Deep neural network to locate and segment brain tumors outperformed the expert technicians who created the training data.

Purpose: Deep learning (DL) algorithms have shown promising results for brain tumor segmentation in MRI. However, validation is required prior to routine clinical use. We report the first randomized and blinded comparison of DL and trained technician segmentations. Approach: We compiled a multi-institutional database of 741 pretreatment MRI exams. Each contained a postcontrast T1-weighted exam, a T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery exam, and at least one technician-derived tumor segmentation. The database included 729 unique patients (470 males and 259 females). Of these exams, 641 were used for training the DL system, and 100 were reserved for testing. We developed a platform to enable qualitative, blinded, controlled assessment of lesion segmentations made by technicians and the DL method. On this platform, 20 neuroradiologists performed 400 side-by-side comparisons of segmentations on 100 test cases. They scored each segmentation between 0 (poor) and 10 (perfect). Agreement between segmentations from technicians and the DL method was also evaluated quantitatively using the Dice coefficient, which produces values between 0 (no overlap) and 1 (perfect overlap). Results: The neuroradiologists gave technician and DL segmentations mean scores of 6.97 and 7.31, respectively ( p < 0.00007 ). The DL method achieved a mean Dice coefficient of 0.87 on the test cases. Conclusions: This was the first objective comparison of automated and human segmentation using a blinded controlled assessment study. Our DL system learned to outperform its "human teachers" and produced output that was better, on average, than its training data.

Disseminated High-grade Glioma in a Long-term Survivor of Medulloblastoma: Implications and Management of Radiation-induced Malignancies.

We describe a gentleman diagnosed with a posterior fossa medulloblastoma in 1998, successfully treated with craniospinal radiation therapy (RT) and posterior fossa RT boost, followed by 12 months of adjuvant chemotherapy. Nineteen years later, at the age of 28, the patient presented with multiple cranial neuropathies and was found to have disseminated high-grade glioma with leptomeningeal dissemination. In addition to the salient features of this case, we provide a brief review of RT-induced malignancies and the need for further research regarding surveillance and prevention strategies.

Normal Variant Occipital Pneumatization.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate prevalence and pattern of occipital pneumatization (OP). PATIENTS: Individuals with imaging evidence of OP on computed tomography (CT). INTERVENTION(S): High resolution CT scans of the temporal bone. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The prevalence and pattern of OP on 1000 CT scans performed at a large academic healthcare system. RESULTS: OP had a prevalence of 11.8% (n = 118) while occipital condyle pneumatization occurred in only 0.3%. Occipital air cells were right-sided in 27.1% (n = 32), left-sided in 51.7% (n = 61), and bilateral in 21.2% (n = 25), and OP was contiguous with the occipitomastoid suture. In cases of unilateral OP, the contralateral jugular foramen demonstrated relative enlargement (p = 0.006), but a direct association could not be established. CONCLUSIONS: The occipital bone is an accessory site of skull base pneumatization in 11.8% of the population undergoing temporal bone CT, while air cell extension into the occipital condyle occurs more rarely. These occipital air cells have a left-sided predilection and are always in direct proximity to the occipitomastoid suture, suggesting developmental egress from the mastoid. OP is a normal variant and lacks features of craniocervical pneumatization, which is a rare disorder.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Assessment of Vascular Contact of the Facial Nerve in the Asymptomatic Patient.

Objective The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of facial nerve vascular contact on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients without hemifacial spasm (HFS). Study Design Our radiology database was queried to identify consecutive adult patients without a history of HFS, intracranial tumor, brain radiation therapy, intracranial surgery, traumatic brain injury, or trigeminal nerve vascular compression. One hundred high-resolution MRIs of the posterior fossa were independently reviewed by two neuroradiologists for facial nerve vascular contact (200 sides). Main Outcome Measures The prevalence of vascular nerve contact in the non-HFS patient, the location of contact along the facial nerve, the culprit vessel, and severity of compression was recorded. Results The presence of vascular contact in the non-HFS patient may be as high as 53%. It is typically mild to moderate in severity, most commonly involves the cisternal portion, and usually caused by the anterior inferior cerebellar artery. Conclusion Vascular contact of the facial nerve is frequently identified in asymptomatic individuals but tends to be more peripheral and mild compared with previous descriptions of neurovascular contact in HFS patients. These results should be considered in assessing the candidacy of HFS patients for microvascular decompression.

