Biomedical subjects

Laura W Bancroft

Publications and source records attributed to Laura W Bancroft.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Benign fatty tumors: classification, clinical course, imaging appearance, and treatment.

Lipoma is the most common soft-tissue tumor, with a wide spectrum of clinical presentations and imaging appearances. Several subtypes are described, ranging from lesions entirely composed of mature adipose tissue to tumors intimately associated with nonadipose tissue, to those composed of brown fat. The imaging appearance of these fatty masses is frequently sufficiently characteristic to allow a specific diagnosis. However, in other cases, although a specific diagnosis is not achievable, a meaningful limited differential diagnosis can be established. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the spectrum of benign fatty tumors highlighting the current classification system, clinical presentation and behavior, spectrum of imaging appearances, and treatment. The imaging review emphasizes computed tomography (CT) scanning and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, differentiating radiologic features.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

PubMed2006

Injuries of the fingers and thumb in the athlete.

Injuries of the fingers and thumb in the athlete are common. Mallet finger, jersey finger, boutonniere deformity, Bennett and Rolando fractures, and gamekeeper's thumb are just a few of the injuries that can occur in athletes. A thorough understanding of the mechanism of injury, osseous and soft tissue abnormalities, imaging features, and treatment is important in the care of athletes. Prompt and accurate diagnosis is important and may help minimize outcomes of malunion, posttraumatic arthritis, and debility.

Athletic Injuries↗

PubMed2006

Bone graft materials and synthetic substitutes.

Bone graft materials quickly are becoming a vital tool in reconstructive orthopedic surgery and demonstrate considerable variability in their imaging appearance. Functions of bone graft materials include promoting osseous ingrowth and bone healing, providing a structural substrate for these processes, and serving as a vehicle for direct antibiotic delivery. The three primary types of bone graft materials are allografts, autografts, and synthetic bone graft substitutes.

Biocompatible Materials↗

PubMed2006

Postoperative imaging of the shoulder.

The management of the postoperative shoulder has improved, in part because of advances in imaging techniques. As disability and pain may occur or persist after shoulder surgery, it is imperative that clinicians have a detailed anatomic delineation before further treatment. Variations in surgical techniques, surgical distortion of native anatomy, and metallic artifacts decrease the accuracy of postoperative imaging. Pitfalls may be avoided with knowledge of postoperative alterations of the rotator cuff, labrum and capsule.

Arthrography↗

PubMed2006

MRI appearance of myocutaneous flaps commonly used in orthopedic reconstructive surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to describe the MRI appearance of myocutaneous flaps and to determine whether postoperative radiation therapy affects imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 30 myocutaneous flaps in 27 patients (n = 165 examinations; mean, 6.1 examinations per patient). Examinations were analyzed for flap type, location, degree of atrophy, signal intensity, and enhancement. RESULTS: Sixty-three percent (19/30) of the flaps developed high T1-weighted signal (mean, 15 months); 83% (25/30) developed high T2-weighted signal (mean, 10 months). This occurred sooner in those patients with postoperative radiation therapy (9 vs 12 months). T2-weighted signal returned to baseline in 32% (8/25) of the flaps (mean, 21 months); this occurred sooner in flaps not exposed to postoperative radiation (10 months vs 38 months). Seventy-one percent (20/28) of the flaps enhanced greater than the background musculature. Enhancement was seen more frequently in patients treated with postoperative radiation therapy than those not treated with radiation (83% vs 63%). All flaps atrophied; however, the two functional latissimus dorsi flaps atrophied less. Although increased T2-weighted signal and enhancement were seen in flaps after postoperative radiation therapy as compared with those without, this was not significant (p = 0.35 and p = 0.40, respectively). CONCLUSION: Myocutaneous flaps used in orthopedic reconstructive surgery typically show increased signal intensity on T2-weighted images and contrast enhancement initially, followed by some degree of atrophy and increased signal intensity on T1-weighted images. Postoperative radiation therapy may increase the likelihood that the flap will exhibit increased T2-weighted signal and enhancement.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Principles of tumor imaging.

