Diagnostic accuracy of vision-language models on Japanese diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine, and interventional radiology specialty board examinations.

PURPOSE: The performance of vision-language models (VLMs) with image interpretation capabilities, such as GPT-4 omni (GPT-4o), GPT-4 vision (GPT-4V), and Claude-3, has not been compared and remains unexplored in specialized radiological fields, including nuclear medicine and interventional radiology. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the diagnostic accuracy of various VLMs, including GPT-4 + GPT-4V, GPT-4o, Claude-3 Sonnet, and Claude-3 Opus, using Japanese diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine, and interventional radiology (JDR, JNM, and JIR, respectively) board certification tests. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 383 questions from the JDR test (358 images), 300 from the JNM test (92 images), and 322 from the JIR test (96 images) from 2019 to 2023 were consecutively collected. The accuracy rates of the GPT-4 + GPT-4V, GPT-4o, Claude-3 Sonnet, and Claude-3 Opus were calculated for all questions or questions with images. The accuracy rates of the VLMs were compared using McNemar's test. RESULTS: GPT-4o demonstrated the highest accuracy rates across all evaluations with the JDR (all questions, 49%; questions with images, 48%), JNM (all questions, 64%; questions with images, 59%), and JIR tests (all questions, 43%; questions with images, 34%), followed by Claude-3 Opus with the JDR (all questions, 40%; questions with images, 38%), JNM (all questions, 42%; questions with images, 43%), and JIR tests (all questions, 40%; questions with images, 30%). For all questions, McNemar's test showed that GPT-4o significantly outperformed the other VLMs (all P < 0.007), except for Claude-3 Opus in the JIR test. For questions with images, GPT-4o outperformed the other VLMs in the JDR and JNM tests (all P < 0.001), except Claude-3 Opus in the JNM test. CONCLUSION: The GPT-4o had the highest success rates for questions with images and all questions from the JDR, JNM, and JIR board certification tests.

ChatGPT's diagnostic performance based on textual vs. visual information compared to radiologists' diagnostic performance in musculoskeletal radiology.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT)-4-based ChatGPT, GPT-4 with vision (GPT-4V) based ChatGPT, and radiologists in musculoskeletal radiology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 106 "Test Yourself" cases from Skeletal Radiology between January 2014 and September 2023. We input the medical history and imaging findings into GPT-4-based ChatGPT and the medical history and images into GPT-4V-based ChatGPT, then both generated a diagnosis for each case. Two radiologists (a radiology resident and a board-certified radiologist) independently provided diagnoses for all cases. The diagnostic accuracy rates were determined based on the published ground truth. Chi-square tests were performed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of GPT-4-based ChatGPT, GPT-4V-based ChatGPT, and radiologists. RESULTS: GPT-4-based ChatGPT significantly outperformed GPT-4V-based ChatGPT (p < 0.001) with accuracy rates of 43% (46/106) and 8% (9/106), respectively. The radiology resident and the board-certified radiologist achieved accuracy rates of 41% (43/106) and 53% (56/106). The diagnostic accuracy of GPT-4-based ChatGPT was comparable to that of the radiology resident, but was lower than that of the board-certified radiologist although the differences were not significant (p = 0.78 and 0.22, respectively). The diagnostic accuracy of GPT-4V-based ChatGPT was significantly lower than those of both radiologists (p < 0.001 and < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: GPT-4-based ChatGPT demonstrated significantly higher diagnostic accuracy than GPT-4V-based ChatGPT. While GPT-4-based ChatGPT's diagnostic performance was comparable to radiology residents, it did not reach the performance level of board-certified radiologists in musculoskeletal radiology. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: GPT-4-based ChatGPT outperformed GPT-4V-based ChatGPT and was comparable to radiology residents, but it did not reach the level of board-certified radiologists in musculoskeletal radiology. Radiologists should comprehend ChatGPT's current performance as a diagnostic tool for optimal utilization. KEY POINTS: This study compared the diagnostic performance of GPT-4-based ChatGPT, GPT-4V-based ChatGPT, and radiologists in musculoskeletal radiology. GPT-4-based ChatGPT was comparable to radiology residents, but did not reach the level of board-certified radiologists. When utilizing ChatGPT, it is crucial to input appropriate descriptions of imaging findings rather than the images.

