18F-DCFPyL PET/CT for Initially Diagnosed and Biochemically Recurrent Prostate Cancer: Prospective Trial with Pathologic Confirmation.

Background Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET is standard for newly diagnosed high-risk and biochemically recurrent (BCR) prostate cancer. Although studies suggest high specificity of 2-(3-{1-carboxy-5-[(6-[(18)F]fluoro-pyridine-3-carbonyl)-amino]-pentyl}-ureido)-pentanedioic acid (DCFPyL) for targeting PSMA, false-positive findings have been identified and most studies lack histologic confirmation of malignancy. Purpose To estimate the positive predictive value (PPV) of DCFPyL PET/CT by providing histopathologic proof for DCFPyL-avid lesions suspected of being distant metastases at initial diagnosis and recurrence in BCR prostate cancer. Materials and Methods In this prospective trial, men with newly diagnosed high-risk prostate cancer (sample 1) or BCR prostate cancer and negative findings at conventional CT and/or bone scanning (sample 2) were enrolled between January and December 2021. All men underwent DCFPyL PET/CT. Suspected distant metastases and/or recurrences were biopsied. PPV was calculated. Results A total of 92 men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer (median age, 70 years; IQR, 64-75 years) (sample 1) and 92 men with BCR prostate cancer (median age, 71 years; IQR, 66-75 years) (sample 2) were enrolled. In sample 1, 25 of the 92 men (27%) demonstrated DCFPyL-avid lesions suspicious for distant metastases. Biopsy was performed in 23 of the 25 men (92%), with 17 of the 23 (74%) biopsies positive for malignancy and six (26%) benign. Of the six benign biopsies, three were solitary rib foci and three were solitary pelvic bone foci. In sample 2, 57 of the 92 men (62%) demonstrated DCFPyL-avid lesions suspicious for recurrence. Biopsy was performed in 37 of the 57 men (65%), with 33 of the 37 (89%) biopsies positive for malignancy and four (11%) benign. Of the four benign biopsies, two were subcentimeter pelvic nodes and/or nodules, one was a rib, and one was a pelvic bone focus. Conclusion PET/CT with 2-(3-{1-carboxy-5-[(6-[(18)F]fluoro-pyridine-3-carbonyl)-amino]-pentyl}-ureido)-pentanedioic acid (DCFPyL) had a high biopsy-proven positive predictive value for distant metastases in newly diagnosed prostate cancer (74%) and for recurrence sites in men with biochemical recurrence (89%). However, there were DCFPyL-avid false-positive findings (particularly in ribs and pelvic bones). Solitary DCFPyL avidity in these locations should not be presumed as malignant. Biopsy may still be needed prior to therapy decisions. ClinicalTrials.gov registration no. NCT04700332 © RSNA, 2022 See also the editorial by Zukotynski and Kuo in this issue.

Technical and Anatomic Factors Influencing the Success of Inferior Vena Caval Stent Placement for Malignant Obstruction.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of inferior vena cava (IVC) stent placement for malignant obstruction and to identify anatomic and procedural factors influencing technical and clinical success. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 57 patients (37 male, 20 female; age range, 22-86 y) underwent 62 IVC stent placement procedures using 97 stents (47 Wallstents, 15 S.M.A.R.T. stents, 18 Wallflex stents, 17 others) from 2005 to 2016 for malignant IVC obstruction caused by hepatic metastases (n = 22; 39%), primary hepatic malignancy (n = 16; 28%), retroperitoneal metastases (n = 16; 28%), or other primary malignancy (n = 5; 9%). Presenting symptoms included lower-extremity edema (n = 54; 95%), ascites (n = 28; 50%), and perineal edema (n = 14; 25%). Sixteen percent (n = 10) and 10% (n = 6) of the procedures involved tumor and bland thrombus, respectively. RESULTS: Stent placements resulted in 100% venographic patency and significantly decreased pressure gradients (P < .0001). Lower-extremity swelling, perineal swelling, and abdominal distension improved within 7 days in 83% (35 of 42), 100% (9 of 9), and 40% (6 of 15) of patients, respectively, and at 30 days after the procedure in 86% (25 of 29), 89% (8 of 9), and 80% (4 of 5) of patients, respectively. Increased pre- and post-stent placement pressure gradients were associated with worse outcomes. A 4% stent misplacement rate (4 of 97) was related to the use of Wallstents with caudal stent tapering, asymmetric deployment superior to the obstruction, suprahepatic IVC involvement, and decreased stent adherence to the IVC wall as a result of local mechanical factors. CONCLUSIONS: Stent placement is reliable, rapid, and durable in improving malignant IVC syndrome. Understanding of technical and anatomic factors can improve accuracy and avoid complications of stent misplacement.

