Tubulocystic renal cell carcinoma: a new radiological entity.

UNLABELLED: Tubulocystic renal cell carcinoma (TC-RCC) is a recently identified renal malignancy. While approximately 100 cases of TC-RCC have been reported in the pathology literature, imaging features have not yet been clearly described. The purpose of this review is to describe the main radiologic features of this rare sub-type of RCC on ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), based jointly on the literature and findings from a multi-institutional retrospective HIPAA-compliant review of pathology and imaging databases. Using a combination of sonographic and CT/MRI features, diagnosis of TC-RCC appeared to be strongly suggested in many cases. KEY POINTS: • Tubulocystic renal cell carcinoma is a new entity with typical imaging features • Diagnosis of tubulocystic renal cell carcinoma can be suggested preoperatively by imaging • Cystic renal lesions with high echogenicity may correspond to tubulocystic carcinoma.

Tumor necrosis after preventive embolization of large renal angiomyolipomas.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate tumor necrosis following preventive embolization in patients with renal angiomyolipoma (RAML) at high risk of bleeding. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Arterial embolization was performed in 24 patients (22 women, 2 men; mean age, 43±13 years) with a total of 30 RAMLs (mean volume, 137 cm(3)±163) between 1996 and 2012. Two sub-groups of patients were identified and further compared based on the presence or not of necrosis following arterial embolization. RESULTS: The technical and clinical success rates of arterial embolization of RAMLs were 97% and 87%, respectively. The mean initial volume of RAMLs differed between the two sub-groups with 331 cm(3) in the group with tumor necrosis and 88 cm(3) in the group without tumor necrosis (P=0.0047). High-fat content RAMLs were predominantly observed in the necrosis group and the mean volume reduction observed for high-fat RAMLs was 65% whereas it was 36% for low-fat content RAMLs. The six patients who developed RAML necrosis had arterial embolization using microspheres (one patient with microspheres alone and five with a combination of microspheres and metallic coils). All necrotic RAMLs displayed arterial dysplasia. CONCLUSION: The risk of tumor necrosis is higher for larger RAMLs. The role of distal arterial embolization with microspheres in tumor necrosis in RAML is suggested by the results of our study but could not be definitely demonstrated statistically due to the limited sample size.

[Imaging of urothelial carcinomas of the upper tract: state of the art review for the yearly scientific report of the National French Association of Urology]. / Imagerie des tumeurs des voies excrétrices supérieures: état de l'art pour le rapport scientifique annuel de l'Association française d'urologie.

OBJECTIVE: To propose a state of the art regarding imaging techniques for the diagnosis and work-up of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). METHODS: A systematic review of the scientific literature was performed in the Medline database (PubMed) until 2014 using different associations of the following keywords: urothelial carcinomas; upper urinary tract; ureter; renal pelvis; CT scan; MRI; ultrasound; urography. RESULTS: Imaging has a prominent role in the diagnosis, extension and follow-up assessment of upper tract urothelial cancers (UTUC). The couple ultrasound/intravenous urography made way for the multidetector computed tomography urography (MDCTU) and for the magnetic resonance imaging urography (MRU), which can also be combined in some cases. This review of the literature presents available techniques for the exploration of the upper urinary tract, the main protocols (in particular the interest of furosemide addition), details the interpretation techniques for searching UTUC on serial imaging, as well as the main differential diagnoses, and their accuracy. Finally, the role of imaging, according to patient's context is discussed. The combination or fusion of different modalities (CT, MR…) for the same objective is highlighted and presented as the likely evolution of UTUC imaging. CONCLUSION: MDCTU is nowadays the gold standard imaging modality for the diagnosis of UTUC.

Prostate cancer: diagnosis, parametric imaging and standardized report.

Multiparametric MR of the prostate provides an extremely accurate diagnosis and offers an excellent negative predictive value for cancers which biopsies struggle to detect. Combined with biopsies they consolidate both positive and negative biopsy results and allow patients to be offered more appropriate treatments (active monitoring, radical treatment in full knowledge of the topography of the lesions involved, or local treatment, etc.). The investigation does not require advanced equipment and can be carried out in any MR centre although it needs to follow a technical protocol described in the European guidelines (ESUR 2012). Interpretation should be standardized to facilitate communication of clear and consistent information between practitioners.

