James V. Zelch

Lymphoceles associated with renal transplantation: Report of 15 cases and review of the literature

Abstract Within a 27 month period (from July 1, 1971 to October 1, 1973), during which 83 renal allotransplantations were performed at the Cleveland Clinic, a lymphocele developed in 15 patients (18.1 per cent). Early clinical symptoms, occurring within 6 weeks after transplantation, were suprapubic or lower abdominal swelling in 14 patients, leg swelling ipsilateral to the allograft in 12, nonpitting edema in the allograft area in 10 and lymph drainage from the wound in 8. An intravenous pyelogram demonstrated a lymphocele in 13 patients from 1 to 34 weeks after transplantation (mean 7.8 weeks), although an earlier suggestion of bladder displacement and deformity was found retrospectively in 5 patients between 1 and 3 weeks after transplantation. Lymphangiograms aided in the diagnosis in nine patients. The major complication of the lymphoceles was obstructive uropathy that developed in nine patients between 2 and 34 weeks after transplantation (mean 10.3 weeks). Lymphoceles mimicked rejection, urine extravasation, pyelonephritis, thrombophlebitis and a seroma, and occurred concurrently with rejection and pyelonephritis. Treatment by external surgical drainage was more effective than aspiration both in resolving the lymphocele and in avoiding infection. Three lymphoceles drained spontaneously 1 to 2 weeks after transplantation, and three are under observation. Chemical and protein analyses were made of the lymphocele fluid obtained from seven patients. Numerous factors may contribute to the formation of a lymphocele by increasing lymph flow. The most prominent factors are the extent of surgical dissection, the occurrence of rejection, and the use of diuretics, large doses of corticosteroids, and anticoagulants. The literature on lymphoceles in renal allograft recipients is reviewed, and pertinent comparisons are made with the more numerous reports of lymphoceles in nontransplant patients.

Computed Tomography of the Orbits

Pathologic lesions of the orbit have eluded the most sophisticated radiographic methods in the past. By utilizing the EMI Scanner with appropriate settings, tumors of the orbit may be identified. The use of this new method also permits analysis of the optic nerve as well as an evaluation of the effects of the lesions on the posterior orbital wall. Several representative scans with accompanying diagrams are included.

Computed Tomography in the Detection of Juxtasellar Lesions

One thousand consecutive computed tomograms were reviewed to determine the accuracy of the procedure in the detection of juxtasellar lesions. The detection rate was compared to those of plain skull films, radionuclide studies, angiography, and pneumoencephalography. Computed tomography was slightly superior to angiography and was surpassed only by pneumoencephalography, both of which are invasive procedures which carry a definite risk. The data indicate that computed tomography is the screening method of choice in the detection of juxtasellar masses.

Radiologic Approach to the Patient with Suspected Pheochromocytoma

Thirty-four patients with 37 pheochromocytomas were studied by catheter angiography and results of these studies were reviewed. The radiographic approach to the patient with suspected pheochromocytoma is discussed. Following clinical and laboratory work-up and general radiographic procedures (urography with adrenal laminagraphy), arteriography with careful monitoring is indicated. Selective catheterization is recommended before aortography. Adrenal venography is necessary if all arterial studies are negative. This protocol permits safe and accurate evaluation of patients suspected of having pheochromocytoma.

Magnetic resonance imaging in patients with central nervous system pathology: a comparison of OptiMARK (Gd-DTPA-BMEA) and Magnevist (Gd-DTPA).

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES The objective of the two pivotal phase 3 studies was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of OptiMARK (Gd-DTPA-bis(methoxyethylamide) [Gd-DTPA-BMEA]) compared with Magnevist (Gd-DTPA) in magnetic resonance imaging of the central nervous system. METHODS Two multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel group studies were conducted in 395 patients with known or suspected central nervous system pathology. Subjects were randomized to receive a single 0.1 mmol/kg intravenous injection of either Gd-DTPA-BMEA or Gd-DTPA. The safety of Gd-DTPA-BMEA and Gd-DTPA was monitored for up to 72 hours after study drug administration. Precontrast and postcontrast administration magnetic resonance scans were acquired using identical imaging planes and techniques. RESULTS No deaths or unexpected adverse events were reported in either group. A comparison of adverse events by intensity and relation demonstrated no statistically significant differences between the two groups. Gd-DTPA-BMEA and Gd-DTPA were equivalent with respect to confidence in diagnosis, conspicuity, and border delineation. CONCLUSIONS Gd-DTPA-BMEA and Gd-DTPA demonstrated comparable efficacy profiles, and the safety profiles were considered similar.

