Thoracic Complications of Liver-Directed Therapy and Interventions.

ABSTRACT: Liver-directed percutaneous and endovascular therapies are effective methods to diagnose and treat various hepatic disorders and malignancies. Because of the close anatomic proximity of the liver to the right hemidiaphragm, pleura, and lung bases, complications can arise involving these structures. Although they are rare, awareness of intrathoracic complications associated with liver-directed therapies and their imaging features will ensure timely detection and management. We aim to review the clinical and imaging features of thoracic complications related to liver-directed therapy and interventions.

Incidence of Interstitial Lung Abnormalities: The MESA Lung Study.

The incidence of newly developed interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA) and fibrotic ILA have not been previously reported.Trained thoracic radiologists evaluated 13 944 cardiac CT scans for the presence of ILA in 6197 Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis longitudinal cohort study participants >45 years of age from 2000 to 2012. 5% of the scans were re-read by the same or a different observer in a blinded fashion. After exclusion of participants with ILA at baseline, incidence rates and incidence rate ratios for ILA and fibrotic ILA were calculated.The intra-reader agreement of ILA was 92.0% (Gwet AC1=0.912, ICC=0.982) and the inter-reader agreement of ILA was 83.5% (Gwet AC1=0.814; ICC=0.969). Incidence of ILA and fibrotic ILA was estimated to be 13.1 cases/1000 person-years and 3.5/1000 person-years, respectively. In multivariable analyses, age (HR 1.06 (1.05, 1.08), p <0.001; HR 1.08 (1.06, 1.11), p <0.001), high attenuation area (HAA) at baseline (HR 1.05 (1.03, 1.07), p <0.001; HR 1.06 (1.02, 1.10), p=0.002), and the MUC5B promoter SNP (HR 1.73 (1.17, 2.56) p=0.01; HR 4.96 (2.68, 9.15), p <0.001) were associated with incident ILA and fibrotic ILA, respectively. Ever smoking (HR 2.31 (1.34, 3.96), p= 0.002) and an IPF polygenic risk score (HR 2.09 (1.61-2.71), p<0.001) were associated only with incident fibrotic ILA.Incident ILA and fibrotic ILA were estimated by review of cardiac imaging studies. These findings may lead to wider application of a screening tool for atherosclerosis to identify preclinical lung disease.

U.S. Newspaper Coverage of Lung Cancer Screening From 2010 to 2022.

BACKGROUND. Newspapers are an important source of information for the public about low-dose CT (LDCT) lung cancer screening (LCS) and may influence public perception and knowledge of this important cancer screening service. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article was to evaluate the volume, content, and other characteristics of articles pertaining to LCS that have been published in U.S. newspapers. METHODS. The ProQuest U.S. Newsstream database was searched for U.S. newspaper articles referring to LCS published between January 1, 2010 (the year of publication of the National Lung Screening Trial results), and March 28, 2022. Search terms included "lung cancer screening(s)," "lung screening(s)," "low dose screening(s)," and "LDCT." Search results were reviewed to identify those articles mentioning LCS. Characteristics of included articles and originating newspapers were extracted. Articles were divided among nine readers, who independently assessed article sentiment regarding LCS and additional article content using a standardized form. RESULTS. The final analysis included 859 articles, comprising 816 nonsyndicated articles published in a single newspaper and 43 syndicated articles published in multiple newspapers. Sentiment regarding LCS was positive in 76% (651/859) of articles, neutral in 21% (184/859), and negative in 3% (24/859). Frequency of positive sentiment was lowest (61%) for articles published from 2010 to 2012; frequency of negative sentiment was highest (8%) for articles published in newspapers in the highest quartile for weekly circulation. LCS enrollment criteria were mentioned in 52% of articles, smoking cessation programs in 28%, need for annual CT in 27%, and shared decision-making in 4%. Cost or insurance coverage for LCS was mentioned in 33% in articles. A total of 64% of articles mentioned at least one benefit of LCS (most commonly early detection or possible cure of lung cancer), and 23% mentioned at least one harm (most commonly false-positives). A total of 9% of articles interviewed or mentioned a radiologist. CONCLUSION. The sentiment of U.S. newspaper articles covering LCS from 2010 to 2022 was overall positive. However, certain key elements of LCS were infrequently mentioned. CLINICAL IMPACT. The findings highlight areas for potential improvement of LCS media coverage; radiologists have an opportunity to take a more active role in this coverage.

