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There are many limitations to the examination of the bile ducts by magnetic resonance imaging, which may be four orders: (1) technical, requiring analysis of Maximum Intensity Projection (MIP) three-dimensional (3D) volume reconstructions as well as native images, the use of T1-weighted sequences obtained in 3D to avoid entry slice phenomena, and knowledge of the inherent limits of the method, the spatial resolution of which is still less than optimal; (2) anatomical: you need to know the appearance of flow artefacts within the bile ducts and the traps that the presence of air or bleeding into the bile ducts can create; you also need to know the characteristic appearance of the indentation caused by the hepatic artery on the bile ducts and the variants and modifications seen in cases of portal biliopathy; (3) semiological: the terms used to describe bile duct abnormalities seen in MRI are often derived from imprecise descriptions used in retrograde cholangiography: irregularities of the bile ducts, a beaded ‘string of pearls’ appearance, a ‘dead tree’ appearance; (4) related to a complex disease, cholangitis which is a complex pathological condition, with possible overlaps between different conditions, such as primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), secondary sclerosing cholangitis, autoimmune cholangitis. In any case, the diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma associated with PSC is always difficult. These limitations can be circumvented by using a precise exploration technique comprised of 3D magnetic resonance cholangiography sequences, which allow volume analysis, examination of native slices and of thick or thin MIP reconstructions, and heavily T2-weighted and T1-weighted 3D sequences with and without gadolinium injection, which is not always essential. The examination must be interpreted according to a stereotyped plan that includes (1) examination of the bile ducts, searching for and describing any stenosis, the presence or absence of dilatation, (2) a systematic search for any intrahepatic calculus, (3) examination of the heterogeneity of the liver parenchyma, investigation to find any liver dysmorphia and signs of portal hypertension, (4) analysis of the enhancement of the liver parenchyma and any enhancement of the wall of the bile ducts.

Purpose To compare fotemustine and dacarbazine (DTIC) in terms of overall response rate (ORR) as primary end-point and overall survival, duration of responses, time to progression, time to occurrence of brain metastases (BM), and to assess safety and quality of life in patients with disseminated cutaneous melanoma. Patients and Methods Patients received either intravenous fotemustine 100 mg/m2 weekly for 3 weeks or DTIC 250 mg/m2/d for 5 consecutive days every 4 weeks (two cycles). Nonprogressive patients received a maintenance treatment every 4 weeks (fotemustine 100 mg/m2 or DTIC 250 mg/m2 for 5 days). Results Two hundred twenty-nine patients were randomly assigned to fotemustine or DTIC arms. The best ORR was higher in the fotemustine arm than in the DTIC arm in the intent-to-treat population (n = 229; 15.2% v 6.8%; P = .043) and in full analysis set (n = 221) (15.5% v 7.2%; P = .053). Similar median durations of responses (5.8 months with fotemustine v 6.9 months with DTIC) and time to progression (1.8 v 1.9 months, respectively) were observed. In patients without BM at inclusion, the median time to BM was 22.7 months with fotemustine versus 7.2 months with DTIC (P = .059). Median survival was 7.3 months with fotemustine versus 5.6 months with DTIC (P = .067). The main toxicity was grade 3 to 4 neutropenia (51% with fotemustine v 5% with DTIC) and thrombocytopenia (43% v 6%, respectively). No significant difference was noted for quality of life between arms. Conclusion ORR was higher in the fotemustine arm compared to the DTIC arm in first-line treatment of disseminated melanoma. A trend in favor of fotemustine in terms of overall survival and time to BM was evidenced.

We report the MRI findings of six unusual lesions of the internal auditory canal: three haemangiomas, one lipoma, one metastasis and one traumatic neuroma. We compare the findings to those of 20 intracanalicular schwannomas. We noted the site and size of the tumour, its signal intensity, borders and the homogeneity of enhancement were studied on T1-weighted images before and after intravenous contrast medium and T2-weighted images. Most schwannomas were homogeneous lesions, isointense on T1- and T2-weighted images, and strongly enhancing. Spontaneous high signal on T1-weighted images, heterogeneous contrast enhancement and extranodular enhancement were helpful for recognising lesions other then schwannomas; site, size and signal on T2-weighted images were not. All the haemangiomas had a specific pattern of contrast enhancement, with an anterior core intensely enhancing portion and a posterior portion which enhanced moderately or not at all.

Lymphangio-MRI is a non-invasive technique that allows the precise imaging of thoracic lymphatic vessels without contrast-enhancing agents. This technique is still in progress, and will benefit from better knowledge of thoracic lymphatic diseases and further improvement of MRI spatial resolution.

Some early complications (hematoma, spondylodiscitis, pseudomeningocele) can occur with all types of surgery while late complications vary with the type of surgery. After discectomy, postsurgical changes (osseous and ligamentous defects, scar tissue, granulation tissue) should be distinguished from postsurgical complications or recurrent disease (recurrent disc herniation, arachnoiditis, spondylodiscitis). Following spinal decompression and fusion procedures, standard radiographs and CT can confirm the adequate position of the fusion devices, the presence of fusion, and the development of late osseous complications: pseudarthrosis, instability and recurrent stenosis.

