Mucinous Rectal Adenocarcinoma-Challenges in Magnetic Resonance Imaging Interpretation.

ABSTRACT: Mucinous rectal cancer (MRC) is defined by the World Health Organization as an adenocarcinoma with greater than 50% mucin content. Classic teaching suggests that it carries a poorer prognosis than conventional rectal adenocarcinoma. This poorer prognosis is thought to be related to mucin dissecting through tissue planes at a higher rate, thus increasing the stage of disease at presentation. Developments in immunotherapy have bridged much of this prognostic gap in recent years. Magnetic resonance imaging is the leading modality in assessing the locoregional spread of rectal cancer. Mucinous rectal cancer carries unique imaging challenges when using this modality. Much of the difficulty lies in the inherent increased T2-weighted signal of mucin on magnetic resonance imaging. This creates difficulty in differentiating mucin from the adjacent background fat, making the detection of both the primary disease process as well as the locoregional spread challenging. Computed tomography scan can act as a valuable companion modality as mucin tends to be more apparent in the background fat. After therapy, diagnostic challenges remain. Mucin is frequently present, and distinguishing cellular from acellular mucin can be difficult. In this article, we will discuss each of these challenges and present examples of such situations and strategies that can be used to overcome them.

Malignancy in pregnancy: Multimodality imaging and treatment.

The diagnosis of cancer is increasingly made in the pregnant population, thought to be from the increasing average age of pregnancy and the use of prenatal fetal noninvasive screening techniques, leading to incidental detection of cancer in the mother. Complex challenges are associated with imaging, diagnosis, staging, and treatment of cancers in this patient population, which require highly specialized interdisciplinary management. This report discusses the use of multimodality imaging and safety considerations in pregnant patients, reviews the current guidelines for ionizing radiation imaging techniques, and presents a series of commonly and uncommonly encountered cancers in pregnancy with current diagnostic imaging guidelines. The authors also discuss the role of multidisciplinary management and treatment options and provide an overview of therapy-related considerations in the age of novel anticancer therapies. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: The diagnosis and management of pregnant patients who have cancer are actively evolving as novel imaging techniques and anticancer therapies are being developed. Radiologically, there are inherent difficulties in balancing the minimization of fetal ionization while acquiring diagnostic quality imaging necessary for the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of maternal disease. Standardized imaging protocols are still being developed, with evolving imaging guidelines coupled with rapidly expanding research and development of novel anticancer therapies, which come with their side effects and complications. Caring for this patient population is especially challenging and requires specialized multidisciplinary attention.

A Multicenter Assessment of Interreader Reliability of LI-RADS Version 2018 for MRI and CT.

Background Various limitations have impacted research evaluating reader agreement for Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS). Purpose To assess reader agreement of LI-RADS in an international multicenter multireader setting using scrollable images. Materials and Methods This retrospective study used deidentified clinical multiphase CT and MRI and reports with at least one untreated observation from six institutions and three countries; only qualifying examinations were submitted. Examination dates were October 2017 to August 2018 at the coordinating center. One untreated observation per examination was randomly selected using observation identifiers, and its clinically assigned features were extracted from the report. The corresponding LI-RADS version 2018 category was computed as a rescored clinical read. Each examination was randomly assigned to two of 43 research readers who independently scored the observation. Agreement for an ordinal modified four-category LI-RADS scale (LR-1, definitely benign; LR-2, probably benign; LR-3, intermediate probability of malignancy; LR-4, probably hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]; LR-5, definitely HCC; LR-M, probably malignant but not HCC specific; and LR-TIV, tumor in vein) was computed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Agreement was also computed for dichotomized malignancy (LR-4, LR-5, LR-M, and LR-TIV), LR-5, and LR-M. Agreement was compared between research-versus-research reads and research-versus-clinical reads. Results The study population consisted of 484 patients (mean age, 62 years ± 10 [SD]; 156 women; 93 CT examinations, 391 MRI examinations). ICCs for ordinal LI-RADS, dichotomized malignancy, LR-5, and LR-M were 0.68 (95% CI: 0.61, 0.73), 0.63 (95% CI: 0.55, 0.70), 0.58 (95% CI: 0.50, 0.66), and 0.46 (95% CI: 0.31, 0.61) respectively. Research-versus-research reader agreement was higher than research-versus-clinical agreement for modified four-category LI-RADS (ICC, 0.68 vs 0.62, respectively; P = .03) and for dichotomized malignancy (ICC, 0.63 vs 0.53, respectively; P = .005), but not for LR-5 (P = .14) or LR-M (P = .94). Conclusion There was moderate agreement for LI-RADS version 2018 overall. For some comparisons, research-versus-research reader agreement was higher than research-versus-clinical reader agreement, indicating differences between the clinical and research environments that warrant further study. © RSNA, 2023 Supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorials by Johnson and Galgano and Smith in this issue.

