The American Cancer Society National Lung Cancer Roundtable strategic plan: Implementation of high-quality lung cancer screening.

More than a decade has passed since researchers in the Early Lung Cancer Action Project and the National Lung Screening Trial demonstrated the ability to save lives of high-risk individuals from lung cancer through regular screening by low dose computed tomography scan. The emergence of the most recent findings in the Dutch-Belgian lung-cancer screening trial (Nederlands-Leuvens Longkanker Screenings Onderzoek [NELSON]) further strengthens and expands on this evidence. These studies demonstrate the benefit of integrating lung cancer screening into clinical practice, yet lung cancer continues to lead cancer mortality rates in the United States. Fewer than 20% of screen eligible individuals are enrolled in lung cancer screening, leaving millions of qualified individuals without the standard of care and benefit they deserve. This article, part of the American Cancer Society National Lung Cancer Roundtable (ACS NLCRT) strategic plan, examines the impediments to successful adoption, dissemination, and implementation of lung cancer screening. Proposed solutions identified by the ACS NLCRT Implementation Strategies Task Group and work currently underway to address these challenges to improve uptake of lung cancer screening are discussed. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: The evidence supporting the benefit of lung cancer screening in adults who previously or currently smoke has led to widespread endorsement and coverage by health plans. Lung cancer screening programs should be designed to promote high uptake rates of screening among eligible adults, and to deliver high-quality screening and follow-up care.

Fleischner Society: Glossary of Terms for Thoracic Imaging.

Members of the Fleischner Society have compiled a glossary of terms for thoracic imaging that replaces previous glossaries published in 1984, 1996, and 2008, respectively. The impetus to update the previous version arose from multiple considerations. These include an awareness that new terms and concepts have emerged, others have become obsolete, and the usage of some terms has either changed or become inconsistent to a degree that warranted a new definition. This latest glossary is focused on terms of clinical importance and on those whose meaning may be perceived as vague or ambiguous. As with previous versions, the aim of the present glossary is to establish standardization of terminology for thoracic radiology and, thereby, to facilitate communications between radiologists and clinicians. Moreover, the present glossary aims to contribute to a more stringent use of terminology, increasingly required for structured reporting and accurate searches in large databases. Compared with the previous version, the number of images (chest radiography and CT) in the current version has substantially increased. The authors hope that this will enhance its educational and practical value. All definitions and images are hyperlinked throughout the text. Click on each figure callout to view corresponding image. © RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorials by Bhalla and Powell in this issue.

Cardiac MRI Findings of Myocarditis After COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination in Adolescents.

BACKGROUND. A possible association has been reported between COVID-19 messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccination and myocarditis. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of our study was to describe cardiac MRI findings in patients with myocarditis after COVID-19 mRNA vaccination. METHODS. This retrospective study included patients without known prior SARS-CoV-2 infection who underwent cardiac MRI between May 14, 2021, and June 14, 2021, for suspected myocarditis within 2 weeks of COVID-19 mRNA vaccination. Information regarding clinical presentation, hospital course, and events after hospital discharge were recorded. A cardiothoracic imaging fellow and cardiothoracic radiologist reviewed cardiac MRI examinations in consensus. Data were summarized descriptively. RESULTS. Of 52 patients without known prior SARS-CoV-2 infection who underwent cardiac MRI during the study period, five underwent MRI for suspected myocarditis after recent COVID-19 mRNA vaccination. All five patients were male patients ranging in age from 16 to 19 years (mean, 17.2 ± 1.0 [SD] years) who presented within 4 days of receiving the second dose of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. Troponin levels were elevated in all patients (mean peak troponin I value, 6.82 ± 4.13 ng/mL). Alternate possible causes of myocarditis were deemed clinically unlikely on the basis of medical history, physical examination findings, myocarditis viral panel, and toxicology screening. Cardiac MRI findings were consistent with myocarditis in all five patients on the basis of the Lake Louise criteria, including early gadolinium enhancement and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in all patients and corresponding myocardial edema in four patients. All five patients had a favorable hospital course and were discharged from the hospital in stable condition with improved or resolved symptoms after hospitalization (mean length of hospital stay, 4.8 days). Two patients underwent repeat cardiac MRI that showed persistent, although decreased, LGE. Three patients reported mild intermittent self-resolving chest pain after hospital discharge, and two patients had no recurrent symptoms after discharge. CONCLUSION. In this small case series, all patients with myocarditis after COVID-19 vaccination were male adolescents and had a favorable initial clinical course. All patients showed cardiac MRI findings typical of myocarditis from other causes. LGE persisted in two patients who underwent repeat MRI. These observations do not establish causality. CLINICAL IMPACT. Radiologists should be aware of a possible association of COVID-19 mRNA vaccination and myocarditis and recognize the role of cardiac MRI in the assessment of suspected myocarditis after COVID-19 vaccination.

