Comparative study of high-resolution multifrequency ultrasound of the plantar skin in patients with various types of hereditary palmoplantar keratoderma

BACKGROUND

High-variable-frequency ultrasound is used as an imaging tool for various cutaneous disorders. We utilized this tool in pachyonychia congenita (PC) patients, who typically present with plantar hyperkeratosis and often severely debilitating pain, compared to patients with epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma (EPPK) and mal de Meleda (MDM).

OBJECTIVE

To ascertain the feasibility of ultrasound technology for the diagnosis of PC.

METHODS

The study included a total of 16 patients, 7 with PC, 5 with EPPK and 4 with MDM, who underwent ultrasound examination of the plantar skin with high-resolution multifrequency ultrasound equipment.

RESULTS

Ultrasound scans performed over the proximal and distal plantar foot calluses in PC patients demonstrated hyperechoic dots and lines within the epidermis compatible with hyperkeratosis, engorged varicose veins in the dermis and an anechoic layer interposed between the epidermis and the dermis, corresponding to blister fluid below the calluses. In contrast to PC patients, patients with MDM and EPPK demonstrated no blisters.

CONCLUSION

PC patients, as opposed to a group of patients with MDM and EPPK, displayed subepidermal blistering beneath their calluses. This finding may help in the diagnosis of PC and in partially explaining plantar pain as part of PC symptomatology.

Immuno-chemotherapy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: long-term results from the rambam and linn medical centers, Haifa, Israel

Nephrectomy, immuno-chemotherapy and resection of residual disease have been the treatment of choice for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma during the past decades. The aim of this study was to report the long-term results of this treatment approach. Sixty-two patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma participated in a Phase II study. At diagnosis, 32 patients had localized disease, 30 had metastatic disease and 53 underwent nephrectomy. Metastatic sites were lungs, lymph nodes, bones and liver. Immuno-chemotherapy consisted of: interleukin-2, interferon alpha, 5-fluorouracil and vinblastine. All patients were evaluated for toxicity and response to treatment. CR was achieved in 4 patients and PR in 14. Seven patients, with maximum response to immuno-chemotherapy underwent resection of residual tumor and reached CR. Therefore, CR was achieved in 11 patients (18%) with a median survival of +67 months. Flu-like symptoms were the common side effects. Performance status and histology type significantly affected survival. Nephrectomy, immuno-chemotherapy and resection of residual disease are recommended for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

PET/CT imaging in patients with suspected recurrence of pancreatic cancer

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Background: The goal of the study was to review our clinical experience with 18F-FDG PET/CT in patients (pts) with suspected recurrence of pancreatic cancer. Methods: Nine pts (M/F=3/6, age 47–73y) with increasing levels of CA 19–9 and/or CEA during follow-up and negative or equivocal CT scan were included. Seven pts were asymptomatic and 2 pts had mild abdominal pain. Previous treatment included pancreaticoduodenectomy in 6 pts and distal pancreatectomy in 3 pts. Adjuvant chemoradiation was given to 5 pts as well. Tumor markers first increased 2 to 14 months after the operation. CT scan was done within one month in all pts, and found to be normal in 6 pts and equivocal in 3 pts. PET/CT was performed one months (5 pts), 2 months (2 pts) and 3 months (2 pts) later. However, the last 2 pts had a 2nd normal CT scan 1–2 months after the PET/CT. A final diagnosis of recurrence was confirmed by histopathology or by further clinical and radiologic follow up. Results: Of the 9 pts, 8 exhibited PET/CT findings consisted with recurrent cancer. Increased tracer uptakes with abnormal findings on CT were found in 5 pts with CT scan previously defined as normal ( 2 in tumor bed and 3 in distant sites, 1 liver, 1 liver and lymph nodes, 1 abdominal wall). PET/CT was also positive in 3 pts with equivocal CT findings (2 tumor bed, 1 liver with a new unsuspected positive site in tumor bed). Chemotherapy (followed by surgery in 1 pt and by radiation therapy in 1 pt, both with local recurrence) was instituted in 7 pts following PET/CT findings. One pt underwent resection of an isolated abdominal recurrence. After a median follow-up of 7 months (range, 4 -27 m) 4 pts had died of disease, 2 are alive with progressing disease, one has responded to treatment (PET/CT became normal) and one is undergoing ghemotherapy. One of the 9 pts had a false negative PET/CT test, as abdominal spread was later found by an additional CT scan, still with a 2nd negative PET/CT image. Conclusions: PET/CT is a useful tool for detecting recurrent pancreatic cancer, and can demonstrate recurrence site when CT is non-diagnostic. Its impact on clinical management and treatment results should be further evaluated.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Computerised analysis of liver texture with correlation to needle biopsy

AIM

To assist in tissue characterisation for the non-invasive diagnosis of diffuse fatty liver infiltration by providing quantitative indices of ultrasonic (US) backscatter with correlation to histology.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

US images from patients referred to US-guided liver needle biopsy (LNB) for persistently elevated liver enzymes or serologically positive markers for viral hepatitis were recorded. The histopathological reports were reviewed. Steatosis, inflammation and degree of fibrosis were scored from 0 (normal) to 3 (severe). Patients with level 3 steatosis without inflammation or fibrosis were selected. US images from twenty-four healthy subjects served as control. Four textural indices were calculated for a selected ROI corresponding to the biopsy site. Sensitivity and specificity of discrimination between the two groups were evaluated.

