Ten years of gadolinium retention and deposition: ESMRMB-GREC looks backward and forward.

In 2014, for the first time, visible hyperintensities on unenhanced T1-weighted images in the nucleus dentatus and globus pallidus of the brain were associated with previous Gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) injections and gadolinium deposition in patients with normal renal function. This led to a frenzy of retrospective studies with varying methodologies that the European Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine and Biology Gadolinium Research and Educational Committee (ESMRMB-GREC) summarised in 2019. Now, after 10 years, the members of the ESMRMB-GREC look backward and forward and review the current state of knowledge of gadolinium retention and deposition. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Gadolinium deposition is associated with the use of linear GBCA but no clinical symptoms have been associated with gadolinium deposition. KEY POINTS : • Traces of Gadolinium-based contrast agent-derived gadolinium can be retained in multiple organs for a prolonged time. • Gadolinium deposition is associated with the use of linear Gadolinium-based contrast agents. • No clinical symptoms have been associated with gadolinium deposition.

Waiting times between examinations with intravascularly administered contrast media: a review of contrast media pharmacokinetics and updated ESUR Contrast Media Safety Committee guidelines.

The pharmacokinetics of contrast media (CM) will determine how long safe waiting intervals between successive CT or MRI examinations should be. The Contrast Media Safety Committee has reviewed the data on pharmacokinetics of contrast media to suggest safe waiting intervals between successive contrast-enhanced imaging studies in relation to the renal function of the patient. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Consider a waiting time between elective contrast-enhanced CT and (coronary) angiography with successive iodine-based contrast media administrations in patients with normal renal function (eGFR > 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) of optimally 12 h (near complete clearance of the previously administered iodine-based contrast media) and minimally 4 h (if clinical indication requires rapid follow-up). KEY POINTS: • Pharmacokinetics of contrast media will guide safe waiting times between successive administrations. • Safe waiting times increase with increasing renal insufficiency. • Iodine-based contrast media influence MRI signal intensities and gadolinium-based contrast agents influence CT attenuation.

Contrast media for hysterosalpingography: systematic search and review providing new guidelines by the Contrast Media Safety Committee of the European Society of Urogenital Radiology.

OBJECTIVES: Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is widely used for evaluating the fallopian tubes; however, controversies regarding the use of water- or oil-based iodine-based contrast media (CM) remain. The aim of this work was (1) to discuss reported pregnancy rates related to the CM type used, (2) to validate the used CM in published literature, (3) to discuss possible complications and side effects of CM in HSG, and (4) to develop guidelines on the use of oil-based CM in HSG. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted for original RCT studies or review/meta-analyses on using water-based and oil-based CM in HSG with fertility outcomes and complications. Nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 10 reviews/meta-analyses were analyzed. Grading of the literature was performed based on the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM) 2011 classification. RESULTS: An approximately 10% higher pregnancy rate is reported for oil-based CM. Side effects are rare, but oil-based CM have potentially more side effects on the maternal thyroid function and the peritoneum. CONCLUSIONS: 1. HSG with oil-based CM gives approximately 10% higher pregnancy rates. 2. External validity is limited, as in five of nine RCTs, the CM used is no longer on the market. 3. Oil-based CM have potentially more side effects on the maternal thyroid function and on the peritoneum. 4. Guideline: Maternal thyroid function should be tested before HSG with oil-based CM and monitored for 6 months after. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Oil-based CM is associated with an approximately 10% higher chance of pregnancy compared to water-based CM after HSG. Although side effects are rare, higher iodine concentration and slower clearance of oil-based CM may induce maternal thyroid function disturbance and peritoneal inflammation and granuloma formation. KEY POINTS: • It is unknown which type of contrast medium, oil-based or water-based, is the optimal for HSG. • Oil-based contrast media give a 10% higher chance of pregnancy after HSG, compared to water-based contrast media. • From the safety perspective, oil-based CM can cause thyroid dysfunction and an intra-abdominal inflammatory response in the patient.

Analytical interference of intravascular contrast agents with clinical laboratory tests: a joint guideline by the ESUR Contrast Media Safety Committee and the Preanalytical Phase Working Group of the EFLM Science Committee.

