2.5-Minute Fast Brain MRI with Multiple Contrasts in Acute Ischemic Stroke.

PURPOSE: To assess the performance of a 2.5-minute multi-contrast brain MRI sequence (NeuroMix) in diagnosing acute cerebral infarctions. METHODS: Adult patients with a clinical suspicion of acute ischemic stroke were retrospectively included. Brain MRI at 3 T included NeuroMix and routine clinical MRI (cMRI) sequences, with DWI/ADC, T2-FLAIR, T2-weighted, T2*, SWI-EPI, and T1-weighted contrasts. Three radiologists (R1-3) independently assessed NeuroMix and cMRI for the presence of acute infarcts (DWI ↑, ADC = or ↓) and infarct-associated abnormalities on other image contrasts. Sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were calculated and compared using DeLong's test. Inter- and intra-rater agreements were studied with kappa statistics. Relative DWI (rDWI) and T2-FLAIR (rT2-FLAIR) signal intensity for infarctions were semi-automatically rendered, and the correlation between methods was evaluated. RESULTS: According to the reference standard, acute infarction was present in 34 out of 44 (77%) patients (63 ± 17 years, 31 men). Other infarct-associated signal abnormalities were reported in similar frequencies on NeuroMix and cMRI (p > .08). Sensitivity for infarction detection was 94%, 100%, and 94% evaluated by R1, R2, R3, for NeuroMix and 94%, 100%, and 100% for cMRI. Specificity was 100%, 90%, and 100% for NeuroMix and 100%, 100%, and 100% for cMRI. AUC for NeuroMix was .97, .95, and .97 and .97, 1, and 1 for cMRI (DeLong p = 1, .32, .15), respectively. Inter- and intra-rater agreement was κ = .88-1. The correlation between NeuroMix and cMRI was R = .73 for rDWI and R = .83 for rT2-FLAIR. CONCLUSION: Fast multi-contrast MRI NeuroMix has high diagnostic performance for detecting acute cerebral infarctions.

Elective one-minute full brain multi-contrast MRI versus brain CT in pediatric patients: a prospective feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Brain CT can be used to evaluate pediatric patients with suspicion of cerebral pathology when anesthetic and MRI resources are scarce. This study aimed to assess if pediatric patients referred for an elective brain CT could endure a diagnostic fast brain MRI without general anesthesia using a one-minute multi-contrast EPI-based sequence (EPIMix) with comparable diagnostic performance. METHODS: Pediatric patients referred for an elective brain CT between March 2019 and March 2020 were prospectively included and underwent EPIMix without general anesthesia in addition to CT. Three readers (R1-3) independently evaluated EPIMix and CT images on two separate occasions. The two main study outcomes were the tolerance to undergo an EPIMix scan without general anesthesia and its performance to classify a scan as normal or abnormal. Secondary outcomes were assessment of disease category, incidental findings, diagnostic image quality, diagnostic confidence, and image artifacts. Further, a side-by-side evaluation of EPIMix and CT was performed. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was calculated for EPIMix on T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and ADC images. Descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact test, and Chi-squared test were used to compare the two imaging modalities. RESULTS: EPIMix was well tolerated by all included patients (n = 15) aged 5-16 (mean 11, SD 3) years old. Thirteen cases on EPIMix and twelve cases on CT were classified as normal by all readers (R1-3), while two cases on EPIMix and three cases on CT were classified as abnormal by one reader (R1), (R1-3, p = 1.00). There was no evidence of a difference in diagnostic confidence, image quality, or the presence of motion artifacts between EPIMix and CT (R1-3, p ≥ 0.10). Side-by-side evaluation (R2 + R4 + R5) reviewed all scans as lacking significant pathological findings on EPIMix and CT images. CONCLUSIONS: Full brain MRI-based EPIMix sequence was well tolerated without general anesthesia with a diagnostic performance comparable to CT in elective pediatric patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was approved by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority (ethical approval number/ID Ethical approval 2017/2424-31/1). This study was a clinical trial study, with study protocol published at ClinicalTrials.gov with Trial registration number NCT03847051, date of registration 18/02/2019.

11C-methionine PET/MRI in postoperative patients after craniotomy: zero echo time and head atlas versus CT-based attenuation correction.

