Diagnostic Imaging and Medical Management of Acute Left-Sided Colonic Diverticulitis : A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Clinicians need to better understand the value of computed tomography (CT) imaging and nonsurgical treatment options to manage acute left-sided colonic diverticulitis. PURPOSE: To evaluate CT imaging, outpatient treatment of uncomplicated diverticulitis, antibiotic treatment, and interventional radiology for patients with complicated diverticulitis. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Embase, CINAHL, and ClinicalTrials.gov from 1 January 1990 through 16 November 2020. STUDY SELECTION: Existing systematic reviews of CT imaging accuracy, as well as randomized trials and adjusted nonrandomized comparative studies reporting clinical or patient-centered outcomes. DATA EXTRACTION: 6 researchers extracted study data and risk of bias, which were verified by an independent researcher. The team assessed strength of evidence across studies. DATA SYNTHESIS: Based on moderate-strength evidence, CT imaging is highly accurate for diagnosing acute diverticulitis. For patients with uncomplicated acute diverticulitis, 6 studies provide low-strength evidence that initial outpatient and inpatient management have similar risks for recurrence or elective surgery, but they provide insufficient evidence regarding other outcomes. Also, for patients with uncomplicated acute diverticulitis, 5 studies comparing antibiotics versus no antibiotics provide low-strength evidence that does not support differences in risks for treatment failure, elective surgery, recurrence, posttreatment complications, and other outcomes. Evidence is insufficient to determine choice of antibiotic regimen (7 studies) or effect of percutaneous drainage (2 studies). LIMITATIONS: The evidence base is mostly of low strength. Studies did not adequately assess heterogeneity of treatment effect. CONCLUSION: Computed tomography imaging is accurate for diagnosing acute diverticulitis. For patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis, no differences in outcomes were found between outpatient and inpatient care. Avoidance of antibiotics for uncomplicated acute diverticulitis may be safe for most patients. The evidence is too sparse for other evaluated questions. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and American College of Physicians. (PROSPERO: CRD42020151246).

Effect of Decreasing the ACR TI-RADS Point Assignment for Punctate Echogenic Foci When They Occur in Mixed Solid and Cystic Thyroid Nodules.

OBJECTIVE. Using the American College of Radiology (ACR) Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS), this study sought to determine whether decreasing the point assignment for punctate echogenic foci in mixed solid and cystic nodules would reduce the number of benign mixed solid and cystic nodules that were biopsied and would not substantially increase the number of missed mixed carcinomas MATERIALS AND METHODS. A multiinstitutional database of 3422 pathologically proven thyroid nodules was evaluated to identify all mixed solid and cystic nodules with punctate echogenic foci. We determined the numbers of mixed benign and malignant nodules that would receive ACR TI-RADS recommendations of fine-needle aspiration, follow-up, and no further evaluation if the points assigned to punctate echogenic foci were changed from 3 points to 1 or 2 points. RESULTS. A total of 287 mixed nodules were adequately characterized for evaluation. When the number of points assigned to punctate echogenic foci was changed from 3 points to 1 point, the point categories changed for 198 mixed nodules. Seven carcinomas would not undergo biopsy, but six of those seven would receive follow-up, and 44 benign nodules would not undergo biopsy. When 2 points were assigned to punctate echogenic foci, the point categories changed for 66 mixed nodules. Three carcinomas would not undergo biopsy, but all three of these would receive follow-up, and eight benign nodules would not undergo biopsy. CONCLUSION. Consideration should be given to decreasing the number of points assigned to punctate echogenic foci in mixed solid and cystic thyroid nodules, given the substantial decrease in the number of benign nodules requiring biopsy and the recommendation of follow-up for any carcinoma 1 cm or larger that did not undergo biopsy.

Inclusion of Thyroid Nodule Location in American College of Radiology TI-RADS Scoring: Impact on System Performance.

Emerging data suggest that the location of thyroid nodules influences malignancy risk. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of including location in American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR TI-RADS) scoring. Four of five revised scoring algorithms that added 1 or 2 points to higher-risk locations were associated with lowered accuracy due to lower specificity. However, an algorithm that added 1 point to isthmic nodules did not differ significantly from ACR TI-RADS in accuracy; one additional isthmic cancer was diagnosed for each 10.3 additional benign nodules recommended for biopsy.

