Medico-Legal Cases in Breast Imaging in Canada: A Trend Analysis

Purpose: Breast imaging accounts for a large proportion of medico-legal cases involving radiologists in several countries and may be a disincentive to breast imaging. As this has not been well studied in Canada, we evaluated the key medico-legal issues of breast imaging in Canada and their implications for health care providers and patient safety. Methods: In collaboration with Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA), we obtained information from the medico-legal repository, including civil-legal, medical regulatory authority (College) and hospital complaints occurring between 2002-2021. Canadian Classification of Health Interventions (CCI) codes were used for breast imaging and biopsy. Trend analysis was done comparing cases involving breast imaging/biopsy to all cases where a radiologist was named. Results: Radiologists were named in 3108 medico-legal cases, 188 (6%, 188/3108) of which were CCI coded for breast imaging or biopsy. Factors related to radiologists were most frequent (64%, 120/188), followed by team (23.4%, 44/188) and system (6.9%, 13/188). Equal representation of male and female radiologists was found (IRR = 1.22; 95% CI: .89, 1.56). In a 10-year test window from 2006 - 2015 we identified an increasing trend for all cases involving radiologists (P = 0,0128) but a decreasing trend for cases coded with breast imaging or biopsy (P = 0,0099). Conclusions: A significant decrease in cases involving breast imaging were found from 2006-2015, accounting for 6% of the medico-legal cases. The lower risk of breast imaging medico-legal issues may encourage more radiologists in breast imaging.

Gender Differences in Academic Rank, Leadership, and Awards Among NIH Grant Recipients in Diagnostic Radiology

Objective: Females have been traditionally underrepresented in academia across multiple medical specialties, including radiology. The present study investigated primary investigators (PIs) who received National Institutes of Health (NIH) radiology funding between 2016 and 2019 to establish if there was a correlation between NIH grants, gender, academic rank, first and second tier leadership positions, geographic location, and professional awards. Materials and Methods: Funding information was obtained from the NIH Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools Expenditure and Results (RePORTER) website for 2016-2019. Information for each PI was obtained from academic institutional websites, LinkedIn, and Doximity. Mann-Whitney U tests and chi-square analyses were performed to compare and determine associations between gender and the stated variables of interest. Results: Of the 805 radiology PIs included in this study, 78% were male. There was a significant association of gender with the attainment of the highest academic rank (p = 0.026), with females occupied more of the assistant professor ranks (M:F = 1:1.5) and less of the professor ranks (F:M = 1:1.2). Between genders, there was no significant difference in first and second tier leadership positions (p = 0.497, p = 0.116), and postgraduate honors and awards (p = 0.149). The greatest proportion of grants was awarded in the setting of sole male PIs (55%) and the least proportion of grants were awarded when the contact PI and other project leader were female (1%). Conclusion: Despite having similar academic credentials, including number of leadership positions and postgraduate honors and awards, female radiology PIs who have received NIH grants continue to be underrepresented in higher academic ranks.

Pancreatic Cystic Lesions: Review of the Current State of Diagnosis and Surveillance

Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) are both common and often incidental. These encompass a range of pathologies with varying degrees of concern for malignancy. Although establishing a diagnosis is helpful for determining malignant potential, many PCLs are either too small to characterize or demonstrate nonspecific morphologic features. The most salient modalities involved in diagnosis and surveillance are magnetic resonance imaging, multidetector computerized tomography, and endoscopic ultrasound. Fine needle aspiration has a role in conjunction with molecular markers as a diagnostic tool, particularly for identifying malignant lesions. Although several major consensus guidelines exist internationally, there remains uncertainty in establishing the strength of the association between all PCLs and pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and in showing a benefit from extended periods of imaging surveillance. No consensus exists between the major guidelines, particularly regarding surveillance duration, frequency, or endpoints. This review paper discusses PCL subtypes, diagnosis, and compares the major consensus guidelines with considerations for local adaptability along with questions regarding current and future priorities for research.

Effect of COVID-19 on computed tomography usage and critical test results in the emergency department: an observational study

BACKGROUND

The effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on new or unexpected radiologic findings in the emergency department (ED) is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of computed tomography (CT) critical test results in the ED.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective observational study of ED CT usage at 4 Ontario hospitals (1 urban academic, 1 northern academic, 1 urban community and 1 rural community) over 1 month during the COVID-19 pandemic (April 2020) and over the same month 1 year earlier (April 2019; before the pandemic). The CT findings from 1 of the 4 hospitals, Hamilton Health Sciences, were reviewed to determine the number of critical test results by body region. Total CT numbers were compared using Poisson regression and CT yields were compared using the χ² test.

RESULTS

The median number of ED CT examinations per day was markedly lower during the COVID-19 pandemic than before the pandemic (82 v. 133, p < 0.01), with variation across hospitals (p = 0.001). On review of 1717 CT reports from Hamilton Health Sciences, fewer critical test results were demonstrated on CT pulmonary angiograms (43 v. 88, p < 0.001) and CT examinations of the head (82 v. 112, p < 0.03) during the pandemic than before the pandemic; however, the yield of these examinations did not change. Although the absolute number of all CT examinations with critical test results decreased, the number of CT examinations without critical results decreased more, resulting in a higher yield of CT for critical test results during the pandemic (46% [322/696] v. 37% [379/1021], p < 0.01).

INTERPRETATION

Emergency department CT volumes markedly decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, predominantly because there were fewer examinations with new or unexpected findings. This suggests that COVID-19 public information campaigns influenced the behaviours of patients presenting to the ED.

Factors Affecting Response Rates in Medical Imaging Survey Studies

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE

To review response rates published in medical imaging journals, and to analyze potential factors which contributed to a low response rate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search was performed in MEDLINE and Embase to identify and assess published medical imaging survey studies. Variables assessed were response rate, incentives such as reminders and remuneration, and rationales provided for a potential low response rate. Statistical significance was calculated using unpaired t tests, ANOVA, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests.