United States lung cancer screening program websites: radiology representation, multimedia and multilingual content.

PURPOSE: To assess radiology representation, multimedia content, and multilingual content of United States lung cancer screening (LCS) program websites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified the websites of US LCS programs with the Google internet search engine using the search terms lung cancer screening, low-dose CT screening, and lung screening. We used a standardized checklist to assess and collect specific content, including information regarding LCS staff composition and references to radiologists and radiology. We also tabulated types and frequencies of included multimedia and multilingual content and patient narratives. RESULTS: We analyzed 257 unique websites. Of these, only 48% (124 of 257) referred to radiologists or radiology in text, images, or videos. Radiologists were featured in images or videos on only 14% (36 of 257) of websites. Radiologists were most frequently acknowledged for their roles in reading or interpreting imaging studies (35% [90 of 574]). Regarding multimedia content, only 36% (92 of 257) of websites had 1 image, 27% (70 of 257) included 2 or more images, and 26% (68 of 257) of websites included one or more videos. Only 3% (7 of 257) of websites included information in a language other than English. Patient narratives were found on only 15% (39 of 257) of websites. CONCLUSIONS: The field of Radiology is mentioned in text, images, or videos by less than half of LCS program websites. Most websites make only minimal use of multimedia content such as images, videos, and patient narratives. Few websites provide LCS information in languages other than English, potentially limiting accessibility to diverse populations.

What Cardiothoracic Radiologists Should Know About Imaging in Transgender Patients.

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals may undergo a wide range of care during gender transition including mental health counseling, gender-affirming hormonal therapy, and various surgeries. Hormone therapy effectively converts the hormonal milieu into that of the affirmed gender and produces measurable alterations in serum markers for coronary artery disease and other hematologic conditions (eg, erythrocytosis, venous thrombosis). Although illegal in the United States, some transgender women may receive silicone injections for breast and soft tissue augmentation, which can lead to devastating local complications, as well as silicone migration, pulmonary embolism, systemic reactions, and death. Smoking rates are higher among transgender and sexual minority populations, placing them at elevated risk of smoking-related diseases, including lung cancer. Some opportunistic infections may be more common in the TGD populations, attributable to higher rates of coexisting infection with human immunodeficiency virus. Radiologists should be aware that these patients may develop cancer of their natal organs (eg, breast, prostate), especially as some of these tissues are not completely removed during gender-affirming surgery, which may manifest with thoracic involvement by secondary neoplasia. As more TGD patients seek medical care, thoracic radiologists can reasonably expect to interpret imaging performed in this population and should be aware of possible disease processes and potential complications of hormonal and surgical therapies.

Axillary Anatomy and Pathology: Pearls and "Pitfalls" for Thoracic Imagers.

The axilla contains several important structures which exist in a relatively confined anatomic space between the neck, chest wall, and upper extremity. While neoplastic lymphadenopathy may be among the most common axillary conditions, many other processes may be encountered. For example, expanded use of axillary vessels for access routes for endovascular procedures will increase the need for radiologists to access vessel anatomy, patency, and complications that may arise. Knowledge of axillary anatomy and pathology will allow the imager to systematically evaluate the axillae using various imaging modalities.

Thoracic Imaging Manifestations of Treated Lymphomas: Response Evaluation, Posttherapeutic Sequelae, and Complications.

Lymphoma is the most common hematologic malignancy comprising a diverse group of neoplasms arising from multiple blood cell lineages. Any structure of the thorax may be involved at any stage of disease. Imaging has a central role in the initial staging, response assessment, and surveillance of lymphoma, and updated standardized assessment criteria are available to assist with imaging interpretation and reporting. Radiologists should be aware of the modern approaches to lymphoma treatment, the role of imaging in posttherapeutic surveillance, and manifestations of therapy-related complications.

