Uveal melanoma: quantitative evaluation of diffusion-weighted MR imaging in the response assessment after proton-beam therapy, long-term follow-up.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this prospective study was to investigate the proton-beam-induced changes in apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of ocular melanoma treated with proton-beam therapy (PBT) in patients undergoing long-term magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) follow-up and to assess whether variations in ADC constitute a reliable biomarker for predicting and detecting the response of ocular melanoma to PBT. METHODS: Seventeen patients with ocular melanoma treated with PBT were enrolled. All patients underwent conventional MRI and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) at baseline and 1, 3, 6, and 18 months after the beginning of therapy. Tumor volumes and ADC values of ocular lesions were measured at each examination. Tumor volumes and mean ADC measurements of the five examination series were compared; correlation of ADC values and tumor regression was estimated. RESULTS: Mean ADC values of ocular melanomas significantly increased already 1 month after therapy whereas tumor volume significantly decreased only 6 months after therapy. Pretreatment ADC value of ocular melanomas and early change in ADC value 1 month after therapy significantly correlated with tumor regression. CONCLUSIONS: In ocular melanoma treated with PBT, ADC variations precede volume changes. Both pretreatment ADC and early change in ADC value may predict treatment response, thus expanding the role of DWI from diagnostic to prognostic.

Crohn's disease of the small bowel: evaluation of ileal inflammation by diffusion-weighted MR imaging and correlation with the Harvey-Bradshaw index.

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to determine the diagnostic capabilities of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) in detecting ileal inflammation in Crohn's disease (CD), and to verify the correlation between the DWI sequences and the Harvey-Bradshaw index (HBI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with an endoscopic-histological diagnosis of CD of the terminal ileum and MR enterography with DWI sequences and HBI were retrospectively selected. Disease activity was visually evaluated on the DWI sequences. In quantitative analysis, the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the terminal ileum was compared with that of normal ileal loops. Pearson's r was used to verify the correlation between the DWI findings and the HBI. RESULTS: On visual assessment, the accuracy, sensitivity and positive predictive value of DWI for the detection of inflammation were 100%. In the quantitative assessment, the ADC value of the disease-active terminal ileum was significantly lower (p < 0.00001) than that of normal ileal loops. A correlation was found between visual assessment of the terminal ileum with the DWI sequences and HBI; no correlation was found between ADC of the terminal ileum and HBI. CONCLUSION: DWI sequences may be useful in differentiating actively inflamed small bowel segments from normal small bowel in CD. Though partial, the correlation between DWI sequences and HBI confirms the utility of this technique in the study of patients with CD.

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound evaluation of choroidal melanomas after proton-beam therapy.

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to compare the ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging parameters of ocular melanoma and to assess their variation after proton-beam therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen choroidal melanoma patients treated with proton-beam therapy were enroled in the study. All patients underwent ophthalmologic evaluations, ultrasound, conventional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and diffusion-weighted MR imaging before the start of therapy and 3 and 6 months after therapy. Basal diameters, thickness, internal reflectivity, tumour volumes and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of ocular melanomas were measured at each examination. Correlations between internal reflectivity and ADC were investigated. RESULTS: No significant changes were seen in tumour diameters and tumour height as assessed by B-scan and A-scan, respectively. Significant increase in mean tumour internal reflectivity was detected at 6 months (baseline 35 % ± 11; 6 months 48 % ± 8, Tukey-Kramer p = 0.005). On MRI, compared to baseline (mean 547 ± 262 mm(3)), a significant reduction in volume was seen at 6 months (Tukey-Kramer p = 0.045) (mean volume 339 ± 170 mm(3), mean reduction 38 %). A significant increase in ADC (baseline 1,002 ± 109 mm(2)/s) was detected both at 3 and 6 months after proton therapy (respectively, 1,454 ± 90 and 1,833 ± 261 mm(2)/s, both p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: By MRI, in particular by ADC assessment, it is possible to detect early variations in melanoma treated by proton-beam therapy. This examination could be used together with ultrasound in the follow-up of this treatment.

