[18F]FDG-PET/CT and long-term responses to everolimus in advanced neuroendocrine neoplasia.

PURPOSE: This study aims to identify in patients with neuroendocrine neoplasia (NEN) the potential correlation between FDG-PET findings and responses to everolimus therapy to identify predictors of long-term efficacy. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients with sporadic, advanced, progressive NEN treated with everolimus was performed based on the available data on FDG-PET patients obtained before commencing therapy. Data are expressed as the median (25-75th IQR). Risk factor analysis and survival analysis were performed by logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard regression and the determination of Kaplan-Meier curves, as appropriate. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients were evaluated (NET G1 19.7%, NET G2 75.7%, and NET G3 4.6%), including 45.4% with positive FDG-PET findings. Overall, disease stabilization and a partial response were achieved for 71.2% and 6% of patients, respectively. A long-term response (> 24 months) was observed in 33% of patients. Ki67 was the only predictor of tumor progression (p = 0.03). No significant difference in clinical outcomes was observed between patients with positive or negative FDG-PET findings (median PFS was 24 months and 18 months, respectively, p = 0.337; the disease control rate was 83.3% and 70%, respectively, p = 0.245). CONCLUSIONS: Everolimus is a valid therapeutic option for advanced, progressive, well-differentiated NEN, even in patients with positive FDG-PET findings.

3D MRI segmentation and 3D circumferential resection margin evaluation for a standard rectal cancer assessment.

AIM: Recent studies focused on rectal cancer suggested that a 3D imaging segmentation obtained from MRI data could contribute in the definition of the circumferential resection margin (CRM) and in the assessment of the tumor regression following neo-adjuvant treatments. Here, we propose a method for defining and visualizing the circumferential margins using 3D MRI segmentation; this methodology was tested in a clinical study comparing 3D CRM assessment vs standard MRI imaging. PATIENTS AND METHODS: MRI scans performed before neo-adjuvant treatments were selected and reviewed. 3D mesorectal/tumor segmentations were obtained using Digital Imaging and COmmunications in Medicine (DICOM) data; CRMs were calculated using 3D volumes plus a color scale for the closest distances. RESULTS: 3D reconstructions were possible in all selected cases and 3D images implemented by the color scale were positive for immediate CRM visualization. Statistical analyses comparing standard radiology disclosed that the degree of consistency, the reliability of ratings, the correlation and precision were optimal considering the overall cases, but lower in the CRM>0 mm sub-group. CONCLUSIONS: This new method is not inferior comparing standard radiology; moreover, the imaging segmentation we obtained was highly promising and could be helpful in defining a standard CRM measurement, thus it could improve clinical practice.

Complete response in advanced breast cancer patient treated with a combination of capecitabine, oral vinorelbine and dasatinib.

BACKGROUND: Currently, there are no data available on the best choice of treatment in heavily pretreated patients with advanced breast cancer. However, the combination of oral vinorelbine and capecitabine has been demonstrated to be effective and safe in patients with advanced breast cancer pretreated with anthracycline. Furthermore, some studies assessed the activity of dasatinib, an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor that inhibits five oncogenic tyrosine kinase families, alone or in combination with different chemotherapy in patients affected with advanced breast cancer. CASE PRESENTATION: A patient with metastatic breast cancer, hormone receptor positive and human epidermal grow factor receptor 2 negative, pretreated with epirubicine, taxanes and nab-paclitaxel, was submitted to third line chemotherapy with vinorelbine 60 mg/m2 on day 1, 8 plus capecitabine 1000 mg/m2 twice daily from day 1 to day 14 every 21 days. The patient was taking also dasatinib 100 mg once daily for chronic myeloid leukemia. The treatment was well tolerated and, after 15 months, computed tomography scan showed a complete response of liver metastases and bone stable disease. After another 28 months, a 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography scan showed a metabolic response of bone metastases without other site of disease. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first case in literature about activity of dasatinib in combination with a chemotherapy schedule of oral vinorelbine and capecitabine in advanced breast cancer. This treatment showed both good tolerability and great activity with a long progression free survival of 54 months.

[Scrotal ultrasound: anatomy and pathological findings]. / Ecografia del testicolo: anatomia e quadri patologici.

