Normal and abnormal thymus in childhood: MR imaging

Article Abstract:

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a reliable method for evaluating the mediastinum, a cavity between two main portions of an organ. The appearance of the thymus in the MR images changes dramatically with age. The shape of the thymus in children with thymic abnormalities is significantly different than in healthy children. The MR diagnosis of thymic masses or tumors is based on the presence of scattered or focal enlargement of the gland. Scattered enlargement occurs in cases of malignant or benign processes. Focal lesions can be solid or cystic, malignant or benign. MR imaging can differentiate cystic from solid tissue, although it is not always possible to distinguish among various cystic lesions. On MR images as on computed tomography (CT) measurement of the thymic dimensions can be used to differentiate between a normal and abnormal thymus. The results of this study suggest that MR imaging, which measures thymic thickness, is a sensitive discriminator of disease, although it is usually not needed for the recognition of thymic abnormalities. Qualitative assessment of thymic shape, margins, and signal intensity is usually sufficient to diagnose thymic disease. Measurement of thymic dimensions may help diagnose the degree to which a disease has infiltrated the thymus.

Abnormalities, Thymus, Thymus gland, Medical imaging equipment, Mediastinum

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Malignant rhabdoid tumor of the kidney: radiologic features

Article Abstract:

Malignant rhabdoid tumor of the kidney is an exceedingly rare and highly malignant tumor. This report describes in detail the radiologic features of the tumor that allow a diagnosis to be made. Microscopic examination shows that the tumor cells have a single nucleus, striking cellular inclusions (hyaline and filamentous). These tumors usually occur in children under the age of 4 years; the average age of presentation is 13 months. They are frequently accompanied by other tumors of the brain case, thymus, and other soft-tissue areas which suggests that malignant rhabdoid tumor is part of a (primary) tumor complex. In the two cases presented, the radiologic data was similar. The tumor showed as a large, central soft-tissue mass that was surrounded by an intact capsule (fibrous connective tissue enveloped with contained fluid). The kidney capsule was irregular in contour, and was apparently deformed by the rapid tumor growth. The prognosis of this disease is poor with a mortality of 90 percent within two years of diagnosis. Frequent sites and percentages of metastases were: lung (76 percent), liver (26 percent), brain (14 percent) and heart (10 percent).

Case studies, Diagnosis, Metastasis, Cancer metastasis, Kidney cancer, Nephroblastoma, Tumors in children, Pediatric tumors

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Radiologic research and education: now is the time for all to come to the aid

Article Abstract:

The medical specialty of radiology is being attacked for poor research design and statistical procedures. In order to improve the quality of radiologic research methods the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) offers grants to students of radiology in order to stimulate research. The 'Scholar Program', as it has been designated by the RSNA, will allow young faculty members of medical schools to devote one-half of their time, over a two-year period, to advanced research under the guidance of older faculty members. These programs are designed to foster the development of the specialty and provide younger radiologists with experience in the use of advanced diagnostic imaging equipment.

Research, Medicine, Study and teaching, Graduate medical education, Medical specialties, Radiology, Medical, Radiology, editorial

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