Imaging of Uncommon Causes of Large-Bowel Obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: The most common causes of large-bowel obstruction (LBO) are colon carcinoma and volvulus. Nevertheless, the increased frequency of the condition and widespread use of diagnostic imaging have revealed uncommon causes of LBO. We review the imaging features of the unusual causes of LBO on several imaging modalities, with particular emphasis on CT, along with the current literature. CONCLUSION: We propose an algorithmic approach to the radiologic evaluation of the uncommon causes of LBO.

Nonneoplastic, benign, and malignant splenic diseases: cross-sectional imaging findings and rare disease entities.

OBJECTIVE: Splenic lesions are commonly encountered and are often incidental in nature. Benign splenic vascular neoplasms include hemangioma, hamartoma, lymphangioma, extra-medullary hematopoiesis (EMH), and sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation (SANT). Uncommonly encountered entities of the spleen include focal EMH, focal myeloma, angiomyolipoma, and SANT. Primary splenic angiosarcoma is the most common malignant nonhematolymphoid malignancy of the spleen. Lymphoma, myeloma, and metastases are the other malignant entities involving the spleen. The clinical presentation, key imaging findings, and associations of benign, neoplastic, and malignant diseases that can involve the spleen will be discussed. CONCLUSION: Radiologists can use multimodality imaging to diagnose entities involving the spleen by recognizing key imaging features and considering patient characteristics. However, biopsy may be warranted for definitive diagnosis when imaging findings are nonspecific.

Abdominal manifestations of extraosseous myeloma: cross-sectional imaging spectrum.

Extraosseous myeloma, defined as the myelomatous involvement outside the skeleton system, is rare and often associated with advanced multiple myeloma. There has been a recent increase in the clinicoradiological incidence of this entity, possibly secondary to increased survival of patients and frequent use of imaging. This has led to the development of new clinical staging guidelines for multiple myeloma, which include the use of imaging modalities positron emission tomography/computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging for accurate detection and optimal management. The aims of this review were to discuss the significance of identification of extraosseous disease, to describe the spectrum and common sites of extraosseous involvement in the abdomen, and to review the imaging findings of extraosseous myeloma in the abdomen.

Immunological diseases of the pancreatico-hepatobiliary system: update on etiopathogenesis and cross-sectional imaging findings.

Immunological diseases of the hepatobiliary system and the pancreas include a broad spectrum of disorders that manifest characteristic histopathology/serology and variable clinical features and imaging findings. Recent studies have thrown fresh light on the complex role of genetics and autoimmunity in the pathogenesis and natural history of these diverse disorders that include autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, IgG4-related cholangitis, overlap/outlier syndromes, and autoimmune pancreatitis.

Benign non-cystic scrotal tumors and pseudotumors.

There is a wide spectrum of benign, non-cystic scrotal lesions that show characteristic histo-morphology and natural history. While sonography is the preferred modality for the diagnosis of both testicular and extratesticular masses, MRI is used as a problem-solving modality when sonographic findings are inconclusive. This article reviews the cross-sectional imaging features of benign, non-cystic, intra- and extratesticular lesions. Definitive diagnosis of benign scrotal lesions may lead to conservative management including testicular preserving surgery.

Spectrum of multidetector computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging findings in intrahepatic vascular shunts: classification, characterization, and management.

With the increasing use of multidetector computed tomography and dynamic magnetic resonance imaging in evaluation of liver pathologies, a variety of vascular shunts are detected in the liver. These shunts can be related to tumors or they can be nonneoplastic. Identification of these shunts can help in diagnosing an underlying condition. We classify and describe a wide spectrum of intrahepatic vascular shunts with their key imaging features. After reviewing this article, the reader should have improved ability to detect and characterize intrahepatic vascular shunts, which will help in diagnosing an underlying condition and facilitate optimal patient care.