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1.
Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) ; 81(1): 25-30, 2014 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24274335

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: In patients with primary aldosteronism (PA), adrenalectomy is potentially curative for those correctly identified as having unilateral excessive aldosterone production. It has been suggested that a recently developed and published clinical prediction score (CPS) may correctly identify some patients as having unilateral disease, without recourse to adrenal venous sampling. OBJECTIVE: We have applied the CPS to a large cohort of PA patients with defined and documented outcomes. We also incorporated a minor modification to the CPS and a radiological grading score (RGS) into our analysis to assess whether its performance could be augmented. RESULTS: A total of 75 patients with a robust diagnosis following bilateral adrenal venous cannulation and/or strictly defined surgical outcome were analysed. Applying the CPS to this group of patients produced a sensitivity of 38·8% and a specificity of 88·5% of correctly identifying unilateral aldosterone production. Using a suggested modification to the CPS, in which different levels of hypokalaemia were given different weightings, the sensitivity rose to 40·8%, with an identical specificity. Using the RGS alone improved sensitivity to 91·7%, but specificity was reduced to 62·5%. CONCLUSION: Applying the recently developed CPS to this cohort of patients, it was not possible to reproduce the 100% specificity reported in the original publication. Using the modified score or incorporating the RGS did not improve its performance. In this cohort, we were unable to show superiority of the CPS over an imaging-based strategy. CPS may have a role in guiding clinical decision-making, especially in those whose adrenal venous sampling (AVS) has been unsuccessful.


Subject(s)
Hyperaldosteronism/diagnosis , Adrenal Glands/metabolism , Adrenal Glands/pathology , Adult , Aged , Aldosterone/blood , Female , Humans , Hyperaldosteronism/blood , Hyperaldosteronism/diagnostic imaging , Male , Middle Aged , Radioimmunoassay , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Young Adult
2.
Endocr Pract ; 18(6): e153-7, 2012.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22982799

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To outline the potential role for adrenal venous sampling in the diagnosis and management of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-independent Cushing syndrome (CS). METHODS: We present a case description and discuss the management of a 59-year-old woman with an 8-year history of weight gain, centripetal obesity, a round plethoric face, skin thinning, easy bruising, hirsutism, and progressive muscle weakness. RESULTS: The patient reported a prior personal history of asthma, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and bilateral leg ulcers, but she denied having any personal or family history of endocrinopathy and was not taking any corticosteroid medication. Elevated midnight serum cortisol, failure to suppress cortisol levels with a low-dose dexamethasone suppression test, and undetectable plasma ACTH all indicated ACTH-independent CS. Additional investigations including dynamic tests and adrenal imaging were supported by adrenal venous sampling in order to make a diagnosis and formulate a management plan. She was ultimately noted to have bilateral functioning adrenal nodules (adenoma and adenolipoma) and underwent successful bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy, with postoperative glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement. CONCLUSION: Adrenal venous sampling may be an important step in the differential diagnosis of CS and localization of the source of cortisol excess. It may distinguish pheochromocytoma or benign nonfunctioning adrenal nodules from cortisol-secreting adenomas and may avoid unnecessary bilateral adrenalectomy. It can also ensure that the correct operation is completed, if required, and thus avoid the increased morbidity and mortality associated with repeated surgical interventions.


Subject(s)
Adrenal Gland Neoplasms/diagnosis , Adrenocortical Adenoma/diagnosis , Adrenocorticotropic Hormone/blood , Cushing Syndrome/diagnosis , Hydrocortisone/blood , Pheochromocytoma/diagnosis , Adrenal Gland Neoplasms/blood , Adrenocortical Adenoma/blood , Cushing Syndrome/blood , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Pheochromocytoma/blood
3.
Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) ; 76(2): 182-8, 2012 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21895732