BACKGROUND: Attenuation correction (AC) is an important topic in PET/MRI and particularly challenging after brain tumor surgery, near metal implants, adjacent bone and burr holes. In this study, we evaluated the performance of two MR-driven AC methods, zero-echo-time AC (ZTE-AC) and atlas-AC, in comparison to reference standard CT-AC in patients with surgically treated brain tumors at 11C-methionine PET/MRI. METHODS: This retrospective study investigated seven postoperative patients with neuropathologically confirmed brain tumor at 11C-methionine PET/MRI. Three AC maps - ZTE-AC, atlas-AC and reference standard CT-AC - were generated for each patient. Standardized uptake values (SUV) were obtained at the metal implant, adjacent bone and burr hole. Standard uptake ratio (SUR) SURmetal/mirror, SURbone/mirror and SURburrhole/mirror were then calculated and analyzed with Bland-Altman, Pearson correlation and intraclass correlation reliability. RESULTS: Smaller mean percent bias range (Bland-Altman) was found for ZTE-AC than atlas-AC in all analyses (metal ZTE -0.46 to -0.02, metal atlas -3.57 to -3.26; bone ZTE -4.60 to -2.16, bone atlas -5.25 to -3.81; burr hole ZTE -0.95 to -0.52, burr hole atlas 7.86 to 8.87). Percent SD range (Bland-Altman) was large for both methods in all analyses, with lower absolute values for ZTE-AC (ZTE 7.02-8.49; atlas 11.47-14.83). A very strong correlation (Pearson correlation) was demonstrated for both methods compared to CT-AC (ZTE ρ 0.97-0.99, P<0.001; atlas ρ 0.88-0.91, P≤0.009) with higher absolute values for ZTE. An excellent intraclass correlation coefficient was found across all analyses for ZTE, atlas and CT maps (ICC ≥0.88). CONCLUSIONS: ZTE for MR-driven PET attenuation correction presented a more comparable performance to reference standard CT-AC at the postoperative site. ZTE-AC may serve as a useful diagnostic tool for MR-driven AC in patients with surgically treated brain tumors.

Red blood cell omega-3 fatty acids and attention scores in healthy adolescents.

Omega-3 fatty acids are critical for brain function. Adolescence is increasingly believed to entail brain vulnerability to dietary intake. In contrast to the abundant research on the omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in cognition, research on DHA and attention in healthy adolescents is scarce. In addition, the role of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the vegetable omega-3 fatty acid, is unexplored. We examined associations between DHA and ALA and attention function among a healthy young population. In this cross-sectional study conducted in 372 adolescents (13.8 ± 0.9 years-old), we determined the red blood cell proportions of DHA and ALA by gas chromatography (objective biomarkers of their long-term dietary intake) and measured attention scores through the Attention Network Test. We constructed multivariable linear regression models to analyze associations, controlling for known confounders. Compared to participants at the lowest DHA tertile (reference), those at the highest DHA tertile showed significantly lower hit reaction time-standard error (higher attentiveness) (28.13 ms, 95% confidence interval [CI] = - 52.30; - 3.97), lower hit reaction time ( - 38.30 ms, 95% CI = - 73.28; - 3.33) and lower executive conflict response ( - 5.77 ms, 95% CI = - 11.44; - 0.09). In contrast, higher values were observed in those at the top tertile of ALA in hit reaction time compared to the lowest one (46.14 ms, 95% CI = 9.90; 82.34). However, a beneficial association was observed for ALA, with decreasing impulsivity index across tertiles. Overall, our results suggest that DHA (reflecting its dietary intake) is associated with attention performance in typically developing adolescents. The role of dietary ALA in attention is less clear, although higher blood levels of ALA appear to result in lower impulsivity. Future intervention studies are needed to determine the causality of these associations and to better shape dietary recommendations for brain health during the adolescence period.

