Association between left ventricular perfusion defects and myocardial deformation indexes in heart transplantation recipients.

The aim of the study was to analyze possible correlations between strain echocardiography (STE) and PET myocardial perfusion in a population of heart transplantation (HTx) recipients showing preserved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction. By STE, LV global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) was lower in HTx. PET showed no transient or chronic ischemia in 83 of 115 HTx (73%). Fixed perfusion defects were observed in 17% of HTx and reversible ischemia in 10%. Significant coronary stenosis was observed only in 10 cases. GLS was independently associated with age at HTx and fixed perfusion defects (HR 0.41; P<.001). Such relationships underline STE ability to early identify HTx pts with subclinical myocardial dysfunction during long-term follow-up.

Non-small cell lung cancer evaluated with quantitative contrast-enhanced CT and PET-CT: net enhancement and standardized uptake values are related to tumour size and histology.

BACKGROUND: Personalized cancer therapy remains a challenge. In this context, we attempted to identify correlations between tumour angiogenesis, tumour metabolism and tumour cell type. To this aim, we used single=phase multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and hybrid positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) to determine whether net enhancement and standardized uptake value (SUVmax) were correlated with tumour size and cytology in patients affected by non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our study included 38 patients (30 men, 8 women, mean age 70) with a NSCLC measuring between 3 cm and 7 cm, using a 16-slice multidetector CT (Brilliance Philips) and with PET-CT (Biograph 16 Siemens Medical Solutions). The following lesion parameters were evaluated: maximum diameter, medium density before contrast injection (CTpre), medium density after contrast injection (CTpost average), density in the most enhanced part of the lesion after contrast (CTpost max), net enhancement, SUVmax, age, and cytology. Correlation coefficient and p-value were computed for each pair of variables. In addition, correlations were computed for each pair of variables, and for all combinations of tumour types. We focused on subsets of data with more than 10 observations, and with correlation r>0.500 and p<0.05. RESULTS: A weak correlation (r=0.32; p=0.048) was found between SUVmax and tumour size; the correlation was stronger for masses larger than 31 mm (r=0.4515; p=0.0268). No other correlations were found among the variables examined. CONCLUSIONS: Our data may have prognostic significance, and could lead to more appropriate surgical treatment and better treatment outcome.

Frequency of Renal Function Parameter Abnormalities in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Real-World Evidence from Clinical Practice.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) commonly develop renal dysfunction due to either systemic inflammation or drug-related nephrotoxicity. This study compared renal function parameters in patients with PsA versus those with RA and examined the impact of clinical remission or disease relapse on renal function. METHODS: This single-center retrospective study was conducted at the University Hospital of Messina, Italy. Adult patients (aged ≥18 years) with PsA or RA who attended the rheumatology clinic within the past 6 months were identified from electronic medical records. RESULTS: In total, 45 patients with PsA (n = 23) or RA (n = 22) were included. The mean (standard deviation) age was 55.6 (15.9) years, and 78% of participants were female. Patient age, renal function, and medical history were generally similar between the two disease groups, although significantly more RA patients were smokers, and more PsA patients had comorbid hypertension. The prevalence of estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] ≤90 mL/min/1.73 m2 at 1, 6, and 12 months of treatment ranged from 38.5% to 58.3% in the PsA group and from 45.5% to 54.5% in the RA group and did not significantly differ between disease groups. Clinical remission did not appear to affect renal function parameters in either disease group; however, relapse was associated with significantly higher serum creatinine levels in PsA patients at the same timepoint. CONCLUSION: In this study, patients with PsA and RA had a similar prevalence of renal function parameter abnormalities over 12 months of treatment. Disease relapse may impact renal function in patients with PsA.

