Iterative reconstruction algorithm for CT: can radiation dose be decreased while low-contrast detectability is preserved?

Purpose: To compare the low-contrast detectability and image quality of computed tomography (CT) at different radiation dose levels reconstructed with iterative reconstruction (IR) and filtered back projection (FBP).

Materials And Methods: A custom liver phantom with 12 simulated hypoattenuating tumors (diameters of 5, 10, 15, and 20 mm; tumor-to-liver contrast values of -10, -20, and -40 HU) was designed. The phantom was scanned with a standard abdominal CT protocol with a volume CT dose index of 21.

Imaging in male infertility.

This article presents a radiologic perspective of male infertility. Basic embryologic, anatomic, and physiologic concepts underpinning male reproduction are explained. Common and uncommon abnormalities related to male infertility and subfertility are described, with emphasis on imaging findings and management strategies.

MR imaging of urinary bladder carcinoma and beyond.

Detection of muscle invasion is a critical aspect in management of urinary bladder cancer. MR imaging has the potential and promise of delivering this premise noninvasively. This article reviews the current status of MR imaging in evaluation of bladder cancer.

Long-term steroids and an extensive diverticular abscess.

The authors report a case of a 70-year-old lady who was on steroids for over 40 years for asthma and presented with a subcutaneous abscess related to diverticular disease of the colon. This case illustrates how steroids can mask the disease process and also highlights that diverticular abscess perforation is one of the many complications of corticosteroid therapy.

Centrally infiltrating renal masses on CT: differentiating intrarenal transitional cell carcinoma from centrally located renal cell carcinoma.

Objective: The objective of our study was to retrospectively determine the accuracy of CT for differentiating intrarenal transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) from centrally located renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and to define the most discriminating diagnostic CT features.

Materials And Methods: CT studies of 98 pathologically proven central renal tumors (64 centrally located RCCs and 34 intrarenal TCCs) seen over 5 years at three university hospitals were reviewed by five specialty-trained radiologists who were blinded to the final diagnosis. Multiple CT features and global impression were graded on a 4-point score.

Primary pulmonary mucinous cystadenocarcinoma presenting as a complex bronchocele: a case report.

Introduction: Primary pulmonary mucinous cystadenocarcinoma is a rare variety of lung cancer. It is characterized pathologically by copious mucin production predominantly in the extracellular space. This tumour has a remarkably favorable prognosis.

Challenges in the prenatal and post-natal diagnosis of mediastinal cystic hygroma: a case report.

Introduction: Cystic hygroma is a benign congenital neoplasm that mostly presents as a soft-tissue mass in the posterior triangle of the neck. Pure mediastinal lesions are uncommon; the vast majority are asymptomatic and are an incidental finding in adulthood. The diagnosis is often made intra- or postoperatively.