Imaging spectrum of non-neoplastic and neoplastic conditions of the duodenum: a pictorial review.

Given its crucial location at the crossroads of the gastrointestinal tract, the hepatobiliary system and the splanchnic vessels, the duodenum can be affected by a wide spectrum of abnormalities. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, in conjunction with endoscopy, are often performed to evaluate these conditions, and several duodenal pathologies can be identified on fluoroscopic studies. Since many conditions affecting this organ are asymptomatic, the role of imaging cannot be overemphasized. In this article we will review the imaging features of many conditions affecting the duodenum, focusing on cross-sectional imaging studies, including congenital malformations, such as annular pancreas and intestinal malrotation; vascular pathologies, such as superior mesenteric artery syndrome; inflammatory and infectious conditions; trauma; neoplasms and iatrogenic complications. Because of the complexity of the duodenum, familiarity with the duodenal anatomy and physiology as well as the imaging features of the plethora of conditions affecting this organ is crucial to differentiate those conditions that could be managed medically from the ones that require intervention.

An overview of hepatocellular carcinoma with atypical enhancement pattern: spectrum of magnetic resonance imaging findings with pathologic correlation.

BACKGROUND: In the setting of cirrhotic liver, the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is straightforward when typical imaging findings consisting of arterial hypervascularity followed by portal-venous washout are present in nodules larger than 1 cm. However, due to the complexity of hepatocarcinogenesis, not all HCCs present with typical vascular behaviour. Atypical forms such as hypervascular HCC without washout, isovascular or even hypovascular HCC can pose diagnostic dilemmas. In such cases, it is important to consider also the appearance of the nodules on diffusion-weighted imaging and hepatobiliary phase. In this regard, diffusion restriction and hypointensity on hepatobiliary phase are suggestive of malignancy. If both findings are present in hypervascular lesion without washout, or even in iso- or hypovascular lesion in cirrhotic liver, HCC should be considered. Moreover, other ancillary imaging findings such as the presence of the capsule, fat content, signal intensity on T2-weighted image favour the diagnosis of HCC. Another form of atypical HCCs are lesions which show hyperintensity on hepatobiliary phase. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to provide an overview of HCCs with atypical enhancement pattern, and focus on their magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features. CONCLUSIONS: In order to correctly characterize atypical HCC lesions in cirrhotic liver it is important to consider not only vascular behaviour of the nodule, but also ancillary MRI features, such as diffusion restriction, hepatobiliary phase hypointensity, and T2-weighted hyperintensity. Fat content, corona enhancement, mosaic architecture are other MRI feautures which favour the diagnosis of HCC even in the absence of typical vascular profile.

The hepatoduodenal ligament revisited: cross-sectional imaging spectrum of non-neoplastic conditions.

INTRODUCTION: The hepatoduodenal ligament is frequently involved by conditions affecting the portal triad and surrounding structures, including a vast array of non-neoplastic conditions. Due its unique location between the retroperitoneum and the peritoneal space, the hepatoduodenal ligament is also targeted by inflammatory conditions involving the retroperitoneum and the liver. Finally, the presence of lymphatics and of the biliary tracts makes the hepatoduodenal ligament a route of spread for a variety of infections. The purpose of this pictorial essay is twofold: to review the cross-sectional radiological anatomy and variants of the structures within the hepatoduodenal ligament, and to illustrate the non-neoplastic conditions that may arise within the hepatoduodenal ligament. CONCLUSION: Familiarity with these specific entities and their cross-sectional imaging findings is fundamental for a more accurate diagnosis.

Thiamazole-Induced Agranulocytosis Leading to Abscessus Pneumonia-Rare, But Challenging / Agranulocitosis inducida por tiamazol que lleva a absceso pumonar. Un reto infrecuente

