The Incidental Splenic Mass at CT: Does It Need Further Work-up? An Observational Study.

Purpose To evaluate whether an incidentally noted splenic mass at abdominal computed tomography (CT) requires further imaging work-up. Materials and Methods In this institutional review board-approved HIPAA-compliant retrospective study, a search of a CT database was performed for patients with splenic masses at CT examinations of the abdomen and chest from 2002 to 2008. Patients were divided into three groups: group 1, patients with a history of malignancy; group 2, patients with symptoms such as weight loss, fever, or pain related to the left upper quadrant and epigastrium; and group 3, patients with incidental findings. Patients' CT scans, follow-up examinations, and electronic medical records were reviewed. Final diagnoses of the causes of the masses were confirmed with imaging follow-up (83.9%), clinical follow-up (13.7%), and pathologic examination (2.4%). Results This study included 379 patients, 214 (56.5%) women and 165 (43.5%) men, with a mean age ± standard deviation of 59.3 years ± 15.3 (range, 21-97 years). There were 145 (38.3%) patients in the malignancy group, 29 (7.6%) patients in the symptomatic group, and 205 (54.1%) patients in the incidental group. The incidence of malignant splenic masses was 49 of 145 (33.8%) in the malignancy group, eight of 29 (27.6%) in the symptomatic group, and two of 205 (1.0%) in the incidental group (P < .0001). The incidental group consisted of new diagnoses of lymphoma in one (50%) patient and metastases from ovarian carcinoma in one (50%) patient. Malignant splenic masses in the incidental group were not indeterminate, because synchronous tumors in other organs were diagnostic of malignancy. Conclusion In an incidental splenic mass, the likelihood of malignancy is very low (1.0%). Therefore, follow-up of incidental splenic masses may not be indicated. © RSNA, 2018.

Utility of transabdominal ultrasound for surveillance of known pancreatic cystic lesions: prospective evaluation with MRI as reference standard.

OBJECTIVES: To prospectively assess the utility of transabdominal ultrasound in surveillance of known pancreatic cystic lesions (PCL) using same day MRI as reference standard. METHODS: In an IRB-approved study with written informed consent, patients with known PCL underwent pancreas US on same day as surveillance MRI. US was performed blinded to same date MRI results. Transverse (TR), antero-posterior (AP), cranio-caudal (CC), and longest any plane diameter, were measured for each PCL at US and MRI. Visualization was correlated with patient (weight, abdominal diameter, thickness of abdominal fat, sex) and cyst (location, size, internal complexity) factors. RESULTS: 252 PCLs evaluated in 57 subjects (39 females; mean age 67 (range 39-86) yrs). Mean maximum PCL diameter 8.5 (range 2-92) mm. US identified 100% (5/5) of cysts ≥3 cm; 92% (12/13) ≥2 and <3 cm; 78% (43/55) ≥1 and <2 cm; 35% (27/78) ≥5 mm and <1 cm; and 16% (16/101) <5 mm. US visualization correlated with PCL location (<0.0001), size (p < 0.0001), patient gender (p = 0.005), participation of attending radiologist (p = 0.03); inversely with patient weight (p = 0.012) and AP abdominal diameter (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Many PCLs are visualized and accurately measured at follow-up with transabdominal ultrasound. Visualization correlates with lesion size, location, patient sex, weight, and abdominal diameter.

Pancreatic surgery: a multidisciplinary assessment of the value of intraoperative US.

PURPOSE: To assess the value of intraoperative ultrasonography (US) for different types of pancreatic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An institutional review board-approved, HIPAA-compliant retrospective review with waiver of informed consent was performed to evaluate all cases of pancreatic surgery with intraoperative US or laparoscopic US that occurred at a single institution during a 10-year period. Surgical notes, radiologic images, and clinical data for each surgical procedure and subsequent clinical course were reviewed by pancreatic surgeons and radiologists. Presumptive diagnosis, type of surgical procedure performed, and final pathologic data were recorded. A relative value score was established by consensus and assigned to each case with a grade of 0-3, which indicated the value of the intraoperative or laparoscopic US. The type of operation and pathologic data were compared in each of the value score groups. Categoric variables were compared by using either χ(2) or Fisher exact test. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-three intraoperative or laparoscopic US procedures were performed in 189 patients. Of the patients, there were 102 men and 87 women. The mean age was 57.8 years (range, 18-86 years). Intraoperative or laparoscopic US value scores were as follows: value score 0, 3.6%; value score 1, 11.9%; value score 2, 31.1%; and value score 3, 53.4%. The most common contribution that resulted in a high score (value score 3) was facilitation of technical performance of the surgery (n = 60). High value score was significantly associated with performance of pancreatitis-related surgery (P < .001). The surgical indication that most commonly resulted in a low value score of 0 or 1 was staging of pancreatic cancers. All cases that received a score of 0 occurred in the laparoscopic adenocarcinoma surgical setting (staging or pancreatic biopsy). CONCLUSION: Intraoperative or laparoscopic US can be a valuable procedure in multiple types of surgical procedures that involve the pancreas and shows clear patterns of value in the different types of surgery.

