Net water uptake as a predictive neuroimaging marker for acute ischemic stroke outcomes: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of net water uptake (NWU) in predicting outcomes in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed, adhering to established guidelines. The search covered PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases until July 1, 2023. Eligible studies reporting quantitative ischemic lesion NWU in admission CT scans of AIS patients, stratified based on outcomes, were included. Data analysis was performed using R software version 4.2.1. RESULTS: Incorporating 17 original studies with 2217 AIS patients, NWU was significantly higher in patients with poor outcomes compared to those with good outcomes (difference of medians: 5.06, 95% CI: 3.00-7.13, p < 0.001). Despite excluding one outlier study, considerable heterogeneity persisted among the included studies (I2 = 90.8%). The meta-regression and subgroup meta-analyses demonstrated significantly higher NWU in patients with poor functional outcome, as assessed by modified Rankin Scale (difference of medians: 3.83, 95% CI: 1.98-5.68, p < 0.001, I2 = 72.9%), malignant edema/infarct (difference of medians: 8.30, 95% CI: 4.01-12.58, p < 0.001, I2 = 95.6%), and intracranial hemorrhage (difference of medians: 5.43, 95% CI: 0.44-10.43, p = 0.03, I2 = 91.1%). CONCLUSION: NWU on admission CT scans shows promise as a predictive marker for outcomes in AIS patients. Prospective, multicenter trials with standardized, automated NWU measurement are crucial for robustly predicting diverse clinical outcomes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: The potential of net water uptake as a biomarker for predicting outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients holds significant promise. Further validation through additional research could lead to its integration into clinical practice, potentially improving the accuracy of clinical decision-making and allowing for the development of more precise patient care strategies. KEY POINTS: • Net water uptake, a CT-based biomarker, quantifies early brain edema after acute ischemic stroke. • Net water uptake is significantly higher in poor outcome acute ischemic stroke patients. • Net water uptake on CT scans holds promise in predicting diverse acute ischemic stroke outcomes.

A systematic review and meta-analysis on the diagnostic utility of ultrasound for clavicle fractures.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound's real-time, high-resolution imaging, and accessibility at the point of care make it a valuable tool for diagnosing clavicle fractures, with growing evidence supporting its diagnostic accuracy compared to other imaging modalities. OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic utility of ultrasound in detecting clavicle fractures. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted by performing a comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases up to March 10, 2023, following established guidelines. Eligible studies that reported outcomes of interest were included, relevant data elements were extracted, and data analysis was performed using STATA software version 17.0. RESULTS: Meta-analysis of seven included studies showed high-pooled sensitivity (0.94) and specificity (0.98) values for ultrasonography in diagnosing clavicle fractures, with low to moderate heterogeneity for sensitivity and high heterogeneity for specificity. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses revealed that pediatric studies had higher sensitivity but significantly lower specificity (P=0.01) compared to mixed or adult studies. Additional subgroup analysis in the pediatric group indicated decreased heterogeneity for specificity. Fagan plot analysis demonstrated favorable post-test probabilities for both positive and negative results across varying pre-test probabilities. Additionally, the likelihood ratio scatter matrix showed moderate to high test performance for both exclusion and confirmation purposes. CONCLUSION: The current literature supports ultrasound as a reliable imaging modality for detecting clavicle fractures. It offers accurate diagnosis without exposing patients, especially children, to radiation.

