Avaliação Cintilográfica e Ecocardiográfica em Portadores de Variantes Patogênicas ou Provavelmente Patogênicas do Gene TTR sem Envolvimento Cardíaco Manifesto / Scintigraphic and Echocardiographic Study of Patients with Pathogenic or Probably Pathogenic Variants of the TTR Gene without Overt Cardiac Involvement

Resumo Fundamento: A amiloidose por transtirretina (ATTR) é uma doença infiltrativa causada pela deposição anormal de proteína principalmente no coração e no sistema nervoso periférico. Quando acomete o coração, a doença manifesta-se como uma cardiomiopatia restritiva e, quando afeta o sistema nervoso periférico e autônomo, apresenta-se como uma polineuropatia, podendo ser chamada de Polineuropatia Amiloidótica Familiar (PAF). Existem dois subtipos de ATTR, a ATTR selvagem, em que não há variantes genéticas, e a ATTR hereditária, caracterizada por uma variante no gene que codifica a proteína transtirretina (T/TR). Em ambos os subtipos, o envolvimento cardíaco é o principal marcador prognóstico. Objetivos: Avaliar a prevalência do envolvimento cardíaco subclínico em uma amostra de pacientes com variantes genéticas no gene TTR usando a cintilografia com pirofosfato e o ecocardiograma com strain; comparar os achados cintilográficos e as medidas de strain; avaliar a associação entre PAF e o envolvimento subclínico; e analisar se existe uma associação entre uma variante genética específica e o envolvimento cardíaco. Métodos: Estudo transversal com carreadores de variantes no gene TTR sem sintomas cardiovasculares e sem alterações nos parâmetros da eletrocardiografia ou do ecocardiograma convencional. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à cintilografia com pirofosfato e à ecocardiografia com análise de strain. O envolvimento cardíaco subclínico, definido como um escore de Perugini ≥ 2, razão Coração (C)/ Hemitórax Contralateral (CL) ≥ 1,5 em uma hora, C/CL ≥ 1,3 na terceira hora, ou um strain longitudinal global (SGL) ≤ −17%. Realizadas análises descritiva e analítica, e aplicados o teste exato de Fisher e o teste de Mann-Whitney. Um valor de p<0,05 foi considerado significativo. Resultados: Os 23 pacientes avaliados apresentavam uma idade mediana de 51 (37-57) anos, 15 (65,2%) eram do sexo feminino, 12 (52,2%) eram pardos, nove (39,1%) apresentavam hipertensão arterial sistêmica, e nove (39,1%) tinham um diagnóstico prévio de PAF. Dos nove pacientes com PAF, oito (34,8%) usavam tafamidis. As variantes genéticas identificadas foram Val142IIe, Val50Met e IIe127Val. O valor mediano do SGL foi −19% (-16% - −20%). Dos 23 pacientes, nove (39,1%; 95% CI = 29-49%) preencheram os critérios de envolvimento cardíaco, seis (26%) somente pelo critério do SGL. Não houve associação entre PAF e um carreador assintomático avaliado por ecocardiograma com análise de strain e pela cintilografia com pirofostato (p=0,19). A prevalência de hipertensão arterial sistêmica, diabetes mellitus, dislipidemia, tabagismo e SGL reduzido não foi diferente entre os grupos. A velocidade da onda e' septal foi a única variável que apresentou diferença significativa entre os indivíduos com e sem SGL reduzido, com uma área sob a curva ROC de 0,80 (IC95% = 0,61-0,98, p = 0,027). A melhor acurácia diagnóstica foi alcançada com uma velocidade e' septal ≤ 8,5 cm/s. Não houve associação entre o tipo de variante genética e o envolvimento cardíaco pré-clínico, nem entre o uso de tafamidis e este mesmo envolvimento (37,5% versus 40,0%, p = 0,90). Conclusão: O envolvimento cardíaco subclínico foi frequente em uma amostra de carreadores da variante genética do gene TTR. Um valor do SGL reduzido foi o achado mais comum. Não houve associação entre a presença de polineuropatia amiloidótica e o envolvimento subclínico. O tipo de variante genética não foi associado com envolvimento cardíaco precoce. Nesta amostra, o uso de tafamidis (20mg/dia) não foi associado com uma menor prevalência de envolvimento cardíaco subclínico.

