Supernumerary intrathoracic ribs: imaging features of two cases.

Intrathoracic supernumerary ribs are a rare congenital abnormality. The chest radiography and computed tomographic findings (including 3D reconstruction) of two cases are presented with a brief review of the literature.

Role of chest CT in the follow-up of ovarian adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: We describe the prevalence of metastatic chest disease in ovarian adenocarcinoma as seen on CT. We sought to determine whether routine chest CT added any pertinent information to the follow-up examination of patients with ovarian adenocarcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of our tumor registry yielded 96 patients with ovarian adenocarcinoma who had only a single primary malignancy and at least one CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis. CT scans were reviewed to assess the presence of metastatic chest disease in relation to disease activity in the abdomen and pelvis. Chest CT findings were correlated with the physical examination findings and CA-125 levels and were reviewed in consultation with a gynecologic oncologist to select only those patients with chest abnormalities attributable to metastatic disease. RESULTS: A total of 266 CT scans were obtained. Forty (41.7%) of the 96 patients had abnormalities attributable to metastatic chest disease on one or more scans. In the absence of disease progression in the abdomen and pelvis, chest disease progression was seen in only six (2.7%) of the 226 follow-up CT scans. Five of the six patients had rising CA-125 levels. CONCLUSION: Correlation of the findings of abdominal and pelvic CT with the physical findings and the CA-125 levels serves as effective follow-up in patients with ovarian adenocarcinoma. The contribution of additional chest CT in these patients is small.

Comparison of tubal ring and corpus luteum echogenicities: a useful differentiating characteristic.

The purpose of this report is to compare the echogenicity of the tubal ring of an ectopic pregnancy and the corpus luteum with that of the ovary for improved detection of early ectopic pregnancy. In patients with ectopic pregnancy diagnosed at sonography on the basis of the presence of an adnexal tubal ring, echogenicity of the ring was compared with the echogenicity of the ovarian parenchyma. Twenty-six patients with tubal rings containing either a yolk sac or cardiac activity were included. Twenty-three (88%) of the 26 tubal rings had echogenicity equal to or greater than that of ovarian parenchyma. In 13 patients with ectopic pregnancy diagnosed on the basis of an empty tubal ring, 10 rings (77%) were more echogenic than the ovary. In 45 control patients with intrauterine pregnancy, the corpus luteum was more echogenic than the ovary in only 3 (7%). The tubal ring of an ectopic pregnancy is usually more echogenic than ovarian parenchyma, and the corpus luteum is usually equal to or less echogenic than the ovary. Echogenicity of an adnexal mass may help distinguish the tubal ring of an ectopic pregnancy from a corpus luteum.

CT and ultrasound features of metanephric adenoma in adults with pathologic correlation.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this work was to correlate the CT, ultrasound, and pathologic features of metanephric adenoma, a rare benign renal tumor in adults. METHOD: Retrospective review of medical records (1990-1997) revealed three adult female patients who had both preoperative imaging and nephrectomy with pathologic diagnosis of metanephric adenoma performed at our institution. CT (n = 3) and ultrasound (n = 2) features were reviewed in consensus by two radiologists and correlated with pathologic findings. RESULTS: In all three cases, the metanephric adenoma was of increased attenuation relative to adjacent renal parenchyma on unenhanced CT scans. No septa or calcifications were seen. Ultrasound images showed both tumors to be hyperechoic with enhanced through-transmission. CONCLUSION: The CT and ultrasound findings correlate with the pathologic features of a high nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio and psammomatous calcifications. In the adult population, it is unlikely that metanephric adenoma can be prospectively differentiated from renal cell carcinoma based on imaging features.

Comparison of contrast detail curves of full field digital with screen film breast phantom images.

In this investigation, we imaged a standard breast phantom and compared the contrast detail curves from a prototype full breast digital mammography system with the corresponding curves for a conventional, analog screen-film system. The full breast digital system exhibited superior contrast detail detectability. The results from this study will be used to plan future clinical evaluations comparing full breast digital and screen film mammography.