Ultrasonography (US) is the imaging modality of choice for the evaluation of scrotal disease. It provides high anatomical detail and in most cases, it is essential to enable a correct diagnosis and to obtain the right management of the patient. Color Doppler ultrasonography is a non invasive technique that aids important information about testicular perfusion, necessary in reaching a specific diagnosis in many pathologic conditions; moreover contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS), recently introduced in the clinical practice, may be considered an additional tool in the classification and differentiation of testicular pathology. The purpose of this review, is to provide the state of the art on the role of ultrasonography in the evaluation of different scrotal pathologies including vaginal process' disorders, acute scrotum, varicocele, hydrocele, chronic inflammatory diseases and testicular tumours.

Clinical-pathological features of gastrointestinal stromal tumors presenting associated with other neoplasms: a brief report.

AIM: Over the past 10 years, few authors reported the synchronous detection of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and other neoplasms in the 9-33% of GISTs series. The primary aim of the present study was of investigating the features of GISTs detected in patients with other malignancies. METHODS: From 1999 to 2010 the GISTs detected at surgical exploration or preoperative assessment for other malignancies plus primary-GISTs, were recorded and reviewed. RESULTS: All synchronous GISTs were positive for kit/CD34, resulting smaller in size, with a lower mitotic index and occurring in elderly patients, comparing with primary-GISTs (P<0.05). Moreover a prevalence of males and of lower-risk classifications were noted, not reaching, however, a statistical value. CONCLUSION: According with our findings, the synchronous GISTs are mainly asymptomatic/incidentally detected and display some of the low malignant features; we recommend, however, the surgical excision of GISTs occurring in patients with other malignancies in order to define the histology and risk features and since it might result in an incorrect management if misdiagnosed as a metastases.

[MDCT in GIST evaluation.]. / Ruolo della TC Multidetettore nello studio dei tumori stromali gastrointestinali (GIST).

AIM: The aim of our study was to evaluate the accuracy of MDCT in the study of gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST), and to compare CT results with histological findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MDCT exams of 18 patients with 19 lesions, with histological proven GISTs diagnosis, were retrospectively evaluated in order to assess the localization, the size, the contours, as well as the CT pattern and enhancement of the lesions. All the tumors were recorded with Fletcher and Miettinen classification, which evaluate the risk assessment in the gastrointestinal stromal tumours. CT findings were correlated with histological results after surgery. RESULTS: MDCT properly identified the localization and the size in all cases. CT features essentially agreed with histological features. CONCLUSIONS: The immunopositivity to c-KIT (CD117) is the key to making a diagnosis of GIST. CT is the modality of choice to study these neoplasms, evaluating the tumour's site and size with high accuracy. In our experience MDCT proved to be a valid diagnostic tool, highly correlated with histological features.

[Role of MR cholangiopancreatography in the evaluation of biliary disease]. / II ruolo della colangiopancreatografia a risonanza magnetica nello studio della patologia biliare.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in biliary tree patology in comparison with percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and surgical findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-six patients , with clinical and laboratory findings suggestive of biliary tree pathology, and after an abdominal US, underwent MRCP with a 1.5 T superconductive magnet equipped with a phased-array body coil. MR exam was performed with baseline sequences for the examination of the upper abdomen, followed by specific MRCP sequences and, in cases of suspected neoplastic disease, completed with abdominal sequences after a bolus injection of paramagnetic contrast. RESULTS: MRCP showed normal findings in 16/46 patients, biliary duct dilatation in 25/46 patients (7 choledocolithiasis, 10 benign obstructions and 8 neoplastic stenoses) and stenoses without dilatation of biliary tree in 5/46 patients. In 25 patients with biliary duct dilatation, CPRM correctly identified the level of in 100% of patients (25/25) and the nature in 88% of patients (22/25). In 5 patients with stenosis without dilatation of biliary tree, CPRM identified 2 true positives (sclerosing cholangitis), 2 false positives and 1 patient is still in follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience MRCP proved to be highly accurate as fundamental diagnostic step in patients with clinical and laboratory findings suggestive of biliary disease. The workload of ERCP, invasive method with risk of complications, in the diagnosis stage could therefore be reduced and its use be reserved for therapeutic indications.