Tumors involving the upper extremity are not uncommon. Although there is a wide variety of lesions that may occur in the hand and wrist, there are certain lesions which have a predilection for this location. This chapter will highlight the spectrum of imaging modalities available for the evaluation of upper extremity tumors, providing imaging guidelines for optimum selection of radiological examinations. It presents an overview of imaging of the hand and wrist, emphasizing the fundamental principles inherent to tumor imaging. Modalities reviewed include nuclear scintigraphy, positron emission tomography, sonography, computed tomography, arteriography, magnetic resonance imaging, and magnetic resonance angiography.

Bone Neoplasms↗

PubMed2005

MR imaging of tumors and tumor-like lesions of the hip.

In conclusion, a wide variety of tumors and tumor-like conditions have a predilection for the hip. The imaging evaluation of these lesions begins with radiographs. Radiographs can depict the extent of disease; any characteristic calcifications; and osseous changes, such as remodeling,periosteal reaction, or destruction. MR imaging has emerged as the preferred imaging modality of choice for evaluating osseous and soft tissue masses of the hip by providing information for diagnosis and staging. The MR imaging signal characteristics and enhancement patterns of malignant and benign hip tumors permit specific diagnoses in some cases. Synovial-based tumor-like processes of the hip can be characterized by MR signal characteristics, such as the hemosiderin within PVNS or the cartilage within synovial chondromatosis. Finally, MR imaging can serve to exclude underlying osseous or soft tissue tumors when radiographs display aggressive features of tumor-like processes.

Bone Neoplasms↗

PubMed2004

Principles of bone and soft tissue imaging.

Tumors involving the upper extremity are common. Although there are a wide variety of lesions that may occur in the hand and wrist, certain lesions have a predilection for this location. This article highlights the spectrum of imaging modalities available for the evaluation of upper extremity tumors, providing guidelines for optimum selection of radiologic examinations while emphasizing the fundamental principles inherent to tumor imaging.

Bone Neoplasms↗

PubMed2004

Benign and malignant cartilage tumors of the hand.

Primary bone tumors of the hand and wrist are unusual but if present are frequently chondrogenic in origin. Enchondroma is the most common primary bone tumor of the hand and can be treated by curettage and bone grafting. Chondrosarcoma is rare and most likely the result of malignant degeneration of a pre-existing lesion. Wide en bloc resection is appropriate for chondrosarcoma and typically involves ray resection or partial hand amputation.

Bone Neoplasms↗

PubMed2004

Cysts, geodes, and erosions.

Subchondral cystic lesions are common features that are associated with many arthropathies and synovial-based processes. Although not comprehensive in scope, this article correlated the pathophysiology and imaging features of several of these disorders to better understand the associated subchondral lucencies. The imaging features of these subchondral cystic lesions were described in each process, and, in some cases, demonstrated overlapping features. By becoming familiar with the disease processes and recognizing the imaging appearances and associated clinical findings, the radiologist will be better able to differentiate these benign entities from more aggressive processes, such as tumor. Subchondral cystic lesions are common features that are associated with many arthropathies and synovial-based processes. Although not comprehensive in scope, this article correlated the pathophysiology and imaging features of several of these disorders to better understand the associated subchondral lucencies. The imaging features of these subchondral cystic lesions were described in each process, and, in some cases, demonstrated overlapping features. By becoming familiar with the disease processes and recognizing the imaging appearances and associated clinical findings, the radiologist will be better able to differentiate these benign entities from more aggressive processes, such as tumor.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Imaging characteristics of cherubism.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to describe the radiographic and imaging features of cherubism. CONCLUSION: Cherubism is a rare osseous disorder of children and adolescents. Although the radiologic characteristics of cherubism are not pathognomonic, the diagnosis is strongly suggested by bilateral relatively symmetric jaw involvement that is limited to the maxilla and mandible. Imaging typically shows expansile remodeling of the involved bones, thinning of the cortexes, and multilocular radiolucencies with a coarse trabecular pattern.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Malignant fatty tumors: classification, clinical course, imaging appearance and treatment.

