[Pulmonary intravascular talcosis: A case report]. / Talcose intravasculaire pulmonaire : à propos d'un cas.

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary intravascular talcosis is a rare condition occurring in intravenous drug users injecting oral medications. Talc results in a foreign-body granulomatous reaction giving a radiological haematogenic miliary appearance mimicking miliary tuberculosis. Drug users represent a population at risk for both these conditions and their distinction may be challenging. CASE REPORT: We reported the case of a man, 33 year-old, intravenous drug addict, detected by the health services because he was the partner of a person who died of contagious and multi-resistant tuberculosis. Chest X-ray and CT scan showed a typical miliary appearance. Despite negative microbiology, clinical diagnosis of miliary tuberculosis was retained. Due to the lack of radiological improvement despite appropriate antibiotic treatment, re-evaluation and trans-bronchial biopsy were undertaken. The presence of granulomas centered by birefringent foreign bodies in polarized light led to a diagnosis of pulmonary intravascular talcosis. CONCLUSION: In the presence of pulmonary miliary in an intravenous drug addict, intravascular talcosis should be suspected.

[Emphysema, did you say emphysema?] / Emphysème, vous avez dit emphysème ?

INTRODUCTION: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common condition that may initially look simple but may conceal other diseases capable of accelerating its natural history or even simulating it. We describe four cases presenting as COPD with emphysema that were reclassified on the basis of certain clinical characteristics and the radiological pattern. CASE REPORTS: A 52 year old never smoking woman presenting with emphysema was eventually diagnosed as having lymphangioleiomyomatosis on the basis of an abdominal CT scan showing kidney angiomyolipomas. A 44 years old smoker presenting with rapidly evolving emphysema was eventually diagnosed as having Langerhans cell histiocytosis on the basis of a previous chest CT (four years earlier) showing cavitating nodules. An airport refueler, 73 years old, with severe emphysema despite never having smoked, was eventually diagnosed as suffering from alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. The last patient was a 54 year old man, a never smoker, who presented with severe airflow limitation and multilobar hyperlucency, with bronchiectasis in the same areas. He was eventually diagnosed as having a severe form of the Swyer-James-MacLeod syndrome. CONCLUSION: These four case reports underline the importance of questioning the diagnosis of COPD when certain particular phenotypic characteristics are identified.

[Elastography shows promise in testicular cancer detection]. / Apport de l'élastographie en temps réel pour la caractérisation des masses testiculaires.

PURPOSE: Elastography is a novel imaging technology that shows promise in the identification of anatomic structures. The widespread use of ultrasound for screening testicular tumors in patients with cancer risk factors highlights unclassified testicular micronodules. We investigated the ability of elastography to accurately diagnose testicular nodules. MATERIAL: Patients with clinical testicular nodules were assigned to undergo elastography in a prospective study. The imaging was carried out by a single radiologist using a static elastography unit with a 9-14MHz frequency linear transducer, to identify hardness score, loss of architecture of testicular parenchyma, and surrounding effect. When orchidectomy was required, the corresponding specimens were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin staining for histologic correlation. RESULTS: We imaged 34 testicular lesions: 26/34 (76%) malignant tumors and 8/34 (24%) non-tumor lesion including 4 hematomas, 3 orchitis and 1 ischemia. Se, Sp, PPV and NPV of hardness in elastography in differentiating between malignant and benign tissue was found to be 96.2%, 37.5%, 83%, and 75%, respectively. Further, for recognizing cancer, the loss of architecture of the testicular parenchyma detecting in elastography was 92.3%, 75%, 92.3%, and 75%, respectively, and the surrounding effect was 84.6%, 87.5%, 95.6% and 63.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Elastography may be a promising tool at diagnosing testicular tumor when the loss of architecture and the surrounding effect were present. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether the utility of elastography is worth pursuing to identify of unclassified testicular micronodules. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Multiple lung parenchymal abnormalities: Don't panic, let's be pragmatic! The 6 question rule - a checklist strategy.

Analysis of multiple lung parenchymal abnormalities on HRCT is a real diagnostic challenge. These abnormalities may be due to a disease of the pulmonary interstitial tissue, the bronchial tree, the cardiovascular system or to abnormal alveolar filling with fluid, blood, cells or tumor, several of these etiologies possibly being concomitant. Systematic pathophysiological reasoning, in the form of a logical checklist, guides reflection and covers many of the most frequent diagnoses and potentially treatable emergencies that can be identified by the non-specialist radiologist. This approach also provides a basis for deepening knowledge of each area. The use of the mnemonic FIBROVAKIM (fibrosis-bronchi-vascular-cancer-infection-medication) is easy to apply and summarizes this strategy.

