Objective To explore the clinical and MR imaging features of myxoid liposarcoma.Methods Clinical and MR imaging data of 7 patients with histologically confirmed myxoid liposarcomas on extremities were retrospectively analyzed.The age of the patients ranged from 41 to 59 years with a median age of 51 years.Results Three tumors occurred in thigh,two in calf,one in foot and one in shoulder.Six tumors were situated deeply,and one was superficial.On T_1-weighted images,all 7 tumors showed predominant isointense or slightly hypointense signals relative to muscle,with 6 having lacy,linear or amorphous loci of high signal intensity.The major portion of each tumor displayed hyperintense signals compared with fat on T_2-weighted images.Following the injection of Gd-DTPA,all tumors showed inhomogenous and strong enhancement.All tumors had septa and were well defined without obvious surrounding edema and invasion of the adjacent bones.Conclusion Myxoid liposarcomas usually show predominant isointense or slightly hypointense signals relative to muscle on T_1-weighted images and hyperintense signals relative to fat on T_2-weighted images.The fat components within the tumors may be identified as linear,lacy or amorphous foci of high signal intensity on T_1-weighted images.The contrast enhancement of the mvxoid liposarcomas is usually pronounced and heterogeneous.

Objective To evaluate the value of magnetic resonance imaging features in differentiating soft tissue lipoma from well-differentiated liposarcoma.Methods MR images of 30 patients with histologically verified fat-containing tumors(22 lipomas and 8 well-differentiated liposarcomas)were retrospectively reviewed.Well-differentiated liposarcomas and benign lipomas were compared in terms of the size of the lesion,percentage of adipose component,number of thick septa,nodular and(or)patchy nonadipose component,contrast enhancement patterns and the margin characters of the lesion.Results The mean size of lipomas[(64?35)mm]was significantly smaller(t=4.263,P

Objective To investigate the feasibility and role of single-dose three-dimensional dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography(SD 3D DCEMRA)in evaluating soft-tissue hemangioma of limbs.Methods The transit time(TT),signal intensity of peak enhancement(SPE)and duration of peak enhancement(DPE)of the femoral,popliteal and anterior tibial arteries at the level of the middle section were assessed in 30 healthy volunteers after intravenous bolus injection of single-dose contrast media at the rate of 3 ml/s.Forty-five patients with soft-tissue hemangioma and 9 patients with schwannoma of the extremities underwent both conventional MRI and SD 3D DCEMRA.The acquisition time of SD 3D DCEMRA ranged from 10 to 12 s,and early arterial,late arterial and venous phases of SD 3D DCEMRA images were acquired consecutively.The conventional MRI and SD 3D DCEMRA findings of the 45 patients with hemangioma were observed and compared with those of the 9 cases of sehwannoma.Results(1)The TT,SPE and DPE of the femoral,poplitcal and anterior tibial arteries were(15?5)s,(400?50),(11.9? 2.6)s;(19?7)s,(320?45),(16.8?3.6)s and(27?10)s,(270?39),(22.0?6.6)s respectively. The comparison of TT(F=6.91,P0.01).The tumoral feeding artery was visualized in all cases(100%).(3)Two cases of hemangioma missed on conventional MRI were correctly diagnosed on SD 3D DCEMRA owing to the visualization of both the tumoral mass and the feeding artery.(4)For schwannoma,neither the dynamic visualization of tumoral mass nor the feeding artery was demonstrated on SD 3D DCEMRA.Conclusion SD 3D DCEMRA is technically feasible to evaluate the limb soft-tissue hemangioma.Dynamic visualization of tumoral mass and demonstration of the tumoral feeding artery are the characteristic features of the tumor on SD 3D DCEMRA.

