Diagnostic performance of sonographic activity scores for adult terminal ileal Crohn's disease compared to magnetic resonance and histological reference standards: experience from the METRIC trial.

OBJECTIVES: The simple ultrasound activity score for Crohn's disease (SUS-CD) and bowel ultrasound score (BUSS) are promising intestinal ultrasound (IUS) indices of CD, but studied mainly in small settings with few sonographers. We compared SUS-CD and BUSS against histological and magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) reference standards in a post hoc analysis of a prospective multicentre, multireader trial. METHODS: Participants recruited to the METRIC trial (ISRCTN03982913) were studied, including those with available terminal ileal (TI) biopsies. Sensitivity and specificity of SUS-CD and BUSS for TI CD activity were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CI), from the prospective observations of the original METRIC trial sonographers against the histological activity index (HAI) and the simplified magnetic resonance index of activity (sMARIA). RESULTS: We included 284 patients (median 31.5 years, IQR 23-46) from 8 centres, who underwent IUS and MRE. Of these, 111 patients had available terminal ileal biopsies with HAI scoring. Against histology, sensitivity and specificity for active disease were 79% (95% CI 69-86%) and 50% (31-69%) for SUS-CD, and 66% (56-75%) and 68% (47-84%) for BUSS, respectively. Compared to sMARIA, the sensitivity and specificity for active CD were 81% (74-86%) and 75% (66-83%) for SUS-CD, and 68% (61-74%) and 85% (76-91%) for BUSS, respectively. The sensitivity of SUS-CD was significantly greater than that of BUSS against HAI and sMARIA (p < 0.001), but its specificity was significantly lower than of BUSS against the MRE reference standard (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Particularly when compared to MRE activity scoring, SUS-CD and BUSS are promising tools in a real-world clinical setting. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: When tested using data from a multicentre, multireader diagnostic accuracy trial, the simple ultrasound activity score for Crohn's disease (SUS-CD) and bowel ultrasound score (BUSS) were clinically viable intestinal ultrasound indices that were reasonably sensitive and specific for terminal ileal Crohn's disease, especially when compared to a magnetic resonance reference standard. KEY POINTS: The simple ultrasound activity score for Crohn's disease and bowel ultrasound score are promising intestinal ultrasound indices of Crohn's disease but to date studied mainly in small settings with few sonographers. Compared to histology and the magnetic resonance reference standard in a multicentre, multireader setting, the sensitivity of simple ultrasound activity score for Crohn's disease is significantly greater than that of bowel ultrasound score. The specificity of simple ultrasound activity score for Crohn's disease was significantly lower than that of bowel ultrasound score compared to the magnetic resonance enterography reference standard. The specificity of both indices was numerically higher when the magnetic resonance enterography reference standard was adopted.

Colorectal Cancer: Performance and Evaluation for CT Colonography Screening- A Multicenter Cluster-randomized Controlled Trial.