Analysis of Malignant Thyroid Nodules That Do Not Meet ACR TI-RADS Criteria for Fine-Needle Aspiration.

OBJECTIVE. Compared with other guidelines, the American College of Radiology (ACR) Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) has decreased the number of nodules for which fine-needle aspiration is recommended. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of malignant nodules that would not be biopsied when the ACR TI-RADS recommendations are followed. MATERIALS AND METHODS. We retrospectively reviewed a total of 3422 thyroid nodules for which a definitive cytologic diagnosis, a definitive histologic diagnosis, or both diagnoses as well as diagnostic ultrasound (US) examinations were available. All nodules were categorized using the ACR TI-RADS, and they were divided into three groups according to the recommendation received: fine-needle aspiration (group 1), follow-up US examination (group 2), or no further evaluation (group 3). RESULTS. Of the 3422 nodules, 352 were malignant. Of these, 240 nodules were assigned to group 1, whereas 72 were assigned to group 2 and 40 were included in group 3. Sixteen of the 40 malignant nodules in group 3 were 1 cm or larger, and, on the basis of analysis of the sonographic features described in the ACR TI-RADS, these nodules were classified as having one of five ACR TI-RADS risk levels (TR1-TR5), with one nodule classified as a TR1 nodule, eight as TR2 nodules, and seven as TR3 nodules. If the current recommendation of no follow-up for TR2 nodules was changed to follow-up for nodules 2.5 cm or larger, seven additional malignant nodules and 316 additional benign nodules would receive a recommendation for follow-up. If the current size threshold (1.5 cm) used to recommend US follow-up for TR3 nodules was decreased to 1.0 cm, seven additional malignant nodules and 118 additional benign nodules would receive a recommendation for follow-up. CONCLUSION. With use of the ACR TI-RADS, most malignant nodules that would not be biopsied would undergo US follow-up, would be smaller than 1 cm, or would both undergo US follow-up and be smaller than 1 cm. Adjusting size thresholds to decrease the number of missed malignant nodules that are 1 cm or larger would result in a substantial increase in the number of benign nodules undergoing follow-up.

Image-Guided Cholecystostomy Tube Placement: Short- and Long-Term Outcomes of Transhepatic Versus Transperitoneal Placement.

OBJECTIVE: Image-guided percutaneous cholecystostomy may be performed by a transhepatic or transperitoneal approach. We compared the short- and long-term outcomes of percutaneous cholecystostomy related to route of catheter placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study of image-guided percutaneous cholecystostomy was performed from 2004 to 2016. A search of the hospital's radiology information service was performed using the keywords "percutaneous cholecystostomy," "gallbladder drain," and "cholecystostomy tube" and the relevant Current Procedural Terminology codes. All search results were reviewed to identify the cohort of 373 patients who underwent initial percutaneous cholecystostomy catheter placement. Imaging was reviewed to determine the method and route of percutaneous cholecystostomy and complications. A chart review was performed to determine clinical outcomes. Differences were examined using a generalized linear model assuming a binary distribution and logit function. RESULTS: Percutaneous cholecystostomy catheter placement was performed using ultrasound guidance alone in 229 patients, ultrasound access with fluoroscopic guidance in 129 patients, CT guidance in 14 patients, and fluoroscopic guidance in one patient. The trocar technique was used for 183 patients, and the Seldinger technique was used for 190 patients. Two hundred eighteen percutaneous cholecystostomy catheters were placed via the transhepatic route, and 153 were placed via the transperitoneal route. The most common catheter sizes used were 8.5 French (n = 234) and 10 French (n = 124). No significant differences were observed between transperitoneal and transhepatic placement with regard to the frequency of pain, clogging, skin infection, bleeding, biloma, cholangitis, leakage, abscess, unplanned catheter removal, or need for replacement (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: No evidence of a difference in outcomes was observed for transhepatic cholecystostomy tube placement over transperitoneal placement. The route that appears safer and less technically challenging should therefore be chosen.

Comparison of Performance Characteristics of American College of Radiology TI-RADS, Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology TIRADS, and American Thyroid Association Guidelines.