RESULTS

Fatty and healthy livers formed two distinct clusters. However, in all parametric subspaces there was a slight overlap between the groups with a few numbers of cases located across the dichotomy line.The sensitivity for all the indices was high (90 - 100 %). The specificity for each of the indices was moderate. The co-occurrence local homogeneity index yielded the highest specificity (88.5 %), with a sensitivity equivalent to two of the other indices (90 %).

CONCLUSIONS

Highly accurate "ultrasonic biopsy" may be obtained for severe fatty liver. The described indices can serve as a tool in US computer- aided diagnosis (CAD) of diffuse parenchymal liver disease, in particular for severe steatosis of the liver.

Prevalence and characteristics of pain induced by percutaneous liver biopsy

Percutaneous needle liver biopsy is an important procedure for the diagnosis and evaluation of liver disease and is frequently associated with pain. In this prospective study, we investigated the prevalence and characteristics of this pain syndrome. Fifty-four subjects, who underwent liver biopsy under ultrasound guidance, received 5 mg of diazepam orally 1 h before the procedure and local infiltration with 10 mL of 2% lidocaine just before needle insertion. Outcome measures included the visual analog scale for measuring pain intensity over 24 h, pain localization on a body scheme, and the Spielberger questionnaire for measuring anxiety levels. Forty-seven (84%) of the 54 respondents reported pain 30 min after the biopsy (visual analog scale, 4.2 +/- 0.5; mean +/- SEM), and 21 (39%) reported pain at the 24-h time point. Biopsy site pain was reported by 9 subjects, right shoulder pain by 14, and pain at both sites by 24. Higher pain intensities were reported by women and by subjects with higher anxiety levels. This study indicates that liver biopsy is a painful condition in most patients. Mild anxiolytic treatment plus local anesthetic infiltration seem to produce insufficient analgesia, thus indicating that a more profound analgesic treatment is required for better control of this pain.

IMPLICATIONS

Percutaneous liver biopsy is a painful procedure in most patients. Mild anxiolytic treatment plus local anesthetic infiltration seem to produce insufficient analgesia. A more profound analgesic treatment is required for better control of this pain.

Pomegranate juice flavonoids inhibit low-density lipoprotein oxidation and cardiovascular diseases: studies in atherosclerotic mice and in humans

The beneficial health effects attributed to the consumption of fruit and vegetables are related, at least in part, to their antioxidant activity. Of special interest is the inverse relationship between the intake of dietary nutrients rich in polyphenols and cardiovascular diseases. This effect is attributed to polyphenols' ability to inhibit low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, macrophage foam cell formation and atherosclerosis. Pomegranate polyphenols can protect LDL against cell-mediated oxidation via two pathways, including either direct interaction of the polyphenols with the lipoprotein and/or an indirect effect through accumulation of polyphenols in arterial macrophages. Pomegranate polyphenols were shown to reduce the capacity of macrophages to oxidatively modify LDL, due to their interaction with LDL to inhibit its oxidation by scavenging reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species and also due to accumulation of polyphenols in arterial macrophages; hence, the inhibition of macrophage lipid peroxidation and the formation of lipid peroxide-rich macrophages. Furthermore, pomegranate polyphenols increase serum paraoxonase activity, resulting in the hydrolysis of lipid peroxides in oxidized lipoproteins and in atherosclerotic lesions. These antioxidative and antiatherogenic effects of pomegranate polyphenols were demonstrated in vitro, as well as in vivo in humans and in atherosclerotic apolipoprotein E deficient mice. Dietary supplementation of polyphenol-rich pomegranate juice to atherosclerotic mice significantly inhibited the development of atherosclerotic lesions and this may be attributed to the protection of LDL against oxidation.

Etoposide, doxorubicin and cisplatin alternating with 5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin and high-dose methotrexate in patients with advanced adenocarcinoma of the stomach or the gastroesophageal junction

Both the etoposide, doxorubicin, cisplatin (EAP) and 5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin, high-dose methotrexate (FAMTX) schedules have been reported to be active in advanced gastric cancer. Since these regimens include non-cross resistant agents, a regimen that consists of EAP alternating with FAMTX may have an advantage over each regimen alone. We undertook a phase II trial to evaluate EAP/FAMTX in patients with advanced adenocarcinoma of the stomach or gastroesophageal junction. Of the 56 patients treated, an objective response was observed in 34%, including complete response in 7%. Median response duration was 8 months and median survival for the entire group was 9 months. The main toxicity was myelosuppression. Hospitalization for granulocytopenic fever was required in 32% of patients and 34% required red blood cells (RBC) transfusion. Non-hematological toxicity was moderate. There were three drug-related deaths associated with granulocytopenic fever. We conclude that the alternating EAP/FAMTX regimen is associated with occasional lethal events and has no obvious advantage over either regimen alone.

The new technology of combined transmission and emission tomography in evaluation of endocrine neoplasms

The clinical value of a novel technology of combined transmission and emission tomography (TET) was assessed in patients with endocrine tumors.

METHODS

TET technology, which combines simultaneous acquisition of SPECT and CT images, using the same imaging device, allows correct fusion of images of both modalities. TET was performed on 27 patients with known or suspected endocrine tumors. The radiopharmaceuticals used for the emission part of the study were chosen according to the tumor type: (111)In-octreotide for patients with neuroendocrine tumors (n = 10), (99m)Tc-sestamibi for patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (n = 8), (131)I for patients with thyroid cancer (n = 4), and (123)I-metaiodobenzylguanidine and (75)Se-cholesterol for patients with adrenal masses (n = 3 and n = 2, respectively). The additional information provided by TET compared with scintigraphy was assessed for both image interpretation and clinical utility.

