Fully automated measurement of aortic root anatomy using Philips HeartNavigator computed tomography software: fast, accurate, or both?

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) is vital for safety and efficacy of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We aimed to determine the accuracy of fully automated CT analysis of aortic root anatomy before TAVI by Philips HeartNavigator software. This prospective, academic, single-centre study enrolled 128 consecutive patients with native aortic valve stenosis considered for TAVI. Automated HeartNavigator software was compared to the standard manual CT analysis by experienced operators using FluoroCT software. The sizing of the aortic annulus by perimeter and area significantly differed between both methods: mean perimeter was 76.43 mm vs. 77.52 mm (P < 0.0001) using manual FluoroCT vs. automated HeartNavigator software; mean area was 465 mm2 vs. 476 mm2 (P < 0.0001). Interindividual variability testing revealed mean differences between the two operators were 1.21 mm for the aortic annulus perimeter and 9 mm2 for the aortic annulus area. The hypothetical self-expandable transcatheter prosthesis sizing resulted in 80% agreement in 80% of cases. The time required to perform the automated CT analysis was significantly shorter than the time required for manual analysis (mean 17.8 min vs. 2.1 min, P < 0.0001). Philips HeartNavigator fully automated software for pre-TAVI CT analysis is a promising technology. Differences detected in aortic annulus dimensions are small and similar to the variability of manual CT analysis. Automated prediction of optimal fluoroscopic viewing angles is accurate. Correct transcatheter prosthesis sizing requires clinical oversight.

Visceral Fat Accumulation Is Related to Impaired Pancreatic Blood Perfusion and Beta-Cell Dysfunction in Obese Women.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Beta-cell failure plays a fundamental role in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) development. It has been shown that the beta-cells are among the most sensitive to hypoxia. We aimed to analyze whether decrease in pancreatic perfusion relates to 1/decline in beta-cell function and 2/visceral fat accumulation in patients with T2DM. METHODS: Fifteen women with T2DM on metformin therapy alone and fifteen women of comparable age and BMI without prediabetes/diabetes were cross-sectionally examined: clinical and anthropometric examination, fast sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIVGTT), dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging to assess pancreatic perfusion (area under the curve of postcontrast saturation, AUCTSIC), and visceral adiposity (VAT, calculated from transverse sections at the level L2-L5 vertebrae). RESULTS: Pancreatic blood perfusion (AUCTSIC) did not differ between groups (p = 0.273), but it negatively correlated with BMI (r = -0.434, p = 0.017), WHR (r = -0.411, p = 0.024), and VAT (r = -0.436, p = 0.016) in both groups. Moreover, AUCTSIC in the head of the pancreas negatively correlated with the level of fasting glycemia (r = -0.401, p = 0.028) and HOMA-IR (r = -0.376, p = 0.041). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: We showed that decreased pancreatic perfusion did not relate to beta-cell dysfunction in early stages of T2DM development, but it was related to VAT, insulin resistance, and higher fasting glycemia. Furthermore, lower pancreatic perfusion was related to VAT, insulin resistance, and higher fasting glycemia.

Spontaneous spinal epidural haematoma: management and main risk factors in era of anticoagulant / antiplatelet treatment.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Spontaneous spinal epidural haematomas (SSEH) are rare nosological units wherein acute collections of blood develop in the spinal canal. SSEH are usually manifested by sudden severe back pain accompanied by the development of neurological symptoms. In this study, we retrospectively describe management and the main risk factors of SSEH in a series of 14 cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 2010 and 2019, we examined 14 patients (age range 17-89 years, 10 women) diagnosed with SSEH. Eight cases were patients using anticoagulant therapies (six warfarin, one dabigatran, one apixaban) and two others were using ASA of 100 mg/day. The exact localisation and extent of changes was determined from acute magnetic resonance imaging. Three people using warfarin had INR values higher than 3.0 at the time of their diagnosis. RESULTS: Ten patients (71%) were taking oral anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents. In seven patients, SSEH were localised in the lower cervical/thoracic spine. Ten patients (71%) had arterial hypertension. Six patients underwent acute surgery due to rapidly developing spinal cord compression. Eight patients (57%) with slight or mild neurological symptoms were successfully managed without surgery. CONCLUSIONS: SSEH should be suspected in any patient receiving anticoagulant/antiplatelet agents who complains of sudden, severe back pain accompanied by neurological symptoms. SSEH is mostly localised in the lower cervical/thoracic spine. Arterial hypertension appears to be a risk factor of SSEH. Early decompression is an important therapeutic approach; in cases with minor neurological deficits, conservative treatment may be chosen.

