Findings in whole body MRI and conventional imaging in patients with fever of unknown origin-a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: To analyse the influence of whole body (wb)-MRI on patient management compared to routine diagnostic tests in patients with fever of unknown origin (FUO). METHODS: Twenty-four patients with FUO, defined as illness of more than three weeks with fever greater than 38.3 °C, underwent wb-MRI at a 1.5 T MR-system. The MR-protocol consisted of the following sequences: axial T1 VIBE, coronal T2-TIRM and a coronal echoplanar diffusion weighted sequence (overall acquisition time 29:39 min:s). Furthermore, laboratory findings, chest-x-ray, abdominal ultrasound, CT-scans and/or PET-CT scans were evaluated and compared to the wb-MRI findings in regard to treatment changes. RESULTS: Wb-MRI yielded a correct diagnosis in 70% of the patients. In 46% the inflammatory focus was exclusively detected by wb-MRI. Focus detection by wb-MRI led to a subsequent change of the clinical management in 92% of the patients. In 6 patients both a wb-MRI and a PET-CT were performed yielding the correct diagnosis in the same 4 of 6 patients for both imaging modalities. CONCLUSIONS: Wb-MRI appears to be of value in the evaluation of FUO patients, allowing for optimized treatment by increasing diagnostic certainty. Due to its lack of nephrotoxicity and ionizing radiation it may be preferred over standard imaging techniques and PET-CT in the future. However, given the low number of patients in our trial, further prospective studies have to be performed to confirm our results.

Radioembolization in patients with progressive gastrointestinal stromal tumor liver metastases undergoing treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

PURPOSE: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) spread frequently to the peritoneum and the liver. If metastasectomy or tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) fail, interventional ablation techniques are considered. The purpose of this study is to assess the progression-free interval (PFI) of GIST liver metastases after radioembolization (RE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven patients with progressive GIST liver metastases undergoing TKI therapy were referred for RE; one was excluded because of a large hepatopulmonary shunt, and one was lost to follow-up. Depending on intrahepatic tumor distribution, one or both liver lobes were treated with RE. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT), and [(18)F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography/CT were used for follow-up. RESULTS: In all, 16 liver lobes were treated with a mean activity of 1.06 GBq ± 0.37 (range, 0.55-1.88) per lobe. Three patients showed complete response, five showed partial response, and one showed stable disease. No patient showed progressive disease after RE. Median PFI was 15.9 months (range, 4-29 mo). Median survival was 29.8 months (range, 10-72 mo). No radiation-induced liver disease developed; however, one patient required surgery for persistent stomach ulcer. CONCLUSIONS: RE offers a safe and effective treatment for patients with GIST liver metastases who do not show a response to TKIs. RE could be an option for earlier phases of therapy in patients with mutational status. The results might also challenge the notion that GISTs are resistant to radiation therapy.

Clinical relevance of morphologic MRI criteria for the assessment of lymph nodes in patients with rectal cancer.

AIM: The aim of this study is the evaluation of lymph node staging by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within clinical routine in patients with rectal cancer. METHOD: Routine MRI reports (3 T) of 65 consecutive patients with rectal cancer were retrospectively categorized in lymph node tumor positive or negative (mriN+; mriN0) and compared to the final histopathological results (pN+; pN0). Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV), and accuracy were calculated. The original MRI readings were then reanalyzed in order to identify the longest short-axis lymph node diameter for each patient. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to calculate a possible cutoff value for the short-axis lymph node diameter. RESULTS: Overall sensitivity was 94 %, specificity 13 %, NPV 86 %, PPV 28 %, and accuracy 34 %. The best accuracy could be calculated for a short-diameter cutoff of ≤5 mm (83 %); pN+ and pN0 groups were then significantly different (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: In clinical routine, lymph node assessment in patients with rectal cancer through MRI tends to overstage malignant lymphadenopathy. A ≤5-mm cutoff value for the short-axis lymph node diameter of benign nodes is able to improve the accuracy and has potential to lower the risk of overstaging.

