Incidentally detected diaphragmatic eventration as para-cardiac thoracic activity on myocardial perfusion imaging.

Diaphragmatic eventration is the elevation of hemi-diaphragm without any disruption to diaphragmatic continuity which can be congenital or acquired. The most common acquired cause is phrenic nerve paralysis due to traumatic causes and is usually incidentally diagnosed on chest radiograph or computed tomography. We hereby report a case of a patient who had road traffic accident with fracture of the left proximal femur. Stress Myocardial Perfusion Imaging (MPI) done for pre-operative clearance showed an incidental tracer avidity adjoining to left myocardium in the thorax. It was confirmed on anatomical imaging to be gastric cavity uptake due to diaphragm eventration.

Genomic characterization of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients undergoing PSMA radioligand therapy: A single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Genomic defects in DNA-damage repair (DDR) mechanisms have been proposed to affect the radiosensitivity of prostate cancers. In this study, we intended to evaluate the prevalence of genetic alterations in a cohort of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients undergoing radioligand therapy (RLT) with prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-inhibitors as well as the impact of such mutations on treatment outcomes. METHODS: Data of consecutive mCRPC patients from 2017 to 2021 who were treated with PSMA-RLT and underwent next-generation sequencing (NGS) were collected and analyzed for response and survival outcomes. RESULTS: In 95 patients of mCRPC treated with PSMA-RLT, 15 patients (median age: 66 years, range: 50-73 years; [177 Lu]Lu-PSMA-617, n = 12; [225 Ac]Ac-PSMA-617, n = 3) underwent NGS. The median progression-free survival (PFS) of this cohort was 3 months (95% confidence interval: 1.6-4.4 months). On NGS, 21 genetic alterations were reported in 10/15 (67%) patients, of which 13 were DDR-associated alterations involving the genes: ATM (n = 3), BRCA2 (n = 3), TP53 (n = 2), PTEN (n = 2), FANCD2 (n = 1), FANCM (n = 1), and NBN (n = 1). Overall, 5/15 (33%) patients harbored six pathogenic variants (BRCA2, n = 2; ATM, n = 1; TP53, n = 1; PTEN, n = 2). No significant difference was noted for the biochemical response, radiological response, PFS, and overall survival between the patients with and without genetic alterations. CONCLUSIONS: Patients of mCRPC undergoing PSMA-RLT were frequently seen to harbor DDR-associated aberrations, albeit with no significant impact on treatment outcomes. Large prospective trials comparing PSMA-RLT-related outcomes in DDR-deficient and -proficient patients are required to bring out the differences, if any, in a more observable manner.

[68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT imaging for in vivo CXCR4 receptor mapping in different lung cancer histologic sub-types: correlation with quantitative receptors' density by immunochemistry techniques.

PURPOSE: In vivo CXCR4 receptor quantification in different lung cancer (LC) sub-types using [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT and to study correlation with quantitative CXCR4 receptors' tissue density by immunochemistry analyses. METHODS: [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT imaging was performed prospectively in 94 (77 M: 17F, mean age 60.1 ± 10.1 years) LC patients. CXCR4 receptors' expression on lung mass in all the patients was estimated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analyses. SUVmax on PET, intensity score on IHC, and mean fluorescence index (MFI) on FACS analyses were measured. RESULTS: A total of 75/94 (79.8%) cases had non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), 14 (14.9%) had small cell lung cancer (SCLC), and 5 (5.3%) had lung neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN). All LC types showed increased CXCR4 expression on PET (SUVmax) and FACS (MFI). However, both these parameters (mean SUVmax = 10.3 ± 5.0; mean MFI = 349.0 ± 99.0) were significantly (p = 0.005) higher in SCLC as compared to those in NSCLC and lung NEN. The mean SUVmax in adenocarcinoma (n = 16) was 8.0 ± 1.9 which was significantly (p = 0.003) higher than in squamous cell carcinoma (n = 54; 6.2 ± 2.1) and in not-otherwise specified (NOS) sub-types (n = 5; 5.8 ± 1.5) of NSCLC. A significant correlation (r = 0.697; p = 001) was seen between SUVmax and MFI values in squamous cell NSCLC as well as in NSCLC adenocarcinoma (r = 0.538, p = 0.031) which supports the specific in vivo uptake of [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor by CXCR4 receptors. However, this correlation was not significant in SCLC (r = 0.435, p = 0.121) and NEN (r = 0.747, p = 0.147) which may be due to the small sample size. [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT provided good sensitivity (85.7%) and specificity (78.1%) for differentiating SCLC from NSCLC (ROC cutoff SUVmax = 7.2). This technique presented similar sensitivity (87.5%) and specificity (71.4%) (ROC cutoff SUVmax = 6.7) for differentiating adenocarcinoma and squamous cell variants of NSCLC. CONCLUSION: The high sensitivity and specificity of [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT for in vivo targeting of CXCR4 receptors in lung cancer can thus be used effectively for the response assessment and development of CXCR4-based radioligand therapies in LC.

