A longitudinal investigation of breastfeeding planning, initiation, and duration among individuals with pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity.

Individuals with a body mass index (BMI)≥25 kg/m2 are less likely to initiate and continue breastfeeding than are those with BMIs<25. Given the intergenerational health benefits of breastfeeding, it is important to understand breastfeeding behaviors and their correlates among individuals with BMIs≥25. Thus, in an observational cohort with BMI≥25 (N = 237), we aimed to characterize longitudinal relationships among breastfeeding planning, initiation, and duration and their sociodemographic/clinical correlates and determine if pre-pregnancy BMI predicts breastfeeding planning, initiation, and duration. Breastfeeding behaviors, weight/BMI, and sociodemographic/clinical characteristics were assessed in early, mid, and late pregnancy, and at six-months postpartum. Most participants planned to (84%) and initiated (81%) breastfeeding, of which 37% breastfed for ≥6 months. Participants who were married, first-time parents, higher in education/income, and had never smoked tobacco were more likely to plan, initiate, and achieve ≥6 months of breastfeeding. Higher pre-pregnancy BMI was not associated with breastfeeding planning or initiation but was associated with lower adjusted odds of breastfeeding for ≥6 months relative to <6 months. Findings suggest that support aimed at extending breastfeeding among those with elevated pre-pregnancy BMI may be warranted. Future interventions should also address sociodemographic and clinical inequities in breastfeeding.

In large acute ischemic stroke, adding endovascular thrombectomy to medical therapy improved function at 90 d.

SOURCE CITATION: Sarraj A, Hassan AE, Abraham MG, et al; SELECT2 Investigators. Trial of endovascular thrombectomy for large ischemic strokes. N Engl J Med. 2023;388:1259-1271. 36762865.

Prospective Validation of Computed Tomography to Identify Patients at High Risk for Stroke After Transient Ischemic Attack or Minor Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography (CT) findings of acute and chronic ischemia are associated with subsequent stroke risk in patients with transient ischemic attack. We sought to validate these associations in a large prospective cohort of patients with transient ischemic attack or minor stroke. METHODS: This prospective cohort study enrolled emergency department patients from 13 hospitals with transient ischemic attack who had CT imaging. Primary outcome was stroke within 90 days. Secondary outcomes were stroke within 2 or 7 days. CT findings were abstracted from radiology reports and classified for the presence of acute ischemia, chronic ischemia, or microangiopathy. Multivariable logistic regression was used to test associations with primary and secondary end points. RESULTS: From 8670 prospectively enrolled patients between May 2010 and May 2017, 8382 had a CT within 24 hours. From this total population, 4547 (54%) patients had evidence of acute ischemia, chronic ischemia, or microangiopathy on CT, of whom 175 had a subsequent stroke within 90 days (3.8% subsequent stroke rate; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.33 [95% CI, 1.62-3.36]). This was in comparison to those with CT imaging without ischemia. Findings associated with an increased risk of stroke at 90 days were isolated acute ischemia (6.0%; aOR, 2.42 [95% CI, 1.03-5.66]), acute ischemia with microangiopathy (10.7%; aOR, 3.34 [95% CI, 1.57-7.14]), chronic ischemia with microangiopathy (5.2%; aOR, 1.83 [95% CI, 1.34-2.50]), and acute ischemia with chronic ischemia and microangiopathy (10.9%; aOR, 3.49 [95% CI, 1.54-7.91]). Acute ischemia with chronic ischemia and microangiopathy were most strongly associated with subsequent stroke within 2 days (aOR, 4.36 [95% CI, 1.31-14.54]) and 7 days (aOR, 4.50 [95% CI, 1.73-11.69]). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with transient ischemic attack or minor stroke, CT evidence of acute ischemia with chronic ischemia or microangiopathy significantly increases the risk of subsequent stroke within 90 days of index visit. The combination of all 3 findings results in the greatest early risk.

