A combined MRI-PSAD risk stratification system for prioritizing prostate biopsies.

INTRODUCTION:   Prostate cancer screening with PSA is associated with low specificity; furthermore, little is known about the optimal timing of biopsy.  We aimed to evaluate whether a risk classification system combining PSA density (PSAD) and mpMRI can predict clinically significant cancer and determine biopsy timing. MATERIALS AND METHODS:  We reviewed the medical records of 256 men with a PI-RADS ≥ 3 lesion on mpMRI who underwent transperineal targeted and systematic biopsies of the prostate between 2017-2019.  Patients were stratified into three risk groups based on PSAD and mpMRI findings. The study endpoint was clinically significant prostate cancer (CSPC).  The association between the risk groups and CSPC was evaluated. RESULTS:  Based on the proposed risk stratification system 42/256 men (16%) were high-risk (mpMRI finding of extra-prostatic extension and/or seminal vesicle invasion and/or a PI-RADS 5 lesion with a PSAD > 0.15 ng/mL²), 164/256 (64%) intermediate-risk (PI-RADS 4-5 lesions and/or PSAD > 0.15ng/mL² with no high-risk features) and 50/256 (20%) low-risk (PI-RADS 3 lesions and PSAD ≤ 0.15 ng/mL²).  High-risk patients had significantly higher rates of CSPC (76%) when compared to intermediate-risk (26%) and low-risk (4%).  On multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, previous biopsy, and clinical T-stage we found an association between intermediate-risk (OR = 4.84, p = 0.038) and high-risk (OR = 40.13, p < 0.001) features and CSPC.  High-risk patients had a shorter median biopsy delay time (110 days) compared to intermediate- and low-risk patients (141 and 147 days, respectively).  We did not find an association between biopsy delay and CSPC. CONCLUSIONS:   Our findings suggest that a three-tier risk classification system based on mpMRI and PSAD can identify patients at high-risk for CSPC who may benefit from earlier biopsy.

Adrenal Vein Sampling: Does the Location of the Non-adrenal Venous Sample Matter?

PURPOSE: Adrenal vein sampling (AVS) is used to lateralise and differentiate unilateral from bilateral aldosterone production in primary aldosteronism. The adrenal venous samples are standardised to a peripheral or low inferior vena cava (IVC) sample and compared. It is unknown whether the location of the non-adrenal sample affects the results. This study compares AVS results standardised to the low IVC and right external iliac vein (REIV). METHODS: Patients who underwent AVS between March 2021 and May 2023 were included. All procedures were undertaken by a single operator (AA). Demographic data and AVS results were collected from patients' electronic records. Catheterisation success and lateralisation were assessed using both low IVC and REIV samples. Equivalence test was used to compare the cortisol and aldosterone levels. RESULTS: Eighty-one patients, (M: F = 38:43), aged between 29 and 74 were included. Bilateral successful adrenal vein cannulation was achieved in 79/81 (97.5%) cases. The mean cortisol levels from the REIV were statistically equivalent although there was a small and not biologically significant difference from the low IVC (respective geometric means 183 nmol/l vs. 185 nmol/l, p = 0.015). This small difference in cortisol may be due to accessory adrenal venous drainage into the IVC. The aldosterone and aldosterone/cortisol ratios were statistically equivalent. There was no discordance in selectivity or lateralisation when the IVC or REIV measurements were used. CONCLUSION: The IVC and REIV samples may be used interchangeably during AVS.

The role of tumor density in predicting significant cancer on targeted biopsy of the prostate.

