State of the Art Diagnosis of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn this article, we review the ductal pancreatic adenocarcinoma, which is by far the most common solid tumor within the pancreas. We emphasize on the diagnosis and differential diagnoses of this tumor and discuss different imaging modalities.Recent FindingsRecently major progress has been made in distinguishing different subtypes of tumors using immunolabeling and more recently genetic sequencing, which though is not the main purpose of this article. Because of the wide availability of modern medical imaging techniques, detection of precursor lesions and tumors in pancreatitis are increasingly disc...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - June 28, 2017 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Utility of Arterial Spin Labeling MRI in Pediatric Neuroimaging: A Pictorial Essay
AbstractPurpose of ReviewWith advances in magnetic field strength, multichannel coils and parallel imaging, arterial spin labeling (ASL) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is now widely available for clinical use. There is a growing body of literature on the utility of ASL in a variety of pediatric diseases that feature alterations in blood flow as part of the pathophysiologic process.Recent FindingsASL can help discriminate high-grade tumors from low-grade tumors, and is especially useful to identify characteristic hyperperfusion seen in hemangioblastoma and choroid plexus tumors. In moyamoya, ASL coupled with acetazolamide...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - June 9, 2017 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Hip Neuropathies: Beyond the Sciatica: A Practical Approach
AbstractPurpose  of ReviewNeural entrapments in the hip area represent a challenging diagnosis due to the complexity, deep location, and variable distribution of pelvic nerves. This paper aims to perform an anatomic and pathologic review of neural entrapment syndromes involving the pudendal, obturator, lateral cutaneous femoral, and femoral nerves at the pelvis.Recent FindingsAmong the etiologies for pelvic neuropathies, besides idiopathic and expansive processes, extrinsic compression by normal anatomical structures is also frequent, which relights the importance of the critic constriction points on nerves pathway. High...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - June 3, 2017 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Dual-Energy CT in Focal and Diffuse Liver Disease
This article will provide an updated overview of a wide array of clinical applications of DECT in liver imaging with case illustrations. (Source: Current Radiology Reports)
Source: Current Radiology Reports - May 27, 2017 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Gastrointestinal Imaging: Emerging Role of Dual-Energy Computed Tomography
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe clinical and research applications of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) are evolving and exponentially growing. In this article, we focus on the different applications of DECT for gastrointestinal (GI) imaging. The basic principles of DECT are important to understand its ability to differentiate tissues via application of two energy spectra.Recent FindingsDifferent DECT techniques and scanners currently used are discussed to highlight their advantages and limitations for generating dual-energy datasets. The advantage of generating virtual non-contrast, virtual monoenergetic, and iodine ove...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - May 23, 2017 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

The Shoulder: What is New and Evidence-Based in Orthopedic Sports Medicine
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo provide an overview of common sports-related shoulder pathology and review recently published studies from 2015 to 2016, with an emphasis on imaging.Recent FindingsAlthough effective at identifying complete tears of the LHBT, MRI is less effective at evaluating tendinosis and partial tears. Both CT and MRI can evaluate bone loss in glenohumeral instability, and the glenoid track concept may be superior to glenoid bone loss alone in predicting post-operative stability. MRI and MR arthrography are accurate in detecting SLAP tears; however, the ability to classify such tears is limited. Tears of th...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - May 23, 2017 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

CT and MR Imaging of the Pediatric Temporal Bone: Normal Variants and Pitfalls
This article will discuss high-resolution CT (HRCT) and MRI of the pediatric temporal bone with a focus on variant anatomy that can mimic pathology or affect surgical planning, as well as some potential pitfalls in image interpretation.Recent FindingsThe latest research shows that with improving imaging technology, there is better visualization of temporal bone structure, both normal and abnormal, on HRCT and MRI. Examples include earlier detection of cochlear obstruction in labyrinthitis ossificans with MRI, the ability to better define ossicular chain abnormalities, and the identification of pericochlear lucency in child...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - May 23, 2017 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

