Long-term MRI-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy results of 600 single-center procedures.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to report on the performance of the MRI-guided VABB in our center and to look at the long-term outcome of biopsies with benign histology over a period of 19 years. METHODS: In a single-center retrospective review study, data of 600 VABB procedures performed between September 1999 and March 2017 were evaluated. We collected patient demographics, histopathological diagnosis at MRI-VABB, and basic lesion characteristics (size, location). Data from the Belgian Cancer Registry was cross-referenced with our database to find out which patients with benign MRI-VABB results developed a malignant lesion over time. RESULTS: These 600 VABB procedures were performed in 558 women with a mean patient age of 51.8 years (range 18-82 years). Our technical success rate was 99.3%. We found 27.67% B5 lesions, 9.82% B3 lesions, and 0.17% B4 lesions. Of 362 benign MRI-guided VABBs, follow-up data was available for a mean follow-up period of 7.6 years (0.8-18.3). Only one (0.3%) biopsy was a false negative lesion after MRI-guided VABB during follow-up. Short-term FU-MRI provided no increase in detection rate. CONCLUSION: The accuracy of MRI-guided VABB is high with a very low false negative rate of 0.3% on long-term follow-up. The value of short-term FU-MRI for every case after MRI-guided VABB may be questioned. KEY POINTS: • MRI-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsies yield a large portion of clinically relevant lesions (9.82% B3, 0.17% B4, and 27.67% B5 lesions). • The false negative biopsy rate of MRI-guided VABB in this study with a mean follow-up time of 7.6 years was only 0.3%. • Performing a short-term follow-up MRI after a benign MRI-guided VABB concordant to the MRI appearance may be questioned.

MRI in otology: applications in cholesteatoma and Ménière's disease.

Imaging of middle-ear cholesteatoma with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and inner-ear endolymphatic hydrops (in Ménière's disease) with post-gadolinium high-resolution MRI, are reviewed. DWI MRI provides for a more specific diagnosis of tympano-mastoid cholesteatoma. There is an established and increasing role of DWI MRI in detecting both primary and postoperative cholesteatoma, localising disease, and planning surgery. The contemporary diagnostic accuracy of DWI is reviewed, pitfalls in interpretation are described, and potential future developments are highlighted. High-resolution post-gadolinium MRI of the inner ear is being explored for diagnosing endolymphatic hydrops. There is now increasing data to validate the application of three-dimensional (3D)-fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequences, performed at 4 hours post-intravenous gadolinium, in the setting of potential Ménière's disease. The clinical context and the evolution of these MRI techniques are discussed. Current MRI-based grading schemes for endolymphatic hydrops are described, together with the available data on their clinical implications.

Congenital laryngeal cyst: an unusual cause of stridor in the neonate.

BACKGROUND: Congenital laryngeal cysts are a rare, but potentially fatal, cause of airway obstruction in infants and children. Most laryngeal cysts are acquired. Here, we describe a congenital laryngeal cyst, its treatment, and its presentation immediately after birth. CASE REPORT: A newborn child developed stridor very shortly after birth, due to a large, congenital saccular cyst. The diagnosis was based on a laryngoscopy and imaging studies, which detected an extralaryngeal extension through the cricothyroid membrane. The cyst was removed with an endoscopic procedure and a CO2-laser. Afterwards, the cyst recurred, but was successfully removed with an external approach. CONCLUSION: Clinical manifestations of laryngeal cysts in neonates shortly after birth are rare. Here, we present an interesting clinical case. We also concisely reviewed the literature on the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, classification, and therapy for laryngeal cysts.

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of the temporal bone.

This paper summarizes the value of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of temporal bone pathology. It highlights the use of different types of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in the different types of cholesteatoma, prior to first stage surgery and prior to second look surgery. The value of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of pathology of the apex of the petrous bone and the cerebellopontine angle is also discussed.

[Diffusion-weighted MR imaging of the head and neck]. / Les applications de la diffusion en imagerie: tête et cou.