OBJECTIVE: Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) is central to diagnosing prostate cancer; however, not all imaged lesions represent clinically significant tumors. We aimed to evaluate the association between the relative tumor volume on mpMRI and clinically significant prostate cancer on biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 340 patients who underwent combined transperineal targeted and systematic prostate biopsies between 2017 and 2021. Tumor volume was estimated based on the mpMRI diameter of suspected lesions. Relative tumor volume (tumor density) was calculated by dividing the tumor and prostate volumes. The study outcome was clinically significant cancer on biopsy. Logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between tumor density and the outcome. The cutoff for tumor density was determined with ROC curves. RESULTS: Median estimated prostate and peripheral zone tumor volumes were 55cm3 and 0.61cm3, respectively. Median PSA density was 0.13 and peripheral zone tumor density was 0.01. Overall, 231 patients (68%) had any cancer and 130 (38%) had clinically significant cancer. On multivariable logistic regression age, PSA, previous biopsy, maximal PI-RADS score, prostate volume, and peripheral zone tumor density were significant predictors of outcome. Using a threshold of 0.006, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of peripheral zone tumor density were 0.9, 0.51, 0.57, and 0.88, respectively. CONCLUSION: Peripheral zone tumor density is associated with clinically significant prostate cancer in patients with PI-RADS 4 and 5 mpMRI lesions. Future studies are required to validate our findings and evaluate the role of tumor density in avoiding unnecessary biopsies.

An ecological view of executive function in young children: Variation in and predictors of executive function skills over one school year.

For many years, researchers studied executive functions (EFs) in the laboratory with a focus on understanding an individual child's development and brain processes in a controlled environment. Building on this foundational research, there is a growing interest in EFs in the context of a child's dynamic, social world, and the contextual and compositional factors influencing EF development. This paper provides a descriptive view of EFs in 1112 K-3 children from six schools in Phoenix, AZ, USA. The study's goals were to examine (1) variation in EF scores between and within schools and classrooms, (2) predictors of variation in children's spring EF scores, and (3) individual and compositional predictors of children's spring EF scores. Our findings indicate greater variation in children's EF within schools than between, with very little or no variation arising from differences between schools. Though we observed greater variation within classrooms than between them, a notable amount of variance in children's spring EF scores appears to arise from differences between classrooms. Classroom-level variables, including a fall leave-out classroom mean (without the students' own score) and the number of children in the top or bottom grade-level quartiles in each classroom, were significant predictors of variation in spring EF scores as well as in fall to spring changes in EF. In some cases, the classroom variables were stronger predictors than individual fall scores. Findings suggest that understanding variation and cultivating growth in EF skills requires intervention, measurement, and analytic approaches that extend beyond the individual to include compositional features of the classroom environment. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Variation in children's EF scores (n = 1112 children) was greater within schools (n = 6 schools) than between, with very little or no variance arising from differences between schools. While variance was greater within classrooms than between (n = 67 classrooms), a notable amount of variance in children's spring EF scores appears to arise from differences between classrooms. Classroom-level variables (e.g., leave-out mean, number of children in the top or bottom grade-level quartiles in each classroom) were significant predictors of variation and of changes in spring EF outcomes. In some cases, the classroom variables were stronger predictors of spring EF than individual fall scores.

Preoperative biopsy for suspected adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head: yield and complications.

BACKGROUND: Histologic confirmation before pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for suspected pancreatic cancer is often performed. We assessed the yield of preoperative biopsy in these patients considering the associated complications. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 216 patients that underwent PD for suspected carcinoma (CA) between 2012 and 2018. Post procedure complications and delay in surgery were assessed, as well as the postoperative diagnosis in relation to preoperative parameters. RESULTS: Preoperative biopsy was performed in 142 patients (65.7%). Pathologic findings suggestive of CA were found in 106 (74.6%), while benign histology was found in 23 (16.1%), and non-diagnostic findings in 12 (8.4%). Seventy-four patients (34.3%) were operated without a preoperative biopsy. The time from diagnosis to surgery was significantly prolonged in those that underwent biopsy compared to patients that were taken straight to surgery (40±14 versus 18±15 days, P<0.001), and 18 patients (12.6%) suffered from clinically significant post procedure complications. Patients with a preoperative biopsy suggestive of CA, and those that were operated without a preoperative histologic confirmation had comparable rates of CA as a final pathological diagnosis (95.2% and 94.5%, respectively). Nevertheless, in patients with a benign or a non-diagnostic biopsy, the rates of pathologic diagnosis of CA were 69.6% and 73.6% respectively. Elevated levels of CA19-9 and a positive preoperative biopsy were associated with a final pathology of CA. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative histology is not uniformly required in patients with suspected pancreatic cancer. If preoperative biopsy is performed, benign histology does not rule out cancer but warrants additional evaluation prior to surgery.

