The association between surgical site infection and postoperative colorectal cancer recurrence and the effect of laparoscopic surgery on prognosis.

PURPOSE: Studies have shown that surgical site infection (SSI) incidence is lower in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. Therefore, we reported the SSI countermeasures adopted by our institution and aimed to evaluate the association between SSI occurrence and postoperative colorectal cancer recurrence and the usefulness of laparoscopic surgery for prognosis. METHODS: Among the patients with colorectal cancer who underwent radical surgery at our hospital between January 2015 and December 2017, 197 with stage I-III cancer without distant metastases were included. We retrospectively analyzed patients' electronic medical records and classified them into the non-SSI (without SSI, n = 159) and SSI (with SSI, n = 38) groups. We calculated and compared the 5-year relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) rates. Additionally, we assessed the relationship between prognosis in the non-SSI, incisional SSI, and organ/space SSI groups and the usefulness of laparoscopic surgery. RESULTS: The 5-year RFS and OS were 80.5% versus 63.2% (P = 0.024; hazard ratio [HR], 2.065; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.099-3.883) and 88.7% versus 84.2% (P = 0.443; HR, 1.436; 95% CI, 0.570-3.617), respectively. The SSI group had a significantly worse 5-year RFS prognosis. Regarding the relationship with laparoscopic surgery, the SSI incidence was 45.0% (9/20 cases) and 16.4% (29/177 cases) with laparotomy and laparoscopic surgery, respectively, indicating a significantly reduced SSI occurrence with laparoscopic surgery (P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Patients with SSI were at high risk for colorectal cancer recurrence, and laparoscopic surgery may be useful for reducing SSI.

Sensitivity of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology and biopsy for a diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: A comparative analysis.

The utility of endoscopic ultrasound fine-needle aspiration cytology (EUS-FNAC) or endoscopic ultrasound fine-needle aspiration biopsy (EUS-FNAB) for diagnosis of small and large pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs) remains in question. We addressed this by analyzing 97 definitively diagnosed cases of PDAC, for which both EUS-FNAC and EUS-FNAB had been performed. We subclassified the 97 solid masses into small (n = 35) or large (n = 62) according to the maximum tumor diameter (<24 mm or ≥24 mm) and compared the diagnostic sensitivity (truly positive rate) of EUS-FNAC and of EUS-FNAB for small and large masses. Diagnostic sensitivity of EUS-FNAC did not differ between large and small masses (79.0% vs. 60.0%; p = 0.0763). However, the diagnostic sensitivity of EUS-FNAB was significantly higher for large masses (85.5% vs. 62.9%; p = 0.0213). Accurate EUS-FNAC-based diagnosis appeared to depend on the degree of cytological atypia of cancer cells, which was not associated with quantity of cancer cells. The accuracy of EUS-FNAB-based diagnosis appeared to depend on cancer cell viability in large masses and cancer volume in small masses. Based on the advantages or disadvantages in each modality, both modalities play an important role in the qualitative diagnosis of PDAC as a complementary procedure.

Scoring system for intraoperative diagnosis of intracranial schwannoma by squash cytology.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the utility of a newly developed squash cytology (SC)-based scoring system for accurate intraoperative diagnosis of schwannoma. METHODS: We first compared SC-based and frozen section (FS) diagnoses with final pathological diagnoses of schwannoma (16 cases), meningioma (39 cases) and low-grade astrocytoma (16 cases). Then, by logistic regression modeling, we identified features of SC preparations that were independently predictive of schwannoma. To develop a diagnostic scoring system, we assigned one point to each feature, and performed receiver operating characteristic analysis to determine the score cut-off value that was most discriminatory for differentiating schwannoma from the other tumour types. We then compared accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of diagnosis before and after the application of the scoring system. RESULTS: Overall diagnostic concordance rates for SC and FS were almost the same, at 73.2% (52/71) and 77.5% (55/71 cases), respectively. Of the 16 SC features entered into the analysis, the following nine were found to independently predict schwannoma, and were thus incorporated into the scoring system: smooth cluster margins, few or no isolated tumour cells, fibrillary stroma, spindle-shaped nuclei, parallel arrangement of stroma, parallel arrangement of nuclei, presence of anisonucleosis, absence of nucleoli, and hemosiderin deposition. A cut-off score of four items yielded the best sensitivity, specificity and predictive values for prediction of schwannoma. Use of the scoring system improved accuracy of intraoperative diagnosis from 80.3% to 94.4%, sensitivity from 56.2% to 93.8%, and specificity from 87.3% to 94.5%. CONCLUSION: Our proposed SC-based scoring system will increase accuracy of intraoperative diagnosis of schwannoma vs non-schwannoma tumours.