RESULTS

Three hundred and fifty-six unique surveys were included for analysis. The mean survey response rate in the current age of predominately electronic surveys was 45%. Factors which statistically significantly demonstrated a difference in response rate were survey location (European countries: 52%, Canada: 47%, United States: 42%; p < 0.05), survey topic (musculoskeletal: 69%, nuclear medicine: 64%, and education: 47%; p < 0.05), survey delivery method (telephone: 76%, email: 41%; p < 0.0001), and survey question type (short answer: 62%, multiple choice: 43%; p < 0.01). Statistically significant linear correlations were observed between the response rate compared to the number of reminders sent (r = 0.27; p < 0.01) and the number of participants (r = -0.26; p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The survey response rate serves as a surrogate marker for nonresponse bias. Survey response controlled for intrinsic nonadjustable characteristics offer achievable research goals. Adjustable factors to low response, including survey delivery method, question type, and number of reminders demonstrated statistical difference in response rate, and can be utilized by researchers to prospectively minimize nonresponse bias.

Accuracy of Preoperative MDCT in Patients With Penetrating Abdominal and Pelvic Trauma

Purpose:

This study aims to evaluate the overall diagnostic accuracy of preoperative multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in penetrating abdominal and pelvic injuries (PAPI).

Method and Materials:

We used our hospitals’ trauma registry to retrospectively identify patients with PAPI from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2016. Only patients who had a 64-MDCT scan at presentation and subsequently underwent laparotomy or laparoscopy were included in our study cohort. Each finding noted on MDCT was rated using a 5-point scale to indicate certainty of injury, with a score of 0 being definitive. Using surgical findings as the gold standard, the accuracy of radiology reports was analyzed in 2 ways. A κ statistic was calculated to evaluate each pair of values for absolute agreement, and ratings for all organ systems were analyzed using a repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) to determine whether radiology and surgical findings were similar enough to be clinically meaningful. Qualitative review of the radiology and surgical reports focused on the gastrointestinal (GI) tract was conducted.

Results:

Our cohort consisted of 38 males and 4 females with a median age of 29 years and a median injury severity score of 15.6. For this study, 12 different organ groups were categorized and analyzed. Of those organ groups, absolute agreement between MDCT and surgical findings was found only for liver and spleen (κ values ranging from 0.2 to 0.5). Additionally, the ANOVA revealed an interaction between finding type and organ system ( F 1, 33 = 7.4, P < .001). The most clinically significant discrepancies between MDCT and surgical findings were for gallbladder, bowel, mesenteric, and diaphragmatic injuries. Qualitative review of the GI tract revealed that radiologists can detect significant findings such as presence of injury, however, localization and extent of injury pose a challenge.

Conclusion:

The detection of clinically significant injuries to solid organs in trauma patients with PAPI on 64-MDCT is adequate. However, detection of injury to the remaining organ groups on MDCT, especially bowel, mesentery, and diaphragm, remains a challenge.

A 2019 international survey to assess trends in follow-up imaging of blunt splenic trauma

PURPOSE

There are no published guidelines on the follow-up imaging of non-operatively managed blunt splenic trauma (BST). We conducted an international survey of emergency radiologists to determine the ideal patient population, time period, and technique for follow-up imaging of BST.

METHODS

An anonymous 10-question online survey was distributed via email to 34 emergency radiologists around the world. The survey was open for a 2-week period in 2019. A commercially available website (SurveyMonkey®) was used for survey generation and data acquisition.

RESULTS

We received 29 responses (85% response rate) primarily from USA, Canada, and Europe. Majority of the institutions handled > 1000 trauma cases (69%). The initial protocol consisted of arterial and portal venous phases (PVP) in 72% of responses. Sixty-two percent of the institutions did not have a routine protocol for follow-up imaging of BST. There was no consensus on which patients received follow-up imaging. The most frequent responses had been case-per-case basis or injuries above a set AAST grade (42% and 37%, respectively). There was no set time period for follow-up imaging, but MDCT was most often performed at 24-48 h. Dual-phase protocol was utilized most commonly (69%). Majority of the institutions (88%) utilized angioembolization for hemodynamically stable patients with contained vascular injury or active extravasation.

CONCLUSION

There is no consensus on the optimal patient population or time period for follow-up imaging of BST. A dual-phase follow-up MDCT protocol is utilized for follow-up by majority of institutions.

Validation of Region of Interest Measurements for the Objective Assessment of Post-Contrast Enhancement of Renal Lesions on MRI

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to validate the use of region of interest (ROI) measurements in MRI to objectively assess for enhancement in suspected solid renal masses and to determine a minimum threshold value for true enhancement.

METHODS

Contrast-enhanced renal MRI studies performed between January 2015 and December 2017 for patients with a known renal mass who had subsequent biopsy, or partial/radical nephrectomy were included. Two body imaging fellows independently measured the mean ROI values of renal masses, normal renal parenchyma, the ipsilateral psoas muscle and external air on the pre- and post-contrast sequences. The absolute and percentage changes in the mean ROI values were calculated. The readers were blinded to the pathology results.

RESULTS

104 patients were included in this study (mean age of 65 years; 58 males and 46 females). 74 patients (71%) had a diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Pathology showed clear-cell RCC in 55%, papillary RCC in 22%, and other RCC subtypes in 23%. There were 30 non-RCC renal lesions (29%), including oncocytoma, renal papillary adenoma, and renal metastasis.The minimum percentage change in ROI values in the pre- versus post-contrast images for all pathology-proven RCCs was 23% (range: 23-437%, mean: 143%); this represents relative enhancement and was referred to as the Signal Intensity Index (SII). The percentage change for normal renal parenchyma ranged from 32-317%. The maximum percentage change in ROI values for pathology proven renal cysts was 13% (range: -5-13%, mean: 3.5%). There was excellent inter observer agreement between the two readers [Intra-class correlation coefficient (r) 0.81].