Right ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular dyssynchrony by 3D echo correlate with functional impairment in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to detect if right ventricular (RV) ejection fraction assessed by real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) could predict patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) with greater functional impairment in response to cardiopulmonary exercise. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seventy chronic heart failure patients with DCM (55.5 ± 9.1 years; 48 males; 30 ischemic; New York Heart Association Class III: 48) underwent both left ventricular (LV) and RV analysis by RT3DE. Postprocessing software provided data of RT3DE systolic dyssynchrony index of 16 LV segments (systolic dyssynchrony index [SDI]) and of both LV and RV ejection fraction. Cardiac magnetic resonance was performed in a subgroup of 40 DCM patients to confirm RT3DE measurements. All the patients underwent also bicycle cardiopulmonary exercise test with evaluation of oxygen consumption (VO2) peak% (percentage of the predicted value), VE/VCO2 slope, and circulatory power (CP). Mean LV ejection fraction was 29.8 ± 4.6%. RT3DE LV SDI index was 8.4.4 ± 4.2, and RV ejection fraction was 51.3 ± 4.6%. By cardiopulmonary test, mean VO2 peak was 15.2 ± 4.4 mL·kg·min, and mean CP was 2.1 ± 0.8. By univariable analyses, significant correlations were detectable between SDI index and VO2 peak% (r = -0.56; P < .0001) and peak CP (r = -0.48; P < .0005). Also RV ejection fraction directly correlated with VO2 peak% (r = 0.58; P < .0001) and inversely with VE/VCO2 slope (r = -0.44; P < .001). By multivariable analysis, SDI index (ß coefficient = -0.46; P < .001) and 3D RV ejection fraction (ß coefficient = 0.42; P < .001) emerged as the only independent determinants of VO2 peak% during cardiopulmonary test. CONCLUSIONS: Increased LV electromechanical dyssynchrony and impaired RV function in DCM patients are independently associated with worse ability to perform aerobic exercise.

The Neuropathic Pain Features in Psoriatic Arthritis: A Cross-sectional Evaluation of Prevalence and Associated Factors.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with the neuropathic pain features in a cohort of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). METHODS: A cross-sectional evaluation was conducted in consecutive patients having PsA with prevalent peripheral joint involvement, referred to 3 rheumatological centers. For each patient, a comprehensive assessment of disease activity, physical function, and disease effect was carried out. The presence of comorbid fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) was evaluated. Acute-phase reactants were also recorded. The neuropathic pain features were investigated through the PainDETECT Questionnaire (PDQ). A logistic regression analysis was therefore conducted using the PDQ as the dependent variable. RESULTS: The final evaluation included 118 patients. A comorbid FMS was detectable in 30 of the 118 patients with PsA (25.4%). Probable characteristics of neuropathic pain (PDQ ≥ 19) were found in 30 (25.4%) patients overall, ambiguous (PDQ > 12 and < 19) in 21 (17.8%) patients, and unlikely (PDQ ≤ 12) in 67 (56.8%) patients. Using logistic regression analysis, the only independent variable among those investigated that could explain the neuropathic pain features was the presence of a comorbid FMS (p = 0.0127). Excluding patients with comorbid FMS, an association with disability (measured by Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index) emerges (p = 0.0489). In patients with PsA and comorbid FMS, PDQ scores were significantly higher than in patients without comorbid FMS. CONCLUSION: Neuropathic pain features are common in patients with PsA, and the presence of pain sensitization (comorbid FMS) seems to be its main predictor.