Comparing cryoballoon and contact-force guided radiofrequency ablation in pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) employing cryoballoon (CB) or contact force-guided radiofrequency (CF-RF) catheter ablation has been established as an effective strategy for managing atrial fibrillation (AF). However, its efficacy in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) remains to be further explored. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed 60 consecutive AF patients with HCM (average age 67 ± 10 years; 41 men) who were consecutively admitted to our hospital from January 2014 to December 2022 and underwent initial PVI. RESULTS: The patients were treated with CB (26 patients) or CF-RF (34 patients). Successful PVI was achieved in both groups without significant complications. In the CF-RF group, additional ablations were performed on the cavotricuspid isthmus (14.7% of patients) and the anterior line (2.9%). The CB group benefited from reduced procedural times (93 ± 31 vs. 165 ± 60 min, p < 0.05) and decreased saline irrigation requirements (77.5 ± 31.4 vs. 870 ± 281.9 mL, p < 0.0001). Using a contrast medium was exclusive to the CB group (33.8 ± 4.2 mL). In a 12-month follow-up, the atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence-free rates in the CB and CF-RF groups were comparable (77% and 76%, respectively; p = 0.63 according to the log-rank test). Notably, pulmonary vein reconnection was prevalent in most (7 out of 8) patients requiring a secondary ablation procedure. CONCLUSION: PVI is feasible as a strategy for AF in patients with HCM employing either CB or CF-RF techniques. While the recurrence-free rates were comparable in both groups, differences were noted in procedure duration, saline usage, and the need for a contrast medium.

Comparing the Diagnostic Performance of GPT-4-based ChatGPT, GPT-4V-based ChatGPT, and Radiologists in Challenging Neuroradiology Cases.

PURPOSE: To compare the diagnostic performance among Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT)-4-based ChatGPT, GPT­4 with vision (GPT-4V) based ChatGPT, and radiologists in challenging neuroradiology cases. METHODS: We collected 32 consecutive "Freiburg Neuropathology Case Conference" cases from the journal Clinical Neuroradiology between March 2016 and December 2023. We input the medical history and imaging findings into GPT-4-based ChatGPT and the medical history and images into GPT-4V-based ChatGPT, then both generated a diagnosis for each case. Six radiologists (three radiology residents and three board-certified radiologists) independently reviewed all cases and provided diagnoses. ChatGPT and radiologists' diagnostic accuracy rates were evaluated based on the published ground truth. Chi-square tests were performed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of GPT-4-based ChatGPT, GPT-4V-based ChatGPT, and radiologists. RESULTS: GPT­4 and GPT-4V-based ChatGPTs achieved accuracy rates of 22% (7/32) and 16% (5/32), respectively. Radiologists achieved the following accuracy rates: three radiology residents 28% (9/32), 31% (10/32), and 28% (9/32); and three board-certified radiologists 38% (12/32), 47% (15/32), and 44% (14/32). GPT-4-based ChatGPT's diagnostic accuracy was lower than each radiologist, although not significantly (all p > 0.07). GPT-4V-based ChatGPT's diagnostic accuracy was also lower than each radiologist and significantly lower than two board-certified radiologists (p = 0.02 and 0.03) (not significant for radiology residents and one board-certified radiologist [all p > 0.09]). CONCLUSION: While GPT-4-based ChatGPT demonstrated relatively higher diagnostic performance than GPT-4V-based ChatGPT, the diagnostic performance of GPT­4 and GPT-4V-based ChatGPTs did not reach the performance level of either radiology residents or board-certified radiologists in challenging neuroradiology cases.

Evaluation of cranial nerve involvement in chordomas and chondrosarcomas: a retrospective imaging study.