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for predicting and detecting the response of ocular melanoma to proton beam therapy: initial results.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for prediction and early detection of response to proton beam therapy in ocular melanoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten ocular melanoma patients treated with proton beam therapy were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent conventional MR imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) before the start of therapy, and after 1, 3 and 6 months of therapy. Tumour volumes and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of ocular lesions were measured at each examination. Tumour volumes and mean ADC measurements of the four examination series were compared; correlation of ADC values and tumour regression was investigated. RESULTS: Mean ADC value of ocular melanomas significantly increased as early as 3 months after therapy; tumour volume significantly decreased as early as 6 months after therapy. The ADC values of ocular melanomas before therapy significantly correlated with tumour regression. CONCLUSIONS: DWI may provide an early surrogate biomarker for prediction and early detection of tumour response to eye-preserving therapies in ocular melanoma.

Validation of the CT-MRI image registration with a dedicated phantom.

PURPOSE: The present study was aimed at verifying the automatic registration of the Focal (Elekta) platform with a dedicated phantom. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A phantom that simulates the pelvis region in a stylised way and finalised to the registration of computed tomography-magnetic resonance images was designed and realised. After acquiring the two sets of images, the registration was performed both in automatic and manual mode to verify whether they were comparable. To test the repeatability of the automatic registration, some known rigid transformations were imposed to the original images. If the registration method works correctly, parameters which bring the images into alignment must always be the same. RESULTS: Automatic registration performed by the software did not prove satisfactory, whereas if a specific tool [volume of interest (VOI) tool] allowing the calculation to be limited to the landmark region was used, the registration parameters were comparable with those of the manual registration. Regarding the repeatability of the automatic registration, the software brought the images in the correct alignment performing translations and rotations along the longitudinal axis up to 40°, while it was not satisfactory for rotations along the transverse axes. CONCLUSION: The experimental results showed that in clinical application automatic registration is reliable if the VOI tool that includes visible landmarks in both studies is used. However, because the algorithm did not prove sensitive to rotations along the transverse axes, the position of the patient during the examinations plays a crucial role.

Cross-sectional imaging of acute gynaecologic disorders: CT and MRI findings with differential diagnosis-part I: corpus luteum and haemorrhagic ovarian cysts, genital causes of haemoperitoneum and adnexal torsion.

Acute gynaecologic disorders are commonly encountered in daily clinical practice of emergency departments (ED) and predominantly occur in reproductive-age women. Since clinical presentation may be nonspecific and physical findings are often inconclusive, imaging is required for a timely and accurate diagnosis. Although ultrasound is the ideal non-invasive first-line technique, nowadays multidetector computed tomography (CT) is extensively used in the ED, particularly when a non-gynaecologic disorder is suspected and differential diagnosis from gastrointestinal and urologic diseases is needed. As a result, CT often provides the first diagnosis of female genital emergencies. If clinical conditions and scanner availability permit, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is superior to CT for further characterisation of gynaecologic abnormalities, due to the excellent soft-tissue contrast, intrinsic multiplanar capabilities and lack of ionising radiation.The purpose of this pictorial review is to provide radiologists with a thorough familiarity with gynaecologic emergencies by illustrating their cross-sectional imaging appearances. The present first section will review the CT and MRI findings of corpus luteum and haemorrhagic ovarian cysts, gynaecologic haemoperitoneum (from either ruptured corpus luteum or ectopic pregnancy) and adnexal torsion, with an emphasis on differential diagnosis. Additionally, comprehensive and time-efficient MRI acquisition protocols are provided.

Cross-sectional imaging of acute gynaecologic disorders: CT and MRI findings with differential diagnosis-part II: uterine emergencies and pelvic inflammatory disease.

Due to the growing use of cross-sectional imaging in emergency departments, acute gynaecologic disorders are increasingly diagnosed on urgent multidetector computed tomography (CT) studies, often requested under alternative presumptive diagnoses in reproductive-age women. If clinical conditions and state-of-the-art scanner availability permit, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is superior to CT due to its more in-depth characterisationof abnormal or inconclusive gynaecological findings, owing to excellent soft-tissue contrast, intrinsic multiplanar capabilities and lack of ionising radiation.This pictorial review aims to provide radiologists with a thorough familiarity with gynaecologic emergencies by illustrating their CT and MRI appearances, in order to provide a timely and correct imaging diagnosis. Specifically, this second instalment reviews with examples and emphasis on differential diagnosis the main non-pregnancy-related uterine emergencies (including endometrial polyps, degenerated leiomyomas and uterine inversion) and the spectrum of pelvic inflammatory disease.