Complication rate of ultrasound-guided percutaneous cholecystostomy in patients with coagulopathy.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to compare the complication rate for ultrasound-guided percutaneous cholecystostomy in patients with coagulopathy to the rate in patients with normal coagulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a database search for patients who underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous cholecystostomy from January 2000 through December 2010. Patients were divided into those with normal coagulation and those with coagulopathy, as documented by abnormal laboratory values (international normalized ratio ≥ 1.5 and platelet count ≤ 50 × 10(9)/L) or history of anticoagulant medication in the preceding 5 days. Medical records were reviewed, and complication rates and subsequent treatment was recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using the Fisher exact and chi-square tests. RESULTS: Two hundred forty-two patients underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous cholecystostomy (132 men and 110 women; mean [± SD] age, 73.9 ± 15.9 years; range, 22-104 years). One hundred thirty-two patients were coagulopathic and 110 had normal coagulation. Major complications related to ultrasound-guided percutaneous cholecystostomy were rare (4/242 cases [1.7%]) and included hemorrhage requiring transfusion (n = 1), death directly related to the procedure (n = 1), sepsis related to the procedure (n = 1), and abscess or biloma formation (n = 1). All of these occurred in the group with normal coagulation. Fourteen additional deaths (5.8%) that occurred within 30 days of the procedure were related to comorbidities. Minor catheter-related complications (15/242 [6.2%]) were due to catheter dislodgement (n = 11 [4.5%]), failure of placement (n = 1 [0.4%]), and hemorrhage not requiring transfusion (n = 3 [1.2%]). Two of the minor hemorrhagic complications were seen in the coagulopathic group and one in the normal coagulation group (p = 0.599). CONCLUSION: There is no difference in the complication rate for ultrasound-guided percutaneous cholecystostomy in patients who are coagulopathic compared with those who have normal coagulation.

Lessons learned from quality assurance: errors in the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis on ultrasound and CT.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to study errors in the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis reported in the online departmental quality assurance (QA) database. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The departmental QA database was searched from October 2005 to April 2010 for cases of acute cholecystitis. Errors were classified into overcalls and undercalls. RESULTS: We identified 14 cases of misdiagnosis involving acute cholecystitis. Three cases were classified as overcalls (21%) and eleven as undercalls (79%). Eight cases of misdiagnosis involved ultrasound studies (57%) and six cases involved CT studies (43%). Cases of overcall on ultrasound showed gallbladder wall edema, but none portrayed distention of the gallbladder. The final diagnosis in these cases included hepatitis, sepsis, and a case of chronic cholecystitis. All misinterpretations of CT cases were classified as undercalls. Contributing factors to misdiagnosis were lack of recognition of wall edema (n = 6), gallbladder distention (n = 4), absence of gallbladder wall edema (n = 1), lack of conclusion in the report (n = 2), and hospitalization in the ICU (n = 2). A possible case clustering was observed just after July almost every year. CONCLUSION: An important pitfall in the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis is lack of recognition of gallbladder wall edema on CT. A relaxed (nondistended) gallbladder provides important evidence against the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis. Intensive care patients with sepsis often have no specific signs for diagnosis of acute cholecystitis, making diagnosis especially challenging.

Incidentally detected gallbladder polyps: is follow-up necessary?--Long-term clinical and US analysis of 346 patients.