PET/CT features of extrapulmonary tuberculosis at first clinical presentation: a cross-sectional observational 18F-FDG imaging study across six countries.

BACKGROUND: A large proportion of the huge global burden of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) cases are treated empirically without accurate definition of disease sites and extent of multi-organ disease involvement. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging using 2-deoxy-2-(fluorine-18) fluoro-d-glucose (18F-FDG) in tuberculosis could be a useful imaging technique for localising disease sites and extent of disease. METHODS: We conducted a study of HIV-negative adult patients with a new clinical diagnosis of EPTB across eight centres located in six countries: India, Pakistan, Thailand, South Africa, Serbia and Bangladesh, to assess the extent of disease and common sites involved at first presentation. 18F-FDG PET/computed tomography (CT) scans were performed within 2 weeks of presentation. FINDINGS: 358 patients with EPTB (189 females; 169 males) were recruited over 45 months, with an age range of 18-83 years (females median 30 years; males median 38 years). 350 (98%) out of 358 patients (183 female, 167 male) had positive scans. 118 (33.7%) out of 350 had a single extrapulmonary site and 232 (66.3%) out of 350 had more than one site (organ) affected. Lymph nodes, skeleton, pleura and brain were common sites. 100 (28%) out of 358 EPTB patients had 18F-FDG PET/CT-positive sites in the lung. 110 patients were 18F-FDG PET/CT-positive in more body sites than were noted clinically at first presentation and 160 patients had the same number of positive body sites. INTERPRETATION: 18F-FDG PET/CT scan has potential for further elucidating the spectrum of disease, pathogenesis of EPTB and monitoring the effects of treatment on active lesions over time, and requires longitudinal cohort studies, twinned with biopsy and molecular studies.

Sequential 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) scan findings in patients with extrapulmonary tuberculosis during the course of treatment-a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Initial studies of tuberculosis (TB) in macaques and humans using 18F-FDG positron emission tomography (PET) imaging as a research tool suggest its usefulness in localising disease sites and as a clinical biomarker. Sequential serial scans in patients with extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) could inform on the value of PET-CT for monitoring response to treatment and defining cure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: HIV-negative adults with EPTB from eight sites across six countries had three 18F-FDG PET/CT scans: (i) within 2 weeks of enrolment, (ii) at 2 months into TB treatment and (iii) at end of ATT treatment. Scanning was performed according to the EANM guidelines. 18F-FDG PET/CT scans were performed 60 ± 10 min after intravenous injection of 2.5-5.0 MBq/kg of 18F-FDG. FINDINGS: One hundred and forty-seven patients with EPTB underwent 3 sequential scans. A progressive reduction over time of both the number of active sites and the uptake level (SUVmax) at these sites was seen. At the end of WHO recommended treatment, 53/147 (36.0%) patients had negative PET/CT scans, and 94/147 (63.9%) patients remained PET/CT positive, of which 12 patients had developed MDR TB. One died of brain tuberculoma. INTERPRETATION: Current 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging technology cannot be used clinically as a biomarker of treatment response, cure or for decision-making on when to stop EPTB treatment. PET/CT remains a research tool for TB and further development of PET/CT is required using new Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific radiopharmaceuticals targeting high-density surface epitopes, gene targets or metabolic pathways.

