CT-defined sarcopenia predicts treatment response in primary central nervous system lymphomas.

OBJECTIVE: Body composition assessment derived from cross-sectional imaging has shown promising results as a prognostic biomarker in several tumor entities. Our aim was to analyze the role of low skeletal muscle mass (LSMM) and fat areas for prognosis of dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) and treatment response in patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). METHODS: Overall, 61 patients (29 female patients, 47.5%) with a mean age of 63.8 ± 12.2 years, range 23-81 years, were identified in the data base between 2012 and 2020 with sufficient clinical and imaging data. Body composition assessment, comprising LSMM and visceral and subcutaneous fat areas, was performed on one axial slice on L3-height derived from staging computed tomography (CT) images. DLT was assessed during chemotherapy in clinical routine. Objective response rate (ORR) was measured on following magnetic resonance images of the head accordingly to the Cheson criteria. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients had DLT (45.9%). Regression analysis revealed that LSMM was associated with objective response, OR = 5.19 (95% CI 1.35-19.94, p = 0.02) (univariable regression), and OR = 4.23 (95% CI 1.03- 17.38, p = 0.046) (multivariable regression). None of the body composition parameters could predict DLT. Patients with normal visceral to subcutaneous ratio (VSR) could be treated with more chemotherapy cycles compared to patients with high VSR (mean, 4.25 vs 2.94, p = 0.03). Patients with ORR had higher muscle density values compared to patients with stable and/or progressive disease (34.46 ± vs 28.18 ± HU, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: LSMM is strongly associated with objective response in patients with PCNSL. Body composition parameters cannot predict DLT. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Low skeletal muscle mass on computed tomography (CT) is an independent prognostic factor of poor treatment response in central nervous system lymphoma. Analysis of the skeletal musculature on staging CT should be implemented into the clinical routine in this tumor entity. KEY POINTS: • Low skeletal muscle mass is strongly associated with the objective response rate. • No body composition parameters could predict dose-limiting toxicity.

Imaging of intracranial hemorrhage in photon counting computed tomography using virtual monoenergetic images.

PURPOSE: To determine the optimal virtual monoenergetic image (VMI) for detecting and assessing intracranial hemorrhage in unenhanced photon counting CT of the head based on the evaluation of quantitative and qualitative image quality parameters. METHODS: Sixty-three patients with acute intracranial hemorrhage and unenhanced CT of the head were retrospectively included. In these patients, 35 intraparenchymal, 39 intraventricular, 30 subarachnoidal, and 43 subdural hemorrhages were selected. VMIs were reconstructed using all available monoenergetic reconstruction levels (40-190 keV). Multiple regions of interest measurements were used for evaluation of the overall image quality, and signal, noise, signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise-ratio (CNR) of intracranial hemorrhage. Based on the results of the quantitative analysis, specific VMIs were rated by five radiologists on a 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS: Signal, noise, SNR, and CNR differed significantly between different VMIs (p < 0.001). Maximum CNR for intracranial hemorrhage was reached in VMI with keV levels > 120 keV (intraparenchymal 143 keV, intraventricular 164 keV, subarachnoidal 124 keV, and subdural hemorrhage 133 keV). In reading, no relevant superiority in the detection of hemorrhage could be demonstrated using VMIs above 66 keV. CONCLUSION: For the detection of hemorrhage in unenhanced CT of the head, the quantitative analysis of the present study on photon counting CT is generally consistent with the findings from dual-energy CT, suggesting keV levels just above 120 keV and higher depending on the location of the hemorrhage. However, on the basis of the qualitative analyses, no reliable statement can yet be made as to whether an additional VMI with higher keV is truly beneficial in everyday clinical practice.

Diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) for assessment of response to high-dose-rate CT-guided brachytherapy (HDR-BT) of hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: High-dose-rate computed tomography (CT)-guided brachytherapy (HDR-BT) has shown promising results in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). While growing evidence shows clear limitations of mRECIST, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) has relevant potential in improving the response assessment. PURPOSE: To assess whether DWI allows evaluation of short- and long-term tumor response in patients with HCC after HDR-BT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 22 patients with 11 non-responding HCCs (NR-HCC; local tumor recurrence within two years) and 24 responding HCCs (R-HCC; follow-up at least two years) were included in this retrospective bi-center study. HCCs were treated with HDR-BT and patients underwent pre- and post-interventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Analyses of DWI were evaluated and compared between pre-interventional MRI, 1.follow-up after 3 months and 2.follow-up at the time of the local tumor recurrence (in NR-HCC) or after 12 months (in R-HCC). RESULTS: ADCmean of R-HCC increased significantly after HDR-BT on the first and second follow-up (ADCmean: 0.87 ± 0.18 × 10-3 mm2/s [pre-interventional]: 1.14 ± 0.23 × 10-3 mm2/s [1. post-interventional]; 1.42 ± 0.32 × 10-3 mm2/s [2. post-interventional]; P < 0.001). ADCmean of NR-HCC did not show a significant increase from pre-intervention to 1. post-interventional MRI (ADCmean: 0.85 ± 0.24 × 10-3 mm2/s and 1.00 ± 0.30 × 10-3 mm2/s, respectively; P = 0.131). ADCmean increase was significant between pre-intervention and 2. follow-up (ADCmean: 1.03 ± 0.19 × 10-3 mm2/s; P = 0.018). There was no significant increase of ADCmean between the first and second follow-up. There was, however, a significant increase of ADCmin after 12 months (ADCmin: 0.87 ± 0.29 × 10-3 mm2/s) compared to pre-interventional MRI and first follow-up (P < 0.005) only in R-HCC. CONCLUSION: The tumor response after CT-guided HDR-BT was associated with a significantly higher increase in ADCmean and ADCmin in short- and long-term follow-up.

Comprehensive analysis of body composition features in melanoma patients treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

BACKGROUND: The introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) has greatly improved the management of metastatic melanoma. Recent studies have uncovered a relationship between the body mass index (BMI) and outcome of patients with metastatic melanoma. However, conflicting results have challenged the relevance of this finding. In the current work, we aim to dissect body composition features of melanoma patients treated with TKI to evaluate their value as biomarkers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyze body composition features via CT scans in a retrospective cohort of 57 patients with non-resectable stage III/IV melanoma receiving first-line treatment with TKI in our department, focusing on the impact of body composition on treatment efficacy and occurrence of adverse events. RESULTS: In uni- and multivariate analyses, we identify an association between the visceral adipose tissue gauge index (VATGI) and survival. We furthermore profile additional body composition features including sarcopenia, which was also associated with a shorter overall survival. Finally, we detected an enrichment of cases with fatigue in patients with low VATGI. CONCLUSIONS: Our study represents the first exploratory study evaluating the suitability of body composition measurements as biomarkers for melanoma patients treated with TKI. Our data suggest a putative use of VATGI as a biomarker predicting patient outcome.

Validation of clinical-radiological scores for prognosis of mortality in acute pulmonary embolism.

INTRODUCTION: Acute pulmonary embolism (APE) is a hazardous disorder with a high mortality. Combination of clinical, radiological, and serological parameters can improve risk stratification of APE. Most of the proposed combined scores were not validated in independent cohorts. Our aim was to validate the proposed clinical-radiological scores for prognosis of 7- and 30-day mortality in APE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our sample comprised 531 patients with APE, mean age 64.8 ± 15.6 years, 221 (41.6%) females and 310 (58.4%) males. The following parameters were collected: Age and sex of the patients, mortality within the observation time of 30 days, simplified pulmonary embolism severity index (sPESI), pH troponin level (pg/ml), minimal systolic and diastolic blood pressures (mmHg), heart rate, O2 saturation, episodes of syncope, and need for vasopressors. On CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA), short axis ratio right ventricle/left ventricle (RV/LV), and reflux of contrast medium into the inferior vena cava were obtained. The following clinical-radiological scores were calculated: BOVA score, pulmonary embolism mortality score (PEMS), European Society of Cardiology (ESC) score, Kumamaru score, and Calgary acute pulmonary embolism (CAPE) score. RESULTS: Overall, 31 patients (5.8%) died within seven and 64 patients (12%) within 30 days. All scores showed high negative prognostic values ranging from 89.0 to 99.0%. PEMS and CAPE score demonstrated the highest specificity for 7-day mortality (93.4% and 85.0%), PEMS and BOVA for 30-day mortality (94.2% and 90.4%). The highest sensitivity was observed for ESC 2019 (96.8% and 95.3%). Kumamaru and CAPE scores had low sensitivity. All scores had low positive and high negative predictive values. CONCLUSION: For prognosis of 7- and 30-day mortality in APE, PEMS score has the highest specificity. ESC 2019 shows the highest sensitivity. All scores had low positive and high negative predictive values.