RESULTS

TET did not provide any additional data in 16 patients (59%), including 5 patients with normal scintigraphy. In 11 patients (41%) with abnormal SPECT findings, TET improved image interpretation by providing a better anatomic localization of SPECT-detected lesions. It showed unsuspected bone involvement in 4 patients, it identified the organs involved and the relationship of the lesions to neighboring structures in 5 patients, and it differentiated physiologic uptake from tumor uptake in 2 patients. TET provided additional information of clinical value in 9 patients (33%). It assisted in better planning of surgery in 2 patients with neuroendocrine tumors and in 2 patients with ectopic parathyroid adenomas. It changed the treatment approach in 2 patients with neuroendocrine tumors and 1 patient with thyroid carcinoma, and it altered prognosis in 2 patients with thyroid malignancy.

CONCLUSION

TET enhances the already unique role of nuclear medicine procedures in the assessment and management of patients with endocrine neoplasms.

The effect of low-dose interleukin-2-based immunotherapy on salivary function and composition in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma

One of the side-effects accompanying low-dose recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2)-based immunotherapy is salivary hypofunction. We evaluated the functional and compositional whole salivary profile at both resting and stimulated conditions in 10 renal cell carcinoma patients who received prolonged low-dose rIL-2-based immunotherapy. Following the termination of 4 weeks of the combined administration of rIL-2 and recombinant interferon-alpha (rIFN-alpha), we found significant reductions of salivary flow rates at resting condition, accompanied by significant multiple compositional alterations, including increases in calcium, magnesium and phosphate concentrations, and significant reductions in total protein concentration. In contrast, no flow rate reduction was noted under stimulated condition, and the only significant altered compositional component was the phosphate. We recommend salivary-supporting therapies and anticariogenic treatments for patients undergoing low-dose rIL-2-based immunotherapy.

Impact of intraoperative sonography on resection and cryoablation of liver tumors

PURPOSE

We retrospectively analyzed the impact of intraoperative sonography (IOUS) on the management of patients referred for resection of liver tumors.

METHODS

Forty patients underwent IOUS with a 7-MHz curved-array sector transducer; in selected cases, a 5-MHz linear-array transducer attached to a color Doppler unit was also used. The number, size, and location of tumors on IOUS, including tumor proximity to or invasion of major vessels or invasion of the diaphragm, were compared to findings on preoperative imaging studies. The effect of these findings on surgical management was assessed. Unresectable lesions were treated by cryoablation under ultrasound guidance.

RESULTS

IOUS detected preoperatively unsuspected lesions in 7 patients (18%). Metastases suspected on CT arterial portography were ruled out in 2 patients (5%), and indeterminate lesions were diagnosed as cysts by IOUS in 2 other patients (5%). Vascular proximity or vascular or diaphragmatic invasion detected by IOUS rendered lesions unresectable in 4 patients (10%). Cryoablation under IOUS guidance and monitoring was attempted in 11 patients (28%) and performed successfully in 10.

CONCLUSIONS

IOUS changed the management in 38% of patients and guided cryoablation in 28% of patients. IOUS performed by an experienced sonologist is invaluable for the accurate assessment of liver tumor resectability; the detection of additional, preoperatively unknown lesions; and the guidance of cryoablation of unresectable tumors.

Late recurrence of combined hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatoblastoma in a child: case report and review of the literature

We report on a case of late relapse of hepatocellular carcinoma in a child suffering from combined hepatoblastoma and hepatocellular carcinoma, stage IV. This is a rare event, as it has been accepted that a 5-year period free of any signs of disease in children suffering from malignant hepatic tumors is sufficient to classify such patients as survivors. In our patient, recurrence of the hepatocellular carcinoma component was diagnosed more than five years after the initial diagnosis. This case illustrates the need for more prolonged follow-ups for such children.

Color-coded duplex ultrasound compared to CT angiography for detection and quantification of carotid artery stenosis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare findings on color-coded duplex ultrasound and CT angiography for grading internal carotid artery stenosis, and to investigate whether both these imaging modalities are necessary for an accurate diagnosis of carotid stenosis in the pre-surgical assessment of the internal carotid artery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We examined 92 internal carotid arteries from 46 randomly chosen patients with suspected carotid stenosis by color-coded duplex ultrasound and by three-dimensional CT angiography (CTA). This retrospective study adhered to international guidelines with gradings of mild, moderate, severe, and occlusive carotid disease.

RESULTS

The study demonstrated agreement between the degree of stenosis found on color-coded duplex ultrasound and that found on CTA in 78% of cases overall and in 79% of patients requiring surgical intervention. When compared to CTA, color-coded duplex ultrasound yielded a sensitivity of 78.9% and a specificity of 96.3%. Although findings on color-coded duplex ultrasound and CTA were comparable, disagreement affecting treatment decision occurred in 10:92 arteries.

CONCLUSION

CTA was not found to be beneficial for patients exhibiting mild stenosis on color-coded duplex ultrasound, as none of the mild groupings found by sonography were interpreted as severe or occluded by CTA. However, CTA may be an important adjunct to color-coded duplex ultrasound regarding the categories of moderate, severe and occluded when carotid endarterectomy is considered.

Comparing thyroid ultrasonography to thyroid function in long-term survivors of childhood lymphoma

BACKGROUND

We studied the value of thyroid ultrasonography as a follow-up tool in survivors of childhood lymphomas and correlated morphologic abnormalities with thyroid function tests.

PROCEDURE

A prospective follow-up study of 45 long-term survivors of histology-proved childhood lymphomas was performed. Mean age at diagnosis was 9.1 years (range 2.1-16.4 years) and mean follow-up duration 10.9 years (range 3.9-22.2 years).