Abstract Background: Transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) is an infiltrative disease caused by abnormal protein deposition mainly in the heart and peripheral nervous system. When it affects the heart, the disease presents as restrictive cardiomyopathy; when it affects the peripheral and autonomic nervous system, it manifests as polyneuropathy, and is called familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP). There are two ATTR subtypes: wild-type ATTR, where there is no mutation, and mutant ATTR (ATTRm), which is characterized by a mutation in the gene encoding the transthyretin protein (TTR). In both subtypes, cardiac involvement is the major marker of poor prognosis. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of subclinical cardiac involvement in a sample of patients with TTR gene mutation by using pyrophosphate scintigraphy and strain echocardiography; to compare scintigraphy and strain findings; to evaluate the association between neurological manifestations (FAP) and subclinical cardiac involvement; and to analyze whether there is an association between any specific mutation and cardiac involvement. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with carriers of the TTR gene mutation, without cardiovascular symptoms or changes in electrocardiographic or conventional echocardiographic parameters. All patients underwent pyrophosphate scintigraphy and strain echocardiography. Subclinical cardiac involvement was defined as a Perugini score ≥ 2, heart-to-contralateral lung (H/CL) ratio ≥ 1.5 at 1 h, H/CL ≥1.3 at 3 h, or global longitudinal strain (GLS) ≤ −17%. Descriptive and analytical analyses were performed and Fisher's exact test and Mann-Whitney test were applied. A value of p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The 23 patients evaluated had a median age of 51 years (IQR 37-57 years), 15 (65.2%) were female, 12 (52.2%) were Pardo, nine (39.1%) had systemic arterial hypertension, and nine (39.1%) had a previous diagnosis of FAP. Of the nine patients with FAP, 8 (34.8%) were on tafamidis. The associated mutations were Val142IIe, Val50Met, and IIe127Val. The median GLS in the sample was −19% (−16% to −20%). Of the 23 patients, nine (39.1%; 95% CI = 29-49%) met criteria for cardiac involvement, six (26%) by the GLS-based criteria only. There was no association between having FAP and being an asymptomatic carrier, as assessed by strain echocardiography and pyrophosphate scintigraphy (p = 0.19). The prevalence of systemic arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, smoking, and reduced GLS did not differ between groups. Septal e' wave velocity was the only variable that significantly differed between individuals with and without reduced GLS, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.80 (95% CI = 0.61-0.98, p = 0.027). The best diagnostic accuracy was achieved with a septal e' velocity ≤ 8.5 cm/s. There was no association between mutation type and preclinical cardiac involvement, nor between tafamidis use and lower degree of cardiac involvement (37.5% versus 40.0%, p = 0.90). Conclusion: Subclinical cardiac involvement was common in a sample of TTR mutation carriers without cardiac involvement. Reduced left ventricular GLS was the most frequent finding. There was no association between the presence of amyloid polyneuropathy and subclinical cardiac involvement. Type of mutation was not associated with early cardiac involvement. In this sample, the use of tafamidis 20 mg/day was not associated with a lower prevalence of subclinical cardiac involvement.

Exposure due to radionuclides in food other than during a nuclear or radiological emergency — Introduction to IAEA Safety Reports Series No. 114 / 中国辐射卫生

This paper briefly introduces the main content of IAEA Safety Reports Series No. 114. The aim is to further understand the status and development of exposure due to radionuclides in food other than during a nuclear or radiological emergency, as well as to provide references for the revision and improvement of the limited concentration standard of radioactive substances in food in China.

