An accurate diagnosis of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is crucial, given the potential for high mortality in undetected cases. Strategic D-dimer testing may aid in identifying low-risk patients, preventing overdiagnosis and reducing imaging costs. We conducted a retrospective, comparative analysis to assess the potential cost savings that could be achieved by adopting different approaches to determine the most effective D-dimer cut-off value in cancer patients with suspected VTE, compared to the commonly used rule-out cut-off level of 0.5 mg/L. The study included 526 patients (median age 65, IQR 55-75) with a confirmed cancer diagnosis who underwent D-dimer testing. Among these patients, the VTE prevalence was 29% (n = 152). Each diagnostic strategy's sensitivity, specificity, negative likelihood ratio (NLR), as well as positive likelihood ratio (PLR), and the proportion of patients exhibiting a negative D-dimer test result, were calculated. The diagnostic strategy that demonstrated the best balance between specificity, sensitivity, NLR, and PLR, utilized an inverse age-specific cut-off level for D-dimer [0.5 + (66-age) × 0.01 mg/L]. This method yielded a PLR of 2.9 at a very low NLR for the exclusion of VTE. We observed a significant cost reduction of 4.6% and 1.0% for PE and DVT, respectively. The utilization of an age-adjusted cut-off [patient's age × 0.01 mg/L] resulted in the highest cost savings, reaching 8.1% for PE and 3.4% for DVT. Using specified D-dimer cut-offs in the diagnosis of VTE could improve economics, considering the limited occurrence of confirmed cases among patients with suspected VTE.
(1) Background: Low bone mineral density (BMD) is a significant risk factor for complicated surgery and leads to the increased use of bone substitutes in patients with distal radius fractures (DRFs). No accepted model has yet been established to predict the use of bone substitutes to facilitate preoperative planning. (2) Methods: Unenhanced dual-energy CT (DECT) images of DRFs were retrospectively acquired between March 2016 and September 2020 using the internal PACS system. Available follow-up imaging and medical health records were reviewed to determine the use of bone substitutes. DECT-based BMD, trabecular Hounsfield units (HU), cortical HU, and cortical thickness ratio were measured in non-fractured segments of the distal radius. Diagnostic accuracy parameters were calculated for all metrics using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves and associations of all metrics with the use of bone substitutes were evaluated using logistic regression models. (3) The final study population comprised 262 patients (median age 55 years [IQR 43-67 years]; 159 females, 103 males). According to logistic regression analysis, DECT-based BMD was the only metric significantly associated with the use of bone substitutes (odds ratio 0.96, p = 0.003). However, no significant associations were found for cortical HU (p = 0.06), trabecular HU (p = 0.33), or cortical thickness ratio (p = 0.21). ROC-curve analysis revealed that a combined model of all four metrics had the highest diagnostic accuracy with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.76. (4) Conclusions: DECT-based BMD measurements performed better than HU-based measurements and cortical thickness ratio. The diagnostic performance of all four metrics combined was superior to that of the individual parameters.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT)-based Rho/Z maps in differentiating between metastases and benign liver lesions in patients diagnosed with malignant melanoma compared to conventional CT value measurements. METHODS: This retrospective study included 73 patients (mean age, 70 ± 13 years; 43 m/30 w) suffering from malignant melanoma who had undergone third-generation DECT as part of tumor staging between December 2017 and December 2021. For this study, we measured Rho (electron density) and Z (effective atomic number) values as well as Hounsfield units (HUs) in hypodense liver lesions. Values were compared, and diagnostic accuracy for differentiation was computed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. Additional performed MRI or biopsies served as a standard of reference. RESULTS: A total of 136 lesions (51 metastases, 71 cysts, and 14 hemangiomas) in contrast-enhanced DECT images were evaluated. The most notable discrepancy (p < 0.001) between measured values and the highest diagnostic accuracy for distinguishing melanoma metastases from benign cysts was observed for the Z (0.992; 95% CI, 0.956-1) parameters, followed by Rho (0.908; 95% CI, 0.842-0.953) and finally HU120kV (0.829; 95% CI, 0.751-0.891). Conversely, when discriminating between liver metastases and hemangiomas, the HU120kV parameters showed the most significant difference (p < 0.001) and yielded the highest values for diagnostic accuracy (0.859; 95% CI, 0.740-0.937), followed by the Z parameters (0.790; 95% CI, 0.681-0.876) and finally the Rho values (0.621; 95% CI, 0.501-0.730). CONCLUSIONS: Rho and Z measurements derived from DECT allow for improved differentiation of liver metastases and benign liver cysts in patients with malignant melanoma compared to conventional CT value measurements. In contrast, in differentiation between liver hemangiomas and metastases, Rho/Z maps show inferior diagnostic accuracy. Therefore, differentiation between these two lesions remains a challenge for CT imaging.
