J. Matthew Debnam

Number of metastatic sites is a strong predictor of survival in patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer with or without brain metastases

The staging system for non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) does not consider tumor burden or number of metastatic sites, although oligometastases are more favorable.

Bone invasion by adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland: Preoperative imaging assessment and surgical considerations

Purpose: To identify the incidence of radiologically and histologically documented bony invasion of the lacrimal gland fossa by adenoid cystic carcinoma. Patients and Methods: The authors reviewed the records of all 18 patients with lacrimal gland adenoid cystic carcinoma surgically treated at their institution from 1997 to 2009 for imaging findings (blinded review) and histologic findings on evaluation of the lacrimal gland fossa. Preoperative CT and/or MRI findings were available for 17 patients. Results: The 8 men and 10 women ranged in age from 9 to 69 years. American Joint Committee on Cancer tumor stages after preoperative imaging were as follows: T1N0M0, 2 patients; T2N0M0, 5 patients; T3aN0M0, 2 patients; T3bN0M0, 5 patients; T3bN0M1, 2 patients; T4bN0M0, one patient; and TxN0M0, one patient. Preoperative imaging suggested bony involvement of the lacrimal gland fossa in 13 patients (76.5%); this was histologically confirmed in 11 of the 13. Preoperative imaging suggested no bone involvement in 4 patients, 3 of whom had bone involvement by histology. Overall, 14 of 17 histologically evaluable cases (82.3%) had invasion of the lacrimal gland fossa. Histologic findings of bone/periosteal involvement led to upstaging of 3 tumors. Metastases developed in 8 of 18 patients and trended with basaloid histology (p = 0.066). Conclusions: Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland is associated with bone invasion in essentially all but the smallest of tumors (T1). This high rate of bone involvement may warrant addressing the bony walls during surgery for adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland.

The impact of radiographic retropharyngeal adenopathy in oropharyngeal cancer

We performed this study to define the incidence of radiographic retropharyngeal lymph node (RPLN) involvement in oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) and its impact on clinical outcomes, neither of which has been well established to date.

Retropharyngeal and Prevertebral Spaces: Anatomic Imaging and Diagnosis

Cross-sectional imaging plays an important role in the evaluation of the retropharyngeal space (RPS) and the prevertebral space (PVS). Because of their deep location within the neck, lesions arising within these spaces are difficult, if not impossible, to evaluate on clinical examination. This article details the cross-sectional anatomy and imaging appearances of primary and secondary diseases involving the RPS and PVS, including metastasis and spread from adjacent spaces. The role of image-guided biopsy is also discussed.

Radiation-associated head and neck sarcomas: Spectrum of imaging findings

Sarcomas developing after radiation treatment for primary malignancies of the head and neck are often detected clinically when they are very aggressive. We reviewed the patient demographics and imaging findings in 21 patients with radiation-associated sarcomas (RAS) of the head and neck treated at our institution. Twenty-one RAS of the head and neck were retrospectively reviewed. The lesions were assessed for presence of a soft tissue mass, enhancement pattern, bone destruction, characteristics of tumor matrix, and FDG avidity. The RAS developed 4.5-25 years (mean 12.7 years) after irradiation. On both CT and MRI, all 21 lesions presented with a soft tissue mass. A variable imaging appearance was noted on CT, MR, and PET/CT, most, but not all, demonstrated aggressive features. At a median follow-up time of 19.1 months, 11 of the 21 patients had died from the sarcoma. RAS have variable imaging appearances. While most demonstrate aggressive features, some appear benign, which can lead to misdiagnosis. Head and neck radiologists, surgeons and oncologists who manage patients after radiation treatment should be aware of the wide range of clinical presentations and imaging features of RAS, because failure to diagnose can delay appropriate treatment.

Clinical value of magnetic resonance imaging and other baseline testing for conjunctival mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma

Abstract The objective of this study was to assess the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the orbit for conjunctival mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. The yield of other staging tests at baseline were also evaluated. Twenty-one consecutive patients treated for conjunctival MALT lymphoma were retrospectively studied. Lymphoma was staged according to both the Ann Arbor system and the seventh edition of the AJCC [American Joint Committee on Cancer] cancer staging manual. Findings on MRI of the orbit, whole-body positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), CT of the chest/abdomen/pelvis, bone marrow (BM) biopsy and gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy were recorded. Seventeen patients had orbital MRI. Fourteen of 17 patients (82%) with obvious conjunctival MALT lymphoma on clinical examination had a negative MRI scan. Only three patients had subtle conjunctival enhancement on orbital MRI. Ann Arbor stage at presentation was as follows: stage IE (15 patients), stage IIE (two patients) and stage IV (four patients). Eighteen of 21 patients had total-body PET/CT; four patients (22%) had hypermetabolic activity evident on PET scan. All 21 patients had bilateral BM biopsies. Fifteen of 21 patients (71%) had GI endoscopy. None of the patients had a positive BM biopsy or findings on GI endoscopy. Our data suggest that orbital MRI has a very low yield for identification of conjunctival MALT lymphoma. Clinical examination is critical in diagnosing and assessing treatment response in conjunctival MALT lymphoma. The yield for GI endoscopy and BM biopsy may also be low in staging of conjunctival MALT lymphoma.