Diffusion weighted MR imaging is increasingly being used for the imaging of head and neck pathology. This imaging technique now replaces CT and conventional MR imaging for the initial diagnosis of cholesteatoma and detection of recurrent disease. Diffusion weighted imaging has also proven to be valuable for additional head and neck pathologies and currently has three main indications: detection and characterization of tumors, regional tumor staging, and prediction of tumor response to treatment and follow-up. In the recent months, several publications have discussed the use of diffusion weighted imaging for head and neck pathology and this technique has become virtually indispensable for the MR imaging evaluation of the head and neck.

Morphological MRI criteria improve the detection of lymph node metastases in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: multivariate logistic regression analysis of MRI features of cervical lymph nodes.

The aim was to evaluate whether morphological criteria in addition to the size criterion results in better diagnostic performance of MRI for the detection of cervical lymph node metastases in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Two radiologists evaluated 44 consecutive patients in which lymph node characteristics were assessed with histopathological correlation as gold standard. Assessed criteria were the short axial diameter and morphological criteria such as border irregularity and homogeneity of signal intensity on T2-weighted and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed: diagnostic odds ratios (DOR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) and areas under the curve (AUCs) of receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were determined. Border irregularity and heterogeneity of signal intensity on T(2)-weighted images showed significantly increased DORs. AUCs increased from 0.67 (95% CI: 0.61-0.73) using size only to 0.81 (95% CI: 0.75-0.87) using all four criteria for observer 1 and from 0.68 (95% CI: 0.62-0.74) to 0.96 (95% CI: 0.94-0.98) for observer 2 (p < 0.001). This study demonstrated that the morphological criteria border irregularity and heterogeneity of signal intensity on T2-weighted images in addition to size significantly improved the detection of cervical lymph nodes metastases.

Implementation of patient-tailored contrast volumes based on body surface area and heart rate harmonizes contrast enhancement and reduces contrast load in small patients in portal venous phase abdominal CT.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a patient-tailored contrast volume protocol on portal venous phase abdominal CT-images compared to a fixed volume protocol in daily radiological practice. METHOD: Data of 77 patients who underwent two contrast-enhanced CT-examinations were collected. The first examination was performed with a fixed contrast volume (95 ml), the follow-up examination was performed with a patient-tailored contrast volume based on patient's BSA and heart rate. The patient-tailored volume was calculated by a software application integrated in the interface of the injection pump. Two independent radiologists assessed subjective and objective image quality. Differences in enhancement and contrast volumes between both protocols were analysed. RESULTS: Despite a significant contrast volume reduction in women and in patients with low to normal BMI, enhancement was more consistent over different BMI-categories in the patient-tailored contrast volume protocol and there was no significant difference in subjective image quality between both injection protocols. CONCLUSIONS: A patient-tailored contrast volume protocol based on BSA and heart rate can be considered in daily radiological practice to decrease contrast volumes in women and in low to normal BMI patients and to achieve more consistent contrast enhancement across different BMI-categories in venous phase abdominal CT.

Detection of lymph node metastases in head and neck cancer: a meta-analysis comparing US, USgFNAC, CT and MR imaging.

PURPOSE: To perform a meta-analysis comparing ultrasonography (US), US guided fine needle aspiration cytology (USgFNAC), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the detection of lymph node metastases in head and neck cancer. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched (January 1990-January 2006) for studies reporting diagnostic performances of US, USgFNAC, CT, and MRI to detect cervical lymph node metastases. Two reviewers screened text and reference lists of potentially eligible articles. Criteria for study inclusion: (1) histopathology was the reference standard, (2) primary tumors and metastases were squamous cell carcinoma and (3) data were available to construct 2 x 2 contingency tables. Meta-analysis of pairs of sensitivity and specificity was performed using bivariate analysis. Summary estimates for diagnostic performance used were sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratios (DOR) (95% confidence intervals) and summary receiver operating characteristics (SROC) curves. RESULTS: From seventeen articles, 25 data sets could be retrieved. Eleven articles studied one modality: US (n=4); USgFNAC (n=1); CT (n=3); MRI (n=3). Six articles studied two or more modalities: US and CT (n=2); USgFNAC and CT (n=1); CT and MRI (n=1); MRI and MRI-USPIO (Sinerem) (n=2); US, USgFNAC, CT and MRI (n=1). USgFNAC (AUC=0.98) and US (AUC=0.95) showed the highest areas under the curve (AUC). MRI-USPIO (AUC=0.89) and CT (AUC=0.88) had similar results. MRI showed an AUC=0.79. USgFNAC showed the highest DOR (DOR=260) compared to US (DOR=40), MRI-USPIO (DOR=21), CT (DOR=14) and MRI (DOR=7). Conclusion USgFNAC showed to be the most accurate imaging modality to detect cervical lymph node metastases.

