Morphologic perfusion patterns and PI-RADSv2.1 in transition zone prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate morphologic perfusion patterns in transition zone prostate cancer in multiparametric MRI controlled by in-bore MRI-guided prostate biopsy. METHODS: Two experienced radiologists evaluated MRI perfusion patterns in consensus from 321 biopsy cores from the transition zone in 141 patients. Transition zone cancer was present in 77 cores in 36 patients. Single early-phase perfusion images were evaluated separately for the presence of a transition zone prostate cancer (consensus tumor early perfusion). The proposed criteria for the perfusion pattern (asymmetry, signal strength, and homogeneity) were rated in consensus for each biopsy position in the presence of the T2w images including the markers of the biopsy trace. We analyzed receiver operating characteristic curves for the PI-RADSv2.1 score and the proposed perfusion pattern. RESULTS: A logistic regression model with PI-RADSv2.1 and perfusion patterns in early perfusion imaging improved the model fit significantly compared to a model containing only PI-RADSv2.1 (Likelihood Ratio Test, LR = 14.5, p < .001). The AUC was 0.96 for the multiple regression model compared to 0.92 for the PI-RADSv2.1 alone. The evaluation of homogeneity in single early-enhancement images is not inferior compared to the conventional DCE parameter of PI-RADSv2.1 (AUC 0.84 versus 0.83). CONCLUSION: Morphologic perfusion patterns significantly improve the diagnostic performance of PI-RADSv2.1 in TZ prostate cancer.

Cholangiopancreatography in cats: a post-mortem comparison of MRI with fluoroscopy, corrosion casting and histopathology.

In human medicine, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a valuable diagnostic tool for hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases. In veterinary medicine, however, data evaluating the diagnostic value of MRCP are limited. The primary objectives of this prospective, observational, analytical investigation were to assess whether MRCP reliably visualizes the biliary tract and pancreatic ducts in cats without and with related disorders, and whether MRCP images and measurements of the ducts agree with those of fluoroscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (FRCP), corrosion casting and histopathology. A secondary objective was to provide MRCP reference diameters for bile ducts, GB, and pancreatic ducts. Donated bodies of 12 euthanized adult cats underwent MRCP, FRCP, and autopsy with corrosion casting of the biliary tract and pancreatic ducts using vinyl polysiloxane. Diameters of the biliary ducts, gallbladder (GB), and pancreatic ducts were measured using MRCP, FRCP, corrosion casts and histopathologic slides. There was an agreement between MRCP and FRCP in measuring diameters of the GB body, GB neck, cystic duct, and common bile duct (CBD) at papilla. Strong positive correlations existed between MRCP and corrosion casting for measuring GB body and neck, cystic duct, and CBD at the extrahepatic ducts' junction. In contrast to the reference methods, post-mortem MRCP did not visualize right and left extrahepatic ducts, and pancreatic ducts in most cats. Based on this study, MRCP with 1.5 Tesla can be regarded as a contributory method to improve the assessment of feline biliary tract and pancreatic ducts when their diameter is >1 mm.

Análise Crítica e Limitações do Diagnóstico de Insuficiência Cardíaca com Fração de Ejeção Preservada (ICFEp) / Critical Analysis and Limitations of the Diagnosis of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF)

Resumo Com o aumento da expectativa de vida da população e a maior frequência de fatores de risco como obesidade, hipertensão arterial e diabetes, espera-se um aumento na prevalência de insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção preservada (ICFEp). Entretanto, no momento, o diagnóstico e o tratamento de pacientes com ICFEp permanecem desafiadores. O diagnóstico sindrômico de ICFEp inclui diversas etiologias e doenças com tratamentos específicos, mas que apresentam pontos em comum em relação à apresentação clínica e à avaliação laboratorial no que diz respeito aos biomarcadores como BNP e NT-ProBNP, à avaliação ecocardiográfica do remodelamento cardíaco e às pressões de enchimento diastólico ventricular esquerdo. Extensos ensaios clínicos randomizados envolvendo a terapia nesta síndrome falharam na demonstração de benefícios para o paciente, fazendo-se necessária uma reflexão acerca do diagnóstico, dos mecanismos de morbidade, da taxa de mortalidade e da reversibilidade. Na revisão, serão abordados os conceitos atuais, as controvérsias e, especialmente, os desafios no diagnóstico da ICFEp através de uma análise crítica do escore da European Heart Failure Association.

