level and population-level cost savings that could be realized by moving from fixed-volume low-osmolality iodinated contrast material administration to an effective weight-based dosing regimen for contrast-enhanced abdominopelvic CT. METHODS: HIPAA-compliant, institutional review board-exempt retrospective cohort study of 6,737 subjects undergoing contrast-enhanced abdominopelvic CT from 2014 to 2015. Subject height, weight, lean body weight (LBW), and body surface area (BSA) were determined. Twenty-six volume- and weight-based dosing strategies with literature support were compared with a fixed-volume strategy used at the study institution: 125 mL 300 mgI/mL for routine CT, 125 mL 370 mgI/mL for multiphasic CT (single-energy, 120 kVp). The predicted population- and subject-level effects on cost and contrast material utilization were calculated for each strategy and sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: Most subjects underwent routine CT (91% [6,127/6,737]). Converting to lesser-volume higher-concentration contrast material had the greatest effect on cost; a fixed-volume 100 mL 370 mgI/mL strategy resulted in $132,577 in population-level savings with preserved iodine dose at routine CT (37,500 versus 37,000 mgI). All weight-based iodine-content dosing strategies (mgI/kg) with the same maximum contrast material volume (125 mL) were predicted to contribute mean savings compared with the existing fixed-volume algorithm ($4,053-$116,076/strategy in the overall study population, $1-$17/strategy per patient). Similar trends were observed in all sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Large cost and material savings can be realized at abdominopelvic CT by adopting a weight-based dosing strategy and lowering the maximum volume of administered contrast material.

US of the Inguinal Canal: Comprehensive Review of Pathologic Processes with CT and MR Imaging Correlation.

Ultrasonography (US) has a fundamental role in the initial examination of patients who present with symptoms indicating abnormalities of the inguinal canal (IC), an area known for its complex anatomy. A thorough understanding of the embryologic and imaging characteristics of the contents of the IC is essential for any general radiologist. Moreover, an awareness of the various pathologic conditions that can affect IC structures is crucial to preventing misdiagnoses and ensuring optimal patient care. Early detection of IC abnormalities can reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality and facilitate proper treatment. Abnormalities may be related to increased intra-abdominal pressure, which can result in development of direct inguinal hernias and varicoceles, or to congenital anomalies of the processus vaginalis, which can result in development of indirect hernias and hydroceles. US is also helpful in assessing postoperative complications of hernia repair, such as hematoma, seroma, abscess, and hernia recurrence. In addition, it is often the modality initially used to detect neoplasms arising from or invading the IC. US is an important tool in the examination of patients suspected of having undescended testes or posttraumatic testicular retraction and is essential for the examination of patients suspected of having torsion or infectious inflammatory conditions of the spermatic cord. Online supplemental material is available for this article. ©RSNA, 2016.

Homogeneous T1 Hyperintense Renal Lesions with Smooth Borders: Is Contrast-enhanced MR Imaging Needed?

Purpose To retrospectively determine if homogeneous high T1 signal intensity (SI) masses with smooth borders on unenhanced magnetic resonance (MR) images can be characterized as benign. Materials and Methods Institutional review board approval was obtained for this HIPAA-compliant retrospective study, with waiver of informed consent. MR images in 84 patients with hemorrhagic or proteinaceous cysts and 50 patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) were evaluated. Sixty-three cysts and 49 RCCs underwent unenhanced computed tomography (CT). SI ratio and CT attenuation were determined. Two radiologists evaluated lesions as follows: score 1, homogeneous with smooth borders; score 2, mildly heterogeneous with mildly lobulated borders; score 3, moderately heterogeneous and irregular borders; and score 4, markedly heterogeneous with markedly irregular borders. Statistical analysis was performed by using multivariable logistic regression, Welch t test, Z test, Fisher-exact test, Shapiro-Wilk test, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. A diagnostic criterion was formulated by using classification and regression tree analysis. Results SI ratio and attenuation of hemorrhagic or proteinaceous cysts were significantly higher than those of RCCs (SI ratio: cyst 2.4 ± 0.8, RCC 1.5 ± 0.3; attenuation: cyst 51.9 ± 21.5, RCC: 34.8 ± 10.0). Reader 1 scored morphology of 68 (81%) hemorrhagic or proteinaceous cysts as score 1 on MR images and as score 45 (71%) on CT scans. Reader 2 scored morphology of 59 (70%) hemorrhagic or proteinaceous cysts as score 1 on MR images and as score 43 (68%) on CT scans. Two-step classification tree suggested that homogeneous high T1 SI lesions with smooth borders and SI ratio of greater than 1.6 predict the lesion as benign cysts. Similar algorithm for CT suggested threshold of 51 HU. Increasing threshold to 2.5 for SI ratio and 66 for Hounsfield units resulted in 99.9% confidence for characterizing benign cysts. Conclusion The retrospective assessment shows that morphologic assessment and SI quantification on unenhanced T1-weighted MR images can be used to differentiate benign hemorrhagic or proteinaceous cysts from RCC, although prospective assessment will be needed to confirm these results. (©) RSNA, 2016.

