[Pain reduction by radiosynoviorthesis in rheumatism-induced synovitis of the elbow : Results of a retrospective multicenter data analysis]. / Schmerzreduktion durch Radiosynoviorthese bei rheumatisch bedingter Synovialitis des Ellenbogens : Ergebnisse einer retrospektiven, multizentrischen Datenanalyse.

BACKGROUND: Radiosynoviorthesis (RSO) is a nuclear medical local treatment modality for inflammatory joint diseases. It is indicated in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in joints with persistent synovitis despite adequate pharmacotherapy. Arthritis of the elbow joint occurs in up to 2/3 of patients with RA. Intra-articular radiotherapy using the beta emitter [186Re] rhenium sulfide leads to sclerosis of the inflamed synovial membrane with subsequent pain alleviation. The clinical efficacy in cubital arthritis, however, has so far only been described in small monocentric studies. OBJECTIVE: The degree of pain alleviation by RSO was analyzed in patients with rheumatoid cubital arthritis, treated in several nuclear medical practices specialized in RSO. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The subjective pain intensity before and after RSO was documented in a total of 107 patients with rheumatic cubital arthritis using a 10-step numeric rating scale (NRS). A difference of ≥ -2 is rated as a significant improvement. Follow-up examinations were done after a mean interval of 14 months after RSO (at least 3 months, maximum 50 months). RESULTS: The mean NRS value was 7.3 ± 2.1 before RSO and 2.8 ± 2.2 after RSO. A significant pain alleviation was seen in 78.5% of all patients treated. The subgroup analysis also showed a significant improvement in the pain symptoms in all groups depending on the time interval between the RSO and the control examination. A significant pain progression was not observed. The degree of pain relief was independent of the time of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Using RSO for local treatment of rheumatoid cubital arthritis leads to a significant and long-lasting pain relief in more than ¾ of the treated patients.

Intra-articular Treatment of Digital Osteoarthritis by Radiosynoviorthesis-Clinical Outcome in Long-term Follow-up.

PURPOSE: This retrospective study analyzed the long-term effects of radiosynoviorthesis (RSO) with special emphasis to local joint pain in patients from 4 different RSO centers in Germany and Austria. METHODS: A total of 168 finger joints in 147 patients with digital joint OA were investigated. The indication for RSO was based on both clinical complaints and a proven synovitis, despite anti-inflammatory pharmacotherapy and previous intra-articular corticosteroid injections. Radiosynoviorthesis was performed according to international guidelines. A numeric visual analog scale (VAS) before and after treatment was used to measure the outcome. Follow-up was done for at least 2 years after treatment, in some patients even over 10 years. RESULTS: Radiosynoviorthesis resulted in a significant reduction of VAS values in most of the patients, lasting for the whole period of follow-up. Two-thirds of the treated joints showed clinically relevant improvement, if a reduction of 30% in VAS values was defined as a reasonable cutoff. The best results were achieved in thumb base joints. CONCLUSIONS: This article confirms that RSO is a suitable treatment option for digital joint OA with a proven synovitis. The analgesic effect is long-lasting and comparable to the success of RSO in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Diagnostic Performance of 99mTc-Methoxy-Isobuty-Isonitrile (MIBI) for Risk Stratification of Hypofunctioning Thyroid Nodules: A European Multicenter Study.

99mTc-MIBI (MIBI) imaging is able to exclude malignancy of hypofunctioning thyroid nodules (TNs) with high probability but false positive results are frequent due to low specificity. Therefore, pre-test selection of appropriate TNs is crucial. For image evaluation visual and semiquantitative methods (Washout index, WOInd) are used. Aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of MIBI imaging in hypofunctioning TNs with indeterminate fine-needle aspiration cytology results in a multicentric European setting. Patients with hypofunctioning TNs, EU-TIRADS 4 or 5, Bethesda III/IV and MIBI imaging were included. For visual evaluation the intensity of MIBI uptake in the TN was compared to normal thyroid tissue. 358 patients with 365 TNs (n = 68 malignant) were included. Planar imaging (SPECT) showed a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of 96% (94%), 21% (22%), 22% (15%), 96% (96%), and 35% (32%). The WOInd (38.9% of all cases, optimal cutoff: -19%) showed a sens 100% (spec 89%, PPV 82%, NPV 100%, ACC 93%). For hypofunctioning TNs at intermediate or high risk with indeterminate cytology, a MIBI negative result on visual evaluation is an effective tool to rule-out thyroid malignancy. The semi-quantitative method could considerably improve overall diagnostic performance of MIBI imaging.