Emergent salvage direct intrahepatic portocaval shunt procedure for acute variceal hemorrhage.

PURPOSE: To review the safety and effectiveness of direct intrahepatic portocaval shunt (DIPS) creation with variceal embolization for acute variceal hemorrhage after a failed transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation attempt or in patients with prohibitive anatomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt and DIPS procedures performed for variceal hemorrhage between January 2008 and July 2014 were reviewed. The default procedure was TIPS creation, with DIPS creation reserved for patients with unfavorable anatomy or who had technically unsuccessful TIPS creation. Thirteen patients underwent DIPS creation (mean age, 60 y ± 12; Child-Pugh class A/B/C, 8%/62%/30%; Model for End-stage Liver Disease score, 15 ± 5; range, 8-26) and 117 underwent TIPS creation. Four patients underwent a TIPS attempt and were converted to DIPS creation upon technical failure; 9 were treated primarily with DIPS creation because of preprocedural imaging revealing unfavorable anatomy (intrahepatic portal thrombosis, n = 2; venous distortion from prior hepatic resections, n = 2; severely angulated hepatic veins, n = 5). RESULTS: Direct intrahepatic portocaval shunt creation with variceal embolization (six gastric or esophageal; seven stomal, duodenal, or rectal) was successful in all patients; 11 also had concomitant variceal sclerotherapy. Mean DIPS procedure time was less than 2 hours. There was 1 major procedural complication. During a mean follow-up of 13.0 months ± 15.5, 1 patient developed DIPS thrombosis and recurrent hemorrhage; 1 patient underwent successful transplantation. Two deaths were observed within 30 days, neither associated with recurrent hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: Direct intrahepatic portocaval shunt creation appears to be a safe, expedient, and effective treatment for patients with acute variceal hemorrhage who are poor anatomic candidates for TIPS creation or who have undergone unsuccessful TIPS creation attempts.

ER-Targeted PET for Initial Staging and Suspected Recurrence in ER-Positive Breast Cancer.

Importance: There are insufficient data comparing 16α-18F-fluoro-17ß-estradiol (FES) positron emission tomography (PET) computed tomography (CT) with standard-of-care imaging (SOC) for staging locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) or evaluating suspected recurrence. Objective: To determine the detection rate of FES PET/CT and SOC for distant metastases in patients with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive LABC and recurrences in patients with ER-positive BC and suspected recurrence. Design, Setting, and Participants: This diagnostic study was conducted as a single-center phase 2 trial, from January 2021 to September 2023. The study design provided 80% power to find a 20% detection rate difference. Participants included patients with ER-positive LABC (cohort 1) or suspected recurrence (cohort 2). Data were analyzed from September 2023 to February 2024. Exposure: Participants underwent both SOC imaging and experimental FES PET/CT. When there were suspicious lesions on imaging, 1 was biopsied for histopathological reference standard to confirm presence (true positive) or absence (false positive) of malignant neoplasm. Main Outcomes and Measures: The outcome of interest was the detection rate of FES PET CT vs SOC for distant metastases and recurrences. Results: A total of 124 patients were accrued, with 62 in cohort 1 (median [IQR] age, 52 [32-84] years) and 62 in cohort 2 (median [IQR] age, 66 [30-93] years). In cohort 1, of 14 true-positive findings, SOC imaging detected 12 and FES detected 11 (P > .99). In cohort 2, of 23 true-positive findings, SOC detected 16 and FES detected 18 (P = .77). In 30 patients with lobular histology, of 11 true-positive findings, SOC detected 5 and FES detected 9 (P = .29). There were 6 false-positive findings on SOC and 1 false-positive finding on FES PET/CT (P = .13). Conclusions and Relevance: In this diagnostic study with pathological findings as the reference standard, no difference was found between FES PET/CT and current SOC imaging for detecting distant metastases in patients with ER-positive LABC or recurrences in patients with ER-positive tumors and suspected recurrence. FES PET/CT could be considered for both clinical indications, which are not part of current Appropriate Use Criteria for FES PET. The findings regarding FES PET/CT in patients with lobular tumors, and for lower false positives than current SOC imaging, warrant further investigation.

Cardiovascular disease and stroke in women: role of radiology.

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this review are to describe the clinical presentation and diagnostic test characteristics in the care of women with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease and to discuss the role of newer imaging modalities in improving diagnostic accuracy in the detection of these diseases. CONCLUSION: Despite major advances in both diagnostics and therapeutics, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases remain two of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among women worldwide. More research is needed into sex differences in these diseases, particularly to discern whether accurate imaging can lead to early diagnosis, change in clinical management, and overall improvement in patient outcomes.

Using Keynote to present radiology images.

Numerous articles have offered instructions for working with advanced radiology images in Microsoft PowerPoint (Redmond, WA); however, no articles have detailed instructions to do the same on alternative presentation software. Apple Macintosh (Cupertino, CA) computers are gaining popularity with many radiologists, due in part to the availability of a powerful, free, open-source Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) viewing and manipulating software OsiriX ( http://www.osirix-viewer.com ). Apple's own presentation software, Keynote, is particularly effective in dealing with medical images and cine clips. This article demonstrates how to use Apple's Keynote software to present radiology images and scrollable image stacks, without third-party add-on software. The article also illustrates how to compress media files and protect patient information in Keynote presentations. Lastly, it addresses the steps to converting between PowerPoint and Keynote file formats. Apple's Keynote software enables quick and efficient addition of multiple static images or scrollable image stacks, compression of media files, and removal of patient information. These functions can be accomplished by inexperienced users with no software modifications.

The efficacy of hepatic 90Y resin radioembolization for metastatic neuroendocrine tumors: a meta-analysis.

UNLABELLED: (90)Y resin radioembolization is an emerging treatment in patients with liver-dominant metastatic neuroendocrine tumors (mNETs), despite the absence of level I data. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of this modality in a meta-analysis of the published literature. METHODS: A comprehensive review protocol screened all reports in the literature. Strict selection criteria were applied to ensure consistency among the selected studies: human subjects, complete response data with time interval, resin microspheres, more than 5 patients, not a duplicate cohort, English language, and separate and complete data for resin-based (90)Y treatment of mNET if the study included multiple tumor and microsphere types. Selected studies were critically appraised on 50 study criteria, in accordance with the research reporting standards for radioembolization. Response data (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors) were extracted and analyzed using both fixed and random-effects meta-analyses. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-six studies were screened; 12 were selected, totaling 435 procedures for response assessment. Funnel plots showed no evidence of publication bias (P = 0.841). Critical appraisal revealed a median of 75% of desired criteria included in selected studies. Very high between-study heterogeneity ruled out a fixed-effects model. The random-effects weighted average objective response rate (complete and partial responses, CR and PR, respectively) was 50% (95% confidence interval, 38%-62%), and weighted average disease control rate (CR, PR, and stable disease) was 86% (95% confidence interval, 78%-92%). The percentage of patients with pancreatic mNET was marginally associated with poorer response (P = 0.030), accounting for approximately 23% of the heterogeneity among studies. The percentage of CR and PR correlated with median survival (R = 0.85; P = 0.008). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis confirms radioembolization to be an effective treatment option for patients with hepatic mNET. The pooled data demonstrated a high response rate and improved survival for patients responding to therapy.

Aortic distensibility and its relationship to coronary and thoracic atherosclerosis plaque and morphology by MDCT: insights from the ROMICAT Trial.