Eagle's syndrome: a case report and CT pictorial review.

Eagle's syndrome (ES) refers to symptomatic elongation of the ossified styloid process. A styloid process greater than 2.5 cm in length should be considered abnormal; however, an elongated styloid process is not sufficient for a diagnosis of ES; only an abnormal styloid process in association with symptoms can confirm the syndrome. In this case report, we discuss a 54-year-old man who has come to our attention with various symptoms: dysphagia to both solids and liquids, difficulty swallowing, neck pain, and a foreign body sensation during bilateral neck rotation and mouth opening. The diagnosis is performed radiologically because conventional radiographs have many potential disadvantages, whereas, computed tomography (CT) scans and reconstructions allow the length and angulation of the styloid process to be measured and the relationship between the elongated styloid processes and adjacent anatomical structures to be evaluated. Moreover, CT allows for differential diagnosis and provides detailed information needed for surgical planning.

Diffusion-MR in kidney transplant recipients: is diuretic stimulation a useful diagnostic tool for improving differentiation between functioning and non-functioning kidneys?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of diuretic stimulation on Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI) and Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) techniques in transplanted kidneys. METHODS: 33 transplanted kidney recipients underwent DWI and DTI sequences before and after furosemide. Cortical and medullary Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) and Fractional Anisotropy (FA) values were calculated in transplanted kidneys. Patients were divided into two groups according to their estimated glomerular rate filtration (Group A ≥ 60 ml/min and Group B < 60 ml/min). Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test was applied to compare pre- and post-furosemide values. ADC and FA values were compared between the 2 groups using a Mann-Whitney U test. Receiver Operating Curves (ROC) analysis was performed to predict normal renal function. RESULTS: Wilcoxon test revealed a statistically significant difference for all pre- and post- ADC and FA values in group B. For group A, a significant difference was found comparing pre- and post-medullary ADC and FA values (p = 0.0151 and p = 0.0054). In the comparison between group A and group B, cortical and medullary mean ADC values were significantly different before and after furosemide. With regard to medullary FA values, a significant difference was found between groups before and after diuretic stimulation (p respectively of 0.004 and 0.042). Comparing cortical FA mean values, no statistical difference was observed between groups before and after furosemide. The highest Area Under Curve values were reported for cortical ADC (0.878) and medullary ADC (0.863) before diuretic bolus. CONCLUSIONS: In transplanted kidneys, furosemide did not improve the differentiation between normal and reduced function.

Endometriosis: clinical features, MR imaging findings and pathologic correlation.

OBJECTIVE: We illustrate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of endometriosis. BACKGROUND: Endometriosis is a chronic gynaecological condition affecting women of reproductive age and may cause pelvic pain and infertility. It is characterized by the growth of functional ectopic endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterus and includes three different manifestations: ovarian endometriomas, peritoneal implants, deep pelvic endometriosis. The primary locations are in the pelvis; extrapelvic endometriosis may rarely occur. Diagnosis requires a combination of clinical history, invasive and non-invasive techniques. The definitive diagnosis is based on laparoscopy with histological confirmation. Diagnostic imaging is necessary for treatment planning. MRI is as a second-line technique after ultrasound. The MRI appearance of endometriotic lesions is variable and depends on the quantity and age of haemorrhage, the amount of endometrial cells, stroma, smooth muscle proliferation and fibrosis. The purpose of surgery is to achieve complete resection of all endometriotic lesions in the same operation. CONCLUSION: Owing to the possibility to perform a complete assessment of all pelvic compartments at one time, MRI represents the best imaging technique for preoperative staging of endometriosis, in order to choose the more appropriate surgical approach and to plan a multidisciplinary team work. TEACHING POINTS: • Endometriosis includes ovarian endometriomas, peritoneal implants and deep pelvic endometriosis. • MRI is a second-line imaging technique after US. • Deep pelvic endometriosis is associated with chronic pelvic pain and infertility. • Endometriosis is characterized by considerable diagnostic delay. • MRI is the best imaging technique for preoperative staging of endometriosis.

Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Cholangiography: Practical Tips and Clinical Indications for Biliary Disease Management.