Development of Lu-177-trastuzumab for radioimmunotherapy of HER2 expressing breast cancer and its feasibility assessment in breast cancer patients.

HER2/neu is over expressed in 20-25% of breast cancers. HER2 breast cancers are aggressive and are associated with poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to develop the clinical grade Lu-177-trastuzumab and its preliminary evaluation for specific tumor targeting in HER2 positive breast cancer patients. Trastuzumab was conjugated to bifunctional chelator, DOTA, and characterized for integrity and the number of molecules conjugated. Radiolabeling of DOTA-conjugated trastuzumab was optimized using Lu-177. Quality control parameters including radiochemical purity, stability, sterility, pyrogenicity and immunoreactivity were assessed. A preliminary pilot study was conducted on breast cancer patients (n = 6 HER2 positive and n = 4 HER2 negative) to evaluate the ability of Lu-177-trastuzumab for HER2 specific tumor targeting. The conjugates were efficiently labeled with Lu-177 with high radiochemical purity (up to 91%) and specific activity (6-13 µCi/µg). Lu-177-trastuzumab was stable up to 12 hr post labeling. The radioimmunoassay demonstrated good antigen binding ability and specificity for HER2 receptor protein. The patient studies showed the localization of Lu-177-trastuzumab at primary as well as metastatic sites (HER2 positive) in the planar and SPECT/CT images. No tracer uptake was observed in HER2 negative patients that indicated the specificity of Lu-177-trastuzumab. The study demonstrated that in-house developed Lu-177-trastuzumab has specific targeting ability for HER2 expressing lesions and may in future become a palliative treatment option in the form of targeted radionuclide therapy for disseminated HER2 positive breast cancer.

Comparison of encapsulated versus nonencapsulated (14) C-urea breath test for the detection of Helicobacter pylori infection: a scintigraphy study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: (14) C-urea breath test ((14) C-UBT) is considered as "gold standard" for detection of active gastric H. pylori infection. However, till date no comparative study using encapsulated and non-encapsulated (14) C-UBT protocols has been conducted in same subjects in identical conditions. We monitored gastric fate of capsule containing (14) C-urea with real time display and compared sensitivities of these protocols at different time points of breath collection. METHODS: Non-encapsulated (14) C-UBT was performed using 74 kBq of (14) C-urea in 100 dyspeptic patients by collecting breath samples at 10, 15 and 20 minutes. Thereafter, within 2 days a gelatin capsule containing (14) C-urea along with 6.0 MBq of (99m) Tc-diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid was administered to each patient for real time display of capsule movement and its fate in gastrointestinal tract by gamma camera. Simultaneously, breath samples were collected for (14) CO2 measurement during image acquisition. RESULTS: Employing non-encapsulated (14) C-UBT, 74 out of 100 dyspeptic patients were found to be H. pylori positive. Discordant (14) C-UBT results were obtained in 4/74 (5.4%) cases using these two protocols. By employing encapsulated and nonencapsulated (14) C-UBT protocols, sensitivities of (14) C-UBT were found to be 90.5 versus 98.6% at 10 and 91.8 versus 97.2% at 15 minutes respectively; while these were 94.6 versus 100, 90.7 versus 98.6 and 83.7 versus 93.2% considering any one, two or all three positive values respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Incomplete/non-resolution of (14) C-urea capsule in stomach during the phase of breath collections appears to decrease sensitivity of encapsulated (14) C-UBT as compared to nonencapsulated protocol for detection of H. pylori infection.

