Multiple bilateral breast masses due to lymphoma metastases: A report of 2 cases highlighting the mammographic and sonographic features

Metastases within breast usually occur due to a primary malignancy in the contralateral breast. Breast metastases from extra mammary malignancies are known to be very rare and the primary tumors are reported to be melanoma, lung cancer, gastro-intestinal primary tumors, neuroendocrine tumors, sarcomas, ovarian tumors and lymphomas. Breast lymphomas comprise 0.04%-0.7% of all cases of breast malignancies and may manifest either as a primary or a secondary variety. A primary breast lymphoma is known to be more infrequent than a secondary breast lymphoma. In patients with breast metastases the usual clinical presentation is with multiple palpable masses and imaging evaluation is the mainstay for initial diagnosis. We report the imaging features seen in 2 almost identical cases of secondary breast lymphoma. At mammography, multiple, round to elliptical, sharply circumscribed, high-density masses were seen, in which spiculation, calcification and architectural distortion were conspicuously absent. On sonography, these round /oval masses were homogenously hypoechoic, sharply circumscribed, showed a thin echogenic rim with posterior acoustic enhancement and were moderately to profusely vascular on color Doppler examination. These imaging features should suggest the possible diagnosis of metastases from a hematogenous malignancy and an ultrasound guided biopsy should be performed. Once the etiology of lymphoma is confirmed, a rigorous multi- modality imaging work up to identify the primary site, stage the disease and document other sites of dissemination is warranted.

Imaging Approach to Pulmonary Infections in the Immunocompromised Patient

Pulmonary infections are the major cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients and almost one-third of intensive care unit patients with pulmonary infections belong to the immunocompromised category. Multiple organisms may simultaneously infect an immunocompromised patient and the overwhelming burden of mixed infections further predisposes critically ill patients to acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. Notwithstanding that lung ultrasound is coming into vogue, the primary imaging investigation is a chest radiograph, followed by thoracic CT scan. This review based on our experience at tertiary care teaching hospitals provides insights into the spectrum of imaging features of various pulmonary infections occurring in immunocompromised patients. This review is unique as, firstly, the imaging spectrum described by us is categorized on basis of the etiological infective agent, comprehensively and emphatically correlated with the clinical setting of the patient. Secondly, a characteristic imaging pattern is emphasized in the clinical setting-imaging-pattern conglomerate, to highlight the most likely diagnosis possible in such a combination. Thirdly, the simulating conditions for a relevant differential diagnosis are discussed in each section. Fourthly, not only are the specific diagnostic and tissue sampling techniques for confirmation of the suspected etiological agent described, but the recommended pharmaco-therapeutic agents are also enumerated, so as to provide a more robust insight to the radiologist. Last but not the least, we summarize and conclude with a diagnostic algorithm, derived by us from the characteristic illustrative cases. The proposed algorithm, illustrated as a flowchart, emphasizes a diagnostic imaging approach comprising: correlation of the imaging pattern with clinical setting and with associated abnormalities in the thorax and in other organs/systems, which is comprehensively analyzed in arriving at the most likely diagnosis. Since a rapid evaluation and emergent management of such patients is of pressing concern not only to the radiologist, but also for the general physicians, pulmonologists, critical care specialists, oncologists and transplant surgery teams, we believe our review is very informative to a wide spectrum reader audience.

Imaging diagnosis of a giant choledochal cyst in an infant

The usual etiologies of giant abdominal cystic masses in infants are mesenteric cyst, enteric duplication cyst, ovarian cyst in females, cystic lymphangioma, however, the presentation of a choledochal cyst in a gigantic form, is unusual. The primary modality for diagnosis of this entity is ultrasound, followed by MRI. The characteristic ultrasound features of a choledochal cyst are a well-defined cystic lesion which may be found to replace any segment of the biliary tree and is distinctly separate from the gallbladder. The associated anomalies are biliary atresia, gallbladder atresia, hepatic fibrosis and those of the pancreatico-biliary ductal system. MRI with MRCP has a conclusive role in confirming the ultrasound diagnosis. Choledochal cysts are currently classified as proposed by Todani et al, into five types. Herein, we report the case study of a 4-month-old male infant afflicted with a gigantic, Type1 Choledochal cyst, complicated by perforation, which was diagnosed by us at the first instance itself, using ultrasound examination and confirmed by MRI. The diagnosis was further confirmed at surgery and histopathology. The recommended treatment of cyst resection accompanied by a hepatico-jejunostomy bypass procedure, was successfully performed in the reported infant.

