Evaluating the Association between Anomalous Aortic Origin of the Right Coronary Artery from the Left Sinus with Interarterial Course at Coronary CT Angiography and Sudden Cardiac Death.

Purpose To investigate the association between the anomalous aortic origin of the right coronary artery (R-AAOCA) from the left coronary sinus with interarterial course (IAC) found at coronary CT angiography and sudden cardiac death using a large data set from five university hospitals. Materials and Methods From a total of 89 314 CCTA scans (January 2009 to December 2016) that were retrospectively collected, 316 patients with R-AAOCA from the left sinus with IAC were retrospectively collected. After excluding patients with less than 2 years of follow-up, patients who had already undergone cardiovascular surgery or intervention, and patients with arrhythmia or heart failure before undergoing coronary CT angiography, 224 patients were analyzed. Follow-up was terminated upon the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Logistic regression was used to identify clinical and radiologic information as independent predictors of MACE. Results The period prevalence of R-AAOCA from the left sinus with IAC was 0.354%. The mean age was 62.03 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 182:134. During follow-up, 19 of 224 patients (8.5%) experienced MACE, but none had sudden cardiac death. Of these cases, only seven (3.13%) were suspected of being due to R-AAOCA from the left sinus with IAC and all of them had unstable angina. Coronary artery disease was significantly associated with MACE (P < .001), while no significant correlation was observed with radiologic features. Conclusion Sudden cardiac death was not associated with R-AAOCA from the left sinus with IAC found at coronary CT angiography. The occurrence of MACE was low, with coronary artery disease being the sole significant predictor of a patient's prognosis. Keywords: Anomalous Aortic Origin of the Right Coronary Artery, Left Coronary Sinus with Interarterial Course, Coronary CT Angiography, Sudden Cardiac Death Supplemental material is available for this article. © RSNA, 2024.

Diagnostic Efficacy and Safety of Low-Contrast-Dose Dual-Energy CT in Patients With Renal Impairment Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy and safety of low-contrast-dose, dual-source dual-energy CT before transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in patients with compromised renal function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 54 consecutive patients (female:male, 26:38; 81.9 ± 7.3 years) with reduced renal function underwent pre-TAVR dual-energy CT with a 30-mL contrast agent between June 2022 and March 2023. Monochromatic (40- and 50-keV) and conventional (120-kVp) images were reconstructed and analyzed. The subjective quality score, vascular attenuation, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were compared among the imaging techniques using the Friedman test and post-hoc analysis. Interobserver reliability for aortic annular measurement was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman analysis. The procedural outcomes and incidence of post-contrast acute kidney injury (AKI) were assessed. RESULTS: Monochromatic images achieved diagnostic quality in all patients. The 50-keV images achieved superior vascular attenuation and CNR (P < 0.001 in all) while maintaining a similar SNR compared to conventional CT. For aortic annular measurement, the 50-keV images showed higher interobserver reliability compared to conventional CT: ICC, 0.98 vs. 0.90 for area and 0.97 vs. 0.95 for perimeter; 95% limits of agreement width, 0.63 cm² vs. 0.92 cm² for area and 5.78 mm vs. 8.50 mm for perimeter. The size of the implanted device matched CT-measured values in all patients, achieving a procedural success rate of 92.6%. No patient experienced a serum creatinine increase of ≥ 1.5 times baseline in the 48-72 hours following CT. However, one patient had a procedural delay due to gradual renal function deterioration. CONCLUSION: Low-contrast-dose imaging with 50-keV reconstruction enables precise pre-TAVR evaluation with improved image quality and minimal risk of post-contrast AKI. This approach may be an effective and safe option for pre-TAVR evaluation in patients with compromised renal function.

Genetic predisposition in chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy in a 65-year-old female with metastatic breast cancer.

The prevention and management of cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) have become increasingly important. Recent studies have revealed the crucial role of genetics in determining the susceptibility to development of CTRCD. We present a case of a 65-year-old woman with breast cancer who developed recurrent CTRCD following low-dose chemotherapy, despite lacking conventional cardiovascular risk factors. Her medical history included anthracycline-associated cardiomyopathy, and her condition deteriorated significantly after treatment with HER2-targeted therapies. Through the use of multimodal imaging, we detected severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Further investigation with genetic testing revealed a likely pathogenic variant in the TNNT2 gene, suggesting a genetic predisposition to CTRCD. This case implies the potential role of genetic screening in identifying patients at risk for CTRCD and advocates for personalized chemotherapy and cardioprotective strategies.