RESULTS

Among the 26 survivors of Hodgkin disease (HD) who received mantle field irradiation, 14 (54%) had abnormal ultrasonograms. Elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations were found in 14 (54%), and 6 of them (42%) had normal thyroid functions. Six of twelve patients with normal ultrasonograms had abnormal thyroid function, and 5 of 11 patients with normal function had abnormal sonograms. Among the 19 non-HD survivors who did not receive radiotherapy, 18 (95%) had both normal sonograms and normal function. Thus thyroid gland abnormalities were detected in 54% of HD survivors after mantle field irradiation. No correlation between the abnormalities detected on ultrasonography and serum levels of TSH and thyroid hormones were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Both ultrasound and thyroid function tests independently provide clinically useful information; the former examines gland morphologogy and the latter evaluates hormonal changes associated with thyroid disease. The high frequency of thyroid abnormalities detected by ultrasonography suggests that periodic thyroid ultrasonography is advisable in the follow-up of patients treated with mantle irradiation to screen for morphologic changes that may presage malignant transformation.

Aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma: early prediction of outcome with 67Ga scintigraphy

PURPOSE

To evaluate use of gallium 67 scintigraphy early during chemotherapy to predict the outcome in patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Among 118 patients, 67Ga scintigraphy was performed after one cycle of chemotherapy in 51 patients, after a median of 3.5 cycles in 97 patients, and both in 30 patients. Computed tomography (CT) was performed after a median of 3.5 cycles of treatment in 87 patients. The failure-free survival was compared between patients with positive or negative 67Ga or CT scans by using the log-rank test. Multivariate analysis helped determine the relation between 67Ga scintigraphic and CT findings and the outcome.

RESULTS

The differences in failure-free survival between patients with positive versus negative 67Ga scans after one cycle of treatment (P < .001) and at midtreatment (P < .001) were significant. There was no statistically significant difference in failure-free survival between patients with positive versus negative CT findings during treatment. In multivariate analysis, 67Ga scintigraphy after one cycle (P < .045) and at midtreatment (P < .006) was an independent factor associated with outcome.

CONCLUSION

Gallium 67 scintigraphic findings after one cycle of chemotherapy and at midtreatment are predictive of outcome in patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma. CT findings are not predictive. Early 67Ga scintigraphy during chemotherapy is a good indicator of patients who may benefit from a change to a more aggressive treatment. A future study is necessary to investigate the potential effect of early change of treatment.

Clinical implication of VEGF serum levels in cirrhotic patients with or without portal hypertension

AIM: To determine whether serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels correlates with the severity of liver cirrhosis and whether portal hypertension impacts on the expression of serum VEGF protein.

METHODS: Fifty-three patients (mean age 56 ± 2 years) with HCV (n = 26), HBV (n = 13), and cryptogenic liver cirrhosis (n = 14) (Child-Pugh-s class A: 24, B: 19 and C: 12) and normal renal function constitute the patient population, who were all diagnosed by clinical, histological and radiological findings. Six healthy people and six patients with acute hepatitis served as controls. Severity of liver disease was evaluated by the CP score. Serum levels of IGF-1 and VEGF were measured by radioimmunoassay and ELISA, respectively. Portal hypertension was assessed using pulsed Doppler ultrasound.

RESULTS: The mean serum VEGF levels in all cirrhotic patients (73 ± 58) were significantly lower than those of healthy controls (360 ± 217, P < 0.01) and acute hepatitis (1123 ± 1261, P < 0.01) respectively. No significant difference in median serum VEGF levels were noted among the different Child-Pugh-s classes (class A: median, 49.4 ng/L, range, 21-260 ng/L, Class B: median 59.9 ng/L; range 21-92, and Class C: median 69; range 20-247 ng/L). A significant correlation was noted between serum VEGF and two accurate parameters of portal hypertension: portal blood flow velocity (r = 06) and spleen size (r = 0.55). No correlation was found between VEGF serum levels and serum albumin, IGF-1, platelets count and aminotrasnferases (r = 0.2, r = 0.1, r = 0.2 and r = 0.2, respectively).

CONCLUSION: Circulating VEGF level in patients with liver cirrhosis could not serve as an indicator of the progression of chronic liver disease but rather, they may reflect increased portal hypertension or decreased hepatic regenerative activity or the combination of both.

Hodgkin disease: prediction of outcome with 67Ga scintigraphy after one cycle of chemotherapy

PURPOSE

To investigate gallium 67 scintigraphy performed early during treatment as a means to predict outcome and thus to optimize treatment of Hodgkin disease (HD) in the future.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety-eight patients with HD were examined. Thirty-one patients underwent 67Ga scintigraphy after one chemotherapy cycle and 83 patients after a mean 3.5 cycles (range, 2-5 cycles). Sixteen patients underwent 67Ga scintigraphy both after one cycle and at midtreatment. Patients underwent whole-body scintigraphy and single photon emission computed tomography of the torso. Torso computed tomography (CT) was performed after a mean 3.5 cycles (range, 2-6 cycles). Failure-free survival was compared between patients with positive and patients with negative test findings (Kaplan-Meier method), and the significance of the difference was calculated. The association of failure-free survival with various prognostic clinical factors before treatment was compared (log-rank test univariate analysis).

RESULTS

Failure-free survival differed significantly (P < .002) between patients with positive and patients with negative 67Ga scintigrams after one chemotherapy cycle but not at midtreatment. Failure-free survival was not significantly different between patients with positive and patients with negative CT scans at midtreatment. Twenty-two (92%) of 24 patients with negative 67Ga scintigrams after one cycle and 64 (82%) of 78 patients with negative scintigrams at midtreatment remained in complete response. In four (57%) of seven patients with positive 67Ga scintigrams after one cycle, treatment failed.

