Unicentric form of Castleman´s disease, pitfalls of diagnosis and surgical treatment.

Background: Castleman´s disease is an extremely rare heterogenous lymphoproliferative pathology with a mostly benign behavior. It is a localized or generalized lymph node enlargement of an unknown aetiology. Unicentric form is typically a slow-growing solitary mass occurring mostly in the mediastinum, abdominal cavity, retroperitoneum, pelvis and neck. Aetiology and pathogenesis of CD is probably diverse, varying in different types of this heterogeneous disease. Materials and Methods: Authors present a review of this issue based on their extensive experience. The aim is to summarize the crucial factors in the management of diagnostics and a surgical treatment of the unicentric form of Castleman´s disease. One of the key issues in the unicentric form is precise preoperative diagnostics and thus choosing the right surgical treatment strategy. Authors highlight pitfalls of the diagnosis and surgical treatment. Results: All histological types such as a hyaline vascular type, plasmacytic type and a mixed type are presented as well as options of surgical and conservative treatment. Differential diagnosis and malignant potential is discussed. Conclusion: Patients with Castleman´s disease should be treated in the high- volume centers, with a great experience in major surgical procedures as well as with preoperative imaging diagnostic techniques. Specialized pathologists and oncologists focusing on this issue are also absolutely necessary to avoid misdiagnosis. Only this complex approach can lead to excellent outcomes in patients with UCD.

Circulating Tumor DNA correlates with Lactate Dehydrogenase, CYFRA 21-1, and CRP levels in patients with advanced NSCLC.

Purpose: To investigate potential association between selected tumor markers and laboratory parameters (lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], neutrophils, hemoglobin, neutrophils, lymphocytes, C-reactive protein, albumin, carcinoembryonic antigen, and cytokeratin 19 fragment 21-1 [CYFRA 21-1]) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) with survival in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients and Methods: The study encompassed 82 patients from a single center. All patients had (localy-) advanced adenocarcinomas. ctDNA was determined before starting therapy and at 6 weeks follow-up. Laboratory parameters were measured before each cycle of therapy and oncomarkers before starting the therapy as standard clinical practice. Mann-Whitney U test, Cox proportional hazards model, Fisher's exact test, and Kaplan-Meier survival estimation with Gehan-Wilcoxon test were used for statistical analysis of the corresponding variables. Results: We have confirmed predictive or prognostic significance for some of the selected laboratory markers and oncomarkers. Above all, we demonstrate a significant relationship between the levels of LDH and the oncomarker CYFRA 21-1 and the presence or absence of ctDNA at the time of diagnosis. We also demonstrate significantly lower CRP levels in patients within whom the ctDNA disappeared during treatment. A similar but statistically insignificant trend was observed for LDH. Conclusions: CYFRA 21-1, LDH and probably CRP correlate with ctDNA levels in NSCLC. Repeated measurement of these markers could thus help in early detection of disease progression in the same way as does ctDNA monitoring.

Use of a Silver-Impregnated Vascular Graft: Single-Center Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Vascular graft infection is a life threatening situation with significant morbidity and mortality. Bacterial graft infection can lead to false aneurysms, bleeding and sepsis. There are a lot of risky situations where grafts can become infected. It is therefore highly desirable to have a vascular graft that is resistant to infection. In this retrospective clinical study, a silver-impregnated vascular graft was evaluated in various indications. METHODS: Our study included a total of 71 patients who received a silver-impregnated vascular graft during the period from 2013 to 2018. Patients had an aortoiliac localization of vascular graft in 61 cases (86%), and a peripheral localization on the lower limbs in 10 cases (14%). Indications for the use of these special vascular grafts were trophic lesions or gangrene in the lower limbs in 24 cases (34%), suspicious mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysm (mAAA) in 4 cases (5.5%), salmonela aortitis or aneurysms in 4 cases (5.5%), infection of the previous vascular graft in 11 cases (15.5%), other infections in 12 cases (17%), AAA rupture in 10 cases (14%) and other reasons (pre-transplant condition, multiple trauma, graft-enteric fistula) in 6 cases (8.5%). Thirty-day mortality, morbidity, the need for reintervention and amputation, primary and secondary graft patency, and finally the presence of a proven vascular graft infection were evaluated. RESULTS: The 30-day mortality was 19.7%, and morbidity was 42.2%. The primary patency of the vascular graft was 91.5%. Reoperation was necessary in 10 cases (14%) and amputation was necessary in 10 cases (14%). The median length of hospital stay was 13 days and the mean follow-up period was 48 ± 9 months. During the follow-up period, six patients (8.5%) died from reasons unrelated to surgery or without any relation to the vascular graft. Secondary patency after one year was 88%. Infection of the silver graft was observed in three patients (4.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Based on our results, the silver graft is a very suitable alternative for solving infectious, or potentially infectious, situations in vascular surgery. In particular, in urgent or acute cases, a silver graft is often the only option.

