Feasibility of Magnetic Resonance-Guided High-Intensity-Focused Ultrasound (MRgHIFU) Ablation of Stump Neuromas for the Relief of Chronic Postamputation Neuropathic Pain.

Up to 70% of limb amputees develop chronic postamputation neuropathic pain (CPANP) which includes phantom pain and residual limb neuropathic pain due to neuroma formation. CPANP often requires invasive procedures aimed at neuroma ablation. Five amputees received 6 noninvasive magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity-focused ultrasound MRgHIFU treatments ExAblate®, Insightec, Tirat-Carmel, Israel). Although ablative temperature (>65°C) at the neuroma was reached in only 1 patient, pain intensity dropped from 5.7 at baseline to 4.3 and back to 5.6 at 3 and 6 month follow-up. Post-treatment bone necrosis was demonstrated in 1 patient. Although no firm conclusion about the effectiveness of MRgHIFU for CPANP could be drawn, further studies are warranted.

Four-dimensional Computed Tomography (4DCT) for Preoperative Localization of Parathyroid Adenomas.

BACKGROUND: Four-dimensional parathyroid computed tomography (4DCT) is a relatively new parathyroid imaging technique that provides functional and highly detailed anatomic information about parathyroid tumors. OBJECTIVES: To assess the accuracy of 4DCT for the preoperative localization of parathyroid adenomas (PTAs) in patients with biochemically confirmed primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and a history of failed surgery or unsuccessful localization using 99mTc-sestamibi scanning and ultrasonography. METHODS: Between January 2013 and January 2015, 55 patients with PHPT underwent 4DCT at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel. An initial unenhanced scan was followed by an IV contrast injection of nonionic contrast material (120 ml of at 4 ml/s). Scanning was repeated 25, 60, and 90 seconds after the initiation of IV contrast administration. An experienced radiologist blinded to the earlier imaging results reviewed the 4DCT for the presence and location (quadrant) of the suspected PTAs. At the time of the study, 28 patients had undergone surgical exploration following 4DCT and we compared their scans with the surgical findings. RESULTS: 4DCT accurately localized 96% (27/28) of abnormal glands, all of which were hypervascular and showed characteristic rapid enhancement on 4DCT that could be distinguished from Level II lymph nodes. Surgery found hypovascular cystic PTA in one patient who produced a negative 4DCT scan. All patients had solitary PTAs. The scan at 90 seconds provided no additional information and was abandoned during the study. CONCLUSIONS: 4DCT accurately localized hypervascular parathyroid lesions and distinguished them from other tissues. A three-phase scanning protocol may suffice.

Sonographic Diagnosis of Complicated Cholecystitis.

OBJECTIVES: Early detection of the complications of cholecystitis is important for clinical management, yet only a small percentage of patients have a correct diagnosis before surgery. The purpose of our study was to identify sonographic findings that are associated with complicated cholecystitis. METHODS: Sonographic, surgical, and pathologic reports were reviewed for 70 patients who underwent early cholecystectomies from January 2010 to August 2014. Sonograms were assessed for 16 independent variables. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate associations between various sonographic features and complicated cholecystitis. RESULTS: Sonographic signs associated with complicated cholecystitis (P< .05) were a greater short-axis gallbladder diameter (mean, 4.4 versus 4.0 cm), a greater mean wall thickness (5.6 versus 4.2 mm), and the likelihood of wall striations, gallbladder echogenic content, pericholecystic free fluid, and local inflammatory fat changes. Specific sonographic signs, such as sloughed intraluminal membranes, were detected in a small percentage of cases (10%). None of the sonographic features evaluated in this study was found to be sensitive and specific enough to indicate complicated cholecystitis. In most cases, sonograms reflected severe inflammation, with multiple sonographic signs. CONCLUSIONS: Although multiple sonographic signs are associated with complicated cholecystitis, none of them is sensitive and specific enough to definitively diagnose it. Sonograms usually reflect severe inflammation, with numerous sonographic signs. Thus, in the right clinical context, sonograms of severe cholecystitis should alert radiologists to the possibility of complications.

Isolated spontaneous dissection of a visceral artery: a rare cause of epigastric pain.

