Redundant publication in the journal Radiology.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively quantify the incidence of redundant publication in the journal Radiology and to compare the present study findings with those published for other journals and medical specialties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two readers estimated the incidence of the redundant publication of original articles in Radiology in the year 2001. Original research articles published in 2001 were analyzed by searching MEDLINE on the PubMed server to identify articles that may have represented a duplication of the original Radiology article. MEDLINE was searched between January 1999 and December 2003 by using the surname and initial(s) of the first author. Potentially redundant articles were identified after similarities in titles and abstracts were analyzed. The full versions of all potentially redundant articles and of the corresponding index articles were then retrieved from the library. The potentially redundant article was then compared with the index article. Criteria for redundant publication were as follows: Compared with the index article, the potentially duplicate article had (a) a similar hypothesis, (b) a similar number of subjects, (c) similar results, (d) at least one author in common, and (e) no or little new information. RESULTS: In 2001, 362 original research articles were published in Radiology. Two instances of redundant publication were found among these articles, and both were considered to be partially redundant publications due to series expansions (ie, increased numbers of study subjects) of 50% and 52%. CONCLUSION: Redundant publication appears to be less frequent in Radiology than in the other journals and specialties for which redundant publication information has been reported.

Pouchography, CT, and MRI features of ileal J pouch-anal anastomosis.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective is to describe pouchography, CT, and MRI features of the J-shaped pouch, both normal and with pouch-related complications. CONCLUSION: Pouchography is performed before closure of the loop ileostomy to assess the integrity of the ileal pouch and anastomosis. CT and MRI can be performed when postoperative complications, such as small-bowel obstruction, pouchitis, leakage, abscess, intramural hematoma, desmoid tumor, or recurrent Crohn's disease, are suspected.

MRI of rectal disorders.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this pictorial essay is to provide a review of the diseases involving the rectal wall with an emphasis on the key clinical and radiologic differentiating features. CONCLUSION: A wide spectrum of disease processes can involve the rectum in adults. MRI is the technique of choice in the definitive diagnosis of these disease conditions, mainly because of its superior tissue contrast differentiation.

Normal and pathologic features of the postoperative biliary tract at 3D MR cholangiopancreatography and MR imaging.

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with cholangiopancreatographic sequences plays a critical role in evaluating alterations in the biliary tract after surgical procedures such as cholecystectomy, liver transplantation, hepatic resection, and the creation of a biliary-enteric anastomosis. MR cholangiopancreatography, a rapid, noninvasive, and accurate imaging technique for the assessment of early and late complications of hepatobiliary surgery, usually enables the identification of normal and abnormal postoperative changes. In cases of complete obstruction of the bile duct, MR cholangiopancreatography allows analysis of the biliary tract above and below the level of the obstruction, a capability essential for treatment planning and one that is not provided by either endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography. MR cholangiopancreatography is particularly useful for the evaluation of biliary-enteric anastomoses, for which an endoscopic approach is generally precluded. It also can help detect and localize bile duct strictures and stones and can help accurately classify bile duct injuries. It is useful for detecting bile leaks, although it generally does not directly depict the extravasation of bile. In addition to MR cholangiopancreatography, T1- and T2-weighted MR imaging may be performed to depict extrabiliary soft-tissue structures and abnormalities such as an abscess, tumor recurrence or metastasis, hematoma, or hemobilia. Mangafodipir trisodium-enhanced MR cholangiopancreatography, a recently developed technique that provides a combination of anatomic and functional information, is particularly helpful for documenting bile leaks because it allows a functional evaluation of biliary excretion and may directly depict bile leakage from injured ducts.

Multi-detector row CT: spectrum of diseases involving the ileocecal area.

The ileocecal area is a relatively short segment of the gastrointestinal tract but may be affected by pathologic conditions that are either common throughout the gastrointestinal system or exclusive to this area. These conditions include benign and malignant tumors, inflammatory processes (appendicitis, diverticulitis, epiploic appendagitis, Crohn disease), infectious diseases, and miscellaneous conditions (cecal ischemia, typhlitis, cecal volvulus, duplication cyst). The various components of the ileocecal area (cecum, appendix, ileocecal valve, terminal ileum) are close to one another, so that these conditions may involve more than one anatomic structure, thereby creating a diagnostic dilemma. The evaluation of various parameters (eg, stratified enhancement pattern of the thickened bowel wall, degree of thickening, extent and location of bowel wall involvement, degree of fat stranding relative to the degree of wall thickening) and associated findings (lymph nodes, mesenteric stranding, abscess and sinus tracts, fatty proliferation, solid organ abnormalities) will help narrow the differential diagnosis. Multi-detector row computed tomography (CT) is considered the best imaging examination for the evaluation of the ileocecal area. Consequently, the radiologist should be familiar with the multi-detector row CT features of the spectrum of diseases affecting this area to help ensure correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Anatomic and pathologic findings at external phased-array pelvic MR imaging after surgery for anorectal disease.

