[Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvic floor: clinical application]. / Dynamische Magnetresonanztomographie des Beckenbodens: Klinische Anwendung.

BACKGROUND: Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvic floor plays a key role in imaging complex pelvic floor dysfunction. The simultaneous detection of multiple findings in a complex anatomic setting renders correct analysis and clinical interpretation challenging. OBJECTIVES: The most important aspects (anatomy of the pelvic floor, three compartment model, morphological and functional analysis, reporting) for a successful clinical use of dynamic MRI of the pelvic floor are summarized. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Review of the scientific literature on dynamic pelvic MR imaging with special consideration of the joint recommendations provided by the expert panel of ESUR/ESGAR in 2016. RESULTS: The pelvic floor is a complex anatomic structure, mainly formed by the levator ani muscle, the urethral support system and the endopelvic fascia. Firstly, morphological changes of these structures are analysed on the static sequences. Secondly, the functional analysis using the three compartment model is performed on the dynamic sequences during squeezing, straining and defecation. Pelvic organ mobility, pelvic organ prolapse, the anorectal angle and pelvic floor relaxation are measured and graded. The diagnosis of cystoceles, enteroceles, rectoceles, the uterovaginal as well as anorectal decent, intussusceptions and dyssynergic defecation should be reported using a structured report form. CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive analysis of all morphological and functional findings during dynamic MRI of the pelvic floor can provide information missed by other imaging modalities and hence alter therapeutic strategies.

MR lymphangiography of lymphatic abnormalities in children and adults with Noonan syndrome.

Noonan syndrome is associated with complex lymphatic abnormalities. We report dynamic-contrast enhanced MR lymphangiography (DCMRL) findings in children and adults with Noonan syndrome to further elucidate this complex disease spectrum. A retrospective evaluation of patients with confirmed Noonan syndrome and clinical signs of lymphatic dysfunction undergoing DCMRL between 01/2019 and 04/2021 was performed. MRL included T2-weighted imaging (T2w) and DCMRL. Clinical history/presentation and genetic variants were recorded. T2w-imaging was evaluated for central lymphatic abnormalities and edema distribution. DCMRL was evaluated regarding the presence of cisterna chyli/thoracic duct, lymphatic leakages, pathological lymphatic reflux and abnormal lymphatic perfusion. The time from start of contrast-injection to initial enhancement of the thoracic duct venous junction was measured to calculate the speed of contrast propagation. Eleven patients with Noonan syndrome with lymphatic abnormalities (5 female, 6 male; 7 infants, 4 adults; mean age 10.8 ± 16.4 years) were identified (PTPN11 n = 5/11 [45.5%], RIT1 n = 5/11 [45.5%], KRAS n = 1/11 [9%]). Patients had a chylothorax (n = 10/11 [91%]) and/or pulmonary lymphangiectasia [dilated pulmonary lymph vessels] (n = 9/11 [82%]). Mediastinal/pulmonary edema was depicted in 9/11 (82%) patients. The thoracic duct (TD) was (partially) absent in 10/11 (91%) cases. DCMRL showed lymphatic reflux into intercostal (n = 11/11 [100%]), mediastinal (n = 9/11 [82%]), peribronchial (n = 8/11 [73%]), peripheral (n = 5/11 [45.5%]) and genital lymphatics (n = 4/11 [36%]). Abnormal pulmonary/pleural lymphatic perfusion was seen in 8/11 patients (73%). At infancy peripheral/genital edema was more prevalent in patients with RIT1 than PTPN11 (n = 3/5 vs. n = 0/5). Compared to patients with PTPN11 who had fast lymphatic enhancement in 4/5 patients, enhancement took markedly longer in 4/5 patients with RIT1-mutations. Thoracic duct dysplasia, intercostal reflux and pulmonary/pleural lymphatic perfusion are characteristic findings in patients with Noonan syndrome presenting with chylothorax and/or pulmonary lymphangiectasia. Central lymphatic flow abnormalities show possible phenotypical differences between PTPN11 and RIT1-mutations.

Radiological management of postoperative lymphorrhea.

