Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to T H Falke.
Magnetic resonance, CT, and ultrasound findings are described for a vipoma of the pancreas with hepatic metastases in a patient with Verner-Morrison syndrome and multiple endocrine neoplasia I.
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The CT and magnetic resonance (MR) findings in 13 patients with advanced Zollinger-Ellison syndrome are described. In eight patients (62%) one or more primary tumors were found with both methods. All patients with proven liver metastases (n = 7) were identified by MR. Computed tomography was positive in six of these patients. Three patients with lymph node metastases were identified on CT and MR and one patient had bone metastases. Computed tomography and MR were inferior to selective arteriography in the detection of multiple lesions of the pancreas in a patient with multiple endocrine neoplasia-I syndrome. On the T1-weighted MR images, the primary tumors demonstrated no consistency with regard to their signal intensity relative to the adjacent pancreatic parenchyma. All gastrinomas had an increased relative signal intensity on the T2-weighted images with the exception of a calcified tumor. Liver and lymph node metastases had a low signal intensity on the T1-weighted images and an increased signal intensity on the T2-weighted images. The signal intensity of primary tumors and metastases was independent of size. In conclusion, MR was able to detect abnormalities based on its outstanding lesion/normal tissue contrast, whereas CT diagnosis was based mostly on contour distortion. For the current technique, MR is considered at least equal to CT.
OBJECTIVE: The imaging features of somatostatinoma are described in four patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four patients, ranging in age from 24 to 57 years, with somatostatinoma were examined. Ultrasonography (US) and CT were performed in all four patients; MRI and angiography were performed in three patients. RESULTS: Three patients had a tumor in the pancreas and one in the papilla major. In two cases there were metastases in the liver, and one had bone and lymph node metastases. Pancreatic tumor and metastases were equally well detected by CT and MRI. One tumor in the tail of the pancreas was initially missed by US. Pancreatic tumor and metastases were echo poor. Angiography showed one vascular and one avascular tumor in the pancreas. Chronic obstructive pancreatitis was seen on CT and MRI in the patient with the tumor in the papilla major. Angiography and US failed to demonstrate this tumor; CT and MRI showed the tumor in retrospect. Primary tumor and metastases are of low signal intensity on T1-weighted imaging and increased signal intensity on T2-weighted imaging. CONCLUSION: Somatostatin-producing endocrine tumors are mainly located in the pancreas but can also be present in extrapancreatic organs such as the duodenum and papilla of Vater resulting in chronic obstructive pancreatitis. Duodenal somatostatinomas are associated with von Recklinghausen neurofibromatosis. Radiologic and MRI features of somatostatinomas resemble those of other neuroendocrine tumors. Radiological techniques and MRI often fail to demonstrate the tumors in the duodenum. The diagnosis in cases of duodenal localization can be established by endoscopic techniques.
OBJECTIVE: Because the distinction between adenomas and nonadenomas of the adrenal gland is essential, we investigated which of the following parameters--size, CT attenuation values, MRI signal intensity ratios on T1- and T2-weighted sequences, calculated T2 relaxation times, or T2 relaxation time ratios--provides better discrimination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compared these parameters in 44 adrenal masses of 37 patients by means of the Student t test and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analyses. RESULTS: Only size, CT attenuation values, and signal intensity ratios on T2-weighted MR images of adenomas showed a significant difference from those of nonadenomas. With use of ROC analysis, CT demonstrated a significantly larger area under the curve compared to size and T2 signal intensity ratios, indicating superior performance. CONCLUSION: We found attenuation values on non-contrast-enhanced CT to be the best method in discriminating adrenal adenomas from nonadenomas. Adrenal masses with CT attenuation values below 15 HU warrant no further investigations.
Infrahepatic interruption of the inferior vena cava is a congenital anomaly, resulting in venous drainage of the lower extremities by way of a compensatory enlarged vena azygos system. We report the case of a 37-year-old male who presented with symptoms of deep vein thrombosis of the entire right lower extremity. A right-sided mediastinal mass on the chest X-ray was mistaken for a haematological malignancy but proved later to represent an enlarged azygos vein. The case illustrates that in a case of deep vein thrombosis, especially in younger patients, interruption of the inferior vena cava should be considered. A right-sided paratracheal mass on the chest X-ray may give a clue in making the correct diagnosis.
Four cases of Paget disease of the skull were studied with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. With optimal use of projection and technical factors, MR permits simultaneous demonstration of osseous deformity and its relation to the underlying soft tissues. Effects on the brain caused by thickened calvaria and brainstem compression from basilar impression can be detected readily on a single sagittal scan.