Anterior and apical samplings during transperineal image-guided prostate biopsy.

INTRODUCTION: Concurrent systematic biopsies during image-guided targeted biopsies of the prostate were found to improve the detection rate of clinically significant prostate cancer (CSPC). However, these biopsies do not routinely include anterior or apical sampling. We aimed to evaluate the significance of anterior and apical samplings during combined biopsies. METHODS: After obtaining institutional review board approval we identified 303 consecutive patients who underwent transperineal combined biopsies of the prostate between 2017-2020. Systematic biopsies were obtained from the peripheral zone, anterior zone, and apex. Study outcomes included CSPC and any cancer on anterior or apical biopsies. Logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between pre-biopsy characteristics and study outcomes. RESULTS: Median prostatic-specific-antigen value was 6.8 ng/dL. Most patients had stage T1c disease (77%). Overall, combined biopsies detected CSPC in 87 patients (29%). Any cancer and CSPC in the anterior zone were found in 54 (18%) and 19 (6%) patients, respectively. Any cancer and CSPC in the apex were found in 54 (18%) and 16 (5%) patients, respectively. Anterior/apical samplings upgraded the pathological result in 19 patients (6%). Logistic regression analyses demonstrated that PI-RADS 5 lesions predicted the presence of CSPC in both the anterior zone (OR = 8, 95%CI = 3-22, P <0.001) and apex (OR = 4, 95%CI = 1-10, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Avoiding anterior and apical samplings during prostate biopsy does not result in substantial under-diagnosis of significant cancer. However, these areas are easily accessible using the transperineal approach and should be sampled in selected patients, particularly those with PI-RADS 5 lesions.

Evaluating the Impact of a Targeted Approach Designed to Build Executive Function Skills: A Randomized Trial of Brain Games.

This paper reports results from an impact study of Brain Games (BGs), a classroom-based intervention designed to build preschool and school-aged children's executive functions (EFs) and related self-regulation skills. The study employed a classroom-randomized, experimental design with 626 students in 36 pre-K through fourth grade classrooms in charter schools in a mid-sized urban district. In one set of models with child covariates, children in intervention classrooms showed marginal positive impacts on regulation-related behaviors, attention control and impulsivity, and negative effects on global EF and marginal increases in discipline problems. A second set of models with a smaller sample and both child and classroom covariates included indicate positive impacts of BGs on global EFs, prosocial behavior, and attention control and impulsivity. There were no significant impacts on the teacher-student relationship as reported by the teacher or on direct assessments of inhibitory control, short term and working memory, or another measure of global EF in either set of models. These promising findings offer a signal that implementation of targeted, easy to implement intervention approaches in classroom contexts can influence children's regulation-related and prosocial outcomes, but this signal should be investigated further with larger and more tightly controlled designs.

Clinical Evaluation of Assays for Plasma Renin Activity and Aldosterone Measurement by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