Ankylosing spondylitis is the most common spondyloarthropathy. It is characterized by enthesopathy (inflammation at the insertion of ligaments, tendons or fascia to bone). The os calcis is most frequently involved. Additional peripheral manifestations include synovitis and dactylitis. Unlike radiographs that demonstrate late manifestations of the disease, ultrasound and MRI demonstrate early inflammatory changes of bones and soft tissues. Multiple sites of involvement may also be detected on a single examination. Both imaging modalities facilitate early diagnosis, a crucial element for patient management. Both modalities may also monitor lesion regression during treatment.

The landscape of liver imaging today comprises modalities that did not even exist 40 years ago. Conversely, older methods vanished. New technological developments of ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) have been such a rushing job that they preceded and even induced changes in medical decision making. Nowadays, these methods have reached their initial goal, mainly anatomical (US, CT, MRI) or metabolic (PET). Therefore, medical strategy, guidelines and standardization occupy now the front of the scene. However, techniques are still headed towards new horizons. This outreach program is functional imaging (perfusion US, CT and MRI of tumors and liver parenchyma), structural imaging (diffusion weighted MRI for fibrosis of tumors, texture analysis in US and CT, MR spectroscopy), "multi-metabolic" imaging (new tracers for PET). All these modalities are new insights into the cell or even the molecule. Adding their strengths, they will also reinforce the concept of hybrid imaging, either by virtue of new combined machines (PET-MRI) or based on new developments of image fusion. The creation of this new knowledge will necessitate remodeling of boundaries between savvy physicians.

To evaluate clinical and ultrasound (US) results following percutaneous repair of the Achilles tendon.Thirty-four patients underwent percutaneous Achilles tendon repair between 2004 and 2006. Seventeen patients (11 males and 6 females aged 30 to 59 years) underwent clinical and US follow-up at a mean of 15 months. US evaluation included assessment of the bilateral Achilles tendons with recording of maximum tendon diameter, echotexture, and presence of intratendonous neovascularization on power Doppler US.On clinical evaluation, all patients were satisfied with the outcome and able to resume their normal level of activity. On US evaluation, there was no tendon discontinuity, and all tendons showed hypoechoic thickening with mean maximal diameter of 13 mm. Focal changes in echotexture were noted in 11 patients, hypoechoic in 5 cases and echogenic in 6 cases. A normal fibrillar echotexture was noted in 5 cases, at more than on eyear after surgery. Intratendonous neovascularization was present in 10 cases, mild in 6 cases, moderate in 2 cases and marked in 2 cases. The degree of neovascularization decreased with increasing postsurgical time.Postsurgical Achilles tendons were characterized on US by hypoechoic thickening and loss of normal fibrillar echotexture. The presence of intratendonous neovascularization probably corresponds to postsurgical scarring that decreases over time.

Radiation therapy of malignant neoplasms of the anal canal has promising results in the majority of patients if the disease is limited at initial diagnosis. Computed tomography (CT), especially when performed with contrast material injected intravenously, is valuable in the pre- and posttreatment assessment of the anorectal musculature and perirectal nodes. The authors review the anatomy of the anorectal area and their experience with CT evaluation of anal canal cancer in a series of 26 patients. They also discuss their experience with treatment of this cancer in a series of 48 patients.

In order to improve management of oncologic patients, a standardized 5-step approach should be considered: detection, characterization, locoregional and systemic staging, and post treatment follow up. The use of imaging techniques will be adapted to the clinical question at hand during multi-disciplinary review of cases. The role of the radiologist is to review the indications for each imaging modality and incorporate the results in the clinical context.

To determine the wall thickness and external diameter values of the normal appendix on multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). Materials and methods. A senior radiologist with no knowledge of the patient's surgical history prospectively examined the abdominal-pelvic CT scans of 57 consecutive adult patients with no suspicion for appendicitis. Most of the patients (50/57) received an intravenous iodinated contrast material injection, but none had gastrointestinal studies. All slices (1 and 5 mm) and multiplanar reconstructions were analyzed on a treatment console. The external diameter of the appendix, the thickness of the two appendicular walls, and the presence or absence of intraluminal gas were noted.The appendix was visualized in 82% of the cases (47/57). The mean external diameter was 6.7 mm+/-1.2 (range, 5.0-11.0 mm). The mean thickness of the two walls was 4.8 mm+/-1.0 (range, 2.6-6.4 mm). Intraluminal air was visualized in 87% of cases (41/47).Contrary to external diameter, the normal thickness of the appendix's two walls does not go beyond the threshold of 6 mm and therefore seems to be a reliable measurement for identifying a normal appendix using MDCT.

