Percutaneous Image-Guided Cryoablation of Endophytic Renal Cell Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Endophytic renal cancer treatment is a challenge. Due to difficulties in endophytic tumor visualization during surgical extirpation, image-guided percutaneous cryoablation (PCA) is an attractive alternative. The minimally invasive nature of PCA makes it favorable for comorbid patients as well as patients in which surgery is contraindicated. Oncological outcomes and complications after PCA of endophytic biopsy-proven renal cell carcinoma (RCC) were reviewed in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were included after a multidisciplinary team conference from January 2015 to November 2021. Inclusion criteria were endophytic biopsy-proven T1 RCC treated with PCA with one year of follow-up. Complications were reported according to the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE) classification system and the Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC) system. Major complications were defined as a grade ≥ 3 according to the CDC. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients were included with a total of 56 endophytic tumors treated during 61 PCA sessions. The median RENAL nephrometry score was 9 (IQR 2), and the mean tumor size was 25.7 mm (SD ± 8.9 mm). Mean hospitalization time was 0.39 (SD ± 1.1) days. At a mean follow-up of 996 days (SD ± 559), 86% of tumors were recurrence free after one PCA. No patients progressed to metastatic disease. According to the CIRSE classification, 10.7% (n = 6) had grade 3 complications, and 5.4% (n = 3) had CDC major complications. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that PCA of endophytic biopsy-proven T1 RCC is safe with few major complications and excellent local tumor control rates at almost three-year mean follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3: Retrospective cohort study.

Renal Function After CT-Guided Cryoablation of Small Renal Tumours in Patients with Solitary Kidney: An Analysis of European Multinational Prospective EuRECA Registry.

PURPOSE: Treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in patients with solitary kidneys remains challenging. The purpose of this multicentre cohort study was to explore how renal function is affected by percutaneous image-guided cryoablation in patients with solitary kidneys. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from the European Registry for Renal Cryoablation database were extracted on patients with RCC in solitary kidneys treated with image-guided, percutaneous cryoablation. Patients were excluded if they had multiple tumours, had received previous treatment of the tumour, or were treated with more than one cryoablation procedure. Pre- and post-treatment eGFR (within 3 months of the procedure) were compared. RESULTS: Of 222 patients with solitary kidneys entered into the database, a total of 70 patients met inclusion criteria. The mean baseline eGFR was 55.8 ± 16.8 mL/min/1.73 m2, and the mean 3-month post-operative eGFR was 49.6 ± 16.5 mL/min/1.73 m2. Mean eGFR reduction was - 6.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 corresponding to 11.1% (p = 0.01). No patients changed chronic kidney disease group to severe or end-stage chronic kidney disease (stage IV or V). No patients required post-procedure dialysis. CONCLUSION: Image-guided renal cryoablation appears to be safe and effective for renal function preservation in patients with RCC in a solitary kidney. Following cryoablation, all patients had preservation of renal function without the need for dialysis or progression in chronic kidney disease stage despite the statistically significant reduction in eGFR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3: Observational study.

