A Case of Solitary Fibrous Pleura Tumor Associated with Severe Hypoglycemia: Doege-Potter Syndrome / 결핵및호흡기질환

Solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura (SFTP) is a rare primary intrathoracic tumor that arises from mesenchymal tissue underlying the mesothelial layer of the pleura. It usually has an indolent clinical course. The hypoglycemia that accompanies SFTP was first described by Doege and Potter independently in 1930, hence the eponym Doege-Potter syndrome (DPS). The incidence of DPS is reported to be ~4%. In this report, we present a typical case of DPS that was cured through complete surgical resection.

Differentiation between Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Extraforaminal Stenosis in Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebra: Role of Three-Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Lumbosacral Radiculography

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of lumbosacral radiculography using 3-dimentional (3D) magnetic resonance (MR) rendering for diagnostic information of symptomatic extraforaminal stenosis in lumbosacral transitional vertebra. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 18 patients with symptomatic (n = 10) and asymptomatic extraforaminal stenosis (n = 8) in lumbosacral transitional vertebra. Each patient underwent 3D coronal fast-field echo sequences with selective water excitation using the principles of the selective excitation technique (Proset imaging). Morphologic changes of the L5 nerve roots at the symptomatic and asymptomatic extraforaminal stenosis were evaluated on 3D MR rendered images of the lumbosacral spine. RESULTS: Ten cases with symptomatic extraforaminal stenosis showed hyperplasia and degenerative osteophytes of the sacral ala and/or osteophytes at the lateral margin of the L5 body. On 3D MR lumbosacral radiculography, indentation of the L5 nerve roots was found in two cases, while swelling of the nerve roots was seen in eight cases at the exiting nerve root. Eight cases with asymptomatic extraforaminal stenosis showed hyperplasia and degenerative osteophytes of the sacral ala and/or osteophytes at the lateral margin of the L5 body. Based on 3D MR lumbosacral radiculography, indentation or swelling of the L5 nerve roots was not found in any cases with asymptomatic extraforaminal stenosis. CONCLUSION: Results from 3D MR lumbosacral radiculography Indicate the indentation or swelling of the L5 nerve root in symptomatic extraforaminal stenosis. Based on these findings, 3D MR radiculography may be helpful in the diagnosis of the symptomatic extraforaminal stenosis with lumbosacral transitional vertebra.

Anterior Mediastinal Tumor / 영남의대학술지

Primary anterior mediastinal neoplasms comprise a diverse group of tumors and account for 50% of all mediastinal masses. Thymic epithelial neoplasm are most common and classified into thymoma, invasive thymoma, and thymic carcinoma. Neuroendocrine differentiation of thymic epithelial neoplasm are rare malignancies. Germ cell tumor (GCT) is second most common anterior mediastinal tumor and most of them are mature cystic teratoma. Malignant mediastinal GCT are rare than benign. Primary thoracic lymphoma is rare than thoracic involvement of systemic lymphoma and most common location of primary thoracic lymphoma is anterior mediastinum. The clinical and radiologic appearance of the most common masses are reviewed.

The Efficacy of an Ultrasound-guided Core Needle Biopsy with an 18G Cutting Needle for the Diagnosis of Pancreatic Diseases

PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy with an 18G cutting needle in patients suspected of having a pancreatic disease by analyzing the diagnostic performance and complication rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population comprised 35 consecutive patients who underwent an ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy using a high-speed biopsy gun accompanied with an 18G cutting-type needle between May of 2001 and October of 2005. The diagnostic performance (i.e., the acquisition rate and diagnostic accuracy) and complications associated with core needle biopsies were evaluated for its efficacy and safety. RESULTS: Thirty-six sessions of ultrasound-guided core needle biopsies were performed in 35 consecutive patients. All patients, except two (serous cystadenoma and autoimmune pancreatitis) were diagnosed with various subtypes of pancreatic cancer. The acquisition rate and diagnostic accuracy were 97% (35/36) and 94% (34/36), respectively. A complication occurred only in one patient (3%), which further proved to be a delayed complicaton (i.e., needle tract implantation). CONCLUSION: According to our findings, the ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy is a viable and safe method for the dignosis of pancreatic diseases. Moreover, it enables the diagnosis of the pancreatic cancer subtype.

