Clinical evaluation of deep learning-enhanced lymphoma pet imaging with accelerated acquisition.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the clinical performance of a deep learning (DL)-enhanced two-fold accelerated PET imaging method in patients with lymphoma. METHODS: A total of 123 cases devoid of lymphoma underwent whole-body 18F-FDG-PET/CT scans to facilitate the development of an advanced SAU2Net model, which combines the advantages of U2Net and attention mechanism. This model integrated inputs from simulated 1/2-dose (0.07 mCi/kg) PET acquisition across multiple slices to generate an estimated standard dose (0.14 mCi/kg) PET scan. Additional 39 cases with confirmed lymphoma pathology were utilized to evaluate the model's clinical performance. Assessment criteria encompassed peak-signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity index (SSIM), a 5-point Likert scale rated by two experienced physicians, SUV features, image noise in the liver, and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Diagnostic outcomes, including lesion numbers and Deauville score, were also compared. RESULTS: Images enhanced by the proposed DL method exhibited superior image quality (P < 0.001) in comparison to low-dose acquisition. Moreover, they illustrated equivalent image quality in terms of subjective image analysis and lesion maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) as compared to the standard acquisition method. A linear regression model with y = 1.017x + 0.110 ( R 2 = 1.00 ${R^2} = \;1.00$ ) can be established between the enhanced scans and the standard acquisition for lesion SUVmax. With enhancement, increased signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), CNR, and reduced image noise were observed, surpassing those of the standard acquisition. DL-enhanced PET images got diagnostic results essentially equavalent to standard PET images according to two experienced readers. CONCLUSION: The proposed DL method could facilitate a 50% reduction in PET imaging duration for lymphoma patients, while concurrently preserving image quality and diagnostic accuracy.

Effect of high-quality nursing on neurological function psychological moods quality of life of elderly patients with stroke.

Objectives: The primary objective of the present investigation was to meticulously examine the efficacy of high-quality nursing care (HQN) on neurological restoration, amelioration of adverse psychological states, and augmentation of quality of life in geriatric patients diagnosed with acute cerebral infarction (ACI). Methods: A cohort of 240 patients, afflicted by ACI and admitted to our healthcare institution between February 2020 and March 2023, were incorporated into this longitudinal prospective analysis. Employing a random number table methodology, the patient cohort was bifurcated into a control group (n = 120) receiving conventional care and an observation group (n = 120) receiving HQN. Comparisons were conducted between the two cohorts concerning neurological functionality [as quantified by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scales (NIHSS) and Barthel Index (BI) scores], psychological wellbeing [utilizing the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores], overall quality of life [assessed via the Generic Quality of Life Inventory-74 (GQOLI-74) scores], and self-perceived burden [evaluated through the Self-Perceived Burden Scale (SPBS)]. Further assessments included patient satisfaction and incidence of complications, both in the pre- and post-interventional phases. Results: Post-intervention, the observation group demonstrated superior outcomes compared to the control group, as evidenced by diminished NIHSS and SPBS scores and elevated BI metrics. Moreover, SAS and SDS scores in both groups manifested a decline post-intervention; however, the decrement was statistically more pronounced in the observation group (P < 0.05). Similarly, all dimensions of GQOLI-74 showed an upward trend in both cohorts, yet the increase was significantly more substantial in the observation group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the observation group exhibited a reduced frequency of complications coupled with heightened levels of nursing satisfaction. Conclusion: The implementation of HQN in the geriatric population afflicted by ACI markedly enhances neurological recuperation, attenuates adverse psychological states, and ameliorates overall quality of life. The intervention is also associated with a diminution in complication rates and an increase in nursing satisfaction, thereby substantiating its clinical utility.

A nomogram based on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT and clinical features to predict epidermal growth factor receptor mutation status in patients with lung adenocarcinoma.

