Sternocleidomastoid pseudotumor of infancy: a report of thirteen cases.

UNLABELLED: Stemocleidomastoid tumor of infancy (SCMTI) is a rare cause of benign neck masses in neonates and infants. It has to be differentiated from other congenital space-occupying lesions in the cervical region. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The files of 13 infants with a mean age of 6 weeks, presenting with a lateral neck mass at Sahloul University Hospital in Sousse (Tunisia) between 2007 and 2009 were retrospectively studied. All of them underwent physical and ultrasonographic examination. MRI was performed in only one case. RESULTS: Ultrasonography (US) showed a soft tissue mass of sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCMM), or a homogenously enlarged muscle without any focal mass. MRI revealed a fusiform enlarged muscle. Diagnosis of SCMTI was established in all cases. Conservative treatment was recommended in all cases with physiotherapy in 2 cases. CONCLUSION: US is the best imaging modality for the diagnosis of SCMTI and the first one to be performed. Additional diagnostic imaging modalities are unnecessary in most of the cases.

[Herpetic meningoencephalitis and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis: magnetic resonance imaging sequence]. / Méningo-encéphalite herpétique et encéphalomyélite aiguë disséminée : séquence en imagerie par résonance magnétique.

We report a case of herpetic encephalitis in a 2-year-old girl. Diagnosis was made at 1st by clinical symptoms and MRI and confirmed by lumbar puncture. Forty days later, new neurologic symptoms appeared and MRI diagnosed acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. MRI better demonstrates CNS abnormalities in herpetic encephalitis and may play a major role as a 1st step in early diagnosis, in particular for acute disseminated encephalomyelitis.

Liposarcoma of the extremities: MR imaging features and their correlation with pathologic data.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the MRI features of liposarcomas of the extremities and correlate them with data from the histologic subtypes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 20 cases of liposarcoma of the extremities identified on MRI, surgically removed and confirmed at pathology. On MRI examination, T1- and T2-weighted fat-suppressed and non-fat-suppressed images were acquired then gadolinium-enhanced fat-suppressed T1-weighted images were obtained in at least two orthogonal planes. RESULTS: Sixteen female and four male patients aged 12 to 77 years old at presentation, in 16 cases, with a slowly enlarging painless mass (demonstrating no associated local or general inflammatory components), located in the lower extremity (16 cases) and predominantly located in the thigh (13 cases). Pathologic examination revealed three cases of well-differentiated liposarcoma, 12 cases of myxoid liposarcoma one of which with round cells, three cases of pleomorphic liposarcoma, one case of dedifferentiated liposarcoma and one case of mixed-type liposarcoma. MR images mostly showed well-circumscribed tumors (19 cases) . Well-differentiated liposarcomas typically demonstrated a very specific diagnostic appearance as a predominantly adipose mass containing nonlipomatous components seen as thick septa that may show nodularity. Other subtypes of liposarcoma demonstrated a small amount of adipose tissue thus producing a marbled textural pattern on T1-weighted images particularly in myxoid liposarcomas (9 cases), or even nonlipomatous elements in high-grade liposarcomas (in round cell liposarcoma and in two out of three pleomorphic liposarcomas). The myxoid subtype has also a relatively characteristic appearance as a low signal intensity noted on T1-weighted images and a marked high signal intensity on T2. The dedifferentiated liposarcoma has a very specific radiologic appearance as a nonlipomatous component within a predominantly adipose mass, simulating that of well-differentiated liposarcomas. CONCLUSION: MRI of extremity liposarcomas is a highly reliable and sensitive method to characterize liposarcomas. Besides its value in the diagnosis of liposarcoma and locoregional extension control, it allows proper identification of the specific histologic subtypes of liposarcoma. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV. Rétrospective diagnostic study.

[Pneumorachis: report of three rare causes]. / Pneumorachis: illustration de trois étiologies rares.

The presence of gas in the spinal canal or pneumorachis is a rare imaging finding, typically incidental. Pneumorachis may be due to several degenerative, traumatic, infectious, tumoral or iatrogenic etiologies. We report three cases of pneumorachis in patients with lumbar back pain. A case occurred in a patient with advanced degenerative disk disease. Another was in a patient with posterior facet synovial cyst. The last was in a patient with locally advanced rectal carcinoma complicated by perforation. Pneumorachis was detected on MRI in two cases and on CT in all three cases.

[Exceptional digestive location of crystal deposits in primary hyperoxaluria]. / Localisation digestive exceptionnelle des dépôts cristallins dans l'hyperoxalurie primitive.

We report 3 cases of primary oxalosis with nephrocalcinosis and severe renal failure. Extrarenal involvement was noted in bones in 3 cases, the heart in 2 cases, the central nervous system in 2 cases, the skin in 1 case and the eye in 1 case. The 3 patients presented with acute digestive disorders. Ultrasonography and CT scans showed digestive wall calcifications in addition to the classic appearance of primary oxalosis such as nephrocalcinosis or bone involvement. Primary hyperoxaluria is characterized by a calcium deposit in different tissues, mainly in kidneys. Digestive wall involvement has never been reported in the literature. Primary oxaluria should be considered in the presence of such a deposit in the gut wall.

[Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma: a report of 3 cases]. / L'hématome spontané épidural rachidien: à propos de 3 cas.

We report MR imaging features in 3 cases of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma, a potential neurosurgical emergency.

[Myositis ossificans circumscripta: the contribution of imaging]. / La myosite ossifiante circonscrite: apport de l'imagerie.

OBJECTIVES: Illustrate the specific and nonspecific aspects of myositis ossificans circumscripta (MOC) in standard imaging, cross-sectional imaging (sonography, CT, and MRI), and bone scintigraphy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eight patients presenting with MOC (three men and five women) were explored using standard radiography (eight cases), sonography (seven cases), scintigraphy (four cases), CT (six cases), and MRI (four cases). RESULTS: Standard x-rays and sonography of the soft tissue showed a well-defined mass containing calcifications in 75% of the cases. The CT scan diagnosed MOC in four cases, showing calcified masses separated from the adjacent bone by a clear radiotransparent border or afferent peripheral tumoral calcifications highly suggestive of MOC. MRI was nonspecific. Bone scintigraphy showed hyperfixation in the four cases imaged. CONCLUSION: Standard x-rays were useful to demonstrate the calcifications of MOC and to identify their relation with the subjacent bone. Sonography and bone scintigraphy were interesting in monitoring the lesion's maturation. In addition to early detection of calcifications, CT can precisely localize the lesion before surgical ablation. MRI is a very sensitive technique in detecting small lesions at an early stage, but it is nonspecific and does not remove the necessity of biopsy to eliminate the possibility of a malignant disease.

[Discoid menisci in children: ultrasonographic features]. / Le ménisque discoïde chez l'enfant: aspects échographiques.

OBJECTIVE: Discoid meniscus is a rare congenital pathology affecting mainly the lateral meniscus. Radiological diagnosis, initially based on arthrographic findings, is now established on well defined MRI criteria. In this study, ultrasonography (US) was the modality proposed for diagnosing discoid meniscus and compared to the normal sonographic meniscal pattern. Subjects and methods. 8 children aged from 6 to 11 years, with a symptomatology highly suggestive of meniscal pathology, were investigated by US of both knees, followed by MRI in 3 and arthroscopy in all cases. RESULTS: In all 8 cases, a meniscus was diagnosed as discoid when it no longer had its normal triangular shape, was abnormally elongated and thick and demonstrated a heterogeneous central pattern. Associated lesions (fracture, cystic degeneration) were well demonstrated on US. The lateral meniscus was involved in all 8 cases, the pathology was bilateral in 5 cases and MRI/US correlation was good in 3 cases. Arthroscopy confirmed US findings in all cases. CONCLUSION: US, a more widely available imaging modality, is a reliable technique for the diagnosis of discoid meniscus in children.

[Atypic radiologic aspect of a renal cell carcinoma in children]. / Présentation radiologique atypique d'un carcinome à cellules claires du rein chez l'enfant.

Renal cell carcinoma is rare in children and is usually found in late childhood. The authors report on an exceptional case of renal cell carcinoma in a 10-year-old girl. The radiological aspect is misleading and has not been previously reported in the literature. Renal cortex was thin because of congenital megalo-ureter, so the tumor developed entirely into excretory cavities (to the proximal ureter), while a primitive urothelial disease (tumoral or inflammatory) was first evoked. The atrophied cortex was the tumoral starting point which prolapsed into excretory cavities, upraising the urothelial epithelium.

[Cerebral hydatid disease: imaging features]. / Hydatidose cérébrale: aspects en imagerie.

Cerebral hytatid cysts (HC) are extremely rare, forming 2% of all intra cranial space occupying lesions even in counties where the disease is endemic. HC diagnosis is usually based on a pathognomonic computed tomography (CT) pattern. In order to assess the value of MR we reviewed the CT (n=25) and magnetic resonance (MR, n=4 including diffusion and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in 1) imaging of 25 patients with pathologically confirmed cerebral hydatid disease. 19 HC were seen in children under 16 years. All were supra tentorial with 22 in the middle cerebral artery territory. HC was solitary in 18 cases, unilocular in 23 and multi-vesicular in 2 with heavily calcified pericyst in 1. 2 cysts were intra ventricular and 1 intra aqueducal. The most typical features were well defined, smooth thin walled spherical or oval cystic lesions of CSF density and/or signal with considerable mass effect (20/25). Surrounding oedema with complete or incomplete rim enhancement was seen in 3 cases which were labelled as complicated and/or infected cysts. Although CT is diagnostic of hydatid disease in almost all cases (22/25), MRI including diffusion and spectroscopy precisely demonstrate location, number, cyst capsule, type of signal and enhancement and allows diagnosis of atypical or complicated HC and appears more helpful in surgical planning.