Background Most radiologists reporting CT colonography (CTC) do not undergo compulsory performance accreditation, potentially lowering diagnostic sensitivity. Purpose To determine whether 1-day individualized training in CTC reporting improves diagnostic sensitivity of experienced radiologists for 6-mm or larger lesions, the durability of any improvement, and any associated factors. Materials and Methods This prospective, multicenter cluster-randomized controlled trial was performed in National Health Service hospitals in England and Wales between April 2017 and January 2020. CTC services were cluster randomized into intervention (1-day training plus feedback) or control (no training or feedback) arms. Radiologists in the intervention arm attended a 1-day workshop focusing on CTC reporting pitfalls with individualized feedback. Radiologists in the control group received no training. Sensitivity for 6-mm or larger lesions was tested at baseline and 1, 6, and 12 months thereafter via interpretation of 10 CTC scans at each time point. The primary outcome was the mean difference in per-lesion sensitivity between arms at 1 month, analyzed using multilevel regression after adjustment for baseline sensitivity. Secondary outcomes included per-lesion sensitivity at 6- and 12-month follow-up, sensitivity for flat neoplasia, and effect of prior CTC experience. Results A total of 69 hospitals were randomly assigned to the intervention (31 clusters, 80 radiologists) or control (38 clusters, 59 radiologists) arm. Radiologists were experienced (median, 500-999 CTC scans interpreted) and reported CTC scans routinely (median, 151-200 scans per year). One-month sensitivity improved after intervention (66.4% [659 of 992]) compared with sensitivity in the control group (42.4% [278 of 655]; difference = 20.8%; 95% CI: 14.6, 27.0; P < .001). Improvements were maintained at 6 (66.4% [572 of 861] vs 50.5% [283 of 560]; difference = 13.0%; 95% CI: 7.4, 18.5; P < .001) and 12 (63.7% [310 of 487] vs 44.4% [187 of 421]; difference = 16.7%; 95% CI: 10.3, 23.1; P < .001) months. This beneficial effect applied to flat lesions (difference = 22.7%; 95% CI: 15.5, 29.9; P < .001) and was independent of career experience (≥1500 CTC scans: odds ratio = 1.09; 95% CI: 0.88, 1.36; P = .22). Conclusion For radiologists evaluating CT colonography studies, a 1-day training intervention yielded sustained improvement in detection of clinically relevant colorectal neoplasia, independent of previous career experience. Clinical trial registration no. NCT02892721 © RSNA, 2022 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Pickhardt in this issue. An earlier incorrect version appeared online and in print. This article was corrected on February 28, 2022.

Influence of oral contrast type and volume on patient experience and quality of luminal distension at MR Enterography in Crohn's disease: an observational study of patients recruited to the METRIC trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the distention quality and patient experience of oral mannitol and polyethylene glycol (PEG) for MRE. METHODS: This study is a retrospective, observational study of a subset of patients enrolled in a multicentre, prospective trial evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of MRE for small bowel Crohn's. Overall and segmental MRE small bowel distention, from 105 patients (64 F, mean age 37) was scored from 0 = poor to 4 = excellent by two experienced observers (68 [65%] mannitol and 37 [35%] PEG). Additionally, 130 patients (77 F, mean age 34) completed a questionnaire rating tolerability of various symptoms immediately and 2 days after MRE (85 [65%] receiving mannitol 45 [35%] receiving PEG). Distension was compared between agents and between those ingesting ≤ 1 L or > 1 L of mannitol using the test of proportions. Tolerability grades were collapsed into "very tolerable," "moderately tolerable," and "not tolerable." RESULTS: Per patient distension quality was similar between agents ("excellent" or "good" in 54% [37/68] versus 46% [17/37]) with mannitol and PEG respectively. Jejunal distension was significantly better with mannitol compared to PEG (40% [27/68] versus 14% [5/37] rated as excellent or good respectively). There was no significant difference according to the volume of mannitol ingested. Symptom tolerability was comparable between agents, although fullness following MRE was graded as "very tolerable" in 27% (12/45) of patients ingesting PEG, verses 44% (37/84) ingesting mannitol, difference 17% (95% CI 0.6 to 34%). CONCLUSION: Mannitol-based solutions and PEG generally achieve comparable distension quality and side effect profiles, although jejunal distension is better quality with mannitol. Neither distension quality nor side-effect profile is altered by ingestion of more than 1 L of mannitol. KEY POINTS: • Mannitol-based and PEG-based oral preparation agents generally achieve comparable distension quality for MRE with the exception of the jejunum which is better distended with mannitol. • Mannitol-based and PEG-based oral preparation agents used for MRE have similar side effect profiles. • Neither distension quality nor side-effect profile is altered by ingestion of more than 1 L of mannitol.

ADVERSE EVENTS OF THE ARGUS II RETINAL PROSTHESIS: Incidence, Causes, and Best Practices for Managing and Preventing Conjunctival Erosion.