PURPOSE: The presence of an aberrant right hepatic artery (aRHA), arising from the superior mesenteric artery, is a common variant of the liver vascular anatomy. Considering that tumor spread occurs along vessels, the question arises, whether the presence of an aRHA influences the oncologic outcome after resection for cancer of the pancreatic head. METHODS: Patients with ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head, who underwent resection from 2011 to 2020 at the Frankfurt University Hospital, Germany, were analyzed retrospectively. Surgical records and computed tomography imaging were reviewed for the presence of aRHA. Overall and disease-free survival as well as hepatic recurrence were analyzed according to the presence of aRHA. RESULTS: aRHA was detected in 21 out of 145 patients (14.5%). The median overall survival was 26 months (95%CI 20.8-34.4), median disease-free survival was 12.1 months (95%CI 8.1-17.3). There was no significant difference in overall survival (26.1 versus 21.4 months, adjusted hazard ratio 1.31, 95%CI 0.7-2.46, p = 0.401) or disease-free survival (14.5 months versus 12 months, adjusted hazard ratio 0.98, 95%CI 0.57-1.71, p = 0.957) without and with aRHA. The hepatic recurrence rate was 24.4.% with conventional anatomy versus 30.8% with aRHA (adjusted odds ratio 1.36, 95%CI 0.3-5.38, p = 0.669). In the multivariable analysis, only lymphatic vessel invasion was an independent prognostic factor for hepatic recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of an aRHA does not seem to influence the long-term survival and hepatic recurrence after resection for ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head.
Adenocarcinoma , Hepatic Artery , Humans , Hepatic Artery/surgery , Retrospective Studies , Pancreas , Pancreatectomy
The aim of this study was to evaluate treatment of osteoid osteomas using bipolar radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and patients' quality of life before and after therapy. We retrospectively evaluated patients who underwent bipolar RFA of osteoid osteomas between 2001 and 2016. We assessed patients' symptoms before and after treatment (four weeks after treatment and long-term) using a questionnaire including severity and quality of pain on a 10-point scale (1 = no pain, 10 = severe pain), motion restrictions, pain-related sleep disorders, and necessary pain medication. In addition, we evaluated technical success, complications, hospitalization length, and patients' satisfaction with treatment. This study included 62 patients (43 [69.4%] males, 26.2 ± 13.2 years). Average nidus size was 5.7 ± 2.6 mm. The rate of technical success was 100%. All RFAs were performed without any complications. One patient showed a recurrence, resulting in a recurrence rate of 1.6%, which was successfully treated by another session of RFA. Average hospitalization length was 1.5 ± 0.5 days. A total of 36 patients (58.1%) participated in the questionnaire, reporting an average pain severity of 8.2 ± 1.6 before RFA compared to 3.4 ± 3.0 four weeks after and an average of 2.1 ± 2.3, 6.6 years after therapy, (both p < 0.001). After therapy, 31 (86.1%) patients had no pain. The majority of patients (n = 34, 94.4%) had reduced or absent motion restriction after therapy (p < 0.001). Patient satisfaction rate was 91.7%. In conclusion, bipolar RFA is a safe and effective treatment modality for osteoid osteomas and improves quality of life by reducing pain severity and motion restrictions.