BACKGROUND: Aldosterone and renin are pivotal hormones in the regulation of salt and water homeostasis and blood pressure. Measurement of renin and aldosterone in serum/plasma is essential for the investigation of primary hyperaldosteronism (PA) and monitoring of glucocorticoid replacement therapy. METHODS: We report 2 LC-MS/MS methods developed to measure aldosterone and plasma renin activity (PRA). PRA was determined by endogenous enzymatic generation of angiotensin I using 150 µL of sample. Generated angiotensin I was purified by solid phase extraction prior to chromatographic separation and mass spectrometry. Aldosterone measurement required 300 µL of sample extracted with MTBE prior to LC-MS/MS analysis. RESULTS: The PRA method was linear (1.2-193 nmol/L), sensitive (LLOQ = 1.2 nmol/L), precise (CV = 4.1%), and specific (no cross reactivity for a number of structurally similar steroids). Dilutional linearity and recovery (84%) were acceptable. Accuracy was confirmed by comparison against our current RIA method. The aldosterone method had equally acceptable performance characteristics. Reference ranges in 110 healthy normotensive subjects were: PRA 0.2-3.7 nmol/L/h and aldosterone 50-950 pmol/L. Consecutive patients (n = 62) with adrenal incidentalomas shown to have no functional adrenal disease; their post overnight 1 mg dexamethasone test values were: PRA 0.2-2.6 nmol/L/h and aldosterone 55-480 pmol/L. Serum aldosterone values after 2 liter saline suppression were-normal subjects (n = 17): 78-238 pmol/L and confirmed primary hyperaldosteronism (n = 25): 131-1080 pmol/L. CONCLUSIONS: We have developed robust assays for PRA and aldosterone with appropriate clinical evaluation. These assays are now in routine practice in the UK.

The use of whole blood capillary samples to measure 15 analytes for a home-collect biochemistry service during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: A proposed model from North West London Pathology.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the delivery of secondary care services. Self-collection of capillary blood at home can facilitate the monitoring of patients with chronic disease to support virtual clinics while mitigating the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and transmission. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the comparability of whole blood capillary and plasma venous samples for 15 routinely used biochemical analytes and to develop and pilot a user-friendly home-collection kit to support virtual outpatient clinical services. METHODS: To investigate the comparability of whole blood capillary and plasma venous samples for 15 routinely requested biochemical analytes, simultaneous samples of venous and capillary blood were collected in EDTA and lithium-heparin plasma separation tubes that were of 4-6 mL and 400-600 µL draw volume, respectively. Venous samples were analysed within 4 h of collection while capillary samples were kept at ambient temperature for three days until centrifugation and analysis. Analyte results that were comparable between the matrices were then piloted in a feasibility study in three outpatient clinical services. RESULTS: HbA1c, lipid profile and liver function tests were considered comparable and piloted in the patient feasibility study. The home-collect kit demonstrated good patient usability. CONCLUSION: Home collection of capillary blood could be a clinically-useful tool to deliver virtual care to patients with chronic disease.

The effect of delaying transperineal fusion biopsy of the prostate for patients with suspicious MRI findings-Implications for the COVID-19 era.

OBJECTIVE: Image guided biopsies are an integral part of prostate cancer evaluation. The effect of delaying biopsies of suspicious prostate mpMRI lesions is uncertain and clinically relevant during the COVID-19 crisis. We evaluated the association between biopsy delay time and pathologic findings on subsequent prostate biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After obtaining IRB approval we reviewed the medical records of 214 patients who underwent image-guided transperineal fusion biopsy of the prostate biopsy between 2017 and 2019. Study outcomes included clinically significant (ISUP grade group ≥2) and any prostate cancer on biopsy. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between biopsy delay time and outcomes while adjusting for known predictors of cancer on biopsy. RESULTS: The study cohort included 195 men with a median age of 68. Median delay between mpMRI and biopsy was 5 months, and 90% of patients had a ≤8 months delay. A significant association was found between PI-RADS 5 lesions and no previous biopsies and shorter delay time. Delay time was not associated with clinically significant or any cancer on biopsy. A higher risk of significant cancer was associated with older age (P = 0.008), higher PSA (0.003), smaller prostate volume (<0.001), no previous biopsy (0.012) and PI-RADS 5 lesions (0.015). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that under current practice, where men with PI-RADS 5 lesions and no previous biopsies undergo earlier evaluation, a delay of up to 8 months between imaging and biopsy does not affect biopsy findings. In the current COVID-19 crisis, selectively delaying image-guided prostate biopsies is unlikely to result in a higher rate of significant cancer.

Palliative bypass surgery for patients with advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma: experience from a tertiary center.