Combination of Circulating Tumour DNA and 18F-FDG PET/CT for Precision Monitoring of Therapy Response in Patients With Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) represents an emerging biomarker in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We focused on the combination of ctDNA and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in the follow-up monitoring of advanced-stage NSCLC patients treated with chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty-four patients were enrolled in this study. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT and ctDNA assessments were performed at baseline and after two cycles of chemotherapy (follow-up). RESULTS: There was a correlation of ctDNA with metabolic tumour volume (MTV), total lesion glycolysis (TLG), and iodine concentration (IC) at baseline (p=0.001, p=0.001, p=0.003) and at follow-up (p=0.006, p=0.002, p=0.001). The objective response was associated with follow-up ctDNA (p<0.001) and the change of all PET/CT parameters. ROC analyses showed that the combination of follow-up ctDNA with changes in SUVmax is very promising for the estimation of objective response and progression-free survival. CONCLUSION: The combination of ctDNA assessment with PET/CT is a promising approach for the follow-up monitoring of therapy response and prognosis estimation of advanced-stage NSCLC patients.

Treatment outcomes of MRI-guided adaptive brachytherapy in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer: institutional experiences.

PURPOSE: Image-guided adaptive brachytherapy (IGABT) is currently state of the art in the comprehensive treatment of patients with cervical cancer. Here, we report mature clinical data regarding IGABT of cervical cancer in a large patient sample, examining clinical outcomes, manifestations of late toxicities, and dosimetric findings. METHODS: Between May 2012 and October 2020, we performed a total of 544 uterovaginal IGABT applications in 131 consecutive patients with biopsy-proven cervical carcinoma not suitable for surgery. The median duration of follow-up was 43 months. RESULTS: The estimated 3­, 4­, and 5­year LC rates were 88.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 81.1-95.5), 86.9% (95% CI 78.5-95.3), and 85.5% (95% CI 76-95%), respectively. The 3­, 4­, and 5­year OS estimates were 72.66% (95% CI 63.64-81.69%), 68.9% (95% CI 59.15-78.66%), and 63.96% (95% CI 52.94-74.97%), respectively. Patients who received ≥ 5 cycles of chemotherapy had statistically significantly better 3­year recurrence-free survival (RFS) compared to patients who completed <5 cycles (79.07% [95% CI 60.81-97.34] vs. 58.10% [95% CI 47.22-68.98]; p = 0.0185). We recorded manifestations of genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicity grade ≥3 in 6.9% and 5.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our mature long-term data on the treatment patients with locally advanced cervical cancer show that excellent treatment outcomes can be achieved with MRI-based IGABT, as well as acceptable late morbidity.

Oral presentation of paraneoplastic pemphigus as the first sign of tonsillar HPV associated squamous cell carcinoma. A case report.

BACKGROUND: Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) in the oral cavity is a rare variant of blistering pemphigus disease closely associated with mostly malignant tumors. The diagnosis may even precede an underlying malignancy enabling early detection. Here, we describe a previously unreported case of PNP associated with HPV-related tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 50-year-old woman was referred to a dentist because of painful oral lesions resembling aphthae major and minor. Later, blisters appeared and an incisional biopsy was performed. Histological examination revealed an unusual coexistence of subepithelial and intraepithelial blisters raising suspicion of paraneoplastic pemphigus. The patient underwent 18F-FDG PET/MRI, showing a metabolically active process in the left palatal tonsil. Diagnostic biopsy revealed HPV type 16 associated tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma. A left tonsillectomy with elective left-sided neck dissection was performed. The postoperative period was complicated by bilateral fluidothorax. Two weeks after radical tumor removal, the mucosal and skin lesions of PNP disappeared. The patient currently shows no evidence of recurrence either of malignancy or PNP eight months after the surgery. CONCLUSION: PNP is a rare autoimmune blistering disease characterized by polymorphous cutaneous and mucosal lesions associated with internal neoplasms including HPV associated squamous cell carcinoma of a tonsil. In order to identify an occult malignancy, a whole-body PET/CT or PET/MRI scan is recommended. Rarely, accurate patient management may depend on the dentist being familiar with this entity and on interdisciplinary cooperation involving dermatologist, radiologist, pathologist, and pneumologist. A strict patient follow-up is indicated.

