Imaging review of spontaneous renal hemorrhage.

Spontaneous renal hemorrhage (SRH) is a diagnostic challenge and a significant cause of morbidity, and sometimes mortality. Early identification is essential to institute lifesaving and reno-protective interventions. In this review, we classify spontaneous renal hemorrhage by location, presentation and etiology. We also discuss the diagnostic approach to renal hemorrhage and optimum imaging modalities to arrive at the diagnosis. Finally, we review strategies to avoid missing a diagnosis of SRH and discuss the pitfalls of imaging in the presence of renal hemorrhage.

An optimized 1.5 Tesla MRI protocol of the brachial plexus.

PURPOSE: Creating an effective MRI protocol for examining the brachial plexus poses significant challenges, and despite the abundance of protocols in the literature, there is a lack of reference standards for basic sequences and essential parameters needed for replication. The aim of this study is to establish a reproducible 1.5 T brachial plexus imaging protocol, including patient positioning, coil selection, imaging planes, and essential sequence parameters. METHODS: We systematically investigated MRI sequences, testing each parameter through in vivo experiments, examining their effects on signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), visual quality scores, and acquisition time. Sequences were refined based on optimal quality and timing scores. The final protocol was tested on scanners from two other vendors for reliability. RESULTS: The final protocol included a combination of 2D turbo-spin-echo and 3D SPACE T1, SPACE STIR, and VIBE DIXON sequences. Recommendations for imaging planes, phase encoding, field of view, TR, TE, resolution, number of slices, slice thickness, fat and blood suppression, and acceleration strategies are provided. The protocol was successfully translated to other vendor's scanners with comparable quality. CONCLUSION: We present an optimized protocol detailing the essential parameters for reproducibility. Our comprehensive list of experiments describes the impact of each parameter on image quality and scan time, addressing common artifacts and potential solutions. This protocol can benefit both young radiologists new to the field and experienced professionals seeking to refine their existing protocols.

Case report: The activity of multi-kinase VEGF inhibitor, Pazopanib, in metastatic undifferentiated round cell sarcomas harboring EWSR1::CREM fusion: clinicopathological series of two cases and literature review.

Soft tissue sarcomas harboring EWSR1::CREM fusion are rare and challenging to treat. Pazopanib, a multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is FDA-approved for advanced soft tissue sarcomas, but predictive biomarkers for its efficacy remain unidentified. We conducted a study on > 240,000 neoplasms submitted to Caris Life Sciences (Phoenix, AZ) to detect rearrangements using whole transcriptome sequencing. Two sarcoma-experienced, board-certified pathologists performed histological reviews, and treatment/outcome information was collected. Among the identified cases (n = 18), we observed a diverse range of sarcoma and other cancers, including an intracranial myxoid mesenchymal tumor, mesothelioma, hyalinizing clear cell carcinomas of the head and neck, clear cell sarcomas, and undifferentiated round cell sarcomas, as well as histologically malignant tumors with epithelioid morphology. Notably, two undifferentiated, metastatic, abdominal round cell sarcoma cases treated with pazopanib demonstrated significant sustained partial response and clinical benefit. To explore the genetic factors associated with the efficacy of pazopanib in these cases, next-generation sequencing and fluorescence in situ hybridization were analyzed for alterations in the tumors. The genomic analysis provided compelling evidence confirming the presence of EWSR1::CREM fusion in both cases, with no other pathogenic gene variants or copy number alterations detected. These cases demonstrate the potential of Pazopanib as a promising therapeutic option for patients with EWSR1::CREM fusion-positive soft tissue sarcomas, including metastatic undifferentiated round cell sarcomas. The sustained clinical benefit and partial responses observed in these cases warrant further research to validate these findings and explore the wider utility of Pazopanib in this rare and challenging subset of soft tissue sarcomas. Case studies: Case 1: A 49-year-old man presented with abdominal pain, weight loss, and chronic cough. A computed tomography (CT) of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis showed multiple lung nodules and masses and a right rectus mass that was biopsied and revealed an undifferentiated round cell sarcoma with a rare fusion EWSR1-CREM. No additional pathogenic gene variants or copy number alterations were detected. He received neoadjuvant chemotherapy with three cycles of Vincristine, Adriamycin, and Ifosfamide (VAI) and seven cycles of Vincristine/Irinotecan and Temodar (VIT). After cycle 7 of VIT, he had surgical resection of the abdominal mass and received radiation for lung metastasis. He completed 13 cycles of VIT after which he presented with progression of disease and switched to monotherapy with Pazopanib. At the time of this analysis he had stable disease for 28 months. Case 2: A 75-year-old woman presented with pelvic pain and new onset constipation. CT abdomen showed a large pelvic mass and intraperitoneal tumor spread. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a ruptured pelvic mass and a small bowel tumor. Both tumors were proved to be high-grade, poorly differentiated sarcoma. Genomic analysis demonstrated an EWSR1::CREM fusion but no other pathogenic gene variants or copy number alterations. She was treated initially for a primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) with four cycles of Vincristine/Adriamycin/Cytoxan/Olaratumab but declined additional chemotherapy after progression. Two years later, she presented with recurrent abdominal mass and received one cycle of Temodar/Irinotecan, then she began Pozapanib and underwent palliative radiation to the entire pelvis. She has been on Pazopanib for 23 months with stable disease.