Rapid progression of a splenic aneurysm due to segmental arterial mediolysis: a rare cause of acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: The etiology of acute pancreatitis can be manifold, beside the usual causes. We are reporting an unusual cause that triggered acute pancreatitis. PATIENT & RESULTS: A 50 year-old male experienced attacks of acute pancreatitis (abdominal pain and elevated amylase and lipase) during sexual arousal. Serial imaging showed a rapidly-progressing, partly-thrombosed splenic artery aneurysm, with local compression of the pancreas. After angiographic coiling, the attacks subsided. Further angiography revealed additional aneurysms consistent with segmental arterial mediolysis at other sites of the body. Molecular analysis regarding Ehlers-Danlos-syndrome and genetic factors for pancreatitis, autoantibodies and Syphilis serology was negative. CONCLUSIONS: Acute pancreatitis was triggered by a transient rise in blood pressure during sexual stimulation, which caused rapid progression of a splenic artery aneurysm as part of systemic segmental arterial mediolysis.

Is the assessment of the central skeleton sufficient for osseous staging in breast cancer patients? A retrospective approach using bone scans.

OBJECTIVE: By analyzing bone scans we aimed to determine whether the assessment of the central skeleton is sufficient for osseous staging in breast cancer patients. This might be of interest for future staging modalities, especially positron emission tomography/computed tomography, usually sparing the peripheral extremities, as well as the skull. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, a total of 837 bone scans for initial staging or restaging of breast cancer were included. A total of 291 bone scans in 172 patients were positive for bone metastases. The localization and distribution of the metastases were re-evaluated by two readers in consensus. The extent of the central skeleton involvement was correlated to the incidence of peripheral metastases. RESULTS: In all 172 patients bone metastases were seen in the central skeleton (including the proximal third of humerus and femur). In 34 patients (19.8 %) peripheral metastases of the extremities (distally of the proximal third of humerus and femur) could be detected. Sixty-four patients (37.2 %) showed metastases of the skull. Summarizing the metastases of the distal extremities and skull, 79 patients (45.9 %) had peripheral metastases. None of the patients showed peripheral metastases without any affliction of the central skeleton. The incidence of peripheral metastases significantly correlated with the extent of central skeleton involvement (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Regarding bone scans, an isolated metastatic spread to the peripheral skeleton without any manifestation in the central skeleton seems to be the exception. Thus, the assessment of the central skeleton should be sufficient in osseous breast cancer staging and restaging. However, in case of central metastases, additional imaging of the periphery should be considered for staging and restaging.

Ferumoxtran-10 MR lymphography for target definition and follow-up in a patient undergoing image-guided, dose-escalated radiotherapy of lymph nodes upon PSA relapse.

PURPOSE: Evaluation of the lymph node situation in patients with prostate cancer is essential for effective radiotherapy. Using magnet resonance imaging (MRI) of the lymph nodes with ferumoxtran-10 (MR lymphography), it is possible to detect lymph node metastasis. We present our initial experience with ferumoxtran-10 MR lymphography as the basis for image-guided, dose-escalated lymph node radiotherapy and for early follow-up after radiotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A patient with suspicion for lymph node metastasis after radical prostatectomy was examined with MR lymphography with the lymph node-specific contrast media ferumoxtran-10. Radiotherapy was performed as intensity-modulated radiotherapy with a total dose of 44 Gy to the whole lymphatic drainage, 60 Gy to the area of affected lymph nodes, 71 Gy to the prostate bed, and 75 Gy to the anastomosis region. 8 weeks after completion of radiotherapy, a follow-up MR lymphography with ferumoxtran-10 was performed. RESULTS: In the first MRI with ferumoxtran-10, 5 metastatic lymph nodes were found in the iliac region. The scan 8 weeks postradiotherapy no longer showed lymph nodes suspicious for metastases. PSA (prostate-specific antigen) decreased from 2.06 ng/ml pretherapeutically to 0.02 ng/ml at 2 weeks after treatment and was no longer detectable at 8 months after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Lymph node staging with ferumoxtran-10 and subsequent dose escalation with intensity-modulated radiotherapy led to the elimination of positive lymph nodes and a decrease in the PSA value.