Single-shot, turbo spin-echo, diffusion-weighted imaging versus spin-echo-planar, diffusion-weighted imaging in the detection of acquired middle ear cholesteatoma.

Diagnosis of acquired middle ear cholesteatoma on MR imaging is mostly done on late postgadolinium T1-weighted MR images and/or echo-planar (EPI) diffusion-weighted (DWI) MR images. We describe the appearance of a case of a complicated attical middle ear cholesteatoma on single-shot (SS) turbo spin-echo (TSE) DWI compared with EPI-DWI. This case suggests a higher reliability of SS TSE-DWI in the diagnosis of acquired middle ear cholesteatoma.

Unilateral internuclear ophthalmoplegia and ipsiversive torsional nystagmus.

We report four patients with internuclear ophthalmoplegia and torsional nystagmus, ipsiversive to the side of the medial longitudinal fasciculus (MLF) lesion. The MLF lesion could be responsible for an inactivation of the ipsilateral interstitial nucleus of Cajal inducing a contraversive slow phase. The presence of a corrective ipsiversive quick phase implicates an intact rostral interstitial nucleus of the MLF.

Pathology of the membranous labyrinth: comparison of T1- and T2-weighted and gadolinium-enhanced spin-echo and 3DFT-CISS imaging.

PURPOSE: To assess the value of unenhanced T1-weighted images, T2-weighted images, gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted images, and three-dimensional Fourier transformation-constructive interference in steady state (3DFT-CISS) images in depicting lesions of the membranous labyrinth. METHODS: Six patients were studied using 1-T MR; both enhanced (gadolinium-tetraazacyclododecane tetraacetic acid) and unenhanced images were obtained and different sequences compared to determine which provided the most information. RESULTS: A combination of gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted and 3DFT-CISS images could depict all membranous labyrinth pathology. Unenhanced T1-weighted images were necessary to exclude spontaneous hyperintensity in the membranous labyrinth. Gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted images were needed to detect enhancing pathology such as labyrinthitis and tumors inside the membranous labyrinth. In these cases, 3DFT-CISS images allowed immediate differentiation between inflammation and tumor. In temporal bone tumors involving the bony and membranous labyrinth, unenhanced and enhanced T1-weighted images often sufficed to suggest the correct diagnosis. Only 3DFT-CISS images were able to demonstrate small structures (as fistulas) and to help us confirm or rule out obliteration of the labyrinthine fluid spaces. 3DFT-CISS images were necessary to detect small congenital malformations of the membranous labyrinth when only MR was performed. Uncalcified obliteration of the labyrinth fluid spaces could be reliably detected only on 3DFT-CISS images. Here also gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted images had to be obtained because enhancement of the soft tissues inside the membranous labyrinth had been observed. CONCLUSION: The CISS sequence and enhanced T1-weighted sequence formed the best sequence combination for diagnosis of membranous labyrinth lesions; additional, unenhanced T1-weighted images can help one differentiate labyrinthitis, proteinaceous fluid, subacute hemorrhage, or tumor inside the labyrinth.

MR of the inner ear in patients with Cogan syndrome.

PURPOSE: To determine whether the bony and soft-tissue obliterations of the intralabyrinthine fluid spaces reported in pathologic studies of patients with Cogan syndrome can be detected with MR or CT. METHODS: The inner ears of six patients with Cogan syndrome were studied. High-resolution CT was performed in five patients; all six patients were studied with MR, including T1-weighted spin-echo images with and without gadolinium administration, T2-weighted spin-echo images, and three-dimensional Fourier transform constructive interference in steady state images. RESULTS: In two patients, small calcified obliterations were detected on CT but the three-dimensional Fourier transform constructive interference in steady state images revealed more extensive soft-tissue obliteration in five of the six patients. High signal inside the membranous labyrinth on precontrast T1-weighted images and contrast enhancement inside the membranous labyrinth on the postcontrast T1-weighted images were seen in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that calcific obliteration and soft-tissue obliteration of the intralabyrinthine fluid spaces in patients with Cogan syndrome can be demonstrated radiologically and that soft-tissue obliteration is more frequent than calcified obliteration. MR detected the intralabyrinthine disease far more frequently than did CT. The three-dimensional Fourier transform constructive interference in steady state sequence proved to be the most sensitive MR sequence. Hyperintensity inside the membranous labyrinth on the precontrast T1-weighted images and enhancement on the contrast-enhanced T1 images were less frequent and probably represent leakage through the abnormal labyrinthine membrane from active disease.