PURPOSE: Cranial nerve involvement (CNI) influences the treatment strategies and prognosis of head and neck tumors. However, its incidence in skull base chordomas and chondrosarcomas remains to be investigated. This study evaluated the imaging features of chordoma and chondrosarcoma, with a focus on the differences in CNI. METHODS: Forty-two patients (26 and 16 patients with chordomas and chondrosarcomas, respectively) treated at our institution between January 2007 and January 2023 were included in this retrospective study. Imaging features, such as the maximum diameter, tumor location (midline or off-midline), calcification, signal intensity on T2-weighted image, mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values, contrast enhancement, and CNI, were evaluated and compared using Fisher's exact test or the Mann-Whitney U-test. The odds ratio (OR) was calculated to evaluate the association between the histological type and imaging features. RESULTS: The incidence of CNI in chondrosarcomas was significantly higher than that in chordomas (63% vs. 8%, P < 0.001). An off-midline location was more common in chondrosarcomas than in chordomas (86% vs. 13%; P < 0.001). The mean ADC values of chondrosarcomas were significantly higher than those of chordomas (P < 0.001). Significant associations were identified between chondrosarcomas and CNI (OR = 20.00; P < 0.001), location (OR = 53.70; P < 0.001), and mean ADC values (OR = 1.01; P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The incidence of CNI and off-midline location in chondrosarcomas was significantly higher than that in chordomas. CNI, tumor location, and the mean ADC can help distinguish between these entities.

Dual tachyarrhythmia: Ventricular fibrillation induced by atrial tachyarrhythmia in a patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

A patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy experienced cardiopulmonary arrest. An automated external defibrillator administered defibrillation for ventricular fibrillation (A). The pacemaker recorded atrial tachycardia with a rapid ventricular response before the patient collapsed (B). After a few minutes, the pacemaker records dual tachyarrhythmia, characterized by the simultaneous presence of ventricular fibrillation (VF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) (C). This case demonstrates that VF induced by atrial tachyarrhythmia could contribute to AF-related sudden cardiac death.

Deep learning-based diffusion tensor image generation model: a proof-of-concept study.

This study created an image-to-image translation model that synthesizes diffusion tensor images (DTI) from conventional diffusion weighted images, and validated the similarities between the original and synthetic DTI. Thirty-two healthy volunteers were prospectively recruited. DTI and DWI were obtained with six and three directions of the motion probing gradient (MPG), respectively. The identical imaging plane was paired for the image-to-image translation model that synthesized one direction of the MPG from DWI. This process was repeated six times in the respective MPG directions. Regions of interest (ROIs) in the lentiform nucleus, thalamus, posterior limb of the internal capsule, posterior thalamic radiation, and splenium of the corpus callosum were created and applied to maps derived from the original and synthetic DTI. The mean values and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the original and synthetic maps for each ROI were compared. The Bland-Altman plot between the original and synthetic data was evaluated. Although the test dataset showed a larger standard deviation of all values and lower SNR in the synthetic data than in the original data, the Bland-Altman plots showed each plot localizing in a similar distribution. Synthetic DTI could be generated from conventional DWI with an image-to-image translation model.

The Association of Metabolic Brain MRI, Amyloid PET, and Clinical Factors: A Study of Alzheimer's Disease and Normal Controls From the Open Access Series of Imaging Studies Dataset.