PURPOSE: Postoperative lymphorrhea can occur after different surgical procedures and may prolong the hospital stay due to the need for specific treatment. In this work, the therapeutic significance of the radiological management of postoperative lymphorrhea was assessed and illustrated. METHOD: A standardized search of the literature was performed in PubMed applying the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) term "lymphangiography." For the review, the inclusion criterion was "studies with original data on Lipiodol-based Conventional Lymphangiography (CL) with subsequent Percutaneous Lymphatic Intervention (PLI)." Different exclusion criteria were defined (e.g., studies with <15 patients). The collected data comprised of clinical background and indications, procedural aspects and types of PLI, and outcomes. In the form of a pictorial essay, each author illustrated a clinical case with CL and/or PLI. RESULTS: Seven studies (corresponding to evidence level 4 [Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine]) accounting for 196 patients were included in the synthesis and analysis of data. Preceding surgery resulting in postoperative lymphorrhea included different surgical procedures such as extended oncologic surgery or vascular surgery. Central (e.g., chylothorax) and peripheral (e.g., lymphocele) types of postoperative lymphorrhea with a drainage volume of 100-4000 ml/day underwent CL with subsequent PLI. The intervals between "preceding surgery and CL" and between "CL and PLI" were 2-330 days and 0-5 days, respectively. CL was performed before PLI to visualize the lymphatic pathology (e.g., leakage point or inflow lymph ducts), applying fluoroscopy, radiography, and/or computed tomography (CT). In total, seven different types of PLI were identified: (1) thoracic duct (or thoracic inflow lymph duct) embolization, (2) thoracic duct (or thoracic inflow lymph duct) maceration, (3) leakage point direct embolization, (4) inflow lymph node interstitial embolization, (5) inflow lymph duct (other than thoracic) embolization, (6) inflow lymph duct (other than thoracic) maceration, and (7) transvenous retrograde lymph duct embolization. CL-associated and PLI-associated technical success rates were 97-100% and 89-100%, respectively. The clinical success rate of CL and PLI was 73-95%. CL-associated and PLI-associated major complication rates were 0-3% and 0-5%, respectively. The combined CL- and PLI-associated 30-day mortality rate was 0%, and the overall mortality rate was 3% (corresponding to six patients). In the pictorial essay, the spectrum of CL and/or PLI was illustrated. CONCLUSION: The radiological management of postoperative lymphorrhea is feasible, safe, and effective. Standardized radiological treatments embedded in an interdisciplinary concept are a step towards improving outcomes.

Evaluation of malignant effusions using MR-based T1 mapping.

Our aim was to investigate the diagnostic yield of rapid T1-mapping for the differentiation of malignant and non-malignant effusions in an ex-vivo set up. T1-mapping was performed with a fast modified Look-Locker inversion-recovery (MOLLI) acquisition and a combined turbo spin-echo and inversion-recovery sequence (TMIX) as reference. A total of 13 titrated albumin-solutions as well as 48 samples (29 ascites/pleural effusions from patients with malignancy; 19 from patients without malignancy) were examined. Samples were classified as malignant-positive histology, malignant-negative histology and non-malignant negative histology. In phantom analysis both mapping techniques correlated with albumin-content (MOLLI: r = - 0.97, TMIX: r = - 0.98). MOLLI T1 relaxation times were shorter in malignancy-positive histology fluids (2237 ± 137 ms) than in malignancy-negative histology fluids (2423 ± 357 ms) as well as than in non-malignant-negative histology fluids (2651 ± 139 ms); post hoc test for all intergroup comparisons: < 0.05. ROC analysis for differentiation between malignant and non-malignant effusions (malignant positive histology vs. all other) showed an (AUC) of 0.89 (95% CI 0.77-0.96). T1 mapping allows for non-invasive differentiation of malignant and non-malignant effusions in an ex-vivo set up.