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: In primary aldosteronism (PA), discriminating unilateral from bilateral disease is crucial because adrenalectomy is frequently curative in the former case but rarely helps in the latter. Various series have reported the utility of postural stimulation testing (PST), cross-sectional imaging and adrenal vein sampling (AVS) in the assessment of PA, but most of these studies were retrospective. OBJECTIVE: To prospectively determine the diagnostic utility of PST, AVS and computed tomography (CT) using a radiological scoring system in the assessment of PA in a tertiary centre, as well as to document the incidence of autonomous cortisol cosecretion. DESIGN AND SETTING: Fifty consecutive patients with PA underwent PST, CT, AVS and a low-dose dexamethasone suppression test with measurement of serum cortisol at 48 h. For patients who underwent surgery, histological confirmation, and a normal postoperative serum aldosterone concentration and plasma renin activity were taken as evidence for unilateral disease. For other patients, results from successful adrenal vein sampling were the diagnostic evidence against which CT and PST were assessed. RESULTS: Postural stimulation testing had a sensitivity and specificity of 44-56% and 71-75%, respectively. CT had an overall sensitivity and specificity of 77% and 80%, respectively, rising to 100% sensitivity and specificity if there was a single, discrete macronodule with an unequivocally normal contralateral gland. Evidence of cosecretion of cortisol occurred in 14% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary experience is presented of an objective radiological scoring system for selecting patients with PA for AVS. PST provides little, if any, useful additional information. A significant minority of patients with PA exhibit evidence of cortisol cosecretion, which may have implications for perioperative management.


Subject(s)
Adrenal Glands/diagnostic imaging , Hyperaldosteronism/diagnosis , Posture , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Adrenal Glands/blood supply , Adult , Aged , Aldosterone/blood , Catheterization , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Humans , Hydrocortisone/blood , Hyperaldosteronism/surgery , Male , Middle Aged , Prospective Studies
4.
Cancer Imaging ; 11: 123-39, 2011 Aug 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21865109

ABSTRACT

Imaging plays a vital role in the evaluation of patients with suspected or proven peritoneal malignancy. Nevertheless, despite significant advances in imaging technology and protocols, assessment of peritoneal pathology remains challenging. The combination of complex peritoneal anatomy, an extensive surface area that may host tumour deposits and the considerable overlap of imaging appearances of various peritoneal diseases often makes interpretation difficult. Contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) remains the most versatile tool in the imaging of peritoneal malignancy. However, conventional and emerging magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET)/CT techniques offer significant advantages over MDCT in detection and surveillance. This article reviews established and new techniques in CT, MRI and PET imaging in both primary and secondary peritoneal malignancies and provides an overview of peritoneal anatomy, function and modes of disease dissemination with illustration of common sites and imaging features of peritoneal malignancy.


Subject(s)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Peritoneal Neoplasms/diagnosis , Positron-Emission Tomography/methods , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Humans , Neoplasm Invasiveness , Peritoneal Neoplasms/pathology , Peritoneum/anatomy & histology
5.
AJR Am J Roentgenol ; 196(6): W706-14, 2011 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21606258

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare, aggressive tumor arising from the adrenal cortex that typically presents late with a large mass. The increased use of cross-sectional imaging for unrelated reasons has led to a greater number of ACCs being detected incidentally at an earlier stage. Recognition of the typical clinical, biochemical, and imaging findings is imperative for rapid diagnosis, prompt intervention, and early use of the appropriate therapy. CONCLUSION: Cross-sectional imaging with CT and MRI is essential for determining the extent of local and distant tumor spread. Complete surgical resection is currently the only potentially curative treatment of ACC, and the information attained from CT and MRI is important to guide surgery and further patient management.


Subject(s)
Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms/diagnosis , Adrenocortical Carcinoma/diagnosis , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms/etiology , Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms/surgery , Adrenocortical Carcinoma/diagnostic imaging , Adrenocortical Carcinoma/etiology , Adrenocortical Carcinoma/surgery , Contrast Media , Diagnosis, Differential , Humans , Neoplasm Metastasis , Neoplasm Staging
6.
Eur J Radiol ; 78(1): 41-51, 2011 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21392907