OBJECTIVE: The American College of Radiology (ACR) Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) provides guidelines to practitioners who interpret sonographic examinations of thyroid nodules. The purpose of this study is to compare the ACR TI-RADS system with two other well-established guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ACR TI-RADS, the Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology (KSThR) Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS), and the American Thyroid Association guidelines were compared using 3422 thyroid nodules for which pathologic findings were available. The composition, echogenicity, margins, echogenic foci, and size of the nodules were assessed to determine whether a recommendation would be made for fine-needle aspiration or follow-up sonography when each system was used. The biopsy yield of malignant findings, the yield of follow-up, and the percentage of malignant and benign nodules that would be biopsied were determined for all nodules and for nodules 1 cm or larger. RESULTS: The percentage of nodules that could not be classified was 0%, 3.9%, and 13.9% for the ACR TI-RADS, KSThR TIRADS, and ATA guidelines, respectively. The biopsy yield of malignancy was 14.2%, 10.2%, and 10.0% for nodules assessed by the ACR TI-RADS, KSThR TIRADS, and ATA guidelines, respectively. The percentage of malignant nodules that were biopsied was 68.2%, 78.7%, and 75.9% for the ACR TI-RADS, the KSThR TIRADS, and the ATA guidelines, respectively, whereas the percentage of malignant nodules that would be either biopsied or followed was 89.2% for the ACR TI-RADS. The percentage of benign nodules that would be biopsied was 47.1%, 79.7%, and 78.1% for the ACR TI-RADS, the KSThR TIRADS, and the ATA guidelines, respectively. The percentage of benign nodules that would be either biopsied or followed was 65.2% for the ACR TI-RADS. CONCLUSION: The ACR TI-RADS performs well when compared with other well-established guidelines.

Multiinstitutional Analysis of Thyroid Nodule Risk Stratification Using the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System.

OBJECTIVE: Guidelines for managing thyroid nodules are highly dependent on risk stratification based on sonographic findings. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the risk stratification system used by the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with thyroid nodules who underwent sonography and fine-needle aspiration were enrolled in a multiinstitutional study. The sonographic nodule features evaluated in the study were composition, echogenicity, margins, and echogenic foci. Images were reviewed by two radiologists who were blinded to the results of cytologic analysis. Nodules were assigned points for each feature, and the points were totaled to determine the final TIRADS level (TR1-TR5). The risk of cancer associated with each point total and final TIRADS level was determined. RESULTS: A total of 3422 nodules, 352 of which were malignant, were studied. The risk of malignancy was closely associated with the composition, echogenicity, margins, and echogenic foci of the nodules (p < 0.0001, in all cases). An increased aggregate risk of nodule malignancy was noted as the TIRADS point level increased from 0 to 10 (p < 0.0001) and as the final TIRADS level increased from TR1 to TR5 (p < 0.0001). Of the 3422 nodules, 2948 (86.1%) had risk levels that were within 1% of the TIRADS risk thresholds. Of the 474 nodules that were more than 1% outside these thresholds, 88.0% (417/474) had a risk level that was below the TIRADS threshold. CONCLUSION: The aggregate risk of malignancy for nodules associated with each individual TIRADS point level (0-10) and each final TIRADS level (TR1-TR5) falls within the TIRADS risk stratification thresholds. A total of 85% of all nodules were within 1% of the specified TIRADS risk thresholds.

Effectiveness and safety of computed tomography-guided radiofrequency ablation of renal cancer: a 14-year single institution experience in 203 patients.

OBJECTIVES: To define effectiveness and safety of CT-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of renal tumours and prognostic indicators for treatment success. METHODS: Patients with a single treatment of a solitary, biopsy-proven renal tumour with intent to cure over a 14-year period were included (n = 203). Probability of residual disease over time, complication rates and all-cause mortality were assessed in relation to multiple variables. RESULTS: Mean tumour size was 2.5 cm (range 1.0-6.0). Mean follow-up was 34.1 months (range 1-131). There was an increase in likelihood of residual disease for tumours ≥3.5 cm (P < 0.05), clear cell subtype of renal cell carcinoma (P ≤ 0.005) and maximum treatment temperature ≤70 °C (P < 0.05). There was a decrease in likelihood of residual disease for exophytic tumours (P = 0.01) and no difference based on age, gender, tumour location or type of radio freqency (RF) electrode used. Major complications occurred in 3.9 %. Median post-treatment survival was 7 years for patients with tumours <4 cm, and 5-year overall survival was 80 %. Probability of minor complication increased with tumour size (P = 0.03), as did all-cause mortality (P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: CT-guided RFA is safe and effective for early-stage renal cancer, particularly for exophytic tumours measuring <3.5 cm. Overall 5-year survival with tumours <4 cm is comparable to partial nephrectomy. KEY POINTS: • Prognostic indicators for success of CT-guided RFA of renal tumours are reported. • Tumour size ≥3.5 cm confers an increased risk for residual tumour. • Clear cell renal cell carcinoma subtype confers increased risk for residual tumour. • Tmax <70 °C within the ablation zone confers increased risk for residual tumour. • Exophytic tumours have a lower probability of residual disease.