To determine whether multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is helpful for early detection of gastroduodenal perforation.Fifteen consecutive gastroduodenal perforations for ulcer were recorded in the HIS of a single institution. Reports were analyzed and classified according to the following signs: Was a pneumoperitoneum detected? Was there mention of a perforation site, and how was it depicted (axial or reformatted slices, thin or thick slices)? What were the other described features, including peritoneal fluid, abdominal fat blurring, and bowel wall thickening?All patients had a gastroduodenal perforation. MDCT identified pneumoperitoneum in 15 of 15 cases as compared with three of nine cases for plain films. The perforation site was seen in eight of 15: it was identified as a defect in the parietal wall (gastroduodenal). Six of eight cases were depicted in axial view. Two of them were only seen on MPR, coronal or sagittal view.MDCT improves the detection rate of pneumoperitoneum and provides critical data for locating the perforation using direct and indirect signs. Multiplanar images seem to improve radiologists' confidence.

To determine the frequency of detection of appendicoliths on normal appendix at multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) with multiplanar reconstructions (MPR).A senior radiologist, blinded to patient's surgical history, prospectively and independently reviewed abdominopelvic MDCT scans in 57 consecutive adult patients without symptoms suggesting appendicitis. Most patients had IV iodine injection, but no oral contrast. Thick (5 mm) and thin (1 mm) slices were analyzed on a workstation. MPR were available. Localization of the appendix, overall diameter, intraluminal gas and appendicolith were recorded.The appendix was visualized in 47/57 (82%). An appendicolith was found in 13%. Intraluminal gas was identified in 87%. The localization was retrocaecal (47%), mediocaecal (21%) or pelvic (32%). The mean overall diameter of the normal appendix was 6.7 mm +/- 1.2 (SD).Appendicolith was found in a significant number of normal patients at MDCT and don't represent a specific sign for appendicitis.

To assess the role of contrast-enhanced helical CT in the evaluation of tumour vascularity in endocrine pancreatic tumours (EPTs), and to determine the predictive factors of malignancy of EPTs at helical CT with CT-histopathological correlation.Thirty-seven consecutive patients with histopathologically proven EPTs underwent dual-phase helical CT. For each tumour detected, its density relative to the surrounding parenchyma was scored on the pancreatic phase using a 5-point scale. Radiological findings were correlated with histopathological (vessel density count) and clinical follow-up findings.Thirty of 37 patients had non-functioning EPTs and overall 44 tumours were detected by helical CT (mean size 38, range 5-100 mm). CT showed calcifications in 10 tumours. Calcifications were associated with well-differentiated carcinomas (90%, p = 0.02). Vascular density assessed by light microscopy was significantly correlated with tumour enhancement at the pancreatic phase (p = 0.0001). Poorly differentiated carcinomas were less vascularised than well-differentiated tumours and carcinomas (34 vs. 264 vessels/mm2, p = 0.0073). Tumour differentiation also correlated with tumour enhancement at the pancreatic phase (p = 0.0044, trend test): poorly differentiated carcinomas were hypoattenuating (71%) and isoattenuating or weakly hyperattenuating (29%), compared with well-differentiated carcinomas and tumours that were mainly moderately or strongly hyperattenuating (53%). In univariate analysis, poor tumoral differentiation, hepatic metastasis, high mitotic index, poor tumoral enhancement at the pancreatic phase and less vascularised tumours were correlated with decreased survival rate.Enhancement of EPT at CT is correlated with tumour vascularity assessed by light microscopy. Low-enhancing EPT at CT are correlated with poorly differentiated EPT and with a decrease in overall survival.

Initial reports of pneumatic anti-shock garment (PASG) in severely hypotensive patients appeared promising. Nevertheless, large-scale studies in prehospital settings have shown no overall reduction in mortality rates among hypotensive patients with application of the PASG. However, in a subsample of patients with blood pressureor =50 mmHg, PASG seems to be useful to reduce bleeding and improve survival. To our knowledge, our case report is the first which directly showns on angiography the hemostatic effect of PASG on pelvic trauma bleeding. In spite of its possible complications, PASG remains one of the tools of trained trauma teams who regularly treated severe haemorrhagic shock.

The authors describe a new technique of CT pelvimetry, using multi detector CT. This protocol is able to provide an anatomic view of the bony pelvis as well as classical measurements for pelvimetry. The acquisition is made using low technical parameters allowing the radiation dose to remain similar to that of conventional CT. Helical acquisition with thin slices and interleaved reconstruction provides adequate material for Volume Rendering reconstruction. Presets of the software may give readily available images within seconds, saving time for the radiologist. Although this technique might be performed using single slice helical CT, multi detector CT makes it faster and more accurate as the acquisition time is shorter. Final images are more easily understood by obstetricians and midwives, leading to a better understanding of dystocias. This anatomical information is obviously superior to that of conventional CT. Because it is simple to perform, has no medical time cost for the radiologist if a Volume Rendering software is available, and does not require additional radiation, we believe that this technique should replace conventional CT or conventional pelvimetry.

