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- How To Add Hyperlinks to Your Carestream Reports
You can add hyperlinks to reports that a referring physician can click on in the report module in PACS or Vue Motion. It will open the image that was marked. You can also add key images directly to the report so the referring physician can see the image in question. Thanks to Renaissance Imaging Medical Associates IT department for the images below. Here is how to do it: You can also Auto bookmark every measurement so they are available to you on your right click during reporting. Go to Graphics and click on the A with a Star. Now all measurements are bookmarked. You will still need to place them in your report and you won't be able to right click and create bookmark---since it already set to do so. Related posts: How To Add Critical Results Reporting to Your Carestream Reports Kevin Rice, MD is the president of Global Radiology CME Dr. Rice serves as the Chair of the Radiology Department of Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Los Angeles, California and is the Chief Compliance Officer of Renaissance Imaging Medical Associates. Dr. Rice has made several media appearances as part of his ongoing commitment to public education. Dr. Rice's passion for state of the art radiology and teaching includes acting as a guest lecturer at UCLA. In 2015 Dr. Rice launched Global Radiology CME to provide innovative radiology education at exciting international destinations, with the world's foremost authorities in their field. Follow Dr. Rice on Twitter @KevinRiceMD All posts by Kevin M. Rice, MD
- Kevin Rice, MD - One of the #HumansOfRadiology
At RSNA 2015 and recently on Twitter, there has been an abundance of dialogue about radiologists getting "out of the darkness, and into the light" by notable Twitter enthusiasts and health care leaders such as @CancerGeek (Andy DeLaO), @nxtstop1 (Bernadette Keefe MD), @Jim_Rawson_MD and @KristaKotrla. Watch this video to see our own Dr. Rice talking with one of his his patients about his condition. Nicholas presented to the hospital with jaundice and weight loss; and Dr. Rice did a CT guided biopsy that determined the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Nicholas and his family were devastated, but Dr. Rice later performed a novel procedure that gave Nicholas what he describes as a "second chance". Listen to Nicholas's incredible story and see how Dr. Rice is one of the #HumansofRadiology. Related articles: Figure 1 Features Dr. Kevin Rice Dr. Kevin Rice: Semifinalist for 2016 AuntMinnie.com's Most Effective Radiology Educator All posts by Kevin Rice, MD
- Medical Imaging App Figure 1 Features Dr. Kevin Rice
We are pleased to announce Global Radiology CME's Kevin Rice, MD was featured as a Figure 1 on 1 Fellow on April 29, 2016. Dr. Kevin Rice, a radiologist at Renaissance Imaging Medical Associates and Chair of Radiology at Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Los Angeles, California is one of only 5 radiologists from around the world to be a participant in the Q&A format on the Figure 1 platform. Dr. Rice's posts on Figure 1 have had several hundreds of thousands of views. Dr. Rice "loves posting cases on Fig. 1, as there are so many participants from all over the world. The varied background of everyone also allows for a multitude of perspectives in the discussions." Here are some of Dr. Rice's answers questions on topics as broad as artificial intelligence, how to explain radiology to patients, and advice to a new resident in interventional radiology. "I think artificial intelligence and machine learning are in their infancy, and will propel radiology (and medicine in general) forward in the future in ways we can not yet imagine." "I always explain things in layperson's terms. There is no sense using jargon that patients do not understand. If I am doing an interventional procedure, I often draw a diagram or show the patient a sample implantable device such as an IVC filter, or Port-a-Cath." "1. Always stay focused on your patients and treat them the same way you would want to be treated. 2. Learn as much as you can while in training - you are only in the formal training program for a short time. 3. Never stop learning - technology and our understanding of disease is constantly and rapidly evolving. " With more than 1 million top healthcare professionals on the app and over 1 billion page views, Figure 1 is described as the Instagram for doctors and healthcare professionals. First launched in 2013, the app allows users to share images of their toughest medical cases with other specialists around the world. Beyond seeking diagnoses from other medical professionals, the app is also being used to share interesting cases as a way to spread knowledge of new procedures, techniques or technology. Dr. Rice serves as the Chair of the Radiology Department of Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Los Angeles, California and is a radiologist with Renaissance Imaging Medical Associates. Dr. Rice has made several media appearances as part of his ongoing commitment to public education. Dr. Rice's passion for state of the art radiology and teaching includes acting as a guest lecturer at UCLA and writing the popular Xray of the Week for radiology social media. In 2015 Dr. Rice founded Global Radiology CME to provide innovative radiology education at exciting international destinations, with the world's foremost authorities in their field. In 2016, Dr. Rice was nominated and became a semifinalist for a "Minnie" award for the Most Effective Radiology Educator. Dr. Rice is on Twitter, posting what matters to radiologists @KevinRiceMD All posts by Kevin Rice, MD Related articles: Dr. Kevin Rice: Semifinalist for 2016 AuntMinnie.com's Most Effective Radiology Educator Kevin Rice, MD - One of the #HumansOfRadiology
- Juvenile Papillomatosis (Swiss Cheese Disease) of the Breast
Right Breast Mass in 24F • Xray of the Week 2017 • Week #6 This 24 year old woman presented with a self-detected hard mass in the upper inner quadrant of her right breast. Her paternal grandmother had breast cancer at age 34 and died of the disease at age 54. Clinical breast examination confirmed the presence of a freely mobile hard tumor with irregular borders. No skin changes or discharge were present. The axillary lymph nodes were normal by palpation. What unusual type of breast mass could this be in this young lady? Figure 1. Bilateral mammogram shows a high density mass with indistinct margins in the right breast centrally. The metal BB marker indicates it is palpable. The left breast is normal. Figure 2. Left image: MLO mammogram shows a high density mass with indistinct margins in the right breast centrally. The metal BB marker indicates it is palpable. Right image: Magnification mammogram shows the mass with indistinct margins and associated grouped fine pleomorphic microcalcifications and possible spiculation. Figure 3: Ultrasound images show a hypoechoic right breast nodule with distended ducts, some of which having cystic dilatation. Figure 4: A,B. Axial MRI with contrast images show bilateral considerable background contrast enhancement. Left breast: normal MRI finding. Right breast: 4 cm deep to the nipple at 2:00, there is a 2.2 x 1.8 cm triangle shaped heterogeneous non-mass enhancement, suspicious for in situ or/and small invasive cancer focus. C,D. Sagittal MRI with contrast. No pathologic lymph nodes are seen in the axilla. MRI images courtesy of Andreas Adam, MD Figure 5: Ultrasound images show biopsy of the mass. Histology was hyperplastic breast change, most probably Juvenile Papillomatosis (Swiss Cheese Disease) of the Breast. No signs of malignancy. Due to the suspicious appearance on mammography and MRI, ultrasound biopsy was performed [Fig.5] followed by excision of the mass. Pathology was juvenile papillomatosis (Swiss cheese disease) of the breast. Figure 6: Specimen radiograph of excisional biopsy with associated large section histology. There is no invasive component. Histology images are courtesy of Tibor Tot, MD PhD - Associate Professor, Department of Pathology and Clinical Cytology, Central Hospital Falun, Falun, Sweden. Figure 7: A. Histology demonstrated a 25 x 20 mm mass with the appearance of Swiss cheese disease (Juvenile papillomatosis). B. Multiple benign cysts within the stroma. C. Multiple benign papillomas with florid epithelial hyperplasia. A central papilloma with sclerotic stroma gives the impression of a stellate mass; however, there is no histologic evidence of malignancy. D. Actual Swiss cheese. Histology images are courtesy of Tibor Tot, MD PhD - Associate Professor, Department of Pathology and Clinical Cytology, Central Hospital Falun, Falun, Sweden Discussion Juvenile papillomatosis is a rare benign proliferative breast process which occurs in women with a mean age of 19-23 and is rare over age 40 [1-6]. On histology the lesion demonstrates papillary epithelial hyperplasia within the small ducts and lobules [1-9]. Numerous cysts and dilated ducts are present, separated by areas of dense stroma, which results in the characteristic “Swiss cheese” appearance [9] [Figs. 6-7]. Juvenile papillomatosis occasionally may be associated with severe atypia or focal epithelial necrosis, features which are considered pre-malignant in older women [9]. Clinically, juvenile papillomatosis has benign findings with a firm, mobile well-circumscribed mass in a young patient. As in this case, mammography may demonstrate a spiculated mass with microcalcifications [Figs. 1-2]. Ultrasound typically shows a heterogeneous mass with small cystic regions, which correspond to the small cysts seen histologically [8-10] [Figs. 3,5]. According to a case report, MRI demonstrated a lobulated mass which was low in signal intensity on T1-weighted images and showed marked contrast enhancement. In the dynamic sequence the lesion showed a benign enhancement profile. Multiple small internal cysts were best shown on the T2 weighted images [3] [Fig. 4]. As with the patient in this case, juvenile papillomatosis is a marker for familial breast cancer. Moreover, patients diagnosed with the disease are at higher risk for breast cancer, especially if there is bilateral or recurrent juvenile papillomatosis or there is a family history of breast cancer [8]. Treatment is wide surgical excision [Figs. 8-10]. In cases such as this, the radiologist plays a very important role in the workup and diagnosis. During the evaluation of this 24 year old patient, Dr. Tabár emphasized that although there was a suspicious enhancement pattern on MRI, the ultrasound demonstrated very benign features with small cysts and dilated ducts and no malignant features whatsoever. Since juvenile papillomatosis represents actively proliferating hyperplastic breast epithelial tissue, it is not surprising to find that it enhances on MRI. A malignant breast tumor would not have cystic changes and proliferating ducts within the tumor on ultrasound. There are 2 types of hyperplastic breast change that would have this ultrasound appearance- radial scar which is usually not palpable, and juvenile papillomatosis (Swiss cheese disease) which is palpable in most cases. Other breast imaging cases on Global Radiology CME: Invasive Ductal Carcinoma of the Breast in 27 Year Old Phyllodes Tumor Medullary Breast Cancer Breast Hemangioma Radial Scars and Invasive Breast Cancer References: 1. Kaneda HJ, Mack J, Kasales CJ, et al. Pediatric and Adolescent Breast Masses: A Review of Pathophysiology, Imaging, Diagnosis, and Treatment. American Journal of Roentgenology. 2013;200: W204-W212. 2 Batori M, Gallinaro LS, D'urso A et-al. Papillomatosis and breast cancer: a case report and a review of the literature. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 4 (4): 99-103. 3. Mussurakis S, Carleton PJ, Turnbull LW. Case report: MR imaging of juvenile papillomatosis of the breast. Br J Radiol. 1996;69 (825): 867-70. 4. Chung EM, Cube R, Hall GJ et-al. From the archives of the AFIP: breast masses in children and adolescents: radiologic-pathologic correlation. Radiographics. 29 (3): 907-31. 5. Sabate JM, Clotet M, Torrubia S et-al. Radiologic evaluation of breast disorders related to pregnancy and lactation. Radiographics. 2007;27 Suppl 1 : S101-24. 6. Kersschot EA, Hermans ME, Pauwels C et-al. Juvenile papillomatosis of the breast: sonographic appearance. Radiology. 1988;169 (3): 631-3. 7. Rosen PP, Cantrell B, Mullen DL et-al. Juvenile papillomatosis (Swiss cheese disease) of the breast. Am. J. Surg. Pathol. 1980;4 (1): 3-12. 8. Rosen PP, Holmes G, Lesser ML et-al. Juvenile papillomatosis and breast carcinoma. Cancer. 1985;55 (6): 1345-52. 9. Rosen PP, Kimmel M. Juvenile papillomatosis of the breast. A follow-up study of 41 patients having biopsies before 1979. Am. J. Clin. Pathol. 1990;93 (5): 599-603. 10. Al sarakbi W, Worku D, Escobar PF et-al. Breast papillomas: current management with a focus on a new diagnostic and therapeutic modality. Int Semin Surg Oncol. 2006;3 : 1 László Tabár, MD, FACR (Hon) the Professor Emeritus of Radiology Uppsala University, Faculty of Medicine, Sweden and the Medical Director Emeritus of the Department of Mammography, Falun Central Hospital, Sweden. Through his company, Mammography Education, Inc, he has also been the course director and principal lecturer at more than 300 mammography courses on 6 continents. His pioneering research has laid the foundation for early detection through modern mammographic screening. Dr. Tabár is the recipient of numerous awards including the Gold Medal from the Society of Breast Imaging, American Cancer Society's Distinguished Service Award, and the first Alexander Margulis Award for Scientific Excellence from the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). Dr. Tabár will be sharing his vast knowledge of breast imaging at Imaging in Israel - 2017. Kevin M. Rice, MD is the President of Global Radiology CME Dr. Rice serves as the Chair of the Radiology Department of Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Los Angeles, California and is a radiologist with Renaissance Imaging Medical Associates. Dr. Rice has made several media appearances and as part of his ongoing commitment to public education. Dr. Rice's passion for state of the art radiology and teaching includes acting as a guest lecturer at UCLA. In 2015 Dr. Rice founded Global Radiology CME to provide innovative radiology education at exciting international destinations, with the world's foremost authorities in their field. In 2016, Dr. Rice was nominated and became a semifinalist for a "Minnie" award for the Most Effective Radiology Educator. Follow Dr. Rice on Twitter @KevinRiceMD All Posts by Kevin M. Rice, MD All Posts by László Tabár, MD All Breast Imaging Posts
