Imaging in gynecological disease (26): clinical and ultrasound characteristics of benign retroperitoneal pelvic peripheral-nerve-sheath tumors.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and sonographic characteristics of benign, retroperitoneal, pelvic peripheral-nerve-sheath tumors (PNSTs). METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients with a benign, retroperitoneal, pelvic PNST who had undergone preoperative ultrasound examination at a single gynecologic oncology center between 1 January 2018 and 31 August 2022. All ultrasound images, videoclips and final histological specimens of benign PNSTs were reviewed side-by-side in order to: describe the ultrasound appearance of the tumors, using the terminology of the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA), Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment (MUSA) and Vulvar International Tumor Analysis (VITA) groups, following a predefined ultrasound assessment form; describe their origin in relation to nerves and pelvic anatomy; and assess the association between their ultrasound features and histotopography. A review of the literature reporting benign, retroperitoneal, pelvic PNSTs with preoperative ultrasound examination was performed. RESULTS: Five women (mean age, 53 years) with a benign, retroperitoneal, pelvic PNST were identified, four with a schwannoma and one with a neurofibroma, of which all were sporadic and solitary. All patients had good-quality ultrasound images and videoclips and final biopsy of surgically excised tumors, except one patient managed conservatively who had only a core needle biopsy. In all cases, the findings were incidental. The five PNSTs ranged in maximum diameter from 31 to 50 mm. All five PNSTs were solid, moderately vascular tumors, with non-uniform echogenicity, well-circumscribed by hyperechogenic epineurium and with no acoustic shadowing. Most of the masses were round (n = 4 (80%)), and contained small, irregular, anechoic, cystic areas (n = 3 (60%)) and hyperechogenic foci (n = 5 (100%)). In the woman with a schwannoma in whom surgery was not performed, follow-up over a 3-year period showed minimal growth (1.5 mm/year) of the mass. We also summarize the findings of 47 cases of benign retroperitoneal schwannoma and neurofibroma identified in a literature search. CONCLUSIONS: On ultrasound examination, no imaging characteristics differentiate reliably between benign schwannomas and neurofibromas. Moreover, benign PNSTs show some similar features to malignant retroperitoneal tumors. They are solid lesions with intralesional blood vessels and show degenerative changes such as cystic areas and hyperechogenic foci. Therefore, ultrasound-guided biopsy may play a pivotal role in their diagnosis. If confirmed to be benign PNSTs, these tumors can be managed conservatively, with ultrasound surveillance. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Quality of life after extended pelvic exenterations.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to compare health-related quality of life (QoL) and oncological outcome between gynaecological cancer patients undergoing pelvic exenteration (PE) and extended pelvic exenteration (EPE). EPEs were defined as extensive procedures including, in addition to standard PE extent, the resection of internal, external, or common iliac vessels; pelvic side-wall muscles; large pelvic nerves (sciatic or femoral); and/or pelvic bones. METHODS: Data from 74 patients who underwent PE (42) or EPE (32) between 2004 and 2019 at a single tertiary gynae-oncology centre in Prague were analysed. QoL assessment was performed using EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC CX-24, and QOLPEX questionnaires specifically developed for patients after (E)PE. RESULTS: No significant differences in survival were observed between the groups (P > 0.999), with median overall and disease-specific survival in the whole cohort of 45 and 49 months, respectively. Thirty-one survivors participated in the QoL surveys (20 PE, 11 EPE). No significant differences were observed in global health status (P = 0.951) or in any of the functional scales. The groups were not differing in therapy satisfaction (P = 0.502), and both expressed similar, high willingness to undergo treatment again if they were to decide again (P = 0.317). CONCLUSIONS: EPEs had post-treatment QoL and oncological outcome comparable to traditional PE. These procedures offer a potentially curative treatment option for patients with persistent or recurrent pelvic tumour invading into pelvic wall structures without further compromise of patients´ QoL.

Preoperative staging of ovarian cancer: comparison between ultrasound, CT and whole-body diffusion-weighted MRI (ISAAC study).

