Active surveillance or early resection for ground-glass nodules that need preoperative localization.

INTRODUCTION: Few studies have investigated the impact of active surveillance on pathological outcome ground-glass nodules (GGNs). We focused on GGNs that needed preoperative localization before resection and compared the pathological results between GGNs that underwent early resection or active surveillance. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data of resected GGNs between January 2017 and December 2018. GGNs were classified by early resection (Group A) and active surveillance (Group B). Group B was subclassified as no (Group B1) and with (Group B2) growth, and intergroup comparison of pathological results was undertaken. RESULTS: In total, 509 GGNs (124, 275, and 110 in Groups A, B1, and B2, respectively) were included. Malignancy (primary lung cancer) ratios were 68% and 72% in Groups A and B (p = .312) and 65% and 92% in Groups B1 and B2, respectively (p < .001). The ratios of invasive carcinoma were 21.4%, 9.6%, and 35.6% in Groups A, B1, and B2, respectively. Predictors for invasive carcinoma included history of lung cancer, GGN size ≥ 10 mm, solid size ≥ 6 mm, and GGN growth. CONCLUSIONS: The pathological findings were similar for GGNs in the early resection and active surveillance groups. However, rates of malignancy and invasive carcinoma increased in the group that manifested growth during active surveillance.

CT-Guided Core Biopsy for Peripheral Sub-solid Pulmonary Nodules to Predict Predominant Histological and Aggressive Subtypes of Lung Adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of lung cancer, and pre-operative biopsy plays an important role to determine its major subtypes. As proposed by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC), American Thoracic Society (ATS), and European Respiratory Society (ERS) in 2011, the predominant histological subtype of adenocarcinoma is an indicator of outcomes and recurrence rate. However, the value of CT-guided core biopsy in predicting the predominant subtype and detecting the presence of an aggressive subtype of adenocarcinoma, peripheral sub-solid nodule, has less been discussed. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 318 consecutive peripheral sub-solid nodules that underwent percutaneous CT-guided lung biopsy and surgical resection, between October 2015 and December 2018 and were diagnosed as adenocarcinoma with histological subtype. The subtyping results from biopsy and surgical pathology were compared to evaluate the concordance rate. RESULTS: The overall concordance rate between biopsy and surgical pathology in determining the predominant histological subtype was 64%. Better concordance was found in small tumors (≤ 2 cm), in predicting either predominant histology (χ2 = 7.091, P = 0.008) or high grade adenocarcinoma, micropapillary and/or solid subtype, MIP-SOL (χ2 = 22.301, P < 0.001). The analysis of ground glass opacity (GGO) component (C/T ratio) obtained significantly higher accuracy in the pure GGO group than in the other two groups in predicting predominant histology or high grade adenocarcinoma (χ2 = 17.560, P < 0.001 and χ2 = 61.938, P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: CT-guided core biopsies provide additional value in predicting the histological subtype of lung adenocarcinoma after surgical resection, especially in small tumors (≤ 2 cm) or an initially pure GGO group.

Association Between Targeted Aortic Segment Tortuosity and Stent-Graft-Induced New Entry After Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair for Aortic Dissection or Intramural Hematoma.

OBJECTIVE. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the tortuosity of the targeted aortic segment (TAS) for stent-graft implantation and distal stent-graft-induced new entry (SINE) after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for aortic dissection or intramural hematoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS. We retrospectively analyzed data from 70 patients who underwent TEVAR using a single stent-graft between 2006 and 2016, and the tortuosity index of the TAS was measured. The patients were divided into high and low TAS tortuosity groups according to the median value of the tortuosity index. The incidence of distal SINE was compared between the two groups. RESULTS. The cumulative incidence of distal SINE at 2 years after TEVAR was 39% in patients in the high TAS tortuosity group and 7% in patients in the low TAS tortuosity group. The incidence of distal SINE was higher in patients in the high TAS tortuosity group than in those in the low TAS tortuosity group (p < 0.01, log-rank test). Multivariate Cox regression showed a higher risk of distal SINE in the high TAS tortuosity group (adjusted hazard ratio, 4.56 [95% CI, 1.40-14.86]; p = 0.01). CONCLUSION. Patients with high TAS tortuosity have a higher incidence of distal SINE after TEVAR. More caution must be exercised during follow-up of patients with high TAS tortuosity after TEVAR.