CONCLUSION

The percentage change in ROI values (SII) can be a helpful tool in the objective assessment of true enhancement of renal masses and can supplement subtraction images. The minimum threshold for enhancement in our study was 23%.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

Enhancement of a renal lesion can be determined using the objective tool of ROI measurements in the pre- and post-contrast MR images with a percentage change of 20% or above indicating enhancement. This is an additional objective tool, which in conjunction with the subtraction images may improve detection and appropriate diagnosis of renal lesions. It could also be helpful in cases where the subtraction images are degraded by motion artefact.

Relative diagnostic utility of radiologist-recommended abdominal ultrasound following emergency department abdominal and pelvic computed tomography

PURPOSE

To retrospectively assess the relative diagnostic utility of radiologist-recommended ultrasound (US) following emergency department (ED) abdominal and pelvic computed tomography (CT) in patients with non-traumatic abdominal and/or pelvic pain.

METHODS

Blinded to clinical outcomes, two radiology residents and an attending radiologist reviewed radiology reports and relevant medical records for all adult patients from EDs at two academic medical centers from one institution over a 3-year time period, who underwent abdominal/pelvic US within 72 h of an initial IV contrast-enhanced abdominal and pelvic CT for non-traumatic abdominal and/or pelvic pain. Incremental diagnostic utility of subsequent US was deemed present when (1) US findings were discordant with those at CT, or (2) findings were concordant, but US yielded additional relevant diagnostic information. Diagnostic utility was stratified by whether examinations were radiologist-recommended or independently ordered by treating physicians.

RESULTS

319 encounters satisfied the inclusion criteria, including 194 female patients (18-98 years of age, mean of 59.8 years) and 125 male patients (20-90 years of age, mean of 63.2 years). 7 (2.2%) subsequent US examinations were discordant with the initial CT, 100 (31.3%) were concordant but provided relevant additional information, and 212 (66.5%) were concordant without providing additional information, for an overall diagnostic utility of 33.5%. Of subsequent radiologist-recommended US examinations, 70.0% (63/90) yielded incremental diagnostic utility vs. 19.2% (44/229) ordered independently by treating physicians (OR 3.65; 95% CI 2.31-5.75). For those encounters in which US provided incremental diagnostic utility, the most commonly assessed anatomical areas were the biliary system and the female adnexal region.

CONCLUSION

In ED patients with non-traumatic abdominal and/or pelvic pain undergoing abdominal and pelvic CT, follow-up US examinations recommended by radiologists are more likely to provide incremental diagnostic utility than those independently ordered by their treating physicians. In order to optimize the value of advanced imaging, radiologists should assume greater roles in team-based utilization management.

Barriers to Resident Research in Radiology: A Canadian Perspective

PURPOSE

The study sought to identify and characterise barriers to research for Canadian diagnostic radiology residents and suggest potential solutions to enhance future research success.

METHODS

Institutional research board approval was obtained. Electronic surveys were solicited from all postgraduate year 2-5 diagnostic radiology residents at all 16 programs across Canada. The survey focused on key factors inhibiting research during training.

RESULTS

Of all 400 Canadian diagnostic radiology residents, 88 (22%) responded. Of respondents, 86% reported research experience before residency, with 19% holding a nonphysician graduate degree. All indicated that research was a requirement for completion of their residency. The most important reported factors limiting resident research were time constraints (67%), personal disinterest (32%), and inadequate mentorship (32%). Although 44% reported dedicated residency program research training, 40% reported no such opportunities. Among the various time constraints, respondents cited studying demands (61%), on-call demands (52%), and daily clinical duties (38%) as strong or significant barriers to research. Most (63%) indicated their program provided at least some protected research time, but 21% were not aware of such protected time availability. When available, protected research time was modest, and ranged from 0.5 days/month to 3 months, with the majority of respondents citing 1 month of protected research time.

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnostic radiology residents in Canada report numerous barriers to research. Programs seeking to enhance radiology research should focus on providing appropriate training, protected time, and mentorship.

Volumetric analysis of pelvic hematomas after blunt trauma using semi-automated seeded region growing segmentation: a method validation study

OBJECTIVE

Manually segmented traumatic pelvic hematoma volumes are strongly predictive of active bleeding at conventional angiography, but the method is time intensive, limiting its clinical applicability. We compared volumetric analysis using semi-automated region growing segmentation to manual segmentation and diameter-based size estimates in patients with pelvic hematomas after blunt pelvic trauma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 14-patient cohort was selected in an anonymous randomized fashion from a dataset of patients with pelvic binders at MDCT, collected retrospectively as part of a HIPAA-compliant IRB-approved study from January 2008 to December 2013. To evaluate intermethod differences, one reader (R1) performed three volume measurements using the manual technique and three volume measurements using the semi-automated technique. To evaluate interobserver differences for semi-automated segmentation, a second reader (R2) performed three semi-automated measurements. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare differences in mean volumes. Time effort was also compared. Correlation between the two methods as well as two shorthand appraisals (greatest diameter, and the ABC/2 method for estimating ellipsoid volumes) was assessed with Spearman's rho (r).

RESULTS

Intraobserver variability was lower for semi-automated compared to manual segmentation, with standard deviations ranging between ±5-32 mL and ±17-84 mL, respectively (p = 0.0003). There was no significant difference in mean volumes between the two readers' semi-automated measurements (p = 0.83); however, means were lower for the semi-automated compared with the manual technique (manual: mean and SD 309.6 ± 139 mL; R1 semi-auto: 229.6 ± 88.2 mL, p = 0.004; R2 semi-auto: 243.79 ± 99.7 mL, p = 0.021). Despite differences in means, the correlation between the two methods was very strong and highly significant (r = 0.91, p < 0.001). Correlations with diameter-based methods were only moderate and nonsignificant. Mean semi-automated segmentation time effort was 2 min and 6 s and 2 min and 35 s for R1 and R2, respectively, vs. 22 min and 8 s for manual segmentation.

