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Giuseppe Brancatelli

Publications and source records attributed to Giuseppe Brancatelli.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Cirrhosis: CT and MR imaging evaluation.

In this article, we present the CT and MR imaging characteristics of the cirrhotic liver. We describe the altered liver morphology in different forms of viral, alcoholic and autoimmune end-stage liver disease. We present the spectrum of imaging findings in portal hypertension, such as splenomegaly, ascites and varices. We describe the patchy and lacelike patterns of fibrosis, along with the focal confluent form. The process of hepatocarcinogenesis is detailed, from regenerative to dysplastic nodules to overt hepatocellular carcinoma. Different types of non-neoplastic focal liver lesions occurring in the cirrhotic liver are discussed, including arterially enhancing nodules, hemangiomas and peribiliary cysts. We show different conditions causing liver morphology changes that can mimic cirrhosis, such as congenital hepatic fibrosis, "pseudo-cirrhosis" due to breast metastases treated with chemotherapy, Budd-Chiari syndrome, sarcoidosis and cavernous transformation of the portal vein.

Humans↗
PubMed2006

Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma before liver transplantation: a prospective study with histopathologic comparison.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to determine the feasibility and efficacy of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma waiting for liver transplantation and to compare the radiologic and pathologic findings. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients with 35 hepatocellular carcinomas were addressed for transplantation. Complications of the procedures were recorded. Primary and secondary technique effectiveness and causes of exclusion from the waiting list were assessed. After transplantation, tumor recurrence was evaluated for at least 1 year in all patients. Radiologic-pathologic comparison of the explant was performed. RESULTS: Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation was performed in 21 (81%) patients for 28 tumors. Both minor and major complications occurred in three patients (10% each per session). The rates of primary technique effectiveness, secondary technique effectiveness for percutaneous radiofrequency ablation alone (seven tumors), and combined percutaneous radiofrequency ablation and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (three tumors) were 56%, 76%, and 86%, respectively. After a mean follow-up of 11.9 months, 16 patients (76%) received transplants, whereas five patients were excluded from the waiting list because of distant tumor progression (n =3, 14%) or other causes (n = 2, 10%). After transplantation, tumor recurred in one (6%) of 16 patients. Histopathologic examinations were performed for 13 (81%) of 16 patients and showed complete necrosis and satellite nodules in, respectively, 12 (75%) and seven (44%) of 16 tumors. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation can be performed on hepatocellular carcinoma patients waiting for transplantation, allows most patients to undergo transplantation, and does not impair posttransplantation outcomes. The procedure produces complete necrosis of the treated tumor in most cases but is associated with a high rate of satellite nodules.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗
PubMed2006

Peliosis hepatis: spectrum of imaging findings.

OBJECTIVE: It is important to recognize the imaging characteristics of peliosis hepatis because peliotic lesions may mimic several different types of focal hepatic lesions CONCLUSION: We illustrate the spectrum of imaging findings of peliosis hepatis, including sonography, CT, MR, and angiography.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Ultrasonic evaluation with second harmonic imaging and SonoVue in the assessment of cerebral perfusion in diabetic patients: a case-control study.