Management of nodules with initially nondiagnostic results of thyroid fine-needle aspiration: can we avoid repeat biopsy?

PURPOSE: To identify demographic and ultrasonographic (US) features associated with malignancy after initially nondiagnostic results of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) to help clarify the role of repeat FNA, surgical excision, or serial US in these nodules. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was HIPAA compliant and institutional review board approved; informed consent was waived. Thyroid nodules (n = 5349) that underwent US-guided FNA in 2004-2012 were identified; 393 were single nodules with nondiagnostic FNA results but adequate cytologic, surgical, or US follow-up. Demographic information and diameters and volume at US at first biopsy were modeled with malignancy as outcome through medical record review. Exact logistic regression was used to model malignancy outcomes, demographic comparisons with age were made (Student t test, Satterthwaite test), and proportion confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated (Clopper-Pearson method). RESULTS: Of 393 nodules with initially nondiagnostic results, nine malignancies (2.3%) were subsequently diagnosed with repeat FNA (n = 2, 0.5%) or surgical pathologic examination (n = 7, 1.8%), 330 (84.0%) were benign, and 54 (13.7%) were stable or decreased in size at serial US (mean follow-up, 3.0 years; median, 2.5 years; range, 1.0-7.8 years). Patients with malignancies were significantly older (mean age, 62.7 years; median, 64 years; range, 47-77 years) than those without (mean age, 55.4 years; median, 57 years; range, 12-94 years; P = .0392). Odds of malignancy were 4.2 times higher for men versus women (P = .045) and increased significantly for each 1-cm increase in anteroposterior, minimum, and mean nodule diameter (1.78, 2.10, and 1.96, respectively). In 393 nodules, no malignancies were detected in cystic or spongiform nodules (both, n = 11, 2.8%; 95% CI: 1.4%, 5.0%), nodules with eggshell calcifications (n = 9, 2.3%; 95% CI: 1.1%, 4.3%), or indeterminate echogenic foci (n = 39, 9.9%; 95% CI: 7.2%, 13.3%). CONCLUSION: Very few malignancies were diagnosed with repeat FNA following nondiagnostic FNA results (two of 336, 0.6%); therefore, clinical and US follow-up may be more appropriate than repeat FNA following nondiagnostic biopsy results.

A pilot study estimating liver fibrosis with ultrasound shear-wave elastography: does the cause of liver disease or location of measurement affect performance?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of real-time shear-wave elastography for assessment of liver fibrosis in an unselected patient population, comparing shear-wave elastography measurements obtained at and remote from the site of random liver biopsy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In a prospective study of 50 patients (21 with and 29 without hepatitis C) referred for clinically indicated random liver biopsy for diffuse liver disease, shear-wave elastography measurements were taken from four locations before biopsy: one at the left lobe, two at the right lobe, and one at the biopsy location. The mean, minimum, maximum, and SD of shear-wave elastography were compared with pathologic grading. Steatosis and serum markers were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. Optimized shear-wave elastography thresholds were calculated using AUC analysis. RESULTS: The AUC (95% CI) at the biopsy site, ipsilateral lobe, and contralateral lobe were 0.82 (0.63-1.0), 0.84 (0.67-1.0), and 0.59 (0.19-0.99) in hepatitis C patients; 0.89 (0.75-1.0), 0.88 (0.73-1.0), and 0.93 (0.80-1.0) in nonhepatitis C patients; and 0.85 (0.74-0.96), 0.89 (0.79-0.99), and 0.80 (0.67-0.93) in all patients, respectively. Optimized biopsy site shear-wave elastography values for detecting Metavir score F2 or greater were 1.87 m/s (75% sensitivity and specificity), 2.00 m/s (80% sensitivity and specificity), and 1.89 m/s (76% sensitivity and specificity) in hepatitis C, nonhepatitis C, and all patients, respectively. Steatosis and serum markers were not significant. CONCLUSION: Real-time shear-wave elastography accurately predicted significant fibrosis (stage ≥ 2) in an unselected patient population with diffuse disease, including patients with and without hepatitis C. Shear-wave elastography best predicts pathologic grading when taken at the biopsy site or ipsilateral lobe in hepatitis C patients. Percentage steatosis was not predictive of shear-wave elastography results.

