The nodule-pleura relationship affects pneumothorax in CT-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy: avoiding to cross pleural tail sign may reduce the incidence of pneumothorax.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the role of nodule-pleural relationship, including nodule with pleural tail sign (PTS), nodule with pleural contact and nodule with pleural unrelated in CT-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB)-induced pneumothorax, and whether employing different puncture routes has an impact on the incidence of pneumothorax in PTNB of nodules with PTS. METHODS: Between April 1, 2019, to June 30, 2021, 775 consecutive PTNB procedures of pulmonary nodules in the Peking University Cancer Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. The univariate and multivariate regression analysis were used to identify the risk factors for pneumothorax in PTNB. RESULTS: The nodule with pleural contact group has a lower incidence of pneumothorax than the nodule with PTS group (p = 0.001) and the nodule with pleural unrelated group (p = 0.002). It was observed that a higher incidence of pneumothorax caused by crossing PTS compared with no crossing PTS (p < 0.001). Independent risk factors for pneumothorax included crossing PTS (p < 0.001), perifocal emphysema (p < 0.001), biopsy side up (p < 0.001), longer puncture time (p < 0.001), deeper needle insertion depth (intrapulmonary) (p < 0.001) and nodules in the middle or lower lobe (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Patients with crossing PTS, a nodule in the middle or lower lobe, longer puncture time, biopsy side up, deeper needle insertion depth (intrapulmonary), and perifocal emphysema were more likely to experience pneumothorax in PTNB. When performing the biopsy on a nodule with PTS, selecting a route that avoids crossing through the PTS may be advisable to reduce the risk of pneumothorax.

Multivariate Analysis of Pleural Invasion of Peripheral Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer-Based Computed Tomography Features.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to comprehensively analyze computed tomography features to improve the diagnostic accuracy of visceral pleural invasion of peripheral non-small cell lung cancer. METHODS: The computed tomography features of 205 non-small cell lung cancer patients were retrospectively studied. The lesion's relation to the pleura was classified into 5 grades. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify independent factors predicting pleural invasion. RESULTS: The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.822; P = 0.080), pleural indentation (OR, 4.111; P < 0.001), tumor density (OR, 2.735; P = 0.008), and distance between the lesion and pleura (OR, 1.981; P = 0.048) were independent predictors of pleural invasion. A patient with a score of 10.6 had an 80% risk of pleural invasion, whereas a score lower than 2 was associated with a lower (20%) risk of pleural invasion. CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive consideration of these factors of pleural indentation, sex, tumor density, and distance between the lesion and pleura might improve the diagnosis of pleural invasion.

Diffusion-weighted images (DWI) without ADC values in assessment of small focal nodules in cirrhotic liver.

OBJECTIVE: To assess if diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging without apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values provides added diagnostic value in combination with conventional MR imaging in the detection and characterization of small nodules in cirrhotic liver. METHODS: Two observers retrospectively and independently analyzed 86 nodules (≤3 cm) certified pathologically in 33 patients with liver cirrhosis, including 48 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) nodules, 13 high-grade dysplastic nodules (HDN), 10 low-grade dysplastic nodules (LDNs) and 15 other benign nodules. All these focal nodules were evaluated with conventional MR images (T1-weighted, T2-weighted and dynamic gadolinium-enhanced images) and breath-hold diffusion-weighted images (DWI) (b=500 s/mm(2)). The nodules were classified by using a scale of 1-3 (1, not seen; 3, well seen) on DWI for qualitative assessment. These small nodules were characterized by two radiologists. ADC values weren't measured. The diagnostic performance of the combined DWI-conventional images and the conventional images alone was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The area under the curves (Az), sensitivity and specificity values for characterizing different small nodules were also calculated. RESULTS: Among 48 HCC nodules, 33 (68.8%) were graded as 3 (well seen), 6 (12.5%) were graded as 2 (partially obscured), and 9 weren't seen on DWI. Among 13 HDNs, there were 3 (23.1%) and 4 (30.8%) graded as 3 and 2 respectively. Five (50%) of 10 benign nodules were partially obscured and slightly hyperintense. For 86 nodules, the average diagnostic accuracy of combined DWI-conventional images was 82.56%, which was increased significantly compared with conventional MR images with 76.17%. For HCC and HDN, the diagnostic accuracy of combined DWI-conventional images increased from 78.69% to 86.07%. CONCLUSIONS: Diffusion-weighted MR imaging does provide added diagnostic value in the detection and characterization of HDN and HCC, and it may not be helpful for LDN and regenerative nodule (RN) in cirrhotic liver.

