A rarely described Kimura's disease of the breast.

Kimura's disease is a rare chronic inflammatory disease of unknown aetiology. The majority of cases are reported in middle-aged Asian males and rarely seen in other ethnicities. Patients classically present with chronic single or multiple painless subcutaneous masses, lymphadenopathies, hypereosinophilia and elevated serum immunoglobulin E. The disease usually affects the head and neck area, however, rare involvement of other locations such as axilla, upper limbs, popliteal region and abdomen has been reported. Here, we report a rarely encountered Kimura's disease of the breast and axillary lymph nodes in a middle-aged female. In this report, we will describe the main clinical, radiological and pathological features to raise the awareness about this indolent disease.

Task-Based Model Observer Assessment of A Partial Model-Based Iterative Reconstruction Algorithm in Thoracic Oncologic Multidetector CT.

To investigate the impact of a partial model-based iterative reconstruction (ASiR-V) on image quality in thoracic oncologic multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), using human and mathematical model observers. Twenty cancer patients examined with regular-dose thoracic-abdominal-pelvic MDCT were retrospectively included. Thoracic images reconstructed using a sharp kernel and filtered back-projection (reference) or ASiR-V (0-100%, 20% increments; follow-up) were analysed by three thoracic radiologists. Advanced quantitative physical metrics, including detectability indexes of simulated 4-mm-diameter solid non-calcified nodules and ground-glass opacities, were computed at regular and reduced doses using a custom-designed phantom. All three radiologists preferred higher ASiR-V levels (best = 80%). Increasing ASiR-V substantially decreased noise magnitude, with slight changes in noise texture. For high-contrast objects, changing the ASiR-V level had no major effect on spatial resolution; whereas for lower-contrast objects, increasing ASiR-V substantially decreased spatial resolution, more markedly at reduced dose. For both high- and lower-contrast pulmonary lesions, detectability remained excellent, regardless of ASiR-V and dose levels, and increased significantly with increasing ASiR-V levels (all p < 0.001). While high ASiR-V levels (80%) are recommended to detect solid non-calcified nodules and ground-glass opacities in regular-dose thoracic oncologic MDCT, care must be taken because, for lower-contrast pulmonary lesions, high ASiR-V levels slightly change noise texture and substantially decrease spatial resolution, more markedly at reduced dose.

Pulmonary vein occlusion and lung infarction complicating non-treated moderate single pulmonary vein stenosis after radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation.

Pulmonary vein (PV) radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an effective, curative technique for selected group of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) refractory to antiarrhythmic drugs. However, pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) is a potential complication which may present clinically as non-specific respiratory symptoms that often under-recognized or misdiagnosed leading to progression of low-grade stenosis to complete occlusion if not treated with timely intervention.

Focal pleural thickening mimicking pleural plaques on chest computed tomography: tips and tricks.

Diagnosis of pleural plaques (PPs) is commonly straightforward, especially when a typical appearance is observed in a context of previous asbestos exposure. Nevertheless, numerous causes of focal pleural thickening may be seen in routine practice. They may be related to normal structures, functional pleural thickening, previous tuberculosis, pleural metastasis, silicosis or other rarer conditions. An application of a rigorous technical approach as well as a familiarity with loco-regional anatomy and the knowledge of typical aspects of PP are required. Indeed, false-positive or false-negative results may engender psychological and medico-legal consequences or can delay diagnosis of malignant pleural involvement. Correct recognition of PPs is crucial, as they may also be an independent risk factor for mortality from lung cancer in asbestos-exposed workers particularly in either smokers or former/ex-smokers. Finally, the presence of PP(s) may help in considering asbestosis as a cause of interstitial lung disease predominating in the subpleural area of the lower lobes. The aim of this pictorial essay is to provide a brief reminder of the normal anatomy of the pleura and its surroundings as well as the various aspects of PPs. Afterwards, the common pitfalls encountered in PP diagnosis will be emphasized and practical clues to differentiate actual plaque and pseudoplaque will be concisely described.