Myocardial Involvement Detected Using Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis: A Prospective Observational Study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Cardiac involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients affects mortality. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is capable of detecting structural changes, including diffuse myocardial fibrosis that may develop over time. Our aim was to evaluate myocardial structure and function changes using CMR in patients with SSc without known cardiac disease during a 5-year follow-up and find possible correlations with selected biomarkers. METHODS: A total of 25 patients underwent baseline and follow-up CMR examinations according to a pre-specified protocol. Standard biochemistry, five biomarkers (hsTnI, NT-proBNP, galectin-3, sST2, and GDF-15), and disease-specific functional parameters enabling the classification of disease severity were also measured. RESULTS: After five years, no patient suffered from manifest heart disease. Mean extracellular volume (ECV) and T1 mapping values did not change significantly (p ≥ 0.073). However, individual increases in native T1 time and ECV correlated with increased galectin-3 serum levels (r = 0.56; p = 0.0050, and r = 0.71; p = 0.0001, respectively). The progression of skin involvement assessed using the Rodnan skin score and a decrease in the diffusing capacity of the lungs were associated with increased GDF-15 values (r = 0.63; p = 0.0009, and r = -0.51; p = 0.011, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: During the 5-year follow-up, there was no new onset of heart disease observed in patients with SSc. However, in some patients, CMR detected progression of sub-clinical myocardial fibrosis that significantly correlated with elevated galectin-3 levels. GDF-15 values were found to be associated with disease severity progression.

Inoperable CASTLE of the thyroid gland treated with radical radiotherapy with complete remission.

Carcinoma showing thymus-like elements (CASTLE) is an extremely rare malignant tumor of the thyroid gland and soft tissues of the neck with favorable prognosis. Histological features of the CASTLE are similar to thymic carcinoma, and it is assumed that it arises from the ectopic thymic tissue or the remnants of branchial pouches. The optimal treatment strategy is still uncertain because of the rarity of the tumor. The mainstay of treatment is surgery. The role of other modalities is unclear. We present a case report of a patient with locally advanced CASTLE of the thyroid gland who was not suitable for surgery and underwent radical radiotherapy with subsequent achievement of complete remission. We also present a literature review.

Computed tomography with a full FOV photon-counting detector in a clinical setting, the first experience.

OBJECTIVES: to assess the feasibility of CT with an integrated photon-counting-detector system (PC-CT) in the body imaging of clinical patients. METHODS: 120 examinations using photon counting detector CT were evaluated in six groups: 1/ a standard-dose lung, 2/ low-dose lung, 3/ ultra-high resolution (UHR) lung, 4/ standard-dose abdominal, 5/ lower-dose abdominal, 6/ UHR abdominal CTA. All CT examinations were performed on a single-source prototype device equipped with a photon counting detector covering a 50 cm scan field of view. Standard dose examinations were performed with the use of detector element size of 0.4 mm, ultra-high-resolution examinations with the detector element size of 0.2 mm, respectively. The stability of the system during imaging was tested. The diagnostic quality of the acquired images was assessed based on the imaging of key structures and the noise level in five-point scale, the effective dose equivalent, dose length product and noise level, and also relation to body mass index and body surface area were compared with three similar groups of CT images made with energy integrating high end scanner. The parameters were evaluated using Wilcoxon test for independent samples, the independence was tested using Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: When PC-CT images radiation dose is compared with the similar imaging using energy integrating CT, the PC-CT shows lower dose in ultra-high resolution mode, the dose is significantly lower (p < 0.0001), the standard dose examinations were performed with the comparable radiation doses. PC-CT exhibited the significantly higher ratio between parenchyma signal and background noise both in lung and in abdominal imaging (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: PC-CT showed imaging stability and excellent diagnostic quality at dose values that are comparable or better to the quality of energy integrating CT, the better signal and improved resolution is most important advantage of photon counting detector CT over energy integrating detector CT.