The differential diagnosis of lung precursor glandular lesions, micro-invasive adenocarcinoma, and invasive adenocarcinoma using low dose spectral computed tomography perfusion imaging.

Background: Few studies about the association between computed tomography (CT) perfusion imaging parameters and invasiveness in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) have been conducted using low dose spectral CT perfusion imaging. The purpose of this study was to investigate application of spectral revolution CT low-dose perfusion imaging in the differential diagnosis of different pathological subtypes of LUAD. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study based on historical data from January 2018 to May 2019 in Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute. A total of 62 cases were enrolled, including 2 cases of atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH), 3 cases of adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), 4 cases of minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA), and 53 cases of invasive adenocarcinoma (IAC), all confirmed with pathology. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were regulated. Using Revolution low-dose CT perfusion imaging (GE, USA), the CT perfusion parameters of hemodynamics were obtained: blood flow (BF), blood volume (BV), impulse residue function time of arrival (IRF TO), maximum slope of increase (MSI), mean transit time (MTT), permeability surface area product (PS), positive enhancement integral (PEI), and maximum enhancement time (Tmax). Univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) or Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the differences of CT perfusion quantitative parameters among AAH, AIS, MIA, and IAC. Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the difference of CT perfusion imaging parameters between preinvasive lesions (AAH and AIS) and invasive lung cancer (MIA and IAC). Results: Statistically significant differences in IRF TO were observed in LUAD with different invasiveness, namely, among AIS, MIA, and IAC groups (0.56±0.74 vs. 0.54±1.08 vs. 4.39±2.19, P=0.004). Statistically significant differences in IRF TO were also observed between pre-invasive lesions group (AAH and AIS) and invasive lung cancer group (MIA and IAC) (1.12±1.27 vs. 3.75±2.79, P=0.031), and between AAH + AIS + MIA groups and IAC group (0.83±1.13 vs. 4.12±2.69, P<0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in other CT perfusion parameters of hemodynamics among different pathological subtypes of LUAD (P>0.05). Conclusions: The low-dose perfusion parameter IRF TO of revolution CT has the potential to be employed in the differential diagnosis of different pathological subtypes of LUAD.

Prediction of the lymphatic, microvascular, and perineural invasion of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors using preoperative magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: Significant correlation between lymphatic, microvascular, and perineural invasion (LMPI) and the prognosis of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PENTs) was confirmed by previous studies. There was no previous study reported the relationship between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters and LMPI. AIM: To determine the feasibility of using preoperative MRI of the pancreas to predict LMPI in patients with non-functioning PENTs (NFPNETs). METHODS: A total of 61 patients with NFPNETs who underwent MRI scans and lymphadenectomy from May 2011 to June 2018 were included in this retrospective study. The patients were divided into group 1 (n = 34, LMPI negative) and group 2 (n = 27, LMPI positive). The clinical characteristics and qualitative MRI features were collected. In order to predict LMPI status in NF-PNETs, a multivariate logistic regression model was constructed. Diagnostic performance was evaluated by calculating the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve with area under ROC, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the lymph node metastasis stage, tumor grade, neuron-specific enolase levels, tumor margin, main pancreatic ductal dilatation, common bile duct dilatation, enhancement pattern, vascular and adjacent tissue involvement, synchronous liver metastases, the long axis of the largest lymph node, the short axis of the largest lymph node, number of the lymph nodes with short axis > 5 or 10 mm, and tumor volume between two groups (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that tumor margin (odds ratio = 11.523, P < 0.001) was a predictive factor for LMPI of NF-PNETs. The area under the receiver value for the predictive performance of combined predictive factors was 0.855. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy of the model were 48.1% (14/27), 97.1% (33/34), 97.1% (13/14), 70.2% (33/47) and 0.754, respectively. CONCLUSION: Using preoperative MRI, ill-defined tumor margins can effectively predict LMPI in patients with NF-PNETs.

