Differentiation of primary versus secondary breast cancer can be difficult, with the relative rarity of the latter representing a diagnostic challenge. Here, we present a case of small cell lung cancer with synchronous bilateral breast metastases in a 52-year-old female. There are less than 5 other cases of small cell lung cancer with bilateral breast metastases reported in the literature to date. The breast metastases represented the first clinical and imaging manifestation of malignancy in our case. We present the patient's disease course including multi-modal imaging, histopathologic analysis, and clinical management. We aim to highlight the entity of secondary breast cancer and how multidisciplinary collaboration can help arrive at the diagnosis, which is critical for prognosis and treatment planning in this patient population.
Trans-scaphoid lunate dislocation with volar displacement into the wrist/distal forearm is a devastating injury that most commonly occurs under situations of forceful impact to an extended wrist. Due to ligamentous disruption as well as fragile blood supply, these Mayfield type 4 injuries are associated with significant morbidity and long-term sequelae. Current treatment approaches to lunate dislocations depend on the severity and chronicity of the injury in addition to patient factors, with operative management potentially including ORIF or proximal row carpectomy. We report 5 cases of this rare injury pattern in 4 different patients.
Chordoma is a rare tumor, often occurring in the cervical spine and sacrococcygeal spine with a lytic appearance, but rarely in the thoracolumbar spine. Chordomas can occasionally be sclerotic and are included in the differential diagnosis for an ivory vertebra. We present a case of a sclerotic chordoma in an upper lumbar vertebral body with corresponding multimodality imaging. This case demonstrates that chordoma should be a concern for an older adult with a sclerotic vertebral lesion, particularly if it is a solitary lesion. Knowledge of the variable location and appearance of chordomas is critical so it is not mistaken for a metastasis.
Sternal fractures are rare and are typically caused by major trauma such as motor vehicle collisions. However, sternal insufficiency fractures can occur with minimal to no trauma in patients with exaggerated thoracic kyphosis from multiple thoracic compression fractures, especially in the setting of osteoporosis. We describe a case of a sternal insufficiency fracture that presented as chest pain resembling a myocardial infarction. As sternal insufficiency fractures may vary in clinical presentation, this case demonstrates that radiologists should carefully evaluate the sternum, especially when risk factors are present. Furthermore, awareness and identification of these fractures can prevent unnecessary cardiac workups.
Ureterosciatic hernias are extremely rare, with fewer than 40 cases reported in the literature. We present a case of a patient with concurrent right ureterosciatic hernia (Lindbom hernia), ipsilateral bladder hernia, and appendix-containing inguinal hernia (Amyand hernia). These findings were discovered incidentally on imaging and the patient had no associated symptoms.
Fat emboli are a common phenomenon, but are rarely detected or reported on extremity CT imaging. We present a case of fat embolus in the popliteal vein in the setting of a femoral fracture. This is the most distal fat embolus described in the literature. There are no guidelines regarding intervention if a fat embolus is detected in a peripheral vein on CT. A review of all the previous cases of peripheral fat emboli is presented for reference.