Published: 2010 Jun
Issue: 4(6) :: Pages: 21-27

   

Abstract: Angiomyolipomas are the most common mesenchymal renal neoplasms. Two types have been described: (i) sporadic angiomyolipoma and (ii) angiomyolipoma associated with tuberous sclerosis. Giant aneurysm formation is usually noted in angiomyolipomas associated with tuberous sclerosis and is rare in sporadic variety. Tumor diameter and aneurysm diameter have been used as predictors of rupture. We report a rare case of aneurysm formation in a sporadic angiomyolipoma.

Published: 2010 Jun
Issue: 4(6) :: Pages: 28-38

   

Abstract: Portal vein aneurysms are a relatively uncommon entity and often an incidental, asymptomatic finding. Recognition of this finding can help to avoid potential confusion with abdominal masses of other etiologies. We would like to present four cases of portal vein aneurysms, and discuss the natural history, imaging findings, and treatment of this condition. One of the cases of portal vein aneurysm presented occurred after liver transplantation, which, to the best of our knowledge, has only been described once in the English-language literature.

Published: 2010 Jun
Issue: 4(6) :: Pages: 8-14

   

Abstract: Congenital esophageal stenosis (CES) is a rare anomaly, resulting from incomplete separation of the respiratory tract from the primitive foregut at the 25th day of life. First clinical signs are abnormalities of the swallowing mechanism caused by the intrinsic narrowing of the esophagus. Diagnosis is usually delayed, requiring an accurate history and high level of suspicion, alongside with an esophagogram. Definite diagnosis is only confirmed by histological examination. Treatment usually involves surgery, depending on the severity, location and type of stenosis. We report the case of an 18 months old toddler diagnosed with CES. The characteristic radiographic and CT features are presented as well as the histology.

Published: 2010 Jun
Issue: 4(6) :: Pages: 1-7

   

Abstract: Osteoblastoma is a rare benign bone tumor that usually arises in the vertebral column and long bones of young adults. Craniofacial involvement is extremely rare. To date, osteoblastoma of the frontal sinus has not been reported in the English literature. We report an osteoblastoma of both frontal sinuses in a 23-year-old male who presented with headache and blurry vision in the left eye. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated an expansile lesion involving both frontal sinuses with sclerotic and fibrous components, eroding into the roof of the left orbit. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) the dense portion of the lesion showed signal void on all sequences, while the fibrous matrix was isointense to grey matter on T1-weighted and T2-weighted images and showed avid enhancement following intravenous contrast administration. Surgical resection was performed and histology was consistent with osteoblastoma.

Published: 2010 Jun
Issue: 4(6) :: Pages: 15-20

   

Abstract: Gout is usually thought of as a peripheral joint disease. However, case reports are available describing gouty lesions in the spine. We report a case of a 51 year old African American woman with no previous history of gout who presented with lower back pain and fever and was found to have multiple small fluid collections in the paraspinal muscles at the L3 to L5 levels on the MRI. She was empirically treated with antibiotics, since the fluid was not accessible for drainage initially. Unsuccessful antibiotic therapy and an episode of peripheral gout during this hospitalization prompted the diagnosis of axial gout as the cause for the paraspinal lesions in this patient. CT guided aspiration of the paraspinal lesions confirmed monosodium urate (gout) crystals under polarized microscopy.