Hypophysitis and other autoimmune complications related to immune checkpoints inhibitors´ treatment: Spectrum of imaging appearances.

OBJECTIVES: Immune checkpoints inhibitors (ICI) represent a new therapy option for the treatment of several advanced tumors. However, this therapy has been linked to a spectrum of ICI related autoimmune (AI) adverse events. Some may be life threatening and their diagnosis is tricky. The aim of our study was to describe various imaging appearances of ICI related secondary hypophysitis and other coincidental AI diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 28 patients (19 females, 9 men, mean aged 58±13 years), who were consecutively treated mostly for advanced stage melanoma by different ICI. All their CT/MRI records and clinical data were reviewed. RESULTS: We found 5 (18%) cases of endocrinology proven secondary hypophysitis; 2 cases of panhypopituitarism and 3 cases of central hypocortisolism. Four cases were MRI positive, 1 case was MRI negative. Three cases were accompanied by other AI diseases: 1 by hemorrhagic colitis and mesenterial lymphadenitis, 1 by AI pancreatitis and 1 by pneumonitis. On MRI pituitary gland was swollen in 3 cases, twice enhanced non-homogenously, once homogenously; infundibular enlargement was present in 2 cases. Those 3 cases reacted to glucocorticoid therapy by hypophyseal shrinkage. In 1 case of MRI positive hypophysitis, the pituitary gland was not enlarged, slightly nonhomogeneous with peripheral contour enhancement; no reaction to glucocorticoids was mentioned. CONCLUSION: Secondary hypophysitis is probably more common ICI related adverse event than reported in the literature. Its MRI appearance is variable. Most of our cases were in coincidence with other AI ICI related events that affected their clinical manifestations.

Gadoxetate disodium, a modern hepatospecific MRI contrast agent: Indirect signs for gadolinium deposition in the brain structures with signal intensity increase after intravenous application.

BACKGROUND: Gadolinium brain deposits after intravenous application of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCA) have been recently reported. AIM: We focused selectively on gadoxetate disodium, a hepatospecific linear GBCA. There are currently only a few studies in peer-reviewed literature focused selectively on gadoxetate disodium with conflicting results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients (mean age 55.5 ± 14.0 years) after previous repeated administrations of gadoxetate disodium (mean 2.6 ± 1.5) for liver diagnostic process were included. All patients had normal renal and liver functions, an intact blood-brain barrier, and did not receive any other GBCA. They underwent 26 brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with T1WI axial scans for signal intensity (SI) evaluation. The SI changes were measured in globus pallidus (GP), dentate nucleus (DN), pons (Po), and thalamus (Th) and SI ratios (DN/Po, GP/Po, GP/Th, Th/Po) were calculated. The control group consisted of 10 healthy volunteers (mean age 54.8 ± 12.1 years) with no prior GBCA applications. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Robust linear regression was used to test the effect of number of applications on the SI ratios. RESULTS: The significant effect of number of gadoxetate previous applications on DN/Po SI ratio was found. On an average, the DN/Po ratio increased by 0.36 percentage points [P = 0.042, 95% CI (0.03, 0.69)]. Other SI ratios were not significantly affected. CONCLUSIONS: Repeated administrations of hepatospecific gadoxetate disodium leads to a statistically significant increase in the SI values in DN in patients with normal renal and liver functions, and with an intact blood-brain barrier, probably due to gadolinium deposition.