Breast cancer detection accuracy of AI in an entire screening population: a retrospective, multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI) systems are proposed as a replacement of the first reader in double reading within mammography screening. We aimed to assess cancer detection accuracy of an AI system in a Danish screening population. METHODS: We retrieved a consecutive screening cohort from the Region of Southern Denmark including all participating women between Aug 4, 2014, and August 15, 2018. Screening mammograms were processed by a commercial AI system and detection accuracy was evaluated in two scenarios, Standalone AI and AI-integrated screening replacing first reader, with first reader and double reading with arbitration (combined reading) as comparators, respectively. Two AI-score cut-off points were applied by matching at mean first reader sensitivity (AIsens) and specificity (AIspec). Reference standard was histopathology-proven breast cancer or cancer-free follow-up within 24 months. Coprimary endpoints were sensitivity and specificity, and secondary endpoints were positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), recall rate, and arbitration rate. Accuracy estimates were calculated using McNemar's test or exact binomial test. RESULTS: Out of 272,008 screening mammograms from 158,732 women, 257,671 (94.7%) with adequate image data were included in the final analyses. Sensitivity and specificity were 63.7% (95% CI 61.6%-65.8%) and 97.8% (97.7-97.8%) for first reader, and 73.9% (72.0-75.8%) and 97.9% (97.9-98.0%) for combined reading, respectively. Standalone AIsens showed a lower specificity (-1.3%) and PPV (-6.1%), and a higher recall rate (+ 1.3%) compared to first reader (p < 0.0001 for all), while Standalone AIspec had a lower sensitivity (-5.1%; p < 0.0001), PPV (-1.3%; p = 0.01) and NPV (-0.04%; p = 0.0002). Compared to combined reading, Integrated AIsens achieved higher sensitivity (+ 2.3%; p = 0.0004), but lower specificity (-0.6%) and PPV (-3.9%) as well as higher recall rate (+ 0.6%) and arbitration rate (+ 2.2%; p < 0.0001 for all). Integrated AIspec showed no significant difference in any outcome measures apart from a slightly higher arbitration rate (p < 0.0001). Subgroup analyses showed higher detection of interval cancers by Standalone AI and Integrated AI at both thresholds (p < 0.0001 for all) with a varying composition of detected cancers across multiple subgroups of tumour characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Replacing first reader in double reading with an AI could be feasible but choosing an appropriate AI threshold is crucial to maintaining cancer detection accuracy and workload.

Population-wide evaluation of artificial intelligence and radiologist assessment of screening mammograms.

OBJECTIVES: To validate an AI system for standalone breast cancer detection on an entire screening population in comparison to first-reading breast radiologists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All mammography screenings performed between August 4, 2014, and August 15, 2018, in the Region of Southern Denmark with follow-up within 24 months were eligible. Screenings were assessed as normal or abnormal by breast radiologists through double reading with arbitration. For an AI decision of normal or abnormal, two AI-score cut-off points were applied by matching at mean sensitivity (AIsens) and specificity (AIspec) of first readers. Accuracy measures were sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and recall rate (RR). RESULTS: The sample included 249,402 screenings (149,495 women) and 2033 breast cancers (72.6% screen-detected cancers, 27.4% interval cancers). AIsens had lower specificity (97.5% vs 97.7%; p < 0.0001) and PPV (17.5% vs 18.7%; p = 0.01) and a higher RR (3.0% vs 2.8%; p < 0.0001) than first readers. AIspec was comparable to first readers in terms of all accuracy measures. Both AIsens and AIspec detected significantly fewer screen-detected cancers (1166 (AIsens), 1156 (AIspec) vs 1252; p < 0.0001) but found more interval cancers compared to first readers (126 (AIsens), 117 (AIspec) vs 39; p < 0.0001) with varying types of cancers detected across multiple subgroups. CONCLUSION: Standalone AI can detect breast cancer at an accuracy level equivalent to the standard of first readers when the AI threshold point was matched at first reader specificity. However, AI and first readers detected a different composition of cancers. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Replacing first readers with AI with an appropriate cut-off score could be feasible. AI-detected cancers not detected by radiologists suggest a potential increase in the number of cancers detected if AI is implemented to support double reading within screening, although the clinicopathological characteristics of detected cancers would not change significantly. KEY POINTS: • Standalone AI cancer detection was compared to first readers in a double-read mammography screening population. • Standalone AI matched at first reader specificity showed no statistically significant difference in overall accuracy but detected different cancers. • With an appropriate threshold, AI-integrated screening can increase the number of detected cancers with similar clinicopathological characteristics.

Image-guided percutaneous cryoablation of a solitary subpleural lung metastasis from breast cancer.

