Clinical and Prognostic Implications of Right Ventricular Uptake on Bone Scintigraphy in Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: The extent of myocardial bone tracer uptake with technetium pyrophosphate, hydroxymethylene diphosphonate, and 3,3-diphosphono-1,2-propanodicarboxylate in transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) might reflect cardiac amyloid burden and be associated with outcome. METHODS: Consecutive patients with ATTR-CM who underwent diagnostic bone tracer scintigraphy with acquisition of whole-body planar and cardiac single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images from the National Amyloidosis Centre and 4 Italian centers were included. Cardiac uptake was defined according to the Perugini classification: 0=absent cardiac uptake; 1=mild uptake less than bone; 2=moderate uptake equal to bone; and 3=high uptake greater than bone. Extent of right ventricular (RV) uptake was defined as focal (basal segment of the RV free wall only) or diffuse (extending beyond basal segment) on the basis of SPECT imaging. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Among 1422 patients with ATTR-CM, RV uptake accompanying left ventricular uptake was identified by SPECT imaging in 100% of cases at diagnosis. Median follow-up in the whole cohort was 34 months (interquartile range, 21 to 50 months), and 494 patients died. By Kaplan-Meier analysis, diffuse RV uptake on SPECT imaging (n=936) was associated with higher all-cause mortality compared with focal (n=486) RV uptake (77.9% versus 22.1%; P<0.001), whereas Perugini grade was not associated with survival (P=0.27 in grade 2 versus grade 3). On multivariable analysis, after adjustment for age at diagnosis (hazard ratio [HR], 1.03 [95% CI, 1.02-1.04]; P<0.001), presence of the p.(V142I) TTR variant (HR, 1.42 [95% CI, 1.20-1.81]; P=0.004), National Amyloidosis Centre stage (each category, P<0.001), stroke volume index (HR, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.97-0.99]; P=0.043), E/e' (HR, 1.02 [95% CI, 1.007-1.03]; P=0.004), right atrial area index (HR, 1.05 [95% CI, 1.02-1.08]; P=0.001), and left ventricular global longitudinal strain (HR, 1.06 [95% CI, 1.03-1.09]; P<0.001), diffuse RV uptake on SPECT imaging (HR, 1.60 [95% CI, 1.26-2.04]; P<0.001) remained an independent predictor of all-cause mortality. The prognostic value of diffuse RV uptake was maintained across each National Amyloidosis Centre stage and in both wild-type and hereditary ATTR-CM (P<0.001 and P=0.02, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Diffuse RV uptake of bone tracer on SPECT imaging is associated with poor outcomes in patients with ATTR-CM and is an independent prognostic marker at diagnosis.

[Value of (18)F-FDG PET-CT imaging to predict epidermal growth factor receptor mutations in patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma].

Objective: To investigate the value of (18)F-fluorodeoxy glucose ((18)F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET-CT) in predicting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data and (18)F-FDG PET-CT imaging data of 206 patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma confirmed by pathology and underwent EGFR mutation test in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from June 2013 to October 2018. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to quantify the predictive value of maximum standard uptake value (SUV(max)), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), total lesion glycolysis (TLG). The Chi-squared test was used to assess the difference in PET parameters. A multivariate Logistic regression analysis was performed to yield the parameters with statistic difference. Results: All of 206 patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma showed a high (18)F-FDG uptake. The median of SUV(max), MTV and TLG were 19.14, 37.69 cm(3) and 291.73, respectively. Among the 206 patients, EGFR mutations were identified in 14 cases, including 7 with exon 21 (L858R) mutation, 6 with exon 19 mutation and 1 with exon 20 mutation. ROC curve showed that the AUC of SUV(max), MTV and TLG were 0.624 (95% CI=0.454-0.794, P=0.122), 0.892 (95% CI=0.811-0.973, P<0.001) and 0.860 (95% CI=0.768-0.952, P<0.001), respectively. The median SUV(max) (19.14) was used as the cutoff points due to the small value of AUC. The cutoff point of MTV was 20.09 cm(3), the cutoff point of TLG was 211.07. Univariate analysis showed that the sex, smoking history, M stage, MTV and TLG were associated with EGFR mutations (all P<0.05). Logistic multivariate analysis showed that the sex, smoking history and TLG were the independent predictors of EGFR mutation (all P<0.05). Conclusion: TLG detected by (18)F-FDG PET/CT is an independent factor for predicting EGFR mutation in patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma, and has certain reference value for predicting EGFR mutation.

