Preliminary Diagnosis: Mesenchymal Tumors
I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis?
Contrasted CT imaging of the area of interest
II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of mesenchymal tumors.
Advantages
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Quick imaging modality
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Offers exquisite detail of the surrounding soft tissues, vasculature, and osseous structures
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Helps characterize the primary abnormality and evaluate for any secondary complications
Disadvantages
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Exposes patients to ionizing radiation
III. What are the contraindications for the first-line imaging technique?
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May be contraindicated in pregnant patients
IV. What alternative imaging techniques are available?
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MR imaging of the area of interest with and/or without contrast
V. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the alternative techniques for diagnosis of mesenchymal tumors.
MR imaging of the area of interest with and/or without contrast
Advantages
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Offers exquisite detail of the surrounding soft tissues
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Does not expose patients to ionizing radiation
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Offers exquisite detail of the extent of soft tissue infiltration and extension
Disadvantages
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Expensive
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Time-consuming
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May be subject to susceptibility weighted artifact and motion artifact degrading image quality
VI. What are the contraindications for the alternative imaging techniques?
MR imaging of the area of interest with and/or without contrast
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Contraindicated in patients with non-MR compatible hardware
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