Resonance Imaging In Differential Diagnosis Research Articles

Stepwise algorithm using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging for differential diagnosis of fat-poor angiomyolipoma in small renal masses: A prospective validation study.

To validate the diagnostic accuracy of a stepwise algorithm to differentiate fat-poor angiomyolipoma (fp-AML) from renal cancer in small renal masses (SRMs). We prospectively enrolled 223 patients with solid renal masses <4 cm and no visible fat on unenhanced computed tomography (CT). Patients were assessed using an algorithm that utilized the dynamic CT and MRI findings in a stepwise manner. The diagnostic accuracy of the algorithm was evaluated in patients whose histology was confirmed through surgery or biopsy. The clinical course of the patients was further analyzed. The algorithm classified 151 (68%)/42 (19%)/30 (13%) patients into low/intermediate/high AML probability groups, respectively. Pathological diagnosis was made for 183 patients, including 10 (5.5%) with fp-AML. Of these, 135 (74%)/36 (20%)/12 (6.6%) were classified into the low/intermediate/high AML probability groups, and each group included 1 (0.7%)/3 (8.3%)/6 (50%) fp-AMLs, respectively, leading to the area under the curve for predicting AML of 0.889. Surgery was commonly opted in the low and intermediate AML probability groups (84% and 64%, respectively) for initial management, while surveillance was selected in the high AML probability group (63%). During the 56-month follow-up, 36 (82%) of 44 patients initially surveyed, including 13 of 18 (72%), 6 of 7 (86%), and 17 of 19 (89%) in the low/intermediate/high AML probability groups, respectively, continued surveillance without any progression. This study confirmed the high diagnostic accuracy for differentiating fp-AMLs. These findings may help in the management of patients with SRMs.

Tumor-like Lesions in Primary Angiitis of the Central Nervous System: The Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Differential Diagnosis.

Primary Angiitis of the Central Nervous System (PACNS) is a rare disease and its diagnosis is a challenge for several reasons, including the lack of specificity of the main findings highlighted in the current diagnostic criteria. Among the neuroimaging pattern of PACNS, a tumefactive form (t-PACNS) is a rare subtype and its differential diagnosis mainly relies on neuroimaging. Tumor-like mass lesions in the brain are a heterogeneous category including tumors (in particular, primary brain tumors such as glial tumors and lymphoma), inflammatory (e.g., t-PACNS, tumefactive demyelinating lesions, and neurosarcoidosis), and infectious diseases (e.g., neurotoxoplasmosis). In this review, the main features of t-PACNS are addressed and the main differential diagnoses from a neuroimaging perspective (mainly Magnetic Resonance Imaging-MRI-techniques) are described, including conventional and advanced MRI.

Blood flow perfusion in visual pathway detected by arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging for differential diagnosis of ocular ischemic syndrome.

Ocular ischemic syndrome (OIS), attributable to chronic hypoperfusion caused by marked carotid stenosis, is one of the important factors that cause ocular neurodegenerative diseases such as optic atrophy. The current study aimed to detect blood flow perfusion in a visual pathway by arterial spin labeling (ASL) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the differential diagnosis of OIS. This diagnostic, cross-sectional study at a single institution was performed to detect blood flow perfusion in a visual pathway based on 3D pseudocontinuous ASL (3D-pCASL) using 3.0T MRI. A total of 91 participants (91 eyes) consisting of 30 eyes with OIS and 61 eyes with noncarotid artery stenosis-related retinal vascular diseases (39 eyes with diabetic retinopathy and 22 eyes with high myopic retinopathy) were consecutively included. Blood flow perfusion values in visual pathways derived from regions of interest in ASL images, including the retinal-choroidal complex, the intraorbital segments of the optic nerve, the tractus optics, and the visual center, were obtained and compared with arm-retinal circulation time and retinal circulation time derived from fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were performed to evaluate the accuracy and consistency. Patients with OIS had the lowest blood flow perfusion values in the visual pathway (all p < 0.05). The relative intraorbital segments of optic nerve blood flow values at post-labeling delays (PLDs) of 1.5 s (area under the curve, AUC = 0.832) and the relative retinal-choroidal complex blood flow values at PLDs of 2.5 s (AUC = 0.805) were effective for the differential diagnosis of OIS. The ICC of the blood flow values derived from the retinal-choroidal complex and the intraorbital segments of the optic nerve between the two observers showed satisfactory concordance (all ICC > 0.932, p < 0.001). The adverse reaction rates of ASL and FFA were 2.20 and 3.30%, respectively. 3D-pCASL showed that the participants with OIS had lower blood flow perfusion values in the visual pathway, which presented satisfactory accuracy, reproducibility, and safety. It is a noninvasive and comprehensive differential diagnostic tool to assess blood flow perfusion in a visual pathway for the differential diagnosis of OIS.