Comparison of the diagnostic accuracy of whole-body MRI and whole-body CT in stage III/IV malignant melanoma.

BACKGROUND: Malignant melanoma (MM) is dramatically increasing in light-skinned populations worldwide. Staging and regular follow-up examinations are essential. The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of whole-body MRI with the standard diagnostic algorithm (whole-body CT and brain MRI) in patients with stage III/IV MM. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A group of 50 consecutively admitted patients with stage III/IV MM were included in the study. Whole-body CT and brain MRI scans were performed. Additionally, all patients underwent a whole-body MRI (1.5 Tesla Magnetom Avanto, Siemens Healthcare Sector, Erlangen). The findings were compared on a lesion-by-lesion basis as part of clinical routine follow-up. RESULTS: 33 patients received a follow-up CT and were evaluated. Overall, 824 lesions were detected. The sensitivity of whole-body MRI was observer-dependent. MRI was slightly less sensitive than CT according to the findings of the two most experienced observers (73.4 % vs. 78.2 %, p = 0.0744). CT was significantly more sensitive in the detection of small (1-5 mm) pulmonary nodules (2.9 % vs. 66.9 %, p < 0.0001). Yet overall, MRI was significantly more specific than CT (83.4 % vs. 50.4 %, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Whole-body MRI in compliance with standard requirements for the observers (high level of experience) should be considered as an appropriate alternative to CT without ionizing radiation, particularly for young patients with advanced MM.

Comparison of magnetic resonance imaging and video capsule enteroscopy in diagnosing small-bowel pathology: localization-dependent diagnostic yield.

OBJECTIVE: New technology has considerably advanced the diagnosis of small-bowel pathology. However, its significance in clinical algorithms has not yet been fully assessed. The aim of the present analysis was to compare the diagnostic utility and yield of video-capsule enteroscopy (VCE) to that of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with suspected or established Crohn's disease (Group I), obscure gastrointestinal blood loss (Group II), or suspected tumors (Group III). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-six out of 182 patients who underwent both modalities were included: 21 in Group I, 20 in Group II, and five in Group III. Pathology was assessed in three predetermined sections of the small bowel (upper, middle, and lower). The McNemar and Wilcoxon tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: In Group I, lesions were found by VCE in nine of the 21 patients and by MRI in six. In five patients, both modalities showed pathology. In Group II, pathological changes were detected in 11 of the 20 patients by VCE and in eight patients by MRI. In five cases, pathology was found with both modalities. In Group III, neither modality showed small-bowel pathology. For the patient groups combined, diagnostic yield was 43% with VCE and 30% with MRI. The diagnostic yield of VCE was superior to that of MRI in the upper small bowel in both Groups I and II. CONCLUSION: VCE is superior to MRI for the detection of lesions related to Crohn's disease or obscure gastrointestinal bleeding in the upper small bowel.

Can the radiation dose to CT-enlarged but FDG-PET-negative inguinal lymph nodes in anal cancer be reduced?

PURPOSE: To investigate whether a dose reduction to CT-enlarged but FDG-PET-negative (([(18)F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography) inguinal lymph nodes in radiochemotherapy of anal cancer is safe. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 39 sequential patients with anal cancer (mean age 59 years [range: 37-86 years], median follow-up 26 months [range: 3-51 months]) receiving pretherapeutic FDG-PET were included. All patients were treated with combined radiochemotherapy including elective radiation of the inguinal lymph nodes with 36 Gy. In case of involvement (FDG-PET positivity defined as normalized SUV [standard uptake value] above Delta > 2.5 higher than blood pool), radiation dose was increased up to 50-54 Gy. Planning CT and PET results were compared for detectability and localization of lymph nodes. In addition, local control and freedom from metastases were analyzed regarding the lymph node status as determined by FDG-PET. RESULTS: In the planning CTs, a total of 162 inguinal lymph nodes were detected with 16 in nine patients being suspicious. Only three of these lymph nodes in three patients were PET-positive receiving 50.4-54 Gy, whereas all other patients only received elective inguinal nodal irradiation. No recurrence in inguinal lymph nodes occurred, especially not in patients with CT-enlarged inguinal lymph nodes and elective irradiation only. Patients with PET-positive nodal disease had a higher risk of developing distant metastases (p = 0.045). CONCLUSION: Reduction of the irradiation dose to CT-enlarged but PET-negative inguinal lymph nodes in anal cancer seems not to result in increased failure rates.