A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of spectral CT compared to scintigraphy in the diagnosis of acute and chronic pulmonary embolisms.

PURPOSE: To examine the diagnostic accuracy of spectral CT pulmonary angiography (S-CTPA) using ventilation-perfusions lung scintigraphy (V/Q-scan) as a reference standard in the diagnosis of acute or chronic pulmonary embolism (APE/CPE) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for the period from 1 Jan 2006 to 7 Feb 2019; eligible studies had > 10 patients over 18 years old, a diagnostic outcome of PE or CTEPH, and used V/Q scan as a reference standard. Bias and applicability were assessed using QUADAS-2 tools. Sensitivities, specificities, and predictive values were noted or calculated from available information. Meta-analysis employed a fixed-effects model of Mantel and Haenszel. Heterogeneity was assessed with I-squared statistics. RESULTS: Four hundred ninety-three unique records were identified. Following screening by title, 53 studies were included in the abstract and full-text assessment. A total of six articles were included; four were suitable for a meta-analysis. Pooled sensitivity was 94.2% (95% CI, 88.3-100%), pooled specificity was 88.5% (95% CI, 81.3-95.6%), and positive and negative predictive values were 87.8% (95% CI, 80.3-95.4%) and 94.5% (95% CI, 89.3-99.7%), respectively. CONCLUSION: Data on S-CTPA for PE/CTEPH remains promising, but limited; only small studies with methodological issues are available. Evidence is best for CPE/CTEPH whereas no firm conclusions are possible for APE. There is a need for larger, prospective studies with a robust composite reference standard including state-of-the-art CTPA and V/Q-scans. KEY POINTS: • S-CTPA has high sensitivity and specificity for perfusion defects in patients with PE or CPETH. • Methodological issues and diversity of reference standards were found in the small number of included studies. • There is a need for larger prospective studies with more robust composite reference standards.

The diagnostic value of SPECT/CT in predicting the occurrence of osteonecrosis following femoral neck fracture: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUNDS: One of the most significant complications after a femoral neck fracture is osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). The concomitant use of single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with computed tomography (CT) increases the sensitivity for detecting the anatomic location and severity of ONFH. In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic value of SPECT/CT for the occurrence of ONFH by quantifying the perfusion status of the femoral head. METHODS: A total of 30 patients who had multiple pinnings for femur neck fractures were included in this study. We classified the perfusion status into three groups: normal perfusion, decreased perfusion, and avascular groups, and compared the occurrence of femoral head necrosis between them. For quantitative analysis, we evaluated the uptake ratio of both femur heads (head-to-head uptake ratio). If the patient's contralateral hip was incomparable, we measured the uptake ratio from the superior dome of the ipsilateral acetabulum (head-to-acetabulum uptake ratio). RESULTS: Twenty-four patients out of 30 achieved bone union, whereas the others developed ONFH. When the population was divided into intact and defective perfusion groups on scintigraphy, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the test were 83.3, 75.0, and 76.7%, respectively. The mean head-to-head uptake ratio value with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was 1.10 (95% CI: 0.85-1.36). In the osteonecrosis group, the mean value of the head-to-head uptake ratio was 0.33 (95% CI: 0.28-0.38). In contrast, the ratio was 1.30 (95% CI: 1.03-1.57) in the non-osteonecrosis group, demonstrating a significant difference in the uptake ratio (P < 0.001). When the cutoff value of the uptake ratio was set to 0.5, both the sensitivity and specificity were 100%. There was also a significant difference in the head-to-acetabulum uptake ratio between the two groups (P <  0.001). CONCLUSIONS: SPECT/CT was useful in evaluating the perfusion status of the femoral head, showing high accuracy in predicting the occurrence of avascular necrosis. To demonstrate the reliability and validity of SPECT/CT, further prospective studies on a larger scale are warranted.

[Prognostic value of bone marrow (18)F-FDG uptake pattern of pretreatment PET-CT in extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma].

