PURPOSE: Differential diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodule with cavity includes lung abscess, tuberculoma, bronchogenic carcinoma, metastasis and trauma, etc. We analyzed the CT appearance of tubercuioma presenting as a solitary pulmonary nodule with cavity and describe the findings which suggest tuberculoma in the differential dignosis of soliary pulmonary nodule with cavity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 25 patients with solitary pulmonary nodule(diameter less than 4 cm) without surrounding parenchymal consolidation on chest radiograph, who had a cavity within the nodule on CT, were included in our study. Density of the nodule, maximal wall thickness, the character of inner and outer wall margin, location of cavity within the nodule, location of the nodule, presence or absence of satellite lesions and calcification were analyzed. RESULTS: Solitary tuberculoma with cavity showed maximal wall thickness more than 15 mm in 40%(10/25) and 5-14 mm in 56%(14/25), eccentric cavitation in 84%(21/25) and concentric cavitation in 16%(4/25), spiculated outer wall margin in 56%(14/15) and Iobulated margin in 32%(8/25), smooth inner wall margin in 60%(15/25) and nodular margin in 40%(10/25). CT density of the cavity wall compared with the chest wall muscle was low in 84%(21/25) and isodense in 16%(4/25). Accompanying satellite lesions were seen in 84% (21/25) and calcification was visible in 28%(7/25). CONCLUSION: The CT findings of solitary tuberculoma with cavity are relative peripheral location, eccentric cavitation, finely spiculated outer wall margin, and mean maximal wall thickness of 13.2 mm, which are also the common features of malignant nodule. However, relative low density of the nodule compared to the chest wall muscle and surrounding satellite lesions can be additional clues favoring solitary tuberculoma with cavity on CT.
Carcinoma, Bronchogenic ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Humans ; Lung Abscess ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Radiography, Thoracic ; Solitary Pulmonary Nodule ; Thoracic Wall ; Tuberculoma*

PURPOSE: The role of MRI in the detection of cholangiocarcinoma of the common hepatic duct has rarely been described. This study was attempted to ascertain characteristic MR features of cholangiocarcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The T1(500/30, TRs/TEs) and T2 weighted(200/80, TRs/TEs) MR images were obtained from nine patients with cholangiocarcinoma of the common hepatic duct. The common hepatic lesions were detected in seven cases. MR features of cholangiocarcinoma were analysed according to the signal intensity and associated findings. RESULTS: The seven cases showed lower signal intensity than the surrounding normal liver parenchyma on T1 weighted image. On T2 weighted image, the tumor showed isosignal intensity and hyperintensity in four and three patients, respectively. T2 image also revealed diffusely increased signal intensity in some hepatic lobe or segment in four cases, and Intrahepatic periductal high signal intensity in one case. Other associated MR findings were intrahepatic metastasis, and intratumoral hemorrhage, each noted in a different case. CONCLUSION: T2 weighted Image appears to be effective in the detection of cholangiocarcinoma of the common hepatic duct and evaluation of its associated intrahepatic lesions.
Cholangiocarcinoma* ; Hemorrhage ; Hepatic Duct, Common* ; Humans ; Liver ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Neoplasm Metastasis

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB), and possible complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During a three-year period, TJLB was performed in 21 patients. Through the right internal jugular vein, a 9F sheath was introduced into the right hepatic vein, and using Mansfield forceps, biopsy was then performed. RESULTS: Reasons for TJLB included massive ascites in six patients, coagulopathy in nine, thrombocytopenia in five, and other causes in one. In 20 cases, we obtained liver tissue, and pathologic diagnosis was possible in 17 ; in three cases, the amount of biopsy tissue obtained was insufficient for pathologic diagnosis. In one patient with Budd-Chiari syndrome, we were unable to catheterize the right hepatic vein and failed to obtain liver tissue. Complications occurred in five patients, as follows: hematoma formation at the puncture site in one patient, and pain at the puncture site, lasting 24 hours, in four. CONCLUSION: TJLB may be a safe and useful method in patients in whom percutaneous liver biopsy is contraindicated.
Ascites ; Biopsy* ; Budd-Chiari Syndrome ; Catheters ; Diagnosis ; Hematoma ; Hepatic Veins ; Humans ; Jugular Veins ; Liver* ; Punctures ; Surgical Instruments ; Thrombocytopenia