Prone Chest Radiographs: Distinguishing Features and Identification of Support Devices.

PURPOSE: Prone position is known to improve acute lung injury, and chest radiographs are often necessary to monitor disease and confirm support device placement. However, there is a paucity of literature regarding radiographs obtained in this position. We evaluated prone radiographs for distinguishing features and ability to identify support devices. METHODS: Pairs of prone and supine radiographs obtained during the COVID-19 pandemic were assessed retrospectively. IRB approval and waiver of informed consent were obtained. Radiographs were assessed for imaging adequacy, distinguishing features, and support device identification (endotracheal tube, enteric tube, or central line). Radiographs were reviewed by ≥ 2 cardiothoracic radiologists. RESULTS: Radiographs from 81 patients (63yo ± 13, 30% women) were reviewed. Prone and supine radiographs were comparable for imaging the lung bases (81% vs. 90%, p = 0.35) and apices (93% vs. 94%, p = 1); prone radiographs more frequently had significant rotation (36% vs. 19%, p = 0.021). To identify prone technique, scapula tip located beyond the rib border was 89% sensitive (95%CI 80-95%) and 85% specific (76-92%), and a fundal stomach bubble was 44% sensitive (33-56%) and 90% specific (81-96%). For women, displaced breast shadow was 46% sensitive (26-67%) and 92% specific (73-99%). Prone and supine radiographs each identified > 99% of support devices. Prone exams trended toward increased rate of malpositioned device (12% vs. 6%, p = 0.07). CONCLUSION: Scapula position reliably distinguishes prone from supine position; fundal stomach bubble or displaced breast shadow is specific for prone position. Prone radiographs reliably identify line and tube position, which is particularly important as prone patients appear at increased risk for malpositioned devices.

Lung-RADS Version 1.1: Challenges and a Look Ahead, From the AJR Special Series on Radiology Reporting and Data Systems.

In 2014, the American College of Radiology (ACR) created Lung-RADS 1.0. The system was updated to Lung-RADS 1.1 in 2019, and further updates are anticipated as additional data become available. Lung-RADS provides a common lexicon and standardized nodule follow-up management paradigm for use when reporting lung cancer screening (LCS) low-dose CT (LDCT) chest examinations and serves as a quality assurance and outcome monitoring tool. The use of Lung-RADS is intended to improve LCS performance and lead to better patient outcomes. To date, the ACR's Lung Cancer Screening Registry is the only LCS registry approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and requires the use of Lung-RADS categories for reimbursement. Numerous challenges have emerged regarding the use of Lung-RADS in clinical practice, including the timing of return to LCS after planned follow-up diagnostic evaluation; potential substitution of interval diagnostic CT for future LDCT; role of volumetric analysis in assessing nodule size; assessment of nodule growth; assessment of cavitary, subpleural, and category 4X nodules; and variability in reporting of the S modifier. This article highlights the major updates between versions 1.0 and 1.1 of Lung-RADS, describes the system's ongoing challenges, and summarizes current evidence and recommendations.

Ischemic Heart Disease: Noninvasive Imaging Techniques and Findings.