Is liver lesion characterisation by simplified IVIM DWI also feasible at 3.0 T?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate simplified intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for liver lesion characterisation at 3.0 T and to compare it with 1.5 T. METHODS: 3.0-T DWI data from a respiratory-gated MRI sequence with b = 0, 50, 250, and 800 s/mm2 were analysed in 116 lesions (78 patients) and 27 healthy livers. Apparent diffusion coefficient ADC = ADC(0,800) and IVIM-based parameters D1' = ADC(50,800), D2' = ADC(250,800), f1' = f(0,50,800), f2' = f(0,250,800), D*' = D*(0,50,250,800), ADClow = ADC(0,50), and ADCdiff = ADClow-D2' were calculated voxel-wise and analysed on per-patient basis. Results were compared with those of 173 lesions (110 patients) and 40 healthy livers at 1.5 T. RESULTS: Focal nodular hyperplasias were best discriminated from all other lesions by f1' and haemangiomas by D1' with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.993 and 1.000, respectively. For discrimination between malignant and benign lesions, ADC was best suited (AUC of 0.968). The combination of D1' and f1' correctly identified more lesions as malignant or benign than the ADC (99.1% vs 88.8%). Discriminatory power for differentiating malignant from benign lesions tended to be higher at 3.0 T than at 1.5 T. CONCLUSION: Simplified IVIM is suitable for lesion characterisation at 3.0 T with a trend of superior diagnostic accuracy for discriminating malignant from benign lesions compared with 1.5 T. KEY POINTS: • Simplified IVIM is also suitable for liver lesion characterisation at 3.0 T. • Excellent accuracy was reached for discriminating malignant from benign lesions. • The acquisition of only three b-values (0, 50, 800 s/mm 2 ) is required.

Accurate IVIM model-based liver lesion characterisation can be achieved with only three b-value DWI.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate a simplified intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) approach of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with four b-values for liver lesion characterisation at 1.5 T. METHODS: DWI data from a respiratory-gated MRI sequence with b = 0, 50, 250, 800 s/mm2 were retrospectively analysed in 173 lesions and 40 healthy livers. The apparent diffusion coefficient ADC = ADC(0,800) and IVIM-based parameters D1' = ADC(50,800), D2' =ADC(250,800), f1', f2', D*', ADClow = ADC(0,50), and ADCdiff=ADClow-D2' were calculated voxel-wise without fitting procedures. Differences between lesion groups were investigated. RESULTS: Focal nodular hyperplasias were best discriminated from all other lesions by f1' with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.989. Haemangiomas were best discriminated by D1' (AUC of 0.994). For discrimination between malignant and benign lesions, ADC(0,800) and D1' were best suited (AUC of 0.915 and 0.858, respectively). Discriminatory power was further increased by using a combination of D1' and f1'. CONCLUSION: IVIM parameters D and f approximated from three b-values provided more discriminatory power between liver lesions than ADC determined from two b-values. The use of b = 0, 50, 800 s/mm2 was superior to that of b = 0, 250, 800 s/mm2. The acquisition of four instead of three b-values has no further benefit for lesion characterisation. KEY POINTS: • Diffusion and perfusion characteristics are assessable with only three b-values. • Association of b = 0, 50, 800 s/mm2is superior to b = 0, 250, 800 s/mm2. • A fourth acquired b-value has no benefit for differential diagnosis. • For liver lesion characterisation, simplified IVIM analysis is superior to ADC determination. • Simplified IVIM approach guarantees numerically stable, voxel-wise results and short acquisition times.

Transarterial Alcohol-Lipiodol Therapy in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Low Alcohol Concentrations.