The evaluation of maturity of heterotopic ossification by SPECT/CT fusion bone imaging / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To evaluate the maturity and metabolic status of heterotopic ossification(HO)by single-photon emission computed tomography(SPECT)/CT fusion bone imaging.Methods The clinical and SPECT/CT fusion bone imaging data of 57 patients with HO confirmed by pathology or follow-up were analyzed retrospectively.HO was graded by CT,and the characteristics of radioactive concentration of HO were analyzed.Results Of 57 cases,single lesion in 52 cases,and multiple lesions in 5 cases,with a total of 63 lesions,mostly located in the hip joint(55.6%,35/63)and thigh(19.0%,12/63).There were 41 lesions in the middle stage and 22 lesions in the late stage.In the visual evaluation of SPECT/CT fusion bone imaging,the middle stage lesions were mostly clumps or flakes,with moderate or high radioactive concentration(75.6%,31/41),furthermore,the concentration range was larger than or equal to the total or limited range of CT ossification(21/41,50.1%),with high concentration mainly located in the mixed areas of ossification density.The concentration of the late stage lesions was mostly non-radioactive(72.7%,16/22).Conclusion SPECT/CT fusion bone imaging can show the range,degree and maturity of HO radioactive concentration,and can accurately locate the area with osteoblastic activity,which provides scientific basis for the selection of surgical timing.

Effects of renal ROI and depth calibrated by 99Tc m-DMSA renal imaging on GFR measurement of the injured-kidney in infants with congenital hydronephrosis / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Objective:To investigate the application value of 99Tc m-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal static imaging to correct renal ROI and renal depth in measurement of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of the injured-kidney in infants with congenital hydronephrosis. Methods:From January 2022 to November 2022, 30 infants with congenital hydronephrosis (25 males, 5 females, age 3.0(1.0, 5.5) months) in Nuclear Medicine Department of the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University were prospectively included. Sixty kidneys were divided into 3 groups according to the degree of hydronephrosis: normal group (7 left kidneys and 12 right kidneys), mild hydronephrosis group (10 left kidneys and 12 right kidneys) and moderate to severe hydronephrosis group (13 left kidneys and 6 right kidneys). The patients received 99Tc m-diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid (DTPA) diuretic renal dynamic imaging and 99Tc m-DMSA renal static imaging within 3 days, and bilateral renal lateral acquisition was performed at the end of the imaging. The depths (cm) of kidneys measured based on the lateral image and Tonnesen′s formula were compared. The single kidney GFR (ml·min -1·1.73 m -2) measured after the renal ROI corrected, or renal depth corrected, or renal ROI-depth corrected by renal static imaging (aGFR single, dGFR single, adGFR single) was compared with that measured by Gates method (gGFR single). The one-way analysis of variance, the least significant difference- t test and Dunnett- t test were used for data analysis. Results:In different hydronephrosis groups, renal depths measured by dynamic imaging, static imaging and Tonnesen formulas were significantly different ( F values: 38.07-59.63, t values: 2.53-15.17, all P<0.05). There were no significant differences in renal depth between the two kinds of imaging in the normal group ( F values: 34.89, 54.30, both P<0.05; t values: 0.65, 1.60, both P>0.05). aGFR single of all groups were smaller than gGFR single, but the values were similar, and were not significantly different in normal kidneys ( F values: 3.02, 5.51, both P<0.05; t values: 0.12, 0.53, both P>0.05), while those in abnormal kidneys (left kidneys: 43.27±8.84 vs 46.19±7.88, F=9.75, t=2.18, both P<0.05; right kidneys: 39.87±10.25 vs 42.94±10.28, F=10.32, t=2.04, both P<0.05) and in mild (48.58±10.94 vs 51.08±11.44, F=10.34, t=2.04, both P<0.05), moderate to severe (34.41±8.84 vs 37.62±8.84, F=19.97, t=3.41, both P<0.05) hydronephrosis groups were different. The dGFR single was significantly higher than gGFR single in 3 (normal, mild, moderate to severe) hydronephrosis groups ( t values: 3.82, 3.39, 3.81, all P<0.01). adGFR single was between aGFR single and dGFR single, and adGFR single were significantly different from gGFR single in normal right kidneys, in abnormal kidneys and in mild and moderate to severe hydronephrosis groups ( t values: 2.25-3.12, all P<0.05). Conclusions:Renal static imaging corrected ROI can improve the accuracy of GFR measurement of the affected kidney, especially for children with moderate and severe congenital hydronephrosis. However, the GFR corrected for renal depth or ROI-depth are significantly different from the true GFR. The lateral kidney depth measured by static imaging is more accurate than that measured by dynamic imaging.