Echogenic foci in thyroid nodules: significance of posterior acoustic artifacts.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to define and evaluate echogenic foci and their posterior acoustic artifacts in thyroid nodules. Whether these findings were indicative of benignity or malignancy was assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Echogenic foci were classified into five types: no posterior artifact, large comet-tail artifact, small comet-tail artifact (≤1.0 mm), and posterior shadowing (subdivided into internal versus peripheral). Nodules were also classified into four parenchymal patterns: hypoechoic, hyperechoic, >50% solid, and cystic. Results were compared with the cytologic or surgical findings. RESULTS: A total of 704 nodules had echogenic foci; 246 did not. The prevalence of malignancy ranged between 15.4% and 19.5% for all types of foci except large comet-tail artifacts (3.9%). Foci without posterior artifacts had a 21.9% rate of cancer in hypoechoic lesions and 15.8% in hyperechoic lesions. Foci with small comet-tail artifacts had a 27.6% rate of malignancy in hypoechoic nodules. For internal calcifications, no malignant nodules were found in either partially cystic group. Nodules with peripheral calcifications had prevalence rates of 20.0% in cystic nodules and 11.1% in predominately solid nodules. Identification of one additional type of high-risk focus increased the chance of malignancy 1.48 times. CONCLUSION: All categories of echogenic foci except those with large comet-tail artifacts are associated with high cancer risk. Identification of large comet-tail artifacts suggests benignity. Nodules with small comet-tail artifacts have a high incidence of malignancy in hypoechoic nodules. With the exception of nodules that have peripheral calcifications, the risk of malignancy is low when echogenic foci are present in partially cystic lesions.

Microbubble Contrast-Enhanced Transcutaneous Ultrasound Enables Real-Time Spinal Cord Perfusion Monitoring Following Posterior Cervical Decompression.

INTRODUCTION: Ultrasound imaging is inexpensive, portable, and widely available. The development of a real-time transcutaneous spinal cord perfusion monitoring system would allow more precise targeting of mean arterial pressure goals following acute spinal cord injury (SCI). There has been no prior demonstration of successful real-time cord perfusion monitoring in humans. METHODS: Four adult patients who had undergone posterior cervical decompression and instrumentation at a single center were enrolled into this prospective feasibility study. All participants had undergone cervical laminectomies spanning ≥2 contiguous levels ≥2 months prior to inclusion with no history of SCI. The first two underwent transcutaneous ultrasound without contrast and the second two underwent contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with intravenously injected microbubble contrast. RESULTS: Using non-contrast ultrasound with or without Doppler (n=2), the dura, spinal cord, and vertebral bodies were apparent however ultrasonography was insufficient to discern intramedullary perfusion or clear white-gray matter differentiation. With application of microbubble contrast (n=2), it was possible to quantify differential spinal cord perfusion within and between cross-sectional regions of the cord. Further, it was possible to quantify spinal cord hemodynamic perfusion using CEUS by measuring peak signal intensity and the time to peak signal intensity after microbubble contrast injection. Time-intensity curves were generated and area under the curves were calculated as a marker of tissue perfusion. CONCLUSION: CEUS is a viable platform for monitoring real-time cord perfusion in patients who have undergone prior cervical laminectomies. Further development has the potential to change clinical management acute SCI by tailoring treatments to measured tissue perfusion parameters.