The Contrast Media Safety Committee of the European Society of Urogenital Radiology has, together with the Preanalytical Phase Working Group of the EFLM Science Committee, reviewed the literature and updated its recommendations to increase awareness and provide insight into these interferences.

Late/delayed gadolinium enhancement in MRI after intravenous administration of extracellular gadolinium-based contrast agents: is it worth waiting?

The acquisition of images minutes or even hours after intravenous extracellular gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCA) administration ("Late/Delayed Gadolinium Enhancement" imaging; in this review, further termed LGE) has gained significant prominence in recent years in magnetic resonance imaging. The major limitation of LGE is the long examination time; thus, it becomes necessary to understand when it is worth waiting time after the intravenous injection of GBCA and which additional information comes from LGE. LGE can potentially be applied to various anatomical sites, such as heart, arterial vessels, lung, brain, abdomen, breast, and the musculoskeletal system, with different pathophysiological mechanisms. One of the most popular clinical applications of LGE regards the assessment of myocardial tissue thanks to its ability to highlight areas of acute myocardial damage and fibrotic tissues. Other frequently applied clinical contexts involve the study of the urinary tract with magnetic resonance urography and identifying pathological abdominal processes characterized by high fibrous stroma, such as biliary tract tumors, autoimmune pancreatitis, or intestinal fibrosis in Crohn's disease. One of the current areas of heightened research interest revolves around the possibility of non-invasively studying the dynamics of neurofluids in the brain (the glymphatic system), the disruption of which could underlie many neurological disorders.

The role of gadolinium-based contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging structured reporting and data systems (RADS).

Among the 28 reporting and data systems (RADS) available in the literature, we identified 15 RADS that can be used in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Performing examinations without using gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCA) has benefits, but GBCA administration is often required to achieve an early and accurate diagnosis. The aim of the present review is to summarize the current role of GBCA in MRI RADS. This overview suggests that GBCA are today required in most of the current RADS and are expected to be used in most MRIs performed in patients with cancer. Dynamic contrast enhancement is required for correct scores calculation in PI-RADS and VI-RADS, although scientific evidence may lead in the future to avoid the GBCA administration in these two RADS. In Bone-RADS, contrast enhancement can be required to classify an aggressive lesion. In RADS scoring on whole body-MRI datasets (MET-RADS-P, MY-RADS and ONCO-RADS), in NS-RADS and in Node-RADS, GBCA administration is optional thanks to the intrinsic high contrast resolution of MRI. Future studies are needed to evaluate the impact of the high T1 relaxivity GBCA on the assignment of RADS scores.

MR Assessed Changes of Renal Sinus Fat in Response to Glucose Regulation in West European and South Asian Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Ethnic differences in the progression and outcome of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remain to be elucidated. MRI-quantified renal sinus fat volume could be a potential biomarker to help investigate the changes of DKD risk in response to glucose regulation. PURPOSE: To evaluate whether the effect of glucose-lowering treatment on renal sinus fat volume differed in West Europeans (WE) compared to South Asians (SA), and whether ethnic-related difference exists regarding the effect of liraglutide on renal sinus fat. STUDY TYPE: Retrospective. POPULATION: Ninety-three patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, including 47 WE (27 males) aged 59.3 ± 6.5 years, and 46 SA (19 males) aged 54.4 ± 9.8 years. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 3.0 T dual-echo fast gradient-echo pulse sequence using two-point Dixon technique with a phase-correction algorithm. ASSESSMENT: Changes of renal sinus fat volume were measured by a radiologist (LL) with 4-years' experience, and were compared between the two ethnic groups, together with glycemic level, metabolic risk factors and renal function. The effects of liraglutide were assessed. STATISTICAL TESTS: Normality of the data was visually evaluated by histograms and Q-Q plots. Within-group and between-group differences were analyzed using paired t-tests and analysis of covariance. Associations were analyzed by person's correlation and multiple linear regression models. RESULTS: Renal sinus fat decreased in SA patients (Δ% = -7.6% ± 14.8%), but increased in WE patients (Δ% = 5.0% ± 13.1%), with a significant difference between the two ethnic groups. In the WE group, the increase of sinus fat volume was significant in the placebo subgroup (Δ% = 6.8% ± 12.5%), in contrast to the nonsignificant increase in the liraglutide subgroup (Δ% = 3.0% ± 13.8%, P = 0.444). DATA CONCLUSION: Renal sinus fat accumulation responds differently to glucose regulation, showing a reduction in SA patients in contrast to a persistent accumulation in WE patients. A trend of less accumulation of sinus fat in WE patients receiving liraglutide has been observed. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 4 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 4.