- Radial Scars and Invasive Breast Cancer
New Left Breast Thickening in 67F • Xray of the Week 2017 • Week #4 This 67 year old asymptomatic woman was called back from mammography screening for assessment of the finding detected on the mammograms of her left breast. In addition, there was a slight palpable thickening in the lateral portion of the left breast at clinical breast examination. What two processes are present? Figure 1. a-d. Mediolateral (a,b) and craniocaudal (c,d) mammograms of the previous screening examination, 24 months before diagnosis and treatment. This examination was read as normal. The subtle contour change of the fibroglandular tissue seen retrospectively on the left CC projection was not appreciated at this examination. Figure 2. a-d. MLO (a,b) and CC (c,d) projections. The patient was called back from screening for further assessment of the asymmetric density with slight architectural distortion seen in the lateral portion of the left breast. The <10 mm, low density, oval lesion in the medial portion of the right breast is a mole (nevus). Figure 3 a,b. Microfocus magnification mammograms, MLO (a) and CC (b) projections. The architectural distortion is seen best on the craniocaudal projection (b): There is no central tumor mass and the radiating structure consists of drooping linear radiolucencies, characteristic for a radial scar (“black star”). No mammographic signs of malignancy are demonstrable. Figure 4: ABUS multislice series, images 7-12/18. There is an obvious tissue defect in the upper half of the breast in images 7-10/18 (encircled), suggesting the presence of a pathologic lesion. Figure 5 a,b. Placing the cursor over the tissue defect on ABUS image 9/18 produces a reconstructed 2D ultrasound image, showing a small malignant lesion. However, there is a discrepancy between the finding on ABUS and the finding on the mammogram. Figure 6 a-f. Breast MRI examination using a body-coil. MIP reconstructions showing bilateral moderate background enhancement. In the upper portion of the left breast there is a 5x4 cm area with many small enhancing areas and architectural distortion within the fibroglandular tissue. In the central portion there are a few lesions, having rapid washin and washout in the delayed phase. In addition, there is a small post biopsy hematoma adjacent to the above described lesions (Figs d-f) d (T2w) e (STIR) f (T1w pre contrast). Figure 7. Microfocus magnification radiograph of specimen slice # 1. Numerous stellate lesions and architectural distortion can be found in this specimen radiograph. No malignant type calcifications are demonstrable. Figure 8. The corresponding large format, subgross (3D) histopathology image of slice #1 shows the stellate lesions and the radiating structures. There are three invasive cancer foci (within white circles) and several radial scars (within black circles). Histology images are courtesy of Tibor Tot, MD PhD - Associate Professor, Department of Pathology and Clinical Cytology, Central Hospital Falun, Falun, Sweden Discussion Final histopathology: Multifocal invasive breast cancer (8x7 mm, 6x4 mm, 2x2 mm, 2x1 mm) associated with cancer in situ over a region measuring 30x25 mm. pN 0/2. Biomarkers: ER/PR+ve, Ki67 15%, HER2-ve. Several radial scars can be seen in the segmentectomy specimen. Comment: Perception of architectural distortion on the mammograms is a difficult task. Once perceived, history helps us rule out traumatic fat necrosis, a common cause of architectural distortion. Clinical breast examination is mandatory when the finding on the mammogram is architectural distortion. Radial scar, the second most common benign lesion causing architectural distortion is seldom palpable, regardless of its size or location. However, radial scars can be associated with carcinoma in situ and/or small invasive carcinoma or even with multifocal invasive cancers. When the analysis of the mammograms suggests a radial scar, but there is a “thickening” upon clinical breast examination (such as in this case), then the lesion may be a radial scar associated with invasive carcinoma. The alternative diagnoses are either neoductgenesis (duct forming invasive carcinoma) or diffusely infiltrating cancer of apparent mesenchymal origin. The multimodality approach and thorough histopathologic examination using large format histopathology is needed to arrive at the correct diagnosis. Learn more about early detection of breast cancer and radiologic/pathologic correlation from one of the world's leading experts, Dr. László Tabár and Israeli breast imager Dr. Tamar Sella at Imaging in Israel - 2017. Other breast imaging cases: Invasive Ductal Carcinoma of the Breast in 27 Year Old Phyllodes Tumor Medullary Breast Cancer Hemangioma of Breast References: 1. Orel SG, Evers K, Yeh IT et-al. Radial scar with microcalcifications: radiologic-pathologic correlation. Radiology. 1992;183 (2): 479-82. 2. Tabár L, Dean PB, Tot T. Teaching atlas of mammography. George Thieme Verlag. (2001) ISBN:0865779627. Find it at Amazon 3. Alleva DQ, Smetherman DH, Farr GH et-al. Radial scar of the breast: radiologic-pathologic correlation in 22 cases. Radiographics. 1999;19 Spec No : S27-35. 4. Carder PJ, Liston JC. Will the spectrum of lesions prompting a "B3" breast core biopsy increase the benign biopsy rate? J. Clin. Pathol. 2003;56 (2): 133-8. 5. Mokbel K, Price RK, Carpenter R. Radial scars and breast cancer. N. Engl. J. Med. 1999;341 (3): 210. 6. Wolfe JN. Breast patterns as an index of risk for developing breast cancer. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1976;126 (6): 1130-7. László Tabár, MD, FACR (Hon) the Professor Emeritus of Radiology Uppsala University, Faculty of Medicine, Sweden and the Medical Director Emeritus of the Department of Mammography, Falun Central Hospital, Sweden. Through his company, Mammography Education, Inc, he has also been the course director and principal lecturer at more than 300 mammography courses on 6 continents. His pioneering research has laid the foundation for early detection through modern mammographic screening. Dr. Tabár is the recipient of numerous awards including the Gold Medal from the Society of Breast Imaging, American Cancer Society's Distinguished Service Award, and the first Alexander Margulis Award for Scientific Excellence from the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). Dr. Tabár will be sharing his vast knowledge of breast imaging at Imaging in Israel - 2017. All Posts by László Tabár, MD All Breast Imaging Posts
- Gastric Volvulus
