Functional MRI for Treatment Evaluation in Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Review of the Literature from a Radiologist Perspective
AbstractPurpose of reviewTo show the role of functional MRI in patients treated for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.Recent findingsMRI is commonly used for treatment evaluation in patients with head and neck tumors. However, anatomical MRI has its limits in differentiating between post-treatment effects and tumor recurrence. Recent studies showed promising results of functional MRI for response evaluation.SummaryThis review analyzes possibilities and limitations of functional MRI sequences separately to obtain insight in the post-therapy setting. Diffusion, perfusion and spectroscopy show promise, especially when uti...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - January 22, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Advanced Imaging Techniques in Skull Base Osteomyelitis Due to Malignant Otitis Externa
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo give an up-to-date overview of the strengths and weaknesses of current imaging modalities in diagnosis and follow-up of skull base osteomyelitis (SBO).Recent FindingsCT and MRI are both used for anatomical imaging, and nuclear techniques aid in functional process imaging. Hybrid techniques PET-CT and PET-MRI are the newest modalities which combine imaging strengths.SummaryNo single modality is able to address the scope of SBO. A combination of functional and anatomical imaging is needed, in the case of newly suspected SBO we suggest the use of PET-MRI (T1, T2, T1-FS-GADO, DWI) and separate HRCT ...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - January 22, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Breast Imaging of Transgender Individuals: A Review
AbstractPurposeThis review will inform radiologists about the evidence base regarding radiographic imaging for transgender individuals and considerations for providing culturally sensitive care for this population.FindingsTransgender individuals are increasingly referred for both screening and diagnostic breast imaging. It is important that the clinic environment is welcoming, the medical staff utilize accepted terminology and patients are able to designate their gender and personal history to ensure appropriate care. Hormone and surgical treatments used for transition by many transgender women and men may change the appro...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - January 18, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Radioimmunotherapy in Oncology
AbstractPurpose of ReviewRadioimmunotherapy (RIT) is the targeting of radiosensitive tumors through the use of monoclonal antibodies. The purpose of this review is to discuss the benefit and challenges of RIT. We appraise factors that determine optimal targeting of tumor such as choice of target, targeting antibody, and the associated radionuclide, as well as the current methods to potentiate RIT effect.Recent FindingsRadioimmunotherapy has a well-established role in the treatment of hematological malignancies. Recent completed and current studies in the treatment of solid malignancies are however demonstrating good clinic...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - October 5, 2017 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Cardiac CT and MR Applications in Electrophysiology
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe aims of this article are to discuss the role of cardiac computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) applications in cardiac electrophysiology and to review recent literature including emerging technologies.Recent FindingsApplications of CT and MR are relevant to electrophysiology procedures in patients with both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. CT and MR can identify anatomic landmarks and barriers to successful pulmonary vein ablation and left atrial appendage ligation. Further, the excellent tissue characterization provided by cardiac MR allows rapid identification of ventricular ...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - October 5, 2017 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Fragility Fractures of the Pelvis: New Approaches to Classification and Management
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of the present article is to review the new approaches to classification and management of fragility fractures of pelvis.Recent FindingsFragility fractures of the pelvis (FFPs) account for approximately 7% of fragility fractures and are increasing in incidence due to the aging population, an increase in life expectancy, and a more active life-style. The FFPs are characterized by isolated bone disruption and are generally more stable than high-energy pelvic ring fractures due to intact ligaments. Due to differences in the degrees of instability, the traditional classification systems (Ti...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - October 5, 2017 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Pediatric Postmortem CT: Initial Experience at a Tertiary Care Children ’s Hospital
AbstractPurpose of ReviewPediatric postmortem imaging is a new and rapidly growing discipline. A review of recent literature is discussed along with a brief overview of common imaging findings on postmortem CT that may simulate antemortem pathology.Recent FindingsThe authors describe their own experience in establishing a postmortem imaging program as well as a discussion of the unique challenges in developing a program and performing and interpreting postmortem CT.SummaryPostmortem CT may provide valuable information in understanding the cause of death and disease processes in children; however, collaboration and research...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - September 27, 2017 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
MRI of Sports Injuries in the Leg