Low skeletal muscle mass predicts treatment response in oncology: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Low skeletal muscle mass (LSMM) predicts relevant clinical outcomes in oncologic patients. The purpose of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of data regarding associations between LSMM and treatment response (TR) in oncology. METHODS: MEDLINE, Cochrane, and SCOPUS databases were screened for relationships between LSMM and TR in oncologic patients up to November 2022. Overall, 35 studies met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS: The collected 35 studies comprised 3858 patients. In 1682 patients (43.6%), LSMM was diagnosed. In the overall sample, LSMM predicted a negatively objective response rate (ORR), OR = 0.70, 95% CI = (0.54-0.91), p = 0.007, and disease control rate (DCR), OR = 0.69, 95% CI = (0.50-0.95), p = 0.02. In the curative setting, LSMM predicted a negatively ORR, OR = 0.24, 95% CI = (0.12-0.50), p = 0.0001, but not DCR, OR = 0.60, 95% CI = (0.31-1.18), p = 0.14. In palliative treatment with conventional chemotherapies, LSMM did not predict ORR: OR = 0.94, 95% CI (0.57-1.55), p = 0.81, and DCR: OR = 1.13, 95% CI (0.38-3.40), p = 0.82. In palliative treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), LSMM did not predict TR: ORR, OR = 0.74, 95% CI (0.44-1.26), p = 0.27, and DCR, OR = 1.04, 95% CI (0.53-2.05), p = 0.90. In palliative immunotherapy, LSMM tended to predict ORR, OR = 0.74, 95% CI = (0.54-1.01), p = 0.06, and predicted DCR, OR = 0.53, 95% CI = (0.37-0.76), p = 0.0006. CONCLUSION: LSMM is a risk factor for poor TR in curative chemotherapy in the adjuvant and/or neoadjuvant setting. LSMM is a risk factor for treatment failure in treatment with immunotherapy. Finally, LSMM does not influence TR in palliative treatment with conventional chemotherapy and/or TKIs. KEY POINTS: • Low skeletal muscle mass (LSMM) predicts treatment response (TR) to chemotherapy in the adjuvant and/or neoadjuvant setting. • LSMM predicts TR in immunotherapy. • LSMM does not influence TR in palliative chemotherapy.

Apparent diffusion coefficient correlates with different histopathological features in several intrahepatic tumors.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate associations between apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and cell count, Ki 67, tumor-stroma ratio (TSR), and tumoral lymphocytes in different hepatic malignancies. METHODS: We identified 149 cases with performed liver biopsies: hepatocellular cancer (HCC, n = 53), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCC, n = 29), metastases of colorectal cancer (CRC, n = 24), metastases of breast cancer (BC, n = 28), and metastases of pancreatic cancer (PC, n = 15). MRI was performed on a 1.5-T scanner with an axial echo-planar sequence. MRI was done before biopsy. Biopsy images of target lesions were selected. The cylindrical region of interest was placed on the ADC map of target lesions in accordance with the needle position on the biopsy images. Mean ADC values were estimated. TSR, cell counts, proliferation index Ki 67, and number of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes were estimated. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients and intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated. RESULTS: Inter-reader agreement was excellent regarding the ADC measurements. In HCC, ADC correlated with cell count (r = - 0.68, p < 0.001) and with TSR (r = 0.31, p = 0.024). In iCC, ADC correlated with TSR (r = 0.60, p < 0.001) and with cell count (r = - 0.54, p = 0.002). In CRC metastases, ADC correlated with cell count (r = - 0.54 p = 0.006) and with Ki 67 (r = - 0.46, p = 0.024). In BC liver metastases, ADC correlated with TSR (r = 0.55, p < 0.002) and with Ki 67 (r = - 0.51, p = 0.006). In PC metastases, no significant correlations were found. CONCLUSIONS: ADC correlated with tumor cellularity in HCC, iCC, and CRC liver metastases. ADC reflects TSR in BC liver metastases, HCC, and iCC. ADC cannot reflect intratumoral lymphocytes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: The present study shows that the apparent diffusion coefficient can be used as a surrogate imaging marker for different histopathological features in several malignant hepatic lesions. KEY POINTS: • ADC reflects different histopathological features in several hepatic tumors. • ADC correlates with tumor cellularity in HCC, iCC, and CRC metastases. • ADC strongly correlates with tumor-stroma ratio in BC metastases and iCC.