Abdominal Pain and Distension • Xray of the Week 2016 • Week #51 An 83 year old female with multiple comorbidities presented to the Emergency Department with abdominal pain, distention, and altered mental status. What is the diagnosis? Figure 1. Sagittal (A) and axial (B) contrast enhanced CT. Figure 2. Sagittal (A) and axial (B) contrast enhanced CT of mesentero-axial gastric volvulus. Massively dilated stomach, herniating into the thoracic cavity via the gastroesophageal hiatus. The stomach descends into the abdominal cavity before herniating back intrathoracically and the duodenum finally descends intraabdominally with the remainder of the GI tract. Green arrow: GE junction Blue arrow: antrum. Discussion: Gastric volvulus is an uncommon cause of abdominal pain and may be a surgical emergency which requires prompt communication with the clinical team and treatment (1,2). The Borchardt triad of intractable retching, sudden epigastric abdominal pain and inability to pass a nasogastric tube (3) is classically described, but patients may also present with more chronic symptoms. Unlike the sigmoid colon and cecum, the stomach is an uncommon site for volvulus. There are two types of volvulus, organo-axial and mesentero-axial, which are differentiated based on the axis of rotation. Organo-axial volvulus represents an 180◦ twist along the cardiapyloric/long axis of the stomach with the greater curvature often displaced superior to the lesser curvature. This type is more common, representing approximately 2/3 of cases (1) of gastric volvulus, and commonly associated with hiatal hernias and traumatic events such as diaphragmatic rupture (4). With less than 180◦ of rotation, patients are usually asymptomatic and this should be termed organo-axial positioning of the stomach rather than volvulus. Although this may predispose to future volvulus, it is unclear if these patients require treatment. Mesentero-axial volvulus is a twist along the short axis of the stomach, along the mesenteric attachment (2). As seen in this case, the antrum presents above the gastroesophageal junction (Figs. 1 and 2). Although less common in the adult population (3), this tends to present with a more acute symptomatology. Due to the higher association with strangulation of the gastric blood supply, this is a surgical emergency. If diagnosed early, treatment may only require surgical repair. However, late diagnosis may result in gastric necrosis, necessitating a gastrectomy (1,3). References: 1. Peterson CM, Anderson JS, Hara AK, Carenza JW, Menias CO. Volvulus of the gastrointestinal tract: appearances at multimodality imaging. RadioGraphics 2009;29(5):1281–1293. 2. Menuck L. Plain film findings of gastric volvulus herniating into the chest. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1976;126 (6): 1169-74. 3. Guniganti P, Bradenham CH, Raptis C et-al. CT of Gastric Emergencies. Radiographics. 2015;35 (7): 1909-2 4. Lee NK, Kim S, Jeon TY, Kim HS, Kim DH, Seo HI et al. Complications of congenital and developmental abnormalities of the gastrointestinal tract in adolescents and adults: evaluation with multimodality imaging. Radiographics 2010: 30(6):1489–1507 . Alexandra (Sasha) Roudenko, MD is originally from Siberia, Russia and grew up in New York City. After graduating magna cum laude from Barnard College - Columbia University as a chemistry major, she was invited to join the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa Society. She then received her MD degree from New York University School of Medicine. Dr. Roudenko is currently a third year radiology resident at Mount Sinai West - St. Luke's and has developed a passion for body imaging. She is particularly interested in body MRI and plans on pursuing the subspecialty throughout her career. In 2016, Dr. Roudenko was awarded a fellowship in the introduction to academic radiology program at ARRS. All posts by Sasha Roudenko, MD Kevin M. Rice, MD is president of Global Radiology CME and serves as the Chair of the Radiology Department of Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Los Angeles, California and is a radiologist with Renaissance Imaging Medical Associates. Dr. Rice's passion for state of the art radiology and teaching includes acting as a guest lecturer at UCLA. Dr. Rice founded Global Radiology CME to provide innovative radiology education at exciting international destinations, with the world's foremost authorities in their field. In 2016, Dr. Rice was nominated and became a semifinalist for a "Minnie" award for the Most Effective Radiology Educator. Follow Dr. Rice on Twitter @KevinRiceMD All posts by Kevin M. Rice, MD Carol L Hilfer, MD is an assistant professor of Radiology at The Mount Sinai Hospital - Mount Sinai St. Luke's and Mount Sinai West
- How To Optimize Powerscribe 360
This is a detailed post, meant for radiologists who want concrete steps for optimizing Nuance's Powerscribe 360. Templates improve outward service and help in meeting metric reporting (MIPS) criteria. I am going to jump into some details for Powerscribe 360 that might be helpful for struggling radiologists. This may assist some practices in making the rubber meet the road to realize the promises of the pitch. I will end with a few comments in regards to internal workflow, billing, and quality. TECHNICAL BUILD: Make 1 base general template (PS360 “Autotext”) for each radiology CPT code. Do this initially at the top tier “Site” level. You can start by setting up a basic shell template (“Text Fields” for typical section headers – findings, etc.). You then “clone” this “Autotext” as many times as you need, rename to each study type you need (each CPT). Spend the time to make L and R versions. Trust me. Working at the “Site” level requires “Admin” rights. Link each Autotext to the appropriate line item/s of your system’s chargemaster. PS360 calls this assigning “Categories” and it makes the templates “Relevant”. This is an IMPERATIVE step, and should be done with the root “Site” level Autotext. So many useful things tumble from this, I cannot stress it enough. Unfortunately, this is system specific and needs to be done whether you build Autotexts from scratch or get your hands on a set from Nuance or elsewhere. Base content: PS360 has “Merge fields” that your IT staff can set up (interface) for certain types of information. Date of service and indication are two obvious basic ones to pull from your RIS or EMR. (US measurements and NM doses are still out of reach for us, but desired.) “Pick Lists”: These are fields that nest in the template. You can invoke a chunk of text with a single key word. We use this for “Technique” section (e.g. CT AP w/wo is still 1 template, with 5 different options in the pick list for panc, renal mass, etc…). We also use it for the set of projections on plain films (e.g. variations on a 3-view knee). “Findings” #1: Careful of a breakdown here. You will need buy-in, especially if working with a herd of cats, I mean brilliant radiologists who have not previously used VR or who love their own template verbiage. I chose to have very basic formulaic normal findings for CR studies. I left MR/CT findings as an empty text field. US and NM were variously built out. “Findings” #2: Only when you complete the above, THEN you “Clone” all of the “Site Autotexts” to each user’s account. Each user will have a full set of “Relevant Personal Autotexts”. We were not authoritarian in “Findings” content, in order to preserve buy-in during our transition. (Aside: There is plenty of structure to the above steps, without a line item per-organ findings section. I really can’t stand reading articles about “structured vs unstructured” reporting. It is a spectrum.). This allows your rads the autonomy to alter or add findings to take ownership of the templates without having to accept “your” way of dictating, while PRESERVING all of the structured content you embedded. WORKFLOW: By having 1 root Autotext tied to each Category chargemaster line item, you can make it a “Default” that blows in when you launch the dictation, whether the study is normal or not. 100% of the