Gleason Score within Prostate Abnormal Areas Defined by Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging Did Not Vary According to the PIRADS Score.

BACKGROUND: We aim to correlate multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) of the prostate reporting (Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System [PI-RADS] version 2) with the Gleason score into both radical prostatectomy (RP) specimen and MRI fusion-targeted biopsies (FTB). METHODS: mpMRI of 74 patients who underwent an RP after FTB were retrospectively reviewed. The Gleason score distribution was compared according to the PI-RADS score using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results were compared to those of the mpMRI-guided biopsy of the same anatomical zone. For comparison, 903 RP specimen and their corresponding classical biopsies were also reviewed. Cohen's kappa concordance test was used to compare biopsies and prostatectomy specimen analyses. RESULTS: An exact match between Gleason grade in RP specimen and FTB was found in 62% of the cases. There was no significant difference in Gleason score ≤7 (3 + 4) vs. ≥7 (4 + 3) distribution according to the PI-RADS scores (p = 0.096). Overall, Kappa coefficients were similar with MRI-targeted biopsies compared to classical biopsies (κ = 0.378, 95% CI [0.194-0.563], and κ = 0.316, 95% CI [0.259-0.374], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: PI-RADS score was not associated with significant differences regarding Gleason score distribution within target. Moreover, concordance of Gleason score in both MRI-targeted and classical biopsies with those within target in RP specimen was weak.

IRMA study: Prevalence of subdiaphragmatic visceral infarction in ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation.

Background Occult atrial fibrillation (AF) may, in part, explain cryptogenic stroke. A 22% prevalence of subdiaphragmatic visceral infarction (SDVI) among patients with ischemic stroke (IS) due to AF has been reported, using abdominal MRI. We sought to assess the reproducibility of this method and to confirm that SDVI is more prevalent in cases of AF-caused IS than in IS of other etiologies. Methods In consecutive patients admitted to our hospital, we compared SDVI prevalence in three groups: patients with IS due to AF (IS+/AF+ group), patients with stroke of another determined cause (IS+/AF- group) and patients with AF without stroke (IS-/AF+ group). Results A total of 111 patients were included. The median time between inclusion and abdominal MRI was six days. SDVI was more frequent in the IS+/AF+ group ( n = 10; 21.3%), than in IS+/AF- ( n = 1; 3.3%) and IS-/AF+ ( n = 0) groups, p = 0.002. The most frequent localization was the kidney. Conclusions The prevalence of SDVI was higher among patients with AF-caused IS. In cases of cryptogenic stroke, a positive abdominal MRI may suggest occult AF as the cause and identify a high risk of AF in this subgroup of patients.

Diagnostic Yield of Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism by Combined CT Venography and Pulmonary Angiography in Patients with Cryptogenic Stroke and Patent Foramen Ovale.

BACKGROUND: Paradoxical embolism via a patent foramen ovale (PFO) has been suggested as a potential stroke mechanism. Combined CT venography and pulmonary angiography (CVPA) is a simple, validated and accurate technique to diagnose deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). We sought to assess the prevalence of DVT or PE among patients with PFO and cryptogenic stroke (CS) by CVPA. METHODS: Patients were identified retrospectively from a clinical registry of consecutive patients with stroke admitted to our Stroke Unit. The following criteria were required for inclusion in this study: CS, PFO identified by transthoracic echography using contrast medium and CVPA performed during the hospitalization following stroke. RESULTS: A total of 114 patients with PFO underwent a CVPA within 7 days (interquartile range 4-9) from stroke symptom onset. On cerebral imaging, 11% had multiple infarcts. CVPA documented deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in 10 patients (8.8%) and PE in 5 patients (4.4%), that is, a total of 12 patients with prevalence of 10.5% (95% CI 5.5-17.7). Patients with PE-DVT had higher D-dimers and C reactive protein level than patients without PE-DVT (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: CVPA may be used by the stroke team in the work-up of suspected paradoxical embolism among cryptogenic ischemic stroke patients with PFO.

Main bronchial diameters in patients with very severe COPD.

