Targeted MRI-guided prostate biopsies for the detection of prostate cancer: initial clinical experience with real-time 3-dimensional transrectal ultrasound guidance and magnetic resonance/transrectal ultrasound image fusion.

OBJECTIVE: To prove the feasibility and evaluate the initial clinical results of targeted prostate biopsies using the Urostation novel platform using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) registration to help steer the biopsy needle to suspicious areas. METHODS: We prospectively included 30 patients for suspicion of prostate cancer from November 2011 to August 2012. All patients were previously evaluated by a multiparametric MRI, interpreted by a single radiologist who attributed a Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) score to each lesion. A conventional 12-core randomized biopsy protocol was performed and 2 additional targeted biopsies were performed on suspicious area(s). The results of randomized and targeted biopsies were compared. RESULTS: Among the 30 patients, suspicious area(s) were found on MRI in 20 cases (67%). Median procedure time was 23 minutes. Targeting success rate (biopsy visualized inside the target) was 83%, with at least 1 biopsy reaching the target in all cases. Prostate cancer was detected in 14 cases (47%), including 11 cases with an abnormal MRI. Targeted biopsies detected cancer in all 11 cases and all but 1 were clinically significant. Randomized biopsies detected 10 of these 11 cases, and 3 more cases that MRI considered normal. Sensitivity to detect a significant cancer was 91% in both modalities. CONCLUSION: This initial clinical study showed encouraging results for targeted MRI-guided prostate biopsies using MRI-TRUS fusion. Although further studies are needed to determine the role of prostate MRI before biopsy and the relevance of targeted biopsies, the Urostation is an MRI-TRUS fusion device that has good accuracy for targeting suspicious areas on MRI.

Non-severe pulmonary embolism: prognostic CT findings.

The goal of this study was to retrospectively evaluate CT cardiovascular parameters and pulmonary artery clot load score as predictors of 3-month mortality in patients with clinically non-severe pulmonary embolism (PE). We included 226 CT positive for PE in hemodynamically stable patients (112 women; mean age 67.1 years ± 16.9). CT were independently reviewed by two observers. Results were compared with occurrence of death within 3 months using Cox regression. Twenty-four (10.6%) patients died, for whom 9 were considered to be due to PE. Interobserver agreement was moderate for the shape of interventricular septum (κ = 0.41), and for the ratio between the diameters of right and left ventricle (RV/LV) (κ = 0.76). Observers found no association between interventricular septum shape and death. A RV/LV diameter ratio >1 was predictive of death (OR, 3.83; p < 0.01) only when we also took into account the value of the embolic burden (< 40%). In a multivariate model, CT cardiovascular parameters were not associated with death. Concomitant lower limb DVT and comorbid conditions were important predictors of death. In clinically non-severe PE, a RV/LV diameter ratio >1 is predictive of death when the embolic burden is low (< 40%).