Chest CT for triage during COVID-19 on the emergency department: myth or truth?

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the diagnostic performance of chest CT compared with first RT-PCR results in adult patients suspected of COVID-19 infection in an ED setting. We also constructed a predictive machine learning model based on chest CT and additional data to improve the diagnostic accuracy of chest CT. METHODS: This study's cohort consisted of 319 patients who underwent chest CT and RT-PCR testing at the ED. Patient characteristics, demographics, symptoms, vital signs, laboratory tests, and chest CT results (CO-RADS) were collected. With first RT-PCR as reference standard, the diagnostic performance of chest CT using the CO-RADS score was assessed. Additionally, a predictive machine learning model was constructed using logistic regression. RESULTS: Chest CT, with first RT-PCR as a reference, had a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 90.2%, 88.2%, 84.5%, and 92.7%, respectively. The prediction model with CO-RADS, ferritin, leucocyte count, CK, days of complaints, and diarrhea as predictors had a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 89.3%, 93.4%, 90.8%, and 92.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Chest CT, using the CO-RADS scoring system, is a sensitive and specific method that can aid in the diagnosis of COVID-19, especially if RT-PCR tests are scarce during an outbreak. Combining a predictive machine learning model could further improve the accuracy of diagnostic chest CT for COVID-19. Further candidate predictors should be analyzed to improve our model. However, RT-PCR should remain the primary standard of testing as up to 9% of RT-PCR positive patients are not diagnosed by chest CT or our machine learning model.

Radiological scales predicting delayed cerebral ischemia in subarachnoid hemorrhage: systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is a severe complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). The extent of subarachnoid blood is a strong predictor of DCI and is frequently estimated with the Fisher scale, modified Fisher scale, or Hijdra sum score. It is unclear which scale has the strongest association with clinical DCI. To evaluate this, we performed a systematic review of the literature. METHODS: We performed a MEDLINE and EMBASE search from 1980 to 20th of June 2017. Radiological grade and occurrence of clinical DCI were extracted along with odds ratios (ORs) for DCI. When possible, pooled ORs with 95% confidence intervals were calculated per grade increase on the radiological scale. RESULTS: Fifty-three studies were included. The Fisher scale was significantly associated with DCI in 62% of the studies compared to 88-100% for the other scales. In studies using the Fisher scale, Fisher 3 had the strongest association with DCI (pooled OR 3.21 (1.87-5.49)). In studies using the modified Fisher score, DCI occurred most frequently (42%) in modified Fisher 4. No pooled OR could be calculated for the other scales. CONCLUSION: The Fisher scale, modified Fisher scale, and Hijdra sum score are all associated with clinical DCI. The risk of DCI, however, does not increase with increasing Fisher grade as opposed to the modified Fisher scale. Furthermore, the modified Fisher scale was more commonly significantly associated with DCI than the Fisher scale, which may advocate using the modified Fisher in future SAH-related studies.

Variability in the anterior extralaryngeal branch of the recurrent laryngeal nerve: clinical implications.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to identify the anterior and posterior extralaryngeal branches (AELB, PELB) of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN), measure these branches when present, and determine relationships between gender, sidedness and neck length. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dissection was completed to level of the thyroid on 45 cadavers. The course of the RLN was then traced superiorly from its entry into the neck. Careful reflection of the thyroid and dissection of the lateral thyroid ligament permitted visualisation of the full course of the nerve. If extralaryngeal branching (ELB) was present, measurements were taken from the point of bifurcation of the RLN to the point of laryngeal entry through the cricothyroid membrane. Neck measurements, from the spinous process of C7 to the superior nuchal line, were taken. Gender of the specimen was noted. Data was analysed in SPSS. RESULTS: Extralaryngeal branching was found in 77.78% of our sample, 77.14% on the left and 54.29% on the right. A significant difference was found between AELB length on the left and right, indicating that the left branch will be longer than the right when present. A significant difference in neck length between those with and without ELB was also found, indicating that people with longer necks more often display ELB. Neither neck length and AELB length, nor gender and AELB length were strongly correlated in this sample. CONCLUSIONS: Extralaryngeal branching can occur in all populations, but there are definite trends in its incidence and length. Surgeons should be aware of these trends before operating on patients.