Resolution of acute pulmonary embolism using anticoagulation therapy alone in coronavirus disease 2019.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the radiographic resolution of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) examinations in patients diagnosed with acute PE while hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to understand the mid-term and long-term implications of anticoagulation therapy. METHODS: We identified patients with acute PE per CECT and at least one follow-up CECT from March 11, 2020, to May 27, 2021, using a prospective registry of all hospitalized patients with COVID-19 infection receiving care within a multicenter Health System. Initial and follow-up CECT examinations were reviewed independently by two radiologists to evaluate for PE resolution. The Modified Miller Score was used to assess for thrombus burden at diagnosis and on follow-up. RESULTS: Of the 6070 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 infection, 5.7% (348/6070) were diagnosed with acute PE and 13.5% (47/348) had a follow-up CECT examination. The mean ± standard deviation time to follow-up imaging was 44 ± 48 days (range, 3-161 days). Of 47 patients, 47 (72.3%) had radiographic resolution of PE, with a mean time to follow-up of 48 ± 43 days (range, 6-239 days). All patients received anticoagulation monotherapy for a mean of 149 ± 95 days and this included apixaban (63.8%), warfarin (12.8%), and rivaroxaban (8.5%), among others. The mean Modified Miller Score at PE diagnosis and follow-up was 4.8 ± 4.2 (range, 1-14) and 1.4 ± 3.3 (range, 0-16; P < .0001), respectively. Nine patients (19%) died at a mean of 13 ± 8 days after follow-up CECT (range, 1-27 days) and at a mean of 28 ± 16 days after admission (range, 11-68 days). Seen of the nine deaths (78%) deaths were associated with progression of COVID-19 pneumonia. CONCLUSIONS: Hospitalized patients with COVID-19 have a clinically apparent 5.7% rate of developing PE. In patients with follow-up imaging, 72.3% had radiographic thrombus resolution at a mean of 44 days while on anticoagulation. Prospective studies of the natural history of PEs with COVID-19 that include systematic follow-up imaging are warranted to help guide anticoagulation recommendations.

Neuroradiology in Transgender Care: Facial Feminization, Laryngeal Surgery, and Beyond.

Transgender individuals experience incongruence between their gender identity and the sex assigned to them at birth. This incongruence can cause many transgender individuals to experience distressing physical and mental discord, a diagnosis known as gender dysphoria. Craniofacial structures have distinct anthropometric characteristics that affect perceived masculinity and femininity. The face, neck, and voice are highly exposed anatomic areas that have recognizable gender-specific characteristics that may hinder a transgender individual's successful social integration and public acceptance. Reconstructive facial and laryngeal procedures are among the surgical options transgender persons may elect to undergo to better align their physical appearance with their gender identity. These include feminization surgeries such as facial feminization and reduction chondrolaryngoplasty, as well as masculinizing facial and laryngeal surgeries. Maxillofacial CT is frequently used in the preoperative evaluation of patients before facial feminization surgery (FFS). Several CT measurements guide surgeons to the optimal correction required in FFS to achieve appropriate aesthetic planes. Mapping important craniofacial landmarks to avoid untoward surgical complications is crucial. Transgender patients may encounter other neurologic complications that require neuroimaging evaluation. For example, gender-affirming hormone therapy (eg, estrogen and testosterone) may increase the risk of stroke or may influence growth of various hormone-sensitive tumors such as pituitary adenomas. Radiologists may interpret imaging examinations in transgender patients for routine care or for evaluation before and after facial and laryngeal surgeries and must be aware of the role of neuroimaging in the care of this population. An invited commentary by Callen is available online. The online slide presentation from the RSNA Annual Meeting is available for this article. ©RSNA, 2022.

A 71-Year-Old Man With Diffuse Waxing and Waning Multifocal Lung Lesions, Empyema, and Episodic Fevers Reveals a Rare Diagnosis.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 71-year-old man with history of gastroesophageal reflux disease, chronic sinusitis, arthritis, hypothyroidism, and anemia of chronic disease initially sought treatment with a recurrent left pleural effusion along with other abnormal lung findings on chest CT scan. Before his referral, he was being managed for 3 years at his local hospital for waxing and waning fevers, fatigue, productive cough, chills, and night sweats. He did not report any hemoptysis or chest pain, but reported weight loss of 13 kgs in 15 months. During those 3 years, he was treated with multiple courses of antibiotics and steroids with temporary relief of symptoms. At that time, his chronic sinusitis was suspected to be the cause of his symptoms and he underwent balloon sinuplasty. He was receiving daily sublingual immunotherapy for inhaled respiratory allergens for the previous year after showing positive test results for 17 inhaled allergens. The patient had no other known immunologic workup before our evaluation.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Nontraumatic Chest Wall Pain.