[Andrological description of a population of azoospermic men with agenesis of the vas deferens]. / Description andrologique d'une population azoosperme avec une agénésie des canaux déférents consultant pour infertilité.

CONTEXT: In the 1990's, congenital agenesis of the vas deferens was identified as a minor form of cystic fibrosis in relation to the frequency of mutations of the CFTR gene associated. It is responsible for masculine infertility by obstructive azoospermia; which is not accessible to a surgical treatment. However, surgical sperm retrieval and injection de spermatozoïde en intracytopasmique (ICSI) allow fatherhood for these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 104 consecutive patients from 1996 to 2006. A comprehensive clinical, spermiologic, hormonal, imaging and genetic workup was carried on. The data from the surgical extractions and the attempts of ICSI were collected. RESULTS: Seventy-five percent of the patients had a mutation of the CFTR gene; ultrasound imaging revealed a renal or a seminal vesicle abnormality in 20% and 84.5% of the patients, respectively. The association of a semen volume less than 2 mL with a pH less than 7.2, a fructose less than 2 and mean sudoral chlore greater than 60 mmol/L enabled an immediate identification of 30% of patients carrier of the mutation and without renal abnormality. The sperm extraction rate was 98%. CONCLUSION: A search for the CFTR gene mutations and an ultrasound imaging of the genito-urinary system are essential to the workup of these patients. The association of a semen volume less than 2 mL, a semen pH less than 7.2 and a fructose less than 2 must point towards a minor form of cystic fibrosis and prompt the workup of genetic abnormalities and sudoral chlore testing. The results of the sperm extraction combined to the technical advances of IVF/ICSI allow excellent pregnancy rates of 66% for the companions of these patients.

Prostate MRI: can we do without DCE sequences in 2013?

Multiparametric MRI (mp-MRI) of the prostate currently provides stable and reproducible performances. The usefulness of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) sequences is currently challenged, as they sometimes only confirm what has already been observed on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and require the additional purchase of a contrast agent. Eliminating these sequences may help accelerate the use of MRI in addition to, or in lieu of, prostate biopsies in selected patients. However, many studies show that these sequences can detect lesions invisible on T2-weighted and diffusion-weighted images, better assess cancer extension and aggressiveness, and finally help detecting recurrence after treatment. We present the various applications of dynamic MRI and discuss the possible consequences of its omission from the current protocol.

Significance of ADC value for detection and characterization of urothelial carcinoma of upper urinary tract using diffusion-weighted MRI.

PURPOSE: To evaluate utility of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) to detect and predict the histological characteristics of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinomas (UTUCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 20 suspicious lesions from 19 patients. MRI study included conventional sequences and DWI with apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps calculated between b = 0 and b = 1,000. ADC values were measured within two different regions of interest (ROI): a small identical ROI placed in the most restrictive part of the tumour and a larger ROI covering two-thirds of the mass surface. The mean ADC values of the tumours were compared with that of normal renal parenchyma using an unpaired Student's t test. Association between ADC values and histological features was tested using non-parametric tests. RESULTS: Overall, 18 tumours were confirmed histologically as UTUCs. DWI failed to detect two cases of UTUCs (one CIS and one small tumour of 5 mm). There was no statistically significant difference in ADC values measured with the small or large ROI (p = 0.134). The mean ADC value of UTUC was significantly lower than that of the normal renal parenchyma (p < 0.001). No statistical association was found between ADC values and pathological features (location, p = 0.35; grade, p = 0.98; muscle-invasive disease, p = 0.76 and locally advanced stage, p = 0.57). CONCLUSION: DWI may be interesting tool for detecting UTUCs regarding the difference of ADC values between the tumours and surrounding healthy tissues. In regard to low frequency of UTUCs, the association of ADC values and histological characteristics need further investigations in a large prospective multi-institutional study.