ABSTRACT

Worldwide, ovarian cancer accounts for 4% of all female cancers with over 190,000 new cases diagnosed each year. The incidence rates vary considerably across the globe with the highest rates seen in Europe and the USA and low rates in Africa and Asia. Ovarian cancer has been termed a 'silent' killer with the majority of patients presenting with advanced disease due to the vague, non-specific nature of the presenting symptoms such as abdominal discomfort and bloating in 50%. The most important determinant of survival for ovarian cancer patients is the disease stage at diagnosis. Therefore there is a thrust for early detection and two large screening trials are currently underway in the UK and USA. Ovarian cancer is most commonly staged using the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) surgical-pathological staging system. Imaging findings are not a formal component of the staging system but in clinical practice they play a significant role in the diagnosis and management of suspected ovarian cancer. Adnexal masses which are shown to have benign features on imaging can undergo simple excision at a local unit by a non-oncological gynaecologist. If a mass has malignant characteristics on imaging, then a radical surgical approach is indicated and this should be performed by a gynaecological oncological surgeon at a specialist cancer centre, as optimal cytoreductive surgery has been reported to improve outcome. This review article discusses the role of various imaging modalities in the initial assessment of an adnexal mass, the contribution to management planning and to the follow-up of patients with ovarian cancer.


Subject(s)
Diagnostic Imaging , Ovarian Neoplasms/diagnosis , Ovarian Neoplasms/therapy , Biopsy , Contrast Media , Diagnosis, Differential , Early Diagnosis , Female , Forecasting , Humans , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/diagnosis , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/therapy , Neoplasm Staging , Ovarian Neoplasms/epidemiology , Survival Rate
7.
Methods Mol Biol ; 727: 171-89, 2011.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21331934

ABSTRACT

The clinical problems raised in patients presenting with all forms of gynecological malignancy are currently addressed using conventional cross-sectional imaging, usually MRI. In general, F-18 FDG PET-CT has not been shown to have a clinical role in any of these cancers at presentation, although studies are under way to use this form of metabolic imaging to predict prognosis and the response to treatment. Although F-18 FDG PET-CT is superior to conventional imaging techniques, it is only moderately sensitive in demonstrating lymph node metastasis preoperatively, and is inadequate for local staging of patients with endometrial cancer. In ovarian cancer, F-18 FDG PET-CT provides an accurate assessment of the extent of disease, particularly in areas difficult to assess for metastases by CT and MRI such as the abdomen and pelvis, mediastinum, and supraclavicular region. F-18 FDG PET-CT is a sensitive method of detecting pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodal disease in cervical cancer, and appears to be superior to MRI and CT despite the limitations in identifying small foci of disease. In the main, as elsewhere in patients with cancer, the value of PET-CT is in identifying and defining the extent of recurrent disease, in distinguishing between posttreatment fibrosis and recurrence, and possibly in monitoring response to therapy.


Subject(s)
Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 , Genital Neoplasms, Female/diagnostic imaging , Positron-Emission Tomography/methods , Radiopharmaceuticals , Endometrial Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Endometrial Neoplasms/pathology , Female , Genital Neoplasms, Female/pathology , Humans , Neoplasm Staging , Ovarian Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Ovarian Neoplasms/pathology , Uterine Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Uterine Neoplasms/pathology
8.
AJR Am J Roentgenol ; 195(5): 1268-75, 2010 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20966339

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Uterine malignant mixed müllerian tumors (MMMTs) are rare aggressive tumors with a high incidence of lymphatic, peritoneal, and pulmonary metastases. Preoperative differentiation from endometrial adenocarcinoma would be beneficial because their prognoses differ. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed MRI examinations of 51 histologically confirmed MMMTs. Tumor size, growth pattern, and imaging characteristics were recorded. Data were compared with MRI appearances of 73 endometrial adenocarcinomas. RESULTS: On T1-weighted images, MMMTs were predominantly isointense to myometrium (76%) and endometrium (71%), with heterogeneous texture in 33% of cases and hyperintense foci in 27% of cases. On T2-weighted images, 92% of MMMTs were hyperintense to myometrium and either hypointense (55%) or isointense (41%) to endometrium. In 12% of cases, large heterogeneous MMMTs obliterated uterine architecture and were aggressive in appearance, whereas in 88% of cases, the appearances were indistinguishable from those of endometrial adenocarcinoma. Significantly more MMMTs than endometrial adenocarcinomas had cervical invasion (p = 0.008) and nodal enlargement (p = 0.00008). Dynamic contrast-enhanced images (available for 19 of 51 patients) obtained at less than 1 minute after administration of contrast agent showed MMMT enhancement to be hypointense (42%; 5/12 patients) or isointense (33%; 4/12 patients) to myometrium; between 1 and 4 minutes after administration of contrast agent, tumors were hypointense (58%; 7/12 patients); and at more than 4 minutes after administration of contrast agent (n = 18), MMMTs were isointense in 56% of cases. This finding is significantly different from that for endometrial adenocarcinoma, where enhancement is less than that of myometrium in 90% of cases (p = 4 × 10⁻8). CONCLUSION: MMMTs do not have a pathognomonic MRI appearance. However, radiologic suspicion should increase in the presence of large heterogeneous infiltrative tumors or when tumoral enhancement equals or exceeds that of myometrium.


