Intraoperative Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Colorectal Liver Metastasis Surgery Improves the Identification and Characterization of Nodules.

INTRODUCTION: The sensitivity of preoperative assessment of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) ranges from 74 to 80%. Intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) associated with contrast-enhanced intraoperative ultrasound (CE-IOUS) may be able to improve this. Thus, the aims of this study were to assess the value of IOUS and CE-IOUS for the surgical approach and to determine risk factors both for the detection of new nodules and for the modification of the surgical strategy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-three patients who underwent CRLM surgery were included. These patients had an MRI in the 8 weeks preceding surgery and benefited from intraoperative IOUS and CE-IOUS. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The use of IOUS/CE-IOUS permitted the identification of 43 additional lesions and an improved characterization of nodules in 23 patients with a resulting modification of surgical strategy. Lesions were down-staged in six patients and up-staged in six patients. Chemotherapy (p = 0.02) and the presence of nodules in the left lobe (p = 0.04) were predictive factors for finding new nodules at IOUS/CE-IOUS. The discovery of a new nodule systematically modified surgical management. IOUS/CE-IOUS improved intraoperative management of liver metastases. The techniques enable pertinent modification of surgical resections and a reduction of residual lesions.

Unusual uptake of 18FDG by a hepatic adenoma.

Hepatic adenoma is a rare, benign tumor (with potential for malignant degeneration) and its diagnosis is difficult because its presentation is highly variable in medical imaging, particularly with MRI. In such cases, the use of a hepatic biopsy is usually recommended. (18)FDG-PET/CT provides a very significant predictive value for malignant hepatic lesions. In addition, the occurrence of an (18)FDG-avid benign tumor is a rare event. We hereby present the case of a patient with advanced breast cancer for whom an (18)FDG-PET/CT showed a focal hepatic uptake. A subsequent biopsy provided a diagnosis of a hepatic adenoma.

[Acute aortic syndrome: which type of imaging to use?]. / Syndrome aortique: quelle imagerie réaliser?

Acute aortic syndrome is an emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment because of its high morbidity and mortality rates. The chosen imaging modality should allow to diagnose or eliminate the presence of an acute aortic syndrome but also identify signs of severity of the aortic disease. Computed tomography, transesophageal echocardiography and MRI have high sensitivity and specificity values and roughly equivalent for the diagnosis of acute aortic syndromes. Computed tomography has the advantage of identifying involvement of aortic collaterals including visceral branches of the abdominal aorta. In clinical practice, Computed tomography is the diagnostic modality the most often performed, followed by trans esophageal echocardiography. If a high clinical suspicion exists for acute aortic syndrome but initial aortic imaging is negative, a second imaging study should be obtained without delay.