Synchronous radiation-induced enterovesical and enterocervical fistulas in carcinoma of the uterine cervix

Radiation-induced fistulas (RIF) are uncommon therapeutic complications of radiotherapy in patients treated for carcinoma of the uterine cervix. Synchronous occurrence of enterocervical and enterovesical fistulas secondary to radiation is extremely rare and previously unreported in the literature. We report a case of synchronous enterovesical and enterocervical fistulas in a patient with carcinoma of the cervix treated using chemotherapy and radiation along with a brief overview of etiopathogenesis of RIF.

Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Malignant Pelvic Fistulas: Sonographic Findings in Correlation with Computed Tomography Imaging

Even though ultrasound is an extensively used imaging modality, it has not been effectively utilized in the evaluation and diagnosis of malignant pelvic fistulas. In this study, we tried to correlate the accuracy of sonographic findings in identifying malignant fistulas with that of computed tomography (CT) imaging. Thirty-five patients with advanced pelvic malignancies were examined over a period of 2 y. Patients underwent CT of the abdomen and pelvis with intravenous and oral/rectal contrast followed by ultrasound of the abdomen. Sonographic examinations were performed using a standardized protocol with a full bladder. Real-time ultrasound images of the abdomen and pelvis in multiple planes were acquired and stored as both image files and audio-video interleaves (AVIs). On ultrasound, the majority of the fistulas were visualized either as a continuous hyper-echoic tract within a hypo-echoic neoplastic mass ("air contrast sign") or as multiple discontinuous hyper-echoic foci with "ring down" artifacts. The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound in the detection of malignant fistulas were 72% (confidence interval [CI]: 52%-87%) and 66% (CI: 22%-95%), respectively. We also reviewed the literature and compared the sensitivities of ultrasound in the detection of various types of pelvic fistulas obtained in previous studies with those in the present study. Results suggest that although ultrasound cannot be used as a primary imaging modality for the detection of fistulas, it can provide the earliest clue to the presence of a malignant fistula.

Technique and clinical applications of dual-energy contrast-enhanced digital mammography (CEDM) in breast cancer evaluation: a pictorial essay

This pictorial essay illustrates an overview of the basic technique used in acquiring dual-energy contrast-enhanced digital mammography (CEDM) images and its potential clinical applications in regular practice. CEDM may be used as a low-cost alternative to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as a problem-solving tool in clinical practice and for therapeutic planning of breast cancer, which may include high-risk screening, dense breast evaluation, mammographically equivocal lesions, local staging, treatment response evaluation, and post treatment follow-up. We share our experience of CEDM at a tertiary care cancer hospital.

Evaluation of genitourinary fistulas in pelvic malignancies with etiopathologic correlation: role of cross sectional imaging in detection and management

OBJECTIVE

Genitourinary fistulas in pelvic malignancies are abnormal communications occurring due to either locally advanced tumours invading the surrounding organs or post-therapeutic complications of malignancies. In this article we review and describe the role of cross-sectional imaging findings in the management of genitourinary fistulas in pelvic malignancies.

METHODS

A retrospective study, for the period January 2012 to December 2018, was undertaken in patients with pelvic malignancies having genitourinary fistulas. The cross-sectional (CT and MRI) imaging findings in various types of fistulas were reviewed and correlated with the primary malignancy and the underlying etiopathology.

RESULTS

Genitourinary fistulas were observed in 71 patients (6 males, 65 females). 11 types of fistulas were identified in carcinomas of cervix, rectum, ovary, urinary bladder, sigmoid colon, vault, endometrium and prostate. The commonest were rectovaginal and vesicovaginal fistulas. 13 patients had multiple fistulas. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of CT and MRI are 98%, 100%, 66%, 98% and 95%, 25%, 88% and 50% respectively. Contrast-enhanced CT with oral and rectal contrast is more sensitive and specific than MRI in the evaluation of genitourinary fistulas.

CONCLUSION

Imaging findings significantly influence the management and outcome of genitourinary fistulas in pelvic malignancies. Contrast-enhanced CT is the imaging modality of choice in the evaluation of pelvic fistulas associated with malignancies and MRI is complimentary to it.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

To our knowledge, this study is the first of its kind wherein the mean duration of occurrence of fistulas in pelvic malignancies is correlated with the underlying etiopathology.

Utility of 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron-emission Tomography/ Computed Tomography in the Detection of Primary Colonic Malignancy Presenting as an Inguinoscrotal Hernia

Carcinoma of the sigmoid colon presenting in an inguinoscrotal hernia is uncommon. Many of the cases seen in literature were diagnosed only intraoperatively, as most of them had misleading presentations. We report a case of carcinoma of the sigmoid colon in an incarcerated inguinoscrotal hernia with imaging findings of 18F-FDG PET/CT along with a brief review of the literature.