Apparent diffusion coefficient for assessing Crohn's disease activity: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To analyze relationships betweenapparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and activity parameters of Crohn's disease, e.g., length and wall thickness, CRP, FCP, MaRIA, CDAI, SES-CD, histologic inflammatory activity score, and the histological fibrotic score, based upon published data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MEDLINE library, Scopus, and Embase databases were screened for association between ADC and activity parameters of Crohn's disease in patients with Crohn's disease up to Mai 2021. Overall, 21 studies with 1053 patients were identified. The following data were extracted from the literature: number of patients, correlation coefficients between ADC and length as well as wall thickness, CRP, FCP, MaRIA, CDAI, and SES-CD, inflammatory activity score, and fibrotic score. Associations between ADC and activity parameters were analyzed by Spearman's correlation coefficient. The studies' methodologic quality was evaluated by using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Studies (QUADAS 2) instrument, revealing a low risk of bias. RESULTS: In the overall sample, the pooled correlation coefficient between ADC and CDAI was -0.8 (95% CI = [-0.94; -0.65]), between ADC and MaRIA -0.66 (95% CI = [-0.79; -0.53]). A strong association was observed between ADC and SES-CD with a pooled correlation of -0.66 (95% CI = [-0.87; -0.46]). The pooled sensitivity to discriminate between involved and non-involved bowel segments was 0.89, with an area under the curve of 0.89 CONCLUSIONS: ADC showed strong inverse correlations with CDAI, MaRIA, and SES-CD scores. However, the role of ADC in assessing fibrotic changes in the bowel wall is limited. ADC can reflect acute inflammatory reactions but not systemic inflammation. KEY POINTS: • ADC value can reflect acute inflammatory reactions but not systemic inflammation. • ADC is inversely correlated with CDAI, MaRIA, and SES-CD. • The role of ADC in assessing fibrotic changes in the bowel wall is limited.

Computed Tomography-Defined Fat Composition as a Prognostic Marker in Gastric Adenocarcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography (CT)-defined fat quantification has been an emergent field of research in oncology. It was shown that this parameter is predictive and prognostic of several clinically relevant factors in several tumor entities. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to establish the effect of visceral (VFA) and subcutaneous fat areas (SFA) on overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and postoperative complications in gastric cancer patients based on a large patient sample. METHODS: MEDLINE library, EMBASE, and SCOPUS databases were screened for the associations between VFA and SFA defined by CT images and OS, DFS, and postoperative complications in gastric cancer patients up to August 2022. The primary endpoint of the systematic review was the hazard ratio for the outcome parameters. High VFA was, in most studies, defined by the threshold value of 100 cm2. In total, 9 studies were suitable for the analysis and included in the present study. RESULTS: The included studies comprised 3,713 patients. The identified frequency of visceral obesity was 44.9%. The pooled hazard ratio for the effect of high VFA on OS was 1.28 (95% CI 1.09-1.49, p = 0.002). For SFA, it was 1.87 (95% CI 1.45-2.42, p < 0.0001). The pooled hazard ratio for the influence of high VFA on DFS was 1.17 (95% CI 0.95-1.43, p = 0.14). The pooled odds ratio for the associations between VFA and postoperative complications was 1.36 (95% CI 1.09-1.69, p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: CT-defined VFA and SFA influence OS in patients with gastric cancer. VFA also influences the occurrence of postoperative complications. Therefore, assessment of fat areas should be included in clinical routine in patients with gastric cancer.

Body Composition Predictors of Complicated Crohn's Disease.

