Role of multidetector CT in the recognition of hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign (HMCAS) in patients with acute cerebral ischaemia: correlation with DWI-MRI sequences and clinical data.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to verify the sensitivity and specificity of the hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign (HMCAS) obtained by multidetector computed tomography (CT) in predicting acute stroke, using diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a reference. The location of the HMCAS, the extension of the ischaemic lesion and its prognostic value were also assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CT examinations of 654 patients with symptoms related to acute cerebral stroke were retrospectively reviewed. DW-MRI confirmed recent stroke in 175 patients. Two expert neuroradiologists analysed the CT examinations of these patients in four phases. Sensitivity, specificity and interobserver reliability was evaluated. Patients were divided into three groups according to the HMCAS site (M1-M2-M3) and the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) on DW-MRI was calculated. The ASPECTS average score was correlated with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin scale (mRS) at 3 months. RESULTS: In 41 patients, the presence of HMCAS was confirmed (71 % sensitivity; 100 % specificity; Interobserver reliability k, 84 %). An inverse correlation was found by comparing the ASPECTS and NIHSS scores (Rsq = -0.206). After logistic regression analysis, HMCAS was found to be independently associated with a poor outcome (mRS >2) at 3 months after adjusting for age, NIHSS on admission, risk factors and aetiology of stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that HMCAS obtained with multidetector CT can be detected in more than 70 % of patients with large acute ischaemic lesion and it is an unfavourable prognostic sign.

MR imaging-guided vacuum assisted breast biopsy: Radiological-pathological correlation and underestimation rate in pre-surgical assessment.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic Resonance(MR) guided percutaneous procedures(MRgVABB) have been developed and largely employed to reduce the need of surgical biopsies for suspicious lesions which can be detected only by MR(MR-only lesion). The present study aims to investigate correlation between imaging, histological features of MRgVABB and surgical specimens of MR-only lesions. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 56 patients with a total of 61 lesions. Each finding was defined as Mass-Enhancement(ME) or Non-ME(NME) and classified according to BI-RADS. MRgVABB and surgical data were collected. Concordance between MR, MRgVABB and open biopsy was calculated. Underestimation Rate(UR) of MRgVABB with surgery was obtained. RESULTS: B2 and B5b lesions were statistically associated with NME and ME, respectively. No statistical association was found to B3 nor to B5a with radiological features. UR was 10 %; underestimated lesions were strongly associated with the presence of a ME on MR imaging. Moreover, B3 lesions are associated with higher UR. CONCLUSION: Radiological features should influence patient management aiming to construct a correct diagnostic and therapeutic plan. When MR is prescribed for breast cancer staging for ME-MR-only lesions, we suggest surgical open biopsy instead of MRgVABB when upfront surgery is the treatment of choice.

Ultrasound-Guided Vacuum-Assisted Biopsy in Small Breast: A Cost-Saving Solution.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and reliability of ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (US-VABB) for sampling of microcalcifications indicative of cancer when stereotactic vacuum-assisted breast biopsy cannot be performed because of reasons such as thin breast tissue, insufficient thickness at compression, and microcalcification situated close to the chest wall or in breast tissue of the axillary tail. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study population was selected from among 187 patients with microcalcifications detected on mammogram. The findings were classified using the American College of Radiology criteria as Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System 3, 4, or 5. 30 Thirty were not eligible for stereotactic guidance because of reasons such as small breast size, compression thickness <2 cm, or microcalcification located in the axillary tails or close to chest wall. In 23 patients microcalcifications were detected at ultrasound, and US-VABB was performed. The other 7 patients underwent surgical biopsy. In the 23 patients who underwent US-VABB, multiple core samples were taken after a specimen mammography to ensure that microcalcifications were included. RESULTS: Biopsy was successful in all cases of US-VABB. The procedure was well tolerated, and there were no complications. CONCLUSION: US-VABB should be preferred over diagnostic surgical biopsy when microcalcifications are sonographically visible and stereotactic guidance is contraindicated. The procedure appears to be reliable and accurate, with added advantages such as low cost and absence of radiation exposure.

Liver lipoma: a case report.

Liver lipoma is a rare benign mesenchymal tumour without malignant degeneration. Lesions may be asymptomatic, nevertheless they may sometimes cause abdominal pain depending upon the size. Usually liver lipomas are an incidental finding during radiological examinations performed for other reasons, and there is no evidence of familiar genetic cluster or predisposing factors but it seems to have a strong association with impaired lipidic profile. In this report, we describe the case of a 72 year old female with a giant liver lipoma observed during an ultrasound examination. The clinical examination was completed with CT and MRI scans. Features of the lesion such as negative attenuation values on multiphasic CT examination and MRI signal drop-out on T 2 spectral presaturation with inversion recovery sequences, with no enhancement after administration of contrast medium, are suggestive for this kind of benign neoplasm. The purpose of this report is provide an anthological case of liver lipoma, helping to define the diagnostic features with imaging techniques.