The purpose was to compare human brain tissue perfusion in diabetic patients and healthy subjects with second harmonic imaging ultrasound and SonoVue to test the hypothesis that brain tissue perfusion differences are present in these two groups of patients. In a prospective case-control study, second harmonic examinations performed in 20 patients with type II diabetes mellitus and in 20 matched control patients were compared. After administration of 2.5 ml of SonoVue, 60 time-triggered images were recorded. Time-intensity curves, including peak intensity and positive gradient normalized to the middle cerebral artery, were calculated to quantify ultrasound intensity in a region of interest. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used to reveal any differences between healthy and diabetic subjects. Mean peak intensity was 0.64+/-0.1 Au in healthy subjects and 0.53+/-0.09 Au in diabetic patients. Mean positive gradient was 0.04+/-0.007 Au/s in healthy subjects and 0.04+/-0.008 Au/s in diabetic patients. Peak intensity and positive gradient were significantly lower in diabetic patients than in healthy subjects (P<0.05). Ultrasound examination with second harmonic imaging and SonoVue administration is able to detect clinically silent, reduced cerebral perfusion in type II diabetic patients. Diabetic patients have reduced cerebral perfusion in comparison to healthy subjects.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Congenital hepatic fibrosis: CT findings in 18 adults.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the computed tomographic (CT) findings in adult patients with pathologically proved congenital hepatic fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective review of congenital hepatic fibrosis cases identified at two institutions over the course of 8 years. Eight men and 10 women with an age range of 22-72 years (mean age, 39 years) were included. Contrast material-enhanced and unenhanced CT scans were obtained through the liver in all patients. Two radiologists evaluated size of and morphologic findings (atrophy or hypertrophy localized according to hepatic segments) in the liver; increased diameter or number of hepatic arteries at the hilum; presence of hepatic nodules, varices, spontaneous splenorenal shunts, and splenomegaly; and association with other hepatic ductal plate malformations and renal abnormalities. RESULTS: Sixteen patients had morphologic abnormalities in the liver, 15 had splenomegaly (three underwent splenectomy for portal hypertension), and 14 had varices or spontaneous splenorenal shunts. An enlarged hepatic artery and a tangle of abnormally enlarged arterial vessels were identified in five and four patients, respectively, and four of these nine patients had large benign regenerative nodules. Ten patients had renal abnormalities and nine had an associated ductal plate malformation. CONCLUSION: This retrospective study shows that certain findings (ie, liver morphologic and associated ductal plate abnormalities, varices, splenomegaly, and renal abnormalities) are frequently observed in combination in patients with congenital hepatic fibrosis.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Computed tomographic imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma.

The ability of x-ray computed tomography (CT) to detect and characterize liver lesions has been one of the most studied issues in radiology during the past 20 years. Technological advances, combined with increased knowledge about the pathophysiological characteristics of these tumors, have dramatically increased the ability to detect and characterize large hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). Nonetheless, detection and characterization of early and small HCC lesions remains a difficult task. We review the imaging appearances of HCC on CT and discuss the sensitivity and specificity of computed tomographic imaging in screening patients with cirrhosis for HCC.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗
PubMed2003

Prevalence of hepatic hemangioma in patients with focal nodular hyperplasia: MR imaging analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of hepatic hemangioma in a large population of patients with focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) and to determine if the prevalence is higher than that in patients with other hepatic masses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over a period of 40 months, 247 patients with one or more hepatic masses underwent magnetic resonance (MR) imaging at our institution and met the inclusion criteria for this study. One hundred forty-eight patients received a diagnosis of FNH (study group). Ninety-nine patients had a lesion other than FNH and had no history of chronic liver disease (control group). Imaging findings of the main lesion and presence of associated hemangioma were investigated. chi2 analysis was used to determine if there was a statistically significant difference in the two groups regarding the number of patients with associated masses. RESULTS: Twenty-nine of 148 patients (20%) in the study group had FNH with one or more associated hepatic hemangiomas. Among the 99 patients in the control group, nine (9%) had an associated hemangioma. The prevalence of hemangioma was significantly higher (P <.02) in the study group than in the control group. The prevalence of hemangioma in patients with a solitary FNH lesion compared with that in patients with multiple FNH lesions was not significantly different. CONCLUSION: Patients with FNH are more likely to have an associated hepatic hemangioma than are those with another type of focal hepatic mass.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Telangiectatic focal nodular hyperplasia: US, CT, and MR imaging findings with histopathologic correlation in 13 cases.