CONCLUSION

Semi-automated pelvic hematoma volumes correlate strongly with manually segmented volumes. Since semi-automated segmentation can be performed reliably and efficiently, volumetric analysis of traumatic pelvic hematomas is potentially valuable at the point-of-care.

Is there a role for anterior zone sampling as part of saturation trans-rectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy?

Background

The prostatic anterior zone (AZ) is not targeted routinely by TRUS guided prostate biopsy (TRUS-Pbx). MRI is an accurate diagnostic tool for AZ tumors, but is often unavailable due to cost or system restrictions. We examined the diagnostic yield of office based AZ TRUS-Pbx.

Methods

127 men at risk for AZ tumors were studied: Patients with elevated PSA and previous extended negative TRUS-Pbx (group 1, n = 78) and actively surveyed low risk prostate cancer patients (group 2, n = 49). None of the participants had a previous AZ biopsy. Biopsy template included suspicious ultrasonic areas, 16 peripheral zone (PZ), 4 transitional zone (TZ) and 6 AZ cores. All biopsies were performed by a single urologist under local peri-prostatic anaesthetic, using the B-K Medical US System, an end-firing probe 4-12 MHZ and 18 ga/25 cm needle. All samples were reviewed by a single specialized uro-pathologist. Multivariate analysis was used to detect predictors for AZ tumors accounting for age, PSA, PSA density, prostate volume, BMI, and number of previous biopsies.

Results

Median PSA was 10.4 (group 1) and 7.3 (group 2). Age (63.9, 64.5), number of previous biopsies (1.5) and cores (17.8, 21.3) and prostate volume (56.4 cc, 51 cc) were similar for both groups. The overall diagnostic yield was 34.6% (group 1) and 85.7% (group 2). AZ cancers were detected in 21.8% (group 1) and 34.7% (group 2) but were rarely the only zone involved (1.3% and 4.1% respectively). Gleason ≥ 7 AZ cancers were often accompanied by equal grade PZ tumors. In multivariate analysis only prostate volume predicted for AZ tumors. Patients detected with AZ tumors had significantly smaller prostates (36.9 cc vs. 61.1 cc p < 0.001). Suspicious AZ ultrasonic findings were uncommon (6.3%).

Conclusions

TRUS-Pbx AZ sampling rarely improves the diagnostic yield of extended PZ sampling in patients with elevated PSA and previous negative biopsies. In low risk prostate cancer patients who are followed by active surveillance, AZ sampling changes risk stratification in 6% but larger studies are needed to define the role of AZ sampling in this population and its correlation with prostatectomy final pathological specimens.

Obesometric factors associated with increased skin-to-stone distances in renal stone patients

INTRODUCTION

Obese patients are at increased risk for renal stones as well as treatment failures due to increased skin-to-stone distances (SSD) and harder stone compositions. We investigated the relationships between obesometric parameters (body mass index [BMI], body fat distribution and obesity-related hormone levels) with SSD and stone hardness.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prospectively enrolled patients undergoing stone interventions at our institution. Computed tomography (CT) scans were analyzed; adipose tissue was identified according to Hounsfield units (HU) and separated into subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral (VAT) components. The pixels were averaged at three levels to calculate fat distribution: %VAT = (VAT)/(VAT + SAT). SSD was measured and HU were used as a surrogate for stone hardness. Obesity-related hormones leptin and adiponectin were measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine patients were prospectively enrolled. Mean BMI and %VAT were 30.02 kg/m2 and 40.13 kg/m2. Mean leptin and adiponectin levels were 17.5 ng/mL and 7.67 mcg/mL indicating high risk for metabolic consequences of obesity. Females had greater proportions of subcutaneous fat than males (%VAT 28.4 versus 46.94, p < 0.001) and greater SSD (11.26 cm versus 9.86 cm, p = 0.025). Among obese patients, subcutaneous fat correlated with SSD independently of BMI (r = 0.454, p = 0.008). Obese patients with %VAT > 40 versus < 40 had SSD of 11.35 cm versus 13.7 cm (p = 0.005). Diabetics had harder stone compositions as measured by HU than non-diabetics (982.86 versus 648.86, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Obesometric parameters such as BMI, body fat distribution, and the presence of diabetes mellitus are important considerations in the management of renal stone disease. A large proportion of subcutaneous fat, which can be estimated by physical examination, predicts SSD among obese patients and may aid treatment decisions in patients, particularly those without pre-treatment CT scans. Further studies are needed to refine the role of obesometrics in personalizing treatment decisions.

The clinical importance of visceral adiposity: a critical review of methods for visceral adipose tissue analysis

As a result of the rising epidemic of obesity, understanding body fat distribution and its clinical implications is critical to timely treatment. Visceral adipose tissue is a hormonally active component of total body fat, which possesses unique biochemical characteristics that influence several normal and pathological processes in the human body. Abnormally high deposition of visceral adipose tissue is known as visceral obesity. This body composition phenotype is associated with medical disorders such as metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease and several malignancies including prostate, breast and colorectal cancers. Quantitative assessment of visceral obesity is important for evaluating the potential risk of development of these pathologies, as well as providing an accurate prognosis. This review aims to compare different methods of measuring visceral adiposity with emphasis on their advantages and drawbacks in clinical practice.

Pelvic Pseudolesions After Inguinal Hernioplasty Using Prosthetic Mesh

PURPOSE OF STUDY

To investigate frequency and morphology of focal pelvic lesions (FPLs) in patients after open inguinal hernioplasty with a prosthetic mesh.

MATERIALS, METHODS AND PROCEDURES

Patients who had open prosthetic inguinal hernioplasties between 1999 and 2004 and subsequent pelvic computed tomography were identified. Computed tomography of each patient was evaluated by 2 observers. The presence of an FPL at the internal inguinal ring (IIR) and its shape, size, and attenuation were recorded. The findings were compared with the type of surgical mesh used for the repair.

