A Tour of the Thymus: A Review of Thymic Lesions with Radiologic and Pathologic Correlation

2015 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan J. Goldstein ◽  
Isabel Oliva ◽  
Hedieh Honarpisheh ◽  
Ami Rubinowitz

The thymus is routinely encountered on cross-sectional imaging studies of the chest. It has a variable appearance, undergoes dynamic changes during periods of stress, and demonstrates numerous different pathologic lesions. Understanding the imaging characteristics of these different lesions facilitates accurate radiographic diagnosis and can prevent unnecessary follow-up imaging and intervention. This article will review normal thymic anatomy and development, thymic hyperplasia and associated medical conditions, and the imaging and pathologic features of various benign and malignant thymic lesions.

Author(s):  
Jeffrey Guccione ◽  
Moataz Soliman ◽  
Miao Zhang ◽  
Mouhammed Amir Habra ◽  
Katrina Collins ◽  
...  

Objectives: Adrenal adenoma with myelolipomatous degeneration (AMD) is a rarely reported and often overlooked entity. The aim of this study is to improve understanding of these lesions by characterizing the imaging findings with pathologic and clinical correlation. Methods: In the largest series to date, we report 11 nodules in 11 patients confirmed with a pathologic diagnosis of AMD. The available cross-sectional imaging and histopathologic features were reviewed by two radiologists and two pathologists, respectively. Clinical and laboratory data for each patient were obtained from the electronic medical records, when available. Results: All 11 patients had a CT prior to resection or biopsy of the adrenal nodule, with five having received an adrenal mass protocol study. An MRI was available in three patients. The median size of the nodules on imaging was 4.5 cm (range 2.8–8.7) and all but one had macroscopic fat. The largest focus of macroscopic fat had a median size of 0.7 cm (range 0.2–1.6) and on average was 14.4% the size of the tumor, using greatest dimensions. Four (36.4%) patients had a diagnosis of Cushing syndrome prior to nodule resection. Conclusions: Not all adrenal nodules with macroscopic fat on imaging are pure myelolipomas. An AMD should be considered, especially if the foci of fat are small and other features an adenoma are present. Some may also be associated with Cushing syndrome. Advances in knowledge: Myelolipomatous degeneration within an adrenal adenoma has only rarely been previously reported with very few reports emphasizing the imaging features. There may be an association with cortisol hypersecretion and improved recognition of this entity could lead to changes in clinical management.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlo Calabrese ◽  
Margherita Diegoli ◽  
Nikolas Dussias ◽  
Marco Salice ◽  
Fernando Rizzello ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Crohn’s disease (CD) can be classified according to endoscopic and cross-sectional imaging characteristics. Information regarding disease extent and phenotype may be provided by advanced endoscopic and imaging techniques. In this study, we compare the ability of capsule endoscopy (CE) and cross-sectional imaging techniques (CST) (MRE/Computer Tomography Enteroscopy [CTE]) in detecting small bowel (SB) lesions. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 102 patients with a diagnosis of CD who underwent both CE and CST. Only patients with at least a 12-month follow-up after CE were included. Results Sensitivity and specificity for the detection of SB lesions were, respectively, 100% and 83.3% for CE, 55.1% and 80% for CTE, and 60% and 82.3% for MRE. CE detected proximal CD lesions in 73% of patients, whereas MRE and CTE detected proximal lesions in 41% and 16% of patients, respectively (P < 0.001). Positive findings on CE led to management changes in all patients, in a median follow-up period of 58.7 months. During the follow-up period, 26.5% of patients underwent surgery. Multivariate analysis revealed that moderate-to-severe disease at CE was independently correlated with surgery (P = 0.03). Conclusions CE has a superior sensitivity for detecting CD lesions in the proximal and medium SB compared with CST. In the terminal ileum, MRE and CTE displayed similar performance to CE.


VASA ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabian Rengier ◽  
Philipp Geisbüsch ◽  
Paul Schoenhagen ◽  
Matthias Müller-Eschner ◽  
Rolf Vosshenrich ◽  
...  

