Imaging findings of recurrent pancreatic cancer following resection.

Pancreatic cancer is a challenging malignancy to treat, largely due to aggressive regional involvement, early systemic dissemination, high recurrence rate, and subsequent low patient survival. Generally, 15-20% of newly diagnosed pancreatic cancers are candidates for possible curative resection. Eighty percent of these patients, however, will experience locoregional or distant recurrence in first 2 years. Although there is no strong evidence-based guideline for optimal surveillance after pancreatic cancer resection, careful comparison of surveillance follow-up multi-detector CT (MDCT) studies with a postoperative baseline MDCT examination aids detection of early recurrent pancreatic cancer. In this review article, we describe imaging findings suggestive of recurrent pancreatic cancer and review routine and alternative imaging options.

Evaluation of the quality of self-education mammography material available for patients on the Internet.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The Internet offers many advantages for educating patients but has no standards for publication. This limitation could negatively affect patient care. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality of information on mammography that a patient could find on the Internet. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three search utilities were used to research the term "mammography." For each utility, the first 50 addresses for Web pages were evaluated (or all the addresses, if fewer than 50 were returned). Web sites selected contained information that could guide an asymptomatic woman in deciding whether to undergo screening mammography. These sites were then evaluated for whether they indicated their sponsorship, authorship, the currency of information, and references. Sites were also noted if they advised women older than 50 years to undergo screening mammography at intervals of longer than 1 year or otherwise severely diminished the role of mammography. RESULTS: Thirty-eight Web sites were identified. Ten indicated authorship, 29 indicated the currency of the information, and 27 provided references. All of the Web sites indicated sponsorship. Three sites recommended screening mammography at intervals of longer than 1 year for women 50 years of age or older. Two sites suggested that mammography is not substantially more sensitive than physical examination. CONCLUSION: Many Web sites do not meet the standards for disseminating information required in professional peer-reviewed journals. Some Web sites contain statements that might lead asymptomatic women over age 50 years to delay screening mammography or to undergo screening at intervals of longer than 1 year.

CT appearance of acute abdomen as initial presentation in lymphoma of the large and small bowel.

Computed tomography (CT) is playing an increasingly greater role as the initial diagnostic imaging modality for acute abdomen. Abdominal pain is the most common presenting complaint for intestinal lymphoma, and acute abdomen is a not infrequent admitting complaint. We present the CT findings of five patients with intestinal lymphoma whose initial complaint was acute abdomen. Of these five patients, four had an identifiable mass that was located in the right lower quadrant, with the fifth patient having no identifiable mass on CT. The average mass size was 7.8 cm. Three of the patients showed involvement of the colon only, and two showed involvement of the small bowel only, with acute abdomen in only one of the patients with small-bowel involvement being due to direct extension from mesenteric lymph nodes. Pneumoperitoneum and free intraperitoneal fluid were seen in two patients. It is important, therefore, that the radiologist be aware that one of the causes of acute abdomen with primary bowel involvement is lymphoma, which can simulate appendicitis or diverticulitis in its presentation clinically and by physical examination.

Intrahepatic, extramedullary hematopoiesis mimicking hemangioma on technetium-99m red blood cell SPECT examination.

Cavernous hemangiomas are the most common lesion of the liver. Because of the risk of hemorrhage inherent in percutaneous biopsy of such lesions, noninterventional modalities (such as CT, ultrasound, MRI and Technetium-99m red blood cell imaging) have been utilized for differentiating them from other lesions. The sensitivities and specificities of these techniques vary greatly. Technetium-99m red blood cell imaging with planar and SPECT imaging has been shown to have an overall sensitivity of 89%, a specificity of 100%, and an overall accuracy of 92%. Despite its high accuracy, rare false positives have been reported with Technetium-99m red blood cell imaging with SPECT. Review of the literature indicates four cases of hepatocellular carcinoma, one case of hepatic angiosarcoma, and one case of hepatic metastases from colorectal carcinoma as having an appearance identical to hemangioma with this modality. We present an additional false positive of a focal region of intrahepatic extramedullary hematopoiesis in a patient with Gaucher's disease as having an appearance on Technetium-99m red blood cell imaging with SPECT identical to that of hemangioma.