Objective To choose proper proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy(~1XH-MRS) parameters to fit for practical femoral marrow cavity and to produce short-timed,well-repeated and excellent ~1H-MRS images.Methods The tentative study of ~1H-MRS on the normal femoral bone marrow in 26 volunteers was performed with a 1.5 T MR after the informed consent.The single-voxel spectroscopy and stimulated echo acquisition mode were used for ~1H-MRS collection.~1H-MRS parameters for 12 volunteers were 128 acquisitions,1 cm?1 cm?1 cm volume of interest(VOI)size and repeatedly 2—3 times within the same location.~1H-MRS parameters for another:14 volunteers were different numbers of acquisition (128 and 256 times,respectively)and different VOI sizes(2 cm?2 cm?2 cm and 1 cm?1 cm?1 cm, respectively).Results For ~1H-MRS with 1 cm?1 cm?1 cm size of VOI and 128 times of acquisition with the full width haft max of water≤8—12 Hz,the base-line was steady and the signal-noise ratio was high up to 11.31.~1H-MRS was different in the different femoral locations showing the maximum peak sites at near 0.90 ppm(?10~(-6))or 1.65 ppm,but~1H-MRS within the same location was always same or similar with different VOI sizes(1 cm?1 cm?1 cm or 2 cm?2 cm?2 cm)or different numbers of acquisition(128 or 256 times).~1H-MRS acquisition time was not related with the size of VOI but with the numbers of acquisition.128 and 256 times of acquisition cost 199 s and 391 s,respectively.Conclusion With the technique of small size of VOI(1 cm?1 cm?1 cm)and decreased numbers of acquisition(128 times),it is propable to get well-repeated and excellent ~1H-MRS within less time.It is also more practical for clinics to achieve ~1H-MRS of the femoral marrow with the proper technique.

Objective To evaluate the CT findings of pancreatic carcinoid tumors.Methods The CT imaging data of five patients with pancreatic carcinoid tumors confirmed by pathology were retrospectively analyzed.Results The tumors ranged in maximum diameter from 2.0 to 11.0 cm with a mean of 6.4 cm. On unenhanced CT,the tumors were slightly hypodense relative to the pancreatic parenchyma,homogenous in 2 cases,and heterogenous in 3 cases.One tumor showed calcification.After contrast material injection, the solid component of the tumor showed marked heterogenous enhancement on the arterial phase scanning in 3 cases,and mild heterogenous enhancement in 2 cases.The degree of tumor enhancement was less intense than the surrounding pancreatic parenchyma due to necrosis of various degree,which led to the cystic appearance of the tumor in 1 ease.On the portal phase scanning,all tumors showed marked enhancement similar to that of the pancreatic parenchyma.On the delayed phase scanning,the degree of enhancement was more intense than the surrounding pancreatic parenchyma in 1 case.Liver metastases with retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy and peripancreatic vessels invasion were seen in 1 case.No dilatation of the biliary tract or pancreatic duct was present.Conclusion The CT features of pancreatic carcinoid tumors included infrequent dilatation of the biliary tract or pancreatic duct and unusual vascular involvement,calcification within the mass,marked enhancement similar to that of the surrounding pancreatic parenchyma during the portal phase scanning and more intense during the delayed phase scanning.

OBJECTIVETo compare the diagnostic value of barium enema (BE), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) in primary colorectal carcinoma.

METHODSA total of 64 patients with suspected colorectal carcinoma received BE (n=39), spiral CT (n=31) and MRI (n=42). The detective results were compared with the surgical results.

RESULTSAmong 64 patients, 54 cases were pathologically proved as colorectal carcinoma. The diagnostic sensitivity of BE,CT and MRI was 96.9% ,96.2% and 97.1% ,and the overall accuracy was 92.3% 83.9 % and 90.5% respectively. The overall accuracy of CT and MRI for tumor T staging was 73.1% and 82.9% respectively.

CONCLUSIONBE can be considered as a primary approach for diagnosing colorectal carcinoma, CT and MRI be necessary diagnostic approaches. Combined BE with MRI is the best choice for diagnosing of colorectal carcinoma.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Barium Sulfate ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Enema ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Tomography, Spiral Computed

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between plasma levels of fibrinogen, the-beta455 G/A fibrinogen gene polymorphism and the severity of periodontal inflammation and to explore the possible role of fibrinogen in the association of periodontitis with coronary heart disease (CHD).

METHODSA total of 121 patients with moderate to severe periodontitis and periodontally healthy and gingivitis controls were enrolled in the study. Peripheral blood samples were collected and the plasma fibrinogen levels were determined by the clotting method of Clauss. Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis with Hae III were used to examine the -beta455 G/A fibrinogen gene polymorphism.

RESULTSFibrinogen levels were significantly higher in moderately or severely chronic periodontitis patients [(3.45 +/- 0.68) g/L] than periodontally healthy and gingivitis controls [(2.47 +/- 0.42) g/L, P < 0.001]. The carrier status of the A allele at position -455 in the beta fibrinogen gene was associated with elevated fibrinogen levels and the frequency of the-A455 allele in the beta fibrinogen gene in the patient group was significantly higher than in the control group (P = 0.032). Carriers of the -A455 allele were about 3-fold more likely to have moderate or severe periodontitis as compare to individuals without the -A455 allele( OR = 3. =135, P= 0.008).

