Elastofibroma dorsi: typical radiological features.

Elastofibroma dorsi is a rare benign and slow-growing fibro-proliferative lesion. It has a characteristic location (periscapular region) and a specific imaging appearance (sonography, CT, MRI) allowing accurate prospective diagnosis. The recognition of this benign lesion avoids unnecessary biopsy and/or surgery. We report two cases of bilateral elastofibroma dorsi illustrating characteristic imaging features on ultrasound, CT and MRI.

Uncommon locations of hydatid cysts.

Hydatid disease is endemic in many parts of the world. It may develop in almost any part of the body. The location is mostly hepatic (75%) and pulmonary (15%), and only 10% occur in the rest of the body. In this article, the various imaging findings of hydatid cysts in unusual localizations are reviewed, based on our experience. Findings in brain, cavernous sinus, submandibular gland, thyroid gland, heart, pleura, chest wall, retrocrural tissue, kidney, spleen, pancreas, peritoneal cavity and inguinal canal, breast, bone and soft tissue are discussed.

Omental transposition decreases ischemic brain damage examined in a new ischemia model.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine whether omental transposition at the time of focal cerebral ischemia can decrease ischemic brain damage produced in dogs, in a new ischemia model, which had been described by us. METHODS: In group 1 (n = 5), the left internal carotid artery and arterial circle of the brain (posterior communicating artery in humans) were occluded permanently. In group 2 (n = 5), additionally to this ischemia model, omental transposition was performed simultaneously. In the postoperative early period (first 24 h), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and in the late period (72-96 h) SPECT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain were performed. Mann-Whitney U, paired t and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used for statistical analyses, and p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The dogs had a neurological score (NS) of 3.6 +/- 0.5 and 3.4 +/-0.5 in groups 1 and 2, respectively, in the early period (p > 0.05). In the late period, the dogs had an NS of 4.4 +/- 0.5 and 5.6 +/- 0.5 in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p < 0.05). The NS of each group differed significantly between the early and late period (p < 0.05). Early SPECT imaging showed 50 +/- 7.0% and 52 +/- 8.4% hypoperfusion corresponding to the left middle cerebral artery territory in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p > 0.05). In the late period, the degree of hypoperfusion decreased to 34 +/- 5.5% and 12 +/- 4.8% in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p < 0.05). The degree of hypoperfusion in both groups changed significantly between the early and late period (p < 0.05). In T(1)- and T(2)-weighted MRI images, the volume of the lesion in group 1 was significantly greater than in group 2 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In our new ischemia model, simultaneous omental transposition is helpful in reversing the neurologic deficit and cerebral ischemic damage.

Fluoroscopy-guided intraarticular corticosteroid injection into the sacroiliac joints in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

PURPOSE: Our goal was to prospectively study the therapeutic efficacy of CT-marking and fluoroscopy-guided intraarticular corticosteroid instillation of inflamed sacroiliac joints in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 22 fluoroscopy-guided intraarticular corticosteroid injections in the sacroiliac joints were performed in 17 patients with ankylosing spondylitis and severe low back pain. Needle puncture point, angle of intervention and distance of sacroiliac joint from the skin were determined by sacroiliac joint axial CT examination in prone position. 14 mg of betamethasone were instilled in each joint under fluoroscopy. RESULTS: Twenty of 22 joints (90.9%) reported good improvement during a month after corticosteroid injection of the sacroiliac joint. The remaining 2 joints reported fair improvement. CONCLUSION: CT-marking and fluoroscopy-guided intraarticular corticosteroid instillation in the sacroiliac joints may be regarded as an effective therapy. This technique was useful, rapid and safe.