Diffusion tensor imaging: survival analysis prediction in breast cancer patients.

PURPOSE: We aimed to explore the performance of diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) parameters in evaluating disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with invasive breast cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 49 women with invasive breast cancer who were diagnosed between 2017 and 2022 were included. All patients underwent breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with DTI and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) features, with examiners blinded to the clinical data. Volume anisotropy (VA), fractional anisotropy (FA), and ADC values were measured to assess intratumoral measured heterogeneity. Correlations and differences in diffusion metrics according to OS and DFS status of the cases were analyzed. The discriminative ability of the quantitative findings was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses and validated in the independent cohort. RESULTS: We evaluated patients with metastases (n = 13, 36.5%) and those without metastases (n = 36, 73.5%). Differences in the ADC, FA, and VA values were observed. The results of Cox regression survival analysis for all the patients included in the survival analysis revealed that DTI metrics contributed to the prediction of overall survival (OS) in the emerging models (p < 0.05). Both FA and VA were associated with OS (p = 0.037 and p = 0.038, respectively). However, ADC was not associated with OS (p = 0.177) or DFS (p = 0.252). CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the prognostic value of DTI-MRI in breast cancer with statistical survival analysis techniques. We believe that DTI measurements can be used as a biomarker for OS analysis in breast cancer given the available data.

Evaluation of placenta in patients with gestational diabetes using shear wave elastography and superb microvascular imaging.

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common disease, and the placenta shows various functional and morphological changes in these patients. Superb microvascular imaging (SMI) and shear wave elastography (SWE) are innovative ultrasound (US) methods that provide detailed information about tissue vascularization and elasticity. PURPOSE: To evaluate placental changes in patients with GDM with SMI and SWE methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For this case-control study, 20 healthy and 20 women with GDM were included. Women at >21 weeks of pregnancy were evaluated with SMI and SWE by two independent radiologists. Mean SMI values and mean SWE values from three different region of interest-based measurements were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: We identified that the mean SMI and SWE value ​​of the GDM group was found to be significantly higher than that of the control group (P = 0.002, P = 0.001 respectively). Using a receiver operating characteristic curve, the cutoff value of the SMI ratio, which maximizes the prediction of the presence of GDM, was 0.1234279750 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.625-0.920), the SWE cut-off value was 15.5 kPa (95% CI = 0.794-0.989). CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated that evaluation with SMI and SWE might allow quantitative assessment of the morphological changes of placentas in women with GDM. We believe that the use of innovative methods such as SMI and SWE in addition to conventional US examinations in daily practice and studies will provide significant clinical benefits to patient management.

The Role of Superb Microvascular Imaging and Shear Wave Elastography in the Prediction of Hemorrhage Complications After Renal Parenchyma Biopsy.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of study was to evaluate the diagnostic utility of the renal parenchyma elasticity with the shear wave elastography (SWE) and microvascularization with the superb microvascular imaging (SMI) technique before kidney biopsy and to predict the complication of hemorrhage before kidney biopsy. METHODS: A total of 75 patients were included in the prospective study. Before the biopsy, vascularity features of the kidney parenchyma in the area to be biopsied were assessed by SMI and parenchymal stiffness by SWE and were examined by 2 independent radiologists. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found in the SMI and SWE values between the groups with and without hematoma and hematuria when compared with the Student t test and Mann-Whitney U test ( P < 0.05). The SWE hardness cutoff value, which maximizes the prediction of the development of hematuria, was found to be 18.40 kPa, and the sensitivity and specificity values were 84.4% and 62.8%, respectively. In SMI vascularity index values, the cutoff value was found to be 0.247410800 kPa, and sensitivity and specificity values were 81.3% and 83.7%, respectively. The cutoff value of the SMI vascularity index values that maximized the prediction of hematoma development was 0.297009650, and the sensitivity and specificity values were 87% and 87%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that evaluating and standardizing the microvascularization and elasticity of the kidney parenchyma before a percutaneous kidney biopsy will be potentially useful as a guiding method in the prediction of postbiopsy hemorrhage development.