A Method Using Longitudinal Laboratory Data to Predict Future Intestinal Complication in Patients with Crohn's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Stenosis, fistulization, and perforation of the bowel are severe outcomes which can occur in patients with Crohn's disease. Accurate prediction of these events may enable clinicians to alter treatment strategies and avoid these outcomes. AIMS: To study the correlation between longitudinal laboratory testing and subsequent intestinal complications in patients with Crohn's disease. METHODS: An observational cohort of patients with Crohn's disease at a single center were analyzed between 01/01/1994 and 06/30/2016. A complication was defined as the development of an intestinal fistula, stenosis, or perforation. Exploratory analysis using Cox regression was performed to select the best statistical method to represent longitudinal laboratory data. Cox regression was used to identify laboratory variables independently associated with the development of a subsequent complication. A clinical scoring tool was designed. RESULTS: In 246 patients observed over a median of 5.72 years, 134 complications occurred. Minimum or maximum value in a preceding window period of one year was most strongly associated with subsequent complication. A Longitudinal Laboratory score of ≥ 2 (maximum albumin level < 39 g/L = 1, maximum mean cell volume < 88 fL = 1, minimum platelet count > 355 × 109/L = 1, minimum C reactive protein > 5 mg/L = 1) was 62% sensitive and 91% specific in identifying patients who develop a subsequent complication. CONCLUSION: A consistent reduction in serum albumin and mean cell volume, and a consistent increase in platelet count and C reactive protein were associated with a subsequent complication in patients with Crohn's disease. Longitudinal laboratory tests may be used as described in this paper to provide a rational for earlier escalation of therapy.

In acute ischemic stroke, early IV tenecteplase was noninferior to alteplase for excellent functional outcome.

SOURCE CITATION: Menon BK, Buck BH, Singh N, et al. Intravenous tenecteplase compared with alteplase for acute ischaemic stroke in Canada (AcT): a pragmatic, multicentre, open-label, registry-linked, randomised, controlled, non-inferiority trial. Lancet. 2022;400:161-9. 35779553.

Detectable Laboratory Abnormality Is Present up to 12 Months Prior to Diagnosis in Patients with Crohn's Disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often have subjective symptoms for months or years prior to their diagnosis. Blood tests taken prior to diagnosis may provide objective evidence of duration of pre-diagnosis disease. We aim to describe the pre-diagnosis laboratory pattern of patients with IBD. METHODS: A total of 838 patients diagnosed with IBD between 01/01/1996 and 01/03/2014, with pre-diagnosis laboratory testing available, contributed data for analysis. C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, hemoglobin level, mean cell volume (MCV) platelet count, white blood cell count, neutrophil count, albumin level, ferritin level, serum iron level, alanine transaminase level, and fecal calprotectin were examined in the 24 months leading up to diagnosis and compared to baseline data taken between 24 and 36 months prior to diagnosis. RESULTS: For patients with Crohn's disease, a significant drop in serum albumin and MCV levels and a significant rise in platelet count were observed between 115 and 385 days prior to diagnosis (p < 0.01, two-tailed t test). For patients with ulcerative colitis, a significant change in albumin level, MCV, hemoglobin level, platelet count, and serum iron level was observed at diagnosis (p < 0.01, two-tailed t test) but was not detectable before. CONCLUSIONS: These data provide objective evidence of duration of delay between disease onset and diagnosis in a cohort of patients with IBD. Expediting diagnostic testing in patients presenting with symptoms consistent with IBD, who also have abnormal laboratory results, may reduce diagnostic delay, speed access to therapy, and improve clinical outcomes.