Thromboembolic complications in childhood nephrotic syndrome: a clinical profile.

BACKGROUND: Thromboembolism is a rare life-threatening complication of childhood nephrotic syndrome. METHODS: We present the clinical profile and outcome of 34 children with 35 events of thromboembolic complications with nephrotic syndrome. RESULTS: Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) was the commonest complication seen in 11 (31.4 %) children followed by pulmonary thromboembolism and deep venous thrombosis in 9 (25.7 %) and 6 (16.6 %) children, respectively. Arterial thrombosis resulting in central nervous system infarcts was observed in 7 (20 %) children and 2 children had thrombosis of the peripheral arteries. Episodes were equal in steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome and steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome groups. Most of the thromboembolic complications occurred with relapse but 11.4 % of children developed intracranial thrombosis during remission. The most sensitive symptom of CVT was persistent headache while unexplained respiratory distress and hypoxemia pointed towards pulmonary thromboembolism. Hypoalbuminemia was seen in 82.8 % of children, while concurrent infection was seen in 31.4 %. Coexistence of genetic prothrombotic condition was identified and merits evaluation. Early heparin therapy followed by oral anticoagulants resulted in complete recovery in 91.1 % of children. Death occurred in 3 (8.5 %) children and autopsy revealed pulmonary thromboembolism in 2 children. CONCLUSION: Venous and arterial thrombotic complications can occur in children with nephrotic syndrome. A high index of suspicion is required as the clinical features may be subtle. Neuroimaging and angiographic techniques help in confirming diagnosis. Early aggressive heparin therapy followed by oral anticoagulants is necessary for a favorable outcome.

Evaluation of skull bone viability and effect of early surgical intervention in electrical contact burns using 18 F-Sodium Fluoride PET-CT imaging.

OBJECTIVE: Electrical contact burns of the scalp cause serious morbidity and mortality. Early necrotic bone debridement and flap cover are crucial for successful wound closure. 18 F Sodium Fluoride (NaF), with high bone-to-soft tissue activity ratio, is useful for bone viability assessment. This study evaluated the role of 18 F NaF PET-computed tomography (CT) in objectively defining the extent and depth of nonviable calvarial bone, to guide adequate bone debridement. METHOD: Of 20 patients referred to our institute with electrical contact burns of the scalp during a 2-year period, 15 were enrolled in the study. Two weeks after the initial management, tracer uptake pattern was noted on 18 F NaF PET-CT of the head and exposed bone measured. Surgical bone debridement was based on scan findings, followed by wound closure. All patients underwent clinical evaluation and follow-up scan 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: Eight patients showed a central photopenic area in the exposed bone (maximum standardized uptake value [SUVmax] of 0.76 ± 0.14 with mean maximum dimensions 4.10 ± 1.76/2.67 ± 1.54 cm). High tracer uptake (SUVmax, 9.66 ± 6.03) was seen peripheral to the exposed bone (mean maximum dimensions, 8.14 ± 3.03/4.75 ± 1.61 cm). Postoperatively, there was no significant change in tracer uptake in the central debrided region or peri-debridement bone area under the flap. Clinically all patients showed a well-healed flap. CONCLUSION: 18 F NaF PET-CT appears useful for objective evaluation of skull bone viability and planning necrotic bone debridement in patients with electrical contact burns. However, additional studies with longer patient follow-up are required to validate these results.