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in differential diagnosis of cardiac masses

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): S. Orsola Hospital Background Differential diagnosis of cardiac masses represents a challenging issue with important implications for therapeutic management and patient’s prognosis. Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) is a non-invasive imaging technique used to characterize morphologic and functional features of masses. Integration of these information can lead an accurate diagnosis. Purpose To evaluate the diagnostic role of CMR in defining the nature of cardiac masses. Methods : Ninety-three patients with cardiac masses evaluated with CMR were enrolled. All masses had histological certainty. CMR sequences allowed a qualitative morphologic description as well as tissue characterization. Evaluation of masses morphology included localization, size and borders assessment, detection of potential multiple lesions and pericardial effusion. Tissue characterization resulted from an estimation of contrast enhancement - early gadolinium enhancement (EGE) and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) sequences - and tissue homogeneity in T1 and T2 weighted acquisitions. The descriptive analysis was carried out by comparing benign vs malignant lesions as well as dividing patients into 4 subgroups: primitive benign tumours, primitive malignant tumours, metastatic tumours and pseudotumours. Results The descriptive analysis of the morphologic features showed that diameter &amp;gt; 50mm, invasion of surrounding planes, irregular margins and presence of pericardial effusion were able to predict malignancy (p &amp;lt; 0.001). As for tissue characteristics, heterogeneous signal intensity - independently from T1 and T2 weighted acquisitions - and EGE were more common in malignant lesions (p &amp;lt;0.001). When analysing the four subgroups, CMR features did not discriminate between primitive malignant masses and metastasis. Conversely, hyperintensity signal and EGE were able to distinguish benign primitive lesions from pseudotumors (p = 0.002). Furthermore, using classification and regression tree (CART) analysis, we developed an algorithm to differentiate masses: invasion of surrounding planes was a common characteristic of malignancy and identifies itself malignant tumors. In the absence of invasive features, gadolinium enhancement was evaluated: the lack of contrast uptake was able to exclude a pseudotumor diagnosis and reduced the probability of a primary benign tumor. Conclusions Cardiac magnetic resonance is a very powerful diagnostic tool for differential diagnosis of cardiac masses as it correctly addresses malignancy. Furthermore, an accurate evaluation of the several CMR features, may discriminate primary benign masses and pseudotumours. Abstract Figure. Benign and malignant cardiac masses

Usefulness of prenatal magnetic resonance imaging in differential diagnosis of fetal congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation and bronchopulmonary sequestration.

BACKGROUNDCongenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) and bronchopulmonary sequestration (BPS) are the most common lung diseases in fetuses. There are differences in the prognosis and treatment of CCAM and BPS, and the clinical diagnosis and treatment plan is usually prepared prior to birth. Therefore, it is quite necessary to make a clear diagnosis before delivery. CCAM and BPS have similar imaging features, and the differentiation mainly relies on the difference in supply vessels. However, it is hard to distinguish them due to invisible supplying vessels on some images.AIMTo explore the application value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the differential diagnosis of fetal CCAM and BPS.METHODSData analysis for 32 fetuses with CCAM and 14 with BPS diagnosed by prenatal MRI at Huzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital and Anhui Provincial Children’s Hospital from January 2017 to January 2020 was performed to observe the source blood vessels of lesions and their direction. Pathological confirmation was completed through CT examination and/or operations after birth. RESULTSAfter birth, 31 cases after birth were confirmed to be CCAM, and 15 were confirmed to be BPS. The CCAM group consisted of 21 macrocystic cases and 10 microcystic cases. In 18 cases, blood vessels were visible in lesions. Blood supply of the pulmonary artery could be traced in eight cases, and in 10 cases, only vessels running from the midline to the lateral down direction were observed. No lesions were found in four macrocystic cases and one microcystic case with CCAM through CT after birth; two were misdiagnosed by MRI, and three were misdiagnosed by prenatal ultrasonography. The BPS group consisted of 12 intralobar cases and three extralobar cases. Blood vessels were visible in lesions of nine cases, in four of which, the systemic circulation blood supply could be traced, and in five of which, only vessels running from the midline to the lateral up direction were observed. Three were misdiagnosed by MRI, and four were misdiagnosed by prenatal ultrasonography. CONCLUSIONCCAM and BPS can be clearly diagnosed based on the origin of blood vessels, and correct diagnosis can be made according to the difference in the direction of the blood vessels, but it is hard distinguish microcystic CCAM and BPS without supplying vessels. In some CCAM cases, mainly the macrocystic ones, the lesions may disappear after birth.

Comparison of gadoxetic acid and gadobenate dimeglumine, liver-specific contrast agents used in magnetic resonance imaging in differential diagnosis of liver masses

To compare Gadoxetic acid and Gadobenate dimeglumine in the detection and characterization of liver masses. In this study, 59 lesions in 28 patients are included in which were dynamic MRI that had been used Gadoxetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) and Gadobenate dimeglumine (Gd-BOPTA). Observers recorded the liver lesions and adjacent parenchymal signal intensities (SI) in precontrast, arterial and hepatocyte phase by using the ROIs for the quantitative analysis. All statistical analyzes were performed with SPSS 22 software. p

The use of magnetic resonance imaging in differential diagnosis of allergic fungal sinusitis and eosinophilic mucin rhinosinusitis.

Allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS) and eosinophilic mucin rhinosinusitis (EMRS) represent pathophysiological variants of sinusitis and have similar clinical features. However, to date, few studies have described the differential diagnosis of AFS and EMRS in detail. We therefore investigated the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the differential diagnosis of AFS and EMRS. Ninety-three patients (aged 13-75 years) with sinusitis and AFS or EMRS established according to pathological, clinical, or laboratory examinations were enrolled. Each patient was evaluated for demographic and clinical characteristics, fungal-specific immunoglobulin E, peripheral blood eosinophils, histopathology of the sinuses, as well as signal attenuation within the opacified sinuses on computed tomography and MRI scans. Thirty patients presented with AFS and 63 with EMRS. The histopathological characteristics of the secretion and mucosa in the affected sinuses, but not the absolute counts or percentage of blood eosinophils, differed between the 2 groups. The presence of asthma was significantly higher in the EMRS group, whereas allergy to fungi and T2-weighted MRI signal attenuation were significantly increased in the AFS group. MRI features are key to the differential diagnosis of AFS and EMRS.

