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Several infections can predispose to certain malignancies in different body parts. These infections include viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens. Imaging plays a vital role in the diagnosis, staging, and management of these neoplastic conditions. Furthermore, it can help in differentiating infection-related non-neoplastic processes that can mimic malignancies. Both radiologists and clinicians should be familiar with these conditions. This review discusses the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and imaging features of infection-related tumors.

Uterine perforation and rupture, denoting iatrogenic and non-iatrogenic uterine wall injury, respectively, are associated with substantial morbidity,and at times mortality. Diverse conditions can result in injury to both the gravid and the non-gravid uterus, and imaging plays a central role in diagnosis of such suspected cases. Ultrasound (US) is the initial imaging modality of choice, depicting the secondary signs associated with uterine wall injury and occasionally revealing the site of perforation. Computed tomography can be selectively used to complement US findings, to provide a more comprehensive picture, and to investigate complications beyond the reach of US, such as bowel injury. In certain scenarios, magnetic resonance imaging can be an important problem-solving tool as well. Finally, catheter angiography is a valuable tool with both diagnostic and therapeutic capability, with potential for fertility preservation. In this manuscript, we will highlight the clinical and imaging approach to uterine perforation and rupture, while emphasizing the value of various imaging modalities in this context. In addition, we will review the multi-modality imaging features of uterine perforation and rupture and will address the role of the radiologist as a crucial member of the management team. Finally, a summary diagrammatic depiction of imaging approach to patients presenting with uterine perforation or rupture is provided.

The clinical manifestations of abdominal and pelvic organ torsion can often be non-specific and can affect a wide range of ages and demographic groups. Radiologists have a key role in not only establishing the diagnosis of organ torsion, but also in the assessment of potential complications. As multiple imaging modalities may be utilized in the evaluation of abdominal and pelvic pain, recognizing the various appearances of organ torsion is important to ensure early diagnosis and thereby reducing patient morbidity and mortality, particularly since abdominal and pelvic organ torsion may not be clinically suspected at the time of initial patient presentation.

Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein is a valuable laboratory test used in pregnant women as an indicator to detect certain clinical abnormalities. These can be grouped into four main categories: fetal factors, pregnancy complications, placental abnormalities, and maternal factors. Imaging is an invaluable tool to investigate the various etiologies leading to altered maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein. By reading this article, the radiologist, sonologist, or other health care practitioner should be able to define the probable pathology leading to the laboratory detected abnormal maternal serum levels, thus helping the clinician to appropriately manage the pregnancy and counsel the patient.

Sonography of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a practical, safe, inexpensive, and reproducible diagnostic tool for the evaluation, diagnosis, and follow-up of infectious bowel disease. The modality is rapidly gaining prominence among clinicians on a global scale. In the United States, however, ultrasound of the bowel remains underutilized primarily due to insufficient experience among radiologists and sonographers in performing sonographic bowel assessment. This lack of experience and knowledge results in misinterpretations, missed diagnoses, and underutilization of this modality in patients with acute abdomen, with the majority of GI pathology on sonography discovered incidentally. This article aims to demonstrate the characteristic sonographic findings associated with GI infectious processes as well as provide dedicated ultrasound protocols for evaluation of the GI tract. This article serves a twofold purpose, raising awareness of the utility of this imaging modality within the radiology community and also providing practical teaching points for sonographic evaluation of infectious disorders of the GI tract.

This article reviews the relevant anatomy and physiology of the mesenteric vasculature, familiarizes the radiologist with the accepted diagnostic criteria for mesenteric artery stenosis and its role in the diagnosis of chronic mesenteric ischemia, describes Doppler imaging techniques, and provides protocols for the assessment and surveillance of the mesenteric vasculature before and after revascularization. It also discusses expected changes following revascularization and reviews common post-procedural complications. Duplex sonography plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI). Establishing a successful diagnosis is dependent upon knowledge of mesenteric arterial anatomy and physiology as well as sufficient expertise in image optimization and scanning techniques. Although there has been a trend toward utilization of other noninvasive [computed tomographic angiography (CTA), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and invasive (digital subtraction angiography (DSA)] imaging modalities for assessment of the mesenteric vasculature, a new era of “imaging wisely” raises legitimate concerns about the effects of ionizing radiation as well as potential effects of CT and MR contrast agents. These concerns are obviated by the use of ultrasound, and recently developed techniques, such as contrast-enhanced ultrasound and vascular applications focused on the evaluation of slow flow, have revealed the vast potential of vascular ultrasound in the evaluation of chronic mesenteric ischemia. Duplex sonography is a cost-effective and powerful tool that can be utilized for the accurate assessment of mesenteric vascular pathology, specifically mesenteric arterial stenosis, and for the evaluation of mesenteric arterial system post revascularization.

Objective A relatively large proportion of patients with Crohn disease (CD) develop complications including abscess formation, stricture, and penetrating disease. A subset of patients will have genital and reproductive organ involvement of CD, resulting in significant morbidity. These special circumstances create unique management challenges that must be tailored to the activity, location, and extent of disease. Familiarity with the epidemiology, pathogenesis, imaging features, and treatment strategies for patients with genital CD can aid imaging diagnoses and guide appropriate patient management. The purpose of this study is to illustrate the spectrum of CD in the genital tract and reproductive organs and discuss the complex management strategies in these patients as it relates to imaging. Conclusion Given the impact on patient outcome and treatment planning, familiarity with the epidemiology, pathogenesis, imaging features, and treatment of patients with genital Crohn disease can aid radiologic diagnoses and guide appropriate patient management.