Primary synovial sarcoma of the sternum: computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings.

We report the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of a rare case of synovial sarcoma of the sternum in an 86-year-old man. CT demonstrated an inhomogenously enhanced soft-tissue-density mass of the sternum that destroyed bone cortex and protruded anteriorly. On MRI, the tumor showed a multinodular mass with internal septation and heterogeneous enhancement. These CT and MRI findings were nonspecific, but were similar to those of soft tissue synovial sarcomas. The tumor was more clearly demarcated by MRI than CT. This is the first report concerning the CT and MRI findings of synovial sarcoma of the sternum. Synovial sarcoma should be added to the gamut of primary malignant neoplasms of the sternum.

Intraosseous epidermal cyst of the distal phalanx of the thumb: radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings.

We report conventional radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of an intraosseous epidermal cyst of the distal phalanx of the right thumb in a 39-year-old man. Conventional radiographs showed a sharply well-circumscribed osteolytic lesion of the distal phalanx with interruption of its tip. The osteolytic lesion itself showed low signal intensity on T1-weighted images and high signal intensity on T2-weighted images without contrast enhancement. However, the soft tissues surrounding the osteolytic lesion demonstrated contrast enhancement on MRI. The combined conventional radiographic and MRI findings suggested the diagnosis of intraosseous epidermal cyst rather than enchondroma, giant cell tumor, intraosseous glomus tumor, aneurysmal bone cyst, or simple bone cyst.

External-beam radiation therapy for age-related macular degeneration: two years' follow-up results at a total dose of 20 Gy in 10 fractions.

PURPOSE: The efficacy of external-beam radiation therapy (RT) was evaluated in the treatment of eyes with subfoveal or juxtafoveal choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one eyes of 18 patients with occult or mixed-type ARMD received a total dose of 20 Gy of 6 MV X-rays in 10 fractions. The follow-up time was 24 months. Fifteen non-treated eyes of 13 patients who had been followed served as a control. RESULTS: In the RT group, visual acuity was improved in three eyes, maintained in 14 eyes, and worsened in four eyes. In the control group, it was not improved in any eyes, was maintained in six eyes, and worsened in nine eyes. The improved or maintained rate in visual acuity was 81% in the RT group and 40% in the control group (p=0.0342). In the RT group, fundoscopic and angiographic findings were improved in five eyes, unchanged in seven eyes, and worsened in nine eyes, while they were not improved in any eyes, unchanged in two eyes, and worsened in 13 eyes in the control group(p=0.0342). CONCLUSION: RT at a total dose of 20 Gy in 10 fractions is effective for ARMD for at least two years. RT may be effective treatment for occult or mixed-type ARMD compared with the classic type.