Diagnostic utility of ultrasound in pediatric nasal bone fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Ultrasonography, a radiation-free and cost-effective modality, stands out as a promising tool for evaluating nasal bone fractures. Despite limited literature on its pediatric application, there is an increasing recognition of its potential to enhance diagnostic precision. To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of ultrasound in detecting pediatric nasal bone fractures. Employing established guidelines, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted through a comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases until December 5, 2023. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies reporting diagnostic accuracy measures of ultrasound in pediatric patients with nasal bone fractures. Data extraction and analysis were undertaken for the selected studies. Involving four studies with 277 patients, ultrasound demonstrated a pooled sensitivity of 66.1% (95% CI: 35.1-87.5%) and specificity of 86.8% (95% CI: 80.1-91.4%) in diagnosing pediatric nasal fractures. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.88 (95% CI: 0.72-0.93). After excluding an outlier study, sensitivity and specificity increased to 78.0% (95% CI: 65.6-86.9%) and 87.8 (95% CI: 78.1-93.6%), respectively, with an AUC of 0.79 (95% CI: 0.75-0.94). Pooled positive and negative likelihood ratios were 5.11 (95% CI: 2.12-9.15) and 0.40 (95% CI: 0.14-0.77) before exclusion and 6.75 (95% CI: 3.47-12.30) and 0.26 (95% CI: 0.15-0.40) after exclusion of an outlier study, respectively. This study highlighted ultrasonography's utility in diagnosing pediatric nasal bone fractures with high accuracy and specificity. However, caution is advised in relying solely on ultrasound due to suboptimal overall diagnostic performance, evident in likelihood ratios.

A meta-analysis on the diagnostic utility of ultrasound in pediatric distal forearm fractures.

Pediatric distal forearm fractures, comprising 30% of musculoskeletal injuries in children, are conventionally diagnosed using radiography. Ultrasound has emerged as a safer diagnostic tool, eliminating ionizing radiation, enabling bedside examinations with real-time imaging, and proving effective in non-hospital settings. The objective of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of ultrasound for detecting distal forearm fractures in the pediatric population. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted through a comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases until October 1, 2023, following established guidelines. Eligible studies, reporting diagnostic accuracy measures of ultrasound in pediatric patients with distal forearm fractures, were included. Relevant data elements were extracted, and data analysis was performed. The analysis included 14 studies with 1377 patients, revealing pooled sensitivity and specificity of 94.5 (95% CI 92.7-95.9) and 93.5 (95% CI 89.6-96.0), respectively. Considering pre-test probabilities of 25%, 50%, and 75% for pediatric distal forearm fractures, positive post-test probabilities were 83%, 44%, and 98%, while negative post-test probabilities were 2%, 6%, and 15%, respectively. The bivariate model indicated significantly higher diagnostic accuracy in the subgroup with trained ultrasound performers vs. untrained performers (p = 0.03). Furthermore, diagnostic accuracy was significantly higher in the subgroup examining radius fractures vs. ulna fractures (p < 0.001), while no significant differences were observed between 4-view and 6-view ultrasound subgroups or between radiologist ultrasound interpreters and non-radiologist interpreters. This study highlighted ultrasound's reliability in detecting pediatric distal forearm fractures, emphasizing the crucial role of expertise in precisely confirming fractures through ultrasound examinations.

Diagnostic utility of multidetector CT scan in penetrating diaphragmatic injuries: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Penetrating diaphragmatic injuries pose diagnostic and management challenges. Computed tomography (CT) scans are valuable for stable patients, but concern exists for missed injuries and complications in nonoperatively managed cases. The objective of this study was to explore the diagnostic utility of multidetector CT scan (MDCT) in identifying diaphragmatic injuries resulting from penetrating trauma. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted, following established guidelines, by searching PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases up to July 6, 2023. Eligible studies reporting MDCT's diagnostic accuracy in detecting penetrating diaphragmatic injuries were included. Relevant data elements were extracted and analyzed using STATA software. The study included 9 articles comprising 294 patients with confirmed penetrating diaphragmatic injuries through surgical procedures. MDCT's diagnostic performance revealed a pooled sensitivity of 74% (95% CI: 56%-87%) and a pooled specificity of 92% (95% CI: 79%-97%) (Fig. two), with significant heterogeneity in both sensitivity and specificity across the studies. The Fagan plot demonstrated that higher pre-test probabilities correlated with higher positive post-test probabilities for penetrating diaphragmatic injury diagnosis using MDCT, but even with negative results, there remained a small chance of having the injury, especially in cases with higher pre-test probabilities. This study highlights MDCT's effectiveness in detecting diaphragmatic injury from penetrating trauma, with moderate to high diagnostic accuracy. However, larger sample sizes, multicenter collaborations, and prospective designs are needed to address observed heterogeneity, enhancing understanding and consistency in MDCT's diagnostic capabilities in this context.

