Myung Jin Chung

Functioning islet cell tumor of the pancreas: Localization with dynamic spiral CT

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of dynamic spiral CT, including multidimensional reformation, in the detection and localization of islet cell tumors of the pancreas. Material and Methods: Seven patients with histopathologically proven functioning islet cell tumors of the pancreas were studied with 2-phase contrast-enhanced spiral CT. Scanning of the arterial phase and late phase was started 30 s and 180 s, respectively, after injection of 100 ml of contrast medium at a rate of 3 ml/s. Results: Axial images in the arterial phase depicted the lesions in 5 patients, but in the late phase in only one patient. Multiplanar reformatted images of the arterial phase depicted the lesions in all 7 patients. Maximal intensity projection images demonstrated all lesions with information of their relationship to the vascular structure. Conclusion: Dynamic spiral CT with scanning during the arterial phase and retrospective multidimensional reformation is useful for preoperative detection and localization of small islet cell tumors of the pancreas.

Helical CT anatomy of pancreatic arteries

Abstract.Background: To assess the frequency of visualization of pancreatic arteries in the arterial phase of helical computed tomography (CT). Methods: The visibility of pancreatic and peripancreatic arteries in helical CT images was evaluated in 20 consecutive patients who had no evidence of pancreatic disease. CT examinations were performed by using a continuously rotating CT scanner and intravenous injection of contrast media. The scans were taken 35 s after the start of injection and with a table speed of 3 mm/s. Images were reconstructed in 3-mm section increments. Results: Frequently visualized arteries were the gastroduodenal, anterior and posterior superior pancreaticoduodenal, and right gastroepiploic arteries. Infrequently visualized arteries were the dorsal pancreatic, pancreatica magna, caudal pancreatic, transverse pancreatic, and common, anterior, and posterior inferior pancreaticoduodenal arteries. Conclusion: Helical CT enabled us to recognize small pancreatic arteries, and the evaluation of these arteries should be considered in the staging of pancreatic carcinoma.

Evaluation of Tracheobronchial Diseases: Comparison of Different Imaging Techniques

Objective To compare the clinical utility of the different imaging techniques used for the evaluation of tracheobronchial diseases. Materials and Methods Forty-one patients with tracheobronchial diseases [tuberculosis (n = 18), bronchogenic carcinoma (n = 10), congenital abnormality (n = 3), post-operative stenosis (n = 2), and others (n = 8)] underwent chest radiography and spiral CT. Two sets of scan data were obtained: one from routine thick-section axial images and the other from thin-section axial images. Multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) and shaded surface display (SSD) images were obtained from thin-section data. Applying a 5-point scale, two observers compared chest radiography, routine CT, thin-section spiral CT, MPR and SSD imaging with regard to the detection, localization, extent, and characterization of a lesion, information on its relationship with adjacent structures, and overall information. Results SSD images were the most informative with regard to the detection (3.95±0.31), localization (3.95±0.22) and extent of a lesion (3.85±0.42), and overall information (3.83±0.44), while thin-section spiral CT scans provided most information regarding its relationship with adjacent structures (3.56±0.50) and characterization of the lesion (3.51±0.61). Conclusion SSD images and thin-section spiral CT scans can provide valuable information for the evaluation of tracheobronchial disease.