Comparison of 11C-choline with 18F-FDG in positron emission tomography/computerized tomography for staging urothelial carcinoma: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: 11C-choline was postulated to provide better diagnostic capabilities than other tracers used in positron emission tomography/computerized tomography for staging urothelial carcinoma. We compared the value of using 11C-choline with the well investigated 18F-FDG tracer in this setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group included 20 consecutive patients with bladder cancer who underwent evaluation for local and metastatic disease using 11C-choline and 18F-FDG positron emission tomography/computerized tomography. Patients were treated with radical cystectomy with lymph node dissection, radiation therapy or chemotherapy independent of positron emission tomography/computerized tomography results. The histopathological findings (when available), followup positron emission tomography and radiological imaging served as the reference standard. Using the paired t test we compared the maximum standardized uptake and lesion-to-background ratio of the tracers. The positive predictive values were determined. RESULTS: A total of 51 lesions showed abnormal tracer activity. The positive predictive value for all detected lesions was 84.7% for 11C-choline positron emission tomography/computerized tomography and 90.7% for 18F-FDG positron emission tomography/computerized tomography. The corresponding positive predictive values for extravesical lesions were 79.4% and 88.2%, respectively. Discrepant findings between the tracers were noted at 11 sites. 18F-FDG positron emission tomography/computerized tomography correctly identified 4 extravesical metastases missed by choline positron emission tomography/computerized tomography in the absence of a contrary observation. Mean maximum standardized uptake and lesion-to-background ratio at extravesical sites were significantly higher for FDG. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of a relatively small number of patients and partial histopathological analysis, 11C-choline positron emission tomography/computerized tomography appears to have no advantage compared to 18F-FDG positron emission tomography/computerized tomography in the detection of metastatic bladder cancer. 18F-FDG positron emission tomography/computerized tomography has a tendency toward greater accuracy.

Spectrum of focal benign musculoskeletal 18F-FDG uptake at PET/CT of the shoulder and pelvis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to illustrate the spectrum of common benign intraarticular and extraarticular disorders associated with focal (18)F-FDG uptake in the shoulder and pelvic areas in oncology patients referred for PET/CT. CONCLUSION: A wide spectrum of benign musculoskeletal disorders associated with focal FDG uptake may be detected in cancer patients. This incidental uptake usually does not seem to be a clinically significant finding, but it can affect quality of life.

The metabolic spectrum of venous thrombotic disorders found on PET/CT.

OBJECTIVE: Thrombotic disorders detected on PET/CT are usually incidental findings and may change the treatment strategy and patient's disease prognosis. The purpose of this article is to present the spectrum of venous thrombotic disorders found on PET/CT. CONCLUSION: The division of thrombotic disorders into metabolically nonactive and active thrombus may be helpful for differential diagnosis of underlying diseases causing thrombus formation. IV contrast media administration during PET/CT makes it possible to visualize the thrombus itself and helps to distinguish between benign and malignant metabolically active thrombus.

FDG-PET/CT for diagnosis and follow-up of necrotizing (malignant) external otitis.

OBJECTIVE: Imaging is important for the diagnosis and follow-up of necrotizing external otitis (NEO). The best imaging modality is controversy. To suggest 2-deoxy-2-[fluorine-18] fluoro-D-glucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT) as an alternative to technetium-99m and gallium-67 scans for diagnosis and assessment of response to treatment for patients with NEO. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. METHODS: Tertiary referral center. From 2013 through 2017, 12 patients were diagnosed with NEO based on clinical features and positive FDG uptake within the temporal bone on PET/CT. Mean age was 74 ± 11.5; 83% of the patients were male; and 83% had diabetes. RESULTS: PET/CT scans were reviewed independently by two nuclear medicine specialists. Imaging located osteomyelitis in external ear canal, mastoid, temporomandibular joint, and nasopharyngeal region (100%, 50%, 16%, 8%, respectively). Mean follow-up was 16 months. Eight patients (67%) underwent a second PET/CT scan after active otitis resolved and after at least 6 weeks of antibiotic treatment. The scan demonstrated no or substantially reduced FDG uptake and treatment was stopped. The patients had no NEO symptoms at the end of follow-up. One patient had significant uptake, and antibiotic treatment was continued until a third scan demonstrated no FDG uptake. Two patients died before the second PET/CT, and two were lost to follow-up. CONCLUSION: 18F-FDG-PET/CT is a reliable imaging modality for diagnosis, disease localization, and decision making regarding treatment cessation. 18F-FDG-PET/CT should be considered as the imaging modality of choice for initial diagnosis and follow-up in NEO patients. Larger, controlled studies are warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 129:961-966, 2019.

Psychological skills of highly qualified football players, determining the effectiveness of their playing activities / Habilidades psicológicas de jugadores de fútbol altamente calificados. Determinar la efectividad de sus actividades de juego

The paper presents research findings of the psychological skills of highly qualified football players. These skills are essential for effective football players. Based on the analysis of the results , obtained by using the author's methodology, method of expert assessment and statistical methods, the psychological skills that are related to the game efficiency of the players have been established

El artículo presenta resultados de investigaciones sobre las habilidades psicológicas de jugadores de fútbol altamente calificados. Estas habilidades son esenciales para jugadores de fútbol efectivos. Sobre la base del análisis de los resultados, obtenidos mediante el uso de la metodología del autor, el método de evaluación experta y los métodos estadísticos, se han establecido las habilidades psicológicas relacionadas con la eficiencia del juego de los jugadores

Clinical spectrum of asymptomatic femoral neck abnormal uptake on bone scintigraphy.

UNLABELLED: The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical spectrum of asymptomatic abnormal focal uptake of (99m)Tc-methylene diphosphonate (MDP) in the femoral neck. METHODS: Fifteen consecutive patients with asymptomatic abnormal focal uptake of (99m)Tc-MDP in the femoral neck were evaluated. Two patients had bilateral abnormal focal uptake. The patient's history, clinical findings, and plain hip radiograph were obtained in all cases. Scintigraphic, radiographic and clinical findings were correlated. RESULTS: Eight of 17 (47%) femoral necks showed a definite herniation pit on radiography, 6 patients (35%) had normal radiographic findings, 1 patient had a bone island, 1 patient had a bone island and a herniation pit, and 1 patient had a subtle lesion suggestive of a herniation pit on radiography. All patients remained asymptomatic for at least a 10-mo follow-up period. CONCLUSION: A herniation pit is the most common finding among asymptomatic abnormal femoral neck focal uptake. This condition should be distinguished from a wide variety of disorders associated with increased focal abnormal uptake of (99m)Tc-MDP in the femoral neck.