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Purpose: To report utilization trends in diagnostic imaging among commercially insured Massachusetts residents from 2009 to 2013.Materials and Methods: Current Procedural Terminology codes were used to identify diagnostic imaging claims in the Massachusetts All-Payer Claims Database for the years 2009 to 2013. We reported utilization and spending annually by imaging modality using total claims, claims per 1,000 individuals, total expenditures, and average per claim payments.Results: The number of diagnostic imaging claims per insured MA resident increased only 0.6% from 2009 to 2013, whereas nonradiology claims increased by 6% annually. Overall diagnostic imaging expenditures, adjusted for inflation, were 27% lower in 2009 than 2013, compared with an 18% increase in nonimaging expenditures. Average payments per claim were lower in 2013 than 2009 for all modalities except nuclear medicine. Imaging procedure claims per 1,000 MA residents increased from 2009 to 2013 by 13% in MRI, from 147 to 166; by 17% in ultrasound, from 453 to 530; and by 12% in radiography (x-ray), from 985 to 1,100. However, CT claims per 1,000 fell by 37%, from 341 to 213, and nuclear medicine declined 57%, from 89 claims per 1,000 to 38.Conclusion: Diagnostic imaging utilization exhibited negligible growth over the study period. Diagnostic imaging expenditures declined, largely the result of falling payments per claim in most imaging modalities, in contrast with increased utilization and spending on nonimaging services. Utilization of MRI, ultrasound, and x-ray increased from 2009 to 2013, whereas CT and nuclear medicine use decreased sharply, although CT was heavily impacted by billing code changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ACR Committee on Incidental Findings presents recommendations for managing liver lesions that are incidentally detected on CT. These recommendations represent an update from the liver component of the ACR 2010 white paper on managing incidental findings in the pancreas, adrenal glands, kidneys, and liver. The Liver Subcommittee-which included five abdominal radiologists, one hepatologist, and one hepatobiliary surgeon-developed this algorithm. The recommendations draw from published evidence and expert opinion and were finalized by informal iterative consensus. Algorithm branches categorize liver lesions on the basis of patient characteristics and imaging features. They terminate with an assessment of benignity or a specific follow-up recommendation. The algorithm addresses most, but not all, pathologies and clinical scenarios. The goal is to improve the quality of care by providing guidance on how to manage incidentally detected liver lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Off-label magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for patients with cardiac implantable electrical devices has been limited owing to concerns about safety and unclear diagnostic and prognostic utility.Objective: The purpose of this study was to define major and minor adverse events with off-label MRI scans.Methods: We prospectively evaluated patients with non-MRI-conditional cardiac implantable electrical devices referred for MRI scans under a strict clinical protocol. The primary safety outcome was incidence of major adverse events (loss of pacing, inappropriate shock or antitachycardia pacing, need for system revision, or death) or minor adverse events (inappropriate pacing, arrhythmias, power-on-reset events, heating at the generator site, or changes in device parameters at baseline or at 6 months).Results: A total of 189 MRI scans were performed in 123 patients (63.1% [78] men; median age 70 ± 18.5 years; 56.9% [70] patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators; 33.3% [41] pacemaker-dependent patients) predominantly for brain or spinal conditions. A minority of scans (22.7% [43]) were performed for urgent or emergent indications. Major adverse events were rare: 1 patient with loss of pacing, no deaths, or system revisions (overall rate 0.5%; 95% confidence interval 0.01-2.91). Minor adverse events were similarly rare (overall rate 1.6%; 95% confidence interval 0.3-4.6). Nearly all studies (98.4% [186]) were interpretable, while 75.1% [142] were determined to change management according to the prespecified criteria. No clinically significant changes were observed in device parameters acutely after MRI or at 6 months as compared with baseline across all patient and device categories.Conclusion: Off-label MRI scans performed under a strict protocol demonstrated excellent short- and medium-term safety while providing interpretable imaging that frequently influenced clinical care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION Multicystic biliary hamartoma is a rare liver tumor that was first described in 2005. Only nine cases are reported in the literature and all of them originate from Eastern patient populations, specifically Japan and Korea. PRESENTATION OF CASE Herein we report the occurrence of the tenth multicystic biliary hamartoma reported to date, arising in a Caucasian American woman initially presenting with abdominal pain. At 4.7 cm this is the second largest tumor reported to date