RESULTS

There were 93 patients, 86 men, with a mean age of 62.4 years (range, 14-89 years) who underwent 96 hernioplasties, with plug or flat mesh used in 71 and 25 cases, respectively. There were 96 computed tomographies obtained between 1 and 46 months (mean, 15.4 months) after surgery. Focal pelvic lesions were identified in 69 (72%) of 96 cases. Focal pelvic lesions were found in 63 (89%) of 71 cases repaired with a plug, but in only 6 (24%) of 25 cases repaired with a flat mesh (P < 0.0001). One hundred percent of FPLs corresponded to the surgical site and were located deep to the IIR. Focal pelvic lesions were ovoid or round in 65 (94%) and 4 (6%) cases, respectively; all were well defined. Focal pelvic lesions had a mean diameter of 2.4 cm (range, 1.3-3.9 cm) and mean attenuation value of 17 Hounsfield units (range, -4 to 64 Hounsfield units).

CONCLUSIONS

A low attenuation, ovoid, or round FPL located at the IIR is a common postoperative finding in patients after open inguinal hernioplasty performed with a plug mesh.

Focal chronic pancreatitis mimicking pancreatic head carcinoma: are there suggestive features on ultrasound?

OBJECTIVE

Painless jaundice is one of the most common presentations of pancreatic head cancer. Chronic pancreatitis can also occasionally present with a mass or mass-like process in the pancreatic head, with the subsequent development of jaundice. In this retrospective review, we evaluate the clinical and imaging features of 22 patients presenting with painless jaundice, initially thought to have pancreatic head cancer and ultimately proven to have chronic focal pancreatitis, to determine whether there are any features on cross-sectional imaging to suggest the correct diagnosis.

METHODS

Patients (n = 22) were identified from the medical and imaging records of more than 400 patients with an original diagnosis of pancreatic cancer who were seen at our institution from 1995 to 2003. Of the patients, 17 were men and 5 were women (age range 25 to 82 years, mean age 54 years).

RESULTS

Initial ultrasound showed a large, hypoechoic, well-defined mass in the pancreatic head, varying in size from 3 to 7.5 cm; 14 of 22 masses were > 5 cm in maximal diameter. Diagnosis of focal pancreatitis was proven by surgical pathology in 14 cases and suggested by percutaneous biopsy in 3 cases; for all patients, prolonged imaging follow-up (at least 1 year) showed no disease progression or evidence of malignancy. The mean follow-up in our study group was 31 months (range 12 to 72 months).

CONCLUSION

Male sex, large size of the pancreatic head mass (mean diameter 5.5 cm), and lack of atrophy of the pancreatic body and tail were the only features associated with chronic inflammation rather than neoplasm as an explanation for a pancreatic head mass. Chronic pancreatitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of focal pancreatic masses, even in the absence of supporting clinical evidence.

Type II Endoleak after Endoaortic Graft Implantation: Diagnosis with Helical CT Arteriography

PURPOSE

To retrospectively assess endoleak shapes and locations within aneurysms to differentiate type II from type I and type III endoleaks.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The institutional review board granted an exemption for this HIPAA-compliant study; patient informed consent was not required. A retrospective review of arterial phase helical computed tomographic (CT) studies and medical records was performed for 39 patients (29 men, 10 women; age range, 60-89 years; mean, 78.5 years) who had an endoleak after endoaortic graft implantation for treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm and who subsequently underwent angiography (n = 25), surgery (n = 8), or long-term follow-up (n = 6) to classify their endoleak into a specific type. At CT, endoleak shape (tubular or nontubular) and location (central or peripheral) were recorded. An endoleak was classified as type II if it contained a peripheral tubular component (PTC) near the aortic wall, with or without an identifiable feeding vessel. Endoleaks without these features were classified as type I or III. The Fisher exact test was used to assess associations between CT findings and endoleak type.

RESULTS

There were 22 type II and 17 type I or III endoleaks. CT enabled correct identification of 22 (100%) of 22 type II endoleaks, all of which contained a PTC. Of 17 type I or III endoleaks, only two (12%) contained a PTC and were misclassified as type II endoleaks; the remaining 15 (88%) were correctly classified. Overall, CT enabled correct identification of endoleaks as type II or type I or III in 37 (95%) of 39 patients. PTCs were significantly more common (P < .001) in type II than in type I or III endoleaks, with a sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of 100%, 88.2%, 94.9%, 100%, and 91.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

A PTC is a statistically significant predictor of type II endoleak in most patients.

Adenocarcinoma involving the uterine cervix: magnetic resonance imaging findings in tumours of endometrial, compared with cervical, origin

PURPOSE

To determine the distinctive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of cervical and endometrial adenocarcinoma that present clinically as a cervical mass.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From 1999 to 2002, 56 patients with adenocarcinoma on the initial biopsy of a cervical mass underwent MRI at our institution. Of these, 42 had a visible mass on MRI. Pathology review of all available tissue was the reference standard. A site of origin was determined by the pathologist in 38 of the 42 patients, and these were the cases evaluated; of these patients, 32 cases had adenocarcinoma and 6 had adenosquamous cancers.

RESULTS

Findings were significantly more prevalent in patients with adenocarcinomas of endometrial, compared with cervical, origin for endometrial thickening (11 [73%] and 3 [13%], respectively; P = 0.0003), endometrial mass (11 [73%] and 1 [4%], respectively; P < 0.0001), endometrial cavity expansion by a mass (9 [60%] and 2 [9%], respectively; P = 0.001), and invasion of myometrium from endometrium (9 [60%] and 0, respectively; P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Adenocarcinomas of the endometrium that involve the cervix have MRI features that help distinguish them from primary adenocarcinomas of the cervix.