PURPOSE: This retrospective study was performed in order to determine if patients with very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have larger main bronchi than patients with less severe disease. METHODS: Charts of patients having had a spirometric evaluation of their COPD and a digitized thin-slice computed tomography (CT) scan between January 2004 and September 2007 were reviewed. Adequate CT scans of male patients [i.e., those allowing a multiplane reconstruction (MPR) of the upper tracheobronchial tree using a double orthogonal oblique method] were divided into two groups: group 1 [forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)) ranging from 30% to 80%] and group 2 (FEV(1) < 30%). RESULTS: Intraobserver and interobserver coefficients of repeatability were 1.79 and 2.51 mm, respectively. Median values and interquartile ranges of minimum right main bronchial diameter were 11.0 (9.6-12.7) mm versus 12.7 (10.8-13.9) mm in groups 1 (27 patients) and 2 (10 patients), respectively (P = 0.048); values for the minimum left main bronchial diameter were 10.7 (8.9-11.9) mm versus 11.8 (11.2-12.4) mm in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = 0.040). The difference between the groups in median values of the minimum right and left main bronchial diameters was 1.2 mm. Other values were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: The difference in minimum main bronchial diameters between our two groups corresponded to a difference of two or three sizes of a double-lumen tube. This difference must be taken into account for tube selection for such patients. Further studies are needed to prove that CT scan MPR can improve patients' intraoperative care.

CsI-detector-based dual-exposure dual energy in chest radiography for lung nodule detection: results of an international multicenter trial.

To assess both sensitivity and specificity of digital chest radiography alone and in conjunction with dual-exposure dual-energy chest radiography for the detection and classification of pulmonary nodules. One hundred patients with a total of 149 lung nodules (3-45 mm; median, 11 mm) confirmed by CT were included in this study. Dual-exposure dual-energy chest radiographies of each patient were obtained using a CsI detector system. Experienced board-certified chest radiologists from four different medical centers in Europe reviewed standard chest radiographs alone and in conjunction with dual-energy images blinded and in random order. The reviewers rated the probability of presence, calcification and malignancy of all lung nodules on a five-point rating scale. Lesions detected were identified by applying a specific coordinate system to enable precise verification by the study leader. A receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed. In addition to the 149 true-positive CT proven lesions, 236 false-positive lung nodules were described in digital chest radiographies in conjunction with dual-energy chest radiographies. The cumulative sensitivity of chest radiography in conjunction with dual energy was 43%, specificity was 55%. For digital radiography alone, sensitivity was 35% and specifity was 83%. For the dual energy system, positive predictive value was 58%, and negative predictive value was 66% compared to the digital radiography with a positive predictive value of 59% and a negative predictive value of 65%. Areas under the curve in a ROC analysis resulted in 0.631 (95% confidence interval =0.61 to 0.65) for radiography with dual energy and 0.602 (95% confidence interval =0.58 to 0.63) for digital radiography alone. This difference was not statistically significant. For the detection of lesion calcification or the determination of malignancy, ROC analysis also failed to show significant differences. CsI-based flat-panel dual-exposure dual-energy imaging added to standard chest radiography did not show statistically significant improvement for the detection of pulmonary nodules, nor the identification of calcifications, nor the determination of malignancy.

Percutaneous core biopsy for renal masses: indications, accuracy and results.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the results, accuracy and clinical incidence of our standard procedure of percutaneous biopsy for solid renal masses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 1999 to April 2005, 119 percutaneous core biopsies of renal masses were performed. Biopsies were proposed when there was no formal evidence for a carcinoma diagnosis on computerized tomography. RESULTS: Benign lesions were diagnosed in 24 biopsies (20.1%), including oncocytoma in 13, angiomyolipoma in 5 and chronic pyelonephritis in 5. Malignancy was identified in 70 biopsies (58.8%), including 57 renal carcinomas (conventional renal cell in 41, papillary in 12 and chromophobe in 4), 4 transitional cell carcinomas, 8 metastases and 1 lymphoma. For 25 biopsies (21%) no accurate diagnosis was possible, including 12 that showed inflammatory tissue and 13 with normal or necrotic tissue. These inconclusive biopsies prompted repeat biopsy in 13 patients, in whom a total of 11 malignant lesions were diagnosed. A total of 64 nephrectomies were performed with a biopsy accuracy for histopathological tumor type and Fuhrman nuclear grade of 86% and 46%, respectively. A period of watchful waiting was proposed for 31 patients (34.2%) and no renal malignancies were found. Computerized tomography showed stabilization or disappearance of the initial renal mass. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous renal tumor biopsies are safe, cost-effective and often conclusive for an acute histological diagnosis. This procedure could be decisive for choosing the optimal treatment, particularly to avoid nephrectomy for benign lesions. Biopsies should not be considered a routine procedure but they could be indicated when there is a lack of radiological evidence in elective patients.

Thoracic radiographic and CT findings of multicentric Castleman disease in HIV-infected patients.