Quantification of the distal radial artery for improved vascular access.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus in the literature as to which point of the radial artery (RA) is the safest to attempt vascular access. The purpose of this study was to measure the diameter, tortuosity and branching patterns of the distal RA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 140 cadaveric RAs (66 male, 74 female) were dissected and measured. The external diameter of the RA was measured at 2 cm increments starting at the radial styloid process (SP), moving proximally. The location and degree of 2-dimensional arterial tortuosity were recorded if > 35 degrees. Branches of the RA were recorded with respect to their distance from the SP. RESULTS: We observed that the right RA significantly increased in diameter at distances beyond 4 cm proximal from the radial SP, regardless of the sex of the individual. This increase in size was not noted on the left RA's. Muscular artery branches of the distal RA were noted on average 1.82 cm proximal from the SP. Clinically significant tortuosity was present on average 3.47 cm proximal from the radial SP. The left RA did not significantly change in size along its course, but its statistically similar diameter when compared to the right RA allows us to make a recommendation this is applicable bilaterally. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggests that regardless of gender, vascular access of the RA could be safely performed at distances greater than 4 cm from the SP to yield a vessel with a larger diameter, less tortuosity, and fewer branches.

T helper 17 cells are involved in the local and systemic inflammatory response in community-acquired pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Recent findings in mouse models suggest that T helper (Th)17 cells, characterised by production of interleukin (IL)-17A and IL-22, are involved in the immunopathogenesis of pneumonia. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to identify the involvement of Th17 cells in human community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). DESIGN: Within 24 h of admission, T cells from peripheral blood (n=39) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL, n=20) of CAP patients and of 10 healthy individuals were analysed by intracellular flow cytometry for the production of various cytokines, including IL-17A and IL-22. Peripheral blood T cells were also analysed 7 and 30 days after admission. Th17 cytokine profiles were correlated with pneumonia severity index and microbial aetiology. RESULTS: In the BAL of CAP patients, proportions of IL-17A and IL-22 single positive, as well as IL-17A/IL-22 double positive CD4 T cells were significantly increased compared with healthy individuals. Significantly increased proportions of IL-17A/IL-22 double positive CD4 T cells in BAL were found in non-severe and severe CAP patients, as well as in pneumococcal and non-pneumococcal CAP. In the peripheral blood of CAP patients upon admission, we found significantly increased proportions of IL-17A/IL-22 double positive CD4 T cells. One week after admission, the proportions of these double positive cells were still significantly increased in CAP patients compared with healthy individuals. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that Th17 cells are engaged in the local and systemic immune response in human pneumonia. Especially, IL-17A/IL-22 double positive Th17 cells may be involved in the immunopathogenesis of CAP.

Aortic disease in patients with Marfan syndrome: aortic volume assessment for surveillance.

PURPOSE: To assess the reproducibility of aortic volume estimates and to serially test their use in patients with Marfan syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was approved by the medical ethics committee and all subjects gave written informed consent. In 81 patients with Marfan syndrome and seven healthy control subjects, aortic volumes and diameters at baseline were estimated by means of contrast material-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. At 3 years of follow-up, aortic expansion rate were calculated in a subgroup of 22 patients with Marfan syndrome. Total aortic volume was defined as volume measurement from the level of the aortic annulus to the aortic bifurcation. Intra- and interobserver agreement of aortic volume were calculated by using the intraclass correlation coefficient. Differences in variables were analyzed with the Student t test and logistic regression. Effect size was calculated. RESULTS: Intra- and interobserver agreement of aortic volume calculation was 0.996 and 0.980, respectively. Mean aortic volume was significantly greater in patients with Marfan syndrome than in control subjects (104 mL/m(2); 95% confidence interval [CI]: 95, 114 mL/m(2) vs 74 mL/m(2); 95% CI: 62, 87 mL/m(2); P < .001). In 22 patients with Marfan syndrome, mean aortic volume was increased at 3 years of follow-up (17 mL; 95% CI: 8, 26 mL; P = .001; effect size, 0.29), while mean aortic diameter did not increase significantly (0.4 mm; 95% CI: 0.0, 0.9 mm; P = .171; effect size, 0.13). CONCLUSION: Assessment of aortic volume is highly reproducible and may be suited for use in the detection of aortic expansion in patients with Marfan syndrome. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: http://radiology.rsna.org/lookup/suppl/doi:10.1148/radiol.13122310/-/DC1.