CONCLUSION

67Ga scintigraphy after one cycle of chemotherapy is a good early predictor of outcome of HD.

Celiac artery aneurysm: diagnosis by color Doppler sonography and three-dimensional CT angiography

Celiac artery aneurysms are rare vascular lesions that are sometimes found incidentally during abdominal imaging. Their significance is in their potential to rupture, which can lead to death. We present the case of a celiac artery aneurysm diagnosed by color Doppler sonography and 3-dimensional CT angiography.

[Combined treatment of hepatic tumors by cryosurgery and resection: first results]

Cryosurgery is an old technique which is being used for hepatic tumors as an adjuvant to hepatic resection. We recently treated 7 patients with multiple malignant liver tumors, 5 of whom had colorectal metastases, 1 carcinoid metastases, and 1 multiple hepatic lesions of hepatocellular carcinoma. 6 underwent combined liver resection and cryoablation of lesions in the remaining liver. In the 7th patient, only cryoablation was performed because hepatic resection was rejected and there was an extrahepatic metastasis. The advantages of this treatment are removal or destruction of all liver lesions found by any method, including intraoperative ultrasound examination, maximal preservation of normal liver parenchyma and that it is curative in patients inoperable by standard criteria.

Metastatic spinal cord compression as initial presentation of follicular thyroid carcinoma

Follicular thyroid carcinoma, initially presenting as spinal cord compression due to metastatic lesions, is a less reported event. We present two cases of well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma that led to spinal cord compression. A thorough search of the literature revealed only five similar cases. We summarize the clinical characteristics of these cases, the therapeutic measures used, their outcome, and the prognosis.

Bleomycin and cyclophosphamide toxicity simulating metastatic nodules to the lungs in childhood cancer

Two pediatric oncology patients with Ewing's sarcoma and one with mixed germ cell tumor were treated with drug regimens that included bleomycin or cyclophosphamide. Despite progress to apparently complete remission, all manifested pulmonary nodules on computed tomography during or at the end of treatment. Thoracoscopic biopsy to confirm metastasis revealed instead fibrotic lesions apparently attributable to bleomycin or cyclophosphamide. After cessation of chemotherapy, the pulmonary lesions resolved and all three patients sustained their remissions. The case histories and comments on the diagnosis and management of pulmonary nodules are reviewed.

Pattern analysis of temporal changes in the carotid artery diameter under normal and pathological conditions

Age-related and temporal cyclic changes in the left and right common carotid arteries (CCA) diameters were studied in two groups of subjects: (i) 11 healthy normotensive subjects (ages 19-72 years), and (ii) eight hypertensive subjects (ages 59-85 years), with various degrees of stenosis in their ICA. Cross-sectional images of the left and right CCA were acquired via an ultrasonic system. Images were digitized, and the contour of the arterial wall for each frame was manually traced. Assuming a circular geometry, the arterial diameter was calculated. Averaging four to six consecutive heart beats yielded the typical patterns of temporal diameter changes for both the left and right CCA. For the group of normal subjects, a typical pattern of the temporal diameter changes with a consistent left vs right peak diameter delay (LRPDD), with the right CCA preceding the left, was observed. Plotting the normalized left vs right CCA diameters yielded a typical loop (DDloop) which changed in the counter-clockwise direction from systole to diastole. For the group of hypertensive subjects, the LRPDD decreased or became negative with the left CCA preceding the right if the stenosis degree exceeded 50% (p < 0.01). The DDloop changed from a counterclockwise to a clockwise direction. For the group of normal subjects, end diastolic, end systolic diameters and the elastic index of the CCA increased with age while the relative systolic change in diameter decreased with age. For the group of hypertensive subjects, the relative systolic change in diameter was smaller, compared to normals (7.8 +/- 1.2% vs 10.7 +/- 3.1%, respectively; p < 0.05). The elastic index for this group was significantly higher compared to the normal subjects (1.4 +/- 0.3 vs 0.6 +/- 0.2 x 10(5) dynes/cm2, respectively; p < 0.001). These findings imply that patterns of CCA temporal diameter changes can indicate the existence of a pathological state.

Benign proliferative lesions mimicking recurrence of Hodgkin's disease

Salvage treatment in patients with recurrent Hodgkin's disease is more effective when tumor burden is minimal. That is why more intensive follow-up strategies, including frequent imaging tests, have been recently developed for the detection of early relapse. However, as screening procedures become more sensitive, there is an increasing risk of false-positive results, demonstrating nonmalignant proliferative disorders. We describe three young patients who had lymphocyte-predominant or mixed-cellularity Hodgkin's disease and were in clinical complete remission for 2.5-3 years after a combined treatment with chemotherapy and radiation. Imaging tests revealed new gallium-avid lymphadenopathy in the chest in two cases. Pathologically enlarged pelvic lymph nodes were identified in another case, after a diagnosis of recurrent disease in axilla. Those findings were interpreted as relapse, and the patients underwent thoracotomy and laparotomy, respectively, for histologic confirmation. The results showed progressively transformed germinal centers and sarcoid-like lesions, two benign proliferative disorders. When patients with Hodgkin's disease in remission show new lymphadenopathy, even with positive gallium scan, it seems mandatory to obtain tissue for histologic examination, even through invasive procedures such as laparotomy and thoracotomy, to avoid wrong diagnosis and unnecessary treatment.