Imaging features and clinical significance of atypical pleural plaques mimicking bone tumors: a retrospective case series.

This study aimed to examine the imaging characteristics and clinical implications of atypical pleural lesions that mimic bone tumors and form along the inner margins of consecutive ribs. This retrospective analysis included 45 atypical pleural lesions arising from 13 patients who underwent chest computed tomography (CT) between April 2021 and March 2023. The clinical features, CT findings, and radiologic diagnoses prior to pathologic identification were examined. Pathological findings were reviewed in the surgically resected case. Subgroup analysis was performed based on the presence of concurrent typical pleural plaques. The mean age of the patients was 69.3±8.4 years with a predominance of males (76.9%). The lesions primarily exhibited unilateral involvement (84.6%), being most frequently located in the right mid-level posterior region. Calcification was present in 75.6% of cases, typically seen continuously along the ribs (82.4%). Adjacent rib changes were observed in 28.9% of cases. These lesions were frequently misdiagnosed as osteochondromas or bony spurs (55.6%) by thoracic radiologists. No significant growth was observed during follow-up (n=11, 47±41 months), and the pathological findings were consistent with pleural plaques. Patients with concurrent typical pleural plaques had more atypical pleural lesions without statistical significance (P=0.071) and showed a more even distribution (P=0.039). In conclusion, atypical pleural lesions resembling bone tumors along consecutive ribs represent a distinct subset of pleural plaques. Their unique distribution and morphology should be recognized by radiologists to avoid misinterpretation and unnecessary interventions.

Radiological and pathological analysis of the galaxy sign in patients with pulmonary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma sometimes presents as large pulmonary nodules composed of small nodular opacities (galaxy sign) on computed tomography (CT). The aim of this study was to assess the presence, usefulness, and pathological characteristics of the galaxy sign on CT of pulmonary MALT lymphoma. METHODS: From January 2011 to December 2021, chest CTs of 43 patients with pulmonary MALT lymphoma were reviewed by two radiologists for the galaxy sign and various other findings. Interreader agreement to characterize the galaxy sign and factors associated in making a correct first impression on CT prior to pathological diagnosis were assessed. Resected specimens were reviewed by two pathologists, and the proportion of peripheral lymphoma infiltrates was compared between lesions with and without the galaxy sign. RESULTS: Of 43 patients, 22 patients (44.2%) showed the galaxy sign (κ = 0.768, p < 0.0001). The galaxy sign (p = 0.010) was associated with making a correct first impression on CT prior to pathological diagnosis. On pathological examination, lesions showing the galaxy sign on CT demonstrated a significantly higher proportion of peripheral lymphoma infiltrates (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The galaxy sign can be seen on CT of pulmonary MALT lymphoma with a higher proportion of peripheral lymphoma infiltrates and may be useful in making a correct diagnosis of pulmonary MALT lymphoma.

T1 and T2 Mapping for Characterization of Mediastinal Masses: A Feasibility study.

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility and usefulness of T1 and T2 mapping in characterization of mediastinal masses. Methods: From August 2019 through December 2021, 47 patients underwent 3.0-T chest MRI with T1 and post-contrast T1 mapping using modified look-locker inversion recovery sequences and T2 mapping using a T2-prepared single-shot shot steady-state free precession technique. Mean native T1, native T2, and post-contrast T1 values were measured by drawing the region of interest in the mediastinal masses, and enhancement index (EI) was calculated using these values. Results: All mapping images were acquired successfully, without significant artifact. There were 25 thymic epithelial tumors (TETs), 3 schwannomas, 6 lymphomas, and 9 thymic cysts, and 4 other cystic tumors. TET, schwannoma, and lymphoma were grouped together as "solid tumor," to be compared with thymic cysts and other tumors ("cystic tumors"). The mean post-contrast T1 mapping (P < .001), native T2 mapping (P < .001), and EI (P < .001) values showed significant difference between these two groups. Among TETs, high risk TETs (thymoma types B2, B3, and thymic carcinoma) showed significantly higher native T2 mapping values (P = .002) than low risk TETs (thymoma types A, B1, and AB). For all measured variables, interrater reliability was good to excellent (intraclass coefficient [ICC]: .869∼.990) and intrarater reliability was excellent (ICC: .911∼.995). Conclusion: The use of T1 and T2 mapping in MRI of mediastinal masses is feasible and may provide additional information in the evaluation of mediastinal masses.