[Is cardiotoxicity still an issue after breast-conserving surgery and could it be reduced by multifield IMRT?]. / Ist die Kardiotoxizität der Radiotherapie im Rahmen des Brusterhalts überhaupt noch relevant, und könnte sie durch Mehrfelder-IMRT gesenkt werden?

BACKGROUND: Postoperative radiotherapy after breast cancer surgery effectively reduces local relapses. A survival benefit after breast conservation, however, has only been proven recently which was in part due to excessive cardiac mortality of patients who had been treated with radiotherapy in the past. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The literature on postoperative radiotherapy for breast cancer was reviewed with regard to cardiac toxicity as the basis for hypothesis generation. RESULTS: From numerous publications on cardiac toxicity of breast cancer radiotherapy, the following pattern emerges: in series where a high radiation dose was applied to a significant percentage of the heart (postmastectomy and postlumpectomy series) cardiac toxicity/mortality was increased versus a nonexposed cohort or for left over right disease. If, however, a relevant exposure of cardiac muscle could be more or less excluded based on the technique used (mainly more recent postlumpectomy radiotherapy), no cardiac toxicity was observed. Series for which individual dose exposure varied or could not be clarified also came to varying conclusions. Also due to retrospectively unclear dose distributions, an exact quantification of tolerance doses/effects of different geographic dose distribution patterns could not be performed to date. A particularly difficult question to answer is the threshold volume for clinically relevant cardiotoxicity with tangential radiotherapy at prescription doses. As a consequence, this precludes an estimate in which situations multifield intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) with its characteristic dose distribution pattern of a larger volume exposed to intermediate doses and higher mean/median heart doses (as shown in Figure 1) might be preferable. CONCLUSION: This review updates the database on cardiac toxicity of breast cancer radiotherapy with special emphasis regarding the issues related to the clinical use of IMRT. Multifield IMRT may reduce the cardiac risk for a small subset of patients at excessive risk with conventional tangential radiotherapy due to unfavorable thoracic geometry, for whom partial-breast radiotherapy is not an option. Due to further concern about the effects of intermediate doses to larger heart volumes, potentially increased contralateral cancer risk and the long latency of clinically apparent toxicity, the introduction of breast IMRT should be closely followed. Accompanying functional studies may have the potential to detect cardiac toxicity at an earlier time.

Cetuximab-based treatment of metastatic anal cancer: correlation of response with KRAS mutational status.

BACKGROUND: No standard chemotherapy regimen can be defined for patients with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the anus due to the low incidence of this disease and the high cure rate of localized tumors. Anal cancers universally express the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and KRAS mutations have not been reported in anal cancer thus far. METHODS: We report on 7 patients with metastatic anal cancer treated with cetuximab - a chimeric antibody against EGFR - on a compassionate use basis along with the results of KRAS mutational analysis. RESULTS: Marked tumor shrinkage was noted in several patients using cetuximab monotherapy or cetuximab/irinotecan combination as first or subsequent treatment line (usually after failure of cisplatin-based regimens). Two out of seven patients harbored KRAS mutations. Both patients had progressive disease receiving cetuximab, while the remaining 5 patients had either a partial remission (n = 3), a minor remission (n = 1) or no change lasting > or =6 months after previous rapid tumor progression. CONCLUSION: Cetuximab-based treatment appears to be a valuable treatment option for patients with metastatic KRAS wild-type anal cancer after failure of or as an alternative to cisplatin/5-fluorouracil-based therapy.

Deferasirox in MDS patients with transfusion-caused iron overload--a phase-II study.