Efficacy of Yttrium-90 Transarterial Radioembolisation in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Experience With Hybrid Angio-Computed Tomography and Glass Microspheres.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Transarterial radioembolisation (TARE) involves selective intra-arterial administration of microspheres loaded with a radioactive compound like Yttrium-90 (Y-90). Conventionally, C-arm-based cone-beam computed tomography has been extensively used during TARE. However, angio-computed tomography (CT) is a relatively new modality which combines the advantages of both fluoroscopy and fCT. There is scarce literature detailing the use of angio-CT in Y90 TARE. Methods: This was a retrospective study of primary liver cancer cases in which the TARE procedure was done from November 2017 to December 2021. Glass-based Y-90 microspheres were used in all these cases. All the cases were performed in the hybrid angio-CT suite. A single photon emission computed tomography-computed comography (SPECT-CT) done postplanning session determined the lung shunt fraction and confirmed the accurate targeting of the lesion. Postdrug delivery, positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) was obtained to confirm the distribution of the Y-90 particles. The technical success, median follow-up, objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were recorded. Results: A total of 56 hepatocellular carcinoma patients underwent TARE during this period, out of which 36 patients (30 males and 6 females) underwent Y90 TARE. The aetiology of cirrhosis included non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) (11), hepatitis C (HCV) (11), hepatitis B (HBV) (9), metabolic dysfunction and alcohol-associated liver disease (MetALD) (2), alcoholic liver disease (ALD) (1), cryptogenic (1), and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) (1). The technical success was 100 % and the median follow-up was 7 months (range: 1-32 months). The median OS was 15 months (range 10.73-19.27 months; 95 % CI) and the median local PFS was 4 months (range 3.03-4.97 months; 95 % CI). The ORR (best response, CR + PR) was 58 %. No major complications were seen in this study. Conclusion: TARE is a viable option for liver cancer in all stages, but more so in the advanced stages. The use of angio-CT in TARE aids in the precise delivery of the particles to the tumour and avoids non-target embolisation.

Distinctive endoscopic ultrasound features of isolated pancreatic tuberculosis and requirements for biliary stenting.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: There are insufficient data about the appearance of isolated pancreatic tuberculosis on endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). The safety and efficacy of antitubercular therapy (ATT) in patients with pancreatic tuberculosis with cholestasis are also relatively unknown. METHODS: We evaluated 6 patients with isolated pancreatic head tuberculosis retrospectively and compared their EUS findings with those of 25 patients with pancreatic head adenocarcinoma. RESULTS: There was no difference in the EUS appearance between the 2 diseases. The mean diameter of the common bile duct was significantly greater in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The pancreatic duct was dilated in 20 of 25 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (80%), whereas it was dilated in only 1 of 6 patients with pancreatic tuberculosis (16.6%) (P < .05). All 6 patients with pancreatic tuberculosis had a resolution of their cholestatic symptoms within 4 weeks of starting ATT alone. None of these patients required biliary stenting. CONCLUSIONS: None of the EUS features of a mass lesion caused by pancreatic tuberculosis are distinctive. Once diagnosed, these patients can be successfully treated with ATT without needing biliary stenting.

Superiority of non-capsulated 14C-urea breath test over capsule based method for detection of Helicobacter pylori infection - a preliminary report.

BACKGROUND: 14C-urea breath test (14C-UBT) is employed as a 'gold standard' technique for the detection of active gastric Helicobacter pylori infection and is recommended as the best option for "test-and-treat" strategy in primary health care centers. AIM: To compare the performance of capsulated and non-capsulated 14C-UBT protocols for the detection of H. pylori infection in patients. METHODS: Fifty eight H. pylori infected patients underwent routine upper GI endoscopy and biopsies were processed for rapid urease test (RUT) and histopathology examination. Capsulated 14C-UBT was done in a novel way by using 74 kBq of 14C-urea along with 6.0 MBq of 99mTc-diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid (99mTc-DTPA) to simultaneously monitor the movement and the fate of ingested capsule after delineating the stomach contour by using 20.0 MBq of 99mTechnetium pertechnetate (99mTcO4-) under dual head gamma camera. Non-capsulated 14C-UBT was performed within 2 days of the previous test and the results of these protocols were compared. RESULTS: In 3 out of 58 H. pylori positive cases (5.17%), 14C-UBT results were found to be negative by using the capsulated method. Interestingly, on monitoring the real time images of the capsule in these cases it was found that misdiagnosis of H. pylori infection occurred mainly due to either rapid transit of the 14C-urea containing capsule from the upper gastric tract or its incomplete resolution in the stomach during the phase of breath collection. CONCLUSION: Use of non-capsulated '4C-UBT protocol appears to be a superior option than the conventional capsule based technique for the detection of H. pylori infection.