A multisite phase iii study of the safety and efficacy of a new manganese chloride-based gastrointestinal contrast agent for mri of the abdomen and pelvis

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a manganese chloride‐based oral magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agent during a Phase III multisite clinical trial. Two hundred seventeen patients were enrolled who were already scheduled for MRI of the abdomen and/or pelvis. In this group of patients, it was postulated that the use of an oral agent would better allow discrimination of pathology from bowel. Patients with known gastrointestinal pathology including peptic ulcer disease, inflammatory bowel disease, obstruction, or perforation were excluded to minimize confounding variables that could affect the safety assessment. Of these 217 patients, 18 received up to 900 mL of placebo, and 199 patients were given up to 900 mL of a manganese chloride‐based oral contrast agent, LumenHance® (Bracco Diagnostics, Inc.). Safety was determined by comparing pre‐ and post‐dose physical examinations, vital signs, and laboratory examinations and by documenting adverse events. Efficacy was assessed by unblinded site investigators and two blinded reviewers who compared pre‐ and post‐dose T1‐ and T2‐weighted MRI scans of the abdomen and/or pelvis. In 111 (57%) of the 195 cases evaluated for efficacy by site investigators (unblinded readers), MRI after LumenHance provided additional diagnostic information. Increased information was found by two blinded readers in 52% and 51% of patients, respectively. In 44/195 cases (23%) unblinded readers felt the additional information would have changed patient diagnosis and in 50 patients (26%), it would have changed management and/or therapy. Potential changes in patient diagnosis or management/therapy were seen by the two blinded readers in 8–20% of patients. No clinically significant post‐dose laboratory changes were seen. Forty‐eight patients (24%) receiving LumenHance and four patients (22%) receiving placebo experienced one or more adverse events. Gastrointestinal tract side effects were most common, seen in 29 (15%) of LumenHance patients and in 3 (17%) of the placebo patients. LumenHance is a safe and efficacious oral gastrointestinal contrast agent for MRI of the abdomen and pelvis.J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 1999;10:15–24.

Splenic imaging with ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide ferumoxtran-10 (AMI-7227) : Preliminary observations

Purpose Ferumoxtran-10 (ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide; Combidex, AMI-7227) is a long-circulating MR contrast agent with reticuloendothelial uptake known to enhance tissue T1 and T2 relaxation rates. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of ferumoxtran-10-enhanced MRI in evaluating focal splenic lesions. Method Eighteen patients underwent MR evaluation of the spleen. Two of these patients with exophytic normal splenic tissue (splenules) and 13 of these patients with 24 focal splenic lesions (7 cysts, 2 hemangiomas, 7 metastases, 1 infarct, 7 lymphoma) were assessed by T1-weighted gradient echo and T2-weighted fast SE MRI following intravenous administration of ferumoxtran-10 (1.1 mg of Fe/kg). Qualitative analysis involving improved lesion detection and/or characterization, additional information from postcontrast images affecting staging, and patient management was performed. Quantitative measurements of lesion-to-spleen contrast-to-noise ratio were also performed. Results Additional information was provided by ferumoxtran-10-enhanced images in 15 of 18 patients. In 8 of 15 (53%) patients, improved lesion detection (i.e., number of lesions) was obtained on contrast-enhanced images. Improved lesion visualization (i.e., conspicuity) was noted in 11 of 15 (73%) of patients. In 10 of 15 (67%) patients, postcontrast imaging provided additional information leading to lesion characterization. Staging of disease and patient management were affected in 5 of 15 (33%) and 6 of 15 (40%) patients, respectively. Conclusion Ferumoxtran-10 is a promising contrast agent for the evaluation of focal splenic lesions.

Complications of renal cyst exploration versus renal mass aspiration

This report presents a comparison of the complications of surgical exploration with unroofing and renal cyst puncture. Two hundred fifty-five patients were operated on, with a mortality rate of 1 per cent and a morbidity rate of 28 per cent. The complications in 63 patients examined by mass aspiration included a morbidity rate of 6.4 per cent and no mortality. The possibilities of over-looking carcinomas through cyst aspiration are weighed against the demonstrated morbidity of surgical exploration and found to be much less significant. The authors recommend that an asymptomatic renal mass that radiographically appears to be a cyst and is unaccompanied by urine changes or clinical stigmata of renal neoplasia be treated by cyst aspiration and not subjected to surgical exploration.

Diagnostic Percutaneous Opacification of Benign Pulmonary Lesions

The authors present 4 representative cases of benign pulmonary lesions accurately diagnosed by percutaneous aspiration and opacification. These conditions and others were encountered during needle biopsy for suspected malignant disease. The examiner must be prepared to inject contrast material when a fluid aspirate is obtained and should proceed with necessary studies even when a vascular lesion is encountered.