Biliary cystadenocarcinoma with mesenchymal stroma

Hepatobiliary cystadenocarcinomas (BCACs) with mesenchymal stroma are a rare cystic lesion. This tumour needs to be distinguished from benign biliary cystadenoma, which is antecedent in most cases. The treatment of choice is radical excision of the mass. The diagnostic evaluation, surgical management, pathological characteristics, treatment and follow-up of one patient with hepatobiliary cystadenocarcinoma with ovarian stroma is described. Preoperative diagnosis of BCACs is often difficult, because their clinical manifestations are similar to those of other hepatic cystic lesions. MRI is suitable for accurate characterisation of cystic biliary lesions, but distinguishing between cystadenoma and cystadenocarcinoma remains difficult on the basis of imaging findings. Complete surgical excision gives a relatively good chance of long-term survival because of the slow growth rate of these tumours.     

Fluid–fluid levels in intracranial schwannomas

Intracranial cystic neurogenic tumours constitute an uncommon subset of tumours with a distinct clinico-biological behaviour. The presence of fluid–fluid levels within the tumours, although rare, confirms the cystic nature of the neoplasms. Barring the acoustic schwannomas, cystic cranial nerve schwannomas are exceptionally uncommon. Imaging findings of fluid–fluid levels in two non-acoustic cranial nerve schwannomas are described; one was a cystic trigeminal schwannoma and the other was a glossopharyngeal nerve schwannoma. The causes of the fluid–fluid level and its implications are analysed.     

Malignant chondroid syringoma of the skin: Magnetic resonance imaging features

Skin tumours are usually divided into melanoma and non‐melanoma types. Malignancies of the adnexal structures, of which sweat gland tumours are an example, are characterized under the non‐melanoma types. Sweat gland malignancies are rare tumours that are usually associated with a poor prognosis. Given the rarity of these tumours, MRI findings of such tumours have not been described previously in the literature. We present a case report of an unusual malignant tumour of sweat gland origin known as a malignant chondroid syringoma of the skin with described MRI features. The MRI features are non‐specific depicting intermediate signal intensity, changes on the proton density sequence and increased signal on the T2 and STIR‐weighted sequences. Although these imaging features are characteristic of most soft tissue masses MRI can, in most cases, accurately depict the anatomic extent and identify tissue of origin, depth of invasion and relation to adjacent structures, such as muscles and bones. Thus high‐resolution MRI of the skin in the future can be extremely helpful in characterizing and staging dermal neoplasms.     

Clinico-pathological features of cystic pancreatic endocrine neoplasms and a comparison with their solid counterparts.

AIM: Pancreatic endocrine neoplasms (PENs) may occasionally manifest as cystic lesions of the pancreas. The aim of this study is to report our experience with cystic PENs and to compare their clinico-pathological features with their solid counterparts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1990 to 2004, 38 patients with PENs were reviewed. Six of these tumours appeared on radiological imaging as a cystic lesion of the pancreas. RESULTS: Of the 38 patients with a PEN, 21 of the patients were female and with a median age of 54.5 (range, 33-83) years. Sixteen patients had functional endocrine tumours of which insulinoma was the most common. The six patients with cystic PEN had a median age of 55.5 (range, 41-70) years and half were female. Cystic PENs were significantly larger [48 (range, 25-170) mm vs 19 (range, 3-120) mm, P = 0.013] and were less likely to be benign (0 vs 50%, P = 0.017) compared to their solid counterparts. There was no difference between cystic and solid PENs in terms of age, sex, presence of symptoms, proportion of functioning tumours and location of tumours within the pancreas. CONCLUSION: Cystic PENs share many clinico-pathological features with solid PENs. These differ only in the cystic appearance and tend to be of a larger size. Hence, these findings suggest that cystic and solid PENs are unlikely to be distinct pathological entities but are likely to be morphological variants of the same entity.     

Cranial cystic epidermoid: Report of two cases and review of the literature

Intercranial epidermoid tumours are benign lesions of congenital origin that are potentially curable. Although computerized axial tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are usually diagnostic, a few atypical features sometimes make pre-operative diagnosis difficult. Two cases of cystic epidermoids with peripheral ring enhancement are reported. Relevant literature has been reviewed.     

