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1.
Linacre Q ; 89(3): 257-274, 2022 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35875377

ABSTRACT

Consumer medicine consists of medical interventions pursued for non-health-related goals with the locus of the goals residing solely with the patient. Currently, contraceptives, abortion, cosmetic procedures, and physician-assisted suicide (PAS)/euthanasia fall in this category. Consumer medicine originates from the fusion of expressive individualism with its sole focus on the subjective psychological well-being intersecting with an expansion of health now including well-being combined with an exaltation of autonomy. Expressive individualism is inward-focused and entirely subjective reducing the human to a psychologic self while instrumentalizing the biological and social dimensions and neglecting the spiritual dimension. Expressive individualism is currently manifested through economic activity (career and consumption) and particularly sexual expression. This contrasts with the holistic biopsychosocial-spiritual model of health with its deep inter-relationships and prioritization of the spiritual. Consumer medicine has damaged the profession of medicine. Physicians now have conflicting roles of healer versus body engineer, and conflicting obligations to do no harm while performing medical harms unrelated to objective health. There is now division within medicine and increasing external state regulations both seriously harming its professional status. The traditional teleologically driven ethical framework that is objectively disease-focused is now confused with a subjective list of non-health-related values as goals for medical interventions leading to an incoherent ethical framework. Biologic solutions best address biological problems and do not effectively address psychological, social, or even spiritual problems but rather make them worse. Medicine now reinforces and is complicit with expressive individualism and its attendant shallow and narrow understanding of what it means to be human with the current valuation of sexual expression and economic activity. Medical harms and social costs have resulted while challenging the value of those who are disabled, elderly, or marginalized. This shallow view has likely fueled the current existential crisis contributing to the marked increase in PAS/euthanasia in the West. Summary: Consumer medicine currently includes contraceptives, abortion, cosmetic procedures, and physician-assisted suicide (PAS)/euthanasia. These medical interventions are pursued for subjective non-health-related goals as opposed to the traditional goal of treating sick patients for their objective health. Consumer medicine's origins lie in the intersection of expressive individualism, the exaltation of patient autonomy combined with health's redefinition as subjective well-being. This has resulted in harms to the profession of medicine, ethical incoherence, and medical injury. Consumer medicine promotes a truncated understanding of the human at odds with the biopsychosocial-spiritual model and human flourishing. This has likely contributed to the rise of PAS/euthanasia.

2.
J Hepatol ; 75(2): 284-291, 2021 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33746083

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Large prospective studies to establish the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and steatohepatitis (NASH), are lacking. We prospectively assessed the prevalence and severity of NAFLD/NASH in a cohort of asymptomatic middle-aged Americans attending a colonoscopy class at a gastroenterology clinic. METHODS: Screening for NAFLD was performed using magnetic resonance (MR)-based LiverMultiScan® proton density fat fraction (LMS-PDFF). MR exams also included corrected T1 and elastography for liver stiffness measurement (LSM). FibroScan® was also used to measure LSM. Participants with predetermined abnormal imaging parameters were offered a liver biopsy. Biopsies were read in a blinded fashion with results based on the consensus by 2 expert pathologists. The prevalence of NAFLD was determined by PDFF ≥5% or by histological diagnosis of NAFLD (if biopsy data were available). The prevalence of NASH was defined by biopsy. RESULTS: Of 835 participants, 664 met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The mean age was 56 ± 6.4 years, 50% were male, the mean BMI was 30.48 ± 5.46 kg/m2, and 52% were obese. The prevalence of NAFLD was 38% (95% CI 34-41%) and the prevalence of NASH was 14% (95% CI 12-17%). While no patient had cirrhosis on biopsy, significant fibrosis (F ≥2) was present in 5.9% (95% CI 4-8%) and bridging fibrosis in 1.6% (95% CI 1-3%). In a multivariable analysis, factors associated with the presence of NASH were race, obesity, and diabetes. CONCLUSION: Using state-of-the-art liver imaging modalities and reference biopsy, this study establishes an overall prevalence of NAFLD of 38% and NASH by biopsy of 14% in this cohort of asymptomatic middle-aged US adults. LAY SUMMARY: There are no prospective studies to determine how common is nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the severe form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In a large number of asymptomatic middle-aged Americans, we used a combination of state-of-the-art liver imaging methods and liver biopsy to prospectively determine the prevalence of NAFLD and NASH. NAFLD was diagnosed in 38%, NASH in 14%, and significant liver fibrosis in 6% of asymptomatic middle-aged Americans.