[Imaging in manual medicine-Necessary and interesting aspects]. / Bildgebung in der Manuellen Medizin ­ Notwendiges und Interessantes.

The German Society for Manual Medicine no longer demands mandatory X­ray diagnostics prior to high-velocity, low-amplitude manipulation. Indication is based on the general justification as a result of anamnesis and clinical examination. With appropriate indications, imaging primarily serves to exclude contraindications. The use of X­ray diagnostics to determine the treatment technique or direction is obsolete, especially in infants. Detection of segmental dysfunction as the therapeutic indication is of scientific interest only. Other possible objectives of imaging are detection of a non-functional cause of pain or prediction of therapeutic success. In either case, study results to date contradict general imaging, as there is no significant correlation between detected changes and existing or developing pain. In particular, the significance of a Modic lesion is still to be regarded as open according to studies to date.

[The Baker's cyst - a blunt sword of Damokles in radiosynoviorthesis (RSO)?] / Die Bakerzyste ­ das stumpfe Damoklesschwert bei der Radiosynoviorthese (RSO)?

The existence of a popliteal Baker's cyst was regarded as a contraindication for radiosynoviorthesis of the knee joint since decades. A so-called "ventile mechanism" was discussed leading to a significant concentration of the intraarticularly applied, high energy beta emitting radiopharmaceutical yttrium-90-colloid in the cyst. This cyst arises from a bursa beneath the tendon of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle, normally communicating with the knee joint space. Since the cyst wall is much thinner than the knee joint capsule, a radiogenic rupture of the cyst was feared, leading to severe radiogenic necroses of the surrounding soft tissue. Due to this potential hazard, knee joint ultrasound is mandatory prior to radiosynoviorthesis to check for any popliteal cysts. New studies however decline the risk of a radiogenic cyst rupture after an appropriately performed radiosynoviorthesis of the knee joint.In case of a preexistent cyst rupture, the risk of a radiogenic tissue damage remains an issue and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the method of choice to exclude this potential hazard. However, MRI sometimes leads to equivocal results. Scintigraphy of the knee joint after intraarticular application of Tc-99m-nanocolloid offers the possibility to check for the integrity of the Baker's cyst in these patients to be sure that radiosynoviorthesis will not lead to a relevant extraarticular leakage with soft tissue necroses. This study describes the procedure of intracavitary distribution scintigraphy by means of representative case reports.

[RSO in clinical practice: Status in Germany 2020]. / RSO im klinischen Alltag: Statuserfassung in Deutschland 2020.

BACKGROUND: Radiosynoviorthesis (RSO) is a local radionuclide therapy of inflammatory joint diseases, successfully performed since several decades mainly as an outpatient-protocol in ambulatory health care centers or nuclear medicine practices. Despite of long-term experience in some centers, only very few valuable or comparable data about the procedure itself and/or the clinical results of this treatment are available. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this online survey is to assess reliable data of the current status in Germany. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A web-based questionnaire was designed to evaluate the status of RSO in Germany including demographic data, training, pretherapeutic diagnostics, clinical procedures, and follow-up. The survey was distributed via the supplier of RSO-nuclides, national nuclear medicine societies, and personal networks. It was available for 28 days and closed on November 30, 2020. RESULTS: A total of 78 specialists in nuclear medicine answered the questionnaire, which corresponds to a response rate of 23 %. Several differences and concordances in pre-therapeutic diagnostics, in the procedure of RSO itself, and follow-up were documented in this survey for the first time. Most important, less than 70 nuclear medicine specialists in Germany perform more than 75 % of all RSO-procedures and most of them are older than 50 years of age. This implies the urgent need of a dedicated advancement of young academics in nuclear medicine and a professional advanced training in RSO to offer this beneficial treatment to future patients. CONCLUSIONS: To achieve these goals, an association of RSO experts would be useful, through which, among other things, an RSO training curriculum is developed and theoretical and practical trainings are organized. Moreover, possible cooperation agreements between ambulant and inpatient institutions would foster the education of young nuclear medicine specialists interested in RSO.