time. “Cloning” is key. Once you have a default set up, you can clone the autotext as many times as you want. The key here is that cloning will PRESERVE the categories that make the templates “relevant”. These clones will not be defaults. There are two huge benefits (stay with me here): 1. You can invoke and nest another autotext within your default autotext dictation. Specifically, you can have as many simple or complex variations for a “Findings” section for a given study type as you want, and they will be easy to find (and remember!) when you use the Autotext preview pane set to “Relevant Personal” at the bottom of the dictation window. The sky is the limit here, and I will admit that finding the time to create these iterations is hard. 2. You can use this same cloning approach to set up as many “tips” (i.e. crib sheets) Autotexts as you want. When you single click on an autotext in the bottom of the dictation screen you will see it in the preview pane, without dumping the content into your actual dictation. I LOVE THIS. I use this daily for various things such as Lung-RADS, adnexal consensus recommendations, Fleischner, aortic root limits, etc. It occurs to me that this could be a really handy educational tool at point of care at a teaching institution. BILLING: By having only 1 template pinning back to each CPT code, and having fixed text descriptions at the top of your report, you can avoid human error in what you do or do not dictate. Conversely, you can spot the occasional IT/Registration/Tech mix up quickly when whatever flows through from RIS/EMR/written order does not match what you are seeing in PACS. A stitch in time for a clean claim… QUALITY: Similar and related to the above, you can quickly spot if the PACS study does not match what is in your default template (CR 2 views vs 3 views, L spine complete or not, CT w vs w/wo, L/R mismatch, etc…). Also, having discrete, non-generic, technique sections for your complex cross sectional studies also communicates a level of service and attention to referring specialists (e.g. all “CT w/wo” are not the same!). This is painless with a pick list and a single spoken word, but is not going to happen if you are dictating the entire protocol every case. Helps demonstrate our expertise. This was article was originally posted on ACR Engage on February 11, 2017. Below are YouTube videos with tips on how to use Powerscribe 360: By Jason Mullinix - 11 videos above. By University of South Florida above. Matthew Brady, MD is the Alternate Councilor for the South Carolina Chapter of the ACR and Treasurer of the South Carolina Radiological Society. After obtaining a BA at The Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton in 1997, he earned his MD at Dartmouth in 2002. Dr. Brady then went on to a Radiology Residency with subsequent combined Nuclear Medicine and Body Imaging at Duke University from 2003 to 2008. Dr. Brady is dual boarded by the ABR and ABNM and is now is in private practice at Roper Radiologists, PA in Charleston, South Carolina.
- Baxter Neuropathy with Chronic Plantar Fasciosis
Chronic Heel Pain in 60F • Xray of the Week 2016 • Week #48 This 60 year old female has chronic heel pain and lateral heel numbness. What is the diagnosis? Figure 1A. Sagittal T1 weighted image demonstrates fatty atrophy of the abductor digiti minimi muscle (yellow arrow) consistent with chronic inferior calcaneal nerve (Baxter’s nerve) denervation. Figure 1B. Sagittal PD fat sat image showing severe plantar fasciosis, extensive partial tear (yellow arrow), spur, and reactive calcaneal osteitis. Figure 2A.. Coronal PD fat sat image showing fatty atrophy of the abductor digiti minimi muscle (yellow arrow) compared to the normal musculature (blue arrow). Figure 2B. Sagittal PD fat sat image showing plantar fasciosis with abnormal high signal in the calcaneal insertion of the plantar fascia (yellow arrow). Figure 2C. Axial T1 weighted image showing fatty atrophy with abnormal high signal in the abductor digiti minimi muscle (yellow arrow). Although often not recognized, Baxter neuropathy may be the elusive cause of heel pain in up to 20% of cases. The inferior calcaneal nerve which is known as Baxter nerve is almost always the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve and it provides motor innervation to the abductor digiti minimi, lateral half of the quadratus plantae, and flexor digitorum brevis muscles. The nerve provides sensation to the calcaneal periosteum, long plantar ligament, and adjacent vessels. Baxter neuropathy may be due to entrapment as the nerve passes between the deep fascia of the abductor hallucis muscle and the medial plantar margin of the quadratus plantae muscle. In this case more distal entrapment has occurred, due to plantar fascitis and a calcaneal spur as the nerve passes along the anterior aspect of the medial calcaneal tuberosity. Imaging with MR in the acute and subacute phases demonstrates edema of the abductor digiti minimi muscle with high signal on T2 weighted or STIR images. Chronic denervation leads to irreversible muscle atrophy with muscle belly volume loss and fatty replacement manifested as high signal on T1 weighted images. [Fig.1,2] Like most neuropathies, initial treatment is conservative with non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, padding and offloading of the entrapment site, steroid injection therapy, and physical therapy. Surgery with medial band plantar fascial release and inferior calcaneal nerve release may be necessary in refractory cases. References: 1. Donovan A et al. MR Imaging of Entrapment Neuropathies of the Lower Extremity Part 2. The Knee, Leg, Ankle, and Foot Radiographics 2010;30:1001-1019 2. Recht MP, Grooff P, Ilaslan H et-al. Selective atrophy of the abductor digiti quinti: an MRI study. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2007;189 (3): W123-7. 3. Chundru U, Liebeskind A, Seidelmann F et-al. Plantar fasciitis and calcaneal spur formation are associated with abductor digiti minimi atrophy on MRI of the foot. Skeletal Radiol. 2008;37 (6): 505-10. 4. Dirim B, Resnick D, Ozenler NK. Bilateral Baxter's neuropathy secondary to plantar fasciitis. Med. Sci. Monit. 2010;16 (4): CS50-53. 5. Toye L. Baxter’s Nerve (First Branch of the Lateral Plantar Nerve) Impingement. http://radsource.us/baxters-nerve Accessed Nov 25,2016 6. Baxter DE. Release of the nerve to the abductor digiti minimi. In: Kitaoka HB, ed. Master techniques in orthopaedic surgery of the foot and ankle. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; 2002: 359. Phillip Tirman, MD is the Medical Director of Musculoskeletal Imaging at the Renaissance Imaging Center in Westlake Village, California. A nationally recognized expert in the applications of MRI for evaluating MSK and spine disorders, Dr. Tirman is the co-author of three textbooks, including Shoulder Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Diagnostic Imaging: Orthopedics. He is also the author or co-author on over sixty original scientific articles published in the radiology and orthopedic literature. All posts by Phillip Tirman, MD Kevin M. Rice, MD is the President of Global Radiology CME Dr. Rice serves as the Chair of the Radiology Department of Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Los Angeles, California and is a radiologist with Renaissance Imaging Medical Associates. Dr. Rice has made several media appearances and as part of his ongoing commitment to public education. Dr. Rice's passion for state of the art radiology and teaching includes acting as a guest lecturer at UCLA. In 2015 Dr. Rice founded Global Radiology CME to provide innovative radiology education at exciting international destinations, with the world's foremost authorities in their field. In 2016, Dr. Rice was nominated and became a semifinalist for a "Minnie" award for the Most Effective Radiology Educator. Follow Dr. Rice on Twitter @KevinRiceMD All Posts by Kevin M. Rice, MD