Contrast enhanced ultrasound quantitative parameters for assessing neoadjuvant chemotherapy response in patients with locally advanced breast cancer

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the role of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) quantitative parameters in predicting neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) response in patients with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC).

METHODS

30 patients with histologically proven LABC scheduled for NACT were recruited. CEUS was performed using a contrast bolus of 4.8 ml and time intensity curves (TICs) were obtained by contrast dynamics software. CEUS quantitative parameters assessed were peak enhancement (PE), time-to-peak (TTP), area under the curve (AUC) and mean transit time (MTT). The parameters were documented on four consecutive instances: before NACT and 3 weeks after each of the three cycles. The gold-standard was pathological response using Miller Payne Score obtained pre NACT and post-surgery.

RESULTS

A decrease in mean values of PE and an increase in mean values of TTP and MTT was observed with each cycle of NACT among responders. Post each cycle of NACT (compared with baseline pre-NACT), there was a statistically significant difference in % change of mean values of PE, TTP and MTT between good responders and poor responders (p-value < 0.05). The diagnostic accuracy of TTP post-third cycle was 87.2% (p = 0.03), and MTT post--second and third cycle was 76.7% (p = 0.004) and 86.7% (p = 0.006) respectively.

CONCLUSION

In responders, a decrease in the tumor vascularity was reflected in the CEUS quantitative parameters as a reduction in PE, and a prolongation in TTP, MTT.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

Prediction of NACT response by CEUS has the potential to serve as a diagnostic modality for modification of chemotherapy regimens during ongoing NACT among patients with LABC, thus affecting patient prognosis.

Prospective revalidation of IOTA "two-step", "alternative two-step" and "three-step" strategies for characterization of adnexal masses - An Indian study focussing the radiology context

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to revalidate the diagnostic performance of IOTA “two step” (Simple Descriptors and Simple Rules), “ alternative two step” (Simple Rules Risk Calculation tool / SRrisk score), and three step (two step with subjective assessment) strategies, for characterization of adnexal masses as benign or malignant, using histopathology as gold standard.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective, study comprised of 100 patients with newly diagnosed adnexal masses, who underwent ultrasound evaluation first by a level I and then by a level III investigator (EFSUMB criteria). Initially, the level I investigator evaluated each adnexal mass, applying IOTA “two-step” strategy and simultaneously assigned a risk category, by applying the simple rules risk score (SRrisk score) or performing the “alternative two step” strategy. Subsequently the inconclusive masses were evaluated by the level III investigator using “real time subjective assessment”, thereby performing the third step. Following histopathology diagnosis, the performance of each strategy was evaluated using diagnostic tests.

Results:

The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and diagnostic accuracy of “two-step” strategy were 87.5%, 79.2%, 89.4%, 76%, and 84.7%, respectively; those of “alternative two-step” strategy were 91.5%, 75.6%, 84.4%, 86.1% and 88%; and those of “three-step” strategy were 98.2%, 93.3%, 94.7%, 97.7% and 96%, respectively.

Conclusion:

All IOTA strategies showed good diagnostic performance for characterization of adnexal masses and the “three-step” strategy performed best. We believe this is the first ever prospective re-validation and comparative evaluation of all three IOTA strategies by Indian Radiologists. Since ultrasound is the primary modality for evaluation of adnexal masses, based on the good results of our study, a recommendation for henceforth standard application, of the three-step IOTA strategy in routine Radiology practice appears justified. Although, IOTA strategies been proposed and validated mainly by Gynaecologists and Oncology surgeons, based on the results of our study, this paradigm can now be made to shift back to the arena of Radiology and Radiologists, the imaging experts.