Abstract With the increase in the population's life expectancy and the higher frequency of risk factors such as obesity, hypertension and diabetes, an increase in the prevalence of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is expected. However, to date, the diagnosis and treatment of patients with HFpEF remain challenging. The syndromic diagnosis of HFpEF includes several etiologies and diseases with specific treatments but has points in common regarding the clinical presentation, laboratory evaluation related to biomarkers, such as BNP and NT-ProBNP, and echocardiographic evaluation of cardiac remodeling and left ventricular diastolic filling pressures. Extensive randomized clinical trials involving the treatment of this condition have failed to demonstrate benefits to the patient, making it necessary to reflect on the diagnosis, mechanisms of morbidity, mortality and reversibility in this syndrome. In this review, the current concepts, controversies and challenges, especially regarding diagnosis, will be addressed, critically analyzing the European Heart Failure Association score for the diagnosis of HFpEF.

Disfunção Ventricular e do Átrio Esquerdo Subclínica em Pacientes com Acromegalia: Um Estudo de Ecocardiograma de Rastreamento de Manchas / Subclinical Left Atrial and Ventricular Dysfunction in Acromegaly Patients: A Speckle Tracking Echocardiography Study

Resumo Fundamento Embora se saiba que a fração de ejeção (FE) do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) medida por eletrocardiograma seja preservada em pacientes com acromegalia, não há informação suficiente sobre deformação longitudinal global e deformação do átrio esquerdo (SLG-VE e SAE). Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as funções do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) e do átrio esquerdo (AE) por ecocardiograma strain (ES) em pacientes com acromegalia. Métodos Este estudo incluiu 50 pacientes com acromegalia na forma ativa da doença e 50 controles saudáveis com idade, sexo e área de superfície corporal similares. Além dos ecocardiogramas de rotina, medições de SLG-VE e SAE foram realizadas com o ES. Resultados Os valores dos SAE e SLG-VE foram significativamente mais baixos em pacientes com acromegalia (p<0,05 para todos). Na análise bivariada, a pressão arterial sistólica, o pró-hormônio N-terminal do peptídeo natriurético cerebral, o fator de crescimento semelhante à insulina tipo 1, e detectou-se que os níveis de IMVE tinham correlação positiva com SAE e SLG-VE (p<0,05). O nível de IGF-1 tinha forte correlação com SAE e SLG-VE (p<0,001 e β=0,5 vs. p<0,001 e β=0,626, respectivamente); 48% dos pacientes com acromegalia têm SLG-VE reduzido (<20%). O índice de massa do ventrículo esquerdo (IMVE) determina independentemente a presença de SLG-VE reduzido, e cada 1g/m2 de aumento no nível de IMVE aumenta a probabilidade de redução de SLG-VE em 6%. Conclusão Embora a fração de ejeção de VE seja normal em pacientes com acromegalia, os valores de SAE e SLG-VE são significativamente mais baixos. Além do aumento em IMVE, outro achado do envolvimento cardíaco pode ser a redução de SAE e SLG-VE. Portanto, além do ecocardiograma de rotina, SAE e SLG-VE podem ser úteis para avaliar os sinais iniciais de envolvimento cardíaco antes da ocorrência de alterações cardíacas irreversíveis.

Abstract Background Although it is known that the left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) measured by echocardiography is preserved in patients with acromegaly, there is not enough information about the LV and left atrial strain (LV-GLS and LAS). Objective This study aimed to evaluate the left ventricular (LV) and left atrial (LA) functions with strain echocardiography (SE) in patients with acromegaly. Methods This study included 50 acromegaly patients with active disease and 50 healthy controls with similar age, gender, and body surface area. In addition to routine echocardiography examinations, LV-GLS and LAS measurements were performed with SE. Results LAS and LV-GLS values were significantly lower in patients with acromegaly (p<0.05 for all). In bivariate analysis, systolic blood pressure, N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide, Insulin-like growth factor-1, LA diastolic diameter, and LVMI levels were found to be positively correlated with both LAS and LV-GLS (p <0.05). IGF-1 level was strongly correlated with LAS and LV-GLS (p<0.001 and β=0.5 vs. p<0.001 and β=0.626, respectively); 48% of patients with acromegaly have reduced LV-GLS (<20%). Left ventricular mass-index (LVMI) independently determines the presence of reduced LV-GLS and each 1g/m2increase in LVMI level increases the likelihood of reduced LV-GLS by 6%. Conclusion Although LV ejection fraction is normal in patients with acromegaly, LAS and LV-GLS values were significantly reduced. Apart from LVMI increase, another finding of cardiac involvement may be LAS and LV-GLS decrease. Therefore, in addition to routine echocardiography, LAS and LV-GLS may be useful to evaluate early signs of cardiac involvement before the occurrence of irreversible cardiac changes.

Genetic biomarkers related to hemarthrosis, inflammation, and cartilage structure in pediatric patients with hemophilic arthropathy.

