Use of magnetic resonance imaging to diagnose common wrist disorders.

Magnetic resonance imaging is being used more frequently to diagnose and plan treatment of wrist disorders. This article reviews the common pathologic lesions of the wrist: avascular necrosis, triangular fibrocartilage complex tears, ligamentous tears, ganglion cysts, carpal tunnel syndrome, and osteoarthritis. The typical magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of these lesions is discussed.

Diagnostic imaging of heel pain and plantar fasciitis.

Heel pain or calcaneodynia is a common clinical complaint which has a myriad of causes ranging from plantar fasciitis to stress fracture. In many instances, the etiology of the heel pain is difficult to ascertain simply on the basis of history and physical examination. Therefore, the clinician may enlist various diagnostic imaging modalities to clarify the source of pain. Of all the imaging techniques, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has proven its worth in the diagnosis of heel pain. This article outlines the various causes of heel pain and their associated imaging findings.

Use of computed tomography guidance and mammographic hook wires to remove displaced, embedded contraceptive rods.

Because of dysfunctional uterine bleeding, a patient requested removal of levonorgestrel contraceptive rods. The patient was referred to a general surgeon by her gynecologist who was unable to palpate the rods in the region of implantation in her left upper arm. Initially, the surgeon was able to locate and remove four of the six previously implanted rods. Because these implants are not visible under convention radiography or fluoroscopy, computed tomography was used to locate the remaining two rods. After localization by use of mammographic hook wires, the remaining two rods were successfully removed surgically.

Calf pain and swelling (pseudothrombophlebitis) caused by rupture of the plantaris muscle/tendon.

Painful swelling of the calf is a common clinical problem. Distinguishing deep venous thrombosis from pseudothrombophlebitis can be difficult Pseudothrombophlebitis syndrome has been associated with ruptured/dissecting popliteal synovial cysts, localized myositis, inflammatory pseudotumor, popliteal artery aneurysm, and ruptured gastrocnemius, popliteal and/or plantaris tendon/muscles. In this report, we describe two patients for whom magnetic resonance imaging rapidly and accurately identified the cause of pseudothrombophlebitis, thus helping to avoid further testing and unnecessary anticoagulation.

Relapsing, localized myositis of the head and neck after a hornet sting.

Localized myositis is a result of heterogenous group of disorders associated with variable clinical, enzyme and pathologic findings. We report the case of a young woman who developed progressive, relapsing myositis of her head and neck after a hornet sting. We provide an update about the clinical spectrum of different forms of localized myositis.

The radiologic diagnosis of quadriceps tendon rupture.

This paper reviews the pathophysiological mechanism of quadriceps tendon rupture and its diagnosis by means of medical imaging including radiography, sonography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI findings are emphasized.

Imaging of herpes simplex encephalitis.

The authors discuss computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of herpes encephalitis as important adjuncts to the early diagnosis of this entity. The patient was a 42-year-old HIV-negative male who presented with a history of dizziness, headaches, and fever.

Radiology rounds: MRI of rotator cuff arthropathy.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has proved to be an excellent diagnostic tool in evaluating the musculoskeletal system. This article illustrates one particular facet of musculoskeletal MRI: investigation of the rotator cuff tendon complex.

Magnetic resonance imaging of hepatic neoplasms.

Excellent diagnostic images of the liver can now be obtained with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) because of new imaging techniques. The flow void phenomenon allows excellent anatomic detail of the liver. Morphologic features, comparison of tumor signal to normal parenchymal signal, and tumor behavior in various pulse sequences help to define liver tumors. The MRI characteristics of primary hepatomas, cavernous hemangiomas, hepatic cysts, liver adenomas, and focal nodular hyperplasia are among the hepatic lesions described. In most instances, MRI helps in differential considerations and in some cases will provide a specific diagnosis.

CT and MRI of hepatic hemangioma.

UNLABELLED: Our patient exhibited typical characteristics of giant cavernous hemangioma by CT and MR, and was asymptomatic. We have concluded, therefore, that this did not represent a malignant lesion. In general, however, one must exhibit a reasonable degree of caution in applying this diagnosis, adhere strictly to the criteria described, and recognize the clinical setting of the patient. DIAGNOSIS: Giant cavernous hemangioma of the liver.

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma. Induced by thorium.

Thorium dioxide is a deleterious substance that was employed as a vascular contrast medium during the early 20th century. Our report entails a unique neoplastic complication of thorium administration.