ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the common CT signs of acquired immune deficiency syndrome(AIDS)-associated pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia(PJP).Methods The chest CT data of 123 patients with AIDS-associated PJP were analyzed retrospectively.Results Multifocal lesions in both lungs were found in all cases.Distribution characteristics were as follows:diffuse and symmetrical distribution in both lungs in 100 cases(81.3％),diffuse and asymmetrical distribution in both lungs in 15 cases(12.2％),and scattered distribution in both lungs in 8 cases(6.5％).The density and morphological features were as follows:ground glass opacity in 120 cases(97.6％);"lunate arch sign"in 25 cases(20.3％);pulmonary interstitial proliferation in 103 cases(83.7％);crazy paving pattern in 14 cases(11.4％);patchy or consolidation shadow in 55 cases(44.7％);pulmonary cysts in 26 cases(21.1％);and nodular in 26 cases(21.1％).Other rare signs included pleural effusion in 11 cases,pericardial effusion in 6 cases,mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy in 9 cases,and mediastinal emphysema in 1 case.Conclusion The chest CT manifestations of AIDS-associated PJP have certain characteristics,including diffuse and symmetrical distribution of lesions in both lungs,as well as ground glass opacity and interstitial hyperplasia as common signs,especially,"lunate arch sign"and pulmonary cysts are more specific signs.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the CT characteristics of retroperitoneal extra-adrenal paraganglioma(PGL).Methods CT findings of 11 patients with pathologically confirmed retroperitoneal extra-adrenal PGL were analyzed retrospectively,and the relevant literature was reviewed.All patients received plain CT as well as contrast-enhancement CT scan.Results All of the 11 tumors were located in the retroperitoneal space around large blood vessels,including 2 functional and 9 unfunctional extra-adrenal paragangliomas.Eight of 11 cases were benign tumors which presented as round or oval masses with sharp margins,separated from surrounding structures clearly;while the rest 3 cases,which with indistinct edge,even more with the invasion of surrounding structures (renal artery,renal venous and pancreas),were confirmed to be malignant.Most of the tumors were heterogeneous on plain CT.It was common to see intratumoral necrosis or cystic degeneration in the tumors (9 cases),while hemorrhage or calcification was uncommon,which was found in 3 and 2 cases,respectively.Homogeneous intensity was only observed in 2 masses with diameter less than 4 cm.On contrast-enhanced CT image, the solid part of the tumors presented continuously significant enhancement.Dilated feeding artery was found in or around the masses (8 cases) in artery phase.Conclusion There are certain characteristics of retroperitoneal extra-adrenal paraganglioma on CT scanning, which are helpful for preoperative diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the initial CT characteristics and dynamic changing features of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA).Methods CT findings of 40 patients with IPA confirmed by histopathology or clinics were analyzed retrospectively,including the initial and follow-up CT features.Results Multiple lesions in the bilateral lung were found in the initial CT of all 40 patients.The coexistence of no less than two different CT features were showed in 27 patients(67.5 ％),and the same CT morphologic feature were showed in 13 patients (32.5 ％).The common features of the initial CT:nodules/masses (34,85.0 ％),halo sign (24,60.0％),patchy opacities (13,32.5 ％),cavities (9,22.5 ％) and wedge opacities adjacent to pleura (3,7.5 ％).The follow-up CT showed that cavities or air meniscus sign emerged in the nodules/masses after an effective treatment in 29 patients (72.5％) of all 40 cases.The lesion volume decreased subsequent to the collapse of the cavities or air meniscus,and then vanished.Conclusion Thoracic CT scanning play an important role in the diagnosis of IPA.Coexistence of the multiple lesions in number and morphology is the most common CT feature.The findings of follow-up CT is characteristic,and can be helpful in guiding the clinical treatment and evaluating therapeutic effect.