Positron emission tomography/computed tomography and biomarkers for early treatment response evaluation in metastatic colon cancer.

BACKGROUND: Treatment options for metastatic colon cancer (mCC) are widening. We prospectively evaluated serial 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-d-glucose positron-emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and measurements of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and liberated domain I of urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR(I)) for early assessment of treatment response in mCC patients. METHODS: Thirty-three mCC patients scheduled for first-line chemotherapy with capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CAPOX) and bevacizumab participated; 27 were evaluated by PET/CT before treatment, after one and four treatment series. Morphological and metabolic response was independently assessed according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer PET criteria. Plasma TIMP-1, plasma uPAR(I), and serum CEA were determined. RESULTS: Metabolic response after one treatment course predicted the ability of CAPOX and bevacizumab to induce morphological response after four treatment series with a sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 69%, and odds ratio of 13.9 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9; 182). Early metabolically stable or progressive disease was associated with shorter progression-free survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.2 [CI 1.3; 7.8]). Biomarker levels at early evaluation were associated with shorter OS (TIMP-1 per unit increase on a log-2-transformed ng/mL scale: HR = 2.6 [CI 1.4; 4.9]; uPAR(I) per 25 fmol/mL increase: HR = 1.5 [CI 1.1; 2.1]). CONCLUSION: This monocentric study demonstrated predictive value of early metabolic PET response and prognostic value of TIMP-1 and uPAR(I) levels in mCC treated with CAPOX and bevacizumab. Results support investigation of PET/CT, TIMP-1, and uPAR(I) guided early treatment adaptation in mCC.

Positron emission tomography/computed tomography for optimized colon cancer staging and follow up.

OBJECTIVES: Optimal management of colon cancer (CC) requires detailed assessment of extent of disease. This study prospectively investigates the diagnostic accuracy of 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for staging and detection of recurrence in primary CC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: PET/CT for preoperative staging was performed in 66 prospectively included patients with primary CC. Diagnostic accuracy for PET/CT and CT was analyzed. In addition to routine follow up, 42 stages I-III CC patients had postoperative PET/CT examinations every 6 months for 2 years. Serological levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), carcinoembryonic antigen, and liberated domain I of urokinase plasminogen activator receptor were analyzed. RESULTS: Accuracy for tumor, nodal, and metastases staging by PET/CT were 82% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 70; 91), 66% (CI: 51; 78), and 89% (CI: 79; 96); for CT the accuracy was 77% (CI: 64; 87), 60% (CI: 46; 73), and 69% (CI: 57; 80). Cumulative relapse incidences for stages I-III CC at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months were 7.1% (CI: 0; 15); 14.3% (CI: 4; 25); 19% (CI: 7; 31), and 21.4% (CI: 9; 34). PET/CT diagnosed all relapses detected during the first 2 years. High preoperative TIMP-1 levels were associated with significant hazards toward risk of recurrence and shorter overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates PET/CT as a valuable tool for staging and follow up in CC. TIMP-1 provided prognostic information potentially useful in selection of patients for intensive follow up.

Massive solitary fibrous intrathoracic tumor presented as primary lung cancer.

Solitary fibrous tumours (SFT) are rare soft tissue tumours with a primarily benign course. Complete surgical resection is the mainstay treatment. In this case report, a 75-year-old man had a massive intrathoracic SFT which was subsequently surgically resected without complications. Although the clinical presentation and CT features of these tumours can mimic lung cancer, the clinical course is significantly more favourable. Diagnostic examination and surgical treatment of intrathoracic SFT should be considered even in patients with increased post-operative risk.

A unique case of Fusobacterium nucleatum spondylodiscitis communicating with a pleural empyema through a fistula.

