Imaging of Antepartum and Postpartum Hemorrhage.

Severe obstetric hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. Major hemorrhage in the antepartum period presents potential risks for both the mother and the fetus. Similarly, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) accounts for up to a quarter of maternal deaths worldwide. Potential causes of severe antepartum hemorrhage that radiologists should be familiar with include placental abruption, placenta previa, placenta accreta spectrum disorders, and vasa previa. Common causes of PPH that the authors discuss include uterine atony, puerperal genital hematomas, uterine rupture and dehiscence, retained products of conception, and vascular anomalies. Bleeding complications unique to or most frequently encountered after cesarean delivery are also enumerated, including entities such as bladder flap hematomas, rectus sheath and subfascial hemorrhage, and infectious complications of endometritis and uterine dehiscence. ©RSNA, 2024 Test Your Knowledge questions for this article are available in the supplemental material. See the invited commentary by Javitt and Madrazo in this issue.

Surgical Outcomes in Zenker Diverticula: A Multicenter, Prospective, Longitudinal Study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare improvement in patient-reported outcomes (PROM) in persons undergoing endoscopic and open surgical management of Zenker diverticula (ZD). METHODOLOGY: Prospective, multicenter cohort study of all individuals enrolled in the Prospective OUtcomes of Cricopharyngeus Hypertonicity (POUCH) Collaborative who underwent surgery for ZD. Patient survey, radiography reports, and the 10-item Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) pre- and post-procedure were abstracted from a REDCap database, which summarized means, medians, percentages, and frequencies of. Outcome based on operative intervention (endoscopic vs. open) was compared using t-test, Wilcoxon rank sum test or chi-square test, as appropriate. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-seven persons were prospectively followed. The mean age (SD) of the cohort was 68.7 (11.0). Overall, 66% of patients reported 100% improvement in EAT-10; 81% of patients had greater than 75% improvement; and 88% had greater than 50% improvement. Endoscopic was used for n = 109 patients, and open surgical intervention was used for n = 38. The median [interquartile range, IQR] EAT-10 percent improvement for endoscopic treatment was 93.3% [72, 100], and open was 100% [92.3, 100] (p = 0.05). The incidence of intraoperative complications was 3.7% for endoscopic and 7.9% for open surgical management. The median [IQR] in follow-up was 86 and 97.5 days, respectively. CONCLUSION: Both endoscopic and open surgical management of ZD provide significant improvement in patient-reported outcomes. The data suggest that open diverticulectomy may provide a modest advantage in symptomatic improvement compared to endoscopic management. The data suggest that the postoperative complication rate is higher in the open surgical group. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 134:97-102, 2024.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Abnormal Liver Function Tests.

Liver function tests are commonly obtained in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Various overlapping lab patterns can be seen due to derangement of hepatocytes and bile ducts function. Imaging tests are pursued to identify underlying etiology and guide management based on the lab results. Liver function tests may reveal mild, moderate, or severe hepatocellular predominance and can be seen in alcoholic and nonalcoholic liver disease, acute hepatitis, and acute liver injury due to other causes. Cholestatic pattern with elevated alkaline phosphatase with or without elevated γ-glutamyl transpeptidase can be seen with various causes of obstructive biliopathy. Acute or subacute cholestasis with conjugated or unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia can be seen due to prehepatic, intrahepatic, or posthepatic causes. We discuss the initial and complementary imaging modalities to be used in clinical scenarios presenting with abnormal liver function tests. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision process support the systematic analysis of the medical literature from peer reviewed journals. Established methodology principles such as Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE are adapted to evaluate the evidence. The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method User Manual provides the methodology to determine the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where peer reviewed literature is lacking or equivocal, experts may be the primary evidentiary source available to formulate a recommendation.

Optimizing disease progression assessment using blinded central independent review and comparing it with investigator assessment in the PRIMA/ENGOT-ov26/GOG-3012 trial: challenges and solutions.