Prediction of Cardiac Toxicity by Measurement of Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring Method Using Chest Computed Tomography in Early Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Trastuzumab.

Background: In human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive early stage breast cancer, prediction of trastuzumab-related cardiac toxicity remains a challenge. The coronary calcium artery (CAC) reflects the total coronary plaque burden, which predicts the risk of atherosclerosis. We investigated the prediction of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) decline in breast cancer according to CAC scores. Methods: A total of 347 patients were enrolled from Seoul St Mary's Hospital between January 2010 and December 2019. Chest computed tomography (CT) was performed at a single tertiary center. Patients who received trastuzumab for HER2-positive early breast cancer were included in this study. Results: Of the 347 patients, 312 and 35 had CAC scores of 0 and ≥1, respectively. The CAC ≥1 group was associated with older age, body mass index, and receipt of left breast irradiation. The CAC ≥1 group was significantly associated with LVEF decline (absolute value, ≤50%) (hazard ratio [HR] 12.038, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.845-50.937, p = 0.001), LVEF decline (absolute value, ≤55%) (HR 4.439, 95% CI: 1.787-11.028, p = 0.001), and decline in LVEF of ≥10% points compared with baseline echography (HR 5.083, 95% CI: 1.658-15.582, p = 0.004). Even after adjusting for other clinical factors, CAC ≥1 remained a significant predictor of decreased LVEF. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the CAC score is a significant predictor of cardiac toxicity following trastuzumab treatment in HER2-positive breast cancer. Therefore, CAC measurement could reduce cardiac toxicity by distinguishing patients at high risk for trastuzumab.

Migratory Pneumonia in Prolonged SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Patients Treated With B-cell Depletion Therapies for B-cell Lymphoma.

OBJECTIVE: To report the clinical and radiological characteristics of patients with underlying B-cell lymphoma and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) showing migratory airspace opacities on serial chest computed tomography (CT) with persistent COVID-19 symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2020 to June 2022, of the 56 patients with underlying hematologic malignancy who had undergone chest CT more than once at our hospital after acquiring COVID-19, seven adult patients (5 female; age range, 37-71 years; median age, 45 years) who showed migratory airspace opacities on chest CT were selected for the analysis of clinical and CT features. RESULTS: All patients had been diagnosed with B-cell lymphoma (three diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and four follicular lymphoma) and had received B-cell depleting chemotherapy, including rituximab, within three months prior to COVID-19 diagnosis. The patients underwent a median of 3 CT scans during the follow-up period (median 124 days). All patients showed multifocal patchy peripheral ground glass opacities (GGOs) with basal predominance in the baseline CTs. In all patients, follow-up CTs demonstrated clearing of previous airspace opacities with the development of new peripheral and peribronchial GGO and consolidation in different locations. Throughout the follow-up period, all patients demonstrated prolonged COVID-19 symptoms accompanied by positive polymerase chain reaction results from nasopharyngeal swabs, with cycle threshold values of less than 25. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 patients with B-cell lymphoma who had received B-cell depleting therapy and are experiencing prolonged SARS-CoV-2 infection and persistent symptoms may demonstrate migratory airspace opacities on serial CT, which could be interpreted as ongoing COVID-19 pneumonia.

Computed Tomography Findings for Predicting Invasiveness of Lung Adenocarcinomas Manifesting as Pure Ground-Glass Nodules.

