Preoperative assessment of myometrial and cervical invasion in endometrial carcinoma: comparison of multi-section dynamic MR imaging using a three dimensional FLASH technique and T2-weighted MR imaging.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to show the diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance imaging by comparing T2-weighted images and dynamic 3D MR images in the assessment of myometrial and cervical invasion by endometrial carcinoma. METHODS: This prospective study included 53 women consecutively diagnosed with endometrial carcinoma. The subjects were evaluated by TSE T2-weighted images and 3D FLASH-VIBE dynamic MR images by two radiologists with a special training in gynecology. Sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values were calculated for each imaging modality with regard to assessment of myometrial and cervical invasion. RESULTS: The diagnostic accuracy of TSE T2-weighted and dynamic 3D FLASH-VIBE MR imaging for the identification of any myometrial invasion were estimated as 64% and 84%, respectively. In the differentiation of deep myometrial invasion from the superficial invasion, the diagnostic accuracy of TSE T2-weighted and dynamic 3D FLASH-VIBE MR images were 75.5%, and 88.7%, respectively. Additionally, in the determining of deep myometrial invasion the sensitivity, the specificity, PPV, and NPV were 76%, 75%, 50%, and 90.9% on T2-weighted images, respectively; 100%, 85%, 68.4%, and 100% on dynamic 3D MR images, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of TSE T2-weighted and dynamic 3D FLASH-VIBE MR images for cervical invasion by endometrial carcinoma were 86%, and 92%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The multiplanar capabilities of MRI are invaluable to evaluate spreading and margins of an endometrial mass, and the 3D dynamic MR techniques offer the advantages of increased coverage and high spatial resolution. Three dimensional dynamic MR imaging may be recommended in the especially postmenopausal cases before performing potentially curative treatments.

Evaluation of cervical involvement in endometrial cancer by transvaginal sonography, magnetic resonance imaging and frozen section.

This study was undertaken to compare the diagnostic performance of transvaginal sonography (TVS), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and frozen section for detection of cervical involvement in endometrial cancer. The study included 64 consecutive patients with endometrial cancer. The subjects were evaluated with TVS and MRI by two radiologists and the frozen sections by a pathologist. The diagnostic accuracies of TVS, MRI and frozen section were compared using the McNemar test. The accuracy rates of TVS, MRI and frozen section were 90.6%, 92.2% and 95.5%, respectively. There were no statistical significant differences in overall diagnostic performance for the preoperative and intraoperative assessment of cervical involvement, although frozen section seemed to be slightly superior to the imaging techniques. TVS and MRI have similar performance in determination of cervical involvement. However, although time consuming and expensive, MRI may be recommended in cases with poor quality TVS. Frozen section may be advocated where preop-tests are equivocal.

Comparison of CT virtual cystoscopy of the contrast material-filled bladder with conventional cystoscopy in the diagnosis of bladder tumours.

AIM: To investigate the value of virtual cystoscopy using contrast material to fill the bladder during routine abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) examinations for the detection of bladder tumours. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-three consecutive patients (25 men and eight women; are range 51-82 years; mean age+/-SD, 65+/-7 years) who had painless macroscopic haematuria and were suspected to have bladder neoplasms were prospectively evaluated with virtual cystoscopy. After intravenous injection of contrast medium, the contrast material-filled bladders were examined with single-detector helical CT with 2-mm section thicknesses. Source CT data were transferred to a workstation for interactive navigation using surface rendering. All the patients also underwent conventional cystoscopy. RESULTS: The results of virtual cystoscopy were compared with the findings from the conventional cystoscopy. Seventy-one of 78 bladder tumours detected with conventional cystoscopy in 28 patients were also shown on virtual images. The bladders of five patients appeared normal on both conventional cystoscopy and virtual cystoscopy. On virtual cystoscopy, seven of the 12 lesions that were < or =5 mm in diameter could be identified. The following statistical values for the identification of bladder lesions using virtual cystoscopy were calculated: sensitivity 94%, specificity 90%, positive predictive value 87%, negative predictive value 93%, and accuracy 93%. CONCLUSION: CT virtual cystoscopy is a noninvasive technique that can be used successfully for detection of bladder tumours >5 mm in selected cases during daily routine abdominopelvic work.

Correlation of magnetic resonance imaging findings with hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime brain single photon emission computed tomography in ischemic stroke patients in the subacute stage.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the correlation between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and 99mTc-hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime (HMPAO) brain single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) during the subacute stage in ischemic stroke patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The T1 and T2-weighted images and brain SPECT findings of 84 patients (mean age 60.69 +/- 12.47 years) with subacute cerebral ischemia during the period 1998-2004 were reviewed. All HMPAO SPECT and MRI studies were performed between 3 and 7 days (mean time delay 4.76 +/- 1.29 days) after the onset of stroke symptoms. RESULTS: An ischemic lesion was seen both in T1 and T2-weighted images with perfusion defects above 60% (severe defect) according to count/pixel data of the lesion in HMPAO SPECT studies in 30 (90.9%) of 33 patients. Otherwise, the ischemic lesion was seen only on T2-weighted images with perfusion defects between 30% and 60% (moderate defect) in HMPAO SPECT studies in 25 (89.3%) of 28 patients. In 20 (87%) of 23 patients who had perfusion defects below 30% (mild defect) on HMPAO SPECT, only non-specific findings such as cerebral atrophy and/or periventricular ischemic-gliotic lesions could be seen in MRI. The difference between these ratios was statistically significant (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Brain 99mTc-HMPAO SPECT findings indicate good correlation with MRI findings. When the ischemic lesions could be seen in both T1 and T2-weighted images, the patients frequently had severe perfusion defects. When only seen in T2-weighted images, the perfusion defect was moderate. When only non-specific findings were revealed by MRI, only mild perfusion defects were found by SPECT.