Late morphological changes after radiosurgery of brain arteriovenous malformations: an MRI study.

BACKGROUND: Radiosurgery by Gamma Knife (GK) is an effective treatment for brain arteriovenous malformations (AVM). The aim of the present study was to evaluate late, radiation-induced changes detectable by MRI after AVM radiosurgery in patients treated minimally 10 years prior, with AVM obliteration proven by angiography. METHODS: Thirty-five patients with 37 AVMs were included. AVMs were irradiated 16.6 ± 3.5 years prior with AVM obliteration proven 13 ± 4 years prior. All patients underwent recent MRI examinations, including application of gadolinium-based contrast. RESULTS: In one case, post-irradiative cystic formation with mass effect and signs of hemorrhage requiring surgery was found. Post-gadolinium enhancement at the site of obliterated nidi was apparent in 28 of 37 cases (76 %). In all cases except one, the mean volume of enhancement at the time of review was clearly lower than the volume of the originally irradiated AVM (88 ± 20 %; median 92 %); in one case the extent was 142 % greater than the irradiated AVM. When we compared enhancing and non-enhancing nidi, we found that enhancing nidi were significantly larger than non-enhancing nidi at the time of radiosurgery (4.39 ± 3.35 cc vs. 0.89 ± 0.79 cc, p = 0.004). Enhancement was not influenced by total radiation dose, patient age at the time of irradiation, duration since radiosurgery, or the number of irradiations. Wallerian degeneration was found in nine of 37 cases (24 %); in six cases the optical tracts were affected and visual field defects were proven. In five of nine cases (55.6 %) with Wallerian degeneration previous hemorrhage was present. Dual vascular pathology was found in eight of 35 patients (23 %). CONCLUSIONS: GK radiosurgery for AVM is a safe treatment method although delayed complications may occur. Post-gadolinium enhancement of obliterated nidi may indicate an active post-irradiative process.

Central nervous system lymphoma: a morphological MRI study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to evaluate morphological MRI findings in histologically-proven central nervous system lymphoma (CNSL) at time of their first appearance, and to describe dynamic changes on repeat MRI before the diagnosis was histologically proven. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the MRI examinations of 74 patients with histologically-proven CNSL (10 secondary CNSL, 64 primary PCNSL; 10 immunocompromised, 54 immunocompetent). In 43 patients, we evaluated the evolution of CNSL on MRI before the diagnosis was proven. RESULTS: Primary CNSL was typically localized supratentorially (63%), with multiple (59%) or infiltrative (36%) lesions showing diffusion restriction (98%), often (87%) reaching the brain surface. In approximately 50% of patients, meningeal, ependymal or cranial nerve involvement was found. We detected significant differences in enhancement patterns between immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients; non-homogenous enhancement present in 50% of immunocompromised patients. We did not find any significant differences in MRI appearance between primary and secondary CNSL. Regression was evident after corticosteroid treatment in 52% of patients; however, in 16% of cases overall progression was observed. CONCLUSION: CNSL generally presents as an infiltrative lesion or multiple homogenously-enhancing lesions of the brain in contact with the brain surface. Involvement of the corpus callosum, cranial nerves, ependyma or meninges is common. No significant differences between primary and secondary CNSL were detected, however differences in enhancement type between immunocompromised and immunocompetent primary CNSL patients were found. We stress the variability of MRI findings in the course of the disease and also the variable response to corticotherapy.

Magnetic resonance imaging in patients with a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.

AIMS: Our aim was to evaluate the potential for safely imaging patients with a new type of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator called the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) in a 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. With the increasing number of patients with cardiac implantable devices who are indicated for MRI, there is a growing need for establishing MRI compatibility of cardiac implantable devices. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients with implanted S-ICD systems underwent one or more types of anatomical MRI scans. The S-ICD was programmed off and patients were monitored throughout the imaging procedure. Device function was evaluated pre- and post-scan. Patients were asked to report immediately any pain, torqueing movement, or heating sensation in the area of the pocket or electrode. Fifteen patients underwent a total of 22 examinations at 1.5 T. Scans included brain, spine, knee, and heart. Two patients were re-scanned due to complaints of heating over the can during lumbar scans, which was caused by a thermistor probe placed on the skin to measure skin temperature. All the remaining scans occurred without incident. No evidence of device malfunction was observed. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to domonstrate the feasibility of exposing S-ICD patients to MRI using the scanning and monitoring protocol described. More data are required to support S-ICD as a MRI conditional device.

