Malignant versus nonmalignant retroperitoneal fibrosis: differentiation with MR imaging

Article Abstract:

The peritoneum is the layer of thin, flat (mesothelial) cells which lines the abdominal cavity. Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is a pathological condition in which the normal structure of the peritoneum is replaced with connective and inflammatory tissue. RPF either occurs as a condition of unknown origin (idiopathic RPF) or as the result of associated malignant or non-malignant disease processes. In malignant RPF the condition is usually the result of small islands of cancer being disseminated in or on the peritoneum, thus causing the generalized fibrotic reaction. Although text books stress the distinction between the various types of RPF, there have been few cases of malignant RPF reported in the radiologic literature. This study helps establish the usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis and classification of RPF. Seventeen patients with malignant RPF were studied and the appearance of the disease by MRI is reported. MRI MRI uses very strong magnetic fields to induce changes in the atomic structure of the tissue being studied. These changes are simultaneously measured and computer displayed as anatomic detail. The MRI determination of RPF class appears feasible and depends on the intrinsic physics of the tissue being examined and not on its anatomical appearance.

Case studies, Metastasis, Cancer metastasis, Retroperitoneal fibrosis

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Pelvic endometriosis: MR imaging

Article Abstract:

Pelvic endometriosis in women is a condition in which endometrial glands (typically the female reproductive organs: e.g., ovaries) are found outside their normal location. The condition is common among women between thirty and forty years of age. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, a noninvasive diagnostic method, has been suggested as a means for evaluating the condition. Perfection of MR imaging in cases of endometriosis may eliminate the need for laparoscopy (an invasive diagnostic procedure). MR findings were compared with the results of laparoscopy in thirty patients diagnosed as suffering from pelvic endometriosis. Results of the study were disappointing in terms of the effectiveness of MR. MR imaging was not effective in differentiating pelvic endometriosis from other ovarian lesions, such as ovarian cancer, and endometrial bleeding also impaired the effectiveness of MR. Further limitation in the use of MR was discovered when MR imaging was unable to demonstrate the presence of endometrial implants (e.g., bladder implants) and adhesions (fibrous growth along a healed wound). These demonstrable limitations suggest that laparoscopy remains the procedure of choice in the primary evaluation of endometriosis.

Research, Women, Diseases, Comparative analysis, Endometriosis, Endometrium, Pelvis, Laparoscopy

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Incorporation versus infection of retroperitoneal aortic grafts: MR imaging features

Article Abstract:

Following an aortic graft reconstruction, the most serious complication is infection of the implanted graft. The diagnosis of retroperitoneal graft infection is difficult, even with sophisticated imaging methods. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can be used to determine the presence of graft infection. However, after aortic reconstruction, imaging is complicated by the possibility of operative alterations and side-effects, such as hematomas, or a mass of pooled blood, and seroma, a localized collection of serum that resembles a tumor. Patients with clinical symptoms of retroperitoneal perigraft infection can be diagnosed using MR ;imaging. following surgery was the presence of fluid on MR images in all cases. A well documented limitation of MR imaging, shared with most other diagnostic imaging methods, is its failure to show aortoenteric fistulas, an abnormal passage that leads from the aorta to another area. MR imaging can be used to evaluate the extent of infection and assess the extent of the involvement of surrounding structures.

Evaluation, Complications and side effects, Transplantation of organs, tissues, etc., Organ transplantation, Tissue transplantation, Transplantation, Aorta

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