Staging of pancreatic cancer with multidetector CT in the setting of preoperative chemoradiation therapy.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative chemoradiation can potentially improve outcomes in patients with pancreatic cancer. This study addresses its effect on staging pancreatic cancer with multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). METHODS: Fifty-five patients underwent a dual-phase MDCT pancreas protocol for proved pancreatic cancer. Of these, 16 patients underwent preoperative chemoradiation. Three radiologists independently reviewed images to assess for locally advanced disease, liver and peritoneal metastases on baseline studies of all 55 patients, and on follow-up preoperative studies for the 16 patients receiving preoperative therapy. Overall score for resectability was graded on a scale from 1 to 5 (1, definitely resectable; 5. definitely unresectable). Receiver operating characteristic curves and weighted (kappa statistics were determined. RESULTS: The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for readers 1, 2, and 3 were 0.98, 0.96, and 0.90, respectively. Weighted kappa values for reader 1 versus reader 2, reader 1 versus reader 3, and reader 2 versus reader 3 were 0.90, 0.57, and 0.54, respectively. Interpreting scores of 1 to 3 for resectability as resectable disease, the mean values for sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, positive predictive value, and accuracy were 0.92, 0.91, 0.74, 0.98, and 0.92 respectively. CONCLUSION: The negative predictive value for MDCT for identifying unresectable pancreatic cancer in the setting of preoperative therapy is comparable to that reported in the absence of neoadjuvant therapy.

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas.

The introduction of the exocrine pancreatic classification by the World Health Organization and improvements in pancreatic imaging have led to an improved understanding of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) of the pancreas. As a result, IPMNs of the pancreas are increasingly being recognized as a separate disease entity. IPMNs are characterized by the cystic dilatation of the pancreatic duct and its branches, with papillary projections. There are three histological subtypes of IPMNs: main duct, branch duct, and mixed. The degree of atypia ranges from adenoma to frank invasive carcinoma. The lymph nodes are involved considerably less frequently than they are in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Most patients are symptomatic at diagnosis and require a diagnostic workup similar to that for patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Although some investigators continue to advocate total pancreatectomy, the evidence in support of this is decreasing. Partial pancreatectomy remains the treatment option. Intraoperative assessment of the resection surgical margins is an important component of surgical resection. Additionally, controversy also exists regarding the nature of the follow-up and the need for adjuvant chemoradiation therapy in the patient. Unlike ductal adenocarcinomas, IPMNs follow a relatively indolent course; the 5-year survival rate in patients with invasive IPMNs is 57%. A mural nodule and a main pancreatic duct diameter greater than 5 mm have been found to be predictors of malignancy.

An academic radiology information system (RIS): a review of the commercial RIS systems, and how an individualized academic RIS can be created and utilized.

Current commercial radiology information systems (RIS) are designed for scheduling, billing, charge collection, and report dissemination. Academic institutions have additional requirements for their missions for teaching, research and clinical care. The newest versions of commercial RIS offer greater flexibility than prior systems. We sent questionnaires to Cerner Corporation, ADAC Health Care Information Systems, IDX Systems, Per-Se' Technologies, and Siemens Health Services regarding features of their products. All of the products we surveyed offer user customizable fields. However, most products did not allow the user to expand their product's data table. The search capabilities of the products varied. All of the products supported the Health Level 7 (HL-7) interface and the use of structured query language (SQL). All of the products were offered with an SQL editor for creating customized queries and custom reports. All products included capabilities for collecting data for quality assurance and included capabilities for tracking "interesting cases," though they varied in the functionality offered. No product offered dedicated functions for research. Alternatively, radiology departments can create their own client-server Windows-based database systems to supplement the capabilities of commercial systems. Such systems can be developed with "web-enabled" database products like Microsoft Access or Apple Filemaker Pro.

Implementation and day-to-day usage of a client-server-based radiology information system.