PURPOSE: To review the ultrasonographic (US), computed tomographic (CT), and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings in 13 patients with telangiectatic focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) and to compare imaging features with histopathologic results from resected specimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: US, helical multiphasic CT, and MR images in 13 patients with pathologically proven telangiectatic FNH were reviewed retrospectively. Two abdominal radiologists evaluated lesions for number, size, heterogeneity, surface characteristics, presence of a central scar, presence of a pseudocapsule, US appearance, attenuation at CT, signal intensity at MR imaging, and presence of associated lesions. Imaging and pathologic findings were compared. RESULTS: Sixty-one lesions (5-140 mm in diameter) were seen at imaging. Lesions were multiple in eight of 13 (62%) patients. Imaging characteristics were heterogeneity in 26 of 61 lesions (43%), well-defined margins in 43 of 61 (70%), lack of a central scar in 56 of 61 (92%), presence of a pseudocapsule in three of 61 (5%), hyperintensity on T1-weighted MR images in 17 of 32 (53%), strong hyperintensity on T2-weighted MR images in 24 of 54 (44%), and persistent enhancement on delayed contrast material-enhanced CT or T1-weighted MR images in 23 of 38 (61%). No specific US pattern was noted. Two patients had additional lesions: One had classic FNH, and the other had a cavernous hemangioma. Hyperintensity on T1-weighted MR images was due to sinusoidal dilatation. Hyperintensity on T2-weighted MR images correlated well with the presence of inflammation. CONCLUSION: Telangiectatic FNH differs from typical FNH at imaging: Atypical FNH features often observed with telangiectatic FNH are lack of a central scar, lesion heterogeneity, hyperintensity on T1-weighted MR images, strong hyperintensity on T2-weighted MR images, and persistent contrast enhancement on delayed contrast-enhanced CT or T1-weighted MR images.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Prevalence effect in a laboratory environment.

PURPOSE: To measure observer performance at various levels of prevalence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multiobserver multiabnormality receiver operating characteristic (ROC) study to assess the effect of prevalence on observer performance was conducted. Fourteen observers, including eight faculty members, two fellows, and four residents, interpreted 1,632 posteroanterior chest images with five prevalence levels by using a nested study design. Performance comparisons were accomplished by using a multireader multicase approach to assess the effect of prevalence from 28% (69 of 249) to 2% (31 of 1,577) on diagnostic accuracy. The mean times required to review and report a case were analyzed and compared for different levels of prevalence and readers' experience. RESULTS: Area under the ROC curve demonstrated that, with the study experimental conditions, no significant effect could be measured as a function of prevalence (P >.05) for any abnormality, group of cases, or readers. There were no significant differences (P >.05) in the mean times required to review and report cases at different prevalence levels and with different groups of readers. CONCLUSION: The consistency in the results and the size of this study suggest that with laboratory conditions, if a prevalence effect exists, it is quite small in magnitude; hence, it will not likely alter conclusions derived from such studies.

Laboratories↗
PubMed2003

Discrimination of unilocular macrocystic serous cystadenoma from pancreatic pseudocyst and mucinous cystadenoma with CT: initial observations.