The clinical value of imaging in primary cutaneous lymphomas: Role of high resolution ultrasound and PET-CT

BACKGROUND:

Primary cutaneous lymphoma is a rare extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma confined to the skin. The data on the imaging findings of primary cutaneous lymphomas are largely lacking and the current diagnosis is based on clinical and histopathological examination. With the advances in dermatological ultrasound and molecular imaging, newer perspectives in the evaluation of cutaneous lymphomas are available.

OBJECTIVE:

To review and describe the imaging findings in patient's with the diagnosis of primary cutaneous lymphoma.

METHODS:

A multicentric, retrospective observational study was undertaken in four countries to review the high resolution ultrasonography (HRUS) and fluorine 18-fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) imaging findings.

RESULTS:

We had 41 patients, Female:Male 1:4.1; mean age, 57 years; range, 13-94 years. High resolution ultrasonography of the primary cutaneous lesions revealed thickening of the dermis in all the cases and the lesions were hypoechoic without any calcifications or central necrosis. The sonographic appearances of the lesions were categorised into focal infiltrative, nodular, pseudonodular, and diffusely infiltrative patterns. Nodular and pseudonodular lesions were predominant in B cell lymphomas, while diffusely infiltrative lesions were more common in T-cell lymphomas. On colour Doppler imaging, the lesions were hypervascular. Whole body ¹⁸F-fludeoxyglucose PET-CT imaging of the patients revealed increased uptake of the metabolite in the lesions.

CONCLUSION:

Sonographic patterns based on high resolution ultrasonography provide early clues to the non-invasive diagnosis of primary cutaneous lymphomas and PET-CT is the recommended modality of imaging for staging and follow-up.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE:

High resolution ultrasound with colour Doppler and PET-CT imaging are complimentary to the clinical diagnosis of primary cutaneous lymphomas.

Guidelines for Performing Dermatologic Ultrasound Examinations by the DERMUS Group

OBJECTIVES

To support standardization for performing dermatologic ultrasound examinations.

METHODS

An international working group, called DERMUS (Dermatologic Ultrasound), was formed, composed of physicians who have been working on a regular basis and publishing in peer-reviewed articles on dermatologic ultrasound. A questionnaire on 5 critical issues about performance of the examinations was prepared and distributed by e-mail. The areas of discussion included technical aspects, main areas of application, minimum number of examinations per year required for assessing competence, qualifications of the personnel in charge of the examination, and organization of courses. Final recommendations were approved on the basis of the agreement of more than 50% of the members.

RESULTS

The minimum frequency recommended for performing dermatologic examinations was 15 MHz. Routine use of color Doppler ultrasound and the performance of spectral curve analysis for assessing the main vascularity of lesions were suggested. Three-dimensional reconstructions were considered optional. The main dermatologic applications were benign tumors, skin cancer, vascular anomalies, cosmetic field, nail disorders, and inflammatory diseases. The minimum number of examinations per year suggested by the group for assessing competence was 300. A physician and not a sonographer was recommended to be the person in charge of performing the examination. On course organization, a minimum of 2 levels of complexity (basic and advanced) was suggested.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a need to standardize the performance and quality of dermatologic ultrasound examinations. The present guidelines written by an international group of specialists in the field may support this objective.

Imaging in emphysematous epididymo-orchitis: A rare cause of acute scrotum

Emphysematous epididymo-orchitis is an uncommon, acute inflammatory process of epididymis and testis characterized by the presence of air within the tissue. Patient presents with fever, acute pain, swelling and tenderness in the scrotum. Imaging is needed for rapid accurate diagnosis and to differentiate it from other causes of acute scrotum such as testicular torsion. We report a case of emphysematous epididymo-orchitis with imaging findings on plain radiography, ultrasound, CT and MRI and a brief review of the literature.

High-resolution ultrasound imaging of cutaneous lesions

High-resolution variable frequency ultrasound imaging is increasingly being used in the noninvasive evaluation of various cutaneous diseases. It plays a complimentary role to physical examination in the assessment of cutaneous lesions. It is the only imaging modality useful in the evaluation of superficial cutaneous lesions that are too small to be evaluated on computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and is helpful in reducing invasive procedures like biopsies and fine needle aspirations. In this article, we seek to describe the relevance and basic principles of cutaneous ultrasound, imaging findings of normal skin, current applications of high-resolution ultrasound in the diagnosis and management of various dermatological conditions, along with the features of some commonly encountered lesions.