Endometrial carcinoma: association between mutational status, sites of metastasis, recurrence, and correlation with overall survival.

PURPOSE: To investigate the association between sites of endometrial carcinoma (EC) recurrence and metastases, mutational status, race, and overall survival (OS). METHODS: This single-center retrospective study evaluated patients with biopsy-proven EC that underwent genomic molecular testing between January 2015 and July 2021. Association between genomic profile and sites of metastases or recurrence was performed using Pearson's chi-squared or Fisher exact test. Survival curves for ethnicity and race, mutations, sites of metastases or recurrence were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models were used. RESULTS: The study included 133 women [median age 64 years (IQR 57-69)]. The most common mutation was TP53 (65/105 patients, 62%). The most common site of metastasis was the peritoneum (35/43, 81%). The most common recurrence was in lymph nodes (34/75, 45%). Mutations of TP53 and PTEN were significantly associated with Black women (p = 0.048, p = 0.004, respectively). In the univariable Cox regression analyses, TP53 mutation and presence of recurrence or metastases to the peritoneum were associated with lower OS (HR 2.1; 95% CI 1.1, 4.3; p = 0.03/ HR 2.9; 95% CI 1.6, 5.4; p = 0.0004; respectively). On multivariable Cox proportional hazards model ER expression (HR 0.4; 95% CI 0.22, 0.91; p = 0.03), peritoneal recurrence or metastases (HR 3.55; 95% CI 1.67, 7.57; p = 0.001), and Black race (HR 2.2; 95% CI 1.1, 4.6; p = 0.03) were significant independent predictors of OS. CONCLUSIONS: The integration of EC mutational status and clinicopathological risk assessment demonstrated potential implications on the patterns of metastasis, recurrence, and OS.

Uterine serous carcinoma: assessing association between genomics and patterns of metastasis.