OBJECTIVES: To compare the performance of transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasound with that of the first-line staging method (contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT)) and a novel technique, whole-body magnetic resonance imaging with diffusion-weighted sequence (WB-DWI/MRI), in the assessment of peritoneal involvement (carcinomatosis), lymph-node staging and prediction of non-resectability in patients with suspected ovarian cancer. METHODS: Between March 2016 and October 2017, all consecutive patients with suspicion of ovarian cancer and surgery planned at a gynecological oncology center underwent preoperative staging and prediction of non-resectability with ultrasound, CT and WB-DWI/MRI. The evaluation followed a single, predefined protocol, assessing peritoneal spread at 19 sites and lymph-node metastasis at eight sites. The prediction of non-resectability was based on abdominal markers. Findings were compared to the reference standard (surgical findings and outcome and histopathological evaluation). RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients with confirmed ovarian cancer were analyzed. Among them, 51 (76%) had advanced-stage and 16 (24%) had early-stage ovarian cancer. Diagnostic laparoscopy only was performed in 16% (11/67) of the cases and laparotomy in 84% (56/67), with no residual disease at the end of surgery in 68% (38/56), residual disease ≤ 1 cm in 16% (9/56) and residual disease > 1 cm in 16% (9/56). Ultrasound and WB-DWI/MRI performed better than did CT in the assessment of overall peritoneal carcinomatosis (area under the receiver-operating-characteristics curve (AUC), 0.87, 0.86 and 0.77, respectively). Ultrasound was not inferior to CT (P = 0.002). For assessment of retroperitoneal lymph-node staging (AUC, 0.72-0.76) and prediction of non-resectability in the abdomen (AUC, 0.74-0.80), all three methods performed similarly. In general, ultrasound had higher or identical specificity to WB-DWI/MRI and CT at each of the 19 peritoneal sites evaluated, but lower or equal sensitivity in the abdomen. Compared with WB-DWI/MRI and CT, transvaginal ultrasound had higher accuracy (94% vs 91% and 85%, respectively) and sensitivity (94% vs 91% and 89%, respectively) in the detection of carcinomatosis in the pelvis. Better accuracy and sensitivity of ultrasound (93% and 100%) than WB-DWI/MRI (83% and 75%) and CT (84% and 88%) in the evaluation of deep rectosigmoid wall infiltration, in particular, supports the potential role of ultrasound in planning rectosigmoid resection. In contrast, for the bowel serosal and mesenterial assessment, abdominal ultrasound had the lowest accuracy (70%, 78% and 79%, respectively) and sensitivity (42%, 65% and 65%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first prospective study to document that, in experienced hands, ultrasound may be an alternative to WB-DWI/MRI and CT in ovarian cancer staging, including peritoneal and lymph-node evaluation and prediction of non-resectability based on abdominal markers of non-resectability. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Early Learning Curve in the Assessment of Deep Pelvic Endometriosis for Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

PURPOSE: We aimed to compare the learning curves of an ultrasound trainee (obstetrics and gynecology resident) and a radiology trainee when assessing pelvic endometriosis. METHODS: Consecutive patients with suspected endometriosis were prospectively enrolled in a tertiary center. They underwent an ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging preoperatively, which was reported according to the International Deep Endometriosis Analysis (IDEA) group consensus. Trainees reported on deep endometriosis (DE), endometriomas, frozen pelvis, and adenomyosis. Using the Kappa agreement, their findings were compared against laparoscopy/histology and expert findings. The learning curve was considered positive when performance improved over time and indeterminate in all other cases. RESULTS: Reports from thirty-five women were divided chronologically into 3 equal blocks to assess the learning curve. For ultrasound, trainee versus expert showed a positive learning curve in overall pelvic DE assessment. There was an excellent agreement for adenomyosis (Kappa = 1.00, p = 0.09), frozen pelvis (Kappa = 0.90, p = 0.01), bowel (Kappa = 1.00, p = 0.01), and bladder DE assessment (Kappa = 1.00, p = 0.01). Endometrioma and uterosacral ligament assessment showed an indeterminate curve. For radiology, trainee versus expert showed a positive curve when detecting adenomyosis (Kappa = 0.42, p = 0.09) and bladder DE (Kappa = 1.00, p = 0.01). The assessment of endometriomas, frozen pelvis, overall pelvic DE, bowel, and uterosacral ligament DE showed indeterminate curve. Agreement between trainees and laparoscopy/histology showed a positive curve for bladder (both) and frozen pelvis (ultrasound only). CONCLUSION: A positive learning curve can be seen in some areas of pelvic endometriosis mapping after as little as 35 cases, but a bigger caseload is required to demonstrate the curve in full. The ultrasound trainee had positive learning curves in more anatomical locations (bladder, adenomyosis, overall bowel DE, frozen pelvis) than the radiology trainee (bladder, adenomyosis), which could be down to individual factors, differences in training, or the imaging method itself.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasound and MRI in the Mapping of Deep Pelvic Endometriosis Using the International Deep Endometriosis Analysis (IDEA) Consensus.