The central nervous system (CNS) has a particular regional functional anatomy. The morphological support of cognitive functions can now be depicted using functional imaging. Lesions of the central nervous system may be responsible of specific symptoms based on their location. Current neuroimaging techniques are able to show and locate precisely macroscopic lesions. Therefore, the knowledge of functional anatomy of the central nervous system is useful to link clinical disorders to symptomatic lesions. Using radio-clinical cases, we present the functional neuro-anatomy related to common cognitive impairments.

Dynamic MR imaging (MRI) may be used as an alternative to dynamic cystoproctography for the evaluation of pelvic floor prolapse. Our study aimed to define the range of dynamic pelvic MRI aspects observed during the exploration of pelvic prolapse.Fascial and anatomic defects can include a combinaison of cystocele, rectocele, uterine prolapse, enterocele and vault prolapse. Acute diagnosis of the coexisting abnormalities is essential in planning reconstructive procedures so that the risks of recurrence and reoperation can be minimized. At this time colpocystography is the study of choice to evaluate pelvic floor dysfunction. Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging for exploration of pelvic floor dysfunction is under evaluation.Pubococcygeal line and puborectalis muscle were the references points. The grading system is based on degree of organ prolapse through the hiatus and the degree of pubo-rectalis descent and hiatal enlargement. Unfortunately, there is a real discordance between the reality of the prolapse and its imaging. However, a new reference line, the mid pubic line, was drawn on the magnetic resonance image to correspond to the hymeneal ring marker used in clinical staging. Intra-operative findings were considered the gold standard against which physical examination, dynamic colpocystodefecography and MRI were compared. Using these criteria the sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of MRI were 70%, 100%, 100% for cystocele; 42%, 81%, 60% for vaginal vault or uterine prolapse; 100%, 83%, 75% for enterocele; 87%, 72% and 66% for rectocele.MRI appears to be an important adjunct in the comprehensive evaluation of the female pelvis. Except for vaginal vault, pelvic prolapse is accurately staged and pelvic organ prolapse reliably detected. The technique is rapid, non invasive and cost effective, it allows the clinician to visualize the whole pelvis using a single dynamic study that provides anatomical details.

Scar endometriosis is a rare disease which is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms are nonspecific, typically involving abdominal wall pain at the time of menstruation. Clinical examination may reveal a painful nodule, if the scar involved is located on the abdominal wall, but is normal, when the lesion is located on the uterine scar. Other means of investigation (transvaginal ultrasonography, computed tomography) may be useful in case of lesions on the abdominal wall, or if the nodule is large, but give no specific results. The diagnosis is frequently made only after excision of the lesion. We report here 4 patients operated for scar endometriosis (two abdominal and two uterine scars) for whom MRI had suggested the diagnosis. Thanks to its very high spatial resolution, MRI enables very small lesions to be detected and can distinguish the hemorrhagic signal of endometriotic lesions. Furthermore, it performs better than the CT scan in detecting the limits between muscles and abdominal subcutaneous tissues.

We present the imaging findings of superficial siderosis of the central nervous system associated with an ependymoma of the posterior fossa in a patient who presented with progressive bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and cerebellar ataxia. The ependymoma was a homogeneous well-defined mass of the fourth ventricle without hydrocephalus. Secondary siderosis due to chronic bleeding from the ependymoma appeared as linear hypointensity delineating the surface of the cortex, thin and subtle on spin-echo T2-weighted images, thick and obvious on gradient-echo T2-weighted images.

Presentation of a clinical audit of the radiology reports in our institution.and methods: This audit has been performed in several steps: launching the project, elaboration of the reference book, elaboration of the protocol, analysis of the results, improvements made.Several dysfunctions were detected: typing errors, the lack of sentences explaining the procedure of examination, the lack of negative pertinent elements, the lack of synthesis. Several interventions were made: checking on the screen of the computer the report before signing it, purchase of personal voice recorders, restructuring the interpretation room. Other interventions are considered: structured data entry, P.A.C.S. systemsThis audit has allowed the modification of the process for realisation of the radiology reports and the stimulation of the medical team, thus improving the quality of our work.

The liver is a parenchyma which contains many vessels. They are composed of two inflow vessels: the portal vein and the hepatic artery, and one outflow system represented by the hepatic veins. We will see in the chapter most of the abnormalities and their consequences due to decrease or an increase of the blood flow of these vessels. Many illustrations will be provided with a special focus on CT findings with multiphasic images.

Study Objective. To take recent progress in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) into account to determine its accuracy compared with that of transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS) in diagnosing bladder endometriosis. Design. Retrospective analysis (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). Setting. University-affiliated hospital. Patients. Twelve women with histologically proved bladder endometriosis. Intervention. Magnetic resonance imaging with body and endocavitary coils and TVUS. Measurements and Main Results. Although TVUS was normal in four patients, MRI enabled endometriotic lesions to be detected in all patients. Magnetic resonance imaging with endocavitary coil established the existence of deep infiltration in three patients when muscularis involvement was not visible with the body coil. In seven women MRI determined how far deep posterior endometriotic lesions extended, whereas with TVUS this was impossible to see. Conclusion. MRI had advantages over TVUS in diagnosing small lesions of associated posterior deep endometriotic lesions. The endocavitary coil gave better results than the phased-array coil for diagnosing deep infiltration. These results are important in that they help guide surgical management.