Ischemic heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide and comprises a large proportion of annual health care expenditure. Management of ischemic heart disease is now best guided by the physiologic significance of coronary artery stenosis. Invasive coronary angiography is the standard for diagnosing coronary artery stenosis. However, it is expensive and has risks including vascular access site complications and contrast material-induced nephropathy. Invasive coronary angiography requires fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurement to determine the physiologic significance of a coronary artery stenosis. Multiple noninvasive cardiac imaging modalities can also anatomically delineate or functionally assess for significant coronary artery stenosis, as well as detect the presence of myocardial infarction (MI). While coronary CT angiography can help assess the degree of anatomic stenosis, its inability to assess the physiologic significance of lesions limits its specificity. Physiologic significance of coronary artery stenosis can be determined by cardiac MR vasodilator or dobutamine stress imaging, CT stress perfusion imaging, FFR CT, PET myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI), SPECT MPI, and stress echocardiography. Clinically unrecognized MI, another clear indicator of physiologically significant coronary artery disease, is relatively common and is best evaluated with cardiac MRI. The authors illustrate the spectrum of imaging findings of ischemic heart disease (coronary artery disease, myocardial ischemia, and MI); highlight the advantages and disadvantages of the various noninvasive imaging methods used to assess ischemic heart disease, as illustrated by recent clinical trials; and summarize current indications and contraindications for noninvasive imaging techniques for detection of ischemic heart disease. Online supplemental material is available for this article. Published under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Utilization of Coronary Artery Disease Reporting and Data System: A Survey of Cardiovascular Imaging Societies.

OBJECTIVE: This survey was performed to determine the extent of utilization of Coronary Artery Disease Reporting and Data System (CAD-RADS) since its introduction in 2016 among members of cardiovascular imaging societies. METHODS: A survey regarding use of CAD-RADS was distributed to members of North American Society for Cardiovascular Imaging and Society for Cardiovascular Computed Tomography. RESULTS: A total of 246 surveys were completed, and results show that, although most respondents are familiar with CAD-RADS (95%), less than half (45%) report using CAD-RADS for all coronary CTA. Rates of CAD-RADS utilization were similar among physicians who work in a variety of settings. Years of clinical experience did not affect the rates of CAD-RADS utilization; however, a higher weekly volume of cardiac computed tomography was associated with higher rates of CAD-RADS utilization. CONCLUSIONS: Four years after the introduction of CAD-RADS, the reporting system is used by less than half of surveyed members of North American Society for Cardiovascular Imaging and Society for Cardiovascular Computed Tomography regardless of practice model and range of practice experience with cardiac computed tomography.

High prevalence of a linear valve-like structure on CT at the pulmonary artery terminus of patent ductus arteriosus in adult patients, mimicking endarteritis.

PURPOSE: A linear valve-like structure at the pulmonary artery terminus is identified on CT in some patients with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and can potentially be mistaken for endarteritis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the differences in CT features between adult patients with PDA and a linear structure and those without. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated ECG-gated cardiac CT of 38 patients with PDA dividing them into two groups [patients with linear symmetrical valve-like structure (group1, n = 16), and those without (group 2, n = 22)]. We analyzed CT findings of the PDA including length, minimal and maximal diameter, presence of calcification, and PDA type, comparing the two subgroups. The authors also investigated the prevalence of endarteritis. RESULTS: There was no difference in CT findings between the two groups in the prevalence of calcification and length, and minimal and maximal diameter of PDA. Notably the linear valve-like structure was only identified in type 1 PDA (cone-shaped PDA) (p = 0.04), while there were variable types of PDA in group 2. There was only one case of endarteritis as a complication of PDA in group 1. In contrast to a linear valve-like structure, asymmetrical nodular thickening was noted in the patient with endarteritis on CT overlying the pre-existing linear valve-like structure at the pulmonary end of PDA. CONCLUSION: A linear valve-like structure is frequently identified at the pulmonary end in type 1 PDA. This CT finding should not be mistaken for endarteritis in the absence of other clinical evidence.

CT Scans Obtained for Nonpulmonary Indications: Associated Respiratory Findings of COVID-19.