CT and (18F)FDG PET/CT Findings of Esophageal Squamous Cell Papillomatosis: A Case Report

Esophageal squamous cell papillomatosis is a rare disorder that is usually found incidentally on an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy examination or autopsy. A 70-year-old woman presented with a two-month history of dysphagia and abdominal discomfort. A chest CT scan showed diffuse marked thickening of the esophageal wall along the entire length and multiple small enhancing polypoid projections in the distal esophagus. Diffuse circumferential FDG uptake in the entire esophagus was seen on [18F] FDG PET/CT. Squamous papillomatosis was diagnosed by an endoscopic biopsy. We report a case of extensive esophageal papillomatosis with imaging features on CT and [18F] FDG PET/CT, with a review of the clinical literature.

Mass Forming Pseudoangiomatous Stromal Hyperplasia of the Breast: Sonographic Features

PURPOSE: The object of this study was to describe the sonographic findings of mass-forming pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of ten patients with breast sonography and five patients with mammography who had pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia presenting as a breast mass. All cases were confirmed by surgical biopsy. RESULTS: The mean age of the 10 patients was 41 years old (21 -51) and the mean mass size was 4.7 cm (2.5-10). On sonography, all lesions were oval shaped and well circumscribed, hypoechoic masses. Nine of the ten lesions presented with homogeneous internal echogenicity and one lesion with a complex heterogeneous pattern with a small internal cyst. A mammogram was performed in five patients and all lesions were oval, well circumscribed, high density masses. CONCLUSION: Sonographic findings of mass-forming pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia of the breast were similar with those of other benign breast masses, so biopsy should be performed for diagnosis.

Hypervascular Hyperplastic Nodules Appearing in Chronic Alcoholic Liver Disease: Benign Intrahepatic Nodules Mimicking Hepatocellular Carcinoma

PURPOSE: Hypervascular hyperplastic nodules in those patients with chronic alcoholic liver disease and who are hepatitis B and C negative have recently been reported on. The purpose of this study was to correlate the radiologic and pathologic findings with the clinical significance of these hypervascular hyperplastic nodules in chronic alcoholic liver disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included eight hypervascular nodules of seven patients with chronic alcoholic liver disease, and these patients had abused alcohol for more than 20 years. Eight hypervascular nodules were seen on the arterial phase of dynamic CT scans, but the possibility of HCC was excluded pathologically (n=4) or clinically. The radiologic and pathologic findings, and the changes of these nodules on follow up CT scans were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: All nodules showed good enhancement on the arterial phase. The tissue equilibrium phase of the dynamic CT scans showed isodensity in seven patients and low density in one patient. Ultrasound scans revealed hypoechoic findings for three nodules, isoechoic findings for two nodules, hyperechoic findings for one nodule, and two nodules were not detected. Angiograms (n=6) showed late incremental tumor staining, and all the nodules were well seen on the sinusoidal phase. CT during hepatic angiography (n=4) showed well stained tumor. CT during arterial portography (n=4) showed no defect in three nodules and nodular defect in one nodule. The MR images (n=3) showed low signal intensity in two nodules and iso-signal intensity in one nodule on T2WI. Five of six cases for which follow up CT scans were performed showed decrease in size and one was disappeared. CONCLUSION: Radiologically, it is often difficult to differentiate the hypervascular hyperplastic nodules seen in the chronic alcoholic liver disease from hepatocellular carcinoma, and histological confirmation is needed for excluded hepatocellular carcinoma. However, late tumor staining during the sinusoidal phase without any blood supply by feeding vessels or any arterioportal shunt on the angiogram, isodensity during the tissue equilibrium phase of dynamic CT and low signal intensity on T2WI may suggest the presence of hypervascular hyperplastic nodule.

Prepancreatic Postduodenal Portal Vein: A Case Report

Prepancreatic postduodenal portal vein (PPPV) is a rare anomaly in which the portal vein runs between the pancreatic head and the duodenum. Understanding of this portal vein anomaly is important to avoid devastating complications, including portal vein ligation, resection or intraoperative hemorrhage. A 28-year-old female patient presented with right upper quadrant pain that she had suffered with for 2 days. Before performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, we detected an abnormal shaped portal vein that ran in front of the pancreatic head and posterior to the duodenum on the CT scan. We report here on a rare case of prepancreatic postduodenal portal vein that was incidentally discovered on the CT axial images and coronally reformated images, in addition to observing it on the conventional portography.

