OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency of hypervascularization by visualizing vascular structures inside or around bone metastases from renal cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Magnetic resonance imaging studies of 13 untreated patients with diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma and 15 metastatic bone lesions were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: Signs of hypervascularization were found in 12 of the 15 bone lesions (80%), 6 of them localized in the lumbar spine, 3 in the hip, 3 in the thoracic spine, 1 in the ulna and 1 in the tibia. CONCLUSION: The high frequency of hypervascularization of bone metastases from renal cell carcinoma found in the present study may suggest that the renal etiology is a useful parameter in the evaluation of a usual clinical presentation of a single bone lesion with unknown primary neoplasm.

Keywords: Bone metastases, Renal cell carcinoma, Magnetic resonance imaging, Hypervascularization

OBJECTIVE: To present computed tomography findings observed in four patients submitted to radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma who developed pancreatic metastases afterwards. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The four patients underwent radical nephrectomy for stage T1 (n=2) and stage T3a (n=2) renal cell carcinoma. The mean interval between nephrectomy and detection of pancreatic metastases was eight years. Two asymptomatic patients presented with solitary pancreatic metastases (confined to the pancreas). Two symptomatic patients presented with single and multiple pancreatic metastases, both with tumor recurrence in the contralateral kidney. RESULTS: Computed tomography studies demonstrated pancreatic metastases as solitary (n=2), single (n=1) or multiple (n=1) hypervascular lesions. Partial pancreatectomy was performed in two patients with solitary pancreatic metastases and both are free of disease at four and two years after surgery. CONCLUSION: Pancreatic metastases from renal cell carcinoma are rare and can occur many years after the primary tumor presentation. Multiple pancreatic metastases and pancreatic metastases associated with tumor recurrence in the contralateral kidney are uncommon. Usually, on computed tomography images pancreatic metastases are visualized as solitary hypervascular lesions, simulating islet-cell tumors. Surgical management should be considered for patients with solitary pancreatic lesions.

Keywords: Pancreatic metastases, Renal cell carcinoma, Computed tomography

The authors review the main findings of primary adrenal lymphoma on abdominal and brain computed tomography (CT) scans and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and report a rare case of a 72-year-old male patient with deterioration in mental status progressing from recent memory loss to disorientation and ultimately dementia in a period of two months. The patient was investigated using imaging methods including brain (without intravenous administration of iodinated contrast media), chest and abdomen (pre and post intravenous administration of iodinated contrast media) CT scans and brain MRI (pre and post intravenous administration of gadolinium). Brain CT scan showed slightly hyperdense nodules adjacent to the lateral ventricles. No gross abnormalities were seen on the chest CT scan. CT of the abdomen showed solid nodules on both adrenals. Brain MRI showed diffuse nodular enhancement of the ependyma of the fourth ventricle, third ventricle, frontal and temporal horns, atria and body of the lateral ventricles. Definitive diagnosis was made by immunohistochemical study of the biopsed adrenal. After a comprehensive review of the literature the authors concluded that CT and MRI are essential methods for the detection and accurate evaluation of primary adrenal lymphomas, particularly when there is involvement of the central nervous system. MRI is more sensitive in the detection of extracerebral lesions in the epidural and subdural spaces, especially after intravenous administration of gadolinium.

Keywords: Adrenal lymphoma, Central nervous system metastases, Computed tomography, Magnetic resonance imaging

Laser-induced thermoablation has been used as a reliable method for producing coagulation necrosis in hepatic tumors in patients who are not suitable for surgical treatment. The procedure can be performed percutaneously, using image-guiding methods, by open laparotomy or laparoscopy. We review the current literature and discuss the principles, indications, complications and clinical results as well as the potential limitations and contraindications of this novel technique.

Keywords: Laser, Thermoablation, Liver, Liver tumors, Metastases

The authors report a case where a quantitative assessment of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of liver metastasis in a patient undergoing chemotherapy has shown to be an effective early marker for predicting therapeutic response, anticipating changes in tumor size. A lesion with lower initial ADC value and early increase in such value in the course of the treatment tends to present a better therapeutic response.

Keywords: Magnetic resonance imaging; Diffusion; Liver metastases; Breast cancer; Chemotherapy; Therapy monitoring.