Long-term clinical outcome of somatostatin analogues for treatment of progressive, metastatic, well-differentiated entero-pancreatic endocrine carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of factors able to predict the clinical outcome of homogenous series of entero-pancreatic endocrine tumours treated with somatostatin analogues is poor. This study was aimed at identifying predictors for efficacy of somatostatin analogues at inhibiting tumour growth and modifying patients' survival during long-term follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 31 patients with entero-pancreatic well-differentiated endocrine carcinoma received long-acting somatostatin analogues. All had progressive, metastatic disease (87% liver metastases, 38.7% distant extra-hepatic metastases). RESULTS: Response rate after 6 months of treatment was 45.2% (all disease stabilisation: 27.8% of pancreatic vs. 81.8% of intestinal tumours, P = 0.007). The predictors for non-response were: pancreatic tumour (OR 5.8), no previous surgery (OR 6.7), and the presence of distant extra-hepatic metastases, the latter being also confirmed by multivariate analysis (OR 10.0). Responders maintained stabilisation for 26.5 months, and none died during follow-up. Different survival curves were observed for patients, responding at 6 months compared to non-responders (P = 0.004), 3-year survival rate being 100% and 52.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Distant extra-hepatic metastases are the major predictor of poor efficacy of somatostatin analogues in progressive, metastatic, well-differentiated entero-pancreatic endocrine carcinomas. Patients achieving response after 6 months of treatment, maintain it throughout a long-term follow-up. Non-responders after 6 months of treatment, have a worse survival, and should be considered for alternative treatments.

Integrated imaging in peripheral nerve lesions in type 1 neurofibromatosis.

PURPOSE: Our aim was to evaluate the role of Ultrasonography (US) and Magnetic Resonance (MR) in the staging and follow-up of peripheral nerve lesions in type 1 Neurofibromatosis (NF1). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We evaluated forty-six NF1 patients (16 males and 30 females, age range 12-65 years, mean age 34 years) affected by 51 soft tissue lesions, clinically diagnosed as subcutaneous (18 cases) and plexiform (33 cases) neurofibromas. The lesions were studied to identify site, size, extension, relationship with surrounding structures, and any features indicating malignant transformation. All patients underwent at least one US examination performed with a 7.5 - 10 MHz linear multi-frequency probe. All subcutaneous neurofibromas larger than 2 cm, all superficial or deep plexiform neurofibromas not clearly defined at US, and all large plexiform neurofibromas with massive involvement of surrounding tissues were studied by MR using 0.2 T magnet (Artoscan) or 1.5 T magnet (Magnetom Vision Plus Siemens). Fifteen patients underwent surgery; the remaining cases (31) were followed up according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) protocol. RESULTS: The subcutaneous neurofibromas smaller than 2 cm showed homogeneous hypoechoic echotexture (10 cases), whereas lesions equal to or larger than 2 cm showed a characteristic target pattern (peripheral hypoechoic rim with hyperechoic core). All lesions larger than 2 cm studied by MRI displayed the target pattern in T2-weighted sequences, with peripheral signal hyperintensity and central signal hypointensity. At US, the 33 plexiform neurofibromas had an irregular shape with undefined borders; the patterns were classified as follows: 1) superficial plate-like lesions (14 cases); 2) superficial lesions with deep digitations (8 cases); 3) deep multi-lobulated lesions (5 cases); 4) extensive lesions massively involving soft tissues (6 cases). MRI was performed in 11 cases, showing an isointense or moderately hyperintense signal on T1-weighted sequences, high signal intensity on T2-weighted sequences, and, after intravenous gadolinium administration, variable enhancement on T1-weighted sequences. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained in subcutaneous neurofibromas indicate a clear relationship between lesion size and US-MR imaging, with similar local staging. Since MRI failed to provide additional information, US may be considered the first-choice, and sometimes decisive, examination in these cases. As regards plexiform neurofibromas, US only proved useful in staging superficial lesions and partly deep multi-lobulated lesions as it accurately depicted lesion size, but not local extension; MRI is therefore useful in the preoperative staging of lesions. In extensive lesions, US proved unable to provide accurate and complete local staging of the lesions, so that MRI should be systematically used in these cases.

The role of MRI in the intestinal complications in cystic fibrosis.