Tumefactive Nonneoplastic Proliferative Pseudotumors of the Kidneys and Urinary Tract: CT and MRI Findings with Histopathologic Correlation.

A diverse spectrum of pathologically distinct, nonneoplastic, proliferative conditions of the kidneys and urinary tract demonstrate a expansile growth pattern similar to that of neoplasms. The renal pseudotumors include myriad causes of infections as well as rare noninfectious causes such as sarcoidosis, amyloidosis, and immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD). Rare entities such as cystitis cystica, endometriosis, nephrogenic adenoma, and pseudosarcomatous myofibroblastic proliferation and distinct types of prostatitis comprise tumefactive nontumorous disorders that affect specific segments of the urinary tract. The pseudotumors of the kidneys and urinary tract demonstrate characteristic histopathologic and epidemiologic features, as well as protean clinical manifestations, natural history, and imaging findings. Many patients present with genitourinary tract-specific symptoms or systemic disease. Some cases may be incidentally discovered at imaging. Some entities such as perinephric myxoid pseudotumors, IgG4-RD, fibroepithelial polyp, and nephrogenic adenoma display specific anatomic localization and disease distribution. Imaging features of multisystem disorders such as tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, and IgG4-RD provide supportive evidence that may allow precise diagnosis. Fungal pyelonephritis, xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis, IgG4-RD, actinomycosis, and endometriosis show markedly low signal intensity on T2-weighted MR images. Although some pseudotumors exhibit characteristic imaging findings that permit correct diagnosis, laboratory correlation and histopathologic confirmation are required for definitive characterization in most cases. A high index of suspicion is a prerequisite for diagnosis. Accurate diagnosis is critical for instituting optimal management while preventing use of inappropriate therapies or interventions. Surveillance CT and MRI are frequently used for monitoring the response of pseudotumors to therapy. ©RSNA, 2023 Quiz questions for this article are available in the supplemental material.

Liver Fibrosis, Fat, and Iron Evaluation with MRI and Fibrosis and Fat Evaluation with US: A Practical Guide for Radiologists.

Quantitative imaging biomarkers of liver disease measured by using MRI and US are emerging as important clinical tools in the management of patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). Because of their high accuracy and noninvasive nature, in many cases, these techniques have replaced liver biopsy for the diagnosis, quantitative staging, and treatment monitoring of patients with CLD. The most commonly evaluated imaging biomarkers are surrogates for liver fibrosis, fat, and iron. MR elastography is now routinely performed to evaluate for liver fibrosis and typically combined with MRI-based liver fat and iron quantification to exclude or grade hepatic steatosis and iron overload, respectively. US elastography is also widely performed to evaluate for liver fibrosis and has the advantage of lower equipment cost and greater availability compared with those of MRI. Emerging US fat quantification methods can be performed along with US elastography. The author group, consisting of members of the Society of Abdominal Radiology (SAR) Liver Fibrosis Disease-Focused Panel (DFP), the SAR Hepatic Iron Overload DFP, and the European Society of Radiology, review the basics of liver fibrosis, fat, and iron quantification with MRI and liver fibrosis and fat quantification with US. The authors cover technical requirements, typical case display, quality control and proper measurement technique and case interpretation guidelines, pitfalls, and confounding factors. The authors aim to provide a practical guide for radiologists interpreting these examinations. © RSNA, 2023 See the invited commentary by Ronot in this issue. Quiz questions for this article are available in the supplemental material.

Morphomolecular Classification Update on Hepatocellular Adenoma, Hepatocellular Carcinoma, and Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma.

Hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs), hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (iCCAs) are a highly heterogeneous group of liver tumors with diverse pathomolecular features and prognoses. High-throughput gene sequencing techniques have allowed discovery of distinct genetic and molecular underpinnings of these tumors and identified distinct subtypes that demonstrate varied clinicobiologic behaviors, imaging findings, and complications. The combination of histopathologic findings and molecular profiling form the basis for the morphomolecular classification of liver tumors. Distinct HCA subtypes with characteristic imaging findings and complications include HNF1A-inactivated, inflammatory, ß-catenin-activated, ß-catenin-activated inflammatory, and sonic hedgehog HCAs. HCCs can be grouped into proliferative and nonproliferative subtypes. Proliferative HCCs include macrotrabecular-massive, TP53-mutated, scirrhous, clear cell, fibrolamellar, and sarcomatoid HCCs and combined HCC-cholangiocarcinoma. Steatohepatitic and ß-catenin-mutated HCCs constitute the nonproliferative subtypes. iCCAs are classified as small-duct and large-duct types on the basis of the level of bile duct involvement, with significant differences in pathogenesis, molecular signatures, imaging findings, and biologic behaviors. Cross-sectional imaging modalities, including multiphase CT and multiparametric MRI, play an essential role in diagnosis, staging, treatment response assessment, and surveillance. Select imaging phenotypes can be correlated with genetic abnormalities, and identification of surrogate imaging markers may help avoid genetic testing. Improved understanding of morphomolecular features of liver tumors has opened new areas of research in the targeted therapeutics and management guidelines. The purpose of this article is to review imaging findings of select morphomolecular subtypes of HCAs, HCCs, and iCCAs and discuss therapeutic and prognostic implications. Online supplemental material is available for this article. ©RSNA, 2022.

Mesenchymal Neoplasms of the Prostate and Seminal Vesicles: Spectrum of Disease with Radiologic-Pathologic Correlation.

There is a wide spectrum of benign and malignant mesenchymal neoplasms of the prostate, which account for less than 1% of all prostatic tumors. These include distinctive tumors that arise from the specialized prostatic stroma and site-agnostic neoplasms such as smooth muscle tumors, fibrous or myofibroblastic neoplasms, neurogenic tumors, vascular tumors, and a plethora of sarcomas. Select tumors show classic sites of origin within the prostate. While stromal tumors of uncertain malignant potential (STUMPs) commonly involve the peripheral zone at the prostate base, leiomyomas typically originate from the central prostate toward the apex. Some "prostatic" neoplasms such as gastrointestinal stromal tumors, solitary fibrous tumor (SFT), paragangliomas, and neurogenic tumors arise primarily from periprostatic soft tissues. Most mesenchymal tumors of the prostate and seminal vesicles manifest as large tumors that cause nonspecific symptoms; prostate-specific antigen level is not typically elevated. Diverse mesenchymal neoplasms demonstrate characteristic histopathologic and immunocytochemical features and variable cross-sectional imaging findings. While leiomyoma and SFT typically display low signal intensity on T2-weighted images, synovial sarcomas commonly show hemorrhage. Diagnosis is difficult because of the rarity and lack of awareness of the tumors and the significant overlap in histopathologic features. Select tumors show characteristic genetic abnormalities that allow the diagnosis to be established. For example, more than 90% of SFTs are characterized by a unique NAB2-STAT6 gene fusion, and more than 95% of synovial sarcomas are associated with a distinctive SYT-SSX chimeric transcript. Accurate diagnosis is imperative for optimal management owing to markedly different tumor biology as well as attendant therapeutic and prognostic implications. While STUMPs commonly recur, sarcomas typically charter an aggressive course with poor prognosis. Online supplemental material is available for this article. ©RSNA, 2022.

Computed tomography in ventral hernia diagnosis: have we improved? A quality improvement initiative.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies suggest that agreement between readers of computed tomography (CT) scans for the diagnosis of a ventral hernia (VH) is poor (32% agreement, κ = 0.21). Recommendations were developed by surgeons and radiologists after determining common reasons for disagreement among CT reviewers; however, the long-term effect of adoption of these recommendations has not been assessed. The aim of this quality improvement (QI) project was to determine whether the incorporation of recommendations developed by surgeons and radiologists improves agreement among reviewers of CT scans in diagnosing a VH. METHODS: A prospective cohort of patients, with a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis in the past 1 y, attending a surgery clinic at a single institution was enrolled. Enrolled subjects underwent a standardized physical examination by a trained hernia surgeon to determine the likelihood of a clinical VH (no, indeterminate, or yes). The QI intervention was the distribution and implementation of previously described recommendations. After a year of intervention, independent radiologists assessed patients' CT scans for the presence or absence of a VH. Percent agreement and kappa were calculated to determine interobserver reliability. In-person discussion on scans with disagreement was held, and the results were used as a "gold standard" to calculate sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values for CT scan diagnosis of a VH. RESULTS: A total of 79 patients were included in the study. After QI intervention, seven radiologists agreed on 43% of the scans, and κ was 0.50 (P < 0.001). Agreement was highest among patients with a high clinical likelihood of a VH and lowest among patients with an indeterminate clinical likelihood. Sensitivity and specificity were 0.369 and 0.833, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: After the implementation of recommendations, there is improved agreement among radiologists reading CT scans for the diagnosis of a VH. However, there is substantial room for improvement, and CT scans for the diagnosis of VH is not ready for widespread use.