Species (spp.) belonging to the genus Fusobacterium are anaerobic commensals colonizing the upper respiratory tract, the gastrointestinal tract, and the genitals. Infections with Fusobacterium spp. have been reported at many anatomical sites, including pneumonias and pleural empyemas; however, there are very few published cases of Fusobacterium spp. causing spondylodiscitis or fistulas. Bone infections with Fusobacterium can spread directly to surrounding muscular tissue or by hematogenous transmission to any other tissue including pleurae and lungs. Similarly, pleural infections can spread Fusobacterium spp. to any other tissue including fistulas and bone. Concomitant pleural empyema and spondylodiscitis are rare; however, there are a few published cases with concomitant disease, although none caused by Fusobacterium spp. A 77-year-old female patient was assessed using computed tomography (CT) scanning of the thorax and abdomen, as well as analyses of fluid drained from the region affected by the pleural empyema. A diagnosis of Fusobacterium empyema, fistula, bacteremia, and spondylodiscitis was made, and the patient's condition improved significantly after drainage of the pleural empyema and relevant long-term antibiotic treatment. We describe the first confirmed case with concomitant infection with Fusobacterium nucleatum as spondylodiscitis and pleural empyema connected by a fistula.

The value of clinical tests in acute full-thickness tears of the supraspinatus tendon: does a subacromial lidocaine injection help in the clinical diagnosis? A prospective study.

PURPOSE: Early repair of rotator cuff tears leads to superior results. To detect symptomatic full-thickness tears of the supraspinatus tendon at an early stage, we conducted a prospective study to evaluate the value of clinical examination with and without subacromial lidocaine within the first weeks after an acute injury to the shoulder. METHODS: Of 104 patients included in a prospective investigation, 52 patients were selected to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests in acute full-thickness tears of the supraspinatus tendon. Clinical tests and ultrasound examination were performed at a median of 13 days (range, 3 to 49 days) after the initial injury. The study group consisted of 29 patients (median age, 56 years [range, 39 to 75 years]) who all had an acute complete tear of the supraspinatus tendon verified by ultrasound and arthroscopy. The control group consisted of 23 patients who all had an intact tendon confirmed by ultrasound (median age, 38 years [range, 19 to 73 years]). RESULTS: The Hawkins sign (0.83) and the painful arc test (0.97) had high sensitivity but low specificity (0.23 and 0.05, respectively). The external rotation lag sign (ERLS) and the drop-arm test (DAT) had a sensitivity of 0.39 and 0.37, respectively, and specificity of 0.91 and 0.86, respectively, in diagnosing acute full-thickness tears of the rotator cuff. After a subacromial lidocaine injection, sensitivity of all lag sign tests was reduced, whereas specificity and likelihood ratios of the Jobe test, the ERLS, and the DAT improved. Active abduction was significantly reduced in the full-thickness tear group. CONCLUSIONS: A positive lag sign (ERLS or DAT) is indicative of a full-thickness supraspinatus tear, but a negative lag sign does not preclude a tear. After a subacromial injection of lidocaine, the specificity improves whereas the sensitivity is reduced. Overall, in patients with suspected acute rotator cuff tear, clinical tests cannot stand alone in the evaluation the first weeks after an acute injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, diagnostic study-testing of previously developed criteria in a series of consecutive patients (by use of arthroscopy and ultrasound as the gold standard).

Acute rotator cuff tear: do we miss the early diagnosis? A prospective study showing a high incidence of rotator cuff tears after shoulder trauma.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiologic data of patients with an acute soft-tissue injury to the shoulder, with an emphasis on improving the early diagnosis of acute rotator cuff tears. This study included 104 patients, with a median age of 49 years (range, 19-75 years). The patients were evaluated clinically and with ultrasonography at a median of 13 days (range, 3-49 days) after the injury. A total of 60 patients (58%) had some degree of cuff lesion on the ultrasonographic examination. Of these patients, 33 (32%) had a full-thickness rotator cuff tear, 14 (13%) had a partial-thickness cuff tear in the tendon substance, and 13 (13%) had a partial cuff tear at the insertion site on the major tubercle. The injury mechanism or activity at the moment of injury did not correlate with the presence of a rotator cuff lesion, but we found a strong age correlation, with a prevalence of any rotator cuff tear, above 50%, for patients aged above 50 years and with a prevalence of full-thickness tears of 50% in the groups aged 50 to 59 years and aged 60 to 69 years. In conclusion, this study found a high incidence of rotator cuff lesions by further evaluation of patients undergoing consultation at the emergency department, with an inability to perform active abduction above 90 degrees and normal radiographs, after an acute shoulder trauma.