Fibrosing colonopathy is a complication recently detected in children with cystic fibrosis (CF), and is thought to be associated with the use of high-strength pancreatic enzymes. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of magnetic resonance (MR) in detecting possible pathologic gut findings in patients with CF under pancreatic enzyme treatment. Twenty-five patients with CF and pancreatic insufficiency, all under treatment with high-dose pancreatic enzymes, were studied by MR. MR was performed on a 1.5-T magnet by T1-weighted, 2D-FLASH fat-suppression, breath-hold sequences before and after intravenous administration of gadolinium, and by T2-weighted Turbo Spin-Echo (TSE) and Half-Fourier Acquisition Single-Shot Turbo Spin Echo (HASTE) fat-suppression, breath-hold sequences. A superparamagnetic negative oral contrast agent was given 1.5 h before the examination. MR showed a wall thickening of the terminal ileum and the ascending colon (>4-12 mm) in 22 patients; nine of them (wall thickness >4-6 mm) showed both a moderate hyperintensity of the bowel wall on T2-weighted sequences and an enhancement after intravenous gadolinium on T1-weighted sequences; 13 patients (wall thickness >6-12 mm) showed both a great wall enhancement after intravenous gadolinium and an increased signal intensity of the bowel wall on T2-weighted sequences. Fecal impaction without bowel wall involvement was detected in three patients. MR proved to be a useful, noninvasive, diagnostic tool for the evaluation of patients with CF and fibrosing colonopathy. The signal hyperintensity on T2-weighted sequences and the great wall enhancement after intravenous gadolinium administration indicating an acute edematous condition, provide the clinicians useful information for the therapeutic adjustment.

[Bifid median nerve in the carpal tunnel: integrated imaging]. / Nervo mediano bifido a livello del tunnel carpale: imaging integrato.

PURPOSE: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a neuropathy caused by compression of the median nerve at the level of the wrist, which is caused by different pathologic conditions. In some cases it has been associated with anatomic variations of the median nerve, mainly with the early duplication of the nerve inside the carpal tunnel (III Group of Lanz). The treatment of CTS is mainly surgical consisting in decompression by transection of the transverse carpal ligament, which is better performed by endoscopic release. The aim of our study was to evaluate the possibility to detect this anatomic variant by integrated imaging and assess the value of this information for planning treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We report 6 cases of bifid median nerve examined by Ultrasonography (US) using mechanic sectorial and linear array transducers operating at 10 to 13 MHz, and by MR imaging using 0.2 T equipment. RESULTS: In all cases US transverse scans showed two adjacent oval formations with a structure similar to that of the median nerve. CONCLUSIONS. MR imaging confirmed the sonographic findings in all cases. All patients underwent open surgical treatment by decompression of the median nerve; in all cases an early duplicated median nerve was confirmed.

Chronic granulomatous disease with gastric antral narrowing: a study and follow-up by MRI.

We report the case of a boy with chronic septic granulomatosis (CSG) who presented with a marked gastric antrum narrowing which was evaluated by MRI after oral intake of magnetic contrast particles, and after gadolinium i.v. administration. In particular, a mammillated aspect of the gastric wall in the antral region was seen. Follow-up by MRI clearly showed the gradual resolution of hyperemic wall thickness, after medical management. The antral stenosis resolved after 3 months. Magnetic resonance imaging provides detailed evaluation of gastric wall inflammation in course of CSG.

[Role of color Doppler US in the evaluation of renal transplant]. / Ruolo dell'eco color-Doppler nella diagnostica del rene trapiantato.