Looking for Lepidic Component inside Invasive Adenocarcinomas Appearing as CT Solid Solitary Pulmonary Nodules (SPNs): CT Morpho-Densitometric Features and 18-FDG PET Findings.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate CT morphologic and densitometric features and 18-FDG PET findings of surgically excised lung adenocarcinomas "mixed subtype" with predominant lepidic component, appearing as solid solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) on CT scan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Approval for this study was given from each local institutional review board according to its retrospective nature. Nodules pathologically classified as lung adenocarcinoma mixed subtype with bronchioloalveolar otherwise lepidic predominant component, in three different Italian institutions (Napoli; Varese; Parma), were retrospectively selected. RESULTS: 22 patients were identified. The number of SPNs with smooth margins was significantly lower with respect to the number of SPNs with spiculated margins (p: 0.033), radiating spiculations (p: 0.019), and notch sign (p: 0.011). Mean contrast enhancement (CE) was 53.34 HU (min 5.5 HU, max 112 HU); considering 15 HU as cut-off value, CE was positive in 20/22 cases. No significant correlation was found between size and CE. Mean SUVmax was 2.21, ranging from 0.2 up to 7.5 units; considering 2.5 units as cut-off, SUVmax was positive in 7/22 cases. The number of SPNs with positive CE was significantly higher than the number of SPNs with positive SUVmax (p: 0.0005). CONCLUSION: CT generally helps in identifying solid SPN suspicious for malignancy but 18-FDG PET may result in false-negative evaluation; when 18-FDG PET findings of a solid SPN are negative even though CT morphology and CE suggest malignancy, radiologist should consider that lepidic component may be present inside the invasive tumor, despite the absence of ground glass.

Assessment of Standardised Uptake Values in PET Imaging Using Different Software Packages.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated whether the follow-up by means of positron emission tomography with computed tomography (PET/CT) is reliable when using different software packages for image reviewing. METHODOLOGY: This study explored the influence of software on patient follow up by analysing images acquired by means of PET/CT equipment. Images were analysed using three software packages. The study included two patients who underwent examinations over the course of 2 years. An expert radiologist selected the regions of interest surrounding the lesions on each slice. RESULTS: We carried out an analysis of differences among software packages on a region of interest and on a volume of interest basis, and using time-course analysis (differences among successive examinations). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that within the limits of the currently available guidelines for PET evaluation, although differences exist among the standardised uptake value measurements by different software packages, they might not alter the qualitative time-course analysis (evaluation of follow-up) if the whole analysis is performed using a fixed package.

Preliminary study on the correlation between grading and histology of solitary pulmonary nodules and contrast enhancement and [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose standardised uptake value after evaluation by dynamic multiphase CT and PET/CT.

AIM: To evaluate whether the histology and grading of solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) correlated with the results of dynamic multiphase multidetector CT (MDCT) and the [(18)F]fluorodeoxyglucose standardised uptake value (SUV) in 30 patients. METHODS: Chest x-rays of 270 patients with incidentally detected SPNs were retrospectively evaluated. Thirty patients with histologically proven SPNs were enrolled. On MDCT and positron emission tomography (PET)/CT images, two experts measured the density of nodules in all perfusion phases and the SUV. Net enhancement (NE) was calculated by subtracting peak pre-contrast density from peak post-contrast density. The Pearson test was used to correlate nodule NE, SUV, grading, histology and diameter. RESULTS: Of the 30 malignant SPNs, six were classified as G1 (median NE, 31.5 Hounsfield units (HU); median SUV, 4.8 units), 15 were classified as G2 (median NE, 49 HU; median SUV, 6 units), and nine were classified as G3 (median NE, 32 HU; median SUV, 4.5 units). A highly negative correlation was found in G3 SPNs between NE and the corresponding diameters (r=-0.834; p=0.00524). NE increased with the increase in diameter (r=0.982; p=0.284). SUV increased as the SPN diameter increased (r=0.789; p=0.421). NE and SUV were higher in G2 than G1 SPNs, and lower in G2 than G3 SPNs (r=0.97; p=0.137). CONCLUSIONS: The significant correlation in dedifferentiated (G3) SPNs between NE and diameter (r=-0.834; p=0.00524) supports the theory that stroma and neoangiogenesis are fundamental in SPN growth. The highly negative correlation between NE and diameter demonstrates a net decrease in perfusion despite an increase in dimension. The multidisciplinary approach used herein may result in a more precise prognosis and consequently a better therapeutic outcome, particularly in patients with undifferentiated lung cancer.