Pelvic magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is useful for identification of postoperative changes, complications, and disease recurrence in patients who have undergone surgery for primary or recurrent anorectal disease. Commonly used interventions include treatment for anorectal carcinoma: anterior rectal resection with or without creation of different colic anastomoses and abdominoperineal excision with or without pelvic reconstruction (omentoplasty, placement of myocutaneous flaps). Other common interventions include treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (coloproctectomy with or without creation of an ileoanal anastomosis and ileal pouch) and treatment for fistulas (placement of flaps or setons). Postoperative anatomic changes and formation of scar tissue can usually be identified with consecutive MR imaging examinations. Pelvic MR imaging is an accurate technique for assessment of complications including anastomotic leakage, septic complications such as fistulas and abscesses, neoplastic recurrence, and other less common complications (perineal hernia, peritoneal pseudocyst). The sophisticated surgical procedures used in rectal surgery can alter normal anatomy and make image interpretation difficult. Thus, familiarity with the appearances of postoperative anatomic changes, complications, and tumor recurrence is essential for accurate MR imaging evaluation after surgery for anorectal disease.

Treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma with acetic acid percutaneous injection.

UNLABELLED: Percutaneous ablation using acetic acid is an attractive method because of its low morbidity and low number of sessions required to induce complete tumor necrosis. Moreover, the real-time fluoroscopy CT scan could improve the technique by improving distribution of the necrotizing agent within the tumor. AIM: To determine the feasibility and the long-term results of the acetic acid percutaneous injection under CT fluoroscopy guidance in a series of cirrhotic patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma in a single French center. METHODS: One hundred and two patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were evaluated for treatment between 1999 and 2000. The selection criteria for fluoroscopy CT scan-directed percutaneous acetic acid ablation were: 1) one to three nodules<5 centimeters; 2) Child-Pugh class<13; 3) prothrombin index > 40% and platelet count > 50000 per mm(3) and 4) contraindication to both resection and liver transplantation. Post treatment follow-up included ultrasonography, magnetic resonance and alphafetoprotein levels every 3 months. Recurrence and survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients (48%) could benefit from a curative treatment, most of them (37/49) being eligible for fluoroscopy CT scan-directed percutaneous acetic acid. The mean follow up was 24.4 +/- 2.7 months. Complete tumor necrosis was achieved in 28 patients (76%) after a mean of 1.6 sessions. In these 28 patients, the recurrence rates were 34% and 48% and survival rates were 76% and 70%, at 24 and 36 months, respectively. No serious complications occurred during or after the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous ablation using acetic acid using CT fluoroscopy guidance may be considered as a short term efficient, low risk treatment and can be applied even in patients with ascites or severe hemostatic abnormalities. However, the high rate of recurrence and the early occurrence of multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma underline the limits of this method as well as of all other percutaneous strategies.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the ischiorectal fossa: spectrum of disease.

OBJECTIVE: Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies are widely used to assess the rectum, anal canal, and their environment. The purpose of this article is to review the current role of MRI in the evaluation of diseases involving the ischiorectal fossa and their imaging features. CONCLUSIONS: The radiologist plays an essential role in the evaluation of some conditions typically located in this space and of other conditions that occasionally involve this area or invade the ischioanal space. The accurate assessment of these diseases that MRI provides further cements its role as the primary technique for the evaluation of pelvic pathology.

Intramedullary spinal cord abscess complicating thoracic spondylodiscitis caused by Bacteroides fragilis.