Background Atypical manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are being encountered as the pandemic unfolds, leading to non-chest CT scans that may uncover unsuspected pulmonary disease. Purpose To investigate patients with primary nonrespiratory symptoms who underwent CT of the abdomen or pelvis or CT of the cervical spine or neck with unsuspected findings highly suspicious for pulmonary COVID-19. Materials and Methods This retrospective study from March 10, 2020, to April 6, 2020, involved three institutions, two in a region considered a hot spot (area of high prevalence) for COVID-19. Patients without known COVID-19 were included who presented to the emergency department (ED) with primary nonrespiratory (gastrointestinal or neurologic) symptoms, had lung parenchymal findings suspicious for COVID-19 at non-chest CT but not concurrent chest CT, and underwent COVID-19 testing in the ED. Group 1 patients had reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results obtained before CT scan reading (COVID-19 suspected on presentation); group 2 had RT-PCR results obtained after CT scans were read (COVID-19 not suspected). Presentation and imaging findings were compared, and outcomes were evaluated. Descriptive statistics and Fisher exact tests were used for analysis. Results Group 1 comprised 62 patients (31 men, 31 women; mean age, 67 years ±17 [standard deviation]), and group 2 comprised 57 patients (28 men, 29 women; mean age, 63 years ± 16). Cough and fever were more common in group 1 (37 of 62 [60%] and 29 of 62 [47%], respectively) than in group 2 (nine of 57 [16%] and 12 of 57 [21%], respectively), with no significant difference in the remaining symptoms. There were 101 CT scans of the abdomen or pelvis and 18 CT scans of the cervical spine or neck. In group 1, non-chest CT findings provided the initial evidence of COVID-19-related pneumonia in 32 of 62 (52%) patients. In group 2, the evidence was found in 44 of 57 (77%) patients. Overall, the most common CT findings were ground-glass opacity (114 of 119, 96%) and consolidation (47 of 119, 40%). Major interventions (vasopressor medication or intubation) were required for 29 of 119 (24%) patients, and 27 of 119 (23%) died. Patients who underwent CT of the cervical spine or neck had worse outcomes than those who underwent abdominal or pelvic CT (P = .01). Conclusion In a substantial percentage of patients with primary nonrespiratory symptoms who underwent non-chest CT, CT provided evidence of coronavirus disease 2019-related pneumonia. © RSNA, 2020.

Vancouver Risk Calculator Compared with ACR Lung-RADS in Predicting Malignancy: Analysis of the National Lung Screening Trial.

Purpose To compare the Vancouver risk calculator (VRC) with American College of Radiology (ACR) Lung Imaging Reporting and Data System (Lung-RADS) in predicting the risk of malignancy in the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST). Materials and Methods A total of 2813 patients with 4408 nodules (4078 solid, 330 subsolid) were available from the NLST for evaluation. Nodules were scored by using VRC with nine parameters (output was the percentage likelihood of malignancy; VRC threshold for malignancy likelihood set as greater than 5%) and Lung-RADS (output was category 2-4B; malignancy defined as category 4A or 4B; malignancy likelihood greater than 5%). Lung-RADS and VRC were compared for sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for malignancy on a per-nodule and per-patient basis. Results Of 4408 total nodules, 100 of 4078 (2.5%) solid nodules were malignant and 10 of 330 (3%) subsolid nodules were malignant. On an overall per-nodule basis, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for VRC and Lung-RADS were 93%, 90%, and 90% for VRC and 87%, 83%, and 83% for Lung-RADS, respectively (P = .077, P < .001, and P < .001, respectively). On a per-patient basis, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for VRC and Lung-RADS were 93%, 85%, and 85% for VRC and 87%, 76%, and 76% for Lung-RADS, respectively (P = .077, P < .001, and P < .001, respectively). Conclusion The Vancouver risk calculator had superior overall accuracy than the Lung Imaging Reporting and Data System in predicting malignancy in the National Lung Screening Trial for total nodules, as well as on a per-patient basis. © RSNA, 2019 See also the editorial by Black in this issue.