OBJECTIVES: The primary aim was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the mapping of deep pelvic endometriosis (DE) in a diseased population. The secondary aim was to offer first insights into the clinical applicability of the new International Deep Endometriosis Analysis group (IDEA) consensus for sonographic evaluation, which was also adapted for MRI and surgical reporting in this study. METHODS: The study was a prospective observational cohort study. In this study, consecutive women planned for surgical treatment for DE underwent preoperative mapping of pelvic disease using TVS and MRI (index tests). The results were compared against the intraoperative findings with histopathological confirmation (reference standard). In case of disagreement between intraoperative and pathology findings, the latter was prioritised. Index tests and surgical findings were reported using a standardised protocol based on the IDEA consensus. RESULTS: The study ran from 07/2016 to 02/2018. One-hundred and eleven women were approached, but 60 declined participation. Out of the 51 initially recruited women, two were excluded due to the missing reference standard. Both methods (TVS and MRI) had the same sensitivity and specificity in the detection of DE in the upper rectum (UpR) and rectosigmoid (RS) (UpR TVS and MRI sensitivity and specificity 100%; RS TVS and MRI sensitivity 94%; TVS and MRI specificity 84%). In the assessment of DE in the bladder (Bl), uterosacral ligaments (USL), vagina (V), rectovaginal septum (RVS), and overall pelvis (P), TVS had marginally higher specificity but lower sensitivity than MRI (Bl TVS sensitivity 89%, specificity 100%, MRI sensitivity 100%, specificity 95%; USL TVS sensitivity 74%, specificity 67%, MRI sensitivity 94%, specificity 60%; V TVS sensitivity 55%, specificity 100%, MRI sensitivity 73%, specificity 95%; RVS TVS sensitivity 67%, specificity 100%, MRI sensitivity 83%, specificity 93%; P TVS sensitivity 78%, specificity 97%, MRI sensitivity 91%, specificity 91%). No significant differences in diagnostic accuracy between TVS and MRI were observed except USL assessment (p=0.04) where MRI was significantly better and pouch of Douglas obliteration (p=0.04) where MRI was significantly better and pouch of Douglas obliteration (κ) = 0.727 [p=0.04) where MRI was significantly better and pouch of Douglas obliteration (κ) = 0.727 [p=0.04) where MRI was significantly better and pouch of Douglas obliteration (p=0.04) where MRI was significantly better and pouch of Douglas obliteration (. CONCLUSION: We found that both imaging techniques had overall good agreement with the reference standard in the detection of deep pelvic endometriosis. This is the first study to date involving the IDEA consensus for ultrasound, its modified version for MRI, and intraoperative reporting of deep pelvic endometriosis in clinical practice.

Imaging in gynecological disease (19): clinical and ultrasound features of extragastrointestinal stromal tumors (eGIST).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and sonographic characteristics of extragastrointestinal stromal tumors (eGISTs). METHODS: This was a retrospective multicenter study. The data of patients with a histological diagnosis of eGIST who had undergone preoperative ultrasound examination were retrieved from the databases of nine large European gynecologic oncology centers. One investigator from each center reviewed stored images and ultrasound reports, and described the lesions using the terminology of the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis and Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment groups, following a predefined ultrasound evaluation form. Clinical, surgical and pathological information was also recorded. RESULTS: Thirty-five women with an eGIST were identified; in 17 cases, the findings were incidental, and 18 cases were symptomatic. Median age was 57 years (range, 21-85 years). Tumor marker CA 125 was available in 23 (65.7%) patients, with a median level of 23 U/mL (range, 7-403 U/mL). The vast majority of eGISTs were intraperitoneal lesions (n = 32 (91.4%)); the remaining lesions were retroperitoneal (n = 2 (5.7%)) or preperitoneal (n = 1 (2.9%)). The most common site of the tumor was the abdomen (n = 23 (65.7%)), and less frequently the pelvis (n = 12 (34.3%)). eGISTs were typically large (median largest diameter, 79 mm) solid (n = 31 (88.6%)) tumors, and were less frequently multilocular-solid tumors (n = 4 (11.4%)). The echogenicity of solid tumors was uniform in 8/31 (25.8%) cases, which were all hypoechogenic. Twenty-three solid eGISTs were non-uniform, either with mixed echogenicity (9/23 (39.1%)) or with cystic areas (14/23 (60.9%)). The tumor shape was mainly lobular (n = 19 (54.3%)) or irregular (n = 10 (28.6%)). Tumors were typically richly vascularized (color score of 3 or 4, n = 31 (88.6%)) with no shadowing (n = 31 (88.6%)). Based on pattern recognition, eGISTs were usually correctly classified as a malignant lesion in the ultrasound reports (n = 32 (91.4%)), and the specific diagnosis of eGIST was the most frequent differential diagnosis (n = 16 (45.7%)), followed by primary ovarian cancer (n = 5 (14.3%)), lymphoma (n = 2 (5.7%)) and pedunculated uterine fibroid (n = 2 (5.7%)). CONCLUSIONS: On ultrasound, eGISTs were usually solid, non-uniform pelvic or abdominal lobular tumors of mixed echogenicity, with or without cystic areas, with rich vascularization and no shadowing. The presence of a tumor with these features, without connection to the bowel wall, and not originating from the uterus or adnexa, is highly suspicious for eGIST. Copyright © 2020 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Diagnosis of endometriosis 1st part - Overview of diagnostic approaches.