Contrast-enhanced voiding urosonography (CEVUS) as a novel technique for evaluation in a case of male urethral diverticulum

Male urethral diverticulum is an uncommon entity, the abnormality being more frequently encountered in females. The pathology may be congenital or acquired and the more frequent acquired type usually occurs following trauma. Afflicted patients usually lack specific symptoms, although in a few instances, symptoms of lower urinary tract obstruction, calculi, or infection may prevail. Imaging investigations utilizing a composite Retrograde urethrography (RGU)– Voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) protocol are accepted as standard approach and ultrasound is considered a secondary supplementary investigation. However, recent literature reports the utility of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) as a novel technique in the evaluation of urinary bladder and urethra, for vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR) in children and for urethral diverticula in women. We report a case of acquired post-traumatic urethral diverticulum in an adult male patient and document a relatively unexplored novel application of contrast enhanced voiding uro-sonography (CEVUS) for the evaluation of this malady.

Imaging diagnosis of Crouzon syndrome in two cases confirmed on genetic studies - with a brief review

Crouzon syndrome is the most common form of craniofacial dysostosis, characterised by a classical triad of abnormal skull shape, abnormal facies, and exophthalmos. The clinically overt dental abnormalities in these patients, distracts clinicians from the developmental neurological defects and therefore this entity remains relatively under - highlighted in radiology literature. We report and highlight the role of imaging in diagnosis of Crouzon syndrome in two patients, and discuss the relevant differential diagnosis. Moreover, our report is among the few Indian studies in which Crouzon syndrome was confirmed by genetic studies. The classical clinical triad of Crouzon syndrome was observed in both patients. The skull radiographs and cranial CT with 3D reconstruction VRT (Volume rendered technique), revealed characteristic radiological features. Genetic studies reconfirmed the clinical and radiological diagnosis of Crouzon syndrome, in both patients.

Niche role of MRI in the evaluation of female infertility

Infertility is a major social and clinical problem affecting 13-15% of couples worldwide. The pelvic causes of female infertility are categorized as ovarian disorders, tubal, peritubal disorders, and uterine disorders. Appropriate selection of an imaging modality is essential to accurately diagnose the aetiology of infertlity, since the imaging diagnosis directs the appropriate treatment to be instituted. Imaging evaluation begins with hystero- salpingography (HSG), to evaluate fallopian tube patency. Uterine filling defects and contour abnormalities may be discovered at HSG but usually require further characterization with pelvic ultrasound (US), sono-hysterography (syn: hystero-sonography/saline infusion sonography) or pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), when US remains inconclusive. The major limitation of hysterographic US, is its inability to visualize extraluminal pathologies, which are better evaluated by pelvic US and MRI. Although pelvic US is a valuable modality in diagnosing entities comprising the garden variety, however, extensive pelvic inflammatory disease, complex tubo-ovarian pathologies, deep-seated endometriosis deposits with its related complications, Mulllerian duct anomalies, uterine synechiae and adenomyosis, often remain unresolved by both transabdominal and transvaginal US. Thus, MRI comes to the rescue and has a niche role in resolving complex adnexal masses, endometriosis, and Mullerian duct anomalies with greater ease. This is a review, based on the authors' experience at tertiary care teaching hospitals and aims to provide an imaging approach towards the abnormalities which are not definitively diagnosed by ultrasound alone.

Assessment of labor progression by intrapartum ultrasonography among term nulliparous women

OBJECTIVE

To assess cervical dilation, fetal head station, and fetal head position by intrapartum ultrasonography and to compare the approach with digital vaginal examination (DVE).

METHODS

An observational study conducted from October 2015 to January 2017 among term nulliparous women in active labor at a tertiary hospital in Delhi, India. Cervical dilation, head station, and head position were assessed by DVE, followed by ultrasonography within 10 minutes. The women's preference was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Overall, 458 observations were obtained for 215 women. Cervical dilation measured by DVE was strongly correlated with ultrasonography findings (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.945; 95% confidence interval, 0.932-0.956; κ=0.837; P<0.001). Data for fetal head station and head position showed a fair correlation (κ=0.353 and κ=0.554, respectively; both P<0.001). The majority of women (186/215, 87%) reported a preference for ultrasonography over DVE for assessment of labor progression in a future pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

Intrapartum ultrasonography was preferred as an objective assessment tool for labor progression among term nulliparous women and therefore should be practiced in all labor rooms. Further studies on interobserver variation are recommended to establish the reproducibility of intrapartum assessment by ultrasonography.