BACKGROUND: Although brain activities in Alzheimer's disease (AD) might be evaluated MRI and PET, the relationships between brain temperature (BT), the index of diffusivity along the perivascular space (ALPS index), and amyloid deposition in the cerebral cortex are still unclear. PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between metabolic imaging measurements and clinical information in patients with AD and normal controls (NCs). STUDY TYPE: Retrospective analysis of a prospective dataset. POPULATION: 58 participants (78.3 ± 6.8 years; 30 female): 29 AD patients and 29 age- and sex-matched NCs from the Open Access Series of Imaging Studies dataset. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 3T; T1-weighted magnetization-prepared rapid gradient-echo, diffusion tensor imaging with 64 directions, and dynamic 18 F-florbetapir PET. ASSESSMENT: Imaging metrics were compared between AD and NCs. These included BT calculated by the diffusivity of the lateral ventricles, ALPS index that reflects the glymphatic system, the mean standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) of amyloid PET in the cerebral cortex and clinical information, such as age, sex, and MMSE. STATISTICAL TESTS: Pearson's or Spearman's correlation and multiple linear regression analyses. P values <0.05 were defined as statistically significant. RESULTS: Significant positive correlations were found between BT and ALPS index (r = 0.44 for NCs), while significant negative correlations were found between age and ALPS index (rs = -0.43 for AD and - 0.47 for NCs). The SUVR of amyloid PET was not significantly associated with BT (P = 0.81 for AD and 0.21 for NCs) or ALPS index (P = 0.10 for AD and 0.52 for NCs). In the multiple regression analysis, age was significantly associated with BT, while age, sex, and presence of AD were significantly associated with the ALPS index. DATA CONCLUSION: Impairment of the glymphatic system measured using MRI was associated with lower BT and aging. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 1.

Accuracy of ChatGPT generated diagnosis from patient's medical history and imaging findings in neuroradiology cases.

PURPOSE: The noteworthy performance of Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT), an artificial intelligence text generation model based on the GPT-4 architecture, has been demonstrated in various fields; however, its potential applications in neuroradiology remain unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of GPT-4 based ChatGPT in neuroradiology. METHODS: We collected 100 consecutive "Case of the Week" cases from the American Journal of Neuroradiology between October 2021 and September 2023. ChatGPT generated a diagnosis from patient's medical history and imaging findings for each case. Then the diagnostic accuracy rate was determined using the published ground truth. Each case was categorized by anatomical location (brain, spine, and head & neck), and brain cases were further divided into central nervous system (CNS) tumor and non-CNS tumor groups. Fisher's exact test was conducted to compare the accuracy rates among the three anatomical locations, as well as between the CNS tumor and non-CNS tumor groups. RESULTS: ChatGPT achieved a diagnostic accuracy rate of 50% (50/100 cases). There were no significant differences between the accuracy rates of the three anatomical locations (p = 0.89). The accuracy rate was significantly lower for the CNS tumor group compared to the non-CNS tumor group in the brain cases (16% [3/19] vs. 62% [36/58], p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the diagnostic performance of ChatGPT in neuroradiology. ChatGPT's diagnostic accuracy varied depending on disease etiologies, and its diagnostic accuracy was significantly lower in CNS tumors compared to non-CNS tumors.

Landiolol, an intravenous ß1-selective blocker, is useful for dissociating a fusion of atrial activation via accessory pathway and atrioventricular node.

Introduction: During ventricular pacing, a fusion of atrial activation may occur owing to the simultaneous retrograde conduction of the atrioventricular (AV) node and accessory pathway (AP), potentially leading to an inaccurate mapping of the atrial AP insertion site. Objective: We tested the hypothesis that landiolol, an ultra-short-acting intravenous ß1-blocker, could dissociate a fusion of atrial activation. Methods: We conducted a prospective before-and-after study to investigate the effect of landiolol on retrograde conduction via the AV node and AP. We enrolled 21 consecutive patients with orthodromic AV reciprocating tachycardia who underwent electrophysiological studies at our hospital between January 1, 2018, and August 31, 2020. Results: Six patients exhibited a fusion of atrial activation. After landiolol administration (10 µg/kg/min), the effective refractory period was unchanged in AP (280 [240-290] ms vs. 280 [245-295] ms, p = .91), whereas that of the AV node was prolonged (275 [215-380] ms vs. 332 [278-445] ms, p = .03). The Wenckebach pacing rate via retrograde AV node decreased after landiolol administration (180 [140-200] beats per minute [bpm] vs. 140 [120-180] bpm, p = .02). Thus, landiolol decreased the minimum ventricular pacing rate required to dissociate a fusion of atrial activation (180 [160-200] bpm vs. 140 [128-155] bpm, p = .007). Radiofrequency catheter ablation under landiolol administration successfully eliminated AP in all patients during ventricular pacing without complications or recurrence. Conclusion: Landiolol inhibited the AV node without affecting the AP and helped dissociate a fusion of atrial activation at a lower ventricular pacing rate.