PURPOSE: It may be difficult to differentiate renal cell carcinoma involving collecting system from renal urothelial tumor invading into renal parenchyma. The purpose of this study was to assess the differences of CT findings between two conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT findings of 5 cases of renal cell carcinoma involving the renal collecting systems and 10 cases of renal urothelial tumors invading the renal parenchyma were compared, and analyzed about the presence or absence of hydronephrosis, normal or abnormal CT nephrogram, renal contour changes due to mass and tentative diagnosis. The diagnoses were confirmed at surgery. RESULTS: Renal cell carcinoma showed hydronephrosis in only 20% and normal CT nephrogram and outward contour bulging in all cases. In contrast, renal urothelial tumor showed hydronephrosis(70%), abnormal CT nephrogram(60%), and preservation of reniform shape(100%). CONCLUSION: Renal contour changes and CT nephrogram may be useful in distinguishing both disease entities.
Carcinoma, Renal Cell* ; Diagnosis ; Hydronephrosis

Chronic central venous occlusion presents a difficult management problem, particularly when the occlusion cannot be traversed with a guide wire, a step which is essential for endovascular treatment such as balloon angioplasty and stent placement. We describe a less invasive technique in which the venous occlusion is traversed with a Rosch-Uchida Transjugular Liver Access Set. This procedure may be useful in cases where the involved extremity must be preserved for hemodialysis and where subclavian vein occlusion is refractory to traditional revascularization methods.
Angioplasty, Balloon ; Dialysis ; Extremities ; Liver ; Needles* ; Punctures* ; Renal Dialysis ; Stents ; Subclavian Vein* ; Veins

PURPOSE: To classify the ultrasonographic findings of cystic lesions of the breast and correlated them with the pathology, to evaluate the characteristic features of cystic masses in benign and malignant tumors, and to determine the appropriate level of patient management according to the ultrasonographic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 2002 through to June 2004, the ultrasonographic findings of 113 pathological proven cystic breast lesions were reviewed retrospectively. The cystic lesions were classified as simple acysts, clustered cysts, cysts with thin septa, complicated cysts, cystic masses with a thick wall/ septa or nodules, and complex solid and cystic masses. The ultrasonographic findings of each type of cystic lesion of the breast were compared with the pathology and evaluated according to whether they were benign or malignant. RESULTS: Of the 113 lesions, there were 17 simple cysts, 10 clustered cysts and 19 cysts with thin septa. Twenty four cases of complicated cysts were found to be benign. Five (31.3%) of the 16 cases of cystic masses with a thick wall / septa or nodules and 17 (63%) of the 27 cases of complex solid and cystic masses were found to be malignant. The shape and margin of the 43 cases of cystic masses with a solid component were analyzed. Seventeen out of 36 sonographical round or oval shaped masses and 10 out of 27 sonographical circumscribed margins were found to be malignant. CONCLUSION: The simple cysts, clustered cysts, cyst with thin septa and non-symptomatic complicated cysts detected by sonography were all benign. Symptomatic complicated cysts should be aspirated and treated appropriately. Cystic masses with a solid component should be examined by a biopsy with a pathological confirmation.
Biopsy ; Breast* ; Humans ; Pathology ; Retrospective Studies ; Ultrasonography*