Utility of gallium-67 scintigraphy in low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

PURPOSE

Low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (LGNHL) has traditionally been considered non-gallium-avid. The sensitivity of gallium 67 (67Ga) scintigraphy when using modern equipment and techniques in patients with LGNHL was investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-seven consecutive patients with LGNHL underwent 67Ga scintigraphy at initial presentation (n = 40), when tumor progression occurred during treatment (n = 3), and at suspected disease recurrence after continuous clinical remission (CCR) (n = 14). Planar and tomographic images were obtained with either a very large field-of-view or a dual-head digital camera. Of 45 patients with Ga-avid LGNHL, 30 underwent 93 follow-up scans (one to six studies per patient). Scan findings were correlated with clinical and computed tomographic (CT) findings and with patient outcomes.

RESULTS

67Ga scintigraphy was positive in 45 of 57 patients (sensitivity, 79%) and in 113 of 164 disease sites (sensitivity, 69%). The sensitivity was higher in the more common types of LGNHL: follicular, predominantly small cleaved cell (FSC), and follicular, mixed small cleaved and large cell (FM) (84% and 91% in patients and 72% and 71% in disease sites, respectively). Sensitivity was lower in patients with mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (MALT) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SL). Among 28 patients with disease recurrence after CCR (14 with and 14 without baseline studies), 67Ga scan was positive in 25, for a sensitivity of 89% for detection of disease recurrence.

CONCLUSION

When modern technology is used, 67Ga scintigraphy has good sensitivity in patients with LGNHL. It therefore can be used to monitor response to therapy and to provide early detection of disease recurrence in these patients.

Application of a bedside whole blood D-dimer assay in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis

Cross-linked fibrin degradation products have been used to detect venous thrombosis. While the sensitivity of plasma D-dimer measured by ELISA in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is high, the utility of ELISA methods is limited in a clinical setting. This study analysed the diagnostic value of a rapid D-dimer assay performed on whole blood samples (SimpliRed D-dimer) compared with latex and ELISA in 86 patients suspected of having DVT. SimpliRed D-dimer was positive in 47/50 of patients with DVT established by Doppler ultrasound (DU; sensitivity 94%). SimpliRed D-dimer was positive in 35/37 of patients with proximal DVT, nine out of nine with popliteal DVT and three out of four with superficial thrombophlebitis. The specificity of SimpliRed D-dimer in the diagnosis of DVT was 61%. The sensitivity of the SimpliRed D-dimer assay was at least comparable with the ELISA (87%) and superior to the latex assay (80%). The positive predictive value (77%), the negative predictive value (88%) and the overall accuracy (80%) of the SimpliRed assay were better than the ELISA and latex methods. It is concluded that SimpliRed D-dimer is a rapid useful assay for screening of patients suspected of having deep vein thrombosis.

Single-photon emission computed tomography quantitation of gallium citrate uptake for the differentiation of lymphoma from benign hilar uptake

PURPOSE

To assess the role of quantitative gallium citrate (Ga 67) single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in differentiating lymphoma from benign hilar uptake, concentrations of Ga 67 in 29 sites of documented lymphoma and in 75 benign lesions were compared.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred seven thoracic Ga 67 SPECT studies obtained in 101 consecutive lymphoma patients were reviewed. Fifty-nine studies detected Ga 67 uptake in the hilar and or mediastinal regions. Forty-eight studies showed no such abnormality. The concentration of Ga 67 in the thoracic lesions was measured using a quantitative SPECT technique and its nature was determined by correlation with computed tomographic (CT) scans and follow-up evaluation of the sites.

RESULTS

In 20 of 59 abnormal studies (34%), there was lymphoma in the hilar and or mediastinal regions. In the remaining 39 abnormal studies (66%), Ga 67 uptake was benign. There were 29 sites of lymphoma and 75 benign lesions. The concentration of Ga 67 in lymphoma was significantly higher than in benign hilar uptake (13.2 +/- 5.4 %ID/mL x 10(-3) v 5.6 +/- 1.5 % injected dose (ID)/mL x 10(-3); P < .001). A concentration value of 8.3 %ID/mL x 10(-3) was found to best separate lymphoma and benign uptake, with a sensitivity of 90%, a specificity of 93%, a positive predictive value of 84%, and a negative predictive value of 96%.

CONCLUSION

Lymphoma and benign hilar uptake differ significantly in their concentration of Ga 67. The present study shows that quantitative Ga-67 SPECT reliably differentiates lymphoma and benign uptake.

Gallium-67 scintigraphy in lymphoma with bone involvement

Both Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) may involve bone. Traditionally, 99mTc-MDP bone scintigraphy has been used to detect such involvement. In recent years, 67Ga scintigraphy has shown to be useful in monitoring treatment response in lymphoma. Although 99mTc-MDP has not been found particularly useful for monitoring bone response to cancer treatment, we were interested in whether 67Ga scintigraphy and SPECT could be used to monitor bone involvement with lymphoma.

METHODS

Gallium-67 and 99mTc-MDP uptake were investigated in 20 patients with lymphoma involving the bone before treatment. Gallium-67 scans were done in 16 patients for monitoring response to treatment in the bone lesions.

RESULTS

Gallium-67 studies diagnosed bone lesions in 19 of the 20 patients. Technetium-99m-MDP detected bone lesions in all patients investigated. In four patients, uptake by Ga-67 was more intense than 99mTc-MDP and in another four patients 99mTc-MDP uptake was more evident. Gallium-67, however, was useful in detecting other regions of involvement in 18 of the 19 patients with soft-tissue lymphoma lesions. Gallium-67 scintigraphy also correctly monitored bone response to treatment in all but one of the 16 patients who had 67Ga scintigraphy after completing therapy.