Safe use of contrast media in myasthenia gravis: systematic review and updated European Society of Urogenital Radiology Contrast Media Safety Committee guidelines.

OBJECTIVES: It is uncertain whether modern iodine-based or gadolinium-based contrast media (CM) administration can lead to increased symptoms in patients with myasthenia gravis. METHODS: A systematic search in Medline was conducted for studies describing the symptomatology of myasthenia gravis patients before and after receiving intravenous (IV) CM and having a matched control group of myasthenia gravis patients who did not receive IV CM. RESULTS: Three retrospective studies were selected with a total of 374 myasthenia gravis patients who received iodine-based CM and a total of 313 myasthenia gravis patients who underwent unenhanced CT and served as controls. Pooling of the data from the three retrospective studies showed that in 23 of 374 patients, increased symptoms after iodine-based CM administration were described (6.1%). Increased symptomatology also occurred in 11 of 313 patients after unenhanced CT (3.5%). When looking more deeply into the data of the three studies, conflicting results were found, as two articles did not find any relationship between CM and myasthenia gravis symptoms. The remaining study only found a significant increase in symptomatology within 1 day after CT scanning: seven patients (6.3%) in the contrast-enhanced CT group and one patient (0.6%) in the unenhanced CT group (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: There is limited evidence on the relationship between CM and myasthenia gravis symptoms. In the vast majority of myasthenia gravis patients, CM are safe. Probably, in less than 5% of the patients, iodine-based CM administration may lead to increased severity of the symptoms within the first 24 h after administration. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Be aware that intravenous administration of iodine-based contrast media can lead to an increase of symptoms in patients with myasthenia gravis within the first 24 h. This can probably happen in less than 5% of the patients. KEY POINTS: • It is unclear whether modern contrast media can lead to increased symptoms in myasthenia gravis patients after intravenous administration. • There seems to be a small risk of increased myasthenia gravis symptoms within 24 h after intravenous administration of iodine-based contrast media, probably in less than 5% of the administrations. • Gadolinium-based contrast media are safe for patients with myasthenia gravis.

Analytical interference of intravascular contrast agents with clinical laboratory tests: a joint guideline by the ESUR Contrast Media Safety Committee and the Preanalytical Phase Working Group of the EFLM Science Committee.

The Contrast Media Safety Committee of the European Society of Urogenital Radiology has, together with the Preanalytical Phase Working Group of the EFLM Science Committee, reviewed the literature and updated its recommendations to increase awareness and provide insight into these interferences. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Contrast Media may interfere with clinical laboratory tests. Awareness of potential interference may prevent unwanted misdiagnosis. KEY POINTS: • Contrast Media may interfere with clinical laboratory tests; therefore awareness of potential interference may prevent unwanted misdiagnosis. • Clinical Laboratory tests should be performed prior to radiological imaging with contrast media or alternatively, blood or urine collection should be delayed, depending on kidney function.

Consensus-Based Technical Recommendations for Clinical Translation of Renal Phase Contrast MRI.

