Non-vascular intervention with real-time CT fluoroscopy.

The emerging technology of CT fluoroscopy (CTF) represents the first opportunity for real-time CT guidance in non-vascular intervention. As with any new technology, its efficacy requires validation before widespread application can be advocated. A review of our initial experience is presented with particular attention to room, procedure and fluoroscopy time savings, complication rates and dosimetry. Computed tomography fluoroscopy is useful for pulmonary, pelvic, retroperitoneal and other deep organ lesions that are not easily accessible by other modalities. Computed tomography fluoroscopy decreases procedure time by at least a factor of 2 compared with conventional CT (C-CT) guidance, resulting in improved throughput in a busy interventional CT department. Accurate targeting of small lesions, previously considered inaccessible, can also be achieved with CTF. Exposure to the physician's hands can be reduced to a level that is acceptable to the International Commission on Radiological Protection guidelines.

Invasive lobular carcinoma: sonographic features of cancers detected in a BreastScreen Program.

Sixty-two screen-detected invasive lobular carcinomas (ILC) were studied for sonographic, mammographic, clinical and histological findings. Ultrasound (US) features were compared with 60 invasive duct cancers (IDC). Size and axillary lymph node status in ILC were compared with all other cancers detected. In 41 ILC examined with US, 36 were found as masses (87.8% sensitivity; 95% CI 77.8-97.8%). Some US features of ILC and IDC differed: ILC were 9.94 times more likely to be hyperechoic (odds ratio, OR, 9.94; 95% CI 3.28-31.74) and 77% less likely to be taller than wide (OR 0.23; 95% CI 0.18-0.62). Thirty-three ILC showed typical malignant features of spiculate margins and acoustic shadowing. invasive lobular carcinomas had a greater mean diameter (20.4 mm; n = 60) than other invasive cancers (14.4 mm; n = 322) (P < 0.001). Ultrasound-guided needle biopsy was the method of diagnosis in 26 of 41 impalpable ILC (63%). Ultrasound has high sensitivity in characterizing screen-detected ILC, which may have atypical sonographic features including hyperechogenicity and a wider than tall shape. Ultrasound was an important contributor to diagnosis.

Non-traumatic spinal extradural haematoma: magnetic resonance findings.

Non-traumatic extradural spinal haematoma is an uncommon condition that is usually associated with a poor outcome. It may present acutely with signs and symptoms of major neurological dysfunction secondary to cord compression, or subacutely over a number of days or weeks with fluctuating symptoms. The exact aetiology of this condition is incompletely understood, but it is believed that the blood is venous in origin, as distinct from the arterial origin of intracranial extradural haematomas. Causes of non-traumatic extradural spinal haematoma include anticoagulation, vasculitis such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and spinal arteriovenous malformations. Conditions that may mimic an acute spinal haematoma include extradural abscess and extradural metastatic infiltration. It is important to make a diagnosis of extradural compression because surgery may offer the best hope in restoring neurological function in these patients. Imaging modalities used for the investigation of extradural haematomas include myelography, CT myelography (CTM) and MRI with or without gadolinium enhancement. The MR appearances of acute extradural abscess and extradural tumour can mimic an extradural haematoma. In subacute haematoma, owing to the magnetic properties of blood degradation products, MR is more specific in diagnosing and ageing of the haematoma.