Not performing an OGTT results in significant underdiagnosis of (pre)diabetes in a high risk adult Caucasian population.

OBJECTIVE: Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is known to be underdiagnosed. Tests for diagnosis include fasting plasma glucose (FPG), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and HbA1c. HbA1c can be tested in non-fasting conditions. Therefore, general practitioners almost no longer execute OGTT's. We evaluated the performance of OGTT versus HbA1c in a population consisting of overweight and obese subjects, which can be considered a 'high risk' population. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of, 1241 overweight and obese subjects without a history of diabetes (male/female: 375/866, age 44±13 years, body mass index 38.0±6.1 kg m-2) were tested for glucose tolerance status using FPG, OGTT and HbA1c. RESULTS: Exactly, 46.8% were found to have prediabetes and 11.9% were newly diagnosed with T2DM (male/female=18.9/8.9%) using ADA criteria. Testing only HbA1c would have resulted in 78 subjects being diagnosed with T2DM, but 47.3% of newly diagnosed patients would have been missed if OGTT would not have been done. Exactly 581 subjects were diagnosed with prediabetes, 1.4% subjects had impaired fasting glucose (IFG) 30.5% had impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), 5.1% subjects had a combined IFG+IGT, and 9.8% had an isolated elevated HbA1c (5.7-6.4%). Of the 581 subjects with prediabetes, 257 had an HbA1c <5.7%. Therefore, 44.2% subjects would have been missed when OGTT would not have been done. CONCLUSION: In a population with only overweight and obese adult subjects, 46.8% were diagnosed with prediabetes and 11.9% were newly diagnosed with diabetes. Exactly, 5.6 and 20.7% of total population met the diagnostic criteria of the OGTT for diabetes and prediabetes, respectively, but did not meet the diagnostic criteria of the HbA1c. These data suggest that not performing an OGTT results in significant underdiagnose of T2DM in an overweight and obese adult population.

Screening for type 2 diabetes mellitus in overweight and obese subjects made easy by the FINDRISC score.

AIM: To evaluate the use of the FINDRISC score in an overweight and obese population to predict glucose status. METHODS: In 651 overweight/obese subjects (M/F: 193/458, age 43±13 y, BMI 38.2±6.1kg/m(2)) glucose status was tested using OGTT and HbA1c. Furthermore, the FINDRISC questionnaire and CT visceral fat (VAT) and subcutaneous fat (SAT) were examined. RESULTS: Exactly 50.4% were found to have prediabetes and 11.1% were newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) (M/F=22.2/8.8%). Subjects without T2DM had a FINDRISC score of 11±3, those with pre-DM 13±4, and subjects with de novo T2DM 15±5. The aROC of the FINDRISC for detecting T2DM was 0.76 (95% CI 0.72-0.82), with 13 as cutoff point. The FINDRISC score correlated with VAT (r=0.34, p<0.001) and VAT/SAT ratio (r=0.39, p<0.001). The aROC of the FINDRISC to detect excess VAT was 0.79 (95%CI 0.72-0.84). CONCLUSIONS: In a large group of overweight and obese subjects, 50.4% were found to have pre-DM and 11.1% were newly diagnosed with T2DM. The FINDRISC score increased with worsening of glucose tolerance status and proved to be an independent predictor of T2DM status, as did HOMA-B, HOMA-S and VAT. The FINDRISC can also function as a good tool to predict visceral obesity.

Lithium-Induced Nephropathy.

BACKGROUND: A 59-year-old man was referred for CT scan of the abdomen after repair of an eventrated appendectomy wound. The man had a known history of bipolar affective disorder, for which he had been on lithium therapy for many years. As an incidental finding, CT scan showed numerous small hypodense renal lesions. Subsequently a MRI examination was performed to further characterize these renal abnormalities.

Update in non small-cell lung cancer staging.

Significant progress has been made with the introduction of the TNM-7 staging system for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Constituting the first major revision in 12 years, the seventh edition of NSCLC TNM (TNM-7) is based on the recommendations from the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) Lung Cancer Staging Project of 2007. This new TNM iteration includes a subset analysis on SCLC and carcinoid tumors. A thorough understanding of its principles by the radiologist is helpful to increase efficiency and to improve communication with the referring clinicians.

Chest MSCT acquisition and injection protocols.

The past decade there has been an enormous advance in imaging technology, most obvious in the field of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). Today nearly every radiology department has a multislice CT (MSCT) available for routine imaging, many of which are increasingly being replaced by last generation 16- and 64-slice CT scanners. However, the use of fast CT scanners requires a better insight in acquisition and contrast media injection protocols in order to achieve the best possible result. It is the aim of this article to give a review of the basic principles of CT protocol design for the chest and the kinetics of contrast media injection.