BACKGROUND: High visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and creeping fat (CrF) in Crohn's disease (CD) have been widely recognized. The VAT to subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) ratio and sarcopenia have been associated with CD complications. Studies regarding the influence of body composition predictors on CD complications assessed with magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) are scarce. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess body composition parameters and CrF in opportunistic MRE as predictors of complicated CD. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 114 patients with inflammatory (n = 54) and complicated (n = 60) CD. The semiautomated assessment of body composition and the qualitative evaluation of CrF were performed. RESULTS: Body composition parameters did not differ between both groups regarding the body mass index (p = 0.50), total adipose tissue index (TATI) (p = 0.14), subcutaneous adipose tissue index (SATI) (p = 0.17), visceral adipose tissue index (VATI) (p = 0.33), VAT/SAT ratio (p = 0.77), intramuscular adipose tissue (p = 0.64), skeletal muscle index (p = 0.22), and sarcopenia (p = 0.50). 47 strictures, 18 fistulae, and seven abscesses were identified. Fistulae were more likely to occur in patients with CrF (odds ratio [OR] 5.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.76-14.56; p=<0.001) and high VAT/SAT ratio (OR: 3.82, 95% CI 1.34-10.85; p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Body composition measurements in CD patients displayed no statistically significant difference between the groups of inflammatory and complicated disease. Nonetheless, CD patients stratified in the group of high VAT/SAT ratio and the presence of CrF should be recognized as risk groups for the occurrence of fistulae.

Interstitial Brachytherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Analysis of Prognostic Factors for Overall Survival and Progression-Free Survival and Application of a Risk Stratification Model.

INTRODUCTION: Interstitial brachytherapy (iBT) is an effective treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Identification of prognostic factors is pivotal for patient selection and treatment efficacy. This study aimed to assess the impact of low skeletal muscle mass (LSMM) on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of iBT in patients with HCC. METHODS: For this single-center study, we retrospectively identified 77 patients with HCC who underwent iBT between 2011 and 2018. Follow-up visits were recorded until 2020. The psoas muscle area, psoas muscle index, psoas muscle density (MD), and the skeletal muscle gauge were assessed on the L3 level on pre-treatment cross-sectional CT scans. RESULTS: Median OS was 37 months. 42 patients (54.5%) had LSMM. An AFP level of >400 ng/ml (hazard ratio [HR] 5.705, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.228-14.606, p = 0.001), BCLC stage (HR 3.230, 95% CI: 0.972-10.735, p = 0.026), and LSMM (HR 3.365, 95% CI: 1.490-7.596, p = 0.002) showed a relevant association with OS. Weighted hazard ratios were used to form a predictive risk stratification model with three groups: patients with low risk (median OS 62 months), intermediate risk (median OS 31 months), and high risk (median OS 9 months). The model showed a good prediction of 1-year mortality, with an AUC of 0.71. Higher MD was associated with better PFS (HR 0.920, 95% CI: 0.881-0.962, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing iBT for HCC, LSMM is associated with worse OS. A risk stratification model based on LSMM, AFP >400 ng/mL, and BCLC stage successfully predicted patient mortality. The model may support and enhance patient selection.

Local ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma by interstitial brachytherapy: prediction of outcome by diffusion-weighted imaging.

BACKGROUND: Interstitial brachytherapy (iBT) has become a viable treatment option in the therapy of early and intermediate stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Prognostic imaging tools to predict patient outcome are missing. PURPOSE: To assess the predictive value of baseline diffusion-weighted imaging in HCC before iBT with regard to local tumor control and overall survival (OS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively identified 107 patients who underwent iBT for HCC from 2011 to 2018 from our database. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values for each treated lesion were analyzed in region of interest measurements. Additionally, explorative combined ratios adjusting total measured lesion area and mean measured lesion area per patient by ADC values were calculated. Measurements underwent a univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. The log rank test was then used to verify prognostic cutoff levels for median survival time. RESULTS: A total of 189 lesions in 81 patients were measured. Median survival of patients was 46.0 months. Neither ADC parameter was indicative of local tumor control. Lesion size >5 cm was associated with lower local tumor control (hazard ratio [HR]=4.292, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.285-14.331; P = 0.018). Average measured lesion area divided by ADCmin (ADCarea mean, min) was identified to independently predict OS (HR=1.994, 95% CI=1.172-3.392; P = 0.011). A cutoff based on the variable's median (0.29 × 10-4 AU) identified patients with poor outcome (OS 36 vs. 61 months) for lower ADCarea mean, min values as verified by the log-rank test (P = 0.040). CONCLUSION: Pre-treatment ADCarea mean, min may serve as an independent predictor of OS in patients with HCC undergoing iBT.