Approach to pediatric renal tumors: an imaging review

Renal tumors comprise 7% of all childhood cancers. A wide variety of renal tumors can affect the pediatric kidneys, which can be broadly classified as primary benign tumors, primary malignant tumors, and metastatic lesions. This article aims to enumerate usual benign and malignant renal tumors that can occur in childhood and emphasizes the characteristic imaging appearances which aid in their differential diagnosis. Additionally, the leading role of the Radiologist in primary diagnosis of renal infiltration by hematological malignancies and contiguous invasion by neuroblastoma is also introduced and unraveled. Imaging protocol comprises initial Ultrasound evaluation with subsequent computed tomography (CT) and/or Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), all of which are invaluable in confirming the diagnosis, documenting the organ of origin, describing extent of local and distant spread. The complimentary role of nuclear medicine studies in delineating differential renal function, post-operative complications, and metastasis is also highlighted.

A Case of Mistaken Identity: Glutaric Aciduria Type I Masquerading as Postmeningitic Hydrocephalus

We report the characteristic neuroimaging features of a rare metabolic leukodystrophy in an 8-year-old boy, born of consanguineous parenthood. The child presented with macrocrania, regression of milestones, and dystonia. The patient was referred for magnetic resonance imaging with a clinical diagnosis of postmeningitic hydrocephalus. Imaging revealed ventriculomegaly, diffuse brain atrophy, bilaterally symmetric widened sylvian fissure with temporal lobe hypoplasia, periventricular white-matter hyperintensities, and atrophy with hyperintensity in bilateral basal ganglia was also seen. These imaging features were signatory to arrive at a diagnosis of glutaric aciduria type 1. This disorder may mimic other neurological diseases such as postmeningitic hydrocephalus, which delays the diagnosis. Since early diagnosis and treatment can arrest progression, increased awareness about this condition among radiologists will certainly prevent erroneous diagnosis as had occurred in our patient.

Primary presentation of Jeune's syndrome as gastric motility disorder in an infant: A case report

We report a case of a 4-week-old female neonate with Jeune's asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy (JATD) and coexistent situs anomaly, primarily presenting as gastric motility disorder. The child presented with abdominal distension and nonbilious vomiting since birth with failure to thrive. However, skeletal survey revealed JATD. Upper gastrointestinal contrast study showed situs inversus with delayed gastric emptying. Pyloric biopsy and intraoperative antro-duodenal manometry confirmed association of gastric motility disorder. Awareness of the unusual possibility of primary presentation of Jeune syndrome as gastric motility disorder will improve the management approach in such infants.

Evaluation of two-staged Fowler-Stephens laparoscopic orchidopexy (FSLO) for intra-abdominal testes (IAT)

INTRODUCTION

The best operative intervention for intrabdominal testis (IAT) has not been standardized as yet. The question of whether to bring down an IAT with a single-staged vessel-intact laparoscopic orchidopexy (VILO) or a two-staged laparoscopic Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy (FSLO) is still undergoing debate, with both the procedures being popular. The present study has been designed to evaluate the factors predicting the success or failure of two-staged FSLO for (IAT).

METHODS

43 boys with 49 non-palpable testes underwent diagnostic laparoscopy out of which 35 underwent two-staged FSLO. Size of the testis was measured with a graduated probe in both stages. Independent variables such as age, height, testis-to-internal ring distance (T-IR), neo internal ring-to-midscrotal distance (NIR-MS), and mobility-to-contralateral ring (MCIR) were analysed. Postoperatively 34 IATs were followed up clinically as well as ultrasonologically after 6 months, to see for the size, position, and vascularity. Based on this, the patients were divided into two groups, Group A (successful) and Group B (Failed).

RESULTS

24 IATs had a successful outcome (Group A) and 11 were failure (Group B). The overall success rate of the study was 68.6%. The difference in mean age of patients in both groups was insignificant (p = 0.89) (Fig. 1), and similarly, the difference in mean height was insignificant (p = 0.61). The difference in mean T-IR in both the groups was insignificant (1.85 versus 2.77 cm; p = 0.09) and mean NIR-MS was 5.41 cm in Group A and 5.10 cm in Group B, and the difference again was insignificant (p = 0.23).

CONCLUSION

The success rate of FSLO was 68.6%. None of the above-described independent variables have any effect on the outcome of two-staged FSLO. While VILO remains the treatment of choice for IAT located at or near the ring, but IAT higher than this, two-staged FSLO gives a better chance for achieving intra-scrotal orchidopexy.