PURPOSE: To evaluate transarterial alcohol-lipiodol therapy (TAL) with low concentrations of alcohol for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 17 patients (69.3 ±â€Š10.7a, 13 male, 4 female) with previously untreated HCC (tumor diameter: 7.7 ±â€Š5.8 cm), who underwent 20 transarterial alcohol-lipiodol injections, were evaluated retrospectively. 14 patients had HCC with coexistent cirrhosis (Child-A n = 9, Child-B n = 4, Child-C n = 1). 9 patients presented an Okuda stage I, 7 patients an Okuda stage II and 1 patient an Okuda stage III. Infiltration of the portal vein was seen in 3 patients. RESULTS: 15 patients underwent TAL with an alcohol:lipiodol ratio of 1:2, another one with a ratio of 1:3 and yet another one with a ratio of 1:5. The median survival was 23 months, and the 1-year and 2-year survival rates were 62.7 % and 31.4 %, respectively. The median survival of patients with HCC < 7.5 cm (n = 10) was 25 months and significantly (p = 0.009) higher than for patients with HCC ≥ 7.5 cm (n = 7; 3 months). Tumor diameters ≥ 7.5 cm were associated with worse lipiodol-contrasting of HCC. Intrainterventional side effects were only feelings of slight abdominal pressure in 2 of 20 interventions. Postinterventional, mild side effects were observed after 3 interventions (abdominal pain n = 1, thoracic pain n = 1, fever n = 1). Serious complications were not observed, in particular there was no decompensation of liver cirrhosis. CONCLUSION: TAL with low concentrations of alcohol was a safe and effective treatment in our cohort in spite of extensive tumors and impaired liver function. TAL could be a treatment option for patients who cannot receive other therapies (e. g. TACE, RFA) because of their advanced tumor disease, liver cirrhosis or other contraindications. KEY POINTS: • TAL can be performed safely in advanced tumor disease and liver cirrhosis Citation Format: • Mohné F, Meyer C, Kuhl CK et al. Transarterial Alcohol-Lipiodol Therapy in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Low Alcohol Concentrations. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2016; 188: 676 - 683.

Direct in vivo evidence of activated macrophages in human osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Through binding to folate receptor-ß (FR-ß), the new (99m)Tc-EC20 (Etarfolatide) imaging technique detects activated but not resting macrophages in vivo. The goal of this study was to investigate macrophage-related inflammation in osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Twenty-five individuals (50 knees) with symptomatic OA of at least one knee underwent SPECT-CT imaging of both knees and planar imaging of the whole body after injection of Etarfolatide. Scans and knee radiographs were scored blinded to clinical information including knee and other joint site pain severity. Measures of association controlled for age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and employed repeated measures to adjust for correlation between knees. DESIGN: Activated macrophages were present in the majority (76%) of knees. The quantity of knee-related macrophages was significantly associated with knee pain severity (R = 0.60, P < 0.0001) and radiographic knee OA severity including joint space narrowing (R = 0.68, P = 0.007), and osteophyte (R = 0.66, P = 0.001). Macrophages were also localized to joints commonly affected by OA including hand finger joints (12%), thumb bases (28%), shoulders (26%), great toes (18%) and ankles (12%). The presence of joint pain at fingers, wrists, ankles and great toes was significantly positively associated with presence of activated macrophages at these sites (P < 0.0001-0.04). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first direct in vivo evidence for macrophage involvement in OA in a substantial proportion of human knees. The association of quantity of activated macrophages with radiographic knee OA severity and joint symptoms suggests that drugs targeting macrophages and macrophage-associated inflammatory pathways may have the potential to be both symptom and structure modifying.

[Imaging of the Lacrimal Gland and the Lacrimal Drainage System]. / Bildgebung der Tränendrüse und der Tränenwege.

A large number of different neoplastic, infective and autoimmunologic diseases can affect the lacrimal gland. Thorough imaging examinations can help to characterize lesions to narrow down possible differential diagnoses. Diseases of the lacrimal drainage system, especially obstructions with constant epiphora are often very irritating for the patients. Imaging examinations can assist in selecting the adequate therapy in interdisciplinary consensus. Moreover, interventional-radiological therapy (e. g. balloon-dacryocystoplasty) is an attractive minimally-invasive treatment alternative.