BACKGROUND: Phase-contrast (PC) MRI is a feasible and valid noninvasive technique to measure renal artery blood flow, showing potential to support diagnosis and monitoring of renal diseases. However, the variability in measured renal blood flow values across studies is large, most likely due to differences in PC-MRI acquisition and processing. Standardized acquisition and processing protocols are therefore needed to minimize this variability and maximize the potential of renal PC-MRI as a clinically useful tool. PURPOSE: To build technical recommendations for the acquisition, processing, and analysis of renal 2D PC-MRI data in human subjects to promote standardization of renal blood flow measurements and facilitate the comparability of results across scanners and in multicenter clinical studies. STUDY TYPE: Systematic consensus process using a modified Delphi method. POPULATION: Not applicable. SEQUENCE FIELD/STRENGTH: Renal fast gradient echo-based 2D PC-MRI. ASSESSMENT: An international panel of 27 experts from Europe, the USA, Australia, and Japan with 6 (interquartile range 4-10) years of experience in 2D PC-MRI formulated consensus statements on renal 2D PC-MRI in two rounds of surveys. Starting from a recently published systematic review article, literature-based and data-driven statements regarding patient preparation, hardware, acquisition protocol, analysis steps, and data reporting were formulated. STATISTICAL TESTS: Consensus was defined as ≥75% unanimity in response, and a clear preference was defined as 60-74% agreement among the experts. RESULTS: Among 60 statements, 57 (95%) achieved consensus after the second-round survey, while the remaining three showed a clear preference. Consensus statements resulted in specific recommendations for subject preparation, 2D renal PC-MRI data acquisition, processing, and reporting. DATA CONCLUSION: These recommendations might promote a widespread adoption of renal PC-MRI, and may help foster the set-up of multicenter studies aimed at defining reference values and building larger and more definitive evidence, and will facilitate clinical translation of PC-MRI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 1.

A systematic review of the incidence of hypersensitivity reactions and post-contrast acute kidney injury after ioversol in more than 57,000 patients: part 1-intravenous administration.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), including hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) and post-contrast acute kidney injury (PC-AKI), after intravenous (IV) administration of ioversol. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature search (1980-2021) of studies documenting IV use of ioversol and presence or absence of ADRs, HSRs, or PC-AKI was performed. Key information including patients' characteristics, indication and dose of ioversol, safety outcome incidence, intensity and seriousness were extracted. RESULTS: Thirty-one studies (> 57,000 patients) were selected, including 4 pediatric studies. The incidence of ADRs in adults was reported in 12 studies from ioversol clinical development with a median (range) of 1.65% (0-33.3%), and 3 other studies with an incidence between 0.13 and 0.28%. The incidence of HSRs (reported in 2 studies) ranged from 0.20 to 0.66%, and acute events (4 studies) from 0.23 to 1.80%. Severe reactions were rare with a median (range) of 0 (0-4%), and none were reported among pediatric patients. The incidence of ADRs and HSRs with ioversol, especially those of severe intensity, was among the lowest in studies comparing different iodinated contrast media (ICM) of the same class. PC-AKI incidence was variable (1-42% in 5 studies); however, ioversol exposure per se did not increase the incidence. CONCLUSIONS: When administered by the IV route, ioversol has a good safety profile comparable to that of other ICM within the same class, with a low incidence of severe/serious ADRs overall, and particularly HSRs. PC-AKI incidence does not seem to be increased compared to patients who did not receive ioversol. Further well-designed studies are warranted to confirm these results. KEY POINTS: • Ioversol has a good safety profile in adult and pediatric patients when IV administered. • ADR and HSR incidence with ioversol, especially those of severe intensity, was among the lowest compared to other ICM. • IV administration of ioversol per se did not increase PC-AKI incidence.