Low molecular weight heparin (Innohep) as thromboprophylaxis in outpatients with a plaster cast: a venografic controlled study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients immobilized in plaster cast and the possible efficacy of prophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was a randomized, assessor-blinded, open multicenter (three centers) study. All patients over 18 years of age with planned plaster cast on a lower extremity of at least 3 weeks were eligible for participation. Written informed consent was obtained from 300 patients and they were randomized to either 3.500 IU anti-Xa of tinzaparin (Innohep) subcutaneously once daily or no prophylaxis. On the day the cast was removed, ascending unilateral venography was performed. Two experienced radiologists, unaware of treatment, assessed the pictures independently. The radiologist had to obtain consensus as to whether DVT was present or not. RESULTS: 300 patients were included (148 in the treatment group and 152 in the control group). Ninety-five were subsequently withdrawn. DVT was diagnosed in 10/99 patients in the treatment group and in 18/106 patients in the control group. This difference is not significant (P=.15, chi(2) test) and the odds ratio was 0.55 (95% confidence interval=0.34-1.26). CONCLUSION: DVT in legs after plaster casting is a big problem, with an incidence of almost 20%. An effective prophylactic regime is required. Once-daily dose of 3.500 IU anti-Xa of tinzaparin was not sufficient.

Insulin resistance and maximal oxygen uptake.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes, coronary atherosclerosis, and physical fitness all correlate with insulin resistance, but the relative importance of each component is unknown. HYPOTHESIS: This study was undertaken to determine the relationship between insulin resistance, maximal oxygen uptake, and the presence of either diabetes or ischemic heart disease. METHODS: The study population comprised 33 patients with and without diabetes and ischemic heart disease. Insulin resistance was measured by a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp; maximal oxygen uptake was measured during a bicycle exercise test. RESULTS: There was a strong correlation between maximal oxygen uptake and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake (r = 0.7, p = 0.001), and maximal oxygen uptake was the only factor of importance for determining insulin sensitivity in a model, which also included the presence of diabetes and ischemic heart disease. CONCLUSION: Maximal oxygen uptake may be a more important determinant for insulin sensitivity than ischemic heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Fluorodeoxyglucose PET scan in pulmonary sarcoidosis during treatment with inhaled and oral corticosteroids.

The objective was to investigate longitudinal changes in fluorodeoxyglucose PET scan (FDG-PET) in a patient with pulmonary sarcoidosis prior to and during treatment with inhaled corticosteroids followed by systemic corticosteroids. The patient was a 41-year-old man presenting with stage I pulmonary sarcoidosis (hilar adenopathy), which had progressed to stage II (pulmonary infiltrates) 19 months later. FDG-PET was performed at 19, 29 and 33 months after presentation. No treatment was given prior to the 1st PET. Subsequently, before the 2nd PET, the patient was treated with inhaled beclomethasone (QVAR Autohaler) 0.8 mg/day for 8 months. Finally, prior to the 3rd PET, the patient was treated with oral prednisolone 30 mg/day for 3 months. The 1st PET showed a high FDG uptake in the hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes and a high focal uptake in the peripheral parts of the lungs. The 2nd PET showed a slight uptake in a few mediastinal lymph nodes and an unchanged high focal uptake in the peripheral parts of the lungs and the pleura. The 3rd PET showed no abnormal uptake at all. In conclusion, as assessed by FDG-PET, inhaled beclomethasone had no recognizable influence on sarcoid inflammatory activity. Treatment with oral prednisolone depressed the inflammatory activity to such a degree that it was undetectable by PET. The results are in accordance with clinical studies on pulmonary sarcoidosis, showing a marginal effect of inhaled corticosteroids and a marked effect of systemic corticosteroids.