Since its introduction, MRCP has been improved over the years due to the introduction of several technical advances and innovations. It consists of a noninvasive method for biliary tree representation, based on heavily T2-weighted images. Conventionally, its protocol includes two-dimensional single-shot fast spin-echo images, acquired with thin sections or with multiple thick slabs. In recent years, three-dimensional T2-weighted fast-recovery fast spin-echo images have been added to the conventional protocol, increasing the possibility of biliary anatomy demonstration and leading to a significant benefit over conventional 2D imaging. A significant innovation has been reached with the introduction of hepatobiliary contrasts, represented by gadoxetic acid and gadobenate dimeglumine: they are excreted into the bile canaliculi, allowing the opacification of the biliary tree. Recently, 3D interpolated T1-weighted spoiled gradient echo images have been proposed for the evaluation of the biliary tree, obtaining images after hepatobiliary contrast agent administration. Thus, the acquisition of these excretory phases improves the diagnostic capability of conventional MRCP-based on T2 acquisitions. In this paper, technical features of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiography are briefly discussed; main diagnostic tips of hepatobiliary phase are showed, emphasizing the benefit of enhanced cholangiography in comparison with conventional MRCP.

MR imaging of ovarian masses: classification and differential diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE: We propose a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) guided approach to differential diagnosis of ovarian tumours based on morphological appearance. BACKGROUND: Characterization of ovarian lesions is of great importance in order to plan adequate therapeutic procedures, and may influence patient's management. Optimal assessment of adnexal masses requires a multidisciplinary approach, based on physical examination, laboratory tests and imaging techniques. Primary ovarian tumours can be classified into three main categories according to tumour origin: epithelial, germ cell and sex cord-stromal tumours. Ovarian neoplasms may be benign, borderline or malignant. Using an imaging-guided approach based on morphological appearance, we classified adnexal masses into four main groups: unilocular cyst, multilocular cyst, cystic and solid, predominantly solid. We describe MR signal intensity features and enhancement behaviour of ovarian lesions using pathologically proven examples from our institution. CONCLUSION: MRI is an essential problem-solving tool to determine the site of origin of a pelvic mass, to characterize an adnexal mass, and to detect local invasion. The main advantages of MRI are the high contrast resolution and lack of ionizing radiation exposure. Although different pathological conditions may show similar radiologic manifestations, radiologists should be aware of MRI features of ovarian lesions that may orientate differential diagnosis. TEACHING POINTS: • Diagnostic imaging plays a crucial role in detection, characterization and staging of adnexal masses. • Characterization of an ovarian lesion may influence patient's management. • Different pathological conditions may have similar radiologic manifestations. • Non-neoplastic lesions should always be taken into consideration.

Non-neoplastic diseases of the fallopian tube: MR imaging with emphasis on diffusion-weighted imaging.

OBJECTIVE: We illustrate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of non-neoplastic tubaric conditions. BACKGROUND: A variety of pathologic non-neoplastic conditions may affect the fallopian tubes. Knowledge of their imaging appearance is important for correct diagnosis. With recent advances in MRI, along with conventional MR sequences, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) sequences are available and may improve lesion characterization by discriminating the nature of the content of the dilated tube. Tubal fluid with low signal intensity on T1-weighted images, high signal intensity on T2-weighted images and no restricted diffusion on DWI is indicative of hydrosalpinx. Content with high signal intensity on T1-weighted images and restricted diffusion on DWI is suggestive of hematosalpinx associated with endometriosis or tubal pregnancy. A dilated tube with variable or heterogeneous signal intensity content on conventional MR sequences and restricted diffusion on DWI may suggest a pyosalpinx or tubo-ovarian abscess. We describe morphological characteristics, MR signal intensity features, enhancement behaviour and possible differential diagnosis of each lesion. CONCLUSION: MRI is the method of choice to study adnexal pelvic masses. Qualitative and quantitative functional imaging with DWI can be of help in characterization of tubaric diseases, provided that findings are interpreted in conjunction with those obtained with conventional MRI sequences. TEACHING POINTS: • Nondilated fallopian tubes are not usually seen on MR images. • MRI is the method of choice to characterize and localize utero-adnexal masses. • MRI allows characterization of lesions through evaluation of the fluid content's signal intensity. • DWI in conjunction with conventional MRI sequences may improve tissue characterization. • Pelvic inflammatory disease is the most common tubal pathology.