JOURNAL CLUB: Computer-Aided Detection of Lung Nodules on CT With a Computerized Pulmonary Vessel Suppressed Function.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate radiologists' performance in detecting actionable nodules on chest CT when aided by a pulmonary vessel image-suppressed function and a computer-aided detection (CADe) system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A novel computerized pulmonary vessel image-suppressed function with a built-in CADe (VIS/CADe) system was developed to assist radiologists in interpreting thoracic CT images. Twelve radiologists participated in a comparative study without and with the VIS/CADe using 324 cases (involving 95 cancers and 83 benign nodules). The ratio of nodule-free cases to cases with nodules was 2:1 in the study. Localization ROC (LROC) methods were used for analysis. RESULTS: In a stand-alone test, the VIS/CADe system detected 89.5% and 82.0% of malignant nodules and all nodules no smaller than 5 mm, respectively. The false-positive rate per CT study was 0.58. For the reader study, the mean area under the LROC curve (LROCAUC) for the detection of lung cancer significantly increased from 0.633 when unaided by VIS/CADe to 0.773 when aided by VIS/CADe (p < 0.01). For the detection of all clinically actionable nodules, the mean LROC-AUC significantly increased from 0.584 when unaided by VIS/CADe to 0.692 when detection was aided by VIS/CADe (p < 0.01). Radiologists detected 80.0% of cancers with VIS/CADe versus 64.45% of cancers unaided (p < 0.01); specificity decreased from 89.9% to 84.4% (p < 0.01). Radiologist interpretation time significantly decreased by 26%. CONCLUSION: The VIS/CADe system significantly increased radiologists' detection of cancers and actionable nodules with somewhat lower specificity. With use of the VIS/CADe system, radiologists increased their interpretation speed by a factor of approximately one-fourth. Our study suggests that the technique has the potential to assist radiologists in the detection of additional actionable nodules on thoracic CT.

Spectrum of Coronary Artery Aneurysms: From the Radiologic Pathology Archives.

Advances in medical diagnosis reveal that coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) may develop in several clinical scenarios and manifest variable symptoms, imaging appearances, and outcomes. Aneurysms are pathologically classified into three groups: atherosclerotic, inflammatory, and noninflammatory. The last category is associated with congenital, inherited, and connective tissue disorders. Overlap exists among the groups, because secondary atherosclerotic change may be present in an aneurysm of any cause. Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of CAAs in adults, and inflammation is considered the underlying mechanism. In children, Kawasaki disease is the most likely cause of CAAs. In both conditions, the aneurysms are usually multiple and affect more than one coronary artery. Mycotic (infectious), iatrogenic, and cocaine-induced CAAs are also well documented. Most CAAs are discovered incidentally, but potential cardiovascular complications include thrombosis, occlusion, fistula formation, rupture, myocardial infarction, and cardiac tamponade. Imaging modalities to evaluate a suspected CAA include transthoracic echocardiography, angiographic cardiac catheterization, electrocardiographically gated computed tomographic angiography, cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and MR angiography. Management is usually individualized, and options include surveillance, anticoagulant therapy, percutaneous stent or coil placement, surgical resection, and coronary artery bypass grafting.

The Vancouver Lung Cancer Risk Prediction Model: Assessment by Using a Subset of the National Lung Screening Trial Cohort.