Preoperative biopsy and tumor recurrence of stage I adenocarcinoma of the lung.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether preoperative biopsy affects the outcomes of patients undergoing at least lobectomy for stage I lung adenocarcinoma. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent surgery for stage I lung adenocarcinoma between 2006 and 2013. Tumor recurrence and survival were compared between patients who underwent preoperative biopsy, including computed tomographic-guided needle biopsy and transbronchial biopsy, and those who underwent intraoperative frozen section. RESULTS: Among 509 patients, 229 patients (44.9%) underwent preoperative biopsy and 280 patients had lung adenocarcinoma diagnosed by intraoperative frozen section (reference group). Recurrence developed in 65 (12.8%) patients within a median follow-up period of 54.4 months. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that preoperative biopsy (OR 1.97, p = 0.045), radiological solid appearance (OR 5.43, p < 0.001), and angiolymphatic invasion (OR 2.48, p = 0.010) were independent predictors of recurrence. In the overall cohort, preoperative biopsy appeared to worsen 5-year disease-free and overall survival significantly (76.6% vs. 93.0%, p < 0.001; and 83.8% vs. 94.5%, p = 0.002, respectively) compared with the reference group. After propensity matching, multivariable logistic regression still identified preoperative biopsy as an independent predictor of overall recurrence (OR 2.21, p = 0.048) after adjusting for tumor characteristics. CONCLUSION: Preoperative biopsy might be considered a prognosticator of recurrence of stage I adenocarcinoma of the lungs in patients who undergo at least anatomic lobectomy without postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy.

Interobserver and intraobserver variability in measuring the tortuosity of the thoracic aorta on computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: The variability in measuring the tortuosity of the thoracic aorta has not been previously studied. This study evaluated the interobserver and intraobserver variability of major methods used for measuring the tortuosity of the thoracic aorta in patients with aortic arch or descending thoracic aortic aneurysm. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 66 patients with aortic arch or descending thoracic aortic aneurysm who had undergone thoracic endovascular aortic repair. Two radiologists used preoperative computed tomography images to measure the tortuosity of the thoracic aorta at multiple segments by using the fitting circle diameter, tortuosity index, and centerline angle methods; these measurements were repeated after an interval of >28 days. The variability of the methods was analyzed for interobserver and intraobserver reliability and agreement. The estimated intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to analyze the reliability. The Bland-Altman plot was used to analyze the interobserver and intraobserver agreement. The association between aortic characteristics, including calcification, luminal irregularity, shape, and diameter, and the variability of the measurements was also analyzed. RESULTS: The interobserver ICC estimates for the tortuosity index at multiple aortic segments, centerline angle methods at the supra-aortic branch orifices, and fitting circle diameter on the greater and lesser curvature sides were 0.97 to 0.98, 0.39 to 0.75, and 0.82 to 0.84, respectively. The corresponding intraobserver ICC estimates were 0.98 to 1.00, 0.44 to 0.75, and 0.82 to 0.85, respectively. In the agreement analysis, the 95% limits of agreement for the tortuosity index, centerline angle, and fitting circle diameter were -5.5% to 5.6%, -10.9% to 10.9%, and -18.0% to 24.0%, respectively. The tortuosity index had the highest ICC estimate and narrowest 99.5% limits of agreement of the three methods. Aortic characteristics, including calcification, grade of atheroma, aneurysm shape, and diameter, were not associated with the variability of the tortuosity index method in the thoracic aorta. CONCLUSIONS: The tortuosity index method has low interobserver and intraobserver variability in measuring the tortuosity of the thoracic aorta in patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm. The characteristics of the aorta and aneurysm are not associated with the interobserver or intraobserver variability of the tortuosity index.

Diagnostic feasibility and safety of CT-guided core biopsy for lung nodules less than or equal to 8 mm: A single-institution experience.