Tumors and Tumorlike Conditions of the Anal Canal and Perianal Region: MR Imaging Findings.

Tumors and tumorlike conditions of the anus and perianal region originate from the anal canal and anal margin or result from direct extension of tumors from adjacent organs. The anatomy of the anal canal is complex, and its different histologic characteristics can lead to diverse pathologic conditions. The anal canal extends from the anorectal junction to the anal verge. The World Health Organization classification of anal canal tumors includes (a) anal intraepithelial neoplasia, the precursor of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and (b) invasive tumors. Invasive tumors are further classified on the basis of cell type as epithelial tumors (SCC, adenocarcinoma, mucinous adenocarcinoma, small cell carcinoma, and undifferentiated carcinoma), nonepithelial tumors, carcinoid tumors, melanoma, and secondary tumors (direct spread from rectal, cervical, or prostate carcinoma). The anal margin, or perianal skin, lies outside the anal verge and encompasses a radius of 5 cm from the anal verge. Tumors in the anal margin are classified according to the World Health Organization classification of skin tumors. Anal margin tumors include SCC, anal intraepithelial neoplasia, also known as Bowen disease, adenocarcinoma and its precursor Paget disease, basal cell carcinoma, and verrucous carcinoma (Buschke-Löwenstein tumor), which is a rare variant of SCC. Imaging plays an important role in the evaluation, staging, and follow-up of patients with anal and perianal tumors. However, because of the overlap in imaging features among these diverse entities, a definitive diagnosis is best established at histopathologic examination. Nevertheless, familiarity with the pathogenesis, imaging features, and treatment of these tumors can aid radiologic diagnosis and guide appropriate patient treatment. (©)RSNA, 2016.

MDCT and MR Urogram Spectrum of Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract Diagnosed in Adulthood.

OBJECTIVE: Congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT) encompass a spectrum of anomalies that result from genetic, epigenetic, environmental, and molecular signal aberrations at key stages of urinary tract development. CAKUT can be seen incidentally on cross-sectional imaging of the abdomen or can be a cause for adult-onset chronic kidney disease, posing new challenges for nephrologists, urologists, and radiologists. CONCLUSION: Awareness of CAKUT and familiarity with their imaging findings permit optimal patient management and thorough workup to prevent hypertension and progression from CAKUT to renal failure. The purpose of this article is to review the cross-sectional imaging findings of CAKUT that may present in adulthood.

Radiogenomics of clear cell renal cell carcinoma: preliminary findings of The Cancer Genome Atlas-Renal Cell Carcinoma (TCGA-RCC) Imaging Research Group.

PURPOSE: To investigate associations between imaging features and mutational status of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multi-institutional, multi-reader study included 103 patients (77 men; median age 59 years, range 34-79) with ccRCC examined with CT in 81 patients, MRI in 19, and both CT and MRI in three; images were downloaded from The Cancer Imaging Archive, an NCI-funded project for genome-mapping and analyses. Imaging features [size (mm), margin (well-defined or ill-defined), composition (solid or cystic), necrosis (for solid tumors: 0%, 1%-33%, 34%-66% or >66%), growth pattern (endophytic, <50% exophytic, or ≥50% exophytic), and calcification (present, absent, or indeterminate)] were reviewed independently by three readers blinded to mutational data. The association of imaging features with mutational status (VHL, BAP1, PBRM1, SETD2, KDM5C, and MUC4) was assessed. RESULTS: Median tumor size was 49 mm (range 14-162 mm), 73 (71%) tumors had well-defined margins, 98 (95%) tumors were solid, 95 (92%) showed presence of necrosis, 46 (45%) had ≥50% exophytic component, and 18 (19.8%) had calcification. VHL (n = 52) and PBRM1 (n = 24) were the most common mutations. BAP1 mutation was associated with ill-defined margin and presence of calcification (p = 0.02 and 0.002, respectively, Pearson's χ (2) test); MUC4 mutation was associated with an exophytic growth pattern (p = 0.002, Mann-Whitney U test). CONCLUSIONS: BAP1 mutation was associated with ill-defined tumor margins and presence of calcification; MUC4 mutation was associated with exophytic growth. Given the known prognostic implications of BAP1 and MUC4 mutations, these results support using radiogenomics to aid in prognostication and management.