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Bone non-union is a serious complication of distal radius fractures (DRF) that can result in functional limitations and persistent pain. However, no accepted method has been established to identify patients at risk of developing bone non-union yet. This study aimed to compare various CT-derived metrics for bone mineral density (BMD) assessment to identify predictive values for the development of bone non-union. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT images of 192 patients with DRFs who underwent unenhanced dual-energy CT (DECT) of the distal radius between 03/2016 and 12/2020 were retrospectively identified. Available follow-up imaging and medical health records were evaluated to determine the occurrence of bone non-union. DECT-based BMD, trabecular Hounsfield unit (HU), cortical HU and cortical thickness ratio were measured in normalized non-fractured segments of the distal radius. RESULTS: Patients who developed bone non-union were significantly older (median age 72 years vs. 54 years) and had a significantly lower DECT-based BMD (median 68.1 mg/cm3 vs. 94.6 mg/cm3, p < 0.001). Other metrics (cortical thickness ratio, cortical HU, trabecular HU) showed no significant differences. ROC and PR curve analyses confirmed the highest diagnostic accuracy for DECT-based BMD with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.83 for the ROC curve and an AUC of 0.46 for the PR curve. In logistic regression models, DECT-based BMD was the sole metric significantly associated with bone non-union. CONCLUSION: DECT-derived metrics can accurately predict bone non-union in patients who sustained DRF. The diagnostic performance of DECT-based BMD is superior to that of HU-based metrics and cortical thickness ratio.
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Lumbar disk degeneration is a common condition contributing significantly to back pain. The objective of the study was to evaluate the potential of dual-energy CT (DECT)-derived collagen maps for the assessment of lumbar disk degeneration. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 127 patients who underwent dual-source DECT and MRI of the lumbar spine between 07/2019 and 10/2022. The level of lumbar disk degeneration was categorized by three radiologists as follows: no/mild (Pfirrmann 1&2), moderate (Pfirrmann 3&4), and severe (Pfirrmann 5). Recall (sensitivity) and accuracy of DECT collagen maps were calculated. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to evaluate inter-reader reliability. Subjective evaluations were performed using 5-point Likert scales for diagnostic confidence and image quality. RESULTS: We evaluated a total of 762 intervertebral disks from 127 patients (median age, 69.7 (range, 23.0-93.7), female, 56). MRI identified 230 non/mildly degenerated disks (30.2%), 484 moderately degenerated disks (63.5%), and 48 severely degenerated disks (6.3%). DECT collagen maps yielded an overall accuracy of 85.5% (1955/2286). Recall (sensitivity) was 79.3% (547/690) for the detection of no/mild lumbar disk degeneration, 88.7% (1288/1452) for the detection of moderate disk degeneration, and 83.3% (120/144) for the detection of severe disk degeneration (ICC=0.9). Subjective evaluations of DECT collagen maps showed high diagnostic confidence (median 4) and good image quality (median 4). CONCLUSION: The use of DECT collagen maps to distinguish different stages of lumbar disk degeneration may have clinical significance in the early diagnosis of disk-related pathologies in patients with contraindications for MRI or in cases of unavailability of MRI.
BACKGROUND: Despite a considerable amount of literature on dual-energy CT (DECT) iodine uptake of the head and neck, the physiologic iodine uptake of this region has not been defined yet. This study aims to establish reference values for the iodine uptake of healthy organs to facilitate clinical application. METHODS: Consecutive venous DECT scans of the head and neck were reviewed, and unremarkable exams were included (n = 617). A total of 35 region of interest measurements were performed in 16 anatomical regions. Iodine uptake was compared among different organs/tissues and subgroup analysis was performed (male (n = 403) vs. female (n = 214); young (n = 207) vs. middle-aged (n = 206) vs. old (n = 204); and normal weight (n = 314) vs. overweight (n = 196) vs. obese (n = 107)). RESULTS: Overall mean iodine uptake values ranged between 0.5 and 9.4 mg/mL. Women showed higher iodine concentrations in the cervical vessels and higher uptake for the parotid gland, masseter muscle, submandibular glands, sublingual glands, palatine tonsils, tongue body, thyroid gland, and the sternocleidomastoid muscle than men (p ≤ 0.04). With increasing age, intravascular iodine concentrations increased as well as iodine uptake for cerebellum and thyroid gland, while values for the tongue and palatine tonsils were lower compared to younger subjects (p ≤ 0.03). Iodine concentrations for parotid glands and sternocleidomastoid muscles decreased with a higher BMI (p ≤ 0.004), while normal-weighted patients showed higher iodine values inside the jugular veins, other cervical glands, and tonsils versus patients with a higher BMI (p ≤ 0.04). CONCLUSION: physiologic iodine uptake values of cervical organs and tissues show gender-, age-, and BMI-related differences, which should be considered in the clinical routine of head and neck DECT.