Clinical applications and progress of radionuclide imaging in neuroblastoma / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children. The prognosis of different stages varies greatly, and its risk staging system is completely based on imaging. Radionuclide imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis and staging of various tumors, and it is also of great significance in the early diagnosis and staging of neuroblastoma. At present, imaging agents used for neuroblastoma mainly include catecholamine receptor, glucose metabolism, somatostatin receptor, etc. This article mainly discusses the application value and research progress of these imaging agents in the diagnosis of neuroblastoma.

Application and Research Progress of 225Ac in Tumor Targeted Treatment / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

225Ac has high linear energy transfer， suitable half-life， short particle range， and good coordination ability， making it one of the promising alpha emitters in targeted radioisotope therapy for tumors， and it has significant research value. This article briefly introduces the physical and chemical properties of 225Ac， as well as common chelating agents （prostate-specific membrane antigen， octreotide， nano-carriers， etc.）. It reviews the applications of targeted drugs labeled with 225Ac in tumors， based on peptides or small molecules as targeting agents， monoclonal antibodies or proteins as targeting molecules， and nano-carriers. It also analyzes the value of its application in therapy， summarizes the methods of labeling with 225Ac and the selection of suitable chelating agents， improvements in targeting specificity， and toxicity side effects. Furthermore， it looks forward to the localization of 225Ac production to meet future clinical needs， in order to provide reference for the subsequent development of 225Ac-labeled drugs.

Radiotheranostics:Challenges and opportunities / 中国医学影像技术

The radiotheranostics allows for precise diagnosis and treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer,neuroendocrine tumors,prostate cancer and other malignant diseases through providing solutions for personalized medicine.The development of radiotheranostics owns opportunities but also confronts challenges,including developing novel radiopharmaceuticals with new targets,clinical translation,radiometry and safety assessment.The challenges and opportunities of radiotheranostics were looked in this article.

Clinical research progresses of radiotheranostics in diagnosis and therapy of diseases / 中国医学影像技术

Combining with molecular imaging,nuclear medicine gradually utilized radiopharmaceuticals with targeted radionuclide therapy for accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment of diseases,hence advancing the progresses of theranostics.The clinical research progresses of radiotheranostics in diagnosis and therapy of diseases were reviewed in this article.

Progress in Cardiac Neuroreceptor Imaging in Parkinson's Disease / 中国医学影像学杂志

Parkinson's disease(PD),as a neurodegenerative disorder,is often accompanied by dysfunction of the cardiac autonomic nervous system.Clinical manifestations include arrhythmias,blood pressure fluctuations,pacemaker dependency,and abnormalities in cardiac valve function.These changes can have a significant impact on the quality of life and prognosis of patients.Therefore,early detection and monitoring of cardiac autonomic dysfunction in PD patients is crucial and can provide appropriate treatment and management strategies to alleviate cardiac symptoms and risks.Cardiac sympathetic nerve receptor imaging is a method that can visually display the integrity and functional status of the cardiac sympathetic nervous system.It has high sensitivity for evaluating cardiac sympathetic nerve function,which is essential for early diagnosis of PD.This article focuses on the latest research progress in the use of cardiac sympathetic nerve receptor imaging agents for PD diagnosis.

Value of digital X-ray radiography and SPECT radionuclide bone imaging in diagnosing intertrochanteric fracture of femur / 中国医学装备