OBJECTIVE: Progression-free survival is an established clinically meaningful endpoint in ovarian cancer trials, but it may be susceptible to bias; therefore, blinded independent centralized radiological review is often included in trial designs. We compared blinded independent centralized review and investigator-assessed progressive disease performance in the PRIMA/ENGOT-ov26/GOG-3012 trial examining niraparib monotherapy. METHODS: PRIMA/ENGOT-ov26/GOG-3012 was a randomized, double-blind phase 3 trial; patients with newly diagnosed stage III/IV ovarian cancer received niraparib or placebo. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors [RECIST] v1.1), determined by two independent radiologists, an arbiter if required, and by blinded central clinician review. Discordance rates between blinded independent centralized review and investigator assessment of progressive disease and non-progressive disease were routinely assessed. To optimize disease assessment, a training intervention was developed for blinded independent centralized radiological reviewers, and RECIST refresher training was provided for investigators. Discordance rates were determined post-intervention. RESULTS: There was a 39% discordance rate between blinded independent centralized review and investigator-assessed progressive disease/non-progressive disease in an initial patient subset (n=80); peritoneal carcinomatosis was the most common source of discordance. All reviewers underwent training, and as a result, changes were implemented, including removal of two original reviewers and identification of 10 best practices for reading imaging data. Post-hoc analysis indicated final discordance rates between blinded independent centralized review and investigator improved to 12% in the overall population. Median progression-free survival and hazard ratios were similar between blinded independent centralized review and investigators in the overall population and across subgroups. CONCLUSION: PRIMA/ENGOT-ov26/GOG-3012 highlights the need to optimize blinded independent centralized review and investigator concordance using early, specialized, ovarian-cancer-specific radiology training to maximize validity of outcome data.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Right Upper Quadrant Pain: 2022 Update.

Acute right upper quadrant pain is one of the most common presenting symptoms in hospital emergency departments, as well as outpatient settings. Although gallstone-related acute cholecystitis is a leading consideration in diagnosis, a myriad of extrabiliary sources including hepatic, pancreatic, gastroduodenal, and musculoskeletal should also be considered. This document focuses on the diagnostic accuracy of imaging studies performed specifically to evaluate acute right upper quadrant pain, with biliary etiologies including acute cholecystitis and its complications being the most common. An additional consideration of extrabiliary sources such as acute pancreatitis, peptic ulcer disease, ascending cholangitis, liver abscess, hepatitis, and painful liver neoplasms remain a diagnostic consideration in the right clinical setting. The use of radiographs, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, CT, and MRI for these indications are discussed. The ACR Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Ovarian cancer during pregnancy.

Adnexal masses during pregnancy are a relatively uncommon entity. Their clinical management is challenging given the overlapping features of certain entities on imaging and histopathology, which can mimic malignancy, and the potential side effects to the mother and fetus, whether expectant management versus surgery is pursued. Ultrasonography with Doppler evaluation is the modality of choice for evaluating adnexal masses during pregnancy. Magnetic resonance imaging is the second-line modality useful when US findings are inconclusive/indeterminate. Most adnexal masses in pregnant patients are benign in origin (e.g., functional cysts, mature cystic teratoma, decidualization of endometrioma), but a few are malignant in origin (e.g., dysgerminoma, granulosa cell tumor). Most cases of adnexal masses are asymptomatic, but complications such as ovarian torsion can occur. This review aims to familiarize the radiologist with the imaging of adnexal lesions during pregnancy so that the radiologist can identify ovarian cancer. Specifically, the review will detail the most common benign and malignant adnexal masses in pregnancy, mimickers, and their corresponding imaging findings on US and MRI.

MR Imaging of Epithelial Ovarian Neoplasms Part I: Benign and Borderline.

Benign and borderline epithelial ovarian tumors represent a substantial proportion of incidental adnexal lesions and familiarity with the typical imaging features on MR imaging can aid in their diagnosis and management. Clinical information such as menstrual status, age, and associated conditions is also important considerations when evaluating an adnexal lesion. Radiologists play an integral role in the preoperative evaluation process and can help guide treatment, particularly in those with lesions demonstrating benign or borderline features and those who may be candidates for fertility-sparing surgery.

Predicting endocrine function after total pancreatectomy and islet cell autotransplantation: A novel approach utilizing computed tomography texture analysis.

BACKGROUND: Islet cell autotransplantation is an effective method to prevent morbidity associated with type IIIc diabetes after total pancreatectomy. However, there is no valid method to predict long-term endocrine function. Our aim was to assess computed tomography texture analysis as a strategy to predict long-term endocrine function after total pancreatectomy and islet cell autotransplantation. METHODS: All patients undergoing total pancreatectomy and islet cell autotransplantation from 2007 to 2020 who had high-quality preoperative computed tomography imaging available for texture analysis were included. The primary outcome was optimal long-term endocrine function, defined as stable glycemic control with <10 units of insulin/day. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients met inclusion criteria. Median yield was 6,111 islet equivalent/kg body weight. At a median follow-up of 64.2 months, 12.7% (n = 8) of patients were insulin independent and 39.7% (n = 25) demonstrated optimal endocrine function. Neither total islet equivalent nor islet equivalent/kg body weight alone were associated with optimal endocrine function. To improve endocrine function prediction, computed tomography texture analysis parameters were analyzed, identifying an association between kurtosis (odds ratio, 2.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-4.80; P = .02) and optimal endocrine function. Sensitivity analysis discovered a cutoff for kurtosis = 0.60, with optimal endocrine function seen in 66.7% with kurtosis ≥0.60, compared with only 26.2% with kurtosis <0.60 (P < .01). On multivariate logistic regression including islet equivalent yield, only kurtosis ≥0.60 (odds ratio, 5.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.56-20.19; P = .01) and fewer small islet equivalent (odds ratio, 1.00; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.00; P = .02) were associated with optimal endocrine function, with the whole model demonstrating excellent prediction of long-term endocrine function (area under the curve, 0.775). CONCLUSION: Computed tomography texture analysis can provide qualitative data, that when used in combination with quantitative islet equivalent yield, can accurately predict long-term endocrine function after total pancreatectomy and islet cell autotransplantation.