Cíl studie: Shrnutí současných poznatků a trendů v oblasti diagnostiky endometriózy. Typ studie: Literární přehled. Název a sídlo pracoviště: Centrum pro komplexní léčbu endometriózy a Onkogynekologické centrum, Gynekologicko-porodnická klinika, 1. lékařská fakulta, Univerzita Karlova a Všeobecná fakultní nemocnice Praha; Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Burton Hospitals NHS, UK. Metodika: Systematický přehledový článek. Výsledky: Diagnóza endometriózy v primární péči je stanovena na podkladě anamnézy, fyzikálního vyšetření a základního ultrazvukového vyšetření, které zobrazí přítomnost endometroidních cyst, adenomyózy a nepřímé známky srůstů. Použití krevních či močových biomarkerů se nedoporučuje. Pacientky s podezřením na přítomnost endometriózy by měly být odeslány do specializovaného centra léčby endometriózy, kde jsou k dispozici zkušení sonografisté anebo radiologové v rámci expertního ultrazvuku anebo magnetické rezonance a specializovaný chirurgický tým. Vysoká diagnostická přesnost obou zobrazovacích metod nepodporuje rutinní využití laparoskopie v diagnostice endometriózy, může však být zvažována k vyloučení povrchové anebo extrapelvické endometriózy u symptomatických pacientek s negativním nálezem při zobrazovacích metodách. Závěr: Během základního ultrazvukového vyšetření by ošetřující gynekolog měl být schopen zobrazit přítomnost endometroidních cyst, adenomyózy a nepřímé známky adhezí a na základě ultrazvukového nálezu anebo typických symptomů odeslat pacientku do centra pro léčbu endometriózy. Expertní ultrazvukové vyšetření pánevní endometriózy je obvykle dostupné ve specia-lizovaných centrech léčby endometriózy. Vzhledem k vysoké diagnostické přesnosti ultrazvuku, jeho běžné dostupnosti v gynekologii, nižší ceně a absenci kontraindikací ve srovnání s magnetickou rezonancí je ultrazvuk metodou volby v zobrazení rozsáhlé pánevní endometriózy, zatímco magnetická rezonance je využívána jako metoda druhé volby v obtížných případech.

Diagnosis of endometriosis 2nd part - Ultrasound diagnosis of endometriosis (adenomyosis, endometriomas, adhesions) in the community.

OBJECTIVE: To summarise the current knowledge and trends in the basic ultrasound diagnosis of adenomyosis, endometroid cysts and pelvic adhesions. DESIGN: Review article. SETTING: Centre for diagnostics and treatment of endometriosis and Gynecologic Oncology Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Burton Hospitals NHS, United Kingdom. METHODS: Literature review. RESULTS: Endometriosis is a relatively common disease, which often escapes timely diagnosis, although sonographic features of adenomyosis, endometriomas and pelvic adhesions can be easily assessed on the basic ultrasound examination. Endometriomas are ovarian cysts in a premenopausal patient with ground glass echogenicity of the cyst fluid, one to four locules and no papilary projections with detectable blood flow. Adenomyosis is characterised by an asymmetrical thickening of the myometrium due to an ill-defined myometrial lesion with fan-shaped shadowing, non-uniform echogenicity with myometrial cysts, hyperechogenic islands, hyperechogenic subendometrial lines and buds with an irregular or interrupted junctional zone, and translesional vascularity containing vessels crossing the leasion perpendicular to the endometrium. Pelvic adhesions can be detected using dynamic aspect of ultrasound examination demonstrating negative sliding sign of the uterus and/or ovaries against surrounding tissue planes and site-specific tenderness. Distorted pelvic anatomy (the presence of uterine ‚question mark sign and/or ‚kissing ovaries) is another sign of adhesions. CONCLUSION: First step in basic transvaginal ultrasound is visualisation of the uterus and ovaries, assessment of their mobility and tenderness during examination. Knowledge of the characteristic ultrasound features of adenomyosis, endometriomas and adhesions enables timely diagnosis of endometriosis by the community gynecologist and prompt referral to the endometriosis centre.