This case presents CT-guided percutaneous cryoablation as a treatment option in a patient with oligometastatic breast cancer who previously had received standard-of-care treatment for metastatic breast cancer. Before cryoablation, the patient received two systemic lines of therapy, several surgeries and radiotherapy for oligometastatic disease. The cryoablation was performed in a single 7 mm subpleural oligometastatic lesion 42 months after diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. It was performed without complications, and the patient experienced no complaints or discomfort after the procedure. A 3-month, 6-month, 9-month and 12-month follow-up fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/CT scans showed no sign of disease progression.

Accuracy of radiographic measurements of fracture-induced deformity in the distal radius.

Background: Management of the distal radius fracture (DRF) is to some extent based on radiographic characterization of fracture displacement. It remains unclear, however, if the measurements used to quantify displacement are accurate. Purpose: To quantify accuracy of two radiographic measurements: dorsal/volar tilt and fracture compression, measured indirectly as ulnar variance (UV), using radiostereometric analyses (RSA) as reference standard. Material and Methods: Twenty-one fresh frozen non-fractured human cadaveric forearms (right = 11, left = 10) were thawed and eligible for inclusion. The forearms were mounted on a custom made platform that allowed for controlled forearm rotation, and they underwent two rounds of imaging (both rounds consisted of RSA and radiographs). In round one, the non-fractured forearms were radiographed. In round two, artificial DRF´s with compression and dorsal angulation were created and imaging procedures repeated. Change in tilt and UV between the non-fractured and later fractured forearms was defined as fracture-induced deformity. Deformity was measured radiographically and additionally calculated using RSA. Bland Altman analyses were used to estimate agreement between radiographically measured, and RSA calculated, fracture-induced deformity. Results: Our results indicated that radiographs underestimate the amount of fracture-induced deformity. Mean measured differences (bias) in dorsal tilt deformity between radiographs and RSA were -2.5° for both observers. The corresponding values for UV were -1.4 mm and -1.5 mm. Conclusion: Quantifying fracture-induced deformity on radiographs underestimated the actual deformity when compared to RSA calculated deformity. These findings suggest that clinicians, at least in part, base fracture management and potentially corrective surgery on inaccurate measurements.

Percutaneous Renal Tumor Cryoablation Effect on Renal Function.

Background: Percutaneous cryoablation (PCA) of renal tumors is a well-established alternative to partial nephrectomy, but the effects on renal function after the procedure are not well-documented. The purpose of this study was to evaluate renal function after computed tomography-guided PCA. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study including 259 patients treated with PCA at Odense University Hospital, Denmark from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2019. Both patients with malignant (96%) and benign tumors (4%) were included. Mean age of patients was 66.5 years (standard deviation [SD] = 10.9, range: 27-91) and 174 (67%) patients were men. Baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was recorded at baseline and 12 months after cryoablation. Results: Mean tumor size was 27.5 mm (SD = 10.0) distributed in seven different histopathological types, mainly clear cell renal-cell carcinoma (RCC) (64%) and papillary RCC (22%). Mean eGFR at baseline was 73.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 (SD = 23.2) with a follow-up mean eGFR of 69.7 (SD = 23.7) (p < 0.0001). At baseline before intervention 190 patients (73%) had eGFR matching chronic kidney disease (CKD) groups 1 and 2 (normal to mild CKD), 64 patients (24%) matching CKD group 3 (average CKD), and 1% in groups 4 and 5. At 12-month follow-up, 171 patients (66%) had eGFR matching CKD groups 1 and 2, 77 patients (30%) matching CKD group 3 and 11 patients (4%) matching CKD groups 4 and 5. In patients with skewed renography who had PCA in the kidney with better excretion, eGFR at baseline was 64.7 and 61.2 at follow-up (p = 0.703). Conclusions: This study showed minimal decline in renal function 12 months after PCA, even for patients with reduced renal function. PCA is therefore considered a safe and relevant intervention.

Oncological and Peri-Operative Outcomes of Percutaneous Cryoablation of Renal Cell Carcinoma for Patients with Hereditary RCC Diseases-An Analysis of European Multi-Centre Prospective EuRECA Registry.