Constructive interference in steady state-3DFT MR imaging of the inner ear and cerebellopontine angle.

PURPOSE: To assess the value of a three-dimensional Fourier transformation MR technique "CISS" (constructive interference in steady state) in imaging the inner ear. SUBJECTS: We studied 50 normal inner ears (40 axial, 10 coronal) and 10 pathologic inner ears in 60 patients. RESULTS: The cochlea, semicircular canals, and vestibulum were visualized in detail. Cranial nerve VII and the cochlear, superior vestibular, and inferior vestibular branch of cranial nerve VIII were identified in 90%, 94%, 80%, and 88% of the cases, respectively. A vascular loop was recognized inside the internal auditory canal in 6%, and in the porus in 30%, of the cases. The high signal of the cerebrospinal fluid and labyrinthine fluids (perilymph and endolymph) on the CISS images made excellent delineation of tumors in the cerebellopontine angle and internal canal possible and allowed detection of tumoral labyrinth involvement. The thin sections, high resolution of the images, and capability of producing multiplanar and three-dimensional reconstructions often offered additional information. CONCLUSIONS: The CISS sequence allows detailed study of the normal and pathologic inner ear and promises to be highly valuable in the demonstration of the vascular loop.

CT and MR imaging of congential abnormalities of the inner ear and internal auditory canal.

The embryology of the inner ear must be known as many of the inner ear malformations present as a result of the arrest during the various stages of embryology. These malformations are described in this "embryologic" perspective and specific names for certain malformations are no longer used. Both CT and MR can be used to look at inner ear malformations but often both techniques are complementary. However, CT is preferred when associated middle- or external ear malformations must be excluded. Magnetic resonance is preferred when subtle changes in the membranous labyrinth or abnormalities of the nerves in the internal auditory canal must be visualised. The CT and MR technique must however be adapted as more and more subtle congenital malformations can only be seen when the right technique is used. The heavily T2-weighted gradient-echo or fast spin-echo MR techniques are mandatory if malformations of the inner ear must be excluded. The purpose of this paper is to describe the techniques used to study these patients and to give an overview of the most frequent and important congenital malformations which can be found in the inner ear and internal auditory canal/cerebellopontine angle.

Computed tomography of bilateral carotid body tumours.

The CT images in 4 patients with bilateral carotid body tumours are reported. These CT findings seem to be typical, consisting of a well-circumscribed and strongly contrast-enhancing mass, situated at the bifurcation of the common carotid artery, displacing the adjacent structures. Computed tomography proves to be an excellent and non-invasive diagnostic examination. Angiography is necessary only if embolisation prior to surgery is requested.

Denta Scan: CT software program used in the anatomic evaluation of the mandible and maxilla in the perspective of endosseous implant surgery.

A radiological technique, using a new CT software program for the evaluation of alveolar process height and width, is presented. Irradiation is kept within acceptable limits when this technique is used. Measurements obtained with this technique were compared with those obtained on panoramic radiographs in 40 "half-jaws" (21 maxillar and 19 mandibular). We found that new indications for implantation emerge in the mandibular region because 'Denta Scan' can sometimes show possibilities to place implants on the buccal side of the canal (2 of 19 mandibular cases) when no possibilities are present above the canal on both the panoramic radiographs and Denta Scan images. In the maxillar region Denta Scan avoids unnecessary interventions by demonstrating the insufficient width of the alveolar ridge, often missed on panoramic radiographs (4 of 21 maxillar cases). Moreover the use of Denta Scan allows the use of implants with optimal length and diameter (23 of the 40 cases), giving better long-term results.

Temporal bone imaging.