Brain temperature remains stable during the day: a study of diffusion-weighted imaging thermometry in healthy individuals.

PURPOSE: To investigate the daily fluctuations in brain temperature in healthy individuals using magnetic resonance (MR) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) thermometry and to clarify the associations between the brain and body temperatures and sex. METHODS: Thirty-two age-matched healthy male and female volunteers (male = 16, 20-38 years) were recruited between July 2021 and January 2022. Brain MR examinations were performed in the morning and evening phases on the same day to calculate the brain temperatures using DWI thermometry. Body temperature was also measured in each MR examination. Group comparisons of body and brain temperatures between the two phases were performed using paired t-tests. A multiple linear regression model was used to predict the morning brain temperature using sex, evening brain temperature, and the interaction between sex and evening brain temperature as covariates. RESULTS: Body temperatures were significantly higher in the evening than in the morning in all participants, male group, and female group (p < 0.001, = 0001, and < 0.001, respectively). Meanwhile, no significant difference was observed between the morning and evening brain temperatures in each analysis (p = 0.23, 0.70, and 0.16, respectively). Multiple linear regression analysis showed significant associations of morning brain temperature with sex (p = 0.038), evening brain temperature (p < 0.001), and the interaction between sex and evening brain temperature (p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: Unlike body temperature, brain temperature showed no significant daily fluctuations; however, daily fluctuations in brain temperature may vary depending on sex.

Correlation between Phase-difference-enhanced MR Imaging and Amyloid Positron Emission Tomography: A Study on Alzheimer's Disease Patients and Normal Controls.

PURPOSE: While amyloid-ß deposition in the cerebral cortex for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is often evaluated by amyloid positron emission tomography (PET), amyloid-ß-related iron can be detected using phase difference enhanced (PADRE) imaging; however, no study has validated the association between PADRE imaging and amyloid PET. This study investigated whether the degree of hypointense areas on PADRE imaging correlated with the uptake of amyloid PET. METHODS: PADRE imaging and amyloid PET were performed in 8 patients with AD and 10 age-matched normal controls. ROIs in the cuneus, precuneus, superior frontal gyrus (SFG), and superior temporal gyrus (STG) were automatically segmented. The degree of hypointense areas on PADRE imaging in each ROI was evaluated using 4-point scaling of visual assessment or volumetric semiquantitative assessment (the percentage of hypointense volume within each ROI). The mean standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) of amyloid PET in each ROI was also calculated. The Spearman's correlation coefficient between the 4-point scale of PADRE imaging and SUVR of amyloid PET or between the semiquantitative hypointense volume percentage and SUVR in each ROI was evaluated. RESULTS: In the precuneus, a significant positive correlation was identified between the 4-point scale of PADRE imaging and SUVR of amyloid PET (Rs = 0.5; P = 0.034) in all subjects. In the cuneus, a significant positive correlation was identified between the semiquantitative volume percentage of PADRE imaging and SUVR of amyloid PET (Rs = 0.55; P = 0.02) in all subjects. CONCLUSION: Amyloid-ß-enhancing PADRE imaging can be used to predict the SUVR of amyloid PET, especially in the cuneus and precuneus, and may have the potential to be used for diagnosing AD by detecting amyloid deposition.

Improved reproducibility of diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) index: an analysis of reorientation technique of the OASIS-3 dataset.

PURPOSE: Diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) index is intended to reflect the glymphatic function of the brain; however, head rotation may reduce reproducibility and reliability. This study aimed to evaluate whether reorientation of DTI data improves the reproducibility of the ALPS index using the OASIS-3 dataset. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 234 cognitively normal subjects from the OASIS-3 dataset were included. Original and reoriented ALPS indices were calculated using a technique that registered vector information of DTI to another space and created reoriented diffusivity maps. The F test was used to compare variances of the original and reoriented ALPS indices. Subsequently, subjects with head rotation around the z- (inferior-superior; n = 43) or x axis (right-left; n = 25) and matched subjects with neutral head position were selected for evaluation of intra- and inter-rater reliability. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) of the original and reoriented ALPS indices for participants with head rotation and neutral head position were calculated separately. The Bland-Altman plot comparing the original and reoriented ALPS indices was also evaluated. RESULTS: The reoriented ALPS index exhibited a significantly smaller variance than the original ALPS index (p < 0.001). For intra- and inter-reliability, the reorientation technique showed good-to-excellent reproducibility in calculating the ALPS index even in subjects with head rotation (ICCs of original ALPS index: 0.52-0.81; ICCs of reoriented ALPS index: > 0.85). A wider range of the 95% limit of agreement of the Bland-Altman plot for subjects with x axis rotation was identified, indicating that x axis rotation may remarkably affect calculation of the ALPS index. CONCLUSION: The technique used in this study enabled the creation of reoriented diffusivity maps and improved reproducibility in calculating the ALPS index.

Frequency and imaging features of the adjacent osseous changes of salivary gland carcinomas in the head and neck region.

PURPOSE: The association between salivary gland carcinomas and adjacent osseous changes in the head and neck region is not clear. We evaluated the frequency and imaging features of such changes and investigated the specific characteristics of salivary gland carcinomas associated with them. METHODS: A total of 118 patients with histologically proven salivary gland carcinomas were retrospectively reviewed. The imaging characteristics of osseous changes were sorted into three categories based on computed tomography images: sclerotic change, erosive change, and lytic change. The frequency of all these osseous changes and any one of them was compared between different pathologies using Fisher's exact test. Odds ratios were calculated to evaluate the association between these changes and perineural spread. RESULTS: Osseous changes were found in 21 (18%) of 118 cases. Among these, seven (6%) cases were with sclerotic, nine (8%) with erosive, and nine (8%) with lytic changes (four with mixed change). Adenoid cystic carcinoma showed a significantly higher frequency of sclerotic and erosive changes, and either osseous change, than the other salivary gland carcinomas (p < 0.001 for each). Sclerotic changes were only present in the adenoid cystic carcinomas. Perineural spread was a significant factor in showing higher osseous change frequencies (odds ratio = 3.98, p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Among salivary gland carcinomas in the head and neck region, adenoid cystic carcinomas had a significantly higher frequency of adjacent osseous changes, especially sclerotic changes, than other salivary gland carcinomas.

Microwave focal therapy of prostate cancer: a non-clinical study and exploratory clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the safety and efficacy of microwave tissue coagulation (MTC) for prostate cancer and assess its use in lesion-targeted focal therapy in a non-clinical study and a clinical phase II trial. METHODS: In the non-clinical study using Microtaze® -AFM-712 (Alfresa Pharma Corporation, Osaka, Japan) with an MTC needle, MTC was performed using a transperineal approach to targeted canine prostatic tissue under real-time ultrasonography guidance. Using various MTC output and irradiation time combinations, the targeted and surrounding tissues (rectum, bladder and fat) were examined to confirm the extent of coagulative necrosis or potential cell death, and to compare intra-operative ultrasonography and pathology findings. The exploratory clinical trial was conducted to examine the safety and efficacy of MTC. Five selected patients underwent transperineal MTC to clinically single lesion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-visible lesions with Gleason score 3 + 4 or 4 + 4. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA), MRI and Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite questionnaire findings were compared before and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: The region of coagulative necrosis was predictable by monitoring of ultrasonically visible vaporization; thus, by placing the MTC needle at a certain distance, we were able to perform a safe procedure without adverse events affecting the surrounding organs. Based on the non-clinical study, which used various combinations of output and irradiation time, MTC with 30-W output for 60-s irradiation was selected for the prostate. Based on the predictable necrosis, the therapeutic plan (where to place the MTC needle to achieve complete ablation of the target and how many sessions) was strictly determined per patient. There were no serious adverse events in any patient and only temporary urinary symptoms related to MTC therapy were observed. Furthermore, post-treatment satisfaction was very high. All preoperative MRI-visible lesions disappeared, and PSA decreased by 55% 6 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: Microwave tissue coagulation may be an option for lesion-targeted focal therapy for prostate cancer.