PURPOSE: Recent advancements in medical imaging have transformed diagnostic assessments, offering exciting possibilities for extracting biomarker-based information. This study aims to investigate the capabilities of a machine learning classifier that incorporates dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) radiomics. The primary focus is on discerning and predicting outcomes related to pulmonary embolism (PE). METHODS: The study included 131 participants who underwent pulmonary artery DECT angiography between January 2015 and March 2022. Among them, 104 patients received the final diagnosis of PE and 27 patients served as a control group. A total of 107 radiomic features were extracted for every case based on DECT imaging. The dataset was divided into training and test sets for model development and validation. Stepwise feature reduction identified the most relevant features, which were used to train a gradient-boosted tree model. Receiver operating characteristics analysis and Cox regression tests assessed the association of texture features with overall survival. RESULTS: The trained machine learning classifier achieved a classification accuracy of 0.94 for identifying patients with acute PE with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.91. Radiomics features could be valuable for predicting outcomes in patients with PE, demonstrating strong prognostic capabilities in survival prediction (c-index, 0.991 [0.979-1.00], p = 0.0001) with a median follow-up of 130 days (IQR, 38-720). Notably, the inclusion of clinical or DECT parameters did not enhance predictive performance. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our study underscores the promising potential of leveraging radiomics on DECT imaging for the identification of patients with acute PE and predicting their outcomes. This approach has the potential to improve clinical decision-making and patient management, offering efficiencies in time and resources by utilizing existing DECT imaging without the need for an additional scoring system.
Computed Tomography Angiography , Machine Learning , Pulmonary Embolism , Humans , Pulmonary Embolism/diagnostic imaging , Male , Female , Prognosis , Middle Aged , Computed Tomography Angiography/methods , Aged , Biomarkers/blood , Predictive Value of Tests , Retrospective Studies
BACKGROUND: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders are a continuum of placental pathologies with increased risk for hemorrhage, blood transfusion and maternal morbidity. Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a safe approach to the standardization of complex PAS cases. The aim of this study is to analyze anemia and transfusion rate, outcome and anesthesiological management of women who underwent caesarean delivery with subsequent UAE for the management of PAS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective observational study included all pregnant women admitted to the University Hospital Frankfurt between January 2012 and September 2023, with a diagnosis of PAS who underwent a two-step surgical approach for delivery and placenta removal. Primary procedure included cesarean delivery with subsequent UAE, secondary procedure included placenta removal after a minim of five weeks via curettage or HE. Maternal characteristics, anesthesiological management, complications, anemia rate, blood loss and administration of blood products were analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 17 women with PAS were included in this study. Of these, 5.9% had placenta increta and 94.1% had placenta percreta. Median blood loss was 300 (200-600) mL during primary procedure and 3600 (450-5500) mL during secondary procedure. In total, 11.8% and 62.5% of women received red blood cell transfusion during the primary and secondary procedures, respectively. After primary procedure, postpartum anemia rate was 76.5%. The HE rate was 64.7%. Regional anesthesia was used in 88.2% during primary procedure. CONCLUSION: The embolization of the uterine artery for women diagnosed with PAS is safe. Anemia management and the implementation of blood conservation strategies are crucial in women undergoing UAE for the management of PAS.