Epicardial adipose tissue as a prognostic marker in acute pulmonary embolism.

BACKGROUND: Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has been established as a quantitative imaging biomarker associated with disease severity in coronary heart disease. Our aim was to use this prognostic marker derived from computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) for the prediction of mortality and prognosis in patients with acute pulmonary embolism. METHODS: The clinical database was retrospectively screened for patients with acute pulmonary embolism between 2015 and 2021. Overall, 513 patients (216 female, 42.1%) were included in the analysis. The study end-point was 30-day mortality. Epicardial adipose tissue was measured on the diagnostic CTPA in a semiquantitative manner. The volume and density of EAT were measured for every patient. RESULTS: Overall, 60 patients (10.4%) died within the 30-day observation period. The mean EAT volume was 128.3 ± 65.0 cm3 in survivors and 154.6 ± 84.5 cm3 in nonsurvivors (p = 0.02). The density of EAT was -79.4 ± 8.3 HU in survivors and -76.0 ± 8.4 HU in nonsurvivors (p = 0.86), and EAT density was associated with 30-day mortality (odds ratio [OR] = 1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03; 1.1, p < 0.001) but did not remain statistically significant in multivariable analysis. No association was identified between EAT volume and 30-day mortality (OR = 1.0; 95% CI: 1.0; 1.0, p = 0.48). CONCLUSION: There might be an association between EAT density and mortality in patients with acute pulmonary embolism. Further studies are needed to elucidate the prognostic relevance of EAT parameters in patients with acute pulmonary embolism.

Low Skeletal Muscle Mass Predicts Relevant Outcomes in Palliative Urological Oncology: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Low skeletal muscle mass (LSMM) can be assessed by cross-sectional imaging. LSMM is associated with several clinically relevant factors in various disorders with predictive and prognostic implications. METHODS: Our aim was to establish the effect of computed tomography (CT)-defined LSMM on mortality in renal cell cancer (RCC) and urothelial carcinoma (UC) undergoing palliative treatment. The MEDLINE library, Cochrane, and SCOPUS databases were screened for the associations between CT-defined LSMM up to May 2022. In total, 11 studies were suitable for the analysis. RESULTS: The included studies comprised 481 patients with RCC and 394 patients with UC. The pooled hazard ratio for the association between LSMM and overall survival was 1.64 (95% CI: 0.90-2.99), p = 0.10 in univariable analysis and 1.55 (95% CI: 0.91-2.63), p = 0.10 in multivariable analysis for RCC. For UC, the pooled hazard ratio was 2.75 (95% CI: 1.77-4.28), p < 0.00001 in univariable, and 2.77 (95% CI: 1.91-4.02), p < 0.00001 in multivariable analysis. For progression-free survival, it was 2.02 (95% CI: 1.24-3.27), p = 0.004 for RCC and 2.43 (95% CI: 1.59-3.74), p < 0.0001 for UC (univariable analysis). CONCLUSIONS: CT-defined LSMM predicts OS and PFS in RCC and UC in the palliative setting. The effect was higher in UC. Therefore, LSMM assessment should be included as a relevant prognostic biomarker in clinical routine.