Background: Identifying epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in lung adenocarcinoma (LADC) is vital for treatment decision-making. This study aimed to establish a convenient and noninvasive nomogram prediction model based on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) imaging and clinical features to predict EGFR mutation status in patients with LADC. Methods: A total of 274 patients (male 130, female 144, median age 65 years) were enrolled in this retrospective study. Imaging data from 18F-FDG PET/CT and clinical information were analyzed, with the Mann-Whitney U test, Student's t-test, and chi-square test used to compare categorical or continuous covariates as appropriate. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent variables associated with EGFR mutation status, from which the nomogram prediction model was constructed. Leave-one-out cross-validation was performed, and the discrimination ability and calibration of the nomogram were assessed by calculating the area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic curve and the calibration curve. The clinical net benefit of the nomogram was evaluated. Results: Of the 274 patients, 143 (52.2%) had EGFR mutations. Female sex [odds ratios (OR): 2.64, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.29-5.45, P=0.008], non-smoking status (OR: 2.78, 95% CI: 1.30-5.88, P=0.008), mean standardized uptake value ≤9.23 (OR: 2.44, 95% CI: 1.35-4.55, P=0.004), metabolic tumor volume ≤17.72 cm3 (OR: 5.00, 95% CI: 2.38-12.50, P<0.001) and the presence of pleural retraction (OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.05-3.40, P=0.034) were independent predictors for EGFR mutations in LADCs. The nomogram based on these risk factors showed good predictive efficacy, with an area under the curve of 0.805 (95% CI: 0.753-0.857), a sensitivity of 90.2%, a specificity of 59.5% and an accuracy of 73.0%. Conclusions: The nomogram prediction model incorporating sex, smoking status, mean standardized uptake value, metabolic tumor volume, and the presence of pleural retraction could effectively discriminate EGFR-mutant from wild-type LADCs.

Efficacy and safety of cardiac shock wave therapy for patients with severe coronary artery disease: A randomized, double-blind control study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies proved the efficacy of cardiac shock wave therapy (CSWT) for coronary artery disease (CAD) patients who are not candidate for reperfusion therapy. Randomized control trials are limited. We try to explore the efficacy and safety of CSWT for patients with severe CAD. METHODS: Thirty patients with severe CAD who had obvious ischemia on myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) were enrolled and randomly assigned to the CSWT group or the control group. They had received optimal medication treatment for at least three months. Nine sessions of shock wave therapy were conducted over 3 months. CSWT group received the real treatment, while the control group received the pseudo-treatment. Clinical symptom, imaging outcomes and safety parameters were compared between two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, regional stress score (P = .023), improvement rate (IR) of ischemic area (IA) stress (P < .001) and IR of IA difference (P < .001) were significantly favor CSWT group. The interaction of summed rest score (P < .001), summed stress score (P = .004), summed difference score (P = .036) were significantly improved in the CSWT group compared to the control group. Seattle angina questionnaire, quality of life (QOL) and the distance of six-minute walking test (6MWT) were improved in both groups without significant difference between them. Hemodynamic parameters were stable during procedure. Myocardial injury markers showed no changes in two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated CSWT could effectively and safely improve myocardial perfusion in patients with severe CAD. Clinical symptom, QOL and 6MWT were all improved after treatment, but no significant difference between two groups.

Adenosine triphosphate stress myocardial perfusion imaging for risk stratification of patients aged 70 years and older with suspected coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the cardiac risk stratification value of adenosine triphosphate stress myocardial perfusion imaging (ATP-MPI) in patients aged 70 years and older with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: We identified a series of 415 consecutive patients aged 70 years and older with suspected CAD, who had undergone ATP-MPI with 99mTc-MIBI. The presence of a fixed and/or reversible perfusion defect was considered as an abnormal MPI. Follow-up was available in 399 patients (96.1%) over 3.45 ± 1.71 years after excluding 16 patients who underwent early coronary revascularization <60 days after MPI. The major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including cardiac death, nonfatal infarction, and late coronary revascularization, were recorded. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-five (31.3%) patients had abnormal MPI and the remaining had normal MPI. A multivariable analysis using Cox regression demonstrated that abnormal MPI was independently associated with MACE (hazard ratio 19.50 and 95% confidence interval 5.91-64.31, P value .000). The patients with SSS > 8 had significantly higher cumulative MACE rate than patients with SSS ≤ 8 had (37.8% vs 5.2%, respectively, P < .001). The Kaplan-Meier cumulative MACE-free survival in patients with abnormal MPI (57.0%) was significantly lower than that in patients with normal MPI (89.6%), P < .0001. Among patients with SSS > 8, the Kaplan-Meier cumulative MACE-free survival were 36.9% in patients ≥80 years old and 49.5% in patients 70-79 years old, respectively, P < .05. However, among patients with SSS ≤ 8, there was no difference between the Kaplan-Meier cumulative MACE-free survivals of these two age groups. CONCLUSIONS: ATP-MPI data are useful for the prediction of major adverse cardiac events in patients aged 70 years and older with suspected CAD.