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Epithelioid trophoblastic tumor (ETT) is a rare gestational trophoblastic neoplasm of chorionic-type intermediate trophoblasts, and it is most frequently located in the lower uterine segment and endocervix. Due to the epithelial-growth pattern with geographic necrosis exhibited by the neoplastic cells, ETT is commonly confused, both clinically and pathologically, with squamous cell carcinoma. Although there have been no previous reports of ETT focusing on computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, we report a case of uterine ETT with special attention to the MRI findings referring to the pathological findings and MR images of previous reports. A 42-year-old Japanese woman (gravid 1, para 1) presented with uterus enlargement during screening, and complained of recent-onset lower abdominal pain. The MRI showed a solid tumor throughout the entire myometrium of the lower uterine segment, with the hemorrhagic cystic portion extending to the posterior subserosal space. Following hysterectomy, the final pathological diagnosis was ETT. An ETT is essentially a solid tumor composed of intermediate trophoblasts that exhibit an epithelial-like growth pattern and contain geographic necrosis with calcification. In our case, MRI revealed a non-specific-intensity solid tumor in the lower uterine segment with massive necrosis and hemorrhage extending to the subserosa. While it is difficult to distinguish between ETT and uterine carcinomas, recognition of certain tumor shapes and necrosis could enable more accurate diagnosis before treatment.

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) occurs in children less than 3 years old, and has a very poor prognosis. AT/RT seldom occurs in adult. We have experienced four cases of AT/RT at our institute. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the radiological image findings of adult-onset AT/RT and to conduct a systematic review. Image findings of four AT/RTs in our institute were retrospectively evaluated by an experienced neuroradiologist. If the images were unavailable, image findings were evaluated from the former image interpretation report. We assembled papers of adult-onset AT/RT (n = 38) and evaluated the image findings. AT/RT occurs in a variety of sites (spinal region, pineal region, suprasellar region, jugular foramen, and so on). High density on computed tomography (CT) was seen in 10 of 11 cases; mixed intensity in T2-weighted image was seen in 13 of 18 cases; and high intensity on diffusion-weighted image (DWI) was seen in 3 of 3 cases. Contrast enhancement was observed in all cases in which images were available. We have experienced four adult-onset AT/RT cases at our institute and have evaluated image findings through systematic review. The image findings of high density on CT, high intensity on DWI, with low apparent diffusion coefficient, and a heterogenous component should lead to an inclusion of AT/RT in the differential diagnosis of a tumor; these findings may be able to suggest AT/RT; however, they cannot make the diagnosis.

The purpose of this prospective study was to clarify whether reducing the incidence of perivenous artifacts through craniocaudal scanning improves the quality of 64-multidetecter computed tomography (MDCT) angiography images of the whole carotid artery.Forty patients underwent MDCT angiography in the caudocranial (n=20) or craniocaudal (n=20) direction in 2007. All patients were injected with 75 ml of contrast media followed by a 35-ml saline chaser bolus at 4.0 ml/s in the right antecubital vein. Maximum intensity projection (MIP) images were scored according to image quality on a scale of 1-5. Bilateral arterial and venous attenuation was measured on 10 separated slices. We compared the mean image quality score of the two groups (i.e. those scanned caudocranially and those scanned craniocaudally). We analyzed the correlation between vascular attenuation and mean image quality.Compared with the caudocranial group, the craniocaudal group had higher image quality scores (median, 3.70 vs. 3.40; 95% CI, 3.50-3.96 vs. 3.06-3.60; p0.05), higher arterial attenuation (median, 550 HU vs. 489 HU; range, 270-686 vs. 302-574; p0.05), and lower maximum venous attenuation (median, 436 vs. 1452 HU; range, 250-617 vs. 377-2044; p0.01). Multiple regression analysis revealed that the most significant correlation factor with image quality was minimum arterial attenuation (R2=0.42, p0.001) measured near the brachiocephalic artery. In the caudocranial group only, there was a negative correlation between right brachiocephalic venous attenuation and minimum arterial attenuation.Compared with conventional caudocranial scanning, craniocaudal scanning improves the image quality of 64-MDCT angiography images of the whole carotid artery.

