Overview of malignant soft-tissue sarcomas of the limbs.

Although soft-tissue masses are common, sarcomas are rare malignant neoplasms showing variable mesenchymal differentiation and can occur at any anatomical site. Limb soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare, but often lethal tumours. Although there are scores of historical pathological subtypes, this article will deal with the commonest: liposarcoma, leiomyosarcoma (LMS), undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS), synovial sarcoma, myxofibrosarcoma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (MPNST), epithelioid sarcoma, alveolar rhabdosarcoma, angiosarcoma and radiation-induced sarcoma (RIS). Following a review of >4,000 adult patients with limb sarcoma from our specialist soft-tissue tumour database, we summarise the literature and their imaging findings, with emphasis on radiological hallmarks that can aide in diagnosis and management. Increased awareness of sarcoma when challenged with a new mass in the extremity can ensure timely and appropriate treatment.

SPECT-CT in total hip arthroplasty.

Single photon emission computed tomography combined with computed tomography (SPECT-CT), which combines functional and anatomical imaging, provides superior spatial localization to plain radiography and is more tolerant to metallic artefacts than conventional imaging such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It is increasingly used in musculoskeletal imaging to enable accurate anatomical localization of increased tracer uptake, and is particularly useful in assessing metal prosthesis and the surrounding bone following total hip arthroplasty (THA). In addition to detecting complications of THA, SPECT-CT enables multiplanar reconstruction and manipulation of imaging data, which may aid surgical planning. SPECT-CT is an important adjunct to conventional imaging in the management of post-THA complications. It is vital that radiologists are able to identify the specific features of different complications and use this novel imaging technique to guide management. In this article, the use of SPECT-CT to follow post-THA complications, including aseptic loosening, periprosthetic infection, histiocytic reactions, periprosthetic fractures, polyethylene wear, and pseudotumour formation, will be reviewed.

Exploration of chest wall perforator vascular anatomy on standard breast MRI: A potential aid to chest wall perforator flap planning.

Local chest wall perforator flaps (CWPFs) are a volume replacement technique permitting breast-conserving surgery in patients who otherwise may require a mastectomy. These flaps are based on one or more perforating arteries arising from the lateral chest wall that travel through the soft tissue and into the sub-dermal plexus to perfuse the flap. Examples include the lateral intercostal and lateral thoracic artery perforators (LICAP and LTAP, respectively). Cross-sectional imaging of perforating vessels is not routinely performed, and vessels are mapped pre- and peri-operatively using a hand-held acoustic doppler device. As many breast cancer patients undergo pre-operative MRI scanning for oncological purposes, we investigated the role of MRI in mapping the vascular anatomy to aid with the surgical planning of CWPFs. We collated data retrospectively on a cohort of breast cancer patients who underwent breast MRI as part of routine pre-operative imaging. Axial 3D high-resolution dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI sequences with multiplanar reconstructions were analysed by a consultant radiologist. The presence and calibre of lateral chest wall perforator vessels were assessed. Fifty patients were suitable for inclusion. A consistent pattern of lateral chest wall vasculature was observed. Forty-eight patients (96%) demonstrated a bilateral lateral thoracic artery (LTA) descending inferiorly along the chest wall with two-thirds of these communicating with perforating intercostal vessels. True independent LICAP vessels were identified in six patients. From our observations, lateral CWPFs are dependent on an intricate intercommunication between intercostal vessels and the LTA which in turn supply perforators to the lateral chest wall donor site.