Purpose To assess the likelihood of malignancy among a subset of nodules in the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) by using a risk calculator based on nodule and patient characteristics. Materials and Methods All authors received approval for use of NLST data. An institutional review board exemption and a waiver for informed consent were granted to the author with an academic appointment. Nodule characteristics and patient attributes with regard to benign and malignant nodules in the NLST were applied to a nodule risk calculator from a group in Vancouver, Canada. Patient populations and their nodule characteristics were compared between the NLST and Vancouver cohorts. Multiple thresholds were tested to distinguish benign nodules from malignant nodules. An optimized threshold value was used to determine positive and negative predictive values, and a full logistic regression model was applied to the NLST data set. Results Sufficient data were available for 4431 nodules (4315 benign nodules and 116 malignant nodules) from the NLST data set. The NLST and Vancouver data sets differed in that the former included fewer nodules per study, fewer nonsolid nodules, and more nodule spiculation and emphysema. A composite risk score threshold of 10% was determined to be optimal, demonstrating sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 85.3%, 93.9%, 27.4%, and 99.6%, respectively. The receiver operating characteristic curve for the full regression model applied to the NLST database demonstrated an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.963 (95% confidence interval: 0.945, 0.974). Conclusion Application of an NLST data subset to the Vancouver risk calculator yielded a high discriminant value, which supports the use of a risk calculator method as a valuable approach to distinguish between benign and malignant nodules. © RSNA, 2016 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Cardiac Applications of PET-MR.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this study was to provide an overview of the clinical applications of PET-MR in the setting of cardiac imaging with emphasis on specific scenarios where both techniques together provided added information. RECENT FINDINGS: Synergy of cardiac PET and MR fusion may hold similar promise eliminating ionizing radiation and improving tissue contrast. Future development of new hybrid scanners, use of new imaging tracers, and clinical applications are significant factors which will influence its use. Both positron emission tomography (PET) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) provide important anatomic and physiologic information with regard to the heart. Being able to combine the data from these two examinations in a hybrid technique allows for a more complete evaluation of cardiac pathology. While hybrid PET-CT has already established the utility of a combined imaging approach, the use of CMR in lieu of CT allows for elimination of ionizing radiation and for improved tissue contrast.

Primary Pulmonary Lymphoid Lesions: Radiologic and Pathologic Findings.

The pulmonary lymphoid system is complex and is composed of two compartments: the pulmonary lymphatics and the bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT). Additional important cells that function in the pulmonary lymphoid system include dendritic cells, Langherhans cells, macrophages, and plasma cells. An appreciation of the normal lymphoid anatomy of the lung as well as its immunology is helpful in understanding the radiologic and pathologic findings of the primary pulmonary lymphoid lesions. Primary lymphoid lesions of the lung arise from the BALT and are uncommon. However, they are increasingly recognized within the growing number of posttransplant patients as well as other patients who are receiving immunosuppressive therapies. Primary lymphoid lesions encompass a wide range of benign and malignant lesions. Benign lymphoid lesions of the lung include reactive lymphoid hyperplasia, follicular bronchiolitis, lymphoid interstitial pneumonia, and nodular lymphoid hyperplasia. Malignant lymphoid lesions of the lung include low-grade B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), other non-Hodgkin lymphomas, and Hodgkin lymphoma. Last, a miscellaneous group of primary lymphoid lesions includes lymphomatoid granulomatosis, posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related lymphoma, and intravascular lymphoma/lymphomatosis. These lesions are best evaluated with multidetector chest computed tomography. The radiologic findings of the primary lymphoid lesions are often nonspecific and are best interpreted in correlation with clinical data and pathologic findings. The purpose of this article is to review pulmonary lymphoid anatomy as well as the most common primary pulmonary lymphoid disorders.

Presence of subpleural pulmonary interstitial emphysema as an indication of single or multiple alveolar ruptures on CT in patients with spontaneous pneumomediastinum.

Background There are no previous reports regarding the computed tomography (CT) findings of subpleural pulmonary interstitial emphysema (PIE) in patients with spontaneous pneumomediastinum. Purpose To evaluate CT findings of subpleural PIE that may indicate a direct site of terminal alveolar rupture. Material and Methods We retrospectively evaluated chest CT and the medical records of 34 patients with spontaneous pneumomediastinum. Subpleural PIE was defined as the presence of an interstitial air collection in the subpleural portion of the lungs excluding the bronchovascular bundle. Results Subpleural PIE on CT was identified in six of 34 patients (17.6%) with spontaneous pneumomediastinum. In four of these (66.7%), subpleural PIE was present in multiple lobes suggesting multiple simultaneous ruptures of terminal alveoli. The shape of subpleural PIE was elongated linear (4/6), branching and linear (1/6), and elliptical (1/6). Conclusion The presence of subpleural PIE on CT suggests an origin of pneumomediastinal air from alveolar rupture.