Procedure-related pain during CT-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsies of lung lesions: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: The existing data on the degree of pain in patients during CT-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) of lung lesions are limited and the factors related to pain are unclear. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence and severity of pain reported during PTNB and to identify factors associated with increased reported pain. METHODS: Patients who underwent PTNB from April 2022 to November 2022 were prospectively evaluated using the numeric rating scale, which assesses subjective pain based on a 0-10 scoring system (0 = no pain; 10 = the worst pain imaginable). The scale divides the scores into three categories: mild pain (1-3 points), moderate pain (4-6 points), and severe pain (7-10 points). Pain scores from 4 to 10 were considered significant pain. Demographic data of patients, lesion characteristics, biopsy variables, complications, the patient's subjective feelings, and pathological result data were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify variables associated with significant pain. RESULTS: We enrolled 215 participants who underwent 215 biopsy procedures (mean age: 64.5 ± 9.3 years, 123 were men). The mean procedure-related pain score was 2 ± 2. Overall, 20% (43/215) of participants reported no pain (score of 0), 67.9% (146/215) reported pain scores of 1-3, 11.2% (24/215) reported scores of 4-6, and 0.9% (2/215) reported scores of 7 or higher. Furthermore, non-significant pain (scores of 0-3) was reported during 87.9% (189/215) of the procedures. In the adjusted model, significant pain was positively associated with lesions ≥ 34 mm (p = 0.001, odds ratio [OR] = 6.90; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.18, 21.85), a needle-pleural angle ≥ 77° (p = 0.047, OR = 2.44; 95% CI: 1.01, 5.89), and a procedure time ≥ 26.5 min (p = 0.031, OR = 3.11; 95% CI: 1.11, 8.73). CONCLUSIONS: Most participants reported no pain or mild pain from CT-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsies of lung lesions. However, those with a larger lesion, a greater needle-pleural angle, and a longer procedure time reported greater pain.

Low-dose spectral CT perfusion imaging of lung cancer quantitative analysis in different pathological subtypes.

BACKGROUND: To explore the value of the quantitative parameters of low-dose computed tomography (CT) perfusion in the diagnosis of lung cancers of different pathological types. METHODS: Eighty-five patients with lung cancer confirmed by pathology underwent enhanced spectral CT imaging with a General Electric (GE) Revolution Xtream CT scanner, including 7 patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma, 8 patients with small cell carcinoma, 67 patients with lung adenocarcinoma, and 3 patients with other pathologies. The low-dose CT perfusion parameters [blood flow (BF), blood volume (BV), time of arrival (IRF TO), maximum slope of increase (MSI), mean transit time (MTT), positive enhancement integral (PEI), time to peak (TTP) and time to maximum (Tmax)] were calculated and compared among the first three groups. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) or the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the quantitative parameters among the three groups, and the Bonferroni method was used to correct for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: Among the quantitative parameters, MSI was significantly different among the three lung cancers (adenocarcinoma vs. squamous cell carcinoma vs. small cell carcinoma: 11.37±8.74 vs. 2.35±0.88 vs. 1.40±0.26, respectively; P=0.016). The MSI of lung adenocarcinoma was lower than that of non-adenocarcinoma (P=0.001), and the MSI of small cell carcinoma was lower than that of non-small cell carcinoma (P=0.014). There were no significant differences in the other parameters among these three groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose CT perfusion parameters may have a certain value in classifying the pathological type of lung cancer.

Is there any correlation between spectral CT imaging parameters and PD-L1 expression of lung adenocarcinoma?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to explore whether spectral computed tomography (CT) imaging parameters are associated with PD-L1 expression of lung adenocarcinoma. METHODS: Spectral CT imaging parameters (iodine concentrations [IC] of lesion in arterial phase [ICLa] and venous phase [ICLv], normalized IC [NICa/NICv]-normalized to the IC in the aorta, slope of the spectral HU curve [λHUa/λHUv] and enhanced monochromatic CT number [CT40keVa/v, CT70keVa/v] on 40 and 70 keV images) were analyzed in 34 prospectively enrolled lung adenocarcinoma patients with common molecular pathological markers including PD-L1 expression detected with immunohistochemistry. Patients were divided into two groups: positive PD-L1 expression and negative PD-L1 expression groups. Two-sample Mann-Whitney U test was used to test the difference of spectral CT imaging parameters between the two groups. RESULTS: The CT40keVa (127.03 ± 37.92 vs. -54.69 ± 262.04), CT40keVv (124.39 ± 34.71 vs. -45.73 ± 238.97), CT70keVa (49.56 ± 11.76 vs. -136.51 ± 237.08) and CT70keVv (46.13 ± 15.81 vs. -133.10 ± 230.72) parameters in the positive PD-L1 expression group of lung adenocarcinoma were significantly higher than the negative PD-L1 expression group (all P < 0.05). There was no difference detected in IC, NIC and λHU of the arterial and venous phases between both groups (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: CT40keVa, CT40keVv, CT70keVa and CT70keVv were increased in positive PD-L1 expression. These parameters may be used to distinguish the PD-L1 expression state of lung adenocarcinoma.