Objective:To investigate the application value of digital X-ray radiotherapy and single photon emission computed tomography(SPECT)radionuclide bone imaging in the diagnosis of intertrochanteric fracture of femur.Methods:A total of 70 patients who were diagnosed as intertrochanteric fracture of femur in Shijiazhuang People's hospital from January 2017 to December 2020 were selected,and they were divided into study group and control group according to random number method,with 35 cases in each group.Digital X-ray radiography combined with SPECT radionuclide bone imaging was used in the study group,and digital X-ray radiography was used in the control group.And then,the accuracy of the diagnostic results between the two groups were compared.Results:The radiographic examination indicated that 31 cases(88.6%)of 35 cases in the study group were confirmed,and 24 cases(68.6%)of 35 cases in the control group were confirmed.The diagnostic accuracy rate of the study group was significantly higher than that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(x2=4.158,P<0.05).The preoperative imaging diagnosis indicated that diagnosed number of fracture blocks in the study group was(3.57±0.50),which was significantly higher than that(2.67±0.40)in the control group,and the difference of that between two groups was statistically significant(t=8.315,P<0.05).In the actual intraoperative examining for bone continuity,5 cases were continuity and 30 cases were non-continuity.In the bone stability,13 cases were stability and 22 cases were non-stability.The study group was closer to intraoperative bone continuity and bone stability,and the differences of them between two groups were statistically significant(x2=12.857,4.644,P<0.05),respectively.Conclusion:The combination of digital X-ray radiography and SPECT radionuclide bone imaging has higher diagnostic value for intertrochanteric fracture of femur,which can provide important reference for clinical diagnosis.

Complete and sustained response after peptide receptor radionuclide therapy in a 66-year-old Filipino male with metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor: A case report

@#The introduction of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) to the Philippines has allowed for novel approaches in the management of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). This case report details the management of a 66-year-old Filipino man diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic NET after biopsy and staging with Ga-68 DOTATATE PET-CT. After poor response to somatostatin analogue therapy, the patient was advised to undergo PRRT. Upon completing four cycles of PRRT with Lu-177 DOTATATE, the metastatic hepatic lesions showed resolution and the pancreatic tail tumor exhibited regression, allowing the patient to undergo surgical resection of the primary tumor. On follow-up, he was declared to be in remission with good quality of life and no imaging evidence of recurrence. The case underscores the diagnostic and therapeutic utility of radiolabeled somatostatin analogues along with the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the management of an initially unresectable metastatic pancreatic NET

A reflection on medical treatment of radionuclide-contaminated wounds during medical response to nuclear emergencies / 中国辐射卫生

Radionuclide-contaminated wounds are common in medical response to nuclear emergencies, which have different manifestations in different types of accidents. Medical treatment is the key part of the response. Based on the drill experience gained from medical response to nuclear emergencies, the authors summarize the research advances in radionuclide-contaminated wounds in recent years, mainly involving the biokinetic characteristics, medical response, surgical debridement, and prevention and treatment of internal contamination of radionuclide-contaminated wounds; the authors summarize the key points of technical operations and provide suggestions on improvements in the drills. The authors believe that medical treatment of radionuclide-contaminated wounds requires highly compatible integration of the practical skills from clinical medicine and radiological knowledge; emergency response, surgical debridement, and prevention and treatment of internal contamination all together constitute an integrated rescue and treatment strategy with internal logic correlations. However, targeted improvements are needed to achieve desired effects in the drills.

An analysis of the results of the national assessments of gamma spectrometry of radionuclides, 2014-2021 / 中国辐射卫生

Objective To ensure the accuracy of gamma spectrometer in our laboratory for the analysis of radionuclides in samples and to improve the laboratory personnel’s ability to perform analyses of radionuclides. Methods Our laboratory had continuously participated in the national assessments of gamma spectrometry of radionuclides organized by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The samples were measured by a high-purity germanium gamma spectrometer (GEM-MX7080P4). An analysis was performed on the results of the gamma spectrometry assessments from 2014 to 2021. Results Our laboratory had an overall qualified rate of 100% (8/8) and an overall excellent rate of 39% (3/8) in the gamma spectrometry assessments from 2014 to 2021. The distribution ranges of RD, Z, U, and Urel for 28 measurements involving radionuclides 208Tl, 228Ac, 232Th, 40K, 238U, and 137Cs were −11.82% to 5.97%, −0.59 to 0.30, 0.02 to 0.92, and 4.33% to 10.49%, respectively. Conclusion The methods used in our laboratory for gamma spectrometry of radionuclides are accurate and the testing reports issued by our laboratory are reliable.

