Beyond the Spinal Canal.

Cross-sectional spinal imaging is common, and extraspinal findings are often incidentally identified during interpretation. Although some of these findings may cause symptoms that mimic a spinal disorder, the majority are entirely asymptomatic and incidental. It is essential that the radiologist not only identify those abnormalities that may have clinical significance but also recognize those that are clinically irrelevant and thereby prevent patients from being subjected to further unnecessary, expensive and potentially harmful interventions. This article focuses on those abnormalities that are commonly encountered and provides practical guidance for follow-up and management based on current recommendations.

Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1: A Case Report With Review of Imaging Findings.

BACKGROUND: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is a rare, autosomal dominant inherited syndrome caused by mutations in the MEN1 tumor suppressor gene. The diagnosis is defined clinically by the presence of 2 or more primary MEN1 tumors (parathyroid, anterior pituitary, and pancreatic islet). We describe the case of a patient who presented with classic history and imaging findings for MEN1. CASE REPORT: A male in his early thirties with a history of hyperparathyroidism and a transsphenoidal prolactinoma resection presented years later with abdominal symptoms concerning for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: worsening epigastric abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen revealed hyperenhancing pancreatic lesions and duodenal inflammation, suggesting pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (gastrinoma) with secondary duodenitis. Bilateral indeterminate hypoattenuating adrenal nodules were also seen on contrast-enhanced CT, and follow-up magnetic resonance imaging confirmed benign adrenal adenomas. Furthermore, thyroid ultrasound and sestamibi scintigraphy revealed a parathyroid adenoma. With confirmatory imaging findings, history, and presenting symptoms, the patient was clinically diagnosed with MEN1 syndrome and underwent surgical and medical management. CONCLUSION: This case exhibits the classic history with corresponding imaging findings of MEN1 syndrome, including pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, parathyroid adenoma, and adrenal adenomas. High clinical suspicion for MEN1 should lead to endocrinology evaluation with appropriate laboratory workup and targeted imaging evaluation of the typical endocrine organs as described for this patient.

Resolution of refractory superior mesenteric artery syndrome with laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy: pediatric case series with spectrum of clinical imaging.

BACKGROUND: Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is an uncommon condition resulting in partial small bowel obstruction because of external compression of the third portion of the duodenum between the SMA anteriorly and the aorta posteriorly. SMA syndrome often presents with postprandial nausea, bilious vomiting, and abdominal pain with associated weight loss. Onset of symptoms can be acute (occurring in the setting of rapid weight loss because of trauma/surgery) or can be vague and chronic over many years. CASE REPORTS: We present two cases of female adolescents who presented with symptoms of duodenal obstruction attributed to SMA syndrome. Both failed conservative treatment with weight gain and underwent successful laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy procedures with resolution of duodenal obstruction. CONCLUSION: In the differential diagnosis of persistent nausea and bilious vomiting, even in the setting of an eating disorder, SMA syndrome should be considered. Upper gastrointestinal examination is the primary modality for diagnosing SMA syndrome, but ultrasound is an inexpensive, rapid screening tool for patients with unexplained abdominal pain. Abdominal computed tomography may also be helpful in selected patients. Conservative therapy consisting of nutritional support to enhance weight gain is usually sufficient and is accomplished with placement of a nasojejunal feeding tube past the point of duodenal compression. When conservative therapy fails, laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy can provide definitive relief of the obstruction.

High prevalence of myositis in a southeastern United States pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus cohort.

Inflammatory myositis is reported in 4-16% of adult systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of myositis in a cohort of pediatric SLE patients in the southeastern United States. A retrospective chart review was performed of 55 SLE patients evaluated by Pediatric Rheumatologists in Alabama since January 1, 2008. Patients were defined as having myositis if they satisfied one of the following categories: 1) Proximal muscle weakness on exam with lower extremity muscle edema on MRI; 2) Proximal muscle weakness with elevation in CK, AST, aldolase, or LDH muscle enzymes; or 3) Patient reported weakness or muscle pain and an elevated CK. Inflammatory myositis was present as a feature of SLE in 31% (n = 17) with a 95% confidence interval of 19-45%, statistically different from the reported rates of 4-16% (p < 0.0001). Myositis was positively associated with the presence of anti-ribonucleoprotein antibodies (p = 0.009). Negative associations with myositis were the presence of anti-double stranded DNA antibodies (p = 0.02) and hematologic disorders (p = 0.02). Thus, in the state of Alabama, pediatric SLE myositis is present at a statistically higher rate than previously published values of adult SLE myositis, possibly reflecting geographic (genetic or environmental) and/or age-of-onset related influence(s).