Comparison between percutaneous and traditional fixation of lumbar spine fracture: intraoperative radiation exposure levels and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To compare radiation exposure doses and clinical and radiological outcomes between percutaneous pedicular screwing (closed reduction internal fixation [CRIF]) and classical open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) in lumbar spine fracture without neurologic deficit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients (mean age, 42.5 years) were divided into two treatment groups: (Percutaneous) CRIF versus (traditional) ORIF. Screw position and anatomic vertebral reconstruction were checked on routine control X-ray and postoperative CT scan. Study parameters comprised: surgery time, radiation exposure time, radiation dose level for X-ray (DAP) and for CT (DLP),blood loss, length of hospital stay and postoperative pain (VAS). RESULTS: At a mean 25.5 months' follow-up,there were no significant inter-group differences on the epidemiological parameters: age, gender, fracture level, fracture type on the Magerl classification, preoperative local vertebral kyphosis angle, or fracture-to-surgery interval. Effective radiation dose was 3-fold higher in CRIF than in ORIF, but 6-fold lower than for the postoperative CT scan. Postoperative pain on VAS was significantly lower after CRIF, allowing earlier gait resumption and return to work and daily activity. There were no significant differences in length of hospital stay, patient satisfaction, screw malpositioning or postoperative or end-of-follow-up kyphosis angle. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous surgery provided clinical and radiological outcomes strictly comparable to those of open surgery, but with a higher effective radiation exposure dose, including for the medical team and especially for the surgeon. This higher exposure dose, however, is to be relativized by comparison to that of the postoperative CT scan, which involved a much higher exposure dose for the patient. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV. Retrospective study.

[18-FDG PET-scan of intrathoracic gossypiboma during the monitoring of lung cancer]. / Fixation au TEP-FDG d'un gossypiboma intrathoracique au cours de la surveillance d'un cancer du poumon.

The 18-FDG PET-scan is today used to monitor patients operated for non small-cell lung cancer. The presence of an intrathoracic gossypiboma (or textiloma) can be responsible for intense enhancement in a PET-scan because of inflammatory phenomenon. The authors report the case of a patient who underwent surgery for lung cancer nine years ago, where a newly discovered intrathoracic mass with intensive enhancement on PET-scan, led to concern about a local recurrence in spite of the fine-needle transthoracic biopsy identifying textile fibers in the histological examination.

[Pulmonary artery compression by a mediastinal tumor]. / Compression extrinsèque de l'artère pulmonaire secondaire à une tumeur germinale non séminomateuse médiastinale.

Acquired arterial pulmonary stenosis is rarely found in adults. Reviews and case reports suggest that tumours of the mediastinum (teratomatas and Hodgkin's disease) are the most frequent culprits leading to compression of the main pulmonary artery. We present the case of a young patient with chest pain. Compression of the main and left pulmonary artery by an anterior mediastinal nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (GCTs) was diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography and CT scan.

[Postoperative chest: normal imaging features]. / Imagerie du thorax post-opératoire: les aspects normaux.

Chest radiographs and CT are especially useful for the follow-up of patients after lung resection. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate normal postsurgical imaging findings that differ according to the type of surgery (pneumonectomy, lobectomy, segmentectomy and wedge resection). Anatomic changes induced by surgery affect the remaining lung, pleura and chest wall, mediastinum and diaphragm. After pneumonectomy, there is accumulation of fluid in the post pneumonectomy space, progressive chest retraction with mediastinal shift toward the operated side and elevation of the ipsilateral hemidiaphragm. After lobectomy, there is hyperexpansion of the remaining lung, mediastinal shift and intercostal space narrowing. Theses findings are different according to the delay after surgery. Knowledge of the variable imaging features is necessary to detect complications and to provide appropriate follow-up of the primary disease.

[Feasibility and efficacy of cyberknife radiotherapy for lung cancer: early results]. / Analyse de la toxicité précoce des traitements par Cyberknife des cancers pulmonaires et résultats préliminaires.