Sarcopenia is a predictor of patient death in acute ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is proposed as a novel imaging biomarker in several acute conditions regarding outcome and mortality. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prognostic role of the masseter muscles in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). METHODS: Overall, 189 patients with AIS that received mechanical thrombectomy were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Outcome and overall survival after 90 days were analyzed. Transversal surface area and density of the masseter muscles were measured. The diagnostic performance for the estimation of a) favorable modified ranking scale 90 days (mRS 90) outcome and b) death at 90 days was calculated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, followed by receiver operating characteristics and Odds ratios. RESULTS: The masseter muscle area provided a significant difference between patients who survived and those who died and between patients who had a favorable outcome (mRS 90 < 3) and those who did not. The cutoff for a favorable mRS 90 was found to be 435.8 mm2 for men and 338.8 mm2 for women, the cutoff for the prediction of death 421.3 mm2 for men and 326.6 mm2 for women. Masseter muscle area was the third strongest predictor in both categories after patient age and NIHSS. CONCLUSIONS: Masseter muscle area is an independent predictor of mortality in patients with AIS.

Role of Sarcopenia in Advanced Malignant Cutaneous Melanoma Treated with Immunotherapy: A Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: The role of sarcopenia in malignant cutaneous melanoma is unclear. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to analyze the prevalence and clinical role of sarcopenia in patients with advanced cutaneous melanoma based on a large cohort. Methods: MEDLINE, Cochrane, and SCOPUS databases were checked for relationships between sarcopenia and clinical outcomes in melanoma up to September 2021. Overall, 6 studies including 719 patients met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Results: The prevalence of sarcopenia was 40.23%. Sarcopenia did not influence dose-limiting toxicity of treatment, hazard ratio (HR) 1.01, 95% CI (0.70-1.47). Sarcopenia was associated with lower progression-free survival (PFS): HR 1.49, 95% CI (0.98-2.26), and lower overall survival (OS): HR 1.67, 95% CI (1.11-2.52). Conclusions: The cumulative prevalence of sarcopenia in malignant cutaneous melanoma is 40.77%. Sarcopenia is slightly associated with PFS and OS and it is not associated with treatment toxicity.

Sarcopenia as a Prognostic Marker for Survival in Gastric Cancer Patients Undergoing Palliative Chemotherapy. A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis.

Sarcopenia, defined as low-skeletal muscle mass (LSMM), can be assessed by imaging modalities. Our aim was to establish the effect of LSMM on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in gastric cancer patients undergoing palliative chemotherapy based on a large patient sample. MEDLINE library, Cochrane and SCOPUS databases were screened for the associations between LSMM and mortality in advanced gastric cancer patients. The primary endpoint of the systematic review was the hazard ratio of LSMM on OS and PFS. In total, seven studies were suitable for the analysis and included into the present study. The included studies comprised 668 patients with advanced gastric cancer. The identified frequency of LSMM was 48.05%. The pooled hazard ratio for the effect of LSMM on OS was 1.31 [95% CI 0.96-1.77], p = 0.08, in univariate analysis and 1.21 [95% CI 0.94-1.56], p = 0.13, in multivariate analysis. For PFS, the pooled hazard ratio for the effect of LSMM on PFS was 1.76 [95% CI 0.66-4.66], p = 0.26. LSMM did not significantly affect OS and PFS in patients with advanced gastric cancer undergoing palliative chemotherapy. Further research is needed to elucidate possible influences of LSMM on survival in this tumor entity.

Primary renal sarcomas: imaging features and discrimination from non-sarcoma renal tumors.

OBJECTIVES: To assess imaging features of primary renal sarcomas in order to better discriminate them from non-sarcoma renal tumors. METHODS: Adult patients diagnosed with renal sarcomas from 1995 to 2018 were included from 11 European tertiary referral centers (Germany, Belgium, Turkey). Renal sarcomas were 1:4 compared to patients with non-sarcoma renal tumors. CT/MRI findings were assessed using 21 predefined imaging features. A random forest model was trained to predict "renal sarcoma vs. non-sarcoma renal tumors" based on demographics and imaging features. RESULTS: n = 34 renal sarcomas were included and compared to n = 136 non-sarcoma renal tumors. Renal sarcomas manifested in younger patients (median 55 vs. 67 years, p < 0.01) and were more complex (high RENAL score complexity 79.4% vs. 25.7%, p < 0.01). Renal sarcomas were larger (median diameter 108 vs. 43 mm, p < 0.01) with irregular shape and ill-defined margins, and more frequently demonstrated invasion of the renal vein or inferior vena cava, tumor necrosis, direct invasion of adjacent organs, and contact to renal artery or vein, compared to non-sarcoma renal tumors (p < 0.05, each). The random forest algorithm yielded a median AUC = 93.8% to predict renal sarcoma histology, with sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of 90.4%, 76.5%, and 93.9%, respectively. Tumor diameter and RENAL score were the most relevant imaging features for renal sarcoma identification. CONCLUSION: Renal sarcomas are rare tumors commonly manifesting as large masses in young patients. A random forest model using demographics and imaging features shows good diagnostic accuracy for discrimination of renal sarcomas from non-sarcoma renal tumors, which might aid in clinical decision-making. KEY POINTS: • Renal sarcomas commonly manifest in younger patients as large, complex renal masses. • Compared to non-sarcoma renal tumors, renal sarcomas more frequently demonstrated invasion of the renal vein or inferior vena cava, tumor necrosis, direct invasion of adjacent organs, and contact to renal artery or vein. • Using demographics and standardized imaging features, a random forest showed excellent diagnostic performance for discrimination of sarcoma vs. non-sarcoma renal tumors (AUC = 93.8%, sensitivity = 90.4%, specificity = 76.5%, and PPV = 93.9%).