Disparities in computed tomography utilization for pediatric blunt trauma: a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing pediatric and non-pediatric trauma centers.

Pediatric blunt trauma is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, and computed tomography (CT) imaging is vital for accurate evaluation and management. Pediatric trauma centers (PTCs) have selective CT practices, while non-PTCs may differ, resulting in potential variations in CT utilization. The objective of this study is to delineate disparities in CT utilization for pediatric blunt trauma patients between PTCs and non-PTCs. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following established guidelines, searching PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to March 3, 2023. All studies examining CT utilization in the management of pediatric (aged < 21 years) blunt trauma and specifying the type of trauma center(s) were included, and data were extracted and analyzed using STATA software version 17.0. An analysis of 30 studies revealed significant variations in CT scan utilization among pediatric blunt trauma patients across different types of trauma centers. PTCs exhibited lower pooled rates of abdominopelvic CT scans (35.4% vs. 44.9%, p < 0.01), cranial CT scans (36.9% vs. 42.9%, p < 0.01), chest CT scans (14.5% vs. 25.4%, p < 0.01), and cervical spine CT scans (23% vs. 45%, p < 0.01) compared to adult or mixed trauma centers (ATCs/MTCs). PTCs had a pooled rate of 54% for receiving at least one CT scan, while ATCs/MTCs had a higher rate of 69.3% (p < 0.05). The studies demonstrated considerable heterogeneity. These findings underscore the need to conduct further research to understand the reasons for the observed variations and to promote appropriate imaging usage, minimize radiation exposure, and encourage collaboration between pediatric and adult trauma centers.

Analysis of risk factors influencing the BK polyomavirus replication in patients with ESRD waiting for kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Since the pre-transplant status affects the renal transplantation success and ultimately the survival rate, identifying the probable risk factors that increase the chance of BK virus replication in end-stage renal disease patients can be included in proposing proper surveillance guidelines during pre and post-transplantation. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed by collecting plasma samples from 192 ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis for at least 3 months. Quantitative Real-time PCR assay was used to detect and measure the BK viral load. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients who had BK viremia were documented. RESULTS: 14 (7.3%) out of our 192 participants had BK virus viremia (95%CI 4.2%-11.6%). Demographic characteristics including etiology of ESRD and underlying diseases, mean duration and frequency of dialysis, co-infection with HBV and HCV did not affect the virus replication, since the difference between patients with BK virus viremia and BK virus negative individuals was not statistically significant. However, the statistical significance of the mean age of men with BKV and without BK virus viremia was found (OR: 3.42, P = 0.02 95%CI 0.86-13.61). Also, multiple regression analyses of some other parameters revealed that old age, high body mass index and male gender can be predictive factors of BK virus viremia in ESRD patients. CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, elderly male had higher chance of being exposed to BK virus viremia. Some other demographic characteristics such as a high BMI, old age and gender (male) can increase the risk of BK viremia in patients with ESRD prior to kidney transplantation.

The impact of fibromyalgia on health status according to the types, demographic background and pain index.

OBJECTIVES: To compare fibromyalgia (FM) core symptoms, FM impact severity and health status between the recently defined type A and type B of fibromyalgia. To compare disease impact and health status between FM patients and non-FM chronic pain control group. Finally, to compare health related quality of life and disease symptom severity by demographic background and widespread pain index (WPI). METHODS: A total of 284 consecutive FM patients and 96 non-FM control patients were enrolled. The information of four questionnaires including the Fibromyalgia Survey Questionnaire (FSQ), the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) and questionnaires regarding demographic features were collected from a local FM registry. RESULTS: Of all FM patients, 102 (94%) and 7 (6%) were type A and B, respectively. We found statistically significant differences in symptomatology, the FIQ scores and the SF-12 subscales across two type and control groups (p<0.001). However, when we compared these scores pairwise, except WPI there were no significant differences in other scores between type A and B. Also, there were no significant differences in FIQ and SF-12 scores across different age or educational status groups. Interestingly, patients with higher WPI had significantly higher FIQ (overall, symptom, and total) scores, worse PCS-12 and MCS-12 scores, and vice versa. CONCLUSIONS: Type B constitutes a minor but important component of FM that probably has a marked impact on the patient's perceived illness severity and quality of life. Further, WPI probably is the most important single indicator of disease severity and quality of life in FM.