The approach of scratch-imprint cytology: Is it an alternative to frozen section for intraoperative assessment of pulmonary lesions?

To address the diagnostic performance of scratch-imprint cytology (SIC), in this study we compared intraoperative diagnoses of pulmonary lesions between SIC and frozen section histology (FSH) for accuracy with respect to the final pathological diagnosis. We histologically divided 206 pulmonary lesions (resected surgically) into two groups (benign and malignant) and compared each intraoperative diagnosis by SIC and FSH with the final pathological diagnoses. We also examined the radiological existence of pure ground-glass opacity (GGO) nodules in each group. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were 91.5%, 100%, 100%, 63.6%, and 92.6%, respectively for SIC, and 98.2%, 100%, 100%, 92.1% and 98.5%, respectively, for FSH. Thus, we concluded that diagnosis by SIC is reliable for malignancy, but not for benign lesions. All pure GGO nodules (19; 9.2%) were noninfectious and malignant with a high accuracy of FSH diagnosis (100%), in comparison with those of low accuracy with a SIC diagnosis (57.9%). SIC can be an appropriate intraoperative diagnostic tool where multiple cytotechnologists observe intraoperative SIC preparations scratched evenly across the whole lesion including the peripheral area of the mass.

Intraoperative squash cytology provides a qualitative intraoperative diagnosis for cases in which frozen section yields a diagnosis of equivocal brain tumour.

OBJECTIVE: We assessed whether intraoperative squash cytology could provide surgeons with a qualitative diagnosis of brain lesions when frozen section diagnosis is equivocal. METHODS: The study included 51 lesions that were diagnosed intraoperatively as equivocal brain tumour on the basis of frozen section. We retrospectively classified the lesions into five groups according to the final histopathological diagnoses (I: malignant lymphomas; II: diffuse astrocytic and oligodendroglia tumours; III: pituitary adenomas, IV: metastatic carcinomas; V: others). We assessed the squash cytology features of Groups I-IV and of the specific lesion types, and compared features among the groups. RESULTS: The four groups differed in a range of salient cytomorphological features: lymphoglandular bodies in Group I (eight of nine cases), cytoplasmic fibrillary processes in Group II (six of eight cases), low-grade nuclear atypia in Group III (seven of seven cases), and large nuclei (approximately 80 µm2 ) and nuclear crush artefacts in Group IV (seven of nine cases). CONCLUSION: Findings of lymphoglandular bodies on intraoperative squash cytology can be considered characteristic of malignant lymphomas, while cytoplasmic fibrillary processes indicate diffuse astrocytic and oligodendroglial tumours. We conclude that squash cytology could yield a qualitative intraoperative diagnosis in over 25% of cases for which frozen section yields a diagnosis of equivocal brain tumour.

A case of high-grade pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia concomitant with type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis: The process underlying both conditions.

We report a case of high-grade pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) concomitant with lymphoplasmacytic sclerosing pancreatitis. The patient was an 82-year-old man in whom narrowing of the main pancreatic duct was detected incidentally by abdominal ultrasonography. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography further revealed abrupt narrowing plus distal dilatation of the duct, from the pancreatic body to the tail. Distal pancreatectomy was performed under a preoperative diagnosis of intraductal papillary-mucinous neoplasm. Macroscopic examination of the surgical specimen showed an ill-demarcated, white-gray area and prominent pancreatic atrophy, while histological analysis detected small (<5 mm in diameter) cystic dilatations of the main pancreatic duct and some branch ducts plus pancreatic atrophy with fibrosis and fatty replacement of acinar cells. We also detected variously sized papillary projections, fused glands, and scattered focal papillary proliferation of columnar ductal epithelium comprising cells with elongated, mildly hyperchromatic nuclei, consistent with high-grade PanIN. In addition, we observed marked lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, periductal storiform fibrosis, and obliterative phlebitis. Immunohistochemical staining revealed abundant immunogloblin G4-positive plasma cells, indicative of type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP). The coexistence of high-grade PanIN and marked lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, typical of AIP, point to a close association between the former, as a carcinogenic process, and the latter, as an immune response.