OBJECTIVES: This retrospective study evaluated the diagnostic yield and safety of CT-guided core biopsy of pulmonary nodules ≤8 mm. METHODS: We determined the diagnostic yield and safety profile of CT-guided lung biopsies for 125 pulmonary nodules ≤8 mm. Pathological diagnoses were made by a combination of histopathological examination and imprint cytology. Results were compared with biopsy results for 134 pulmonary nodules >8 and ≤10 mm. RESULTS: Final diagnoses were established in 94 nodules ≤8 mm. The sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of CT-guided core biopsy for nodules ≤8 mm were 87.1 % (61/70 nodules), 100 % (24/24) and 90.4 % (85/94), respectively. Diagnostic failure rates were comparable for nodules ≤8 mm and nodules >8 mm and ≤10 mm (9/94, 9.6 % and 7/111, 6.3 %, respectively, P=0.385). The rate of tube thoracostomy for nodules ≤8 mm was comparable to that for nodules >8 and ≤10 mm (1.6 % vs. 0.7 %, P=0.611). Nodules ≤6 mm had a higher non-diagnostic result rate of 15.4 % (6/39) than did nodules >8 and ≤10 mm (3.7 %, 5/134, P=0.017). CONCLUSIONS: CT-guided pulmonary biopsy is feasible for lung nodules ≤8 mm, especially those >6 mm, and has an acceptable diagnostic yield and safety profile. KEY POINTS: • CT-guided biopsy of lung nodules ≤8 mm has high diagnostic accuracy. • Safety profiles are similar between nodules ≤8 mm and 8-10 mm. • Nodules ≤6 mm have higher rates of non-diagnostic results in biopsy. • Non-subpleural nodules and old age are risk factors for higher grade haemorrhage. • Biopsy is feasible for diagnosing nodules >6 and ≤8 mm.

Differences in do-not-resuscitate orders, hospice care utilization, and late referral to hospice care between cancer and non-cancer decedents in a tertiary Hospital in Taiwan between 2010 and 2015: a hospital-based observational study.

BACKGROUND: In 2009, the Taiwanese national health insurance system substantially expanded hospice coverage for terminal cancer patients to include patients with end-stage brain, dementia, heart, lung, liver, and kidney diseases. This study aimed to evaluate differences in do-not-resuscitate (DNR) status and hospice care utilization between terminal cancer patients and advanced non-cancer patients after the policy change. METHODS: Data were obtained from the Death and Hospice Palliative Care Database of Taipei Veterans General Hospital in Taiwan. The differences between cancer and non-cancer patients who died in this hospital between 2010 and 2015 were analyzed in terms of patient characteristics, rates of DNR orders, hospice care utilization, number of living days after DNR order, duration of survival (DOS) after hospice care enrollment, and the rate of late referral to hospice care. RESULTS: Data for 8459 patients who died of cancer and major non-cancer terminal diseases were included. DNR order rate, hospice care utilization rate, and DOS were significantly higher for cancer patients than for non-cancer patients (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). The number of living days after DNR order and the late referral rate were significantly higher for non-cancer decedents than for cancer decedents (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). From 2010 to 2015, there were significantly increasing trends in the hospice utilization rate, number of living days after DNR order, and rate of late referral for the cancer group (p < 0.001, p = 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). For the non-cancer group, there were significantly increasing trends in the rate of DNR order, hospice utilization rate, and number of living days after DNR order (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.029, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Further guidelines should be developed to help clinicians to promptly refer terminal cancer and non-cancer patients to hospice care. Considering the lower hospice utilization rate and the growing need for hospice care among terminal non-cancer patients, policymakers should consider how to improve the relevant levels of professional care to enhance the accessibility and availability of hospice care in Taiwan.