Management of cystic pancreatic masses.

This paper presents our experience on the characterization of cystic pancreatic lesions using CT and MRI. First of all, true cystic pancreatic neoplasms should be differentiated from pseudocysts. Noninvasive characterization of cystic pancreatic neoplasms continues to rely principally on CT and MRI. Despite the presence of classic radiological characteristics of various cystic pancreatic neoplasms, these lesions continue to be problematic for the radiologist. They are most frequently incidental findings that are not related to the reason for imaging the patients in whom they are discovered. The radiological and clinical challenges are to determine the benign or malignant nature of the lesion and its potential resectability. The heterogeneity among cystic lesions and overlap in imaging characteristics should cause radiologists to approach the specific characterization of cystic pancreatic masses with a substantial degree of humility. Recommending an appropriate management approach based on imaging findings, in conjunction with clinical information and clinical consultation, may therefore be more important than attempting to assign a specific diagnosis to a cystic pancreatic lesion.

The correlation of preoperative CT, MR imaging, and clinical staging (FIGO) with histopathology findings in primary cervical carcinoma.

The aim of this study was to compare the preoperative findings of abdominal/pelvic CT and MRI with the preoperative clinical International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FIGO) staging and postoperative pathology report in patients with primary cancer of the cervix. Thirty-six patients with surgical-pathological proven primary cancer of the cervix were retrospectively studied for preoperative staging by clinical examination, CT, and MR imaging. Studied parameters for preoperative staging were the presence of tumor, tumor extension into the parametrial tissue, pelvic wall, adjacent organs, and lymph nodes. The CT was performed in 32 patients and MRI (T1- and T2-weighted images) in 29 patients. The CT and MR staging were based on the FIGO staging system. Results were compared with histological findings. The group is consisted of stage 0 (in situ):1, Ia:1, Ib:8, IIa:2, IIb:12, IIIa:4, IVa:6, and IVb:2 patients. The overall accuracy of staging for clinical examination, CT, and MRI was 47, 53, and 86%, respectively. The MRI incorrectly staged 2 patients and did not visualize only two tumors; one was an in situ (stage-0) and one stage-Ia (microscopic) disease. The MRI is more accurate than CT and they are both superior to clinical examination in evaluating the locoregional extension and preoperative staging of primary cancer of the cervix.

Asymptomatic aneurysm of the hepatic artery. Management options.

Hepatic aneurysms are rare. The majority of patients present acutely with aneurysm rupture, with an attended high mortality. Diagnosis is difficult and often delayed, owing to the non-specific symptoms and lack of clinical findings. We present three cases of hepatic artery aneurysm diagnosed in a pauci- or asymptomatic stage, illustrating the different therapeutic options described when these aneurysms are diagnosed in this stage: expectant management, embolization, or surgery.

Perforating oesophageal carcinoma presenting as necrotizing fasciitis of the neck.

A patient with a history of schizophrenia was admitted to our hospital in an already severe stage of necrotizing fasciitis of the neck, complicated with mediastinitis and gangrene. Later on, he also developed a vena cava superior syndrome and sepsis. In the few cases and small series described in the literature, necrotizing fasciitis of the neck is usually associated with surgery or trauma. Less frequently, an orodental or pharyngeal infection, often innocuous, is the underlying cause. None of these causes could be identified in our patient. Initially, on computer-assisted tomography (CT) scan, a tracheal rupture was suspected, but this diagnosis could not be confirmed on bronchoscopic examination. On gastroscopy, a stenotic oesophageal segment was discovered. Biopsy of this segment showed a poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. The patient died in sepsis. Autopsy confirmed the presence of a large proximal oesophageal tumour with perforation. As far as we know, no case of a necrotizing fasciitis of the neck caused by perforation of a formerly unknown oesophageal carcinoma has been reported. Even mediastinitis, with or without gangrene, is rarely associated with oesophageal cancer, and in the few cases reported it is always due to fistulization after surgery.

Visceral fat is a determinant of PAI-1 activity in diabetic and non-diabetic overweight and obese women.

Plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1), an inhibitor of fibrinolysis and an important and independent cardiovascular risk factor, has been shown to be elevated in obesity and type 2 diabetes. Recent study results have suggested that adipose tissue--visceral fat in particular--could play an important role in the fibrinolytic process.In order to assess the specific role of this fat distribution, we measured PAI-1 activity (AU/ml) and visceral fat (CT-scan at level L4-L5) in 2 groups of 30 overweight and obese diabetic and overweight and obese non-diabetic women. Subjects were matched for age, weight, body mass index, fat mass and total abdominal fat. Visceral adipose tissue and PAI-1 were significantly higher in diabetic women (p = 0.022 and p = 0.004 respectively) than in non-diabetic patients. Visceral fat correlated significantly with PAI-1 activity, even after correction for insulin and triglycerides (r = 0.28, p = 0.034). Stepwise regression analysis showed visceral fat as the most important determinant factor for PAI-1 in the whole group and in the non-diabetic group. In the diabetic group, fasting insulin was the most important determinant. These results show that visceral fat is more important than BMI or total body fat in the determination of PAI-1 levels. Furthermore, the increased amount of visceral fat in type 2 diabetics may contribute to the increase of PAI-1 activity levels and the subsequent increased risk for thrombovascular disease, regardless of BMI and total fatness.

Comparison of imaging TNM [(i)TNM] and pathological TNM [pTNM] in staging of bronchogenic carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Precise tumor (T) and nodal (N) staging is imperative in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as it determines subsequent treatment, certainly when considering neoadjuvant treatment for stage IIIA or IIIB disease. To determine the accuracy of present-day computed tomographic (CT) scanning a prospective study was performed comparing imaging TNM [(i)TNM] and pathological TNM [pTNM]. METHODS: In 74 patients with NSCLC without distant metastases (i)TNM was determined on CT findings. The TNM system advocated by the American Joint Committee on Cancer was used. All patients underwent cervical mediastinoscopy. When superior mediastinal nodes were negative this was followed by thoracotomy and pathological examination of the resected specimen and lymph nodes to determine pTNM. RESULTS: The agreement between (i)TNM and pTNM was only 35.1%. The primary tumor (T) was correctly staged in 54.1%, overstaged in 27.0% and understaged in 18.9% of the patients. Invasion of chest wall, pericardium and of major mediastinal structures (T3, T4) was not reliably detected by CT scan. Sensitivity and specificity of CT regarding hilar and mediastinal lymph node staging were 48.3 and 53.3%, positive and negative predictive value 40 and 61.1% and its overall accuracy 51.4%. The nodal (N) factor was correctly determined by CT scan in 35.1%, overstaged in 44.6%, and understaged in 20.3% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Even with present-day CT scanners (i)TNM provides no accurate staging and routine mediastinoscopy is necessary for precise mediastinal lymph node staging. Likewise, (i)T3 and (i)T4 determinations are unreliable and should not contraindicate thoracotomy.

Prospective evaluation of computed tomography and mediastinoscopy in mediastinal lymph node staging.

Precise mediastinal lymph node (LN) staging is imperative in otherwise operable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as it determines subsequent treatment and possible inclusion in a neoadjuvant trial. The roles of mediastinoscopy and computed tomography (CT) remain controversial. To determine the accuracy of current CT scanners, a prospective study was performed. From April 1993 until September 1995, 100 consecutive patients with NSCLC without distant metastases underwent staging by CT and cervical mediastinoscopy. Naruke's map was used for classification, and LNs larger than 1 cm were considered CT positive. There were 91 males and 9 females, with a mean age of 64 (range 45-82) yrs. Fifty nine tumours were central and 41 peripheral, 64 right-sided and 36 left-sided. Thoracotomy with mediastinal LN sampling was performed in 74 patients, nonoperated patients having multilevel stage IIIA or stage IIIB disease. Twenty five (25%) mediastinoscopies were positive and three were false-negative (3%). There were 29 false-positive CT scans and 12 false-negative. Overall sensitivity and specificity of CT were 63 and 57%, respectively, and of mediastinoscopy 89 and 100%, respectively. Positive and negative predictive values of CT were 41 and 77%, respectively, and of mediastinoscopy 100 and 96%, respectively. Accuracy of CT was 59% and of mediastinoscopy 97%. Accuracy of CT was lowest for left-sided and centrally located tumours, and for LN station 7. Even with current computed tomography scanners, sensitivity and specificity remain low. Although overall cost may increase, routine cervical mediastinoscopy is necessary for precise staging of non-small cell lung cancer, and subcarinal lymph nodes should be routinely sampled.

The influence of MR field strength on the detection of focal liver lesions with superparamagnetic iron oxide.