Malignant transformation of a dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor presenting with intraventricular hemorrhage.

Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNTs) are benign brain tumors classified as grade 1 in the 2021 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of central nervous system tumors. DNTs rarely undergo malignant transformation and cause symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. We report a case of malignant transformation of DNT presenting with intraventricular hemorrhage and review the literature on malignant transformation of DNTs. An 18-year-old woman with a history of epilepsy presented with a sudden headache and vomiting. Radiological examination revealed a mass lesion in the left parietal lobe and intraventricular hemorrhage. The patient underwent an emergency craniotomy for brain tumor resection. The lesion was pathologically diagnosed as a malignant transformation of DNT. She had been followed up without tumor recurrence for 2 years after surgery.

Orbital apex schwannoma with a high titer of proteinase 3 antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody.

Here, we present a very unusual case of orbital apex schwannoma with a high titer of proteinase 3 antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (PR3-ANCA). A 67-year-old man presented with a 3-month history of double vision. Radiological examinations revealed a mass lesion at the left orbital apex, and laboratory examination revealed a high titer of PR3-ANCA, of 49.1 U/mL (reference range<2.0). After the surgery, the lesion was histologically diagnosed as schwannoma, and the PR3-ANCA titer decreased to 8.4 U/m. Although making a correct diagnosis of orbital apex schwannoma may be difficult due to the need to differentiate from granulomatosis with polyangiitis when PR3-ANCA serum levels are elevated, careful examination of the radiological findings may aid the diagnosis.

Capillary hemangioma of the sphenoid sinus with intrasellar and parasellar extensions.

Capillary hemangiomas are benign vascular tumors usually diagnosed in infancy and involving skin and soft tissues. We report a rare case of an adult capillary hemangioma of the left sphenoid sinus extending into the intrasellar and parasellar regions. A 71-year-old woman presented with complaints of headaches and diplopia. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a T2-hyperintense mass-like lesion involving the left posterior ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses and left cavernous sinus, that had extended into the intrasellar and parasellar regions. Dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed enhancing vessel-like structures within the lesion during the arterial phase, which were observed to expand further in the late phase of the examination. This characteristic feature indicated increased vascularity, suggesting the presence of a capillary hemangioma. The patient underwent endoscopic resection via the endonasal transpterygoid approach, and the lesion was diagnosed histopathologically as a capillary hemangioma. To aid diagnosis and clinical management, radiologists should be aware of the imaging findings related to capillary hemangiomas.

In vitro selection generates RNA aptamer that antagonizes PCSK9-LDLR interaction and recovers cellular LDL uptake.

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) induces low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-receptor (LDLR) degradation, increasing plasma LDL-cholesterol levels and causing hypercholesterolemia. Therefore, inhibition of PCSK9-LDLR interaction is an attractive therapeutic target for hypercholesterolemia treatment. In this study, we have identified a novel RNA aptamer that binds specifically to PCSK9 by in vitro selection, also known as systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). The binding kinetics of the PCSK9-binding RNA aptamer was measured by biolayer interferometry assay, showing that the aptamer has higher affinity compared to PCSK9-LDLR interaction. Competitive inhibition assay using chemiluminescence detection revealed that the RNA aptamer inhibits PCSK9-LDLR interaction. In cellular LDL-uptake assays with HepG2 cells, the RNA aptamer recovered LDL uptake in the PCSK9-treated cells, demonstrating its anti-PCSK9 antagonistic activity. These results indicated that the PCSK9-binding RNA aptamer has the potential to be an affinity reagent for PCSK9 protein analysis and a therapeutic reagent for hypercholesterolemia treatment.