CONCLUSIONSFg-beta455 G/A polymorphism may contribute to the elevated plasma fibrinogen levels and put individuals at higher risk of having severe periodontitis. As the independent risk factor of CHD, fibrinogen levels and Fg-beta455 G/A polymorphism may play a role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis.

Adult ; Alleles ; Case-Control Studies ; Chronic Periodontitis ; genetics ; Coronary Disease ; genetics ; Female ; Fibrinogen ; analysis ; genetics ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVEElastofibroma dorsi has an extremely low incidence. At present, comparative study on imaging manifestations and pathologic findings of elastofibroma dorsi has not been reported in China. This study was to investigate clinical manifestations, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearances, and pathologic features of elastofibroma dorsi and to improve preoperative imaging diagnosis of this disease.

METHODSThe clinical manifestations, imaging findings, and pathologic appearances of 6 cases of elastofibroma dorsi were retrospectively analyzed and related literatures were reviewed. All patients were examined with MRI, and 4 of them were examined with CT scan.

RESULTSAll patients were above 30 years old without obvious symptoms. The tumors presented as a lenticular soft-tissue mass in the deep subscapular region. The tumor's density on plain CT scan or signal intensity on MR T1-weighted image was approximately equal to that of muscle with some interlaced fat-like areas within mass suppressed by fat-suppression MR sequences, which corresponded to dense collagen tissue and interspersed mature adipose tissue observed microscopically.

CONCLUSIONSCT and MRI can reflect the histological features of elastofibroma dorsi. On the basis of their imaging characteristics, a correct preoperative diagnosis of elastofibroma dorsi can easily be made.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Fibroma ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; surgery ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Scapula ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Soft Tissue Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; surgery ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Objective To discuss the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction by laparoscopic pyeloplasty. Methods A retrospective review of consecutive laparoscopic pyeloplasty in 102 patients between September 2001 and December 2007 was performed. The ureterpelvic junction was dissected and the obstruction portion was excised. Anastomosis was then performed through the ureter and the renal pelvis walls with a stent. Results The mean operating time was 120 min and the average blood loss was 80ml. No major complication occurred intraoperative. The drainage was removed in 3-10 days. The average hospital stay was 8.5 days. The stent was kept for 30-60 days. IVU and B ultrasound examination revealed that the hydronephrosis alleviated during the follow-up and no anastomosis stricture occurred. Conclusions Laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty could provide lower morbidity, shorter hospital stay, and faster convalescence. It could be an effective treatment for ureteropelvic junction obstruction.

Objective To evaluate the situation of musculoskeletal imaging research at home and abroad and the disparity and consistency between them.Methods Statistic analysis was done with the musculoskeletal articles published in those journals during the last decade,including Chinese Journal of Radiology,Journal of Clinical Radiology,Radiology,American Journal of Roentgenology(AJR)and the British Journal of Radiology(BJR).Results The development of museuloskeletal imaging research was very imbalaneed among different areas and hospitals in China.The rate of clinical research treatise and imaging technique articles at home was 76.3%(357/468)and 10.0%(47/468),respectively,while that was 75.7%(731/966)and 10.8%(105/966),respectively abroad.The rate of MR image technique articles in China was lower than that abroad.The rate of articles on basic research at home and abroad was 5.3%(25/468)and 7.9%(76/966),respectively.The rate of articles about museuloskeletal imaging simply using CT or MR at home was 20.1%(94/468)and 29.7%(139/468),respectively,while that was 5.1%(49/966)and 60.4%(548/966),respectively abroad.The rate of articles about interventional therapy and synthetic imaging at home was 9.2%(43/468)and 29.3%(137/468),respectively,while that was 4.7%(45/966)and 22.5%(217/966),respectively abroad.With regard to the diseases category,the research focused on the bone tumors and the tumor-like disease in China,while in other countries,the research focus had been diverted to the trauma of bone and joint,and the anatomy and disease of muscle and ligament,which was unsatisfactory in China.More focus had been put on imaging anatomy, cartilage disease and osteoporosis in other countries than in China.The research on the radiation dosage the subject received in the examination,the apphcation of Micro-CT and Micro-MR to musculoskeletal imaging was developed in other countries,but it had not been reported in China.Conclusion Although great success has been achieved in the research of musculoskeletal imaging in the last decade,there is still much disparity comparing with other countries,and the research is very imbalanced among different areas and hospitals in China.We should emphasize the application of MRI to musculoskeletal system and pay more attention to the basic research and imaging anatomy research,especially the research on ligament,muscle and cartilage.