"Caught by the Eye of Sound" - Epigastric Swelling due to Xiphisternal Tuberculosis

BACKGROUND

Common causes of an epigastric mass include hepatomegaly, pancreatic pseudocyst and epigastric hernia, less common causes being carcinoma of the stomach or pancreas, whereas diseases of the sternum presenting as an epigastric swelling is extremely uncommon. We report a case of tubercular infection of the sternum located in the xiphoid process resulting in its presentation as an epigastric swelling.

CASE REPORT

A 30-year-old immunocompetent woman with complaints of an epigastric swelling and undocumented pyrexia for four months was referred for sonographic evaluation with a clinical suspicion of an incompletely treated liver abscess. The patient was examined with ultrasound, sternal radiographs, CT and MRI. Ultrasound revealed a heterogeneous epigastric collection with linear echogenic components suggestive of bone fragments. These appearances suggested chronic infective osteomyelitis of the xiphoid process of the sternum. Lateral chest radiograph demonstrated lytic destruction of the xiphisternum. Tubercular etiology was considered and further evaluation with Multidetector Computed tomography (MDCT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) demonstrated erosive osteomyelitis of the xiphoid process with enhancing inflammation and collection in the adjoining soft tissue. Ultrasound-guided aspiration, PCR and Amplified Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA test confirmed tubercular infection.

CONCLUSIONS

We report a new case of osteo-articular tuberculosis localized to the xiphisternum, a rare clinical entity with an extremely unusual clinical presentation as an epigastric mass. The role of ultrasound in primary diagnosis and as an interventional diagnostic modality for guided aspiration is highlighted.

Sonographic Diagnosis in a Rare Aetiology of Neonatal Scrotal Swellings: A Case Report of Congenital Nephrotic Syndrome

Background

Common etiologies of scrotal swelling in neonates include hydrocoele, inguinal hernia and testicular torsion; less common is epididymo-orchitis. Congenital nephrotic syndrome (CNS), a rare entity, is known to present as progressive renal failure and its leading presentation with scrotal involvement has not been reported.

Material/Methods

We report a rare case of CNS with primary clinical presentation as scrotal cellulitis and epididymo-orchitis. In this neonate, scrotal and abdominal ultrasound examination was performed and the laboratory data were obtained.

Results

Sonography revealed bilaterally enlarged echogenic kidneys, testis and epididymis with echogenic peritoneal fluid tracking into both scrotal sacs. Laboratory data revealed proteinuria and severe depletion of serum IgG. Culture of the peritoneal fluid showed gram-negative organisms. A final diagnosis of CNS, complicated with peritonitis tracking into the scrotal sacs was arrived at.

Conclusions

CNS may have a rare presentation with distracting symptoms of scrotal cellulitis and epididymo-orchitis, as seen in our patient. However, diligent use of abdomino-scrotal sonography, supported by relevant laboratory data can clinch the accurate diagnosis.

Imaging diagnosis of neonatal anemia: report of two unusual etiologies

Anemia in neonatal period is rare, with the common causes being Rh and ABO blood group incompatibility, hemorrhagic disease of newborn, congenital hemolytic anemia, hemoglobinopathies, and TORCH (toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes virus) infections. Congenital leukemia and infantile osteopetrosis (OP) are among the rare causes of neonatal anemia. A review of the literature shows approximately 200 reported cases of congenital leukemia. Articles describing the imaging features of congenital leukemia are still rarer. Infantile OP, another rare disorder with a reported incidence of 1 in 250,000 has characteristic imaging features, which are diagnostic of the disease. We report a case each, of two rare diseases: Congenital leukemia and infantile osteopetrosis. Additionally, our report highlights the radiological and imaging features of congenital leukemia and infantile OP and their crucial role in arriving at an early diagnosis.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation with intracranial haematoma in neonatal congenital syphilis

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) although a well known complication in neonatal sepsis is extremely rare in congenital syphilis and there are scanty reports of this entity in the literature. Intracranial bleeding following DIC in neonatal congenital syphilis is even rarer, and has been reported only once earlier. We are reporting the second case of neonatal DIC with intracranial haematoma due to congenital syphilis in a newborn. Our patient also had clinical and biochemical evidence of hepatitis which predisposes to DIC. Extensive investigations and emergent use of imaging modalities including ultrasound and CT scan led to early diagnosis and treatment in our patient, who could therefore be salvaged from an otherwise life threatening disease.