Gastric Teratoma in an Adult Female Patient: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Gastric teratoma (GT) occurs as a rule in infancy and is an extremely unusual gastric tumor in adult patients. CASE PRESENTATION: In this paper, we present the clinical and imaging findings of a 56-year-old female patient with a GT. The patient's main symptoms were increasing abdominal discomfort and pain. After the physical examination, she underwent ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT), which showed a large mass at the posterior wall of the stomach, and a teratoma was initially considered. After surgery, pathology confirmed the diagnosis of GT. The patient recovered after surgery and was discharged in good health. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first reported case of gastric teratoma in an adult woman in the literature. CONCLUSION: Gastric teratoma of the adult period is a rare benign neoplasm that may have several complications; therefore, imaging is crucial for diagnosis and accurate treatment management. The aim of this study is to emphasize the value of US and CT in the diagnosis and treatment monitoring of mature gastric teratomas.

Outcomes of high-risk breast lesions diagnosed using image-guided core needle biopsy: results from a multicenter retrospective study.

PURPOSE: The clinical management of high-risk lesions using image-guided biopsy is challenging. This study aimed to evaluate the rates at which such lesions were upgraded to malignancy and identify possible predictive factors for upgrading high-risk lesions. METHODS: This retrospective multicenter analysis included 1.343 patients diagnosed with high-risk lesions using an image-guided core needle or vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB). Only patients managed using an excisional biopsy or with at least one year of documented radiological follow-up were included. For each, the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category, number of samples, needle thickness, and lesion size were correlated with malignancy upgrade rates in different histologic subtypes. Pearson's chi-squared test, the Fisher-Freeman-Halton test, and Fisher's exact test were used for the statistical analyses. RESULTS: The overall upgrade rate was 20.6%, with the highest rates in the subtypes of intraductal papilloma (IP) with atypia (44.7%; 55/123), followed by atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) (38.4%; 144/375), lobular neoplasia (LN) (12.7%; 7/55), papilloma without atypia (9.4%; 58/611), flat epithelial atypia (FEA) (8.7%; 10/114), and radial scars (RSs) (4.6%; 3/65). There was a significant relationship between the upgrade rate and BI-RADS category, number of samples, and lesion size Lesion size was the most predictive factor for an upgrade in all subtypes. CONCLUSION: ADH and atypical IP showed considerable upgrade rates to malignancy, requiring surgical excision. The LN, IP without atypia, pure FEA, and RS subtypes showed lower malignancy rates when the BI-RADS category was lower and in smaller lesions that had been adequately sampled using VAB. After being discussed in a multidisciplinary meeting, these cases could be managed with follow-up instead of excision.

Diffusion tensor imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging on axillary lymph node status in breast cancer patients.

PURPOSE This article will examine the usefulness of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) on the assessment of axillary lymph nodes (ALN) of breast cancer patients. METHODS Axillary lymph nodes in 66 breast cancer patients were examined by DTI and DWI, and the largest lymph node with increased cortical thickness in axilla was selected. Morphological features, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), volume anisotropy, and fractional anisotropy values were measured by using a special software. Imaging findings and histopathological results were recorded. RESULTS Metastatic ALN were detected in 43 (65.1%) patients. Cortical thickness of the metastatic ALN was significantly higher than the non-metastatic ALNs (P < .001), and the long-axis-to-shortaxis ratio was significantly lower in metastatic ALNs (P < .001). There was a statistically significant difference between the ALN status and fatty hilum presence (P < .001). Apparent diffusion coefficient values of metastatic ALNs were statistically lower than those of non-metastatic ALNs (P < .001) using a cutoff value of 1.26 × 10-3 mm2 /s for b=500 ADC and 1.21 × 10-3 mm2 /s for b=800 ADC which had 97.7% sensitivity and 91.3% specificity. Fractional anisotropy and volume anisotropy values were significantly different between both groups. A cutoff value of 0.47 for b-500 fractional anisotropy had 83.7% sensitivity, 69.6% specificity 69.6% positive predictive value, and 83.7% negative predictive value. A cutoff value of 0.33 for b=500 volume anisotropy had 76.7% sensitivity, 78.3% specificity, 86.8% positive predictive value, and 64.3% negative predictive value. CONCLUSION Apparent diffusion coefficient value of metastatic ALNs was found to be significantly lower than those of non-metastatic ALN, and DTI metrics of metastatic ALN were found to be significantly higher than those of non-metastatic ALN. Overall, ADC had a better diagnostic performance than morphological features, fractional anisotropy, and volume anisotropy. Diffusion tensor imagingderived diffusion metrics may be used to complement breast magnetic resonance imaging in the future after further standardization of the imaging parameters.