Introduction: Multisection motion sensitized driven equilibrium (MSDE) can completely suppress any flow signal and uses gadolinium-based contrast medium. Therefore, 3-dimensional MSDE with contrast medium (3D-CE-MSDE) can visualize only abnormal enhancements. Our purpose is to determine the usefulness of 3D-CE-MSDE for primary malignant brain tumors. Method: We used a 3.0 Tesla MRI unit. The subjects were 29 consecutive patients with primary malignant brain tumors, including patients with recurrent cancer (mean age: 56.2 ± 25.2 years; 13 men and 16 women). Both 3-dimensional T1 turbo field echo with the contrast medium (3D-CE-T1TFE) and 3D-CE-MSDE were performed as preoperative studies on the same day. We calculated the contrastto- noise ratio (CNR) for each sequence. Two radiologists (A, B) independently evaluated the number of enhanced intraaxial and disseminated lesions observed in each sequence. We statistically analyzed the results using a paired t-test. Result: The 3D-CE-MSDE CNR was significantly higher than that of 3D-CE-T1TFE (p < 0.01). Radiologist A found that 3D-CE-MSDE was superior to 3D-CE-T1TFE in detecting both intraaxial lesions and disseminations (p=0.04 and p

Background and Purpose: We have encountered a peculiar atrophic change in the midbrain in some patients with parkinsonian syndromes. We discovered these patients had vertical supranuclear gaze-palsy, an eye movement disorder. The purpose of this study was to elucidate whether this atrophic pattern of the midbrain (which we have termed morning glory sign) is related to the vertical eye movement disorder, in particular to progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Methods: We reviewed T2-weighted axial images obtained from 42 patients with parkinsonian syndromes, including five patients with PSP, 23 patients with Parkinson's disease, and 14 patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA). We focused on a specific atrophy of the midbrain, the morning glory sign, which is a concavity of the lateral margin of the tegmentum of the midbrain. Results: The morning glory sign was detected in four of the five patients with PSP and in one (striatonigral degeneration; SND) of the14 patients with MSA. All morning glory sign patients had vertical supranuclear gaze-palsy, as did the one PSP patient without the morning glory sign. Vertical supranuclear gaze-palsy was seen in no other patients (23 patients with Parkinson's disease and 13 patients with MSA) who lacked the morning glory sign. Conclusions: Morphologically, the morning glory sign is believed to be related to vertical supranuclear gaze-palsy. This sign should be considered a useful clue when diagnosing PSP.

Cholesteatomas show high intensity in diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). We performed fused thin slice non-echo planar imaging (EPI) DWI and magnetic resonance cisternography (FTS-nEPID) for cholesteatoma patients to increase the detectability of FTS-nEPID for cholesteatoma. The subjects are 77 consecutive patients who underwent FTS-nEPID as a preoperative study (mean age: 53.3±21.8, 47 men and 30 women). Otorhinolaryngologists performed the operations. We anatomically classified the middle ear into four portions. A radiologist evaluated the images for cholesteatoma and assessed the anatomical invasive range in four portions using only FTS-nEPID. We classified large cholesteatomas that invaded more than three portions and small ones that invaded less than two portions based on the results obtained from surgery, and calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). For all cholesteatomas with an existing diagnosis, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 71%, 70%, 94%, and 27%, respectively. In anatomical evaluation, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 49%, 85%, 77%, and 64%, respectively. For large cholesteatomas with an existing diagnosis, the sensitivity was 86%. In anatomical evaluation, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 51%, 57%, 88%, and 18%, respectively. For small cholesteatomas with an existing diagnosis, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 59%, 78%, 92%, and 30%, respectively. In anatomical evaluation, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 40%, 85%, 60%, and 71%, respectively. FTS-nEPID may be useful for diagnosing cholesteatomas. Further research is needed for anatomical evaluation because there were many false-negative results.