Endovascular procedures are becoming the standard type of care for the management of hemodialysis vascular access dysfunction. As with any type of medical procedure, these techniques can result in procedure-related complications, although the expected number of complications is low. The clinical extent of these complications varies from case to case. Management of these cases depends on the clinical presentation. Major complications such as vein rupture, arterial embolism, remote site bleeding or hematoma, symptomatic pulmonary embolism and puncture site complications necessitating treatment require major therapy. Minor complications such as non-flow compromising small puncture site hematoma or pseudoaneurysms require little or no therapy. It is essential that the interventionist be prepared to manage these complications appropriately when they arise.
Veins ; Stents ; Rupture, Spontaneous ; Retrospective Studies ; Renal Dialysis/*methods ; Postoperative Complications/therapy ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Humans ; Female ; Extravasation of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials/therapy ; Embolism/therapy ; *Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical ; Aged ; Adult

Interstitial ectopic pregnancy is a rare condition of pregnancy and may be very dangerous if not identified and treated urgently. We report a case of successful treatment of an interstitial pregnancy using selective uterine artery embolization. A 27-year-old woman with interstitial pregnancy was treated by uterine artery embolization after failure of systemic methotrexate treatment. Her serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) was undetectable one month after the therapeutic embolization and transvaginal sonography 31 days after embolization showed normal endometrium and cornu. The patient achieved a normal pregnancy eight months after embolization.
Adult ; Embolization, Therapeutic/*methods ; Female ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy, Ectopic/*therapy/ultrasonography ; Uterus/*blood supply

Granular cell tumor is a rare and usually benign tumor that occasionally involves the breast. The physical examination, the mammographic and ultrasonographic findings and the pathologic findings are often suggestive of carcinoma. We report here a rare case of granular cell tumor of the breast that mimicked carcinoma on the mammography, ultrasonography and MR imaging.
Breast* ; Granular Cell Tumor* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Mammography ; Physical Examination ; Ultrasonography

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of the Wire-Loop technique, used to perform percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) in occluded arteriovenous fistula when standard methods fail to pass the balloon catheter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 30 patients [M:F=14:16; aged 27 -77 (mean, 51.3) years], the Wire-Loop technique was used to perform percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of insufficiently hemodialysed arteriovenous fistula where a balloon catheter had failed to pass through the stenotic lesion after a guide wire had successfully passed. Native and Goretex fistula were used in 22 and eight cases, respectively. Sixteen stenoses were located in the central vein, and fourteen in the peripheral. The punture sites used in order to perform the technique were the femoral vein in all cases of central stenosis; three basilic, four cephalic, and five femoral veins in cases of peripheral stenosis and one femoral and one radial artery in cases of anastomotic stenosis. The guide wire was passed through the stenotic lesion, pulled out using the snare technique, and then stretched in order to tighten it. The balloon catheter was then passed through the lesion and traditional balloon angioplasty was performed. The technical success rate and complications of the technique, and the patency rate of recanalized arteriovenous fistula, were evaluated. RESULTS: In 26 of the thirty patients, (86.7%), the procedure was technically successful. In the remaining four cases, failure was due to venous dissection (n=1), marked residual stenosis (n=2), or cardiac arrest (n=1) during the procedure. The average procedure time was 105 (range, 40 -210) minutes, and in three cases rupture of the vein occurred. The patency rate of PTA was 80% (24/30) at four months, 63% (19/30) at six months, and 30% (9/30) at twelve months. The expected technical success rate of traditional PTA, without the Wire-Loop technique, would have been 79.3%, but using the technique, the rate increased to 86.7%. CONCLUSION: The Wire-Loop technique appears to be a safe and valuable procedure in patients with insufficiently hemodialysed arteriovenous fistula, and is therefore useful in cases in which traditional PTA fails.
Angioplasty* ; Angioplasty, Balloon ; Arteriovenous Fistula ; Catheters ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Femoral Vein ; Fistula* ; Heart Arrest ; Humans ; Ocimum basilicum ; Polytetrafluoroethylene ; Radial Artery ; Renal Dialysis* ; Rupture ; SNARE Proteins ; Veins