Objective: To investigate the prognostic value of bone marrow (BM) (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose ((18)F-FDG) uptake pattern of pretreatment positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET-CT) in extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma (ENKTL) patients. Methods: We retrospectively collected clinical data from a series of 63 ENKTL patients with stageⅡ~Ⅳ, who have received both (18)F-FDG PET-CT and bone marrow biopsy (BMB) prior to treatment. According the BM (18)F-FDG uptake pattern of PET-CT, the patients were divided into three groups: focal BM FDG uptake higher than liver (fPET+ ), diffuse BM uptake higher than liver (dPET+ ) and normal BM uptake (lower than liver) (nPET). The Kaplan-Meier method and Log-rank test were respectively used for survival analysis and univariate analysis, and COX proportional hazards model for multivariate analysis. Results: Among the 63 patients, 22 patients had nPET, 24 patients showed dPET+ , and 17 patients had fPET+ . BMB positive was found in 8 patients, and negative in 55 patients. Thirty-seven patients had disease progression or relapse, and 31 patients died. The 3-years progression free survival (3y-PFS) rates of fPET+ patients and nPET patients were 14.7% and 63.6% (P=0.006). The 3-years overall survival (3y-OS) rates were 18.8% and 64.8% (P=0.005). The 3y-PFS of dPET+ patients and nPET patients were 35.6% and 63.6% (P=0.161), 3y-OS were 47.9% and 64.8% (P=0.280). Univariate analysis showed that lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level, Epstein-Barr virus DNA (EBV-DNA), Korean prognostic index (KPI) and BM (18)F-FDG were related with PFS and OS (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed EBV-DNA and BM (18)F-FDG were independent predictors for PFS (P<0.05). EBV-DNA was also an independently predictor for OS (P<0.05). Conclusions: PET/CT-directed BM patterns are meaningful in predicting prognosis of newly diagnosed ENKTL patients. Focal BM (18)F-FDG uptake pattern is an independent predictor for PFS.

Imaging features of SMARCA4-deficient thoracic sarcomas: a multi-centric study of 21 patients.

OBJECTIVES: SMARCA4-deficient thoracic sarcoma (SMARCA4-DTS) is a recently identified aggressive subtype of sarcoma. The aim of this study was to characterize the CT imaging features of SMARCA4-DTS. METHODS: From June 2011 to May 2017, 21 adult patients with histologically proven SMARCA4-DTS were identified in the radiological database of 2 French sarcoma reference centers with at least one chest CT scan available. The locations, sizes, heterogeneity, margin definitions, and local extensions of the tumors were reported together with their impact on surrounding organs and regional and distant metastases. Pathological findings, molecular analyses, and patients' outcomes were retrieved. RESULTS: Of the 21 included patients (median age 48, range 30-74), 18 (85.7%) were male and 18 (85.7%) had a smoking history. Four main radiological patterns were identified depending on the location of the main tumor burden: mediastinal (n = 13), pleural (n = 6), cervical (n = 1), and retroperitoneal (n = 1). Median size was 120 mm (range 46-266). Characteristic CT imaging features of primary tumors included ill-defined margins (n = 21), heterogeneous enhancement after injection (n = 20), multi-compartment extension from mediastinum to lung apex, pleura, or neck (n = 20), compressive effect responsible for atelectasis (n = 11), vascular encasement (n = 16-5 superior vena cava syndrome), and esophagus invasion (n = 5). Primary tumors showed strong 18F-FDG avidity in eight patients with PET-CT. Necrotic lymphadenopathies were found in 19 patients, with a surrounding infiltrate in 13 patients. Metastatic locations at baseline mainly involved adrenal (n = 10), lung (n = 6), and bone (n = 5). Median overall survival was 5 months (range 1-13). CONCLUSION: Most SMARCA4-DTS present with compressive and infiltrative chest masses with ill-defined necrotic lymphadenopathies. The diagnosis of SMARCA4-DTS should enter in the differentials of the radiologist, especially in the case of a rapidly evolving thoracic mass in young smoking males. KEY POINTS: • SMARCA4-DTS is a very aggressive poorly differentiated sarcoma with a predilection for young and middle-aged adult male smokers. • SMARCA4-DTS, which is mostly located in the chest cavity, can compress and infiltrate all adjacent organs leading to superior vena syndrome, lung atelectasis, epiduritis, spinal cord compression, and esophagus invasion. • SMARCA4-DTS typically demonstrates several ill-defined necrotic lymphadenopathies spreading in axillar, subclavian, cervical, mediastinum, and retroperitoneum.

[(18)F-fluorodeoxy glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography manifestation and clinical characteristics of primary salivary gland-type lung cancer].

