Gradient-echo versus fat-suppressed fast spin-echo MR imaging of rotator cuff tears.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to compare fat-suppressed T2-weighted fast spin-echo sequences with T2-weighted multiplanar gradient-echo sequences in revealing rotator cuff disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Oblique coronal fat-suppressed fast spin-echo images and gradient-echo images of 39 patients who underwent surgery of the shoulder were retrospectively reviewed. Images from the two techniques were reviewed separately. Each set of images was interpreted twice by four musculoskeletal radiologists independently and without knowledge of the surgical findings. Sensitivity and specificity for both sequences were determined. The kappa statistic was used to calculate intraobserver and interobserver agreement of interpretations. RESULTS: For detecting any tear, the sensitivity of the four readers was 71-96% using fast spin-echo and 58-100% using gradient-echo imaging. Confidence intervals showed no difference between the two sequences. Sensitivity of detecting full-thickness tears was 83-100% for both sequences. Interobserver agreement was good. CONCLUSION: T2-weighted gradient-echo and fat-suppressed T2-weighted fast spin-echo sequences depict rotator cuff tears equally well and take less time to acquire than conventional dual-echo spin-echo sequences.

Pseudotumour due to surgical sponge: gossypiboma.

The plain-film, ultrasonography and computed tomography findings of retained surgical sponges (gossypibomas) are described in three patients. When a mass with hyperechoic wavy structures and posterior acoustic shadowing is seen on ultrasonography, the history of previous surgery must be questioned. Gossypiboma should be included in the differential diagnosis of such cases with a previous surgery. Plain film and computed tomography examinations should be obtained for correct pre-operative diagnosis.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings of a nonfunctional mediastinal paraganglioma with an unusual presentation.

A case of histologically proven mediastinal paraganglioma presenting with metastatic spread to supraclavicular lymph nodes is presented. Mediastinal paragangliomas are extremely rare tumors and their CT and MR imaging features have not been well documented in the radiologic literature. The T 1-weighted and T 2-weighted spin-echo MR findings of a locally invasive mediastinal paraganglioma with metastasis to the supraclavicular lymph nodes are described and the literature is briefly reviewed.

Multiple organ involvement in tuberous sclerosis.

Tuberous sclerosis is an uncommon heredito-familial disease. A rare case of multiple organ involvement is reported.

Primary hemangiopericytoma of bone located in the tibia.

Primary hemangiopericytoma of the bone is a rare tumor. We describe a patient with primary hemangiopericytoma of the tibia treated by surgery. The clinical and radiological features of this tumor are described. The radiological and histopathological different diagnosis of hemangiopericytoma is discussed.

Color Doppler ultrasound and spectral analysis of tumor vessels in the differential diagnosis of solid breast masses.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of color Doppler and spectral analysis of specific tumor vessels in the differentiation of benign from malignant breast masses. METHODS: Forty-eight patients with solid breast masses were evaluated with color Doppler ultrasound prospectively. When tumor vessels were visualized, spectral analysis was performed and peak systolic and end diastolic Doppler frequency shifts were recorded. Histology was obtained in all but two cases. RESULTS: In 28 out of 29 malignant lesions tumor vessels were visualized. Thirteen of 19 benign lesions showed no demonstrable flow. The peak systolic Doppler frequency shifts recorded over the vessels of the malignant breast masses were significantly higher than those of the benign breast masses (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In our preliminary series, spectral Doppler analysis of tumor vessels shows promise in differentiating benign from malignant breast masses.