[Comparative study of MRI and x-ray computed tomography in the preoperative evaluation of rectal carcinoma]. / Etude comparative de l'IRM et de la TDM dans le bilan préopératoire des carcinomes du rectum.

Twenty-one patients with middle and low rectal carcinomas have been operated by abdominoperineal resection (APR) in 11 patients, and low anterior resection (LAR) with coloanal anastomosis in 7 and colorectal anastomosis in 3. The distance of the lower margin of the tumor to insertion of the levator ani on the rectal wall was correctly evaluated by CT in 15 of 21 cases (71%) and by MR in 14 of 21 (67%) while digital examination correctly assessed the distance in 17 of 21 (81%). CT and MR were unable to assess extension through the rectal wall. No significant discordance was observed between CT and MR in assessing extension to the perivesical fat, adjacent organs, pelvic side wall or lymphnodes. According to the TNM classification, MR correctly staged 76% (16 of 21) of patients while CT correctly staged 71% (15 of 21).

Comparison of magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography in the preoperative staging of rectal cancer.

Nineteen patients with middle and lower rectal carcinomas were operated on, with abdominoperineal resection in 10 patients, lower anterior resection with coloanal anastomosis in 6 patients, and colorectal anastomosis in 3 patients. The distance of the lower margin of the tumor to insertion of the levator ani on the rectal wall was correctly evaluated by computed tomography in 12 (63%) of 19 patients and by magnetic resonance imaging in 13 (68%) of 19 patients, while digital examination correctly assessed the distance in 15 (79%) of 19 patients. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were unable to assess extension through the rectal wall. No significant difference was observed between computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in assessing extension to the perivesical fat, adjacent organs, pelvic side wall, or lymph nodes. According to the TNM classification, magnetic resonance imaging correctly staged 74% (14/19) of carcinomas, while computed tomography correctly staged 68% (13/19).

Cystic teratoma of the ovary: CT detection.

Computed tomography (CT) was performed in 38 patients with 41 benign cystic teratomas of the ovary and two patients with malignant transformation. CT depicted all tumors. The presence of fat in 40 of 43 cases (93%), tooth or calcification in 24 of 43 (56%), Rokitansky protuberance in 35 of 43 (81%), tufts of hair in 28 of 43 (65%), and a fat-fluid level in five of 43 (12%) allowed a definite diagnosis of ovarian cystic teratoma in 42 of 43 cases (98%). In the two cases of malignancy, single large (greater than 10 cm) plugs (with uptake of contrast medium in one) with a cauliflower appearance and an irregular border forming an obtuse angle with the inner wall of the cyst suggested malignant transformation. In three cases of benign cystic teratoma, a mucinous tumor (one benign, one borderline, one malignant) arising in the same ovary was seen at pathologic examination but was only diagnosed with the help of CT in two of three cases. Thickening of the tube was noted in two cases of torsion of the adnexa. CT findings were compared with findings at radiography of the abdomen and hysterosalpingography in 30 cases, ultrasound in 31, and magnetic resonance imaging in three. This study demonstrated that CT was the best procedure for imaging cystic teratomas of the ovary.

Magnetic resonance imaging of pseudomyxoma peritonei.

MRI findings in three cases of pseudomyxoma peritonei, in two cases associated with visceral invasion, are described. MR imaging using the same morphologic criteria as described in ultrasonography and CT suggested the diagnosis in all three cases. In T 1 weighted images (SE 400/28 ms) the hypointensity of signals of both implants and mucoid ascites was found to approach that of muscle tissue. In T 2 weighted images (SE 1600/40, 80, 120 ms), however, there was general hyperintensity of signals, which was more pronounced in mucoid ascites than in implants, and which approached signal intensities of water. Invasion of the viscera was very well depicted in all cases.

[X-ray computed tomographic aspects of dermoid cysts of the ovary]. / Aspect tomodensitométrique des kystes dermoïdes de l'ovaire.

155 patients with 210 ovarian tumours were examined pre-operatively by CT from December 1984 to February 1988. 27 patients had dermoid cysts, unilateral in 25 cases and bilateral in 2 cases. These cystic teratomas were benign in 26 patients. In one case, malignant transformation occurred. CT detected 29/29 tumours (100%). Presence of fat (26/29, 90%), calcification (20/29, 69%), Rokitansky protuberance (25/29, 86%), tufts of hair (20/29, 69%), or fat fluid level (4/29, 14%), allowed to make a definite diagnosis in 28/29 cases (96%). These findings and especially demonstration of fat, appeared to be specific for dermoid cysts in our series. The diagnosis of torsion of the cyst associated with torsion of the adnexa was made in 2 patients. No abdomino-pelvic extension occurred in 26/26 patients presenting with a benign dermoid cyst and CT correctly diagnosed the lymph node and hepatic spread in the single case of cancer.

[Contribution of MRI in the staging of cancer of the bladder. Apropos of 40 cases]. / Apport de l'IRM dans le bilan d'extension des cancers de vessie. A propos de 40 cas.

56 patients with bladder carcinoma were examined by magnetic resonance in the pre-operative staging. In 40 patients where total cystectomy with enterocystoplasty and pelvic node dissection were performed, a good correlation with surgical and pathologic findings was obtained. MR examination using T1 (TR 400 ms, TE 28 ms) and T2 (TR 1,200-1,600 ms, TE 40 80 120 ms) weighted images in different planes where performed after biopsy of the bladder tumor through endoscopy and within 1 or 2 weeks before surgery. Neoplasms were characterized by site, size and growth pattern. Extension through the deep muscle of the bladder wall was correctly identified in 95% with a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 95%. Extension through perivesical fat was assessed accurately in 85% with a sensitivity of 66% and a specificity of 100%. Accuracy in evaluating invasion of adjacent organs was 85%, sensitivity 44%, specificity 96%. Lymphadenopathy has been accurately assessed in 97.5% with a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 100%. MR correctly staged the tumor according to TNM classification in 24/40 (60%) patients, overestimated the extension in 3/40 (7.5%) and underestimated the extension in 13/40 (32.5%).