The response to sex steroid hormones and vitamin D of cultured osteoblasts derived from ovariectomized mice with and without 17beta-estradiol pretreatment

This study investigated whether 17beta-estradiol (E2) may have different effects on osteoblasts derived from estrogen-deficient ovariectomized (OVX) mice compared to sham-operated normal animals. We studied the specific effects of 17beta-estradiol on the differentiation and function of cultured osteoblasts derived from these groups of animals, with or without estrogen replacement treatment. One-month-old mice were ovariectomized or sham-operated, and treated (every second day) for 4 weeks with 0.5 mg/kg 17beta-estradiol or with vehicle alone. At the end of the experiment, bones were removed for primary osteoblast cultures or for morphological and chemical evaluation. In cells from untreated OVX animals, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) specific activity was reduced, while collagen production and mineralization were unchanged when compared to cells from controls. In vivo estrogen pretreatment of the OVX mice elevated ALP activity and mineralization of the cells, while collagen production was reduced. The addition of 17beta-estradiol to the culture medium increased ALP activity, collagen production, and mineralization by all cultured osteoblasts, except in those derived from sham-operated, estrogen-pretreated mice, where these features remained unchanged. Osteocalcin production was unchanged. Addition of testosterone or 1,25(OH)2D3 to the culture medium induced changes that differed among the groups depending on the source of the cultured cells. It seems that ovariectomy in mice prior to culture affected the phenotype of the cultured osteoblasts and their response to estradiol, testosterone, and 1,25(OH)2D3, depending on whether animals were pretreated with estradiol or not. These results imply that the animal's estrogen status prior to culture can influence the response to estrogens; this finding may have important implications for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in postmenopausal women.

Orthopedic considerations in Gaucher disease since the advent of enzyme replacement therapy

Gaucher disease, the most prevalent lysosomal storage disorder, is characterized by hepatosplenomegaly, hypersplenism, and rarely, neurological involvement. The most variable symptoms relate to skeletal disease, and both onset and progression are difficult to predict on the basis of genotype. This review describes findings from a large referral clinic (> 500 patients) and from the literature in the decade since the advent of specific enzyme replacement therapy. Such therapy is effective in reducing visceral and hematological involvement, but its greatest advantage as regards the skeleton is prevention of irreversible damage. Avascular necrosis of the joints-particularly the hips but also the knees and shoulders-and pathological fractures of the long bones including the ribs, as well as episodic "crises' of bone pain in children and young adults, are common manifestations. Various imaging modalities should be performed at baseline for life-long monitoring, and then as required because of specific complaints. Surgical interventions such as joint arthroplasties are important adjuvant treatments in this population; presurgical hematological profiling plus antibiotic cover and postoperative pain control are equally critical. Opportunities for orthopedic consultations with senior surgeons are not abused by our patients. These reflect disease-related morbidity, with greater numbers of requests being made by patients requiring enzyme therapy, who by definition have more severe disease characteristics.

Sonographic diagnosis of primary malignant tumors of the fallopian tube

The purpose of this study is to illustrate the sonographic features of primary malignant tumors of the fallopian tube and to heighten awareness of their existence. This is a retrospective review of the imaging and clinical files of 7 patients with a primary malignant tumor of the fallopian tube found in the medical records of 4500 patients with primary gynecologic malignancies seen during the last 6 years at the authors' institution. All patients had transvaginal sonography before surgery. Images were reviewed to determine common features of this rarely encountered pathology. Transvaginal sonography showed normal ovaries in 5 patients in association with a discrete solid adnexal mass in 4. The fallopian tube origin of the mass was shown directly in 2 of these 4 patients and was inferred in the other 2 on the basis of a mass in the expected location of the fallopian tube. In the 3 patients without a discrete adnexal mass, there were more extensive changes, including large, solid adnexal masses of unknown origin (n = 2) and gross peritoneal carcinomatosis (n = 1). Fallopian tube malignancies should be considered when unexplained solid masses corresponding with the expected location of the fallopian tubes are seen in association with normal ovaries. Disease dissemination may show carcinomatosis or more extensive pelvic disease.

Spectrum of Imaging Findings in Abdominal Extraosseous Myeloma

OBJECTIVE

Extraosseous multiple myeloma is rare (< 5%) and has not been systematically documented in the abdomen. Our aim is to catalogue and describe the manifestations of multiple myeloma affecting abdominal organs.

CONCLUSION

Extraosseous myeloma may involve multiple abdominal organs and may mimic other malignancies. Clinicians and radiologists should be aware of the potential for myeloma to involve extraosseous sites to avoid unnecessary interventions when this occurs.

Synchronous development of breast cancer and chest wall fibrosarcoma after previous mantle radiation for Hodgkin’s disease

Survivors of Hodgkin's disease are at increased risk of developing a second malignant neoplasm, including breast carcinoma and sarcoma. We report the first case of synchronous development of chest wall fibrosarcoma and breast carcinoma after mantle radiotherapy for Hodgkin's disease. Mammographic, sonographic and MR features are demonstrated.

Increased prevalence of cholelithiasis in Gaucher disease: association with splenectomy but not with gilbert syndrome

GOALS

The purpose of this study is to ascertain the incidence of gallstones among adult patients with type 1 Gaucher disease and whether the presence of the UDPGT1 polymorphism (Gilbert syndrome), increases the incidence of gallstones.

BACKGROUND

Cholelithiasis was been observed among patients with type I Gaucher disease with variable frequency. Too, studies have addressed the possibility of an association between Gilbert syndrome and formation of bilirubinate gallstones in hereditary spherocytosis wherein, like Gaucher disease, there is hemolysis of blood cell membranes.

METHODS

Medical records of all adult patients with type 1 disease in a referral clinic were reviewed for evidence of gallstones or cholecystectomy. Blood samples were collected for molecular analysis for Gilbert syndrome.