Subject(s)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Mixed Tumor, Mullerian/pathology , Uterine Neoplasms/pathology , Adenocarcinoma/pathology , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Chi-Square Distribution , Contrast Media , Endometrial Neoplasms/pathology , Female , Humans , Meglumine , Middle Aged , Organometallic Compounds , Retrospective Studies
9.
Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand ; 89(10): 1362-3, 2010 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20726830

ABSTRACT

Ovarian cancer often presents at an advanced stage, but tends to be an intra-peritoneal disease that respects peritoneal planes. Thus, colo-rectal perforation of the tumor is an extremely rare presentation. The surgical treatment of malignant colo-ovarian fistula should include complete cyto-reduction at the same time as the treatment of the fistula. However, prognosis remains poor, because of the advanced stage of neoplasia. We report the case of a patient with an ovarian malignant tumor perforating into the recto-sigmoid colon. CT scan was the cornerstone of the radiological diagnosis. We managed to perform a complete cyto-reduction, including an en-bloc resection of the uterus, the mass, adnexa and recto-sigmoid with removal of the associated pelvic abscess.


Subject(s)
Colon, Sigmoid/surgery , Intestinal Fistula/surgery , Intestinal Perforation/surgery , Ovarian Neoplasms/surgery , Rectum/surgery , Colon, Sigmoid/pathology , Fatal Outcome , Female , Humans , Intestinal Fistula/diagnostic imaging , Intestinal Perforation/diagnostic imaging , Intestinal Perforation/etiology , Middle Aged , Ovarian Neoplasms/complications , Ovarian Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Ovarian Neoplasms/pathology , Rectum/pathology , Tomography, X-Ray Computed
10.
Eur Radiol ; 20(9): 2176-83, 2010 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20419493

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to establish threshold criteria based on quantitative DCE-MRI data as independent predictors of malignancy in a complex (solid, solid/cystic) ovarian mass. METHODS: The MRI of 26 lesions in 25 patients with a complex ovarian mass (age range, 17-80 years; mean 43 years) was retrospectively reviewed and correlated with histology following resection. Cases with solid tumour components, definitive histology and relevant dynamic imaging were included. These were categorised into two groups, benign (N = 14) and malignant (N = 12). Following dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging, regions of interest were drawn around the solid tumour component. Maximum actual enhancement (SImax), maximum relative enhancement (SIrel), wash-in rate (WIR) and SImax (tumour)/SImax (psoas) ratio were analysed. Threshold criteria for malignancy were established. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in SImax (p < 0.001), SIrel (p < 0.05), WIR (p < 0.001) and SImax (tumour)/SImax (psoas) between the two groups. Optimal threshold criteria for malignancy were established; SImax > or = 250 or SImax (tumour)/SImax (psoas) > or = 2.35 divided the two groups with 100% sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. CONCLUSION: Threshold criteria established in this preliminary study using quantitative DCE-MRI provide an accurate method for the prediction of malignancy, particularly in preoperative indeterminate cases.