Rituximab therapy in primary Sjögren's syndrome with interstitial lung disease: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is one of the major systemic manifestations of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of rituximab on pSS patients with ILD. METHODS: Pulmonary function test results, including diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) and DLCO/alveolar volume (Va) ratio, and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings/scores in ten pSS patients with ILD treated with rituximab were retrospectively investigated. Global disease, fatigue, dryness of eyes and mouth, shortness of breath, and cough were assessed by visual analogue scales (VAS, 0-100 mm). RESULTS: At 6 months after rituximab treatment, improvement in pulmonary function was observed (from 49.3±12.6 to 56.9±11.4% for DLCO, p=0.011; from 74.4±15.8 to 85.6±10.3% for DLCO/Va, p=0.021). Similarly, significant improvement of subjective symptoms were also noted after treatment (VAS global disease, from 62.0±11.4 to 26.0±10.8 mm, p<0.001; VAS fatigue, from 38.0±23.0 to 18.0±7.9 mm, p=0.006; VAS dryness of eyes, from 53.0±24.4 to 29.0±13.7 mm, p=0.004; VAS dryness of mouth, from 45.0±14.3 to 28.0±9.2 mm, p=0.001; VAS shortness of breath, from 64.0±16.5 to 31.0±16.0 mm, p<0.001; VAS cough, from 42.0±23.5 to 18.0±10.3 mm, p=0.011). The mean HRCT score decreased after rituximab therapy although to a lesser extent (from 8.7±4.1 to 7.6±4.6, p=0.419). An adverse event was observed in only one patient who had non-fatal pneumonia 4 months after rituximab infusion. CONCLUSIONS: Rituximab was effective in improving clinical symptoms and gas exchange, and in stabilising HRCT score in pSS patients with ILD.

Percutaneous cryoablation for inoperable malignant lung tumors: midterm results.

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively analyze the efficacy and short- to mid-term survival rate of cryoablation for malignant lung tumors. METHODS: Percutaneous CT-guided cryoablation for 45 malignant lung tumors in 26 patients during 41 sessions from 2009 to 2013 were performed. Follow up CT-scan were used to determine local tumor progression. Survival rate, local tumor control rate and associated risk factors were analyzed. RESULTS: The immediate during and short-term complications with CTCAE grade 2 or upper include pneumothorax (15%), pleural effusion (20%), pulmonary hemorrhage (24%), pneumonitis (15%), hemothorax (15%), hemoptysis (10%), pain (20%), bronchopleural fistula (n=1), and empyema (n=2). Life-threatening bleeding or hemodynamic instability was not observed. There was no procedural-related mortality. Overall survival rate of 1, 2, 3 years are 96%, 88%, 88%. For curative intent, local tumor control (LTC) rate of 1, 2, 3 years are 75%, 72%, 72%. CONCLUSION: Cryoablation for malignant lung tumors is effective and feasible in local control of tumor growth, with good short- to mid-term survival rate, as an alternative option for inoperable patients.

Tumor Invasion of Myocardium Presented with Acute Coronary Syndrome.

UNLABELLED: Cardiac metastases of malignant tumors are rare but associated with various presentations, including arrhythmia, heart failure and myocardial infarction. However, it may also cause typical electrocardiographic (ECG) changes, mimicking ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) when patients have chest pain. We reported a 59 year-old woman with cardiac metastases of buccal squamous cell carcinoma, which presented with myocardial infarction ECG pattern due to both atrial and ventricular involvements. Rather than alternatives to emergent coronary angiogram may be considered, thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction could be inappropriate in that it creates a risk for patients with malignancies in certain situations mimicking STEMI. KEY WORDS: Arrhythmia; Cardiac tumor; ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction.

The impact of bird-beak configuration on aortic remodeling of distal arch pathology after thoracic endovascular aortic repair with the Zenith Pro-Form TX2 thoracic endograft.

