Complications of pancreatitis such as pseudocyst formation and abscess are well known to radiologists. Secondary formation of pseudoaneurysms has not been emphasized in the radiologic literature. The great morbidity and mortality associated with pseudoaneurysms emphasize the importance of early detection. Three patients are described whose angiographically proved pseudoaneurysms were demonstrated on contrast material-enhanced abdominal CT scans obtained for evaluation of pancreatitis. A homogeneously enhancing structure within or adjacent to a pancreatic pseudocyst or contiguous with a vascular structure should be considered highly suspicious for an associated pseudoaneurysm.
In a group of 20 postcraniotomy patients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging performed with gadopentetate dimeglumine, 16 (80%) had nonneoplastic meningeal enhancement. This was seen as either enhancement of a local dural membrane or generalized meningeal enhancement. In a control group of 23 patients, only three (13%) had similar findings. The authors believe that postcraniotomy meningeal enhancement is most likely the result of a local inflammatory process or a diffuse chemical arachnoiditis caused by bleeding into the subarachnoid space at the time of surgery. The finding does not necessarily indicate leptomeningeal tumor spread or infection.
Esthesioneuroblastomas are uncommon neoplasms of the superior nasal cavity originating from olfactory epithelium. High resolution CT features of this neoplasm have not been well studied. Nine cases of esthesioneuroblastoma were reviewed to evaluate findings on high resolution CT. Homogeneous soft tissue masses with relatively uniform enhancement centered in the superior nasal cavity are characteristic. Bony erosion is frequent and usually accompanied by molding of bone. Staging, determined by extension and critical for treatment decisions, is well evaluated by CT.
During a 3-year period, unexplained intracerebellar calcifications were seen at computed tomographic (CT) examination in six patients. A surprisingly high association with hypothyroidism was seen, with two-thirds of these patients showing the abnormality. Although an uncommon finding at CT, the presence of cerebellar calcification may indicate hypothyroidism.
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