Multicentric HIV-related Castleman disease (MCD) is a rare and severe disorder of lymphoid tissue inducing high-grade fever, hepatosplenomegaly, and diffuse peripheral lymphadenopathy. During clinical exacerbations, bilateral interstitial pneumonia may occur. In this pictorial essay, we describe different thoracic imaging of MCD, with particular emphasis on computed tomography findings, in 13 HIV-infected patients with histologically proved MCD.

Evaluation of imaging-guided fine-needle percutaneous biopsy of renal masses.

To evaluate the utility of imaging-guided fine-needle percutaneous biopsy of renal masses, we conducted a prospective analysis of our imaging-guided procedures from January 1999 to February 2003. We performed 54 percutaneous core biopsies in 46 patients. Fluoro-computed tomography and ultrasound guidance were respectively used in 48 and six cases. One to four specimens were obtained by using an 18-gauge automated coaxial biopsy system. We reviewed the patients medical records, pathology results, and imaging studies. Core biopsy results were compared with surgical pathology (n=27) or clinical follow-up (n=19). All biopsies provided sufficient material for analysis. The mean tumor size was 33 mm. Biopsy findings were positive for malignancy in 31 cases; histologic diagnoses included renal cell carcinoma (n=23), transitional cell carcinoma (n=5), and metastasis (n=3). Biopsy revealed 15 benign diagnoses: oncocytoma (n=6), hemorrhagic renal cyst (n=3), chronic nephritis (n=3), angiomyolipoma (n=2), and mycotic renal abscess (n=1). The average follow-up period for patients with benign diagnoses was 16 months. Biopsy results showed normal renal parenchyma in eight of 54 procedures, all of which had recuperated by subsequent biopsies. No immediate complications occurred after the procedures. Imaging-guided percutaneous core biopsy is a safe and accurate method for the evaluation of renal masses.

[Spiegelian hernias. Report of 51 cases]. / Hernies ventrales antérolatérales dites de Spiegel. 51 cas.

We describe 51 cases of Spiegel's hernias, and report a critical review of the relevant literature. The patients presented with an isolated mass in 17 cases, abdominal pain in 17 cases, and a complication in 14 cases (intestinal occlusion in 8, incarceration in 6). The hernia was discovered fortuitously by compute tomography in three cases. The diagnosis was made preoperatively in 31 cases and during surgery in 17 cases. Sonography was contributory in 10 cases and compute tomography in 6 cases. In 47 cases the deep orifice was located at the level of Douglas' arch, in the anterolateral abdomen. The hernial sack remained interstitial in every case, under the aponeurosis of the external oblique. The contents were irreducible or strangulated in 14 cases. Surgery was necessary in all but three cases. The approach was lateral in 43 cases and medial in 5 cases. The indications of laparoscopy in this setting are discussed.

Major complex pelvic arteriovenous malformation in a patient with Down syndrome.

Pelvic arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are rare, and the treatment of this condition presents an interesting challenge. We report the first case of a major AVM in a patient with Down syndrome which was revealed by a massive hematuria. Arteriography showed a bilateral complex iliac artery malformation. The first proximal embolization (unilateral) did not prevent bladder hemorrhage, and the second distal (bilateral) immobilization produced bladder necrosis. However, the patient died despite an emergency cystectomy.

Detection of pelvic vein thrombosis by magnetic resonance angiography in patients with acute pulmonary embolism and normal lower limb compression ultrasonography.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: In patients with proven acute pulmonary embolism (PE), a systematic search for "residual" deep vein thrombosis (DVT) using venography or compression duplex ultrasonography (CDUS) of the lower limbs is negative in 20 to 50% of patients. We hypothesized that undetectable pelvic vein thrombosis (from the external iliac vein to the inferior vena cava) could account for a substantial proportion of patients with negative CDUS findings. Using a noninvasive test, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), the objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of pelvic DVT in patients with acute PEs and normal findings on lower limb CDUS. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: A 35-bed respiratory unit in a 680-bed Parisian teaching hospital. PATIENTS: From June 1995 to October 1996, 24 patients (mean age, 49 years; age range, 18 to 83 years) with acute PEs and normal findings on lower limb CDUS underwent pelvic MRA. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: MRA disclosed pelvic DVT in seven patients (29%). The common iliac vein was involved in five patients. Internal iliac vein (hypogastric) thrombosis was imaged in two patients, but no patients had DVT limited to this vein. Three patients underwent subsequent venography studies that confirmed the MRA findings. In three other patients, a new MRA at the end of anticoagulant therapy showed the resolution of the DVT. CONCLUSIONS: Our data support the view that, among patients with negative findings on CDUS, a substantial proportion of the DVTs that are responsible for PE originates in the pelvic veins. This study provides additional arguments to suggest that MRA might become the reference test for the exploration of pelvic DVT.