This study aims to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and renal function preservation of percutaneous cryoablation (PCA) for small renal masses (SRMs) in inherited RCC syndromes. Patients with inherited T1N0M0 RCCs (<7 cm) undergoing PCA from 2015 to 2021 were identified from the European Registry for Renal Cryoablation (EuRECA). The primary outcome was local recurrence-free survival (LRFS). The secondary outcomes included technical success, peri-operative outcomes, and other oncological outcomes estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Simple proportions, chi-squared tests, and t-tests were used to analyse the peri-operative outcomes. A total of 68 sessions of PCA were performed in 53 patients with RCC and 85 tumours were followed-up for a mean duration of 30.4 months (SD ± 22.0). The overall technical success rate was 99%. The major post-operative complication rate was 1.7%. In total, 7.4% (2/27) of patients had >25% reduction in renal function. All oncological events were observed in VHL patients. Estimated 5-year LRFS, metastasis-free survival, cancer-specific survival, and overall survival were 96.0% (95% CI 75-99%), 96.4% (95% CI 77-99%), 90.9% (95% CI 51-99%), and 90.9% (95% CI 51-99%), respectively. PCA of RCCs for patients with hereditary RCC SRMs appears to be safe, offers low complication rates, preserves renal function, and achieves good oncological outcomes.

A rare case of bilateral renal metastases arising from minor salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma.

A 67-year-old female patient was diagnosed with bilateral renal metastases from adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC) of salivary gland origin five years after the primary diagnosis of minor salivary gland AdCC. Bilateral renal core needle biopsies were performed to distinguish primary renal cell carcinoma (RCC) from metastases and to guide treatment strategy. Few similar cases have been reported; none had bilateral metastases at the time of discovery or biopsy-verified AdCC metastases prior to the treatment decision. RCC was a tentative diagnosis and renal metastases of AdCC have previously been mistaken for RCC.

Evaluation of Surgeon-Performed Ultrasonography With or Without Contrast Enhancement vs Scintigraphy in Patients With Primary Hyperparathyroidism.

Importance: Scintigraphy and ultrasonography are common imaging modalities for the preoperative localization of enlarged parathyroid glands in primary hyperparathyroidism. When comparing the 2 modalities, the benefits of ultrasonography in terms of convenience, patient comfort, duration, cost, and lack of radiation should be taken into account. Objective: To investigate whether surgeon-performed ultrasonography, with or without contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS), is noninferior to scintigraphy for localizing pathological parathyroid glands in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Design, Setting, and Participants: Prospective, paired, noninferiority cohort study performed at a high-volume tertiary referral center for parathyroidectomy with blinded examiners and a 6-month follow-up. Participants were adults (age ≥18 years) referred for parathyroidectomy due to primary hyperparathyroidism. Of 207 eligible patients, 35 were excluded, leaving 172 enrolled in the study. Inclusion lasted from September 2019 until February 2021. Follow-up ended in December 2021. Exposures: 99mTechnetium-pertechnetate/99mtechnetium-sestamibi subtraction scintigraphy with 99mtechnetium-sestamibi single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography, followed by surgeon-performed ultrasonography and CEUS. Main Outcomes and Measures: The sensitivity of each imaging modality in localizing pathological parathyroid glands, calculated on a per-quadrant and a per-patient basis, respectively. The a priori noninferiority margin was a lower 95% confidence limit for the difference in sensitivity not falling below -10%. Results: Out of 172 participants, 139 (80.8%) were women, the median (range) age was 65 (24-87) years, and the median (IQR) follow-up was 200.5 (181-280.25) days. Quadrant sensitivity (95% CI) was 70.9% (63.2%-78.5%) for ultrasonography, 68.4% (60.4%-76.5%) for ultrasonography plus CEUS, and 67.0% (60.0%-74.0%) for scintigraphy. The sensitivity difference (95% CI) compared with scintigraphy was 3.9% (-4.1% to 11.8%) for ultrasonography and 1.5% (-6.4% to 9.3%) for ultrasonography plus CEUS, establishing noninferiority for both modalities. Per-patient sensitivity was 81.4% (74.8%-86.9%) for ultrasonography and 79.1% (72.2%-84.9%) for both scintigraphy and ultrasonography plus CEUS. The sensitivity difference compared with scintigraphy was 2.3% (-6.8% to 11.4%) for ultrasonography and 0.0% (-9.1% to 9.1%) for ultrasonography plus CEUS, establishing noninferiority for both modalities. Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study, conventional ultrasonography by an experienced parathyroid surgeon-sonographer was noninferior to scintigraphy and may constitute a valid first-line imaging modality in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, even without the addition of CEUS. Further imaging should be reserved for cases that are equivocal or nonlocalizing on ultrasonography.

Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging for characterizing renal tumors: A validation study of the algorithm presented by Cornelis et al.

Objectives: In the last decade, the incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has been rising, with the greatest increase observed for solid tumors. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocols and algorithms have recently been available for classifying RCC subtypes and benign subtypes. The objective of this study was to prospectively validate the MRI algorithm presented by Cornelis et al. for RCC classification. Material and Methods: Over a 7-month period, 38 patients with 44 renal tumors were prospectively included in the study and received an MRI examination in addition to the conventional investigation program. The MRI sequences were: T2-weighted, dual chemical shift MRI, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and dynamic contrast-enhanced T1-weighted in wash-in and wash-out phases. The images were evaluated according to the algorithm by two experienced, blinded radiologists, and the histopathological diagnosis served as the gold standard. Results: Of 44 tumors in 38 patients, only 8 tumors (18.2%) received the same MRI diagnosis according to the algorithm as the histopathological diagnosis. MRI diagnosed 16 angiomyolipoma, 14 clear cell RCC (ccRCC), 12 chromophobe RCC (chRCC), and two papillary RCC (pRCC), while histopathological examination diagnosed 24 ccRCC, four pRCC, one chRCC, and one mixed tumor of both pRCC and chRCC. Malignant tumors were statistically significantly larger than the benign (3.16 ± 1.34 cm vs. 2.00 ± 1.04 cm, P = 0.006). Conclusion: This prospective study could not reproduce Cornelis et al.'s results and does not support differentiating renal masses using multiparametric MRI without percutaneous biopsy in the future. The MRI algorithm showed few promising results to categorize renal tumors, indicating histopathology for clinical decisions and follow-up regimes of renal masses are still required.

Sensitivity and specificity for detecting pseudotumors in patients with hip resurfacing arthroplasty, metal-on-metal or metal-on-polyethylene total hip arthroplasty-MRI versus ultrasonography performed by an orthopedic surgery resident.

Background: Metal artifact reduction sequence magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is a common method to detect adverse reaction to metal debris in total hip arthroplasty (THA). It might be quicker and cheaper if ultrasonography (US) could screen for the need for an MRI. However, both require trained personnel. Purpose: We aimed to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of US for detecting pseudotumors (PT) when performed by an orthopedic surgery resident compared to MRI. We also investigated the sensitivity and specificity of US to detect PTs in obese and non-obese patients. Material and methods: We examined 205 patients with hip resurfacing arthroplasty, metal-on-metal or metal-on-polyethylene THA with both MRI and US. US was performed by an orthopedic surgery resident who was trained according to a standardized training program in musculoskeletal US. Results from MRI were used as gold standard. Results: US had a sensitivity of 0.92 (95% CI 0.81-0.98) and specificity of 0.94 (95% CI 0.89-0.97) for detecting PT. It had a positive predictive value of 0.84 (95% CI 0.73-0.91) and a negative predictive value of 0.97 (95% CI 0.93-0.99). US performed similarly in obese and non-obese patients. Conclusions: US had a high sensitivity and specificity for detecting PT when performed by an orthopedic surgery resident. Trained orthopedic surgeons could screen for the need of an MRI scan when searching PTs.

