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Aims: To analyze the radiologic characteristics, clinical course and long-term follow-up of 7 radiologically uncommon pediatric cases of Langerhans cell histiocytosis and to identify prognostic factors related to imaging patterns., Methods: The clinical records and complete imaging data of 75 patients with LCH diagnosed and treated at the National Cancer Institute of Milan between January 1975 and December 1993 were analyzed, and 43 cases presenting as unifocal bone lesions were identified. The plain film, computed tomography and magnetic resonance characteristics enabled the identification of 7 radiologically aggressive and rapidly progressive cases, which were analyzed at presentation and during follow-up., Results: Although at disease presentation bone lesions appeared lytic destructive, rapidly progressive and often involved adjacent soft tissues, after adequate therapy the disease course was invariably benign and led to almost complete restoration of normal structure and function. Long-term follow-up confirmed the favorable outcome and lack of disease recurrence in all cases., Conclusions: There is no correlation between radiologically aggressive characteristics and final outcome in Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Radiologists and pediatric oncologists should be acquainted with less common radiologic forms which, at presentation, can mimic more ominous diseases. If recognized and adequately treated, monostotic forms almost invariably have a benign prognosis.

Aims: To highlight the different changes induced in lung tissues by various forms of radiotherapy (RT) according to tumor site and type., Methods: A retrospective analysis of the roentgenographic evaluation of and long-term follow-up data on 2375 patients who received RT for various intrathoracic and extrathoracic tumors at the National Cancer Institute of Milan., Results: The iconographic patterns of post-RT changes, grouped by site and type of tumor and RT procedure and described in detail, afford deeper insight into a little-known area of lung pathology., Conclusions: These descriptions of common and uncommon patterns of the irradiated lung as they appear on conventional chest roentgenograms enable the radiologist and radiotherapist to assess exactly the response of tumor and lung tissues and to plan the most appropriate clinical follow-up.

Aims: Experimental radiobiologic factors help to better understand and interpret the development of radiographic alterations in lung tissues due to radiant treatments. In this paper the authors summarize the radiologic factors and technical bases about radiotherapy of the lung., Methods: The conventional radiologic iconography has been examined in a large series of patients (n = 2151) with iatrogenic pulmonary lesions determined by various types of antineoplastic radiant treatments at the Istituto Nazionale Tumori of Milan., Results: A radiologic control and a long follow-up is essential to assess the successive phases of postactinic lesions due to "passive" irradiation therapy for any type of non-endothoracic tumor as well as those due to "necessary" lung radiotherapy for endothoracic neoplasms., Conclusions: A strict relation has been found between the aspects in conventional radiologic iconography and the corresponding lesions in the irradiated lung.

Adrenal gland metastases from osteogenic sarcoma are rare and an unusual pattern of relapse. The recognition of solitary metastases, particularly when located in uncommon sites is very important for subsequent treatment. The authors describe the radiological features of an adrenal metastases from osteogenic sarcoma.