Venous Obstruction in Asymptomatic Patients Undergoing First Implantation or Revision of a Cardiac Pacemaker or Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: A Retrospective Single Center Analysis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the incidence and possible risk factors of upper deep vein obstruction in patients both prior to first cardiac device implantation and before device revision. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of asymptomatic patients undergoing contrast venography prior to implantation or revision of a cardiac device from 09/2009 to 04/2012 were reviewed. Venograms were used to determine the presence of venous obstruction. Interrelations between the incidence of venous obstruction and patient- or device-related parameters were identified using Fisher's exact test and univariate logistic regression. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of venous obstruction. RESULTS: 456 patients met the inclusion criteria (330 males, 126 females, 67.8  ±â€Š 12.9 years). 100 patients underwent first implantation, and 356 patients underwent device revision (mean time since implantation 82.5  ±  75.3 months). Venous obstruction was present in 11.0 % and 30.1 % before implantation and revision, respectively. Only presence of ventricular escape rhythm was significantly related to venous occlusion (p < 0.001) prior to first implantation. Prior to revision, significant predictors were male sex (p = 0.01), time since implantation (p < 0.0001), presence of escape rhythm (p = 0.02), compromised coagulation (p = 0.02), phenprocoumon (p = 0.005), and peripheral arterial disease (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Although several risk factors could be identified, reliable prediction of venous obstruction was not possible. Therefore, we advocate performing venography in all patients prior to device revision or upgrade to avoid complications. In cases of first device implantation, the risks associated with venography should be weighed against the surprisingly high rate of deep upper vein obstruction.

Lymphatic Interventions for Treatment of Chylothorax.

PURPOSE: To determine effectiveness of lymphatic interventional procedures for treatment of chylothorax. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of interventions performed from 2001 to 2014. RESULTS: In 21 patients with therapy resistant chylothorax a lymphatic radiological intervention was attempted, which could be performed in 19 cases: 17 thoracic duct embolizations (15 transabdominal, one transzervical and one retrograde transvenous procedure), 2 percutaneous destructions of lymphatic vessels, one CT-guided injection of ethanol next to a duplicated thoracic duct. Fourteen of seventeen (82.3 %) of the technically successful embolizations lead to clinical cure. This encluded three patients with prior unsuccessful surgical thoracic duct ligation. Also the injection of ethanol was clinically effective. Complications were a bile peritonitis requiring operation, and one clinical deterioration of unknown cause. CONCLUSION: Interventional lymphatic procedures allow for effective treatment in many cases of chylothorax, and should be considered early during treatment. KEY POINTS: • Thoracic duct embolization is an effective treatment method for chylothorax. • If embolization is impossible, percutaneous lymphatic destruction or injection of sclerosants/tissue adhesive next to the thoracic duct may be tried.

Percutaneous CT-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation of Solitary Small Renal Masses: A Single Center Experience.

PURPOSE: To analyze the outcome of patients undergoing percutaneous CT-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of small renal masses (SRM) at a single center during a ten-year time period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patient records of renal RFAs (07/2003 - 11/2013) were reviewed. Indications were SRM suspicious of malignancy on imaging and one of the following: severe comorbidity; old age; solitary kidney; impaired renal function; patient wish. Biopsy was performed at the time of RFA. Patients were excluded if no follow-up was available. Patient and procedural characteristics were recorded. Survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier's method and compared with log-rank or cox tests. RESULTS: 38 patients (16 females, mean age 70.0 years [range 52 - 87]) presenting with a solitary SRM were included in the study. Biopsy showed malignancy in 29 patients; 9 had benign tumors. 26 patients suffered from cardiovascular, respiratory or hepatic comorbidities. Technical success (complete ablation on first follow-up) was achieved in 95 % of cases. Two major complications (bowel perforation; hematothorax) occurred. The 3- and 7-year overall survival (OS) [any cause] rates were 73.4 ±â€Š0.8 % and 50.3 ±â€Š1.0 %, respectively (mean follow-up 54.6 months, range 1 - 127). 4 recurrences and 2 metastases were observed. The presence of comorbidities was the only independent predictor of OS. There was no difference in survival between patients with benign and malignant tumors. CONCLUSION: RFA of SRM is successful in a large percentage of cases with a low complication rate and durable local control. As RFA is typically performed in multimorbid patients, overall survival seems to depend primarily on comorbidities rather than cancer progression. Key Points • RFA of SRM is technically successful in the majority of cases. • RFA leads to a high degree of local tumor control. • Post-RFA most patients ultimately die of comorbidities. • Overall survival post-RFA does not significantly differ between benign and malignant tumors in multimorbid patients.