Safety, efficacy, and mid-term oncological outcomes of computed tomography-guided cryoablation of T1 renal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Cryoablation is a promising minimally invasive, nephron-sparing treatment of small renal carcinoma (RCC) in co-morbid patients. PURPOSE: To assess the safety, efficacy, and cancer-specific outcomes of computed tomography (CT)-guided cryoablation of stage T1 (RCC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of 122 consecutive patients with 128 tumors treated with cryoablation during 2016-2017. All patients had biopsy-verified T1 RCC. RESULTS: Median age was 69 years (IQR=59-76); 69% were male. Median tumor size was 26 mm (± 20-33); 9% were stage T1b. Mean follow-up time was 36.3±12.0 months. In total, 14 (11%) procedures led to complications, of which 4 (3%) were intraoperative, 5 (4%) appeared ≤30 days and 5 (4%) >30 days after treatment. Major complications arose after 4 (3%) procedures. Statistically significant associations were found between major complications and stage T1b (P = 0.039), RENAL score (P = 0.010), and number of needles used in cryoablation (P = 0.004). Residual tumor was detected after 4 (3%) procedures and 5 (4%) tumors had local tumor progression. Of 122 patients, 3 (2%) advanced to metastatic disease. Significant statistical associations were found between local tumor progression and T1b stage tumors and number of needles used in cryoablation (P = 0.05 and P = 0.004, respectively). For patients with T1a tumors, the one- and three-year disease-free survival was 98% and 95%, respectively, and for T1b 100% after one year and 75% after three years. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that cryoablation is a safe and effective treatment of stage T1 RCC and suggests that in selecting candidates for cryoablation of RCC, the tumor characteristics are more critical than patients' baseline health status.

Renal functional outcomes after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy and percutaneous cryoablation of clinical T1 renal cell carcinoma - A prospective study.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate renal function after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) and percutaneous cryoablation (PCA) in clinical stage T1 (cT1) renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and evaluate the relationship between baseline renal function and renal functional outcome. Material and Methods: Patients with cT1 RCC treated with RAPN or PCA were prospectively enrolled between June 2019 and January 2021. Renal function was evaluated using estimated glomerular filtration rate, Tc-99m diethylenetriamine-pentaacetate plasma clearance, Tc-99m mercaptoacetyltriglycine renography, and renal volume at baseline and 6 months after treatment. Results: Fifty-six patients were included (18 RAPN, 38 PCA). PCA patients had a significantly higher age (68.5 years; P = 0.019) and Charlson comorbidity index (3.0; P = 0.007). Tumor characteristics did not differ significantly between RAPN and PCA. Total renal volume decreased significantly after PCA (-18.2 cm3; P = 0.001). Baseline chronic disease stage IIIb-IV leads to a greater reduction in renal volume (-31.8 cm3; P = 0.003) but not other renal function measures. Renal function declined significantly after either treatment without significant differences between RAPN and PCA. Conclusion: This study found a small, similar decrease in renal function 6 months after RAPN or PCA, despite significant differences in baseline patient characteristics. Reduced renal function at baseline did not lead to a worse renal functional outcome.

One hour observation of patients after image-guided percutaneous renal mass biopsy.

Background: Imaging-guided percutaneous biopsy of renal masses is regarded as safe and is widely used for histopathology diagnosis before treatment. Recommended observation time after tumour biopsy varies in international guidelines and the literature is sparse. Purpose: To assess the effect of a 1-h post-biopsy observation time of percutaneous image-guided renal mass biopsy. Material and Methods: This was a single-centre retrospective study. During January 2015 to September 2019, a total of 484 patients underwent renal mass biopsies. 4-h-observation-group: 178 patients and 1-h-observation-group 306 patients. All records were retrospectively reviewed, and data such as complications was obtained and compared between the two groups. Results: A total complication rate of 4.5% (n = 22) without any major complications (Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe-grade (CIRSE) 5-6). Furthermore, a non-significant difference of 1.3% of the 1-h group and 3.4% in the 4-h group experiencing complications was found (p = .18). A total biopsy-accuracy of 84% was observed. Conclusion: This study shows that renal mass biopsy is safe with no major complications. This suggests that an outpatient approach with 1-h-observation time can be safely implemented for renal mass biopsy.