A novel biomarker-based approach for the detection of asymptomatic brain injury during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) is a widely used method for studying of asymptomatic brain injury during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, this technique lacks sensitivity for subtle or diffuse brain lesions. We investigated whether detection of the ablation-related brain injury can improve by assessment of a biomarker of brain damage-protein S100B. METHODS AND RESULTS: DW-MRI and assessment of S100B were performed in 58 patients undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation of paroxysmal or persistent AF 1 day before and after the procedure. We observed no symptomatic neurological complications. S100B levels increased after ablation above the upper reference limit of 105 ng/L in 3 patients. One of them developed a new ischemic lesion on the DW-MRI. No acute lesions emerged on DW-MRI in the patients with normal postablation S100B levels. CONCLUSION: Serial assessment of serum protein S100B may improve detection of asymptomatic acute brain injury in patients undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation of AF. In our study, the incidence of these events was 1.7% when evaluated only by DW-MRI, but the incidence increased to 5% after employing the more sensitive biomarker-based approach.

Asymptomatic brain lesions following laserballoon-based pulmonary vein isolation.

AIMS: Laserballoon-based pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) has proven safe and effective. Silent brain lesions after AF ablation detected on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been described for several technologies, but its incidence following laserballoon PVI is unknown. The current study sought to assess the incidence of new asymptomatic brain lesions in patients undergoing laserballoon-based PVI. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients referred for PVI underwent pre- and post-procedural MRI of the brain. A total of 86 patients were enroled into the study (laserballoon group: 44 patients, 15 female, age 63 ± 9 years, left atrial (LA) diameter 43 ± 5 mm; cryoballoon group: 20 patients, 6 female, age 61 ± 9 years, LA diameter 41 ± 4 mm; and irrigated radiofrequency (RF) group: 22 patients, 11 female, age 64 ± 8 years, LA diameter 43 ± 6 mm). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups with regard to new asymptomatic brain lesions detected on post-procedural MRI: 5 of 44 (11.4%) patients in the laserballoon group, 1 of 20 (5.0%) patients in the cryoballoon group, and 4 of 22 (18.2%) patients in the irrigated RF group, respectively. In the laserballoon group, one additional patient with a new cerebral lesion experienced transient diplopia. In a multivariate regression model the only risk factor for asymptomatic new lesions was the CHA2DS2VASc score. CONCLUSION: Following laserballoon-based PVI, new asymptomatic brain lesions were detected in 11.4% of patients. A higher CHA2DS2VASc score, but not the ablation technology utilized, was the only associated risk factor.

Early and late infarct growth rate in ischemic stroke patients after successful endovascular treatment in early time window: correlation of imaging and clinical factors with clinical outcome.

