Postsurgical geometrical variations of tumor bed and brainstem during photon and proton therapy for pediatric tumors of the posterior fossa: dosimetric impact and predictive factors.

PURPOSE: Brainstem radionecrosis is an important issue during the irradiation of tumors of the posterior fossa. The aim of the present study is to analyze postsurgical geometrical variations of tumor bed (TB) and brainstem (BS) and their impact on dosimetry. METHODS: Retrospective collection of data from pediatric patients treated at a single institution. Availability of presurgical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was verified; availability of at least two postsurgical MRIs was considered a further inclusion criterion. The following metrics were analyzed: total volume, Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), and Haudsdorff distances (HD). RESULTS: Fourteen patients were available for the quantification of major postsurgical geometrical variations of TB. DSC, HD max, and HD average values were 0.47 (range: 0.08;0.76), 11.3 mm (7.7;24.5), and 2.6 mm (0.7;6.7) between the first and the second postoperative MRI, respectively. Postsurgical geometrical variations of the BS were also observed. Coverage to the TB was reduced in one patient (D95: -2.9 Gy), while D2 to the BS was increased for the majority of patients. Overall, predictive factors for significant geometrical changes were presurgical gross tumor volume (GTV) > 33 mL, hydrocephaly at diagnosis, Luschka foramen involvement, and younger age (≤ 8 years). CONCLUSION: Major volume changes were observed in this cohort, with some dosimetric impact. The use of a recent co-registration MRI is advised. The 2-3 mm HD average observed should be considered in the planning target volume/planning organ at risk volume (PTV/PRV) margin and/or robust optimization planning. Results from wider efforts are needed to verify our findings.

Simultaneous trans-hepatic portal and hepatic vein embolization before major hepatectomy: the liver venous deprivation technique.

PURPOSE: To assess technical feasibility, safety, and efficacy of the liver venous deprivation (LVD) technique that combines both portal and hepatic vein embolization during the same procedure for liver preparation before major hepatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven patients (mean age:63.6y[42-77y]) underwent trans-hepatic LVD for liver metastases (n = 2), hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 1), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (n = 3) and Klatskin tumour (n = 1). Assessment of future remnant liver (FRL) volume, liver enzymes and histology was performed. RESULTS: Technical success was 100 %. No complication occurred before surgery. Resection was performed in 6/7 patients. CT-scan revealed hepatic congestion in the venous-deprived area (6/7 patients). A mean of 3 days (range: 1-8 days) after LVD, transaminases increased (AST: from 42 ± 24U/L to 103 ± 118U/L, ALT: from 45 ± 25U/L to 163 ± 205U/L). Twenty-three days (range: 13-30 days) after LVD, FRL increased from 28.2 % (range: 22.4-33.3 %) to 40.9 % (range: 33.6-59.3 %). During the first 7 days, venous-deprived liver volume increased (+13.4 %) probably reflecting vascular congestion, whereas it strongly decreased (-21.3 %) at 3-4 weeks. Histology (embolized lobe) revealed sinusoidal dilatation, hepatocyte necrosis and important atrophy in all patients. CONCLUSION: Trans-hepatic LVD technique is feasible, well tolerated and provides fast and important hypertrophy of the FRL. This new technique needs to be further evaluated and compared to portal vein embolization. KEY POINTS: • Twenty-three days after LVD, FRL increased from 28.2 % (range:22.4-33.3 %) to 40.9 % (range:33.6-59.3 %) • During the first 7 days, venous-deprived liver volume increased (+13.4 %) • Venous-deprived liver volume strongly decreased (mean atrophy:229 cc; -21.3 %) at 3-4 weeks • Histology of venous-deprived liver revealed sinusoidal dilatation, hepatocyte necrosis and important atrophy.

Lumbar discitis caused by Clostridium perfringens.

We report here a rare case of chronic lumbar discitis caused by Clostridium perfringens in an elderly patient that was treated with a combination of ß-lactams and clindamycin. Molecular analysis performed on the strain revealed an unusual toxin gene pattern.

MRI restaging of rectal cancer: The RAC (Response-Anal canal-CRM) analysis joint consensus guidelines of the GRERCAR and GRECCAR groups.

PURPOSE: To develop guidelines by international experts to standardize data acquisition, image interpretation, and reporting in rectal cancer restaging with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Evidence-based data and experts' opinions were combined using the RAND-UCLA Appropriateness Method to attain consensus guidelines. Experts provided recommendations for reporting template and protocol for data acquisition were collected; responses were analysed and classified as "RECOMMENDED" versus "NOT RECOMMENDED" (if ≥ 80% consensus among experts) or uncertain (if < 80% consensus among experts). RESULTS: Consensus regarding patient preparation, MRI sequences, staging and reporting was attained using the RAND-UCLA Appropriateness Method. A consensus was reached for each reporting template item among the experts. Tailored MRI protocol and standardized report were proposed. CONCLUSION: These consensus recommendations should be used as a guide for rectal cancer restaging with MRI.