Prediction of treatment response in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer using midtreatment PET/MRI during concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

PURPOSE: We aimed to find metabolic, functional or morphological characteristics of the tumor predicting failure to achieve complete metabolic remission (CMR) by the midtreatment PET/MRI (positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging) in cervical cancer patients. METHODS: We evaluated 66 patients treated between August 2015 and November 2019 who underwent pretreatment staging, subsequent midtreatment evaluation, and definitive restaging 3 months after completing the whole treatment, all using PET/MRI. The pretreatment parameters (pre-SUVmax, pre-SUVmean, pre-MTV, pre-MTV­S, pre-TLG, pre-TLG­S [SUV: standard uptake value, MTV: metabolic tumor volume, TLG: total lesion glycolysis]), and the midtreatment parameters at week 5 during chemoradiotherapy (mid-SUVmax, mid-SUVmean, mid-MTV, mid-MTV­S, mid-TLG and mid-TLG-S) were recorded. The value of ADC (apparent diffusion coefficient) was also measured. Furthermore, we recorded absolute and relative changes in all parameters-∆ and ∆%. We divided the whole group of patients into "responders" (CMR) and "non-responders" (non-CMR), and compared them on the basis of the parameters from pre-PET/MRI and mid-PET/MRI. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference in the evaluated parameters between responders and non-responders was found for the following parameters: mid-MTV, mid-TLG, mid-TLG­S, mid-MTV­S, mid-tumor size, and ∆%SUVmax. According to the ROC (receiver operating characteristic) analysis, mid-MTV­S showed the best albeit moderate discrimination ability for the prediction of non-CMR. Significant mutual correlations of all variables, in particular between mid-MTV­S and mid-TLG­S and between mid-MTV and mid-TLG, were found (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study confirmed that when using the midtreatment PET/MRI we are able to identify metabolic parameters having the discrimination ability for the prediction of non-CMR. In particular mid-MTV­S, mid-MTV, mid-tumor size, mid-TLG­S, mid-TLG and ∆%SUVmax.

Stewart-Treves syndrome: Case report and literature review.

Lymphangiosarcoma, or Stewart-Treves Syndrome (STS), is a very rare skin angiosarcoma with poor prognosis, which usually affects the upper limbs of patients who underwent breast cancer surgery, including axillary dissection followed by radiotherapy (RT). Cutaneous lymphangiosarcomas, which account for approximately 5% of all angiosarcomas, usually originate in the limb with chronic lymphedema. Lymphatic blockade is involved in the onset of STS. RT contributes indirectly to an increased risk of developing STS by causing axillary-node sclerosis and resulting in a lymphatic blockade and lymphedema. Chronic lymphedema causes local immunodeficiency, which indirectly leads to oncogenesis. Currently, axillary nodes are no longer routinely irradiated after axillary dissection, which is associated with a reduction in the incidence of chronic lymphedema from 40% to 4%. The use of sentinel lymph node biopsy technique is also widespread and the associated risk of lymphedema is further reduced. Thus, the incidence of STS decreased significantly with improved surgical and radiation techniques. The overall prognosis of STS patients is very poor. Only early radical surgical removal, including amputation or disarticulation of the affected limb, or wide excision at an early stage offers the greatest chance of long-term survival. Only a few case reports and series with a small number of patients with lymphangiosarcoma can be found in the literature. We present a case report of the first diagnosed STS at our department in an effort to highlight the need of the consideration of developing lymphangiosarcoma in patients with chronic lymphedema.

Correlation of Iodine Quantification and FDG Uptake in Early Therapy Response Assessment of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: Possible Benefit of Dual-energy CT Scan as an Integral Part of PET/CT Examination.

AIM: To compare iodine-related and fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) parameters during staging of lung cancer as well as during early follow-up, while investigating potential use and possible substitutability in the assessment of therapeutic response or prediction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients (n=45) with confirmed lung cancer underwent 18F-FDG positron-emission tomography (PET) using single-source dual-energy computed tomography was performed for staging and early follow-up. Correlation of FDG uptake and iodine-related parameters was assessed and comparison with therapy response was performed. RESULTS: A strong correlation was found between the volumetric FDG parameters metabolic tumour volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) and iodine uptake (IU) in staging (IU vs. MTV: rs=0.894; p<0.001 and IU vs. TLG: rs=0.874; p<0.001) and follow-up (IU vs. MTV: rs=0.934, p<0.001 and IU vs. TLG: rs=0.935, p<0.001). We also found significant correlation of change in these values between timepoints. We observed a significant correlation of IU, MTV and TLG with early therapy response and IU was found as a possible strong predictor. CONCLUSION: Strong correlation of IU and volume-based FDG parameters was proved in staging, follow-up and change during therapy. Potential role of IU in prediction of early therapy-response was identified. Our study suggests a significant benefit of using the dual-energy computed tomography as a part of 18F-FDG PET/CT in patients with lung cancer.