Implementation of a second-generation radiology information system (RIS) requires attention to many issues, including work flow, system design, training, consideration for emerging technologies, and support. This presentation covers the issues, and solutions, involved in implementation and subsequent day-to-day usage of a client-server-based RIS tightly integrated with a hospital information system (HIS) using "thin client" software to limit hardware requirements for the client computers. The software and hardware implementation had to be designed for potential enterprise-wide scalability of the RIS for a system involving 11 hospitals. Issues arose regarding initial increased turnaround times, errors in importation of historical data, and problems with implementation of interfaces between the RIS and the billing system and between the RIS and the digital dictation system. Network errors and difficulties in using a thin client implementation had to be overcome. Hierarchical training was implemented, as support was switched from an "on-site" support group to a central Information System Division with responsibility to the entire enterprise.

The virtual lecture: delivery of live and recorded presentations over the Internet.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to deliver live and recorded lectures, with images, over the Internet using streaming media. CONCLUSION: Streaming media are an emerging technology that can deliver live lectures over the Internet using standard PCs and modems. These lectures are also simultaneously recorded and can be played back at any time by individuals with access to the Web.

Multidetector-row helical CT and advanced postprocessing techniques for the evaluation of pancreatic neoplasms.

An important feature of multidetector-row helical computed tomography (CT) is the increased speed of scanning that permits routine use of very thin collimation and acquisition of near isometric imaging data of the abdomen within the time span of a single breath-hold. The parallel escalation in the capabilities of workstations makes feasible the practical use of advanced postprocessing techniques to create high quality volumetric imaging. This article highlights the unique contributions of multidetector-row CT and advanced postprocessing techniques to the evaluation of the pancreas and peripancreatic vascular structures and their value in the diagnosis and staging of pancreatic neoplasms.

Pancreaticogastrostomy and the Whipple procedure: radiographic appearance and complications.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the radiographic appearance of a pancreaticogastrostomy (PG) and its complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-two patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy and PG or pancreaticojejunostomy. Those who underwent PG and were evaluated postoperatively with T-tube cholangiography and upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series constitute the study group (n = 22; 10 men, 12 women; age range, 33-88 years). RESULTS: Twenty-one of the patients had a gastric filling defect radiographically detected. Four patients had clinically apparent delayed gastric emptying and one patient had a clinically apparent pancreatic fistula not detected radiographically. Two patients outside the study group had complications: One had a pancreatic fistula seen only with sinography, and one had a PG leak seen only with repeat UGI series and computed tomography (CT). CONCLUSION: PG caused a gastric filling defect in most patients. Suspected pancreatic fistulas are best confirmed with sinography, and suspected PG leaks may require repeat evaluation and CT. Clinical findings of delayed gastric emptying do not correlate with findings of UGI.

Evaluating the impact of workstation usage on radiology report times in the initial 6 months following installation.

Picture archiving and communications systems (PACS) workstations are reported to improve workflow by making studies immediately available for review upon their completion. This study tested the hypothesis that a workstation would decrease the time from completion of a study to dictation of results (report time). A four-monitor, 2K x 2K workstation (Imation Cemax-Icon, Fremont, CA), was installed in a body imaging computed tomography (CT) reading room. Use of the workstation by the staff radiologists was voluntary. Images were also printed on film and films continued to be hung at the routine hanging times. To evaluate the workstation's maximum impact, data were collected for report times for studies completed during the routine day shift of the staff radiologist (Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM). Data were collected before workstation installation (August 1997 to November 1997) and for the subsequent 6 months. Histograms of the number of studies (743 v 103) versus report time (mean, 11.7 v 7.4 hours) showed a bimodal distribution, with peaks at approximately 6 and 24 hours, both before (8/97-11/97) and after (6/98) the workstation's installation. However, the number of studies dictated greater than 60 hours (25.2% v 20.4%) and the percentage of studies in the second peak (16 to 48 hours; 4.4% v 0%) both decreased. In conclusion, the workstation decreased the mean (11.7 v 7.4 hours) and standard deviation (19.8 v 9.1 hours) for report times. This was due to a decrease in both the number of cases dictated the day following their completion and the number of outliers (markedly delayed dictations). The decrease in outliers is probably due to a decrease in the number of "lost" film-based studies.