OBJECTIVE: Structural changes and incomplete endograft apposition to the aortic arch (bird-beak configuration) after thoracic endovascular aortic repair are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to analyze the morphologic changes, conformability, and angulation factors in patients who underwent stainless steel-based stent graft repair of thoracic aortic pathology. METHODS: From March 2011 to March 2012, the study enrolled 19 patients with aortic pathology requiring proximal fixation in zones 2 and 3 who underwent stent graft repair using Zenith Pro-Form TX2 stent grafts (Cook Medical, Bloomington, Ind). For comparison, another 19 patients who received Zenith Z-Trak stent grafts were selected from December 2009 to February 2011. Chest computed tomography scans were analyzed at baseline, and then at 1, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Arch angulation and bird-beak configuration were evaluated according to sealing zones of attachment by Aquarius iNtuition software (TeraRecon, San Mateo, Calif). RESULTS: The treated diseases included chronic type B aortic dissection in 17 patients and degenerative aneurysms in 21. Significant arch angle transformation was noted at the zone 2 level between the Pro-Form and Z-Trak treated groups (150° ± 11° vs 158° ± 6°; P = .033) and left subclavian artery level (152° ± 12° vs 160° ± 8°; P = .031) during 1 year of follow-up. The bird-beak configuration was detected in six patients (32%) in the Pro-Form group and in 11 (58%) in the Z-Trak group (P = .096) at 1 month, and in six (32%) in the Pro-Form group and in 14 (74%) in the Z-Trak group (P = .022) at 12 months. The mean bird-beak angle was significantly less in Pro-Form-treated patients at 1 month (5° ± 9° vs 15° ± 13°; P = .019) and at 1 year (6° ± 10° vs 18° ± 15°; P = .033). In the Pro-Form platform, a preoperative zone 2 angle <151.1° was a better estimation of the presence of a postoperative bird-beak configuration, with a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 83%. CONCLUSIONS: Aortic remodeling after stainless steel stent graft repair of thoracic aortic pathology is a continuous process. Significant arch angle transformation was discovered over the zone 2 and left subclavian artery levels. TX2 Pro-Form stent grafts improved arch conformation after 1 year of follow-up. Furthermore, in the patients with dissection, a preoperative distal arch angle of zone 2 was predictive of postoperative bird-beak configuration, regardless of whether they were treated with a Pro-Form stent graft.

Impact on outcomes by measuring tortuosity with reporting standards for thoracic endovascular aortic repair.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we assessed the association between the tortuosity of the thoracic aorta as measured by the reporting standards for thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), described by the Society for Vascular Surgery, and midterm outcomes after TEVAR for atherosclerotic aneurysms. METHODS: We analyzed 77 consecutive patients who underwent TEVAR for atherosclerotic aneurysms from November 2006 through May 2013 in a single institution. The preoperative aortic tortuosity index (TI) was calculated by computed tomography aortography, and patients were divided into low-tortuosity (TI ≤ 1.29) and high-tortuosity (TI > 1.29) groups. The relationships between TI and the occurrence of endoleaks, complications, and survival were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 29 ± 26 months. During this period, endoleaks occurred in 19 patients. Patients in the high-tortuosity group were at greater risk for endoleaks (odds ratio, 9.95; 95% confidence interval, 2.06-48.1; P = .004) and stroke (odds ratio, 13.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-169; P = .047) than those in the low-tortuosity group. The overall survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 73%, 69%, and 63%, respectively, for the high-tortuosity group and 92%, 92%, and 86%, respectively, for the low tortuosity group. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrated that high tortuosity of the thoracic aorta is associated with higher rates of endoleaks and lower survival in patients undergoing TEVAR for atherosclerotic aneurysms. Patients with aneurysms in a highly tortuous aorta may therefore need greater attention in preoperative planning, perioperative procedures, and follow-up examinations.

Relative contraindications for percutaneous tracheostomy: from the surgeons' perspective.

PURPOSE: Percutaneous tracheostomy (PT) has gained worldwide acceptance as a bedside procedure by intensivists, but its popularity has declined based on reports of some relative contraindications. The aim of this study was to ascertain the perioperative comorbidities of PT when it is performed by surgeons with experience performing standard tracheostomy. METHODS: Prospective data were collected and analyzed for consecutive PTs performed in intensive care units. RESULTS: No procedure-related mortality occurred in the present study. No significant differences in perioperative comorbidities, such as transient hemodynamic instability and postoperative wound infection, were noted between the relative contraindication (RC) and normal condition (NC) groups. Otherwise, instrument failure (5 cases, p = 0.052) and procedure failure (2 cases, p = 0.222) occurred in the RC group, but not in the NC group. Two patients in the NC group and one patient in the RC group needed to undergo a reoperation to check for bleeding. In a subgroup analysis, more bleeding events were noted for the patients with coagulopathy (p = 0.057), and premature extubation of the endotracheal tube/instrument failure (p = 0.073) was more common in the patients with neck anatomical difficulty in the RC group. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with relative contraindications, the potential of using PT should be determined on an individual basis. Special attention should be paid to the possibility of instrument failure and bleeding events for the patients with relative contraindications for PT.