- Lower Subscapular Muscle Denervation
Right Shoulder Pain in Throwing Athlete • Xray of the Week 2016 • Week #47 This 21 year old college baseball catcher had decreased velocity when throwing and right shoulder pain for 2 months. What is the diagnosis? Figure 1. Coronal and sagittal images shows mild atrophy in the inferior subscapularis muscle (yellow arrows) and teres major muscle (red arrows). Neuropraxia changes include atrophy and fatty replacement. Figure 2. Left image. Coronal image showing the neuropraxia changes with mild atrophy in the inferior subscapularis muscle (yellow arrow) and teres major muscle (red arrow). Neuropraxia changes include atrophy and fatty replacement. Figure 2. Right image. Axial image showing a “Kim’s” lesion with posterior bone buildup. This is often seen with Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficit (GIRD). Figure 3. Axial MRI image shows a posterior peelback SLAP lesion seen in throwing athletes (yellow arrow). The lower subscapular nerve innervates the lower (inferior) aspect of the subscapularis muscle as well as the teres major muscle. Denervation can occur with trauma to the nerve such as stretching (a.k.a.stretch neuropraxia), blunt trauma, laceration or transection of the nerve with penetrating trauma. The nerve can also be involved with inflammatory or inflammatory like conditions such as Parsonage Turner syndrome, denervation changes, and non specific brachial plexitis. Mass compression of the nerve may also cause denervation. Either adjacent neoplasia or scar entrapment from prior trauma can exert mass effect on the nerve, potentially causing ischemia and malfunction of the nerve. Lower subscapular nerve stretch neuropraxia is potentially reversible with the cessation of activities that lead to the neuropraxia or resolution of the swelling associated with a single traumatic event. MRI findings of lower subscapular nerve denervation involve the 2 muscles innervated by the nerve. Early findings are of muscle belly swelling (bright on T2 and fat sat PD or T2 images - see figure 1). Late findings are of atrophy, and the presence of atrophy indicates irreversibility. References: 1. Burkhart S, Morgan C, Kibler, W. The Disabled Throwing Shoulder: Spectrum of Pathology Part I: Pathoanatomy and Biomechanics. Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery. 2003;19 (4): 404-420 2. Gaskin C and Helms C. Parsonage-Turner Syndrome: MR Imaging Findings and Clinical Information of 27 Patients. Radiology. 2006;240 (2): 501-507. 2. Romeo AA, Rotenberg DD, Bach BR. Suprascapular neuropathy. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2001;7 (6): 358-67. 3. Yanny S, Toms AP. MR patterns of denervation around the shoulder. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2010;195 (2): W157-63. 4. Linda DD, Harish S, Stewart BG et-al. Multimodality imaging of peripheral neuropathies of the upper limb and brachial plexus. Radiographics. 2010;30 (5): 1373-400. Phillip Tirman, MD is the Medical Director of Musculoskeletal Imaging at the Renaissance Imaging Center in Westlake Village, California. A nationally recognized expert in the applications of MRI for evaluating MSK and spine disorders, Dr. Tirman is the co-author of three textbooks, including MRI of the Shoulder and Diagnostic Imaging: Orthopedics. He is also the author or co-author on over sixty original scientific articles published in the radiology and orthopedic literature. All posts by Phillip Tirman, MD All posts by Kevin Rice, MD
- Hemangioma of the Breast
New Right Breast Nodule in 58F • Xray of the Week 2016 • Week #45 This 58 year old woman was hospitalized for DVT and suspected pulmonary emboli. The chest CT showed no pulmonary emboli, but there was a lesion in the upper part of the right breast. What rare type of breast mass could this be? Figure 1. Bilateral mammogram 6 months ago was normal. Figure 2. Left image: MLO Mammogram, shows a nodule with lobular shape and circumscribed margins in the right breast superiorly. Right image: CC Mammogram, shows a nodule with lobular shape and circumscribed margins in the right breast posteriorly. Figure 3: Ultrasound images show a hypoechoic right breast nodule with angular margin, peripheral flow, parallel orientation, abrupt interface, neutral sound transmission, and complex echotexture. Figure 4: Axial MRI images show an enhancing mass in the right breast. The MRI features are suspicious for malignancy. MRI images courtesy of Nadja Lindhe, MD - Radiologist at Department of Mammography, Central Hospital Falun, Falun, Sweden Figure 5: Ultrasound images show biopsy of the mass. Histology is hemangioma. Histology images are courtesy of Tibor Tot, MD PhD - Associate Professor, Department of Pathology and Clinical Cytology, Central Hospital Falun, Falun, Sweden Due to the malignant appearance on MRI, ultrasound biopsy was performed [Fig.5] followed by excision of the nodule. Pathology was hemangioma of the breast. Figure 6: Specimen radiograph of excisional biopsy with associated large section histology. There is no invasive component. Histology images are courtesy of Tibor Tot, MD PhD - Associate Professor, Department of Pathology and Clinical Cytology, Central Hospital Falun, Falun, Sweden Figure 7: Histology demonstrated a partially fibrotic/hyalinized hemangioma containing dilated vessels with no evidence of malignancy. Note the dilated vascular channels of varying size (green arrow) and compact, dense aggregates of capillary structures (yellow arrow). Histology images are courtesy of Tibor Tot, MD PhD - Associate Professor, Department of Pathology and Clinical Cytology, Central Hospital Falun, Falun, Sweden Discussion Hemangioma of the breast is a rare vascular tumor of the breast which is usually extraparenchymal and for that reason is superficial [1-4]. According to an analysis of 15 cases, the mammographic appearance has an oval shape in 33% of cases and a lobular shape in 53% of cases; while the margins are circumscribed 53% of the time and microlobulated 46% of the time. Rarely the mammogram may show characteristic phleboliths [1,3,4,5]. Tangential views may show the mass to be superficial in location [1]. Sonography usually demonstrates a lobulated, superficial, well-circumscribed, solid mass. Due to the dilated blood vessels the nodules are often heterogeneous on ultrasound; however, hemangiomas may be difficult to visualize on ultrasound as about 11% are isoechoic [1,6]. MRI of the lesions is not well documented with one case showing slow, delayed enhancement within a capillary hemangioma [6]. A second report demonstrated avid early homogenous contrast enhancement with plateau formation seen on dynamic enhancement curve following initial early washout of contrast [7]. On occasions such as in this case