CT-guided percutaneous catheter drainage of acute infectious necrotizing pancreatitis: assessment of effectiveness and safety.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to assess retrospectively the effectiveness and safety of CT-guided percutaneous drainage and to determine the factors influencing clinical success and mortality in patients with infectious necrotizing pancreatitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From April 1997 to December 2005, 48 consecutive patients (33 men and 15 women; median age, 58.5 years) with proven infectious necrotizing pancreatitis underwent percutaneous catheter drainage via CT guidance. Evaluated factors included clinical, biologic, and radiologic scores; drainage and catheter characteristics; and complications. Clinical success was defined as control of sepsis without requirement for surgery. Univariate analysis was performed to determine factors that could have affected the clinical success and the mortality rates. RESULTS: Clinical success was achieved in 31 of 48 patients (64.6%) and was significantly associated with Ranson score (p = 0.01) and with the delay between admission and the beginning of the drainage (p = 0.005), with a calculated threshold delay of 18 days (p = 0.001). The global mortality rate (14/48 [29%]) was also influenced by the Ranson score (p = 01) and the delay of drainage (p = 0.04) with the same threshold delay (p = 0.01). Only two major nonlethal procedure-related complications were observed. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous catheter drainage is a safe and effective technique to treat acute infectious necrotizing pancreatitis.

The value of pelvic MRI in the diagnosis of posterior cul-de-sac obliteration in cases of deep pelvic endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to define relevant MRI signs allowing preoperative diagnosis of posterior cul-de-sac obliteration in patients with deep pelvic endometriosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who underwent pelvic MRI completed by a laparoscopic examination. Three radiologists performed the MRI review blinded and recorded the following signs: sign 1, retroflexed uterus; sign 2, retrouterine mass; sign 3, displacement of intraperitoneal fluid; sign 4, elevation of the fornix; and sign 5, adherence of bowel loops. Laparoscopic results provided the criterion standard for diagnosis of posterior cul-de-sac obliteration. The performance of MRI was evaluated by calculating the average sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of MRI results of the two more experienced radiologists for each sign and for combinations of signs. Interobserver agreement for each sign and impression for posterior cul-de-sac obliteration were calculated for all radiologists. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients were included in the study. Posterior cul-de-sac obliteration was diagnosed in 43 patients at laparoscopy. The mean sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of each sign and impression of posterior cul-de-sac obliteration were, respectively, as follows: sign 1, 24.4%, 77.5%, 41.3%; sign 2, 97.1%, 83.7%, 92.8%; sign 3, 95.0%, 88.7%, 93.1%; sign 4, 30.2%, 97.5%, 51.6%; sign 5, 83.7%, 91.2%, 86.1%; and impression of posterior cul-de-sac obliteration, 91.9%, 91.2%, 91.7%. Interobserver concordance varied from 0.26 to 0.81 with best results obtained with the combination of signs 2, 3, and 5. Best concordances for junior radiologist evaluations were obtained with assessment of sign 3. CONCLUSION: MRI allows posterior cul-de-sac obliteration diagnosis. Pelvic fluid displacement may be the sign with greatest utility when considering both diagnostic accuracy and interobserver agreement.

Development of a New Index to Assess Small Bowel Inflammation Severity in Crohn's Disease Using Magnetic Resonance Enterography.

Background: The severity of small bowel (SB) inflammation in Crohn's disease (CD) patients is a key component of the therapeutic choice. We aimed to develop a SB-CD Magnetic Resonance Enterography (MRE) index of Inflammation Severity (CDMRIS). Methods: Each gastroenterologist/radiologist pair in 13 centers selected MREs from 6 patients with SB-CD stratified on their perceived MRE inflammation severity. The 78 blinded MREs were allocated through balanced incomplete block design per severity stratum to these 13 pairs for rating the presence/severity of 13 preselected items for each SB 20-cm diseased segment. Global inflammation severity was evaluated using a 100-cm visual analog scale. Reproducibility of recorded items was evaluated. The CDMRIS was determined through linear mixed modeling as a combination of the numbers of segments with lesions highly correlated to global inflammation severity. Results: Four hundred and forty-two readings were available. Global inflammation severity mean ± SD was 21.0 ± 16.2. The independent predictors explaining 54% of the global inflammation severity variance were the numbers of segments with T1 mild-moderate and severe intensity of enhancement, deep ulceration without fistula, comb sign, fistula, and abscess. Unbiased correlation between CDMRIS and global inflammation severity was 0.76. Conclusions: The CDMRIS is now available to evaluate the severity of SB-CD inflammation. External validation and sensitivity-to-change are mandatory next steps.