Chest wall tuberculosis - A clinical and imaging experience

AIMS

Tuberculous infection of the thoracic cage is rare and is difficult to discern clinically or on radiographs. This study aims to describe the common sites and the imaging appearances of chest wall tuberculosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of the clinical and imaging records of 12 confirmed cases of thoracic cage tuberculosis (excluding that of the spine), seen over the last 7 years, was performed. Imaging studies available included radiographs, ultrasonographies (USGs), and computed tomography (CT) scans. Pathological confirmation was obtained in all cases.

RESULTS

All patients had clinical signs and symptoms localized to the site of involvement, whether it was the sternum, sternoclavicular joints, or ribs. CT scan revealed sternal destruction in three patients and osteolytic lesions with sclerosis of the articular surfaces of the sternoclavicular joints in two patients. In five patients with rib lesions, USG elegantly demonstrated the bone destruction underlying the cold abscess. All cases were confirmed to be of tuberculous origin by pathology studies of the aspirated/curetted material, obtained by CT / USG guidance.

CONCLUSIONS

Tuberculous etiology should be considered for patients presenting with atypical sites of skeletal inflammation. CT scan plays an important role in the evaluation of these patients. However, the use of USG for demonstrating rib destruction in a chest wall cold abscess has so far been under-emphasized, as has been the role of CT and USG guided aspiration in confirming the aetiology.

Imaging spectrum in disseminated histoplasmosis: Case report and brief review

The clinical manifestations of chronic disseminated histoplasmosis are non-specific and resemble those of other chronic infections and malignancies. We report the radiographic, sonographic and contrast-enhanced CT appearances of histoplasmosis in an adult male with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, who was HIV negative and presented with weight loss and pyrexia. Imaging studies simulated tuberculosis with mediastinal lymphadenopathy, bilateral fibrotic lung lesions, hepatomegaly and bilateral hypoattenuating adrenal enlargement, without clinical or laboratory evidence of hypoadrenalism. Computed tomography-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of adrenal glands revealed Histoplasma capsulatum. We report our experience to increase awareness of the imaging spectrum of disseminated histoplasmosis and its similarity to tuberculosis as, with increasing incidence of AIDS, the chances of these infections are likely to increase. Moreover, awareness of this entity is important because it is known that untreated disseminated histoplasmosis is fatal.

The CT triad of malignancy in meningioma--redefinition, with a report of three new cases

The CT triad of extracranial soft-tissue tumour, underlying osteolysis and an intracranial tumour was reported as a sign of malignancy in meningioma, by Younis and Sawaya in 1992. We report the clinical and CT spectrum of three new cases with a similar triad, confirmed to be malignant meningioma. However, we redefine this sign and suggest that this triad is an unequivocal indicator of malignancy in meningioma, provided metastases have been excluded.

Solitary calvarial metastases: an unusual presentation of thoracic neuroblastoma

A primary thoracic origin occurs only in 20% of neuroblastomas, and their classical presentation is mediastinal or cord compression. Skeletal metastases of neuroblastomas are characteristically multiple, and calvarial deposits usually show simultaneous involvement of orbit. Solitary metastases in neuroblastoma, is an unusual entity and its presentation as a large calvarial mass, especially from a thoracic primary, is rare. Furthermore, calvarial metastases are relatively uncommon in children compared to adults. We discuss the clinical, radiographic, CT features, and differential diagnosis of a large calvarial mass with sunray spiculation in a child, which was due to a solitary metastases from an occult thoracic neuroblastoma. The possibility of neuroblastoma presenting in this unique fashion and the importance of considering a chemosensitive tumor such as neuroblastoma in the differential diagnosis of a solitary calvarial mass in a child is highlighted by our report.

Congenital spine tuberculosis: early diagnosis by imaging studies

Perinatal/congenital tuberculosis is a rare entity, even in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) endemic populations, and is uniformly fatal if untreated. The liver and the lungs are the most commonly involved organs in this variety of tuberculosis and the spine is a rare site. We report the first case of spine tuberculosis with paravertebral abscess in a neonate who was only 3 weeks of age. The imaging studies, namely radiography, sonography, computed tomography (CT)-guided aspiration and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), facilitated rapid diagnosis and early institution of chemotherapy. We highlight the role of imaging evaluation in the diagnostic armamentarium for tuberculosis of the newborn, as early diagnosis followed by appropriate treatment resulted in an excellent recovery in our patient.