The efficiency, accuracy, and safety of ultrasound-guided liver biopsy with plugging of the needle track were prospectively assessed in 72 patients at high risk for hemorrhage. Seventy-eight biopsy procedures were performed in 72 consecutive patients prospectively classified into four different groups on the basis of coagulation parameters. Sixty-two patients (86%) had severe or moderately severe coagulation disorders. Fifty-four biopsy procedures were performed in 50 patients with diffuse liver disease, and 24 were performed in 24 patients with focal liver lesions. The biopsy track was embolized with gelatin particles and thrombin. Biopsy specimens adequate for histologic diagnosis were obtained in 69 of the 72 patients (96%). In focal lesions, accuracy and sensitivity in the diagnosis of malignancy were 75% and 89%, respectively. Two serious bleeding complications (2.8%) were encountered in two of the patients with major coagulation disorders. Liver biopsy with plugging of the needle track is a practical technique and is a feasible alternative to the transjugular approach. Respective indications for both methods depend on the severity of coagulation disorders and the presence of focal lesions.

The aim of this study was to describe the intrahepatic hemodynamic modifications induced by right portal vein embolization (RPVE) using Doppler ultrasound. Eighteen patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 8), liver metastases (n = 9), or multiple adenomas, underwent RPVE 1 month before right hepatectomy in order to increase the size of future remnant liver. Doppler ultrasound was performed before and 1 month after RPVE. The portal vein flow and the hepatic artery resistive index in right and left lobes (segments V and III) were calculated. We recorded simultaneously artery and portal vein of segment III to measure the arterioportal ratio calculated as follows: (maximal arterial systolic velocity minus maximal portal vein velocity)/maximal arterial systolic velocity. Results were compared in cirrhotic patients (group A) and in healthy liver patients (group B). In both groups, portal flow was not significantly modified following RPVE. In the left lobe, in both groups the hepatic artery resistive index was not significantly modified. In group B, the arterioportal ratio decreased significantly (0.71 +/- 0.18 and 0.42 +/- 0.23, respectively, before and after embolization; p0.01), whereas it was not statistically modified in group A (0.75 +/- 0.17 and 0.69 +/- 0.14, respectively, before and after embolization). The right hepatic arterial resistive index decreased significantly in both groups after embolization (0.74 +/- 0.07 to 0.66 +/- 0.07, p0.05; and 0.66 +/- 0.07 to 0.61 +/- 0.06, p0.05, respectively, before and after RPVE for groups A and B). Total portal flow was unchanged after RPVE (750 +/- 337 ml/mn and 696 +/- 231 ml/mn, respectively, before and after RPVE). The hepatic artery resistive index was unchanged before and after embolization in the left lobe (0.75 +/- 0.13 and 0.74 +/- 0.14, respectively), but significantly decreased in the right lobe (0.7 +/- 0.08 and 0.62 +/- 0.06 respectively, p0.05). The left arterioportal ratio decreased significantly from 0.76 +/- 0.17 to 0.52 +/- 0.23 after PVE, p0.02). Our study confirms that right portal occlusion induces a decrease in hepatic artery resistive index in the right lobe and does not modify total portal flow. The left and right lobes of the liver have separate arterioportal regulation.

Medical Images are components of the so-called "Medical Imaging Folder". This folder is a subset of the so-called "Medical Folder", part of the "Patient Folder. The G8 promotes the concept of a "Global Information Society for Health. Within this society, the Patient Folder is seen either from a healthcare organization, from a country or from an international point of view. The Global Patient Folder (Healthcare Folder) is composed of the different Patient Folder instances. Presently, Pacs and Telemedicine are no longer concerned only by storage and transmission issues. The medical images have only meaning associated with their context, the patient healthcare status. This context is rich in information provided by various information systems or healthcare professionals. The different data are linked and time dependant. Therefore, the expert community in the field of patient records argues that the approach must be the integration of Medical Images within the patient folder. It appears clearly that the complete deployment of such an "International Healthcare Folder" needs time and will proceed in several steps. Due to the increase of the people's mobility this deployment is inescapable. Infrastructure must be sized up taking into account the Digital Medical Image spreading and its large data volume which necessitates a large bandwith. In this paper, we detail the Medical Image Folder concept and its position within the Patient Folder and the Healthcare Folder. Then we present PACS, networking and Telemedicine concepts as well as the needs in standards.