As a result of recent advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology, direct imaging of the intraparotid facial nerve has become possible. The usefulness of MRI is well known in the diagnosis of parotid tumors. Using a 0.5 T midfield MR unit, this study aimed to visualize the intraparotid facial nerve in 5 normal volunteers and 14 patients with parotid tumors (on 24 normal sides and 14 affected sides). Under appropriate conditions for MRI, the facial nerve was detectable on 9 out of 10 affected sides and 17 out of 20 normal sides. The running course of the facial nerve was consistent with MRI findings in five patients who underwent surgery. The imaging conditions suitable for visualizing the intraparotid facial nerve are reported and the usefulness of MRI in the diagnosis of parotid tumors is discussed.

Fulminant hepatic failure is associated with a high mortality rate. Thus, accurate assessment of hepatic functional reserve and hepatic regeneration is important. We describe a 67-year-old woman who survived subacute hepatic failure. We had an opportunity to monitor the clinical course of the patient using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with 99mTc-galactosyl-human serum albumin (99mTc-GSA) and frequent hematological examinations. On admission, prothrombin time was remarkably prolonged (23.1% of control). The liver uptake of 99mTc-GSA was also considerably low. She responded well to treatment. Four weeks after admission, SPECT analysis showed a dramatic increase in liver uptake of 99mTc-GSA, suggesting promotion of hepatic regeneration. Moreover, functional liver volume calculated from the SPECT data showed a marked increase at 4 weeks after admission, whereas CT scan showed no change at that point. This indicated that SPECT with 99mTc-GSA reflected functional hepatocytes more accurately than liver volume determined by CT scan, which cannot exclude nonfunctional hepatocytes. The patient's condition improved in parallel with the improvements in the indices measured by SPECT and hematological examinations. SPECT analysis is practically useful for the prompt assessment of improvement in patients with fulminant hepatic failure.

The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of high resolution CT (HRCT) in the detection of facial canal dehiscence and semicircular canal fistula, the preoperative evaluation of both of which is clinically very important for ear surgery. We retrospectively reviewed the HRCT findings in 61 patients who underwent mastoidectomy at Yamagata University between 1989 and 1993. The HRCT images were obtained in the axial and semicoronal planes using 1 mm slice thickness and 1 mm intersection gap. In 46 (75%) of the 61 patients, the HRCT image-based assessment of the facial canal dehiscence coincided with the surgical findings. The data for the facial canal revealed sensitivity of 66% and specificity of 84%. For semicircular canal fistula. in 59 (97%) of the 61 patients, the HRCT image-based assessment and the surgical findings coincided. The image-based assessment in the remaining two patients, who both had massive cholesteatoma, was false-positive. HRCT is useful in the diagnosis of facial canal dehiscence and labyrinthine fistula, but its limitations should also be recognized. 12 refs., 3 figs., 6 tabs.

Objective Our purpose is to demonstrate the deformity of the cranial nerves by arterial compression using a novel technique, multislice motion-sensitized driven equilibrium (MSDE). Methods Subjects were 10 patients with neurovascular compression (5 patients with trigeminal neuralgia and 5 patients with hemifacial spasm). We observed the existence and extent of deformity of nerves by MSDE. Afterward, we compared operative findings with preoperative imaging findings and evaluated the validity of the latter. Results All compressing, blood vessels could be correctly identified through preoperative evaluation. Of all patients, 7 showed deformity of the cranial nerves, which was consistent with operative findings except in one case. In postoperative evaluation, patients' neurological symptoms improved and the deformity disappeared. Three patients did not show deformity on preoperative MSDE images. In these patients, neural compression was also not observed during the operation. Conclusions The deformity of cranial nerves in patients with neurovascular compression was clearly shown using MSDE.

We report a case of a fetal omphalocele in which the internal structure of the hernia sac was imaged in detail by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The hernia sac consisted of amnion, Wharton jelly, and externally, peritoneum. The umbilical vascular channels (2 arteries, one vein) were surrounded by Wharton jelly. Use of MR imaging facilitates a more accurate evaluation of fetal omphalocele with regard to hernial sac, intestinal structure, and differential diagnosis.