[Small renal masses: 10 years of treatment in a tertiary referral center in cancer research]. / Cancer du rein de moins de 4cm : traitement dans un centre de référence régional en cancérologie.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the impact of preoperative clinical data that could influence the undertaking of small renal masses (size<4cm) and to direct patients towards surgery or observance or radiofrequency. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2000 to December 2010, 253 small renal masses were included in a retrospective study. Renal masses less than 3cm were compared to the 3 to 4cm masses. Clinical data, pathological data and follow-up was noted prospectively on the database and we analyzed it according to the treatment done (surgery, radiofrequency or observation). RESULTS: Surgical treatment, radiofrequency and observation were performed for 214 (86.4%), 15 (5.9%), and 24 (9.5%) patients respectively. The treatments of the patients differed in the two groups (<3cm vs. 3-4cm) and the appeal to radiofrequency and observation was more frequent for elder patients (>65years old) and for those whom performance status (ECOG status) greater or equal to 1. Cancer specific survival was not statistically different for the two groups (average: 87.5% after 5years, mean 33months follow-up, P=0.7). Independent risk factors of recurrence were Fuhrman grade, synchronous tumors, noddles invasion and metastatic progression. Positive surgical margins were not a risk factor of recurrence (P=0.6). CONCLUSION: Age and performance status are the two main clinical data, which influence the treatment for patients with small renal masses. Radiofrequency and observation were undertaken more regularly for elder and altered ones. The use of scales as Charlson Index or Lee scale could help to choose more easily according to global morbidity and mortality.

Detecting prostate cancer with MRI - why and how.

Multiparametric MRI of the prostate is an essential examination for the diagnosis, preoperative evaluation and planning of treatment for prostate cancer. This examination can accurately detect cancer foci in the gland so that the most appropriate management can be offered, reduce the risk of over-treatment and also ensure that certain aggressive lesions or unusual locations, which might affect the prognosis, are not ignored. We present here its main indications, focusing on the techniques for interpreting MRI, its performance and its limitations, as well as the recent European recommendations underlining the need for international harmonisation.

MRI in addition to or as a substitute for prostate biopsy: the clinician's point of view.

This paper aims to argue the advantages of using routine multiparametric MRI (mp-MRI) prior to the first series of biopsies in patients with suspected cancer of the prostate indicated by a rise in Prostatic Specific Antigen (PSA). Using biopsy targeted onto a lesion seen by MRI, this diagnostic strategy could increase detection of significant cancers and improve evaluation of their grade and size. This strategy would also mean that the detection of insignificant cancers (microfoci detected by chance during systematic biopsy) would decrease, since if the mp-MRI did not give rise to suspicion, the indications for biopsy would be reduced. It could also reduce the number of biopsies to be performed even when the mp-MRI is suspicious, by resorting solely to targeted biopsies. This review does not evaluate the role of mp-MRI in locoregional staging.

[Renal cell carcinoma of patients younger than 40 years old]. / Le carcinome à cellules rénales du sujet de moins de 40ans.

CONTEXT: Clinical and pathological characteristics of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) of patients younger than 40 years old are not well known. The objective of this study was to analyze these characteristics by comparison to a group of patients aged 58 to 62. METHODS: Retrospective study of a group of patients aged less than 40 years old (group 1, n=44) and a group of patients aged 58 to 62 years old (group 2; n=106) treated surgically for a renal mass from January 2000 to July 2009. A comparative analysis of clinical, pathological characteristics and of cancer-specific survival was performed. Specific survival was calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the Log-Rank test. Univariate and multivariable analysis were performed to assess and quantify the effect of age on cancer-specific survival. Covariates were gender, age group, tumor size, pT stage, histological sub-type and Fuhrman grade. RESULTS: Clinical and pathological characteristics were similar in both groups (P>0.05) except for histological sub-type (56% of clear cell RCC for group 1 versus 82% for group 2). In the group of patients younger than 40 years, translocation RCC represented 23% of all RCCs. Cancer-specific survival at five years was similar in both groups (80% and 76% for group 1 and 2 respectively, P>0.58). Fuhrman grade was the only independent prognostic factor of cancer-specific survival (P=0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients younger than 40 years were more likely to have a translocation RCC than their older counterparts for who clear cell RCC represented the main histological sub-type. Cancer-specific survival was similar between both groups. Only a systematic specific immunostaining for TFE3 or TFEB will allow to assess the exact incidence and prognosis of this entity.