Diagnosis of endometriosis 3rd part - Ultrasound diagnosis of deep endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: To summarise the current knowledge and trends in the diagnosis of deep endometriosis. DESIGN: Review article. SETTING: Centre for diagnostics and treatment of endometriosis and Gynecologic Oncology Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Burton Hospitals NHS, United Kingdom. METHODS: Literature review. RESULTS: Deep endometriosis (DE) in the pelvis is divided into lesions in the anterior and posterior compartment. In the anterior compartment DE infiltrates bladder and ureters, while in the posterior compartment it is mostly uterosacral ligaments, rectum, rectosigmoid and sigmoid colon and rarely rectovaginal septum and posterior fornix. Extrapelvic endometriosis is a rare disease typically located in the proximal bowel segments (jejunum/ileum/appendix), abdominal wall including umbilicus, scars after spontaneus delivery and/or after cesarian section, lungs and diaphragm. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound diagnosis of pelvic DE has a high accuracy in the hands of an experienced sonographer. Extrapelvic endometriosis is sporadic and imaging of choice depends on the location, such as use of magnetic resonance in retroperitoneal disease (sciatic nerve), computed tomography or endoscopy in thoracic lesions.

Endometriosis in pregnancy - diagnostics and management.

OBJECTIVE: Endometriosis in pregnancy predominantly tends to regress or to stay stable but small part of endometriomas and nodules of deep infiltrating endometriosis may undergo the process of decidualization. Therefore, the foci of endometriosis enlarge their volume and change their structure due to cellular hypertrophy and stromal edema associated with higher vascularization caused by the hormonal changes in pregnant women. Consequently, these totally benign lesions may resemble malignant tumors in ultrasound examination. DESIGN: Review article. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague. METHODS: A literature review of published data on decidualization of endometriosis. RESULTS: Majority of decidualized ovarian endometriomas is asymptomatic so it is mostly accidentally found during the routine ultrasound check-ups within the frame of perinatologic screening. The rounded, smooth, highly vascularized solid papillary projections in internal wall of endometroid cysts are the most specific characteristics of decidualization. If ultrasound simple rules are not applicable or show probable malignancy, the pregnant patient should be referred to a tertiary center for expert ultrasound assessment. Magnetic resonance is indicated in cases of uncertain ultrasound findings, because it can clarify the diagnostics due to its high accuracy in detection of products of blood degradation and ability of diffusion-weighted imaging to recognize lower tissue cellularity of benign decidualized endometriomas in comparison to malignant ovarian tumors. CONCLUSION: If the imaging methods confirm supposed decidualized endometriosis, watch and wait management based on regular ultrasound examinations during the whole pregnancy and after childbed is recommended. The regression of the tumor size and disappearance of the solid portions within endometriomas is expected after delivery. Decidualized endometriosis is rarely a source of gestational or obstetrical complications demanding acute surgical intervention. Elective surgical procedures in pregnant women are indicated only if expert ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging assess the masses as border-line or invasive tumors (carcinomas) and in cases of suspicious changes of the originally presumed benign cysts during the surveillance.

The influence of purification of carp collagen used in a novel composite graft with sandwich construction of the wall on its biological properties and graft patency rates.

We compared graft outcome between two types of a novel composite three-layer carp-collagen-coated vascular graft in low-flow conditions in a sheep model. Collagen in group A underwent more cycles of purification than in group B in order to increase the ratio between collagen and residual fat. The grafts were implanted end-to-side in both carotid arteries in sheep (14 grafts in 7 sheep in group A, 18 grafts in 9 sheep in group B) and artificially stenosed on the right side. The flow in the grafts in group A decreased from 297±118 ml/min to 158±159 ml/min (p=0.041) after placement of the artificial stenosis in group A, and from 330±164ml/min to 97±29 ml/min (p=0.0052) in group B (p=0.27 between the groups). From the five surviving animals in group A, both grafts occluded in one animal 3 and 14 days after implantation. In group B, from the six surviving animals, only one graft on the left side remained patent (p=0.0017). Histology showed degradation of the intimal layer in the center with endothelization from the periphery in group A and formation of thick fibrous intimal layer in group B. We conclude that the ratio between collagen and lipid content in the novel three-layer graft plays a critical role in its patency and structural changes in vivo.