Validation of fibromyalgia survey questionnaire and polysymptomatic distress scale in a Persian population.

The aim of this study was to assess validity of the fibromyalgia survey questionnaire (FSQ) and polysymptomatic distress scale (PSD) in an Iranian population. We also sought to classify the severity levels of fibromyalgia (FM) symptoms according to the PSD scale. Participants were divided into FM and non-FM chronic pain disorder groups according to expert physician diagnosis. Patients in both groups answered to Persian-translated version of FSQ, fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ) and Short-Form-12 (SF-12). Both 1990 ACR criteria and FSDC were assessed in participates of two groups. Internal consistency and construct validity were evaluated. There was good internal consistency measured by Cronbach's alpha (0.814 for FSQ). FSQ and its subscales correlated significantly with FIQ scores and SF-12 subscales, indicating acceptable construct validity. The concordance rates of FSQ with 1990 ACR criteria and expert diagnosis were 61.2 and 75.7, respectively (convergence validity). The mean score of PSD and its components in FM group were significantly more than in control groups (discriminative validity). Using lower PSD score cutoff (≥8.5) for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia appeared to be the most effective approach in our population. ROC analysis of the PSD scores revealed 8.5-11.5, 11.5-15 and more than 15, respectively, as a mild, moderate and severe FM. Persian version of FSQ was a valid instrument for application in survey research among Iranian patients with chronic pain disorders. The current study revealed that PSD could be used as a valid tool for assessment of symptoms intensity regardless of fibromyalgia diagnosis.

Radiology as a Specialty in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on Medical Students, Radiology Trainees, and Radiologists.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing radiology by automating tasks and assisting in abnormality detection and understanding perceptions of medical students, radiology trainees, and radiologists is vital for preparing them for AI integration in radiology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following established guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched up to March 5, 2023. Eligible studies reporting outcomes of interest were included, and relevant data were extracted and analyzed using STATA software version 17.0. RESULTS: A meta-analysis of 21 studies revealed that 22.36% of individuals were less likely to choose radiology as a career due to concerns about advances in AI. Medical students showed higher rates of concern (31.94%) compared to radiology trainees and radiologists (9.16%) (P < .01). Radiology trainees and radiologists also demonstrated higher basic AI knowledge (71.84% vs 35.38%). Medical students had higher rates of belief that AI poses a threat to the radiology job market (42.66% vs 6.25%, P < .02). The pooled rate of respondents who believed that "AI will revolutionize radiology in the future" was 79.48%, with no significant differences based on participants' positions. The pooled rate of responders who believed in the integration of AI in medical curricula was 81.75% among radiology trainees and radiologists and 70.23% among medical students. CONCLUSION: The study revealed growing concerns regarding the impact of AI in radiology, particularly among medical students, which can be addressed by revamping education, providing direct AI experience, addressing limitations, and emphasizing medico-legal issues to prepare for AI integration in radiology.