BACKGROUND: Isolated spontaneous dissection of the celiac trunk or superior mesenteric artery is rarely considered in patients with acute abdominal pain. However, with advances in computed tomography (CT) technology, more cases are being detected. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe the clinical manifestation and the classical CT features of isolated spontaneous celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) dissection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The records of seven patients were reviewed to assess demographic data, presenting symptoms, location of dissection, diagnostic modalities, imaging findings, complications, and treatment. RESULTS: Six patients were men. The average age was 57 years (range, 44-80). Six had epigastric pain and one was asymptomatic. All were diagnosed by CT. The location of dissection was the celiac trunk in three and SMA in four. In all cases, the diagnosis was made by identifying an intimal flap on contrast-enhanced CT images. Extension of dissection to the hepatic artery was found in three patients. A number of associated imaging findings were also present: infiltration of the fat surrounding the vessel (four cases), aneurysmal dilatation (six), thrombosed false lumen (four), significant stenosis (two), and additional aortic or visceral artery aneurysm (four). One patient had renal infarction 2 weeks after initial presentation. Extensive evaluation of all patients revealed no serologic evidence to support the presence of vasculitis or an inflammatory disorder. All were treated conservatively with antihypertensive drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, and anticoagulants. CONCLUSION: Isolated spontaneous splanchnic artery dissection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute abdominal pain.

The prevalence of pulmonary embolism among patients suffering from acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The clinical diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is often difficult due to the similarity in the presenting symptoms of the two conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of PE in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD. Forty-nine consecutive patients admitted to our medical center for acute exacerbation of COPD were investigated for PE (whether or not clinically suspected), following a standardized algorithm based on D-dimer testing and computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA). PE was ruled out by a D-dimer value <500 µg/L in 20 (41 %) patients and by negative CTPA in 40 (82 %). PE was confirmed in 9 patients. The prevalence of PE was 18 %. One patient with normal D-dimer had PE. Presenting symptoms and signs were similar between patients who did and did not have PE. PE was detected in 18 % of COPD patients who were hospitalized for an acute exacerbation. This finding supports the systematic evaluation of PE in hospitalized COPD exacerbated patients.

Atypical Femoral Fractures: Radiological Evaluation and Bisphosphonate Exposure.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that prolonged bisphosphonate (BP) treatment predisposes to atypical fractures (AF), but the etiology has yet to be determined. Addressing causality begins with case identification, which requires radiological adjudication. However, many trials based their case findings on coded diagnoses. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the feasibility of case findings by the coding system and the reproducibility of radiological evaluations in two hospitals in Israel, and to compare BP exposure of AF patients to a control group with typical (intertrochanteric of femoral neck) fractures. METHODS: Diagnostic databases from 2007 to 2010 were reviewed and admission X-rays of patients were examined in two steps by two radiologists. Fractures were classified as atypical or not atypical according to published criteria. A 2:1 control group was created. Ambulatory drug acquisition was reviewed. RESULTS: Of the 198 patients who fulfilled the search criteria, 38 were classified by initial radiological opinion as AF. Subsequent radiological opinion judged 16 as not atypical. Of the AF patients, 80% were exposed to BP. Of those, 81% continued to receive BP treatment for 2.4 years after AF. Only one AF patient was discharged with suspected AF diagnosis. In the control group, 27% were exposed to BP prior to fracture (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Thorough radiological revision is mandatory for proper classification of AF, and even when performed there is significant inconsistency in interpretation. Conclusions drawn from trials based solely on coded diagnoses lead to significant bias. BP exposure was significantly higher in the AF group. Caregiver unawareness of AF leads to improper management.

Role of Plain Abdominal Radiographs in the Evaluation of Patients with Non-Traumatic Abdominal Pain.

BACKGROUND: Plain abdominal radiographs are still performed as a first imaging examination to evaluate abdominal pain in the emergency department (ED), despite uncertainty regarding their utility. OBJECTIVES: To describe the frequency and outcomes of the use of plain abdominal radiographs in the diagnosis of patients presenting with acute non-traumatic abdominal pain in the ED of a medical center. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients presenting to the ED with acute abdominal pain during a 6 month period. Further imaging (computed tomography, ultrasonography), when performed, was compared with the abdominal radiography. RESULTS: Of 573 consecutive patients, 300 (52%) underwent abdominal radiography. Findings were normal in 88% (n = 264), non-specific in 7.3% (n = 22), and abnormal in 4.7% (n = 14). For those with normal results, no further imaging was ordered for 43% (114/264). Of the 57% (150/264) who had follow-up imaging, 65% (98/150) showed abnormal findings. In 9 (3%) of the 300 patients, abdominal radiography identified bowel perforations and obstructions, and treatment was provided without the need for further radiologic examination. CONCLUSIONS: The use of plain abdominal radiography is still common despite the high rate of false positive results. Efforts are needed to decrease the indiscriminate use of radiography in patients presenting with abdominal symptoms.