PURPOSE: To determine the natural history of gallbladder (GB) polyps incidentally detected at ultrasonography (US) and to propose management guidelines for these lesions based on polyp size. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The HIPAA-compliant study was approved by the institutional review board, and informed consent was waived. A database search for "polyp" in all US examinations of the GB between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 2001, at a single institution was performed. All subsequent US reports were reviewed to determine changes in GB polyp size. The electronic medical record was searched to obtain clinical and pathologic follow-up. RESULTS: Three hundred forty-six patients (mean age, 51.6 years; range, 20-93 years) with GB polyps were included. There were 156 men (45%) and 190 women (55%). US follow-up (mean, 5.4 years; range, 2-11.5 years) was performed in 149 patients (43%). Polyp size was stable in 90 (60%) polyps, decreased in eight (5%), increased in one (1%), and resolved in 50 (34%). Forty-two patients (12%) underwent cholecystectomy, revealing 13 (31%) GBs with polypoid lesions, 24 (57%) with stones and no polyps, and five (12%) with neither a stone nor a polypoid lesion. Clinical follow-up (mean, 8 years; range, 5-10.4 years) was performed in 155 patients (45%). No patient had clinical evidence of GB-related disease. Overall, no cases of GB malignancy were identified in 346 patients. Mean polyp size was 5.0 mm (range, 1-18 mm). No neoplastic polyps were found at 1-6 mm, one neoplastic polyp was seen at 7-9 mm, and two neoplastic polyps were found at 10 mm or larger. CONCLUSION: The risk of GB malignancy resulting from incidentally detected polyps is extremely low. Incidentally detected GB polyps measuring 6 mm or less may require no additional follow-up. Data are inconclusive regarding polyps 7 mm or greater, and further studies are warranted.

Intraoperative ultrasonography of the pancreas.

Intraoperative ultrasonography (US) of the pancreas is a versatile technique that provides excellent spatial and contrast resolution and real-time imaging capabilities, making it useful for diagnostic imaging as well as for guidance of laparoscopic and open operative procedures. Intraoperative US may be used for applications such as staging and localizing tumors; performing regional metastatic surveys; documenting arterial and venous patency; identifying endocrine tumors; distinguishing pancreatitis from a neoplasm; and guiding biopsy, duct cannulation, and drainage of abscesses or cysts. The scanning approach and technique vary according to the application, with many different equipment and transducer options and sterilization methods available. With increasing clinical demands for intraoperative US, it is essential that radiologists be familiar with its uses and technique. In addition, to properly perform intraoperative US and accurately interpret the images, knowledge of normal and variant pancreatic and vascular anatomy and relevant landmarks is needed. Supplemental material available at http://radiographics.rsna.org/lookup/suppl/doi:10.1148/rg.307105051/-/DC1.

Can Doppler sonography discern between hemodynamically significant and insignificant portal vein stenosis after adult liver transplantation?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to determine whether Doppler sonography, using a strict reference standard, can specifically identify hemodynamically significant portal vein anastomotic stenosis after liver transplantation in adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The duplex and color Doppler examinations of 13 consecutive adult patients who underwent portal venography for suspected portal vein stenosis after liver transplantation were retrospectively examined. Peak systolic velocity (PSV) and change in PSV (ΔPSV) along the portal vein were correlated with portal venography. Stenoses above 50% on the basis of strict venographic criteria were considered hemodynamically significant. The Doppler studies before and after intervention were also assessed. Fourteen randomly chosen subjects with transplants without suspicion of portal anastomotic stenosis acted as controls. RESULTS: Six patients had significant portal vein stenosis (> 50%) and seven had stenosis below 50%. PSV and ΔPSV were significantly greater for patients with > 50% stenosis in comparison with those with ≤ 50% stenosis and control subjects. Optimal threshold values for PSV and ΔPSV were 80 and 60 cm/s, respectively, with either value alone yielding sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 84% for significant stenosis. Threshold values also included cases of stenosis below 50%. Five of six patients with > 50% stenosis underwent stenting, with poststent PSV and ΔPSV significantly declining to match that of control subjects. Three of seven with stenosis below 50% had stents placed but no significant change in the Doppler examination. CONCLUSION: Doppler threshold criteria reliably exclude those without posttransplantation portal vein stenosis and have high sensitivity for detecting portal stenosis. However, these criteria cannot discern the extent of stenosis.

Image-guided tumor ablation: standardization of terminology and reporting criteria.