Aggressive angiomyxomas: a comprehensive imaging review with clinical and histopathologic correlation.

OBJECTIVE: Aggressive angiomyxomas are rare infiltrative mesenchymal neoplasms that commonly recur locally. The purpose of this study was to conduct a retrospective review of imaging findings of aggressive angiomyxomas with clinicopathologic correlation in 16 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT and MRI studies and clinical data of 16 patients with histopathologic evidence of aggressive angiomyxoma who had been referred to our institutions from January 2002 through January 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. The tumors were evaluated with respect to location, morphology, attenuation or signal intensity, and enhancement characteristics. RESULTS: The most common location was the pelvis and perineum with the mass on either side of the pelvic diaphragm (12/16, 75%). The characteristic "laminated" appearance was seen in 10 of 12 patients on MRI. Aggressive angiomyxomas showed only mild diffusion restriction and mild (18)F-FDG avidity in both of the two patients who underwent DWI and PET/CT, in keeping with histologic low-mitotic activity. Imaging features, such as collateral vessels and fingerlike growth pattern, were seen in seven of 16 (44%) aggressive angiomyxomas. Internal cystic degeneration was seen in three of 16 (19%) aggressive angiomyxomas. CONCLUSION: The finding of a large multicompartmental tumor with a characteristic internal laminated morphology or extension on either side of the pelvic diaphragm should alert the radiologist to the possible diagnosis of aggressive angiomyxoma. Imaging features, such as large peripheral vessels and cystic degeneration are less common, but presence of these features in the background of laminated morphology should not deter the radiologist from suggesting a diagnosis of aggressive angiomyxoma.

Non-gastrointestinal stromal tumor, mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract: a review of tumor genetics, pathology, and cross-sectional imaging findings.

There is a diverse group of non-gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that demonstrate characteristic pathology and histogenesis as well as variable imaging findings and biological behavior. Recent advancements in tumor genetics have unveiled specific abnormalities associated with certain tumors, influencing their molecular pathogenesis, biology, response to treatment, and prognosis. Notably, giant fibrovascular polyps of the esophagus, identified through MDM2 gene amplifications, are now classified as liposarcomas. Some tumors exhibit distinctive patterns of disease distribution. Glomus tumors and plexiform fibromyxomas exhibit a pronounced affinity for the gastric antrum. In contrast, smooth muscle tumors within the GI tract are predominantly found in the esophagus and colorectum, surpassing the incidence of GISTs in these locations. Surgical resection suffices for symptomatic benign tumors; multimodality treatment may be necessary for frank sarcomas. This article aims to elucidate the cross-sectional imaging findings associated with a wide spectrum of these tumors, providing insights that align with their histopathological features.

Stroma-derived neoplasms and pseudoneoplastic lesions of the spleen: a select review of pathologic and CT/MRI findings.

A wide spectrum of benign and malignant primary mesenchymal tumors and tumor-like lesions of the spleen has been recently included under the umbrella term 'stroma-derived' neoplasms and tumor-like lesions. These include dendritic cell neoplasms such as follicular dendritic cell sarcoma, EBV-positive inflammatory follicular dendritic cell sarcoma, and fibroblastic reticular cell tumor; smooth muscle and myofibroblastic lesions such as inflammatory pseudotumor, EBV-associated smooth muscle tumor and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma as well as a diverse spectrum of vascular and vascular-stromal tumors and tumor-like lesions. While some tumor and tumor-like lesions are unique to the spleen, others may also occur in diverse extra-splenic viscera. These tumors and tumor-like lesions demonstrate characteristic histopathology, immunocytochemistry and biological behavior. While cross-sectional imaging studies allow detection, staging and limited characterization of these splenic lesions, histopathological confirmation permits optimal management and surveillance strategies.