PURPOSE: High-dose robotic stereotactic irradiation can be achieved with high precision using the CyberknifeM system equipped with the Synchrony respiratory tracking device. Cyberknife irradiation can overcome some limitations of conventional radiotherapy including errors due to breathing motion and patient setup. High dose levels are of interest for tumours that have shown a dose-response relationship including lung tumours. We reviewed the treatments and outcomes for the first French patients with lung tumours treated at the Cyberknife centre of Nice. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty four patients were treated between November 2006 and November 2007 at the Cyberknife centre of Nice, Centre Lacassagne, France. Thirty had untreated primary lung cancer, 4 had colorectal metastasis to the lung. We evaluated the feasibility and reliability of fiducial placement, toxicity and early outcomes. Objective tumour response was assessed on thoracic CT scan every three months. RESULTS: There was no grade 3-4 toxicity. Toxicity (11%) mainly consisted of grade 1-2 asthenia. Crude overall tumour response rate was 96% for all assessable patients and 91% at 3 and 6 months, respectively. The use of one fiducial ensured minimal toxicity (no grade III pneumothorax) while allowing reliable tumour tracking as shown by the low infield failure rate (no geographic miss). Diagnostic procedure was performed during fiducial placement when required. CONCLUSION: Early toxicity and tumour control rates from this population suggest that the use of a unique fiducial for a Cyberknife treatment was safe and effective for the treatment of selected primary and secondary lung tumours. This strategy is corroborated by similar control rates in the literature. Longer follow-up are awaited.

Mediastinal cystic lymphangioma: is resection always necessary?

Mediastinal cystic lymphangiomas are rare tumours. Usually asymptomatic, they can be complicated by a chylopericardium or/and chylothorax. We report a case of a left lesion infiltrating through the supra-aortic vessels complicated with a iatrogenic left chylothorax managed by bilateral video-assisted thoracoscopy at the same time. First, on the right, the chylous inflow was stopped by suturing the thoracic duct; then, on the left, a fenestration was done to confirm the diagnosis and treat the lesion while preserving the adjacent structures.

[Colostomy vs self-expanding metallic stents: comparison of the two techniques in acute tumoral left colonic obstruction]. / Colostomie de décharge vs endoprothèse colique autoexpansive: comparaison des deux techniques dans l'occlusion colique gauche aiguë par obstacle tumoral.

UNLABELLED: Self-expanding metallic stents is an alternative treatment to colostomy that is the treatment of choice in acute tumoral left colonic obstruction. AIM OF THE STUDY: To compare morbidity, mortality, length of hospital stay and treatment performed after desobstruction using the two methods. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-three patients admitted for acute obstruction of the left colon were retrospectively separated in two groups depending on the type of intervention performed to treat the obstruction ("colostomy" group: 17 patients and "self-expanding stent group": 16 patients). We studied complications after desobstruction, hospital courses and surgical strategy performed after the acute phase. RESULTS: Time between desobstruction and colectomy was shorter in the "self-expanding stent group" than in the "colostomy group" (18.5 days versus 73 days). Age superior than 75 years and colostomy were the two main factors predicting the risk of definitive colostomy (P < 0.05). Global mean hospital stay was longer in the colostomy group (32.7 days versus 19.3 days, P = 0.02). Two perforations and one local recurrence occurred in the "self-expanding stent group". CONCLUSIONS: Self-expanding metallic stent can decrease the permanent colostomy rate and the number of interventions. The recurrence rate seems to be theoretically increased with the stenting method. Then, colostomy must be done for patients in curative situation. The self-expanding metallic stent should be used as a palliative care.

Morgagni hernia and thoracic deformities.

We report two cases of Morgagni hernia associated with pectus carinatum. This association is exceptional; only two other cases have been reported so far. In one of our patients, an abdominal surgical approach was used to repair the Morgagni hernia and to perform a Nissen-Rossetti procedure (for an associated endobrachyesophagus); the patient did not require correction of the pectus carinatum. In the other patient, both thoracic deformity and Morgagni hernia were repaired using the same thoracic approach.

[Treatement of colorectal obstruction with self-expanding metallic stents under fluoroscopic guidance]. / Traitement de l'occlusion colique tissulaire par prothèse métallique auto-expansible sous contrôle fluoroscopique.

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate fluoroscopic-assisted insertion of self-expanding metallic stents before surgery or for palliative treatment of soft tissue colorectal obstruction. Materials and methods. From January 1999 to October 2000, 18 consecutive patients with colorectal obstruction were included in the study. Treatment with self-expanding metallic stent was either the first line of treatment before surgery (n=8) (group I) or purely palliative (n=10) (group II). Colic stenosis was located proximal to the sigmoid in seven cases. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in 83.3% of cases and colic decompression was observed after 48 hours in all patients with a stent. Thirty days mortality and stent related complications were respectively 0% and 37.5% for group I, and 20% and 50% for group II. All complications were minor except for one colic perforation by a guidewire. CONCLUSION: Stent insertion was effective and provided relief of colic obstruction in the majority of cases. Randomized studies would be necessary to demonstrate a definitive reduction in mortality and morbidity with this technique as compared to the classical surgical approach.