BACKGROUND: Dual-energy CT (DECT)-derived bone mineral density (BMD) of the distal radius and other CT-derived metrics related to bone health have been suggested for opportunistic osteoporosis screening and risk evaluation for sustaining distal radius fractures (DRFs). METHODS: The distal radius of patients who underwent DECT between 01/2016 and 08/2021 was retrospectively analyzed. Cortical Hounsfield Unit (HU), trabecular HU, cortical thickness, and DECT-based BMD were acquired from a non-fractured, metaphyseal area in all examinations. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted to determine the area under the curve (AUC) values for predicting DRFs based on DECT-derived BMD, HU values, and cortical thickness. Logistic regression models were then employed to assess the associations of these parameters with the occurrence of DRFs. RESULTS: In this study, 263 patients (median age: 52 years; interquartile range: 36-64; 132 women; 192 fractures) were included. ROC curve analysis revealed a higher area under the curve (AUC) value for DECT-derived BMD compared to cortical HU, trabecular HU, and cortical thickness (0.91 vs. 0.61, 0.64, and 0.69, respectively; p <.001). Logistic regression models confirmed the association between lower DECT-derived BMD and the occurrence of DRFs (Odds Ratio, 0.83; p <.001); however, no influence was observed for cortical HU, trabecular HU, or cortical thickness. CONCLUSIONS: DECT can be used to assess the BMD of the distal radius without dedicated equipment such as calibration phantoms to increase the detection rates of osteoporosis and stratify the individual risk to sustain DRFs. In contrast, assessing HU-based values and cortical thickness does not provide clinical benefit.
Fractures, Bone , Osteoporosis , Humans , Female , Middle Aged , Radius , Absorptiometry, Photon , Retrospective Studies , Osteoporosis/diagnostic imaging , Bone Density , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Risk Assessment
BACKGROUND: The advent of advanced computed tomography (CT) technology and the field of radiomics has opened up new avenues in diagnostic assessments. Increasingly, there is substantial evidence advocating for the incorporation of quantitative imaging biomarkers in the clinical decision-making process. This study aimed to examine the correlation between D-dimer levels and thrombus size in acute pulmonary embolism (PE) combining dual-energy CT (DECT) and radiomics and to investigate the diagnostic utility of a machine learning classifier based on dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) radiomics for identifying patients with a complicated course, defined as at least hospitalization at IMC. METHODS: The study was conducted including 136 participants who underwent pulmonary artery CT angiography from January 2015 to March 2022. Based on DECT imaging, 107 radiomic features were extracted for each patient using standardized image processing. After dividing the dataset into training and test sets, stepwise feature reduction based on reproducibility, variable importance and correlation analyses were performed to select the most relevant features; these were used to train and validate the gradient-boosted tree models.Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was utilized to evaluate the association between volumetric, laboratory data and adverse outcomes. RESULTS: In the central PE group, we observed a significant correlation between thrombus volumetrics and D-dimer levels (p = 0.0037), as well as between thrombus volumetrics and hospitalization at the Intermediate Care Unit (IMC) (p = 0.0001). In contrast, no statistically significant differences were identified in thrombus sizes between patients who experienced complications and those who had a favorable course (p = 0.3162). The trained machine learning classifier achieved an accuracy of 61% and 55% in identifying patients with a complicated course, as indicated by an area under the ROC curve of 0.63 and 0.58. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our findings indicate a positive correlation between D-dimer levels and central PE's pulmonary embolic burden. Thrombus volumetrics may serve as an indicator for complications and outcomes in acute PE patients. Thus, thrombus volumetrics, as opposed to D-dimers, could be an additional marker for evaluating embolic disease severity. Moreover, DECT-derived radiomic feature models show promise in identifying patients with a complicated course, such as hospitalization at IMC.
BACKGROUND: Technological progress in the acquisition of medical images and the extraction of underlying quantitative imaging data has introduced exciting prospects for the diagnostic assessment of a wide range of conditions. This study aims to investigate the diagnostic utility of a machine learning classifier based on dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) radiomics for classifying pulmonary embolism (PE) severity and assessing the risk for early death. METHODS: Patients who underwent CT pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) between January 2015 and March 2022 were considered for inclusion in this study. Based on DECT imaging, 107 radiomic features were extracted for each patient using standardized image processing. After dividing the dataset into training and test sets, stepwise feature reduction based on reproducibility, variable importance and correlation analyses were performed to select the most relevant features; these were used to train and validate the gradient-boosted tree models. RESULTS: The trained machine learning classifier achieved a classification accuracy of .90 for identifying high-risk PE patients with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of .59. This CT-based radiomics signature showed good diagnostic accuracy for risk stratification in individuals presenting with central PE, particularly within higher risk groups. CONCLUSION: Models utilizing DECT-derived radiomics features can accurately stratify patients with pulmonary embolism into established clinical risk scores. This approach holds the potential to enhance patient management and optimize patient flow by assisting in the clinical decision-making process. It also offers the advantage of saving time and resources by leveraging existing imaging to eliminate the necessity for manual clinical scoring.