AbstractPurpose of reviewAccurate diagnosis of muscle and bone injuries in the leg may not be possible based on clinical history and physical examination alone. This monograph reviews the evidence supporting the diagnostic roles of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in athletes with leg injuries. Data on the minor complementary roles of sonography in these patients is also examined.Recent findingsMRI can distinguish among the various types of injury that occur in the leg. In addition, combined with clinical data, specific MRI findings can guide management and help predict the expected time for return to play.SummaryIn athlet...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - September 18, 2017 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Neuroimaging of Pediatric Metabolic Disorders with Emphasis on Diffusion-Weighted Imaging and MR Spectroscopy: A Pictorial Essay
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAlthough individually rare, metabolic brain disorders together account for significant disease burden in infants and children. MRI evaluation of these disorders is daunting, but using a pattern-based approach is helpful. Here we present 10 of the most commonly encountered metabolic brain disorders, highlighting specific features on DWI and MR spectroscopy that help narrow the differential diagnosis.Recent findingsA number of metabolic diseases result in elevated lactate at 1.3 ppm in affected areas. Other metabolite derangements, though, are more helpful in determining the underlying disease. MR ...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - September 15, 2017 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Advancements in Dual-Energy CT Applications for Musculoskeletal Imaging
AbstractPurpose of ReviewDual-energy computed tomography (DECT) has become a unique highly useful imaging modality in musculoskeletal (MSK) radiology practice. In this article, we provide a concise overview of the four main applications for DECT in (MSK) imaging: monosodium urate (Gout) detection, metal artifact reduction, bone marrow edema detection, and collagen imaging. We also highlight the recent studies published in radiology and rheumatology literature.Recent FindingsVirtual monoenergetic images performed by utilizing DECT, particularly with the use of metal artifact reduction algorithm software, deliver superior im...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - September 11, 2017 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Imaging Features of Toxicities by Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Cancer Therapy
This article reviews imaging features of irAEs induced by the anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 antibodies ipilimumab, nivolumab and pembrolizumab.Recent findingsImportant radiological manifestations are immune-related colitis, hepatitis, pancreatitis, hypophysitis, pneumonitis, arthritis and sarcoid-like lymphadenopathy. Typical imaging features are summarized and compared with other relevant differential diagnoses.SummaryEarly diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic decisions are required for a successful treatment of irAEs. In addition to staging and follow-up imaging, identification and monitoring of adverse events becomes an im...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - September 11, 2017 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Current Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Prostate Cancer
AbstractPurpose of reviewMultiparametric magnetic resonance imaging of the prostate (mpMRI) is a new rising diagnostic modality in prostate cancer management. The combination of anatomic and functional sequences allows for detection, localization, and characterization of prostate cancer lesions. This leads to shift from staging to other clinical applications. However, lack of standardization of scanning, detection, and reporting protocols is a major drawback.Recent findingsCurrent main applications of mpMRI are detection, staging, and localization with the latter one enabling targeted biopsies of MRI-detected lesions. With...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - September 6, 2017 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
New Imaging Techniques for Atherosclerotic Plaque Characterization
This article will address recent advancements in plaque characterization using both invasive and noninvasive techniques, as well as potential improvements in patient evaluation and targeted therapies.Recent FindingsRecent findings have demonstrated that plaque composition affects plaque vulnerability, or the propensity of a plaque to rupture and cause acute thrombus formation with potentially life-threatening downstream implications.SummaryNewly introduced invasive and noninvasive techniques allow for a comprehensive assessment of atherosclerotic plaque to classify high-risk patients requiring more intensive therapy. (Sour...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - September 4, 2017 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Qualitative and Semi-Quantitative 18-F FDG PET/CT for Osteosarcoma: A Review
AbstractPurpose of reviewThis work is focused on (i) reviewing different tools of 18F-FDG PET/CT image analysis considering the most recent literature and our experience and (ii) their correlation with clinical outcome in the setting of osteosarcoma.Recent findingsAlthough there is a clear role for PET/CT in the staging of osteosarcoma, considerable debate exists concerning the use of PET/CT for prognostication. The potential to use PET/CT to predict clinical outcomes and treatment responses is an attractive concept, particularly prior to obtaining final surgical pathology at resection. SUV is the mainstay semi-quantitativ...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - September 4, 2017 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
MR Imaging of the Fetal Chest and Abdomen: How to Provide Value-Added Imaging
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn this article, recent literature on MRI of the fetal chest and abdomen is presented, with review of the growing area of fetal interventions. Emerging imaging techniques, the increasing trend toward 3 T in fetal imaging, as well as imaging protocols designed to optimize efficient evaluation of specific disease conditions will be discussed.Recent FindingsPrenatal MRI has been shown to contribute to accurate diagnoses of intrapulmonary lesions, and is anticipated to play an increasingly important role in cardiac disease. While the role of prenatal MRI in evaluation of the fetus with congenital dia...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - August 19, 2017 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