Quality of Life, Psychological Functioning, and Treatment Satisfaction of Men Who Have Undergone Penile Prosthesis Surgery Following Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Penile prosthesis surgery is last-line treatment to regaining erectile function after radical prostatectomy (RP) for localized prostate cancer. AIMS: To assess quality of life, psychological functioning, and treatment satisfaction of men who underwent penile implantation after RP; the psychosocial correlates of treatment satisfaction and sexual function after surgery; and the relation between patients' and partners' ratings of treatment satisfaction. METHODS: 98 consecutive patients who underwent penile implantation after RP from 2010 and 2015 and their partners were invited to complete a series of measures at a single time point. Of these, 71 patients and 43 partners completed measures assessing sexual function, psychological functioning, and treatment satisfaction. Proportions of patients who demonstrated good sexual function and satisfaction with treatment and clinical levels of anxiety and depression were calculated. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to determine psychosocial factors associated with patient treatment satisfaction and sexual function and patient-partner differences in treatment satisfaction. OUTCOMES: Patients completed the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite Short Form (EPIC-26), Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS), Prostate Cancer-Related Quality of Life Scale, Self-Esteem and Relationship Questionnaire (SEAR), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Partners completed the GAD-7, PHQ-9, EDITS (partner version), and SEAR. RESULTS: 94% of men reported satisfaction with treatment (EDITS score > 50). 77% of men reported good sexual function (EPIC-26 score > 60). Lower depression scores were associated with higher sexual confidence and sexual intimacy, and these were correlated with better treatment satisfaction and sexual function. Patients experienced higher sexual relationship satisfaction (median score = 90.6) than their partners (median score = 81.2), but there was no difference in treatment satisfaction between groups. Higher patient treatment satisfaction was more likely to be reported for couples whose depression scores were more similar. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: It is important to provide preoperative penile implant counseling and encourage patients to seek postoperative counseling if needed. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: This is one of the first Australian-based studies comprehensively assessing treatment satisfaction and psychosocial health of men after penile prosthesis surgery after RP. This was a retrospective cross-sectional study, so there is a possibility of recall bias, and causal associations could not be determined. CONCLUSION: Men in this Australian series who underwent penile prosthesis surgery after RP generally reported good sexual function and treatment satisfaction. Nevertheless, patient and partner mental health influenced their reported experience of the treatment. Pillay B, Moon D, Love C, et al. Quality of Life, Psychological Functioning, and Treatment Satisfaction of Men Who Have Undergone Penile Prosthesis Surgery Following Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy. J Sex Med 2017;14:1612-1620.

Radiology Resident' Satisfaction With Their Training and Education in the United States: Effect of Program Directors, Teaching Faculty, and Other Factors on Program Success.

OBJECTIVE: Radiology residency education must evolve to meet the growing demands of radiology training. Resident opinions are a major resource to identify needs. However, few published data are available on a national level investigating the radiology resident perspective on factors that influence the resident experience. Our study investigates factors that affect residents' satisfaction with their residency experience and education. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 67-item survey was sent to all radiology residency program directors and coordinators in the United States to be distributed at their discretion. Questions were multiple choice, free-text answer, or 5-point Likert scale. Statistical significance (p < 0.05) was determined using chi-square test, t test, and logistic regression analysis, respectively. RESULTS: Two hundred seventeen radiology residents responded to the survey (range, 212-217 responses per question). Overall, 77.8% (168/216) of residents were satisfied with their residency programs. Subcategories that showed a statistically significant correlation with overall satisfaction, in decreasing strength according to the odds ratio (OR), include the program director or administrative office (OR, 72.2; 95% CI, 27.4-221.9), the daily workstation experience (OR, 30.5; 95% CI, 12.8-80.9), the faculty (OR, 19.5; 95% CI, 8.9-45.4), educational conferences (OR, 7.9; 95% CI, 3.9-16.4), work hours (OR, 6.4; 95% CI, 3.2-13.2), teaching opportunities (OR, 6.5; 95% CI, 3.1-13.8), research opportunities (OR, 5.1; 95% CI, 2.6-10.6), personal study (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1-4.1), and compensation (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.0-3.7). CONCLUSION: Our study provides incremental data to the existing literature that offers insight into factors that contribute to a successful radiology residency program.