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) as well as thoracic and abdominal endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR and EVAR) rely on accurate pre- and postprocedural imaging. This review article discusses the application of imaging, including preprocedural assessment and measurements as well as postprocedural imaging of complications. Furthermore, the exciting perspective of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) based on cross-sectional imaging is presented. TAVR is a minimally invasive alternative for treatment of aortic valve stenosis in patients with high age and multiple comorbidities who cannot undergo traditional open surgical repair. Given the lack of direct visualization during the procedure, pre- and peri-procedural imaging forms an essential part of the intervention. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is the imaging modality of choice for preprocedural planning. Routine postprocedural follow-up is performed by echocardiography to confirm treatment success and detect complications. EVAR and TEVAR are minimally invasive alternatives to open surgical repair of aortic pathologies. CTA constitutes the preferred imaging modality for both preoperative planning and postoperative follow-up including detection of endoleaks. Magnetic resonance imaging is an excellent alternative to CT for postoperative follow-up, and is especially beneficial for younger patients given the lack of radiation. Ultrasound is applied in screening and postoperative follow-up of abdominal aortic aneurysms, but cross-sectional imaging is required once abnormalities are detected. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound may be as sensitive as CTA in detecting endoleaks.


2012 ◽  
Vol 63 (3) ◽  
pp. 215-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dellano D. Fernandes ◽  
Ram Prakash Galwa ◽  
Najla Fasih ◽  
Margaret Fraser-Hill

Small bowel malignancies are rare neoplasms, usually inaccessible to conventional endoscopy but detectable in many cases by cross-sectional imaging. Modern multidetector computed tomographies permit accurate diagnosis, complete pretreatment staging, and follow-up of these lesions. In this review, we describe the cross-sectional imaging features of the most frequent histologic subtypes of the small bowel malignancies.


2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 302-307
Author(s):  
Tom Schlösser ◽  
Rob Brink ◽  
René Castelein

ABSTRACT Despite many years of dedicated research into the etiopathogenesis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, there is still no single distinct cause for this puzzling condition. In this overview, we attempt to link knowledge on the complex three-dimensional pathoanatomy of AIS, based on our ongoing research in this field, with etiopathogenic questions. Evidence from multiple recent cross-sectional imaging studies is provided that supports the hypothesis that AIS has an intrinsic biomechanical basis: an imbalance between the biomechanical loading of the upright human spine due to its unique sagittal configuration on the one hand, and the body’s compensating mechanisms on the other. The question that remains in the etiology of AIS, and the focus of our ongoing research, is to determine what causes or induces this imbalance.


OTO Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473974X2097813
Author(s):  
Patricia A. Loftus ◽  
Lauren T. Roland ◽  
Jose G. Gurrola ◽  
Steven W. Cheung ◽  
Jolie L. Chang

Objective Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with olfactory dysfunction, but the evolution of the olfactory loss and timeline to recovery are largely unknown. This study examines changes in smell sensitivity in COVID-19–positive (COVID+) and COVID-19–negative (COVID–) viral illness during the initial weeks after infection. Study Design Cross-sectional cohort comparison. Setting National anonymous surveys. Methods Survey participants were queried about smell sensitivity and general health status at the time of COVID-19 testing and in the weeks that followed. Results In total, 375 (174 COVID+, 201 COVID–) participants completed the survey and 132 (62 COVID+, 70 COVID–) participants completed the 2-week follow-up survey. Normal smell in the COVID+ cohort was less frequent at the time of testing and at follow up ( P < .05). Dynamic changes in smell sensitivity in the COVID+ cohort were more frequent in the initial weeks ( P < .001). In those with normosmia at the start of infection, 38% of the COVID+ cohort reported worsening smell compared to only 8% in the COVID– cohort ( P < .05). Recovery of overall health was associated with normosmia at the time of infection and improvement of smell sensitivity within weeks of infection. Conclusion The COVID+ cohort showed greater dynamic change in smell sensitivity and a higher rate of persistent olfactory dysfunction in the weeks after infection. Normal smell at the time of COVID-19 infection may still worsen before recovery. Overall health recovery after viral illness is associated with improvement in smell sensitivity and the absence of initial anosmia or hyposmia.


1993 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 118-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shi-Joon Yoo ◽  
Siew Yen Ho ◽  
Philip J. Kilner ◽  
Jeong-Wook Seo ◽  
Robert H. Anderson

AbstractA ventricular septal defect is, almost always, an integral part of double outlet right ventricle and has been classified into the subaortic, subpulmonary, doubly committed and non-committed varieties. This study was performed to correlate the cross-sectional imaging characteristics of such ventricular septal defect in double outlet right ventricles using pathological specimens. The extent and the orientation of the outlet septum were the most important in the differentiation of the four varieties of ventricular septal defect. In the subaortic variety, the outlet septum fused with the left anterior margin of the defect, this being marked by the anterior limb of the septomarginal trabeculation. In the subpulmonary variety, the outlet septum fused with the right posterior margin of the defect, this being the posterior limb of the septomarginal trabeculation. The outlet septum was vestigial in case with doubly committed defects. In those with non-committed defects, the defect was not shown in those images or sections which demonstrated the outlet septum.