and the only one arising in a Western patient population. DISCUSSION The patient underwent multimodality imaging and the tumor was biopsied preoperatively, but the diagnosis remained unclear. An extended right hepatectomy was performed for resection of her tumor, and the tumor was definitively diagnosed based on the surgically resected specimen. As all nine of the previously reported cases also underwent resection, the natural history of this lesion remains unknown. The lack of both recurrence and tumor spread in the previously reported cases indicates that this may be a benign lesion not requiring surgical resection unless symptomatic. CONCLUSION Multicystic biliary hamartoma is an extremely rare tumor. Increased awareness of the radiologic and pathologic features will likely lead to the diagnoses of further cases in both Western and Eastern populations and could potentially assist with preoperative diagnosis. The natural history and optimal management of this tumor remain uncertain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography provides the comprehensive evaluation of patients following pancreatic surgery regarding parenchymal pancreatic changes, ductal abnormalities, evaluation of anastomoses, and detection of tumor recurrence. Normal and pathologic MRI presentations in patients who underwent pancreatic surgery are reviewed. The MRI/magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography techniques used in the patients after pancreatic surgery are presented, and a concise review of the current array of pancreatic surgical procedures is provided. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background & Aims: The risk of pancreatic cancer is increased in patients with a strong family history of pancreatic cancer or a predisposing germline mutation. Screening can detect curable, noninvasive pancreatic neoplasms, but the optimal imaging approach is not known. We determined the baseline prevalence and characteristics of pancreatic abnormalities using 3 imaging tests to screen asymptomatic, high-risk individuals (HRIs). Methods: We screened 225 asymptomatic adult HRIs at 5 academic US medical centers once, using computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS). We compared results in a blinded, independent fashion. Results: Ninety-two of 216 HRIs (42%) were found to have at least 1 pancreatic mass (84 cystic, 3 solid) or a dilated pancreatic duct (n = 5) by any of the imaging modalities. Fifty-one of the 84 HRIs with a cyst (60.7%) had multiple lesions, typically small (mean, 0.55 cm; range, 2–39 mm), in multiple locations. The prevalence of pancreatic lesions increased with age; they were detected in 14% of subjects younger than 50 years old, 34% of subjects 50–59 years old, and 53% of subjects 60–69 years old (P < .0001). CT, MRI, and EUS detected a pancreatic abnormality in 11%, 33.3%, and 42.6% of the HRIs, respectively. Among these abnormalities, proven or suspected neoplasms were identified in 85 HRIs (82 intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms and 3 pancreatic endocrine tumors). Three of 5 HRIs who underwent pancreatic resection had high-grade dysplasia in less than 3 cm intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms and in multiple intraepithelial neoplasias. Conclusions: Screening of asymptomatic HRIs frequently detects small pancreatic cysts, including curable, noninvasive high-grade neoplasms. EUS and MRI detect pancreatic lesions better than CT. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background & Aims: There is limited information on the incidence of and factors associated with severe disease among patients with interstitial pancreatitis (IP). We evaluated a large cohort of patients with IP and compared data with those from patients with extrapancreatic necrosis (EXPN). Methods: We evaluated 149 consecutive patients with IP admitted over a 2.5-year period. Transferred patients were excluded. We collected data on age, Charlson comorbidity score (CCI), measures of severity on admission or within 24 hours (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II, bedside index for severity of acute pancreatitis scores), persistent (>48 h) systemic inflammatory response syndrome, persistent organ failure, need for intensive care unit, length of hospital stay (in days), and mortality. We also analyzed levels of severity among those with IP and EXPN. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS version 9.1 (Cary, NC). Results: Among the patients with IP, the median CCI score was 1, the median Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score was 7, and the median bedside index for severity of acute pancreatitis score was 1. In addition, the median length of hospital stay was only 4 days; only 1% had persistent organ failure and only 1% to 2% required intervention. The mortality rate of IP was 3%; it was associated significantly with comorbidity (the median CCI scores of nonsurvivors and survivors was 4 and 1, respectively, P = .003). Patients with EXPN had greater levels of disease severity, compared with patients with IP. Conclusions: IP is severe in only 1% to 3% of patients; mortality of IP is associated strongly with comorbidity. EXPN is more frequently severe than IP; EXPN