Pulmonary Embolism , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Humans , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Radiomics , Reproducibility of Results , Pulmonary Embolism/diagnostic imaging , Risk Assessment , Retrospective Studies
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of modern single and dual-energy computed tomography (CT) for assessing the integrity of the cruciate ligaments in patients that sustained acute trauma. METHODS: Patients who underwent single- or dual-energy CT followed by 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or knee joint arthroscopy between 01/2016 and 12/2022 were included in this retrospective, monocentric study. Three radiologists specialized in musculoskeletal imaging independently evaluated all CT images for the presence of injury to the cruciate ligaments. An MRI consensus reading of two experienced readers and arthroscopy provided the reference standard. Diagnostic accuracy parameters and area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) were the primary metrics for diagnostic performance. RESULTS: CT images of 204 patients (median age, 49 years; IQR 36 - 64; 113 males) were evaluated. Dual-energy CT yielded significantly higher diagnostic accuracy and AUC for the detection of injury to the anterior (94% [240/255] vs 75% [266/357] and 0.89 vs 0.66) and posterior cruciate ligaments (95% [243/255] vs 87% [311/357] and 0.90 vs 0.61) compared to single-energy CT (all parameters, p <.005). Diagnostic confidence and image quality were significantly higher in dual-energy CT compared to single-energy CT (all parameters, p <.005). CONCLUSIONS: Modern dual-energy CT is readily available and can serve as a screening tool for detecting or excluding cruciate ligament injuries in patients with acute trauma. Accurate diagnosis of cruciate ligament injuries is crucial to prevent adverse outcomes, including delayed treatment, chronic instability, or long-term functional limitations.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries , Knee Injuries , Posterior Cruciate Ligament , Male , Humans , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Knee Injuries/pathology , Sensitivity and Specificity , Knee Joint/pathology , Posterior Cruciate Ligament/injuries , Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries/diagnostic imaging , Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries/pathology , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods
BACKGROUND: Mesenteric ischemia is a life-threatening condition with a complex etiology and diagnostics. OBJECTIVE: Etiology, incidence, symptoms, and diagnostics of acute and chronic mesenteric ischemia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Literature search via PubMed with a focus on studies on the epidemiology and diagnostics of mesenteric ischemia and analysis of existing international guidelines. RESULTS: The incidence of acute mesenteric ischemia is given as 0.63-12.9 per 100,000 people per year. There are no sufficiently reliable figures for chronic mesenteric ischemia, but an incidence of up to 3 per 100,000 inhabitants per year is generally assumed. The three-phase computed tomography has the highest diagnostic specificity and sensitivity. CONCLUSION: In the presence of risk factors acute and chronic mesenteric ischemia should be considered as differential diagnoses in the presence of abdominal pain using three-phase computed tomography.