A Rare Case of Bilateral Synchronous Male Breast Cancer: A Multimodality Approach.

Breast cancer is a rare entity in men, accounting for less than 1% of all breast cancers. Contralateral breast cancer diagnosed within 12 months of the prior breast cancer is known as bilateral synchronous breast cancer. Bilateral, synchronous male breast cancer is extremely rare and consequently there are few publications describing imaging findings of synchronous bilateral male breast cancer. We aim to raise awareness about this rare entity by presenting the clinical and pathologic findings of a 64-year-old male case with synchronous bilateral breast cancer using multimodality imaging techniques including magnetic resonance imaging. Increasing awareness of the disease will prevent delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Fibroadenoma of Axillary Ectopic Breast Tissue.

Teaching point: Ectopic breast fibroadenoma is a rare benign neoplasm that may mimic pathological lymph node clinically and on imaging.

Anatomical variations of the circle of Willis in children.

BACKGROUND: The morphology of the circle of Willis in adults has been thoroughly discussed in scientific literature. However, the morphology of the circle of Willis in pediatric patients is under-researched. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to establish reference data for the morphology and variations of the circle of Willis in a population consisting of all pediatric age subgroups and to evaluate the possible temporal evolution of the circle of Willis in pediatric patients along with the variations between pediatric and adult populations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our patient cohort included 263 pediatric patients ages 1-215 months. A total of 273 magnetic resonance (MR) angiography images were retrospectively analyzed for all circle of Willis vessels to compare the incidence of complete cases and variation frequency based on gender and age group. RESULT: In our study of 273 MR angiograms from all age ranges in the pediatric population, we found a 56.1% circle of Willis completion rate. Overall completion rates were statistically significantly higher in the toddler and preschool age groups. The lowest completion rate was in the newborn-infant group (40%). CONCLUSION: Circle of Willis completion rates and variations in pediatric populations are similar to those in adult populations; completion rates rise in toddler and preschooler age groups and decline as children grow into the school-age and adolescent period.

Complete agenesis of dorsal pancreas with pancreatic cyst: A case report.

Agenesis of the dorsal pancreas (ADP) is extremely rare disease with no specific symptoms and there is no clear pathogenesis. Approximately half of the affected individuals develop diabetes resulting from reduced islet cell mass secondary to lack of endocrine structures. In this case, we aimed to present a 17-year-old female patient with ADP accompanied by a pancreatic cyst.

Skeletal muscle loss during anti-epidermal growth factor receptor therapy is an independent prognostic factor on non-small cell lung cancer patients survival.

PURPOSE: We aimed to assess whether skeletal muscle loss during EGFR thyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy of advance non-small cell lung cancer patients is an independent prognostic factor for progression-free survival (PFS) and overal survival (OS). METHODS: A total of 45 patients who had computed tomography images were retrospectively evaluated at the diagnosis and during the treatment period before progression occurs. RESULTS: During treatment 19 patients (42.2%) had skeletal muscle loss. Objective response rates in muscle loss group and muscle stable group were 36.8% and 73.0%, respectively (p<0.01). Median follow-up time was 18.9 months (14.8-32.1). Median PFS was 14.7 months (95% CI 12.1-17.3) in muscle stable group and 7.6 months (95% CI 6.7-8.5) in muscle loss group (p<0.01). Median OS was 18.3 months (95% CI 16.5-20.2) in muscle loss group while it was 30.1 months (95% CI 22.1-38.2) in muscle stable group (p<0.01). In multivariate analysis for both PFS and OS, skeletal muscle loss was an independent prognostic factor. Hazard ratios (HR) for PFS and OS were 12.2 (95% CI 4.3-34.4) and 3.51 (95% CI 1.41-8.73) respectively. CONCLUSION: On CT imaging skeletal muscle loss before progression is an independent prognostic factor for both PFS and OS in advance non-small cell lung cancer patients who received EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy.