Imaging of ovarian teratomas: Appearances and complications

Ovarian teratomas are the most common germ cell neoplasm. Subtypes of teratoma include mature cystic, immature and the monodermal teratomas. The benign cystic teratoma shows typical imaging manifestations and can be complicated by torsion, rupture and uncommonly malignant degeneration. Uncommon subtypes of teratomas include the immature, which is usually malignant at diagnosis. The growing teratoma syndrome is an uncommon complication reported in patients treated for immature teratomas. The monodermal teratomas which include the struma ovarii may also have specific imaging characteristics that should be recognised on imaging. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review describing the spectrum of imaging findings of these ovarian tumours and associated complications     

MRI findings of carcinosarcoma in the parotid gland

True malignant mixed tumours of the salivary gland (carcinosarcoma) are rare tumours composed of both carcinomatous and sarcomatous components. They predominantly occur in the parotid gland. This report presents the clinical, histological and imaging findings of a carcinosarcoma arising in the deep lobe of the parotid. We present magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of this tumour. MRI demonstrated heterogenous intermediate T2-W signal with a thick irregular enhancing rim was suggestive of a malignant lesion.     

Retroperitoneal ancient schwannoma: Review of clinico-radiological features

A case is reported here of an ancient schwannoma in the retroperitoneum. The findings of abdominal ultrasound and CT in a patient with a retroperitoneal ancient schwannoma are presented, and the clinical and radiological features of this unusual tumour are reviewed. The presence of a large, well-delineated complex cystic mass in the deep soft tissues should raise the possibility of an ancient schwannoma. It is important to recognize these tumours as benign with excellent prognosis so as to avoid unnecessary radical surgery.     

Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the staging of cervical carcinoma: A pictorial review

The purposes of diagnostic imaging in cervical carcinoma are to determine the size and extent of the tumour for accurate staging and to establish lymph node status. Historically, cervical tumours were staged by clinical examination and by examination under anaesthesia according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics staging system. This system does not incorporate imaging findings or lymph node status, but it is now accepted that cross‐sectional imaging, and in particular MRI, has an important role to play in the staging of these tumours. We carried out an audit of all patients having a staging MRI for suspected cervical carcinoma in South Australia and the Northern Territory for 2 years from January 2005. This was the first time the clinicians had been offered routine MRI, and despite the strong supporting published reports, they had some reservations about its performance. Our audit covered a wide range of tumour stages and provided a good teaching resource for radiologists and clinicians alike.     

MRI of intraspinal nerve sheath tumours presenting with sciatica

The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of 14 intraspinal nerve sheath tumours (NST) presenting with sciatica were reviewed. The group comprised seven schwannomas, six neurofibromas and one perineuroma. The tumours were either iso- or hypointense with respect to spinal cord on T1-weighted (T1W) images; almost all tumours were hyperintense compared with spinal cord on T2-weighted (T2W) images. The tumours were all detectable on unenhanced T1W images. Nine NST were scanned following Gadolinium-Diethylenetriamine penta acetic acid (DTPA) injection and all showed intense enhancement. This aids differentiation from sequestrated disc fragments. Tumours were more likely to show homogeneous enhancement unless they were recurrent tumours. Rim enhancement occurs more commonly in schwannomas and this can be used to differentiate these from neurofibromas. However, on unenhanced images, schwannomas cannot be distinguished from neurofibromas. Four tumours occurred at T11-T12. There was poor correlation of the site of the lesion with the clinical findings. MRI studies in patients with sciatica should include the lower thoracic region especially if no protruded disc was found in the lumbar region.     

Intracranial cystic meningioma.

Two cases of intracranial cystic meningiomas are reported. Neuroradiological and intraoperative diagnoses in both cases were cystic astrocytoma. However routine biopsy during the intra-operative period and an accurate interpretation during frozen-section will establish the diagnosis of cystic meningioma. Complete excision of cyst wall of the meningioma during the surgery will minimise the incidence of recurrence of these benign tumours.     

Schwannoma of the brachial plexus presenting as a cystic swelling

Schwannomas are benign nerve sheath tumours. A small percentage of these tumours arise from the brachial plexus. Cystic degeneration and hemorrhagic necrosis can occur in these tumours in up to 40% of the cases. Detailed preoperative evaluation and careful dissection during surgery will avoid post operative neurological complications. We report a case of schwannoma of the brachial plexus presenting as a cystic neck swelling which was successfully managed by us.     