Liver metastases, in patients with gastroenteropancreatic endocrine tumours, are present in 25-90%, depending on the nature of the primary tumour. Surgical resection is indicated only for localised liver metastasis, whereas in most cases with diffuse liver involvement other therapeutic modalities such as intravenous chemotherapy, embolization or hepatic arterial chemoembolization, ligation or intra-arterial chemotherapy are currently available. Hepatic arterial chemoembolization is specifically indicated for progressive tumours (mainly carcinoids) confined to the liver especially after unsuccessful systemic chemotherapy. A mixture of cytotoxic drug and iodised oil followed by gelatine sponge particles are injected in the branches of the hepatic artery supplying the tumours. 66-100% positive results of this treatment have been reported in the carcinoid syndrome with a 50-91% decrease in 5-HIAA secretion. Variation of tumour size (WHO criteria) has been reported in 33-80% of the cases, even if no direct comparison between chemoembolization and other therapeutic modalities are currently available. Extensive follow-up of the treated patients and additional studies will clarify the role of chemoembolisation in advanced digestive neuroendocrine tumours.

Lesions of the internal auditory meatus, cerebello-pontine angle and skull base have benefited greatly from the progress made in imaging techniques. There are now three methods of examination at our disposal. MRI scan is the primary method of choice, and includes T1 spin echo sequences without and with the injection of contrast, and the T2-weighted sequence (with spin echo or gradient echo CISS-3DFT); other sequences, such as angio-MRI and FLAIR, are used more rarely. CTscanning is complementary to MRI, but gives a better definition of bony structures. Arteriography is more rarely indicated. Imaging usually allows a diagnosis of the type of lesion encountered. The typical features on MRI and CT scan of the various pathological lesions of the internal auditory meatus, cerebello-pontine angle and skull base are discussed, together with the fact that by far the commonest among them is the vestibular neuroma.

OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to assess the usefulness of helical CT in the presurgical evaluation of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. CONCLUSION: Helical CT aids in tumor localization and in assessment of parenchymal, biliary intrahepatic, and portal involvement in hilar cholangiocarcinoma. However, helical CT is not effective in the assessment of biliary extrahepatic, arterial, and lymph node involvement.

The authors report a previously non described case of late rupture of a presternal colon esophagoplasty in a patient with history of caustic ingestion. The role of sonography was the diagnosis of the rupture due to presternal position of the coloplasty.

Purpose: Our goal was to determine the MR features of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and to correlate them with pathologic findings in a surgical series. Method: MRI in 14 patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma who had undergone resection was reviewed. All patients had T1- and T2-weighted SE sequences. Contrast-material-enhanced MRI was performed in 12 cases. Comparison between findings at MRI and pathologic examination was made. Results: MRI depicted ail the lesions but one satellite nodule of 2 cm diameter. All lesions were hypointense relative to the liver on T1-weighted images. On T2-weighted images, the tumors were predominantly isointense or slightly hyperintense relative to liver parenchyma in nine cases (64%) and were strongly hyperintense in five cases (36%). Central hypointense areas or bands were seen in eight cases. No capsule was detected. On contrast-enhanced MR studies, all lesions bad progressive and concentric filling with contrast material. Associated findings such as vascular encasement, focal liver atrophy, or dilatation of intrahepatic bile ducts were observed in 10 cases (71%). Comparison with pathologic examination revealed that lesion signal intensity on T2-weighted MR images was due mostly to the amount of fibrosis, necrosis, and mucous secretion within the lesion. The nine isointense or slightly hyperintense lesions contained abundant fibrosis and had a low content of mucous secretion or necrosis, whereas the five hyperintense lesions contained low or moderate fibrosis and prominent mucous secretion and/or necrosis. Conclusion: Our study suggests that the MR features of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma are well correlated with pathologic findings, but are nonspecific. Associated findings may strengthen the diagnosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma at MRI.

The aim of this study was to compare imaging and pathological results of congenital cystic enlargement of the biliary tract to determine the best preoperative management strategy.Radiological findings of 14 cases treated by surgery were reviewed. Radiological examinations were reviewed: ultrasound (n = 20), computed tomography (n = 13), endoscopic ultrasound (n = 8), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (n = 10), percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (n = 3), peroperative cholangiography (n = 11). Imaging and surgical or pathological correlations were obtained with regard to topographical type using Todani's classification, pancreatobiliary junction, and associated diseases, especially biliary malignancies (cystic wall and gallbladder).Cystic enlargement of the biliary tract was type Ia in 2 patients, type Ib in 1, type Ic in 4, type IVa in 5, and type IVb in 2. The radio-pathological correlation was excellent for the topographical type, and quite good for intrahepatic extension. An abnormal pancreatobiliary junction was identified in 5 cases, and visualized before surgery in I case. This junction was not opacified pre- or pre-operatively in 7 cases. Gallbladder stones were present in 2 cases, choledocal stones, in 2 cases, and intrahepatic stones in one cases, always seen on ultrasound. Malignant degeneration was present in the cyst in one case in the pathological specimen, but was not visualized by imaging procedures or peroperatively; one intrahepatic degeneration was visualized on CT and histologically proven in the surgical specimen.Ultrasound and CT allow positive diagnosis of cystic enlargement of the biliary tract, and diagnosis of intrahepatic cyst and associated diseases. The bifurcation extension and the study of pancreatobiliary junction require peroperative or retrograde cholangiography.