Impact of Partial Nephrectomy and Percutaneous Cryoablation on Short-term Health-related Quality of Life-A Prospective Comparative Cohort Study.

Background: Partial nephrectomy (PN) is the gold standard for the treatment of stage cT1 renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, the increasing incidence of RCC in the elderly population calls for alternative minimally invasive treatments to reduce the negative effects on patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and subsequent healthy life expectancy. Objective: To assess and compare short-term HRQoL and self-reported health status after PN and percutaneous cryoablation (PCA) of patients treated for RCC stage cT1. Design setting and participants: Patients who underwent PN or PCA between 2019 and 2021 for RCC stage cT1 at two university hospitals in Denmark were assessed. The exclusion criteria included insufficient understanding of the Danish language, dementia, metastatic RCC, conversion to nephrectomy, and salvage procedures. Intervention: PN and PCA. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: The European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire was distributed before treatment, and 14 and 90 d postoperatively. A linear mixed-effect model was used to analyze the changes from baseline to follow-up between PN and PCA treatment. Results and limitations: The cohort included 165 patients (PN: 79; PCA: 86). The completion rate was 96-98%. Patients receiving PCA were significantly older (median 69.1 vs 62.1 yr) and had lower scores on physical (p < 0.001) and role functioning (p = 0.009) than PN. A statistically significant change from baseline to 14 d was found for several HRQoL scales, which favored PCA over PN. However, the observed change was no longer significant at 90-d follow-up. Limitations include sample size and confounding by indication. Conclusions: This study found a significant difference between baseline and 14-d follow-up in several HRQoL and symptoms scales, favoring PCA over PN. However, no significant differences were observed in any HRQoL scales between PN and PCA of RCC stage cT1 from baseline to 90-d follow-up. Patient summary: Surgical removal and percutaneous cryoablation (freezing) of small tumors in the kidney had a similar impact on quality of life after 90 d.

A Deep Learning Algorithm for Radiographic Measurements of the Hip in Adults-A Reliability and Agreement Study.

Hip dysplasia (HD) is a frequent cause of hip pain in skeletally mature patients and may lead to osteoarthritis (OA). An accurate and early diagnosis may postpone, reduce or even prevent the onset of OA and ultimately hip arthroplasty at a young age. The overall aim of this study was to assess the reliability of an algorithm, designed to read pelvic anterior-posterior (AP) radiographs and to estimate the agreement between the algorithm and human readers for measuring (i) lateral center edge angle of Wiberg (LCEA) and (ii) Acetabular index angle (AIA). The algorithm was based on deep-learning models developed using a modified U-net architecture and ResNet 34. The newly developed algorithm was found to be highly reliable when identifying the anatomical landmarks used for measuring LCEA and AIA in pelvic radiographs, thus offering highly consistent measurement outputs. The study showed that manual identification of the same landmarks made by five specialist readers were subject to variance and the level of agreement between the algorithm and human readers was consequently poor with mean measured differences from 0.37 to 9.56° for right LCEA measurements. The algorithm displayed the highest agreement with the senior orthopedic surgeon. With further development, the algorithm may be a good alternative to humans when screening for HD.