Background: Uterine serous carcinoma (USC) is an aggressive subtype of endometrial carcinoma which has been increasing at alarming rates, particularly among Asian, Hispanic and Black women. USC has not been well characterized in terms of mutational status, pattern of metastases and survival. Objective: To investigate the association between sites of recurrence and metastases of USC, mutational status, race, and overall survival (OS). Methods: This single-center retrospective study evaluated patients with biopsy-proven USC that underwent genomic testing between January 2015 and July 2021. Association between genomic profile and sites of metastases or recurrence was performed using χ2 or Fisher's exact test. Survival curves for ethnicity and race, mutations, sites of metastasis/recurrence were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with log-rank test. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to examine the association between OS with age, race, ethnicity, mutational status, and sites of metastasis/recurrence. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS Software Version 9.4. Results: The study included 67 women (mean age 65.8 years, range 44-82) with 52 non-Hispanic women (78%) and 33 Black women (49%). The most common mutation was TP53 (55/58 women, 95%). The peritoneum was the most common site of metastasis (29/33, 88%) and recurrence (8/27, 30%). PR expression was more common in women with nodal metastases (p=0.02) and non-Hispanic women (p=0.01). ERBB2 alterations were more common in women with vaginal cuff recurrence (p=0.02), while PIK3CA mutation was more common in women with liver metastases (p=0.048). ARID1A mutation and presence of recurrence or metastases to the liver were associated with lower OS (Hazard Ratio (HR): 31.87; 95%CI: 3.21, 316.9; p<0.001 and HR: 5.66; 95%CI: 1.2, 26.79; p=0.01, respectively). In the bivariable Cox model, the presence of metastasis/recurrence to the liver and/or the peritoneum were both independent significant predictors of OS (HR: 9.8; 95%CI: 1.85-52.7; p=0.007 and HR: 2.7; 95%CI: 1.02-7.1; p=0.04, respectively). Conclusions: TP53 is often mutated in USC, which most commonly metastasize and recur in the peritoneum. OS was shorter in women with ARID1A mutations and with metastasis/recurrence to the liver. The presence of metastasis/recurrence to liver and/or peritoneum were independently associated with shorter OS.

Effect of a dedicated PI-QUAL curriculum on the assessment of prostate MRI quality.

PURPOSE: The Prostate Imaging Quality (PI-QUAL) score is a metric to evaluate the diagnostic quality of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the prostate. This study evaluated the impact of a prostate MRI quality training lecture on the participant's ability to assess prostate MRI image quality. METHODS: Eighteen in-training-radiologists of varying experience in reviewing diagnostic prostate MRI assessed the image quality of ten examinations. Then, they attended a dedicated lecture on MRI quality assessment using the PI-QUAL score. After the lecture, the same participants evaluated the image quality of a new set of ten scans applying the PI-QUAL score. Results were assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The reference standard was the PI-QUAL score assessed by a fellowship trained abdominal radiologist with experience in reading prostate MRI. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in the average area under the curve (AUC) for assessment of prostate MRI image quality from baseline (0.82; [0.576 - 0.888]) to post teaching (1.0; [0.954-1]), with an improvement of 0.18 (p < 0.03). When ROC curves were computed for different cohorts stratified based on year of training, difference ranged from 0.48 for second year residents to 0.32 for fourth year residents (p < 0.001-0.01). For abdominal imaging fellows, the pre-teaching AUC was 0.9 [0.557-1] and post teaching AUC was 1 [0.957-1], a difference of 0.1 (p = 0.20). CONCLUSIONS: A dedicated lecture on PI-QUAL improved the ability of radiologists-in-training to assess prostate MRI image quality, with variable impact depending on year of training.

Imaging spectrum of non-neoplastic and neoplastic conditions of the duodenum: a pictorial review.

Given its crucial location at the crossroads of the gastrointestinal tract, the hepatobiliary system and the splanchnic vessels, the duodenum can be affected by a wide spectrum of abnormalities. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, in conjunction with endoscopy, are often performed to evaluate these conditions, and several duodenal pathologies can be identified on fluoroscopic studies. Since many conditions affecting this organ are asymptomatic, the role of imaging cannot be overemphasized. In this article we will review the imaging features of many conditions affecting the duodenum, focusing on cross-sectional imaging studies, including congenital malformations, such as annular pancreas and intestinal malrotation; vascular pathologies, such as superior mesenteric artery syndrome; inflammatory and infectious conditions; trauma; neoplasms and iatrogenic complications. Because of the complexity of the duodenum, familiarity with the duodenal anatomy and physiology as well as the imaging features of the plethora of conditions affecting this organ is crucial to differentiate those conditions that could be managed medically from the ones that require intervention.

Beyond diagnosis: is there a role for radiomics in prostate cancer management?