Purpose: To comprehensively evaluate qualitative and quantitative features for predicting invasiveness of pure ground-glass nodules (pGGNs) using multiplanar computed tomography. Methods: Ninety-three resected pGGNs (16 atypical adenomatous hyperplasia [AAH], 18 adenocarcinoma in situ [AIS], 31 minimally invasive adenocarcinoma [MIA], and 28 invasive adenocarcinoma [IA]) were retrospectively included. Two radiologists analyzed qualitative and quantitative features on three standard planes. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify features to distinguish the pre-invasive (AAH/AIS) from the invasive (MIA/IA) group. Results: Tumor size showed high area under the curve (AUC) for predicting invasiveness (.860, .863, .874, and .893, for axial long diameter [AXLD], multiplanar long diameter, mean diameter, and volume, respectively). The AUC for AXLD (cutoff, 11 mm) was comparable to that of the volume (P = .202). The invasive group had a significantly higher number of qualitative features than the pre-invasive group, regardless of tumor size. Six out of 59 invasive nodules (10.2%) were smaller than 11 mm, and all had at least one qualitative feature. pGGNs smaller than 11 mm without any qualitative features (n = 16) were all pre-invasive. In multivariable analysis, AXLD, vessel change, and the presence or number of qualitative features were independent predictors for invasiveness. The model with AXLD and the number of qualitative features achieved the highest AUC (.902, 95% confidence interval .833-.971). Conclusion: In adenocarcinomas manifesting as pGGNs on computed tomography, AXLD and the number of qualitative features are independent risk factors for invasiveness; small pGGNs (<11 mm) without qualitative features have low probability of invasiveness.

Automated Measurement of Native T1 and Extracellular Volume Fraction in Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Using a Commercially Available Deep Learning Algorithm.

OBJECTIVE: T1 mapping provides valuable information regarding cardiomyopathies. Manual drawing is time consuming and prone to subjective errors. Therefore, this study aimed to test a DL algorithm for the automated measurement of native T1 and extracellular volume (ECV) fractions in cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging with a temporally separated dataset. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CMR images obtained for 95 participants (mean age ± standard deviation, 54.5 ± 15.2 years), including 36 left ventricular hypertrophy (12 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, 12 Fabry disease, and 12 amyloidosis), 32 dilated cardiomyopathy, and 27 healthy volunteers, were included. A commercial deep learning (DL) algorithm based on 2D U-net (Myomics-T1 software, version 1.0.0) was used for the automated analysis of T1 maps. Four radiologists, as study readers, performed manual analysis. The reference standard was the consensus result of the manual analysis by two additional expert readers. The segmentation performance of the DL algorithm and the correlation and agreement between the automated measurement and the reference standard were assessed. Interobserver agreement among the four radiologists was analyzed. RESULTS: DL successfully segmented the myocardium in 99.3% of slices in the native T1 map and 89.8% of slices in the post-T1 map with Dice similarity coefficients of 0.86 ± 0.05 and 0.74 ± 0.17, respectively. Native T1 and ECV showed strong correlation and agreement between DL and the reference: for T1, r = 0.967 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.951-0.978) and bias of 9.5 msec (95% limits of agreement [LOA], -23.6-42.6 msec); for ECV, r = 0.987 (95% CI, 0.980-0.991) and bias of 0.7% (95% LOA, -2.8%-4.2%) on per-subject basis. Agreements between DL and each of the four radiologists were excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] of 0.98-0.99 for both native T1 and ECV), comparable to the pairwise agreement between the radiologists (ICC of 0.97-1.00 and 0.99-1.00 for native T1 and ECV, respectively). CONCLUSION: The DL algorithm allowed automated T1 and ECV measurements comparable to those of radiologists.

Multimodal Imaging and Biomarkers in Cardiac Amyloidosis.