Giant omental hemorrhagic cyst presenting as acute hemorrhagic anemia in a 21-month-old infant.

An omental cyst is a very rare pathology, especially in small infants. Children generally present with abdominal distention with or without a palpable mass. The mass may be huge, simulating ascites. The most common presentation in children is that of a small-bowel obstruction. The differential diagnosis includes intestinal duplication cyst, ovarian, choledochal, pancreatic, splenic, or renal cysts, hydronephrosis, cystic teratoma, hydatid cyst, and ascites. We describe the clinical presentation, imaging features, surgical treatment, and postoperative course of a 21-month-old female infant with a congenital giant omental cyst. This entity is extremely rare but should be included in the differential diagnosis in similar cases.

Computed tomographic diagnosis of traumatic fetal subdural hematoma.

Intrauterine subdural hematoma (SDH) is a rare event; maternal trauma, especially during the last trimester of pregnancy, is the best documented cause of fetal SDH. We report an extremely rare case of fetal SDH due to maternal trauma diagnosed by multidetector computed tomography. We also discuss the clinical and imaging features of fetal SDH which can be used to assist in diagnosis with emphasis on CT criteria.

Association between nephrolithiasis and fatty liver detected on non-enhanced CT for clinically suspected renal colic.

PURPOSE: To estimate a direct association between nephrolithiasis and hepatosteatosis in patients referred to CT due to clinical suspicion of renal colic. METHODS: A 508 non-contrast CT scans were examined for calculi in the kidneys or urinary tract, including measurements of liver attenuation, spleen attenuation, thickness of visceral and subcutaneous fat. Logistic regression examined the association of nephrolithiasis and hepatosteatosis findings. RESULTS: Nephrolithiasis was found in 421 (83.9%) and hepatosteatosis in 80 (15.7%) cases. Univariate analysis showed a statistically significant association between nephrolithiasis and hepatosteatosis OR=3.24 (95% CI 1.36-7.68), p=0.008. CONCLUSIONS: A significant association was determined between nephrolithiasis and hepatosteatosis.

Aortic dimensions by multi-detector computed tomography vs. echocardiography.

OBJECTIVE: Clinical follow-up of aortic dimensions is performed interchangeably by multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) and by cardiac echocardiography (ECHO). This study assesses the relationship between measurements of the aortic diameter by MDCT and ECHO at various predetermined locations using several methods. METHODS: The aortic diameter was measured at 6 locations between the aortic annulus and the aortic arch in 49 patients who underwent both MDCT and ECHO. Measurements were performed by three methods: internal-to-internal edge (INT), external-to-internal edge (MIX), and external-to-external edge (EXT). Measurements by MDCT and ECHO were made by an experienced radiologist and cardiologist, respectively, both blinded to results and images from the other modality. RESULTS: The average aortic diameter at all locations was significantly different between the MDCT and ECHO by all three methods (INT: 30.0±5.8mm vs. 27.8±5.9mm; MIX: 31.5±5.8mm vs. 30.8±5.8mm; EXT: 32.9±6.6mm vs. 33.8±6.5mm, p<0.002 for all). While mean absolute differences between INT and EXT methods were similar (3.5±3.1mm and 3.4±2.7mm, respectively), the absolute difference using the MIX method was significantly smaller (3.1±2.8mm; p<0.001 for INT vs. MIX; p<0.05 for EXT vs. MIX). CONCLUSIONS: There is considerable variability between MDCT and ECHO measurements of the ascending aorta. Measuring the aortic diameter by the MIX provides the closest measurements and is advised for long-term follow-up.

[Subacromial hematoma due to rotator cuff rupture].

This is an unusual case report of an elderly patient with spontaneous acute rupture of rotator cuff complicated by large subacromial hematoma. The hematoma fluid was aspirated with significant reduction of pain. The shoulder movements were restored after one month with conservative therapy. The compensatory role of preserved deltoid muscle is considered in the rehabilitation of normal shoulder movement, which may replace aggressive immobilization or surgical procedures in the elderly population. Investigation of hematoma fluid compared with blood 24 hours after the event revealed severe lactic acidosis with low glucose level, preserved red blood cell count and significant decrease of white blood cells. There were normal values of CBC, pH, lactate and glucose in blood. These results showed high susceptibility of leukocytes to anaerobic and acid environment and its dependence on oxygen supplement.