A 78 Seconds Complete Brain MRI Examination in Ischemic Stroke: A Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Fast 78-second multicontrast echo-planar MRI (EPIMix) has shown good diagnostic performance for detecting infarctions at a comprehensive stroke center, but its diagnostic performance has not been evaluated in a prospective study at a primary stroke center. PURPOSE: To prospectively determine whether EPIMix was noninferior in detecting ischemic lesions compared to routine clinical MRI. STUDY TYPE: Prospective cohort study. POPULATION: A total of 118 patients with acute MRI and symptoms of ischemic stroke. FIELD STRENGTH AND SEQUENCE: A 3 T. EPIMix (echo-planar based: T1-FLAIR, T2-weighted, T2-FLAIR, T2*, DWI) and routine clinical MRI sequences (T1-weighted fast spin echo, T2-weighted PROPELLER, T2-weighted-FLAIR fast spin echo, T2* gradient echo echo-planar, and DWI spin echo echo-planar). ASSESSMENT: Three radiologists, blinded for clinical information, assessed signs of ischemic lesions (DWI↑, ADC↓, and T2/T2-FLAIR↑) on EPIMix and routine clinical MRI, with disagreements solved in consensus with a fourth reader to establish the reference standard. STATISTICAL TESTS: Diagnostic performance including sensitivity and specificity against the reference standard was evaluated. EPIMix sensitivity was tested for noninferiority compared to the reference standard using Nam's restricted maximum likelihood estimation (RMLE) Score. A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Of 118 patients (mean age 62 ± 16 years, 58% males), 25% (n = 30) had MRI signs of acute infarcts. EPIMix was noninferior with 97% (95% CI 83-100) sensitivity for reader 1, 100% (95% CI 88-100) sensitivity for reader 2, and 90% (95% CI 88-98) sensitivity for reader 3 vs. 93% (95% CI 78-99) sensitivity for readers 1 and 2 and 90% (95% CI 74-98) for reader 3 on routine clinical MRI. Specificity was 99% (95% CI 94-100) for reader 1, 100% (95% CI 96-100) for reader 2, and 98% (95% CI 92-100) for reader 3 on EPIMix vs. 100% (95% CI 96-100) for all readers on routine clinical MRI. CONCLUSION: EPIMix was noninferior to routine clinical MRI for the diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

Patients' experience while transitioning from the intensive care unit to a ward.

BACKGROUND: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients can experience emotional distress and post-traumatic stress disorder when they leave the ICU, also referred to as post-intensive care syndrome. A deeper understanding of what patients go through and what they need while they are transitioning from the ICU to the general ward may provide input on how to strengthen patient-centred care and, ultimately, contribute to a positive experience. AIM: To describe the patients' experience while transitioning from the ICU to a general ward. DESIGN: A descriptive qualitative study. METHOD: Data were gathered through in-depth interviews and analysed using a qualitative content analysis. The qualitative study was reported in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines. FINDINGS: Forty-eight interviews were conducted. Impact on emotional well-being emerged as a main theme, comprising four categories with six subcategories. CONCLUSION: Transition from the ICU can be a shock for the patient, leading to the emergence of a need for information, and an impact on emotional well-being that has to be planned for carefully and addressed prior to, during, and following transition from the ICU to the general ward. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: It is essential that nurses understand patients' experiences during transfer, identifying needs and concerns to be able to develop and implement new practices such as ICU Liaison Nurse or Nurse Outreach for the follow-up of these patients, the inclusion of a consultant mental health nurse, and the application of patient empowerment during ICU discharge.

One-Minute Multi-contrast Echo Planar Brain MRI in Ischemic Stroke: A Retrospective Observational Study of Diagnostic Performance.

BACKGROUND: Fast multi-contrast echo planar MRI (EPIMix) has comparable diagnostic performance to standard MRI for detecting brain pathology but its performance in detecting acute cerebral infarctions has not been determined. PURPOSE: To assess the diagnostic performance of EPIMix for the detection of acute cerebral infarctions. STUDY TYPE: Retrospective observational cohort. POPULATION: One hundred and seventy-two consecutive patients with a clinical suspicion of non-hyperacute ischemic stroke (January 2018 to December 2019). FIELD STRENGTH AND SEQUENCE: 1.5 T or 3 T. EPIMix ((echo-planar based: diffusion weighted (DWI), T2*-weighted, T2-weighted, T2- and T1-fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images) vs. standard MRI: echo-planar DWI, echo-planar T2*-weighted or susceptibility weighted, turbo spin-echo T2-weighted, T2- and T1-FLAIR turbo spin-echo sequences. ASSESSMENT: Three neuroradiologists rated EPIMix and standard MRI on two separate occasions. Incongruent assessments were resolved in consensus with the fourth reader. The ratings included the diagnostic category (acute infarct, normal, and other pathology). Congruent diagnoses together with consensus diagnoses served as the reference standard. STATISTICAL TESTS: The diagnostic performance of EPIMix and standard MRI against the reference standard was calculated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and compared by DeLong's test. Sensitivity and specificity were determined. Inter-rater agreements were evaluated by Fleiss's kappa. RESULTS: Of 172 patients (61 ± 16 years, 103 men), acute infarcts were present in 80/172 (47%), normal findings in 60/172 (35%), and other pathology in 32/172 (19%). Across readers, the AUCs were .94-.95 for EPIMix and .95-.99 for standard MRI, with overlapping 95% CI (P = .02-.18). Inter-rater agreement for EPIMix was 0.90 and for standard MRI was 0.93. The sensitivity for EPIMix and standard MRI was 88-91% and 91-98%, respectively, while the specificity was 98-100% and 98-99%, both with overlapping 95% CI. CONCLUSION: Multi-contrast echo planar MRI showed a high but marginally lower diagnostic performance compared to standard MRI for the detection and characterization of acute brain infarct. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