Functional imaging of Langerhans cell histiocytosis by (111)In-DTPA-D-Phe(1)-octreotide scintigraphy.

BACKGROUND: Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a rare group of diseases of unknown pathogenesis, variable clinical presentation, and behavior. It encompasses highly aggressive, often fatal, and indolent diseases, with a variety of intermediate forms between the two extremes. Localization and monitoring of Langerhans cell histiocytosis deposits are based on the combined use of different imaging modalities, which include magnetic resonance, computed tomography, and nuclear medicine procedures. Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy recently has been used to image immune-mediated diseases with excellent results. METHODS: In this study, the authors have evaluated the potential role of somatostatin receptor scintigraphy by using (111)In-DTPA-D-Phe(1)-octreotide in a series of patients with Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Eight consecutive patients (2 males, 6 females; mean age, 43 years; age range, 29-60 years) with histologically proven Langerhans cell histiocytosis, in various phases of their disease, were imaged 24 hours after intravenous injection of 111-222 MBq of (111)In-DTPA-D-Phe(1)-octreotide, by using total body and spot view images. The objective of the study was to preliminarily evaluate this technique in the evaluation of Langerhans cell histiocytosis. RESULTS: Most Langerhans cell histiocytosis deposits were clearly documented by somatostatin receptor scintigraphy, independently from the anatomic location (i.e., skeleton, mucosae, soft tissue, etc.). The correlation between conventional imaging modalities and somatostatin receptor scintigraphy results was fairly good, though this was not considered a primary objective of the study. CONCLUSIONS: Among the various imaging modalities for Langerhans cell histiocytosis, somatostatin receptor scintigraphy is unique, because it accurately depicts the active sites of disease and thus can help in monitoring the response to treatment, together with conventional imaging modalities. Further studies are necessary to confirm the diagnostic value of this technique and clarify the biologic significance of the expression of somatostatin receptors in Langerhans cell histiocytosis.

Somatostatin analogs and prednisone in advanced refractory thymic tumors.

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic options to cure advanced, recurrent, and metastatic thymic tumors are limited. Evidence of a high uptake of indium-labeled octreotide ((111)In-DTPA-D-Phe(1)-octreotide) in thymic tumors and the curative application of somatostatin analogs and prednisone in one patient with thymoma and pure red cell aplasia led the authors to start a Phase II study. METHODS: Sixteen patients with advanced thymic tumors, unresponsive to conventional chemotherapeutic regimens, were enrolled in the study. The schedule includes administration of somatostatin analog octreotide (1.5 mg/day subcutaneously) associated with prednisone (0.6 mg/kg/day orally for 3 months, 0.2 mg/kg/day orally during follow-up). In 8 cases, octreotide was replaced by the long-acting analog lanreotide (30 mg/every 14 days intramuscolarly). Treatment was prolonged until progression of disease was documented. Overall response rate, survival, progression free survival, and toxicity were evaluated. RESULTS: The overall response rate among 16 evaluable patients was 37%. One patient (6%) had a complete response, 5 (31%) had a partial response, 6 obtained a stabilization of disease, and 4 progressed during the treatment. After a median follow-up of 43 months, the median survival was 15 months, and median time to progression was 14 months. Treatment was generally well tolerated with acceptable toxicity: cholelithiasis (1 patient), Grade 2 cushingoid appearance (3 patients), Grade 1 diarrhea (5 patients), Grade 2 hyperglycemia (3 patients). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with somatostatin analogs and prednisone has shown efficacy in patients with recurrent and metastatic malignant thymic tumors refractory to standard therapeutic options. The results obtained are very satisfactory given the lack of effective alternative treatments. Such therapy is not burdened by the same toxicity of chemotherapy; thus, it can be administered to heavily pretreated patients. Somatostatin analogs and prednisone are well tolerated, and the long-acting analog lanreotide, which requires fewer injections, improves patients' compliance.