Subject(s)
Image Enhancement/methods , Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted/methods , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Meglumine , Organometallic Compounds , Ovarian Neoplasms/diagnosis , Adolescent , Adult , Contrast Media , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Reproducibility of Results , Sensitivity and Specificity , Young Adult
11.
Cancer Imaging ; 10: 102-13, 2010 Mar 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20299300

ABSTRACT

With the increasing use of abdominal cross-sectional imaging, incidental adrenal masses are being detected more often. The important clinical question is whether these lesions are benign adenomas or malignant primary or secondary masses. Benign adrenal masses such as lipid-rich adenomas, myelolipomas, adrenal cysts and adrenal haemorrhage have pathognomonic cross-sectional imaging appearances. However, there remains a significant overlap between imaging features of some lipid-poor adenomas and malignant lesions. The nature of incidentally detected adrenal masses can be determined with a high degree of accuracy using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) alone. Positron emission tomography (PET) is also increasingly used in clinical practice in characterizing incidentally detected lesions. We review the performance of the established and new techniques in CT, MRI and PET that can be used to distinguish benign adenomas and malignant lesions of the adrenal gland.


Subject(s)
Adenoma/diagnosis , Adrenal Gland Neoplasms/diagnosis , Adenoma/pathology , Adrenal Gland Neoplasms/pathology , Adrenal Glands/diagnostic imaging , Adrenal Glands/pathology , Adult , Biopsy , Female , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Male , Middle Aged , Positron-Emission Tomography/methods , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods
12.
Insights Imaging ; 1(5-6): 309-328, 2010 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22347925

ABSTRACT

In this article we review the ever increasing role of imaging in endometrial and cervical cancer. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as the most widely used technique in the management of women with gynaecological cancer. In endometrial cancer, MRI is reliable in identifying myometrial and cervical invasion and extra-uterine disease, thereby informing preoperative surgical planning. In cervical cancer, MRI plays a crucial role in distinguishing early from advanced disease, thereby stratifying patients for surgery and chemoradiation. MRI is also valuable in assessing proximal extension of cervical tumours in young women with early stage disease for feasibility of fertility preserving surgery. In both cancers, imaging is used for diagnosing nodal metastases, detection of recurrence, and dealing with complications of both the disease and treatment.

14.
Radiographics ; 29(4): 1057-69; discussion 1069-71, 2009.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19605656

ABSTRACT

Dissemination of tumor to lymph nodes is one of the principal routes of metastatic disease. The presence or absence of nodal disease is an important prognostic factor in gynecologic malignancies; thus, nodal staging is an integral part of the pretreatment assessment. It is vital that pretreatment nodal staging be accurate and reliable. Current imaging techniques such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging have limitations because they rely almost exclusively on size criteria. MR lymphography uses a lymph node-specific contrast agent (ferumoxtran-10) composed of ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide particles. The contrast agent is taken up by macrophages within benign lymph nodes and allows differentiation from malignant nodes on the basis of alterations in signal intensity. This technique has been shown to increase the sensitivity and specificity of detection of lymph node metastases independent of nodal size. However, as with any technique, there are pitfalls that the radiologist must be aware of to avoid interpretative errors.


Subject(s)
Dextrans , Diagnostic Errors/prevention & control , Ferrosoferric Oxide , Genital Neoplasms, Female/diagnosis , Image Enhancement/methods , Lymph Nodes/pathology , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Contrast Media , Female , Humans , Lymphatic Metastasis , Magnetite Nanoparticles
15.
Radiographics ; 29(4): 1073-83, 2009.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19605657

ABSTRACT

A fistula that occurs in association with a malignancy of the female reproductive tract may be caused by a primary or recurrent tumor or may be a complication of surgery or radiation therapy. Identification of the cause, complexity, and location of a fistula is essential for optimal management planning. Radiologic imaging, particularly with computed tomography and magnetic resonance techniques, is invaluable for the assessment of gynecologic fistulas and may help direct the clinician toward the most appropriate management pathway. The modality and technique selected for the initial imaging evaluation depend largely on the clinical history and manifestations. However, imaging with a combination of techniques often is required for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning. Radiologists should be familiar with suggestive clinical signs and symptoms as well as with the characteristic appearances of rectovaginal, vesicovaginal, ureterovaginal, enterovesical, enterocutaneous, and other pelvic fistulas at multimodality imaging.