BACKGROUND: The pathophysiology of hemophilic arthropathy is complex and not completely understood. In this study, we aimed to identify biomarkers that can affect the hemophilic arthropathy severity. METHODS: Fifty patients were analyzed for biomarker frequencies; in 37 patients, articular symptoms were evaluated based on the physical joint examination score, and in 18, it was based on magnetic resonance imaging. Eight polymorphisms, namely FV 1691G>A, FII 20210G>A, MTHFR 677C>T and 1298A>C, TNFα-308G>A and -238G>A, ACAN VNTR, and IL1RN*2-VNTR were identified. RESULTS: Patients with the MTHFR 677TT genotype showed a higher number of affected joints (1.83 ± 0.9 vs. 0.55 ± 0.7 for CC; p = .023), whereas those with the MTHFR 1298AC genotype exhibited higher effusion according to two radiologists (0.90 ± 0.31/1.20 ± 0.63 vs. 0.38 ± 0.52/0.50 ± 0.53 for AA genotype; p = .043/0.036, respectively). In addition, patients with the TNFα-308GA genotype had more subchondral cysts (0.75 ± 0.95 vs. 0.07 ± 0.26 for GG genotype; p = .041). CONCLUSIONS: The distribution of risk genotypes for MTHFR and TNFα-308GA suggests their association with clinical parameters of hemophilic arthropathy. Cohort studies are essential to verify these associations.

Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features Identify Aggressive Prostate Cancer at the Phenotypic and Transcriptomic Level.

PURPOSE: Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging is a diagnostic tool for prostate cancer with limited data on prognostic use. We sought to determine whether multiparametric magnetic resonance could predict aggressive prostate cancer features. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the records of 206 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy between 2013 and 2017. All patients had available RNA expression data on the final pathology specimen obtained from a location corresponding to a lesion location on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging. The association between the PIRADS™ (Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System) score and adverse pathology features were analyzed. We also performed differential transcriptomic analysis between the PIRADS groups. Factors associated with adverse pathology were analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model. RESULTS: Lesion size (p = 0.03), PIRADS score (p = 0.02) and extraprostatic extension (p = 0.01) associated significantly with the Decipher® score. Multivariable analysis showed that the PIRADS score (referent PIRADS 3, OR 8.1, 95% CI 1.2-57.5, p = 0.04), the Gleason Grade Group (referent 3, OR 5.6, 95% CI 1.5-21.1, p = 0.01) and prostate specific antigen (OR 1.103, 95% CI 1.011-1.203) were risk factors for adverse pathology findings. The difference between PIRADS 4 and 5 did not reach significance (OR 1.9, 95% CI 0.8-4.5, p = 0.12). However, the PI3K-AKT-mTOR, WNT-ß and E2F signaling pathways were more active in PIRADS 5 than in PIRADS 4 cases. CONCLUSIONS: The PIRADS score is associated with adverse pathology results, increased metastatic risk and differential genomic pathway activation.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Focused Assessment with Sonography for Blunt Abdominal Trauma in Pediatric Patients Performed by Emergency Medicine Residents versus Radiology Residents.

INTRODUCTION: Focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) has been shown to be useful to detect intraperitoneal free fluid in patients with blunt abdominal trauma (BAT). OBJECTIVE: We compared the diagnostic accuracy of FAST performed by emergency medicine residents (EMRs) and radiology residents (RRs) in pediatric patients with BAT. METHOD: In this prospective study, pediatric patients with BAT and high energy trauma who were referred to the emergency department (ED) at Al-Zahra and Kashani hospitals in Isfahan, Iran, were evaluated using FAST, first by EMRs and subsequently by RRs. The reports provided by the two resident groups were compared with the final outcome based on the results of the abdominal computed tomography (CT), operative exploration, and clinical observation. RESULTS: A total of 101 patients with a median age of 6.75 ± 3.2 years were enrolled in the study between January 2013 and May 2014. These patients were evaluated using FAST, first by EMRs and subsequently by RRs. A good diagnostic agreement was noted between the results of the FAST scans performed by EMRs and RRs (κ = 0.865, P < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy in evaluating the intraperitoneal free fluid were 72.2%, 85.5%, 52%, 93.3%, and 83.2%, respectively, when FAST was performed by EMRs and 72.2%, 86.7%, 54.2%, 93.5%, and 84.2%, respectively, when FAST was performed by RRs. No significant differences were seen between the EMR- and RR-performed FAST. CONCLUSION: In this study, FAST performed by EMRs had acceptable diagnostic value, similar to that performed by RRs, in patients with BAT.