Performance of dual layer dual energy CT virtual monoenergetic images to identify early ischemic changes in patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Dual energy CT is increasingly available and used in the standard diagnostic setting of ischemic stroke patients. We aimed to evaluate how different dual energy CT virtual monoenergetic energy levels impact identification of early ischemic changes, compared to conventional polyenergetic CT images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective single-center study included patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke caused by an occlusion of the intracranial internal carotid artery or proximal middle cerebral artery. Data was gathered on consecutive patients admitted to our institution who underwent initial diagnostic stroke imaging with dual layer dual energy CT and a subsequent follow-up CT one to three days after admission. Automated ASPECTS results from conventional polyenergetic and different virtual monoenergetic energy level reconstructions at admission were generated and compared to reference standard ASPECTS. Confidence intervals (CI) for sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive value were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 24 patients were included. Virtual monoenergetic reconstructions of 70 keV had the highest region-based ASPECTS accuracy, 0.90 (sensitivity 0.82 (95% CI 0.72-0.93), specificity 0.92 (0.88-0.97), negative predictive value 0.94 (0.90-0.96)), whereas virtual monoenergetic reconstructions of 40 keV had the lowest, 0.77 (sensitivity 0.34 (0.26-0.42), specificity 0.90 (0.89-0.96), negative predictive value 0.80 (0.77-0.83)). CONCLUSIONS: Automated 70 keV ASPECTS had the highest diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and negative predictive value overall. Our results indicate that virtual monoenergetic energy levels impact the identification of early ischemic changes on CT.

Nervous System Involvement in Coronavirus Disease 2019: Results from a Retrospective Consecutive Neuroimaging Cohort.

Background Neurologic complications in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been described, but the understanding of their pathophysiologic causes and neuroanatomical correlates remains limited. Purpose To report on the frequency and type of neuroradiological findings in COVID-19. Materials and Methods In this retrospective study, all consecutive adult hospitalized patients with polymerase chain reaction positivity for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and who underwent neuroimaging at Karolinska University Hospital between March 2 and May 24, 2020, were included. All examinations were systematically re-evaluated by 12 readers. Summary descriptive statistics were calculated. Results A total of 185 patients with COVID-19 (62 years ± 14 [standard deviation]; 138 men) underwent neuroimaging. In total, 222 brain CT, 47 brain MRI, and seven spinal MRI examinations were performed. Intra-axial susceptibility abnormalities were the most common finding (29 of 39; 74%, 95% CI: 58, 87) in patients who underwent brain MRI, often with an ovoid shape suggestive of microvascular pathology and with a predilection for the corpus callosum (23 of 39; 59%; 95% CI: 42, 74) and juxtacortical areas (14 of 39; 36%; 95% CI: 21, 53). Ischemic and macrohemorrhagic manifestations were also observed, but vascular imaging did not demonstrate overt abnormalities. Dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion MRI in 19 patients did not reveal consistent asymmetries between hemispheres or regions. Many patients (18 of 41; 44%; 95% CI: 28, 60) had leukoencephalopathy and one patient had a cytotoxic lesion of the corpus callosum. Other findings included olfactory bulb signal abnormalities (seven of 37; 19%), prominent optic nerve subarachnoid spaces (20 of 36; 56%), and enhancement of the parenchyma (three of 20; 15%), leptomeninges (three of 20; 15%), cranial nerves (two of 20; 10%), and spinal nerves (two of four; 50%). At MRI follow-up, regression of leukoencephalopathy and progressive leptomeningeal enhancement was observed in one patient each, respectively, which is suggestive of dynamic processes. Conclusion Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 had a wide spectrum of vascular and inflammatory involvement of both the central and peripheral nervous system. © RSNA, 2020 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Radiological evaluation in patients with clinical suspicion of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis presenting with nontraumatic headache - a retrospective observational study with a validation cohort.