177Lu-DOTATATE Plus Radiosensitizing Capecitabine Versus Octreotide Long-Acting Release as First-Line Systemic Therapy in Advanced Grade 1 or 2 Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Single-Institution Experience.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and safety of 177Lu-DOTATATE plus radiosensitizing capecitabine and octreotide long-acting release (LAR) as first-line systemic therapy in advanced well-differentiated gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of consecutive patients of advanced inoperable or metastatic grade 1 or 2 GEP-NETs treated with first-line 177Lu-DOTATATE plus radiosensitizing capecitabine or octreotide LAR from September 2012 to December 2019 were collected and analyzed for response, toxicity, and survival outcomes. RESULTS: Seventy-six patients (median age: 53 years; range 14-81 years) with treatment-naïve advanced grade 1 or 2 GEP-NETs were included. Thirty-six patients received a median cumulative dose of 27.3 GBq of 177Lu-DOTATATE intravenously at 8-12 weeks' intervals along with 1,250 mg/m2 oral capecitabine on days 0-14 of each cycle of 177Lu-DOTATATE, whereas 40 patients were administered 30 mg octreotide LAR intramuscularly every 4 weeks. Using response evaluation criteria in solid tumor 1.1, the objective response rate was 38% in the 177Lu-DOTATATE arm compared with 15% in the octreotide LAR arm (P = .025), whereas the disease control rates were 88% and 67% in 177Lu-DOTATATE and octreotide LAR arms, respectively (P = .035). The median durations of progression-free survival in the 177Lu-DOTATATE and octreotide LAR arms were 54 months and 16 months, respectively (P = .017), whereas the median overall survival was not reached and not significantly different across both the arms. Of the treatment-related adverse events, no major difference was observed in the occurrence of grade 3 or 4 toxicities between the two treatment arms. CONCLUSION: First-line systemic 177Lu-DOTATATE plus radiosensitizing capecitabine achieved better radiologic response and longer progression-free survival compared with octreotide LAR in patients with advanced grade 1 or 2 GEP-NETs. Future randomized controlled trials are, however, required to determine the best treatment sequence for the treatment-naïve patients with advanced GEP-NETs.

Response to Concomitant Enzalutamide and 177Lu-PSMA-617 Radioligand Therapy in ATM-Mutated Metastatic Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer.

ABSTRACT: Radioligand therapy with 177Lu-PSMA-617 has emerged as a promising treatment modality for patients with mCRPC (metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer). However, genomic defects in DNA damage repair mechanisms have been proposed to affect the radiosensitivity of prostate cancers. Patients harboring such deleterious mutations are, thus, unlikely to respond to 177Lu-PSMA-617 alone and would need a more tailored therapeutic approach. We report the case of a 68-year-old man with ATM mutation-positive mCRPC who showed exceptional response to concomitant administration of enzalutamide with 177Lu-PSMA-617.

High-Specific-Activity-131I-MIBG versus 177Lu-DOTATATE Targeted Radionuclide Therapy for Metastatic Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma.

Targeted radionuclide therapies (TRT) using 131I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (131I-MIBG) and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (177Lu or 90Y) represent several of the therapeutic options in the management of metastatic/inoperable pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma. Recently, high-specific-activity-131I-MIBG therapy was approved by the FDA and both 177Lu-DOTATATE and 131I-MIBG therapy were recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for the treatment of metastatic pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma. However, a clinical dilemma often arises in the selection of TRT, especially when a patient can be treated with either type of therapy based on eligibility by MIBG and somatostatin receptor imaging. To address this problem, we assembled a group of international experts, including oncologists, endocrinologists, and nuclear medicine physicians, with substantial experience in treating neuroendocrine tumors with TRTs to develop consensus and provide expert recommendations and perspectives on how to select between these two therapeutic options for metastatic/inoperable pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma. This article aims to summarize the survival outcomes of the available TRTs; discuss personalized treatment strategies based on functional imaging scans; address practical issues, including regulatory approvals; and compare toxicities and risk factors across treatments. Furthermore, it discusses the emerging TRTs.