Subject(s)
Fatty Liver/diagnosis , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/diagnosis , Cohort Studies , Fatty Liver/epidemiology , Female , Humans , Logistic Models , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Male , Middle Aged , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/epidemiology , Prevalence , Prospective Studies , Statistics, Nonparametric , United States/epidemiology
3.
AJR Am J Roentgenol ; 212(1): 130-134, 2019 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30403526

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Incidentally discovered renal lesions on lumbar spine MRI are a common occurrence. Many follow-up recommendations are generated by radiologists encountering renal lesions to help characterize the finding as a benign cyst or a more complex, potentially malignant lesion. We hypothesized that analysis of T2-weighted imaging features of incidentally discovered renal lesions could reliably distinguish complex renal lesions from simple cysts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two independent readers retrospectively evaluated 149 renal lesions identified on lumbar spine MRI examinations. Presence or absence of a complex renal lesion was determined using T2-weighted imaging only. Using dedicated renal cross-sectional imaging examinations as the reference standard, statistical analysis was performed to determine the accuracy of lumbar spine MRI in predicting a complex and potentially neoplastic renal lesion. RESULTS: Of 149 renal lesions, 115 were simple cysts, and 34 were complex renal lesions (20 Bosniak II cysts, nine renal cell carcinomas, three Bosniak IIF cysts, and two angiomyolipomas). Lumbar spine MRI readers identified 72 lesions as simple cysts and 77 lesions as complex renal lesions. Reader sensitivity for detection of a complex renal lesion on lumbar spine MRI was 94% (95% CI, 80-99%); specificity, 63% (95% CI, 53-72%); positive predictive value, 43% (95% CI, 37-49%); and negative predictive value, 97% (95% CI, 90-99%). Readers correctly identified all neoplastic and potentially neoplastic lesions (≥ Bosniak IIF). Interreader agreement was excellent (κ = 0.84). CONCLUSION: Follow-up imaging may not be required in all cases of incidentally discovered renal lesions on lumbar spine MRI. Analysis of T2-weighted imaging alone appears to reliably rule out neoplastic and potentially neoplastic complex renal lesions.


Subject(s)
Continuity of Patient Care , Kidney Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Lumbosacral Region/diagnostic imaging , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Patient Selection , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Contrast Media , Decision Making , Female , Humans , Incidental Findings , Kidney Diseases/pathology , Male , Middle Aged , Predictive Value of Tests , Retrospective Studies , Sensitivity and Specificity
4.
AJR Am J Roentgenol ; 212(1): 180-187, 2019 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30383407

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to determine the feasibility and accuracy of MRI for pediatric appendicitis in an adult-predominant general hospital setting where non-pediatric-trained radiologists routinely interpret the studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MRI was performed in pediatric patients with equivocal ultrasound (US) findings and persistent clinical concern for appendicitis. Neither IV contrast material nor a sedative was administered. Our MRI protocol evolved early during the study period, quickly settling on three sequences (total scanning time, 11 minutes). The clinical reference standard for statistical analysis was appendicitis diagnosed on operative or pathology report; 95% Clopper-Pearson CIs were calculated. RESULTS: Between 2012 and 2016, 528 pediatric patients (mean age, 9.9 years; age range, 1-17 years) underwent MRI after US evaluation yielded equivocal findings: 10.4% (55/528) of patients were found to have surgically proven or pathologically proven appendicitis. Sensitivity and specificity of MRI for appendicitis were 96.4% and 98.9%, respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were 91.2% and 99.6%. A normal appendix and abnormalities not involving the appendix were identified on MRI in 21.6% (114/528) of patients. CONCLUSION: Our data show that unenhanced MRI for suspected appendicitis in pediatric patients is clinically effective when performed in a nonpediatric hospital setting with nonpediatric radiologists, emergency physicians, and surgeons.


