Advanced Neuroimaging in the Evaluation of Spinal Cord Tumors and Tumor Mimics: Diffusion Tensor and Perfusion-Weighted Imaging.

Spinal cord tumors are an important component of pathologic diseases involving the spinal cord. Conventional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging only provides anatomical information. MR diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and MR perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) may detect microstructure diffusion and hemodynamic changes in these tumors. We review recent application studies of MR DTI and PWI in spinal cord tumors. Overall, MR DTI and MR PWI are promising imaging tools that are especially useful in improving differential diagnosis between spinal cord tumors and tumor mimics, preoperative evaluation of resectability, and providing assistance in surgical navigation.

Multidimensional evaluation of tracheobronchial disease in adults.

The large airways can be affected by a wide spectrum of acquired benign and malignant diseases. These lesions may present as focal or diffuse processes and with narrowing or widening of the airway. Some of these may be asymptomatic for quite some time and may be incidentally detected on imaging, while others may be symptomatic, causing airway compromise. There may be a characteristic radiograph and computed tomography (CT) appearance, suggesting a narrow differential. When the imaging findings are not definitive, tissue may be obtained for pathological analysis. It behooves the radiologist to be familiar with the pathologic findings that correlate with the radiographic or CT appearance of the most frequently seen large airway lesions. In this way, we may improve our diagnostic accuracy. This paper will present the imaging findings of the most prevalent tracheobronchial lesions along with any associated pathology. Teaching Points • The large airways can be affected by many acquired benign and malignant diseases.• Large airway lesions may present as focal or diffuse processes, with narrowing or widening.• There may or may not be characteristic imaging appearance of large airway disease.• If imaging findings are not definitive, tissue may be obtained for pathological analysis.

Superior mesenteric artery thrombosis after abrupt discontinuation of rivaroxaban.

We report a case of superior mesenteric artery thrombosis after the abrupt discontinuation of rivaroxaban in a 59-year-old male patient. The initial presentation was of sudden onset abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and hematochezia in the setting of recently holding rivaroxaban anticoagulation for an atrial flutter ablative procedure. Imaging revealed thrombosis of the superior mesenteric artery and acute mesenteric ischemia requiring emergent surgical intervention for embolectomy. Upon exploratory laparotomy, the bowel was found to be viable, and an embolectomy with patch angioplasty was successful without complication. This case illustrates the need for emergency medicine clinician familiarity with this possible medication adverse event with rivaroxaban.