ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is the most important non-invasive tool in the diagnostics and follow-up of patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). OBJECTIVES: A systematic review of the HRCT patterns of ILD was carried out and the most relevant differential diagnoses are discussed in order to provide a road map for the general radiologist to successfully navigate the complex field of ILD. RESULTS: Using HRCT four basic patterns of ILD can be identified: linear and reticular patterns, the nodular pattern, the high attenuation and low attenuation patterns. These patterns can be further differentiated according to their localization within the secondary pulmonary lobule (SPL), e.g. centrilobular or perilymphatic and their distribution within the lungs (e.g. upper or lower lobe predominance). Relevant clinical data, such as smoking history and course of the disease provide useful additional information in the diagnosis of ILD. CONCLUSION: On the basis of the pattern and anatomical distribution on HRCT, an accurate diagnosis can be achieved in some cases of ILD; however, due to morphological and clinical overlap the final diagnosis of many ILDs requires close cooperation between clinicians, radiologists and pathologists.
Subject(s)
Lung Diseases, Interstitial/diagnostic imaging , Lung/diagnostic imaging , Radiographic Image Enhancement/methods , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Diagnosis, Differential , HumansABSTRACT
The clinical symptoms of myelopathy are variable and non-specific. Demyelinating as well as neoplastic spinal cord diseases can cause paresthesia, progressive sensomotoric deficits and bowel and bladder dysfunction. Imaging of the spine, especially with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is an essential component in the diagnostic assessment of myelopathy and makes a substantial contribution to achieving the correct diagnosis. Although intramedullary neoplasms are far less common than demyelinating spinal cord diseases, radiologists should be familiar with the three most common entities, astrocytoma, ependymoma and hemangioblastoma, which represent over 70% of all spinal cord neoplasms. An early diagnosis and therapy is essential with neoplastic and demyelinating spinal cord diseases to hold residual neurological deficits as low as possible.
Subject(s)
Demyelinating Diseases/diagnosis , Image Processing, Computer-Assisted , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Spinal Cord Diseases/diagnosis , Spinal Cord Neoplasms/diagnosis , Astrocytoma/diagnosis , Ependymoma/diagnosis , HIV Infections/diagnosis , Hemangioblastoma/diagnosis , Humans , Multiple Sclerosis/diagnosis , Myelitis, Transverse/diagnosis , Sensitivity and Specificity , Spinal Cord/pathology , Spinal Cord Neoplasms/secondaryABSTRACT
Thin-section multidetector-row computed tomographic (MDCT) colonography is a powerful tool for detection and classification of colonic lesions. It is based on a helical thin-section (0.75-2 mm) CT dataset of the cleansed and air-distended colon. 2D and 3D projections are prepared and used for image interpretation. Evaluation of CT colonography datasets requires correct perception and interpretation of colonic lesions and filling defects. Various criteria are needed for correct interpretation of filling defects and differentiation between genuine lesions and artifacts. Such defects are characterized by their morphology, their structure, the absorption of contrast medium and their mobility. Knowledge of the morphologic and attenuation characteristics of common colonic lesions and of artifacts is essential for the correct interpretation of a filling defect. This review article summarizes the main imaging features of polyps, diverticula, lipomas, and carcinomas and also of common pseudolesions of the colon.
Subject(s)
Colonic Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Colonic Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Colonic Polyps/diagnostic imaging , Colonography, Computed Tomographic/methods , Artifacts , Clinical Competence , Diagnosis, Differential , Diverticulosis, Colonic/diagnostic imaging , Humans , Intestinal Mucosa/diagnostic imaging , Lipoma/diagnostic imaging , Sensitivity and SpecificityABSTRACT
Toxoplasmosis encephalitis is a severe, but often misdiagnosed complication in patients after bone marrow transplantation (BMT). We describe the unique computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features of cerebral toxoplasmosis in two bone marrow recipients and compare them to the cases in the literature. To our knowledge, this is the first report analyzing the appearance of cerebral toxoplasmosis on diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DWI).