Amyloidosis is a progressive infiltrative disease instigated by the extracellular deposition of amyloid fibrils in various organs such as the heart, kidney, and peripheral nerves. Cardiac amyloid deposits cause restrictive cardiomyopathy, leading to a poor prognosis in systemic amyloidosis. The most common etiologies of cardiac amyloidosis (CA) are immunoglobulin light chain deposits (AL-CA) and misfolded transthyretin deposits (ATTR-CA). In recent years, many developments have been accomplished in the field of diagnosis and treatment of CA. At present, ATTR-CA can be noninvasively diagnosed if the following two conditions are fulfilled in the setting of typical echocardiographic/cardiac MRI findings: (1) grade 2 or 3 myocardial uptake in bone scintigraphy confirmed by SPECT and (2) absence of monoclonal protein confirmed by serum-free light chain assay, and serum/urine protein electrophoresis with immunofixation test. Effective therapies are evolving in both types of CA (tafamidis for ATTR-CA and immunologic treatments for AL-CA). Thus, early suspicion and prompt diagnosis are crucial for achieving better outcomes. In this review, we have summarized the role of multimodal imaging (e.g., echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and bone scintigraphy) and biomarkers (e.g., troponin, BNP) in the diagnosis, risk stratification, and treatment monitoring of CA.

The effectiveness and safety of local pleural anesthesia for pain control in patients undergoing CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of pleural anesthesia for CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy (TNB). METHODS: This retrospective study was performed between March 2019 and August 2019 in a tertiary care hospital. Patients undergoing CT-guided TNB received either (a) pleural and skin anesthesia (pleural anesthesia group) or (b) skin anesthesia only (skin anesthesia group). Pain score was reported on a 0-5 numeric rating scale, and pain scores 3-5 were classified as significant pain. The relationship between pleural anesthesia and pain score, significant pain, and pneumothorax was assessed by using multivariable linear and logistic regression models. RESULTS: A total of 111 patients (67 men, 66.0 ± 11.4 years) were included (pleural anesthesia group, 38; skin anesthesia group, 73). Pleural anesthesia group reported lower pain score (1.4 ± 1.0 vs. 2.3 ± 1.1, p < 0.001) and less frequent significant pain (18.4% [7/38] vs. 42.5% [31/73], p = 0.020) than skin anesthesia group. Pain score was negatively associated with pleural anesthesia (ß = -0.93, p < 0.001) and positively associated with procedure time (ß = 0.06, p < 0.001). Significant pain was negatively associated with pleural anesthesia (p = 0.004, adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.21 [95% confidence interval: 0.07, 0.61]) and positively associated with procedure time (p < 0.001, adjusted OR = 1.15 [95% confidence interval: 1.07, 1.24]). Pleural anesthesia was not associated with pneumothorax or chest tube placement (p = 0.806 and 0.291, respectively). CONCLUSION: Pleural anesthesia reduces subjective pain without increasing the risk of pneumothorax. KEY POINTS: • Local pleural anesthesia is a simple method that can be added to the conventional skin anesthesia for CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy. • The addition of local pleural anesthesia can effectively reduce pain compared to the conventional skin anesthesia method. • This procedure is not associated with an increased risk of pneumothorax or chest tube placement.

Development of a deep learning-based algorithm for the automatic detection and quantification of aortic valve calcium.

PURPOSE: We aimed to develop a deep learning (DL)-based algorithm for automated quantification of aortic valve calcium (AVC) from non-enhanced electrocardiogram-gated cardiac CT scans and compare performance of DL-measured AVC volume and Agatston score with those of visual gradings by radiologist readers for classification of AVC severity. METHOD: A total of 589 CT examinations performed at a single center between March 2010 and August 2017 were retrospectively included. The DL algorithm was designed to segment AVC and to quantify AVC volume, and Agatston score was calculated using attenuation values. Manually measured AVC volume and Agatston score were used as ground truth. To validate AVC segmentation performance, the Dice coefficient was calculated. For observer performance testing, four radiologists determined AVC grade in two reading rounds. The diagnostic performance of DL-measured AVC volume and Agaston score for classifying severe AVC was compared with that of each reader's assessment. RESULTS: After applying the DL algorithm, the Dice coefficient score was 0.807. In patients with AVC, accuracy of DL-measured AVC volume for AVC grading was 97.0 % with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.964 (95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.923-1) in the test set, which was better than the radiologist readers (accuracy 69.7 %-91.9 %, AUC 0.762-0.923) with manually measured AVC volume as ground truth. When manually measured AVC Agatston score was used as ground truth, accuracy of DL-measured AVC Agatston score for AVC grading was 92.9 % with AUC of 0.933 (95 % CI 0.885-0.981) in the test set, which was also better than the radiologist readers (accuracy 77.8-89.9 %, AUC 0.791-0.903). CONCLUSIONS: DL-based automated AVC quantification may be comparable with manual measurements. The diagnostic performance of the DL-measured AVC volume and Agatston score for classification of severe AVC outperforms radiologist readers.