The field of interventional oncology with use of image-guided tumor ablation requires standardization of terminology and reporting criteria to facilitate effective communication of ideas and appropriate comparison between treatments that use different technologies, such as chemical (ethanol or acetic acid) ablation, and thermal therapies, such as radiofrequency (RF), laser, microwave, ultrasound, and cryoablation. This document provides a framework that will hopefully facilitate the clearest communication between investigators and will provide the greatest flexibility in comparison between the many new, exciting, and emerging technologies. An appropriate vehicle for reporting the various aspects of image-guided ablation therapy, including classification of therapies and procedure terms, appropriate descriptors of imaging guidance, and terminology to define imaging and pathologic findings, are outlined. Methods for standardizing the reporting of follow-up findings and complications and other important aspects that require attention when reporting clinical results are addressed. It is the group's intention that adherence to the recommendations will facilitate achievement of the group's main objective: improved precision and communication in this field that lead to more accurate comparison of technologies and results and, ultimately, to improved patient outcomes. The intent of this standardization of terminology is to provide an appropriate vehicle for reporting the various aspects of image-guided ablation therapy.

Benign hepatic tumors and iatrogenic pseudotumors.

Myriad benign tumors may be found in the liver; they can be classified according to their cell of origin into tumors of hepatocellular, cholangiocellular, or mesenchymal origin. Common benign hepatic tumors may pose a diagnostic dilemma when they manifest with atypical imaging features. Less frequently encountered benign hepatic tumors such as inflammatory pseudotumor or biliary cystadenoma demonstrate less specific imaging features; however, awareness of their findings is useful in narrowing differential diagnostic considerations. In addition, certain iatrogenically induced abnormalities of the liver may be confused with more ominous findings such as infection or neoplasia. However, knowledge of their common imaging appearances, in addition to the clinical history, is critical in correctly diagnosing and characterizing iatrogenic abnormalities of the liver. Familiarity with both expected and unexpected imaging appearances of common benign hepatic tumors, less commonly encountered benign hepatic tumors, and iatrogenic abnormalities potentially masquerading as hepatic tumors allows the radiologist to achieve an informed differential diagnosis.

Focal hepatic lesions: US-guided biopsy--lessons from review of cytologic and pathologic examination results.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively assess factors affecting the success of ultrasonographically (US)-guided core liver biopsy of focal lesions on the basis of experience when both cytologic and pathologic examination results were available. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This HIPAA-compliant retrospective study was granted an exemption from the institutional review board. All percutaneous US-guided biopsies of focal liver lesions performed at one institution from January 2000 through February 2006 for which both cytologic and pathologic examination results were available were included. Specimen adequacy was determined with on-site cytologic examination performed with a "touch prep" technique. Of 1910 liver biopsies, 240 (12.6%) revealed focal lesions, and cytologic and pathologic examination results were available for 208 (86.7%) of these 240 lesions. The number of biopsy passes and concordance between cytologic and pathologic findings were evaluated, and correlation between lesion size, type, and location and the number of passes was assessed. The Pearson correlation chi(2) test and the Wilcoxon test were used. RESULTS: Biopsy specimens were diagnostic in 205 cases (98.6%) and were nondiagnostic in three cases (1.4%); 85.9% of the lesions were malignant. There was a single lesion in 89 patients (42.8%), and there were multiple lesions in 119 patients (57.2%). One biopsy pass was sufficient in 58 patients (27.9%); two passes were sufficient in 75 patients (36.1%); and three, four, five, and six passes were sufficient in 51 (24.5%), 17 (8.2%), five (2.4%), and two (1.0%) patients, respectively. There was no relationship between lesion size or location and the number of passes, according to the Pearson correlation and chi(2) test (P = .16 and P = .22, respectively). On average, 1.9 passes were required for metastatic lesions, versus 2.8 for nonmetastatic lesions (P < .001, Wilcoxon test). Cytologic and histopathologic findings were discordant in 25 cases (12.0%). CONCLUSION: The size and location of liver lesions sampled for biopsy do not influence the number of passes needed, while metastatic lesions require fewer passes. Without the on-site cytologic examination service, a predetermined number of three passes would be diagnostic in almost 90% of all cases.

Ultrasound staging of rectal cancer.

Endorectal ultrasound (ERUS) is a primary imaging technique in the preoperative evaluation of patients with rectal adenocarcinoma. The purpose of this report is to review ultrasound staging with emphasis on technique and potential pitfalls. The role of ultrasound in multimodality staging and surveillance is also explored. An awareness of inherent imaging challenges and implications may optimize staging accuracy and resultant management of rectal cancer patients.