Distributing digital imaging and communications in medicine data and optimizing access over satellite networks.

To improve radiology access to full uncompressed Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) data sets, we evaluated satellite access to a DICOM server. Radiologists' home computers were connected by satellite to a Medweb DICOM server (Medweb, San Francisco, CA). A 10.2-kb data set containing a 19-image head computed tomography (CT) scan was transferred using DirecPC (Hughes Electronics Corp, Arlington, VA) at three different times of the day; 6 AM, 3 PM, and 8 PM. The average transfer time for all 19 images from the DICOM server was 4 minutes and 17 seconds (257 seconds). The slowest transfer rate of 670 seconds (121 kbps) was obtained at 8 PM. The best transfer rate of 2 minutes, 54 seconds (467 kbps) was obtained at 6 AM. The full 16-bit DICOM images were viewed with bone, brain, and soft tissue windows. The Medweb plug-in viewer loaded the first image within 30 seconds of selecting the case for satellite transfer. In conclusion, satellite internet transfer of radiology studies is suitable for timely review of full DICOM data sets and can expand the range of teleradiology consultation.

CT evaluation of renovascular disease.

Computed tomography (CT) plays an important role in evaluation and management of primary renovascular disease. Nonenhanced CT is useful for demonstrating renal hemorrhage, renal parenchymal or vascular calcifications, and masses. Contrast material-enhanced CT is essential to identify global or regional nephrographic abnormalities resulting from the vascular process (eg, renal infarcts, ischemia secondary to renal artery stenosis, arteriovenous communications). In addition, renal manifestations of a systemic disease (eg, vasculitis, thromboembolic disease) can be seen at CT. In trauma, occlusion of the main renal artery can be accurately diagnosed with contrast-enhanced CT. In cases of spontaneous renal hemorrhage without an apparent cause (eg, vasculitis, coagulopathy), a careful CT study should be performed to exclude renal cell carcinoma. The presence of fat in a hemorrhagic renal mass larger than 4 cm in diameter is characteristic of angiomyolipoma complicated by hemorrhage. Acute renal vein thrombosis appears as a clot in a distended renal vein, whereas renal vein retraction with collateral vessels is highly indicative of chronic thrombosis. Helical CT, especially with multiplanar two-dimensional and three-dimensional reconstruction following an intravenous injection of iodinated contrast material, has greatly improved our ability to directly image the proximal renal arteries and detect vascular lesions.

Digital photography of digital imaging and communications in medicine-3 images from computers in the radiologist's office.

To fully take advantage of the widespread use of digital imaging systems and to update and eliminate redundant steps involved in medical radiographic publication, we present our experience of processing Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM)-3 digital images from the point of acquisition to the point of publisher-ready radiographic images without intervening hardcopies.

Imaging of renal trauma: a comprehensive review.

Computed tomography (CT) is the modality of choice in the evaluation of blunt renal injury. Intravenous urography is used primarily for gross assessment of renal function in hemodynamically unstable patients. Selective renal arteriography or venography can provide detailed information regarding vascular injury. Retrograde pyelography is valuable in assessing ureteral and renal pelvic integrity in suspected ureteropelvic junction injury. Ultrasonography is useful in detecting hemoperitoneum in patients with suspected intraperitoneal injury but has limited value in evaluating those with suspected extraperitoneal injury. Occasionally, radionuclide renal scintigraphy or magnetic resonance imaging may prove helpful. Renal injuries can be classified into four large categories based on imaging findings. Category I renal injuries include minor cortical contusion, subcapsular hematoma, minor laceration with limited perinephric hematoma, and small cortical infarct. Category II lesions include major renal lacerations extending to the medulla with or without involvement of the collecting system and segmental renal infarct. Category III lesions are catastrophic renal injuries and include multiple renal lacerations and vascular injury involving the renal pedicle. Category IV injuries are ureteropelvic junction injuries. CT is particularly useful in evaluating traumatic injuries to kidneys with preexisting abnormalities and can help assess the extent of penetrating injuries in selected patients with limited posterior stab wounds. Integration of the imaging findings in renal injury with clinical information is critical in developing a treatment plan.