RESULTS

Of 323 adult patients, 82 patients (25.4%), 54 women (65.9%) and 28 men (34.1%), had evidence of gallbladder disease (P < 0.001 relative to normal white controls). There was a statistically significant increase (P < 0.001) for all groups above the ages of 20 years other than for men aged 40 to 49 years. There was a statistically significant association between splenectomy and both cholelithiasis (P = 0.022) and Gilbert syndrome (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights an increase incidence of cholelithiasis but not Gilbert syndrome among patients with Gaucher disease. Storage of glycolipid per se or an immune reaction to storage, may explain these findings.

Repeat abdominal ultrasound evaluation of 100 patients with type I Gaucher disease treated with enzyme replacement therapy for up to 7 years

With the advent of enzyme replacement therapy for Gaucher disease, there was a need to assess response to treatment repeatedly over relatively short periods of time; hence abdominal ultrasound was used in our referral clinic because it was convenient, safe and inexpensive. In 100 treated patients monitored for 2-7 years, nearly all had reduction in hepatosplenomegaly. The per cent reduction was more dramatic in patients who started treatment when older than 16 years. This effect may be explained by a correlation between per cent reduction and degree of baseline organomegaly. Because children often initiate therapy sufficiently early to preclude developing massive organomegaly, the observed per cent reduction is commensurately less. For all patients treated for more than five years, plateau-ing in response was seen after the first three years of treatment. This study permits us to reconsider less frequent evaluations of organ volumes. Our findings also underscore the efficacy of enzyme replacement, but raise the question of the need for dose reduction as nearly normal organ volumes are achieved.

Detection of endoleaks after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm: value of unenhanced and delayed helical CT acquisitions

PURPOSE

To assess unenhanced and delayed phase computed tomographic (CT) images combined with arterial phase images for detecting endoleaks after endovascular treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CT scans were retrospectively evaluated for the presence of endoleaks after endovascular treatment of AAAs in 33 patients with endoleak (positive group) and 40 patients without evidence of endoleak or aneurysm enlargement (negative group). All patients underwent unenhanced and biphasic contrast material-enhanced CT. The CT scans were reviewed in the following combinations: (a) arterial phase and unenhanced scans (uniphasic/unenhanced set), (b) arterial and delayed phase scans only (biphasic set), and (c) arterial and delayed phase scans with unenhanced scans (complete set). Each set was reviewed by two radiologists blinded to the diagnosis of endoleak. Findings were recorded as positive, negative, or indeterminate for endoleak.

RESULTS

Within the positive group, endoleaks were diagnosed with the uniphasic/unenhanced, biphasic, and complete image sets in 30 (91%), 32 (97%), and 33 (100%) patients, respectively. With the uniphasic/unenhanced set, three (9%) endoleaks (seen only on delayed phase images) were missed. With the biphasic set, one (3%) endoleak was interpreted as indeterminate. Within the negative group, uniphasic/unenhanced, biphasic, and complete image sets were negative for endoleaks in 100%, 80%, and 100% of patients, respectively. With the biphasic set, results were indeterminate in 20% of cases.

CONCLUSION

A delayed CT acquisition enables detection of additional endoleaks, while an unenhanced acquisition helps eliminate indeterminate results. Thus, both acquisitions contribute to accurate diagnosis of endoleaks when combined with an arterial phase acquisition.

MRI and MRS of Coffin-Lowry syndrome: a case report

MRI and MRS were used to examine the brain and the spine of a Coffin-Lowry syndrome (CLS) patient. There were moderately enlarged lateral and third ventricles and subarachnoid space with prominent Virchow-Robin spaces. MRS of basal ganglia and periventricular white matter was normal.

Percutaneous cholecystostomy in the management of acute cholecystitis

BACKGROUND

The mainstay of therapy for acute cholecystitis is cholecystectomy, which has a mortality of 14-30% in high risk patients. An alternative approach in patients suffering from acute cholecystitis with contraindications to emergency surgery is percutaneous cholecystostomy.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous cholecystostomy as the initial treatment of acute cholecystitis in high risk patients.

METHODS

Eighty consecutive patients (42 men, 38 women) underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous cholecystostomy over a 5 year period. Sixty-five patients suffered from acute calculous cholecystitis, 4 patients had acalculous cholecystitis, and 11 patients had sepsis of unknown origin.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight patients improved after the percutaneous gallbladder drainage, 10 patients died from co-morbid disease and 2 patients died from biliary peritonitis. During a 1 year follow-up, 32 of the patients underwent interval cholecystectomy, 4 additional patients died from a co-morbid disease, 18 patients did not suffer from any gallbladder symptoms, and 14 were lost to follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous cholecystostomy is an effective contribution to the treatment of acute cholecystitis in high risk patients.

Does mammography hurt?

The documented incidence of pain associated with screening mammography varies from 1% to 62%. Some researchers suggest that pain may undermine compliance with screening mammography. As a part of a quality improvement project, we have surveyed women undergoing mammography in 2 centers in Jerusalem to identify the prevalence, severity, and duration of mammography-associated pain, demographic risk factors, and the degree that this may undermine compliance with breast cancer screening. A 23-item questionnaire was administered to 399 women (32% at the Shaare Zedek Medical Center [SZMC] and 68% at the Rachel Nash Comprehensive Breast Clinic [HALA]). Of the total, 77% of the women reported that the procedure was painful. Of those reporting pain, 60% described pain intensity as moderate or severe. In 67%, the pain resolved within 10 minutes. By univariate analysis, the only significant predictor for pain during mammography was cyclic breast pain (P = 0.053). No significant correlation was identified for age, breast size, pre-mammography counseling, and examination center (SZMC vs. HALA). The prevalence of pre-mammography counseling or explanation was low (51%). Despite that, 61% of the respondents expected that mammography would be painful. Indeed, most of those who anticipated pain reported that the actual severity was not greater than the anticipated severity. Even among women who reported pain of moderate or greater severity, less than 5% expressed preference to receive pre-emptive analgesia prior to their next mammogram. A substantial minority of women acknowledged that the experience of their mammography invoked reactions that may impend future compliance; 26% reported anxiety and 12% reported pain as factors that may interfere with ongoing compliance with regular mammographic screening. These data serve to emphasize the need for appropriate pre-test counseling and suggest a possible role for post-test debriefing to address those factors which may interfere with future test compliance.

