Head and Neck Paragangliomas: An Update on the Molecular Classification, State-of-the-Art Imaging, and Management Recommendations.

Paragangliomas are neuroendocrine tumors that derive from paraganglia of the autonomic nervous system, with the majority of parasympathetic paragangliomas arising in the head and neck. More than one-third of all paragangliomas are hereditary, reflecting the strong genetic predisposition of these tumors. The molecular basis of paragangliomas has been investigated extensively in the past couple of decades, leading to the discovery of several molecular clusters and more than 20 well-characterized driver genes (somatic and hereditary), which are more than are known for any other endocrine tumor.

The "pool sign" of metastatic adenocarcinoma.

The differential of a newly discovered solitary intracranial mass is a primary intracranial neoplasm and metastatic disease. Differentiating between the two entities on imaging is difficult, though there are clues on conventional imaging that suggest one over the other. The purpose of this article is to describe a new imaging finding on T2-weighted imaging, the "pool sign," that may be specific for metastatic adenocarcinomas and can help differentiate a solitary metastasis from a primary CNS neoplasm.

Diagnostic clues to ectopic pregnancy.

Ectopic pregnancy accounts for approximately 2% of all pregnancies and is the most common cause of pregnancy-related mortality in the first trimester. Initial evaluation consists of hormonal assays and pelvic ultrasonography (US). A history of pelvic pain along with an abnormal beta human chorionic gonadotropin level should trigger an evaluation for an ectopic pregnancy.

The importance of monophasic Doppler waveforms in the common femoral vein: a retrospective study.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the importance of monophasic waveforms encountered in the common femoral vein during deep venous thrombosis evaluation by a retrospective review of lower extremity venous Doppler (VD) sonography and correlative studies, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of lower extremity VD studies performed from September 1, 2000, through September 1, 2005. All satisfactory VD studies, which were in compliance with the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories standard protocol, were evaluated for the presence of monophasic waveforms and correlated with CT of the abdomen and pelvis.

Vertebroplasty: cement leakage into the disc increases the risk of new fracture of adjacent vertebral body.

Background And Purpose: Patients successfully treated with vertebroplasty often return with new pain caused by a new vertebral body fracture. The new fractures often are adjacent to the vertebral bodies that were initially treated. In our clinical work, we have observed that cement leakage into the disk increases the risk of new fracture of the adjacent vertebral body.