Predictive factors for treatment response using dual-energy computed tomography in patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate whether the quantitative parameters of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) can predict the effects of chemotherapy in advanced adenocarcinoma based on the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 90 patients (59 males, 31 females, age 61.4 ±â€¯12.3 (23-85)) with unresectable lung adenocarcinoma (TNM stage IIIB or IV) who underwent DECT before chemotherapy were prospectively included in this study. By comparing baseline studies with the best response achieved during 1 st line chemotherapy, patients were divided into two groups according to RECIST (version 1.1) guidelines as follows; responders (CR or PR) and non-responders (SD or PD). Quantitative measurements were performed on baseline DECT, and a logistic regression model was used to evaluate predictive factors for a response to chemotherapy. RESULTS: Among 90 patients, 38 were categorized as responders, while 52 patients were non-responders. The mean iodine concentration measurements were significantly higher in responders compared with non-responders (1.81 ±â€¯0.51 vs 1.33 ±â€¯0.76 mg/ml, p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, EGFR mutation (odds ratio (OR): 3.116, 95% confidential interval (CI):1.182-8.213, p = .019) and iodine concentration (OR: 1.112, 95% CI:1.034-1.196, p = .006) were found to be significant for predicting a treatment response. CONCLUSIONS: Dual-energy CT using a quantitative analytic method based on iodine concentration measurements can be used to predict the effects of chemotherapy in patients with advanced adenocarcinoma.

Adverse Prognostic CT Findings for Patients With Advanced Lung Adenocarcinoma Receiving First-Line Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Therapy.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to investigate adverse prognostic CT findings in patients with advanced-stage lung adenocarcinoma who are receiving epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy as first-line therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 199 patients (71 men and 128 women; mean ± SD age, 64.3 ± 11.2 years) with stage IIIB or IV lung adenocarcinoma who received first-line EGFR-TKI therapy between January 2009 and December 2015. Clinical findings and imaging parameters on CT images obtained before TKI therapy were analyzed, including tumor size, TNM category according to the seventh edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer lung cancer TNM staging system, tumor type, the presence of cavity or necrosis, pleural effusion, and metastasis to pleura, lung, and distant organs. Response evaluation was performed according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumor version 1.1 guidelines. Correlation of clinical and radiologic findings with durations of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was evaluated using a Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: Pleural effusion (hazard ratio [HR], 2.095; 95% CI, 1.394-3.147; p < 0.001) and an N2 or N3 tumor category (HR, 2.145; 95% CI, 1.280-3.594; p = 0.004) were significantly associated with a short PFS duration in multivariate analysis. Older age (HR, 1.040; 95% CI, 1.014-1.067; p = 0.002), an N2 or N3 tumor category (HR, 2.427; 95% CI, 1.068-5.518; p = 0.034), pleural effusion (HR, 1.903; 95% CI, 1.105-3.276; p = 0.020), and distant metastasis (HR, 2.795; 95% CI, 1.356-5.765; p = 0.005) were associated with a short OS duration in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Pre-TKI therapy CT findings of pleural effusion and high N-category tumors are associated with short durations of PFS and OS in patients with lung adenocarcinoma who are receiving EGFR-TKI therapy.

The clinical significance of perivalvular pannus in prosthetic mitral valves: Can cardiac CT be helpful?