Giant colonic diverticulum: radiographic and MDCT characteristics.

Giant colonic diverticulum (GCD), defined as a diverticulum larger than 4 cm, is a rare entity that is generally a manifestation of colonic diverticular disease. Because of its rarity and its variable and non-specific presentation, the diagnosis of GCD depends mainly on imaging findings. Knowledge of the spectrum of radiographic and CT features of the GCD is important in making the correct diagnosis and potentially preventing complications. This review focuses on imaging findings characteristic of GCD as well as its complications and radiographic mimics. Teaching points • Giant colonic diverticulum is a rare complication of diverticulosis.• The most common symptom is abdominal pain presenting in approximately 70 % of patients.• Diagnosis is based on imaging findings with plain abdominal radiographs and MDCT.• Treatment consists of en bloc resection of the diverticulum and affected adjacent colon.

The diagnostic accuracy of pericolonic fat extension and attenuation for colorectal tumors.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the utility of quantitative analysis of the extension and attenuation of pericolonic fat in the local staging of colorectal cancer (CRC) using multi detector computed tomography (MDCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 110 patients who were operated due to pathologically proven CRC from January 2007 to January 2010, and who underwent preoperative MDCT of the abdomen and pelvis with administration of intravenous contrast material and image acquisition during the portal venous phase. The mean age was 69 years (range of 38-90 years). Pathological reports were reviewed for TNM staging. All MDCT studies were reviewed by two certified radiologists for maximal and minimal tumor diameter, extent of the infiltrated pericolonic fat (measured in mm), attenuation of the infiltrated pericolonic fat (measured in Hounsfield units), and attenuation of normally appearing fat next to the tumor. The sensitivity and specificity of these parameters in detecting patients with ≥ T3 CRC were calculated. RESULTS: The overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of pericolonic fat infiltration in detecting patients with ≥T3 stage were 95% (95% CI, 89.0-98.7%), 20% (5.8-43.7%), and 81.9% (74.7-89%) respectively. The mean extent and attenuation of the infiltrated pericolonic fat, in addition to the maximal tumor diameter, were higher in the ≥T3 group (p<0.05). By defining threshold values to these parameters, the positive predictive value for detecting ≥T3 stage tumors approaches 100%. CONCLUSION: Quantitative analysis of pericolonic fat increased the accuracy of MDCT in the detection of local tumor spread in CRC.

Diagnosis of gallbladder perforation by ultrasound.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify possible pitfalls in the sonographic evaluation of perforated gallbladders. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of sonograms of 11 patients diagnosed by surgery or pathology with perforated gallbladder. Sonograms were evaluated for multiple sonographic features. RESULTS: Only three patients (27%) were diagnosed correctly with gallbladder perforation by ultrasonography prior to surgery. Gangrenous cholecystitis was reported in 10 cases (90%). Visualization of a wall defect was demonstrated in only five cases (45%) and was associated with a focal echogenic soft-tissue mass. CONCLUSION: Missed perforations by ultrasound may partially result from technical inadequacies.

Superior mesenteric artery-related aortic pseudomass as a form of reverberation artifact in a 10-year-old boy.

Artifacts are encountered routinely in clinical ultrasonography practice. The ability to recognize and eliminate potentially correctable ultrasound artifacts is of great importance to image quality improvement and optimal patient care. We describe an example of a superior mesenteric artery-related pseudomass as a form of reverberation artifact that could lead to misinterpretation of sonographic findings. We present the ultrasonographic and computed tomography angiography findings and give an explanation for the appearance of the artifact.

Giant colon diverticulum: clinical and imaging findings in 17 patients with emphasis on CT criteria.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to review the clinical and radiologic features of giant colonic diverticulum (GCD). METHODS: Medical records of 17 patients with GCD on computed tomographic (CT) examination were reviewed. RESULTS: CT examination revealed the GCD in all patients as a predominantly gas-filled structure communicating with the adjacent colon. Thirteen patients showed a gas-filled structure on abdominal radiograph. The mean GCD diameter was 7 cm. Most diverticula were found in the sigmoid colon. Associated diverticulosis was present in 71% of patients. CONCLUSION: Our experience suggests that GCD can often be diagnosed on the basis of the characteristic radiographic and CT findings in these patients.