Intramedullary spinal cord abscess associated with infectious spondylodiscitis is a rare entity. The case of a 66-year-old man with an intramedullary spinal cord abscess complicating thoracic spondylodiscitis is presented. The patient was unable to ambulate independently due to weakness of the legs. MR imaging showed findings suggestive of infectious spondylodiscitis at the T5-T6 level associated with epidural and intramedullary spinal cord abscesses. Biopsy of the intervertebral disc was performed and Bacteroides fragilis was isolated. Antibiotic therapy was instituted, and MR imaging of the thoracic spine was performed 6 weeks after the initiation of treatment, showing resolution of the epidural and intramedullary spinal cord abscesses.

Computed tomography features of acute thrombosis of central veins with perivenous inflammatory changes.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to examine the computed tomographic findings in 13 patients with acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of central veins of the neck, chest, and abdomen in whom major perivenous inflammatory changes were noted. METHODS: During a 10-year period, 13 patients with acute DVT of 21 central veins and marked perivenous inflammatory changes on computed tomography were identified. Computed tomography images were assessed for location of DVT and pattern of perivenous changes. RESULTS: The perivenous changes took the form of a rounded or lobulated perivenous bulky mass (massive pattern or tumorlike) in 5 patients and of infiltrative changes in the other 8 patients. Direct visualization of the thrombotic vein was possible in 8 patients. Follow-up examinations (range, 6-36 months; mean, 15 months) demonstrated resolution of perivenous inflammatory changes with anticoagulation therapy in all cases. CONCLUSION: Perivenous inflammatory changes around the thrombotic vein presented as a rounded or lobulated perivenous bulky mass that may mimic a tumor or as infiltrative perivenous changes.

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for the assessment of fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C.

UNLABELLED: Liver biopsy is the gold standard for assessing fibrosis but has several limitations. We evaluated a noninvasive method, so-called diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWMRI), which measures the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of water, for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV). We analyzed 20 healthy volunteers and 54 patients with chronic HCV (METAVIR: F0, n = 1; F1, n = 30; F2, n = 8; F3, n = 5; and F4, n = 10) prospectively included. Patients with moderate-to-severe fibrosis (F2-F3-F4) had hepatic ADC values lower than those without or with mild fibrosis (F0-F1; mean: 1.10 +/- 0.11 versus 1.30 +/- 0.12 x 10(-3) mm2/s) and healthy volunteers (mean: 1.44 +/- 0.02 x 10(-3) mm2/s). In discriminating patients staged F3-F4, the areas under the receiving operating characteristic curves (AUCs) were 0.92 (+/-0.04) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 0.92 (+/-0.05) for elastography, 0.79 (+/-0.08) for FibroTest, 0.87 (+/-0.06) for the aspartate aminotransferase to platelets ratio index (APRI), 0.86 (+/-0.06) for the Forns index, and 0.87 (+/-0.06) for hyaluronate. In these patients, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 87%, 87%, 72%, and 94%, respectively, with an ADC cutoff level of 1.21 x 10(-3) mm2/s. In discriminating patients staged F2-F3-F4, the AUC values were 0.79 (+/-0.07) for MRI, 0.87 (+/-0.05) for elastography, 0.68 (+/-0.09) for FibroTest, 0.81 (+/-0.06) for APRI, 0.72 (+/-0.08) for the Forns index, and 0.77 (+/-0.06) for hyaluronate. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study suggests that DWMRI compares favorably with other noninvasive tests for the presence of significant liver fibrosis.

Assessment of MRI and MRCP in diagnosis of biliary cystadenoma and cystadenocarcinoma.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance cholangio-pancreatography (MRCP) features were analyzed in the diagnosis of seven surgically resected hepatobiliary cystic tumors with reference to histopathological data. Homogeneity, size, location, signal intensity, presence or absence of septa and/or nodules and MRCP features of the lesions were studied. Histological evidence demonstrated six biliary cystadenoma (BCA) including four pseudo-ovarian stroma (POS) and one biliary cystadenocarcinoma (BCAC). Cystic lesions (3-15 cm in diameter) were homogeneous in the six BCA, heterogeneous in the one BCAC, and were located in the left and right liver, respectively. On T2-weighted images all lesions were hyperintense. On T1-weighted images hypointensity was found in three BCA (all serous fluid, including one POS), isointensity was found in the three others (two mucinous and one hemorrhagic fluid, including three POS) and in the one BCAC (containing mucinous fluid). Septas were present in all cases and nodules only in the one BCAC. On MRCP a hyperintense cystic lesion was found in all cases and a bile ducts dilatation in two BCA and the one BCAC. Gadolinium-enhanced MRI in combination with MRCP is a valuable tool for the diagnosis of BCA or BCAC. However, no specific information is gained for POS detection.

