Spectrum Of Radiologic Manifestations Research Articles

Spectrum of Radiological Manifestations in Lymphoproliferative Malignancies with Unusual Extra Nodal Soft Tissue Involvement

Lymphoproliferative malignancies constitute a wide spectrum of haematological malignancies and their prevalence is widely increasing. Non-Hodgkin lymphomas and Hodgkin disease, frequently involve extranodal soft tissue structures in the head and neck, thorax and abdomen. These malignancies may involve virtually any type of soft tissues to any extent; hence many different imaging manifestations are possible which may mimic other disorders. The imaging characteristics of extranodal lymphomatous soft tissue involvement are described and classified here according to the site of involvement in 6 cases (primary diseases with orbital, muscle, extra testicular, scalp, sinonasal and pachymeningeal/dural involvement). In majority of these cases at presentation we found a predominantly homogeneous soft tissue mass with mildly high attenuation on CT and a T2 intermediate signal on MRI at these sites without any manifestation of disease elsewhere but on follow-up two out of these six cases developed systemic disease elsewhere. Few consistent patterns were noticed on CT and MRI which might help to include lymphomas as an important differential diagnosis of soft tissue masses. Though a definitive diagnosis requires a biopsy (bone marrow, lymph node, or mass), and other laboratory tests, imaging primarily aims at staging of the disease and identification of new or recurrent disease.

Cystic Bronchioloalveolar Cell Carcinoma

Bronchioloalveolar cell carcinomas (BACs), a subset of primary lung adenocarcinomas, are uncommon. Similar to other non-small cell lung cancers, patients with BAC are usually 40-70 years of age. Distinguishing features relative to other non-small cell lung cancers include occurrence in young patients, a higher relative predominance in women, and weaker association with smoking. Histologically, they are a diverse group of malignancies that grow in a lepidic manner. Common radiologic presentations of BAC include a solitary nodule, airspace disease, and multiple nodules. Rare manifestations include cystic and cavitary disease. We report a case of a young woman with BAC that manifested as a chronic cough and bilateral air-containing opacities, initially misinterpreted as infection. Knowledge of the spectrum of radiologic manifestations of BAC and correlation with clinical history are important in suggesting the diagnosis and preventing misinterpretation.

The imaging manifestations of lung cancer

Imaging plays an integral role in diagnosing, staging, and following patients with lung cancer. Many lung neoplasms are detected on chest radiographs, but the majority of patients have advanced stage disease at the time of presentation. There is a wide spectrum of radiologic manifestations of lung cancer, and recognition of these findings is essential for patient management. As we continue to understand more about tumor biology, new imaging techniques likely will emerge. Nevertheless, the chest radiograph and CT remain important tools in establishing the diagnosis of lung cancer.