[Splenic nodules and sickle cell anemia]. / Nodules spléniques et drépanocytose.

OBJECTIVE: We report 4 patients with sickle cell anemia presenting with intra-splenic benign nodules corresponding to islands of preserved tissue within splenic ferro-calcinosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ultrasound, CT and MRI findings were evaluated and compared to a follow-up study by ultrasound and CT done after 6 to 12 months. RESULTS: Ultrasound showed multiple well-defined rounded nodules appearing hypoechoic compared to the rest of the spleen that was hyperechoic. On CT, the nodules were homogenous, hypodense relative to the spleen, isodense to the liver in 3 cases and hypodense to the liver in 1 case. On MRI, the nodules appeared relatively hyperintense within low-signal-intensity spleens. The ultrasound and CT follow-up study demonstrated no remarkable change. CONCLUSION: In sickle cell patients, intra-splenic benign nodules corresponding to normal splenic tissue may be identified on imaging studies. The differential diagnosis is discussed.

[Value of ultrasonics in differential diagnosis of pseudotumor hydatid cyst of the liver and other solid hepatic masses (prospective study)]. / Valeur des ultra-sons dans le diagnostic différentiel du kyste hydatique pseudo-tumoral du foie et des autres masses hépatiques solides (etude prospective).

A prospective study in 88 consecutive patients with solid hepatic mass was performed to determine the value of ultrasound in the diagnosis of pseudo-tumoral hydatid cyst. Ultrasonography systematically searched 5 evocative signs: hypoechoic spiral, peripheric hypoechoic rim surrounded by an echoic border, daughter cysts, hyperechoic areas with shadowing and/or enhancement of back-wall echos. Diagnosis of pseudo-tumoral hydatid cyst was based upon the association of, at least, 2 signs. The sensitivity of echography was 92.3% and the specificity was 98.3%. Furthermore this study allow us to propose a new, more accurate, definition of the hydatid spiral. However, serologic tests were found to be of little interest.

[Pseudotumoral abdominal cysto-steato-necrosis: an unusual etiology]. / Cystostéatonécrose abdominale pseudo-tumorale: une étiologie inhabituelle.

We report an unusual case of subcutaneous pseudo-neoplastic focal fat necrosis in a woman with a Mersilen plate placed outside the abdominal wall muscles. To our knowledge, this association has not been previously reported in the radiologic literature. The differential diagnosis using ultrasound and computerized tomography is discussed.