PURPOSE: To compare the computed tomographic (CT) appearance of pancreatic unilocular macrocystic serous cystadenoma, mucinous cystadenoma, and pseudocyst to determine if there are findings that assist in the differential diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT findings in 33 patients (24 women, nine men; age range, 18-84 years; mean age, 41 years) with unilocular pancreatic lesions (macrocystic serous cystadenoma, n = 12; mucinous cystadenoma, n = 11; pseudocyst, n = 10) were retrospectively and jointly reviewed by two blinded observers. Twenty-three patients underwent helical CT, which included pancreatic and portal venous phase imaging with delays of 40 seconds and 65 seconds, respectively, after contrast material injection. Ten patients underwent conventional (nonhelical) CT. The number, size, location, and contour of lesions were reviewed, along with wall thickness and enhancement and other signs of pancreatic and peripancreatic involvement. Diagnosis was based on lesion resection (n = 22) or on a combination of cytologic findings, biochemical markers, and tumor markers (n = 11). The Fisher exact test was used to analyze the results. RESULTS: Three of four CT findings were independently specific for macrocystic serous cystadenoma: location in the pancreatic head, lobulated contour, and absence of wall enhancement. When two of these four criteria were used in combination, 83% (10 of 12) of patients with unilocular macrocystic serous cystadenoma were identified. When three or four of these criteria were used, a specificity of 100% was achieved. Location in the pancreatic head (P <.05), lobulated contour (P <.005), and lack of wall enhancement (P <.005) were specific for macrocystic serous cystadenoma in comparison with mucinous cystic tumor. Lobulated contours (P <.005) were specific for macrocystic serous cystadenoma in comparison with pseudocyst. Other CT findings were not helpful in distinguishing between the three types of lesions. CONCLUSION: A combination of CT findings is helpful in making the diagnosis of pancreatic unilocular macrocystic serous cystadenoma.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Helical CT screening for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis: frequency and causes of false-positive interpretation.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to determine the specificity of helical CT for depiction of hepatocellular carcinoma in a population of patients with cirrhosis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Single-detector helical CT screening was undertaken in 1329 patients with cirrhosis who were referred for transplantation. The patients underwent one or more helical CT examinations over 30 months and were followed up for an additional 19 months or until transplantation. We predominantly used unenhanced and biphasic contrast-enhanced techniques with infusions of 2.5-5.0 mL/sec. Four hundred thirty patients underwent transplantation within this period. Liver specimens were sectioned at 1-cm intervals, with direct comparison of imaging and pathologic findings and histologic confirmations of all lesions. Prospective preoperative helical CT reports were used for the primary data analysis. A retrospective unblinded review was undertaken to determine characteristics of false-positive lesions diagnosed as hepatocellular carcinoma. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients (8%) had false-positive diagnoses for hepatocellular carcinoma based on helical CT. Twenty of these patients (5%) showed hypoattenuating lesions seen during one of the three helical CT examination phases. Fifteen patients (3%) had hyperattenuating lesions seen during the arterial phase. Among the 15 hyperattenuating lesions, CT revealed the causes to be transient benign hepatic enhancement (n = 3), hemangiomas (n = 2), fibrosis (n = 2), peliosis (n = 1), volume averaging (n = 1), low-grade dysplastic nodule (n = 1), or undetermined (n = 5). Of the 20 hypoattenuating lesions, the causes were shown to be fibrosis (n = 8), focal fat (n = 4), infarcted regenerative nodules (n = 2), regenerative nodules (n = 1), fluid trapped at the dome of the liver (n = 1), hemangioma (n = 1), or undetermined (n = 3). Follow-up helical CT in 13 (72%) of 18 patients allowed a change in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma to a finding of no cancer present. CONCLUSION: Helical CT screening for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis has a substantial false-positive detection rate. Although most of lesions were hypoattenuating, a few hyperenhancing arterial phase lesions were proven not to be hepatocellular carcinoma. An awareness of imaging characteristics and follow-up imaging can help radiologists avoid a mistaken diagnosis in many patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Multidetector CT arteriography with volumetric three-dimensional rendering to evaluate patients with metastatic colorectal disease for placement of a floxuridine infusion pump.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the usefulness of multidetector CT (MDCT) arteriography with volumetric three-dimensional (3D) rendering to depict the hepatic vascular anatomy. Our study population was patients who had undergone arterial mapping in preparation for placement of a hepatic arterial floxuridine infusion pump for treatment of metastatic hepatic colorectal carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 26 patients with hepatic colorectal metastases who had been scheduled for implantation of a hepatic artery pump. Before surgery, all patients underwent MDCT arteriography with volumetric 3D rendering of the hepatic vessels. The axial and 3D arteriograms were evaluated for their usefulness in depicting hepatic arterial anatomy. Subsequently, three patients also underwent catheter angiography. Twenty-two of the 26 patients imaged had a hepatic artery floxuridine infusion pump implanted. Results of the CT arteriography were correlated with findings at surgery or on catheter angiography if surgery was not performed. RESULTS: MDCT arteriography correctly revealed hepatic arterial anatomy in all 25 patients with angiographic or surgical confirmation. One patient with aberrant hepatic arterial anatomy did not have angiographic or surgical confirmation. Classic hepatic arterial anatomy was identified in 16 (64%) of 25 patients. The following hepatic arterial variants were found in one patient each: the common hepatic artery arising directly from the aorta; a replaced left hepatic artery; an accessory right hepatic artery; a replaced left hepatic artery and accessory right hepatic artery; a replaced right hepatic artery; a right hepatic arterial branch arising early (before the origin of the gastroduodenal artery); and replaced right and left hepatic arteries. Three patients were not suitable candidates for placement of a hepatic artery floxuridine pump. The patient who had no angiographic or surgical confirmation was also not considered a good surgical candidate because of replaced right and left hepatic arteries. Two patients (8%) had an accessory left hepatic artery. CONCLUSION: MDCT arteriography with volumetric 3D rendering is an accurate, noninvasive method of depicting hepatic arterial anatomy and, therefore, of selecting patients with colorectal metastatic disease who could benefit from hepatic artery pump implantation. Catheter angiography provides no additional information, and we have eliminated it as a routine preoperative imaging examination.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