The role of imaging in pretreatment staging and management of prostate cancer (PCa) is constantly evolving. In the last decade, there has been an ever-growing interest in radiomics as an image analysis approach able to extract objective quantitative features that are missed by human eye. However, most of PCa radiomics studies have been focused on cancer detection and characterisation. With this narrative review we aimed to provide a synopsis of the recently proposed potential applications of radiomics for PCa with a management-based approach, focusing on primary treatments with curative intent and active surveillance as well as highlighting on recurrent disease after primary treatment. Current evidence is encouraging, with radiomics and artificial intelligence appearing as feasible tools to aid physicians in planning PCa management. However, the lack of external independent datasets for validation and prospectively designed studies casts a shadow on the reliability and generalisability of radiomics models, delaying their translation into clinical practice.Key points• Artificial intelligence solutions have been proposed to streamline prostate cancer radiotherapy planning.• Radiomics models could improve risk assessment for radical prostatectomy patient selection.• Delta-radiomics appears promising for the management of patients under active surveillance.• Radiomics might outperform current nomograms for prostate cancer recurrence risk assessment.• Reproducibility of results, methodological and ethical issues must still be faced before clinical implementation.

Transplant renal artery stenosis: utilization of machine learning to identify ancillary sonographic and doppler parameters to predict stenosis in patients with graft dysfunction.

PURPOSE: To determine if ancillary sonographic and Doppler parameters can be used to predict transplant renal artery stenosis in patients with renal graft dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: IRB-approved, HIPAA-compliant retrospective study included 80 renal transplant patients who had renal US followed by renal angiogram between January 2018 and December 2019. A consensus read of two radiologists recorded these parameters: peak systolic velocity, persistence of elevated velocity, grayscale narrowing, parvus tardus, delayed systolic upstroke, angle of the systolic peak (SP angle), and aliasing. Univariate analysis using t-test or chi-square was performed to determine differences between patients with and without stenosis. P values under 0.05 were deemed statistically significant. We used machine learning algorithms to determine parameters that could better predict the presence of stenosis. The algorithms included logistic regression, random forest, imbalanced random forest, boosting, and CART. All 80 cases were split between training and testing using stratified sampling using a 75:25 split. RESULTS: We found a statistically significant difference in grayscale narrowing (p = 0.0010), delayed systolic upstroke (p = 0.0002), SP angle (p = 0.0005), and aliasing (p = 0.0024) between the two groups. No significant difference was found for an elevated peak systolic velocity (p = 0.1684). The imbalanced random forest (IRF) model was selected for improved accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. Specificity, sensitivity, AUC, and normalized Brier score for the IRF model using all parameters were 73%, 81%, 0.82, and 69 in the training set, and 78%, 58%, 0.78, and 80 in the testing set. VIMP assessment showed that the combination of variables that resulted in the most significant change of the training set performance was that of grayscale narrowing and SP angle. CONCLUSION: Elevated peak systolic velocity did not discriminate between patients with and without TRAS. Adding ancillary parameters into the machine learning algorithm improved specificity and sensitivity similarly in the training and testing sets. The algorithm identified the combination of lumen narrowing coupled with the angle of the systolic peak as better predictor of TRAS. This model may improve the accuracy of ultrasound for transplant renal artery stenosis.

Radiologic screening and surveillance in hereditary cancers.

Hereditary cancer syndromes comprise an important subset of cancers caused by pathogenic germline mutations that can affect various organ systems. Radiologic screening and surveillance for solid tumors has emerged as a critical component of patient management in permitting early cancer detection. Although imaging surveillance may be tailored for organ-specific cancer risks, surveillance protocols frequently utilize whole-body MRI or PET/CT because of their ability to identify neoplasms in different anatomic regions in a single exam. In this review, we discuss the basic tenets of imaging screening and surveillance strategies in these syndromes, highlighting the more common neoplasms and their associated multimodality imaging findings.

Teaching cancer imaging in the era of precision medicine: Looking at the big picture.