[Management of testicular lesions in a population of infertile patients]. / Prise en charge des nodules testiculaires dans une population de patients infertiles.

INTRODUCTION: Testicular parenchyma abnormalities and testis cancers are more frequent in infertile men, hence the guidelines recommending a systematic scrotal ultrasound. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients treated with total or partial orchidectomy, from January, 2000 to July, 2010, for a testicular lesion discovered during an infertility evaluation work-up. Physical, examination data, type of surgery and pathological results were reported. RESULTS: Forty-five patients were treated. The majority of tumors (80%) were non palpable, and incidentally discovered with scrotal ultrasonography. Eight cases were partial orchidectomies, and 37 cases were radical orchidectomies. A frozen section examination was performed in 13 cases, and led to two radical orchidectomies. Standard histological examination revealed 33 (73.3%) benign lesions (11 Leydig cell hyperplasias, 17 Leydig cell tumors, five Sertoli cell tumors) and 10 (22.2%) malignant lesions (nine seminomas and one teratoma). Ten patients had a Klinefelter syndrome, for whom all the lesions were benign. CONCLUSION: The majority of non-palpable testicular lesions, discovered by ultrasonography in a population of infertile men were benign tumors. Conservative management in this context appears to be an option, to preserve the endocrine function and the fertility of these patients, while being ontologically safe.

Invasive fungal infections: epidemiology and analysis of antifungal prescriptions in onco-haematology.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Invasive fungal infections (IFI) are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality, particularly in onco-haematology patients. We aimed to study the epidemiology of IFI in neutropenic patients and estimate the economic impact of treatment of those infections. METHODS: All patients hospitalized in onco-haematology, and treated with antifungal agents, in 2005 were investigated. Four features were studied: the diagnosis for each patient, the antifungal drugs used, the thoracic densitometry reports and the sero-mycological data. Infectious episodes were stratified according to the EORTC 2008 classification criteria (10). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Of the 1130 patients surveyed, 192 patients received systemic antifungal agents. Of these 46% had acute leukaemia, 29% bone-marrow allografts, 7% lymphoma and 18% other malignant haemopathies. Using the EORTC 2008 criteria (10), there were 8 proved IFI (3 aspergillosis, 3 candidosis and 2 other IFI), 17 probable IFI (11 aspergillosis, 6 candidosis) and 16 possible aspergillosis. The incidence of IFI was 2·1%. Eighty patients (41·7%) had received prophylaxis: 56 with fluconazole and 24 with voriconazole. Treatment was most often empirical (n = 127, 66·1%). Combination of two antifungals was used in 17 cases. The mean duration of prophylactic, empirical, proved/probable aspergillosis-directed, candidaemia-directed and combination treatment was 19, 19, 46, 32 and 27 days, respectively. The cost of antifungal treatment in 2005 reached almost 2,000,000 €, including 427,000 € for documented infections (proved and probable), 1,246,000 € for empirical treatment and 58,300 € for prophylaxis. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: The incidence of IFI is low but the pharmacoeconomic impact is extremely high. Improved strategies are required to reduce the frequency and duration of empirical treatment without compromising beneficial outcome.

[MRI and prostate cancer: a paradigm shift]. / L'IRM du cancer de la prostate: un changement de paradigme.

A shift in the use of prostate MR for diagnosis, staging, and pre-treatment planning over the last several years has modified the MR protocols. Classically used to detect extra-prostatic tumor, MR now plays a role for diagnosis (pre-biopsy evaluation in a patient with elevated PSA and suspected cancer in an unusual site), treatment planning (prostate mapping), and follow-up after treatment (evaluation for local recurrence or follow-up after HIFU, radiation therapy, or focal treatment...). Imaging protocols at 1.5T and 3.0T combine morphological T2W imaging with functional sequences (perfusion imaging, diffusion imaging, spectroscopy) using high-resolution phased array pelvic coils or "combined" coils (added endorectal coil). To promote acceptance by clinicians and increased access to patients, the indications for prostate MR must be better defined (and provide useful data to urologists), the cost must be reduced, and results must be more reproducible and standardized.