Local and systemic cytokine profiles in nonsevere and severe community-acquired pneumonia.

Local inflammatory responses in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remain insufficiently elucidated, especially in patients with nonsevere CAP. In this study we determined local and systemic cytokine responses in CAP patients and correlated these with disease severity and other clinical parameters. Levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-1ß, tumour necrosis factor-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-22, IL-17A and IL-4 were determined in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum of 20 CAP patients upon admission and 10 healthy individuals. Systemic cytokine levels were also measured on days 7 and 30. In bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of CAP patients, levels of IL-6, IL-8 and IFN-γ were significantly increased compared with healthy individuals, but no correlations with disease severity were found. Systemic levels of IL-6, IL-10 and IFN-γ were significantly higher in severe CAP patients than in nonsevere CAP patients and healthy individuals. Moreover, these cytokines showed a significant correlation with the pneumonia severity index. In the total group of CAP patients, systemic IL-8 and IL-22 levels were also increased compared with healthy individuals. We therefore conclude that IL-6, IL-10 and IFN-γ are important cytokines in CAP, although differences in disease severity upon admission are only reflected by systemic levels of these cytokines.

Machine learning improves prediction of delayed cerebral ischemia in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is a severe complication in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Several associated predictors have been previously identified. However, their predictive value is generally low. We hypothesize that Machine Learning (ML) algorithms for the prediction of DCI using a combination of clinical and image data lead to higher predictive accuracy than previously applied logistic regressions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical and baseline CT image data from 317 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage were included. Three types of analysis were performed to predict DCI. First, the prognostic value of known predictors was assessed with logistic regression models. Second, ML models were created using all clinical variables. Third, image features were extracted from the CT images using an auto-encoder and combined with clinical data to create ML models. Accuracy was evaluated based on the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity with 95% CI. RESULTS: The best AUC of the logistic regression models for known predictors was 0.63 (95% CI 0.62 to 0.63). For the ML algorithms with clinical data there was a small but statistically significant improvement in the AUC to 0.68 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.69). Notably, aneurysm width and height were included in many of the ML models. The AUC was highest for ML models that also included image features: 0.74 (95% CI 0.72 to 0.75). CONCLUSION: ML algorithms significantly improve the prediction of DCI in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, particularly when image features are also included. Our experiments suggest that aneurysm characteristics are also associated with the development of DCI.

Predicting Delayed Cerebral Ischemia with Quantified Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Blood Volume.

BACKGROUND: The amount of blood detected on brain computed tomography scan is frequently used in prediction models for delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). These models, which include coarse grading scales to assess the amount of blood, have only moderate predictive value. Therefore, we aimed to develop a predictive model for DCI including automatically quantified total blood volume (TBV). METHODS: We included patients from a prospective aSAH registry. TBV was assessed with an automatic hemorrhage quantification algorithm. The outcome measure was clinical deterioration due to DCI. Clinical and radiologic variables were included in a logistic regression model. The final model was selected by bootstrapped backward selection and internally validated by assessing the optimism-corrected R2 value, c-statistic, and calibration plot. The c-statistic of the TBV model was compared with models that used the (modified) Fisher scale instead. RESULTS: We included 369 patients. After backward selection, only TBV was included in the final model. The internally validated R2 value was 6%, and the c-statistic was 0.64. The c-statistic of the TBV model was higher than both the Fisher scale model (0.56; P < 0.001) and the modified Fisher scale model (0.58; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In our registry, only TBV independently predicted DCI. TBV discriminated better than the (modified) Fisher scale, but still had only moderate value for predicting DCI. Our findings suggest that other factors need to be identified to achieve better accuracy for predicting DCI.