Subject(s)
Appendicitis/diagnostic imaging , Clinical Competence , Emergency Service, Hospital/standards , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Radiologists/standards , Surgeons/standards , Adolescent , Algorithms , Appendicitis/surgery , Child , Child, Preschool , Diagnosis, Differential , Emergencies , Female , Hospitals, General , Humans , Infant , Male , Sensitivity and Specificity , Ultrasonography/methods
5.
J Cardiovasc Magn Reson ; 19(1): 96, 2017 Dec 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29202847

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Adenosine or regadenoson vasodilator stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is an effective non-invasive strategy for evaluating symptomatic coronary artery disease. Vasodilator injection typically precedes ventricular functional sequences to efficiently reduce overall scanning times, though the effects of vasodilators on CMR-derived ventricular volumes and function are unknown. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 25 healthy subjects to undergo consecutive adenosine and regadenoson administration. Short axis CINE datasets were obtained on a 1.5 T scanner following adenosine (140mcg/kg/min IV for 6 min) and regadenoson (0.4 mg IV over 10 s) at baseline, immediately following administration, at 5 min intervals up to 15 min. Hemodynamic response, bi-ventricular volumes and ejection fractions were determined at each time point. RESULTS: Peak heart rate was observed early following administration of both adenosine and regadenoson. Heart rate returned to baseline by 10 min post-adenosine while remaining elevated at 15 min post-regadenoson (p = 0.0015). Left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF) increased immediately following both vasodilators (p < 0.0001 for both) and returned to baseline following adenosine by 10 min (p = 0.8397). Conversely, LVEF following regadenoson remained increased at 10 min (p = 0.003) and 15 min (p = 0.0015) with a mean LVEF increase at 15 min of 4.2 ± 1.3%. Regadenoson resulted in a similar magnitude reduction in both LV end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVi) and LV end-systolic volume index (LVESVi) at 15 min whereas LVESVi resolved at 15 min following adenosine and LVEDVi remained below baseline values (p = 0.52). CONCLUSIONS: Regadenoson and adenosine have significant and prolonged impact on ventricular volumes and LVEF. In patients undergoing vasodilator stress CMR where ventricular volumes and LVEF are critical components to patient care, ventricular functional sequences should be performed prior to vasodilator use or consider the use of aminophylline in the setting of regadenoson. Additionally, heart rate resolution itself is not an effective surrogate for return of ventricular volumes and LVEF to baseline.


Subject(s)
Adenosine/administration & dosage , Coronary Circulation/drug effects , Heart Ventricles/diagnostic imaging , Hemodynamics/drug effects , Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Cine/methods , Purines/administration & dosage , Pyrazoles/administration & dosage , Vasodilator Agents/administration & dosage , Adult , Female , Healthy Volunteers , Heart Rate/drug effects , Humans , Male , Predictive Value of Tests , Prospective Studies , Stroke Volume/drug effects , Time Factors , Ventricular Function, Left/drug effects , Ventricular Function, Right/drug effects
6.
Radiographics ; 37(5): 1401-1407, 2017.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28898187

ABSTRACT

Editor's Note.-RadioGraphics continues to publish radiologic-pathologic case material selected from the American Institute for Radiologic Pathology (AIRP) "best case" presentations. The AIRP conducts a 4-week Radiologic Pathology Correlation Course, which is offered five times per year. On the penultimate day of the course, the best case presentation is held at the American Film Institute Silver Theater and Cultural Center in Silver Spring, Md. The AIRP faculty identifies the best cases, from each organ system, brought by the resident attendees. One or more of the best cases from each of the five courses are then solicited for publication in RadioGraphics. These cases emphasize the importance of radiologic-pathologic correlation in the imaging evaluation and diagnosis of diseases encountered at the institute and its predecessor, the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP).


Subject(s)
Abdomen/diagnostic imaging , Abdomen/pathology , Abdomen/surgery , Dermoid Cyst/diagnostic imaging , Dermoid Cyst/pathology , Dermoid Cyst/surgery , Adult , Contrast Media , Diagnosis, Differential , Humans , Male
7.
J Comput Assist Tomogr ; 40(1): 167-71, 2016.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26571059

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to study the effect of low-osmolar nonionic contrast on renal length. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 56 patients (4-phase renal computed tomography [CT] and 4-phase CT urogram [CTU], 19 patients each; split-phase CTU, 18 patients). Three radiologists created the best off-axis plane and renal lengths measured on a postprocessing workstation. Two-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni corrections was performed along with single-sample t tests. RESULTS: Four-phase renal CT and CTU average differences from unenhanced phases were 0.30/0.16 mm (corticomedullary), 0.88/1.33 mm (nephrographic), and 2.17/2.22 mm (delayed). The nephrographic and delayed phases were significantly different from their unenhanced phase (P < 0.01). Nonsignificant differences between the corticomedullary phase and the unenhanced phase were observed (P = 0.217, 4-phase renal CT; P = 0.232, 4-phase CTU). The split-phase CTU average difference in the enhanced phase was 1.36 mm (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Renal length increases 1 to 2 mm with low-osmolar nonionic contrast.