Investigation on 90Sr and 137Cs activity concentrations in water in Hangzhou urban area from 2012 to 2020 / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective:To investigate the activity concentrations of 90Sr and 137Cs in water in Hangzhou urban area. Methods:From 2012 to 2020, Qiantang River water as an important drinking water source, tap water as direct drinking water for residents, and West Lake water in tourists crowded area were selected forwater quality monitoring with respect to conctnts of 90Sr and 137Cs. The activity concentrations of 90Sr and 137Cs in water samples, as collected in wet and dry seasons resepectively, were determined by radiochemical analysis, with the 137Cs to 90Sr activity ratios obtained. Results:From 2012 to 2020, the activity concentrations of 90Sr and 137Cs in tap water were (2.0±1.1) - (7.4±0.4) mBq/L and (0.45±0.06) - (7.1±0.6) mBq/L, respectively. The 137Cs to 90Sr activity ratios ranged from 0.07 to 2.40. The activity concentrations of 90Sr and 137Cs in Qiantang River were (3.7±1.1) - (17.0±4.4) mBq/L and (0.28±0.01) - (15.0±4.5) mBq/L, respectively. The 137Cs to 90Sr activity ratios ranged from 0.03 to 0.90. The activity concentrations of 90Sr and 137Cs in West Lake water were (2.2±0.5) - (11.0±2.0) mBq/L and (0.32±0.04) - (7.9±1.9) mBq/L, respectively. The 137Cs to 90Sr activity ratios ranged from 0.05 to 1.20. Conclusions:The activity concentrations of 90Sr and 137Cs in water in Hangzhou urban area were at the background levels, lower than the concentration limits, 10 Bq/L both for 90Sr and 137Cs recommended by WHO in the 4 th edition of Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality.

Application and progress of 99Tc m-GSA and 99Tc m-mebrofenin hepatobiliary scintigraphy in liver reserve function assessment / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

The liver reserve function refers to the compensatory ability to maintain liver function after damage, providing implication for the resection of hepatic malignant tumor. Hepatobiliary scintigraphy imaging can provide quantitative evaluation of liver blood perfusion, and has advantages on the evaluation of liver reserve function and the prediction of postoperative complications. 99Tc m-galactosyl serum albumin (GSA) and 99Tc m-mebrofenin are commonly used imaging agents for hepatobiliary scintigraphy imaging assessment of liver reserve function. This article reviews the application and progress of hepatobiliary scintigraphy in liver reserve function assessment.

Application of diuretic renal scintigraphy in the treatment of infants with severe hydronephrosis / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Objective:To explore the differences of renal dynamic imaging parameters between operation group and non-operation group in infants with severe hydronephrosis, so as to accumulate theoretical basis for diuretic renal scintigraphy to help the treatment decision making.Methods:A total of 107 infants (age: 3(2, 6) months; 90 males and 17 females) with severe hydronephrosis, who underwent diuretic renal scintigraphy between March 2018 and October 2021 in Shanxi Children′s Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were diagnosed with ureteropelvic junction obstruction and divided into operation group ( n=87) and no-operation group ( n=20). The differences of differential renal function (DRF), peak time, half-time and drainage curve between the two groups were compared with the independent-sample t test or χ2 test, and the correlation between the renal function of the affected side and the anteroposterior pelvic diameter (APD) was analyzed with Pearson correlation analysis. Results:The operation group included 17 patients with DRF<40%, 60 patients with DRF between 40%-55%, and 10 patients with DRF>55%(supernormal renal function). The 40%-55% was considered as normal DBF, and the rest were abnormal. Infants with abnormal renal function in the operation group ( n=27) were more than those in the non-operation group ( n=3), but there was no statistical difference ( χ2=2.07, P=0.150). The proportion of obstruction curve in the operation group (85.1%, 74/87) was significantly higher than that in the non-operation group (55.0%, 11/20; χ2=7.24, P=0.007). Compared with the non-operation group, the peak time of affected kidney in the operation group was significantly longer ((22.77±7.52) vs (15.26±10.29) min; t=3.78, P<0.001), as well as the peak time of contralateral kidney ((11.25±8.47) vs (6.65±5.75) min; t=2.30, P=0.023). There was a negative correlation between the DRF of the affected side and the APD ( r=-0.48, P<0.001). Conclusions:The DBF is mostly in the normal range in infants with severe hydronephrosis, and supernormal renal function is common. The previous operation indication (DRF<40%) is not suitable for the infants, and it needs to be analyzed combined with the type of curve and the APD determined by color Doppler ultrasound. The prolongation of contralateral renal peak time may be an important parameter for the surgical evaluation of severe hydronephrosis in infants.