Guideline adherence of mediastinal staging of non-small cell lung cancer: A multicentre retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Mediastinal lymph node staging of NSCLC by initial endosonography and confirmatory mediastinoscopy is recommended by the European guideline. We assessed guideline adherence on mediastinal staging, whether staging procedures were performed systematically and unforeseen N2 rates following staging by endosonography with or without confirmatory mediastinoscopy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a multicentre (n = 6) retrospective analysis of NSCLC patients without distant metastases, who were surgical candidates and had an indication for mediastinal staging in the year 2015. All patients who underwent EBUS, EUS and/or mediastinoscopy were included. Surgical lymph node dissection was the reference standard. Guideline adherence was based on the 2014 ESTS guideline. RESULTS: 330 consecutive patients (mean age 69 years; 61% male) were included. The overall prevalence of N2/N3 disease was 42%. Initial mediastinal staging by endosonography was done in 84% (277/330; range among centres 71-100%; p < .01). Confirmatory mediastinoscopy was performed in 40% of patients with tumour negative endosonography (61/154; range among centres 10%-73%; p < .01). Endosonography procedures were performed 'systematically' in 21% of patients (57/277) with significant variability among centres (range 0-56%; p < .01). Unforeseen N2 rates after lobe-specific lymph node dissection were 8.6% (3/35; 95%-CI 3.0-22.4) after negative endosonography versus 7.5% (3/40; 95% CI 2.6-19.9) after negative endosonography and confirmatory mediastinoscopy. CONCLUSION: Although adherence to the European NSCLC mediastinal staging guideline on initial use of endosonography was good, 30% of endosonography procedures were performed insufficiently. Confirmatory mediastinoscopy following negative endosonography was frequently omitted. Significant variability was found among participating centres regarding staging strategy and systematic performance of procedures. However, unforeseen N2 rates after mediastinal staging by endosonography with and without confirmatory mediastinoscopy were comparable.

[Disability in lupus erythematosus]. / Behinderung bei Lupus erythematodes.

Morbidity and co-morbidities in patients with lupus erythematosus (LE) result in an impairment, limiting activities of daily living. We compared the handicap, appraised by the German welfare system in patients with LE and their diagnosis, morbidities and co-morbidities, therapy, functional capacity, psychological status and general health. The data were obtained in an anonymous self-administered questionnaire conducted by the lupus patient association. 892 data sets were available for the trial. The mean age was 46.9y, disease duration was 10.3y. The patients had 3.8 concomitant diseases on average. 39.7% were still working and 35.4% drew a pension. 59.2% made an application for disability, which wasn't assigned in only 2.5% of cases. 82.6% had an average grade of disability of more than 50%. It demonstrated a good correlation to age, disease duration, type of LE and therapy. Predictors for a worse assessment were disease duration, osteoarthritis, cerebral insults and functional capacity. In conclusion the data demonstrate a fair appraisal of disability by the German welfare system in patients with LE. Self-administered questionaires can yield credible results.

The Biographical Personality Interview (BPI)--a new approach to the assessment of premorbid personality in psychiatric research. Part II: Psychometric properties.

The Biographical Personality Interview (BPI) was applied to 179 subjects (158 psychiatric patients and 21 probands from the general population); 100 patients and 20 healthy controls served as a validation sample; the others had been interviewed during the training period or did not meet the inclusion criteria for the validation of the BPI. The acceptance of the interview was high, the inter-rater reliability of the ratings of premorbid personality structures ("types") varied between 0.81 and 0.88 per type. Concurrent validity of the typological constructs as assessed by means of the BPI was inferred from the intercorrelations of type scores and correlations of these scores with questionnaire data and proved to be adequate. Clinical validity of the assessment was indicated by statistically significant differences between diagnostic groups. Problems and further developments of the instrument and its application are discussed.

Molecular diagnostics of a single multifocal non-small cell lung cancer case using targeted next generation sequencing.

Histological and molecular subtyping of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is important for predicting survival and drug response in these patients. Up to 8 % of NSCLC are multifocal and these tumor foci are often clonally related. Multiple foci can however also represent different primary tumors, with prognostic and therapeutic consequences. We describe a patient with multifocal NSCLC from which we obtained tissue from two separate lesions. With routine conventional molecular determinations, the clonal relationship between the two lesions was determined. In addition, targeted next generation sequencing with the Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine (PGM) was performed to explore the accuracy and additional value of this relatively new technique. The two tumors of this patient showed different activating epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, EGFR amplification status, TP53 mutation status, and loss of heterozygosity patterns. With the PGM, all conventional detected mutations were confirmed, and an additional variant of unknown significance in ATM was detected in one of the tumors. The multifocal NSCLC of this patient represents two unrelated primary tumors. Our results suggest that multifocal NSCLC should be considered as potentially multiple primary tumors. As the presence of activating EGFR mutations has important therapeutic consequences, EGFR testing should be performed on all tumor foci present. In the present case, targeted next generation sequencing using the PGM appeared to be accurate and comparable with conventional molecular determinations. However, the application of the PGM in routine pathology molecular diagnostics needs validation in larger series of cases.