A biosafety algorithm for the protection of pathology staff during intraoperative examinations of pulmonary lesions.

We aimed to propose a biosafety algorithm for the protection of pathology staff during intraoperative examinations of pulmonary lesions when working with cytological imprints and/or frozen sections for the intraoperative diagnosis of pulmonary lesions. We examined 148 pulmonary surgical tissues obtained intraoperatively for imprint cytology (IC) and for frozen sectioning and compared the diagnoses against the final pathological diagnoses. We analyzed concordance and non-concordance rates and then used the data to produce a biosafety algorithm. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of scratch-IC were 91%, 100%, 100%, 50% and 92%, respectively, and those of frozen sectioning were 99%, 100%, 100%, 96% and 99%, respectively. Our data indicate that frozen sectioning is unnecessary if scratch-IC yields a 'malignant' diagnosis but recommended with a 'benign' diagnosis. When a scratch-IC preparation deemed inadequate for a diagnosis or an abscess, the pathologist must consult the surgeon concerning the possibility of granuloma with caseous necrosis and should ask the surgeon to be prepared for a frozen section. If granuloma with caseous necrosis is found in the frozen section, the pathologist must immediately communicate the information to entire staff and perform a PCR test before making a permanent section.

Diagnostic utility and pitfalls of intraoperative pulmonary imprint cytology based on final pathological diagnoses.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the reliability of imprint cytology (IC) for intraoperative diagnosis of pulmonary lesions. METHODS: We reviewed 113 cases of pulmonary lesion resection for which a scratch imprint was made intraoperatively. We divided the specimens into two groups (benign and malignant) and compared the scratch IC-based diagnoses against the final histopathological diagnoses in each group for concordance. We also analysed those cases in which the scratch IC preparation was classified as inadequate. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy of IC diagnoses among the patient cohort were 87.7% (72/82), 100% (7/7), 100% (72/72), 41.2% (7/17) and 88.8% (79/89), respectively. IC yielded some false-negative results in terms of malignancy, although most of these imprints were of early cancer or cancer with mild cytological atypia. Five (41.6%) of 12 lesions for which the imprint was deemed inadequate were diagnosed histologically as granulomas with caseous necrosis. CONCLUSION: IC-based diagnoses of pulmonary lesions as malignant corresponded well with the final histopathological diagnoses, but IC-based diagnoses of negative (ie, without malignant cells) were not as reliable. Thus, pathologists should recognise the limitations of IC, especially for identifying malignant lesions. Also, the possibility of latent bacterial infection in a granuloma with caseous necrosis indicates that an IC preparation deemed inadequate for diagnosis should not be ignored.

Surgical Management of Duplication of the Pituitary Gland-Plus Syndrome With Epignathus, Cleft Palate, Duplication of Mandible, and Lobulated Tongue.

A 1-day-old male infant was referred to our department for evaluation of multiple malformations in his oral cavity. He was diagnosed duplication of the pituitary gland-plus syndrome with epignathus, cleft palate, duplication of the mandible, and a lobulated tongue. A thumb-sized mass lesion was visible on the hard palate. The duplicated mandible and lower lip was fused at the midline. The alveolar ridge was protruding through a wide-cleft soft palate involving the uvula. Further examination showed a lobulated tongue, which was seen behind the duplicated part of the mandible. Five days after birth, tracheotomy and epignathus resection were performed. At 7 months of age, the excess tissue of the duplicated mandible was resected at the area of adhesion on the lingual side, and the duplicated tongue and lip were reconstructed. A palatoplasty was performed at 20 months of age. Thereafter, the patient's progress was uneventful, with no abnormality in swallowing. No recurrence of epignathus has been observed during 2 years of follow-up.

[Renal Cell Carcinoma with Retroperitoneal Metastases and Renal Invasion from Breast Cancer : A Case Report].