Mesenteric Ischemia , Humans , Mesenteric Ischemia/diagnostic imaging , Mesenteric Ischemia/epidemiology , Intestines , Ischemia/diagnosis , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Risk Factors
BACKGROUND: Skeletal bone age assessment for medical reasons is usually performed by conventional x-ray with use of ionizing radiation. Few pilot studies have shown the possible use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). PURPOSE: To comprehensively evaluate feasibility and value of MRI for skeletal bone age (SBA) assessment in healthy male children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective cross-sectional study, 63 male soccer athletes with mean age of 12.35 ± 1.1 years were examined. All participants underwent 3.0 Tesla MRI with coronal T1-weighted turbo spin echo (TSE), coronal proton density (PD)-weighted turbo spin echo (TSE), and T1-weighted three-dimensional (3D) volume interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE) sequence. Subsequently, SBA was assessed by 3 independent blinded radiologists with different levels of experience using the common Greulich-Pyle (GP) atlas and the Tanner-Whitehouse (TW2) method. RESULTS: In a mean total acquisition time of 5:04 ± 0:47 min, MR image quality was sufficient in all cases. MRI appraisal was significantly faster ( P < 0.0001) by GP with mean duration of 1:22 ± 0:08 min vs. 7:39 ± 0:28 min by TW. SBA assessment by GP resulted in mean age of 12.8 ± 1.2 years, by TW 13.0 ± 1.4 years. Interrater reliabilities were excellent for both GP (ICC = 0.912 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.868-0.944) and TW (ICC = 0.988 (95% CI = 0.980-0.992) and showed statistical significance ( P < 0.001). Subdivided, for GP, ICCs were 0.822 (95% CI = 0.680-0.907) and 0.843 (95% CI = 0.713-0.919) in Under 12 and Under 14 group. For TW, ICCs were 0.978 (95% CI = 0.958-0.989) in Under 12 and 0.979 (95% CI = 0.961-0.989) in Under 14 group. CONCLUSION: MRI is a clinically feasible, rapidly evaluable method to assess skeletal bone age of healthy male children. Using the Greulich-Pyle (GP) atlas or the Tanner-Whitehouse (TW2) method, reliable results are obtained independent of the radiologist's experience level.
Breath Holding , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Humans , Male , Child , Adolescent , Cross-Sectional Studies , Prospective Studies , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Imaging, Three-Dimensional/methods
BACKGROUND: To investigate the potential of radiomic features and dual-source dual-energy CT (DECT) parameters in differentiating between benign and malignant mediastinal masses and predicting patient outcomes. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we analysed data from 90 patients (38 females, mean age 51 ± 25 years) with confirmed mediastinal masses who underwent contrast-enhanced DECT. Attenuation, radiomic features and DECT-derived imaging parameters were evaluated by two experienced readers. We performed analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Chi-square statistic tests for data comparison. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and Cox regression tests were used to differentiate between mediastinal masses. RESULTS: Of the 90 mediastinal masses, 49 (54%) were benign, including cases of thymic hyperplasia/thymic rebound (n = 10), mediastinitis (n = 16) and thymoma (n = 23). The remaining 41 (46%) lesions were classified as malignant, consisting of lymphoma (n = 28), mediastinal tumour (n = 4) and thymic carcinoma (n = 9). Significant differences were observed between benign and malignant mediastinal masses in all DECT-derived parameters (p ≤ .001) and 38 radiomic features (p ≤ .044) obtained from contrast-enhanced DECT. The combination of these methods achieved an area under the curve of .98 (95% CI, .893-1.000; p < .001) to differentiate between benign and malignant masses, with 100% sensitivity and 91% specificity. Throughout a follow-up of 1800 days, a multiparametric model incorporating radiomic features, DECT parameters and gender showed promising prognostic power in predicting all-cause mortality (c-index = .8 [95% CI, .702-.890], p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: A multiparametric approach combining radiomic features and DECT-derived imaging biomarkers allows for accurate and noninvasive differentiation between benign and malignant masses in the anterior mediastinum.
Lymphoma , Mediastinal Neoplasms , Thymus Neoplasms , Female , Humans , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Retrospective Studies , Thymus Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Thymus Neoplasms/pathology , Lymphoma/diagnostic imaging , Mediastinal Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging
Background In patients with distal radius fractures (DRFs), low bone mineral density (BMD) is associated with bone substitute use during surgery and bone nonunion, but BMD information is not regularly available. Purpose To evaluate the feasibility of dual-energy CT (DECT)-based BMD assessment from routine examinations in the distal radius and the relationship between the obtained BMD values, the occurrence of DRFs, bone nonunion, and use of surgical bone substitute. Materials and Methods Scans in patients who underwent routine dual-source DECT in the distal radius between January 2016 and December 2021 were retrospectively acquired. Phantomless BMD assessment was performed using the delineated trabecular bone of a nonfractured segment of the distal radius and both DECT image series. CT images and health records were examined to determine fracture severity, surgical management, and the occurrence of bone nonunion. Associations of BMD with the occurrence of DRFs, bone nonunion, and bone substitute use at surgical treatment were examined with generalized additive models and receiver operating characteristic analysis. Results This study included 263 patients (median age, 52 years; IQR, 36-64 years; 132 female patients), of whom 192 were diagnosed with fractures. Mean volumetric BMD was lower in patients who sustained a DRF (93.9 mg/cm3 vs 135.4 mg/cm3; P < .001), required bone substitutes (79.6 mg/cm3 vs 95.5 mg/cm3; P < .001), and developed bone nonunion (71.1 mg/cm3 vs 96.5 mg/cm3; P < .001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified these patients with an area under the curve of 0.71-0.91 (P < .001). Lower BMD increased the risk to sustain DRFs, develop bone nonunion, and receive bone substitutes at surgery (P < .001). Conclusion DECT-based BMD assessment at routine examinations is feasible and could help predict surgical bone substitute use and the occurrence of bone nonunion in patients with DRFs. © RSNA, 2023 Supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Carrino in this issue.