PURPOSE: To analyze and provide an overview of the incidence, management, and prevention of conjunctival erosion in Argus II clinical trial subjects and postapproval patients. METHODS: This retrospective analysis followed the results of 274 patients treated with the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System between June 2007 and November 2017, including 30 subjects from the US and European clinical trials, and 244 patients in the postapproval phase. Results were gathered for incidence of a serious adverse event, incidence of conjunctival erosion, occurrence sites, rates of erosion, and erosion timing. RESULTS: Overall, 60% of subjects in the clinical trial subjects versus 83% of patients in the postapproval phase did not experience device- or surgery-related serious adverse events. In the postapproval phase, conjunctival erosion had an incidence rate of 6.2% over 5 years and 11 months. In 55% of conjunctival erosion cases, erosion occurred in the inferotemporal quadrant, 25% in the superotemporal quadrant, and 20% in both. Sixty percent of the erosion events occurred in the first 15 months after implantation, and 85% within the first 2.5 years. CONCLUSION: Reducing occurrence of conjunctival erosion in patients with the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis requires identification and minimization of risk factors before and during implantation. Implementing inverted sutures at the implant tabs, use of graft material at these locations as well as Mersilene rather than nylon sutures, and accurate Tenon's and conjunctiva closure are recommended for consideration in all patients.

Long-term Graft and Patient Survival after Percutaneous Angioplasty or Arterial Stent Placement for Transplant Renal Artery Stenosis: A 21-year Matched Cohort Study.

Purpose To compare long-term graft and patient survival after percutaneous angioplasty (PTA) or stent placement for transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS) with a control cohort without TRAS. Materials and Methods This is a retrospective matched cohort study of 41 patients (median age, 49 years; range, 18-72 years), including 27 male patients (median age, 48 years; range, 18-67 years) and 14 female patients (median age, 52 years; range, 24-68 years), with TRAS from December 1995 through 2016. Primary end points were death-censored graft and patient survival, compared by using log-rank test and Cox proportional regression. Secondary outcomes were improvement in renal function, blood pressure (BP), and complications. Results Twenty-four patients underwent PTA and 17 received stent placements. Ten-year graft survival was 92.1% (range, 83.2%-100%) versus 81.4% (range, 67.8%-95.3%) (P = .56), and 10-year patient survival was 89.9% (79.1%-100%) versus 84.7% (72.1%-97.5%) (P = .49), for the study and control groups, respectively. Five patients (12%) resumed dialysis in each group and a total of 17 patients died (eight in the study group and nine in the control group). Most patients died with a functioning graft (seven of eight in the study group and seven of nine in the control group). Posttreatment median systolic and diastolic BP improved by 12% and 7.4%, respectively, and serum creatinine improved by 27%. Normal systolic BP and serum creatinine level at 1 year after treatment were associated with better survival for patients (P = .04; hazard ratio [HR], 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0, 1.075) and grafts (P < .001; HR, 1.02; 95% CI: 1.0, 1.027). Other covariates, including PTA versus renal stent placement, intra-arterial pressure gradient greater than 10%, diastolic BP, age at transplantation, sex, graft type, rejection, and delayed graft function, were not significant. Five patients (12.2%) had a complication (Society of Interventional Radiology class A, two of 41 [4.9%]; class B, two of 41 [4.9%]; and class D, one of 41 [2.4%]); 30-day graft loss and patient mortality were zero. Conclusion Long-term graft and patient survival after endovascular correction of transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS) was similar to that without TRAS and most patients avoided returning to dialysis. © RSNA, 2018 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Dickey and Durrani in this issue.