Chest pain is a common reason that patients may present for evaluation in both ambulatory and emergency department settings, and is often of musculoskeletal origin in the former. Chest wall syndrome collectively describes the various entities that can contribute to chest wall pain of musculoskeletal origin and may affect any chest wall structure. Various imaging modalities may be employed for the diagnosis of nontraumatic chest wall conditions, each with variable utility depending on the clinical scenario. We review the evidence for or against use of various imaging modalities for the diagnosis of nontraumatic chest wall pain. 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 include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Imaging evaluation for the diagnosis and management of complications of gender-affirming surgeries.

Gender-affirming surgeries (GS) allow transgender individuals to align their physical sexual characteristics with their gender identity, which can result in profound changes to native anatomy. Medical imaging is a useful tool for evaluation of patients who have undergone or plan to pursue GS. Given the complex nature of some GS, complications may arise. The choice of imaging modality can be guided by the clinically suspected complications. For example, urethral complications of phalloplasty are best evaluated with fluoroscopic urethrography. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging provides detailed depiction of pelvic neo-anatomy after vaginoplasty. Many GS involve the creation of vascular pedicles for tissue grafts, which are at risk of thrombosis and graft ischemia. Doppler ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) angiography are important for diagnosis of these dreaded complications. Moreover, interventional radiologists may participate in endovascular treatments for such complications. Various imaging modalities may assist the surgeon in the postoperative evaluation of patients with suspected complications after GS, and imaging protocol modifications may be required to improve diagnostic accuracy. For example, rectal or neovaginal contrast material may be necessary to ensure accurate imaging evaluation, such as delineation of fistulas. Working together, surgeons and radiologists can ensure accurate imaging assessment while accommodating for patient comfort.

Multidisciplinary approach to imaging for gender-affirming surgery: engaging surgeons, radiologists, and patients to ensure a positive imaging experience.

Medical imaging plays an integral role in the preoperative evaluation and postoperative management of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) patients who pursue gender-affirming surgery. Radiology department encounters can be a source of anxiety for patients of any demographic, including TGD patients. Although most imaging modalities are considered "non-invasive", certain imaging procedures and other aspects of the radiology encounter could be considered quite invasive to the TGD patient. The TGD patient may be worried that the imaging examination will have to address anatomy that they feel does not align with their gender identity, or reveal some abnormality or disheartening complication of their surgery. Simultaneously, the patient must also navigate potentially uncomfortable interactions with other patients in department waiting rooms, restrooms, and changing facilities as well as with radiology staff. As the referral source to imaging facilities, providers should advocate on behalf of their TGD patients. Referring providers should work with imaging facilities to ensure their patients will receive inclusive and affirming care and not be subject to discomfort on the part of gender identity or expression. Proactive and regular communication among radiology facilities, patients, and referring providers will ensure appropriate and sensitive care for this vulnerable population. A positive imaging experience can improve patient outcomes and the relationship between healthcare providers and the TGD community they serve.

Factors affecting patient adherence to lung cancer screening: A multisite analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with delayed adherence to follow-up in lung cancer screening. METHODS: Utilizing a data warehouse and lung cancer screening registry, variables were collected from a referred sample of 3110 unique participants with follow-up CT during the study period (1 January 2016 to 17 October 2018). Adherence was defined as undergoing chest CT within 90 days and 30 days of the recommended time for follow-up and was determined using proportions and multiple variable logistic regression models across the American College of Radiology Lung Imaging Reporting and Data System (Lung-RADS®) categories. RESULTS: Of 1954 lung cancer screening participants (51.9% (1014/1954) males, 48.1% (940/1954) female; mean age 65.7 (range 45-87), smoking history median 40 pack-years, 60.2% and 44.5% did not follow-up within 30 and 90 days, respectively. Participants receiving Lung-RADS® category 1 or 2 presented later than those with Lung-RADS® category 3 at 90 days (coefficient -27.24, 95% CI -51.31, -3.16, p = 0.027). Participants with Lung-RADS® category 1 presented later than those with Lung-RADS® category 2 at both 90- and 30-days past due (OR 0.76 95% CI [0.59-0.97], p = 0.029 and OR 0.63 95% CI [0.48-0.83], p = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to follow-up was higher among participants receiving more suspicious Lung-RADS® results at index screening CT and among those who had undergone more non-lung cancer screening imaging examinations prior to index lung cancer screening CT. These observations may inform strategies aimed at prospectively identifying participants at risk for delayed or nonadherence to prevent potential morbidity and mortality from incident lung cancers.