Imaging evaluation of posttraumatic renal injuries.

Computed tomography plays an important role for the evaluation of most patients with suspected renal injury after trauma. Intravenous urography is used for gross assessment of renal function in hemodynamically unstable patients. Renal injuries can be classified into four large groups: (1) minor renal contusion, lacerations, subcapsular hematoma, and small cortical infarcts; (2) major renal lacerations extending to the medulla with or without involvement of the collecting system; (3) catastrophic renal injuries including fragmentation of the kidney and renal pedicle vascular injuries; and (4) ureteropelvic junction injuries. Integration of the imaging findings of renal injury with clinical information is important to developing a treatment plan.

Use of thin-section, multidetector row helical CT images for coronal oblique reformations for optimal visualization of structures in the hepatoduodenal ligament.

Multidetector row computed tomography (CT) can acquire abdominal images of unprecedented thinness in a single breath-hold. This study investigated whether acquiring source axial images at 1.25 mm as opposed to 2.5 mm would result in a perceptible difference in image quality for coronal oblique reformations. Similarly, the hypothesis that a slice pitch of 3:1 would be superior to 6:1 was evaluated. Twenty-nine CT studies were retrospectively evaluated. The images were divided into four groups: 1.25-mm axial images, pitch 3:1; 2.5-mm axial images, pitch 3:1; 1.25-mm axial images, pitch 6:1; and 2.5-mm axial images, pitch 6:1. Three radiologists evaluated by consensus the coronal oblique reformations for overall image quality and image quality of structures in the hepatoduodenal ligament and of nodal groups. Use of 1.25-mm rather than of 2.5-mm source axial images resulted in statistically significant better scores for overall image quality and visualization of the hepatic artery, portal vein, pancreatic duct, and nodal groups. However, a pitch of 3:1 rather than of 6:1 did not result in significant differences in ratings of image quality. Use of 1.25-mm rather than of 2.5-mm source axial images improves image quality when creating coronal oblique reformations for abdominal anatomy.

Patient evaluation and management with selective use of magnetic resonance cholangiography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography before laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the utility of triage guidelines for patients with cholelithiasis and suspected choledocholithiasis, incorporating selective use of magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) before laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: ERCP is the most frequently used modality for the diagnosis and resolution of choledocholithiasis before LC. MRC has recently emerged as an accurate, noninvasive modality for the detection of choledocholithiasis. However, useful strategies for implementing this diagnostic modality for patient evaluation before LC have not been investigated. METHODS: During a 16-month period, the authors prospectively evaluated all patients before LC using triage guidelines incorporating patient information obtained from clinical evaluation, serum chemistry analysis, and abdominal ultrasonography. Patients were then assigned to one of four groups based on the level of suspicion for choledocholithiasis (group I, extremely high; group 2, high; group 3, moderate; group 4, low). Group 1 patients underwent ERCP and clearance of common bile duct stones; group 2 patients underwent MRC; group 3 patients underwent LC with intraoperative cholangiography; and group 4 patients underwent LC without intraoperative cholangiography. RESULTS: Choledocholithiasis was detected in 43 of 440 patients (9.8%). The occurrence of choledocholithiasis among patients in the four groups were 92.6% (25/27), 32.4% (12/37), 3.8% (2/52), and 0.9% (3/324) for groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively (P <.001). MRC was used for 8.4% (37/440) of patients. Patient triage resulted in the identification of common bile duct stones during preoperative ERCP in 92.3% (36/39) of the patients. Unsuspected common bile duct stones occurred in six patients (1.4%). CONCLUSIONS: The probability of choledocholithiasis can be accurately assessed based on information obtained during the initial noninvasive evaluation. Stratification of risks for choledocholithiasis facilitates patient management with the most appropriate diagnostic studies and interventions, thereby improving patient care and resource utilization.