Characteristics of different histological subtypes of thyroid nodules classified with 99mTc-methoxy-isobutyl-isonitrile imaging and Thyroid Imaging Reporting And Data System.

INTRODUCTION: Thyroid Imaging Reporting And Data System (TIRADS) is helpful for risk stratification of thyroid nodules. However, there is a lack of data for TIRADS classification of different histological subtypes [classical papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), follicular variant of papillary thyroid cancer (FVPTC), and follicular thyroid cancer (FTC)], and benign thyroid nodules (follicular adenoma, oncocytic adenoma, and multinodular goiter (MNG)]. Methoxy-isobutyl-isonitrile (MIBI) imaging has a high negative predictive value for the exclusion of thyroid malignancy in hypofunctioning thyroid nodules. The aim of this analysis was to compare malignant and benign subtypes of thyroid nodule using three TIRADS and MIBI imaging. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of MIBI imaging studies. Hypofunctioning thyroid nodules were classified with Kwak-TIRADS, EU-TIRADS, and K-TIRADS. MIBI imaging was visually categorized. RESULTS: We included 242 thyroid nodules (32 malignant, 19 PTC, 7 FVPTC, and 6 FTC). When using Kwak-TIRADS 4C and 5 as a marker for high-risk nodules, we found 85.5% of the follicular adenoma, 80.8% of the MNG, 100% of the oncocytic adenoma, 100% of the FTC, 57.1% of the FVPTC, and 42.2% of the PTC to be below this cutoff. All PTC and FVPTC were MIBI-positive, 83% of the FTC, 78% of the follicular adenoma, 75% of the oncocytic adenoma, and 60% of the MNG were MIBI-positive. CONCLUSION: TIRADS is useful to detect PTC, but FVPTC and FTC may be missed. MIBI imaging seems to be more suitable to detect FVPTC and FTC. However, neither TIRADS nor MIBI imaging are able to differentiate between follicular adenoma and FTC or FVPTC.

[Radiosynoviorthesis of the knee joint: Influence on Baker's cysts]. / Einfluss der Radiosynoviorthese des Kniegelenks auf bestehende Bakerzysten.

AIM: The study examines the influence of a radiosynoviorthesis of the knee joint on the Baker's cyst volume over time. METHODS: Patients with radiosynoviorthesis of the knee joint with simultaneous Baker's cyst were retrospectively selected and asked for a sonographic control. The presence of a pre-therapeutic sonography with imaging of the Baker's cyst in longitudinal and cross-sectional view to determine the volume was necessary. Exclusion criterion was an intermediate therapy with influence on the volume of the Baker's cyst. Groups were formed with a time interval of 3 months (2 to 4 months, 5 to 7 months, etc.) after radiosynoviorthesis. If the number of patients within a group was too small, the group was combined with the following group. Pre- and posttherapeutic Baker's cyst volumes were compared. In 4 evaluable groups, the significance level was determined to p = 0.0125 using Bonferoni-correction. RESULTS: 102 radiosynoviorthesis in 84 patients aged between 23 and 86 years could be evaluated. These could be assigned to groups with a distance to the radiosynoviorthesis of 2 to 4 months, 5 to 7 months, 8 to 16 months as well as 20 and more months. In group 1 the volume decreased by 53 % (p < 0.007), in group 2 by 47 % (p < 0.007), in group 3 by 18 % (p < 0.005) and in group 4 by 73 % (p < 0.0007). No serious complications occurred with any radiosynoviorthesis. CONCLUSION: The study shows a positive effect of a radiosynoviorthesis on an existing Baker's cyst, even over a longer period of time. Therefore, it seems reasonable to establish radiosynoviorthesis as a component of a multimodal therapy, for example before surgical intervention.