[Lupus in Germany: analysis within the German lupus self-help organization (LULA)]. / Lupus in Deutschland: Querschnittsanalyse innerhalb der Lupus erythematodes Selbsthilfegemeinschaft (LULA).

During the last few decades, the prognosis for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (LE) has changed from high early mortality to a more chronic longterm course. Although the prevalence of LE has been estimated at 20-50/100,000, data concerning the situation of LE patients in Germany are sparse. Since 2001, a documentation within the German Lupus Self-Help Organisation scheduled for a period of 10 years (LULA) has been recording at the patient level the actual status and the long-term course of a large group of LE patients. A questionnaire adapted from the German rheumatological database is updated once a year and sent to all members.In 2001, 1033 members participated in the documentation. Of these, 92.2% were women (mean age 45.8 years) with a mean disease duration of 9.9 years. 37.6% were employed, and 24.5% were on early retirement. 50.2% rated their overall health status as "not so good" or "poor". Most were receiving treatment with [hydroxy-]chloroquine (35.2%) or azathioprine (21.9%), while 67.9% were receiving corticosteroids. The most frequent comorbidities reported were hypertension (33%), scarring skin disease (24.4%), osteoarthritis (25.2%), osteoporosis (24%), psychiatric disorders/depression (22.9%) and chronic renal disease (22%). Thromboembolic events were reported in 18.5%, myocardial infarction in 2.3% and stroke in 4.8% of cases. Concerning their main contact person for health care, 63.6% specified the rheumatologist. In comparison with other cohort studies and in particular with the German rheumatological database, the data provided exclusively by patients are feasible. Concerning the severity of their disease, their treatment and their global assessment of health status, LULA participants are comparable with other LE patients and can be seen as representative of LE patients in Germany. Further assessment especially of long-term data are needed to obtain additional insights into the burden of the disease and the need for special medical care.

Low prevalence of cardiac autonomic neuropathy in Type 1 diabetic patients without nephropathy.

AIM: To assess the prevalence of cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) in Type 1 diabetic patients with and without nephropathy. METHODS: Sixty-six consecutive patients without nephropathy (n = 24), with incipient (n = 26) or overt nephropathy (n = 16) and a diabetes duration between 21 and 31 years were examined. Heart rate variability (HRV) as measure for CAN was investigated with short-term spectral analysis in the low-frequency (LF) band (0.06-0.15 Hz), reflecting sympathetic and vagal activity, and high-frequency (HF) band (0.15-0.50 Hz), reflecting vagal activity. HRV was expressed as spectral power (ms2, log-transformed). Normal, age-corresponding reference values were established in 184 controls. QTc intervals and dispersion were measured. RESULTS: After adjustment for age, there was no significant difference between healthy controls and patients without nephropathy. After further adjustment for diabetes duration, HbA1c, hypertension and treatment with beta-blockers, HRV in both frequency bands decreased with evidence of nephropathy. LF band (supine): patients without nephropathy 5.56 (4.89-6.21) (least squares means and 95% confidence interval (CI)), incipient nephropathy 5.72 (5.15-6.29) and overt nephropathy 4.11 (3.27-4.96). HF band (supine): without nephropathy 5.93 (5.26-6.60), incipient nephropathy 5.99 (5.41-6.57) and overt nephropathy 4.84 (4.00-5.68). Significant differences were found for patients without and with incipient nephropathy compared with those with overt nephropathy in the LF band and between patients with incipient nephropathy compared with those with overt nephropathy in the HF band. QTc intervals and QTc dispersion increased significantly with increasing nephropathy. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term Type 1 diabetes without nephropathy was not associated with impaired cardiac autonomic function in our study. However, in those with nephropathy, a loss of both vagal and sympathetic activity was present, and the severity of CAN correlated positively with more advanced nephropathy.