The Myriad Advantages of Ultrasonography in Image-Guided Interventions.

We will review and illustrate the multiple advantages of ultrasound as an image guidance tool, including real-time vessel visualization, multiplanar capability, portability/availability, and decreased procedure time and cost.We will demonstrate the unique advantages of the use of this imaging modality in the biopsy of small parenchymal lesions particularly those that are not visible with unenhanced computed tomography (CT) or not persistently visible with contrast-enhanced CT or those lesions not readily accessible by CT guidance, the use of direct probe compression to displace bowel away from biopsy targets, the use of direct probe compression to staunch intraprocedural bleeding observed with real-time visualization to minimize postprocedural bleeding complications, and the ability to biopsy masses in pediatric patients as a function of the inherent lack of ionizing radiation.Finally, we will review and illustrate how the use of preprocedural lesion characterization with ultrasound at times can serve as a problem-solving tool providing an alternative and reasonably confident diagnosis and thus avoiding unnecessary procedures and associated potential risks.

Müllerian adenosarcoma of the ovary: case report and review of the literature.

Müllerian adenosarcoma is a rare neoplasm that can arise in both uterine and extrauterine locations. This report describes the ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging findings of one case of ovarian adenosarcoma and reviews the literature as to the previously described imaging findings. Adenosarcoma should be considered in patients with a predominantly solid pelvic mass on imaging, particularly in those with a history of endometriosis or findings compatible with endometriosis on ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging.

Computed tomography appearances of hypervascular hepatic tumors after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation therapy.

A retrospective review of the computed tomography (CT) findings of patients with hypervascular liver tumors (26 hepatocellular carcinomas and 2 metastases [1 periampullary carcinoma and 1 neuroendocrine tumor]) who underwent percutaneous ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was performed. CT images consisted of nonenhanced and dual-phase contrast-enhanced helical CT images performed on a multidetector CT scan. Findings indicative of adequate tumor ablation on multidetector CT scanwere complete nonenhancement of the treated tumor with or without faint, thin, peripheral rim enhancement.

Imaging of hepatic transplantation.

Hepatic transplantation has become the treatment of choice for advanced irreversible liver disease. More than 4,000 hepatic transplantations were performed in the United States in 1997 and more than 11,000 are awaiting transplantation. Graft endurance and overall patient survival has been steadily improving, and between 1992 and 1994, 82% of the patients who received a liver transplant survived for at least a year.