Diagnostic pitfalls in ovarian androgen-secreting (Leydig cell) tumours: case series.

Leydig cell tumours of the ovary are rare and represent a diagnostic challenge not only due to their sporadic incidence but also due to the seemingly normal imaging. We present three cases of pre- and postmenopausal women who were presented with severe clinical signs of hyperandogenism where modern imaging modalities (including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron-emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET-CT)) failed to identify the tumour. Two patients underwent non-expert ultrasound, CT and MRI examination with uniform conclusion that ovaries are of normal appearance. One of the two patients even had a PET-CT performed, which was inconclusive. Our case reports show the importance of examination by specialists with established skills in gynaecologic ultrasonography in the diagnosis of the Leydig cell tumours. The most useful diagnostic tool seems to be the combination of age (postmenopause), symptoms (onset of hirsutism and virilisation), high total testosterone plasma values and expert sonography. On ultrasound, these tumours are unilateral, usually small, solid intraovarian nodules of a slightly increased echogenicity in contrast to the surrounding ovarian tissue, delineated by abundant perfusion with an enhanced vascularity. The appropriate setting of the sensitive colour Doppler is crucial for the detection of intraovarian Leydig cell tumour. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? A diagnosis of Leydig cell tumours is based on ultrasound performed by a trained examiner or by MRI. CT or PET/CT are not among the primary methods of choice. According to the results of imaging investigations surgical treatment is planned. Because these tumours are usually benign and have a good prognosis the unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is a standard procedure. What do the results of this study add? Our case series show how difficult it can be to establish the diagnosis of Leydig cell tumours by imaging, including transvaginal ultrasound, the most frequently recommended diagnostic tool. We demonstrate in three cases how easily a small hyperechogenic tumour can be overseen or interchanged for a different gynaecological pathology if transvaginal scan is not performed by an experienced examiner trained in sonographic features of gynaecologic neoplasms. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This case series demonstrate how important it is to see the patient in the whole complexity with their medical history, proper clinical symptoms evaluation, laboratory test and not to rely solely just on sophisticated high-end investigations, such as the PET-CT, a CT and an MRI. It also emphasises the importance of specialists with established skills in gynaecologic ultrasonography. Further effort should be made to define the resources for the appropriate training of such sonographers.

Natural remodeling of the distal anastomosis of an above-knee femoropopliteal bypass depicted by CT angiography of lower limbs improves geometry of the reconstruction.

The geometry of the distal anastomosis of a femoropopliteal bypass influences local hemodynamics and formation of intimal hyperplasia. We hypothesized that the distal anastomosis of an above-knee femoropopliteal bypass undergoes remodeling that results in displacement of the original course of the popliteal artery and change in the anastomosis angle. We identified 43 CT angiography examination with proximal femoropopliteal bypass and either a preserved contralateral popliteal artery or previous CTA before construction of the bypass for comparison. In these examinations, we measured the displacement distance and angle at the level of the distal anastomosis and compared these measurements with clinical and imaging data. The displacement distance was 8.8+/-4.9 mm (P<0.0001) and the displacement angle was -1° (IQR=44°). The angle between the inflow and outflow artery was 153+/-16° (P<0.0001). There was a negative association between the displacement angle and the angle between the bypass and the outflow artery (r=-0.318, P=0.037). Patients with reversed venous grafts had a greater displacement of the anastomosis (14.7+/-3.0 mm) than patients with prosthetic grafts (8.0+/-4.5 mm, P=0.0011). We conclude that construction of a distal anastomosis of proximal femoropopliteal bypass results in displacement of the original course of the popliteal artery towards the bypass and this effect is more pronounced in reversed venous grafts.

[The role of contrast-enhanced pulse inversion harmonic imaging (CEUS) and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) in the preoperative diagnosis of renal lesions]. / Die Rolle von kontrastmittelverstärktem "pulse inversion harmonic imaging" (CEUS) und kontrastmittelverstärkter Computertomographie (CECT) bei der präoperativen Diagnose von renalen Raumforderungen.