Background: The prospective study assessed infarct growth rate (IGR) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with large vessel occlusion (LVO) after recanalization in early time window. Early IGR (EIGR) and late IGR (LIGR) were correlated with imaging and clinical data; we searched for outcome predictors. Methods: We included 71 consecutive patients. Subjects underwent computed tomography perfusion (CTP) for ischemic core volume assessment at 99.0 minutes (median) from stroke onset, recanalization was performed at 78.0 minutes (median) from CTP. Final infarct volume (FIV) was measured on 24±2 hours imaging follow-up. EIGR was calculated as the core volume/time between stroke onset and CTP; LIGR was calculated as FIV/time between CTP and imaging follow-up. Twenty-two subjects were assessed as poor outcome, 49 as good outcome. Group differences were tested by Mann-Whitney test and χ2 test. Bayesian logistic regression models were used to predict clinical outcome, Pearson correlations for the log-transformed predictors. Results: Subjects with poor outcome were older, median age 78.0 [interquartile range (IQR): 71.8, 83.8] versus 68.0 (IQR: 57.0, 73.0) years; 95% confidence interval (CI): 6.00 to 16.00; P<0.001. Their stroke severity scale was higher, median 19.0 (IQR: 16.0, 20.0) versus 15.5 (IQR: 10.8, 18.0); 95% CI: 1.00 to 6.00; P<0.001. They had higher EIGR, median 23.9 (IQR: 6.4, 104.0) versus 6.7 (IQR: 1.7, 13.0) mL/h; 95% CI: 3.26 to 53.68; P=0.002; and larger core, median 52.5 (IQR: 13.1, 148.5) versus 10.0 (IQR: 1.4, 20.0) mL; 95% CI: 11.00 to 81.00; P<0.001. In subjects with poor outcome, infarct growth continued after thrombectomy with LIGR 2.0 (IQR: 1.2, 9.7) versus 0.3 (IQR: 0.0, 0.7) mL/h; 95% CI: 1.10 to 6.10; P<0.001; resulting in larger FIV, median 186.5 (IQR: 49.3, 280.8) versus 18.5 (IQR: 8.0, 34.0) mL; 95% CI: 55.30 to 214.00; P<0.001. Strong correlations among predictors were found e.g., core and EIGR (r=0.942), LIGR and FIV (r=0.779), core and FIV (r=0.761). Clinical outcome was best predicted using data from later measurements as FIV and LIGR. Conclusions: Data from later measurements were more predictive, there was no major benefit to use growth over volume data.

Diagnosis of Ischemic Stroke: As Simple as Possible.

The absolute majority of strokes in high-income countries, roughly 91%, are of ischemic origin. This review is focused on acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with large vessel occlusion (LVO) in the anterior circulation, which is considered the most devastating subtype of AIS. Moreover, stroke survivors impose substantial direct and indirect costs of care as well as costs due to productivity loss. We review of diagnostic possibilities of individual imaging methods such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, and discuss their pros and cons in the imaging of AIS. The goals of non-invasive imaging in AIS are as follows: (a) to rule out intracranial hemorrhage and to quickly exclude hemorrhagic stroke and contraindications for intravenous thrombolysis; (b) to identify potential LVO and its localization and to quickly provide guidance for endovascular treatment; (c) to assess/estimate the volume or size of the ischemic core. We suggest fast diagnostic management, which is able to quickly satisfy the above-mentioned diagnostic goals in AIS with LVO.

CT Brain Perfusion in the Prediction of Final Infarct Volume: A Prospective Study of Different Software Settings for Acute Ischemic Core Calculation.

CT perfusion (CTP) is used for the evaluation of brain tissue viability in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We studied the accuracy of three different syngo.via software (SW) settings for acute ischemic core estimation in predicting the final infarct volume (FIV). The ischemic core was defined as follows: Setting A: an area with cerebral blood flow (CBF) < 30% compared to the contralateral healthy hemisphere. Setting B: CBF < 20% compared to contralateral hemisphere. Setting C: area of cerebral blood volume (CBV) < 1.2 mL/100 mL. We studied 47 AIS patients (aged 68 ± 11.2 years) with large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation, treated in the early time window (up to 6 h), who underwent technically successful endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). FIV was measured on MRI performed 24 ± 2 h after EVT. In general, all three settings correlated with each other; however, the absolute agreement between acute ischemic core volume on CTP and FIV on MRI was poor; intraclass correlation for all three settings was between 0.64 and 0.69, root mean square error of the individual observations was between 58.9 and 66.0. Our results suggest that using CTP syngo.via SW for prediction of FIV in AIS patients in the early time window is not appropriate.

Long-term follow-up of a patient undergoing interatrial shunt device implantation for treatment of heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction.

