RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET) can change management in a large fraction of patients with biochemically recurrent prostate cancer (BCR). PURPOSE: To investigate the added value of PET to MRI and CT for this patient group, and to explore whether the choice of the PET paired modality (PET/MRI vs. PET/CT) impacts detection rates and clinical management. STUDY TYPE: Retrospective. SUBJECTS: 41 patients with BCR (median age [range]: 68 [55-78]). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 3T, including T1-weighted gradient echo (GRE), T2-weighted turbo spin echo (TSE) and dynamic contrast-enhanced GRE sequences, diffusion-weighted echo-planar imaging, and a T1-weighted TSE spine sequence. In addition to MRI, [18F]PSMA-1007 PET and low-dose CT were acquired on the same day. ASSESSMENT: Images were reported using a five-point Likert scale by two teams each consisting of a radiologist and a nuclear medicine physician. The radiologist performed a reading using CT and MRI data and a joint reading between radiologist and nuclear medicine physician was performed using MRI, CT, and PET from either PET/MRI or PET/CT. Findings were presented to an oncologist to create intended treatment plans. Intrareader and interreader agreement analysis was performed. STATISTICAL TESTS: McNemar test, Cohen's κ, and intraclass correlation coefficients. A P-value <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: 7 patients had positive findings on MRI and CT, 22 patients on joint reading with PET/CT, and 18 patients joint reading with PET/MRI. For overall positivity, interreader agreement was poor for MR and CT (κ = 0.36) and almost perfect with addition of PET (PET/CT κ = 0.85, PET/MRI κ = 0.85). The addition of PET from PET/CT and PET/MRI changed intended treatment in 20 and 18 patients, respectively. Between joint readings, intended treatment was different for eight patients. DATA CONCLUSION: The addition of [18F]PSMA-1007 PET/MRI or PET/CT to MRI and CT may increase detection rates, could reduce interreader variability, and may change intended treatment in half of patients with BCR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 3.
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BACKGROUND: Recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis (elbow extensor-origin tendinosis) is a common cause of elbow pain with many treatment options. In the present study, the medium-term results after open release and radiofrequency microtenotomy are reported. HYPOTHESIS: Microtenotomy would provide long-term pain relief that was as good as the open release method. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized trial. METHODS: Twenty-four patients randomized to either open release or microtenotomy were assessed after 5 to 7 years. Clinical examination and dynamic infrared thermography (DIRT) of both elbows were performed preoperatively and at the medium-term follow-up. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of both elbows was performed at the medium-term follow-up. RESULTS: Significant pain reduction was found using a visual analog scale (VAS) at the medium-term follow-up in both groups compared with the preoperative assessment (P < .005). The Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) increased significantly in both groups (P < .01). The improvement in grip strength was not significant in either group. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of VAS, strength, and the MEPS. On the DIRT examinations, there were significantly fewer hot spots at the medium-term follow-up than preoperatively (P = .0067, both study groups together). The MRI examinations revealed grade II changes in the operated elbow in 1 patient in each group at the medium-term follow-up, while all the other MRI examinations revealed a normal tendon. CONCLUSION: In this prospective, randomized trial with a medium-term follow-up, the results were similar after surgical release and microtenotomy in patients with recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis. The hypothesis was thus verified.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis (elbow tendinosis) is a common cause of elbow pain. There are many forms of treatment, none being superior. HYPOTHESIS: The main hypothesis tested in this study is that radiofrequency microtenotomy offers better results than the extensor tendon release and repair operation for elbow tendinosis, especially earlier recovery. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS: Twenty-four patients were randomized into 2 treatment groups, extensor tendon release and repair, and microtenotomy. Dynamic infrared thermography (DIRT) was employed as an objective method to verify the diagnosis as well as to document the outcome 3 months after the surgical procedure. RESULTS: Visual analog scale pain scores in the microtenotomy but not in the release group decreased significantly after 3 weeks. There was no statistically significant difference in pain scores between the 2 groups at 3, 6, and 12 weeks, and at 10 to 18 months. At 12 weeks, grip strength had improved significantly in the microtenotomy but not in the release group. The functional score was significantly increased in both groups. The DIRT group showed significant differences in epicondyle skin temperature between diseased and normal elbows both pre- and postoperatively. Abnormal DIRT images correlated well with elevated pain scores. CONCLUSIONS: Radiofrequency microtenotomy provides a promising alternative to the release operation for elbow tendinosis. Dynamic infrared thermography provides a reliable, noninvasive, objective method for the diagnosis of elbow tendinosis, as well as for evaluation of the outcome following treatment.