Pretreatment Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Cannot Predict Histopathological Features and Response to Neoadjuvant Radiochemotherapy in Rectal Cancer: A Meta-Analysis.

AIM: Our purpose was to perform a systemic literature review and meta-analysis regarding use of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) for prediction of histopathological features in rectal cancer (RC) and to prove if ADC can predict treatment response to neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy (NARC) in RC. METHODS: MEDLINE library, EMBASE, Cochrane, and SCOPUS database were screened for associations between ADC and histopathology and/or treatment response in RC up to June 2020. Authors, year of publication, study design, number of patients, mean value, and standard deviation of ADC were acquired. The methodological quality of the collected studies was checked according to the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Studies instrument. The meta-analysis was undertaken by using the RevMan 5.3 software. DerSimonian and Laird random-effects models with inverse-variance weights were used to account the heterogeneity between the studies. Mean ADC values including 95% confidence intervals were calculated. RESULTS: Overall, 37 items (2,015 patients) were included. ADC values of tumors with different T and N stages and grades overlapped strongly. ADC cannot distinguish RC with a high- and low-carcinoembryonic antigen level. Regarding KRAS status, ADC cannot discriminate mutated and wild-type RC. ADC did not correlate significantly with expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and hypoxia-inducible factor 1a. ADC correlates with Ki 67, with the calculated correlation coefficient: -0.52. The ADC values in responders and nonresponders overlapped significantly. CONCLUSION: ADC correlates moderately with expression of Ki 67 in RC. ADC cannot discriminate tumor stages, grades, and KRAS status in RC. ADC cannot predict therapy response to NARC in RC.

Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Can Predict Therapy Response of Hepatocellular Carcinoma to Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization.

AIM: The goal of this meta-analysis was to assess the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) as a pre- and posttreatment (ADC value changes [ΔADC]) predictive imaging biomarker of response to transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Scopus database, Embase database, and MEDLINE library were scanned for connections between pre- and posttreatment ADC values of HCC and response to TACE. Six studies qualified for inclusion. The following parameters were collected: authors, publication year, study design, number of patients, drugs for TACE, mean ADC value, standard deviation, measure method, b values, and Tesla strength. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Studies 2 instrument was employed to check the methodological quality of each study. The meta-analysis was performed by utilizing RevMan 5.3 software. DerSimonian and Laird random-effects models with inverse-variance were used to regard heterogeneity. The mean ADC values and 95% confidence intervals were computed. RESULTS: Six studies (n = 271 patients with 293 HCC nodules) were included. The pretreatment mean ADC in the responder group was 1.20 × 10-3 mm2/s (0.98, 1.42) and 1.14 × 10-3 mm2/s (0.89, 1.39) in the nonresponder group. The analysis of post-TACE ΔADC revealed a threshold of ≥20% to identify treatment responders. No suitable pretreatment ADC threshold to predict therapy response or discriminate between responders and nonresponders before therapy could be discovered. CONCLUSION: ΔADC can facilitate early objective response evaluation through post-therapeutic ADC alterations ≥20%. Pretreatment ADC cannot predict response to TACE.