CONCLUSION

Gallium-67 uptake by lymphoma involving the bone can be used to monitor osseous response to treatment.

Doppler ultrasound in the diagnosis of venous thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) has known morbidity and mortality. New noninvasive techniques such as B-mode scanning and Doppler ultrasonography (duplex) are highly accurate in the diagnosis of this problem but are relatively expensive and time consuming. Continuous-wave Doppler, a precursor noninvasive technique, is simple, cheap, and easy to perform at the patient's bedside. To test the effectiveness of this technique the authors prospectively studied patients with clinical suspicion of DVT by Doppler ultrasound and compared the results with those from venography. During fourteen consecutive months, patients with a clinical suspicion of DVT underwent continuous-wave Doppler examination of both inferior limbs. Each case was diagnosed as positive, negative, or inconclusive. In addition, the patients underwent a questionnaire regarding risk factors, symptoms, and mean relevant physical findings. Doppler examination was blinded to venography results. A total of 116 patients with clinical suspicion of DVT were examined by Doppler ultrasound. Their mean age was fifty-five years (range: eighteen to eighty-eight). There were 57 men and 59 women, and from this group a total of 40 patients underwent both Doppler ultrasound examination and venography in the course of forty-eight consecutive hours. When cases with an inconclusive result were excluded, Doppler ultrasound showed a sensitivity of 89%, a specificity of 100%, and an accuracy of 94% for the diagnosis of DVT when compared with venography. When a similar analysis was done for the proximal named veins, continuous-wave Doppler examination showed a very high specificity and positive predictive value and a moderate sensitivity and negative predictive value.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Image-directed Doppler ultrasound in the diagnosis of lower-limb venous insufficiency

Ninety-eight legs in 73 patients were evaluated with image-directed Doppler ultrasound for suspected chronic venous insufficiency. Examinations of the entire venous system were performed to determine lumen patency and valvular competence. Reflux during Valsalva maneuver in the femoral and great saphenous vein, and, after release of distal compression in the popliteal vein, indicated valvular incompetence. Twenty limbs had normal veins; Baker's cysts were found in three. Superficial venous insufficiency was found in 25 cases. Deep reflux, either alone or in combination with superficial reflux, was the predominant pathological feature (53 legs). Photoplethysmographic studies of the veins were performed on 24 limbs. Image-directed Doppler ultrasound was more successful in defining the exact site of venous incompetence and in detecting nonvenous pathology. By the combination of real-time imaging of the vein with gated Doppler sonography of flow, image-directed Doppler sonography is becoming the method of choice for the investigation of chronic venous insufficiency.

Gallium-67 uptake in a mass of benign transformation mimicking recurrence of nodular lymphocytic predominance Hodgkin's disease

Gallium-67 is now widely used in the management of lymphoma patients. It is not, however, tumor-specific and reasons for uptake in nonmalignant and premalignant lesions associated with lymphoma should be recognized. Gallium-67 uptake in a mass of progressively transformed germinal centers and sarcoid-like reaction, mimicking recurrence in a 31-yr-old man with nodular lymphocytic predominance Hodgkin's disease, is described. Gallium-67 was taken up on two occasions and a recurrence was suspected. On the first occasion, abnormal uptake was present in axillary lymph nodes and on the second in mediastinal and parahilar lymph nodes. Histology of the lesions on both occasions showed progressively transformed germinal centers and sarcoid-like reaction but no evidence of Hodgkin's disease (HD). Bilateral parahilar abnormal uptake of 67Ga disappeared spontaneously without treatment after several months. The mass on CT regressed but did not disappear. This case demonstrates that the appearance of a new mass which takes up 67Ga in lymphocytic-predominance HD during a continuous clinical remission does not necessarily indicate recurrence and the need for treatment. It suggests that a biopsy should be performed to determine the nature of the lesion.

Closure of the ductus venosus in neonates: findings on real-time gray-scale, color-flow Doppler, and duplex Doppler sonography

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to document the anatomy, flow pattern, and time of closure of the ductus venosus in healthy full-term neonates.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We examined the ductus venosus in 73 neonates by using gray-scale sonography, color flow imaging, and duplex Doppler sonography. Each neonate was examined 1-2 days after birth, 6-7 days after birth, and then every 3-4 days until closure was confirmed or the neonate was 18 days old. The length, width, and color flow and duplex Doppler characteristics of the ductus were noted. Closure of the ductus at 6-7 days after birth was examined with respect to birth weight, hemoglobin level, and gestational age.

RESULTS

The ductus venosus, extending from the left portal vein to the inferior vena cava, was identified with all three techniques. The ductus was patent in all 73 neonates 1-2 days after birth. It was still patent in 41 (68%) of 60 neonates reexamined 6-7 days after birth and in two of three neonates (11% [7/60]) reexamined 17-18 days after birth. Blood flow within the ductus was cephalic, in a constant venous waveform. Initial flow velocity ranged from 0.15 to 0.70 m/sec and decreased consistently in subsequent examinations. There was no significant difference in birth weight, hemoglobin level, or gestational age between the group whose ductus was closed and the group whose ductus was open at 6-7 days after birth.

CONCLUSION

The ductus venosus in neonates is consistently detectable on sonography. It is patent in a greater percentage of neonates, and for a longer time, than was previously shown with conventional radiographic studies with angiography.