Lung agenesis in a neonate presenting with contralateral mediastinal shift

A neonate with right lung agenesis presenting with respiratory distress is described. The unusual radiological features were contralateral mediastinal shift (in contrast to expected ipsilateral shift) and diaphragmatic eventration on the affected side. Mediastinal shift to the opposite side was due to intrathoracic hepatic herniation under a high placed eventrated diaphragm. Both these features have not been reported in association with lung agenesis to date. The authors have discussed other causes of respiratory distress in newborns that can cause mediastinal shift and have urged a high degree of clinical suspicion to pick up the cases with lung agenesis. The newer diagnostic modalities and the causes of mortality in neonates with this anomaly have also been highlighted.

Left diaphragmatic eventration with a suprapubic spleen: report of a case

Diaphragmatic defects such as eventration and hernia are known to be associated with a high-sited, sometimes intrathoracic spleen. We report here a unique case of an 8-year-old boy found to have a left congenital diaphragmatic eventration and a suprapubic wandering spleen after presenting with symptoms of an "acute abdomen" due to torsion of the splenic pedicle. To our knowledge only one other case of a similar paradoxical association of these anomalies has been reported before; interestingly, in this patient splenic infarction had also resulted secondary to splenic torsion. We recommend careful evaluation of the location and vascular status of the spleen in all patients with congenital diaphragmatic defects due to the common occurrence of splenic vascular insult.

Sonographic diagnosis of Ascaris-induced cholecystitis and pancreatitis in a child

We describe the sonographic diagnosis of Ascaris-induced acute cholecystitis and pancreatitis in a 2-year-old girl. Abdominal sonography revealed a grossly distended gallbladder with a thick (0.5-cm) wall. The common bile duct was dilated to 0.6 cm without sludge or calculi. The pancreas was hypoechoic, with an enlarged, 3.3-cm pancreatic head. Sonography showed dilatation of the small- and large-bowel loops, with multiple roundworms in duodenal and colonic loops. Sonography has an important role not only in the diagnosis of this uncommon condition but also in the documentation of its unusual etiologic agent.

Imaging spectrum in sclerotic myelomas: an experience of three cases

The classic radiographic presentation of multiple myeloma is lytic skeletal lesions. Primary sclerotic manifestations are rare and occur only in 3% of cases. The imaging spectrum in three cases of multiple myeloma with primary osteosclerosis is described. The first patient had spiculated sclerosis of the orbit, which is an uncommon site for myeloma. The second patient with POEMS syndrome had multiple, scattered, skeletal lesions with sclerotic margins. The third patient presented with a chest wall mass and had an expansile thick spiculated sclerosis in the rib. The wide imaging spectrum possible in sclerotic myelomas and their relevant differential diagnosis is emphasized.

Sonographic diagnosis of congenital tuberculosis: an experience with four cases

Abdominal sonography of four infants with pyrexia and hepatomegaly demonstrated multiple hypoechoeic hepatic and splenic foci, guided biopsies of which showed caseating granulomas with acid-fast bacilli. Evidence of tuberculosis in maternal endometrium and its exclusion in the contacts further confirmed a diagnosis of congenital tuberculosis. Clinical suspicion supplemented by careful sonography facilitated early detection and antemortem diagnosis of this potentially fatal disease.

Acute idiopathic mesenteroaxial gastric volvulus in a child

Gastric volvulus is a rare abdominal emergency in children and occurs secondary to associated predisposing congenital defects. The less frequent idiopathic variety of gastric volvulus is mostly chronic in its clinical course. Acute idiopathic mesenteroaxial gastric volvulus is a rare subtype and two out of the four reported cases of this entity among children in the past 12 years have been from the Indian subcontinent. We report another case of acute idiopathic mesenteroaxial gastric volvulus in a 7 year old Indian girl. Possibly there is an increased propensity of Asians to this is potentially fatal disease.

An unusual mediastinal mass due to metastasis

During childhood the common anterior middle mediastinal masses are either lymph node enlargement or teratomas/dermoids. A case of ossific mediastinal metastasis and pleural metastases from osteosarcoma, presenting three years after the primary disease (late metastasis) is reported for its rarity.