Significant response of radiation induced CNS toxicity to high dose steroid administration.

Treatment of radiation myelopathy remains a challenge. Supportive and rehabilitative therapy is the mainstay of treatment. This article describes a case of central nervous system (CNS) toxicity of radiation with a progressive improvement in the clinicoradiological picture following high dose steroid treatment. A female patient was admitted to the neurology department of our hospital 7 months after a course of radiotherapy in another centre for lingual epidermoid cancer. Neurological examination revealed a heavy spastic quadriplegia syndrome. On MRI examination, T2 weighted hyperintensities were observed in cerebral and cerebellar peduncles, periventricular regions and medulla spinalis at Th1-Th2 levels. The patient was treated with high dose methylprednisolone, 1 g day(-1) for 5 days (pulse therapy) followed by oral methylprednisolone 80 mg day(-1) for a week, tapered over 3 weeks. Within the first week of pulse therapy, she regained muscle strength of upper limbs against gravity. At the 2 year follow-up, MRI demonstrated obvious regression of the lesions in the medulla and cerebellum with disappearance of contrast enhancement. This case report is notable with the complete disappearance of MRI lesions at the 2 year follow-up after the treatment with high dose steroid.

Dual ectopic thyroid gland with Graves' disease and unilateral ophthalmopathy: a case report and review of the literature.

Ectopic thyroid gland (ETG) is a rare entity and can be seen anywhere in the route of descending gland. It is much rarer when encountered away from the midline. Dual ETG is such a rare entity that only a few have been reported in the literature. ETGs not only cause thyroid dysfunction, most commonly hypothyroidism and rarely hyperthyroidism, but also frequent local symptoms. Therapeutic options change according to patients' co-morbid diseases, age, size of goiter and presence of local symptoms. Graves' disease is very rarely detected in a patient with ectopic thyroid. There is no report in literature concerning ectopic thyroid presenting with Graves' disease and unilateral ophthalmopathy. We describe a case with dual ETG and Graves' disease and unilateral ophthalmopathy: it is the first reported in literature.

Uncommon locations of hydatid cysts.

Hydatid disease is endemic in many parts of the world. It may develop in almost any part of the body. The location is mostly hepatic (75%) and pulmonary (15%), and only 10% occur in the rest of the body. In this article, the various imaging findings of hydatid cysts in unusual localizations are reviewed, based on our experience. Findings in brain, cavernous sinus, submandibular gland, thyroid gland, heart, pleura, chest wall, retrocrural tissue, kidney, spleen, pancreas, peritoneal cavity and inguinal canal, breast, bone and soft tissue are discussed.

Pulmonary embolism due to cardiac hydatid disease: imaging findings of unusual complication of hydatid cyst.

We report two cases of primary cardiac hydatid cyst in which hydatid materials caused recurrent embolizations in pulmonary arteries and pulmonary parenchyma. Cardiac hydatid cysts may stay asymptomatic for a long time, until they reveal themselves being perforated into cardiac chambers and/or pulmonary artery or systemic circulation. The role of imaging techniques in diagnosis is discussed and the importance of dynamic enhanced CT, MR imaging, and enhanced MR angiography (MRA) is reported. Imaging findings were confirmed by surgery and pathology. Early diagnosis is essential because delayed treatment increases the morbidity and mortality rates.

A case of osteopetrosis with pelvic ectopic spleen: an unusual association.

A three-month-old girl was admitted to the hospital with a history of pallor. On physical examination, the liver was enlarged and a solid mass was palpated in the left abdomen. Laboratory evaluation revealed anemia and thrombocytopenia. Bone marrow was hypocellular with reduced number of megakaryocytes. Radiographic findings and scintigraphic study of the long bones were consistant with osteopetrosis. In the imaging studies, including ultrasonography, computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and scintigraphic study, an ectopic spleen expanded into the bony pelvis was observed. We report here unique case of infantile osteopetrosis associated with pelvic ectopic spleen.

Epidural emphysema associated with primary spontaneous pneumothorax.

A 21-year-old male patient was admitted with spontaneous pneumothorax, and no history of asthma. Closed drainage treatment was unsuccessful. Chest computed tomography demonstrated pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema with multiple air bubbles within the spinal canal between the levels Th3 and Th11. Resection of bullae on the upper lobe and partial pleurectomy were performed. Postoperative period was uneventful. Epidural emphysema was resolved spontaneously without neurologic symptoms and signs. Intraspinal air, or pneumorachis, associated with spontaneous pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum is an extremely rare condition. We discussed spontaneous pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum as well as epidural pneumatosis and reviewed reported cases in the literature.