Preliminary study on the ability of 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT to differentiate between adrenal aldosterone-producing adenoma and nonfunctional adenoma / 中华内科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the ability of 68Ga-Pentixafor (nuclide ligand imaging agents for chemokine receptor 4) PET/CT to differentiate between aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) and adrenal nonfunctional adenoma (NFA), and to assess how well this imaging method correlates with clinical features and postoperative outcomes. Methods:This was a cross-sectional study involving 73 APA and 12 NFA patients who received 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT imaging at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from August 2018 to October 2021. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the differential value of visual analysis and the maximum standard uptake value (SUV max) of the focus on APA and NFA. The related factors of SUV max, and its predictive effect on postoperative outcomes were analyzed using Pearson or Spearman analysis and χ2 text. Results:68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT imaging was positive in 64 APA patients (sensitivity=87.7%) and negative in all 12 NFA patients (specificity=100%). The area under the ROC curve with SUV max differentiating APA and NFA was 0.932 ( P<0.001). When the SUV max cut-off point was 6.23, the sensitivity was 80.8% and the specificity was 100%. The SUV max correlated positively with lesion size ( r=0.598) and aldosterone/renin activity ratio ( r=0.313) and correlated negatively with potassium level ( r=-0.286), renin activity ( r=-0.240) and age of diagnosis ( r=-0.273) (all P<0.05). Of the patients who underwent adrenalectomy and received more than 6 months of post-surgical follow-up, the clinical complete remission rate was higher for 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT imaging-positive patients than imaging-negative patients (24/39 vs. 0/4, P=0.031). Conclusions:68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT is effective at differentiating between APA and NFA. The SUV max of 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT correlates with age at onset, lesion size, and the severity of clinical manifestations, and is able to predict postoperative outcomes.

Research progress in imaging manifestations and diagnosis and treatment of ectopic thyroid / 中国医师杂志

Ectopic thyroid (ETG) is a thyroid tissue located outside the normal anatomical position, often occurring in the chest. Clinical symptoms are related to its location and its impact on adjacent structures. In ETG imaging examination, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) nuclide imaging of thyroid perchlorate ( 99Tc mO 4-) is the most commonly used method for localization and characterization. ETG with normal function shows high radiation uptake in the corresponding area. For difficult to distinguish tumors in the base of the tongue and the thyrohyoid region, 131I or 123I imaging with more specificity for thyroid tissue uptake is needed. ETG exhibits a variety of manifestations in computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), mostly irregular soft tissue density masses with clear boundaries and uneven density. There are low-density cystic changes or high-density calcifications within the masses, with uneven or uniform enhancement. In ultrasound, ETG is mainly hypoechoic, with some showing cystic solid echoes and abundant blood flow signals within the gland. Asymptomatic ETG patients usually do not require treatment, while symptomatic patients often require surgical resection and have a good prognosis. Before surgery, relevant examinations should be combined to clarify the nature of the tumor as much as possible, to avoid permanent hypothyroidism caused by misdiagnosis and misresection.