BACKGROUND: Clinical suspicion of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is imprecise due to non-specific symptoms such as headache. The aim was to retrospectively assess the diagnostic value of nonenhanced CT (neCT) in patients with nontraumatic headache and clinically suspected CVST. METHODS: A retrospective consecutive series of patients referred 2013-2015 for radiology were evaluated. Eligible patients had nontraumatic headache and suspicion of CVST stated in the referral, investigated with CT venography (CTV) and nonenhanced CT (neCT). neCT scans were re-evaluated for the presence of CVST or other pathology. All CTVs were checked for the presence of CVST. The validation cohort consisted of 10 patients with nontraumatic CVT (2017-2019). RESULTS: Less than 1% (1/104) had a suspected thrombus on neCT, confirmed by subsequent CTV. The remaining 99% had a CTV excluding CVST. Eleven percent had other imaging findings explaining their symptoms. In the patient with CVST, the thrombosed dural sinus was high attenuating (maximum HU 89) leading to the suspicion of CVST confirmed by CTV. The validation cohort (n = 10) confirmed the presence of a high attenuating (HU > 65) venous structure in the presence of a confirmed thrombus in all patients presenting within 10 days (suspicion written in referral, 10%). CONCLUSIONS: Despite clinical suspicion, imaging findings of CVST in nontraumatic headache are uncommon. Evaluating neCT for high attenuation in dural sinuses, followed by CTV for confirmation in selected cases seems reasonable. CVST should be recognized by all radiologists and requires a high level of awareness when reading neCT for other indications.

Validation of PET/MRI attenuation correction methodology in the study of brain tumours.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to compare proton density weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) zero echo time (ZTE) and head atlas attenuation correction (AC) to the reference standard computed tomography (CT) based AC for 11C-methionine positron emission tomography (PET)/MRI. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of 14 patients with suspected or confirmed brain tumour and 11C-Methionine PET/MRI was included in the study. For each scan, three AC maps were generated: ZTE-AC, atlas-AC and reference standard CT-AC. Maximum and mean standardised uptake values (SUV) were measured in the hotspot, mirror region and frontal cortex. In postoperative patients (n = 8), SUV values were additionally obtained adjacent to the metal implant and mirror region. Standardised uptake ratios (SUR) hotspot/mirror, hotspot/cortex and metal/mirror were then calculated and analysed with Bland-Altman, Pearson correlation and intraclass correlation reliability in the overall group and subgroups. RESULTS: ZTE-AC demonstrated narrower SD and 95% CI (Bland-Altman) than atlas-AC in the hotspot analysis for all groups (ZTE overall ≤ 2.84, - 1.41 to 1.70; metal ≤ 1.67, - 3.00 to 2.20; non-metal ≤ 3.04, - 0.96 to 3.38; Atlas overall ≤ 4.56, - 1.05 to 3.83; metal ≤ 3.87, - 3.81 to 4.64; non-metal ≤ 4.90, - 1.68 to 5.86). The mean bias for both ZTE-AC and atlas-AC was ≤ 2.4% compared to CT-AC. In the metal region analysis, ZTE-AC demonstrated a narrower mean bias range-closer to zero-and narrower SD and 95% CI (ZTE 0.21-0.48, ≤ 2.50, - 1.70 to 2.57; Atlas 0.56-1.54, ≤ 4.01, - 1.81 to 4.89). The mean bias for both ZTE-AC and atlas-AC was within 1.6%. A perfect correlation (Pearson correlation) was found for both ZTE-AC and atlas-AC compared to CT-AC in the hotspot and metal analysis (ZTE ρ 1.00, p < 0.0001; atlas ρ 1.00, p < 0.0001). An almost perfect intraclass correlation coefficient for absolute agreement was found between Atlas-, ZTE and CT maps for maxSUR and meanSUR values in all the analyses (ICC > 0.99). CONCLUSIONS: Both ZTE and atlas-AC showed a good performance against CT-AC in patients with brain tumour.