Pre-biopsy 3-Tesla MRI and targeted biopsy of the index prostate cancer: correlation with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To study whether pre-biopsy 3-Tesla prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with targeted biopsy allows accurate anatomical and oncological characterization of the index prostate tumour, and whether this translates into improved positive surgical margin (PSM) rates after radical prostatectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all men (n = 201) who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) between July 2012 and July 2014. Patients were divided into a study group (n = 63) who had undergone pre-biopsy 3-Tesla MRI, followed by visual targeted and systematic prostate biopsy, and a control group (n = 138) who had undergone systematic biopsy alone. The two groups were well matched regarding patient and cancer characteristics. The primary study objective was to assess the accuracy of pre-biopsy MRI for localizing the index tumour. Secondary study objectives were to assess the accuracy of MRI in assessing the maximum tumour diameter (MTD) of the index tumour focus and accuracy of the targeted biopsy in determining the Gleason score and primary Gleason grade of the index tumour focus and whether PSMs were improved after RARP. The reference standard was whole-gland pathology of the resected prostate gland. Continuous variables and proportions were compared using the t-test and Mann-Whitney test or contingency tables, respectively. Pearson's correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman plots were used to compare measurement of MTD. RESULTS: The MRI accurately located the index tumour focus in 73% of patients. Accuracies, stratified according to use of the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) categories 5, 4 and 3, were 94, 75 and 60% respectively. Accuracies stratified according to MTD of ≤0.7, ≤1 and >1 cm were 50, 57 and 79%, respectively. There was a positive linear correlation between MRI and histological MTD (r = 0.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.16-0.63; P = 0.002), but MRI generally underestimated the MTD: the mean MRI-measured MTD was 1.51 cm (95% CI 1.29-1.72) vs a mean pathological MTD of 2.15 cm (95% CI 1.86-2.43). Targeted biopsy identified 37% more cancer per core than non-targeted biopsy. The mean maximum core length was 8.9 mm (95% CI 7.8-10) vs 6.5 mm (95% CI 5.8-7.2) for the study vs the control group (P = 0.0002; non-paired t-test). Gleason scoring was significantly more predictive after targeted biopsies, with unchanged scores in 40/63 men (63%) vs 62/138 men (45%) in the study and control groups, respectively (P = 0.001; Fisher's test). The odds of Gleason upgrading were 2.5 times greater (P = 0.028) in the control group. The primary Gleason grade was not significantly different in the two groups [45/63 men (71%) vs 91/138 men (66%); study vs control group respectively (P = 0.51, Fisher's test)]. Overall PSMs were nonsignificantly lower in the study group (15.8 vs 18.8%; P = 0.84, Fisher's test); and the MRI location of the index tumour focus correlated with the site of PSM in 70% of men in the study group. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-biopsy MRI can accurately identify the index prostate tumour, especially in those with higher PI-RADS grades and tumour diameter. Targeted biopsy of this focus retrieves significantly more cancerous tissue per core, and is more accurate regarding Gleason scores, but not primary Gleason grade. MRI underestimated the MTD, and PSMs were not significantly improved in the present study.

Long-term Graft and Patient Survival after Balloon Dilation of Ureteric Stenosis after Renal Transplant: A 23-year Retrospective Matched Cohort Study.