BACKGROUND: As advances in oncological treatment continue to prolong the survival of patients with non-resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), decision-making regarding palliative surgical bypass in patients with a heavy disease burden turns challenging. Here we present the results of a pancreatic surgery referral center. METHODS: Patients that underwent palliative gastrojejunostomy and/or hepaticojejunostomy for advanced, non-resectable PDAC between January 2010 and November 2018 were retrospectively assessed. All patients were taken to a purely palliative surgery with no curative intent. The postoperative course as well as short and long-term outcomes was evaluated in relation to preoperative parameters. RESULTS: Forty-two patients (19 females) underwent palliative bypass. Thirty-one underwent only gastrojejunostomy (22 laparoscopic) and 11 underwent both gastrojejunostomy and hepaticojejunostomy (all by an open approach). Although 34 patients (80.9%) were able to return temporarily to oral intake during the index admission, 15 (35.7%) suffered from a major postoperative complication. Seven patients (16.6%) died from surgery and another seven within the following month. Nine patients (21.4%) never left the hospital following the surgery. Mean length of hospital stay was 18 ± 17 days (range 3-88 days). Mean overall survival was 172.8 ± 179.2 and median survival was 94.5 days. Age, preoperative hypoalbuminemia, sarcopenia, and disseminated disease were associated with palliation failure, defined as inability to regain oral intake, leave the hospital, or early mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Although palliative gastrojejunostomy and hepaticojejunostomy may be beneficial for specific patients, severe postoperative morbidity and high mortality rates are still common. Patient selection remains crucial for achieving acceptable outcomes.

Clinical outcomes of endoscopic balloon dilatation of intestinal strictures in patients with Crohn's disease.

Intestinal strictures are common complications of Crohn's disease (CD). Endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) constitutes an alternative therapy to surgery, but associated factors of procedure success are inconclusive. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the EBD success rate and its associated factors in CD patients.This is a retrospective cohort study of consecutive EBDs that were conducted between 2006 and 2014 among patients with CD with lower gastrointestinal tract strictures. Patients' and stricture characteristics, short term procedure success and related complications at 1 week follow-up, and long-term clinical endpoints were documented.A total of 138 dilatations were performed on 64 CD patients. The overall dilatation success rate was 84.8%, with no difference between primary or anastomotic strictures, or between first or recurrent dilatation procedures. Long strictures (≥4 cm) were negatively associated with successful EBDs, but not with perforations. A multivariate analysis adjusting for age, sex, smoking, and disease duration revealed that a maximal dilatation diameter of ≥15 mm was positively associated with a successful EBD, while an inflamed stricture was negatively associated with procedure success. Strictures which were both long and inflamed were associated with the lowest EBD success rates compared with other strictures. Only 32.8% of patients required surgery during the follow-up period. Long-term prevention of surgery was negatively associated with stricture length and with a successful EBD.EBD is highly successful in treating intestinal strictures and in prevention of surgery in CD patients. Although EBD of long strictures is safe, it will not prevent surgery in the majority of cases.

Body Composition, Resting Energy Expenditure, and Metabolic Changes in Women Diagnosed with Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma.