A systematic review of the incidence of hypersensitivity reactions and post-contrast acute kidney injury after ioversol: part 2-intra-arterial administration.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), including hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) and post-contrast acute kidney injury (PC-AKI), after intra-arterial (IA) administration of ioversol. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A systematic literature search was performed (1980-2021) and studies documenting IA use of ioversol, and reporting safety outcomes were selected. Key information on study design, patients' characteristics, indication, dose, and type of safety outcome were extracted. RESULTS: Twenty-eight studies (including two pediatric studies) with 8373 patients exposed to IA ioversol were selected. Studies were highly heterogenous in terms of design, PC-AKI definition, and studied population. PC-AKI incidence after coronary angiography was 7.5-21.9% in a general population, 4.0-26.4% in diabetic patients, and 5.5-28.9% in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). PC-AKI requiring dialysis was rare and reported mainly in patients with severe CKD. No significant differences in PC-AKI rates were shown in studies comparing different iodinated contrast media (ICM). Based on seven studies of ioversol clinical development, the overall ADR incidence was 1.6%, comparable to that reported with other non-ionic ICM. Pediatric data were scarce with only one study reporting on PC-AKI incidence (12%), and one reporting on ADR incidence (0.09%), both after coronary angiography. CONCLUSIONS: After ioversol IA administration, PC-AKI incidence was highly variable between studies, likely reflecting the heterogeneity of the included study populations, and appeared comparable to that reported with other ICM. The rate of other ADRs appears to be low. Well-designed studies are needed for a better comparison with other ICM. KEY POINTS: • PC-AKI incidence after IA administration of ioversol appears to be comparable to that of other ICM, despite the high variability between studies. • The need for dialysis after IA administration of ioversol is rare. • No obvious difference was found regarding the safety profile of ioversol between IA and IV administration.

Intravenous contrast medium extravasation: systematic review and updated ESUR Contrast Media Safety Committee Guidelines.

NEED FOR A REVIEW: Guidelines for management and prevention of contrast media extravasation have not been updated recently. In view of emerging research and changing working practices, this review aims to inform update on the current guidelines. AREAS COVERED: In this paper, we review the literature pertaining to the pathophysiology, diagnosis, risk factors and treatments of contrast media extravasation. A suggested protocol and guidelines are recommended based upon the available literature. KEY POINTS: • Risk of extravasation is dependent on scanning technique and patient risk factors. • Diagnosis is mostly clinical, and outcomes are mostly favourable. • Referral to surgery should be based on clinical severity rather than extravasated volume.

Identification of cardiovascular abnormalities by multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in end-stage renal disease patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction.

OBJECTIVES: Our study aimed to evaluate myocardial strain and tissue characteristics by multiparametric cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on peritoneal dialysis with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). METHODS: ESRD patients on peritoneal dialysis with echocardiographic LVEF > 50% and age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers underwent multiparametric CMR at 3 T. LV function, LV myocardial native T1 and T2, and biventricular strain were measured and compared between the patients and controls. Associations of LV myocardial mass index (LVMI) with tissue characterization and strain were evaluated by multiple linear regression. RESULTS: A total of 65 subjects (42 healthy volunteers and 23 ESRD patients) were enrolled. ESRD group demonstrated larger LVMI, higher native T1 and T2 (1301.9 ± 30.6 ms, 44.6 ± 2.6 ms) than those of the control group (1255.8 ± 45.2 ms, 40.5 ± 1.6 ms; both p < 0.001). Decreased LV strain and increased right ventricular circumferential strain were observed in the ESRD group. In ESRD patients with normal diastolic function on echocardiography, native T1 and T2 values were higher than those of the control group (p = 0.006, p = 0.001). Increased LVMI was associated with increased native T1 (p = 0.001) and T2 value (p < 0.001) after adjusting for age and sex. Increased myocardial native T1 value was associated with reduced LV strain after adjusting age, sex, and LVMI. CONCLUSIONS: ESRD patients on peritoneal dialysis with preserved LVEF demonstrated higher myocardial mass, higher native T1 and T2 values, decreased LV strain, and increased RVGCS compared with healthy controls. Increased myocardial T1 and T2 were found in ESRD even when no systolic or diastolic dysfunction was detected by routine echocardiography. KEY POINTS: • Even with preserved LVEF and no known cardiovascular diseases, ESRD patients on peritoneal dialysis demonstrated elevated myocardial T1 and T2 values and decreased left ventricular strain. • Subclinical changes in myocardial tissue composition may exist in ESRD patients on peritoneal dialysis even when no systolic or diastolic dysfunction was detected by routine echocardiography based on ejection fraction, left atrium size, and tissue Doppler. • Right ventricular free wall strain could be enhanced in response to subclinical LV systolic dysfunction in ESRD patients on peritoneal dialysis with preserved LVEF at an early stage.