Purpose To study long-term graft and patient survival after percutaneous ureteroplasty of ureteric stenosis after renal transplantation and to compare the outcomes to those of patients who did not develop ureteric stenosis. Materials and Methods An ethical waiver was obtained for this 23-year retrospective matched cohort study of 52 of 1476 consecutive kidney transplant recipients who developed postoperative ureteric stenosis. Data were collected between January 1990 and December 2012. All patients (mean age, 47 years [range, 23-72 years]; 36 men aged 29-72 years [mean age, 49 years] and 24 women aged 23-68 years [mean age, 42 years]) underwent percutaneous ureteroplasty; recurrent stenosis was managed surgically or by means of long-term ureteric stent placement. Outcomes were compared with those of a matched control group of transplant recipients with no history of ureteric stenosis. Primary outcome measures were death-censored graft failure and all-cause mortality. Secondary outcome measures were the effect of time of stricture onset on graft survival, complications, and risk factors for recurrent stenosis. Kaplan-Meier curves were compared by using log-rank tests, with P < .05 indicative of a statistically significant difference. Results Balloon dilation was technically successful in all 52 strictures, but stenosis recurred in 10 patients and was treated with surgery (n = 5) or long-term stent placement (n = 5). The 10-year graft and patient survival were not significantly different in study versus control groups, with graft survival of 64.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 43.4%, 79.4%) versus 76.3% (95% CI: 58.6%, 87.2%), respectively (P = .372), and patient survival of 82.2% (95% CI: 62.9%, 92%) versus 89.9% (95% CI: 74.6%, 96.2%) (P = .632). Subgroup analysis showed that stenosis occurring less than 3 months (10-year graft survival, 59.1%), at least 3 months (10-year graft survival, 67.3%), and at least 6 months (10-year graft survival, 53.0%) after transplantation did not adversely affect graft survival compared with that of the control group (P > .05). Cold ischemia time was longer in those with recurrent stenosis than in control subjects (16.1 vs 8.4 hours, respectively; P = .034). The minor and major complication rates were 13% and 5.7%, respectively, with no 30-day graft loss and patient mortality. Conclusion Long-term graft and patient survival in patients with percutaneous ureteroplasty of transplant ureteric stenosis were not significantly worse than those in a control group. (©) RSNA, 2016.

Penile Doppler ultrasound in men with stuttering priapism and sickle cell disease -- a labile baseline diastolic velocity is a characteristic finding.

INTRODUCTION: Stuttering priapism (SP) is seen in sickle cell disease (SCD) and characterized by short-lived painful erections. Imbalanced vascular tone is the postulated cause and this may be reflected in changes in baseline penile blood flow as measured using penile Doppler ultrasound (PDU). AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the baseline penile blood flow characteristics in men with SCD and SP, by comparing with men without SP. METHODS: PDU findings were retrospectively analyzed in 100 men during flaccid state. Nine men had SP (age range 20-40 years), 4 had Peyronie's disease (PD) (35-48 years), 67 men had erectile dysfunction (16-67 years), and 20 men had normal erectile function (18-42 years). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The variables measured were peak systolic and end-diastolic velocities, and the Doppler velocity waveform. Values in men with SP were compared with those in the other groups. RESULTS: Median systolic and diastolic velocity was significantly higher in men with SP (systolic/diastolic velocity was 26/4 cm/second in men with SP vs. 13/0 cm/second, 14/0 cm/second, and 16/0 cm/second in men with PD, ED, and normal erectile function, respectively; P=0.0001). Men with SP had a characteristic low peripheral resistance (PR) waveform with fluctuating velocities; the diastolic velocity was consistently positive (2-7 cm/second) and fluctuated between +2 and +8 cm/second. In comparison, the other 91 men had high PR waveform and consistently negative diastolic velocity (range 0 to -2 cm/second). CONCLUSIONS: Men with SP had a unique baseline Doppler ultrasound waveform, with a low PR waveform and an elevated, variable cavernosal artery velocity. We propose that this may be the sonographic manifestation of a reduced, fluctuating smooth muscle tone and that PDU may have a role for diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of SP.

Thirty-Day Outcomes After Percutaneous Nephrostomy of Renal Transplant Kidneys: 19-Year Experience and Comparison With Existing Practice Parameters.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to document the technical success rate, complications, and 30-day outcome after percutaneous nephrostomy catheter insertion into renal grafts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiologic and clinical databases were used to identify all adult patients who underwent renal transplantation from January 1994 through December 2012. Patients who underwent transplant percutaneous nephrostomy catheter insertion for the immediate management of ureteric obstruction or leak were identified, and the 30-day outcomes were recorded. Complications were graded using the Society of Interventional Radiology and Clavien classification systems. RESULTS: Of 1476 consecutive kidney transplants, a total of 73 nephrostomy catheters were successfully inserted into 52 patients (male, 36; age range, 24-72 years), 45 with strictures and seven with strictures with leaks. The median serum creatinine level improved from 276 µmol/L (95% CI, 229-342 µmol/L) to 195 µmol/L (95% CI, 170-223 µmol/L) 7 days after intervention (p = 0.0001). Five complications were seen within 30 days and all were related to bleeding (Society of Interventional Radiology classification: grade A, n = 2; grade B, n = 2; grade D, n = 1; and Clavien classification system: grade I, n = 4; grade IIIa, n = 1). The overall complication rate was 6.8% (5/73), and the major complication rate was 1.4% (1/73). There were no cases of bowel injury or septicemia. The 30-day graft and mortality rates were 0%. CONCLUSION: Transplant percutaneous nephrostomy catheter insertion has a high technical and clinical success rate. The 30-day graft and mortality rates were 0%, the overall complication rate was 6.8%, and the major complication rate was 1.4%.