Objective: To explore the imaging manifestation and clinical characteristics of primary salivary gland-type lung cancer using (18)F-fluorodeoxy glucose ((18)F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET-CT). Methods: From March 2009 to January 2017, 12 patients with pathologically confirmed primary salivary gland-type lung cancer were enrolled in First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Their images and clinicopathological data were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Six out of 12 patients had mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), and the other six patients had adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). Five MEC were located in the main bronchus, and the other one was in segmental bronchus. Intrabronchial nodule or mass with smooth or lobulated margin and calcification(n=3) was the main (18)F-FDG PET-CT features of MEC. Two ACC involved trachea, two involved the main bronchi, and the other two involved lobular bronchi. The main (18)F-FDG PET-CT features of ACC were diffuse or circumferential irregular thickness of the bronchial wall, distorted lumen, and the longitudinal extent of the tumor was greater than its transverse axis. The (18)F-FDG uptake of all lesions was increased in varying degree. The median (25th percentile, 75th percentile) value of maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) were 5.1(3.1, 8.1), 5.7(1.2, 21.4)cm(3) and 18.6(0.6, 93.7), respectively. All of them were related to pathological grading and nodal tumor involvement( all P<0.05), but not associated with tumor location or pathological type( all P>0.05). MTV and TLG were also related to clinical stage( all P<0.05). Tumor size was correlated with MTV, TLG of primary lesions(r=0.607, P=0.036; r=0.579, P=0.049), but not with SUVmax(r=0.568, P=0.054). Conclusions: Primary salivary gland-type lung cancer mainly occurs in segmental bronchus. The MTV and TLG of the tumor calculated by (18)F-FDG PET-CT are correlated with clinicopathological characteristics, and are helpful for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

[Prognostic value of pretreatment (18)F-FDG PET-CT metabolic parameters in patients with advanced extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma].

Objective: To investigate the prognostic values of the maximum standardized uptake value (SUV(max)), metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) calculated from pretreatment (18)F-fluorodeoxy glucose ((18)F-FDG) PET-CT results of patients with advanced extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma (ENKTL). Methods: The clinic data, follow-up data and pretreatment (18)F-FDG PET-CT data of 45 patients with ENKTL of stage Ⅳ were collected. The optimal cutoff value of progression-free survival (PFS) of SUV(max), MTV and TLG were analyzed by using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The Kaplan-Meier method, Log-rank test and COX proportional hazards model were used for survival analysis, univariate analysis and multivariate analysis, respectively. Results: The median SUV(max), MTV and TLG of 45 ENKTL patients were 17.98, 70.18 and 755.42, respectively. ROC curve showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of SUV(max), MTV and TLG were 0.504 (P=0.970), 0.868 (P<0.001) and 0.848 (P=0.001), respectively. The value of SUV(max) was too small to fit for calculating the cutoff value of AUC. The cutoff value of MTV was 42.54 (sensitivity =78.1% and specificity =84.6%), and the cutoff value of TLG was 435.15 (sensitivity=75.0% and specificity =76.9%). Univariate analysis showed that lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level, epstein-barr virus (EBV)-DNA, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score, bone marrow, Korean prognostic index (KPI), MTV, TLG were significantly related with PFS (all P<0.05), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level, EBV-DNA, ECOG score, primary tumor location, KPI, MTV, TLG were significantly related with overall survival (OS) (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that KPI, MTV and TLG were independent prognostic predictors of PFS and OS (all P<0.05). Conclusions: MTV and TLG of pretreatment (18)F-FDG PET-CT are independent prognostic factors for PFS and OS of patients with advanced ENKTL. MTV and TLG may be more fit for evaluating the prognosis of ENKTL patients than SUV(max).

Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score Versus Computed Tomographic Perfusion to Predict Functional Outcome After Successful Reperfusion in Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Background and Purpose- We aimed to compare the ability of conventional Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS), automated ASPECTS, and ischemic core volume on computed tomographic perfusion to predict clinical outcome in ischemic stroke because of large vessel occlusion ≤18 hours after symptom onset. Methods- We selected patients with acute ischemic stroke from the CRISP study (Computed Tomographic Perfusion to Predict Response to Recanalization in Ischemic Stroke Project) with successful reperfusion (modified treatment in cerebral ischemia score 2b or 3). We used e-ASPECTS software to calculate automated ASPECTS and RAPID software to estimate ischemic core volumes. We studied associations between these imaging characteristics and good outcome (modified Rankin Scale score, 0-2) or poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale score, 4-6) in univariable and multivariable analysis, after adjustment for relevant clinical confounders. Results- We included 156 patients. Conventional and automated ASPECTS was not associated with good or poor outcome in univariable analysis ( P=nonsignificant for all). Automated ASPECTS was associated with good outcome in multivariable analysis ( P=0.02) but not with poor outcome. Ischemic core volume was associated with good ( P<0.01) and poor outcome ( P=0.04) in univariable and multivariable analysis ( P=0.03 and P=0.02, respectively). Computed tomographic perfusion predicted good outcome with an area under the curve of 0.62 (95% CI, 0.53-0.71) and optimal cutoff core volume of 15 mL. Conclusions- Ischemic core volume assessed on computed tomographic perfusion is a predictor of clinical outcome among patients in whom endovascular reperfusion is achieved ≤18 hours after symptom onset. In this population, conventional or automated ASPECTS did not predict outcome.