Effect of Treatment Choice on Short-Term and Long-Term Outcomes for Carotid Near-Occlusion: A Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Current guidelines recommend best medical treatment (BMT) over revascularization for carotid near-occlusion (CNO); however, it remains unclear whether BMT, carotid artery stenting (CAS), or carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is the optimal treatment strategy. The present meta-analysis aimed to compare outcomes among patients with CNO receiving BMT, CAS, or CEA. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase were searched. English studies with ≥1 month follow-up, that used established CNO diagnostic guidelines, that provided outcomes by treatment, and in which 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculable were included. Studies on acute ischemic stroke (AIS) requiring emergent reperfusion therapy, nonatherosclerotic lesions, nonprimary research articles, non-English, and nonhuman studies were excluded. Outcomes were mortality, AIS, transient ischemic attack, myocardial infarction within and beyond 30 days, and restenosis. A generalized linear mixed model, subgroup analysis, and meta-regression were used to compare outcomes. RESULTS: Thirty-eight studies were included. Pooled rates for AIS beyond 30 days were 9.90% (95% CI, 4.31%-21.16%), 0.79% (95% CI, 0.24%-2.53%), and 0.80% (95% CI, 0.15%-4.07%) for BMT, CAS, and CEA, respectively. Subgroup analysis was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Meta-regression showed lower incidence favoring procedural intervention (CAS vs. BMT, P = 0.001; CEA vs. BMT, P = 0.003). Subgroup analysis for mortality beyond 30 days was also significant (P = 0.016) but meta-regression did not favor one treatment over another. Other outcomes were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Revascularization for CNO may decrease long-term stroke rates. Given that current guidelines are based on randomized controlled trials from the 1990s, updated randomized trials are warranted to determine the optimal treatment for CNO.

A Meta-analysis of Burnout in Radiology Trainees and Radiologists: Insights From the Maslach Burnout Inventory.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Burnout, stemming from chronic work stress, is a significant issue in the medical field, especially among radiologists. It leads to compromised patient care and reduced job satisfaction. Addressing burnout in radiology is essential for the well-being of radiologists and, in turn, for improving patient care. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and dimensions of burnout among radiology trainees (RTs) and practicing radiologists (PRs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with established guidelines. The search encompassed PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases up to June 20, 2023. Eligible studies that assessed the rate of burnout syndrome and/or its subscales, including depersonalization (DP), emotional exhaustion (EE), and personal accomplishment (PA), among RTs and/or PRs using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), were included. Relevant data were extracted and analyzed using R and STATA. RESULTS: Among the 22 included studies, the pooled rates of positive MBI subscales for RTs and PRs were as follows: 54.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 43.8%-65.1%, I2 = 95.2%) for DP, 57.2% (95% CI: 48.7%-65.4%, I2 = 92.9%) for EE, and 38.6% (95% CI: 27%-51.7%, I2 = 95.5%) for low PA. The pooled rate indicating the presence of at least one positive MBI subscale was 82.9% (95% CI: 79.2%-86.1%, I2 = 57.4%). For two or more positive MBI subscales, the pooled rate was 55.5% (95% CI: 49.7%-61.3%, I2 = 60.2%), and for three positive MBI subscales, it was 16.7% (95% CI: 11.7%-23.3%, I2 = 82.7%). CONCLUSION: This study emphasizes a notable prevalence of burnout in the radiology specialty, with 8 of 10 individuals exhibiting positive results in at least one MBI subscale. This highlights the urgent need for interventions and support systems to protect the well-being of both trainees and practitioners and uphold the quality of patient care.

Flow diverters in the treatment of intracranial dissecting aneurysms: a systematic review and meta-analysis of safety and efficacy.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial dissecting aneurysms present clinical challenges, demanding immediate intervention due to their high bleeding risk. While traditional treatments have limitations, the potential of flow diverters shows promise but remains a subject of ongoing debate for optimal management. The aim of this study was assess the safety and efficacy of flow diverters in the treatment of intracranial dissecting aneurysms. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed following established guidelines. The search encompassed PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases up to July 20, 2023. Eligible studies reporting outcomes of interest were included, and relevant data were extracted and analyzed using R software. RESULTS: The analysis, based on data pooled from 20 included studies involving 329 patients, revealed a favorable functional outcome rate of 89.7% at the last follow-up. The mortality rate during the follow-up period was 2.4%, decreasing to 0.9% when excluding the outlier study. In the final angiographic follow-up, a complete occlusion rate of 71.7% and an adequate occlusion rate of 88.3% were observed. Notably, studies with longer angiographic follow-up times exhibited lower rates of complete (P=0.02) and adequate (P<0.01) occlusion. A minimal aneurysm recurrence/rebleeding rate of 0.1% was noted, while in-stent stenosis/thrombosis occurred at a rate of 1.14%. Additionally, ischemic events/infarctions were seen in 3.3% of cases. The need for retreatment was minimal, with a rate of 0.9%, and the technical success rate was impressively high at 99.1%. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the safety and efficacy of flow diverters in treating intracranial dissecting aneurysms. Further research, encompassing larger multicenter studies with extended follow-up periods, is crucial for comprehending occlusion dynamics, refining treatment strategies, improving long-term outcomes, and addressing methodological limitations.