Differential diagnosis between a benign cystic hepatic lesion, biliary cyst, and a potentially malignant lesion or biliary cystadenoma, is difficult. The aim of this study was to evaluate imaging features of atypical cystic liver lesions and the role of imaging techniques in determining a specific diagnosis.Twenty-six patients with atypical cystic hepatic lesions were included in this study. All patients underwent surgery and pathological diagnosis was atypical hepatic cyst (n = 18), biliary cystadenoma (n = 4), hydatic cyst (n = 3), and ciliated hepatic foregut cyst (n = 1). We systematically reviewed US (n = 24), CT (n = 24), and MRI (n = 8) examinations.Septum were seen in both cystadenomas (US: n = 4, CT: n = 1) and hepatic cysts (US: n = 11, CT: n = 6). No mural nodules were seen. A thin wall was noted in both hepatic cysts (n = 2) and cystadenomas (n = 3). The intrahepatic biliary tract was dilated in 3 patients with hepatic cysts, 1 patient with cystadenoma, and 2 patients with hydatic cysts. Calcifications were noted in 1 patient with hepatic cyst, 3 patients with hydatic cysts, and in the case of ciliated hepatic foregut cyst. We found an associated typical hepatic cyst in 77% of cases (14/18) with atypical hepatic cysts; this was never found in other atypical cystic lesions (P0.01).In this series, no imaging features provided a differential diagnosis of atypical hepatic cysts and cystadenomas. The presence of associated typical hepatic cysts is helpful in suggesting the diagnosis of hepatic cyst.

The aim of this study was to compare helical CTAP and helical CT-scan in the preoperative assessment of liver metastases.A prospective unicentric study in 12 patients was performed with helical CTAP and helical CT-scan. All patients underwent partial hepatectomy with intraoperative palpation and sonography within 19 days (mean: 9 days).Examination of resected liver specimens found 38 metastases, from colorectal cancer in 36 cases. The sensitivity was 92.1% for helical CTAP and 79% for helical CT-scan. This sensitivity was 85% for helical CTAP and 60% for helical CT-scan for nodules 1 cm or less in diameter (P = 0.08).In the preoperative screening of liver metastases, helical CT-scan should be performed as the first choice examination. When hepatic lesions seem to be curable by resection based on helical dynamic CT-scan results, helical CTAP should be performed to increase the sensitivity of detection of lesions 1 cm or less in diameter.

To determinate in a retrospective clinical study the benefit of helical-CT for the diagnosis and staging of pancreatic carcinoma compared with endoscopic ultrasonography.Results of helical-CT and endoscopic ultrasonographic investigations relative to 24 cases of histologically proved adenocarcinoma were reviewed. The criteria studied were: a) existence of a pancreatic mass, b) diagnosis of malignancy, c) existence of vascular involvement, d) lymph node involvement. Statistical analysis (binomial test) was performed in 24 patients for the assessment of mass and malignancy and in 10 patients for the assessment of vascular involvement (9 patients who underwent surgery and one patient with a positive arteriography).For diagnosis of pancreatic mass both methods were equivalent: 91.5% (22 cases out of 24) for helical-CT and 87.5% (21 cases out of 24) for endoscopic ultrasonography. Two pancreatic masses were seen only with endoscopic ultrasonography. Their size was under 3 cm. Two of the 3 masses not seen with endoscopic ultrasonography were infiltrative lesions measuring more than 3 cm. Helical-CT was significantly superior to endoscopic ultrasonography for the diagnosis of malignancy (96% vs 71%) (P = 0.035). The accuracy of helical-CT for vascular involvement was significantly superior to endoscopic ultrasonography (90% vs 40%) (P = 0.031). Endoscopic ultrasonography underestimated vascular involvement in 5 cases: mesenterico-portal confluence (3 cases), superior mesenteric artery (2 cases). In the 6 cases with histologically proved lymph node involvement, endoscopic ultrasonography (6 correct assessments) was superior to helical-CT (3 correct assessments).This study confirms the complementarity of helical-CT and endoscopic ultrasonography for the diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma. It suggests that helical-CT is superior to endoscopic ultrasonography for diagnosis of malignancy and assessment of vascular involvement and endoscopic ultrasonography is superior to helical-CT for diagnosis of lymph node involvement. These preliminary results have to be confirmed by a prospective study including a large number of patients with surgical correlation.