The value of MRI contrast enhancement in biopsy decision of suspicious mammographic microcalcifications: a prospective multicenter study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the inclusion of breast MRI in radiological assessment of suspicious, isolated microcalcifications detected with mammography. METHODS: In this prospective, multicenter study, cases with isolated microcalcifications in screening mammography were examined with dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) before biopsy, and contrast enhancement of the relevant calcification localization was accepted as a positive finding on MRI. Six experienced breast radiologists evaluated the images and performed the biopsies. Imaging findings and histopathological results were recorded. Sensitivity, specificity, NPV, and PPV of breast MRI were calculated and compared with histopathological findings. RESULTS: Suspicious microcalcifications, which were detected by screening mammograms of 444 women, were evaluated. Of these, 276 (62.2%) were diagnosed as benign and 168 (37.8%) as malignant. Contrast enhancement was present in microcalcification localization in 325 (73.2%) of the cases. DCE-MRI was positive in all 102 invasive carcinomas and in 58 (87.9%) of 66 DCIS cases. MRI resulted in false negatives in eight DCIS cases; one was high grade and the other seven were low-to-medium grade. The false-negative rate of DCE-MRI was 4.76%. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for DCE-MRI for mammography-detected suspicious microcalcifications were 95.2%, 40.2%, 49.2%, and 93.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, all invasive cancers and all DCIS except eight cases (12.1%) were detected with DCE-MRI. DCE-MRI can be used in the decision-making algorithm to decrease the number of biopsies in mammography-detected suspicious calcifications, with a tradeoff for overlooking a small number of DCIS cases that are of low-to-medium grade. KEY POINTS: • All invasive cancer cases and 87.8% of all in situ cancer cases were detected with MRI, showing a low false-negative rate of 4.7%. • Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI can be used in the decision-making algorithm to decrease the number of biopsies in mammography-detected suspicious calcifications, with a tradeoff for overlooking a small number of DCIS cases that are predominantly low-to-medium grade. • If a decision for biopsy were made based on MRI findings in mammography-detected microcalcifications in this study, biopsy would not be performed to 119 cases (26.8%).

Genetic screening results of individuals with high risk BRCA-related breast/ovarian cancer in Trakya region of Turkey.

PURPOSE: Pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) germline variations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are responsible for the majority of hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. This study presents the BRCA1/BRCA2 sequencing and deletion duplication analyses results of of 493 participants (485 women, 8 men) selected based on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines. METHODS: Next generation sequencing (NGS) and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification methods (MLPA) were used to define germline BRCA1/BRCA2 positivity. RESULTS: Overall, the P/LP frequency of the participants was 17.8%. Five of the likely pathogenic variants were novel. The 5266dupC pathogenic variation, which is a founder mutation in the Ashkenazi Jewish population, was the most common variation among the patients, with a frequency of 5.47%. The pathogenic/likely pathogenic variation frequency was significantly higher (p=0.01) among clinically diagnosed familial cancer patisents than those participants without personal history of cancer but enrolled for BRCA1 testing due to familial risk. BRCA1/BRCA mutation positivity was significantly higher (p=0.000) among those who had at least one first- or second-degree relative with breast/ovarian cancer from patients who had no family history. BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation positivity was 69.23% between the patients who had personal history of both breast and ovarian cancer. CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, we suggest that sequencing all of the coding regions of the BRCA1/BRCA2 genes using NGS is a feasible approach for individuals who are at risk of developing BRCA-related cancer according to NCCN guidelines. The 5266dupC pathogenic variation, as the most common pathogenic variation in the Trakya region of Turkey, should be included if a targeted mutatin screening is planned.

