Radiological approach to cavitary lung lesions.

Cavitary lesions in the lung are not an uncommon imaging encounter and carry a broad differential diagnosis that includes a wide range of pathological conditions from cancers, infections/inflammatory processes to traumatic and congenital lung abnormalities. In this review article, we describe a comprehensive approach for evaluation of cavitary lung lesions and discuss the differential diagnosis in the light of radiological findings.

Chronic pulmonary embolism: diagnosis.

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a complication of venous thromboembolic disease. Differently from other causes of pulmonary hypertension, CTEPH is potentially curable with surgery (thromboendarterectomy) or balloon pulmonary angioplasty. Imaging plays a central role in CTEPH diagnosis. The combination of techniques such as lung scintigraphy, computed tomography and magnetic resonance angiography provides non-invasive anatomic and functional information. Conventional pulmonary angiography (CPA) with right heart catheterization (RHC) is considered the gold standard method for diagnosing CTEPH. In this review, we discuss the utility of these imaging techniques in the diagnosis of CTEPH.

Cross-sectional imaging of sinus of Valsalva aneurysms: lessons learned.

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm, dilatation of one or more of the aortic sinuses, is a rare but important aortic root defect, which can be a cause of some serious cardiac sequels. The purpose of this article is to review the etiopathogenesis, relevant anatomy, clinical manifestations, potential complications, multimodality imaging features, and management of this rare but important entity of sinus of Valsalva.

First-Line Use of Vemurafenib to Enable Thyroidectomy and Radioactive Iodine Ablation for BRAF-Positive Metastatic Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Case Report.

Background. Patients with metastatic or radioactive iodine refractory papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) have poor prognosis due to ineffective therapy for this condition beyond surgery and radioactive iodine (RAI or (131)I). BRAF mutation occurs in more than 44% of PCT. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors, the most commonly used agents for these patients, have weak BRAF inhibition activity. BRAF inhibitors have demonstrated promising efficacy in relapsed metastatic PCT after standard treatment, though they are not currently approved for this indication. Case Presentation. We present the case of a 48-year-old Hispanic male who initially presented with columnar-cell variant subtype of PTC and positive BRAFV600E mutation. The patient had widespread bulky metastases to lungs, chest wall, brain, and bone. Discussion. Initial use of vemurafenib demonstrated a 42% cytoreduction of targeted pulmonary metastases and facilitated thyroidectomy and RAI treatment. The patient achieved a durable response over 21 months in the setting of widely metastatic disease. Conclusion. Vemurafenib may be effectively used for cytoreduction in patients with bulky metastatic PTC to bridge them to thyroidectomy and RAI treatment.

Histological Regression of Giant Cell Tumor of Bone Following RANK Ligand Inhibition.

Lung metastases are a rare complication of giant cell tumors of bone. We herein describe an interesting case of histological regression and size reduction of lung metastases originating from a primary giant cell tumor of bone in response to the RANK ligand inhibitor denosumab.

Lung penetration by thoracostomy tubes: imaging findings on CT.

We have analyzed the radiographic and computed tomographic (CT) appearance of thoracostomy (chest) tubes inadvertently placed into the lungs. We have studied the clinical sequela of such malpositioning and discussed treatment options. Cases were collected from chest CT log book reports between January 1998 and January 31, 2005 which indicated or suggested intrapulmonary thoracostomy tube placement. CT scans were reviewed by the authors. The chest radiographs and medical records--including thoracic surgical reports--of those patients whose scans demonstrated intrapulmonary tube placement or indeterminate tube location were reviewed. Fifty patients, in whom 51 thoracostomy tubes were placed into the lungs, are included in this series. None of these tubes were described as intrapulmonary on reports of chest radiographs done before CT scanning. In 13 patients (26%), thoracostomy tube placements produced immediate improvement in pleural abnormalities. Dramatic increase or development of chest wall emphysema or pneumothorax was noted in 4 (8%) patients after tube placement. Twenty-five patients (50%) demonstrated either abrupt or gradual increase in pulmonary or pleural opacity on postplacement chest radiographs. Twenty-one (42%) had no apparent clinical complications. Thirteen (26%) had either prolonged air leaks or recurrent pneumothorax. Ten (20%) developed pneumonia. Retained hemothorax or empyema occurred in 8 (16%). Twelve patients (24%) required subsequent thoracic surgery. Intrapulmonary placement of thoracostomy tubes is probably more common than previously reported. This possibility should be considered when radiographs and CT scans are evaluated.

Pericardial rupture after blunt chest trauma.

Traumatic pericardial rupture is a rare injury with potentially fatal consequences, usually occurring in patients who have sustained other severe injuries of the chest and abdomen. Diagnosis is difficult and is commonly made at the time of surgery. Radiographs and computed tomography of the chest may provide clues to the diagnosis. We present one case of left pleuropericardial rupture and another of traumatic diaphragmatic pericardial rupture.