Efficacy and time-to-hemostasis of antegrade femoral access closure using the ExoSeal vascular closure device: a retrospective single-center study.

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively evaluate the efficacy and time-to-hemostasis of antegrade femoral access closure using the ExoSeal vascular closure device (VCD). DESIGN: Retrospective, single-center analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 2010 and February 2013, 148 ExoSeal VCD closures (5-7F) of antegrade femoral accesses were performed in 119 patients (70 males, mean age 71.6 years, range 40-97 years). In all cases initial diagnostic angiography was performed via an 18G/3.8F retrograde femoral access, which was left in place during intervention (in-house standard) and was used to obtain control angiography after successful closure of the antegrade access to determine hemostasis. Technical device success was defined as ExoSeal closure without major VCD-related complications; procedural success as hemostasis within 5 minutes. Statistical analysis was performed using a logistic regression model and correlation analyses. RESULTS: 145/148 (98.0%) ExoSeal closures were technically successful (5F: n = 76; 6F: n = 65; 7F: n = 7). Angiographic control showed closure after 2 minutes in 130/145 cases. In a further 14 cases hemostasis was achieved after an additional 3 minutes MC, so that closure was successful within 5 minutes in 144/148 cases (97.3%). No major complication occurred. One minor complication was recorded in a 6F access case. Pre-interventional activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) was the only statistically significant predictor of necessary manual compression (MC) > 2 minutes (p = .01), but with an odds-ratio of only 1.038. The INR showed an odds-ratio of 2.455 for need for 5 minutes MC (NS). Significant correlations were found between the need for 5 minutes MC and medication with acetylsalicylic acid (p = .01), clopidogrel (p < .01), and abciximab (p < .001). CONCLUSION: ExoSeal vascular closure of antegrade femoral punctures is safe and effective with a low complication rate. Two minutes of MC are sufficient to achieve hemostasis in the majority of cases. However, in patients on antiplatelet therapy, especially after abciximab, the authors advocate prolonging MC to 5 minutes.

Survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with 90Y-microsphere radioembolization. Prediction by 18F-FDG PET.

AIM: This retrospective study aims to evaluate the predictive value of FDG PET/CT in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing radioembolization with yttrium-90 labeled microspheres (RE). PATIENTS, METHODS: The study cohort comprised 33 patients who were treated with RE at our institution and underwent FDG PET/CT at baseline and four weeks after radioembolization. According to the baseline FDG metabolic status of the HCC lesions, patients were divided into two groups: FDG-negative (n = 12) and FDG-positive (n = 21) HCC. FDG-positive patients were further divided into early metabolic responders and non-responders according to the relative change in SUVmax of the treated lesions. Survival analyses were performed with the Kaplan-Meier method (log-rank test, p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis was performed to assess the influence of prognostic factors on overall survival (OS). RESULTS: FDG-negative patients had a significantly longer OS (13 months, 95%CI 7-19) than FDG-positive patients (9 months, 95%CI 7-11; p = 0.010). Among FDG-positive patients, metabolic responders survived significantly longer than metabolic non-responders (10 months, 95%CI 8-12 vs. 5 months, 95%CI 4-6; p = 0.003). From the other baseline factors (including performance status, hepatic tumour burden, presence of extra-hepatic disease, administered activity) only the BCLC stage had a significant impact on OS (p = 0.028). CONCLUSION: Pre- and post-therapeutic FDG PET independently predicts overall survival in patients with HCC undergoing radioembolization. Interestingly, early metabolic response seems to be assessable as early as four weeks post-treatment.