The role of digital subtraction myelography in the diagnosis and localization of spontaneous spinal CSF leaks.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to review the clinical utility of digital subtraction myelography for the diagnosis of spinal CSF leaks in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) and those with superficial siderosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Procedure logs from 2007 to 2011 were reviewed to identify cases in which digital subtraction myelography was performed to diagnose spinal CSF leaks. Electronic medical records were reviewed to obtain information regarding diagnosis and outcome. For patients to be included in the study, preprocedural spinal MRI had to show an extradural fluid collection spanning more than one vertebral level and postmyelographic CT had to confirm the presence of an active CSF leak. If digital subtraction myelography successfully showed the site of the CSF leak, the location was documented. RESULTS: Eleven patients (seven men and four women; mean age, 49.0 years) underwent digital subtraction myelography during the study period. Six patients had SIH and five patients had superficial siderosis. The extradural fluid collection on spinal MRI averaged a length of 15.5 vertebral levels. Digital subtraction myelography successfully showed the site of the CSF leak in nine of the 11 patients, and all of the dural tears were located in the thoracic spine between T3 and T11. CONCLUSION: Digital subtraction myelography is a valuable diagnostic tool for the localization of rapid spinal CSF leaks and should be considered in patients who are clinically suspected to have a dural tear that is accompanied by a longitudinally extensive extradural fluid collection on spinal MRI.

Refractory headaches due to multilevel thoracic cerebrospinal fluid leaks.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leak is a well-documented cause of postural headache. We report a medically refractory headache due to multilevel thoracic cerebrospinal fluid leaks. CASE REPORT: A 44-year-old male with an acute onset of postural headache failed to respond to bed rest, hydration, and analgesics. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a large cerebrospinal fluid leak centered at the right T4 and left T11 to 12 levels, with bony pathology evident at the lower thoracic level. Lumbar (L4 to 5) and computed tomography guided T4 to 5 level epidural blood patches provided minimal pain relief. Percutaneous epidural fibrin glue injection at T4 followed by a repeat computed tomography guided epidural blood patch led to significant but incomplete symptom relief. Subsequent imaging demonstrated persistent fluid at the T11 to 12 level. Fibrin glue and epidural blood patches at this level reduced but did not eliminate the leak and residual symptoms. Extensive corrective surgery was offered but declined by the patient. CONCLUSION: Treatment of multifocal cerebrospinal fluid leaks can be challenging, particularly when at least part of the underlying etiology is fixed structural bony pathology.

Evaluación de una intervención de farmacia clínica sobre el control de la presión arterial / An Evaluation of a Clinical Pharmacy-Directed Intervention on Blood Pressure Control

Objetivo: Comparar en control a corto y largo plazo de la presión arterial incluyendo un especialista en farmacia clínica a la atención tradicional médica. Ubicación: Un servicio sanitario privado sin ánimo de lucro en Estados Unidos que cubre aproximadamente 385.000 personas. Métodos: Este análisis utilizó un diseño paralelo prospectivo. Eran elegibles los adultos con una presión arterial inicial ≥140/90 mmHg y que recibían al menos un medicamento antihipertensivo. Los pacientes elegibles de una clínica se remitieron a la consulta de un especialista en farmacia clínica (grupo intervención) mientras que otra clínica similar recibió la atención directa tradicional del médico (grupo control). La medida de resultado primario era conseguir una presión arterial de (<140/90) durante un periodo de seis meses de seguimiento. Se revisaron los historiales médicos de aproximadamente 1,5 años después de la inclusión para evaluar el control a largo plazo de la presión arterial una vez que los pacientes con atención del farmacéutico clínico volvieron a la atención tradicional. Se realizó un análisis multivariante, realizándose un ajuste de las diferencias iniciales de los grupos. Resultados: Completaron el estudio 113 y 111 personas en los grupos intervención y control, respectivamente. Al final del seguimiento, los individuos atendidos por el farmacéutico clínico tenían más probabilidad de alcanzar el objetivo de presión arterial (64,6%) y de recibir diuréticos tiazídicos (68,1%) que los individuos del grupo control (40,7% y 33,3%), respectivamente). La proporción de pacientes (ajustado, p=0,002 y p<0,001, respectivamente). La proporción de pacientes atendidos por el farmacéutico clínico con presión arterial controlada descendió al 22,2% después de volver a la atención tradicional (p<0,001). Conclusión: La inclusión de un farmacéutico clínico en la atención de la hipertensión produjo un aumento de control de la presión arterial. La pérdida de control después de cesar en la atención del farmacéutico clínico apoya la existencia de un cambio en el proceso de atención que evite que los pacientes abandonen el seguimiento (AU)