Aggressive pulmonary adenocarcinoma with new FGFR translocation and cMET mutation not responsive to crizotinib and nintedanib treatment: a case report.

The onset of routine use of the next generation sequencing (NGS) leads to discovery of new mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In addition, comprehension of therapeutic potential of these genetic alterations in clinical practice is needed and required. Both, rare mutations and the therapeutic considerations they prompt, are dealt with in our case report describing a new fusion mutation of the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR). Our case report describes a 45-year Caucasian female, non-smoker, with the tyrosine-protein kinase Met (cMET) skip 14 mutation and a newly described fibroblast growth factor receptor-cholinergic receptor, nicotinic, alpha 6 (FGFR-CHNRA6) fusion. The tumor in this patient showed aggressive growth and was resistant to all treatment modalities administered (including combination chemotherapy with bevacizumab, pemetrexed and nintedanib), with the exception of very short efficacy of crizotinib. The patient died 5 months after diagnosis. According to the published literature, a theoretical future solution could be to administer multidimensional targeted therapy simultaneously.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm in prostate cancer patients: the "road map" from incidental detection to advanced predictive, preventive, and personalized approach utilizing common follow-up for both pathologies.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is often a hidden pathological process showing no clinical symptoms. Genetic burden, smoking, male gender, age > 65 years, and white race have been identified as the main risk factors. A regular screening program has been introduced but is, as yet, unclear and is not performed in most countries. Prostate cancer is the most frequent male malignant disease in Western countries. Prostate cancer is a disease of older age with a median primary diagnosis of over 60 years. In recent years, advanced imaging methods have been established as important diagnostic tools in prostate cancer diagnostics. The incidental detection of AAA during diagnostic imaging performed due to prostate cancer diagnosis could reveal some asymptomatic aneurysms. Using our experience, the incidental detection of AAA during 18F-fluoromethylcholine PET/CT imaging, performed due to the staging, follow-up, and restaging of the prostate cancer, was reworked into a regular tool of secondary prevention within the framework of personalized medicine strategies. Experience with this type of AAA detection is demonstrated by a cohort of 500 patients who underwent 18F-fluorometylcholine PET/CT examination due to the staging or restaging of prostate cancer. A total of 28 aneurysms were detected (26 aneurysms < 50 mm, 2 aneurysms > 50 mm). In 2 cases (diameter < 50 mm), serious complications were found (penetrating aortic ulcer). The detection and monitoring of AAA in patients undergoing 18F-fluorometylcholine PET/CT due to the prostate cancer offers the possibility of a secondary prevention of AAA, patient stratification, and common follow-up for both pathologies.

Aortic dissection and other acute aortic syndromes in the emergency department.

Acute aortic syndromes are emergent life-threatening conditions affecting the aorta, which actual incidence is difficult to determine. Mortality of untreated patients increases steadily over time, so early diagnosis and initiation of therapy are crucial. Management of patients in Czech Republic follow, similar as in other European countries, the European Society of Cardiology guidelines from 2014, which were updated in 2018. The basis for diagnosis consists of history, physical examination, ECG, determination of vital signs, hemodynamic status and stratification of dia-gnosis probability by ADD-RS (aortic dissection detection risk score). This is followed by a series of laboratory and imaging examinations, of which the D-dimer, CT aortography and echocardiography are the most important. Recent studies show the benefit of combination of ADD-RS with D-dimer or measurement of ascendant aorta diameter by echocardiography. New emerging biomarkers are currently under investigation. Thanks to advances in technology, magnetic resonance imaging could take place as emergent diagnostic tool in the future. Initial therapy depends on the hemodynamic status of the patient. It must be followed by definitive therapy. In this publication we summarize the approach to a patient with acute aortic syndrome in the emergency department focusing on aortic dissection as its most common type.