Diagnostic Performance of Different Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (Kwak-TIRADS, EU-TIRADS and ACR TI-RADS) for Risk Stratification of Small Thyroid Nodules (≤10 mm).

Due to the widespread use of ultrasound, small thyroid nodules (TNs) ≤ 10 mm are common findings. Standardized approaches for the risk stratification of TNs with Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (TIRADS) were evaluated for the clinical routine. With TIRADS, the risk of malignancy in TNs is calculated by scoring the number or combination of suspicious ultrasound features, leading to recommendations for further diagnostic steps. However, there are only scarce data on the performance of TIRADS for small TNs. The aim was to compare three different TIRADS for risk stratification of small TNs in routine clinical practice. We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of TNs ≤ 10 mm and their available histology. Nodules were classified according to three different TIRADS. In the study, 140 patients (n = 113 female) with 145 thyroid nodules (n = 76 malignant) were included. Most of the malignant nodules were papillary carcinoma (97%), and the remaining 3% were medullary carcinoma. For all tested TIRADS, the prevalence of malignancy rose with increasing category levels. The highest negative predictive value was found for ACR TI-RADS and the highest positive predictive value for Kwak-TIRADS. All tested variants of TIRADS showed comparable diagnostic performance for the risk stratification of small TNs. TIRADS seems to be a promising tool to reliably assess the risk of malignancy of small TNs.

Interobserver Agreement of Planar and SPECT Tc99m-MIBI Scintigraphy for the Assessment of Hypofunctioning Thyroid Nodules.

INTRODUCTION: Thyroid scintigraphy with 99mTc-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) is a helpful tool for the risk stratification of thyroid nodules (TN). Whereas a nodule with low or hypointense MIBI uptake has a low risk for malignancy, a hyperintense uptake may indicate a malignant nodule, which requires surgical resection. The appropriate diagnostic or therapeutic regimen of an isointense nodule with an uptake similar to the paranodular tissue is discussed controversially. Aim of this study was to assess the interobserver agreement (IA) for the assignment of TN to the three categories: hypo-, iso-or hyperintense. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of planar and SPECT images of MIBI scintigraphy was performed in 36 randomly selected patients with hypofunctioning TN and histological diagnosis. Four observers with different levels of experience in MIBI-scintigraphy analyzed MIBI uptake and assigned the nodules to the appropriate category. To assess the IA, Fleiss' Kappa was calculated. RESULTS: The study cohort included 11 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (diameter 20.3 mm) and 25 patients with benign nodules (diameter 24.8 mm). The IA for all nodules using planar images was 0.76 compared to 0.80 for SPECT images. The IA was better in the subgroup of malignant nodules for planar images as well as SPECT images (Kappa 0.91 and 0.90, respectively) compared to benign nodules (0.65 and 0.76, respectively). Using SPECT images, only one thyroid carcinoma presented with hypointense uptake, the remainder with hyper- or isointense uptake. In contrast, benign nodules were found in all categories. CONCLUSION: MIBI scintigraphy shows a good IA for the interpretation of thyroid carcinoma. The IA is further improved if MIBI scintigraphy is performed in SPECT technique.

Split renal function measured by triphasic helical CT.