Subject(s)
Diagnostic Imaging/methods , Genital Neoplasms, Female/complications , Genital Neoplasms, Female/diagnosis , Gynecologic Surgical Procedures/adverse effects , Image Enhancement/methods , Vesicovaginal Fistula/diagnosis , Vesicovaginal Fistula/etiology , Female , Humans
16.
Curr Probl Diagn Radiol ; 38(4): 145-55, 2009.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19464585

ABSTRACT

Immunocompromised patients include those receiving chemotherapy for malignant disease, post-transplant patients, patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and those receiving steroids for autoimmune diseases. Advances in transplantation, oncology, and the treatment of AIDS have extended these patients' life expectancies and thereby increased the immunocompromised population. Classical clinical signs of abdominal sepsis may be absent in the immunocompromised host. Consequently, the radiologist is increasingly called on to diagnose specific acute intra-abdominal complications associated with immunodeficiency. This review describes the etiology of the acute abdomen in this heterogeneous group of immunocompromised patients, causes including opportunistic infections, neutropenic enterocolitis, complications of therapy, and opportunistic neoplasms. The typical radiological appearances of these conditions on multidetector computed tomography are illustrated. The challenges and limitations of multidetector computed tomography in diagnosing these conditions are discussed.


Subject(s)
Abdomen, Acute/diagnostic imaging , Gastrointestinal Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Immunocompromised Host , Opportunistic Infections/diagnostic imaging , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Abdomen, Acute/etiology , Gastrointestinal Diseases/complications , Humans , Opportunistic Infections/complications
17.
Endocr Relat Cancer ; 16(2): 515-25, 2009 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19208735

ABSTRACT

Mutations in succinate dehydrogense-B (SDHB) and the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) genes result in an increased risk of developing chromaffin tumours via a common aetiological pathway. The aim of the present retrospective study was to compare the clinical phenotypes of disease in subjects developing chromaffin tumours as a result of SDHB mutations or VHL disease. Thirty-one subjects with chromaffin tumours were assessed; 16 subjects had SDHB gene mutations and 15 subjects had a diagnosis of VHL. VHL-related tumours were predominantly adrenal phaeochromocytomas (22/26; 84.6%), while SDHB-related tumours were predominantly extra-adrenal paragangliomas (19/25; 76%). Median age at onset of the first chromaffin tumour was similar in the two cohorts. Tumour size was significantly larger in the SDHB cohort in comparison with the VHL cohort (P=0.002). Multifocal disease was present in 9/15 (60%) of the VHL cohort (bilateral phaeochromocytomas) and only 3/16 (19%) of the SDHB cohort, while metastatic disease was found in 5/16 (31%) of the SDHB cohort but not in the VHL cohort to date. The frequency of symptoms, hypertension and the magnitude of catecholamine secretion appeared to be greater in the SDHB cohort. Renal cell carcinomas were a feature in 5/15 (33%) of the VHL cohort and 1/16 (6%) of the SDHB cohort. These data indicate that SDHB-related tumours are predominantly extra-adrenal in location and associated with higher catecholamine secretion and more malignant disease, in subjects who appear more symptomatic. VHL-related tumours tend to be adrenal phaeochromocytomas, frequently bilateral and associated with a milder phenotype.


Subject(s)
Adrenal Gland Neoplasms/genetics , Carcinoma, Renal Cell/genetics , Kidney Neoplasms/genetics , Paraganglioma, Extra-Adrenal/genetics , Pheochromocytoma/genetics , Succinate Dehydrogenase/genetics , Von Hippel-Lindau Tumor Suppressor Protein/genetics , Adolescent , Adrenal Gland Neoplasms/metabolism , Adrenal Gland Neoplasms/pathology , Adult , Carcinoma, Renal Cell/metabolism , Carcinoma, Renal Cell/pathology , Catecholamines/metabolism , Child , Cohort Studies , Female , Humans , Kidney Neoplasms/metabolism , Kidney Neoplasms/pathology , Male , Middle Aged , Mutation/genetics , Paraganglioma, Extra-Adrenal/metabolism , Paraganglioma, Extra-Adrenal/secondary , Pheochromocytoma/metabolism , Pheochromocytoma/pathology , Prognosis , Retrospective Studies , Succinate Dehydrogenase/metabolism , Von Hippel-Lindau Tumor Suppressor Protein/metabolism , Young Adult
18.
Eur Radiol ; 19(5): 1069-78, 2009 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19137302