Partial Nephrectomy versus Percutaneous Cryoablation of Small Renal Cell Carcinomas: A Comparison of Adverse Events in a Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: To assess and compare complications and readmissions after partial nephrectomy and percutaneous cryoablation of cT1 renal cell carcinoma (RCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients treated for cT1 RCC between 2019 and 2021 were prospectively and consecutively enrolled. Complications recorded within 30 and 90 days were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification, and percutaneous cryoablation was graded according to the Society of Interventional Radiology classification of adverse events. Major complications were defined as complications with a grade of ≥3 based on the Clavien-Dindo classification. Readmission within 30 days was recorded. RESULTS: The cohort included 86 partial nephrectomies and 104 cryoablations. The complication rate within 90 days was 23% after partial nephrectomy and cryoablation (P = .98), with major complication rates of 3% after partial nephrectomy and 10% after cryoablation (P = .15). The readmission rates were 14% and 11% after partial nephrectomy and cryoablation, respectively (P = .48). Double-J stents were associated with overall complications (odds ratio [OR], 9.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.18-44.68; P = .003) and readmissions (OR, 5.39; 95% CI, 1.37-21.06; P = .015) after cryoablation. A high versus low radius-endophytic-nearness-anterior-location score (OR, 5.86; 95% CI, 1.08-31.81; P = .040) and endophytic location (OR, 7.70; 95% CI, 1.72-34.50; P = .008) were associated with a higher complication rate after cryoablation. The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was associated with major complications after partial nephrectomy (OR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.05-4.30; P = .036). CONCLUSIONS: Partial nephrectomy and cryoablation are comparable regarding complications within 90 days after treatment. Tumor complexity and double-J stents were associated with complications after cryoablation, and a high CCI was associated with complications after partial nephrectomy.

von Hippel-Lindau disease: Updated guideline for diagnosis and surveillance.

von Hippel Lindau disease (vHL) is caused by a hereditary predisposition to multiple neoplasms, especially hemangioblastomas in the retina and CNS, renal cell carcinomas (RCC), pheochromocytomas, neuroendocrine pancreatic tumours (PNET) and endolymphatic sac tumours. Evidence based approaches are needed to ensure an optimal clinical care, while minimizing the burden for the patients and their families. This guideline is based on evidence from the international vHL literature and extensive research of geno- and phenotypic characteristics, disease progression and surveillance effect in the national Danish vHL cohort. We included the views and preferences of the Danish vHL patients, ensured consensus among Danish experts and compared with international recommendations. RECOMMENDATIONS: vHL can be diagnosed on clinical criteria, only; however, in most cases the diagnosis can be supported by identification of a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant in VHL. Surveillance should be initiated in childhood in persons with, or at risk of, vHL, and include regular examination of the retina, CNS, inner ear, kidneys, neuroendocrine glands, and pancreas. Treatment of vHL manifestations should be planned to optimize the chance of cure, without unnecessary sequelae. Most manifestations are currently treated by surgery. However, belzutifan, that targets HIF-2α was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for adult patients with vHL-associated RCC, CNS hemangioblastomas, or PNETs, not requiring immediate surgery. Diagnostics, surveillance, and treatment of vHL can be undertaken successfully by experts collaborating in multidisciplinary teams. Systematic registration, collaboration with patient organisations, and research are fundamental for the continuous improvement of clinical care and optimization of outcome with minimal patient inconvenience.

Systemic air embolism following computed-tomography-guided transthoracic needle biopsy of lung lesion - a systematic search of case reports and case series.

Background: Systemic air embolism is a rare, however potentially fatal, low incidence, complication to CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy of lung lesions. Purpose: The purpose of this review of case reports and series was to pool data about this rare complication and glance for a pattern or similarities in the patients' initial symptoms and course, as well as the management of the patients in relation to current guidelines. Material and methods: PubMed was searched for case reports and case series about systemic air embolisms following CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy of lung lesions from inception to November 2021. A reviewer screened the results for eligibility and included studies which reported at least two outcomes of interest. Data was extracted by one author and a descriptive analysis was conducted. Results: Of 1,136 studies screened, 83 were eligible for inclusion involving 97 patients. The mean age was 64.8±11.7 years and ≈60% of the patients were men. In 15 cases the outcome was fatal, and most of the fatal cases (n = 12) had cardiac arrest as the primary initial symptom. In addition to conventional oxygen therapy, 34 patients received hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and in 30 cases the physician in charge chose to change the patient from standard supine position to - most often - Trendelenburg position. Conclusion: No similarities were found that could lead to more rapid diagnosis or more correct management. The staff should keep systemic air embolisms in mind, when more common complications are ruled out, and consider hyperbaric oxygen therapy in case of suspicion.