Subject(s)
Contrast Media , Iopamidol , Kidney/diagnostic imaging , Kidney/pathology , Radiographic Image Enhancement/methods , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Adult , Aged , Analysis of Variance , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Organ Size , Reproducibility of Results , Retrospective Studies
8.
AJR Am J Roentgenol ; 205(4): 797-801, 2015 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26397327

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of renal measurement on CT in multiple imaging planes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, three board-certified radiologists retrospectively measured 110 kidneys on CT in 55 consecutive patients. Five measurement methods were used: axial, coronal single image, coronal multiimage, sagittal single image, and sagittal multiimage. The coronal database was sent to a postprocessing workstation, and each radiologist performed a maximum renal measurement using a best off-axis plane that was our reference standard. An ANOVA test with repeated measures and posthoc Bonferroni corrected t tests were performed. RESULTS: The mean differences (± standard error) compared with the reference standard method were as follows: axial, 7.7 ± 0.7 mm; coronal single image, 13.1 ± 1.4 mm; coronal multiimage, 6.4 ± 0.8 mm; sagittal single image, 6.4 ± 0.6 mm; and sagittal multiimage, 2.8 ± 0.3 mm. The reference standard measurement was larger (p < 0.001), whereas the coronal single-image measurement (p ≤ 0.006) was smaller than all other methods. The sagittal multiimage (p ≤ 0.005) was statistically significantly different from all other methods. There were no statistically significant differences among the axial, coronal multiimage, and sagittal single-image methods (p ≥ 0.088). CONCLUSION: The single-image coronal method is the least accurate, with an error of approximately 13 mm. The axial, multiimage coronal, and single-image sagittal methods underestimate renal size by approximately 6-8 mm. Multiimage sagittal is the most accurate method for measuring kidneys with an error of approximately 3 mm.


Subject(s)
Kidney/diagnostic imaging , Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted/methods , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Contrast Media , Female , Humans , Iohexol , Iopamidol , Male , Middle Aged , Reference Standards , Retrospective Studies
9.
AJR Am J Roentgenol ; 204(2): 386-95, 2015 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25615762

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to highlight the most salient imaging features of retrorectal masses with regard to surgical planning, preoperative biopsy, and identification of nonneoplastic mimickers of malignancy. CONCLUSION. Retrorectal tumors are associated with high morbidity. CT and MRI aid in preoperative planning because surgical resection is the treatment of choice for both benign and malignant entities. Radiologists need to understand the operative techniques currently used for retrorectal tumors because the first attempt at excision is the best chance for complete resection and optimal outcome.


Subject(s)
Rectal Neoplasms/diagnosis , Rectal Neoplasms/surgery , Digestive System Surgical Procedures , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Radiology , Tomography, X-Ray Computed
10.
J Comput Assist Tomogr ; 39(6): 825-34, 2015.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26248153

ABSTRACT

Serum tumor markers are firmly entrenched as one of the primary tools in an oncologist's armamentarium. They can be implemented in a broad range of applications from diagnostic assistance, assessing prognosis, or guiding therapeutic decisions. However, tumor markers also have limitations, which significantly impact how they should be used. Radiologists should be familiar with the following most prevalent tumor markers, which will all be discussed here: prostate-specific antigen (prostate), carcinoembryonic antigen (colon), α-fetoprotein (hepatocellular and testicular), carbohydrate antigen 19.9 (pancreas), cancer antigen 125 (ovarian), human chorionic gonadotropin/lactic dehydrogenase (testicular), and chromogranin A (neuroendocrine). This knowledge should avoid needless intervention, enhance image interpretation, and ultimately provide optimal patient care.