Associations between left ventricular function, vascular function and measures of cerebral small vessel disease: a cross-sectional magnetic resonance imaging study of the UK Biobank.

OBJECTIVES: Impaired cardiovascular function has been associated with cognitive deterioration; however, to what extent cardiovascular dysfunction plays a role in structural cerebral changes remains unclear. We studied whether vascular and left ventricular (LV) functions are associated with measures of cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) in the middle-aged general population. METHODS: In this cross-sectional analysis of the UK Biobank, 4366 participants (54% female, mean age 61 years) underwent magnetic resonance imaging to assess LV function (ejection fraction [EF] and cardiac index [CI]) and cSVD measures (total brain volume, grey and white matter volumes, hippocampal volume and white matter hyperintensities [WMH]). Augmentation index (AIx) was used as a measure of arterial stiffness. Linear and non-linear associations were evaluated using cardiovascular function measures as determinants and cSVD measures as outcomes. RESULTS: EF was non-linearly associated with total brain volume and grey matter volume, with the largest brain volume for an EF between 55 and 60% (both p < 0.001). EF showed a negative linear association with WMH (- 0.23% [- 0.44; - 0.02], p = 0.03), yet no associations were found with white matter or hippocampal volume. CI showed a positive linear association with white matter (ß 3194 mm3 [760; 5627], p = 0.01) and hippocampal volume (ß 72.5 mm3 [23.0; 122.0], p = 0.004). No associations were found for CI with total brain volume, grey matter volume or WMH. No significant associations were found between AIx and cSVD measures. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides novel insights into the complex associations between the heart and the brain, which could potentially guide early interventions aimed at improving cardiovascular function and the prevention of cSVD. KEY POINTS: • Ejection fraction is non-linearly and cardiac index is linearly associated with MRI-derived measures of cerebral small vessel disease. • No associations were found for arterial stiffness with cSVD measures.

Normal and reference values for cardiovascular magnetic resonance-based pulse wave velocity in the middle-aged general population.

BACKGROUND: Aortic stiffness, assessed through pulse wave velocity (PWV), is an independent predictor for cardiovascular disease risk. However, the scarce availability of normal and reference values for cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) based PWV is limiting clinical implementation. The aim of this study was to determine normal and reference values for CMR assessed PWV in the general population. METHODS: From the 2,484 participants of the Netherlands Epidemiology of Obesity (NEO) study that have available CMR-PWV data, 1,394 participants free from cardiovasculard disease, smokers or treatment for diabetes, hypertension or dyslipidaemia were selected (45-65 years, 51% female). Participants were divided into sex, age and blood pressure (BP) subgroups. Normal values were specified for participants with a BP < 130/80 mmHg and reference values for elevated BP subgroups (≥ 130/80 and < 140/90 mmHg; and ≥ 140/90 mmHg). Differences between groups were tested with independent samples t-test or ANOVA. Due to an oversampling of obese individuals in this study, PWV values are based on a weighted analysis making them representative of the general population. RESULTS: Normal mean PWV was 6.0 m/s [95% CI 5.8-6.1]. PWV increased with advancing age and BP categories (both p < 0.001). There was no difference between sex in normal PWV, however in the BP > 140/90 mmHg women had a higher PWV (p = 0.005). The interpercentile ranges were smaller for participants < 55 years old compared to participants ≥ 55 years, indicating an increasing variability of PWV with age. PWV upper limits were particularly elevated in participants ≥ 55 years old in the high blood pressure subgroups. CONCLUSION: This study provides normal and reference values for CMR-assessed PWV per sex, age and blood pressure category in the general population.

Adherence to guidelines aimed at preventing post-contrast acute kidney injury (PC-AKI) in radiology practices: a survey study.

