ABSTRACT
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women. Although computed tomography is not typically used as a primary diagnostic modality for detection of a breast mass, it is playing an increasing role in the accurate staging of breast cancer as well as in determining patterns or recurrence. This article reviews the role of CT in the evaluation of breast cancer with specific emphasis on the varying patterns of disease recurrence. Specific emphasis is placed on complications and recurrences in the chest, axilla, the abdomen (including involvement of the major abdominal organs), as well as the musculoskeletal system. Specific case examples illustrating the various pathologic processes involving patients with breast cancer are presented.
Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Breast Neoplasms/pathology , Breast Neoplasms/surgery , Female , Humans , Neoplasm MetastasisABSTRACT
Two cases of hepatic infarction in toxemia of pregnancy are described. Both patients had associated laboratory findings of the HELLP syndrome (hemolytic anemia, elevated liver enzyme levels, and low platelet levels). Computed tomography (CT) showed nonenhancing low-attenuation areas varying in configuration from peripheral, well-defined, wedge-shaped lesions to larger abnormalities. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a corresponding area of low signal intensity on T1-weighted images with high signal intensity on T2-weighted images. Ultrasound showed several well-defined peripheral hypoechoic areas. The low attenuation and lack of enhancement on CT scans and the absence of mass effect are the key distinguishing features.