BACKGROUND: The clinical significance of pannus in the prosthetic mitral valve (MV) is not well documented. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical significance of pannus on cardiac computed tomography (CT) in patients with a prosthetic MV. METHODS: A total of 130 patients with previous MV replacement who underwent cardiac CT were retrospectively included in this study. The presence of pannus, paravalvular leak (PVL) around the prosthetic MV and limitation of motion (LOM) of the MV were analyzed using CT. Between patients with MV pannus and those without pannus, CT, echocardiographic, and redo-surgery findings were compared. The diagnostic performance of CT and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for the detection of MV pannus was also compared, using surgical findings as a standard reference. RESULTS: MV pannus was observed on cardiac CT in 32.3% of the study population. Patients with MV pannus detected on CT more commonly had LOM (28.2% vs. 15.2%) and less frequently had PVL of the prosthetic MV (16.7% vs. 25%) than patients without MV pannus (P>0.05). Prosthetic valve obstruction (PVO) due prosthetic MV pannus requiring redo-surgery was present in only five patients (11.9%). Cardiac CT detected MV pannus with sensitivity of 65.2% and specificity of 80.9% and showed better diagnostic performance than TEE (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Prosthetic MV pannus can frequently be seen on cardiac CT. However, its clinical significance should be assessed with careful consideration, because PVO due to MV pannus is relatively uncommon, and pannus can be seen in patients without any clinical problems.

SYNTAX score based on coronary computed tomography angiography may have a prognostic value in patients with complex coronary artery disease: An observational study from a retrospective cohort.

The SYNergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with TAXus and cardiac surgery (SYNTAX) score is an invasive coronary angiography (ICA)-based score for quantifying the complexity of coronary artery disease (CAD). Although the SYNTAX score was originally developed based on ICA, recent publications have reported that coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is a feasible modality for the estimation of the SYNTAX score.The aim of our study was to investigate the prognostic value of the SYNTAX score, based on CCTA for the prediction of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) in patients with complex CAD.The current study was approved by the institutional review board of our institution, and informed consent was waived for this retrospective cohort study. We included 251 patients (173 men, mean age 66.0 ±â€Š9.29 years) who had complex CAD [3-vessel disease or left main (LM) disease] on CCTA. SYNTAX score was obtained on the basis of CCTA. Follow-up clinical outcome data regarding composite MACCEs were also obtained. Cox proportional hazards models were developed to predict the risk of MACCEs based on clinical variables, treatment, and computed tomography (CT)-SYNTAX scores.During the median follow-up period of 1517 days, there were 48 MACCEs. Univariate Cox hazards models demonstrated that MACCEs were associated with advanced age, low body mass index (BMI), and dyslipidemia (P < .2). In patients with LM disease, MACCEs were associated with a higher SYNTAX score. In patients with CT-SYNTAX score ≥23, patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention had significantly lower hazard ratios than patients who were treated with medication alone. In multivariate Cox hazards model, advanced age, low BMI, and higher SYNTAX score showed an increased hazard ratio for MACCE, while treatment with CABG showed a lower hazard ratio (P < .2).On the basis of our results, CT-SYNTAX score can be a useful method for noninvasively predicting MACCEs in patients with complex CAD, especially in patients with LM disease.

Volume-based quantification using dual-energy computed tomography in the differentiation of thymic epithelial tumours: an initial experience.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the diagnostic value of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in differentiating between low- and high-risk thymomas and thymic carcinomas. MATERIALS: Our institutional review board approved this study, and patients provided informed consent. We prospectively enrolled 37 patients (20 males, mean age: 55.6 years) with thymic epithelial tumour. All patients underwent DECT. For quantitative analysis, two reviewers measured the following tumour parameters: CT attenuation value in contrast Hounsfield units (CHU), iodine-related HU and iodine concentration (mg/ml). Pathological results confirmed the final diagnosis. RESULTS: Of the 37 thymic tumours, 23 (62.2 %) were low-risk thymomas, five (13.5 %) were high-risk thymomas and nine (24.3 %) were thymic carcinomas. According to quantitative analysis, iodine-related HU and iodine concentration were significantly different among low-risk thymomas, high-risk thymomas and thymic carcinomas (median: 29.78 HU vs. 14.55 HU vs. 19.95 HU, p = 0.001 and 1.92 mg/ml vs. 0.99 mg/ml vs. 1.18 mg/ml, p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: DECT using a quantitative analytical method based on iodine concentration measurement can be used to differentiate among thymic epithelial tumours using single-phase scanning. KEY POINTS: • IHU and IC were lower in high-risk thymomas/carcinomas than in low-risk thymomas • IHU and IC were lower in advanced-stage thymomas than in early-stage thymomas • Dual-energy CT helps differentiate among thymic epithelial tumours.

