Journal of thoracic imaging
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Multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) has been used for cardiothoracic imaging since the advent of 4-slice computed tomography (CT) in 1999. Available since 2004, 64-slice CT systems are currently considered a prerequisite for successfully integrating cardiothoracic CT into routine clinical algorithms. ⋯ A coveted goal for cardiac CT is a "snapshot image" of the entire heart in 1 cardiac cycle, which can be obtained by using MDCT systems with area detectors or dual-source CT systems with electrocardiogram (ECG)-triggered high-pitch spiral. (2) Techniques to reduce the radiation dose to the patient, such as ECG-controlled dose modulation, ECG-triggered sequential CT, low kV scanning, and iterative reconstruction, have gained considerable attention as a consequence of the ongoing discussion of radiation exposure by CT. (3) New developments aim to establish a role for CT in the functional imaging of the lung and of the heart beyond the mere visualization of anatomy. Evaluation of the first-pass enhancement of the myocardium, with single-energy or with dual-energy data acquisition, and cardiac perfusion examinations may have the potential to enhance the application spectrum of cardiac CT by providing the means to determine the hemodynamic relevance of coronary artery stenosis.
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Pulmonary hyalinizing granuloma (PHG) is a rare disease characterized by multiple bilateral pulmonary nodules of uncertain etiology. We describe a 71-year-old female patient with thyroid papillary carcinoma in whom bilateral pulmonary nodules were found during a routine chest radiography examination. ⋯ To our knowledge, this is the first report of PHG developing in a patient as a solid cancer, mimicking multiple pulmonary metastases. We also present the first description of positron emission tomography in PHG, according to a Medline search.