Mechanical Thrombectomy for In-Hospital Onset Stroke: A Comparative Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In-hospital onset stroke (IHOS) accounts for a significant proportion of large vessel occlusion acute ischemic strokes, leading to worse outcomes due to delays in evaluation and treatment. Limited data is available on the effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy in IHOS patients. This study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy for patients with IHOS and compare the outcomes with those of community-onset strokes (COS). METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following established guidelines, by searching PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases up to April 11, 2023. Eligible studies reporting outcomes of interest were included, and relevant data was extracted and analyzed using Stata software version 17.0. RESULTS: In a meta-analysis of nine studies, comprising 540 cases of IHOS and 5,744 cases of COS, IHOS cases had a significantly lower rate of good functional outcomes on follow-up (35.46% vs. 40.74%, P<0.01) and a higher follow-up mortality rate (26.29% vs. 18.08%, P<0.01) compared to COS patients. Both groups had comparable successful recanalization rates (IHOS: 79.32% vs. COS: 81.44%, P=0.11), incidence rates of periprocedural complications (IHOS: 15.10%, COS: 12.96%, P=0.78), and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (IHOS: 6.24%, COS: 6.88%, P=0.67). It is worth noting that much of the observed effect size for mortality and good functional outcomes on follow-up was derived from only one and two studies, respectively. CONCLUSION: While the current literature suggests that mechanical thrombectomy is a safe and effective treatment for IHOS, further research is necessary to comprehensively evaluate its impact, particularly during follow-up.

Comparative meta-analysis of endovascular strategies for intracranial dissecting aneurysms: Flow diverters versus stents with or without coiling.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial dissecting aneurysms present a challenging subset linked to considerable morbidity and mortality, necessitating effective therapeutic strategies to prevent complications. Traditional treatments face technical limitations, while emerging endovascular modalities like stent-assisted coiling, multiple stenting, and flow-diverting devices (FDDs) offer promise in reducing periprocedural risks and enhancing patient outcomes. The aim of this study is to compare the safety and efficacy outcomes of endovascular treatment for intracranial dissecting aneurysms using FDDs versus stents (with or without coiling). METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following established guidelines. The search included PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases up to July 30, 2023. Eligible studies reporting outcomes of interest in both FDD and stent-treated groups were included, and the data was extracted and analyzed using STATA software. RESULTS: Six studies were analyzed, involving 131 patients in the FDD group and 199 patients in the stent group. The pooled rates for favorable functional outcomes (86.8% vs. 86%), mortality (3.9% vs. 6%), adequate occlusion (79.7% vs. 86.3%), aneurysm recurrence (1.3% vs. 13.3%), in-stent stenosis/thrombosis (7% vs. 6.9%), ischemic events/infarctions (6.7% vs. 7.8%), retreatment (7% vs. 8.6%), and technical success (100% vs. 98.7%) were comparable in individuals treated with FDDs and stents (p > 0.05 in all cases). Additionally, complete occlusion rates were not significantly different between FDD (62.7%) and stent-treated patients (75.2%) (p = 0.06). However, after excluding one study in a leave-one-out analysis of the random effects meta-analysis, a significant difference in the pooled rates of this outcome was observed between the FDD (59.2%) and stent (75.2%) groups (p = 0.034). CONCLUSION: FDDs present a promising approach for the treatment of intracranial dissecting aneurysms, yielding outcomes that are roughly comparable to stent-based methods. However, the absence of randomized trials and data limitations highlight the need for further research to enhance treatment strategies.