Influence of diffusion weighted imaging and contrast enhanced T1 sequences on the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance enterography for Crohn's disease.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the additional diagnostic benefit of diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and contrast enhanced (CE) images during MR enterography (MRE) of Crohn's disease. METHODS: Datasets from 73 patients (mean age 32; 40 male) (28 new-diagnosis, 45 relapsed) were read independently by two radiologists selected from a pool of 13. Radiologists interpreted datasets using three sequential sequence blocks: (1) T2 weighted and steady state free precession gradient echo (SSFP) images alone (T2^); (2) T2 weighted and SSFP images with DWI (T2 + DWI^) and; (3) T2 weighted images, SSFP, DWI and post-contrast enhanced (CE) T1 images (T2 + DWI + CE^), documenting presence, location, and activity of small bowel disease. For each sequence block, sensitivity and specificity (readers combined) was calculated against an outcome-based construct reference standard. RESULTS: 59/73 patients had small bowel disease. Per-patient sensitivity for disease detection was essentially identical (80 % [95 % CI 72, 86], 81 % [73,87], and 79 % [71,86] for T2^, T2 + DWI^and T2 + DWI + CE^respectively). Specificity was identical (82 % [64 to 92]). Per patient sensitivity for disease extent was 56 % (47,65), 56 % (47,65) and 52 % (43 to 61) respectively, and specificity was 82 % (64 to 92) for all blocks. Sensitivity for active disease was 97 % (90,99), 97 % (90,99) and 98 % (92,99), and specificity was also comparable between all sequence combination reads. Results were consistent across segments and newly diagnosed/relapse patients. CONCLUSION: There is no additional diagnostic benefit of adding either DWI or CE to T2 FSE and SSFP sequences for evaluating small bowel Crohn's disease, suggesting MRE protocols can be simplified safely.

Impact of imaging in urolithiasis treatment planning.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Over the past 10 years, we have seen major advances in urological imaging including developments in digital imaging, ultrasound and computerized tomography (CT) scanning. All of these have had an impact on the management of urinary tract stone disease. In parallel with these, we have witnessed a greater appreciation of the potential harm of irradiation exposure. In this article, we aim to provide an overview of the impact of imaging in urolithiasis treatment planning in 2013. RECENT FINDINGS: A variety of imaging modalities are reviewed with a focus on the latest research and developments. Advances do not always improve quality, and the deterioration in digital KUB sensitivity is discussed. The role of ultrasonography in the diagnosis and follow-up of stone disease is explored as a clinically valuable alternative to ionizing radiation. The explosion of interest in cross-sectional imaging for urolithiasis (extending from the evaluation of loin pain, characterization of stone composition through to complex three-dimensional reconstructions of the pelvicalyceal system for surgical planning) is reviewed. SUMMARY: A detailed understanding of the performance of all the imaging modalities available to the stone surgeon in 2013 is vital in order to offer well tolerated and effective imaging strategies for all stages of the patient journey. CT has developed a pre-eminent role in the diagnosis of urinary stone disease, it has also found favour as a valuable surgical planning tool and is being advocated in the surveillance protocols. However, we must keep in mind the risks of radiation exposure in a patient population characterized by youth and a susceptibility to repeated acute disease episodes.