Locally advanced rectal cancer: Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of diffusion-weighted MR imaging in the response assessment after neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy.

PURPOSE: to investigate the added value of qualitative and quantitative evaluation of diffusion weighted (DW) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in response assessment after neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy (CRT) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). METHODS: 31 patients with LARC (stage ≥ T3) were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent conventional MRI and DWI before starting therapy and after neoadjuvant CRT. All patients underwent surgery; pathologic staging represented the reference standard. For qualitative analysis, two radiologists retrospectively reviewed conventional MR images and the combined set of conventional and DW MR images and recorded their confidence level with respect to complete response (ypCR). For quantitative analysis, tumor's apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were measured at each examination. ADC pre-CRT, ADC post-CRT and Δ ADC post-ADC pre of the three groups of response (ypCR, partial response ypPR, stable disease ypSD) were compared. Receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was employed to investigate the discriminatory capability for ypCR, responders (ypCR, ypPR) and ypSD of each measure. RESULTS: addition of DWI to conventional T2-weighted sequences improved diagnostic performance of MRI in the evaluation of ypCR. A low tumor ADC value in the pre-CRT examination, a high ADC value in the post-CRT examination, a high Δ ADC post-ADC pre [>0.3 (×10(-3) mm(2)/s)] were predictive of ypCR. CONCLUSIONS: DW sequences improve MR capability to evaluate tumor response to CRT. Nevertheless, no functional MR technique alone seems accurate enough to safely select patients with ypCR.

Clinical and radiological features of extra-pulmonary sarcoidosis: a pictorial essay.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this manuscript is to describe radiological findings of extra-pulmonary sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis is an immune-mediated systemic disease of unknown origin, characterized by non-caseating epitheliod granulomas. Ninety percent of patients show granulomas located in the lungs or in the related lymph nodes. However, lesions can affect any organ. Typical imaging features of liver and spleen sarcoidosis include visceromegaly, with multiple nodules hypodense on CT images and hypointense on T2-weighted MRI acquisitions. Main clinical and radiological manifestations of renal sarcoidosis are nephrolithiasis, nephrocalcinosis, and acute interstitial nephritis. Brain sarcoidosis shows multiple or solitary parenchymal nodules on MRI that enhance with a ring-like appearance after gadolinium. In spinal cord localization, MRI demonstrates enlargement and hyperintensity of spinal cord, with hypointense lesions on T2-weighted images. Skeletal involvement is mostly located in small bone, showing many lytic lesions; less frequently, bone lesions have a sclerotic appearance. Ocular involvement includes uveitis, conjunctivitis, optical nerve disease, chorioretinis. Erythema nodosum and lupus pernio represent the most common cutaneous manifestations encountered. Sarcoidosis in various organs can be very insidious for radiologists, showing different imaging features, often non-specific. Awareness of these imaging features helps radiologists to obtain the correct diagnosis. TEACHING POINTS: • Systemic sarcoidosis can exhibit abdominal, neural, skeletal, ocular, and cutaneous manifestations. • T2 signal intensity of hepatosplenic nodules may reflect the disease activity. • Heerfordt's syndrome includes facial nerve palsy, fever, parotid swelling, and uveitis. • In the vertebrae, osteolytic and/or diffuse sclerotic lesions can be found. • Erythema nodosum and lupus pernio represent the most common cutaneous manifestations.