The role of imaging in cancer diagnosis and treatment has evolved at the same rapid pace as cancer management. Over the last twenty years, with the advancement of technology, oncology has become a multidisciplinary field that allows for researchers and clinicians not only to create individualized treatment options for cancer patients, but also to evaluate patients' response to therapy with increasing precision. Familiarity with these concepts is a requisite for current and future radiologists, as cancer imaging studies represent a significant and growing component of any radiology practice, from tertiary cancer centers to community hospitals. In this review we provide the framework to teach cancer imaging in the era of genomic oncology. After reading this article, readers should be able to illustrate the basics cancer genomics, modern cancer genomics, to summarize the types of systemic oncologic therapies available, their patterns of response and their adverse events, to discuss the role of imaging in oncologic clinical trials and the role of tumor response criteria and to display the future directions of oncologic imaging.

Endometrial cancer from early to advanced-stage disease: an update for radiologists.

The purpose of this article is to review the current molecular classification of endometrial cancer, the imaging findings in early and advanced disease, and the current management strategies, focusing on the new systemic therapies for advanced EC. In recent years, the management of endometrial cancer has significantly changed. The molecular characterization of endometrial cancer has shed new light into the biologic behavior of this disease, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics staging system was recently revised, and imaging was formally incorporated in the management of endometrial cancer. Recent genomic analysis of endometrial cancer led to the approval of new molecular-targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Imaging allows assessment of myometrial invasion, cervical stromal extension, lymph node involvement and distant metastases, and has a crucial role for treatment planning. Treatment strategies, which include surgery, radiation and systemic therapies are based on accurate staging and risk stratification.

International Multi-Site Initiative to Develop an MRI-Inclusive Nomogram for Side-Specific Prediction of Extraprostatic Extension of Prostate Cancer.

BACKGROUND: To develop an international, multi-site nomogram for side-specific prediction of extraprostatic extension (EPE) of prostate cancer based on clinical, biopsy, and magnetic resonance imaging- (MRI) derived data. METHODS: Ten institutions from the USA and Europe contributed clinical and side-specific biopsy and MRI variables of consecutive patients who underwent prostatectomy. A logistic regression model was used to develop a nomogram for predicting side-specific EPE on prostatectomy specimens. The performance of the statistical model was evaluated by bootstrap resampling and cross validation and compared with the performance of benchmark models that do not incorporate MRI findings. RESULTS: Data from 840 patients were analyzed; pathologic EPE was found in 320/840 (31.8%). The nomogram model included patient age, prostate-specific antigen density, side-specific biopsy data (i.e., Gleason grade group, percent positive cores, tumor extent), and side-specific MRI features (i.e., presence of a PI-RADSv2 4 or 5 lesion, level of suspicion for EPE, length of capsular contact). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the new, MRI-inclusive model (0.828, 95% confidence limits: 0.805, 0.852) was significantly higher than that of any of the benchmark models (p < 0.001 for all). CONCLUSIONS: In an international, multi-site study, we developed an MRI-inclusive nomogram for the side-specific prediction of EPE of prostate cancer that demonstrated significantly greater accuracy than clinical benchmark models.

An overview of hepatocellular carcinoma with atypical enhancement pattern: spectrum of magnetic resonance imaging findings with pathologic correlation.

BACKGROUND: In the setting of cirrhotic liver, the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is straightforward when typical imaging findings consisting of arterial hypervascularity followed by portal-venous washout are present in nodules larger than 1 cm. However, due to the complexity of hepatocarcinogenesis, not all HCCs present with typical vascular behaviour. Atypical forms such as hypervascular HCC without washout, isovascular or even hypovascular HCC can pose diagnostic dilemmas. In such cases, it is important to consider also the appearance of the nodules on diffusion-weighted imaging and hepatobiliary phase. In this regard, diffusion restriction and hypointensity on hepatobiliary phase are suggestive of malignancy. If both findings are present in hypervascular lesion without washout, or even in iso- or hypovascular lesion in cirrhotic liver, HCC should be considered. Moreover, other ancillary imaging findings such as the presence of the capsule, fat content, signal intensity on T2-weighted image favour the diagnosis of HCC. Another form of atypical HCCs are lesions which show hyperintensity on hepatobiliary phase. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to provide an overview of HCCs with atypical enhancement pattern, and focus on their magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features. CONCLUSIONS: In order to correctly characterize atypical HCC lesions in cirrhotic liver it is important to consider not only vascular behaviour of the nodule, but also ancillary MRI features, such as diffusion restriction, hepatobiliary phase hypointensity, and T2-weighted hyperintensity. Fat content, corona enhancement, mosaic architecture are other MRI feautures which favour the diagnosis of HCC even in the absence of typical vascular profile.