Structured and shared MRI staging lexicon and report of rectal cancer: A consensus proposal by the French Radiology Group (GRERCAR) and Surgical Group (GRECCAR) for rectal cancer.

PURPOSE: To develop French guidelines by experts to standardize data acquisition, image interpretation, and reporting in rectal cancer staging with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Evidence-based data and opinions of experts of GRERCAR (Groupe de REcherche en Radiologie sur le CAncer du Rectum [i.e., Rectal Cancer Imaging Research Group]) and GRECCAR (Groupe de REcherche en Chirurgie sur le CAncer du Rectum [i.e., Rectal Cancer Surgery Research Group]) were combined using the RAND-UCLA Appropriateness Method to attain consensus guidelines. Experts scoring of reporting template and protocol for data acquisition were collected; responses were analyzed and classified as "Recommended" versus "Not recommended" (when ≥ 80% consensus among experts) or uncertain (when < 80% consensus among experts). RESULTS: Consensus regarding patient preparation, MRI sequences, staging and reporting was attained using the RAND-UCLA Appropriateness Method. A consensus was reached for each reporting template item among the experts. Tailored MRI protocol and standardized report were proposed. CONCLUSION: These consensus recommendations should be used as a guide for rectal cancer staging with MRI.

Early Toxicities After High Dose Rate Proton Therapy in Cancer Treatments.

BACKGROUND: The conventional dose rate of radiation therapy is 0.01-0.05 Gy per second. According to preclinical studies, an increased dose rate may offer similar anti-tumoral effect while dramatically improving normal tissue protection. This study aims at evaluating the early toxicities for patients irradiated with high dose rate pulsed proton therapy (PT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single institution retrospective chart review was performed for patients treated with high dose rate (10 Gy per second) pulsed proton therapy, from September 2016 to April 2020. This included both benign and malignant tumors with ≥3 months follow-up, evaluated for acute (≤2 months) and subacute (>2 months) toxicity after the completion of PT. RESULTS: There were 127 patients identified, with a median follow up of 14.8 months (3-42.9 months). The median age was 55 years (1.6-89). The cohort most commonly consisted of benign disease (55.1%), cranial targets (95.1%), and were treated with surgery prior to PT (56.7%). There was a median total PT dose of 56 Gy (30-74 Gy), dose per fraction of 2 Gy (1-3 Gy), and CTV size of 47.6 ml (5.6-2,106.1 ml). Maximum acute grade ≥2 toxicity were observed in 49 (38.6%) patients, of which 8 (6.3%) experienced grade 3 toxicity. No acute grade 4 or 5 toxicity was observed. Maximum subacute grade 2, 3, and 4 toxicity were discovered in 25 (19.7%), 12 (9.4%), and 1 (0.8%) patient(s), respectively. CONCLUSION: In this cohort, utilizing high dose rate proton therapy (10 Gy per second) did not result in a major decrease in acute and subacute toxicity. Longer follow-up and comparative studies with conventional dose rate are required to evaluate whether this approach offers a toxicity benefit.

Planned organ preservation for early T2-3 rectal adenocarcinoma: A French, multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) and watch-and-wait policy as reported by Habr-Gama are references for organ preservation in rectal cancer. To increase the clinical complete response (cCR) and reduce the local recurrence rates, we report a retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort of selected T2-3 tumours treated in three French institutions using contact X-ray brachytherapy (CXB) with nCRT. METHODS: Tumour selection was based on digital rectal examination (DRE), rigid rectoscopy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or endorectal ultrasound. Adenocarcinoma T2-3 < 5 cm largest diameter, M0 were treated, all with organ preservation intent. CXB delivering 90 Gy/3 fractions/4 weeks was combined with CRT (capecitabine 50). Strict evaluation of tumour response using DRE and rectoscopy ± MRI was performed at regular interval with prolonged surveillance. FINDINGS: Between 2002 and 2016, 74 consecutive patients were treated (median age: 74 years. T2: 45 and T3: 29). A cCR or near-cCR (mainly rectal wall ulceration) was noted at week 14 in 71 patients (95%). A local excision was performed in 13 patients. Of three partial responses (PRs), one salvage anterior resection was performed. With a median follow-up of 3 years, local recurrence (mainly in the rectal wall) was seen in seven patients. The 3-year local recurrence rate was 10%, and the cancer-specific survival, 88%. Two patients underwent radical proctectomy for PR or local recurrence and 96% preserved their rectum. Grade III acute toxicity was recorded in five patients. Rectal bleeding was the main late toxicity (grade III in 12%). Bowel function was scored as good or excellent in 85% of patients. INTERPRETATION: Combining CXB and nCRT in selected early T2-T3 rectal cancers may safely provide a high rate of cCR, organ preservation, and good bowel function with a risk of local recurrence below 15%. Such an approach could be offered to operable patients as a planned option for organ preservation.