BACKGROUND: Multi-detector cardiac computed tomography (CT) allows for simultaneous assessment of aortic distensibility (AD), coronary atherosclerosis, and thoracic aortic atherosclerosis. OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the relationship of AD to the presence and morphological features in coronary and thoracic atherosclerosis. METHODS: In 293 patients (53 ± 12 years, 63% male), retrospectively-gated MDCT were performed. We measured intraluminal aortic areas across 10 phases of the cardiac cycle (multiphase reformation 10% increments) at pre-defined locations to calculate the ascending, descending, and local AD (at locations of thoracic plaque). AD was calculated as maximum change in area/(minimum area × pulse pressure). Coronary and thoracic plaques were categorized as calcified, mixed, or non-calcified. RESULTS: Ascending and descending AD were lower in patients with any coronary plaque, calcified or mixed plaque than those without (all p<0.0001) but not with non-calcified coronary plaque (p ≥ 0.46). Per 1mm Hg(-1) 10(-3) increase in ascending and descending AD, there was an 18-29% adjusted risk reduction for having any coronary, calcified plaque, or mixed coronary plaque (ascending AD only) (all p ≤ 0.04). AD was not associated with non-calcified coronary plaque or when age was added to the models (all p>0.39). Local AD was lower at locations of calcified and mixed thoracic plaque when compared to non-calcified thoracic atherosclerosis (p<0.04). CONCLUSIONS: A stiffer, less distensible aorta is associated with coronary and thoracic atherosclerosis, particularly in the presence of calcified and mixed plaques, suggesting that the mechanism of atherosclerosis in small and large vessels is similar and influenced by advancing age.

Infarct detection with a comprehensive cardiac CT protocol.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac CT has the potential to offer comprehensive infarct detection by assessing regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMAs), rest perfusion defects (RPDs), and delayed contrast enhancement (DCE). However, the diagnostic accuracy of these techniques for the detection of myocardial infarction (MI) is unknown. METHODS: Forty-eight patients with intermediate-to-high probability for coronary artery disease after single-photon emitting CT myocardial perfusion imaging were prospectively enrolled for a research comprehensive 64-detector row dual-source cardiac CT protocol that included cine images for RWMA, first-pass images for RPD, and delayed images for DCE. Blinded readers independently assessed each technique. Subsequently, a final combined analysis (cine + rest + DCE) was performed. The universal definition for MI by the 2007 American Heart Association task force was used as the "gold standard." RESULTS: Twenty-four of 48 patients (50%) had infarct by the universal definition. The combined CT analysis was most accurate (90%) with the highest per-patient sensitivity (88%) and specificity (92%) versus individual assessments (RWMA, 79% and 88%; RPD, 67% and 92%; DCE, 79% and 88%). Similar findings were observed on a per-vessel basis analysis. A combination of DCE and cine showed a good accuracy (85%) and high sensitivity (92%). CONCLUSIONS: Infarct detection with CT is feasible with overall good diagnostic accuracy compared with the universal definition. A combined evaluation that included all techniques (cine, RPD, and DCE) had the highest diagnostic accuracy. These findings may have implications when designing future clinical and research CT protocols for optimal infarct detection.

Evolution of coronary computed tomography radiation dose reduction at a tertiary referral center.

PURPOSE: We aimed to assess the temporal change in radiation doses from coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) during a 6-year period. High CCTA radiation doses have been reduced by multiple technologies that, if used appropriately, can decrease exposures significantly. METHODS: A total of 1277 examinations performed from 2005 to 2010 were included. Univariate and multivariable regression analysis of patient- and scan-related variables was performed with estimated radiation dose as the main outcome measure. RESULTS: Median doses decreased by 74.8% (P<.001), from 13.1 millisieverts (mSv) (interquartile range 9.3-14.7) in period 1 to 3.3 mSv (1.8-6.7) in period 4. Factors associated with greatest dose reductions (P<.001) were all most frequently applied in period 4: axial-sequential acquisition (univariate: -8.0 mSv [-9.7 to -7.9]), high-pitch helical acquisition (univariate: -8.8 mSv [-9.3 to -7.9]), reduced tube voltage (100 vs 120 kV) (univariate: -6.4 mSv [-7.4 to -5.4]), and use of automatic exposure control (univariate: -5.3 mSv [-6.2 to -4.4]). CONCLUSIONS: CCTA radiation doses were reduced 74.8% through increasing use of dose-saving measures and evolving scanner technology.

Stress myocardial CT perfusion: an update and future perspective.

Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) has been shown by several multicenter trials to have excellent diagnostic accuracy in the detection and exclusion of significant coronary stenosis. However, a major limitation of coronary CTA is that the physiological significance of stenotic lesions identified is often unknown. Stress myocardial computed tomography perfusion (CTP) is a novel examination that provides both anatomic and physiological information (i.e., myocardial perfusion). Multiple single-center studies have established the feasibility of stress myocardial CTP. Furthermore, it has been illustrated that a combined CTA/CTP protocol improves the diagnostic accuracy to detect hemodynamic significant stenosis as compared with CTA alone; this combined protocol can also be accomplished at a radiation dose comparable to nuclear myocardial perfusion imaging exams. Although initial results hold some promise, stress myocardial CTP is a modality in its infancy. Further research is required to define, validate, and optimize this new technique. However, it is a modality with significant potential, particularly in the evaluation of chest pain patients, given the advantages of short exam time and comprehensive data acquisition. This review highlights how to perform and interpret stress myocardial CTP, summarizes the current literature, and discusses some future directions.

The effect of heart rhythm on patient radiation dose with dual-source cardiac computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: To lower the radiation exposure associated with cardiac CT, it is essential to identify all factors that influence radiation dose. OBJECTIVES: We explored the effect of heart rhythm during scan acquisition on radiation dose with a 64-slice dual-source cardiac CT. METHODS: Patient and scan data were collected prospectively in 302 consecutive patients referred for a clinical dual-source cardiac CT. Electrocardiograms recorded during acquisition were interpreted by a cardiologist and categorized as (1) normal sinus rhythm (NSR), (2) premature atrial contraction (PAC) or premature ventricular contraction (PVC), or (3) atrial fibrillation or flutter. RESULTS: Of the 302 patients, 227 (75.2%) were in NSR and had no ectopy, 55 (18.2%) had PAC/PVC, and 20 (6.6%) had atrial fibrillation or flutter during the scan. Patients with irregular rhythm (PAC/PVC and atrial fibrillation or flutter) were older than patients with regular rhythm (61.0 vs 54.8 years; P = 0.006). Patients with NSR had the lowest estimated radiation dose, followed by PAC/PVC and atrial fibrillation/flutter (9.4, 14.5, 20.9 mSv; P < 0.001). The difference remained significant after adjustments for differences in examination type, tube current and voltage, scan length, pitch, and use of tube current modulation (9.8, 14.1, 17.9 mSv; P < 0.001). No significant association was observed between heart rhythm and subjective image quality although scans with regular rhythm and no ectopy had higher signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Compared to patients with NSR, patients with atrial fibrillation/flutter had the highest radiation exposure, followed by those with PAC/PVC. Even after adjustment for factors associated with radiation exposure, a significant difference in radiation dose persisted. These findings can be used to identify patients who are more likely to receive higher radiation dose when undergoing cardiac CT and to develop future more-efficient scanner algorithms for use in patients with arrhythmias.

A comparison of reconstruction and viewing parameters on image quality and accuracy of stress myocardial CT perfusion.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial stress computed tomography perfusion (CTP) has similar diagnostic accuracy for detecting perfusion defects (PDs) versus single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). However, the optimal diagnostic viewing and image processing parameters for CTP are unknown. OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare the diagnostic accuracy of different image processing techniques, cardiac phases, slice thicknesses, and viewing parameters for detection of PDs. METHODS: A stress and rest dual-source CTP protocol was performed with adenosine. Twelve subjects with severe stenosis proven by quantitative coronary angiography (QCA), with corresponding territorial defects at SPECT, were selected as well as 7 controls (subjects with similar clinical suspicion but negative QCA and SPECT). Short-axis stress images were processed with 3 techniques: minimum intensity projection (MinIP), maximum intensity projection, and average intensity multiplanar reconstruction (MPR), 3 thicknesses (1, 3, 8 mm), and 2 phases (systolic, mid-diastolic). The resulting images (n = 1026) were randomized and interpreted by independent readers. RESULTS: Diastolic reconstructions (8-mm MPR) showed the highest sensitivity (81%) to detect true PDs. The highest accuracy was achieved with the 8-mm (61%) and 1-mm (61%) MPR diastolic images. The most sensitive and accurate systolic reconstructions were 3-mm MinIP images. These findings related to viewing in relatively narrow window width and window level settings. CONCLUSION: Viewing parameters for optimal accuracy in detection of perfusion defects on CTP differ for systolic and diastolic images.