Skin gene expression correlates of severity of interstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: We undertook this hypothesis-generating study to identify skin transcripts correlating with severity of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS: Skin biopsy samples from 59 patients enrolled in the Genetics versus Environment in Scleroderma Outcome Study (GENISOS) cohort or an open-label imatinib study (baseline visit) were examined by global gene expression analysis using Illumina HT-12 arrays. Skin transcripts correlating with concomitantly obtained forced vital capacity (FVC) values and the modified Rodnan skin thickness score (MRSS) were identified by quantitative trait analysis. Also, immunofluorescence staining for selected transcripts was performed in affected skin and lung tissue. Plasma levels of CCL2, soluble SELP, and soluble P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 (sPSGL-1) were examined in all patients enrolled in the GENISOS cohort (n = 266). RESULTS: Eighty-two skin transcripts correlated significantly with FVC. This gene list distinguished patients with more severe ILD (FVC <70% predicted) in unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis (P < 0.001). These genes included SELP, CCL2, and matrix metalloproteinase 3, which are involved in extravasation and adhesion of inflammatory cells. Among the FVC correlates, 8 genes (CCL2, HAPLN3, GPR4, ADCYAP1, WARS, CDC25B, PLP1, and STXBP6) also correlated with the MRSS. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that SELP and CCL2 were also overexpressed in affected skin and lung tissue from SSc patients compared to those from controls. Plasma levels of CCL2 and sPSGL-1 correlated with concomitantly obtained FVC values (r = -0.22, P = 0.001 and r = 0.17, P = 0.015, respectively). This relationship was independent of potential confounders (age, sex, ethnicity, smoking status, anti-topoisomerase I positivity, treatment with immunosuppressive agents, MRSS, disease type, and disease duration). CONCLUSION: A limited number of skin transcripts including genes involved in extravasation and adhesion of inflammatory cells correlate with severity of ILD.

High-density pulmonary lesions: Review in chest imaging.

High-density pulmonary lesions are frequently seen in chest imaging, and it is important to identify their different causes. Radiologists must be able to distinguish between common and rare conditions in order to provide the best diagnosis and treatment. This article provides an overview of the various causes and imaging features of high-density lesions in the lungs. The lesions are classified into various categories, such as pulmonary nodules, inflammatory conditions, deposition diseases, contrast-related lesions, and thoracic devices. A clear understanding of these categories can help radiologists accurately diagnose and manage high-density pulmonary lesions encountered in practice.

Complications of thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR): A pictorial review.

Thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) has replaced open surgical repair as the treatment of choice for several aortic conditions. Despite its lower morbidity and mortality, several TEVAR-related complications can occur and some of which may necessitate surgical or endovascular re-intervention. The current article reviews common and rare complications of TEVAR procedure with emphasis on complications identifiable on cross-sectional imaging and potential pitfalls of pre-procedural planning.

Lung CT: Part 2, The interstitial pneumonias--clinical, histologic, and CT manifestations.

OBJECTIVE: The interstitial pneumonias are a group of heterogeneous nonneoplastic lung diseases that may be idiopathic or associated with an underlying abnormality. Although they share some features in common, they also exhibit diverse pulmonary manifestations. Imaging plays an essential role in characterizing this group of disorders and can often suggest the diagnosis, though the final interpretation requires a coordinated effort involving the radiologist, pathologist, and clinician. The purpose of this article is to review the imaging features of the interstitial pneumonias according to their histologic patterns and to provide a brief overview of their clinical presentations. CONCLUSION: This article reviews the interstitial pneumonias according to their histologic subtypes, including both idiopathic and secondary forms. On completion, the reader should have an improved understanding of the classification of the interstitial pneumonias, associated causes, characteristic imaging features, histologic descriptions, clinical manifestations, and prognoses.

A multitask deep learning approach for pulmonary embolism detection and identification.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot traveling to the lungs and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Therefore, rapid diagnoses and treatments are essential. Chest computed tomographic pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) is the gold standard for PE diagnoses. Deep learning can enhance the radiologists'workflow by identifying PE using CTPA, which helps to prioritize important cases and hasten the diagnoses for at-risk patients. In this study, we propose a two-phase multitask learning method that can recognize the presence of PE and its properties such as the position, whether acute or chronic, and the corresponding right-to-left ventricle diameter (RV/LV) ratio, thereby reducing false-negative diagnoses. Trained on the RSNA-STR Pulmonary Embolism CT Dataset, our model demonstrates promising PE detection performances on the hold-out test set with the window-level AUROC achieving 0.93 and the sensitivity being 0.86 with a specificity of 0.85, which is competitive with the radiologists'sensitivities ranging from 0.67 to 0.87 with specificities of 0.89-0.99. In addition, our model provides interpretability through attention weight heatmaps and gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM). Our proposed deep learning model could predict PE existence and other properties of existing cases, which could be applied to practical assistance for PE diagnosis.