Blood transfusions represent a main component of supportive care in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). To avoid organ damage caused by transfusion-dependent iron overload, an adequate iron chelation therapy is required. Recently, a new oral iron chelator deferasirox (ICL670, Exjade) has become available. A study was conducted to demonstrate the efficacy and tolerability of deferasirox in transfusion-dependent iron-overloaded patients with MDS. The efficacy of deferasirox was monitored by changes in serum ferritin, bone marrow iron, and liver iron concentration (LIC), as determined by T2*-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Twelve patients with MDS of different subtypes (median age 76 years, range 53-91) were enrolled. Deferasirox administered in a once-daily dose of 20-30 mg/kg for 12 months was effective in reducing median ferritin concentration from 1,515 microg/L (range 665-6,900) to 413 microg/L (range 105-3,052). Within the first 4 weeks of treatment before the continuous decline of ferritin levels, the values markedly rose in eight of 12 patients. The median LIC declined from 315 to 230 micromol/g (p=0.02) at the end of study, accompanied by a reduction of bone marrow siderosis. The most common adverse events were mild and transient gastrointestinal disturbances, skin rash, nonprogressive transient increases in serum creatinine and urine beta2-microglobulin, and a temporary reduction of the creatinine clearance. The renal parameters normalized after end of treatment. No hematologic toxicities were observed. Deferasirox proved to be effective in transfusion-dependent iron overload in MDS by mobilizing iron deposits in liver and at least stabilizing iron stores in bone marrow.

Comparison of whole-body MR imaging and conventional X-ray examination in patients with multiple myeloma and implications for therapy.

Skeletal X-ray survey is the established method of diagnosis in patients with multiple myeloma; however, whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (wb-MRI) has become an important additional tool. The aim of this study was to compare the different patterns of infiltration on conventional X-ray examinations (X-ray survey) with findings from wb-MRI to subsequently determine the influence of wb-MRI on therapy changes. In 60 patients with a mean age of 65.1 +/- 11.7 years, wb-MRI examinations were correlated with a recent X-ray survey. The results were independently assessed by two radiologists and the patterns of infiltration were described in both modalities. Subsequently, the disease was staged according to Salmon and Durie and Salmon and Durie PLUS. Additionally, the influence of MRI on potential changes in therapy was assessed using a three-range Likert-type scale. In all, 480 skeletal regions were compared. In 183 skeletal regions, an increased degree of infiltration was identified on wb-MRI. Significant differences (p < 0.05) between the modalities could be found in the thorax, spine, pelvis, and both lower extremities. Based on wb-MRI, tumor stage was upgraded in 19 of the 60 patients using the Durie and Salmon PLUS classification. In ten out of these 19 patients (42%), the wb-MRI result was essential for making the decision to initiate further therapy due to the degree of infiltration, extramedullary tumor extension, and/or further risk of fracture. Whole-body MRI provides a more detailed assessment of the pattern of bone marrow infiltration and strongly influences therapeutic strategies.

Alpha-fetoprotein expressing metastastic adenocarcinoma of the esophago-gastric junction responding favorably to capecitabine and oxaliplatin.

Alpha-fetoprotein-producing metastatic adenocarcinoma of the stomach or the esophago-gastric junction usually exhibits either no or only short-term remission while receiving palliative chemotherapy. We report on a 76-year-old male patient suffering from an unresectable alpha-fetoprotein-producing adenocarcinoma of the esophago-gastric junction with several liver metastases. He was treated with capecitabine and oxaliplatin-based combination therapy. A long-lasting major remission was observed resulting in a survival of 18.5 months.

