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Elliot K Fishman

Publications and source records attributed to Elliot K Fishman.

153 records · Page 9Linked to original sources

Multidetector CT of musculoskeletal disease in the pediatric patient: principles, techniques, and clinical applications.

Computed tomography (CT) plays an important role in the evaluation of musculoskeletal disease in the pediatric patient. With the advent of high-performance 16-section multidetector CT, images can be produced with subsecond gantry rotation times and with submillimeter acquisition, which yields true isotropic high-resolution volume data sets; these features are not attainable with older spiral CT technology. Such capabilities are particularly helpful in the evaluation of pediatric patients by virtually eliminating the need for sedation and minimizing dependence on patient cooperation. The role of three-dimensional (3D) volume imaging in the evaluation of pediatric musculoskeletal disease continues to evolve, with this technique becoming increasingly important in detection and characterization of lesions as well as in decisions about patient care. Specific designs and protocols for multidetector CT studies can be selected to minimize radiation dose to the patient. Principal clinical applications of 3D CT in evaluation of the pediatric musculoskeletal system include developmental abnormalities, trauma, neoplasms, and postoperative imaging.

Adolescent↗

Imaging of pelvic malignancies with in-line FDG PET-CT: case examples and common pitfalls of FDG PET.

The role of 2-[fluorine 18]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) in combination with computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of pelvic malignancies has been rapidly growing in recent years. FDG PET has proved to be valuable in the evaluation of a variety of pelvic malignancies, including colorectal cancer, uterine cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. However, a number of pitfalls are commonly encountered at FDG PET, including normal physiologic activity in bowel, ovaries, endometrium, and blood vessels and focal retained activity in ureters, bladder diverticula, pelvic kidneys, and urinary diversions. The use of an in-line FDG PET-CT system, with special attention given to proper patient preparation and scanning protocol, often provides valuable information to help localize and define disease and avoid potential diagnostic pitfalls.

Clinical Protocols↗

Median arcuate ligament syndrome: evaluation with CT angiography.

The median arcuate ligament is a fibrous arch that unites the diaphragmatic crura on either side of the aortic hiatus. The ligament usually passes superior to the origin of the celiac axis. However, in some people, the ligament inserts low and thus crosses the proximal portion of the celiac axis, causing compression and sometimes resulting in abdominal pain. The diagnosis of clinically significant celiac axis compression, referred to as median arcuate ligament syndrome, is traditionally made with conventional angiography; however, the condition can now be diagnosed with three-dimensional computed tomographic (CT) angiography. In patients with median arcuate ligament syndrome, CT angiograms demonstrate a characteristic focal narrowing in the proximal celiac axis. The focal narrowing has a characteristic hooked appearance, which can help distinguish this condition from other causes of celiac artery narrowing, such as atherosclerotic disease. Once the disorder has been diagnosed, surgery can be performed to relieve the compression. In some patients, the ligamentous constriction of the celiac axis causes vascular damage, which may require vascular reconstruction. CT angiography can play a role in the diagnosis of median arcuate ligament syndrome by demonstrating the characteristic focal narrowing of the celiac artery in patients presenting with the appropriate clinical symptoms.

Angiography↗

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas: can benign lesions be differentiated from malignant lesions with multidetector CT?

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) of the pancreas is a distinct clinicopathologic entity that is being recognized with increasing frequency. In 25%-44% of IPMNs treated with surgical resection, associated invasive carcinoma has been reported. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice for most IPMNs. Preoperative determination of the presence or absence of associated invasive carcinoma is crucial. The prognosis is worse if there is associated invasive carcinoma; when invasive carcinoma is present, the surgical procedure may be modified to include resection of regional lymph nodes. The spectrum of appearances of IPMN, which includes adenoma, borderline lesion, and lesions with associated carcinoma in situ or invasive carcinoma, was studied with 16-section multidetector computed tomography (CT) and histologic correlation. CT was performed with dual-phase acquisition; the reconstructed images were reviewed on a workstation with axial scrolling and interactive multiplanar reformation and three-dimensional reformation techniques. Features predictive of invasive carcinoma in IPMN at CT and other imaging studies include involvement of the main pancreatic duct, marked dilatation of the main pancreatic duct, diffuse or multifocal involvement, the presence of a large mural nodule or solid mass, large size of the mass, and obstruction of the common bile duct.

Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating↗

Multi-detector row CT of pancreatic islet cell tumors.

Pancreatic islet cell tumors (ICTs) are neuroendocrine neoplasms that produce and secrete hormones to a variable degree. These neoplasms can present a diagnostic challenge, both clinically and radiologically. ICTs can be classified as either syndromic or nonsyndromic on the basis of their clinical manifestations. Multi-detector row computed tomography (CT) plays an important role in the diagnosis and staging of both syndromic and nonsyndromic ICTs. In general, syndromic ICTs are less than 3 cm in size. They are typically hyperenhancing and are usually best seen on CT scans obtained during the arterial phase. Nonsyndromic ICTs tend to be larger than syndromic ICTs at presentation and are more likely to be cystic or necrotic. It is important for the radiologist to be familiar with appropriate CT protocol for the evaluation of patients with suspected pancreatic ICT and to understand the variable CT appearances of these neoplasms.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

Volume rendering versus maximum intensity projection in CT angiography: what works best, when, and why.

The introduction and widespread availability of 16-section multi-detector row computed tomographic (CT) technology and, more recently, 64-section scanners, has greatly advanced the role of CT angiography in clinical practice. CT angiography has become a key component of state-of-the-art imaging, with applications ranging from oncology (eg, staging of pancreatic or renal cancer) to classic vascular imaging (eg, evaluation of aortic aneurysms and renal artery stenoses) as well as newer techniques such as coronary artery imaging and peripheral runoff studies. With an average of 400-1000 images in each volume data set, three-dimensional postprocessing is crucial to volume visualization. Radiologists now have workstations that provide capabilities for evaluation of these data sets by using a range of software programs and processing tools. Although different systems have unique capabilities and functionality, all provide the options of volume rendering and maximum intensity projection for image display and analysis. These two postprocessing techniques have different advantages and disadvantages when used in clinical practice, and it is important that radiologists understand when and how each technique should be used.

Algorithms↗

Cardiac valve assessment with MR imaging and 64-section multi-detector row CT.

A variety of noninvasive techniques are available to assess cardiac valve morphologic features and function, with echocardiography currently being the most widely used modality for this purpose. Technical advances in electrocardiographically gated multi-detector row computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging allow the noninvasive visualization of the cardiac valves. At present, 64-section multi-detector row CT and MR imaging are commonly being used for comprehensive examination of the heart. Information about the cardiac valves is routinely provided by MR imaging of cardiac function or coronary CT angiography. Thus, the interpreting physician may have additional information available that can aid in making the diagnosis. Supplemental movie clips are available at http://radiographics.rsnajnls.org/cgi/content/full/26/6/1769/DC1.

Heart Valve Diseases↗

Do high-resolution CT findings of usual interstitial pneumonitis obviate lung biopsy? Views of pulmonologists.

BACKGROUND: High-resolution CT (HRCT) of the lungs has become an essential component to evaluate patients with diffuse lung disease. Little is known, however, about the current practices of pulmonologists caring for patients with these complex conditions, and, in particular, whether HRCT can obviate the need for surgical lung biopsy. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the practices of pulmonologists concerning the acceptability of a HRCT diagnosis in lieu of lung biopsy in diffuse lung disease. METHODS: We asked practicing pulmonologists among membership of the American College of Chest Physicians whether HRCT results could replace lung biopsy in 16 diffuse lung diseases. Responses were examined in light of published evidence, practice guidelines, and certain practice parameters. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty (52.6%) of 437 eligible physicians responded. Sixty-seven percent (67%) of respondents accepted HRCT diagnosis for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis/usual interstitial pneumonia (IPF/UIP) despite their awareness of guidelines recommending histological diagnosis. Most would not accept a radiologic diagnosis for lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM; 37%) or eosinophilic granuloma (Langerhans' cell histiocytosis, LCH; 19%), even though CT findings are frequently characteristic. Responses were similar by type of clinical practice and recency of fellowship training. Chest physicians who referred patients for HRCT more frequently were more likely to accept HRCT diagnosis (p=0.008) and those who had higher self-ratings of proficiency in reading HRCT (p = 0.004) were more likely to believe HRCT often suggests specific diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Most US pulmonologists will accept an HRCT diagnosis of IPF/UIP without lung biopsy, but are reluctant to do so for most other diffuse lung conditions including LAM and LCH.

Adult↗