Killian Jamieson Diverticulum, the Great Mimicker: A Case Series and Contemporary Review.

OBJECTIVE: To assess barium esophagram (BAS) as a diagnostic marker for patients with Killian Jamieson diverticula (KJD). METHODS: Prospective, multicenter cohort study of individuals enrolled in the Prospective OUtcomes of Cricopharyngeus Hypertonicity (POUCH) Collaborative. Patient demographics, comorbidities, radiographic imaging reports, laryngoscopy findings, patient-reported outcome measures (PROM), and operative reporting were abstracted from a REDCap database and summarized using means, medians, percentages, frequencies. Paired t-tests and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test were used to test pre- to post-operative differences in RSI, EAT-10, and VHI-10 scores. Diagnostic test evaluation including sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive value with 95% confidence intervals were calculated comparing BAS findings to operative report. RESULTS: A total of 287 persons were enrolled; 13 (4%) patients were identified with confirmed KJD on operative reports. 100% underwent open transcervical excision. BAS has a 46.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 23.2, 70.9) sensitivity and 97.8% (95% CI: 95.3, 99.0) specificity in detecting a KJD and 50% (95% CI: 25.4, 74.6) positive predictive value but 97.4% (95%CI: 94.8, 98.7) negative predictive value. Preoperatively, patients reported mean (SD) RSI and EAT-10 of 19.4 (9) and 8.3 (7.5) accordingly. Postoperatively, patients reported mean (SD) RSI and EAT-10 as 5.4 (6.2) and 2.3 (3.3). Both changes in RSI and EAT-10 were statistically significant (p = 0.008, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: KJD are rare and represent <5% of hypopharyngeal diverticula undergoing surgical intervention. Open transcervical surgery significantly improves symptoms of dysphagia. BAS has high specificity but low sensitivity in detecting KJD. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 133:2110-2115, 2023.

Total pancreatectomy and islet cell autotransplantation: a 10-year update on outcomes and assessment of long-term durability.

BACKGROUND: Total pancreatectomy and islet cell autotransplantation (TPIAT) offers an effective, lasting solution for the management of chronic pancreatitis up to 5-years post-operatively. Our aim was to assess durability of TPIAT at 10-years. METHODS: Patients undergoing TPIAT for chronic pancreatitis eligible for 10-year follow-up were included. Primary outcomes, including endocrine function and narcotic requirements, were reported at 5-, 7.5-, and 10-years post-operatively. RESULTS: Of the 231 patients who underwent TPIAT, 142 met inclusion criteria. All patients underwent successful TPIAT with an average of 5680.3 islet equivalents per body weight. While insulin independence tended to decrease over time (25.7% vs. 16.0% vs. 10.9%, p = 0.11) with an increase in HbA1C (7.6% vs. 8.2% vs. 8.4%, p = 0.09), partial islet function persisted (64.9% vs. 68.0% vs. 67.4%, p = 0.93). Opioid independence was achieved and remained durable in the majority (73.3% vs. 72.2% vs. 75.5%, p = 0.93). Quality of life improvements persisted, with 85% reporting improvement from baseline at 10-years. Estimated median overall survival was 202.7 months. CONCLUSION: This study represents one of the largest series reporting on long-term outcomes after TPIAT, demonstrating excellent long-term pain control and durable improvements in quality of life. Islet cell function declines over time however stable glycemic control is maintained.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Epigastric Pain.

Epigastric pain can have multiple etiologies including myocardial infarction, pancreatitis, acute aortic syndromes, gastroesophageal reflux disease, esophagitis, peptic ulcer disease, gastritis, duodenal ulcer disease, gastric cancer, and hiatal hernia. This document focuses on the scenarios in which epigastric pain is accompanied by symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, dysphagia, nausea, vomiting, and hematemesis, which raise suspicion for gastroesophageal reflux disease, esophagitis, peptic ulcer disease, gastritis, duodenal ulcer disease, gastric cancer, or hiatal hernia. Although endoscopy may be the test of choice for diagnosing these entities, patients may present with nonspecific or overlapping symptoms, necessitating the use of imaging prior to or instead of endoscopy. The utility of fluoroscopic imaging, CT, MRI, and FDG-PET for these indications are discussed. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

A case of placenta previa with increta with a history of pelvic radiation.