A 67-year-old female was hospitalized with back pain. Computed tomography (CT) incidentally revealed a tumor in her left kidney tumor (33 mm) and bilateral breast tumors. She underwent a breast biopsy and was diagnosed with breast cancer (invasive lobular cancer, cT2N0M0). The renal tumor was suspected to be clear cell carcinoma, cT1aN0M0, based on contrast-enhanced CT. Surgery was considered necessary for both the breast cancer and renal tumor. First, laparoscopic radical nephrectomy was performed for the renal tumor. However, the lateroconal fascia adhered strongly to the perirenal fat, and so simple nephrectomy was carried out after conversion to open surgery. The perirenal fat was also excised after the nephrectomy. A histopathological examination revealed clear cell carcinoma and renal invasion by invasive lobular cancer cells. Also, scattered metastases were detected in the perirenal fat and the lateroconal fascia. So, it was considered that retroperitoneal metastases from the breast cancer had directly invaded the kidney. After the operation, the patient received hormonal therapy for her breast cancer, and she was still alive and symptom-free 5 months after the operation.

Estimation of trace metal elements in oral mucosa specimens by using SR-XRF, PIXE, and XAFS.

The effects of dissolved elements from metal dental restorations are a major concern in lesions of the oral mucosa, and the evaluation of accumulated metal elements, especially their distribution and chemical state, is essential for determining the precise effects of trace metals. In this study, X-ray fluorescence with synchrotron radiation (SR-XRF) and particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) were applied for distribution analysis of the trace metal elements contained in the oral mucosa, and the chemical states of the elements were estimated using X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) analysis. Appropriate combination of these analysis techniques, particularly SR-XRF and PIXE, to visualize the distributions of the elements in the oral mucosa allowed for the observation and evaluation of accumulated metal ions and debris. Importantly, the analyses in this study could be carried out using conventional histopathological specimens without damaging the specimens. Therefore, this method would be applicable for the detection of accumulated trace metal elements in biopsy specimens from the oral mucosa.

Hepatic adrenal rest tumor: Diagnostic pitfall and proposed algorithms to prevent misdiagnosis as lipid-rich hepatocellular carcinoma.

We present a case of adrenal rest tumor of the liver in which differential diagnosis from lipid rich-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was challenging. The patient was a 50-year-old woman in whom a 3-cm tumorous mass was discovered in segment 7 of the liver during computed tomography evaluation of a uterine leiomyoma. The preoperative diagnosis was HCC, and subsegmental liver resection was performed. The tumor appeared as a well-demarcated golden yellow nodule consisting of clear or partially eosinophilic cells arranged in a trabecular pattern. The initial impression of this lesion was that of clear cell type or lipid-rich type HCC because it stained positive for Hep Par1, but negative for arginase-1 and positive for CD56 which is one of the neuroendocrine markers. The lesion also stained positive for SF-1 and 3ß-HSD, both of which are markers of adrenocortical tissue. The final diagnosis was hepatic adrenal rest tumor. Hepatic adrenal rest tumor should be considered in the differential diagnosis of segment 7 tumor. A diagnostic algorithm that includes immunohistochemical staining for CD56 and arginase-1 is to rule out the possibility of lipid-rich HCC.

Manually controlled targeted prostate biopsy with real-time fusion imaging of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and transrectal ultrasound: an early experience.

OBJECTIVES: To report our early experience with manually controlled targeted biopsy with real-time multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and transrectal ultrasound fusion images for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. METHODS: A total of 20 consecutive patients suspicious of prostate cancer at the multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging scan were recruited prospectively. Targeted biopsies were carried out for each cancer-suspicious lesion, and 12 systematic biopsies using the BioJet system. Pathological findings of targeted and systematic biopsies were analyzed. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 70 years (range 52-83 years). The median preoperative prostate-specific antigen value was 7.4 ng/mL (range 3.54-19.9 ng/mL). Median preoperative prostate volume was 38 mL (range 24-68 mL). The number of cancer-detected cases was 14 (70%). The median Gleason score was 6.5 (range 6-8). Cancer-detected rates of the systematic and targeted biopsy cores were 6.7 and 31.8%, respectively (P < 0.0001). In six patients who underwent radical prostatectomy, the geographic locations and pathological grades of clinically significant cancers and index lesions corresponded to the pathological results of the targeted biopsies. CONCLUSION: Prostate cancers detected by targeted biopsies with manually controlled targeted biopsy using real-time multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and transrectal ultrasound fusion imaging have significantly higher grades and longer length compared with those detected by systematic biopsies. Further studies and comparison with the pathological findings of whole-gland specimens have the potential to determine the role of this biopsy methodology in patients selected for focal therapy and those under active surveillance.