must be distinguished from IP in clinical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims: There have been few clinical studies of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in patients with acute pancreatitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of SIRS in assessing severity of acute pancreatitis. Methods: We prospectively enrolled 252 consecutive patients with acute pancreatitis who were admitted directly to our institution between 2005–2007. The incidence and duration of SIRS (transient ≤48 hours vs persistent >48 hours) during the first 7 days of hospitalization, and the number of SIRS criteria (0–4) on the first day of hospitalization (day 1) were evaluated with individual markers of severity, including persistent organ failure, pancreatic necrosis, need for intensive care unit, and mortality. Results: SIRS occurred in 155/252 patients (62%) on day 1. SIRS on day 1 predicted severe disease with high sensitivity (85%–100%). The absence of SIRS on day 1 was associated with a high negative predictive value (98%–100%). Patients with a higher number of systemic inflammatory response (SIR) criteria on day 1 and persistent SIRS had an increased risk for severe disease (P < .01). Conclusions: The majority of patients hospitalized with acute pancreatitis have SIRS on day 1. The severity of acute pancreatitis is greater among patients with SIRS on day 1 and, in particular, among those with 3 or 4 SIRS criteria, compared with those without SIRS on day 1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Among imaging techniques, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has evolved as the most robust technique for the detection, characterization, and staging of anorectal cancers. With its superior contrast resolution, multiplanar imaging capability, and nil radiation risk, it has become the standard preoperative imaging tool in rectal tumors. In this article we aim to outline the various types of anorectal cancers, highlight the complex anatomy of this region, and discuss the immensely useful role of MRI in the management of anorectal cancers. Existing limitations and future applications in this area will also be discussed. Because rectal adenocarcinomas constitute the majority of tumors in this region, we will be discussing the input of MRI in the management of this condition in greater detail. This will be followed by an overview of MRI in anal carcinoma and other less common anorectal neoplasms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Magnetic resonance pancreatography (MRCP) is now established as a robust noninvasive tool for the evaluation of biliary and pancreatic pathology. Its diagnostic performance is comparable with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography without the associated risks. This article aims to familiarize the reader with the technique, clinical indications, and limitations of the investigation. Common pitfalls in interpretation also are addressed. Emerging applications and techniques are discussed that include recent advances in technology and the development of functional imaging. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical success of discharging patients with persistent drainage from percutaneous pancreatic catheters and to identify factors related to complications and re-admission. Materials and Methods: The authors identified 15 patients with necrotizing pancreatitis who were discharged with drains after computed tomographic (CT)-guided catheter drainage at their institution from 2000 to 2006. At discharge, all patients were afebrile and were tolerating oral diets but had persistent catheter output. Data reviewed included abdominal CT scans (at admission, before drain placement, and before discharge), microbiologic results, catheter caliber, number of catheters, outpatient follow-up, and re-admission records. Results: Seven of the 15 patients (47%) remained clinically well and underwent successful outpatient catheter removal (median duration of catheter drainage, 94 days). Eight of the 15 patients (53%) were re-admitted because of abdominal pain and/or fever (median time to re-admission, 15 days). Six of the eight re-admitted patients (75%) underwent surgical débridement and two (25%) had catheters manipulated followed by eventual successful outpatient catheter removal. The mean percentage reduction in size of the necrotic collection before discharge was higher in the seven patients who remained clinically well compared to the eight who required re-admission (87.6% vs 49.6%, P = .037). Conclusions: Patients with necrotizing pancreatitis who have persistent drainage from percutaneous catheters at the time of hospital discharge are more likely to be re-admitted if there is CT evidence of inadequate resolution of the necrotic collection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article reviews the ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging features of rare solid tumors of the pancreas with attention to distinctive imaging appearances, which can help radiologists to discriminate between the different entities. Various uncommon solid pancreatic neoplasms, including exocrine and endocrine epithelial tumors, mesenchymal tumors, and metastases, are reviewed, with emphasis on key differential points, including morphologic features and patterns of contrast enhancement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cystic tumors of the pancreas are a subset of rare pancreatic tumors that vary from benign to malignant. Many have specific imaging findings that allow them to be differentiated from each other. This article aims to review the histopathologic and imaging findings of the relatively common lesions (serous microcystic adenoma, mucinous cystic tumor, intraductal papillary mucinous tumor, and solid pseudopapillary tumor) and uncommon lesions (cystic endocrine tumors, cystic metastases, cystic teratomas, and lymphangiomas) in this group. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Pelvic floor weakness is characterized by abnormal symptomatic displacement of pelvic organs. It represents a complex clinical problem most commonly seen in middle-aged and elderly parous women. Its diagnosis remains difficult in many cases, since these disorders typically present with nonspecific symptoms, such as pelvic pain, incontinence and constipation. Fluoroscopic colpocystodefecography has been proven to surpass physical examination in the detection and characterization of functional abnormalities of the anorectum and surrounding pelvic structures. Similarly, MR defecography, performed either with an open- or closed-configuration unit, appears to be an accurate imaging technique to assess clinically relevant pelvic floor abnormalities. Moreover, MR defecography negates the need to expose the patient to harmful ionizing radiation and allows excellent depiction of the surrounding soft tissues of the pelvis. In this manuscript, we review the techniques and indications of MR defecography, and illustrate the MRI features of a vast array of morphologic and functional pelvic floor disorders, with emphasis on the posterior pelvic compartment (anorectum). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is an aggressive malignancy with a high mortality rate. Proper determination of the extent of disease on imaging studies at the time of staging is one of the most important steps in optimal patient management. Given the variability in expertise and definition of disease extent among different practitioners as well as frequent lack of complete reporting of pertinent imaging findings at radiologic examinations, adoption of a standardized template for radiology reporting, using universally accepted and agreed on terminology for solid pancreatic neoplasms, is needed. A consensus statement describing a standardized reporting template authored by a multi-institutional group of experts in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma that included radiologists, gastroenterologists, and hepatopancreatobiliary surgeons was developed under the joint sponsorship of the Society of Abdominal Radiologists and the American Pancreatic Association. Adoption of this standardized imaging reporting template should improve the decision-making process for the management of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma by providing a complete, pertinent, and accurate reporting of disease staging to optimize treatment recommendations that can be offered to the patient. Standardization can also help to facilitate research and clinical trial design by using appropriate and consistent staging by means of resectability status, thus allowing for comparison of results among different institutions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Splenosis is a completely benign entity that can mimic a primary mass or metastasis. Herein we report the first known case of gallbladder splenosis in a 49-year-old woman with an extensive surgical and medical history. Cross-sectional computed tomography and MRI demonstrated a single mass arising from the gallbladder fundus. Revelation of splenectomy, confirmed to be traumatic from medical records, raised the suspicion for splenosis. The diagnosis was confirmed with a Technecium-99m-labeled heat-damaged blood cell scan, considered the gold-standard for detection of ectopic splenic tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the ability of the ring-enhancing sign and focal necrosis to diagnose adenosquamous carcinoma (ASqC), a variant of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), on MRI and CT. The following features of ASqC and conventional PDAC were evaluated on CT and MRI: tumor size, location, margins, borders (non-exophytic, exophytic), and T1 signal intensity. Two readers, blinded to histopathology results, rated their confidence in detecting ring-enhancement and focal necrosis (FN) on a 5-point Likert scale on both MRI and CT. Inter-reader agreement was assessed with Cohen's kappa (k). A total of 24 patients were included: eight patients with treatment naïve and histologically proven ASqC (six women, mean age: 63, range: 40–75) and 16 patients with PDAC (eight women, mean age: 67, range: 47–83). Statistically significant differences between ASqC and PDAC were seen in tumor size, location, presence of FN, and ring enhancement (p = 0.01–0.037). The readers were more confident in depicting the key differentiating feature ring-enhancement in ASqC on MRI compared to CT (confidence 1.71 ± 0.49 vs. 