Bone Substitutes , Fractures, Bone , Wrist Fractures , Humans , Female , Middle Aged , Bone Density , Radius/diagnostic imaging , Retrospective Studies , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Absorptiometry, Photon
BACKGROUND: Cancer is a well-known risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE). A combined strategy of D-dimer testing and clinical pre-test probability is usually used to exclude VTE. However, its effectiveness is diminished in cancer patients due to reduced specificity, ultimately leading to a decreased clinical utility. This review article seeks to provide a comprehensive summary of how to interpret D-dimer testing in cancer patients. METHODS: In accordance with PRISMA standards, literature pertaining to the diagnostic and prognostic significance of D-dimer testing in cancer patients was carefully chosen from reputable sources such as PubMed and the Cochrane databases. RESULTS: D-dimers have not only a diagnostic value in ruling out VTE but can also serve as an aid for rule-in if their values exceed 10-times the upper limit of normal. This threshold allows a diagnosis of VTE in cancer patients with a positive predictive value of more than 80%. Moreover, elevated D-dimers carry important prognostic information and are associated with VTE reoccurrence. A gradual increase in risk for all-cause death suggests that VTE is also an indicator of biologically more aggressive cancer types and advanced cancer stages. Considering the lack of standardization for D-dimer assays, it is essential for clinicians to carefully consider the variations in assay performance and the specific test characteristics of their institution. CONCLUSIONS: Standardizing D-dimer assays and developing modified pretest probability models specifically for cancer patients, along with adjusted cut-off values for D-dimer testing, could significantly enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of VTE diagnosis in this population.
Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products , Neoplasms , Humans , Neoplasms/blood , Neoplasms/complications , Neoplasms/diagnosis , Predictive Value of Tests , Risk Factors , Venous Thromboembolism/blood , Venous Thromboembolism/diagnosis , Venous Thromboembolism/prevention & control , Biological Assay/standards , Sensitivity and Specificity
Rationale and objectives: To provide a detailed analysis of injury patterns of the spine following blunt trauma and establish the role of supplementary MRI by evaluating discrepancies in the detection rates of damaged structures in CT and MRI. Method: 216 patients with blunt trauma to the spine who underwent CT followed by supplementary MRI were included in this study. Two board-certified radiologists blinded to clinical symptoms and injury mechanisms independently interpreted all acquired CT and MRI images. The interpretation was performed using a dedicated catalogue of typical findings associated with spinal trauma and assessed for spinal stability using the AO classification systems. Results: Lesions to structures associated with spinal instability were present in 31.0% in the cervical spine, 12.3% in the thoracic spine, and 29.9% in the lumbar spine. In all spinal segments, MRI provided additional information regarding potentially unstable injuries. Novel information derived from supplementary MRI changed clinical management in 3.6% of patients with injury to the cervical spine. No change in clinical management resulted from novel information on the thoracolumbar spine. Patients with injuries to the vertebral body, intervertebral disc, or spinous process were significantly more likely to benefit from supplementary MRI. Conclusion: In patients that sustained blunt spinal trauma, supplementary MRI of the cervical spine should routinely be performed to detect injuries that require surgical treatment, whereas CT is the superior imaging modality for the detection of unstable injuries in the thoracolumbar spine.