OBJECTIVE: The preoperative assessment of structural and functional changes in renal tumors using contrast-enhanced pulse inversion harmonic imaging (CEUS) and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: All consecutive patients referred to two tertiary hospitals for surgery on suspicion of a malignant renal lesion, who had been examined under the predefined study protocol using CEUS and CECT, were prospectively included in the study. All renal lesions suspected of being malignant were subjected to histopathological examination. Lesions expected to be benign were followed up according to the study protocol. The accuracy of CEUS and CECT with the final histology or follow-up results and the statistically significant difference between the two imaging techniques was calculated. RESULTS: Over a period of 3 years (2008-2011), 68 of 93 patients examined met the study criteria. The prevalence of malignant tumors in the study was 72%. Fifty four (79%) patients underwent surgery and had a histologically confirmed renal tumor (clear cell carcinoma 45, urothelial papillocarcinoma 4, angiomyolipoma 1, oncytoma 3, xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis 1) and 14 (21%) patients underwent regular follow-up. Specificity, sensitivity and area under the curve (AUC) reached 57.9%, 98% and 0.779 for CEUS and 52.6%, 98% and 0.753 for CECT. CONCLUSION: The results show that both imaging methods can reliably rule out malignant disease due to absence of enhancement. Taking into consideration that CEUS can be carried out without severe risk or discomfort, it is time to reconsider CEUS as the method of choice for diagnosis, while CECT should be reserved for staging.

Thalamic Iron Differentiates Primary-Progressive and Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Potential differences between primary progressive and relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis are the subject of ongoing controversial discussions. The aim of this work was to determine whether and how primary-progressive and relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis subtypes differ regarding conventional MR imaging parameters, cerebral iron deposits, and their association with clinical status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 24 patients with primary-progressive MS, 80 with relapsing-remitting MS, and 20 healthy controls with 1.5T MR imaging for assessment of the conventional quantitative parameters: T2 lesion load, T1 lesion load, brain parenchymal fraction, and corpus callosum volume. Quantitative susceptibility mapping was performed to estimate iron concentration in the deep gray matter. RESULTS: Decreased susceptibility within the thalamus in relapsing-remitting MS compared with primary-progressive MS was the only significant MR imaging difference between these MS subtypes. In the relapsing-remitting MS subgroup, the Expanded Disability Status Scale score was positively associated with conventional parameters reflecting white matter lesions and brain atrophy and with iron in the putamen and caudate nucleus. A positive association with putaminal iron and the Expanded Disability Status Scale score was found in primary-progressive MS. CONCLUSIONS: Susceptibility in the thalamus might provide additional support for the differentiation between primary-progressive and relapsing-remitting MS. That the Expanded Disability Status Scale score was associated with conventional MR imaging parameters and iron concentrations in several deep gray matter regions in relapsing-remitting MS, while only a weak association with putaminal iron was observed in primary-progressive MS suggests different driving forces of disability in these MS subtypes.

Pelvic floor reconstruction by modified rectus abdominis myoperitoneal (MRAM) flap after pelvic exenterations.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the technique and report experiences with pelvic floor reconstruction by modified rectus abdominis myoperitoneal (MRAM) flap after extensive pelvic procedures. METHODS: Surgical technique of MRAM harvest and transposition is carefully described. The patients in whom pelvic floor reconstruction with MRAM after either infralevator pelvic exenteration and/or extended lateral pelvic sidewall excision was carried out were enrolled into the study (MRAM group, n=16). Surgical data, post-operative morbidity, and disease status were retrospectively assessed. The results were compared with a historical cohort of patients, in whom an exenterative procedure without pelvic floor reconstruction was performed at the same institution (control group, n=24). RESULTS: Both groups were balanced in age, BMI, tumor types, and previous treatment. Substantially less patients from the MRAM group required reoperation within 60days of the surgery (25% vs. 50%) which was due to much lower rate of complications potentially related to empty pelvis syndrome (1 vs. 7 reoperations) (p=0.114). Late post-operative complication rate was substantially lower in the MRAM group (any grade: 79% vs. 44%; grade≥3: 37% vs. 6%) (p=0.041). The performance status 6months after the surgery was ≤1 in the majority of patients in MRAM (81%) while in only 38% of patients from the control group (p=0.027). There was one incisional hernia in MRAM group while three cases were reported in the controls. CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic floor reconstruction by MRAM in patients after pelvic exenterative procedures is associated with a substantial decrease in postoperative complications that are potentially related to empty pelvis syndrome.