0.88 ± 0.35, p = 0.017) with moderate inter-reader agreement (k = 0.46 and 0.5, respectively). FN showed substantial inter-reader agreement on MR and moderate agreement on CT (k = 0.67 and 0.5, respectively). Compared to CT, MRI depicts ring-enhancement in ASqC with greater reader confidence and FN in ASqC with higher inter-reader agreement. The concurrent presence of these two imaging features should raise high suspicion for ASqC. • MRI depicts ring-enhancement with higher reader confidence when compared to CT. • There is greater inter-reader agreement in detecting the presence of focal necrosis on MRI relative to CT. • The presence of ring-enhancement and focal necrosis raises suspicion for pancreatic adenosquamous carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intrathoracic accessory lobes of the liver are exceedingly rare and usually found incidentally in asymptomatic patients. Its diagnosis poses a real challenge for radiologists due to its rarity, location and rounded solid mass appearance. Herein, we describe the case of a supradiaphragmatic caudate lobe of the liver in a 43-year-old African American woman presenting to the hospital for evaluation of an inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombus with CT. Final diagnosis was achieved by MRI using intravenous contrast material, showing a 4.7 cm by 2.7 cm oval shaped mass, with similar signal intensity to the main liver on all sequences. Appropriate diagnosis of this intrathoracic mass is important to negate the need for unnecessary procedures and set a proper follow up after clinical diagnosis. • An unusual case of a supradiaphragmatic accessory caudate lobe of the liver in an adult patient with no surgical history. • Ability of MRI to non-invasively diagnose supradiaphragmatic accessory caudate lobe, avoiding unnecessary procedures. • Ectopic liver tissue should be followed up in time, as it can develop similar conditions as the orthotopic liver tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Granular cell tumors (GCT) are rare and typically benign. Diagnosis is challenging due to nonspecific imaging characteristics and symptomatology. Herein, we report a combination of pancreatic/cecal GCTs in a 43-year-old man. Contrast enhanced MDCT demonstrated a 1.5 cm well-defined homogeneous intraluminal cecal mass and a 1.6 cm slightly hypervascular pancreatic body mass. On MRI, the pancreatic mass showed increased enhancement on post-gadolinium delayed sequences. Diagnosis was confirmed by excisional pathology (S100 and CD68, PAS-D positive). Radiologists, gastroenterologists, and surgeons should ponder the possibility of GCTs in the differential diagnosis of any small, pancreatic or cecal well-defined tumor. Highlights • This is the first report of granular cell tumor of the cecum or pancreas in radiology literature. • Granular cell tumors of the gastrointestinal tract are often an incidental finding due to its asymptomatic nature. • Differentials include pancreatic cancer and neuroendocrine tumors. In the colon: polyps, leiomyomas, GIST and ganglioneuromas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To evaluate clinical and imaging features of pancreatic pseudocyst-portal vein fistula (PPVF). Methods Patients with evidence of PPVF on CT/MRI were included. Clinical presentation, outcomes, imaging appearance of the portal vein were recorded. Results 75% of patients developed portal hypertension, 62% cavernous transformation of the portal vein and 25% portal biliopathy. PPVF presented on CT as fluid-attenuated portal vein, and on MRI as T2-weighted hyperintense fluid-filled portal vein. PPVF was misdiagnosed as portal vein thrombosis in all patients who underwent CT as initial examination. Conclusions Whenever PPVF is suspected on CT, MRI can be helpful to achieve accurate diagnosis and avoid unnecessary interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose We investigated the incremental diagnostic yield of S-MRCP in a population with high prevalence of small pancreatic cysts. Methods Standard MRCP protocol was performed with and without secretin using 1.5 T units in subjects undergoing pancreatic screening because of a strong family history of pancreatic cancer as part of the multicenter Cancer of the Pancreas Screening-3 trial (CAPS 3). All studies were reviewed prospectively by two independent readers who recorded the presence and number of pancreatic cysts, the presence of visualized ductal communication before and after secretin, and the degree of confidence in the diagnoses. Result Of 202 individuals enrolled (mean age 56 years, 46% males), 93 (46%) had pancreatic cysts detected by MRCP, and 64 of the 93 had pre-and post-secretin MRCP images available for comparison. Data from the 128 readings show that 6 (6/128 = 4.7%) had ductal communication visualized only on the secretin studies compared to pre-secretin studies (odds ratio 1.28, p = 0.04). In addition, there was a statistically significant increase in confidence in reporting ductal communication after secretin compared to before secretin ( p < 0.0005). Conclusion At 1.5 T MRI, the use of secretin can improve the visualization of ductal communication of cystic pancreatic lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]