Effect of patient size on mean sterile water attenuation during multiphase CT examinations.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the variability of attenuation measurements in a water phantom included in the FOV during multiphase 64-MDCT. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Ninety-seven consecutively registered patients undergoing multiphase kidney and liver protocol CT of the abdomen on the same 64-MDCT scanner had a sealed water bottle placed on their anterior abdomen during the examination. Region of interest (ROI) measurements of the mean attenuation (in HU) of the water bottle were made during the unenhanced, dynamic, and delayed phases of contrast enhancement. Generalized estimating equations were used to model mean attenuation in the ROI as a function of cross-sectional patient area, contrast phase, and protocol. Day of month and time of day were covariates. A phantom was created to model the patient study. RESULTS: The mean attenuation values in the water bottle ROIs were -13.1 HU for the kidney protocol and -9.1 HU for the liver protocol in the unenhanced phase, -11.7 HU for the kidney and -9.5 HU for the liver protocol in the dynamic phase, and -11.9 HU for the kidney and 11.0 HU for the liver protocol in the delayed phase. Kidney protocol water bottle ROI attenuation values were lower than the liver values (p = 0.04). In all phases with both protocols, the values differed from 0 HU (all p < 0.0001). Water bottle ROI attenuation decreased as patient cross-sectional area increased (-0.01 HU/cm(2), p < 0.0001). Three patients had absolute water bottle attenuation changes greater than 20 HU between phases. Day of the month (p = 0.08) and time of day (p = 0.93) were not significant factors. Phantom data supported the study findings. CONCLUSION: The mean attenuation of water decreased as patient diameter increased. Both artifactual enhancement and decrease in enhancement greater than 20 HU were found in three larger patients.

Morphologic features of 211 adrenal masses at initial contrast-enhanced CT: can we differentiate benign from malignant lesions using imaging features alone?

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to determine whether morphologic features of adrenal masses detected at initial contrast-enhanced MDCT can differentiate benign from malignant disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred eleven adrenal masses (1-4 cm) detected during standard contrast-enhanced MDCT with a proven final diagnosis were retrospectively identified in 188 patients through a computer search of CT, PET/CT, and pathology reports. Three authors blinded to the diagnoses independently reviewed the contrast-enhanced MDCT images of the adrenal masses and evaluated their morphologic features: lesion margin (smooth, lobulated, or irregular), density (homogeneous or heterogeneous), and additional features of central low density and enhancing rim. Using these criteria, the readers categorized each mass as probably benign, indeterminate, or suspicious. RESULTS: There were 171 (81%) benign and 40 (19%) malignant adrenal masses. All malignant masses were metastases diagnosed in patients with known extraadrenal malignancy. For individual morphologic features in diagnosing malignancy, irregular margins had 30-33% sensitivity and 95-96% specificity and an enhancing rim had 5-13% sensitivity and 98-99% specificity. None of the imaging features was reliable in predicting benignity. When an adrenal mass was deemed suspicious by a reader, the sensitivities for malignancy ranged from 54% to 74% and specificities from 96% to 97%. Notably, no malignant lesions occurred in patients without a known history of cancer. CONCLUSION: At routine contrast-enhanced MDCT, adrenal masses with irregular margins or a thick enhancing rim are likely to be malignant. Smooth margins and homogeneous density can be seen in both benign and malignant adrenal masses and are insufficient for characterization.

Placement of marker coils at biopsy: usefulness in the localization of poorly visualized renal neoplasms for subsequent CT-guided radiofrequency ablation.

PURPOSE: To determine whether placement of marking coils at biopsy of small renal neoplasms to facilitate localization at subsequent radiofrequency (RF) ablation is safe and can reduce fluoroscopy time during the ablative procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was approved by the hospital institutional review board and was compliant with HIPAA. The requirement to obtain informed consent was waived. A search of the renal RF ablation database (235 patients) identified 23 consecutive patients who had a marking coil placed at biopsy of a renal neoplasm (coil group) and 23 patients who did not have a marking coil placed at biopsy (control group). The patients were matched for tumor characteristics, including size, parenchymal position, location in the kidney, and laterality. All patients underwent subsequent RF ablation. The authors compared computed tomographic (CT) fluoroscopy times and technical success rates between the two groups. Statistical analyses were performed by using a single-tailed paired t test for comparison of CT fluoroscopy times, a two-tailed paired t test for comparison of age and tumor size, and a single-tailed McNemar test for comparison of the technical success rate of ablation. RESULTS: The mean CT fluoroscopy time for the RF ablation procedure was 28 seconds ± 11.7 (standard deviation) for the coil group and 66 seconds ± 85.8 for the control group (P = .025). There was no significant difference in the technical success rates of renal RF ablation. CONCLUSION: For small renal neoplasms that are poorly visualized at unenhanced CT, placement of a metallic marking coil at biopsy facilitates tumor localization, thus reducing CT fluoroscopy time and radiation dose for subsequent RF ablation procedures.

