New computed tomographic signs of aortoenteric fistula.

Successful preoperative diagnosis of aortoenteric fistula is often difficult. Clinical findings, roentgenography, angiography, and endoscopy have been used in diagnosis with only partial success. Newer techniques of gallium citrate Ga 67 scanning, ultrasonography, and computed tomographic (CT) scanning have been used in recent years to establish the diagnosis of aortic graft infection or aortoenteric fistula. In two cases, the CT scan clearly established the diagnosis of secondary aortoenteric fistula, as well as two previously unreported signs of aortoenteric fistula: intraluminal aortic gas and paraprosthetic extravasation of contrast medium.

Cavernous hemangioma of the adrenal gland: MR findings.

Adrenal hemangioma is considered a rare tumor and is pathologically similar to hemangiomas found elsewhere in the body. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings thought to be highly suggestive of this neoplasm are presented. Correlation with pathologic findings in this case, as well as imaging and pathologic findings in other reported cases, is provided.

Diffuse lung calcifications following fat emboli and adult respiratory distress syndromes: CT findings.

We present a case of diffuse lung calcifications that developed following fat emboli and adult respiratory distress syndrome. Computed tomography (CT) showed the majority of the calcifications to be within branches of the pulmonary arteries. High-resolution CT findings helped to characterize associated lung parenchymal changes.

Pseudothrombosis of the right ovarian vein. Pitfall of abdominal spiral CT.

We present the computed tomography (CT) findings of pseudothrombosis of the right ovarian vein. In two young multiparous women, pseudothrombosis was detected on early-phase spiral CT scans by the presence of retrograde flow of contrast medium down the left ovarian veins. Asymmetry of density seen in the ovarian veins in the early phase of spiral CT scanning related to reflux in the left ovarian vein should not be mistaken for right ovarian vein thrombosis.

CT of adult adrenal cortical carcinoma: six years experience.

During 1980 and through 1985, a total of three adult patients with adrenal cortical carcinoma were patients at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. All three of these patients with large tumors were evaluated with CT abdominal scans. The CT findings are described in each case. One patient had the unique findings of four separate tumors at the left upper quadrant, i.e. an adrenal cortical carcinoma, an ipsilateral renal cell carcinoma, an adjacent para-aortic neurofibroma, and a gastric leiomyoma. The only known cure for adrenal cortical carcinoma is complete excision. CT scanning should be utilized in all cases for diagnosis, for characterizing the tumor, for showing the presence of metastatic disease, for determining the overall extent of disease, and for determining the relationship to other organs. CT should be utilized in the follow-up with these patients after treatment, i.e. surgery and/or chemotherapy.

Use of CT in metastatic adrenal gland tumor.

The autopsy findings and CT scans on patients with adrenal metastatic tumor over a six year period were analyzed. No pattern on CT was felt to be specific for metastatic tumor to the adrenal glands. Bilateral adrenal metastatic disease was found more common than unilateral disease by CT and by autopsy. All patients with adrenal metastatic disease had metastatic disease elsewhere. CT showed the other metastatic disease in approximately 90% of the cases. All our patients with follow-up scans showed change in the size of the tumor. CT remains the modality of choice for evaluation of the adrenal glands.

Inferior vena cava interruption with renal vein collar continuation: CT and MRI appearance.

The CT and MRI appearance of an inferior vena cava (IVC) interruption with renal venous collar continuation is presented. CT and MRI identify and define venous anomalies without the need for invasive angiography. Knowledge of an anomalous IVC is important to the vascular and transplant surgeon as well as to the interventional radiologist.

Metastatic pineoblastoma via a ventriculoperitoneal shunt: CT demonstration.

We report the CT findings in a patient with pineoblastoma metastatic to the peritoneum via a VP shunt. A large, soft tissue tumor mass was revealed in the pelvis with associated peritoneal seeding and ascites. The initial intracranial tumor biopsy and later biopsy of metastatic peritoneal tumor demonstrated identical tissue diagnostic for pineoblastoma. Patients with intracranial malignant neoplasms and VP shunts will be followed during or after treatment with MRI brain scans. Periodic CT abdomen scans should be obtained to detect potential peritoneal metastases early to allow more effective treatment.

Thrombosis of the IVC and azygous continuation of IVC by bronchogenic cancer: CT and MRI appearance.

The authors describe the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in a patient with thrombosis of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and azygous continuation of the IVC caused by bronchogenic carcinoma. CT has been touted as the modality of choice for mediastinal evaluation. MRI is presently considered to be the initial modality of choice for mediastinal vessel evaluation. MRI is noninvasive, there is no radiation dose to the patient, multiplanar imaging can be done, and there is no need for iodinated contrast material. The satisfactory evaluation of an individual patient may require the use of MRI and CT in a complementary fashion.

Intrarenal aneurysm associated with "Ask-Upmark kidney": imaging pitfalls and limitations.

The imaging of a case of intrarenal aneurysm with associated "Ask-Upmark kidney" is presented. Pitfalls and limitations encountered with imaging in this case are discussed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) proved to be the best imaging modality for visualization and characterization of the mass lesions present.

Esophageal foreign body after smoking crack cocaine.

Injuries from cocaine abuse are often seen and have been reported more often with the introduction of crack cocaine. Burns of the upper aerodigestive tract have been reported but no reports of esophageal obstruction have been located. We report ingestion of a foreign body from smoking crack cocaine and our management. A review of other possible aspiration and ingestion injuries is included.

Radiological seminar CCXLXII: CT of adrenal gland pheochromocytoma.

Herein, we have described our experience with CT and pheochromocytomas arising from the adrenal gland over a recent six year period. In all of our patients who underwent CT scanning, localization of the tumor was successful. CT remains an accurate means for localization of adrenal pheochromocytomas.