Characteristic CT features of pheochromocytomas - probability model calculation tool based on a multicentric study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the CT features of adrenal tumors in an effort to identify features specific to pheochromocytomas and second, to define a feasible probability calculation model. METHODS: This multicentric retrospective study included patients from the period 2003 to 2017 with an appropriate CT examination and a histological diagnosis of an adrenal adenoma, pheochromocytoma, adrenocortical carcinoma, or metastasis. In total, 346 patients were suitable for the CT image analysis, which included evaluation of the largest diameter, the shape of the lesion, the presence of central necrosis and its margins, and the presence of an enhancing peripheral rim ("ring sign"). RESULTS: Pheochromocytomas have a significantly more spherical shape (P<0.001), whereas an elliptical shape significantly reduces the probability of a pheochromocytoma (odds ratio = 0.015), as does another shape (odds ratio = 0.006). A "ring sign" is also more frequent in pheochromocytomas compared to other adrenal tumors (P=0.001, odds ratio = 6.49). A sharp necrosis also increases the probability of a pheochromocytoma more than unsharp necrosis (odds ratio 231.6 vs. 20.2). The probability calculation model created on the basis of the results confirms a high sensitivity and specificity (80% and 95%). CONCLUSION: This study confirms the value of anatomical features in the assessment of adrenal masses with the ability to significantly improve the identification of pheochromocytomas. Advanced assessment of the tumor shape was defined and a original comprehensive calculating tool of the pheochromocytoma probability was created on the basis of the results presented here and could be used in clinical routine.

Late side effects of 3T MRI-guided 3D high-dose rate brachytherapy of cervical cancer : Institutional experiences.

PURPOSE: This article reports experiences with 3T magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)-guided brachytherapy (BT) for cervical cancer focusing on late side effects. METHODS: Between June 2012 and March 2017 a total of 257 uterovaginal BT administrations were performed in 61 consecutive patients with inoperable cervical cancer. All patients were treated with BT combined with external beam radiotherapy. RESULTS: The mean HR-CTV (high risk-clinical target volume) D90 was 87 ± 5.1 Gy equivalent dose corresponding to the conventional fractionation using 2 Gy per fraction (EQD2, range 70.7-97.9 Gy). The mean doses in OAR (organs at risk), namely rectum, sigmoid and bladder were D2 cm3rectum = 62.6 ± 6.9 Gy EQD2 (range 38.2-77.2 Gy), D2 cm3sigmoid = 66.2 ± 6.8 Gy EQD2 (43.2-78.6 Gy) and D2 cm3bladder = 75.1 ± 8.3 Gy EQD2 (58.2-92.6 Gy). There were no signs of late gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity in 49 patients, grade 3 toxicity was seen in 2 patients and grade 4 toxicity in 3 patients. There were no signs of late genitourinary (GU) toxicity in 41 patients, grade 3 toxicity was seen in 4 patients and no signs of grade 4 toxicity were seen. After the treatment, 60 patients (98.4%) achieved locoregional remission. In 54 patients (88.5%) the remission was complete, whereas in 6 patients (9.8%) remission was partial. CONCLUSION: The use of 3T MRI-guided BT leads to achievement of high rates of local control with limited late morbidity as demonstrated in this series of patients.

Image-guided left ventricular lead placement in cardiac resynchronization therapy: focused on image fusion methods.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy is an effective and widely accessible treatment for patients with advanced, drug-refractory heart failure. It has been shown to reverse maladaptive ventricular remodeling, increase exercise capacity, and lower hospitalization and mortality rates. However, there still exists a considerable proportion of patients who do not respond favorably to the therapy. Tailored left ventricular (LV) lead positioning instead of empiric implantation is thought to have the greatest potential to increase response rates. In our paper, we focus on the rationale for guided LV lead implantation and provide a review of the non-invasive imaging modalities applicable for navigation during LV lead implantation, with special attention to the latest achievements in the field of multimodality imaging and image fusion techniques. Current limitations and future perspectives of the concept are discussed as well.

Hybrid imaging PET/MR in prostatic carcinoma.

Imaging of the own prostatic tissue is being not easy using standard tumour imaging approaches, contrast enhanced computed tomography and the hybrid imaging using PET/CT with the application of the 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose. Magnetic resonance imaging is useful in detection of the patients with the elevated prostatic specific antigen (PSA) and/or with the increased index of the health prostate index (PHI). The novel imaging possibilities of the imaging is hybrid positron emission tomography - magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MR) with the application of 18F-fluorocholine (FCH), 18F-natriumfluoride (18F-NaF) or 68Ga-PSMA-11 (ligand of prostatic specific membrane antigen) in detection, staging or restaging of the prostatic carcinoma. PET/MR represents current optimal method of the staging, restaging and therapy response evaluation of prostatic carcinoma.> Keywords: prostatic carcinoma, PET/MR, 18F-fluorocholine, 18F-natriumfluoride, 68Ga-PSMA-11.