Background: Thyroid hormones heavily impact energy expenditure, body mass, and body composition. Their role in the state of exogenous subclinical hyperthyroidism in differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) patients, however, is less well defined. The first aim of this study was to assess changes in body weight, body composition, resting energy expenditure (REE), respiratory quotient (RQ), and metabolic parameters in female DTC patients, starting from the phase of a euthyroid state before total thyroidectomy through the subsequent year after thyrotropin (TSH) suppression. The second aim was to assess the relationship between these variables and thyroid function parameters. Methods: This observational case series analyzed changes in body composition, calorimetric, and metabolic parameters of 15 DTC female patients at 5 time points: (1) at initial DTC diagnosis (euthyroid state), (2) at 2-3 weeks after thyroidectomy (hypothyroid state), (3) at 2-3 months of levothyroxine (LT4) treatment (exogenous euthyroid state), (4) after 6-9 months, and (5) after 1 year of TSH suppressive LT4 therapy (exogenous subclinical hyperthyroid state). A generalized estimating equation (GEE) analysis was performed to estimate the longitudinal correlations of the total triiodothyronine (TT3)/free thyroxine (fT4) ratio (as an independent variable) with body composition, metabolic, and calorimetric parameter changes (as dependent variables). Results: REE, REE per kilogram of lean body mass (REE/LBM), pulse, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher after TSH suppressive LT4 therapy. The GEE analysis revealed longitudinal negative correlations between the TT3/fT4 ratio and systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, body mass index, android (abdominal wall and visceral mesentery) fat distribution, trunk, and arm fat distribution, REE, and REE/LBM. There was a positive correlation with RQ. Conclusions: REE, REE/LBM, pulse, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher after thyroidectomy, radioiodine and TSH suppressive therapy in female DTC patients, while no changes were observed in body weight or body composition. A lower TT3/fT4 ratio longitudinally correlated with increases in REE, REE/LBM, abdominal fat distribution, systolic blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose, as well as with decreased RQ. These findings highlight the importance of judicial balancing of the benefits and detriments of TSH suppression with subsequent decreased TT3/fT4 ratios for female DTC patients.

Indeterminate nodules by the Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology in Israel: Frequency, and risk of malignancy after reclassification of follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like features.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the frequency and risk of malignancy (ROM) for indeterminate thyroid nodules, categories III (B3) and IV (B4) of the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (BSRTC), at a large institution in Israel. Additionally, we investigated the impact of redefining follicular neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) as non-malignant on malignancy rates. METHODS: In this retrospective study of all thyroid fine needle aspirations (FNAs) performed at Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center between January 2013 and December 2015, we assessed ROM for B3 and B4 nodules. Potential risk factors thought to affect a-priori ROM were assessed. Suspected NIFTP lesions were re-examined, and if proven, reclassified as benign. RESULTS: 3701 nodules were sampled in 2919 FNAs performed on 2674 patients. B3 reports comprised 7.7% of all nodules (n = 284); B4 represented 3.6% (n = 132). In multivariate logistic regression, male gender, being of former Soviet Union origin, and smoking increased ROM for B3 nodules by a factor of 7.97 (P = 0.002; CI: 2.2-23.4), 9.15 (P = 0.021; CI:1.4-60.0), and 11.0 (P = 0.001; CI 2.8-44.8), respectively. Reclassifying NIFTP decreased ROM from 14% to 12.5% for B3, and from 26.7% to 25% for B4 nodules. NIFTP comprised 9.5% of previously diagnosed resected malignant tumors. CONCLUSIONS: The relative frequencies of B3 and B4 nodules and their associated malignancy rates were consistent with previous series. Risk factors identified for malignancy may help characterize patients most likely to benefit from surgery. Reclassifying NIFTP had a substantial impact on the ROM in the resected tumors previously diagnosed as malignant.

Ga-PSMA PET/CT Staging of Newly Diagnosed Intermediate- and High-Risk Prostate Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Ga-prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography/computerized tomography (Ga-PSMA PET/CT) is part of the initial workup of patients with intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer provided by the Israeli national health services. OBJECTIVES: To assess the incidence of metastatic spread in consecutive patients with newly diagnosed cancer, and the potential added value of Ga-PSMA PET/CT to the staging imaging algorithm. METHODS: Patients with newly diagnosed intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer were referred for initial staging by Ga-PSMA PET/CT between May 2016 and April 2017. Blood prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, clinical history, imaging reports and histopathological reports (including Gleason scores) were obtained. Maximal standardized uptake values (SUVmax) were determined for the primary lesions detected within the prostate. RESULTS: The study included 137 consecutive patients with intermediate- and high-risk disease who underwent Ga-PSMA PET/CT staging. Of these, 75 had Ga-PSMA uptake in both prostate lobes, 57 had unilateral uptake, and 5 patients had no uptake. SUVmax in the primary tumor correlated significantly with PSA levels. Thirty-five patients had increased uptake compatible with metastatic disease involving lymph nodes, bone, and viscera. Twenty-seven patients had available bone scintigraphy results: 18 (69%) of their 26 bone metastases detected by Ga-PSMA PET/CT were missed on bone scintigraphy. CONCLUSIONS: Ga-PSMA PET/CT shows promise as a sole whole-body imaging modality for assessing the presence of soft tissue and bone metastases in the setting of prostate cancer.