Correlation between the availability of dopamine transporter and olfactory function in healthy subjects.

OBJECTIVES: Olfactory dysfunction in Parkinson's disease is usually prodromal to other symptoms. In this study, we aimed to explore the association of olfactory function with the availabilities of striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) in healthy subjects. METHODS: Data used in the preparation of this article were obtained from Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative database ( www.ppmi-info.org/data ). The study population consisted of healthy controls with screening 123I-FP-CIT single photon emission tomography (SPECT). University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) was assessed to evaluate the olfactory function. RESULTS: Totally, 181 healthy subjects (117 male, 64 female) with 123I-FP-CIT SPECT data were included in this study. Specific binding ratios (SBRs) of the caudate nucleus (rho = -0.4217, p < 0.0001), putamen (rho = -0.2292, p = 0.0019), and striatum (rho=-0.3425, p < 0.0001) showed a reduction with ageing. SBRs of the caudate nucleus, putamen, and striatum were positively correlated with UPSIT (rho = 0.3716, p < 0.0001; rho = 0.3655, p < 0.0001; rho = 0.3880, p < 0.0001). After controlling for age by partial correlation, SBRs of the caudate nucleus, putamen, and striatum showed an influence on UPSIT (rho = 0.3288, p < 0.0001; rho = 0.3374, p < 0.0001; rho = 0.3511, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Olfactory function is associated with the availability of striatal DAT independent of age in healthy subjects. KEY POINTS: • Olfactory dysfunction in Parkinson's disease is prodromal to other symptoms. • The availability of dopamine transporter showed a reduction with ageing. • Olfactory function is associated with the availability of dopamine transporter.

[Prognostic value of pretreatment (18)F-FDG PET-CT for patients with advanced diffuse large B-cell lymphoma].

Objective: To investigate the prognostic value of the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) measured by pretreatment (18)F-FDG PET-CT in patients with stage Ⅲ~Ⅳ diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Methods: Clinical data of 72 DLBCL patients with stage Ⅲ~Ⅳ disease undergoing a pretreatment PET-CT scan were retrospectively analyzed. SUVmax, MTV and TLG values of whole-body tumor were calculated from PET-CT images with a threshold of SUVmax 40% of tumor tissues. The optimal cutoff lines of SUVmax, MTV and TLG were obtained by ROC curve analysis. The Kaplan-Meier method and Log-rank test were used to perform univariate survival analysis, while Cox proportional hazards model was done for multivariate analysis. Results: The SUVmax, MTV and TLG of 72 patients were 21.64, 139.48 cm(3) and 1 413.77, respectively. The areas under the ROC curve (AUC) of SUVmax, MTV and TLG were 0.411 (95%CI=0.279~0.544, P=0.195), 0.688 (95%CI=0.566~0.811, P=0.006) and 0.526 (95%CI= 0.469~0.672, P=0.123), respectively. The median SUVmax (21.64) and TLG(1 413.77) were used as the cutoff lines due to smaller AUC. The cutoff point of MTV was 69.71 cm(3). For DLBCL patients of stage Ⅲ~Ⅳ disease, univariate analysis showed that SUVmax and TLG were not associated with the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) (P>0.05 for all). Multivariate analysis showed that National Comprehensive Cancer Network International Prognostic Index (NCCN-IPI) but not MTV was the independent prognostic predictor of PFS and OS (P<0.05 for all). And MTV was not the independent prognostic factor of PFS and OS for stage Ⅲ DLBCL (P>0.05 for all). Conclusions: For DLBCL patients with stage Ⅲ~Ⅳ disease, the prognostic value of SUVmax, MTV and TLG before treatment initiation are undetermined, and these indices cannot be used to predict the prognosis.

[Relationship between coronary tortuosity and coronary microvascular disease].