Ultrasound in preoperative assessment of pelvic and abdominal spread in patients with ovarian cancer: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the accuracy of ultrasound in assessing pelvic and intra-abdominal spread in patients with ovarian cancer. METHODS: This prospective study enrolled all consecutive patients referred to a single gynecological oncology center for suspected ovarian cancer. We analyzed only data from patients with histologically confirmed primary ovarian cancer who were evaluated following predefined preoperative ultrasound, intraoperative and pathology protocols. We evaluated the agreement of depth of infiltration of the rectosigmoid wall, tumor spread in different peritoneal compartments and presence of metastatic retroperitoneal and inguinal lymph nodes, as determined at ultrasound, with intraoperative and histopathological findings. RESULTS: In total, 578 patients were enrolled between March 2008 and January 2013, of whom 394 met the study inclusion criteria and were analyzed; 74% of these suffered from advanced-stage cancer. Our results showed excellent agreement between ultrasound and histology in assessment of rectosigmoid wall infiltration (kappa value, 0.812; area under the receiver-operating characteristics curve, 0.898). The overall accuracy in evaluating different peritoneal compartments, retroperitoneal and inguinal lymph nodes and depth of rectosigmoid wall infiltration was 85.3%, 84.8%, 99.7% and 91.1%, respectively. Ultrasound showed high sensitivity only in the assessment of rectosigmoid wall infiltration (83.1%), peritoneal spread into the pelvis (81.4%) and omentum (67.3%), and inguinal metastatic lymph nodes (100%). The specificity of ultrasound in detection of all evaluated parameters was > 90%. CONCLUSION: This is the largest imaging study to date on ovarian cancer staging. Ultrasound can be used as the method of choice to plan rectosigmoid wall resection and dissection of infiltrated inguinal lymph nodes. In assessing different peritoneal and retroperitoneal compartments, ultrasound was accurate and highly specific. However, similar to other modern imaging techniques, it had relatively low sensitivity, further supporting the role of comprehensive surgical staging. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Risk of micrometastases in non-sentinel pelvic lymph nodes in cervical cancer.

OBJECTIVE: A high sensitivity of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) for pelvic lymph node (LN) staging has been repeatedly shown in patients with cervical cancer. However, since only SLN are evaluated by pathologic ultrastaging, the risk of small metastases, including small macrometastases (MAC) and micrometastases (MIC), in non-SLN is unknown. This can be a critical limitation for the oncological safety of abandoning a pelvic lymphadenectomy. METHODS: The patients selected for the study had cervical cancer and were at high risk for LN positivity (stage IB-IIA, biggest diameter≥3cm). The patients had no enlarged or suspicious LN on pre-operative imaging; SLNs were detected bilaterally and were negative on intra-operative pathologic evaluation. All SLNs and all other pelvic LNs were examined using an ultrastaging protocol and processed completely in intervals of 150µm. RESULTS: In all, 17 patients were enrolled into the study. The mean number of removed pelvic LNs was 30. A total of 573 pelvic LNs were examined through ultrastaging protocol (5762 slides). Metastatic involvement was detected in SLNs of 8 patients (1× MAC; 4× MIC; 3× ITC) and in non-SLNs in 2 patients (2× MIC). In both cases with positive pelvic non-SLNs, there were found MIC in ipsilateral SLNs. No metastasis in pelvic non-SLNs was found by pathologic ultrastaging in any of the patients with negative SLN Side-specific sensitivity was 100% for MAC and MIC. There was one case of ITC detected in non-SLN, negative ipsilateral SLN, but MIC in SLN on the other pelvic side. CONCLUSIONS: After processing all pelvic LNs by pathologic ultrastaging, there were found no false-negative cases of positive non-SLN (MAC or MIC) and negative SLN. SLN ultrastaging reached 100% sensitivity for the presence of both MAC and MIC in pelvic LNs.

[The optimal imaging in gynecological oncology]. / Volba zobrazovací metody v onkogynekologii.

In this review we discuss in detail the advantages and the limitations of the modern imaging techniques to assess the tumour spread in pelvis, abdomen and extraabdominally in patients with newly diagnosed or recurrent gynecological cancer. Transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging yield similar levels of accuracy when utilised for the diagnosis of gynecological cancer and the detection of pelvic spread. Ultrasound is, however, a commonly available, non-invasive, and inexpensive imaging method that can be carried out without any risk or discomfort to the patient. Although increasing evidence shows that transabdominal ultrasound is an accurate technique for the detection of intra- and retroperitoneal tumour spread, it requires experience, adequate equipment and suitable acoustic conditions. Contrast-enhanced computed abdominopelvic tomography remains the most commonly used preoperative imaging modality to assess abdominal cavity and retroperitoneum for extrapelvic tumour spread. Alternatively magnetic resonance imaging can be used in cases of contra-indication of computed tomography. If there is suspicion of extraabdominal tumour spread, contrast-enhanced computed tomography of thorax or positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography is used. Positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography detects more distant metastases than computed tomography alone. Positron emission tomography with computed tomography is, therefore, the optimal imaging technique for suspected recurrence, particularly if there is suspicion of recurrence but conventional imaging methods have yilded negative results or if salvage surgery is planned.