Objective: To compare short and long term blood pressure control with clinical pharmacy specialist involvement to traditional physician management. Setting: A non-profit health maintenance organization in the United States covering approximately 385,000 lives. Methods: This analysis utilized a prospective parallel design. Adult patients with a baseline Blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg and receiving at least one antihypertensive medication were eligible for the study. Eligible hypertension management patients at one medical office were referred to the office’s clinical pharmacy specialist (intervention cohort) while at another comparable medical office they received usual physician-directed care (control cohort). The primary outcome measure was achievement of a goal BP (<140/90 mmHg) during a six month follow-up. Medical records were also reviewed approximately 1.5 years post enrollment to assess long-term BP control after clinical pharmacy-managed patients returned to usual care. Multivariate analyses were performed to adjust for baseline cohort differences. Results: One hundred-thirteen and 111 subjects in the intervention and control cohorts completed the study, respectively. At the end of the follow-up period, clinical pharmacy-managed subjects were more likely to have achieved goal BP (64.6%) and received a thiazide diuretic (68.1%) compared to control subjects (40.7% and 33.3%, respectively) (adjusted p=0.002 and p<0.001, respectively). The proportion of clinical pharmacy-managed subjects with controlled BP decreased to 22.2% after returning to usual care (p<0.001). Conclusion: Clinical pharmacy involvement in hypertension management resulted in increased BP control. Loss of long-term control after discontinuation of clinical pharmacy management supports a change in care processes that prevent patients from being lost to follow-up (AU)

Metastatic prostate carcinoma mimicking meningioma: case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial dural-based lesions can be due to benign or malignant processes. Imaging characteristics cannot always discern between different pathologic conditions. A thorough clinical evaluation may reveal likely diagnostic possibilities. However, in certain cases, the etiology of the underlying lesion may require biopsy or resection to appropriately treat the patient. REVIEW SUMMARY: We report the case of a large dural-based adenocarcinoma of the prostate clinically and radiographically mimicking a meningioma. We review the history and physical evaluation of the patient and subsequent treatment and response. We discuss the implications of dural-based intracranial lesions in patients with prostate cancer and review the literature of dural metastases, including the pathogenesis, tumor types, and clinical presentations. CONCLUSION: The differential diagnosis of dural-based lesions in the brain varies from incidental and benign to symptomatic and malignant. Careful vigilance in patients with a history of cancer and presenting with new symptoms or imaging evidence of dural-based lesions is critically important to provide timely intervention.

Kaiser Permanente Colorado Region Pharmacy Department: innovative leader in pharmacy practice.

OBJECTIVE: To describe innovative programs within the Kaiser Permanente Pharmacy Department in the Colorado Region. SETTING: One of eight regions of the nation's largest nonprofit health maintenance organization. PRACTICE DESCRIPTION: The pharmacy department comprises two services, Clinical Pharmacy Services and Pharmacy Operations/Support Services, which are integrated to provide comprehensive care. PRACTICE INNOVATION: Within Clinical Pharmacy Services, the Primary Care Clinical Pharmacy Services team works alongside physicians to provide integrated patient care. The Centralized Clinical Pharmacy Service teams manage large groups of patients effectively and efficiently. The Clinical Pharmacy Specialty staff and the Disease State Management clinical pharmacy specialists provide focused drug therapy expertise. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical and economic outcomes; recognition by national organizations. RESULTS: Technological innovations are used within Pharmacy Operations/Support Services to increase pharmacists' time for patient care activities. The use of technology by the Pharmacy Automated Refill Center and the implementation of ScriptPro in the medical office pharmacies decrease dispensing demands by processing large volumes of prescriptions. Workflow in the medical office pharmacies has also been reengineered to increase efficiency. Various programs have been developed by the Pharmacy Information Technology Service to support patient care initiatives. Benchmark clinical and economic outcomes have been demonstrated. Positive outcomes have also resulted in quality and safety awards and captured the attention of national pharmacy and medical organizations. CONCLUSION: The Colorado Region Pharmacy Department has been recognized as a leader in pharmacy practice through the development of innovative services that provide exceptional patient care.

An evaluation of a clinical pharmacy-directed intervention on blood pressure control.