Sex differences in immunohistochemical expression and capillary density in pancreatic solid pseudopapillary neoplasm.

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) is a rare and low-grade malignant pancreatic neoplasm. Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm is rare in men, and most SPN cases are in young women. This study aimed to investigate sex differences in SPN clinical histopathology including capillary density and expression of immunochemical markers, including glypican 3. A total of 22 resected tumors from pancreatic SPN patients, including 16 women (73%) and 6 men (27%), were analyzed histopathologically and immunohistochemically for synaptophysin, ß-catenin, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, Ki-67, CD10, CD31, and glypican 3. The median age was 52.5 years in men and 24 years in women (P = .046). The median tumor size was 22.5 mm in men and 40 mm in women (P = .337). In 11 of the 16 women (69%), but in none of the men, tumors showed complete or incomplete fibrous cap`sules (P = .006). Cholesterol clefts were observed in tumors from 10 women (63%) but in none from the men (P = .012). No significant sex differences were noted in tumor characteristics, including size, macroscopic cystic degeneration, necrosis, lymphovascular involvement, and perineural invasion. The SPNs were weakly positive for glypican 3, although there was no significant difference between sexes. Capillary density tended to be lower in tumors from men than in those from women, but not significantly. Thus, except for the fibrous capsule and cholesterol clefts often found in tumors and the younger age of the women, there were no significant sex differences in histopathologic or immunohistochemical features of SPN, despite its markedly higher occurrence in women.

[Reinforcement of warfarin action in a patient administered S-1].

A case showing reinforcement of the action of warfarin and potassium in a patient administered S-1 is reported.The patient was a 71-year-old man with left upper gingival cancer.He had ventricular tachycardia (VT), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and a cerebellar infarction.He underwent a pacemaker implantation, and was administered warfarin.After the operation, in mid-March 2010, he was administered with S-1 and warfarin. However, the international normalized ratio of prothrombin time (PT-INR) increased to an extremely high level of 5.82, and S-1 and warfarin were stopped. They were re-administered at the end of April, and the PT-INR stabilized to approximately 2.

Oesophageal cooling with ice water does not reduce the incidence of oesophageal lesions complicating catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: randomized controlled study.

AIM: Atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation can result in oesophageal injuries that lead to atrio-oesophageal fistulae, a life-threatening complication. This study aimed to evaluate whether oesophageal cooling could prevent oesophageal lesions complicating AF ablation. METHODS AND RESULTS: We randomly assigned 100 patients with drug-resistant AF to an oesophageal cooling group or a control group. In the oesophageal cooling group, we injected 5 mL of ice water into the oesophagus prior to radiofrequency (RF) energy delivery adjacent to the oesophagus. If the oesophageal temperature reached 42°C, the RF energy delivery was stopped, and the ice water injection was repeated. In the control group, oesophageal cooling was not applied. Oesophageal endoscopy was performed 1 day after the catheter ablation, and lesions were qualitatively assessed as mild, moderate, or severe. The numbers of ablation sites with an oesophageal temperature of >42°C were 1.7 ± 1.4 and 2.6 ± 1.7 in the oesophageal cooling group and the control group, respectively (P = 0.04), and the maximal oesophageal temperature at those sites was 43.0 ± 0.6 and 44.7 ± 0.9°C (P < 0.0001). Oesophageal lesions occurred almost equally between the oesophageal cooling group [10 of 50 patients (20%)] and the control group [11 of 50 patients (22%)]. However, the severity of the oesophageal lesions was slightly milder in the oesophageal cooling group (three moderate, seven mild) than in the control group (three severe, one moderate, seven mild). CONCLUSION: Oesophageal cooling may alleviate the severity of oesophageal lesions but does not reduce the incidence of this complication under the specific protocol evaluated here.

Novel metal allergy patch test using metal nanoballs.