Unusual adrenal incidentalomas: magnetic resonance imaging features with pathological correlation.

Diagnosis of incidental adrenal masses is a real challenge to radiologists. The most common incidental tumors of the adrenal gland are adenomas and metastases. This article presents our experience with uncommon adrenal incidentalomas. Most of the magnetic resonance imaging characteristic features are demonstrated. When possible, they are correlated with the findings at gross and microscopic analysis, to help in understanding the mechanisms by which magnetic resonance imaging may aid in the characterization of the incidental adrenal mass.

A new technique for localization of hepatic tumors that are poorly visible with CT fluoroscopy.

The purpose of this study was to report a new technique for localization of hepatic tumors that are poorly visible with CT fluoroscopy. Forty-three hepatocellular carcinomas were not visible with CT fluoroscopy. A 22-gauge Chiba end-hole needle was inserted in the approximate location of a lesion estimated on the basis of anatomical landmarks demonstrated on both previous MR and CT images. We injected 3 ml of a mixture of nonionic contrast material and saline solution. Following the first injection, contrast solution filled the hepatic lesion in 29 of 43 cases. In 8 of 43 cases, contrast solution was distributed in the normal surrounding liver. In 7 of these 8 cases, repositioning allowed us to adjust the needle in the tumor. In the other 6 of 43 cases, contrast solution spread within capsule or pseudocapsule (pattern 3). In all 6 cases, repositioning allowed to adjust the needle in the tumor. This new technique allows an accurate localization of hepatic tumors that are poorly visible with CT fluoroscopy.

Liver adenomatosis: classification of MR imaging features and comparison with pathologic findings.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively compare the clinical manifestation and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features of liver adenomatosis with pathologic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study had institutional review board approval, and informed consent was waived. Twenty patients were classified on the basis of pathologic findings into three groups: those with a steatotic, those with a peliotic, and those with a mixed (steatotic and peliotic) form of liver adenomatosis. MR images were reviewed in consensus by two abdominal radiologists, and findings were compared with the pathologic classification. Statistical evaluation was performed with the Student t test. RESULTS: All patients were women (mean age, 39 years +/- 10 [standard deviation]). Lesions of the steatotic form (n = 7) showed (a) a mean diameter of 6.3 cm +/- 1.7, (b) slightly hyperintense signal on T2-weighted images, (c) hyper- or isointense signal on T1-weighted images with a signal dropout with fat suppression sequences, and (d) moderate enhancement at the arterial phase with no delayed enhancement. Lesions of the peliotic form (n = 7) showed (a) a somewhat larger size (8.3 cm +/- 3.6), (b) markedly hyperintense signal on T2-weighted images, (c) iso- or hyperintensity on T1-weighted images with no signal dropout with fat suppression sequences, and (d) strong arterial enhancement and persistent enhancement at the portal and delayed phase. Lesions of the mixed form (n = 6) included a combination of imaging features of the steatotic and peliotic forms. Lesions, however, were significantly larger in the mixed form than in the steatotic form (10.3 cm +/- 4, P < .05). CONCLUSION: There are three patterns of MR imaging features of liver adenomatosis that are associated with three pathologic forms (steatotic, peliotic, and mixed).

FEMIC (Fibromes Embolisés aux MICrosphères calibrées): uterine fibroid embolization using tris-acryl microspheres. A French multicenter study.

PURPOSE: A French multicenter registry was set up to confirm the safety and efficacy of large calibrated tris-acryl gelatin microspheres for embolization of symptomatic fibroids. METHODS: Technical recommendations included embolization using large microspheres (>500 microm) with no secondary embolization agent. Postprocedural pain, clinical improvement and adverse events were prospectively evaluated during a follow-up period of at least 6 months. RESULTS: Eighty-five women complaining of fibroid-related symptoms entered the study. In seven women, a secondary embolization agent was used in addition to microspheres. Complete resolution of menorrhagia was achieved in 84% of women at 24 months and significant uterine and fibroid volume reductions were noted after 6 months (37% and 73%, respectively). Three women experienced definitive amenorrhea (4%) and two women required hysteroscopic resection of a fibroid. Eight women were treated by hysterectomy because of treatment failure. In seven of these women, treatment failure was explained by an additional cause of symptoms including diffuse adenomyosis, endometrial hyperplasia or ovarian artery supply to the fibroids. CONCLUSION: Limited uterine artery embolization using large microspheres has good clinical success rate with low postprocedural pain and complications. Women can expect excellent midterm results with a high level of symptom control and significant fibroid volume reduction. Confidence in the end-point recommended here may require the experience of several cases.

