American Journal of Roentgenology Head and Neck Imaging

[Head and Neck Imaging] Chemoembolization of Hepatic Metastases from Ocular Melanoma: Assessment of Response with Contrast-Enhanced and Diffusion-Weighted MRI

2008-06-18

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of assessment of tumor size and enhancement with diffusion-weighted and conventional MRI in the evaluation of response to transarterial chemoembolization therapy for metastatic ocular melanoma.

CONCLUSION. In patients with ocular melanoma and liver metastasis treated with transarterial chemoembolization, functional MRI showed significant changes in the lesions. These changes included a decrease in tumor enhancement and an increase in the apparent diffusion coefficient of the tumor, suggesting increasing tumor necrosis and cell death.

[Head and Neck Imaging] Arrested Pneumatization of the Skull Base: Imaging Characteristics

Welker, K. M., DeLone, D. R., Lane, J. I., Gilbertson, J. R. — 2008-05-20

OBJECTIVE. Arrested skull base pneumatization is a benign developmental variant that can be confused with significant skull base disease processes. This study reviews the imaging findings in 30 suspected cases of arrested skull base pneumatization.

CONCLUSION. When encountering a nonexpansile lesion with osteosclerotic borders, internal fat, and curvilinear calcifications in the basisphenoid bone or adjacent skull base, radiologists should strongly consider the diagnosis of arrested pneumatization.

[Head and Neck Imaging] Simultaneous Fine-Needle Aspiration and Core Biopsy of Thyroid Nodules and Other Superficial Head and Neck Masses Using Sonographic Guidance

Strauss, E. B., Iovino, A., Upender, S. — 2008-05-20

OBJECTIVE. The objective of our study was to conceive of and to evaluate a simple system for simultaneous fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and core biopsy of thyroid nodules when FNA alone has failed to yield tissue adequate for diagnosis.

CONCLUSION. The use of a modified coaxial guiding needle and biopsy gun is a simple, safe, and effective method for obtaining tissue from thyroid nodules and is applicable to sampling other superficial masses as well.