We herein present a case study of a patient with heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction and severe symptoms who underwent interatrial shunt device implantation and follow-up at a tertiary care heart failure clinic. The interatrial shunt device implantation was successful. No adverse events occurred, and the device prevented hospitalization for heart failure during long-term follow-up.

A pilot randomised trial of catheter-directed thrombolysis or standard anticoagulation for patients with intermediate-high risk acute pulmonary embolism.

BACKGROUND: Intermediate-high risk acute pulmonary embolism (PE) remains associated with substantial mortality despite anticoagulation therapy. AIMS: The aim of this randomised pilot study was to compare catheter-directed thrombolysis to standard anticoagulation therapy. METHODS: Intermediate-high risk acute PE patients were admitted to a tertiary care centre (November 2019 to April 2021) and randomised in a 1:1 ratio to catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) or standard anticoagulation. Two catheters were used for the infusion of alteplase (1 mg/hr/catheter; total dose 20 mg) in the CDT group. The primary efficacy endpoint targeted improvement of right ventricular (RV) function, a decrease in pulmonary pressure, and a reduction of thrombus burden. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients were included (12 in the CDT group and 11 in the standard care group). The primary efficacy endpoint was achieved more frequently in the CDT group than in the standard care group (7 of 12 patients vs 1 of 11 patients, p=0.0004). An RV/left ventricular ratio reduction ≥25% (evident on computed tomography angiography) was achieved in 7 of 12 patients in the CDT group vs 2 of 11 patients in the standard care group (p=0.03). A systolic pulmonary artery pressure decrease of ≥30% or normotension at 24 hrs after randomisation was present in 10 of 12 patients in the CDT group vs 2 of 11 patients in the standard care group (p=0.001). There was no intracranial or life-threatening bleeding (type 5 or 3c bleeding, according to the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium classification). CONCLUSIONS: CDT for intermediate-high risk acute PE appears to be safe and effective. Further research is warranted to assess clinical endpoints.

[Renal cell carcinoma in the coming era of robotic technology]. / Karcinom ledviny v ére nastupujících robotických technologií.

Renal cell carcinoma is the most malignant urological tumour and the incidence in the Czech Republic is currently highest in the world. Kidney cancer is associated with seven different genes and is characterized nowadays as metabolic disease. Authors present some current facts about advances in diagnosis and new treatment methods. Different findings required individual approach. Diagnosis improved with more sophisticated ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography etc. Apart from standard surgery new alternative methods of minimally invasive procedures also assert (laparoscopy, robotic surgery, radiofrequency ablation, kryoablation) and are incorporated in current complex treatment strategies. Systemic therapy with new targeted antiangiogenics drugs is a new standard of treatment for metastatic kidney cancer Complex care with integration of local treatment (surgery, radiotherapy, selective embolization, radiosurgery, cementoplasty, vetrebroplasty etc.) and systemic medication with best supportive care is optimal for a metastatic kidney cancer. More accurate diagnostic methods and complex interdisciplinary approach with integration of systemic therapy with new targeted drugs and new minimally invasive procedures represent new possibilities for patients with kidney cancer.