Estudo da frequência e localização de achados incidentais da região maxilofacial de diferentes campos de visão em exames de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico / Study of the frequency and location of incidental findings of the maxillofacial region in different fields of view in CBCT scans

A possibilidade de obtenção de imagens em três dimensões com a Tomografia Computadorizada de Feixe Cônico (TCFC) aumentou, sobremaneira, a capacidade de diagnóstico e planejamento odontológico. Exames de TCFC cobrindo toda a região maxilofacial permitem a detecção de lesões e anomalias fora da área específica de interesse. A avaliação minuciosa do exame nos permite a constatação de achados incidentais com ou sem significado clínico. São considerados como achados incidentais, imagens descobertas não relacionadas com o propósito original do exame e incluem variações anatômicas, anomalias, lesões benignas ou malignas. Neste estudo, avaliou-se o tipo, frequência e localização de achados incidentais na região maxilofacial de exames tomográficos, e a relevância clínica dos achados foi classificada quanto à necessidade ou não de acompanhamento, tratamento ou encaminhamento para um profissional especializado. Foram avaliados 150 exames de TCFC, divididos de acordo com o tamanho do FOV (campo de visão) em três grupos: maxila 6cm, mandíbula 6cm e maxila/mandíbula 13 cm. Os achados incidentais foram categorizados em 6 zonas: vias aéreas, ATM, osso, lesões dos maxilares, dente e calcificações de tecido mole. Os resultados mostram 560 achados incidentais que foram encontrados em 92% da amostra avaliada, sendo 225 nos exames onde o FOV abrangia maxila, 99 na mandíbula e 236 na maxila/mandíbula. Os achados incidentais foram mais frequentes na zona de dente, com 27,32% dos achados, seguida pelas vias aéreas com 24,46%, calcificações de tecido mole com 20,53%, ATM com 16,42%, 7,32% osso, lesões dos maxilares 1,96% e outros achados também com 1,96%. Foi constatado ainda que: 43,46% dos achados incidentais não necessitaram de tratamento ou encaminhamento para outro profissional, 28,97% necessitaram da aquisição de novas imagens para acompanhamento e 27,57% necessitaram de tratamento ou encaminhamento. Este estudo confirmou a alta frequência de achados...

The ability to obtain images in three dimensions with Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) has greatly increased the ability for dental diagnosis and planning. CBCT exams covering all the maxillofacial areas allow the detection of abnormalities and lesions outside the specific area of interest. A thorough evaluation of the exams allows for the discovery of incidental findings with or without clinical significance. Discovered images unrelated to the original purpose of the examination are considered incidental findings and include anatomical variations, anomalies, benign and malignant lesions. In the present study, the type, frequency and location of incidental findings in the maxillofacial region of CBCT scans were evaluated, and the clinical relevance of the findings were classified as requirement or not monitoring, treatment or referral to a specialist. Evaluated were 150 CBCT exams, divided according to the size of the FOV (field of view) into three groups: 6cm maxilla, 6cm mandible and 13 cm maxilla/mandible. The incidental findings were categorized into six areas: Airway, ATM, bone, lesions of the jaws, teeth and soft tissue calcifications. The results show 560 incidental findings that were found in 92% of the sample studied, with 225 exams where the FOV covered just the maxilla, 99 in the mandible and 236 in the maxilla/mandible. The incidental findings were more frequent in the tooth zone, with 27.32% of the findings, followed by airways with 24.46%, soft tissue calcifications with 20.53%, ATM with 16.42%, 7.32% bone, 1.96% lesions of the jaw and 1.96% other findings. Also found were that 43.46% of the incidental findings did not need treatment or referral to another professional, 28.97% required the acquisition of new images for monitoring and 27.55% needed treatment or referral. The present study confirmed the high frequency of incidental findings in CBCT scans. It was concluded that it is necessary to interpret and report the total volume...

X-ray,CT and MRI findings of synovial tuberculosis in joints / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To analyze the X-ray,CT and MRI findings of synovial tuberculosis,and to evaluate the role of MRI in diagnosing synovial tuberculosis.Methods Fourteen eases of synovial tuberculosis comfirmed by operation and pathology were retrospectively analyzed and summarized. All patients were examined by MRI and X-ray,and CT scans were performed in 3 cases. Results X-ray showed joint swelling(8 cases),articular space narrowing(7 cases),marginal joint erosions(4 cases), and periarticular osteoporosis(9 cases).The joint swelling was detected on CT in all 3 cases,and bony erosion and speckled sequestra were seen in 2 cases.MRI in all of patients showed joint swelling and synovial proliferation in different drgees,demonstrated as heterogeneously low signal on T_1 WI and slight high signal(7 cases)and obvious high signal(6 cases)on T_2WI,and diffuse synovial proliferation was demonstrated as massive and nodular signal in 8 cases.Joint effusion was present in 7 cases as low signal on T_1WI and high signal on T_2 WI.Osseous erosion lesions were seen in 7 cases,and intra-artieular cartilage thinned,partly or mostly disappeared in 11 cases.Periarticular bone marrow edema was found in 7 cases. Conclusion MRI was superior to X-ray and CT in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of synovial tuberculosis.