BACKGROUND: Patch tests are often used in the clinical diagnosis of metal allergies. In currently available patch tests, high concentrations of metal salt solutions are used. However, diagnosis accuracy can be influenced not only by acute skin reactions to high concentrations of metal salt, but also by skin reactions to other components present in the patch or to pH changes. In this study, we developed Ni nanoparticles (termed "nanoballs") for use in patch-test solutions. FINDINGS: Highly soluble, spherical Ni nanoballs were prepared using plasma electrolysis. The Ni released from the nanoballs permeated through a dialysis membrane, and the nanoball-containing solution's pH was maintained constant. Ni ions were released slowly at low concentrations in a time-dependent manner, which contrasted the rapid release observed in the case of a commercial patch test. Consequently, in the new test system, reactions caused by high concentrations of metal salts were avoided. CONCLUSIONS: By exploiting the high specific surface area of Ni nanoballs, we obtained an effective dissolution of Ni ions that triggered Ni allergy in the absence of direct contact between the nanoballs and mouse skin. This novel patch system can be applied to other metals and alloys for diagnosing various types of metal-induced contact dermatitis.

Family Caregivers' Needs in Long-Term Care Facilities: A Descriptive Qualitative Study.

PURPOSE: To explore the needs of family caregivers (FCs) and how these are addressed in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). METHOD: A descriptive qualitative study was performed, using semi-structured interviews with 23 FCs from seven LTCFs in Japan. RESULTS: Inductive content analysis revealed three main themes: Coexistent Needs Related to Residents' and FCs' Own Well-Being, Means by Which FCs Promote Residents' and Their Own Well-Being, and Managing Conflicting Needs by Prioritizing and Compromising. FCs recognized that their needs relate to the well-being of residents and themselves, and both needs coexist. To address these multifaceted needs, FCs engaged in various activities while seeking support. However, limited availability of means often made it challenging to meet multiple needs simultaneously, leading FCs to manage these conflicting needs by prioritizing or compromising. CONCLUSION: The current study underscores the significance of comprehensive support that simultaneously addresses FCs' conflicting needs, rather than approaching each need separately. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, xx(x), xx-xx.].

Hemostasis with Metallic Stent for Multiple Metastatic Pancreatic Tumors Complicated with Hemobilia.

Introduction: Hemobilia, which refers to bleeding from the bile duct, is rare and difficult to treat. We report a case of successful hemostasis of a pancreatic tumor complicated by hemobilia. Case Presentation: A 76-year-old man was referred to our hospital with a pancreatic head tumor. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasonography-FNA were performed, and the patient was diagnosed with pancreatic metastasis of renal cell carcinoma. After discharge, the patient noted worsening jaundice and progressive anemia and was readmitted. ERCP reveals active bleeding from the duodenal papillae. The patient was placed on a fully covered metallic stent and discharged after confirming hemostasis. Conclusion: Renal cell carcinoma is a tumor with abundant blood flow. If hemobilia occurs, bleeding from pancreatic metastatic tumors should be considered. Additionally, hemostasis using a fully covered metallic stent is useful for treating hemobilia in tumors.

Which is a real valuable screening tool for lung cancer and measure thoracic diseases, chest radiography or low-dose computed tomography?: A review on the current status of Japan and other countries.

Chest radiography (CR) has been used as a screening tool for lung cancer and the use of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is not recommended in Japan. We need to reconsider whether CR really contributes to the early detection of lung cancer. In addition, we have not well discussed about other major thoracic disease detection by CR and LDCT compared with lung cancer despite of its high frequency. We review the usefulness of CR and LDCT as veridical screening tools for lung cancer and other thoracic diseases. In the case of lung cancer, many studies showed that LDCT has capability of early detection and improving outcomes compared with CR. Recent large randomized trial also supports former results. In the case of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), LDCT contributes to early detection and leads to the implementation of smoking cessation treatments. In the case of pulmonary infections, LDCT can reveal tiny inflammatory changes that are not observed on CR, though many of these cases improve spontaneously. Therefore, LDCT screening for pulmonary infections may be less useful. CR screening is more suitable for the detection of pulmonary infections. In the case of cardiovascular disease (CVD), CR may be a better screening tool for detecting cardiomegaly, whereas LDCT may be a more useful tool for detecting vascular changes. Therefore, the current status of thoracic disease screening is that LDCT may be a better screening tool for detecting lung cancer, COPD, and vascular changes. CR may be a suitable screening tool for pulmonary infections and cardiomegaly.