Role of Interface Sign and Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Differential Diagnosis of Exophytic Renal Masses

PurposeWe aimed to investigate the role of interfaces of exophytic solid and cystic renal masses on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the added value of diffusion-weighted imaging in differentiating benign from malignant lesions. MethodsThe Institutional Review Board approved this retrospective study, and informed consent was waived. A total of 265 patients (109 [41%] women and 156 [59%] men) with a mean age of 57 ± 12 (standard deviation) years were enrolled in this study. Preoperative MRI (n = 238) examinations of patients with solid or cystic renal masses and MRI (n = 27) examinations of patients with Bosniak IIF cysts without progression were reviewed. Solid/cystic pattern, interface types and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were recorded by 2 radiologists. The diagnostic performance of combining normalized ADC values with interface sign were evaluated. ResultsAmong 265 renal lesions (109 cystic and 156 solid), all malignant lesions (n = 192) had a round interface. No malignant lesions showed an angular interface. For prediction of benignity in cystic lesions, sensitivity (82.86% vs 56.16%), negative predictive value (92.50% vs 85.71%), and accuracy (94.50% vs 87.92%) ratios of angular interface were higher compared to all (solid plus cystic) lesions. The best normalized ADC cutoff values for predicting malignancy in lesions with round interface were as follows: for all (solid plus cystic), ≤ 0.75 (AUROC = 0.804); solid, ≤ 0.6 (AUROC = 0.819); and cystic, ≤ 0.8 (AUROC = 0.936). ConclusionsAngular interface can be a predictor of benignity for especially cystic renal masses. The evaluation of interface type with normalized ADC value can be an important clue in differential diagnosis especially in patients avoiding contrast.

Opportunities of magnetic resonance imaging in differential diagnosis of focal liver masses

Opportunities of magnetic resonance imaging in differential diagnosis of focal liver masses

CT enhancement scanning and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for differential diagnosis between chronic mass-forming pancreatitis and pancreatic carcinoma

Objective To explore the values of CT enhancement scanning and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging(DWI)in differential diagnosis between chronic mass-forming pancreatitis and pancreatic carcinoma.Methods The clinical data of 101patients with pancreatic lesions(Jan.2008to Oct.2012)were retrospectively analyzed.The results of abdominal CT enhancement scanning were compared with the postoperative pathological findings,and the sensitivity,specificity,accurate rate,positive predictive value,and negative predictive value of CT enhancement scanning were calculated.The CT findings of mass-forming pancreatitis and pancreatic carcinoma were compared.The size,site,shape(reinforcement levels after enhancement,calcification,pseudocyst,and dilated pancreatic duct)of the lesions,the perirenal fascia thickening,peripancreatic vessel invasion,and metastasis status were analyzed and the key diagnostic points were identified.Pancreatic DWI imaging characteristics of all the patients using b value 800s/mm2 was analyzed and the apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC)values of the two groups were compared with normal pancreatic tissues.Results Of the 101pancreatic lesions,59were pathologically diagnosed as pancreatic cancer and 42as mass-forming pancreatitis.The sensitivity,specificity,accurate,positive predictive value,and negative predictive value of CT findings were 94.9%,88.1%,92.1%,91.8%,and 92.5%,respectively.CT values before and after enhancement,calcification of pancreas and pancreatic duct,pseudocyst,dilated pancreatic duct and bile capillary,peripancreatic vessel invasion,and metastasis were of significant values for differential diagnosis between chronic mass-forming pancreatitis and pancreatic carcinoma(P0.05).No significant difference in ADC values was found between chronic mass-forming pancreatitis and pancreatic carcinoma,but ADC values of chronic massforming pancreatitis and pancreatic carcinoma were significantly different from that of normal pancreatic parenchyma(P0.01).Conclusion CT enhancement scanning can contribute to differential diagnoses between pancreatic cancer and chronic massforming pancreatitis,while DWI is of limited value for the differential diagnosis of the two diseases.

Significance of magnetic resonance imaging in differential diagnosis of nontraumatic brachial plexopathy

Nontraumatic brachial plexopathies may be caused by primary or secondary tumors, radiation or inflammation. The aim of this study was to present the significance of MRI in revealing the cause of nontraumatic brachial plexopathy. A two-year retrospective study included 22 patients with nontraumatic brachial plexopathy. In all the patients typical clinical findings were confirmed by upper limb neurophysiological studies. In all of them MRI of brachial plexus was performed by 1.5 T scanner in T1 and T1 FS sequence with and without contrast, as well as in T2 and T2 FS sequences. Seven (32%) patients had brachial plexopathy with signs of inflammatory process, 5 (23%) patients had secondary tumors, in 4 (18%) patients multifocal motor neuropathy was established and in the same number (18%) of the patients postradiation fibrosis was found. Two patients (9%) had primary neurogenic tumors. According to the results of this study MRI is a method which may determine localization and cause of brachial plexopathy. MRI can detect focal nerve lesions when other methods fail to find them. Thus, MRI has a direct impact on further diagnostic and therapeutical procedures.