BACKGROUND: New insights into post-contrast acute kidney injury (PC-AKI) have recently led to the guidelines on the prevention of PC-AKI being updated. However, little is known about the barriers and facilitators involved in guideline adherence by radiology practices. PURPOSE: To evaluate barriers and facilitators to the adherence of PC-AKI guidelines. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Radiologists visiting the European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) 2018 meeting, as well as ESUR members were contacted to fill in an electronic questionnaire on the implementation of PC-AKI guidelines applying to their local radiology practices. RESULTS: Of the 145 responding radiologists representing radiology practices, 127 (88%) confirmed having a PC-AKI protocol in place in their radiology practice, of which 61 (48%) used a protocol as specified in a (inter)national guideline. The majority of radiology practices of the respondents used the ESUR guideline (40%). Barriers for not using PC-AKI prevention guidelines were related to a lack of outcome expectancy. Barriers for not using the protocol as specified were related to a lack of agreement with specific recommendations, lack of motivation, guideline-specific factors, and environmental factors. Self-reported facilitators consisted of guideline-specific factors. CONCLUSION: Guidelines for the prevention of PC-AKI seem to be widely implemented among radiology practices, and regularly locally modified because of barriers involved in agreement and behavior. Knowledge of the barriers and facilitators of guideline adherence will aid future efforts aimed at bridging the gap between awareness and implementation of evidence-based guidelines in radiology practices.

The Effect of Glycemic Control on Renal Triglyceride Content Assessed by Proton Spectroscopy in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Single-Center Parallel-Group Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Ectopic lipid accumulation in the kidney (fatty kidney) is a potential driver of diabetic kidney disease, and tight glycemic control can reduce risk of diabetic nephropathy. We assessed whether glycemic control influences renal triglyceride content (RTGC). Furthermore, we compared glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist liraglutide versus standard glucose-lowering therapy. DESIGN AND METHODS: In this single-center parallel-group trial, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were randomized to liraglutide or placebo added to standard care (metformin/sulfonylurea derivative/insulin). Changes in RTGC after 26 weeks of glycemic control measured by proton spectroscopy and difference in RTGC between treatment groups were analyzed. RESULTS: Fifty patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were included in the baseline analysis (mean age, 56.5 ± 9.1 years; range, 33-73 years; 46% males). Seventeen patients had baseline and follow-up measurements. Mean glycated hemoglobin was 7.8 ± 0.8%, which changed to 7.3 ± 0.9% after 26 weeks of glycemic control irrespective of treatment group (P = .046). Log-transformed RTGC was -0.68 ± 0.30% and changed to -0.83 ± 0.32% after 26 weeks of glycemic control irrespective of treatment group (P = .049). A 26-week-to-̶baseline RTGC ratio (95% confidence interval) was significantly different between liraglutide (-0.30 [-0.50, -0.09]) and placebo added to standard care (-0.003 [-0.34, 0.34]) (P = .04). CONCLUSION: In this exploratory study, we found that 26 weeks of glycemic control resulted in lower RTGC, in particular for liraglutide; however, larger clinical studies are needed to assess whether these changes reflect a true effect of glycemic control on fatty kidney.

Endoglin/CD105-Based Imaging of Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review.

Molecular imaging of pathologic lesions can improve efficient detection of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. A shared pathophysiological feature is angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels. Endoglin (CD105) is a coreceptor for ligands of the Transforming Growth Factor-ß (TGF-ß) family and is highly expressed on angiogenic endothelial cells. Therefore, endoglin-based imaging has been explored to visualize lesions of the aforementioned diseases. This systematic review highlights the progress in endoglin-based imaging of cancer, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and aortic aneurysm, focusing on positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging, and ultrasound imaging. PubMed was searched combining the following subjects and their respective synonyms or relevant subterms: "Endoglin", "Imaging/Image-guided surgery". In total, 59 papers were found eligible to be included: 58 reporting about preclinical animal or in vitro models and one ex vivo study in human organs. In addition to exact data extraction of imaging modality type, tumor or cardiovascular disease model, and tracer (class), outcomes were described via a narrative synthesis. Collectively, the data identify endoglin as a suitable target for intraoperative and diagnostic imaging of the neovasculature in tumors, whereas for cardiovascular diseases, the evidence remains scarce but promising.