Cancer Clinical Trials: What Every Radiologist Wants to Know but Is Afraid to Ask.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to provide radiologists with a guide to the fundamental principles of oncology clinical trials. The review summarizes the evolution and structure of modern clinical trials with an emphasis on the relevance of clinical trials in the field of oncologic imaging. CONCLUSION. Understanding the structure and clinical relevance of modern clinical trials is beneficial for radiologists in the field of oncologic imaging.

Stratification of cystic renal masses into benign and potentially malignant: applying machine learning to the bosniak classification.

PURPOSE: To create a CT texture-based machine learning algorithm that distinguishes benign from potentially malignant cystic renal masses as defined by the Bosniak Classification version 2019. METHODS: In this IRB-approved, HIPAA-compliant study, 4,454 adult patients underwent renal mass protocol CT or CT urography from January 2011 to June 2018. Of these, 257 cystic renal masses were included in the final study cohort. Each mass was independently classified using Bosniak version 2019 by three radiologists, resulting in 185 benign (Bosniak I or II) and 72 potentially malignant (Bosniak IIF, III or IV) masses. Six texture features: mean, standard deviation, mean of positive pixels, entropy, skewness, kurtosis were extracted using commercial software TexRAD (Feedback PLC, Cambridge, UK). Random forest (RF), logistic regression (LR), and support vector machine (SVM) machine learning algorithms were implemented to classify cystic renal masses into the two groups and tested with tenfold cross validations. RESULTS: Higher mean, standard deviation, mean of positive pixels, entropy, skewness were statistically associated with the potentially malignant group (P ≤ 0.0015 each). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and area under curve of RF model was 0.67, 0.91, 0.75, 0.88, 0.88; of LR model was 0.63, 0.93, 0.78, 0.86, 0.90, and of SVM model was 0.56, 0.91, 0.71, 0.84, 0.89, respectively. CONCLUSION: Three CT texture-based machine learning algorithms demonstrated high discriminatory capability in distinguishing benign from potentially malignant cystic renal masses as defined by the Bosniak Classification version 2019. If validated, CT texture-based machine learning algorithms may help reduce interreader variability when applying the Bosniak classification.

Intimate Partner Violence: A Primer for Radiologists to Make the "Invisible" Visible.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is the physical, sexual, or emotional violence between current or former partners. It is a major public health issue that affects nearly one out of four women. Nonetheless, IPV is greatly underdiagnosed. Imaging has played a significant role in identifying cases of nonaccidental trauma in children, and similarly, it has the potential to enable the identification of injuries resulting from IPV. Radiologists have early access to the radiologic history of such victims and may be the first to diagnose IPV on the basis of the distribution and imaging appearance of the patient's currrent and past injuries. Radiologists must be familiar with the imaging findings that are suggestive of injuries resulting from IPV. Special attention should be given to cases in which there are multiple visits for injury care; coexistent fractures at different stages of healing, which may help differentiate injuries related to IPV from those caused by a stranger; and injuries in defensive locations and target areas such as the face and upper extremities. The authors provide an overview of current methods for diagnosing IPV and define the role of the radiologist in cases of IPV. They also describe a successful diagnostic imaging-based approach for helping to identify IPV, with a specific focus on the associated imaging findings and mechanisms of injuries. In addition, current needs and future perspectives for improving the diagnosis of this hidden epidemic are identified. This information is intended to raise awareness among radiologists, with the ultimate goal of improving the diagnosis of IPV and thus reducing the devastating effects on victims' lives. ©RSNA, 2020.