Subject(s)
Biomarkers, Tumor/blood , Diagnostic Imaging/methods , Neoplasms/blood , Neoplasms/diagnosis , CA-125 Antigen/blood , CA-19-9 Antigen/blood , Carcinoembryonic Antigen/blood , Chorionic Gonadotropin/blood , Chromogranin A/blood , Female , Humans , Male , Prostate-Specific Antigen/blood , alpha-Fetoproteins
11.
Abdom Imaging ; 40(2): 400-10, 2015 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25123077

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The radiologist can encounter benign significant imaging findings on computed tomography that can be incorrectly interpreted as neoplasm. The authors review several benign findings and demonstrate several methods to differentiate these findings from more sinister pathology. CONCLUSION: It is imperative for the radiologist to be cognizant of and how to correctly identify mimickers of pathology so that unnecessary interventions and surgeries are avoided.


Subject(s)
Abdominal Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Digestive System Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Lymphatic Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Pelvic Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Vascular Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Humans , Male , Pelvis/diagnostic imaging , Radiography, Abdominal
12.
Abdom Imaging ; 40(8): 3182-90, 2015 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26205993

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the incidence of high T2 signal rims surrounding leiomyomas, evaluate if a particular T2-weighted sequence is more effective in depicting this rim, and determine if this sign is useful in differentiating pedunculated leiomyomas from other solid adnexal masses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, two radiologists evaluated 233 T2 dark pelvic masses (223 uterine leiomyomas and 10 ovarian fibromas) in 60 women (mean age 47) on Magnetic resonance imaging for the presence of a high signal rim. Three different T2-weighted sequences were reviewed independently for uterine leiomyomas: half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin echo (HASTE), SPACE, and T2 with fat saturation (T2 FS). Only T2 FS images were available for 10 fibromas. A consensus review was conducted for discrepant cases. Statistical analyses were performed using Fisher's exact test, kappa test, and ANOVA RESULTS: For 223 uterine leiomyomas, 23% (95% CI 17.8-28.9%) demonstrated a high T2 signal rim sign on T2 FS compared with 4.9% (95% CI 2.6-8.9%) for HASTE and 6.7% (95% CI 3.9-11.1%) for SPACE. The difference between the number of positive rims on T2 FS relative-HASTE and SPACE was statistically significant (p < 0.001). For ovarian fibromas, 40% (95% CI 16.9-68.8%) were classified positive for a rim sign. CONCLUSION: A high T2 signal rim sign was present for up to 23% of uterine leiomyomas and the T2 FS sequence detected this rim sign most frequently. Up to 40% of ovarian fibromas can also have a T2 rim sign and, therefore, a solid adnexal mass with a T2 rim sign cannot be assumed to represent a pedunculated leiomyoma.


Subject(s)
Adnexal Diseases/pathology , Leiomyoma/pathology , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Uterine Neoplasms/pathology , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Analysis of Variance , Artifacts , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Reproducibility of Results , Retrospective Studies , Young Adult
13.
Abdom Imaging ; 40(8): 3029-42, 2015 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26194812

ABSTRACT

Surgical resection of colorectal metastatic disease has increased as surgeons have adopted a more aggressive ideology. Current exclusion criteria are patients for whom a negative resection margin is not feasible or a future liver remnant (FLR) of greater than 20% is not achievable. The goal of preoperative imaging is to identify the number and distribution of liver metastases, in addition to establishing their relation to relevant intrahepatic structures. FLR can be calculated utilizing cross-sectional imaging to select out patients at risk for hepatic dysfunction after resection. MRI, specifically with gadoxetic acid contrast, is currently the preferred modality for assessment of hepatic involvement for patients with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer, to include those who have undergone neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Employment of liver-directed therapies has recently expanded and they may provide an alternative to hepatectomy in order to obtain locoregional control in poor surgical candidates or convert patients with initially unresectable disease into surgical candidates.


Subject(s)
Colorectal Neoplasms/pathology , Liver Neoplasms/secondary , Liver/diagnostic imaging , Liver/pathology , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Contrast Media , Gadolinium DTPA , Humans , Image Enhancement , Liver Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Liver Neoplasms/pathology
14.
Abdom Imaging ; 40(6): 2012-29, 2015 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25613332

ABSTRACT

Gadoxetic acid is a hepatocyte-specific magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent with the ability to detect and characterize focal liver lesions and provide structural and functional information about the hepatobiliary system. Knowledge of the pharmacokinetics of gadoxetic acid is paramount to understanding imaging protocol and lesion appearance and facilitates identification and avoidance of undesired effects with use of this intravenous contrast agent. This article reviews the utility of gadoxetic acid in liver and biliary imaging, with emphasis on the hepatobiliary phase.