Objective: To explore the relationship between coronary tortuosity and coronary microvascular disease (CMVD). Methods: Patients with typical angina symptoms and without serious coronary artery stenosis by coronary angiography were enrolled from June 2014 to December 2016, and CMVD was diagnosed by single photon emission tomography (SPECT). According to the SPECT results, patients were divided to the CMVD group and non-CMVD group. The baseline clinical characteristics, results of coronary angiography were compared between the two groups. The logistic analysis was used to analyze the relationship between coronary tortuosity and CMVD. Result: A total of 117 cases were enrolled, with 69 cases in the CMVD group and 48 cases in the non-CMVD group. No differences were found in gender distribution, age, hypertension, lipid abnormality, hyperuricemia and uses of statins between the two groups (all P>0.05). Incidence of diabetes (78.26%(54/69) vs. 35.42% (17/48) , P<0.05), hs-CRP ((4.29±2.15)mmol/L vs. (2.63±1.20)mmol/L, P<0.001), LDL-C ((2.98±0.96)mmol/L vs. (2.52±0.83)mmol/L, P=0.008) and homocysteine ((13.7±5.61)mmol/L vs. (11.5±4.38)mmol/L, P=0.025) levels were higher in the CMVD group than in the non-CMVD group. The data derived from echocardiographic examination were similar between the two groups. The Corrected TIMI frame counts were higher in the CMVD group than in non-CMVD group (LAD: 31.56±4.92 vs. 27.31±3.75, LCX: 29.47±4.18 vs. 26.62±3.19, RCA: 29.09±5.05 vs. 26.24±3.28, all P<0.001). The incidences of coronary atherosclerosis (76.81% (53/69) vs. 27.08% (13/48) , P<0.001) and coronary tortuosity ( (60.87% (42/69) vs. 33.33% (16/48) , P=0.035) were also higher in the CMVD group than in non-CMVD group. Logistic analysis found that coronary tortuosity (OR=6.111, 95%CI 2.707-13.794, P<0.001), diabetes (OR=6.565, 95%CI 2.883-14.948, P<0.001) and coronary atherosclerosis (OR=8.918, 95%CI 3.822-20.808, P<0.001) were independent risk factors of CMVD. Conclusion: Coronary tortuosity, diabetes and coronary atherosclerosis are related to CMVD in this patient cohort.

[Prognostic value of (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer].

Objective: To investigated the prognostic value of (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES -SCLC). Methods: Fifty-five patients with ES-SCLC who underwent pretreatment (18)F-FDG PET-CT were retrospectively recruited in this study. The correlations of maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of primary lesion, metabolic tumor volume (MTV) of primary lesion (MTVp), total lesion glycolysis (TLG) of primary lesion (TLGp), the highest SUVmax of all lesions, the sum of metabolic volume (MTV sum), the sum of total lesions glycolysis (TLGsum) and clinical factors were analyzed. Results: The SUVmax, MTVp, TLGp, the highest SUVmax, MTVsum and TLGsum of 55 patients were 11.34±7.02, 29.61 cm(3,) 207.72, 13.61±7.10, 123.57 cm(3) and 988.48, respectively. The SUVmax of primary lesion, MTVp and TLGp were correlated with tumor type and the maximal tumor length, respectively(all P<0.05). The correlations were also found between MTVp, TLGp and hydrothorax, respectively(both P<0.05). MTVsum and TLGsum were correlated with number of lesions, hydrothorax, LDH, hemoglobin and ECOG, respectively(all P<0.05). The association was also found between TLGsum and the maximal tumor length (P=0.039). 51 patients were progressive or recurrent with the median 6.9 months of progression free survival (PFS); and 50 patients were died with the median 11.7 months of overall survival (OS). Univariate analysis showed that MTVsum, TLGsum, number of lesions, ECOG, live metastasis, bone metastasis, the cycle of chemotherapy and thoracic radiation therapy were all associated with PFS and OS (all P<0.05); LDH and hemoglobin were only associated with PFS(both P<0.05). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that LDH, ECOG, live metastasis, the cycle of chemotherapy, MTVsum, TLGsum were the independent predictors of PFS (all P<0.05); and ECOG and TLG sum were the independent predictors of OS (all P<0.05). Conclusions: (18)F-FDG PET-CT has certain prognostic value of patients with ES-SCLC. MTVsum and TLGsum are the independent predictors of PFS, and TLGsum is also an independent predictor of OS.