Right ventricular scalloping index as cardiac magnetic resonance-derived marker for diagnosis of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: The cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) evaluation of right ventricular (RV) morphologic abnormalities in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is subjective. Here, we aimed to use a quantitative index, the right ventricular scalloping index (RVSI), to standardize the measurement of RV free wall scalloping and aid in the imaging diagnosis. METHODS: We retrospectively included 15 patients with definite ARVC and 45 age- and sex-matched patients with idiopathic right ventricular outflow tract ventricular arrhythmia (RVOT-VA) as controls. The RVSI was measured from cine images on four-chamber view to evaluate its ability to distinguish between ARVC and RVOT-VA patients. Other cardiac functional parameters including strain analysis were also performed. RESULTS: The RVSI was significantly higher in the ARVC than RVOT-VA group (1.56 ± 0.23 vs 1.30 ± 0.08, p < 0.001). The diagnostic performance of the RVSI was superior to the RV global longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strains, RV ejection fraction, and RV end-diastolic volume index. The RVSI demonstrated high intraobserver and interobserver reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.94 and 0.96, respectively). RVSI was a strong discriminator between ARVC and RVOT-VA patients (area under curve [AUC], 0.91; 95% CI, 0.82-0.99). A cutoff value of RVSI ≥1.49 provided an accuracy of 90.0%, specificity of 97.8%, sensitivity of 66.7%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 90.9%, and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 89.8%. In a multivariable analysis, a family history of ARVC or sudden cardiac death (odds ratio, 38.71; 95% CI, 1.48-1011.05; p = 0.028) and an RVSI ≥1.49 (odds ratio, 64.72; 95% CI, 4.58-914.63; p = 0.002) remained predictive of definite ARVC. CONCLUSION: RVSI is a quantitative method with good performance for the diagnosis of definite ARVC.

2024 multidisciplinary consensus on image-guided lung tumor ablation from the Taiwan Academy of Tumor Ablation.

In this article, the multidisciplinary team of the Taiwan Academy of Tumor Ablation, who have expertise in treating lung cancer, present their perspectives on percutaneous image-guided thermal ablation (IGTA) of lung tumors. The modified Delphi technique was applied to reach a consensus on clinical practice guidelines concerning ablation procedures, including a comprehensive literature review, selection of panelists, creation of a rating form and survey, and arrangement of an in-person meeting where panelists agreed or disagreed on various points. The conclusion was a final rating and written summary of the agreement. The multidisciplinary expert team agreed on 10 recommendations for the use of IGTA in the lungs. These recommendations include terms and definitions, line of treatment planning, modality, facility rooms, patient anesthesia settings, indications, margin determination, post-ablation image surveillance, qualified centers, and complication ranges. In summary, IGTA is a safe and feasible approach for treating primary and metastatic lung tumors, with a relatively low complication rate. However, decisions regarding the ablation technique should consider each patient's specific tumor characteristics.

A Deep Learning Approach to Classify Fabry Cardiomyopathy from Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Using Cine Imaging on Cardiac Magnetic Resonance.

A challenge in accurately identifying and classifying left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is distinguishing it from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and Fabry disease. The reliance on imaging techniques often requires the expertise of multiple specialists, including cardiologists, radiologists, and geneticists. This variability in the interpretation and classification of LVH leads to inconsistent diagnoses. LVH, HCM, and Fabry cardiomyopathy can be differentiated using T1 mapping on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, differentiation between HCM and Fabry cardiomyopathy using echocardiography or MRI cine images is challenging for cardiologists. Our proposed system named the MRI short-axis view left ventricular hypertrophy classifier (MSLVHC) is a high-accuracy standardized imaging classification model developed using AI and trained on MRI short-axis (SAX) view cine images to distinguish between HCM and Fabry disease. The model achieved impressive performance, with an F1-score of 0.846, an accuracy of 0.909, and an AUC of 0.914 when tested on the Taipei Veterans General Hospital (TVGH) dataset. Additionally, a single-blinding study and external testing using data from the Taichung Veterans General Hospital (TCVGH) demonstrated the reliability and effectiveness of the model, achieving an F1-score of 0.727, an accuracy of 0.806, and an AUC of 0.918, demonstrating the model's reliability and usefulness. This AI model holds promise as a valuable tool for assisting specialists in diagnosing LVH diseases.