AIM: To assess the role of Ultrasound (US), US Color Doppler (CD) and Power Doppler (PD) in the diagnosis and in the follow-up of renal graft pathology by evaluating morphological and functional features of the vasculature and comparing these to other clinical parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From January 1990 to June 2000, four hundred and thirty-six renal allograft recipients (mean age 45 years) underwent periodical US, CD and PD (mean follow-up 48 months) to evaluate morphology and perfusion of the graft. Resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) were measured in order to monitor flow variations from the renal to the arcuate arteries. PD was used mainly to study the morphology of the cortical vessels. The examinations were performed on an Esaote Biomedica AU-4/5 (Genoa, Italy) using a convex 3.5 MHz probe and a linear 7.5 MHz probe. On the basis of clinical data the patients were divided into 3 groups: A) Normal, B) Acute graft dysfunction, C) Chronic allograft nephropathy. In 87 patients (20%) percutaneous biopsy or FNAB was performed. RI and PI mean values +/-SD were calculated and compared to the other diagnostic parameters considered: serum creatinine level, US morphology, CD and PD vascularization. Finally RI and PI for each group were compared using the t -test in order to determine the statistical significance of the correlation between these indices and the patients clinical conditions. RESULTS: The 436 patients were divided as follows: Group A) 170 patients (39%); Group B) 105 patients (24%); Group C) 161 patients (37%). Urological and surgical complications were ruled out in all patients. RI and PI showed a similar trend exceeding cut-off values in Group B) and C) with highest peaks in Group B. Statistical analysis demonstrated the efficacy of this method in the differentiation between normal and pathological grafts, but there was a reduced statistical difference between the two pathological groups. Histological analysis performed on 87 patients (20%) showed good correlation with RI. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: CD is a non-invasive diagnostic method which provides flow-metric quantitative parameters for the hemodynamic assessment of the renal transplant. These values present a certain sensitivity but are not specific of renal graft dysfunction, as there is no reliable differentiation between acute rejection and other parenchymal pathologies. During the follow-up, RI and PI have no predictive value. RI variations from renal artery to cortical vessels (hylum-cortical ratio) show a good correlation with the clinical evolution of the transplant. The evaluation of RI and PI can generally be limited to renal and interlobar arteries as arcuate sampling is necessary only when the hylum-cortical ratio shows reduction or inversion. Integration of clinical and instrumental diagnoses can reduce the number of biopsies.

Integrated diagnostic imaging of primary thoracic rhabdomyosarcoma.

We report a rare case of primary thoracic rhabdomyosarcoma in a girl who was referred with acute chest pain, hacking cough, and wheezing. A chest X-ray revealed a complete opacity of the right hemithorax. Ultrasound revealed a right-sided pleural effusion and a solid mass above the liver dome, suggesting a neoplastic disease, which quickly led to further specific examination. Use of CT and MRI together with bone scintigraphy completed the investigation. The biopsy specimen showed a pattern of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. This case was reported to emphasize the role of US in the evaluation of a child with hemithorax opacity.

Evaluation of bifid median nerve with sonography and MR imaging.

Bifid median nerve is an anatomic variation that may be associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. It is important for the surgeon to be aware of the existence of this condition preoperatively in order to plan the carpal tunnel release. We report the correlation between ultrasonographic findings and magnetic resonance imaging results in six patients with bifid median nerve, selected from a population of 294 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, who were studied by ultrasonography using a high frequency transducer. Sonography showed two structures inside the carpal tunnel with the same pattern as the median nerve in all six patients. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the sonographic findings. The patients underwent open surgery, and a bifid median nerve was found. In conclusion, bifid median nerve is an anatomic variant that can be demonstrated ultrasonographically. It is important to be aware of this anomaly when planning carpal tunnel release surgery.

[Multiple prostatic biopsies in the "gray zone" of the specific prostatic antigen]. / La biopsia prostatica multipla nella "zona grigia" dei valori dell'antigene prostatico specifico.

PURPOSE: Aim of our study was to identify cases of undetected prostatic cancer in patients with normal findings at digital examination and transrectal US, and prostate specific antigen (PSA) values ranging 4-10 ng/mL. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two hundred and ninety patients were submitted to transrectal US and random bilateral prostatic biopsy; 3 samples were collected from each side of the gland using 16-Gauge thru-cut needles. Of the 290 patients who gave fully informed consent, we selected 34 whose age ranged 56 to 76 years (mean: 64). Inclusion criteria were PSA 4-10 ng/mL, PSAD cut-off 0.15, free/total PSA ratio 15-25%, and normal findings at digital examination and transrectal US. PSA velocity was calculated collecting 3 blood samples every 30 days for 2 months. RESULTS: Five of the 34 selected patients (15%) had prostatic cancer, and 2 (6%) Pin (1 Pin 1 and 1 Pin 2). As for the other 27 patients, biopsy demonstrated 4 (12%) cases of prostatitis and 23 (62%) cases of BPH. PSA values increased in all patients with positive histology, versus only 6 (22%) of those with negative histology. PSAD was 0.15 or greater in 3 of 7 prostatic cancer patients. Free/total PSA ratio never exceeded the cut-off value. Gleason score ranged 2 to 4. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings confirm that prostatic biopsy can detect tumors also in areas which appear normal at transrectal US and digital examination, and that PSA rate increases in patients with positive histology. Finally, the actual clinical role of prostatic biopsy relative to all other diagnostic imaging techniques remains to be defined.