Diagnostic performance of a new multicontrast one-minute full brain exam (EPIMix) in neuroradiology: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Clinical MRI protocols are time-consuming; hence, new faster techniques are needed. One new fast multicontrast MRI technique, called echo planar image mix (EPIMix) (including contrasts T1 -FLAIR, T2 -weighted, diffusion-weighted images [DWI], apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC], T2 *-weighted, and T2 -FLAIR images) needs to be tested. PURPOSE: To assess if EPIMix has comparable diagnostic performance as routine clinical brain MRI. STUDY TYPE: Prospective. POPULATION: A consecutive series of 103 patients' brain MRI (January 2018 to May 2018). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 1.5 T or 3T. EPIMix and routine clinical protocol (clinical MRI included all or some of the contrasts T1 -FLAIR, T2 -weighted, DWI, T2 *-weighted, T2 -FLAIR, 3D-FSE). ASSESSMENT: Two neuroradiologists assessed EPIMix and clinical scans and categorized the images as abnormal or normal and described diagnosis, artifacts, diagnostic confidence image quality, and comparison of imaging time. STATISTICAL TESTS: Pivot tables with diagnostic performance calculated by receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and the area under curve (AUC). Disease categorization and image quality measures were evaluated. The study protocol is published at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03338270. RESULTS: After exclusion of 21 patients, 82 patients had a routine clinical MRI with comparable contrasts to EPIMix and were evaluated. The diagnostic performance to categorize a full brain MRI investigation as abnormal or normal was comparable between EPIMix (AUC 0.99 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.97-1.00) and 0.99 (95% CI 0.97-1.00)) and routine clinical MRI (n = 82). Sensitivity was 95% (95% CI 88-95) and 93% (95% CI 86-98), and specificity 100% (95% CI 97-100) and 100% (95% CI 90-100). Disease categorization was congruent between EPIMix and clinical routine MRI in 90% (reader 2) and 93% (reader 1). Image quality was generally rated lower for EPIMix (P < 0.001). Imaging time was 78 seconds for EPIMix and for the same contrasts 12 minutes 29 seconds for conventional 3T MRI. DATA CONCLUSION: EPIMix has comparable diagnostic performance (disease identification and categorization) for most patients investigated in clinical routine. Level of Evidence 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1824-1833.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy and Complete Lymph Node Dissection for Melanoma.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The main surgical treatment for invasive malignant melanoma consists of wide surgical and examination of the sentinel node and in selected cases complete lymph node dissection. The aim of this review is to present data for the optimal surgical management of patients with malignant melanoma. RECENT FINDINGS: A surgical excision margin of 1-2 cm is recommended for invasive melanoma depending on the thickness of the melanoma. Sentinel node biopsy may be considered for patients with at least T1b melanomas thickness 0.8 to 1.0 mm or less than 0.8 mm Breslow thickness with ulceration, classified as T1b lesion, per recent AJCC guidelines. Two randomized controlled trials have been published-DeCOG (German Dermatologic Cooperative Oncology Group Selective Lymphadenectomy) and MSLT-2 (Multicenter Selective Lymphadenectomy Trial) comparing the complete lymph node dissection (CLND) with observation after positive sentinel node biopsy. In the MSLT-2 study, the disease control rate was improved in the immediate CLND group compared with observation but there was no difference in 3-year melanoma specific survival (86% ± 1.3% and 86% ± 1.2%, respectively; p = 0.42). Isolated limb perfusion (ILP) or isolated limb infusion (ILI) with melphalan and actinomycin D is recommended for large and multiple in-transit metastases and satellite metastases in the extremities when local excision is considered ineffective or too extensive. In light of new adjuvant treatment options and new indications for checkpoint inhibitors, and the lack of survival benefit after CLND, we can expect open surgery to decrease in melanoma disease.

Correlation of Vitamin D with Inflammatory Cytokines, Atherosclerotic Parameters, and Lifestyle Factors in the Setting of Heart Failure: A 12-Month Follow-Up Study.

Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent worldwide. It has been associated with heart failure (HF) given its immunoregulatory functions. In-vitro and animal models have shown protective roles through mechanisms involving procollagen-1, JNK2, calcineurin/NFAT, NF-κB, MAPK, Th1, Th2, Th17, cytokines, cholesterol-efflux, oxLDL, and GLUT4, among others. A 12-month follow-up in HF patients showed a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, with no seasonal variation (64.7-82.4%). A positive correlation between serum 25(OH)D concentration and dietary intake of vitamin D-rich foods was found. A significant inverse correlation with IL-1ß (R = -0.78), TNF-α (R = -0.53), IL-6 (R = -0.42), IL-8 (R = -0.41), IL-17A (R = -0.31), LDL-cholesterol (R = -0.51), Apo-B (R = -0.57), total-cholesterol (R = -0.48), and triglycerides (R = -0.32) was shown. Cluster analysis demonstrated that patients from cluster three, with the lowest 25(OH)D levels, presented the lowermost vitamin D intake, IL-10 (1.0 ± 0.9 pg/mL), and IL-12p70 (0.5 ± 0.4 pg/mL), but the highest TNF-α (9.1 ± 3.5 pg/mL), IL-8 (55.6 ± 117.1 pg/mL), IL-17A (3.5 ± 2.0 pg/mL), total-cholesterol (193.9 ± 61.4 mg/dL), LDL-cholesterol (127.7 ± 58.2 mg/dL), and Apo-B (101.4 ± 33.4 mg/dL) levels, compared with patients from cluster one. Although the role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of HF in humans is still uncertain, we applied the molecular mechanisms of in-vitro and animal models to explain our findings. Vitamin D deficiency might contribute to inflammation, remodeling, fibrosis, and atherosclerosis in patients with HF.

