Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Liver (Including Biliary Contrast Agents) Part 1: Technical Considerations and Contrast Materials

Lymph Nodes Evaluation in Rectal Cancer: Where Do We Stand and Future Perspective

The assessment of nodal involvement in patients with rectal cancer (RC) is fundamental in disease management. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is routinely used for local and nodal staging of RC by using morphological criteria. The actual dimensional and morphological criteria for nodal assessment present several limitations in terms of sensitivity and specificity. For these reasons, several different techniques, such as Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI), Intravoxel Incoherent Motion (IVIM), Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging (DKI), and Dynamic Contrast Enhancement (DCE) in MRI have been introduced but still not fully validated. Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/CT plays a pivotal role in the assessment of LNs; more recently PET/MRI has been introduced. The advantages and limitations of these imaging modalities will be provided in this narrative review. The second part of the review includes experimental techniques, such as iron-oxide particles (SPIO), and dual-energy CT (DECT). Radiomics analysis is an active field of research, and the evidence about LNs in RC will be discussed. The review also discusses the different recommendations between the European and North American guidelines for the evaluation of LNs in RC, from anatomical considerations to structured reporting.

Masses in right side of the heart: spectrum of imaging findings

Primary heart tumors are rare, benign tumors represent the majority of these. If a cardiac mass is found, the probability that it is a metastasis or a so-called “pseudo-mass” is extremely higher than a primary tumor. The detection of a heart mass during a transthoracic echocardiography (TE) is often unexpected. The TE assessment can be difficult, particularly if the mass is located at the level of the right chambers. Cardiac Computed Tomography (CCT) can be useful in anatomical evaluation and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) for masses characterization as well. We provide an overview of right cardiac masses and their imaging futures. (www.actabiomedica.it)

The role of imaging in surgical planning for liver resection: what the radiologist need to know

The management of patients undergoing surgical resection for liver malignancies requires a multidisciplinary team, including a dedicated radiologist. In the preoperative workup, the radiologist has to provide precise, relevant information to the surgeon. This requires the radiologist to know the basics of surgical techniques as well as liver surgical anatomy in order to help to avoid unexpected surgical scenarios and complications. Moreover, virtual resections and volumetries on radiological images will be discussed, and basic concepts of postoperative liver failure, regeneration, and methods for hypertrophy induction will be provided. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Hepatic tumors: pitfall in diagnostic imaging

On computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), hepatocellular tumors are characterized based on typical imaging findings. However, hepatocellular adenoma, focal nodular hyperplasia, and hepatocellular carcinoma can show uncommon appearances at CT and MRI, which may lead to diagnostic challenges. When assessing focal hepatic lesions, radiologists need to be aware of these atypical imaging findings to avoid misdiagnoses that can alter the management plan. The purpose of this review is to illustrate a variety of pitfalls and atypical features of hepatocellular tumors that can lead to misinterpretations providing specific clues to the correct diagnoses. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Anterior chest wall non-traumatic diseases: a road map for the radiologist

The anterior chest wall (AWC) non-traumatic pathologies are largely underestimated, and early detection through imaging is becoming increasingly important. This paper aims to review the major non-traumatic ACW pathologies, with a particular interest in imaging features and differential diagnosis. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Extranodal Lymphomas: a pictorial review for CT and MRI classification

Extranodal lymphomas represent an extranodal location of both non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin lymphomas. This study aims to evaluate the role of CT and MRI in the assessment of relationships of extranodal lymphomas with surrounding tissues and in the characterization of the lesion. We selected and reviewed ten recent studies among the most recent ones present in literature exclusively about CT and MRI imaging of extranodal lymphomas. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) is usually the first-line imaging modality in the evaluation of extranodal lymphomas, according to Lugano classification. However, MRI has a crucial role thanks to the superior soft-tissue contrast resolution, particularly in the anatomical region as head and neck. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Diagnostic and interventional radiology: an update

NOT PRESENT.

MRI of perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease

Perianal fistulas represent one of the most critical complications of Crohn’s disease (CD). Management and treatment need a multidisciplinary approach with an accurate description of imaging findings.

State of the art in magnetic resonance imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

Liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer mortality. Chronic liver disease caused by viral infection, alcohol abuse, or other factors can lead to cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is the most important clinical risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) whereby the normal hepatic architecture is replaced by fibrous septa and a spectrum of nodules ranging from benign regenerative nodules to HCC, each one of them with different imaging features.

Conclusions

Furthermore, advanced techniques including the quantification of hepatic and intralesional fat and iron, magnetic resonance elastography, radiomics, radiogenomics, and positron emission tomography (PET)-MRI are highly promising for the extraction of new imaging biomarkers that reflect the tumor microenvironment and, in the future, may add decision-making value in the management of patients with HCC.