Computed tomography of retained abdominal sponges and towels.

The diagnosis of retained sponges and towels a year or more after surgery is often very difficult. We describe the computed tomographic (CT) findings in 4 patients with this complication; 2 cases of retained sponges and 2 cases of retained towels. While the CT appearance of the retained sponges was not specific, the particular appearance of the retained towels had not been previously described. This appearance is characteristic enough to suggest the correct diagnosis before reoperation.

[Value of moderate doses of urokinase combined with heparin in the treatment of massive pulmonary embolism. A retrospective study of 33 cases]. / Intérêt de l'urokinase á doses modérées associée á l'héparine dans le traitment des embolies pulmonaires massives. Etude rétrospective de 23 observations.

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of a moderate dose of urokinase (UK : 2000 IU/kg/h) for at least 24 h in a series of 23 patients with massive pulmonary emboli (PE) (mean pulmonary vascular obstruction = 70 +/- 7%). All patients received heparin in conjunction with UK. A control pulmonary angiography, performed at the end of UK therapy, revealed an important decrease in pulmonary obstruction (-50%). One patient died before the end of UK therapy from shock due to PE (early mortality = 4.3%). Severe hemorrhagic complications occurred in 3 patients (13%) and dictated the stoppage of UK administration, but bleeding was never the cause of death or sequelae. Thus, moderate doses of UK associated with heparin appear to effectively induce clot lysis in patients with massive pulmonary emboli. The incidence of hemorrhagic complications should be decreased by strictly respecting all contraindications to the use of thrombolytic agents and by avoiding excessive heparinization.

[Castleman's disease. X-ray computed tomographic aspect. Apropos of 2 mediastinal forms and a multicentric form]. / La maladie de Castleman. Aspect TDM. A propos de deux formes médiastinales et d'une forme multicentrique.

A multicentric form of Castleman's disease is described, this being a rare affection for which CT image characteristics have not, to our knowledge, been reported. Two cases of localized and one case of multicentric Castleman's disease are reported, and differential characters of these two forms with common histology: angio-follicular lymphoid hyperplasia, outlined. The localized form is found mainly in the mediastinum in young patients and follows a favorable course with recovery after exeresis. The diffuse form develops in later life and presents with severe systemic signs and a marked biological inflammatory syndrome Glands and viscera are affected and its course is grave, with mostly fatal relapses. Angiography suggests diagnosis when images show hypervascular lesions in lymph glands. CT scan imaging with contrast is very suggestive when glandular lesions are present that take up contrast strongly. This appearance should always raise the possibility of Castleman's disease.

[X-ray computed tomography of endometrioid cancers of the ovary. Apropos of 4 cases]. / Tomodensitométrie des cancers endométrioïdes de l'ovaire. A propos de 4 cas.

The preoperative CT scan of 4 patients who had surgery for endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the ovaries were studied retrospectively and the results correlated to operative and pathological findings. 1) All tumors were bilateral. 2) Uterine involvement was diagnosed in 1 out of 3 cases. 3) Fallopian tubes involvement was present in 3 cases but was never seen on CT scan. 4) Ascites and peritoneal metastasis were correctly diagnosed in 2 out of 3 cases.

Preoperative assessment of the extension of rectal carcinoma: correlation of MR, surgical, and histopathologic findings.

Nineteen patients with rectal carcinoma were evaluated prospectively. The extent of tumor and the relationship of the tumor to the levator ani muscle were studied as this determines the choice of the surgical procedure (abdominoperineal resection versus low anterior resection). Peroperative assessment and detailed evaluation of the pathologic specimens were correlated with magnetic resonance (MR) features. Magnetic resonance staging and surgical findings were at variance in four of 15 cases (27%). Magnetic resonance had sensitivities and specificities of 75 and 100% in the detection of perirectal growth. Magnetic resonance demonstrated invasion of adjacent pelvic side wall and sacrum in two of two cases. The comparison with TNM classification demonstrated that MR correctly staged 15 of 19 cases (79%). This study shows that MR is a good examination to evaluate the involvement of perirectal fatty tissues and adjacent structures. The low prevalence of involved lymph nodes in our cases prevents significant positive predictive values. Nevertheless, MR can help to select patients for local excision or for preoperative radiotherapy.

[The diagnostic value of radiological examinations in Conn's syndrome: angiographic findings in 58 cases (author's transl)]. / Apport de la radiologie au diagnostic du syndrome de Conn; séméiologie angiographique à propos de 58 observations.

Selective adrenal phlebography with measurement of hormone levels was used to investigate the majority of 58 cases of primary hyperaldosteronism. The authors stress the importance of pre-operative diagnosis of the lesion as surgery is indicated for adenomas only, and because of their small size they are often missed in adrenal scintigrams and on manual exploration during operation. They are in agreement with most other authors that adrenal phlebography is the most valid investigation, as it gives a precise diagnosis of the lesion in 92% of cases. The angiographic findings in the most common lesions are described, the difficulty in diagnosing peripheral small adenomas stressed, and the problems associated with the diagnosis of nodular hyperplasias outlined. They also underline the fundamental importance of selective hormone levels measurement, as these results are of equal value to those of the images themselves.