Chronic fibrosing conditions in abdominal imaging.

Chronic fibrosing conditions of the abdomen are relatively poorly understood and involve varied and often multiple organ systems. At histopathologic analysis, they share the unifying features of proliferative fibrosis and chronic inflammation. Different conditions in this group are often found in association with each other and with other fibrosing conditions outside the abdomen. Some of the confusion about these conditions stems from their complex nomenclature, which includes a gamut of alternate terms and eponyms. Many of them can be categorized within two large subgroups: the fibromatoses and immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disorders. While many of these entities are of uncertain etiology, some, especially the IgG4-associated conditions, appear to have an immune-mediated pathogenesis. Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, sclerosing peritonitis, and retroperitoneal fibrosis have iatrogenic associations, while some of the fibromatoses are genetically inherited. Imaging differentiation of these conditions is difficult due to considerable overlap in their radiologic findings. However, certain conditions such as penile fibromatosis and sclerosing peritonitis may have unique imaging features that can help the radiologist make the diagnosis. Others such as deep fibromatoses and inflammatory pseudotumor demonstrate fibroproliferative mass formation and cannot be differentiated from neoplastic conditions at imaging. Thus, histopathologic correlation is often required to confirm their diagnosis.

Abdominal hemangiomas: a pictorial review of unusual, atypical, and rare types.

Hemangiomas are a radiologist's dream lesions because they allow a confident diagnosis most of the time. However, within the abdomen, hemangiomas may occur in such atypical locations and can have such unusual features that they cause significant diagnostic dilemma and may end up being excised surgically. The literature is replete with isolated case reports of atypical hemangiomas in the abdominal cavity, and, to our knowledge, so far, there is no comprehensive review. We present, in this article, a pictorial review of a gamut of uncommon hemangiomas and hemangiomatosis syndromes. Knowledge of these rare types can help in limiting diagnostic errors and increase the confidence of radiologists, thus avoiding unnecessary surgeries.

Imaging of colon and rectal cancer.

Colon and rectal cancer imaging has traditionally been performed to assess for distant disease (typically lung and liver metastases) and to assess the resectability of the primary tumor. With technological and scientific advances in imaging and the evolution of treatment options, the role of imaging has expanded. Radiologists are now expected to provide a precise description of primary tumor invasion extent, including adjacent organ invasion, involvement of the surgical resection plane, extramural vascular invasion, lymphadenopathy, and response to neoadjuvant treatment, and to monitor for recurrence after clinical complete response.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Acute Onset Flank Pain-Suspicion of Stone Disease (Urolithiasis).

Noncontrast CT (NCCT) is the imaging study of choice for initial evaluation of patients with acute onset of flank pain and suspicion of stone disease without known prior stone disease. NCCT can reliably characterize the location and size of an offending ureteral calculus, identify complications, and diagnose alternative etiologies of abdominal pain. Although less sensitive in the detection of stones, ultrasound may have a role in evaluating for signs of obstruction. Radiography potentially has a role, although has been shown to be less sensitive than NCCT. For patients with known disease and recurrent symptoms of urolithiasis, NCCT remains the test of choice for evaluation. In pregnancy, given radiation concerns, ultrasound is recommended as the initial modality of choice with potential role for noncontrast MRI. In scenarios where stone disease suspected and initial NCCT is inconclusive, contrast-enhanced imaging, either with MRI or CT/CT urogram may be appropriate. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision process support the systematic analysis of the medical literature from peer reviewed journals. Established methodology principles such as Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE are adapted to evaluate the evidence. The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method User Manual provides the methodology to determine the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where peer reviewed literature is lacking or equivocal, experts may be the primary evidentiary source available to formulate a recommendation.

Anastomosing hemangioma: a current update on clinical, pathological and imaging features.

Anastomosing hemangioma (AH) is a rare, benign vascular neoplasm with distinctive histopathology and characteristic tumor distribution. AHs show marked proclivity to involve the kidneys, gonads and the retroperitoneal soft tissues; kidney is the most common target site often in the context of end stage renal disease. Recent studies have identified activating mutations of GNA genes that drive the molecular pathogenesis of AHs. AH appears as a solitary, well-circumscribed, hypervascular tumor that charters a benign course with an excellent prognosis. The purpose of this article is to provide a current update on clinical, pathological and imaging features of anastomotic hemangioma.