Category: Dr. Pepe’s Diploma Casebook

Dr. Pepe’s Diploma Casebook: CASE 141 – SOLVED

~ Dr. Pepe ~ 8 Comments

Dear Friends,

Today I am showing radiographs of a 47-year-old woman with chronic cough.
What do you see?

Leave your comments here and come back on Friday to see the answer.

Click here to see the images

Click here to see the answer

Findings: PA radiograph shows marked downward displacement of the right hilum (A, white arrow) and verticalization of the intermediate bronchus (A, red arrow). These findings are indicative of marked volume loss of RLL. The lateral view (B) is unremarkable.

Enhanced coronal CT confirms the descended right hilum (C, white arrow), as well as the vertical intermediate bronchus (C, red arrow). A different slice shows a small calcified triangular shadow (D, arrow), which represents a markedly collapsed RLL.

Final diagnosis: severe RLL collapse due to previous TB

In the previous webinar (Diploma case 139), I described the common signs that suggest lobar collapse. In this presentation I want to review atypical forms of lobar collapse and how to recognize them.
The main signs of lobar collapse are volume loss and increased opacity of the lobe. Atypical presentations lack these traits, and the lobe appears to have an increased volume (drowned lobe) or to have collapsed without increased opacity (aerated collapse). A third variant would be a lobe that has lost most of its volume (extreme collapse) and therefore is difficult to identify as such, as occurred in the initial case.

In extreme collapse, the affected lobe is severely decreased in size and may be overlooked, or confused with a different process (Fig. 1). The diagnosis is suggested by secondary findings, such as hilar displacement and/or increased lucency of the unaffected lobe(s) (Figs. 2 and 3).

Fig. 1. 57-year-old man with carcinoma of the RUL bronchus causing severe RUL collapse. The medial displacement of the collapsed lobe simulates mediastinal widening (A, white arrow). The clue to the diagnosis is a small and slightly elevated right hilum (A, red arrow). The lateral view (B) is unremarkable.

Enhanced axial CT image depicts a horizontal sliver of tissue, corresponding to the markedly collapsed RUL, sharply outlined by the minor fissure (C and D, white arrows). Note the obstructed RUL bronchus (D, red arrow). Bronchogenic carcinoma.

Fig. 2. Pre-op film for cataracts in a 72-year-old man. PA chest film shows a lucent left lung. Severe LLL collapse is suspected because of the downward left hilar displacement (A, white arrow) and a triangular-shaped paramediastinal opacity (red arrow). The posterior left hemidiaphragm is blurred in the lateral view (B, arrow).

Enhanced axial CT shows the markedly collapsed lobe (C, arrow). Coronal CT depicts a mass obstructing the LLL bronchus (D, arrow). Final diagnosis: carcinoma.

Fig. 3. 67-year-old woman with extreme LUL collapse secondary to previous TB. The diagnosis is suspected because the collapsed lobe causes haziness of the left mediastinal border in the PA film (A, arrows). The expanded LLL causes increased lucency of the left hemithorax. Lateral view shows marked anterior displacement of the left major fissure (B, arrows).

Coronal and sagittal CT confirm the extreme LUL collapse with bronchiectasis. The major fissure is well depicted in the coronal and sagittal reconstructions (C and D, arrows).

The finding known as drowned lobe is a variant of lobar collapse in which the lobe does not decrease in size but instead, enlarges. It occurs when a slow-growing proximal tumor permits accumulation of distal secretions and infection, causing an increase in size of the lobe (Fig. 4). Bulky tumor masses may contribute to this enlargement (Fig. 5).

Fig. 4. 55-year-old woman with widespread lung disease and a large opacity occupying the upper two thirds of the right lung in the PA radiograph (A, white arrows). The right hilum (A, red arrow) is in a normal position. The lateral view shows that the opacity corresponds to an enlarged RUL (B, arrows).

Enhanced axial and coronal CT shows the enlarged RUL lobe (C and D, white arrows), secondary to central obstruction of the RUL bronchus (C and D, red arrows). Diagnosis: drowned RUL secondary to central carcinoma

Fig. 5. 47-year-old woman with drowned LLL, which appears in the PA radiograph as a uniform mass occupying the lower two thirds of the left lung (A, arrow), recognizable in the lateral view as a swollen LLL (B, arrows).

Enhanced axial CT confirms the swollen LLL (C, white arrow). PET-CT shows that part of the bulk is due to a large tumor mass (D, white arrow), invading the pulmonary veins and left atrium (C and D, red arrows).

In aerated collapse the lobe loses volume, but does not increase in opacity, making the collapse less obvious. This happens because increased opacity is not related with volume loss, but rather with the amount of secretions within the lobe. If the partially collapsed lobe contains air, the lobe will appear to have normal lucency.
In aerated collapse, the diagnosis is suspected by displacement of the hilum, the fissure, or both (Figs. 6-8).

Fig. 6. Aerated RLL collapse in carcinoma. PA chest film depicts a right hilar mass (A and B, red arrows), with a descended hilum. The lowered major fissure is barely visible (A, white arrow). In the lateral view, the collapsed lobe is seen as a faint opacity projected over the spine (B, white arrow). Bronchoscopy confirmed an endobronchial carcinoma.

Fig. 7. Aerated RLL collapse secondary to bronchiectasis. PA radiograph shows a markedly displaced major fissure simulating an inferior accessory fissure (A, white arrow). There is marked downward displacement of the right hilum (A, red arrow). Coronal CT confirms the findings (B, red and white arrow), with bronchiectasis and an open RLL bronchus

Fig. 8. 75-year-old man who had TB in his youth. Chest radiographs show aerated collapse of the LUL, demonstrated in the PA view by the small elevated left hilum (A, arrow) and by the anterior displacement of the major fissure in the lateral view (B, arrows). Note that the LUL is well aerated.


Follow Dr. Pepe’s advice:

1. Common manifestations of lobar collapse are loss of volume and increased opacity.

2. Uncommon manifestations of lobar collapse are extreme collapse, drowned lobe, and aerated collapse.

3. These uncommon manifestations are suspected based on secondary signs: hilar and/or fissure displacement and increased lucency of the unaffected lobe(s).

Dr. Pepe Case 140 – Art of interpretation – SOLVED!

~ Dr. Pepe ~ 12 Comments

Dear Friends,

I am presenting today a new “Art of interpretation” case.
Radiographs belong to a 51-year-old with chest pain, dyspnea and D-dimer of 750.

Diagnosis:
1. Pulmonary infarct
2. Pneumonia
3. Chronic pulmonary changes
4. None of the above

What do you see? Come back on Friday to see the answer!

Click here to see the images


Click here to see the answer

Findings: the PA radiograph shows an ill-defined opacity in the right mid-lung field (A, white arrows) which looks intrapulmonary. There is blunting of the right costophrenic angle, indicative of pleural disease (A, red arrow).

The main diagnostic findings are seen in the lateral view. There are oblique posterior pulmonary strands (“crow’s feet”) (B, white arrow) which lead our attention to a posterior vertical white line (B, red arrows), which represents calcified pleura.
A negative finding is the absence of pulmonary disease in the lateral view.

These findings are better seen in the cone down views (C and D, arrows) .

Analysis of findings:
1. Apparent pulmonary disease in the PA radiograph
2. No visible pulmonary disease in the lateral view
3. Blunting of costophrenic angle with calcified posterior pleura
4. Crow’s feet

Summing up the findings: The apparent pulmonary disease in the PA view, which was not seen in the lateral view, together with chronic pleural disease (evidenced by blunting of the costophrenic angle and calcified posterior pleura) are highly suggestive of pleural disease simulating a pulmonary infiltrate.

APPARENT PULMONARY DISEASE IN THE PA RADIOGRAPH, NOT SEEN IN THE LATERAL VIEW + CALCIFIED PLEURA IN THE LATERAL VIEW = CALCIFIED PLEURA SIMULATING PULMONARY DISEASE.

Enhanced axial CT confirms the posterior calcified pleura (A, arrow), the lack of pulmonary infiltrate, and the crow’s feet adjacent to the diseased pleura (B, red arrow).
Crow’s feet are better seen in the coronal and sagittal reconstructions (C and D, red arrows), especially the sagittal view, which is practically identical to the lateral chest radiograph.

Final diagnosis: Pleural calcification simulating pulmonary infiltrate

(My heartfelt thanks to Dr. Eva Castañer for providing the CT images)

Pleural calcifications are not uncommon. Bilateral calcifications are almost always related to asbestos exposure. Unilateral calcifications are usually due to a previous infection or hemorrhage. In any case, when located in the anterior or posterior chest wall they are seen en face in the PA radiograph and may be confused with pulmonary infiltrates, as in the present case. Seen in profile in the lateral view they appear as a calcified line, and the diagnosis is then evident.

Sometimes, the calcified pleura are overlooked. In this particular case we have a useful marker that points our attention to the diseased pleura: the radiologic sign known as crow’s feet which represents subsegmental areas of peripheral fibrosis/atelectasis fixed by the fibrotic pleura. They are likely an early stage of rounded atelectasis. (Personally, I prefer the alternative term sun rays rather than crow’s feet. As a frequent visitor to Minorca, I am more familiar with sun rays than with crows, let alone their feet).

To emphasize the deceitful appearance of pleural calcification, I am showing two more cases.

FIRST CASE

Radiographs belong to a 52-year-old asymptomatic woman. The PA radiograph shows what appears to be a poorly-defined pulmonary infiltrate in the left lung (A, arrow). The lateral view shows two calcified pleural plaques: the posterior one is depicted as a calcified line (B, white arrow), whereas the anterior one is more oblique and simulates a rounded opacity (B, red arrow).

Sagittal CT clearly shows the anterior (C, arrow) and posterior plaques (D, arrow). No pulmonary infiltrates were seen in the lung view (not shown).

SECOND CASE

Preoperative PA chest radiograph in a 57-year-old man. There are several opacities in the left hemithorax that may be pulmonary infiltrates (A, white arrows) accompanied by left diaphragmatic and pleural calcifications (A, red arrows).

In the coronal CT (B) there are no lung abnormalities. Enhanced axial and sagittal CTs depict extensive pleural calcification (C and D, arrows). The apparent pulmonary infiltrates were due to pleural calcifications depicted en face. The patient had a history of TB in his youth.


Dr. Pepe’s teaching points:

1. Pleural disease can simulate pulmonary infiltrates.

2. Crow’s feet can direct our attention to overlooked pleural disease

Dr. Pepe Case 139 – Webinar

~ Dr. Pepe ~ 9 Comments

Dear Friends,

Presenting PA chest radiograph of a 57-year-old woman with dyspnea and  fever.

What would be your diagnosis?
1. Lobar collapse
2. Pneumonia
3. Unilateral pulmonary edema
4. Any of the above

You have one week to post your answers. The correct answer will be given during the webinar of Wednesday 3 at 12:30 P.M.
You can join the webinar here

Click here to see the image

Dr. Pepe’s Diploma Casebook: CASE 138 – MEET THE EXAMINER

~ Dr. Pepe ~ 3 Comments

Dear Friends,

in the aftermath of the European Congress of Radiology a have elected to show a new “Meet the Examiner” presentation, with questions and answers similar to a real examination. You will get the final answer at the end of the presentation.

Take your time before seeking the answer.

This case starts with a preoperative PA chest radiograph of a 52-year-old man. No other information was provided in the request. What do you see?

Click here to see the answer

Findings: PA radiograph shows an obvious convexity of the left paraspinal line (arrow). There is an abnormal opacity in the periphery of the right lung (circle), which may be related to the rib cage.

Click here to obtain more information

After seeing the chest radiograph, we looked into the case further and discovered that the patient was scheduled for biopsy of a collapsed mid-thoracic vertebra, which would explain the bulging of the paraspinal line. Below is the MRI study. What would be your diagnosis?
1. Aggressive hemangioma
2. Metastases
3. Myeloma
4. Any of the above

Click here to see the answer

Findings: The eighth thoracic vertebra is flattened, impinging on the spinal canal. There is a central lesion in D7 and a smaller one in the anterior aspect of D5. (arrows). The findings were interpreted as an aggressive hemangioma at D8 and smaller hemangiomas at C7 and C5. A CT was requested to obtain more information.

Click here to see the CT

Axial, coronal and sagittal CT images are shown. What would be your diagnosis?

1. Aggressive hemangioma
2. Metastases
3. Myeloma
4. Any of the above

Click here to see the answer

Findings: axial CT (A) shows the typical “polka dot” appearance of vertebral hemangioma.
Coronal and sagittal views demonstrate the collapsed vertebra (B and C, white arrows) with a soft-tissue mass (B, red arrow) which explains the finding in the chest radiograph. A punched-out cortical lesion in D5 was overlooked (C, yellow arrow).

Click here to see more studies

In the meantime, we were concerned about the abnormal right peripheral opacity seen in the chest radiograph. Oblique views of the right hemithorax were taken. What do you see?

Click here to see the answer

Findings: the right oblique view shows what appears to be an old rib fracture accompanied by pleural thickening (A, white arrow). A serendipitous finding is the discovery of lytic lesions in the scapula (A, red arrows). The left oblique view also shows a lytic lesion in the right humerus (B, arrow).

The findings in the oblique chest radiographs prompted a review of the spinal CT. Numerous punched-out cortical lesions that had been overlooked were noted (arrows). This discovery suggested widespread malignant bone infiltration. Given that the patient was in good general condition, multiple myeloma was the first diagnostic choice. Vertebral biopsy provided the final diagnosis of myeloma.

Final diagnosis: multiple myeloma invading a vertebral hemangioma

Vertebral hemangioma is the most common vascular lesion of the spine and is present in about 10% of the population. The favored location is the mid-thoracic spine. In this particular patient we suspect that an unrelated multiple myeloma had invaded a previous vertebral hemangioma, causing collapse of the vertebral body. This responds to the concept of locus minoris resistentia, in this context referring to organs or regions that for some reason are more vulnerable than others. In this case, the wide vascular spaces and increased blood supply of the hemangioma may have facilitated implantation of malignant cells.

The typical appearance of coarse trabeculae (polka dot) of the original hemangioma, plus satisfaction of search were the reasons for the initial misdiagnosis of invasive hemangioma. The findings in the plain films of the chest were decisive to reconsider the diagnosis, leading to a review of the cross-sectional studies and the correct diagnosis.


Follow Dr. Pepe’s advice:

1. Remember Dr. Pepe’s words of wisdom (Diploma case 132): Don’t let one abnormal finding keep you from looking for another

2. Sometimes, plain films have an important role in the diagnosis.

Dr. Pepe’s Diploma Casebook: CASE 137 – MEET THE EXAMINER

~ Dr. Pepe ~ 2 Comments

Dear Friends,

since we have the European Congress of Radiology this week, I don’t want to stress you unnecessarily. I have selected a “Meet the Examiner” presentation, with questions and answers similar to a real examination. You will get the final answer at the end of the presentation.

Take your time before seeking the answer. And no peeking!

This case was provided by my friend and co-worker Dr. Lucía Hernandez. The patient is a 39-year-old woman who had a tumorectomy for carcinoma of the right breast in March 2008. In February 2009 she noticed a lump in her right axilla. Breast MRI was performed.

What would be your diagnosis:

1. Necrotic lymph node
2. Metastasis
3. Fibrotic tissue
4. None of the above

Click here to see the images

Click here to see the answer

Findings: The MRI finding was interpreted as an enlarged lymph node in the right axillary area, around 35 mm in diameter and with a necrotic center (A and B, arrows).

Ultrasound exam demonstrated a longitudinal echogenic band of about 40 mm in length, suggestive of postsurgical changes. No adenopathy was found.
Fine-needle biopsy returned nonspecific findings, no signs of malignancy.

In view of these results, no action was taken.

The patient returned yearly for follow-up MRI and US studies, which showed no significant changes from the initial examination.

Ten years later, in January 2019, the patient detected a discrete ulceration in the right axilla and consulted her doctor. A new MRI examination was done.

What do you think?

Click here to see the answer

MRI showed a slight increase in the size of the lesion from 35 mm maximum diameter in 2009 (A, arrow) to 40 mm in 2019 (B, arrow). US showed no changes in comparison with previous studies. PET-CT study was ordered.

Click here to see the PET-CT

What do you see?

Click here to see the answer

The study was interpreted as a rounded axillary image with low peripheral uptake (SUV 4) (A-C, arrows). The high-density linear opacity in the center was overlooked (B, yellow arrow).

Click here to see more studies

At this stage of the game, all imaging studies were reviewed, including the chest radiographs.

Below are postoperative chest radiographs taken in March 2009. What do you see?

Click here to see the answer

Chest radiographs show a radio-opaque marker in the right axilla (A and B, arrows). The appearance is typical of a retained surgical gauze.

The findings are better seen in the cone down views (C and D, arrows). A cone down view of the axilla with the arm outstretched taken in 2019 clearly shows the axillary mass (E, black arrows) and the radio-opaque marked gauze within (E, red arrow).

Enhanced axial CT also shows the typical appearance of encapsulated surgical gauze (A and B, white arrows), with the radio-opaque marker inside (A and B, red arrows). Confirmed at surgery.

Final diagnosis: Retained surgical gauze in the right axilla

Retained surgical gauzes are occasionally seen in abdominal surgery, but are less common in the chest. I have encountered only one other case (See Fig. 1, below). Nonetheless, they are easily identified by their radio-opaque markers. Early detection of this material avoids unnecessary examinations and prevents future complications, as occurred in the patient presented.

As a chest radiologist, it makes me proud that proper reading of a chest radiograph achieved a diagnosis that prompted 2 biopsies, 9 MRI, 9 sonographies, and 1 PET-CT over 10 years.
It is interesting to note that a normal gauze count does not exclude the possibility of a retained gauze. In one series, the count was reported as correct in 22 of 29 patients (76%) with retained gauzes in the abdomen (Kaiser CW, Friedman S, Spurling KP, Slowick T, Kaiser HA. The retained surgical sponge. Ann Surg 1996;224:79–84).

Fig. 1. 58-year-old man with fever after cardiac surgery. PA radiograph was unremarkable. Lateral view shows a radio-opaque marker in the posterior heart shadow (A, arrow), better depicted in the cone down view (B, arrow), with the typical appearance of a retained gauze. CT confirms the presence of the gauze in the pericardial cavity (C, arrow). Proved at surgery.


Follow Dr. Pepe’s advice:

1. Retained surgical gauzes are easily identified by their radio-opaque markers.

2. Early discovery prevents complications and unnecessary examinations.

Dr. Pepe’s Diploma Casebook: The art of interpretation: CASE 134 – SOLVED

~ Dr. Pepe ~ 12 Comments

Dear Friends,

I would like to start 2019 with a new section, called “The art of interpretation”.

Interpreting the chest radiograph is becoming a lost art and I would like to help you improve your skills in this area. With this in mind, I plan to show radiographs with interesting findings and analyze the steps that will lead to a correct evaluation of these findings.

That said, here is the first case: the chest radiographs of a 50-year-old man with liver cirrhosis and bloody vomiting.

What do you see and what would your diagnosis be?

Check the images and come back on Friday to see the answer!

Continue reading “Dr. Pepe’s Diploma Casebook: The art of interpretation: CASE 134 – SOLVED” →

New Webinar Prof. Cáceres! Tuesday 18 December – SOLVED

~ Dr. Pepe ~ 16 Comments

Dear Friends,

Today I am presenting chest radiographs of a 66-year-old man with cough and low-grade fever.
What would be your diagnosis?

1. Pleural effusion
2. Lobar collapse
3. Pneumonia
4. Any of the above

You have one week to post your answers. The correct answer will be given during the webinar of Tuesday 18 at 12:30 P.M.
You can join the webinar here

Continue reading “New Webinar Prof. Cáceres! Tuesday 18 December – SOLVED” →

Dr. Pepe’s Diploma Casebook: The wisdom of Dr. Pepe: CASE 132 – SOLVED

~ Dr. Pepe ~ 8 Comments

Dear Friends,

I would like to start a new section entitled “The wisdom of Dr. Pepe”. I like aphorisms and in this section I would present an aphorism that will summarise the teaching point of the cases presented.

Today I want to show two different cases. Radiographs of Case 1 belong to 86-year-old woman with chest pain. Pulmonary abnormalities are unchanged in comparison with a  radiograph taken one year earlier.

Check the images below, leave your thoughts in the comments section. We will publish new images on Wednesday and the answer on Friday!

Click here for the see the images for CASE 1

Diagnosis.
1. TB granulomas
2. Bronchioalveolar carcinoma
3. Amyloid nodules
4. None of the above

Click here for the answer for CASE 1

CASE 1

PA radiograph show widening of the left mediastinum caused by an elongated aorta (A, arrow). The right mediastinum is also widened, going all the way up to the neck (A, red arrows) with a visible air-fluid level at the top (A, yellow arrow). The appearance is typical of a dilated esophagus. The lateral view shows similar findings, with the trachea pushed forward by the dilated esophagus (B, red arrows) and a posterior double contour which represents the descending aorta (B, arrow).
Small pulmonary nodules are visible in both lungs.

Axial CT confirms the marked dilatation of esophagus (C, arrow) and the pulmonary nodules. There are also enlarged lymph nodes in the mediastinum (D, arrows).
The combination of dilated esophagus and pulmonary nodules suggests two possible etiologies: carcinoma of distal esophagus with metastases or achalasia with aspiration. In this particular case, the pulmonary lesions did not change for two years, which exclude metastases and points to post-aspiration granulomas. It is well known the relationship of achalasia with pulmonary infection by atypical Mycobacteria.

Final diagnosis: achalasia (surgically proved) with pulmonary aspiration, possibly atypical TB granulomas (unproven).

Radiographs of Case 2 belong to a 23-year-old woman with cough and low-grade fever.

Click here for the see the images for CASE 2


Dear friends,

Showing CT images of the chest. Do they help you?

Click here for the see the more images for CASE2

Diagnosis:
1. Tuberculosis
2. Chronic aspiration
3. Lymphoma
4. None of the above

Click here for the answer for CASE 2

CASE 2

PA and lateral chest show non-specific air-space disease in the right lower lobe (A-B, arrows). In addition, there is marked widening of the right paratracheal line (A, red arrow) suggestive of mediastinal lymphadenopathy.

Axial CT with lung window shows air-space disease in the RLL. The appearance is non-specific and there is no stretching of the bronchi (leafless tree) which, when seen, is typical of lymphoma.
Enhanced axial CT confirms enlarged lymph nodes in several locations. All of them have hypodense centers (D-F, arrows). Lymph nodes with hypodense center may occur in several processes (treated tumors, Whipple’s, etc.), but in the appropriate clinical situation, the first diagnostic consideration should always be tuberculosis. Although TB usually affects upper lobes, involvement of lower lobes can occur.

Final diagnosis: tuberculosis of RLL with widespread mediastinal adenopathy.

Congratulations to Olena and MK for their participation and correct diagnosis.

I am showing these cases to emphasize the importance of examining carefully the radiographic images. Aside from having the same etiology (TB), both cases have multiple findings and the sum of all of them are the clue to the right diagnosis.
 
In satisfaction of search, findings are missed because we don’t search for additional abnormalities after the first one is found. When there are multiple findings, additional ones are discovered less than 50% of the time.
 
So, once again, try to avoid satisfaction of search. Remember that it accounts for approximately 22% of our errors.


Follow Dr. Pepe’s advice:

Don’t let one abnormal finding keep you from looking for another.