Myocardial Extracellular Volume Fraction with Dual-Energy Equilibrium Contrast-enhanced Cardiac CT in Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy: A Prospective Comparison with Cardiac MR Imaging.

Purpose To evaluate the feasibility of equilibrium contrast material-enhanced dual-energy cardiac computed tomography (CT) to determine extracellular volume fraction (ECV) in nonischemic cardiomyopathy (CMP) compared with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Materials and Methods This study was approved by the institutional review board; informed consent was obtained. Seven healthy subjects and 23 patients (six with hypertrophic CMP, nine with dilated CMP, four with amyloidosis, and four with sarcoidosis) (mean age ± standard deviation, 57.33 years ± 14.82; 19 male participants [63.3%]) were prospectively enrolled. Twelve minutes after contrast material injection (1.8 mL/kg at 3 mL/sec), dual-energy cardiac CT was performed. ECV was measured by two observers independently. Hematocrit levels were compared between healthy subjects and patients with the Mann-Whitney U test. In per-subject analysis, interobserver agreement for CT was assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and intertest agreement between MR imaging and CT was assessed with Bland-Altman analysis. In per-segment analysis, Student t tests in the linear mixed model were used to compare ECV on CT images between healthy subjects and patients. Results Hematocrit level was 43.44% ± 1.80 for healthy subjects and 41.23% ± 5.61 for patients with MR imaging (P = .16) and 43.50% ± 1.92 for healthy subjects and 41.35% ± 5.92 for patients with CT (P = .15). For observer 1 in per-subject analysis, ECV was 34.18% ± 8.98 for MR imaging and 34.48% ± 8.97 for CT. For observer 2, myocardial ECV was 34.42% ± 9.03 for MR imaging and 33.98% ± 9.05 for CT. Interobserver agreement for ECV at CT was excellent (ICC = 0.987). Bland-Altman analysis between MR imaging and CT showed a small bias (-0.06%), with 95% limits of agreement of -1.19 and 1.79. Compared with healthy subjects, patients with hypertrophic CMP, dilated CMP, amyloidosis, and sarcoidosis had significantly higher myocardial ECV at dual-energy equilibrium contrast-enhanced cardiac CT (all P < .01) in per-segment analysis. Conclusion Myocardial ECV with dual-energy equilibrium contrast-enhanced CT showed good agreement with MR imaging findings, suggesting the potential of myocardial tissue characterization with CT. (©) RSNA, 2016.

Assessment of Mitral Paravalvular Leakage After Mitral Valve Replacement Using Cardiac Computed Tomography: Comparison With Surgical Findings.

BACKGROUND: The diagnostic performance of cardiac computed tomography (CT) for detection of paravalvular leakage (PVL) after mitral valve replacement has not been investigated in a large population. We aimed to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of CT for diagnosis of mitral PVL using surgical findings as the standard reference and to compare the diagnostic performance of CT with those of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 204 patients with previous mitral valve replacement who underwent cardiac CT were retrospectively included. The presence of mitral PVL was analyzed on CT, TTE, and TEE. In 78 patients who underwent redo-surgery, diagnostic performance for the detection of PVL for CT, TTE, and TEE were compared with surgical findings as the standard reference. The location of mitral PVL on CT and TEE was compared with surgical findings. Mitral PVL was present in 18.1% (37/204) on CT, in 16.2% (32/198) on TTE, and in 42.6% (29/68) on TEE. On the surgical field, PVL was identified in 41.0% (32/78). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy for detection of PVL were 96.9%, 97.8%, 96.9%, 97.8%, and 97.4% for CT; 81.3%, 95.6%, 92.9%, 87.8%, and 89.6% for TTE; and 96.2%, 95.8%, 96.2%, 95.8%, and 96.0% for TEE. CT and TEE identified the correct location of PVL in 75.9% (22/29) and 85.6% (19/23). CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac CT may have better diagnostic accuracy compared with TTE for the detection of mitral PVL and may be comparable to TEE for the detection and localization of PVL.