High prevalence of contralateral ankle abnormalities in association with knee osteoarthritis and malalignment.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate ankle joint abnormalities in a knee osteoarthritis (OA) cohort. METHODS: Participants (n = 159) with symptomatic and radiographic OA in at least one knee underwent technetium-99m methylene diphosphonate bone scan (scored 0-3) of the ankles and forefeet. Knee radiographs were graded for OA features of joint space narrowing (JSN) and osteophyte (OST). Ankle symptoms and history of ankle injury were assessed by self-report. Knee alignment was measured from a long-limb radiograph. Ankle radiographs were obtained on those who returned for follow-up (n = 138) and were graded for ankle tibiotalar JSN and OST. DESIGN: Ankle scintigraphic abnormalities were frequent (31% of individuals, one-third bilateral). Ankle symptoms were reported by 23% of individuals and history of ankle injury by 24%. Controlling for gender, age, body mass index (BMI), and contralateral predictor, ankle scintigraphic abnormalities were associated with: ipsilateral ankle symptoms (P = 0.005); contralateral knee JSN (P = 0.001), knee OST (P = 0.006) and knee malalignment (P = 0.08); and history of ankle injury or surgery of either ankle (P < 0.0001). At follow-up, scintigraphic abnormalities of the ankle were strongly associated with presence of tibiotalar radiographic OA (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Although considered rare, we observed a high prevalence of radiographic features of ankle OA in this knee OA cohort. History of overt ankle injury did not appear to account for the majority of ankle abnormalities. These results are consistent with a probable kinematic association of knee OA pathology and contralateral ankle abnormalities and suggest that interventions targeting mechanical factors may be needed to prevent ankle OA in the setting of knee OA.

Does a screening questionnaire for familial and hereditary colorectal cancer risk work in a health insurance population?

The aim of our study was to evaluate actual prevalence, uptake and first experiences with a questionnaire developed for early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) in persons with familial/hereditary risk. A cross sectional study in an insurance population aged 30-54 years was conducted. Subjects with ICD-10 codes C00 to C97 and D37 to D48 were excluded. A standardised questionnaire was sent to 12,139 subjects. Three months later, subjects with a reported family history were followed by a second questionnaire. An additional telephone survey was performed to validate responses. Nineteen per cent met the inclusion criteria (mean age 45 ± 7 years, 38% men). Three hundred and seventy-three subjects (16%) were followed by a second questionnaire. Of these, 248 (66%) returned. Forty-four per cent were already aware of their increased risk of developing CRC. Awareness was associated with knowledge of CRC. One hundred subjects (41%) reported that they had informed their general practitioner (GP) or gastroenterologist. A colonoscopy or stool test was recommended to 92. Subjects who found out about their increased risk for the first time, reported significantly less frequent physician contact (GP: 20% vs. 34%, gastroenterologist: 8% vs. 21%). Results indicate that there is a need for a structured, person at risk-adapted, statutory early detection program.

Detection of neuroblastoma cells during clinical follow up: advanced flow cytometry and rt-PCR for tyrosine hydroxylase using both conventional and real-time PCR.

PURPOSE: Real-time reverse-transcriptase PCR (RT-qPCR) or conventional RT-PCR (RT-cPCR) detection of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) is increasingly used to detect neuroblastoma (NB) cells in clinical samples. However, TH expression in normal tissues can limit its usefulness and make additional diagnostic strategies necessary. METHODS: We analysed TH in 857 tumour, bone marrow aspirate and peripheral blood stem cell samples from 65 NB patients using RT-cPCR, and compared results from 666 samples analysed by RT-qPCR. TH was investigated in 84 samples from patients with other diagnoses and 354 samples from healthy donors as controls, and 132 samples from the entire collection were evaluated for NB cells using 5-colour flow cytometry (FC). RESULTS: Cohen's kappa coefficient demonstrated a substantial agreement between RT-cPCR and RT-qPCR as well as RT-cPCR and FC and a moderate agreement between RT-qPCR and FC. TH expression was also detected in samples from individual patients with Ewing sarcoma, nephroblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma, but not from healthy donors. FC panels were an effective complementary strategy, detecting as few as 0.002% NB cells, characterised as CD45negCD9+CD81+CD56+ch14:18+GD2+ cells with occasional CD57+CD138+CD166+ expression. CONCLUSION: TH RT-qPCR alone is limited for detection of NB cells because of "false positives" in samples from patients with other diseases. Advanced FC may serve as a complementary method to detect residual NB, but needs further confirmation in larger patient cohorts.