Current techniques in imaging of fistula in ano: three-dimensional endoanal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging.

Perianal fistula is an abnormal communication between the anal canal and perianal skin. The majority of perianal fistulous disease results from either cryptoglandular inflammation or Crohn's disease. These groups differ in pathophysiology, prognosis, and strategies for imaging and treatment. Endoanal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging represent current imaging strategies for evaluating perianal fistulas and may be used alone or in combination. The use of three-dimensional technique and peroxide fistulography optimize the ultrasound evaluation of perianal fistula. The use of multiple imaging planes and sequences including fat suppression and contrast enhancement optimize the magnetic resonance imaging protocol. Examples of the imaging appearance of perianal fistulas and a proposed flowchart for imaging modality selection are provided.

Intraoperative ultrasonography of the brain and spine.

Intraoperative ultrasonography can play a particularly useful role in facilitating surgery or guiding biopsies in the brain and spinal canal. Given the limited access that is frequently afforded to the operating surgeon, coupled with lesions that may be located in deep or seemingly inaccessible locations, sonography performed through tiny burr holes is useful for confirming location of lesions, guiding biopsy, and confirming extent of resection. In the spine, sonography is most helpful for confirming the precise location of intradural or extradural masses and guiding biopsies. In this review, we describe the technical requirements necessary for scanning the brain and spinal cord and suggest scanning techniques. The spectrum of pathological entities are illustrated along with potential pitfalls that the inexperienced operator is likely to encounter.

Intraoperative laparoscopic ultrasound.

In parallel with the increasing move from open surgical procedures to laparoscopic approaches, laparoscopic ultrasound (LUS) is being used with increasing frequency to image normal structures and intra-abdominal pathology. Special transducers and scanning techniques are required to perform LUS with a different set of considerations. Within the spectrum of LUS applications, LUS is used to complement laparoscopy for oncology staging, to facilitate an array of surgical procedures, and to guide laparoscopic biopsies.

Budget variance analysis of a departmentwide implementation of a PACS at a major academic medical center.

In this study, the costs and cost savings associated with departmentwide implementation of a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) as compared to the projected budget at the time of inception were evaluated. An average of $214,460 was saved each year with a total savings of $1,072,300 from 1999 to 2003, which is significantly less than the $2,943,750 projected savings. This discrepancy can be attributed to four different factors: (1) overexpenditures, (2) insufficient cost savings, (3) unanticipated costs, and (4) project management issues. Although the implementation of PACS leads to cost savings, actual savings will be much lower than expected unless extraordinary care is taken when devising the budget.

Intraoperative US of the liver: techniques and clinical applications.

Intraoperative ultrasonography (US) of the liver provides the operating surgeon with useful real-time diagnostic and staging information that may result in an alteration in the planned surgical approach. Current applications for intraoperative US of the liver include tumor staging, metastatic survey, guidance for metastasectomy and various tumor ablation procedures, documentation of vessel patency, evaluation of intrahepatic biliary disease, and guidance for whole-organ or split-liver transplantation. To obtain the most useful information with intraoperative US, the sonographer should use a dedicated transducer and a scanning method appropriate for the purpose of the examination. In addition, the radiologist must be familiar with the relevant intraoperative and vascular anatomy and the spectrum of normal and abnormal findings and should be alert to the pitfalls that frequently occur in the interpretation of intraoperative US images of the liver.

Intraoperative sonography for neurosurgery.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to review the technical aspects and the clinical applications of intraoperative sonography of the central nervous system (CNS) as well as the characteristic appearances of brain and spine diseases. METHODS: A pictorial review of cases is presented on the basis of the performance and interpretation of intraoperative sonography of the CNS from January 1998 to December 2004 at a single academic institution. RESULTS: This technique is most commonly used for the localization and characterization of intracranial and spinal masses. Indications for intraoperative sonography of the CNS are biopsy guidance, tumor resection, and drainage or removal of inflammatory masses. It provides important additional information to the surgeon at the time of the operation and contributes to intraoperative decision making and surgical planning. This article reviews the advantages and limitations of intraoperative sonography of the CNS and highlights the typical appearance of CNS diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative sonography of the CNS is an interactive technique and helps the neurosurgeon in decision making and surgical planning.