Trichoptysis caused by intrapulmonary teratoma: Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings

We describe a 9-year-old child with a history of trichoptysis caused by intrapulmonary teratoma and we present the CT and MRI findings of the teratoma. A heterogeneous mass containing cystic and solid elements was detected on both CT and MRI scans. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of teratoma. Teratomas arising from lung parenchyma, as in this case, are extremely rare in childhood. In the thoracic region, the most common localization of teratomas is the anterior mediastinal compartment. We also discuss the CT and MRI findings and the differential diagnosis of teratomas.     

Bladder Paraganglioma: CT and MR Imaging Characteristics in 16 Patients

BackgroundBladder paraganglioma (BPG) is a rare extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma with variable symptoms and easy to be misdiagnosed and mishandled. The aim of the study was to document the imaging features of BPG using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Patients and methodsWe retrospectively enrolled consecutive patients with pathology-proven BPG, who underwent CT or MRI examinations before surgery between October 2009 and October 2017. The clinical characteristics, CT, and MRI features of the patients were described and analysed.ResultsA total of 16 patients with 16 bladder tumours (median age 51 years, 9 females) were included. Among them, 13 patients underwent CT examinations and eight patients underwent MRI examinations preoperatively. Tumour diameters ranged from 1.6−5.4 cm. Most of the tumours grew into the bladder cavity (n = 11) with oval shapes (n = 10) and well-defined margins (n = 14). Intratumour cystic degeneration or necrosis (n = 2) was observed. Two lesions showed peripheral tissue invasion, suggesting malignant BPGs. All 13 lesions imaged with CT exhibited slight hypoattenuation and moderate to marked enhancement. Compared to the gluteus maximus, all lesions showed slight h yperintensity in T2-weighted images, hyperintensity on diffusion-weighted images (DWI), hypointensity on apparent diffusion coefficient maps, hyperintensity on T1-weighted images and a “fast in and slow out” enhanced pattern on contrast-enhanced MRI images.ConclusionsBPGs are mostly oval-shaped, broadly-based and hypervascular bladder tumours with hypoattenuation on non-contrast CT, T2 hyperintensity, slight T1 hyperintensity compared to the muscle, marked restricted diffusion on DWI. Peripheral tissue invasion can suggest malignancy of the BPGs. All of these features contribute to preoperative decision-making.Key words: paraganglioma, urinary bladder, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging     

Large cystic cavernous angioma of the cerebellum mimicking pilocytic astrocytoma

SummaryObjective and importance Cavernous angiomas are relatively rare vascular malformations. They are generally located supratentorially with a rare incidence in the cerebellum. Cavernous angiomas, accompanied by a large cyst, are very rare. We present a case of a cavernous angioma with the unusual MRI findings of a large cyst and a small mural nodule.Clinical presentation The patient was a 48-year-old man who complained of a history of dizziness for several weeks. The neurologic examination in the neurosurgery clinic was without deficit.Intervention The cyst measured 4.7×4.0 cm and contained serous fluid with a nodular mass in the lower part of the cyst. The cystic wall and the solid mural nodule were completely removed through a midline suboccipital approach. Postoperatively, the patient remained neurologically intact.Conclusion When a large cystic lesion is present in the cerebellum, preoperative radiological and intraoperative findings led to misdiagnosis. Therefore, a rare cystic angioma must be considered in the differential diagnosis of infratentorial cystic masses.     

Thoracic adenoid cystic carcinomas]

Adenoid cystic carcinomas in the trachea are rare, but represent around 40% of all tracheal tumours. Other intrathoracic localisations include the carena or proximal airways. Adenoid cystic carcinoma's growth rate is slow so that it is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage. Pathological identification may be difficult. Treatment in limited tumours is based upon surgical resection often combined to radiotherapy because of close surgical margins. Radiotherapy dose may vary between 45 and 65 Gy according to margins status. Five-year survival rates of 65-80% have been reported after surgery or surgery and postoperative radiotherapy. Among inoperable patients treated with exclusive radiotherapy for tracheal tumours (including adenoid cystic but also squamous cell carcinomas of poorer prognosis), the recommended delivered dose should be over 60 Gy. Five-year survival rate in these very heterogeneous series may vary between 12 and 27%. Local or metastatic recurrences may occur very lately. They are considered chemo-resistant and targeted therapies may prove to be effective in the future.     