Current techniques used for the radiologic assessment of intracranial neoplasms.

CONTEXT Radiologic studies are obtained for diagnostic and treatment planning purposes in the evaluation of patients with intracranial neoplasms. These studies are discussed at radiology/pathology working conferences and are often beneficial in the analysis of pathologic specimens for tissue diagnosis. Therefore, clinical pathologists should be aware of the current and evolving imaging techniques that are used in the radiologic assessment of intracranial neoplasms. OBJECTIVE To describe the imaging techniques used in the assessment of intracranial neoplasms and provide current references. DATA SOURCES We searched PubMed for articles published between 1995 and 2006 and also reviewed several textbooks on intracranial neoplasms, to prepare a discussion of basic modalities such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging as well as advanced imaging techniques such as CT and MR angiography and venography, CT and MR perfusion, MR spectroscopy, functional MR imaging, and positron emission tomography. CONCLUSIONS Knowledge of currently used imaging techniques for the assessment of intracranial neoplasms will assist the clinical pathologist in communications with neuroradiologists, surgeons, and referring clinicians. This review will also aid the pathologist in understanding the new and rapidly evolving imaging techniques that will likely become the standard of care in the future.

Three-Dimensional Multidetector CT for Anatomic Evaluation of Orbital Tumors

Intricate resection and complex reconstructive procedures often required for primary and metastatic orbital tumors are facilitated by accurate imaging. A three-dimensional (3D) image can be reconstructed from source axial multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) images to visualize orbital tumors. To assess the utility of 3D images in this setting, the 3D images were reconstructed retrospectively for 20 patients with an orbital tumor and compared to two-dimensional (2D) orthogonal MDCT studies. Both types of images were assessed for their capacity to show the bony orbital walls and foramina, extraocular muscles, and optic nerve in the orbit contralateral to the tumor and, in the affected orbit, the extent of the tumor and its relationship to normal orbital contents and associated bone destruction. 3D imaging is most informative when axial images are acquired at 1.25 mm collimation. The optic nerve, extraocular muscles, and well-circumscribed orbital tumors were well visualized on 3D images. On 3D imaging, tumor-associated destruction of the lateral and superior orbital walls was fairly well demonstrated and that of the inferior and medial walls was not. The 3D images provide the surgeon with a comprehensive view of well-circumscribed orbital tumors and its relationship to extraocular muscles, exiting foramina, and the superior and lateral walls.

Diffusion MR Imaging of the Brain in Patients with Cancer

Over the last several years, there has been significant advancement in the molecular characterization of intracranial diseases, particularly cerebral neoplasms. While nuclear medicine technology, including PET/CT, has been at the foreground of exploration, new MR imaging techniques, specifically diffusion-weighted and diffusion tensor imaging, have shown interesting applications towards advancing our understanding of cancer involving the brain. In this paper, we review the fundamentals and basic physics of these techniques, and their applications to patient care for both general diagnostic use and in answering specific questions in selection of patients in terms of expected response to treatment.

Rates of Positive Findings on Positron Emission Tomography and Bone Marrow Biopsy in Patients With Ocular Adnexal Lymphoma

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to determine rates of positive findings on positron emission tomography (PET) and bone marrow biopsy performed during staging workup for ocular adnexal lymphoma (OAL). METHODS A retrospective review of OAL patients was conducted. Demographics, primary versus secondary OAL, histologic subtype, and findings on PET and bone marrow biopsy performed as part of the initial staging workup for OAL were recorded. RESULTS The study included 119 patients with OAL. There were 85 primary and 34 secondary OALs. The main histologic subtypes of lymphoma were mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (n = 61), follicular (n = 26), diffuse large B-cell (n = 17), and mantle cell (n = 10). Positive PET findings were seen in 42 of 68 patients (62%) with primary OAL and 19 of 24 (79%) with secondary OAL. Positive PET findings were seen in 24 of 47 patients (51%) with mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, 13 of 17 (76%) with follicular, 14 of 15 (93%) with diffuse large B-cell, and 9 of 10 (90%) with mantle cell lymphoma. Positive findings on bone marrow biopsy were seen in 7 of 59 patients (12%) with mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, 4 of 23 (17%) with follicular, 1 of 17 (6%) with diffuse large B-cell, and 2 of 9 (22%) with mantle cell lymphoma. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that a significant proportion of patients with primary and secondary OAL have positive findings on PET and bone marrow biopsy at initial diagnosis, suggesting a reasonable yield for these tests as part of the initial staging workup in patients with a new diagnosis of OAL.