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Pathologic Subtypes of Ampullary Adenocarcinoma: Value of Ampullary MDCT for Noninvasive Preoperative Differentiation.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of ampullary MDCT in the noninvasive, preoperative differentiation of pancreatobiliary and intestinal subtypes of ampullary adenocarcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 32 patients (20 men, 12 women; age range, 41-81 years) with resected ampullary adenocarcinoma who underwent preoperative contrast-enhanced ampullary MDCT. Two radiologists, blinded to pathologic diagnosis of adenocarcinoma subtype, evaluated the presence of seven MDCT features independently. MDCT findings and ampullary adenocarcinoma subtypes were correlated using chi-square and Fisher exact tests. Interobserver agreement was evaluated using the Cohen kappa statistic. RESULTS: When evaluated with ampullary MDCT, the intestinal and pancreatobiliary subtypes were significantly different in terms of lesion morphology (p < 0.0001), papillary shape (p < 0.0001), common bile duct (CBD) infiltration and dilatation (p = 0.003 and p = 0.0004, respectively), duodenopancreatic groove infiltration (p = 0.0009), and pancreaticoduodenal artery involvement (p = 0.004). Pancreatobiliary subtype tumors were more often infiltrative in morphology (18/18) and showed retracted papilla (14/18), CBD (18/18) and main pancreatic duct (MPD) infiltration (12/18), dilated CBD (18/18) and MPD (13/18), fixed duodenopancreatic groove appearance (15/18), and pancreaticoduodenal artery involvement (12/18). Intestinal subtype carcinomas were more frequently nodular (14/14) and had a bulging papilla (13/14), a free duodenopancreatic groove appearance (11/14), and no pancreaticoduodenal artery involvement (2/14). When all features were taken into account, MDCT showed sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 83.3% in differentiating intestinal and pancreatobiliary subtype tumors. Accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of MDCT were 84.4%, 80%, and 88.2%, respectively. Interobserver agreement was almost perfect for the presence of each imaging feature (κ > 0.8). CONCLUSION: Ampullary MDCT can be useful to differentiate pancreatobiliary and intestinal subtypes of ampullary adenocarcinoma preoperatively, provided the duodenum is optimally distended at imaging.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Mismatch: A Case of Tracheal Hamartoma.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the diagnostic challenge of tracheal hamartoma in a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND INTERVENTION: A 65-year-old man with COPD was admitted with sudden onset of asphyxia attacks related to the position of his body. Computerized tomography (CT) of the neck showed a soft tissue mass with calcification, which occluded more than two-thirds of the proximal part of the trachea. The tumor was completely removed, and histopathology confirmed hamartoma. CONCLUSION: This case report showed the detection of a primary tracheal tumor on CT. This finding enabled the correct diagnosis and led to appropriate treatment in the form of surgery.

Sclerosing Mesenteritis Presenting as a Pseudotumor of the Greater Omentum.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to demonstrate a diagnostic challenge of sclerosing mesenteritis initially considered as liposarcoma. CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND INTERVENTION: A 45-year-old man was admitted with a painful abdominal mass. Abdominal computed tomography demonstrated a well- demarcated tumor in his left hemiabdomen, with a large fat component and areas of soft tissue attenuation suggestive of liposarcoma. Intraoperative findings showed a tumor arising from the greater omentum. The tumor was completely removed, and histopathology confirmed a pseudotumorous type of sclerosing mesenteritis with dominant mesenteric lipodystrophy. CONCLUSION: This case showed that a pseudotumorous type of sclerosing mesenteritis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the mesenteric tumors.

MDCT and MRI of the ampulla of Vater. Part I: technique optimization, normal anatomy, and epithelial neoplasms.

The purpose of this two-part article is to review the cross-sectional anatomy of the ampulla and periampullary region, to propose novel and optimized MDCT and MRI techniques that allow accurate evaluation of the ampulla of Vater, and to summarize the cross-sectional imaging features of benign and malignant ampullary conditions. In this first part, we will review the normal anatomy of the ampullary region, provide suggestions on how to optimize evaluation of the ampullary region by MDCT and MRI, and review the imaging features of select epithelial neoplasms of the ampulla. Familiarity with the normal ampullary anatomy and the pathologic conditions involving the ampulla, as well as the use of optimized MDCT and MRI techniques, may improve the diagnostic accuracy of radiologists facing ampullary abnormalities.

MDCT and MRI of the ampulla of Vater. Part II: non-epithelial neoplasms, benign ampullary disorders, and pitfalls.

The purpose of this two-part article is to review the cross-sectional imaging features of benign and malignant ampullary conditions with endoscopic and histopathologic correlation and to present the most common pitfalls in the evaluation of the ampulla. In this part, we will review the mesenchymal and secondary neoplasms of the ampulla, a vast array of benign ampullary conditions, causes of bulging papilla, and pitfalls. Familiarity with ampullary pathologic conditions and pitfalls, as well as the use of optimized MDCT and MRI techniques, may improve the diagnostic accuracy of radiologists facing ampullary abnormalities.

Biomaterials for promoting periodontal regeneration in human intrabony defects: a systematic review.