The purpose of this study was to compare the value of low- vs high-field MR systems in the detection of focal liver lesions after IV administration of iron oxide particles. A prospective study was undertaken which included 20 patients with focal liver lesions on CT or US, or strong clinical suspicion of focal liver disease. Iron oxide particles were administered in an IV drip infusion over 30 min. Magnetic resonance imaging was subsequently performed on a 0.2 and a 1.5-T system. Both examinations were performed in one session. Turbo spin-echo T2-weighted sequences were used for further analysis (at 0.2 T: TR 4050 ms, TE 96 ms; 1.5 T: TR 3000 ms, TE 103 ms). After randomisation, images were analysed by two blinded readers. The evaluation included lesion counts, determination of lesion conspicuity and overall image quality (both graded on a scale 1-5). Quantitative analysis was performed on 29 lesions. Lesion-to-liver signal intensity and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) were calculated. The total lesion count (cumulative counts for two observers) was 59 on the high-field system and 63 on the low-field system. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference. On both systems median value for lesion conspicuity was 3. No statistically significant difference was found. Global image quality was rated higher on the high-field system: 3 vs 2 for the low-field system (p = 0.0017). Quantitative analysis showed no significant difference for lesion-to-liver signal intensity ratios or CNRs. Although subjective image quality is significantly better on the high-field system, this does not result in better lesion detection or better lesion conspicuity. No significant difference in objective quantitative parameters was found in our series.

Recurrent hepatic hydatid disease with secondary splenic infestation.

Hydatid disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus is a common problem throughout the world, but is rarely encountered in the Western Countries. The liver and lungs are the most frequently involved organs in hydatid disease. The cyst may become very large and rupture. Abdominal, pelvic and pleural dissemination due to spread of parasitic contents may follow. Splenic involvement in hydatid disease is uncommon, representing less than 2% of all human infestations by Echinococcus. We report a recurrent liver hydatidosis with secondary splenic infestation.

Long-term results of continuous treatment with recombinant interferon-alpha in patients with metastatic carcinoid tumors--an antiangiogenic effect?

This study investigated the efficacy of long-term continuous and dose-escalated interferon-alpha (IFN) treatment in patients with progressive carcinoid tumors. In this single-institution, phase II study 16 chemotherapy-naive, eligible patients were entered. Interferon treatment consisted on 5 MIU IFN three times weekly s.c. until radiologic progression. In case of progression the dose was increased to 10 MIU. Radiologic and biochemical evaluation was done monthly and thereafter 3 monthly. We have treated 16 patients of whom 15 are evaluable for tumor response. Calculated by standard response criteria, three patients experienced a partial response. Another three had an important minor response. Median response duration was 24 months (range 18-51 months). Biochemical responses were observed in nine out of 12 patients with an elevated 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid excretion. The serum neuron-specific enolase proved a reliable marker for both response and progression. In the one patient progressive after 3 months, a dose increment to 10 MIU was without effect. In patients initially not progressing or responding to 5 MIU, escalation to 10 MIU had a short lasting beneficial effect in three cases. The radiological characteristics and the kinetics of these responses are compatible with an anti-angiogenic effect of IFN. This study of IFN in carcinoid tumors confirms the activity in this disease. Our results demonstrate the necessity of initiating treatment only in radiologically progressive patients and continuing this treatment until progression. We feel that currently the activity of IFN in metastatic carcinoid tumors compares favorably with that of systemic chemotherapy in patients with progressive disease.

Laparoscopic resection of an adenoma of the urachus in combination with a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

In a 40-year-old male patient with symptomatic cholecystolithiasis, ultrasound examination disclosed a large cystic mass on the dome of the bladder. Laparoscopic resection of this mass was carried out in combination with a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Histology disclosed an urachal adenoma. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. We conclude that urachal adenomas can be managed safely by laparoscopic means.

Intrapulmonary lymph nodes in the differential diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodules: case report and review of the literature.

A 49-year-old man was admitted for further investigation of a coin lesion with a diameter of 1 cm. He was a heavy smoker with no professional exposure. Since the percutaneous needle biopsy did not yield a definitive diagnosis, a thoracoscopy was performed. The solitary pulmonary nodule was found to be an intrapulmonary lymph node with anthracosilicotic pigment and a thoracoscopic wedge resection was performed. A review of the case reports in the period 1961-1993 shows that intrapulmonary lymph nodes could be more frequent than originally thought. All patients were smokers but professional exposure was not a constant finding. The differential diagnosis and management of the indeterminate solitary pulmonary nodule are discussed.

Cytomegalovirus colitis in a patient with AIDS: CT findings.

This case report describes an AIDS patient with a cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis. A CT scan of the abdomen showed a thick colonic wall, producing a target sign. CT scanning of the abdomen may be useful in patients suspected of CMV rectocolitis in order to decide whether a rectosigmoidoscopy or a complete colonoscopy should be performed. A definitive diagnosis of CMV rectocolitis can only be made by intestinal biopsy.