Advanced cervical cancer in young women: imaging study of late and very late radiation-related side effects after successful treatment by combined radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Radical combined radiotherapy (RT) is a standard treatment for advanced cervical cancer. The aim of our study was to identify morphological late (≥6 months) and very late (≥5 years) radiation-related comorbidities on computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography/computerized tomography (PET/CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans in young females who survived ≥5 years since RT and were considered as successfully treated. Secondly, we studied a rate of clinically silent radiation-related toxicities apparent on imaging scans that might influenced on future well-being of survived females. Thirdly, we analyzed reasons why patients underwent imaging scans. METHODS: We included 41 subjects aged under 50 years (mean 41.8±7.2 years, median 41 years), who survived ≥5 years since RT, with at least one available imaging scan ≥3 years since RT. The mean time between RT and the last available scan was 12.3±7.9 years (median 9 years); the mean time of clinical follow-up was 15.4±7.1 years (median 14 years). RESULTS: Fourteen (34.1%) females underwent the first imaging scan in emergency situation and 27 (65.9%) patients due to variable chronic complaints. Grade III-V radiation-related comorbidities occurred in 19 (46.3%) females including one case of death due to radiation-induced osteosarcoma. In 14 of 19 patients, comorbidities were multiple. Four (9.8%) females suffered from life-threatening complications (grade IV): one from an uretero-arterial fistula with massive hematuria and 3 from bowel perforations. Eleven (26.8%) subjects suffered from bowel strictures with ileus development, they underwent mean 1.7±0.8 surgery (median 1.5). The mean time since RT to the first surgery for intestinal complications was 5.4±6.0 years (median 3 years), to the second 12.0±9.6 years (median 11.5 years) and to the third surgery 9.0±4.2 years (median 9 years). Late fistulas formations (vesico-recto-vaginal) were seen in 6 (14.6%) patients. Bone complications were diagnosed in 9 (22.0%) of treated females, one case of osteosarcoma included, 4 of 9 bone complications were clinically silent. In 5 (12.2%) subjects, toxicities grade III-IV first time manifested >5 years since RT, majority of them were multiple. The bowel perforation and fistulas formations were the earliest manifested grade III-IV toxicities, with median time 3 years since RT, the bone complications were the latest manifested with median time 16 years since RT. CONCLUSIONS: Our study is not able to bring information about the incidence of late and very late radiation related comorbidities, according to International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) recommendations patients are clinically followed only for 5 years and imaging cross-sectional scans are not recommended. However, our study shows that if females successfully treated for advanced cervical cancer report abdominal/pelvic clinical problems, it is highly probable their imaging scans will reveal late radiation related side-effects that may affect the rest of their life. It puts forward question whether females after radical RT should been regularly followed by cross-sectional imaging methods.

Silent strokes after thoracoscopic epicardial ablation and catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: not all lesions are permanent on follow-up magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: Invasive treatments for atrial fibrillation (AF) pose a risk of ischemic stroke due to periprocedural brain embolization, which may be manifest or silent. The primary aim of our study was to compare the rate of silent strokes after percutaneous catheter-based and thoracoscopic epicardial ablation for AF. The secondary aim was to evaluate the development of silent strokes over time. METHODS: We included 39 subjects (aged 64.1±8.9 years) treated for persistent symptomatic AF with thoracoscopic ablation and 30 subjects (aged 64.1±10.5 years) treated for paroxysmal or persistent symptomatic AF with catheter ablation. Subjects underwent brain MRI before and early after the ablation, moreover, the surgical group underwent late MRI 6 months after therapy. On early MRI, the presence of silent strokes and their number and size were evaluated. On late MRI, transformation of previously-detected acute ischemic lesions into chronic infarction or their reversibility were assessed. RESULTS: Initially, different chronic ischemic findings were found in 64% of patients from the surgical group and in 70% from catheter group. Early MRI results: acute ischemic lesions were detected in 2 (6.7%) subjects (overall 3 lesions sized <5 mm) in the catheter group and in 17 (43.6%) subjects in surgical group. Most subjects in the surgical group showed multiple lesions (88%); 195 lesions were detected, a median 6 (IQR 8) lesions per case. Eighty-two percent of lesions were <5 mm, 12% 5-10 mm, 5% 10-30 mm, and 2% were large territorial ischemia. Only 1 case was symptomatic, the rest were silent strokes. On late MRI, 53.5% of all acute lesions were reversible. Lesions <5 mm were reversible in 63.1% of cases, lesions 5-10 mm were reversible in 21.7% and all lesions larger than 10 mm persisted. In 29.4% of patients all acute ischemic lesions were fully reversible. CONCLUSIONS: Periprocedural silent strokes were significantly more common after thoracoscopic epicardial ablation compared to catheter ablation considering both the number of affected patients and number of lesions. The majority of acute ischemic brain lesions were small, up to 5 mm in diameter, roughly half of which were reversible. Reversibility of acute ischemic lesions decreased with size. However, in 29.4% of affected patients, all lesions were fully reversible.

