Musculoskeletal mnemonics: differentiating features

Spectrum of Benign Bone Conditions on NaF-PET

Fluoride imaging with ¹⁸F (NaF-PET), although not a new technique, is becoming increasingly utilized for evaluation of skeletal metastatic disease using PET/CT. As its use becomes more widespread, a variety of nonmalignant bone disorders will be encountered by the interpreting physician. It is important, therefore, to recognize these nonmalignant conditions to avoid errors in interpretation. Beyond this, there is increasing evidence in the literature that NaF-PET/CT imaging may provide valuable information for the primary diagnosis of these nonmalignant conditions, and furthermore may provide insight into the underlying biology leading to management decisions. In this article, we review a spectrum of benign bone conditions that can be visualized on NaF-PET.

Software Aids for radiologists: Part 2, Essential apps for handheld devices

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this review is to summarize applications (apps) for hand-held computing devices that can be essential aids to radiologists.

CONCLUSION

Numerous apps are relevant to radiologists. Although the author prefers Apple iPad and iPhone apps, similar Android apps fill many of the same software niches.

Sclerotic osseous metastases from renal cell carcinoma

This case series describes and illustrates three cases of sclerotic osseous metastases from untreated renal cell carcinoma (RCC). RCC is commonly metastatic to the skeleton but almost always produces lytic metastases, with only three prior reports of sclerotic metastases identified in the literature. Sclerotic metastasis causing low back pain was the initial disease presentation in two of the three patients in this case series and the first manifestation of metastatic disease in one. The most common metastatic sites of RCC, i.e., retroperitoneal lymph nodes, lung, and liver, were not identified in any of the cases, and skeletal involvement with epidural extension was the only site of metastasis in two. Pathologic specimens from all three cases revealed RCC of high nuclear grade.