[Fluid-fluid level in a non functioning and hemorragic neuro-endocrine islet-cell tumor of the pancreas: MRI features]. / Niveau liquide-liquide dans une tumeur neuro-endocrine du pancréas non fonctionnelle et hémorragique: aspects en IRM.

The authors report the MR features of a non functioning and hemorragic islet-cell tumor of the pancreas. This tumor was composed of a central cystic component with a fluid-fluid level seen on T1- and T2-weighted images and a peripheral hypervascular soft tissue component which showed hyperintensity on T2-weighted images with fat saturation.

[MRI of an afferent loop syndrome presenting as obstructive icterus]. / IRM d'un syndrome de l'anse afférente révélé par un ictère obstructif.

The afferent loop syndrome corresponds to an acute or chronic obstruction of the afferent loop following a partial gastrectomy with Billroth II gastro-jejunal anastomosis. We describe the case of a 77-year-old man with history of partial gastrectomy for peptic ulcer disease performed 31 years ago and currently admitted for jaundice and poor general status. MR imaging showed dilatation of biliary and pancreatic ducts and showed a soft tissue mass between the afferent loop and the residual stomach. Endoscopy showed complete obstruction of the afferent loop by a biopsy-proven adenocarcinoma. The patient died of sepsis shortly after endoscopy of septicemia.

Improvement of 'dynamic analgesia' does not decrease atelectasis after thoracotomy.

There is still controversy concerning the beneficial aspects of 'dynamic analgesia' (i.e. pain while coughing or moving) on the reduction of postoperative atelectasis. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) prevents these abnormalities as opposed to multimodal analgesia with i.v. patient controlled analgesia (i.v. PCA) after thoracotomy. Fifty-four patients undergoing thoracotomy (lung cancer) were randomly assigned to one of the two groups. Clinical respiratory characteristics, arterial blood gas, and pulmonary function tests (forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s) were obtained before surgery and on the next 3 postoperative days. Atelectasis was compared between the two groups by performing computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest at day 3. Postoperative respiratory function and arterial blood gas values were reduced compared with preoperative values (mean (SD) FEV1 day 0: 1.1 (0.3) litre; 1.3 (0.4) litre) but there was no significant difference between groups at any time. PCA and TEA provided a good level of analgesia at rest (VAS day 0: 21 (15/100); 8 (9/100)), but TEA was more effective for analgesia during mobilization (VAS day 0: 52 (3/100); 25 (17/100)). CT scans revealed comparable amounts of atelectasis (expressed as a percentage of total lung volume) in the TEA (7.1 (2.8)%) and in the i.v. PCA group (6.71 (3.2)%). There was no statistical difference in the number of patients presenting with at least one atelectasis of various types (lamellar, plate, segmental, lobar).

Pseudomembranous aspergillus bronchitis in a double-lung transplanted patient: unusual radiographic and CT features.

Pseudomembranous aspergillus bronchitis is considered as an early form of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, a well-known airway infection in immunocompromised patients. Radiologic features concerning invasive aspergillosis of the airways have been reported. However, we describe here an unusual feature of invasive aspergillus bronchitis, never reported to date, observed in a double-lung transplanted patient. Chest radiograph and CT revealed significant peribronchial thickening without any parenchymal involvement.

Ascending colonic variceal bleeding: utility of phase-contrast MR portography in diagnosis and follow-up after treatment with TIPS and variceal embolization.

The authors describe the discovery of ascending colonic variceal veins via celiomesenteric diagnostic angiography following a bout of melena in a 44-year-old woman. Magnetic resonance imaging, including phase-contrast MR venography, allowed visualization of the portal and systemic veins immediately after the initial angiograms. The hemorrhagic episode did not resolve until after transjugular intrahepatic shunt insertion and selective variceal embolization through the shunt. At 1 week-, 3 months-, and 6 months post treatment, follow-up MR venography no longer revealed the presence of colonic varices. Colonoscopy at 6 months was normal and the patient did not have any further episodes of bleeding until a liver transplantation was performed after 9 months.