Effects of intravenous thrombolysis on stent retriever and aspiration thrombectomy outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Risks and benefits of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (MT) have been a topic of interest. However, IVT's specific effects on stent retriever (SR) and aspiration thrombectomy (ASP) outcomes remain largely unexplored. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to investigate the effects of IVT on SR and ASP thrombectomy outcomes. METHODS: In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature review was conducted using Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Center of Clinical Trials databases. Outcomes of interest included successful recanalization (modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) ≥2b), modified first pass efficacy (mFPE), functional independence (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≤2), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and embolization to new territories (ENT). RESULTS: Four randomized controlled trials with 1176 patients were included. SR and ASP resulted in similar mTICI ≥2b, mFPE, and mRS 0-2 rates in patients with and without IVT administration. SR without IVT was associated with a significantly lower rate of mFPE compared with the SR+IVT (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.97). Furthermore, ASP without IVT resulted in a lower rate of mRS 0-2 than the ASP+IVT with a strong trend towards significance (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.60 to 1.01). Finally, bridging therapy did not increase sICH and ENT rates after ASP or SR thrombectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that SR and ASP thrombectomy have comparable safety and efficacy profiles, regardless of prior IVT administration. Additionally, our results indicate that the addition of IVT may improve certain efficacy outcomes based on the employed first-line MT technique.

Diagnostic accuracy of CT-based radiomics and deep learning for predicting lymph node metastasis in esophageal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal cancer remains a global challenge due to late diagnoses and limited treatments. Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is crucial for prognosis, yet traditional diagnostics fall short. Integrating radiomics and deep learning (DL) with CT imaging for LNM diagnosis could revolutionize prognostic assessment and treatment planning. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted by searching PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase up to October 1, 2023. The focus was on studies developing CT-based radiomics and/or DL models for preoperative LNM detection in esophageal cancer. Methodological quality was assessed using the METhodological RadiomICs Score (METRICS). RESULTS: Twelve studies were reviewed, and seven were included in the meta-analysis, most showing excellent methodological quality. Training sets revealed a pooled AUC of 87 % (95 % CI: 78 %-90 %), and internal validation sets showed an AUC of 85 % (95 % CI: 76 %-89 %), with no significant difference (p = 0.39). Sensitivity and specificity for training sets were 78.7 % and 81.8 %, respectively, with validation sets at 81.2 % and 76.2 %. DL models in training sets showed better diagnostic accuracy than radiomics (p = 0.054), significant after removing outliers (p < 0.01). Incorporating clinical data improved sensitivity in validation sets (p = 0.029). No significant difference was found between models based on CE or non-CE imaging (p = 0.281) or arterial or venous phase imaging (p = 0.927). CONCLUSION: Integrating CT-based radiomics and DL improves LNM detection in esophageal cancer. Including clinical data could enhance model performance. Future research should focus on multicenter studies with independent validations to confirm these findings and promote broader clinical adoption.

Current diversity in radiology: A comparative study.

PURPOSE: To compare the demographic characteristics of active physicians, trainees, medical school clinical sciences faculty, and department chairs in radiology with those in other medical specialties. METHODS: An analysis was conducted using publicly available deidentified aggregate data from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Our data collection included information from the 2022 AAMC Physician Specialty Data Report, the 2022 AAMC Report on Residents, and the 2022 AAMC Faculty Roster. We examined factors such as graduation country, gender, and self-identified race/ethnicity. MedCalc software was used for the analyses. RESULTS: Compared to other specialties, active radiologists exhibited a significantly lower percentage of females, International Medical Graduates (IMGs), individuals of American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) descent, Black/African-American individuals, and individuals of Hispanic/Latino/Spanish origin. Conversely, the proportion of White active radiologists was higher. Among radiology trainees, there was a notably lower percentages of females, IMGs, individuals of Black/African-American descent, and individuals of Hispanic/Latino/Spanish origin, while the percentage of Asians was significantly higher. Furthermore, medical school radiology faculty showed a significant lower proportion of females, Black/African-American individuals, Hispanic/Latino/Spanish individuals, and individuals categorized under the white race/ethnicity, with Asians having a higher representation. As radiology department chairs, Asians were noted at significantly lower percentages compared to their proportions among medical school radiology faculty, while Black/African-American individuals were observed at significantly higher percentages in the same comparison. CONCLUSION: This study revealed a notable underrepresentation of females, individuals of Black/African-American descent, and those of Hispanic/Latino/Spanish origin among active radiologists, radiology trainees, and medical school radiology faculty when compared to their counterparts in other medical specialties. Given these findings, further investigation into the underlying causes of these disparities is warranted.

