Prevalence of pulmonary artery dilation in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis: a computed tomography analysis from a cohort of the US Bronchiectasis and Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Research Registry.

Although pulmonary artery (PA) dilation is independently associated with significant morbidity and mortality in patients with pulmonary diseases irrespective of diagnosed pulmonary hypertension, its relationship with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is unknown. The Bronchiectasis and NTM Research Registry is a multicenter registry created to foster research in non-cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease. The majority of patients with non-CF bronchiectasis at Oregon Health & Science University have NTM infections. To determine the prevalence of PA dilation in these patients and its association with supplemental oxygen use, severity of bronchiectasis, tobacco use, and NTM in the sputum culture, we evaluated the chest computed tomography (CT) scans from 321 patients in a cross-sectional analysis. We measured the severity of bronchiectasis by applying modified Reiff criteria and measured the diameters of the PA and aorta (Ao), with PA dilation defined as a PA:Ao ratio >0.9. In our cohort, the mean age was 67.3 years and 83.2% were female. The mean modified Reiff score was 7.1, indicating moderate disease severity. Forty-two patients (13.1%) were found to have PA dilation. PA dilation was positively associated with the use of supplemental oxygen (P<0.001), but there was no association between PA dilation and NTM infection.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Routine Chest Imaging.

Routine chest imaging has been used to identify unknown or subclinical cardiothoracic abnormalities in the absence of symptoms. Various imaging modalities have been suggested for routine chest imaging. We review the evidence for or against the use of routine chest imaging in different clinical scenarios. This document aims to determine guidelines for the use of routine chest imaging as initial imaging for hospital admission, initial imaging prior to noncardiothoracic surgery, and surveillance imaging for chronic cardiopulmonary disease. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision process support the systematic analysis of the medical literature from peer reviewed journals. Established methodology principles such as Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE are adapted to evaluate the evidence. The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method User Manual provides the methodology to determine the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where peer reviewed literature is lacking or equivocal, experts may be the primary evidentiary source available to formulate a recommendation.

Prevalence of pulmonary artery dilation in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis: A CT analysis from a cohort of the US Bronchiectasis and Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Research Registry.

Although pulmonary artery (PA) dilation is independently associated with significant morbidity and mortality in patients with pulmonary diseases irrespective of diagnosed pulmonary hypertension, its relationship to nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is unknown. To determine the prevalence of PA dilation in patients with NTM-predominant non-CF bronchiectasis, we evaluated the chest computed tomography (CT) scans from 321 patient in the United States based Bronchiectasis and NTM Research Registry. The majority of our cohort had NTM infection. We measured the severity of bronchiectasis using modified Reiff criteria and measured the diameters of the PA and aorta (Ao), with PA dilation defined as a PA:Ao ratio > 0.9. Forty-two patients (13%) were found to have PA dilation. PA dilation was positively associated with the use of supplemental oxygen (p < 0.001), but there was no association between PA dilation and NTM infection.

Dispelling myths: The case for women in radiology and radiation oncology.

Common misconceptions about radiology and radiation oncology exist and may dissuade women from pursuing these specialties. The American Association for Women in Radiology (AAWR) Medical Student Outreach Subcommittee began a multi-year social media campaign aimed at addressing these myths. Here, we outline several myths presented in this social media campaign and provide a combination of literature review and experts' opinions to deconstruct and dispel them.

Pleural effusions due to dasatinib.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Dasatinib is a novel tyrosine-kinase inhibitor approved for treatment of BCR-ABL positive chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) after imatinib failure. Use of dasatinib is frequently complicated by pleural effusions. This review highlights the risk factors for development of effusions as well as characteristics of the pleural fluid. Potential mechanisms involved and a set of management recommendations based on available evidence are also discussed. RECENT FINDINGS: The incidence of dasatinib-associated pleural effusions is approximately 20%. A twice-daily dosing regimen was found to significantly correlate with development of effusions, and therefore once-daily dosing is now approved for treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Dasatinib-associated pleural effusions are generally lymphocyte-predominant exudates. The mechanism of occurrence is unknown but may involve an immune-mediated pathway or off-target inhibition of platelet-derived growth factor receptor, beta polypeptide. Management typically involves dose interruption or reduction, diuretics and short-term corticosteroid therapy. SUMMARY: Dasatinib is a promising agent for the treatment of refractory chronic myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Its use can be complicated by development of exudative pleural effusions of unclear etiology. Incidence is decreasing with once-daily dosing, but when effusions do occur, most can be managed with specific measures without necessitating discontinuation of therapy.