[Why and how to assess hypospermia?]. / Pourquoi et comment réaliser un bilan d'hypospermie ?

Hypospermia is a semen volume lower than 2 mL on at least two semen analyses. The etiologies of hypospermia are many and may be divided into two pathophysiologic sub-groups: disturbances of ejaculation reflex leading to partial retrograde ejaculation and seminal glands and ducts anatomic and functional anomalies. In this last pathologic mechanism, the mutations of CFTR gene, involved in many different forms of cystic fibrosis, represent a possible cause of hypospermia. The molecular anomaly of CFTR gene's screening is very important for the potential descendents and for the patient himself. It must be considered any time clinic and/or paraclinic context is evocative.

Tumour necrosis in chromophobe renal cell carcinoma: clinical data to distinguish aggressive variants.

AIM: To assess correlation between necrosis on imaging and pathology reports and prognostic value of tumour necrosis in chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (CRCC). METHODS: Cases were extracted from a prospective renal cancer registry set up in January 2000 containing 470 patients who had surgery for renal cancer in our institution. We reported the outcome of this series and assessed prognostic significance of clinical and pathologic characteristics. Retrospectively, imaging results and histologic slides of CRCC were analyzed and looked for presence and extent of any tumour necrosis and histologic subtype (eosinophilic versus clear variant). Agreement between necrosis diagnosed by CT-scan and histologic necrosis was given by the kappa coefficient. RESULTS: Of the 470 patients from the database, 21 (4.5%) had CRCC. Their mean age (+/-SD) was 56.4 +/- 11.4 years (range 34-73). Mean tumour size (+/-SD) was 5.6 +/- 4.2 cm. After a mean follow-up of 22.5 months (range 1-80), 4 patients (19%) developed metastases. Tumour size, Fuhrman nuclear grade and presence of necrosis on imaging and on histology were significant prognostic factors for disease progression of CRCC (P < or = 0.01). The histologic subtype was not a prognostic factor. Necrosis assessed preoperatively by spiral CT-scan agreed well with histologic coagulative necrosis (kappa = 0.88). Necrosis extent on imaging and on pathology was not a prognostic factor for disease progression. CONCLUSION: Preoperative detection of tumour necrosis is possible. Tumour necrosis on imaging and on pathology provides a clinically useful information for the clinician to distinguish aggressive variant of CRCC.

[Unilateral partial deferential agenesia and CFTR gene composite heterozygoty (deltaF508/V938G)]. / Agénésie déférentielle partielle unilatérale et hétérozygotie composite du gène CFTR (DeltaF508/V938G).

This is a case report of a thirty-year-old-man consulting for a primary infertility that was diagnosed four years ago. Andrologic exam was normal. Two spermograms found normal spermatic parameters. An uro-genital echography with a RMI showed that a unilateral agenesia of the left vas deferens in the pelvic portion. Then, a composite heterozygoty of the CFTR gene (DeltaF508/V938G) was found. This is the first time that the association of these two mutations has been described. This case also makes it possible to wonder about the need for realizing, or not, a systematic basis imagery (ultrasound examination in first), in the event of infertility of the couple. In this context, the discovery of an echographic anomaly made it possible to identify CFTR mutations, whose physiopathological implication in the infertility can be discussed (CFTR related disorders)...

[Prostatic neoplasms: clinical and biological aspects, histopathologic patterns]. / Cancer de la prostate: les aspects cliniques, biologiques et histopathologiques utiles au radiologue.

Medical imaging has an important role in the diagnosis and treatment options of prostate cancer (TRUS guided biopsies, MRI). The knowledge of the different types of cancers, their preferred topography, imaging features, extension pattern, and also the important items that may help the surgical procedure (or any other treatment) are as many crucial key points for optimal management of patients.