颅咽管瘤的MRI诊断及鉴别诊断颅咽管瘤的MRI诊断及鉴别诊断

目的:研究颅咽管瘤的MRI诊断及鉴别诊断。方法:回顾性分析经病理证实的13例颅咽管瘤的MRI表现。结果:9例呈圆形或类圆形,4例呈不规则形。平扫6例表现为长T1长T2信号,3例表现为等T1长T2信号,2例短T1长T2信号,1例等T1短T2信号,1例混杂T1混杂T2信号。其中囊内见出血1例,分层征象2例,钙化3例,壁结节4例,3例DWI弥散不受限呈低信号。增强后3例实性颅咽管瘤和5例囊实性颅咽管瘤实性部分明显均匀或不均匀强化,5例囊实性和4例囊性颅咽管瘤囊壁呈弧形或环形强化,4例囊性颅咽管瘤壁结节明显强化,1例囊性颅咽管瘤未见明显强化。结论:颅咽管瘤的MRI影像表现具有一定特征,但需注意与垂体腺瘤、Rathke囊肿、生殖细胞瘤等鉴别。     

低度恶性潜能多房囊性肾肿瘤的MRI表现及临床分析

目的 探讨低度恶性潜能多房囊性肾肿瘤的MRI表现及临床特点.方法 回顾性分析5例经病理学证实的低度恶性潜能多房囊性肾肿瘤的MRI表现及临床资料.结果 5例均为单发,3例呈类圆形,2例呈分叶状.肿瘤边界均较清晰,最大直径约15 ～54 mm.MRI平扫囊壁及囊内分隔较薄而欠均匀,厚约1～3 mm,呈T1 WI等及稍高信号,T2WI为较低信号;囊液T2WI均为高信号,T1WI 4例为不均匀较低信号,1例低信号中见絮状稍高信号.DWI显示,2例囊壁及囊内分隔见点、条状较高信号,3例为等信号.动态增强囊壁及囊内分隔2例皮质期见较明显强化点、条状影,实质期及排泄期强化减弱;其余3例不均匀中等强化弱于肾皮质,实质期及排泄期均明显延迟强化.5例均未见邻近侵犯及转移.临床3例出现腰部隐痛及镜下血尿,2例无明显症状.5例术后随访18 ～36个月,均未见复发及转移.结论 低度恶性潜能多房囊性肾肿瘤恶性程度低,手术治疗效果好.MRI对其诊断具有较大价值.     

Atypical magnetic resonance imaging findings of craniopharyngioma

Three cases of craniopharyngiomas with atypical MRI findings are reported. The first patient had a nasopharyngeal craniopharyngioma. Its unusual location made diagnosis difficult. The second patient had a massive craniopharyngioma with extensive cystic expansion, involving the anterior, middle and posterior cranial fossae, and extending into the foramen magnum. The tumour of the third patient involved the suprasellar region with a large extension into the third ventricle, and demonstrated a predominantly high signal intensity on all T1‐weighted, proton‐weighted and T2‐weighted images. These patients further stressed the complexity of MRI findings in craniopharyngiomas.     

Biliary cystadenocarcinoma of the liver: the need for complete resection

We report on a patient with biliary cystadenocarcinoma and review 112 previously published cases of this rare cystic hepatic neoplasm. This tumour mainly occurs in women at a ratio of 62% (female) to 38% (male), and at an average age of 56.2 years (range 18-88 years). The origin of these neoplasms is intrahepatic in 97% of cases and extrahepatic in the remaining 3%. The clinical symptoms are nonspecific and are not distinctive from benign cystic liver lesions unless invasive growth of the tumour occurs or distant metastases are present. Sonography and computed tomography (CT), as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrate the multilocular nature of the tumour with septal or mural nodules. Discrete soft tissue masses, thick and coarse calcifications and varying density on CT or intensity on MRI within the loculi are additional non-specific imaging findings. The best therapeutic result with a 5-year survival rate of 100% and a recurrence rate of only 13% was achieved by complete excision (n = 16). Surgical removal of the tumour by complete excision is, therefore, the treatment of choice for biliary cystadenocarcinomas.