Clinical and Bronchoscopic Findings in Ugandans with Pulmonary Kaposi's Sarcoma

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary Kaposi's sarcoma (PKS) directly affects the life expectancy of those infected and yet the clinical and radiographic features of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) with pulmonary involvement are nonspecific, which makes diagnosis difficult. In Uganda, pulmonary tuberculosis, which has clinical features that closely resemble those of PKS, also occurs commonly and thus confusion is bound to arise. Bronchoscopy is a recognized diagnostic investigatory modality for PKS. The aim of present study was to identify unique or useful points for the differential diagnosis of PKS and other opportunistic infections. METHODS: The clinical, radiologic, and bronchoscopic findings in thirty-five Ugandan patients (age 20-50, median 32) with PKS were analyzed. RESULTS: Cough and weight loss were most common and occurred in 97.1%, whereas fever occurred in 62.9%, and breathlessness in 57.1%. Thirty-four patients (97.1%) showed mucocutaneous KS, and palatal KS was most frequent and was observed in 74.3%. In addition, 25 patients (71.4%) showed the characteristic endobronchial plaques of KS. The most frequently observed radiographic abnormality was bilateral reticulonodular density. Histological examinations of bronchoscopic biopsies revealed KS in 7 (36.6%) cases. Five PFS patients (25%) also had co-existent tuberculosis. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients with PKS showed no specific findings on physical examination, apart from mucocutaneous KS. Our findings indicate that palatal KS may be a strong predictor of PKS. In Uganda, pulmonary tuberculosis may be the most common concomitant pulmonary infection in PKS patients.

Pulmonary Cryptococcosis in Immunocompetent Patients: CT Findings / 영남의대학술지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the computed tomography (CT) findings of pulmonary cryptococcosis in immunocompetent patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT scans of 25 patients with biopsy-proven cryptococcosis [surgery (n=3), percutaneous needle biopsy (n=21), and bronchoscopic biopsy (n=1) ] were analyzed. Thirteen patients were men and 12 patients were women, with a mean age of 53.7 years. Presenting symptoms were cough, sputum, and dyspnea and 12 patients presented with incidentally found chest radiographic abnormalities. RESULTS: Nodule or multiple conglomerate nodules (n=10, 40%) and segmental or lobular consolidation (n=9, 36%) were most common, followed by mixed patterns (n=5, 20%). Predilection sites were lower lobe (n=21/37, 57%) and subpleural areas (n=23, 92%). Air bronchograms within consolidations (n=11/14, 79%) with mild volume loss (n=10/14, 71%) were common. While interlobular septal thickening (n=11, 44%) and cavitation or central low-attenuations (n=11, 44%) were relatively common, lymphadenopathy (n=2, 8%) or free pleural effusions (n=1, 4%) were uncommon. CONCLUSION: Nodules or airspace consolidation with a predilection of lower lobe and subpleural area are the most common appearances of pulmonary cryptococcosis in immunocompetent patients.

Acute Pulmonary Embolism by Silicone Injection: Radiologic Findings / 영남의대학술지

Silicone is widely used for medical purposes in breast augmentation and other cosmetic procedures. Illegal injections of silicone in human beings might have adverse effects and one of the serious problems is a silicone embolism. We experienced five cases of unusual respiratory difficulties after an injection of liquid silicone in the breast, vagina, uterus, and hip. They were all young adult females, who were previously healthy. One of them died after the injection. The three remaining patients were admitted because of dyspnea, coughing, chest discomfort and bilateral pulmonary infiltration after the silicone injection. A transbronchial lung biopsy and autopsy disclosed many oil like materials filling the alveolar septal capillaries. Three patients underwent a computed tomogram (CT), which revealed multifocal airspace consolidations at the peripheral and non-dependent portions of both lungs, which is a different finding from other thromboembolisms. Lung scans of the disclosed abnormalities were compatible with silicone induced pulmonary embolism.

Sonographic Findings of Thyroid Papillary Carcinoma / 영남의대학술지

BACKGROUND: To determine the various sonographic findings in a papillary carcinoma of the thyroid. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 48 patients with a proven papillary carcinoma of the thyroid were involved. The sonographic features analyzed were the size, shape, content, margin, internal echo, and calcification pattern. RESULTS: Common sonographic features of a papillary carcinoma include the hypoechoic texture (94%), an ill defined margin (81%), a solid nodule (100%), irregular shape (48%), and microcalcifications (35%), or no calcifications (42%). The uncommon features included a hyperechoic or mixed echo texture, cystic elements, a well defined margin, and a coarse or peripheral calcifications. CONCLUSION: Ill-defined hypoechoic solid nodule with microcalcification is a characteristic ultrasonographic finding of a thyroid papillary carcinoma.

Coil Embolizaton of Mycotic Pulmonary Artery Aneurysm: A Case Report

Aneurysms of the pulmonary artery are rare, with mycotic aneurysms occurring most frequently. This latter type may also occur in association with a lung abscess or septicemia, particularly in drug addicts. As far as we are aware, the radiologic findings of mycotic aneurysm of the pulmonary artery have not been reported in Korea. We present the simple chest radiographs, as well as the CT and angiographic findings ,of a case of aneurysm of the pulmonary artery which was successfully embolized using a coil.