Comparison of magnetic resonance imaging and histopathological response to chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods for chemoradiotherapy (CRT) response assessment of rectal cancer include posttreatment T staging (ymrT), tumor regression grading (mrTRG), volume reduction posttreatment, and modified RECIST measurement. We compared these methods in identifying good versus poor responders with the histopathological standards of T stage (ypT) and tumor regression grading (TRG). METHODS: A total of 86 patients underwent CRT in a prospective phase II trial for MRI-defined locally advanced rectal cancer. Two readers independently assessed MRIs for ymrT, mrTRG, volume change, and RECIST. Parameters for each case were categorized as good or poor response and analyzed against ypT and TRG by univariate logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 83 patients had evaluable imaging, and 78 had final pathology (five did not undergo surgery). Of these, 34 patients had good response (ypT0-3a) and 44 had poor response (>ypT3a). Also, 27 patients had favorable pathologic TRG (predominant fibrosis) and 51 had unfavorable TRG (predominant tumor). Good mrTRG and ymr 80 % showed an OR of 3.23 (95 % CI: 1.14-9.17), 4.25 (95 % CI: 0.92-15.45), respectively, for a good ypT score (P = 0.028), but there was no association for histopathological TRG. CONCLUSION: Favorable and unfavorable histopathology are predicted by both ymrT and mrTRG, and we recommend these parameters for post-treatment assessment of rectal cancers treated with CRT.

Infection after transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsy: increased relative risks after recent international travel or antibiotic use.

Study Type - Prognosis (case series) Level of Evidence 4 What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Septicaemia is the most frequent cause of hospitalization after transtrectal prostate biopsy; fatalities have been reported and the incidence is on the rise. This study shows that men with a history of recent international travel or antibiotic use have up to four times increased risk of septicaemia and hospitalization. When they do occur, infections are usually due to multi-resistant E coli and additional care, e.g. delay before biopsy, different antibiotic prophylaxis or transperineal biopsy, should be considered in these cases. OBJECTIVE • To study the infection rate after prostate biopsy in those who have travelled overseas or used antibiotics in the 4 weeks before biopsy. PATIENTS AND METHODS • A total of 316 men with a mean (range) age of 61 (45-85) years were studied. All had undergone transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy after standard antibiotic prophylaxis. • Before their biopsy the patients were risk stratified and a history of recent international travel or antibiotic use was recorded. • Those who suffered sufficiently severe infection/sepsis so as to require hospitalization were identified at the end of the study period. • The characteristics of these patients and the types of infections were explored and the relative risk (RR) of infection after recent travel or antibiotic use was calculated. RESULTS • Of the 316 men, 16 were hospitalized with infection. • The group with (n= 16) and without (n= 300) infection were equivalent in age, prostate-specific antigen level, disease status and number of biopsy cores taken. • Either recent travel or antibiotic use were independent risk factors for infection [travel: 8/16 vs 76/300; P= 0.04; RR 2.7 and antibiotic use: 4/16 vs 20/300; P= 0.025; RR 4]. There was no significant pattern in the countries visited or the type of antibiotic used. • Culture results were positive in 10/16 men, and all cultures grew multiresistant Escherichia coli. The strains were uniformly resistant to ciprofloxacin and amoxycillin, and variably resistant to gentamicin and co-amoxiclav, but nearly all were sensitive to meropenem. • All patients made a full recovery after antibiotic and supportive treatment. CONCLUSIONS • Either recent international travel or antibiotic use are independent risk factors for severe infection after TRUS-guided prostate biopsy. • When infection does occur it should be treated aggressively as the causative agent is usually a multiresistant E. coli.

Anatomy of the Origin of the Gonadal Veins on CT.