Subject(s)
Biliary Tract/pathology , Contrast Media/pharmacokinetics , Gadolinium DTPA/pharmacokinetics , Liver Diseases/diagnosis , Liver/pathology , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging
15.
AJR Am J Roentgenol ; 203(3): 615-9, 2014 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25148165

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to compare CT urography (CTU) with unenhanced CT in the evaluation of upper urinary tracts in adults younger than 50 years with asymptomatic microscopic hematuria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 1516 CTU examinations were reviewed in adults younger than 50 years. Inclusion criteria were no significant prior urologic disease and asymptomatic microscopic hematuria with at least one urinalysis with greater than or equal to 3 RBCs/high-power field and less than or equal to 50 RBCs/high-power field. Upper urinary tract findings on CTU were classified as malignancy-related or non-malignancy-related hematuria and incidental non-hematuria-related findings. A blinded radiologist reviewed the unenhanced images, recording upper urinary tract findings and recommendations for further contrast-enhanced imaging. The modified Wald equation at a 95% CI, the "Rule of Threes" equation, and binomial distribution were used for malignancy-related findings. RESULTS: Four hundred forty-five examinations in 442 patients met inclusion criteria. CTU reports showed zero malignancy-related hematuria findings, 64 non-malignancy-related hematuria findings (62 renal calculi and two others), and 138 incidental non-hematuria-related findings. Unenhanced CT interpretation had a sensitivity of 100% (64/64) and a specificity of 89.2% (337/378). The theoretic risk of an upper urinary tract malignancy is 0-1.1%. CONCLUSION: CTU added no additional diagnostic benefit versus unenhanced CT in evaluating the upper urinary tracts of adults younger than 50 years with asymptomatic microscopic hematuria. Using only unenhanced CT can reduce radiation and minimize contrast agent-associated risk, with a less than 1.0% risk of missing upper urinary tract hematuria-related malignancy.


Subject(s)
Hematuria/diagnostic imaging , Kidney Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Ureteral Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Adolescent , Adult , Contrast Media/administration & dosage , Female , Hematuria/etiology , Humans , Injections, Intravenous , Kidney Neoplasms/complications , Male , Middle Aged , Observer Variation , Radiographic Image Enhancement/methods , Reproducibility of Results , Sensitivity and Specificity , Single-Blind Method , Ureteral Neoplasms/complications , Urography/methods
16.
Abdom Imaging ; 39(6): 1284-96, 2014 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24852312

ABSTRACT

Solid adnexal masses, while less common than their cystic counterparts, may present a challenge for radiologists given the wide range of histologic entities that occur in this region. Pelvic masses, especially when large, can seem overwhelming at first but application of an algorithmic approach allows for more confident assessment. This approach focuses first on the use of anatomic relationships and interactions of various pelvic structures to localize the mass' origin. For instance, the directionality of ureteral displacement can suggest if a mass is intra or extraperitoneal. Then, key discriminating imaging features, such as the presence of fat, hypervascularity, or low T2 signal on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be applied to further narrow the list of diagnostic possibilities. Entities such as leiomyomas, nerve sheath tumors, congenital uterine anomalies, and vascular abnormalities (ovarian torsion or iliac vessel aneurysm) in particular are often accurately characterized with sonography and/or MRI. For solid adnexal masses in which a definitive diagnosis by imaging is not reached, information germane to clinicians regarding further management can still be provided, principally with regard to surgical vs. nonsurgical treatment.