PET-MRI of the Pancreas and Kidneys
AbstractPurpose of ReviewPET-MRI is a novel imaging modality which can non-invasively provide both morphological and functional information about benign and malignant lesions. In this article, recent updates in the applications of PET-MRI in pancreatic and renal cancers are reviewed.Recent FindingsMultiparametric imaging has raised great interest in the oncology field by revealing various functional characteristics within tumors. For example, we can quantify tumor perfusion by dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI or arterial spin labeling MRI, tumor cellularity by diffusion-weighted image, tumor metabolites by MR spectroscopy, tu...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - May 23, 2017 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Diagnostic Imaging of Primary Bone Tumors of the Spine
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review is illustrating most common bone tumors of the spine, emphasizing features that can be useful in the differential diagnosis.Recent FindingsCT and MR imaging are indispensable to determine the extension and the relationship with the spinal canal structures, thus planning the optimal management.SummaryImaging modalities can provide useful tools for narrowing the differential diagnosis and directing biopsy. (Source: Current Radiology Reports)
Source: Current Radiology Reports - May 22, 2017 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Musculoskeletal Imaging-Guided Biopsies: Assessment of Techniques and Applicability
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this study is to review the literature and present our experience in imaging-guided musculoskeletal biopsies. We will describe percutaneous needle biopsies of bone and soft tissue lesions guided by ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT), including indications, procedure planning, techniques, and complications.Recent FindingsThe major indications for percutaneous musculoskeletal biopsies are the diagnosis of primary and secondary neoplasms and infectious processes. Complications of percutaneous needle biopsies are rare, whereas open biopsy has a complication rate of up to 1...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - May 8, 2017 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Diagnostic Imaging of Muscle Injuries in Sports Medicine: New Concepts and Radiological Approach
AbstractPurpose of reviewThe aim of this review is to discuss the most common muscle injuries in sports, state-of-the-science classification, and return to play recommendations, focused on the role of imaging findings and new techniques.Recent findingsNew efforts for more accurate classification and grading system resulted in detailed and precise terminology, such as showed in the Munich consensus and later by the British Classification system. Advanced imaging, such as MR T2 mapping, MR spectroscopy, and DTI may give further information on injured muscles ’ functional status and fibers’ recovery, but it still faces co...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - May 4, 2017 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

MRI of the Hip: What the Surgeon Wants to Know
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review is to explore novel MR imaging techniques focused on the hip as well as specific MR imaging findings of interest to the referring orthopedic surgeon.Recent FindingsMR arthrography demonstrates high accuracy for the detection of chondrolabral lesions, which portend less favorable prognosis and may change surgical approach. The addition of leg traction has been shown to increase the accuracy of MR arthrography in detecting intra-articular pathology. 3D models of the hip generated from 3D imaging sequences can also be used for pre-surgical planning, including simulation of p...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - May 4, 2017 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Imaging of Diffuse Liver Disease
This article will overview the etiologies and multi-modality imaging appearances of the more common diffuse liver diseases.Recent FindingsNewer imaging techniques in the evaluation of diffuse liver disease include MR and US elastography, DWI/ADC, and hepatic perfusion imaging. These advanced techniques aid in the detection and quantification of hepatic fibrotic disease, allowing for early treatment, potential disease reversal, and prevention of cirrhosis and its attendant morbidity and mortality.SummaryDiffuse liver disease reflects a broad range of entities; while there are many shared imaging features, some diseases have...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - May 4, 2017 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Fracture Healing and Imaging Evaluation
This article reviews current fracture healing concepts to help radiologists understand what constitutes fracture healing, image fractures most effectively, and recognize complications.Recent FindingsOngoing bone biology research is leading to greater understanding of fracture healing mechanisms and potential therapies. Also recent work has attempted to scientifically validate fracture healing criteria, while technological imaging advances provide better tools for evaluating fracture healing and diagnosing fracture complications.SummaryA greater understanding of fracture healing impacts imaging and treatment strategies. Rad...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - May 4, 2017 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Age-Related Changes in the Bone Marrow
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo summarize current knowledge with regards to age-related changes in the bone marrow from childhood to senility and discuss how these changes are affected in patients with osteoporosis.Recent FindingsThere is a dramatic increase in marrow fat content in females around the time of the menopause in line with a reduction in bone mass. Marrow fat content is very responsive to physiological changes in estrogen and increase in marrow fat can be reversed by estrogen replacement. Marrow fat composition, rather than content, seems to be related to insufficiency fracture and diabetes.SummaryMR imaging is a ...
Source: Current Radiology Reports - April 21, 2017 Category: Radiology Source Type: research