PURPOSE: To study gonadal vein (GV) anatomy on multidetector computed tomography (CT) and define guidelines to aid their identification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 106 multidetector CT examinations obtained for abdominal pain were reviewed by three independent readers. The location and three-dimensional orientation of the GV ostia were investigated. Six studies were excluded because the GVs were incompletely visualized. RESULTS: The anatomy of the right and left GVs was defined in 100 and 99 cases, respectively. On the left side, 97 of 99 inserted directly into the inferior wall of the left renal vein (> 85% within 45 mm of the edge of the inferior vena cava [IVC] or within 10 mm of the edge of the spine). Two patients showed variant caval anatomy, and the GV directly joined the variant IVC. On the right side, 92 of 100 inserted directly into the IVC (> 83% within 25 mm below the renal vein ostium). The right GV ostium was anterolaterally located (ie, between 270° and 360°) in the majority of cases. Eight right GVs joined the right renal vein within 2 cm of the renal vein ostium. CONCLUSIONS: When searching for the right GV, the right anterolateral quadrant should be searched first, as much as 25 mm caudal to the right renal vein ostium. If unsuccessful, the inferior wall of the right renal vein within 2 cm of its origin should be interrogated. On the left side, the inferior wall of the left renal vein should be examined. If a left-sided IVC is found, the GV will join it directly.

Imaging in the follow-up of renal cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to review the follow-up strategies used after treatment or for active surveillance of renal cell cancer and to describe the normal posttreatment findings and the distribution and the signs of relapsed disease. CONCLUSION: Imaging follow-up protocols should be tailored according to the clinical scenario. Further experience is necessary to better refine imaging strategies, especially regarding follow-up of patients after thermal ablation or antiangiogenic therapy and those being maintained on active surveillance.

Centrally infiltrating renal masses on CT: differentiating intrarenal transitional cell carcinoma from centrally located renal cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to retrospectively determine the accuracy of CT for differentiating intrarenal transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) from centrally located renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and to define the most discriminating diagnostic CT features. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT studies of 98 pathologically proven central renal tumors (64 centrally located RCCs and 34 intrarenal TCCs) seen over 5 years at three university hospitals were reviewed by five specialty-trained radiologists who were blinded to the final diagnosis. Multiple CT features and global impression were graded on a 4-point score. The sensitivity and specificity of each feature and of global assessment were calculated and compared using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Interobserver agreement (kappa values) was also calculated for each parameter. RESULTS: All five readers recognized intrarenal TCCs with a high diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, 90%; specificity, 90%; area under ROC curve [AUC], 0.80-0.95 for global assessment) with moderate-to-excellent interobserver agreement (κ = 0.72-1). Six CT features were most diagnostically specific for identifying intrarenal TCCs: tumor centered within the collecting system; focal filling defect in the pelvicalyceal system; preserved renal shape; absence of cystic or necrotic change; homogeneous tumor enhancement; and tumor extension toward the ureteropelvic junction (sensitivity, 68-82%; specificity, 79-89%; AUC, 0.75-0.84). There was moderate-to-good agreement among the readers over all these features (κ = 0.44-0.69). CONCLUSION: Intrarenal TCC can be recognized with a high accuracy on CT; global impression showed the best diagnostic performance. A solid, homogeneously enhancing mass that is centered on the collecting system and extends toward the ureteropelvic junction combined with a focal pelvicalyceal filling defect and preserved renal outline is more likely to be an intrarenal TCC than a centrally located RCC.

MRI after treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer: how to report tumor response--the MERCURY experience.

OBJECTIVE: The Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Rectal Cancer European Equivalence (MERCURY) Study validated the use of MRI for posttreatment staging and its correlation with survival outcomes. As a consequence, reassessment of MRI scans after preoperative therapy has implications for surgical planning, the timing of surgery, sphincter preservation, deferral of surgery for good responders, and development of further preoperative treatments for radiologically identified poor responders. CONCLUSION: In this article we report a validated systematic approach to the interpretation of MR images of patients with rectal cancer after chemoradiation.