Diffusion-weighted MR Imaging of Bone Marrow in the Spine: Differentiations of Metastatic Compression Fracture,Benign Compression Fracture, & Spondylitis

PURPOSE: To determine the findings of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of acute and chronic benign compression fracture, metastatic compression fracture, and spondylitis, and to differentiate between them. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-nine cases with vertebral compression fractures (17 metastatic, 16 acute osteo-porotic, 11 old osteoporotic, 5 acute traumatic) and seven with spondylitis (4 tuberculous, 3 pyogenic) underwent MR imaging. All cases were classified as belonging to one of four groups: A: acute osteoporotic and traumatic, B: metastatic, C: old osteoporotic, or D: spondylitic. For MR imaging, a 1.5-T scanner (Magnetom Vision, Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) was used, and the diffusion-weighted imaging sequence was based on reversed fast imaging with steady-state precession (PSIF) and a relatively low b value of about 150 sec/mm 2. Signal intensity characteristics were evaluated in terms of the contrast ratio (CR) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of bone marrow. RESULTS: Diffusion-weighted MR imaging showed that signal intensity in group A was hypointense to adjacent normal vertebral bodies, but in group B, hyperintensity was noted. In group C, signal intensity was variable, while in group D, hyperintensity was again noted. Diffusion-weighted imaging revealed that in group A, bone marrow CR had a negative value, while in groups B and D, this value was positive (p .01). CONCLUSION: Diffusion-weighted MR imaging revealed that the signal intensity of metastatic compression fracture and spondylitis was hyperintense to adjacent normal vertebral bodies, that of acute benign compression fracture was hypointense, and that of chronic benign compression fracture was variable. This modality is therefore useful for differentiating between metastatic compression fracture, spondylitis and acute benign compression fracture.

Functional-Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in a Case of Schizencephaly

PURPOSE: This study was to present the functional brain mapping of both functional magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) and transcranial magnetic stimulation(TMS) in a case of schizencephaly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 28-year-old man, who had left hemiplegia and schizencephaly in right cerebral hemisphere, was examed with both functional MRI and TMS. Motor function of left hand was decreased whereas right hand was within normal limit. For functional MRI, gradient-echo echo planar imaging(TR/TE/alpha=1.2 sec/90 msec/90) was employed. The paradigm of motor task consisted of repetitive self-pased hand flexion-extension exercises with 1-2 Hz periods. An image set of 10 slices was repetitively acquired with 15 seconds alternating periods of task performance and rest and total 6 cycles( three ON periods and three OFF periods) were performed. In brain mapping, TMS was performed with the round magnetic stimulator(mean diameter; 90mm). The magnetic stimulation was done with 80% of maximal output. The latency and amplitude of motor evoked potential(MEP)s were obtained from both abductor pollicis brevis(APB) muscles. RESULTS: Functional MRI revealed activation of the left primary motor cortex with flexion-extension exercises of healthy right hand. On the other hand, the left primary motor cortex, left supplementary motor cortex, and left premotor areas were activated with flexion-extension exercises of left hand. In TMS, magnetic evoked potentials were induced in no areas of right cerebral hemisphere, but in 5 areas of left cerebral hemisphere from both abductor pollicis brevis. Latency, amplitude, and contour of response of the magnetic evoked potentials in both hands were similar. CONCLUSION: Functional MRI and TMS in a patient with schizencephaly were successfully used to localize cortical motor function. Ipsilateral motor pathway is thought to be secondary to reinforcement of the corticospinal tract of the ipsilateral motor cortex.

CT Findings of Pulmonary Edema: Comparison of Various Causes

PURPOSE: To assess the CT findings of pulmonary edema and to compare them, according to the cause. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT findings (thin section, 20 ; thick section, 16) of pulmonary edema in 36 patients [cardiacdisease (group I, n=20), renal disease (group II, n=13), ARDS (group III, n=3)] were analyzed and compared. Therewere 21 men and 15 women ranging in age from 27 to 77 years. Distribution (even, central, or peripheral) andpatterns of pulmonary edema were compared between the three groups. RESULTS: The distribution of edema, appearingas consolidation or ground-glass opacity, was even in 75% (n=15) of group I, even in 46% (n=6) and central in 38%(n=5) of group II, and peripherally predominant in 100% (n=3) of group III. Interlobular septal thickening wasseen in 80% (n=16), 69% (n=9), and 0% of group I, II and III, respectively. Centrilobular ground-glass opacity wasnoted in six patients. CONCLUSION: In spite of various findings and considerable overlapping of the findings ofpulmonary edema, the distribution and pattern of edema differed according to the cause, and this can be helpfulfor differential diagnosis.