The incidence of venous gas emboli in recreational diving.

From 1989-91, the Divers Alert Network monitored recreational divers for Doppler-detected venous gas emboli (VGE) and depth-time profiles following multi-day, repetitive, multi-level exposures. A Spencer score >0 occurred in 61 of 67 subjects (91%) and 205 of 281 dives (73%). No subject developed decompression sickness (DCS) on monitored days although 102 dives (36.3%) scored at Spencer Grades 2 or 3 (High Bubble Grade, HBG). We recorded the depth-time profiles with Suunto dive computers and estimated exposure severity with a probabilistic decompression algorithm. The HBG incidence increased 53% over the range of exposure severity (p < 0.001) in the divers, was approximately 20% higher for repetitive dives than for first dives, and decreased approximately 25% over the 6-8 days of multi-day diving (p < 0.001) suggesting a phenomenon similar to DCS adaptation. The observed HBG incidence was approximately 20% higher for males than females. Older male divers had a 25% increase in observed incidence of HBG while older female divers showed a 55% increase when compared to their younger counterparts.

Comparison of survival after mitral valve replacement with biologic and mechanical valves in 1139 patients.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare 10-year survival in patients after mitral valve replacement with biologic or mechanical valve prostheses. METHODS: Retrospective survival analysis was performed on data from 1139 consecutive patients older than 18 years of age undergoing mitral valve replacement with Carpentier-Edwards (n = 495; Baxter Healthcare Corp, Irvine, Calif) or St Jude Medical (n = 644; St Jude Medical, Inc, St Paul, Minn) prostheses. RESULTS: The 10-year survival was not statistically different between the patients receiving Carpentier-Edwards valves and those receiving St Jude Medical valves (P =.16). Adjusted survival estimates at 2, 5, and 10 years were 82% +/- 2% (95% confidence intervals, 79%-85%), 69% +/- 2% (95% confidence intervals, 64%-73%), and 42% +/- 3% (95% confidence intervals, 37%-48%), respectively, for the Carpentier-Edwards group and 83% +/- 2% (95% confidence intervals, 80%-86%), 72% +/- 2% (95% confidence intervals, 69%-76%), and 51% +/- 3% (95% confidence intervals, 45%-58%), respectively, for the St Jude Medical group. Predictors of worse survival after mitral valve replacement are older age, lower ejection fraction, presence of class IV congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, renal disease, smoking history, hypertension, concurrent other valve surgery, and redo heart surgery. CONCLUSION: Choice of biologic or mechanical prosthesis does not significantly affect long-term patient survival after mitral valve replacement.

The association of depression and mortality in elderly persons: a case for multiple, independent pathways.

BACKGROUND: The evidence for an association between depression and mortality among community-dwelling elderly persons remains inconclusive, although it is well established for younger individuals. Extant studies suggest that this association weakens when adjusted for potential confounding factors, especially functional impairment. A cohort of elderly subjects followed for 3 years was analyzed to determine the association of depression and 3-year mortality, controlling for the major known risk factors for mortality in the elderly population. METHODS: Information on depression (CES-D scores), mortality, demographics, body mass index, chronic disease, smoking history, cognitive impairment, functional impairment, self-rated health, and social support was obtained from a stratified probability-based sample of community-dwelling elderly persons, with equal distribution between African Americans and whites in the Piedmont of North Carolina. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and logistic regression was used for a series of models with progressively more control variables. RESULTS: The unadjusted relative odds of mortality among depressed subjects at baseline was 1.98 over 3 years of follow-up. Inclusion of age, gender, and race into the model did not reduce the relative odds. When chronic disease and health habits, cognitive impairment, functional impairment, and social support were added to the model, the odds ratios for mortality with depression were 1.74, 1.69, 1.29, and 1.21, respectively. This decrease in odds ratios was not observed for other variables in the model when additional variables were added. CONCLUSIONS: The estimated odds of dying if depressed moved toward unity as other risk factors for mortality were controlled. Unlike other known risk factors for mortality in the elderly population, depression appears to be associated with mortality through a number of independent mechanisms, perhaps through complex feedback loops.