ABSTRACT
Analytic morphomics refers to the accurate measurement of specific biological markers of human body composition in diagnostic medical imaging. The increasing prevalence of disease processes that alter body composition including obesity, cachexia, and sarcopenia has generated interest in specific targeted measurement of these metrics to possibly prevent or reduce negative health outcomes. Typical morphomic measurements include the area and density of muscle, bone, vascular calcification, visceral fat, and subcutaneous fat on a specific validated axial level in the patient's cross-sectional diagnostic imaging. A distinct advantage of these measurements is that they can be made retrospectively and opportunistically with pre-existing datasets. We provide a narrative review of the current state of art in morphomics, but also consider some potential future directions for this exciting field. Imaging based quantitative assessment of body composition has enormous potential across the breadth and scope of modern clinical practice. From risk stratification to treatment planning, and outcome assessment, all can be enhanced with the use of analytic morphomics. Moreover, it is likely that many new opportunities for personalized medicine will emerge as the field evolves. As radiologists, embracing analytic morphomics will enable us to contribute added value in the care of every patient.
ABSTRACT
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is one of the most common progressive life-shortening genetic conditions worldwide. Ground-breaking translational research has generated therapies that target the primary cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) defect, known as CFTR modulators. A crucial aspect of paediatric CF disease is the development and progression of irreversible respiratory disease in the absence of clinical symptoms. Accurate thoracic diagnostics have an important role to play in this regard. Chest radiographs are non-specific and insensitive in the context of subtle changes in early CF disease, with computed tomography (CT) providing increased sensitivity. Recent advancements in imaging hardware and software have allowed thoracic CTs to be acquired in paediatric patients at radiation doses approaching that of a chest radiograph. CFTR modulators slow the progression of CF, reduce the frequency of exacerbations and extend life expectancy. In conjunction with advances in CT imaging techniques, low-dose thorax CT will establish a central position in the routine care of children with CF. International guidelines regarding the choice of modality and timing of thoracic imaging in children with CF are lagging behind these rapid technological advances. The continued progress of personalised medicine in the form of CFTR modulators will promote the emergence of personalised radiological diagnostics.
ABSTRACT
The recent description and re-classification of the mesentery as an organ prompted renewed interest in its role in physiological and pathological processes. With an improved understanding of its anatomy, accurately and reliably assessing the mesentery with non-invasive radiological investigation becomes more feasible. Multi-detector computed tomography is the main radiological modality employed to assess the mesentery due to its speed, widespread availability, and diagnostic accuracy. Pathologies affecting the mesentery can be classified as primary or secondary mesenteropathies. Primary mesenteropathies originate in the mesentery and subsequently progress to involve other organ systems (e.g., mesenteric ischemia or mesenteric volvulus). Secondary mesenteropathies describe disease processes that originate elsewhere and progress to involve the mesentery with varying degrees of severity (e.g., lymphoma). The implementation of standardized radiological imaging protocols, nomenclature, and reporting format with regard to the mesentery will be essential in improving the assessment of mesenteric anatomy and various mesenteropathies. In this article, we describe and illustrate the current state of art in respect of the radiological assessment of the mesentery.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a non-invasive analytical technique that investigates the presence and concentrations of brain metabolites. In the context of major depressive disorder (MDD), MRS has revealed regional biochemical changes in GABA, glutamate, and choline across different brain compartments. Technical and methodological advances in MRS data acquisition, in particular proton-based 1H-MRS, have resulted in a significant increase in the incidence of reports utilizing the technique for psychiatric disorder research and diagnosis. The most recent comprehensive meta-analysis reviewing MRS in MDD stems from 2006. Using contemporary systemic reviews and meta-analysis, the aim is to first test a neurochemical circuit-based theory of depression and then to determine if clinical scores relate to metabolite concentrations before and during treatment. METHODS: Region-specific metabolite changes in MDD will be assessed by systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Inclusion criteria will include participant age (18 to 65), English language studies, known regions of interest, and detailed documentation of 1H-MRS procedures. Reported brain regions will be standardized according neuroanatomical expertise allowing increased power of the meta-analysis. Regions of interest will initially include the hippocampus, thalamus, prefrontal cortex, anterior and posterior cingulate gyri, parietal lobe, and basal ganglia. Exclusion criteria will include comorbid psychiatric illness and drug use. Two independent reviewers will undertake all data extraction, while a third reviewer will check for reviewer discrepancies. Statistical analysis will be performed using STATA supplemented by Metan software and SPSS. DISCUSSION: This data will shed new light on the biochemical basis of depression in different brain regions, thereby highlighting the potential of MRS in identifying biomarkers and generating models of MDD and treatment response. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42018091494.