CMR findings in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate the relation between atrial fibrillation (AF) and the extent of myocardial scarring together with left ventricular (LV) and atrial parameters assessed by late gadolinium-enhancement (LGE) cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). BACKGROUND: AF is the most common arrhythmia in HCM. Myocardial scarring is also identified frequently in HCM. However, the impact of myocardial scarring assessed by LGE CMR on the presence of AF has not been evaluated yet. METHODS: 87 HCM patients underwent LGE CMR, echocardiography and regular ECG recordings. LV function, volumes, myocardial thickness, left atrial (LA) volume and the extent of LGE, were assessed using CMR and correlated to AF. Additionally, the presence of diastolic dysfunction and mitral regurgitation were obtained by echocardiography and also correlated to AF. RESULTS: Episodes of AF were documented in 37 patients (42%). Indexed LV volumes and mass were comparable between HCM patients with and without AF. However, indexed LA volume was significantly higher in HCM patients with AF than in HCM patients without AF (68 +/- 24 ml.m-2 versus 46 +/- 18 ml.m-2, p = 0.0002, respectively). The mean extent of LGE was higher in HCM patients with AF than those without AF (12.4 +/- 14.5% versus 6.0 +/- 8.6%, p = 0.02). When adjusting for age, gender and LV mass, LGE and indexed LA volume significantly correlated to AF (r = 0.34, p = 0.02 and r = 0.42, p < 0.001 respectively). By echocardiographic examination, LV diastolic dysfunction was evident in 35 (40%) patients. Mitral regurgitation greater than II was observed in 12 patients (14%). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that LA volume and presence of diastolic dysfunction were the only independent determinant of AF in HCM patients (p = 0.006, p = 0.01 respectively). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated good predictive performance of LA volume and LGE (AUC = 0.74 and 0.64 respectively) with respect to AF. CONCLUSION: HCM patients with AF display significantly more LGE than HCM patients without AF. However, the extent of LGE is inferior to the LA size for predicting AF prevalence. LA dilation is the strongest determinant of AF in HCM patients, and is related to the extent of LGE in the LV, irrespective of LV mass.

Peripheral bolus-chase MR angiography: analysis of risk factors for nondiagnostic image quality of the calf vessels--a combined retrospective and prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to evaluate the influence of endogenous and exogenous risk factors on the rate of nondiagnostic examinations of the calves in peripheral bolus-chase MR angiography (MRA). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Peripheral bolus-chase MRA runoff studies in 177 patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) were retrospectively assessed with regard to the rate of nondiagnostic image quality due to substantial venous overlay in the calf arteries requiring repeated MRA examinations. Logistic regression was used to analyze the rate of nondiagnostic MRA examinations as a function of several endogenous and exogenous risk factors and of the stage of PAOD. To probe the retrospective data, 22 consecutive patients were prospectively included and underwent a standard peripheral MRA examination if the probability of a nondiagnostic examination was less than 50% based on the results of logistic regression; otherwise, a hybrid MRA examination was ordered. RESULTS: Nondiagnostic image quality of the calf arteries was found in 53 patients (30%). The incidence increased with each stage of PAOD up to 39% for stage IV. For each increase in the stage of PAOD, the probability of nondiagnostic image quality increased by a factor of 1.5561 (p = 0.0024). With an increasing number of risk factors, a significantly (p = 0.0074) higher rate of nondiagnostic images was found. CONCLUSION: Based on the retrospective statistical analysis of PAOD stages and risk factors, selected patients can be triaged to undergo a specific hybrid MRA technique and thus circumvent the occurrence of nondiagnostic images and the need for repeated MRA examinations.

Can dynamic MR imaging predict response in patients with rectal cancer undergoing cetuximab-based neoadjuvant chemoradiation?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate therapy response in patients undergoing cetuximab-CapIri-based chemoradiation for rectal cancer using dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The volumetric degree of tumor regression and contrast media perfusion were compared to the results of the histopathologic ypTN staging. 33 patients were examined using a 1.5-T scanner with repetitive 2D FLASH sequences after contrast media application. All patients were examined twice - before therapy and immediately before surgery. RESULTS: In all patients, the tumor volume decreased (mean 72 +/- 16%). In 25/33 patients, the slope of the contrast media enhancement curve decreased (mean 31 +/- 20%). In histopathologically proven downstaging after therapy, the decrease in slope was significantly higher than in the group without downstaging, and the decrease in slope was better for distinguishing between 'responder' and 'non-responder' than the decrease in volume. CONCLUSION: Using dMRI helps to identify responders undergoing cetuximab-based chemoradiation better than volume decrease alone.