[Diagnostic efficacy of (18)F-FDG PET-CT for focal hypermetabolic thyroid nodules].

Objective: To explore the diagnostic efficacy of by (18)F-FDG PET-CT for hypermetabolic thyroid nodules. Methods: To retrospectively analyze the clinical data of 3 192 patients underwent (18)F-FDG PET-CT in our hospital from May 2012 to October 2014. Among them, 98 patients were diagnosed with focal hypermetabolic thyroid nodules. 61 of the 98 patients were diagnosed with malignant or benign thyroid nodules using histopathological or clinical follow-up (22 malignant nodules, 39 benign nodules). The average age of these 61 patients was 61.6±12.5 years. Results: The lgSUVmax of malignant group (0.69±0.31) was significantly higher than that in benign group (0.43±0.27) (P=0.001). There was no significant difference in age, gender, nodule size, minimum diameter of nodule, lgCT, calcification, the boundary definition, density uniformity, and history of malignancy between the two groups (P>0.05). Binary Logistic regression indicated the AUC of Logistic regressive model(AUC) was 0.866±0.049 (95% CI: 0.769-0.963), and the malignant AUCs of ROC curve was 0.747±0.068 (95%CI: 0.614-0.880) which was only determined by lgSUVmax. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). Conclusion: (18)F-FDG PET-CT imaging can not only detect hypermetabolic thyroid nodules, but also have a certain clinical value for the identification of benign and malignant nodules.

[Evaluate the value of (18)F-FDG PET-CT imaging in predicting the mutationsin epidermal growth factor receptor in lung adenocarcinoma].

Objective: To investigate the value of maximum Standardized Uptake Value(SUVmax), Metabolic Tumor Volume (MTV) and Total Lesion Glycolysis (TLG) calculated from (18)F-FDG PET-CT in predicting the presence of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in lung adenocarcinoma. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 137 lung adenocarcinoma patients with EGFR mutations testing and pretreatment (18)F-FDG PET-CT. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to quantify the predictive value of SUVmax、MTV、TLG. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the predictive value of EGFR mutation. Results: Among 137 lung adenocarcinoma patients, 86(62.8%, 86/137) were identified with EGFR mutations. The SUVmax, MTV and TLG were 7.4, 5.28 cm(3,) 20.20, respectively. The optimal cut-off values of SUVmax, MTV and TLG were 7.99(AUC=0.658, 95% CI=0.566~0.752, P=0.002), 6.09 cm(3)(AUC=0.644, 95% CI=0.550~0.737, P=0.005), 35.08(AUC=0.650, 95% CI= 0.557~0.744, P=0.003), respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that TLG and smoking status were the most significant predictors of EGFR mutation(all P<0.05). Conclusion: TLG in (18)F-FDG PET/CT is an independent factor for predicting EGFR mutation in patients with lung adenocarcinoma, and has certain reference value for predicting EGFR mutation.

[Value of (99)Tc(m)-MDP SPECT/CT in clinical decision-making for nasopharyngeal carcinoma and a comparison of the values of different imaging techniques for diagnosing skull-base bone invasion].

Objective: To analyze the clinical value of SPECT/CT in diagnosis of skull base bone invasion and clinical decision-making for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), and to compare their diagnostic value with SPECT/CT, CT, MRI, and MRI combined with SPECT (MRI-SPECT) for skull base bone invasion. Methods: Before treatment, among 348 newly diagnosed NPC patients, CT scan was performed in 186 patients (group A) and the remaining 162 patients received MRI scan (group B). Clinical doctors then made clinical management decisions according to the CT or MRI results. After that, all patients underwent (99)Tc(m)-MDP SPECT/CT examination for nasopharyngeal local tomography, and the results were provided to the clinical doctors to make clinical management decisions again. The changes between the two clinical management decisions were scored according to diagnosis, range of lesion, staging, treatment regimens, and auxiliary examination. The diagnostic value of CT scan, MRI scan, SPECT/CT and MRI-SPECT for skull base bone invasion was then evaluated and compared. Results: In terms of changes in scores of clinical management decisions, the score of group A was 1.387 and group B was 0.951, showing a significant difference between the two groups by Wilcoxon test (Z=6.570, P<0.001). By χ(2) test, there were correlations between CT and SPECT/CT (χ(2) =98.495, P<0.001), and between MRI and SPECT/CT (χ(2) =32.662, P<0.001). The consistency of CT and SPECT/CT (Kappa=0.713) was greater than MRI and SPECT (Kappa=0.449). The sensitivity of CT, MRI, SPECT/CT and MRI-SPECT was 67.1%, 84.5%, 90.8% and 100%, the specificity was 73.3%, 92.3%, 85.6% and 84.6%, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.702, 0.884, 0.882 and 0.923, respectively. Conclusions: SPECT/CT has important impact on clinical management decision for NPC. In the judgement of skull base invasion, the diagnostic value of SPECT/CT is significantly higher than CT and approximately equal to MRI. SPECT/CT should be one of the routine examination methods of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In addition, in view of its greater diagnostic value, MRI combined with SPECT should be the focus of future imaging studies.