OBJECTIVE: To compare short and long term blood pressure control with clinical pharmacy specialist involvement to traditional physician management. SETTING: A non-profit health maintenance organization in the United States covering approximately 385,000 lives. METHODS: This analysis utilized a prospective parallel design. Adult patients with a baseline Blood pressure>140/90 mmHg and receiving at least one antihypertensive medication were eligible for the study. Eligible hypertension management patients at one medical office were referred to the office's clinical pharmacy specialist (intervention cohort) while at another comparable medical office they received usual physician-directed care (control cohort). The primary outcome measure was achievement of a goal BP (<140/90 mmHg) during a six month follow-up. Medical records were also reviewed approximately 1.5 years post enrollment to assess long-term BP control after clinical pharmacy-managed patients returned to usual care. Multivariate analyses were performed to adjust for baseline cohort differences. RESULTS: One hundred-thirteen and 111 subjects in the intervention and control cohorts completed the study, respectively. At the end of the follow-up period, clinical pharmacy-managed subjects were more likely to have achieved goal BP (64.6%) and received a thiazide diuretic (68.1%) compared to control subjects (40.7% and 33.3%, respectively) (adjusted p=0.002 and p<0.001, respectively). The proportion of clinical pharmacy-managed subjects with controlled BP decreased to 22.2% after returning to usual care (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Clinical pharmacy involvement in hypertension management resulted in increased BP control. Loss of long-term control after discontinuation of clinical pharmacy management supports a change in care processes that prevent patients from being lost to follow-up.

Telepharmacy in a health maintenance organization.

PURPOSE: A telepharmacy service in a health maintenance organization is described. SUMMARY: Kaiser Permanente Colorado Region's clinical pharmacy call center (CPCC) was established in 1996 after an audit showed that the third most common type of call to the regional call center involved questions about drug therapy. The service was developed through collaboration among the pharmacy department, the medical group, and the health plan to care for patients with medication-related questions. CPCC pharmacists work closely with the physicians, nurses, and service associates of the regional call center; primary care physicians; and other pharmacy department members. The CPCC team answers approximately 1200 telephone calls daily, including calls from new members regarding their transition into the health plan, calls about medications for patients recently discharged from outside hospitals, questions about medication-related news releases, and general drug therapy questions. CPCC pharmacists collaborate with physicians to care for patients with allergic rhinitis and to complete projects that improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of drug therapy regimens. Many of CPCC's interactions are entered into an electronic medical record. CPCC has helped over 40,000 new members with their transition into the health plan since January 2000, and significant cost savings have resulted. CONCLUSION: CPCC has used telephonic, electronic, and other means of communication in an effort to reduce costs and improve the quality of care.

Clinical pharmacy travel medicine services: a new frontier.

Travel to remote destinations has increased dramatically in recent years. The Clinical Pharmacy International Travel Clinic (CPITC) was established in 1991 in the Kaiser Permanente Colorado Region to provide pre-travel advice to members to decrease their risk of travel-related diseases. The CPITC is unique from other travel medicine clinics because it is a pharmacist-run telepharmacy service. The team includes an infectious diseases physician, an infectious diseases clinical pharmacy specialist, 4 clinical pharmacists, and a pharmacy technician. The clinical pharmacists provide consultations via telephone. Both patient- and trip-related information are gathered to assess the traveler's health risks. Recommendations are provided regarding food- and water-borne diseases, insect-borne diseases, sexually transmitted diseases, and diseases related to animal bites. Additionally, detailed information is provided on vaccines that may be needed to protect travelers against various diseases. The travel consult is documented electronically. A copy of the consult, along with a booklet that provides travel information, is mailed to the patient. Success of the CPITC is demonstrated in several ways. The clinic initially served Kaiser Permanente members in the Colorado Region. The service has expanded and now also provides travel consults to Kaiser Permanente members in the Northwest and Ohio Regions. Patient satisfaction is high, and significant cost-savings have been realized secondary to avoiding the use of unnecessary vaccinations and medications. The CPITC allows resources to be leveraged and provides one center where individuals trained in travel medicine provide information to members, thus improving efficiency and decreasing cost.

Carotid pseudostring sign from vasa vasorum collaterals.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the spectral and color Doppler imaging findings in 2 cases of internal carotid artery occlusion with vasa vasorum collateral flow, which we term the "pseudostring sign." METHODS: Spectral and color Doppler imaging findings in both cases were reviewed. Magnetic resonance angiography in 2 cases and conventional angiography in 1 case were also reviewed. RESULTS: Both patients had color Doppler images showing that the internal carotid artery was a narrow, stringlike vessel with arterial flow that had normal spectral Doppler features (velocity < 125 cm/s with a normal waveform). Magnetic resonance angiography in 1 patient showed total occlusion of the proximal internal carotid artery with patent vasa vasorum collaterals reconstituting the lumen distally. In the second patient, magnetic resonance angiography showed total occlusion of the proximal internal carotid artery, and conventional angiography showed proximal occlusion with collateral flow through the vasa vasorum. CONCLUSION: Proximal internal carotid artery occlusion with vasa vasorum collateral flow should be considered when color Doppler imaging shows a seemingly narrow internal carotid artery with tortuosity and normal spectral Doppler features. Patients with these features should not undergo carotid endarterectomy directly on the basis of only the Doppler findings.