Renal extramedullary hematopoiesis simulating hypernephroma

We report a 63-year-old woman who presented with anemia and a left kidney mass. Guided fine-needle aspiration of the mass revealed extramedullary hematopoiesis and enabled avoiding an unnecessary operation. Subsequent bone marrow biopsy demonstrated myelofibrosis. Twenty-four months later the mass remained stable.

The value of ultrasound in Schoenlein-Henoch purpura

We report the results of ultrasound studies on 11 children with Schoenlein-Henoch purpura. In 8 children the ultrasound examination was normal. In two of three patients with macroscopic haematuria, haemorrhagic cystitis, a previously undescribed finding in Schoenlein-Henoch purpura, was found. In one case the gall bladder wall and the wall of several adjacent loops of bowel were markedly thickened. Follow up examinations after clinical recovery demonstrated complete resolution of these abnormalities. Our observations demonstrate that diagnostic ultrasound may have an important role before more expensive and invasive procedures are employed in patients with Schoenlein-Henoch purpura.

Duplex sonography in the diagnosis of portal vein thrombosis

Portal vein thrombosis was readily diagnosed by pulsed duplex Doppler sonography in five patients. The cases represent different stages in the development of the thrombotic event, from partial or complete occlusion by an echogenic intraluminal thrombus to cavernous transformation of the portal vein. The unique ability of duplex scanning to demonstrate abnormal vascular structures and flow pattern is emphasised. This method should be the technique of choice in the diagnosis of portal vein thrombosis.

Late changes in veins after deep venous thrombosis: ultrasonographic findings

In a prospective trial, 43 patients (45 legs) were re-examined by high resolution and continuous-wave Doppler ultrasonography 3-32 months after an acute episode of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). The veins were abnormal in 31 legs (69%). Abnormal veins were either narrowed with a highly echogenic lumen (thought to represent persistent occlusion) or with a relatively sonolucent lumen and thickened walls (thought to represent recanalized veins). Collateral veins were present. Some compression by probe could be achieved in partially occluded veins, but full collapsibility was absent. Continuous-wave Doppler studies were similar to those in acute DVT. In order to be able to diagnose new episodes of DVT in patients who have had DVT in the past, a baseline ultrasound study should be carried out approximately 6-12 months after an acute episode. In the absence of such a baseline study, contrast phlebography should be resorted to.

[Ultrasonographic diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis of the leg]

142 patients with the clinical diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the legs were examined by high resolution ultrasound. The deep and superficial femoral and popliteal veins were examined with 6.5 and 10 MHz transducers. 124 of the patients were also examined with continuous wave Doppler ultrasound and in 46 contrast phlebography was performed. The overall accuracy of ultrasound compared to phlebography was 90%. If only the deep femoral vein was considered, ultrasound and phlebography correlated in 100%. The ultrasonographic characteristics of DVT are increased echogenicity of the involved vein, absence of response to the Valsalva maneuver and non-collapsibility of the thrombosed vein on pressing with the transducer probe. High resolution ultrasonography should be the primary tool for the diagnosis of DVT.

Villous tumors of the stomach

Four cases of gastric villous tumors are presented. The radiologic features of these rare tumors in the stomach are described. Their high propensity for malignancy as compared to villous adenoma of the colon is emphasized. In 2 of 4 of our patients the villous tumors were malignant. The radiologic picture of villous tumors of the stomach is characteristic enough to suggest the diagnosis.

High-resolution real-time ultrasonography in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis

The contribution of high-resolution real-time ultrasonography to the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was evaluated in a prospective study performed on 96 patients. 45 patients were also examined with contrast venography and 79 with continuous wave Doppler ultrasound. The femoral and popliteal veins were examined for compressibility by pressure with the transducer probe, response to deep inspiration and Valsalva's manoeuvre and presence of an intraluminal mass. The contralateral veins were routinely screened for comparison. The diagnostic sensitivity versus phlebography was 87%, and the specificity 100% for the femoral vein. When including the popliteal vein the specificity was 91%. Real-time ultrasonography together with Doppler ultrasound examination is an effective non-invasive approach for the diagnosis of DVT. Phlebography can be avoided if these two examinations are unequivocally positive or negative for DVT.

Thickness of the gallbladder wall in patients with hypoalbuminemia: a sonographic study of patients on peritoneal dialysis

Thickening of the gallbladder wall in patients with ascites has been attributed not to the presence of ascites but to the associated hypoalbuminemia. The contribution of hypoalbuminemia was examined by sonographically measuring the thickness of the gallbladder wall in 12 patients with chronic renal failure who were on peritoneal dialysis. All patients had hypoalbuminemia, with serum albumin levels of 2.2-3.3 g/dl (normal range, 3.5-5.0 g/dl). In all patients, the thickness of the gallbladder wall was within the normal range of less than 3 mm. In the patients studied, hypoalbuminemia was not a cause of thickening of the gallbladder wall even when peritoneal fluid was present.

Simultaneous operation for hydatid cysts of right lung and liver

Hydatid disease is endemic in certain villages in Galilee, Israel. Most patients seen in our thoracic surgical department have only pulmonary cysts, but some of them have concomitant liver cysts. From 1963 until 1982, 10 patients who were referred for lung operations had echinococci removed from the liver through a right thoracotomy. Every patient with a suspected diagnosis of pulmonary hydatidosis had isotope and ultrasound scans of the liver. Liver cysts found adjacent to the right hemidiaphragm were removed at thoracotomy. Patients having liver cysts remote from the diaphragm were referred for laparotomy. There were no postoperative complications or deaths in this series. We advocate routine search for liver cysts in any surgical candidate with lung hydatids. Accessible liver cysts should be excised at the same thoracotomy. We did not find any mention of this approach in the literature available to us.