BACKGROUND: Prior pelvic radiation increases risks of pregnancy complications that can be life threatening. No documented pregnancy has successfully occurred with pelvic radiation dosing of >45 Gy. This case report describes a successful conception after receiving 54 Gy with subsequent severe pregnancy complications.Case34 yo G4P2012 with a history of pelvic radiation who presented with painless vaginal bleeding at 12w6d gestation resulting from a donor egg embryo transfer. She was subsequently diagnosed with a subchorionic hemorrhage, complete placenta previa, and placenta increta leading to a gravid hysterectomy at 23w0d due to concern for hemodynamic instability. CONCLUSION: History of pelvic radiation increases risk of severe life-threatening pregnancy complications. This case report details the complications that can arise to provide assistance for counseling and management for future providers.

Imaging findings of en bloc simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation.

Simultaneous liver-kidney transplantations (SLKTs) are increasing in incidence, and the en bloc surgical approach is associated with a unique spectrum of vascular complications. En bloc SLKTs have a common arterial supply from the celiac axis and post-operative assessment with Doppler ultrasound can help to localize vascular lesions as either proximal in the shared arterial supply or distal in the organ-specific arteries. Venous complications predominantly include thrombosis or stenosis of the portal vein, hepatic veins, renal vein, or IVC, but have a much lower incidence. Radiologists familiar with the post-operative anatomy and complications can provide meaningful and accurate assessment to help direct clinical care. The purpose of this article is to provide a targeted review of SLKT, review the post-surgical anatomy associated with en bloc SLKT, and review the imaging evaluation of vascular complications associated with SLKT.

A case of a unique presentation of a primary vaginal endometrioid adenocarcinoma arising in the setting of a recurrent peritoneal inclusion cyst fistulized to the vagina.

Primary vaginal endometrioid adenocarcinoma is a rare cancer that is often associated with chronic endometriosis. We present the case of a 72-year-old female who underwent right salpingo-oophorectomy followed by hysterectomy with benign pathology 25 years prior to her cancer diagnosis. She had an extensive surgical history in the intervening years and several complicating factors including a history of endometriosis as well as a recurrent peritoneal inclusion cyst treated with ethanol sclerotherapy, followed by formation of a peritoneal-vaginal fistula. Endometriosis is associated with malignant transformation to endometrioid adenocarcinoma through genomic alteration, oxidative stress, inflammation, and hyperestrogenism. Frequency of surveillance examinations and imaging prior to diagnosis were based on patient symptoms, and ultimately a vaginal cuff mass was detected with invasion of the rectosigmoid colon, bladder and levators at time of diagnosis, necessitating infralevator total pelvic exenteration for removal.

Human-Centered Design Thinking in Radiology.

Design thinking is an innovative, human-centered approach to problem-solving. In design thinking, teams step away from immediate and reactionary approaches to complex problems in favor of novel, broader approaches. The key tenets of empathy and user-centered insights are emphasized. The primary objective in this holistic approach is to keep the needs, desires, and behaviors of all stakeholders involved in the ecosystem at the center of the design process. This approach creates more extensive, more diverse, and more productive teams in which each member is invested in the changes being designed and proposed. This review highlights the methodology, outcome metrics, advantages, and challenges of human-centered design in health care and radiology.

Review of Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2.

Prostate MRI has been a hot topic in recent years in large part due to the high incidence of prostate cancer worldwide. Advances in technology have allowed multiparametric MRI to improve lesion detection and characterization in prostate imaging. Additionally, prostate MRI has shown great promise in the detection of clinically significant cancer. In 2012, the European Society of Urogenital Radiology established clinical guidelines for multiparametric MRI of the prostate to facilitate a greater level of standardization and consistency, which became known as the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS). Subsequently, the American College of Radiology, European Society of Urogenital Radiology and the AdMeTech Foundation jointly created PI-RADS version 2. This article focuses on summarizing the key points of PI-RADS version 2.

Sonography of Responsive Versus Nonresponsive Ectopic Pregnancies.

This case series describes changes in size, vascularity, and cul-de-sac fluid in 30 patients with ectopic pregnancies who were treated with systemic methotrexate. Pretreatment and posttreatment transvaginal sonography of the ectopic pregnancies was performed with color Doppler imaging, and the images were assessed for changes in size, vascularity, and cul-de-sac free fluid. There was a trend for nonresponders to show increased vascularity on serial examinations, although this finding was also seen in a single responder. There was also a trend for nonresponders with increased vascularity to be associated with a greater increase in ß-human chorionic gonadotropin levels and responders with decreased vascularity to be associated with a greater decrease in ß-human chorionic gonadotropin levels.