Pulmonary Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma: Radiologic Findings

PURPOSE: To describe the computed tomographic (CT) findings and follow-up changes of pulmonary epithelioidhemangioendothelioma (PEH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical and serial radiological findings [follow-up,5months-5 years (mean, 26.4 months)] of five patients with histologically proven PEH were retrospectivelyreviewed. Three were men and two were women, and they were aged between 25 and 54(mean, 35.6) years. Initial chestradiographs were available in all cases and HRCT, conventional CT and MRI were available in one, respectively.Follow-up conventional CT (n=3) and HRCT (n=2) were performed, and the size, number and distribution of thenodules, calcification and follow-up changes were analyzed. RESULTS: In four patients, chest radiography and CTrevealed bilateral multiple nodules 1-15mm in size. In two patients, the nodules showed interstitial distribution,and one had a single nodule in the right upper lobe. On follow-up CT images, an endobronchial mass withobstructive pneumonitis (n=1) or consolidation with pleural effusion (n=1) was noted. In three patients, thenodules had increased in size and number, and calcification within the nodules was observed in two. CONCLUSION:PEH usually manifests as widespread nodules, sometimes with calcification. Along with larger and increased numbersof nodules, follow-up images of PEH may show an endobronchial mass with obstructive pneumonitis or aconsolidation-like mass with pleural effusion.

Radiologic Findings of Uncommon Breast Cancer / 영남의대학술지

We analyzed the mammographic (n=21) findings (location, margin, shape, cluster microcalcifications, size, multiplicity) and ultrasonographic (n=12) findings (shape, border, internal echo, boundary echo, posterior echo, lateral echo, width/depth ratio) to evaluate specific radiologic findings of histopathologically proved uncommon breast cancer. The mammographic findings (n=21) are as follow; 1) single; 16, multiple; 5 2) margin (smooth; 13, irregular; 4, spiculated; 4) 3) shape (round and ovoid; 9, lobulated; 8, irregular; 4) 4) cluster microcalcifications (abscent; 20, present; 1) 5) size (1-3cm; 18, 3-5cm; 2, 5cm> ; 1) 6) location (UOQ; 13, UIQ; 4, LIQ; 3, LOQ; 1). The ultrasonographic findings (n=12) are as follow; 1) shape (round to oval; 5, lobulated; 5, irregular; 2) 2) border (smooth even; 9, rough uneven; 3) 3) internal echo (fine homogeneous; 5, coarse heterogeneous; 7) 4) boundary echo (regular fine; 4, irregular thick; 8) 5) posterior echo (enhanced; 11, no change; 1) 6) lateral echo (marked; 7, nonexistent; 5) 7) width/depth ratio (1.5> 1, 1.0-1.5; 7, 1.0< ; 4). Uncommon breast cancer show benign nature on mammogram, but malignant nature on ultrasonogram (especially boundary echo, internal echo, width/depth ratio)

CT Findings of Necrotizing Pneumonia

Necrotizing pneumonia causes necrosis of pulmonary parenchyma and may lead to pulmonary gangrene. Prior to theantibiotic era, extensive pulmonary involvement was potentially fatal, but the incidence of necrotizing pneumoniais now less common. On contrast-enhanced CT scans, consolidation with contrast enhancement containing necroticfoci with low attenuation and cavities is characteristic. Radiologic findings do not differ according to thecausative organism and in most of cases, specific diagnosis may be impossible. Clinical findings and certaincharacteristic radiologic findings may be helpful for narrowing the differential diagnosis. We illustrate theclinical and radiologic characteristics of necrotizing pneumonia according to causative bacterial organisms.

The Measurement of Blood Flow of Anterior Cerebral Artery in Premature Newborns Using Duplex Dopple Ultrasonography / 영남의대학술지

We measured the blood flow velocity of the anterior cerebral artery via anterior fontanelle approach of fifty five preterm neonates with duplex Doppler sonography and analyzed the waveform and calculated pulsatility index were increased with increasing gestational age, birth weight, and age of the neonate, but resistive indices decreased. In sick babies, characteristic resistive index increment were seen in patients with intraventricular hemorrhage, but no statistical difference was seen in patients with respiratory distress syndrome. Our results suggest that duplex Doppler sonography is a use ful noninvasive means of monitoring cerebrohemodynamics in normal pretem neonates and flow change of sick babies.