Common design and data elements reported in active mechanical thrombectomy trials focusing on distal medium vessel occlusions and minor strokes: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Distal medium vessel occlusions (DMVOs) and minor strokes represent emerging frontiers in mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Although several randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are underway, the design characteristics of these trials and the specific questions they aim to address have not been extensively explored. This current study sought to investigate the design and data elements reported in active prospective DMVO and minor stroke studies. METHODS: The ClinicalTrials.gov database was searched for ongoing prospective studies assessing the role of MT in patients with DMVOs or minor strokes. The Nested Knowledge AutoLit platform was utilized to categorize reported outcomes and inclusion/exclusion criteria. Frequencies of reported data elements were extracted from study protocols. RESULTS: A total of 10 (8 DMVO and 2 minor stroke) studies enrolling 3520 patients were included. All DMVO studies employ different criteria regarding target occlusion locations. Five DMVO studies use stent retrievers as the first-line thrombectomy technique (62.5%, 5/8), while three studies allow any MT techniques, generally at the operator's discretion. Four DMVO studies permit intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) utilization in both intervention and control arms (50%, 4/8). The DISTALS trial excludes patients receiving IVT, while the DUSK trial and Tigertriever registry only enroll patients who are ineligible for IVT or for whom IVT failed to achieve reperfusion. DMVO studies exhibit notable heterogeneity in symptom onset duration thresholds for inclusion (<6 hours: 2 studies; <12 hours: 2 studies; <24 hours: 3 studies). Minor stroke trials employ similar inclusion criteria and outcome measures except for symptom duration thresholds for inclusion (8 hours for ENDOLOW and 23 hours for MOSTE). CONCLUSIONS: There is considerable heterogeneity among active DMVO trials regarding potential target DMVO locations and time thresholds for inclusion based on the last known well time. Furthermore, our review indicates that the utility of aspiration thrombectomy in DMVOs and the advantages of MT without IVT over IVT alone will remain largely unexplored even after completion of active DMVO trials.

Packing density and the angiographic results of coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular coil embolization (ECE) for intracranial aneurysms has been proven as an effective minimally invasive treatment. However, the aneurysm recanalization after coiling is a serious complication of this technique. Among all the proposed factors associated with recanalization, the impact of packing density (PD) is still controversial. OBJECTIVE: To clarify the role of PD in the aneurysm recanalization following ECE, via conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases, until November 28, 2022, by adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses statement guidelines. Considering the eligibility criteria, all the studies reporting the outcomes of interest were included. Data elements of interest were extracted and analyzed using R software version 4.2.1. RESULTS: The pooled analysis of the 17 eligible papers revealed a 29% higher PD of the nonrecanalized aneurysms (ROM = 1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.18-1.40, p < 0.001), even after removing outlier studies to reduce heterogeneity. However, the pooled estimates from multivariable regression models within nine included studies showed no significant effect of PD on recanalization odds when incorporated into a multivariable model with other predictors (odds ratio [OR] = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.84-1.02, p = 0.126), even after removing outlier studies. CONCLUSION: The current literature does not support PD as a significant predictor of aneurysm treatment outcomes, especially with adjusting for other variables. This finding necessitates further prospective multicenter studies with a larger sample size to overcome the current methodological shortcomings.