schmorls node

Schmorl's nodes or Schmorl's nodules are protrusions of the cartilage of the intervertebral disc through the vertebral body endplate and into the adjacent vertebra.[1]

chmorl's nodes are fairly common, especially with minor degeneration of the aging spine, but they are also seen in younger spines. Schmorl's nodes often cause no symptoms, but may simply reflect that "wear and tear" of the spine has occurred over time; they may also reflect that bone strength was at one time somewhat compromised, perhaps due to a vitamin D deficiency, although this has yet to be confirmed with studies. There is also a strong heritability of Schmorl's Nodes (>70%).^[2]

While often non-complicating, Schmorl's nodes also tend to occur more often in cases of spinal deformity, specifically Scheuermann's disease.

malignant fibrous histiocytoma:

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) is a malignant tumor of soft parts observed at approximately 70% of cases situated at the level of the outsides.

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) of bone is a distinct entity from fibrosarcoma and was first described in the 1970's.⁵ Like fibrosarcoma, MFH more commonly arises in soft tissue (soft tissue sarcoma). Histologically, these lesions are composed of a heterogeneous population of cells. MFH often contain areas of swirling (storiform) spindle-shaped cells and giant cells. This, too, can resemble fibroblastic osteosarcoma and it takes an experienced pathologist to distinguish between these lesions.

How Is Fibrosarcoma Similar Or Different From Other Bone Sarcomas?

As the name implies, fibrosarcoma results from abnormal fibroblast cell division. Osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma are distinguished by the extracellular matrix (material) the malignant cells produce. Osteosarcoma is characterized by production of osteoid (the organic matrix of bone) whereas chondrosarcoma neoplasms make abundant cartilage. In contrast, fibrosarcomas produces neither bone nor cartilage. Collagen is the predominant product produced by the malignant cells in fibrosarcoma. The amount of collagen production is inversely proportional to the histological grade (grade to be reviewed later) (i.e., high grade tumors produce less collagen and vice versa). It is the rapidly dividing and spreading cells in sarcoma (not the matrix produced) that can threaten life and limb.

Distinguishing between different bone tumors can be challenging. The differential diagnosis for any given bone lesion often includes both benign and malignant processes. Lesions that may appear similar to fibrosarcoma on radiographs include malignant solitary fibrous tumor, leiomyosarcoma, myofibromatosis, myeloma, osteosarcoma, lymphoma, metastatic disease, malignant fibrous histiocytoma of bone, and desmoplastic fibroma.³

tripple phase liver

What is a three phase ct scan?

A three phase CT scan is a ct scan, usually of the liver, that requires an injection of contrast medium, this injection helps outline the vessels of your body by giving the x-rays something to be absorbed by besides blood which has a very low absorption rate. The phases are: 
1. Scan during injection: arterial phase, this will highlight lesions in or around the artery leading into the liver. 
2. Scan during injection or shortly after: portal vein phase, this will show lesions in or around the portal vein. 
3. Delayed scan after injection: this will allow the soft tissue to absorb the contrast and may highlight changes in tissue.

image of omu

ct image of omu

omu definition

The ostiomeatal complex (or unit) is a common channel that links the frontal sinus, anterior and middle ethmoid sinuses and the maxillary sinus to the middle meatus that allows air flow and mucocililary drainage. 

Gross anatomy

The ostiometal complex is composed of five structures:

· maxillary ostium - drainage channel of the maxillary sinus

· infundibilum - common channel that drains the ostia of the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses to the hiatus semilunaris

· ethmoidal bulla - usually a single air cell that projects inferomedially over the hiatus semilunaris

· uncinate process - hook-like process that arises from the posteromedial aspect of the nasolacrimal duct and forms the anterior boundary of the hiatus semilunaris

· hiatus semilunaris - final drainage passage; a region between the ethmoid bulla superiorly and free-edge of the uncinate process