Is limited-coverage CT perfusion helpful in treatment decision-making in patients with acute ischemic stroke?

BACKGROUND: The initial core infarct volume predicts treatment outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). According to the literature, CT perfusion (CTP) is able to evaluate cerebral parenchymal viability and assess the initial core in AIS. We prospectively studied whether limited-coverage CTP with automated core calculation correlates with the final infarct volume on follow-up non-enhanced CT (NECT) in patients successfully treated by mechanical thrombectomy. METHODS: We enrolled 31 stroke patients (20 women aged 74.4±12.9 years and 11 men aged 66±15.4 years; median initial NIHSS score 15.5) with occlusion of the medial cerebral artery and/or the internal carotid artery that were treated by successful mechanical thrombectomy. CTP performed in a 38.6 mm slab at the level of basal ganglia was included in the CT stroke protocol, but was not used to determine indication for mechanical thrombectomy. The infarction core volume based on CTP was automatically calculated using dedicated software with a threshold defined as cerebral blood flow <30% of the value in the contralateral healthy hemisphere. The final infarction volume was measured on 24-hour follow-up NECT in the same slab with respect to CTP. Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients and robust linear regression were used for comparison of both volumes, P values <0.05 were considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: The median time from stroke onset to CT was 77 minutes (range, 31-284 minutes), and the median time from CT to vessel recanalization was 95 minutes (range, 55-215 minutes). The mean CTP-calculated core infarct volume was 24.3±19.2 mL (median 19 mL, range 1-79 mL), while the mean final infarct volume was 21.5±39.5 mL (median 8 mL; range 0-210 mL). Only a weak relationship was found between the CTP-calculated core and final infarct volume [Pr(29) =0.32, P=0.078; rho =0.40, P=0.028]. Regression analysis showed CTP significantly overestimated lower volumes. CONCLUSIONS: In our prospective study, the infarction core calculated using limited-coverage CTP only weakly correlated with the final infarction volume measured on 24-hour follow-up NECT; moreover, CTP significantly overestimated lower volumes. Our results do not support the use of limited-coverage CTP for guiding treatment recommendations in patients with AIS.

View-synchronized robotic image-guided therapy for atrial fibrillation ablation: experimental validation and clinical feasibility.

BACKGROUND: A robotic catheter navigation system has been developed that provides a significant degree of freedom of catheter movement. This study examines the feasibility of synchronizing this robotic navigation system with electroanatomic mapping and 3-dimensional computed tomography imaging to perform view-synchronized left atrial (LA) ablation. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study consisted of a porcine experimental validation phase (9 animals) and a clinical feasibility phase (9 atrial fibrillation patients). Preprocedural computed tomography images were reconstructed to provide 3-dimensional surface models of the LA pulmonary veins and aorta. Aortic electroanatomic mapping was performed manually, followed by registration with the corresponding computed tomography aorta image using custom software. The mapping catheter was remotely manipulated with the robotic navigation system within the registered computed tomography image of the LA pulmonary veins. The point-to-surface error between the LA electroanatomic mapping data and the computed tomography image was 2.1+/-0.7 and 1.6+/-0.1 mm in the preclinical and clinical studies, respectively. The catheter was remotely navigated into all pulmonary veins, the LA appendage, and circumferentially along the mitral valve annulus. In 7 of 9 animals, circumferential radiofrequency ablation lesions were applied periostially to ablate 11 pulmonary veins. In patients, all of the pulmonary veins were remotely electrically isolated in an extraostial fashion. Adjunctive ablation included superior vena cava isolation in 6 patients, cavotricuspid isthmus ablation in 5 patients, and ablation of sites of complex fractionated activity and atypical LA flutters in 3 patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the safety and feasibility of an emerging paradigm for atrial fibrillation ablation involving the confluence of 3 technologies: 3-dimensional imaging, electroanatomic mapping, and remote robotic navigation.