Imaging of Uveal Melanoma-Current Standard and Methods in Development.

Uveal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults, characterized by an insidious onset and poor prognosis strongly associated with tumor size and the presence of distant metastases, most commonly in the liver. Contrary to most tumor identification, a biopsy followed by a pathological exam is used only in certain cases. Therefore, an early and noninvasive diagnosis is essential to enhance patients' chances for early treatment. We reviewed imaging modalities currently used in the diagnostics of uveal melanoma, including fundus imaging, ultrasonography (US), optical coherence tomography (OCT), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), fundus autofluorescence (FAF), as well as positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The principle of imaging techniques is briefly explained, along with their role in the diagnostic process and a summary of their advantages and limitations. Further, the experimental data and the advancements in imaging modalities are explained. We describe UM imaging innovations, show their current usage and development, and explain the possibilities of utilizing such modalities to diagnose uveal melanoma in the future.

General technical remarks on 1HMRS translational research in 7T.

PURPOSE: The aim of the work was to share the practical experience of preclinical and clinical proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1HMRS) studies conducted using a 7-Tesla magnetic field strength scanner, taking into account the specificity of both settings in the context of translational research. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 1HMRS volunteer studies conducted using a Discovery 950 GE 7T scanner, were carried out with PRESS sequence, and a VOI measuring 2.0 × 2.0 × 2.0 cm3 placed in the white matter at the parietal occipital lobe. Rodent spectra obtained using a 7T Bruker were measured with PRESS, with a VOI 2.0 × 2.0 × 5.5 mm3 placed over the hippocampus. RESULTS: 1HMRS data from humans and rats show that the brain spectra obtained in the same field are characterised by a similar neurochemical structure and spectral resolution. Spectra obtained from rats demonstrate the following metabolites: NAA, Glu, Gln, Ins, Cho, Cr, PCr, Tau, GABA, Lac, NAAG, and Asp. In turn, spectra from humans allowed estimation of the following metabolites: Ala, NAA, Glu, Gln, Ins, Cho, Cr, PCr, Tau, GABA, Lac, NAAG, and Asp. Signals from Gln, Glu with chemical shift around 2.4 ppm, from Cr, PCr, and GABA at 3 ppm, and signals from Cho and Tau at approximately 3.2 ppm, can be properly separated and estimated both in humans and in rats. CONCLUSIONS: These results are promising in terms of broadening the knowledge of many neurological diseases by inducing them on animal models and then transferring this knowledge to clinical practice. In spite of this, important distinctions in the technical aspects and methodological differences of high-field 1HMRS in both preclinical and clinical conditions should be taken into account.

Intraoperative decision to change the course of management based on an ultrasonographic image of urinary bladder paraganglioma - a case study.

This case study concerns a 69-year-old woman qualified for transurethral resection of a primary tumor in a urinary bladder. Since a cystoscopic image did not correspond with typical urothelial carcinoma, an intraoperative ultrasonographic transrectal imaging was carried out, on the basis of which it was believed to be urinary bladder paraganglioma. Endoscopic treatment was abandoned. The patient was directed for further examination and next, on suspicion of extra-bladder phaeochromocytoma, scheduled for open surgery. Due to the location and range of the tumor, and systemic conditions, a radical cystectomy and Bricker's supravesical ureteroileal conduit were carried out. A postoperative histopathological examination confirmed the phaeochromocytoma character of the urinary bladder tumor.This case study concerns a 69-year-old woman qualified for transurethral resection of a primary tumor in a urinary bladder. Since a cystoscopic image did not correspond with typical urothelial carcinoma, an intraoperative ultrasonographic transrectal imaging was carried out, on the basis of which it was believed to be urinary bladder paraganglioma. Endoscopic treatment was abandoned. The patient was directed for further examination and next, on suspicion of extra-bladder phaeochromocytoma, scheduled for open surgery. Due to the location and range of the tumor, and systemic conditions, a radical cystectomy and Bricker's supravesical ureteroileal conduit were carried out. A postoperative histopathological examination confirmed the phaeochromocytoma character of the urinary bladder tumor.

Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) as a new method of signal obtainment in magnetic resonance molecular imaging in clinical and research practice.

The work describes the physical basis of the chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) technique; it presents the beginnings of the implementation of the method and its possible applications. The principles of correct data acquisition and possible solutions used during the design of the CEST sequence are shown. The main problems related to data analysis are indicated, and an example Z-spectrum from in vivo study of the rat brain is introduced. Furthermore, the parameters related to spectrum analyses such as magnetisation transfer asymmetry (MTRasym) and amide proton transfer asymmetry (APTasym) are presented. In the following part, different types of the CEST method often mentioned in the literature are discussed. Subsequently, the possible applications of the CEST method in both clinical and experimental practice are described.

Unusual interleukin-1 and -6 expression in fetal cartilage is associated with placental abnormalities.

Unusual expression of interleukin-1alpha, -1beta and -6 was previously found in the epiphyseal cartilage of rat fetuses prenatally exposed to various non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID, i.e., ibuprofen, piroxicam, tolmetin) and selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor (DFU). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of placenta in such phenomenon. Morphology of the organ, thickness of basal and labyrinth layer, immunoexpression of COX isoenzymes were examined, and confronted with maternal biochemical data and fetal developmental parameters. Higher maternal urea level, as well as lower placental weight and labyrinth thickness were found in the group of fetuses who revealed expression of genes coded the selected interleukins, when compared with the xenobiotic-exposed pups without the selected genes expression and untreated control. A significant correlation between placental weight and maternal total protein or urea level was revealed. Histological changes like inflammatory infiltration and calcification were observed sporadically. Location and intensity of COX-1 staining was similar in all cases. However, more intense COX-2 staining for majority of cells of the basal zone and in dispersed giant cells of the labyrinth was found in inflamed organs. It could be concluded that abnormal expression of the selected interleukins is associated with low placental weight and decrease of its thickness, especially labyrinth zone, as well as with high maternal urea level.

[The diagnosis of anthracycline-induced cardiac damage and heart failure]. / Diagnostyka uszkodzen i dysfunkcji miesnia sercowego wywolanych antracyklinami.

Routine examinations during chemotherapy containing anthracyclines evaluate heart function before treatment and monitor cardiotoxic effects during and after therapy. A number of methods are useful in cardiac assessment, including electrocardiography, radiology techniques (RTG, CT, MRI,PET-CT, PET-MRI), echocardiography, radioisotope imaging techniques (scintigraphy, MUGA,PET), and ultra-structure evaluation in biopsy samples. Nevertheless, there is a continuous need for new methods to predict future damage at the initial stages of cardiac changes. In recent years the therapeutic usefulness of biochemical blood parameters in anthracycline-treated patients has been assessed. The levels of cardiac troponins (cTnI, cTnT), natriuretic peptides (ANP, BNP), and endothelin 1 have been included in the studies. Heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP) is another promising factor showing cardiomyocytic impairment. However, the clinical use of biochemical parameters in diagnosing anthracycline-related cardiotoxicity is still a controversial issue.