Research Advances of Artificial Intelligence in Radionuclide Myocardial Perfusion Imaging / 中国医学影像学杂志

With the continuous advancement of technology,the application of artificial intelligence in medical imaging has become increasingly widespread,notably revolutionizing the field of nuclear cardiology through the intelligent and precise development of radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging.Artificial intelligence,particularly machine learning and deep learning,has shown immense potential in handling the voluminous and complex data associated with myocardial perfusion imaging.It plays a pivotal role in reducing image acquisition time and radiation dosage,enhancing image quality,optimizing diagnostic accuracy and automating processing and prognostic assessments.This paper summarizes the applications of artificial intelligence in various aspects of myocardial perfusion imaging,including data collection and processing,attenuation correction,image post-processing,diagnostic reporting and patient prognostic evaluation.The aim is to provide new insights and methodologies for research work,thereby promoting the intelligent and precise advancement of nuclear cardiology.

Non-surgical management of vesicoureteral junction obstruction: a case report / Manejo não cirúrgico da obstrução da junção vesicoureteral: um relato de caso

Abstract Objective: To report the case of a pediatric patient with bilateral hydronephrosis due to vesicoureteral junction obstruction (VUJO) that was treated non-surgically and to discuss the approach of this anomaly. Case Description: A 25-month-old boy was referred without complaints for consultation due to prenatal ultrasound showing kidneys with cysts. He was under antibiotic prophylaxis. No family history of kidney disease and/or inherited disorders was reported. Renal ultrasound (RUS) at 2 days of life showed bilateral hydronephrosis, thus ruling out the possibility of kidney cystic disease. Dynamic renal scintigraphy (DTPA) showed marked retention of the marker in the pyelocaliceal system bilaterally, with little response to diuretic drug. He was maintained under antibiotic prophylaxis, when a new RUS showed bilateral ureteral dilatation, abrupt stenosis in the ureterovesical transition region (0.2 cm caliber), moderate bilateral hydronephrosis, and slight renal cortical thickness, confirming the diagnosis of VUJO. At 2 years and 10 months of age, DTPA showed hydronephrosis and ureteral stasis in both kidneys secondary to stenosis at the vesicoureteral junction (VUJ) level, with preservation of kidney function and slow degree of emptying. We opted for a non-surgical approach. RUS at 10 years of age showed significant improvement of all parameters, with ureteral transverse diameter of 9 mm, preserved VUJ, and age-appropriate bilateral kidney development. Comments: VUJO is a major cause of prenatal hydronephrosis and can trigger a deterioration of kidney function. Its treatment is still controversial but should take into account the importance of clinical follow-up and serial imaging evaluation.

Resumo Objetivo: Relatar o caso de um paciente pediátrico com hidronefrose bilateral devido à obstrução da junção vesicoureteral (OJVU) que foi tratado não cirurgicamente e discutir a abordagem desta anomalia. Descrição do caso: Um menino de 25 meses de idade foi encaminhado sem queixas para consulta devido à ultrassonografia pré-natal que mostrou rins com cistos. Ele estava sob profilaxia antibiótica. Nenhum histórico familiar de doença renal e/ou distúrbios hereditários foi relatado. A ultrassonografia renal (USR) aos 2 dias de vida mostrou hidronefrose bilateral, descartando assim a possibilidade de doença renal cística. A cintilografia renal dinâmica (DTPA) mostrou uma retenção acentuada do marcador no sistema pielocalicial bilateralmente, com pouca resposta ao diurético. O paciente foi mantido em profilaxia antibiótica, quando uma nova USR apresentou dilatação ureteral bilateral, estenose abrupta na região de transição ureterovesical (calibre 0,2 cm), hidronefrose bilateral moderada e leve espessura cortical renal, confirmando o diagnóstico de OJVU. Aos 2 anos e 10 meses de idade, a DTPA mostrou hidronefrose e estase ureteral em ambos os rins secundárias à estenose no nível da junção vesicoureteral (JVU), com preservação da função renal e grau lento de esvaziamento. Optamos por uma abordagem não cirúrgica. A USR aos 10 anos de idade mostrou melhora significativa de todos os parâmetros, com diâmetro transverso ureteral de 9 mm, JVU preservada, e desenvolvimento renal bilateral adequado à idade. Comentários: A OJVU é uma das principais causas de hidronefrose pré-natal e pode desencadear uma deterioração da função renal. Seu tratamento ainda é controverso, mas deve levar em consideração a importância do acompanhamento clínico e da avaliação seriada por imagem.