when there are malignant features on imaging studies [Figs. 2-4], biopsy is indicated [8,9]. Jozefczyk and Rosen in their study of 62 angiosarcomas and 24 hemangiomas found that angiosarcomas were rarely smaller than 2 cm [10]. Histology of hemangiomas demonstrates unencapsulated aggregates of closely packed, thin-walled capillaries, with endothelial lining. Their lumens may be thrombosed and organized [10-12]. This case has the histologic appearance of a complex hemangioma [Figs. 5-7] with dilated vascular channels of varying size and compact, dense aggregates of capillary structures [12]. As in this case, when a hemangioma is diagnosed by core needle biopsy, complete excision is advised as low grade angiosarcoma may be indistinguishable and there is the remote possibility of malignant transformation to angiosarcoma [1, 10]. In conclusion, a superficial mass measuring less than 2 cm with oval or lobular shape and complex or isoechoic echotexture may give the radiologist a clue to this unusual diagnosis Other breast imaging cases: Invasive Ductal Carcinoma of the Breast in 27 Year Old Phyllodes Tumor Medullary Breast Cancer References: 1. Mesurolle B, Sygal V, Lalonde L, et al. Sonographic and Mammographic Appearances of Breast Hemangioma. AJR 2008; 191:W17–W22 www.ajronline.org/doi/full/10.2214/AJR.07.3153 2. Chung SY, Oh KK. Mammographic and sonographic findings of a breast subcutaneous hemangioma. J Ultrasound Med 2002; 21:585 –588. http://www.jultrasoundmed.org/content/21/5/585.long 3. Webb LA, Young JR. Case report: haemangioma of the breast—appearances on mammography and ultrasound. Clin Radiol 1996; 51:523 –524. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8689834?dopt=Abstract 4. Tabar L, Dean PB. Teaching Atlas of Mammography. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Thieme; 1985:45. 5. Tabar L, Dean PB. Teaching Atlas of Mammography. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Thieme; 1985:209. 6. Glazebrook KN, Morton MJ, Reynolds C. Vascular tumors of the breast: mammographic, sonographic, and MRI appearances. AJR 2005; 184:331 –338 http://www.ajronline.org/doi/10.2214/ajr.184.1.01840331 7. Ameen R, Mandalia U, Marr A, et al. Breast Hemangioma: MR Appearance with Histopathological Correlation. J Clin Imaging Sci. 2012; 2: 53. Published online 2012 Aug 30. doi: 10.4103/2156-7514.100376 8. Mariscal A, Casas JD, Balliu E, Castella E. Breast hemangioma mimicking carcinoma. Breast 2002; 11:357–358. www.thebreastonline.com/article/S0960-9776(02)90453-4/abstract9 9. Hoda SA, Cranor ML, Rosen PP. Hemangiomas of the breast with atypical histological features: further analysis of histological subtypes confirming their benign character. Am J Surg Pathol 1992; 16:553 –560. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1599035?dopt=Abstract 10. Jozefczyk MA, Rosen PP. Vascular tumors of the breast. II. Perilobular hemangiomas and hemangiomas. Am J Surg Pathol 1985; 9:491 –503 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4091183?dopt=Abstract 11. Lesueur GC, Brown RW, Bhathal PS. Incidence of perilobular hemangioma in the female breast. Arch Pathol Lab Med 1983; 107:308 –310. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6687795?dopt=Abstract 12. Hoda SA, Brogi E, Koerner F, Rosen PP. Rosen's Breast Pathology 4e. 2014. Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins. (2014) ISBN-13: 978-1451176537 Buy it on Amazon László Tabár, MD, FACR (Hon) the Professor Emeritus of Radiology Uppsala University, Faculty of Medicine, Sweden and the Medical Director Emeritus of the Department of Mammography, Falun Central Hospital, Sweden. Through his company, Mammography Education, Inc, he has also been the course director and principal lecturer at more than 300 mammography courses on 6 continents. His pioneering research has laid the foundation for early detection through modern mammographic screening. Dr. Tabár is the recipient of numerous awards including the Gold Medal from the Society of Breast Imaging, American Cancer Society's Distinguished Service Award, and the first Alexander Margulis Award for Scientific Excellence from the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). Dr. Tabár will be sharing his vast knowledge of breast imaging at Imaging in Israel - 2017. Kevin M. Rice, MD is the President of Global Radiology CME Dr. Rice serves as the Chair of the Radiology Department of Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Los Angeles, California and is a radiologist with Renaissance Imaging Medical Associates. Dr. Rice has made several media appearances and as part of his ongoing commitment to public education. Dr. Rice's passion for state of the art radiology and teaching includes acting as a guest lecturer at UCLA. In 2015 Dr. Rice founded Global Radiology CME to provide innovative radiology education at exciting international destinations, with the world's foremost authorities in their field. In 2016, Dr. Rice was nominated and became a semifinalist for a "Minnie" award for the Most Effective Radiology Educator. Follow Dr. Rice on Twitter @KevinRiceMD All Posts by Kevin M. Rice, MD All Posts by László Tabár, MD
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Abdominal Pain and Acute Renal Failure • Xray of the Week This 88 yo female presented with abdominal pain and acute renal failure. Multiple co-morbidities (cardiac disease, old MI, cirrhosis, portal hypertension, asthma, hypertension, pancytopenia, diabetes) precluded surgery for the patient's condition. What is the diagnosis? Figure 1. CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis. Axial images (A and B) demonstrate bilateral hydronephrosis. Sagittal image (C) demonstrates global pelvic floor “failure” with prolapse of the vagina, uterus, bladder, and rectum. In this case, the hydronephrosis [Fig. 1 A,B] is caused by compression of the vesicoureteric junctions as the bladder has prolapsed below the pelvic floor. In the above sagittal image [Fig. 1C], it is apparent that the vagina, uterus and bladder have prolapsed, indicating that there is likely global pelvic floor “failure”. The incidence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) has been difficult to estimate accurately, partially due to a relative lack of knowledge about the symptoms, diagnostic tools and therapeutic options amongst both the general population and the medical community. Options for imaging of POP include defecating x-ray/fluoroscopic proctography (aka defecography), or MRI. The major benefits of MRI are the ability to image the bladder, vagina, uterus and small bowel without additional contrast administration, due to the inherent soft tissue imaging capability of MRI. These structures can be imaged using x-ray defecography, but at the expense of a much more invasive test as it necessitates bladder catheterization and insertion of a vaginal swab, and also involves exposure to ionizing radiation. Both methods do require insertion of rectal contrast material to enable more accurate assessment of rectoanal mucosal prolapses and rectocele size. This week's Xray of the week is sponsored by Radiology Basics - Get it free on iTunes Dynamic pelvic floor MRI utilizes rapid sequences such as Siemens’ TRUE FISP (Fast Imaging with Steady-state free Precession), GE’s FIESTA (Fast Imaging Employing Steady-state Acquisition) or Philips’s Balanced-FFE (Fast Field