Diffusion weighted imaging and diffusion tensor imaging in the evaluation of transplanted kidneys.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the relation between renal indexes and functional MRI in a population of kidney transplant recipients who underwent MR with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of the transplanted graft. METHOD: Study population included 40 patients with single kidney transplant. The patients were divided into 3 groups, on the basis of creatinine clearance (CrCl) values calculated using Cockcroft-Gault formula: group A, including patients with normal renal function (CrCl ≥ 60 mL/min); group B, which refers to patients with moderate renal impairment (CrCl > 30 but <60 mL/min); and, finally, group C, which means severe renal deterioration (CrCl ≤ 30 mL/min). All patients were investigated with a 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner, acquiring DWI and DTI sequences. A Mann-Whitney U test was adopted to compare apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) and fractional anisotropy (FA) measurements between groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were created for prediction of normal renal function (group A) and renal failure (group C). Pearson correlation was performed between renal clearance and functional imaging parameter (ADC and FA), obtained for cortical and medullar regions. RESULTS: Mann-Whitney U test revealed a highly significant difference (p < 0.01) between patients with low CrCl (group C) and normal CrCl (group A) considering both medullar ADC and FA and cortical ADC. Regarding contiguous groups, the difference between group B and C was highly significant (p < 0.01) for medullar ADC and significant (p < 0.05) for cortical ADC and medullar FA. No difference between these groups was found considering cortical FA. Analyzing groups A and B, we found a significant difference (p < 0.05) for medullar both ADC and FA, while no difference was found for cortical ADC and FA. Strongest Pearson correlation was found between CrCl and medullar ADC (r = 0.65). For predicting normal renal function or severe renal impairment, highest values of AUC were observed using medullar ADC cut-off values (respectively 0.885 and 0.871); medullar FA showed also high accuracy (respectively 0.831 and 0.853). CONCLUSIONS: DWI and DTI are promising tools for non-invasive monitoring of renal function; medullar ADC proved to be the best parameter for renal function assessment.

Diffusion-weighted MRI for the assessment of liver fibrosis: principles and applications.

The importance of an early identification of hepatic fibrosis has been emphasized, in order to start therapy and obtain fibrosis regression. Biopsy is the gold-standard method for the assessment of liver fibrosis in chronic liver diseases, but it is limited by complications, interobserver variability, and sampling errors. Several noninvasive methods have been recently introduced into clinical routine, in order to detect liver fibrosis early. One of the most diffuse approaches is represented by diffusion-weighted liver MRI. In this review, the main technical principles are briefly reported in order to explain the rationale for clinical applications. In addition, roles of apparent diffusion coefficient, intravoxel incoherent motion, and relative apparent diffusion coefficient are also reported, showing their advantages and limits.

Arterial embolization in the treatment of severe blunt hepatic trauma.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The Authors stress the role of arterial embolization in the treatment of severe blunt hepatic trauma, with stable hemodynamic conditions, but with continuous bleeding, demonstrated by computed tomography scan. METHODOLOGY: All patients with hepatic blunt trauma were evaluated with hemodynamic and radiological follow-up. When computed tomography scan showed continuous bleeding, arterial embolization was performed. RESULTS: Arterial embolization was performed on 9 patients, 8 cases successfully. Only one patient required surgical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that arterial embolization is useful and effective in the treatment of severe blunt hepatic trauma when, in spite of stable hemodynamic state, computed tomography scan shows persistent bleeding.

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Substantial differences about the efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma are reported in literature. This probably depends on the fact that in each single study, different patient selection criteria, type of epidemiological approach, end points adopted and kind of technical approach were used. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of segmental transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in amelioring patient survival and to determine which patients might really benefit from this treatment. METHODOLOGY: To achieve our goals 193 consecutive patients (110 treated and 83 untreated) were studied. They were selected in the same period of time and matched as far as their demographic and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: Our results demonstrate that both in treated and control patients, Child class, alpha-fetoprotein and tumor diameter significantly influenced survival, resulting important prognostic factors. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization significantly ameliorated survival in treated patients compared to controls (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization significantly ameliorates survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the presence of large tumors producing high alpha-fetoprotein levels in patients with advanced Child class should discourage treatment.

Diagnosis of a sigmoid volvulus in pregnancy: ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging findings.

Sigmoid volvulus complicating pregnancy is a rare, non-obstetric cause of abdominal pain that requires prompt surgical intervention (decompression) to avoid intestinal ischemia and perforation. We report the case of a 31-week pregnant woman with abdominal pain and subsequent development of constipation. Preoperative diagnosis was achieved using magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography: the large bowel distension and a typical whirl sign - near a sigmoid colon transition point - suggested the diagnosis of sigmoid volvulus. The decision to refer the patient for emergency laparotomy was adopted without any ionizing radiation exposure, and the pre-operative diagnosis was confirmed after surgery. Imaging features of sigmoid volvulus and differential diagnosis from other non-obstetric abdominal emergencies in pregnancy are discussed in our report, with special emphasis on the diagnostic capabilities of ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging.