Optical CT mammography

This is a new imaging technology using laser computed-tomography (CT) to aid in the detection and management of breast cancer. CT laser mammography is designed to be used in conjunction with mammography. It reveals information about blood distribution in the breast and may visualize the process of angiogenesis, which usually accompanies tumor growth.

Reference- Medical Imaging International

Thomas Guide

Did you know that there is an intentional mistake on every page of the Thomas Guide Maps that only the Rand McNally and Thomas Guide company knows about? They place this intentional mistake on each page as a copyright. The fake roads are all reported to be less than a block, and are typically named to resemble the surrounding streets in the area.

ABBA

Another Did You Know! Did you know that musical powerhouse ABBA, the Swedish group that broke up in 1983, turned down an offer of $1 BILLION to reunite in 2003?

If you've never had the opportunity to see an ABBA music video, check these out! The videos are horrible, but their music is the best!

Bananas

Last post of the day..... Mike Seaver (Kirk Cameron) has become a believer in god after being a "long time atheist". This is a clip of Kirk Cameron sitting with his "partner in christ", proving the existence of god with an "atheist's worst nightmare". It's only a minute long, but you'll be able to make about a thousand jokes comparing it to gay porn.



And if you have a lot of time on your hands, you can find a debate on Nightline with Kirk Cameron and his 'partner in christ', and two atheists.

New York Bar

Brady's Bar in New York is changing their name to support their recent Super Bowl MVP.

Cavum velum interpositum

Findings

There is a fluid density structure between the bodies of the lateral ventricles. The septum pellucidum is intact. This structure splays the fornices laterally.

Differential Diagnosis:
- Cavum velum interpositum (CVI)
- Cavum septum pellucidum (CSP)
- Cavum vergae (CV)
- Arachnoid cyst
- Epidermoid cyst


Diagnosis: Cavum velum interpositum


Key points

CVI is a cystic dilation of the cistern of the velum interpositum (usually a potential space)
M=F, prevalence decreases with age.
Not associated with other anomalies if found prenatally.
Usually incidentally detected. Rarely, large ones may cause obstructive hydrocephalus.
On axial images, it is a triangular shaped CSF collection between the bodies of the lateral ventricles that is below the fornices. It contains the internal cerebral veins.
Does not extend anterior to the foramina of Monro. (Distinguishes from CSP and CV).
On MR, no contrast enhancement, follows CSF on all sequences, suppresses on FLAIR and no diffusion restriction (distinguishes from epidermoid cyst).
May be indistinguishable from arachnoid cyst.
Usually no treatment needed unless symptomatic. In these cases, may be fenestrated or shunted.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma

Findings

Incidental finding on follow-up MR examination: In the left lower lobe of the thyroid, there is a hyperintense lesion on T2 STIR which was not seen on the previous exam. Ultrasound shows an irregular heterogeneous spiculated mass in the gland.

Differential Diagnosis:
- Adenoma 5-10% of nodules
- Colloid nodule
- Neoplasm
Papillary 75%
Follicular 10%
Medullary 5%
Anaplastic <5%
Hürthle cell
Metastasis (renal cell, lung, breast)


Diagnosis: Papillary thyroid carcinoma, biopsy proven


Key Points

Papillary cell is most common thyroid malignancy.
75% of thyroid malignancy.
Treated with subtotal thyroidectomy and I-131 ablation.
Typically age less than 40.
90-95% survival at 20 years.
Distant mets rare.
Local lymph node involvement does not effect prognosis.
Ultrasound is very sensitive for nodules but is not specific.

Benign US feature
- Cysts
- Solid nodule with significant cystic component
- Hyperechoic
- Peripheral hypoechoic halo
- Well defined margin
- Peripheral egg shell calcification
- Multiplicity

Suspicious US features.
- Single, solid nodule without a cystic component
- Hypoechoic
- Micro calcifications: Can be confused with inspissated colloid
- Thick peripheral halo
- Associated enlarged lymph nodes

Thyroid is very radiosensitive. As little as 10cGy may cause excess cancers.
Linear dose response curve with no evidence of a threshold at low doses.
Radiation causes an increase in all types and sizes of nodules.