Few data are available about the natural history of liver metastases of digestive endocrine tumours. Moreover, results of studies on treatment with intravenous chemotherapy, hepatic arterial chemoembolization and somatostatin analogues are conflicting.To assess the progression of liver metastases of digestive endocrine tumours before antitumoral treatment, and to evaluate a stepwise therapeutic strategy in these patients.22 patients with histologically-confirmed liver metastases were studied. Primary tumours were carcinoids in nine, gastrinomas in five, non-functioning pancreatic tumours in six and calcitonin-secreting tumours in two patients. The progression of liver metastases was assessed according to the World Health Organization criteria in 10 patients before treatment, and during treatment in all patients. Intravenous (i.v.) chemotherapy with streptozotocin and 5-fluorouracil was used in patients with more than 25% progression in tumour size or with more than 50% liver involvement. Hepatic arterial chemoembolization was performed if i.v. chemotherapy failed, or as a first-choice treatment after 1993. The somatostatin analogues octreotide or lanreotide were used as a third-choice treatment.Progression (+90%, range 28-600%) of liver metastases was identified in the 10 patients studied before treatment, after a median follow-up of 11.5 months. Objective and minor responses were obtained in 2/10 patients (20%) and 1/10 patients (10%) receiving i.v. chemotherapy. Corresponding figures were 3/7 (43%) and 2/7 (29%) for hepatic arterial chemoembolization. No objective response was observed with somatostatin analogues, although 2 patients experienced a minor response.Untreated liver metastases of digestive endocrine tumours show an objective increase (their size approximately doubles after 1 year of follow-up). Among the currently available therapeutic modalities, hepatic arterial chemoembolization provides the highest response rates. An increase in patient survival as a result of this procedure remains to be determined.

Peripheral cholangiocarcinoma is a rare malignant intrahepatic tumor which originates in the distal bile duct. Our purpose was to identify the imaging characteristics of peripheral cholangiocarcinoma and to establish a correlation with surgical and histopathologic findings.The imaging data of 16 patients with proven cholangiocarcinoma were retrospectively reviewed by sonography in 13 cases, computed tomography in 13 cases, magnetic resonance imaging in 6 cases, and angiography in 10 cases and correlated with surgical and histopathologic findings.In most cases peripheral cholangiocarcinoma appeared as a single, large (10 cm), heterogeneous, and non encapsulated mass. On precontrast computed tomography, the lesions were mostly low density. Enhancement was moderate in the bolus phase and increased in the delayed scan. With magnetic resonance imaging, lesion signals were low intensity in T1-weighted images and variable intensity in T2-weighted images. On angiogram, lesions were often hypovascular. Associated features were frequently observed: portal encasement (69%), lobar atrophy or capsular retraction (43%), dilated intrahepatic bile ducts (30%), extension into the hepatic capsule (23%), and inferior vena cava extension (15%). Radiopathologic comparison showed that imaging modalities accurately identified vascular encasement, but underestimated extrahepatic tumor extension.In most cases, peripheral cholangiocarcinoma has a typical appearance which may be helpful in differentiating this disease from other intrahepatic tumors.

We report the case of a 54-year-old-man with alcoholic calcified chronic pancreatitis complicated by jaundice and abdominal pain. Investigations (Doppler ultrasonography examination and computed tomography scan) showed peripancreatic pseudoaneurysm of the posterior and inferior pancreatico-duodenal artery and a dilatation of the common bile duct. Selective embolization of the pseudoaneurysm resulted in rapid regression of both jaundice and abdominal pain. Common bile diet compression is a rare complication of peripancreatic pseudoaneurysm. Selective embolization seems to be the first line treatment in this indication.

Hepatic angiomyolipoma is a rare, benign, mesenchymal tumor. We report 3 cases of atypical angiomyolipomas simulating benign hepatic tumors in 3 women free of tuberous sclerosis (Bourneville's disease). Hepatic angiomyolipomas were solitary in 2 cases and multiple in one. At imaging, the 6 lesions were large (7 cm in mean diameter), mainly hypoechoic and heterogeneous. At CT, lesions did not contain fat and were hypervascular. At MR imaging, lesions were hypointense in 4 cases and isointense in one case on T1-weighted sequences, hyperintense and isointense on T2-weighted sequences in four and in one case respectively. Percutaneous biopsy, performed in 2 cases, did not provide a correct diagnosis. Histopathologic examination of the resected specimen showed angiomyolipomas with very low or lacking fat in all 3 patients. All lesions were positive with the HMB-45 antibody. In conclusion, hepatic angiomyolipoma with a low fat component may mimic other hepatic tumors. Diagnosis may be improved by using HMB-45 reactivity on the biopsy specimen.

Four patients with ciliated hepatic cysts, a rare and benign lesion, were examined between 1990 and 1994. Imaging features were compared to 12 previous cases. All lesions were revealed by US, and were hypoechoic in 3 cases, and anechoic in 1 case. All lesions were less than to 4 cm in diameter, and were well-defined, unilocular, isolated, and located in subcapsular areas, usually in the medial segment of the left lobe of the liver (3 cases). In one case, the cyst was found in the gallbladder wall. The lesions were low density on pre- and post-contrast CT scan (performed in 2 cases), strongly hyperintense on T2-weighted MR images (2 cases), and had a variable signal intensity on T1-weighted MR images. One patient underwent percutaneous guided biopsy but no diagnosis was obtained. None of the patients had preoperative diagnosis and all underwent surgery. Diagnosis was confirmed by histopathologic examination of the resected specimen. Ciliated hepatic cysts may be suspected in this study and in the literature. Diagnostic criteria are as follows: hypoechogenic mass less than 4 cm in diameter, located in the subcapsular area of the medial segment of the left lobe of the liver.