Intrabony periodontal defects are a frequent complication of periodontitis and, if left untreated, may negatively affect long-term tooth prognosis. The optimal outcome of treatment in intrabony defects is considered to be the absence of bleeding on probing, the presence of shallow pockets associated with periodontal regeneration (i.e. formation of new root cementum with functionally orientated inserting periodontal ligament fibers connected to new alveolar bone) and no soft-tissue recession. A plethora of different surgical techniques, often including implantation of various types of bone graft and/or bone substitutes, root surface demineralization, guided tissue regeneration, growth and differentiation factors, enamel matrix proteins or various combinations thereof, have been employed to achieve periodontal regeneration. Despite positive observations in animal models and successful outcomes reported for many of the available regenerative techniques and materials in patients, including histologic reports, robust information on the degree to which reported clinical improvements reflect true periodontal regeneration does not exist. Thus, the aim of this review was to summarize, in a systematic manner, the available histologic evidence on the effect of reconstructive periodontal surgery using various types of biomaterials to enhance periodontal wound healing/regeneration in human intrabony defects. In addition, the inherent problems associated with performing human histologic studies and in interpreting the results, as well as certain ethical considerations, are discussed. The results of the present systematic review indicate that periodontal regeneration in human intrabony defects can be achieved to a variable extent using a range of methods and materials. Periodontal regeneration has been observed following the use of a variety of bone grafts and substitutes, guided tissue regeneration, biological factors and combinations thereof. Combination approaches appear to provide the best outcomes, whilst implantation of alloplastic material alone demonstrated limited, to no, periodontal regeneration.

Which biomaterials may promote periodontal regeneration in intrabony periodontal defects? A systematic review of preclinical studies.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically analyze the regenerative effect of the available biomaterials either alone or in various combinations for the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects as evaluated in preclinical histologic studies. DATA SOURCES: A protocol covered all aspects of the systematic review methodology. A literature search was performed in Medline, including hand searching. Combinations of searching terms and several criteria were applied for study identification, selection, and inclusion. The preliminary outcome variable was periodontal regeneration after reconstructive surgery obtained with the various regenerative materials, as demonstrated through histologic/ histomorphometric analysis. New periodontal ligament, new cementum, and new bone formation as a linear measurement in mm or as a percentage of the instrumented root length were recorded. Data were extracted based on the general characteristics, study characteristics, methodologic characteristics, and conclusions. Study selection was limited to preclinical studies involving histologic analysis, evaluating the use of potential regenerative materials (ie, barrier membranes, grafting materials, or growth factors/proteins) for the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects. Any type of biomaterial alone or in various combinations was considered. All studies reporting histologic outcome measures with a healing period of at least 6 weeks were included. A meta-analysis was not possible due to the heterogeneity of the data. CONCLUSION: Flap surgery in conjunction with most of the evaluated biomaterials used either alone or in various combinations has been shown to promote periodontal regeneration to a greater extent than control therapy (flap surgery without biomaterials). Among the used biomaterials, autografts revealed the most favorable outcomes, whereas the use of most biologic factors showed inferior results compared to flap surgery.

Regenerative periodontal therapy.

The goal of regenerative periodontal therapy is to completely restore the tooth's supporting apparatus that has been lost due to inflammatory periodontal disease or injury. It is characterized by formation of new cementum with inserting collagen fibers, new periodontal ligament, and new alveolar bone. Indeed conventional, nonsurgical, and surgical periodontal therapy usually result in clinical improvements evidenced by probing depth reduction and clinical attachment gain, but the healing occurs predominantly through formation of a long junctional epithelium and no or only unpredictable periodontal regeneration. Therefore, there is an ongoing search for new materials and improved surgical techniques, with the aim of predictably promoting periodontal wound healing/regeneration and improving the clinical outcome. This article attempts to provide the clinician with an overview of the most important biologic events involved in periodontal wound healing/ regeneration and on the criteria on how to select the appropriate regenerative material and surgical technique in order to optimize the clinical outcomes.

Somatostatin-producing duodenal carcinoma: clinicopathological description of a case.

Somatostatinomas are rare functioning neoplasms usually arising in the pancreas and duodenum. They are seldom associated with typical clinical symptoms. Their diagnosis is confirmed only by histological and immunohistochemical studies and the presence of specific hormones. Two distinct clinicopathological forms of somatostatinoma exist: duodenal and pancreatic somatostatinomas. Clinically, compared to pancreatic somatostatinomas, duodenal somatostatinomas are more often associated with nonspecific symptoms and neurofibromatosis, but less often with somatostatinoma syndrome or metastasis. We report a case of somatostatin-producing duodenal carcinoma in a 45-year-old female with neither neurofibromatosis nor somatostatinoma syndrome. Abdominal computed tomography showed a 18 mm mass in the duodenum which had given rise to multiple lymph node metastases. Although the endoscopic biopsies were free of malignancy, the patient subsequently underwent Whipple's operation for the duodenal mass. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the diagnosis of somatostatin-producing carcinoma.

Pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy in a patient with an aberrant right subclavian artery: report of a case.

We report a case of carcinoma of the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus in a patient with an aberrant right subclavian artery. Barium esophagography, endoscopy, and computed tomography showed a resectable tumor in the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus, coexistent with an aberrant right subclavian artery. We performed pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy with bilateral neck dissection and gastric pull-up through cervical, right thoracic, and abdominal incisions. We also partially resected the aberrant right subclavian artery with reimplantation in the right common carotid artery. To our knowledge, this is the first report of pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy with transposition of an aberrant right subclavian artery.