Use of artificial intelligence and I-Score for prediction of recurrence before catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Based solely on pre-ablation characteristics, previous risk scores have demonstrated variable predictive performance. This study aimed to predict the recurrence of AF after catheter ablation by using artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled pre-ablation computed tomography (PVCT) images and pre-ablation clinical data. METHODS: A total of 638 drug-refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) patients undergone ablation were recruited. For model training, we used left atria (LA) acquired from pre-ablation PVCT slices (126,288 images). A total of 29 clinical variables were collected before ablation, including baseline characteristics, medical histories, laboratory results, transthoracic echocardiographic parameters, and 3D reconstructed LA volumes. The I-Score was applied to select variables for model training. For the prediction of one-year AF recurrence, PVCT deep-learning and clinical variable machine-learning models were developed. We then applied machine learning to ensemble the PVCT and clinical variable models. RESULTS: The PVCT model achieved an AUC of 0.63 in the test set. Various combinations of clinical variables selected by I-Score can yield an AUC of 0.72, which is significantly better than all variables or features selected by nonparametric statistics (AUCs of 0.66 to 0.69). The ensemble model (PVCT images and clinical variables) significantly improved predictive performance up to an AUC of 0.76 (sensitivity of 86.7% and specificity of 51.0%). CONCLUSIONS: Before ablation, AI-enabled PVCT combined with I-Score features was applicable in predicting recurrence in paroxysmal AF patients. Based on all possible predictors, the I-Score is capable of identifying the most influential combination.

Low-dose CT screening among never-smokers with or without a family history of lung cancer in Taiwan: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: In Taiwan, lung cancers occur predominantly in never-smokers, of whom nearly 60% have stage IV disease at diagnosis. We aimed to assess the efficacy of low-dose CT (LDCT) screening among never-smokers, who had other risk factors for lung cancer. METHODS: The Taiwan Lung Cancer Screening in Never-Smoker Trial (TALENT) was a nationwide, multicentre, prospective cohort study done at 17 tertiary medical centres in Taiwan. Eligible individuals had negative chest radiography, were aged 55-75 years, had never smoked or had smoked fewer than 10 pack-years and stopped smoking for more than 15 years (self-report), and had one of the following risk factors: a family history of lung cancer; passive smoke exposure; a history of pulmonary tuberculosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders; a cooking index of 110 or higher; or cooking without using ventilation. Eligible participants underwent LDCT at baseline, then annually for 2 years, and then every 2 years up to 6 years thereafter, with follow-up assessments at each LDCT scan (ie, total follow-up of 8 years). A positive scan was defined as a solid or part-solid nodule larger than 6 mm in mean diameter or a pure ground-glass nodule larger than 5 mm in mean diameter. Lung cancer was diagnosed through invasive procedures, such as image-guided aspiration or biopsy or surgery. Here, we report the results of 1-year follow-up after LDCT screening at baseline. The primary outcome was lung cancer detection rate. The p value for detection rates was estimated by the χ2 test. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between lung cancer incidence and each risk factor. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of LDCT screening were also assessed. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02611570, and is ongoing. FINDINGS: Between Dec 1, 2015, and July 31, 2019, 12 011 participants (8868 females) were enrolled, of whom 6009 had a family history of lung cancer. Among 12 011 LDCT scans done at baseline, 2094 (17·4%) were positive. Lung cancer was diagnosed in 318 (2·6%) of 12 011 participants (257 [2·1%] participants had invasive lung cancer and 61 [0·5%] had adenocarcinomas in situ). 317 of 318 participants had adenocarcinoma and 246 (77·4%) of 318 had stage I disease. The prevalence of invasive lung cancer was higher among participants with a family history of lung cancer (161 [2·7%] of 6009 participants) than in those without (96 [1·6%] of 6002 participants). In participants with a family history of lung cancer, the detection rate of invasive lung cancer increased significantly with age, whereas the detection rate of adenocarcinoma in situ remained stable. In multivariable analysis, female sex, a family history of lung cancer, and age older than 60 years were associated with an increased risk of lung cancer and invasive lung cancer; passive smoke exposure, cumulative exposure to cooking, cooking without ventilation, and a previous history of chronic lung diseases were not associated with lung cancer, even after stratification by family history of lung cancer. In participants with a family history of lung cancer, the higher the number of first-degree relatives affected, the higher the risk of lung cancer; participants whose mother or sibling had lung cancer were also at an increased risk. A positive LDCT scan had 92·1% sensitivity, 84·6% specificity, a PPV of 14·0%, and a NPV of 99·7% for lung cancer diagnosis. INTERPRETATION: TALENT had a high invasive lung cancer detection rate at 1 year after baseline LDCT scan. Overdiagnosis could have occurred, especially in participants diagnosed with adenocarcinoma in situ. In individuals who do not smoke, our findings suggest that a family history of lung cancer among first-degree relatives significantly increases the risk of lung cancer as well as the rate of invasive lung cancer with increasing age. Further research on risk factors for lung cancer in this population is needed, particularly for those without a family history of lung cancer. FUNDING: Ministry of Health and Welfare of Taiwan.