Liposarcoma is a relatively common soft tissue malignancy with a wide spectrum of clinical presentations and imaging appearances. Several subtypes are described, ranging from lesions nearly entirely composed of mature adipose tissue, to tumors with very sparse adipose elements. The imaging appearance of these fatty masses is frequently sufficiently characteristic to allow a specific diagnosis, while in other cases, although a specific diagnosis is not achievable, a meaningful limited differential diagnosis can be established. The purpose of this paper is to review the spectrum of malignant fatty tumors, highlighting the current classification system, clinical presentation and behavior, treatment and spectrum of imaging appearances. The imaging review will emphasize CT scanning and MR imaging, and will stress differentiating radiologic features.

Humans↗

PubMed2003

Postgraduate musculoskeletal fellowship training in the United States: current trends and future direction.

OBJECTIVE: To document current postgraduate musculoskeletal training program (accredited and unaccredited) curricula and approaches to education. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: Questionnaires were sent to all musculoskeletal training programs. Responses regarding radiology residency and fellowship program sizes, types of imaging and invasive procedures included, and other program parameters were solicited. Features of accredited and unaccredited programs were compared. Teaching approaches, including the use of web-based or distance learning were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-nine (73%) of 40 musculoskeletal programs responded to the questionnaire. Twenty-eight percent of programs were accredited and 72% unaccredited. Radiology residencies were also present at all responding institutions (the majority had a class size of 4-8/year). Residency programs in related specialties included pathology 96%, orthopedics and rheumatology 90%, oncology 83% and pain management 69%. The majority (93-100%) provided training in radiography, MRI and CT. Spine MRI was included in 69% of programs, ultrasonography in 62% and positron emission tomography in 24%. Arthrography and diagnostic and therapeutic injections (100%) were included in all programs. Other invasive procedures, including spine and radiofrequency ablation, were offered less frequently. Teaching approaches included conferences (100%), journal clubs (62%), multidisciplinary conferences (45-90%), web-based learning (30%) and distance learning (7%). Forty-one percent of programs offered off-site rotations. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of musculoskeletal training programs prepared trainees for private or academic practice. There are inconsistencies that could be improved to better prepare trainees for careers in musculoskeletal imaging.

Accreditation↗

PubMed2003

Imaging characteristics of cystic adventitial disease of the peripheral arteries: presentation as soft-tissue masses.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to identify the characteristic imaging features of cystic adventitial disease of the peripheral arteries. CONCLUSION: Patients with cystic adventitial disease of the peripheral arteries often present for evaluation of soft-tissue masses involving the extremities. Noninvasive imaging reveals a characteristic appearance allowing confident diagnosis.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

MR imaging of fibroma of the tendon sheath.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to describe the MR imaging characteristics of fibroma of the tendon sheath. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of fibroma of the tendon sheath can be suggested when MR imaging reveals a focal nodular mass adjacent to a tendon sheath with decreased signal on all pulse sequences and little or no enhancement.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Imaging characteristics of spindle cell lipoma.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article is to define the imaging characteristics of spindle cell lipoma on MRI and CT. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of spindle cell lipoma should be suggested when a well-defined complex fatty mass is found in the subcutis of a middle-aged man, especially if the mass is localized to the posterior neck. Intense enhancement of the nonadipose component further supports this diagnosis.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Whipple's disease with destructive arthritis, abdominal lymphadenopathy, and central nervous system involvement.

We describe a patient with Whipple's disease who had an unusual erosive and destructive polyarthritis, massive abdominal lymphadenopathy, asymptomatic central nervous system involvement, and rare manifestations of orbital pseudotumor and orchitis with epididymitis. Taking oral therapy with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole he had recurrent flares of orbital pseudotumor, an episode of orchitis with epididymitis, and persistent polymerase chain reaction T. whipplei-positive cerebrospinal fluid. Resolution was achieved with a one month course of intravenous ceftriaxone and a 6 month course of azithromycin, and no relapse occurred during 24 months of followup.

Abdomen↗

PubMed2002

Myofibroma of the upper arm in a 52-year-old woman.

Myofibromas are mesenchymal tumors that most often present in infancy. There are sporadic cases in adults throughout the literature. Myofibroma will demonstrate a variable appearance on CT and ultrasound, but tends to have a fairly consistent appearance on MR imaging. This report describes the MR and sonographic findings as well as the pathologic correlation of a myofibroma in the arm of a middle-aged woman. The patient was well, without evidence of recurrence 6 months following resection.

Arm↗