Glioma Grade Discrimination with MR Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging: A Meta-Analysis of Diagnostic Accuracy.

Purpose To assess the diagnostic test accuracy and sources of heterogeneity for the discriminative potential of diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) to differentiate low-grade glioma (LGG) (World Health Organization [WHO] grade II) from high-grade glioma (HGG) (WHO grade III or IV). Materials and Methods The Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, and the Web of Science Core Collection were systematically searched by two librarians. Retrieved hits were screened for inclusion and were evaluated with the revised tool for quality assessment for diagnostic accuracy studies (commonly known as QUADAS-2) by two researchers. Statistical analysis comprised a random-effects model with associated heterogeneity analysis for mean differences in mean kurtosis (MK) in patients with LGG or HGG. A bivariate restricted maximum likelihood estimation method was used to describe the summary receiver operating characteristics curve and bivariate meta-regression. Results Ten studies involving 430 patients were included. The mean difference in MK between LGG and HGG was 0.17 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.11, 0.22) with a z score equal to 5.86 (P < .001). The statistical heterogeneity was explained by glioma subtype, echo time, and the proportion of recurrent glioma versus primary glioma. The pooled area under the curve was 0.94 for discrimination of HGG from LGG, with 0.85 (95% CI: 0.74, 0.92) sensitivity and 0.92 (95% CI: 0.81, 0.96) specificity. Heterogeneity was driven by neuropathologic subtype and DKI technique. Conclusion MK shows high diagnostic accuracy in the discrimination of LGG from HGG. © RSNA, 2017 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Long-term efficacy and effectiveness of a behavioural and community-based exercise intervention (Urban Training) to increase physical activity in patients with COPD: a randomised controlled trial.

There is a need to increase and maintain physical activity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We assessed 12-month efficacy and effectiveness of the Urban Training intervention on physical activity in COPD patients.This randomised controlled trial (NCT01897298) allocated 407 COPD patients from primary and hospital settings 1:1 to usual care (n=205) or Urban Training (n=202). Urban Training consisted of a baseline motivational interview, advice to walk on urban trails designed for COPD patients in outdoor public spaces and other optional components for feedback, motivation, information and support (pedometer, calendar, physical activity brochure, website, phone text messages, walking groups and a phone number). The primary outcome was 12-month change in steps·day-1 measured by accelerometer.Efficacy analysis (with per-protocol analysis set, n=233 classified as adherent to the assigned intervention) showed adjusted (95% CI) 12-month difference +957 (184-1731) steps·day-1 between Urban Training and usual care. Effectiveness analysis (with intention-to-treat analysis set, n=280 patients completing the study at 12 months including unwilling and self-reported non-adherent patients) showed no differences between groups. Leg muscle pain during walks was more frequently reported in Urban Training than usual care, without differences in any of the other adverse events.Urban Training, combining behavioural strategies with unsupervised outdoor walking, was efficacious in increasing physical activity after 12 months in COPD patients, with few safety concerns. However, it was ineffective in the full population including unwilling and self-reported non-adherent patients.

Ruptured carotid-ophthalmic aneurysm treatment: a non-inferiority meta-analysis comparing endovascular coiling and surgical clipping.

