Ultrasound and alternative multimodality imaging of intra-abdominal and pelvic cystic masses in the newborn.

Introduction: Ultrasound is used commonly to detect and diagnose intra-abdominal and pelvic cystic masses in the newborn as it is easily available, relatively low cost, and non-invasive. Discussion: The diagnosis can be made or narrowed down by determining the location, size, sonographic features, organ involvement, and internal vascularity. The differential diagnoses include hydronephrosis, multicystic dysplastic kidney, adrenal haemorrhage, cystic teratomas, ovarian cysts, enteric cysts, meconium cysts, and liver haemangiomas. With the appropriate radiological knowledge, the ultrasound practitioner can help obtain an accurate diagnosis. Conclusion: This pictorial essay will familiarise the reader with the different common causes of intra-abdominal and pelvic masses detected on ultrasound through a wide range of conditions. The role of ultrasound in the evaluation of these conditions will be discussed and alternative imaging correlates will be offered.

Extramedullary multiple myeloma with central nervous system and multiorgan involvement: Case report and literature review.

Multiple myeloma is a hematologic malignancy due to monoclonal plasma cell proliferation. It is usually confined to the bone marrow, although extramedullary involvement is known to occur in almost any organ system; myelomatous spread to the central nervous system is a rare manifestation of myeloma. Extramedullary disease is thought to be related to hematogenous spread when myeloma cells show decreased cell surface receptor expression, allowing cells to escape from the bone marrow. Disease outside of the bone marrow generally indicates a poor prognosis; central nervous system involvement is associated with a median prognosis of less than 6 months, thereby requiring more aggressive treatment paradigms. We herein describe an unusual case of a patient with extramedullary multiple myeloma with central nervous system and multiorgan involvement. Despite an aggressive treatment strategy, the patient died a few months later after the initial diagnosis. The etiology, diagnostic criteria, clinical presentation, radiological features and differential diagnosis of this patient with extramedullary multiple myeloma are discussed here. The current treatment strategies are also briefly discussed.