Acute Pericarditis Assessed With Magnetic Resonance Imaging

A 19-year-old man with the diagnosis of acute pericarditis based on the classic clinical syndrome and an ECG (Figure 1A) was referred to our cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) unit 1 month after his hospital admission because of suspected associated acute myocarditis. A follow-up ECG within the time frame of referral showed essentially significant regression of ST elevation (Figure 1B). An echocardiogram performed at the referring hospital on the same day (Figure 2A and 2B) was reported as showing mild concentric left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy with good LV systolic function (ejection fraction 75%). Figure 1. A, 12-Lead ECG showing sinus rhythm and widespread saddle-shaped ST elevation in the inferolateral leads. B, 12-Lead ECG showing sinus rhythm, PR-segment depression, and elevated ST-segment uptake in the inferior and septal leads. Figure 2. Transthoracic echocardiographic images during end diastole showing normal LV and right ventricular size and mild LV hypertrophy. Left parasternal short-axis view (A) and apical 4-chamber view (B) at the time of the initial MRI scan. …

LAMA2 Gene Analysis in Congenital Muscular Dystrophy

To determine if laminin-alpha2 deficiency is due to mutations in the LAMA2 gene or secondary to mutations in other congenital muscular dystrophy genes. We performed molecular analysis of LAMA2, by single-strand conformation polymorphism and sequencing, in 15 patients with undetectable or greatly reduced laminin-alpha2 expression. We also performed 4 prenatal diagnoses and investigated a founder effect. We found 1 known and 9 previously undescribed LAMA2 mutations spanning all protein domains. These were nonsense or frameshifts causing laminin-alpha2 absence or, in 1 case, a homozygous missense mutation producing partial protein expression and milder phenotype. LAMA2 mutations were undetected in 5 patients, in 2 of whom FKRP mutations explained the phenotype. In 3 prenatal cases, the fetus was heterozygous for the mutation of interest and pregnancy continued; in 1 case, the fetus was affected and aborted. In 2 patients, the Cys967Stop mutation and identical haplotypes flanking the LAMA2 gene indicated a founder effect. The clinical phenotype was severe in most patients with LAMA2 mutations and associated with undetectable protein expression. One case with no protein and another with partial expression had milder phenotypes. Typical white matter alterations on magnetic resonance imaging were found in all patients with LAMA2 mutations, supporting the utility of magnetic resonance imaging in differential diagnosis. The founder mutation (Cys967Stop) probably originated in Albania. Genetic characterization of affected families is mainly of use for prenatal diagnosis.

Soft tissue sarcoma mimicking chronic hematoma: value of magnetic resonance imaging in differential diagnosis

We report six patients with soft tissue sarcoma mimicking traumatic hematoma. The lesions in these patients, showed huge hematomas and were characterized by rapid growth. Cytology of percutaneous; aspiration biopsy samples was performed in all six patients; however, in five patients, findings for malignant cells were negative. Consequently, they were misdiagnosed, resulting in a poor prognosis. We conducted a retrospective study in which we evaluated the clinical findings, the magnetic resonance (MR) images, and computed tomography (CT) scans of the soft tissue sarcomas forming huge hematomas in the lesion. MR imaging revealed the fine tumor mass with enhancement and characterized the hematoma in the lesion in a more precise fashion than did CT. We conclude that MR imaging is a suitable method for differentiating these soft tissue sarcomas from chronic traumatic hematoma.