Accessory and Incomplete Lung Fissures: Clinical and Histopathologic Implications.

OBJECTIVE: This article reviews the anatomy, histology, and disease processes of pulmonary fissures, with emphasis on clinical implications of accessory and incomplete fissures. CONCLUSION: Accessory and incomplete pulmonary fissures are often overlooked during routine imaging but can have profound clinical importance. Knowledge of fissure anatomy could improve diagnostic accuracy and inform prognosis for oncologists, interventional pulmonologists, and thoracic surgeons.

Lymphatic Pathways of the Thorax: Predictable Patterns of Spread.

OBJECTIVE. This article reviews thoracic lymphatic pathways and tributaries, discusses lymphatic anatomic variants and their clinical implications, and emphasizes common patterns of thoracic lymphadenopathy from extrapulmonary malignancies. CONCLUSION. Recognition of common patterns and pathways of thoracic lymphatic drainage can help identify the site of tumor origin and allow a more focused examination of disease extent, both of which are important for disease prognosis and management.

Smooth Muscle Conditions of the Chest: A Clinical, Radiologic, and Pathologic Review.

Smooth muscle conditions of the chest have diverse clinical and imaging manifestations and may involve nearly every thoracic structure. Differentiation among these conditions requires the integration of clinical, radiologic, and histopathologic data. Histologic examination in conjunction with immunohistochemistry is essential for differentiation from other spindle cell neoplastic mimics. Familiarity with these entities will ensure the inclusion of smooth muscle conditions in the differential diagnosis of thoracic soft tissue lesions and potentially guide the clinician in appropriate management. We review the clinical, imaging, and histopathologic features of thoracic smooth muscle-related conditions organized by the anatomic structures affected.

Lung Cancer Screening Eligibility and Utilization Among Transgender Patients: An Analysis of the 2017-2018 United States Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey.

INTRODUCTION: Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) persons disproportionately face many health disparities including a higher risk of lung cancer. Lung cancer screening (LCS) using low-dose chest computed tomography has reduced lung cancer mortality in eligible high-risk smokers across several large trials, yet utilization of LCS remains low. TGD persons may be less likely to receive recommended cancer screening compared with cisgender populations. We sought to compare eligibility for and utilization of LCS between TGD and cisgender persons in the United States. We also examined if the utilization of LCS varied by smoking status within each gender identity group. METHODS: We analyzed data from the 2017 and 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) cross-sectional survey to determine eligibility and utilization of LCS among TGD participants compared with cisgender persons. Logistical regression analysis of potentially confounding variables included age category, race/ethnicity, income, employment status, health insurance, and having a personal doctor. RESULTS: Of 37 023 weighted respondents, 0.5% were TGD. Although eligibility for LCS was statistically similar (8.8% TGD vs. 12.2% cisgender) (adjusted odds ratio = 0.81, 95% confidence interval = 0.27-2.39, p = .703), only 2.3% of TGD participants reported obtaining a LCS chest computed tomography versus 17.2% of cisgender participants (adjusted odds ratio = 0.04, 95% confidence interval = 0.01-0.59, p = .019). Smoking status showed no association with LCS utilization among gender identity groups. CONCLUSIONS: TGD persons may be less likely to receive LCS despite having similar smoking status and eligibility of cisgender persons, suggesting a disparity in utilization of this preventative health service. IMPLICATIONS: Targeted efforts to increase LCS utilization and promote smoking cessation for at-risk TGD patients may be warranted.