2012 ◽  
Vol 116 (2) ◽  
pp. 399-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie-Noëlle Hébert-Blouin ◽  
Bernd W. Scheithauer ◽  
Kimberly K. Amrami ◽  
Susan R. Durham ◽  
Robert J. Spinner

Object Neuromuscular choristoma (NMC) is a rare peripheral nerve lesion in which mature skeletal muscle fibers lie within the nerve and its fascicles. Given limited follow-up, its natural history is poorly understood. The occurrence of aggressive fibromatosis in one of the authors' patients and its occurrence in reported cases suggests an etiological relationship between the 2 lesions. This study attempts to explain the association and its frequency. Methods All cases of NMCs seen in consultation or treated at the Mayo Clinic were identified. Demographic and clinical data were reviewed in cases with coexistent aggressive fibromatosis. Pathology and neuroimaging studies were reexamined. In addition, an extensive literature review was performed to explore the association of NMC with aggressive fibromatosis, with special attention given to pathological and imaging characteristics and the development of aggressive fibromatosis. Results The authors identified 10 patients with a diagnosis of NMC who were treated at the Mayo Clinic between 1992 and 2010. Four of 5 with adequate follow-up had developed a definite or suspected aggressive fibromatosis. A review of the initial pathological specimens in these cases revealed no evidence of fibromatosis, but all of the lesions exhibited accompanying hypocellular collagenous tissue. On MR images, all cases showed areas of low signal intensity, which significantly differed from muscle, nerve, and NMC components. On available serial MR imaging studies, aggressive fibromatosis seemed to originate in such lower-intensity regions. In the 18 previously reported cases of NMC, 5 patients developed recurrent masses diagnosed as either definite (2 cases) or possible (3 cases) fibromatosis. Review of the published imaging studies in these cases suggests the presence of lower intensity areas similar to those observed in the 10 patients treated at the Mayo Clinic. Conclusions This study confirms that the development of aggressive fibromatosis in patients with NMC has been underreported. A direct relationship between the NMC and the development of aggressive fibromatosis is suggested by pathological and neuroimaging evidence.


1993 ◽  
Vol 79 (2) ◽  
pp. 217-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gian Piero Casadei ◽  
Takashi Komori ◽  
Bernd W. Scheithauer ◽  
Gary M. Miller ◽  
Joseph E. Parisi ◽  
...  

✓ The clinical, radiological, and pathological features of nine cases of intracranial parenchymal schwannoma are described. The clinical course in four patients 23 years of age or younger mirrored the indolent nature of this neoplasm. Imaging studies included computerized tomography in eight patients and magnetic resonance imaging in three. The lesions were well demarcated with only mild surrounding edema. Five tumors were deep within the temporoparieto-occipital region, three were in the cerebellum, and one lay peripherally in the parietal lobe. Over two-thirds of the nine tumors were either cystic (five) or contained areas of cystic degeneration (two). One lesion was frankly hemorrhagic. A variety of imaging characteristics and contrast enhancement patterns were observed, including those of a cyst with a mural nodule and peripheral enhancement. Of the four solid neoplasms, two enhanced homogeneously while the other two demonstrated heterogeneous enhancement. Six tumors were resected totally. The follow-up period ranging from 2 months to 2 years has shown no recurrences. Microscopically, immunohistochemically, and ultrastructurally, the tumors were indistinguishable from peripheral schwannomas. A possible mechanism underlying the histogenesis of these rare lesions is discussed. The importance of recognizing this tumor is stressed, particularly in younger patients, given its benign nature, radiological resemblance to other tumors such as pilocytic astrocytoma, and favorable response to resection.


2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e1-e1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prabath Kumar Mondel ◽  
Rashmi Saraf ◽  
Uday S Limaye

Rete mirabile is a fine meshwork of anastomosing vessels that replace the parent artery. A 30-year-old woman complained of slurring of speech, right eye proptosis, recurrent vomiting, and loss of bladder and bowel control, followed by drowsiness lasting 30–40 min, for the past 6 months. On cross sectional imaging and angiography, the patient was found to have a vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation, with bilateral carotid and vertebral rete mirabile. The patient was offered both endovascular and open surgical options but she refused any form of surgical treatment and opted for conservative management. At the 6 month follow-up, she continued to have occasional episodes of headache and vomiting but was otherwise normal. We describe the clinical, cross sectional, and angiographic features of this patient. A comparison with other patients with bilateral carotid and vertebral rete mirabile is also reported.


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