[Application of γ imaging in chromatographic separation and protein molecular site density determination].

We in this study measured the site density of E-selectin in order to explore the practical pliability using radionuclide labeling method and γ-imaging of single photon emission computer tomography (SPECT). This method required labeling of antibody with 125I using Indogen method and binding of the labeled antibody to E-selectin. Labeled E-selectin was separated and purified in a Sephadex G25 column. The different fractions of the eluants were imaged, analyzed and quantified with SPECT method. For measuring the saturation curve of E-selectin, 130 µL of E-selectin solution with different concentrations were added in a 48-well plate and incubated overnight at 4℃. After incubation, 130 µL of labeled antibody solution were added and kept incubated for 30 min. The resulted mixture was washed, and the radioactivity in each sample was detected by SPECT. The levels of radioactivity were translated to site densities, and were used to plot a standard curve. The labeled product was quantitatively analyzed with SPECT. The labeling rate of E-selectin was 78%. The saturation curve of different concentration samples showed that when the concentration was in the concentration range of 0-1 mg/mL, the standard curve was y=6 045.7 x-51.166, R2=0.997 9. Based on this finding, it could be concluded that γ-imaging is an important tool for analysis of radiolabeled product and determination of site density.

Clinical Relevance of Incidental Prostatic Lesions on FDG-Positron Emission Tomography/Computerized Tomography-Should Patients Receive Further Evaluation?

PURPOSE: FDG ((18)F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose)-PET/CT (positron emission tomography)/(computerized tomography) is a widely used diagnostic tool for whole body imaging. Incidental prostatic uptake is often found on FDG-PET/CT. The objective of this study was to determine the clinical relevance of incidental prostatic uptake on FDG-PET/CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 108 consecutive male patients with bladder cancer who underwent FDG-PET/CT and subsequently radical cystoprostatectomy between May 2009 and November 2014. PET/CT scans were blindly reviewed by a dedicated nuclear medicine physician for incidental prostatic FDG uptake. If present, the maximum standardized uptake value was determined. Subsequently incidental prostatic uptake was categorized as suspect, indeterminate or nonsuspect for prostate cancer. RESULTS: Incidental prostatic uptake was present in 43 of 108 patients (40%). Of these 43 patients 13 (30%) had occult prostate cancer in cystoprostatectomy specimens. Overall prostate cancer was found in 25 of 108 specimens (23%). If all incidental prostatic uptake was regarded as prostate cancer, the sensitivity and specificity of FDG-PET/CT for prostate cancer detection were 52% and 64%, respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were 30% and 82%, respectively. If only lesions labeled suspect or indeterminate were regarded as prostate cancer, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 32%, 76%, 29% and 79%, respectively. Categorizing indeterminate lesions as nonprostate cancer did not improve diagnostic accuracy. Gleason score did not correlate with maximum standardized uptake value or serum prostate specific antigen. CONCLUSIONS: Incidental prostatic uptake on FDG-PET/CT has a low positive predictive value for prostate cancer. An attempt to classify lesions as suspect or nonsuspect did not increase diagnostic accuracy. Based on these results physicians should be cautious about applying invasive diagnostic methods to detect prostate cancer in case of incidental prostatic uptake on FDG-PET/CT.

Imaging of Retrosternal Space Lesions - A Pictorial Review.

The retrosternal region (RSS) can be involved by diverse lesions. The RSS is the region behind the sternum and anterior to the ascending aorta. It normally is less than 3 cm deep. Chest X-ray is usually the first imaging modality to raise a suspicion of RSS pathology; however computed tomography is the mainstay to delineate and characterize lesions in this location. Lesions in this location include thyroid, thymic and lymph node lesions; germ cell tumors and vascular lesions. Lesions arising from the sternum, lungs as well as the pleura can also involve this space. The pictorial review depicts the diverse spectrum of lesions in this location.