CT for Acute Nontraumatic Abdominal Pain-Is Oral Contrast Really Required?

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the diagnostic performance of abdominal computed tomography (CT) performed with and without oral contrast in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with acute nontraumatic abdominal pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between December 2013 and December 2014, 348 adult patients presenting to the ED of a large tertiary medical center with nontraumatic abdominal pain were evaluated. Exclusion criteria for the study were history of inflammatory bowel disease, recent abdominal operation and suspected renal colic, abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture, or intestinal obstruction. All patients underwent intravenous contrast-enhanced abdominal CT on a Philips Brilliance 64-slice scanner using a routine abdomen protocol. The study group included 174 patients who underwent abdominal CT scanning without oral contrast, recruited using convenience sampling. A control group of 174 patients was matched to the cohort groups' gender and age and underwent abdominal CT with oral contrast material during the same time period. The patients' medical records were reviewed for various clinical findings and for the final clinical diagnosis. The CT exams were initially reviewed by a senior attending radiologist to determine the exams' technical adequacy and to decide whether an additional scan with oral contrast was required. Two senior radiologists, blinded to the clinical diagnosis, later performed consensus reading to determine the contribution of oral contrast administration to the radiologists' diagnostic confidence and its influence on diagnosing various radiological findings. RESULTS: Each group consisted of 82 men and 92 women. The average age of the two groups was 48 years. The main clinical diagnoses of the pathological examinations were appendicitis (17.5%), diverticulitis (10.9%), and colitis (5.2%). A normal CT examination was found in 34.8% of the patients. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding most of the clinical parameters that were examined. None of the examinations of all of the 174 study group patients was found to be technically inadequate, and therefore no patient had to undergo additional scanning to establish a diagnosis. The consensus reading of the senior radiologists determined that the lack of oral contrast was insignificant in 96.6% of the cases and that contrast material might have been useful in only 6 of 174 study group patients (3.4%). The radiologists found oral contrast to be helpful only in 8 of 174 control group patients (4.6%). There was no significant difference between the clinical and radiological diagnoses in both groups (study group, P = 0.261; control group, P = 0.075). CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that oral contrast is noncontributory to radiological diagnosis in most patients presenting to the ED with acute nontraumatic abdominal pain. These patients can therefore undergo abdominal CT scanning without oral contrast, with no effect on radiological diagnostic performance.

Could low Safety Attitudes Questionnaire scores be indicative of an environment where it may be difficult to get new training practices established?

Introduction: Simulation-based, multiprofessional team training (SBMPTT) is used widely in healthcare, with evidence that it can improve clinical outcomes and be associated with a positive safety culture. Our aim was to explore the impact of introducing this type of training to a gynaecological team. Methods: In this interrupted time-series study, 'Safety Attitudes Questionnaire' (SAQ) data was collected both before and after SBMPTT was introduced to a gynaecological team. Results: Low baseline SAQ scores coincided with difficulty in establishing the training, meaning that at the end of our study period only a small proportion of staff had actually attended a training session. Despite trends towards improvement in scores for safety climate, teamwork climate and job satisfaction, no statistically significant difference was observed. There was however an improved perception of the level of collaboration between nursing staff and doctors after the introduction of training. Conclusions and Discussion: In this paper we explore a hypothesis that low baseline SAQ scores may highlight that the multiprofessional teams most in need of training work in environments where it is more challenging to implement. There is evidence from other specialties that multiprofessional team training works, now we need to understand how to address the barriers to getting it started. In this paper we suggest how the SAQ could be used as a directive tool for improvement; using the detailed analysis of the local safety culture it provides to both inform future training design and also provide management with an objective marker of progress.