Reintervention for distal stent graft-induced new entry after endovascular repair with a stainless steel-based device in aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVE: Stent graft-induced new entry (SINE) has been increasingly observed after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for aortic dissection. We investigated the mechanism of late distal SINE, prevention strategies, proper size selection of the stent graft, and implantation sequence. METHODS: From November 2006 to May 2011, 99 patients with aortic dissection underwent TEVAR with Zenith TX2 stent grafts (Cook, Bloomington, Ind) at our center. Among them, 27 distal SINEs were recognized. Eight of these patients with complicated distal SINE required intervention with new distal endografts, and all were enrolled for further analysis. RESULTS: Eight of the 27 patients with distal SINE underwent a secondary endograft procedure from February 2011 to July 2011. All were successfully treated without any complications or deaths. A high taper ratio (35%±11%) and excessive oversizing of the true lumen area at the distal stent level (293%±76%) were noted among these patients. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of distal SINE seemed to be high; however, there were also low rates of death and complications after TEVAR for aortic dissection using stainless steel-based stent grafts. Complicated distal SINE can successfully be resolved by distal endograft implantation. Excessive oversizing of the distal stent graft, as measured by the true lumen area, may be a significant factor causing delayed distal SINE. Precise size selection is crucial for the distal end of the stent, especially for high taper ratio dissection pathology in which the implantation sequence of a distal small-sized stent graft first might be considered to prevent future distal SINE.

Surgeon elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair volume and outcomes of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: a 12-year nationwide study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of surgeon elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair volume on outcomes after ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) repair. METHODS: A nationwide claims database was used to identify patients who underwent rAAA repair from 1998 to 2009. Surgeon elective open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EAR) volume was classified as low, medium, or high. Associations between surgeon EAR volume and in-hospital mortality, overall survival, and complications after open rAAA repair (RAR) were compared with multivariate analysis. Associations between surgeon elective endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EER) volume and outcomes after endovascular rAAA repair (RER) were also analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 537 patients who underwent rAAA repair were identified, including 498 who underwent RAR and 39 who underwent RER. In-hospital mortality rates after RAR were 49, 38, and 24 % in the low, medium, and high EAR volume groups, respectively (p < 0.001). Patients in the low surgeon EAR volume group had higher in-hospital mortality than those in the high surgeon EAR volume group [odds ratio 3.39, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.52, 7.59; p = 0.003]. Patients in the low surgeon EAR volume group also had higher long-term mortality (hazard ratio 1.86, 95 % CI 1.21, 2.85; p = 0.005). There were no significant differences in complication rates among the surgeon EAR volume groups or in-hospital mortality after RER among the surgeon EER volume groups. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeon EAR volume is associated with in-hospital mortality and long-term survival after RAR.