Incompletely characterized incidental renal masses: emerging data support conservative management.

With imaging, most incidental renal masses can be diagnosed promptly and with confidence as being either benign or malignant. For those that cannot, management recommendations can be devised on the basis of a thorough evaluation of imaging features. However, most renal masses are either too small to characterize completely or are detected initially in imaging examinations that are not designed for full evaluation of them. These masses constitute a group of masses that are considered incompletely characterized. On the basis of current published guidelines, many masses warrant additional imaging. However, while the diagnosis of renal cancer at a curable stage remains the first priority, there is the additional need to reduce unnecessary healthcare costs and radiation exposure. As such, emerging data now support foregoing additional imaging for many incompletely characterized renal masses. These data include the low risk of progression to metastases or death for small renal masses that have undergone active surveillance (including biopsy-proven cancers) and a better understanding of how specific imaging features can be used to diagnose their origins. These developments support (a) avoidance of imaging entirely for those incompletely characterized renal masses that are highly likely to be benign cysts and (b) delay of further imaging of small solid masses in selected patients. Although more evidence-based data are needed and comprehensive management algorithms have yet to be defined, these recommendations are medically appropriate and practical, while limiting the imaging of many incompletely characterized incidental renal masses.

The gallbladder: uncommon gallbladder conditions and unusual presentations of the common gallbladder pathological processes.

This article reviews a spectrum of gallbladder conditions that are either uncommon or represent unusual manifestations of common diseases. These conditions are divided into four major categories: (a) congenital anomalies and normal variants including duplication, ectopia, and lymphangioma; (b) inflammatory processes and stone-related diseases and complications including adenomyomatosis, emphysematous cholecystitis, xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis, gangrenous and hemorrhagic cholecystitis, perforation, gallstone ileus, and Bouveret and Mirizzi syndromes; (c) gallbladder neoplasms including adenocarcinoma with associated porcelain gallbladder, squamous cell carcinoma, lymphoma, melanoma, and neurofibroma. A thorough understanding of the imaging characteristics of each condition can help the radiologist to make a timely and accurate diagnosis, thus avoiding potentially harmful delays in patient management and decreasing morbidity and mortality rates.

Endometrial adenocarcinoma presenting as a hematotrachelos.

BACKGROUND: Hematotrachelos, distension of the uterine cervix with accumulated blood, is an extremely rare condition resulting from a congenital anomaly or an acquired condition. We present a case in which an acquired hematotrachelos was the presenting sign of endometrial cancer. CASE: An asymptomatic 66-year-old woman was found to have a bulging cervix during a well-woman visit. Further workup revealed a hematotrachelos and an underlying endometrial adenocarcinoma. She was treated with surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: A hematotrachelos, although rare, can prevent vaginal bleeding, which is often the earliest symptom of a uterine malignancy. This case report illustrates the potential importance of the pelvic examination as part of the well-woman physical examination, because it led to the discovery of early-stage endometrial cancer.

MR imaging of the kidneys and adrenal glands.

MR imaging has proven to be a versatile modality in evaluation of the kidneys, collecting system, and adrenal glands. By performing a comprehensive MR examination, it is not only possible to accurately characterize cystic and solid lesions of the kidneys, as well as urothelial masses, but also to provide important preoperative information to the surgeon. In addition, MR imaging can characterize many adrenal lesions and can frequently obviate biopsy. The continued development and growth of MR technology combined with the current trend toward minimally invasive surgery will expand the role of MR imaging in the future.