PURPOSE: To present a method for calculating split renal function solely from routine triphasic helical computed tomography (CT). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively included 26 adult patients who received renal scintigraphy and triphasic CT within 4 weeks in the years 2003 and 2004. All scans were performed using a standard abdominal protocol. Split renal function was calculated as relative single-kidney glomerular filtration rate (GFR) using a simplified "two-point Patlak plot" technique. As a reference method, split renal function was determined from renal scintigraphy using the standard technique. RESULTS: Linear correlation between the two methods was r=0.91, split renal function (CT)=0.0266+0.9573 x split renal function (scintigraphy). CONCLUSION: Split renal function can be measured accurately by minimally extended triphasic CT.

Influence of dose rate on therapeutic success of radioiodine therapy of functional thyroid autonomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of dose rate on the therapeutic success of radioiodine therapy (RIT) by retrospective analysis of two groups of patients with different dose rates during RIT. METHODS: The average dose rate until deposition of 50% of the total radiation dose achieved (the DL50 value) was calculated. Ninety patients with autonomy of the thyroid receiving radiation doses between 300 and 400 Gy were separated in groups with high DL50 values (the DL50 H group) and low DL50 values (the DL50L group). Before and 4 months after RIT free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), basal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSHB), stimulated TSH (TSHS), thyroidal technetium uptake (TcTU), and the existence of focal abnormalities in thyroid scintigraphy were evaluated. RESULTS: The DL50 H and DL50L groups showed no differences before RIT in the parameters assessed as well as in total achieved dose and autonomous thyroid volume. After therapy a significant difference was found in TSHB with higher values in DL50 H (1.89+/-1.49 vs. 1.31+/-1.48 mU . l, P<0.05), FT4 showed a trend to lower values (13.8+/-4.0 vs. 16.1+/-6.2 pmol . l, P=0.09). CONCLUSION: The DL50 value has an influence on therapeutic success of RIT. This influence is only discrete and not likely to produce clinically relevant effects in the practical use of RIT.

Immunoscintigraphy of septic loosening of knee endoprosthesis: a retrospective evaluation of the antigranulocyte antibody BW 250/183.

Immunoscintigraphy with the use of the antigranulocyte antibody BW 250/183 is a reliable method for detecting infection, especially in septic loosening of hip prostheses, for which purpose quantitative interpretation of the time-activity course is employed. Therefore, we retrospectively studied whether similar results could be achieved in knee prostheses. We verified 28 scintigraphic examinations in 26 patients by histology. Scintigraphy was performed during an early (4-6 h post injection) and a late phase (23-25 h post injection). Infection was diagnosed when activity around the knee prosthesis increased by more than 10% compared with bone marrow. We found a sensitivity and a negative predictive value of 100%, a specificity of 80%, a positive predictive value of 81% and an accuracy of 89%. Specificity and accuracy are lower than in the evaluation of hip prostheses; however, in comparison to other scintigraphic modalities, scintigraphy with the antigranulocyte antibody BW 250/183 is superior in excluding infection and has better specificity and accuracy. Therefore, as in the case of hip prostheses, the described methodology appears to be the scintigraphic modality of choice for knee prostheses.

Value of tumor M2-PK in thyroid carcinoma: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Tumor M2-PK (Tu M2-PK) as the inactive dimeric form of pyruvate kinase M2 has been proven to be elevated in breast, lung, renal and gastrointestinal malignancies. We compared this marker in 26 patients with metastatic thyroid carcinoma using the established tumor marker thyroglobulin (Tg). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Plasma Tu M2-PK was measured using an ELISA assay (Schebo Biotech, Giessen, Germany) and Tg was measured in serum using an electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (Tg Elecsys Systems, Roche, Germany), as a part of the routine follow-up of the patients. RESULTS: At a cut-off of 15 U/ml, Tu M2-PK was elevated in 50% of the patients; at a cut-off of 20 U/ml (grey zone 15-20 U/ml), Tu M2-PK was elevated in 27% of the patients. The correlation coefficient between serum Tg level and Tu M2-PK was -0.093. CONCLUSION: Tu M2-PK is less valuable for the detection of malignant thyroid disease than Tg.