Can spectral computed tomography imaging improve the differentiation between malignant and benign pulmonary lesions manifesting as solitary pure ground glass, mixed ground glass, and solid nodules?

BACKGROUND: This study quantitatively assessed the efficacy of spectral computed tomography (CT) imaging parameters for differentiating the malignancy and benignity of solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) manifesting as ground glass nodules (GGNs) and solid nodules (SNs). METHODS: The study included 114 patients with SPNs (61 GGNs, and 53 SNs) who underwent CT plain and enhanced scans in the arterial (a) and venous (v) phases using the spectral imaging mode. The spectral CT imaging parameters included: iodine concentrations (IC) of lesions in the arterial (ICLa) and venous (ICLv) phases; normalized IC (NICa/NICv, normalized to the IC in the aorta); the slope of the spectral Hounsfield unit (HU) curve (λHUa/λHUv); and monochromatic CT number (CT40keVa/v, CT70keVa/v) enhancement on 40 and 70 keV images. The two-sample Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare quantitative parameters between malignant and benign SPNs, SNs, and GGNs. RESULTS: Pathology revealed 75 lung cancer cases, 3 metastatic nodules, 14 benign nodules, and 22 inflammatory nodules. Among the 53 SNs there were 37 malignant and 16 benign nodules. Among the 61 GGNs there were 41 malignant and 20 benign nodules. Overall, the CT40keVa, λHUa, CT40keVv, λHUv, and ICLv of benign SPNs were all greater than those of malignant SPNs (all P < 0.05). For GGNs, CT40keVa/v, CT70keVa/v, λHUa/λHUv, and ICLv of malignant GGNs were all lower than those of benign GGNs. CONCLUSION: Spectral CT imaging is a more promising method for distinguishing malignant from benign nodules, especially in nodules manifesting as GGNs in contrast-enhanced scanning.

Assessment of the hepatic microvascular changes in liver cirrhosis by perfusion computed tomography.

AIM: To assess the hepatic microvascular parameters in patients with liver cirrhosis by perfusion computed tomography (CT). METHODS: Perfusion CT was performed in 29 patients without liver disease (control subjects) and 39 patients with liver cirrhosis, including 22 patients with compensated cirrhosis and 17 patients with decompensated cirrhosis, proved by clinical and laboratory parameters. CT cine-scans were obtained over 50 s beginning with the injection of 50 mL of contrast agent. Hepatic microvascular parameters, mean transit time (MTT) and permeability surface area product (PS) were obtained with the Perfusion 3 software (General Electric, ADW 4.2). RESULTS: The overall differences of MTT and PS between control subjects, patients with compensated cirrhosis and those with decompensated cirrhosis were statistically significant (P = 0.010 and P = 0.002, respectively). MTT values were 15.613 +/- 4.1746 s, 12.592 +/- 4.7518 s, and 11.721 +/- 4.5681 s for the three groups, respectively, while PS were 18.945 +/- 7.2347 mL/min per 100 mL, 22.767 +/- 8.3936 mL/min per 100 mL, and 28.735 +/- 13.0654 mL/min per 100 mL. MTT in decompensated cirrhotic patients were significantly decreased compared to controls (P = 0.017), whereas PS values were remarkably increased (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The hepatic microvascular changes in patients with liver cirrhosis can be quantitatively assessed by perfusion CT. Hepatic microvascular parameters (MTT and PS), as measured by perfusion CT, were significantly altered in decompensated cirrhosis.