Treatment monitoring with 18F-FDG PET in metastatic thymoma after 90Y-Dotatoc and selective internal radiation treatment (SIRT).

A 39 years old male patient with a history of an unresectable thymoma and synchronous liver metastases was referred tor our position. The patient had been originally treated with systemic chemotherapy followed by imatinib (Glivec) and sunitinib (Sutent). Since the therapeutic response was unsatisfactory, a gallium-68 ((68)Ga)-Dotatoc-positron emission tomography (PET) was performed and demonstrated an enhanced SSTR 2 expression in the primary tumor but not in the liver metastases. Three cycles of yttrium-90 ((90)Y)-Dotatoc were then administered. Outcome after treatment was monitored by (18)F-FDG-PET and CT and showed a response only of the primary tumor. Selective internal radiation treatment (SIRT) with (90)Y microspheres was then applied for the liver metastases. (18)F-FDG uptake showed that metabolism in the liver metastases decreased after SIRT. MRI of the liver demonstrated a decrease in vascularization and a modest decrease in tumor volume. Therefore, surgical resection of the primary thymoma was initiated.

MR lung volume in fetal congenital diaphragmatic hernia: logistic regression analysis--mortality and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

PURPOSE: To prospectively assess the results of logistic regression analysis that were based on magnetic resonance (MR) image fetal lung volume (FLV) measurements to predict survival and the corresponding need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy in fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) before and after 30 weeks gestation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Written informed consent was obtained and the study was approved by the local research ethics committee. FLV was measured on MR images in 95 fetuses (52 female neonates, 43 male neonates) with CDH between 22 and 39 weeks gestation by using multiplanar T2-weighted half-Fourier acquired single-shot turbo spin-echo MR imaging. On the basis of logistic regression analysis results, mortality and the need for ECMO therapy were calculated for fetuses before and after 30 weeks gestation. RESULTS: Overall, higher FLV was associated with improved survival (P < .001) and decreasing probability of need for ECMO therapy (P = .008). Survival at discharge was 29.2% in neonates with an FLV of 5 mL, compared with 99.7% in neonates with an FLV of 25 mL. The corresponding need for ECMO therapy was 56.1% in fetuses with an FLV of 5 mL and 8.7% in fetuses with an FLV of 40 mL. Prognostic power was considerably lower before 30 weeks gestation. CONCLUSION: Beyond 30 weeks gestation, logistic regression analysis that is based on MR FLV measurements is useful to estimate neonatal survival rates and ECMO requirements. Prior to 30 weeks gestation, the method is not reliable and the FLV measurement should be repeated, particularly in fetuses with small lung volumes, before a decision is made about therapeutic options.

Preoperative staging of rectal tumors: comparison of endorectal ultrasound, hydro-CT, and high-resolution endorectal MRI.

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare transrectal ultra-sound (TRUS), hydro-computed tomography (hydro-CT), and endorectal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the preoperative staging of rectal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 23 patients with rectal adenocarcinoma underwent TRUS, hydro-CT, and MRI (1 Tesla) with endorectal coil. The results were correlated with the histopathological findings based on the TNM classification. RESULTS: T staging with TRUS, hydro-CT, and endorectal MRI correlated with the histopa-thological findings in 83% of patients (19/23). Tumors were overestimated by TRUS in 2/23 patients, by CT in 3/23, and by MRI in 3/23 patients. Tumor size was underestimated by TRUS in 2 patients, by CT and MRI in 1 case each. Local lymphatic node involvement was correctly diagnosed with CT and MRI in 87% and 83%, respectively. Using TRUS, false-negative results in the staging of lymph node involvement were seen in 3/23 patients, whereas 1 patient was over-staged. Using hydro-CT as well as endorectal MRI, overstaging of the local lymph nodes took place in 2/23 patients. CONCLUSION: All methods are limited because peritumoral inflammation cannot be precisely distinguished from infiltration by the tumor. Correct lymph node staging is hampered in advanced disease using TRUS. In these patients, further cross-sectional imaging may be required.