INTRODUCTION: Aneurysms of the carotid-ophthalmic segment are relatively rare, comprising only five percent of all intracranial aneurysms. There is no consensus regarding the optimal management for ruptured carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms, whether endovascular coiling or surgical clipping provide the most favourable patient outcome. The aim of this meta-analysis is to analyse these two treatment modalities for ruptured carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms with respect to independent clinical outcome. METHODS: We performed a systematic literature search in PubMed, Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials and Clinicaltrials.gov for treatment of ruptured carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms, comparing endovascular coiling and surgical clipping. Primary outcome in the study was independent clinical patient outcome at follow up (defined as Glasgow Outcome Scale four-five). Secondary outcomes were poor clinical patient outcome, mortality and total angiographic occlusion. The meta-analysis was performed using the Mantel-Haenszel method for dichotomous outcome. RESULTS: Four studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. In total, 152 patients were included. Sixty-seven of these patients were treated with endovascular coiling and 85 patients were treated with microsurgical clipping. The proportion of patients with an independent clinical outcome after coiling and clipping was comparable, OR 1.04 (95% CI: 0.40, 2.71). The proportion of patients with an independent outcome in the endovascular group was 76% and in the surgical group 71%. Mortality between the two treatment arms was equal. CONCLUSION: Clinical outcome after endovascular coiling and surgical clipping for ruptured carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms was comparable between surgical clipping and endovascular coiling. There was no proven difference in clinical outcome after endovascular coiling and surgical clipping for ruptured carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms but the evidence was based on few studies of moderate to low quality and we cannot rule out the possibility of a difference in clinical outcome between the two treatment modalities.

Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging of Gliomas Grades II and III - A Study of Perilesional Tumor Infiltration, Tumor Grades and Subtypes at Clinical Presentation.

BACKGROUND: Diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) allows for assessment of diffusion influenced by microcellular structures. We analyzed DKI in suspected low-grade gliomas prior to histopathological diagnosis. The aim was to investigate if diffusion parameters in the perilesional normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) differed from contralesional white matter, and to investigate differences between glioma malignancy grades II and III and glioma subtypes (astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-eight patients with suspected low-grade glioma were prospectively recruited to this institutional review board-approved study and investigated with preoperative DKI at 3T after written informed consent. Patients with histologically proven glioma grades II or III were further analyzed (n=35). Regions of interest (ROIs) were delineated on T2FLAIR images and co-registered to diffusion MRI parameter maps. Mean DKI data were compared between perilesional and contralesional NAWM (student's t-test for dependent samples, Wilcoxon matched pairs test). Histogram DKI data were compared between glioma types and glioma grades (multiple comparisons of mean ranks for all groups). The discriminating potential for DKI in assessing glioma type and grade was assessed with receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves. RESULTS: There were significant differences in all mean DKI variables between perilesional and contralesional NAWM (p=<0.000), except for axial kurtosis (p=0.099). Forty-four histogram variables differed significantly between glioma grades II (n=23) and III (n=12) (p=0.003-0.048) and 10 variables differed significantly between ACs (n=18) and ODs (n=17) (p=0.011-0.050). ROC curves of the best discriminating variables had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.657-0.815. CONCLUSIONS: Mean DKI variables in perilesional NAWM differ significantly from contralesional NAWM, suggesting altered microstructure by tumor infiltration not depicted on morphological MRI. Histogram analysis of DKI data identifies differences between glioma grades and subtypes.

Impact of prehospital stroke triage implementation on patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.

Background: Little is known about how prehospital triage using large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke prediction scales affects patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Objectives: We aimed to investigate whether the Stockholm Stroke Triage System (SSTS) implemented in 2017 has affected timing and outcomes of acute ICH neurosurgery, and to assess system triage accuracy for ICH with a neurosurgical indication or LVO thrombectomy. Design: Observational cohort study. Methods: In the Stockholm Region, we compared surgical timing, functional outcome, and death at 3 months in patients transported by code-stroke ground ambulance who had ICH neurosurgery, 2 years before versus 2 years after SSTS implementation. We also calculated triage precision metrics for treatment with either ICH neurosurgery or thrombectomy. Results: A total of 36 patients undergoing ICH neurosurgery were included before SSTS implementation and 30 after. No significant difference was found in timing of neurosurgery [median 7.5 (4.9-20.7) versus 9.1 (6.1-12.5) h after onset], distribution of functional outcomes (median 4 versus 4), and death at 3 months [3/29 (9%) versus 5/35 (17%)] before versus after implementation, respectively. The SSTS routed a larger proportion of patients subsequently undergoing ICH neurosurgery directly to the comprehensive stroke center: 13/36 (36%) before versus 18/30 (60%) after implementation. Overall system triage accuracy for ICH neurosurgery or thrombectomy was high at 90%, with 92% specificity and 65% sensitivity. Conclusion: The SSTS, initially designed for prehospital LVO stroke triage, routed more patients with neurosurgical indication for ICH directly to the comprehensive stroke center. This did not significantly affect surgical timing or outcomes.