Purpose We experienced an outbreak of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) colitis. The purpose of this study was to reveal the computed tomographic (CT) findings on EHEC colitis. Methods The subjects were 7 patients with EHEC colitis, which was caused by eating a contaminated Japanese rice cake. Contrast CT was performed on all patients. Two radiologists evaluated the CT findings (the thickness of colon wall, the range of thickened colon, and the existence of dirty fat signs around the colon, ascites, and swelling of lymph nodes), in accordance with our PACS system. Results Wall swelling of the proximal colon from cecum to ascending colon was noted in all patients. Small intestine lesions were not noted in any cases. Conclusions We should consider EHEC infection as part of a differential diagnosis when the findings of severe right colitis are seen without enteritis.

The asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) is abundantly expressed on the sinusoidal surfaces of hepatocytes. However, regional expression and clinical significance of the ASGPR in acute hepatic damage is presently unknown. Our aim was to clarify the clinical significance of the regional expression of ASGPR in human livers with acute hepatitis (AH) and fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). Eighteen volunteers, 42 patients with AH and 10 with FHF were studied using a newly developed, conventional 99mTc-GSA SPECT analysis. Using Cantlie's line as a guide, ASGPR expression was analyzed separately in the right and left hepatic lobes, as well as in the whole liver, using novel indices (the liver uptake ratio [LUR] and liver uptake density [LUD], which reflect the amount and density of ASGPRs in the liver, respectively). Mean LUR and LUD values for the whole liver and the right and left lobes decreased in accordance with the severity of acute hepatic damage. In the FHF group, the reduction in LUR and LUD values in the right lobes was more significant than in the left lobes. The LUR and LUD values for the whole liver correlated well with hepatic functional reserve and total bilirubin levels. The right LUR and LUD values in particular correlated well with these parameters. A time-course observation of 13 patients with either AH or FHF revealed that the expression of ASGPRs in the right lobe recovered faster than in the left. We first evaluated the regional expression of AGSPRs by 99mTc-GSA SPECT analysis in both AH and FHF patients, which is a clinically useful and reliable indicator for assessing the severity of regional hepatic damage and evaluating regional liver regeneration.

The asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) is abundantly expressed on the sinusoidal surfaces of hepatocytes. We aimed to clarify the clinical significance of the regional distribution of ASGPRs in the human liver, especially in chronic viral hepatitis. Eighteen volunteers, 34 patients with chronic hepatitis, and 33 patients with cirrhosis (11/Child-Pugh A, 11/Child-Pugh B, 11/Child-Pugh C) were studied using a newly developed, conventional technetium-99m-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-galactosyl human serum albumin (99mTc-GSA), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) method. Using Cantlie's line as a guide, ASGPR dynamics were analyzed separately in the right and left lobes, as well as in the whole liver, using novel indices (the liver uptake ratio [LUR] and the liver uptake density [LUD], which reflect the amount and density of ASGPRs in the liver, respectively). Mean LUR and LUD values for the whole liver and the right and left lobes decreased with increasing progression of chronic viral hepatitis. The LUR for the whole liver correlated well with parameters measuring the hepatic functional reserve and the platelet count. The right LUR correlated particularly well with conventional liver function tests, and comparison of the right LUD with histologic findings showed that it was a good indicator of periportal and/or bridging necrosis and fibrosis. In conclusion, our 99mTc-GSA SPECT method was clinically useful in evaluating regional hepatic function and the progression of chronic viral hepatitis using dynamic changes in ASGPRs. (Hepatology 2003;38:1401-1409.)

This study was conducted to assess the usefulness and limitation of high-resolution CT for evaluating the condition of ossicular chain in the middle ear. Preoperative CT findings of the ossicular chain were compared with the operative findings of ossicles in 26 patients with chronic otitis media or congenital ossicular anomaly who underwent tympanoplasty. Total defect of head of the malleus, body of the incus and long process of the incus were completely detected by high-resolution CT. But the reliability in detecting the defect of handle of the malleus and superstructure of the stapes were 33.3% and 60%, respectively. Defect of the I-S joint (1 case) and partial defect of stapes crus (2 cases) could not be diagnosed correctly in the preoperative estimation. Although these findings demonstrate the limitations of high-resolution CT in the diagnosis of ossicular chain, it will be diminished by the advanced space resolution of CT in the future.