18FDG-PET is sensitive tool for detection of extracranial tuberculous foci in central nervous system tuberculosis - Preliminary observations from a tertiary care center in northern India.

PURPOSE: To study the role of 18FDG- PET (Flourodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography) in a) determining the extent of cranial and extra-cranial disease and b) diagnosis as well as prognosis of CNS TB (central nervous system tuberculosis) including TBM (tuberculous meningitis). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective observational study (n = 70) was carried out at a tertiary care institute in Northern India from 1.1.2017 to 30.6.2018. Diagnosis of TBM was made according to modified Ahuja's criteria. All patients were evaluated in detail and treated as per standard guidelines. All patients underwent 18FDG-PET scanning of brain and whole body at baseline. RESULTS: Mean age was 35.2 ±â€¯14.8 years. There were 37 men. Majority of patients (n = 47; 67.1%) were below 40 years of age. 43 (61.4%) patients were in stage II TBM. The mean duration of illness was 77 ±â€¯101.9 days. Majority of patients presented with fever (94.3%), headache (90%) and vomiting (84.3%). MRI was abnormal at baseline in 67 (95.7%) of patients, most common abnormalities being meningeal enhancement (68.6%) and tuberculomas (57.1%). PET was abnormal in 66 (95.7%) of patients. All these patients had either lung lesions (n = 62, 88.6%) or lymphadenopathy (n = 61; 87.1%). 18FDG-PET revealed evidence of brain lesions in 52 (74.3%) patients. It revealed vertebral involvement in 19 (27.1%) and genitourinary lesions in 9 (12.9%) patients. PET evidence of lymphadenopathy correlated significantly (p = .04) with good outcome in CNS TB. Conclusion 18FDG-PET does seem to have a promising role in initial evaluation of patients with CNS TB.

Cross-sectional Imaging of Gallbladder Carcinoma: An Update.

Gallbladder Carcinoma (GBCA) is the most common biliary tract malignancy. As the disease is often diagnosed clinically in an advanced stage, the survival rates are dismal. Imaging studies allow for an early diagnosis of malignancy, though the findings may be indistinguishable from non-malignant disease processes affecting the gallbladder. Attempts have been made to make a specific diagnosis of GBCA at an early stage on imaging studies. Ultrasonography (US) is the most commonly employed technique for gallbladder evaluation. Gallbladder wall thickening is the most common finding of early GBCA and in this context, US is non-specific. Recently, contrast enhanced ultrasound has been shown to be effective in differentiating benign from malignant disease. Multidetector computed tomography represents the most robust imaging technique in evaluation of GBCA. It provides relatively sensitive evaluation of mural thickening, though it is not entirely specific and issues in differentiating GBCA from xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis do arise. Due to its superior soft tissue resolution, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides excellent delineation of gallbladder and biliary tree involvement. When coupled with functional MRI techniques, such as diffusion-weighted and perfusion imaging, it provides a useful problem solving tool for interrogating the malignant potential of nonspecific gallbladder lesions and detection of metastases. Positron emission tomography has a role in detection of distant metastases and following patients following treatment for malignancy. We review the current role of various imaging modalities in evaluating patients with GBCA.

Management of bladder pheochromocytoma by transurethral resection.

Bladder pheochromocytoma is the most common extra-adrenal genitourinary tumor. Endoscopic management is feared due to the risk of intra-operative hypertensive crisis. We described a case of successful endoscopic management of a bladder pheochromocytoma and discussed its technical aspects.