Echo). The trade off for the rapidity of the exam acquisition is in image quality, but for the purposes of the study, this compromise is acceptable. The technique uses 100 ml of ultrasound gel inserted through the anal canal using bladder (catheter tip) syringes. Ultrasound gel is readily available and easy to place into the syringes; and the syringes have a nozzle shape and size ideal for anal insertion. After gel injection, the patient is asked to “push” the gel out and images are acquired at a frame rate of approximately 1 image per second. The images are viewed as a cine clip, and alongside a qualitative assessment, are analyzed using the pubococcygeal line (PCL) scoring system. By measuring the relative distances of the anterior, middle and posterior compartmental organs from the PCL, prolapses can be graded as mild, moderate or severe [Fig. 2]. The above video in a different patient is an example of a severe bladder prolapse (cystocele), severe anorectal junction descent and a moderate sized anterior rectocele. Figure 2. The PCL line on a still image from the above video, with the red arrow indicating the cystocele, and the green arrow indicating the anorectal descent and anterior rectocele. The pubococcygeal line (PCL) is the yellow line. References: 1. García del Salto L, de Miguel Criado J, et al. MR Imaging–based Assessment of the Female Pelvic Floor. RadioGraphics 2014; 34:1417–1439. http://pubs.rsna.org/doi/full/10.1148/rg.345140137 2. Chiara Colaiacomo M, Masselli G, et al. Dynamic MR Imaging of the Pelvic Floor: a Pictorial Review. RadioGraphics 2009, 10.1148/rg.e35. http://pubs.rsna.org/doi/abs/10.1148/rg.e35 3. Boyadzhyan L, Raman S, et al. Role of Static and Dynamic MR Imaging in Surgical Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. RadioGraphics 2008; 28:949–967. http://pubs.rsna.org/doi/pdf/10.1148/rg.284075139 4. Bitti G, Argiolas G, et al. Pelvic Floor Failure: MR Imaging Evaluation of Anatomic and Functional Abnormalities. RadioGraphics 2014; 34:429–448. http://pubs.rsna.org/doi/abs/10.1148/rg.342125050 Vikas Shah, MBBS FRCR is a Consultant Radiologist specializing in gastrointestinal and colorectal imaging at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust. Dr. Shah did his Radiology training in London, England at Imperial College Hospitals NHS Trust, and subsequently did subspecialty training in oncologic imaging at Mount Vernon Hospital and in pelvic floor and colonic imaging at St. Mark's Hospital. Dr. Shah is passionate about teaching, and in particular the use of social media and mobile technology to enhance teaching and education. His expertise in pelvic floor imaging is underlined by his appointment to the Medical Advisory Committee of the Association of Pelvic Organ Prolapse Support (APOPS). The originator of #xrayofthewek, Dr. Shah blogs at www.thexraydoctor.co.uk Follow Dr. Shah on Twitter @DrVikasShah Kevin M. Rice, MD is president of Global Radiology CME and serves as the Chair of the Radiology Department of Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Los Angeles, California and is a radiologist with Renaissance Imaging Medical Associates. Dr. Rice has made several media appearances as part of his ongoing commitment to public education. Dr. Rice's passion for state of the art radiology and teaching includes acting as a guest lecturer at UCLA. In 2015 Dr. Rice launched Global Radiology CME to provide innovative radiology education at exciting international destinations, with the world's foremost authorities in their field. In 2016, Dr. Rice was nominated and became a semifinalist for a "Minnie" award for the Most Effective Radiology Educator. Follow Dr. Rice on Twitter @KevinRiceMD All posts by Kevin M. Rice, MD
- Subacute Combined Degeneration of the Cord
Paresthesias • Xray of the Week 2016 • Week #42 This 60 year old caucasian male with stage 4 fibrosis of liver presented with unsteady gait and falls. He also had paresthesias including tingling and numbness of the wrists for one month. Laboratory values as follows: MMA = 24,600 (N 0-0.40 nmol/mL) B12 = 142 (N= 150 to 350 pg/mL.) Folate = 14.5 (N= 2-20 ng/mL) Hgb = 12.8 (N= 13-17 g/dL) MCV = 129 (N= 80-100 fL) MRI of cervical spine was done after the patient fell. What is the diagnosis? Figure 1.: Axial and sagittal T2-weighted images showing dorsal column T2 hyperintensity suspicious for subacute combined degeneration of the cord. In vitamin B12 deficiency, the methylmalonic acid (MMA) level may be elevated before the vitamin B12 level is low [1]. Elevated mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is a sign of B12 or folate deficiency, resulting in macrocytic anemia. This patient's markedly elevated MMA, low B12, and normal folate levels are diagnostic of vitamin B12 deficiency. Subacute combined degeneration of the cord is a metabolic disorder due to vitamin B12 deficiency which results in paresthesias of the hands and feet. Later in the disease, patients develop unsteady gait and weakness due to damage of the sensory tracts in the spinal cord[2]. The classic MRI appearance is abnormal high signal on T2 weighted images in the dorsal columns as well as lateral columns on T2-weighted images, leading to the "inverted V sign" [3-6]. Rarely the anterior columns may be involved [8]. The clinical symptoms and imaging findings are reversible with administration of vitamin B12 [2]. References: 1. How do we evaluate a marginally low B12 level? http://www.mdedge.com/jfponline/article/62530/how-do-we-evaluate-marginally-low-b12-level 2. Patten John P. Neurological Differential Diagnosis. Second Edition. London: Springer-Verlag, 1996. pg 234-235, Print. 3. Ravina B, Loevner LA, Bank W. MR findings in subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord: a case of reversible cervical myelopathy. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2000;174 (3): 863-5. 4. Kumar, Ashok, and Amar Kumar Singh. "Teaching NeuroImage: Inverted V sign in subacute combined degeneration of spinal cord." Neurology 72.1 (2009): e4-e4. 5. Naidich M, Ho S. Case 87: Diagnosis Please - Subacute Combined Degeneration. Radiology 2005; 237:101–105 6. Narra R, Mandapalli A, Jukuri N, Guddanti P. “Inverted V sign” in Sub-Acute Combined Degeneration of Cord. J Clin Diagn Res. 2015 May; 9(5) 7. Ketonen, Leena. Pediatric Brain and Spine: An Atlas of MRI and Spectroscopy. Berlin: Springer, 2005. pg 435, Print. 8. Karantanas AH, Markonis A, Bisbiyiannis G. Subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord with involvement of the anterior columns: a new MRI finding. Neuroradiology. 2000;42 (2): 115-7. Danielle Rice, MD is a neurohospitalist at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, a part of Loyola University Health System. Dr. Rice graduated cum laude from Kent State University and earned her medical degree from Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine. Dr. Rice completed a residency in adult neurology from Rush University Medical Center and a fellowship in multiple sclerosis from the University of Chicago. Dr. Rice is board certified in Neurology and is an assistant professor in the Department of Neurology of Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. Kevin Rice, MD is president of Global Radiology CME. Follow Dr. Kevin Rice on Twitter @KevinRiceMD All Posts by Kevin M Rice, MD All Posts by Danielle Rice, MD