Coronary CT angiography versus standard evaluation in acute chest pain.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether an evaluation incorporating coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) is more effective than standard evaluation in the emergency department in patients with symptoms suggestive of acute coronary syndromes. METHODS: In this multicenter trial, we randomly assigned patients 40 to 74 years of age with symptoms suggestive of acute coronary syndromes but without ischemic electrocardiographic changes or an initial positive troponin test to early CCTA or to standard evaluation in the emergency department on weekdays during daylight hours between April 2010 and January 2012. The primary end point was length of stay in the hospital. Secondary end points included rates of discharge from the emergency department, major adverse cardiovascular events at 28 days, and cumulative costs. Safety end points were undetected acute coronary syndromes. RESULTS: The rate of acute coronary syndromes among 1000 patients with a mean (±SD) age of 54±8 years (47% women) was 8%. After early CCTA, as compared with standard evaluation, the mean length of stay in the hospital was reduced by 7.6 hours (P<0.001) and more patients were discharged directly from the emergency department (47% vs. 12%, P<0.001). There were no undetected acute coronary syndromes and no significant differences in major adverse cardiovascular events at 28 days. After CCTA, there was more downstream testing and higher radiation exposure. The cumulative mean cost of care was similar in the CCTA group and the standard-evaluation group ($4,289 and $4,060, respectively; P=0.65). CONCLUSIONS: In patients in the emergency department with symptoms suggestive of acute coronary syndromes, incorporating CCTA into a triage strategy improved the efficiency of clinical decision making, as compared with a standard evaluation in the emergency department, but it resulted in an increase in downstream testing and radiation exposure with no decrease in the overall costs of care. (Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; ROMICAT-II ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01084239.).

Cardiac sarcoidosis: the challenge of radiologic-pathologic correlation: from the radiologic pathology archives.

Cardiac sarcoidosis is a rare but potentially fatal disorder with a nonspecific spectrum of clinical manifestations, including conduction disorders, congestive heart failure, ventricular arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. Although early treatment to improve morbidity and mortality is desirable, sensitive and accurate detection of cardiac sarcoidosis remains a challenge. Except for the histopathologic finding of noncaseating granulomas in an endomyocardial biopsy specimen, most diagnostic tests are limited and nonspecific at best. Therefore, the decision to initiate treatment is based largely on the patient's clinical symptoms and the course of the disease, rather than histologic confirmation. Successful recognition of cardiac sarcoidosis ultimately requires rigorous collaboration among a clinician, radiologist, and pathologist. Advanced imaging modalities, such as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography with fluorodeoxyglucose, have become increasingly useful in facilitating diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring, although limited prospective studies exist. This article describes the clinical parameters and pathologic findings of cardiac sarcoidosis and the advanced imaging features and differential diagnostic challenges that must be considered for a successful diagnostic approach. In addition, to improve the understanding of abnormalities detected with different imaging modalities, we suggest a unified terminology in describing radiologic findings related to cardiac sarcoidosis.

Aortic arch dissection: a controversy of classification.

Aortic dissections originating in the ascending aorta and descending aorta have been classified as type A and type B dissections, respectively. However, dissections with intimal flap extension into the aortic arch between the innominate and left subclavian arteries are not accounted for adequately in the widely used Stanford classification. This gap has been the subject of controversy in the medical and surgical literature, and there is a tendency among many radiologists to categorize such arch dissections as type A lesions, thus making them an indication for surgery. However, the radiologic perspective is not supported by either standard dissection classification or current clinical management. In this special report, the origin of dissection classification and its evolution into current radiologic interpretation and surgical practice are reviewed. The cause for the widespread misconception about classification and treatment algorithms is identified. Institutional review board approval and waiver of informed consent were obtained as part of this HIPAA-compliant retrospective study to assess all aortic dissection studies performed at the University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore between 2010 and 2012 to determine the prevalence of arch dissections. Finally, a unified classification system that reconciles imaging interpretation and management implementation is proposed.