Incidental clinically important extraurinary findings at MDCT urography for hematuria evaluation: prevalence in 1209 consecutive examinations.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to describe the prevalence and the characteristics of clinically important incidental extraurinary findings detected at MDCT urography performed for hematuria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A computer search of CT reports using the term "hematuria" identified 1209 reports of patients who had undergone MDCT urography. The results were retrospectively reviewed to determine unsuspected extraurinary findings that are clinically important or potentially important, warranting further imaging studies or medical or surgical intervention. We further categorized these important findings as acute (i.e., requiring immediate medical attention) or nonacute (i.e., requiring further evaluation in a nonurgent manner). By use of our electronic medical records, these findings were correlated to histologic diagnosis, further imaging evaluation, and clinical information. RESULTS: In 82 of 1209 patients (6.8%), 85 clinically important incidental extraurinary findings were identified. Follow-up evaluation was available for 43 of 85 (50.6%) findings by histologic diagnosis (n = 9), imaging evaluation (n = 31), or clinical information (n = 3). There were 11 (0.9%) examinations with acute findings, of which acute inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and pancreaticobiliary system were the most common. Seventy-two (5.9%) examinations revealed 74 nonacute but important findings. Lung nodules were the most prevalent, followed by intraabdominal aneurysms and cystic ovarian masses. There were five (0.4%) histologically proven malignant neoplasms. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of clinically important incidental extraurinary findings at MDCT urography performed for hematuria was 6.8%.

Inadvertent ingestion of wire bristles from a grill cleaning brush: radiologic detection of unsuspected foreign bodies.

OBJECTIVE: We report acute onset of either odynophagia or abdominal pain immediately after ingestion of grilled meat in six patients presenting between May 1, 2009, and November 18, 2010. In all six patients, radiologic studies revealed a linear metallic foreign body. Careful history revealed cleaning of the grill with a metallic brush immediately before cooking in all six cases. CONCLUSION: Physicians should be aware of this potential hazard to facilitate accurate and timely diagnosis.

Hematuria evaluation with MDCT urography: is a contrast-enhanced phase needed when calculi are detected in the unenhanced phase?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the added utility of the contrast-enhanced phase of MDCT urography (MDCTU) when urinary tract calculi are detected in the preliminary unenhanced phase. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A computer search of CT reports with the term "hematuria" yielded the records of 1209 patients who had undergone MDCTU. The reports of 286 MDCTU examinations in which urinary tract calculi were detected were identified, and two blinded abdominal radiologists reviewed the images to find a second source of hematuria. The unenhanced images were reviewed first, and the findings were compared with those on the subsequent contrast-enhanced images. The aggregate findings of the 286 examinations in which calculi were present were compared with those of the 923 examinations in which calculi were absent. The follow-up diagnosis was based on histopathologic findings, findings at urologic procedures, or the imaging diagnosis. RESULTS: In 119 of the 1209 patients (10%), 127 lesions other than urinary tract calculi were identified as possible sources of hematuria. Eighty-two lesions were diagnosed in 77 patients (6%) at follow-up evaluation. A second source of hematuria was found in 19 of the 286 examinations (7%) with calculi compared with 58 of the 923 examinations (6%) without calculi (p = 0.828), and contrast was needed to make a specific diagnosis in 16 of the 19 examinations (84%). CONCLUSION: When urinary tract calculi are identified at MDCTU, the rate of detection of other potential causes of hematuria is not different from that in MDCTU examinations without calculi. The contrast-enhanced portion of the MDCTU examination is needed even if calculi are seen because important pathologic changes are diagnosed only after the contrast-enhanced phase.