Multiple hypoechoic hepatic lesions in a patient with Gaucher disease

The most common symptoms of Gaucher disease include hepatosplenomegaly and anemia and thrombocytopenia due to hypersplenism. We describe the case of a patient with Gaucher disease who had cachexia, massive hepatomegaly, and multiple focal hepatic lesions. The clinical and radiologic findings suggested malignancy. A biopsy specimen was taken from a hepatic lesion and revealed infiltration by Gaucher cells. We discuss our findings in light of the putative increased incidence of hematologic malignancies in patients with Gaucher disease.

Spectrum of abdominal sonographic findings in 103 pediatric patients with Gaucher disease

The purpose of this study was to catalogue spleen and liver features by US in a cohort of 103 pediatric patients with Gaucher disease, and to document response to enzyme replacement therapy by serial US examination. There were 42 boys and 61 girls, 2 were splenectomized. Forty-eight patients received enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). At presentation all patients evinced organomegaly and 4.9% had focal (splenic or hepatic) lesions (hypo- and hyper-echoic or mixed). Fifteen patients began ERT before 11 years of age. There was a mean liver volume reduction from 230 to 137% after 2 years of ERT, with further reduction of 91% up to 6 years later. Mean spleen volume reduction was 38.4% at 2 years of ERT and a further reduction to 40.8% at last evaluation. Fourteen children began ERT between ages 11 and 16 years. Mean liver reduction was from 230 to 124% at 2 years and further reduction to mean of 104% recently. Mean splenic reduction was 37.7% after 2 years of ERT, with a mean of 43.8% recently (mean 4.5 years later). Organ volume changes in untreated and treated children were documented by US which is the modality of choice for repeat measures in this population. Our results highlight the initial dramatic and then continued response to ERT in pediatric patients with Gaucher disease.

Postpartum ovarian vein thrombophlebitis: sonographic diagnosis

BACKGROUND

We describe our experience with sonographic diagnosis of ovarian vein thrombosis, an uncommon but dangerous postpartum complication.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of seven patients in our institution who developed postpartum ovarian vein thrombophlebitis within the past 5 years.

RESULTS

In all cases the diagnosis was made by ultrasound, which showed tubular hypoechoic masses lateral to the great abdominal vessels. The postpartum ovarian vein thrombophlebitis was on the right side in six cases and on the left side in one. In five cases, it protruded into the inferior vena cava. The first three cases were referred to computed tomography after the sonographic diagnosis. In the last four cases, the diagnosis relied solely on sonography and no further evaluation was necessary.

CONCLUSION

Sonographic examination can be diagnostic for ovarian vein thrombosis if performed very carefully in symptomatic postpartum patients.

Imaging findings of extraosseous multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is characterised by a progressive proliferation of malignant plasma cells usually initiating in the bone marrow. The most common manifestations of this disease are bone involvement, renal disease and hematologic disorders. The radiological findings of diffuse osteopenia or osteolytic bone lesions are well recognised. Extraosseous myelomatous masses are found in less than 5% of multiple myeloma patients. The purpose of this essay is to acquaint the radiologist with this phenomenon and to illustrate the imaging features of the extraosseous masses of this unusual manifestation of multiple myeloma.

MRI of mannosidosis

MR findings in three patients with mannosidosis are reported. They all had diploic space widening with underdevelopment of the sinuses, prominent periventricular Virchow-Robin spaces and perioptic CSF spaces. Two had tight foramen magnum, one of which was associated with a cervical syrinx and markedly widened perioptic CSF spaces with papilledema.

Ultrasound vs CT for the detection of ureteric stones in patients with renal colic

The aim of our study was to compare the accuracy of non-contrast spiral CT with ultrasound (US) for the diagnosis of ureteral calculi in the evaluation of patients with acute flank pain. 62 consecutive patients with flank pain were examined with both CT and US over a period of 9 months. All patients were prospectively defined as either positive or negative for ureterolithiasis, based on follow-up evaluation. 43 of the 62 patients were confirmed as having ureteral calculi based on stone recovery or urological interventions. US showed 93% sensitivity and 95% specificity in the diagnosis of ureterolithiasis; CT showed 91% and 95%, respectively. Pathology unrelated to urinary stone disease was demonstrated in six patients. Although both modalities were excellent for detecting ureteral stones, consideration of cost and radiation lead us to suggest that US be employed first and CT be reserved for when US is unavailable or non-diagnostic.

Sonographic diagnosis of ureteral tumors

We present our experience with transabdominal ultrasonographic diagnosis of ureteral tumors. During the years 1989 to 1998, 16 patients were diagnosed as having ureteral tumors. These patients were referred for sonographic examination for evaluation of hematuria (seven patients) or flank pain (four patients) or for follow-up screening in patients who were asymptomatic but at high risk for transitional cell carcinoma because of known past bladder tumor (five patients). Ten of these patients underwent intravenous urography examination, three patients had retrograde pyelography, and 11 patients underwent CT scanning. Ultrasonography revealed the ureteral tumors in all 16 patients, which appeared as hypoechoic intraluminal soft tissue. Three tumors were localized in the upper ureter, four in the middle ureter, and nine in the distal ureter. The degree of ureterohydronephrosis was minimal (two cases), mild (five cases), moderate (eight cases), or severe (one case). Eleven tumors caused local widening of the ureteral diameter. On intravenous urography, four patients had a nonfunctioning kidney, three patients had unexplained ureterohydronephrosis, and three patients showed ureteral filling defects, of which only two had irregular contours. On retrograde pyelography, two patients had filling defects (one of which with smooth margins), and one had a truncated ureter. On CT the tumor was clearly demonstrated in only seven patients. We found that ultrasonography can be a useful diagnostic tool in the workup of ureteral tumors.