Ameliorated computed tomography techniques and new magnetic resonance sequences have led to an important improvement in temporal bone imaging. Computed tomography is still the method of choice for imaging of temporal bone fractures, middle ear disease, and conductive hearing loss, although magnetic imaging can add important information. Patients with lesions of the cerebellopontine angle; internal auditory canal; inner ear; and, in general, all patients with sensorineural hearing loss, vertigo, and tinnitus are best examined with magnetic resonance imaging. In some cases, however, such as congenital malformations and petrous apex lesions, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography are complementary. The value of both modalities is discussed.

Temporal bone anomalies in the branchio-oto-renal syndrome: detailed computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings.

OBJECTIVE: To inventory computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings in the branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging study on a family with the BOR syndrome. SETTING: Department of medical imaging and magnetic resonance imaging at St. Jan Brugge, Brugge, Belgium. PATIENTS: Eight affected members of a Belgian family. Younger affected family members were excluded because of their age. RESULTS: Computed tomography showed inner ear malformations in all eight affected patients. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed on five patients and showed inner ear malformations. To define hypoplasia or congenital enlargement of the inner ear structures, measurements obtained from a control group of normal subjects were used for comparison. Almost symmetrical cochlear abnormalities were observed on the three-dimensional Fourier transformation-constructive interference in steady state images of the five patients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging; four had dysplasia of the cochlea, and one had hypoplasia. The vestibule was slightly enlarged in one patient; computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed semicircular canal malformations. Magnetic resonance imaging clearly showed bilateral enlarged endolymphatic sacs and ducts, whereas computed tomography showed only unilateral widening of the vestibular aqueduct and borderline widening of the vestibular aqueduct. Magnetic resonance imaging showed bilateral hypoplasia of the cochlear branch of the eighth nerve in one patient. CONCLUSION: Hypoplasia and dysplasia of the cochlea were consistent findings, and only magnetic resonance imaging was able to evaluate the intracochlear changes in detail and corrected computed tomography in most patients. Moreover, magnetic resonance imaging also detected bilateral hypoplasia of the cochlear branch of the eighth nerve in one patient. A widened vestibular aqueduct and a widened vestibular sac were frequent but not obligatory features of the BOR syndrome. Other malformations of the middle ear included a reduced middle ear cavity and malformations of the ossicular chain.

Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea from a tegmen defect: transmastoid repair with minicraniotomy.

Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) otorrhea is a rare condition that presents in 2 clinical categories. In congenital labyrinthine malformations, it leads to bouts of meningitis in a hearing-impaired child. In the adult age group, a spontaneous CSF leak almost always results from a dural and bony defect in the tegmen area. Possible pathogenic mechanisms include progressive sagging and rupture of dura through a congenital tegmen dehiscence and progressive bone erosion by aberrant arachnoid granulations. These patients usually present with a middle ear effusion, resulting in clear discharge after myringotomy with tube insertion. Based on 4 patients with a CSF leak from a tegmen defect, this report reviews the clinical findings and diagnostic approach. The surgical management by a 5-layer closure using a transmastoid approach with minicraniotomy is outlined. This procedure offers a relatively simple and reliable method for repair without the inherent risks of a middle fossa craniotomy.

The presence of a widened vestibular aqueduct and progressive sensorineural hearing loss in the branchio-oto-renal syndrome. A family study.

OBJECTIVE: A new large family with the BOR syndrome is reported with special reference to the presence of a widened vestibular aqueduct and a progressive sensorineural component in the mixed hearing loss. A review of the BOR literature of 184 patients is given. SETTING: University Hospitals. RESULTS: A BOR family with 17 affected members was studied. Fourteen of those 17 were still alive and 12 of those cooperated in this clinical study. Detailed radiological studies showed in three out of 12 affected family members a widened vestibular aqueduct and progressive sensorineural hearing loss. This raises the question whether there is a true correlation or whether those are coincidental. CONCLUSION: In our family with the Branchio-Oto-Renal syndrome, a widened vestibular aqueduct and progressive hearing loss is found in a few affected family members. Imaging of the temporal bones and long-term audiometric follow-up could help to reveal whether the widened vestibular aqueduct is the cause for the progressive hearing loss.