Placebo-controlled randomised trial with liraglutide on magnetic resonance endpoints in individuals with type 2 diabetes: a pre-specified secondary study on ectopic fat accumulation.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this work was to assess the effect of liraglutide on ectopic fat accumulation in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: This study is a pre-specified subanalysis of the MAGNetic resonance Assessment of VICTOza efficacy in the Regression of cardiovascular dysfunction In type 2 diAbetes mellitus (MAGNA VICTORIA) study, with primary endpoints being the effects of liraglutide on left ventricular diastolic and systolic function. The MAGNA VICTORIA study was a single-centre, parallel-group trial in 50 individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (BMI >25 kg/m2) who were randomly assigned (1:1, stratified for sex and insulin use) to receive liraglutide 1.8 mg once daily or placebo for 26 weeks, added to standard care. Participants, study personnel and outcome assessors were blinded to treatment allocation. The secondary endpoints of visceral adipose tissue (VAT), abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and epicardial fat were measured with MRI. Hepatic triacylglycerol content (HTGC) and myocardial triacylglycerol content (MTGC) were quantified with proton MR spectroscopy. Between-group differences (change from baseline) were tested for significance using ANCOVA. Mean differences with 95% CIs were reported. RESULTS: The trial was completed in 2016. Twenty-four participants were randomised to receive liraglutide and 26 to receive placebo. One patient in the liraglutide group withdrew consent before having received the study drug and was not included in the intention-to-treat analysis. Liraglutide (n = 23) vs placebo (n = 26) significantly reduced body weight (liraglutide 98.4 ± 13.8 kg to 94.3 ± 14.9 kg; placebo 94.5 ± 13.1 kg to 93.9 ± 13.2 kg; estimated treatment effect -4.5 [95% CI -6.4, -2.6] kg). HbA1c declined in both groups without a significant treatment effect of liraglutide vs placebo (liraglutide 66.7 ± 11.5 mmol/mol to 55.0 ± 13.2 mmol/mol [8.4 ± 1.1% to 7.3 ± 1.2%]; placebo 64.7 ± 10.2 mmol/mol to 56.9 ± 6.9 mmol/mol [8.2 ± 1.0% to 7.5 ± 0.7%]; estimated treatment effect -2.9 [95% CI -8.1, 2.3] mmol/mol or -0.3 [95% CI -0.8, 0.2]%). VAT did not change significantly between groups (liraglutide 207 ± 87 cm2 to 203 ± 88 cm2; placebo 204 ± 63 cm2 to 200 ± 55 cm2; estimated treatment effect -7 [95% CI -24, 10] cm2), while SAT was reduced by a significantly greater extent with liraglutide than with placebo (liraglutide 361 ± 142 cm2 to 339 ± 131 cm2; placebo 329 ± 107 cm2 to 333 ± 125 cm2; estimated treatment effect -29 [95% CI -51, -8] cm2). Epicardial fat did not change significantly between groups (liraglutide 8.9 ± 4.3 cm2 to 9.1 ± 4.7 cm2; placebo 9.6 ± 4.1 cm2 to 9.6 ± 4.6 cm2; estimated treatment effect 0.2 [95% CI -1.5, 1.8] cm2). Change in HTGC was not different between groups (liraglutide 18.1 ± 11.2% to 12.0 ± 7.7%; placebo 18.4 ± 9.4% to 14.7 ± 10.0%; estimated treatment effect -2.1 [95% CI -5.3, 1.0]%). MTGC was not different after treatment with liraglutide (1.5 ± 0.6% to 1.2 ± 0.6%) vs placebo (1.3 ± 0.5% to 1.2 ± 0.6%), with an estimated treatment effect of -0.1 (95% CI -0.4, 0.2)%. There were no adjudicated serious adverse events. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Compared with placebo, liraglutide-treated participants lost significantly more body weight. Liraglutide primarily reduced subcutaneous fat but not visceral, hepatic, myocardial or epicardial fat. Future larger studies are needed to confirm the results of this secondary endpoint study. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01761318. FUNDING: This study was funded by Novo Nordisk A/S (Bagsvaerd, Denmark).