ABSTRACT

The syndrome of ectopic adrenocorticotrophin secretion (EAS) is rare and is due to excess adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) production from a nonpituitary tumour. These tumours can be covert, where the tumours are not readily apparent, and very small making them challenging to image. It is clinically and biochemically difficult to distinguish between covert EAS and Cushing's disease. The first-line investigation in locating the source of ACTH production is computed tomography (CT). The aim of this pictorial review is to illustrate the likely covert sites and related imaging findings. We review the CT appearances of tumours resulting in covert EAS and the associated literature. The most common tumours were bronchial carcinoid tumours, which appear as small, well-defined, round or ovoid pulmonary lesions. Rarer causes included thymic carcinoids, gastrointestinal carcinoids and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours. Awareness of the imaging characteristics will aid identification of the source of ACTH production and allow potentially curative surgical resection.


Subject(s)
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone/metabolism , Diagnostic Imaging/methods , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Carcinoid Tumor/diagnosis , Carcinoid Tumor/diagnostic imaging , Diagnosis, Differential , Humans , Neurosecretory Systems , Octreotide/analogs & derivatives , Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion/diagnosis , Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion/diagnostic imaging , Pituitary Diseases/diagnosis , Pituitary Diseases/diagnostic imaging
19.
Ann N Y Acad Sci ; 1138: 214-32, 2008 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18837902

ABSTRACT

In this article we review the current and developing roles of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in endometrial and cervical cancer. In endometrial cancer, the purpose of MRI is to stage the primary tumor and in particular to identify myometrial and cervical invasion and extra-uterine disease, thereby informing preoperative surgical planning. MRI is also used to safely select young patients suitable for fertility-preserving medical management. In cervical cancer, MRI has an established role in local staging and in assessing proximal extension of tumors in young women for feasibility of fertility-preserving surgery. It is used to plan radiotherapy for primary tumors in cervical cancer and particularly for conformal radiotherapy to deliver optimal doses to the tumor sites, while limiting unwanted exposure of bowel and other pelvic organs. In both cancers, MRI is used for diagnosing nodal disease, surveillance, detection of recurrence, and evaluation of complications secondary to treatment.


Subject(s)
Endometrial Neoplasms/pathology , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/pathology , Combined Modality Therapy , Endometrial Neoplasms/therapy , Female , Humans , Lymphatic Metastasis , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Neoplasm Invasiveness , Neoplasm Staging , Recurrence , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/therapy
20.
Radiother Oncol ; 89(2): 192-6, 2008 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18771811

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Normal sized pelvic lymph nodes are not easily identifiable on conventional imaging, but can be visualised with contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using intravenous ultra-small particles of iron-oxide (USPIO). We have previously reported pelvic node clinical target volume (CTV) delineation guidelines for use with conventional imaging, derived from nodal mapping studies using USPIO. This study aims to verify these guidelines using an independent observer in a further patient cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients with gynaecological cancer underwent MRI with and without intravenous USPIO. The guidelines were used to outline a pelvic node CTV on pre-contrast T2-weighted images. On post-contrast T2-weighted images the pelvic nodes were identified and outlined. The pre- and post-contrast images were co-registered and CTV examined for node coverage. RESULTS: By applying the guidelines, full coverage of 737 of 741 node outlines was achieved (>99%). Four nodes were not completely encompassed, two anterior external iliac nodes and two lateral external iliac nodes. CONCLUSIONS: MRI with USPIO contrast enabled the production of guidelines for localising a pelvic node CTV with conventional imaging. Application of these guidelines to a further patient cohort resulted in coverage of 99.5% node outlines demonstrating the reliability of this technique.


Subject(s)
Endometrial Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Iron , Lymph Nodes/pathology , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Oxides , Pelvis/pathology , Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted/methods , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Contrast Media , Dextrans , Female , Ferrosoferric Oxide , Guidelines as Topic , Humans , Magnetite Nanoparticles , Nanoparticles , Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated
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