Three-dimensional multislice helical computed tomography with the volume rendering technique in the detection of vascular complications after liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic artery stenosis and thrombosis are common complications in liver transplant patients. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) has served as the gold standard to make this diagnosis. More recently, three-dimensional helical computed tomographic arteriography (3D CTA) with maximum intensity projection and shaded surface display techniques has been compared with DSA. The purpose of this study was to determine whether 3D CTA with the volume rendering technique is a useful and accurate tool in the detection of vascular complications after liver transplantation. METHODS: Thirty-five consecutive liver transplant patients underwent 3D CTA with volume rendering technique. The standard of reference was DSA for 20 patients and imaging and clinical follow-up for 15 patients. Two blinded reviewers evaluated the axial and 3D CTA images in consensus. RESULTS: 3D CTA with volume rendering technique detected 10 hepatic artery stenoses, six hepatic artery thromboses, two hepatic artery pseudoaneurysms, two splenic artery aneurysms, two portal vein stenoses, and four redundant hepatic arteries. In one case computed tomography (CT) detected a moderate hepatic artery stenosis, while conventional angiography showed a normal artery. The sensitivity of CT for detecting vascular lesions was 100%, specificity was 89% (8 of 9), accuracy was 95% (19 of 20), positive predictive value was 92% (11 of 12), and negative predictive value was 100% (8 of 8). CONCLUSIONS: 3D CTA is a useful and accurate noninvasive technique for detection of vascular complications in liver transplant patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Hepatocellular carcinoma in noncirrhotic liver: CT, clinical, and pathologic findings in 39 U.S. residents.

PURPOSE: To review clinical, pathologic, and computed tomographic (CT) findings in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in noncirrhotic liver. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical, pathologic, and imaging findings were retrospectively evaluated in 39 patients with HCC in noncirrhotic liver. Helical multiphasic CT scans obtained with 125 mL of contrast medium at a rate of 4 or 5 mL/sec were reviewed for morphologic features such as tumor size, margins, and hemorrhage and degree of enhancement. RESULTS: All patients (25 men, 14 women; mean age, 61 years) were U.S. residents; none had an Asian surname. Twenty-four patients (62%) had no identifiable risk factors; 34 (87%) were symptomatic. HCC was proved and cirrhosis excluded with biopsy in all cases. HCC was moderately (n = 32) or well (n = 6) differentiated in 97% of cases and poorly differentiated in one. Serum alpha-fetoprotein level was elevated in 26 patients. Large tumors (mean diameter, 12.4 cm) were depicted at CT in all cases. Thirty-two patients had a solitary or dominant mass. At CT, tumor margins were well defined in 21 patients, with a lobulated surface in 33. Calcifications were depicted in 11, hemorrhage in 10, fat in four, dilated intrahepatic bile ducts in 17, and abdominal lymphadenopathy in eight. In 38 patients, tumors were heterogeneous with areas of necrosis. HCC was hypoattenuating on nonenhanced images in 34, heterogeneously hyperattenuating at arterial phase in 38, and hypoattenuating at portal phase in 35 patients. CONCLUSION: HCC developed in the absence of cirrhosis or known risk factors and typically appeared as a large symptomatic hepatic tumor with clinical, laboratory, and CT features that distinguish it from most other hepatic masses.

Adult↗