Radiographic features of potential donor livers that precluded donation.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to catalog the anatomic features shown on preoperative CT that precluded living-donor liver donation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 159 consecutive candidates who were evaluated for potential right or left lobe liver donation from November 2007 to January 2012 using MDCT angiography and cholangiography. For the potential donors who were excluded secondary to findings depicted on preoperative imaging, we determined which findings precluded donation. RESULTS: In two (1%) patients who had no prohibitive preoperative imaging findings, anatomic abnormalities were detected intraoperatively that precluded transplantation. Sixty-one (38%) candidates were excluded from liver donation on the basis of imaging findings. Of these patients, 40 (66%) had inadequate liver volume, 14 (23%) had vascular or biliary variants, five (8%) had steatosis, and two (3%) were found to have renal cell carcinoma. Arterial and biliary variants were the most common reason for exclusion based on anatomic findings. CONCLUSION: Inadequate liver volume was the most common reason for exclusion based on preoperative imaging. Arterial and biliary anatomic variants precluded both right and left lobe transplantation in a number of cases.

CT urography for the diagnosis of medullary sponge kidney.

BACKGROUND: Medullary sponge kidney (MSK) is characterized by malformation of the terminal collecting ducts and is associated with an increased risk of nephrolithiasis, nephrocalcinosis, urinary tract infections, renal acidification defects, and reduced bone density. It has been historically diagnosed with intravenous pyelography (IVP), which is falling out of favor as an imaging modality. CT urography (CTU) performed with multidetector CT (MDCT) has been shown to create images of the renal collecting system with similar detail as IVP; however, its utility in diagnosing MSK has not been defined. CASE REPORT: We present the first 15 patients with recurrent symptomatic nephrolithiasis who were evaluated in our renal stone clinic with CTU. Four patients were diagnosed with MSK after visualization of the characteristic radiologic findings. DISCUSSION: CTU effectively demonstrates the characteristic radiologic findings of MSK including collecting tubule dilatation, medullary nephrocalcinosis, nephrolithiasis, and medullary cysts. Dose reduction protocols can reduce radiation exposure below that associated with conventional IVP. We propose CTU be considered for the diagnosis of MSK.

CT angiography in potential living kidney donors: 80 kVp versus 120 kVp.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to retrospectively investigate the diagnostic accuracy, image quality, and radiation dose of renal artery CT angiography (CTA), at 80 kVp compared with 120 kVp, in adult kidney donors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CTA examinations of 258 consecutive potential kidney donors were retrospectively evaluated; 189 patients were scanned using 64-MDCT scanners (higher maximal tube current), and 69 patients were scanned using 16-MDCT scanners (lower maximal tube current). On the basis of the tube potential and scanners, the study population was divided into four groups. Qualitative and quantitative analysis include vascular attenuation measurements, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) was recorded, and size-specific dose estimate was also estimated. RESULTS: Using 80 kVp for the 16-MDCT scanner, there was a 64.9% reduction in size-specific dose estimate (66.1% reduction in CTDIvol), increased noise, and tube current saturation in all cases. Axial image quality was significantly lower compared with that obtained at 120 kVp (p = 0.02), but image quality and visibility of renal artery branch order were comparable. Using 80 kVp for the 64-MDCT scanner, there was a 40.5% reduction in size-specific dose estimate (43.6% reduction in CTDIvol) and increased SNR and CNR (p < 0.001). No significant differences in 3D image quality and branch order visibility were observed. Tube current saturation was reached in 31% of cases. One hundred fifty-one patients (86 imaged at 80 kVp and 65 imaged at 120 kVp) underwent donor nephrectomy; CTA diagnostic accuracy was 100%. CONCLUSION: Renal artery CTA using 80 kVp combined with limiting the tube current results in a significant reduction in radiation dose and improved SNR and CNR, without deterioration of image quality.

Cystic kidney disease in a patient with systemic toxicity from long-term D-penicillamine use.

D-penicillamine, used to treat cystinuria, is known to cause impaired collagen deposition and dysfunction in elastic fibers. D-penicillamine also has been associated with glomerular abnormalities, typically membranous glomerulonephritis. We describe a patient with severe bilateral cystic kidney disease that developed after long-term D-penicillamine use for treatment of cystinuria. The cysts in the kidneys were noted during an evaluation for acute kidney injury. The patient had no evidence of cysts on prior renal imaging at a time when his kidney function was normal. Simultaneously, he presented with multiorgan manifestations of D-penicillamine toxicity, including the skin findings of cutix laxa and elastosis perforans serpiginosa. Consequently, D-penicillamine treatment was discontinued, after which the progression of cystic kidney disease gradually ceased, along with the other systemic manifestations of toxicity. To our knowledge, this is the first report of cystic kidney disease associated with and perhaps caused by long-term d-penicillamine therapy. The proposed mechanism of cyst formation is the malfunction of the extracellular matrix of the kidney by d-penicillamine that leads to an impaired repair process after kidney injury.