Subject(s)
Adnexal Diseases/diagnosis , Algorithms , Diagnostic Imaging/methods , Leiomyoma/diagnosis , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Child , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Middle Aged , Ovarian Neoplasms/diagnosis , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Ultrasonography/methods , Young Adult
17.
Abdom Imaging ; 39(1): 162-7, 2014 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24271077

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of our study is to assess the utility of pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the event that either one or both ovaries are not visualized by pelvic ultrasound. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This HIPAA-compliant retrospective study was approved by our local institutional review board and informed consent waived. 1926 pelvic MRI examinations between March 2007 and December 2011 were reviewed and included if a combined transabdominal and endovaginal pelvic ultrasound had been performed in the preceding 6 months with at least one ovary nonvisualized. Ovaries not visualized on pelvic ultrasound were assumed to be normal and compared with the pelvic MRI findings. MRI findings were categorized as concordant or discordant. Discordant findings were divided into malignant, non-malignant physiologic or non-malignant non-physiologic. The modified Wald, the "rule of thirds", and the binomial distribution probability tests were performed. RESULTS: 255 pelvic ultrasounds met inclusion criteria with 364 ovaries not visualized. 0 malignancies were detected on MRI. 6.9% (25/364) of nonvisualized ovaries had non-malignant discordant findings on MRI: 5.2% (19/364) physiologic, 1.6% (6/364) non-physiologic. Physiologic findings included: 16 functional cysts and 3 hemorrhagic cysts. Non-physiologic findings included: 3 cysts in post-menopausal women, 1 hydrosalpinx, and 2 broad ligament fibroids. The theoretical risk of detecting an ovarian carcinoma on pelvic MRI when an ovary is not visualized on ultrasound ranges from 0 to 1.3%. CONCLUSION: If an ovary is not visualized on pelvic ultrasound, it can be assumed to be without carcinoma and MRI rarely adds additional information.


Subject(s)
Ovarian Cysts/diagnosis , Ovarian Neoplasms/diagnosis , Pelvis/diagnostic imaging , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Contrast Media , Female , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Middle Aged , Ovarian Cysts/diagnostic imaging , Ovarian Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Ovary/diagnostic imaging , Retrospective Studies , Ultrasonography
18.
Cureus ; 15(10): e46955, 2023 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38022295

ABSTRACT

Cardiac lipomas are benign primary cardiac tumors that are most often asymptomatic and diagnosed incidentally. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the imaging modality of choice when aiming to characterize these tumors. A minority of cardiac lipomas are intramyocardial, which, when combined with the much more common post-infarction fatty metaplasia, makes diagnosing these lipomas very challenging. We review a case of intramyocardial lipoma in the distal interventricular septum that was initially detected on a low-dose computed tomography for lung cancer screening and the subsequent findings on cardiac MRI that made the diagnosis. Additionally, this case also helps to support the conservative management of intramyocardial lipomas that are more distal in the left ventricle and subsequently at lower risk for conduction arrhythmias.

19.
Abdom Radiol (NY) ; 48(3): 1011-1019, 2023 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36592198

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether microscopic hematuria (MH) patients with a negative initial evaluation have an elevated risk for urinary carcinoma. METHODS: This is a population-based retrospective study with a matched control identified 8465 adults with an MH ICD code, an initial negative urinary malignancy work-up of cystoscopy and CT urography, and at least 35 months of clinical care. 8465 hematuria naïve controls were age, gender, and smoking status matched. Subsequent coding of non-prostatic urinary cancer, or any following hematuria codes: additional microscopic unspecified or unspecified hematuria, and gross hematuria was obtained. Χ2 tests were performed. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in urinary malignancy rates (p > 0.05). Any urinary cancer: cases 0.74% (63/8465; 95% CI 0.58-0.95%)/controls 0.83% (71/8465; 95% CI 0.66-1.04%%) (p = 0.54); bladder: 0.45%/0.47% (p = 0.82); renal: 0.31%/0.38% (p = 0.43); ureteral: 0.01%/0.02% (p = 0.56). Subsequent gross hematuria in both males and females increased the odds of cancer: males 2.35 (p = 0.001; CI 1.42-3.91); females 4.25 (p < 0.001; CI 1.94-9.34). Males without additional hematuria had decreased odds ratio: 0.32 (p = 0.001; CI 0.16-0.64). Females without additional hematuria 0.58 (p = 0.19; CI 0.26-1.30) and both genders with additional unspecified hematuria/microscopic hematuria males 1.02 (p = 0.97; CI 0.50-2.08) and females 1.00 (p = 0.99; CI 0.38-2.66) did not have increased odds ratios (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: MH patients with initial negative evaluation have a subsequent urologic malignancy rate of less than 1% and likely do not need further urinary evaluation unless they develop gross hematuria.


Subject(s)
Hematuria , Urologic Neoplasms , Adult , Humans , Male , Female , Retrospective Studies , Risk , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Urography
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