Analyzing the Landscape of the 2021 Virtual Match: A Nationwide Survey of Radiology Programs' Stakeholders.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: We aimed to provide insights into the adaptive strategies, benefits, and challenges faced by the radiology programs during the 2021 residency virtual Match. Furthermore, we explored the potential impacts of related topics, such as diversity and social media use on the Match process and outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 31 questions was designed and distributed via e-mails to individuals involved radiology programs match process during the 2021 Match. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the results of most questions. Two questions comparing the changes in factors influencing the selection of applicants on a Likert scale of 1-5 were analyzed using paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test where p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Responses from 125 participants were analyzed. The following factors carried less weight in evaluating applicants during 2021 Match: away rotations (p < 0.01), no failed attempts in USMLE Step 1/CK (p < 0.01), grades in radiology clerkship (p < 0.04), and class rank/quartile (p < 0.04), while personal statements were more important (p < 0.03). Out of the 125 respondents, 80 (64%) and 58 (47%) strongly or somewhat agree on the effectiveness of virtual interviews in gauging applicants' candidacy and showing their programs' advantages, respectively. Advantages of virtual interviews included decreased cost, time flexibility, less faculty burden, and an increased number of offered interviews according to 81% (101/125), 46% (58/125), 40%, (50/125), and 34% (43/125), respectively. The most helpful platforms that showcased program advantages were program websites followed by Twitter and Instagram. CONCLUSION: Most radiology programs were able to adjust to the virtual interview process, and the majority agree on their effectiveness citing many benefits. However, there were mixed opinions if it could be sustained in future cycles.

Resident education in the radiological sciences: what now?

OBJECTIVE: With the dizzying changes in the rapidly evolving profession of radiology, the structure of resident education in the associated sciences of imaging, physics, radiobiology, and radiation effects must be reevaluated continually. What roles do these basic radiologic sciences play in bolstering the neophyte radiologist on a career of patient care? How should we define the spectrum of material that should be learned? How should that spectrum be taught? Who decides these things? With the impending changes in the radiology board certification process, questions have been raised as to how these changes will affect education in a residency program. Should the basic science curriculum be enhanced or scaled back? With the emphasis on practical applied physics, what is considered old school and what is new school material? CONCLUSION: This article describes one approach adopted by a large residency program to address these issues.

Classic imaging signs of congenital cardiovascular abnormalities.

Cardiovascular imaging is a rapidly evolving field that requires familiarity with the appearances of pediatric and adult cardiovascular diseases on chest radiographs as well as images obtained with computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and angiography. To accurately identify congenital abnormalities affecting the heart and vessels of the thorax, radiologists must recognize the imaging features and understand their pathophysiologic origin. The cardiovascular imaging signs of congenital anomalies that are most often seen in radiologic practice include the egg on a string (seen in transposition of the great arteries), snowman (total anomalous pulmonary venous return), scimitar (partial anomalous pulmonary venous return), gooseneck (endocardial cushion defect), figure of three and reverse figure of three (aortic coarctation), boot-shaped heart (tetralogy of Fallot), and box-shaped heart (Ebstein anomaly).

Lines and stripes: where did they go?--From conventional radiography to CT.

Frontal and lateral radiography has traditionally been used to evaluate the chest, although computed tomography (CT) and high-resolution CT are increasingly being used as an adjunct to conventional radiography for the evaluation of parenchymal and mediastinal disease. Nevertheless, radiography remains a very important modality in this context, and use of chest radiography alone can provide a vast amount of useful information. This information is derived from the configurations and interrelationships of the anatomic structures in the lung, mediastinum, and pleura and forms the basis of the "lines and stripes" concept, which plays a valuable role in establishing a diagnosis before proceeding to CT. The inability to recognize that a chest radiograph is abnormal owing to displacement of one of these lines or stripes may lead to failure to request a potentially valuable CT examination. Radiologists must be familiar with the anatomic basis of these mediastinal lines and stripes and be able to recognize their normal and abnormal appearances. In this way, they can develop an appropriate differential diagnosis prior to obtaining additional information with chest CT.