Detection of lung cancer on radiographs: receiver operating characteristic analyses of radiologists', pulmonologists', and anesthesiologists' performance.

PURPOSE: To compare and quantify, by means of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and localization ROC analyses, the performance of radiologists, pulmonologists, and anesthesiologists (residents and staff) in the detection of missed lung cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was approved by the institutional review board, and informed consent was not required or obtained for review of radiographs. A set of 60 posteroanterior chest radiographs was presented to 36 observers: 12 radiologists, 12 pulmonologists, and 12 anesthesiologists. Each of these three observer categories included six residents and six staff. Thirty of the radiographs each depicted one lung cancer that was overlooked at prospective image interpretation; the other 30 were normal radiographs matched for age and smoking history. Observers were asked to rate their degree of suspicion concerning the presence of lung cancer by using a visual analog scale and to point out the zone of suspicion on a schematic of the lung. These data were used to generate combined ROC-localization ROC curves and to assess performance. Intraobserver consistency was evaluated by using intraclass correlation coefficients and weighted kappa statistics. RESULTS: Areas under the ROC curves indicated better performance for radiologists and pulmonologists compared with anesthesiologists (P < .002) and for staff compared with residents (P < .022). Performance was lower for all categories of observers when localization ROC curves were used. Radiologists and staff pulmonologists showed a higher degree of confidence in the assessment of normality than did other categories of physicians. Intraobserver consistency was poor. CONCLUSION: Experienced readers showed better ability to distinguish normality from abnormality. Combined ROC and localization ROC analyses gave a more reliable quantification of observer performance than did ROC analysis alone.

Benign hepatic portal venous gas following caustic ingestion.

Hepatic portal vein gas has been documented in numerous conditions and is traditionally regarded as a poor prognostic sign. There are, however, several reports of portal vein gas with a benign course. We report the first case of transient hepatic portal vein gas secondary to the ingestion of a caustic substance. The literature of hepatic portal vein gas in benign disease is reviewed.

Subsequent publication of orally presented original studies within 5 years after 1995 RSNA Scientific Assembly.

PURPOSE: To determine the rate at which original studies that were presented orally at the 1995 Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Scientific Assembly were published in Medline-indexed journals and to identify factors predictive of publication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 1995 RSNA Scientific Program was jointly reviewed by two readers. A total of 1,897 abstracts were included in the study. A Medline search of articles published between 1996 and 2000 was then conducted to identify articles written by the first, second, and/or last authors of all abstracts published in the 1995 RSNA Scientific Program. The year of publication, journal, country origin of the abstract, subspecialty, and nature of the research (ie, human, animal, or technical) were recorded. Publication rates were compared by using multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Six hundred thirty-five abstracts were expanded into manuscripts that were subsequently published in Medline-indexed journals; thus, the publication rate was 33%. A study was published less than 3 years after the 1995 scientific assembly in 595 (94%) cases. Genitourinary radiology and chest radiology studies had the highest publication rates (46% and 48%, respectively; P <.01), whereas physics studies had the lowest (24%, P <.001). Technical studies (24%, P <.001) were less likely than human studies (36%, P <.001) to be published. The publication rate also differed substantially according to the country origin of the abstract. The articles were published in a total of 109 journals and chiefly in Radiology (211 cases, 33% of published studies). CONCLUSION: One-third of original studies presented orally at the 1995 scientific assembly were subsequently published in Medline-indexed journals. More articles were published in Radiology than in any other identified journal.

Percutaneous acetic acid injection for hepatocellular carcinoma: using CT fluoroscopy to evaluate distribution of acetic acid mixed with an iodinated contrast agent.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study is to evaluate the distribution of acetic acid mixed with iodinated contrast agent during percutaneous acetic acid injection on CT fluoroscopy for hepatocellular carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Monitoring acetic acid distribution on CT fluoroscopy can detect extratumoral diffusion and may optimize the distribution of acetic acid in hepatocellular carcinoma.