[MRI findings in the diagnosis of pseudotumoral humeral hydatid]. / Apport de l'IRM dans le diagnostic d'une hydatidose humérale pseudo-tumorale.

Hydatidosis of bone is rare. Vertebral localizations predominate. Standard imaging may be misleading, suggestive of a malignant tumor or infection. We present the case of a patient with a humeral hydatid. This localization is very rare and presents an unusual radiographic aspect. Computed tomography produces an image suggestive of a tumor. The correct diagnosis can be established with MRI, particularly with the STIR sequence. In our patient, MRI enabled us to establish the diagnosis preoperatively and evaluate extension. MRI has been found to be highly contributive to the diagnosis of hydatidosis of bone and for assessment of intra- and peri-osseous extension.

[Esophageal mucocele: report of 2 pediatric cases]. / Mucocèle oesophagienne à propos de deux observations pédiatriques.

Two cases of esophageal mucocele in pediatric patients are reported: two children of 5 and 9 years respectively underwent surgical isolation of the esophagus and esophagocoloplasty for caustic stenosis related to accidental ingestion of caustic soda. Clinical pattern of mediastinal compression was proved with cervical fistulous tract in one case. In both cases, thoracic computed tomography was a sensitive imaging method to demonstrate the mucocele and its extension. Esophageal mucocele is rarely described in children, especially following esophageal corrosive stricture.

[Abdominal actinomycosis. Report of 4 clinical cases studied with radiography]. / Actinomycose abdominale. A propos de 4 observations radiocliniques.

We report 4 cases of pathologically proven abdominal actinomycosis. US and CT demonstrated an infiltrative abdominal mass with ill-defined margins and heterogeneous enhancement after IV contrast. The ileo-cecal region was involved in one case; the mass appeared following cholecystectomy and recurred 3 years after surgical resection in one case; and no predisposing factor was identified in the 2 other cases. In one of these, recurrence was observed 12 years after the first episode. Actinomycosis must be included in the differential diagnosis of invasive abdominal lesions with "malignant" appearance.

[Tuberculous mesenteric lymphadenitis: a case report]. / La lymphadénite mésentérique d'origine tuberculeuse: à propos d'un cas.

The authors report a case of mesenteric tuberculous lymphadenitis which mimic a pancreatic cystadenoma. They emphasize ultrasound and CT scan features which lead to the recognition of tuberculosis and permit a percutaneous fine needle biopsy. Laparotomy seems the most reliable method for a positive diagnosis. The place of different imaging methods is discussed.

[Post-traumatic adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland]. / Carcinome adénoïde kystique post-traumatique de la glande lacrymale.

A young 17-year-old man was injured on the external orbital canthus and developed a tumefaction which remained stable. After 2 years the tumefaction with exophthalmia and visual troubles. Radiological investigations suggested two diagnosis: Organized hematoma or a lacrimal gland tumor. Surgical exploration found an apparently benign tumor but histologically it was a cystic adenoid carcinoma.

[Acute pyelonephritis and subcapsular hematoma revealing nephroblastoma at the age of 15 years]. / Pyélonéphrite aiguë et hématome sous-capsulaire révélant un néphroblastome à l'âge de 15 ans.

BACKGROUND: Nephroblastoma' the most common renal tumor in children between 1 and 5 years, occurs rarely in the oldest child. CASE REPORT: A 16-year-old teenager suffered from acute pyelonephritis caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae. Renal ultrasonography showed a left subcapsular hematoma; the CT scan confirmed the finding and also showed renal scarring. However, a second CT scan showed pulmonary nodules suggestive of metastasis, a diagnosis that was confirmed by needle biopsy of pulmonary lesions. Recovery was obtained after chemotherapy and nephrectomy with a 3-year-follow-up. CONCLUSION: This nephroblastoma was particular because its development in an adolescent, its association with acute pyelonephritis and subcapsular hemorrhage.

[Subcapsular hematoma complicating acute pyelonephritis]. / Hématome sous-capsulaire compliquant une pyélonéphrite aiguë.

Spontaneous subcapsular renal hematoma is rare and essentially associated with malignant, or benign tumor vascular diseases, inflammatory processes. In few cases, no cause was detected. We observed one additional case in a diabetic women. She presented fever, and bilateral flank pain. Ultrasonography showed bilateral subcapsular hematoma. Computed tomography confirmed these findings and demonstrated multiple area of acute focal pyelonephritis.

[Value of imaging in the assessment of malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the soft tissues]. / Place de l'imagerie dans le bilan des histiocytomes fibreux malins des parties molles.

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) is a rare and potentially highly malignant sarcoma. The authors report 6 cases of MFH in various sites: two in the chest wall, one in the pelvis, two in the gluteal zones and one on the scalp. Ultrasonography and computed tomography were the main imaging methods used in the assessment of the structure and extension of the tumor. A poor prognosis was noted in four cases: death within a few months in the two thoracic sites, recurrence in the pelvic and scalp lesions, radical surgery allowed recovery in two cases. A review of the literature showed that MRI and CT are complementary in the initial staging and follow-up of these patients.