Focused ultrasound for the treatment of bone metastases: effectiveness and feasibility.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for the treatment of bone metastases. METHODS: A single-center prospective study was made involving 17 consecutive patients with symptomatic bone metastases. Patients were treated by Focused Ultrasound (FUs) performed with magnetic resonance (MR) guidance. Surgical treatment or radiotherapy treatment was not indicated for patients who underwent FUs. Lesions were located in the appendicular and axial skeleton and consisted of secondary symptomatic lesions. The clinical course of pain was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before treatment, at 1 week, and at 1 month after treatment and the Oral Morphine Equivalent Daily Dose (OMEDD) was also recorded. We used Wilcoxon signed rank test to assess change in patient pain (R CRAN software V 3.1.1). RESULTS: We observed a significant decrease in the pain felt by patients between pre- procedure and 1 week post-procedure (p = 2.9.10-4), and pre-procedure and 1 month post-procedure (p = 3.10-4). The proportion of responders according to the International Bone Metastases Consensus Working Party was: Partial Response 50% (8/16) and Complete Response 37.5% (6/16). CONCLUSIONS: HIFU under MR-guidance seems to be an effective and safe procedure in the treatment of symptomatic bone lesions for patients suffering from metastatic disease. A significant decrease of patient pain was observed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01091883. Registered 24 March 2010. Level of evidence: Level 3.

Effects of relaxing therapies on patient's pain during percutaneous interventional radiology procedures.

BACKGROUND: Interventional radiology procedures in cancer patients cause stress and anxiety. Our objective was to relate our experience in the use of sophrology techniques during interventional radiology procedures and evaluate the effects on patient's pain and anxiety. METHODS: We present a prospective observational study on 60 consecutive patients who underwent interventional radiology procedures in a context of oncologic management from September 2017 to March 2018. Forty-two patients were asked if they wished to benefit from the sophrology and hypnosis techniques during their procedure. A control group was also made including 18 patients. Anxiety level and pain were evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) before and during procedures. RESULTS: We observed a significant decrease in anxiety experienced by patients during interventional radiology procedures compared to before procedures in the sophrology group (P=3.318E-08), and a level of anxiety and pain during gestures inferior to that of the control group (P=2.035E-06 and 7.03E-05 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Relaxing therapies, such as sophrology and hypnosis, seems to be an interesting additional tool for the management of patients in interventional oncology, inducing a decrease of stress, pain, and anxiety in patients.

Atypical MRI features of a biliary cystadenoma revealed by jaundice.

We report on the case of a patient admitted for epigastric pain. An abdominal ultrasound revealed a voluminous cystic lesion of the left hepatic lobe. In magnetic resonance imaging, the mass had a liquid-liquid level that was spontaneously hyperintense on T(1)-weighted images and hypointense on T(2)-weighted images. Magnetic resonance cholangiography identified bilateral intrahepatic bile duct dilatation. A left hepatectomy finally revealed a mucinous cystadenoma with pseudo-ovarian stroma that had a pedunculated intraductal extension to the biliary convergence.

Preoperative 4-week supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reduces liver volume and facilitates bariatric surgery in morbidly obese patients.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a very common condition among obese patients that may lead to the enlargement of the liver, that in turn impairs the access to the gastro-esophageal junction during laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (Ω-3 PUFAs) supplementation has been shown to reduce nutritional hepatic steatosis. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a 4-week course of oral Ω-3 PUFAs supplementation on the volume of the liver. METHODS: 20 morbidly obese patients were administered oral Ω-3 PUFAs (1,500 mg daily) for 4 weeks before undergoing the laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) without any dietary restriction. The volume of the left hepatic lobe was estimated by liver ultrasonography at baseline and at the end of treatment. The degree of difficulty to access the gastro-esophageal junction was appreciated subjectively by the operating surgeon. RESULTS: All patients completed the study and no side effect was reported. The mean volume of the left hepatic lobe decreased by 20% from 598 ± 97 to 484 ± 118 cm(3) after the treatment (p = 0.002). The access to the gastro-esophageal junction was reported as simple, with easy retraction of the left hepatic lobe by the operating surgeon in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that a 4-week course of oral Ω-3 PUFAs supplementation results in a significant reduction in liver size that facilitates the LRYGBP.