The relationship between computed tomographic obstruction index and pulmonary vein cross-sectional area in acute pulmonary embolism.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether the increased obstruction of the pulmonary arteries was associated with reduced pulmonary vein areas in acute pulmonary embolism (APE). METHOD: We retrospectively analyzed a consecutive series of computed tomography pulmonary angiography studies of 107 patients with APE and 101 controls without APE between November 2010 and January 2019. The control and patient groups were compared with each other for differences between the mean cross-sectional areas of pulmonary veins. Further analysis was conducted by dividing the patient group into high-risk patients (≥ 20%) and low-risk patients (< 20%) according to the pulmonary arterial obstruction index. The mean cross-sectional area of the pulmonary veins in these two groups was compared. RESULTS: The mean cross-sectional areas of the 4 pulmonary veins at the ostium level (CSAPV) were significantly lower for the patient group (mean: 102.6 mm2) compared with the control group (111.8 mm2) (p < 0.001). CSAPV cutoff value for determining the diagnosis of APE that maximized the accuracy was 109.12 mm2 (AUC = 0.721; 95% CI 0.649-0.794); its sensitivity and specificity were 78.2% and 69.2%, respectively. CSAPV cutoff value for differentiating high-risk APE that maximized the accuracy was 102.6 mm2 (AUC = 0.634; 95% CI 0.525-0.743); its sensitivity and specificity were 61.9% and 53.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There is a negative correlation between the CSAPV and thrombotic material burden in the pulmonary arteries of patients with APE. Hence, the CSAPV can be used as a diagnostic tool in the evaluation of the presence and severity of pulmonary embolism.

Comparison of skeletal muscle mass loss in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with regorafenib or TAS-102.

PURPOSE: To assess whether regorafenib and TAS-102 treatments are associated with a change in Skeletal Muscle Area (SMA) as well as to compare Skeletal Muscle Mass (SMM) loss levels between regorafenib and TAS-102 treatments and prognostic significance in the patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). METHODS: A total of 36 mCRC patients, who received regorafenib or TAS-102 in the third-line and subsequent settings were assessed in the analysis. SMM changes were assessed with CT scans findings, and they were categorized into two groups as SMM-loss (SMM decrease ≥2%) and SMM-stable (SMM change <2%). RESULTS: The SMM change after regorafenib therapy was significantly worse compared with TAS-102 therapy (p=0.001). The median overall survival (OS) was longer in SMM-stable group than in SMM-loss group (12.8 months; 95%CI:9.8-15.7) vs. 6.4 months; 95%CI:5.2-7.7, respectively;p=0.04). Cox regression analysis showed that SMM loss was independent prognostic indicator for OS (HR, 2.87; 95%CI: 1.07-7.42, p=0.03). CONCLUSION: Although patients who received regorafenib had more SMM loss than those who received TAS-102, there was no difference in OS between drugs.

Changes in skeletal muscle area and lean body mass during pazopanib vs sunitinib therapy for metastatic renal cancer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether sunitinib and pazopanib treatments are associated with change in skeletal muscle area (SMA) and total lean body mass (LBM) as well as to compare their efficacies and safety profiles in patients with metastatic renal cell cancer (mRCC). METHODS: Thirty-six patients treated with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor were included. Eighteen of them received sunitinib and the rest/remaining received pazopanib in the first line of mRCC treatment. Baseline and follow-up computed tomography studies of the patients were performed to measure cross-sectional areas (cm2) of muscle tissues. RESULTS: About 69% of patients were male and median age was 60 (49-68) years. Median time interval between two CT imagings was 6.1 (3.1-7.7) months and it was similar between the two groups (for sunitinib, 4.9 (2.5-6.9) months vs for pazopanib, 7.3 (3.2-9.5) months, p = 0.16, respectively). Disease control rate was 77.7% in all patients. Of these, 66.6% in sunitinib group was consisted of four partial responses and eight stable diseases. In addition, 88.8% in pazopanib group was consisted of three partial responses and 13 stable diseases. A significant decrease in SMA and LBM was observed after sunitinib therapy, whereas SMA and LBM values of pazopanib group did not change significantly (p = 0.02 and p = 0.70, respectively). No significant differences were observed between patients with sunitinib, and pazopanib group median PFS [11.9 (95% CI 6.1-17.6) vs 8.1 months (95% CI 7.2-9.1), respectively; p = 0.28] and median OS [28.6 (95% CI 24.3-32.9) vs 25.5 months (95% CI 18.9-52.7), respectively; p = 0.42]. Dose-limiting toxicities were significantly more frequent in sunitinib group than in pazopanib group (66.7% vs 22.2%, p = 0.02, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Loss of SMA and LBM with sunitinib was more substantial than with pazopanib. Treatment efficacies of both drugs were similar, but dose-limiting toxicity was more frequent in sunitinib group. Loss of SMA had no significant association with prognosis. Further studies are needed to clarify the possible association between SMA and prognosis in mRCC patients who receive sunitinib or pazopanib.

Assessment of Duodenal Diverticula: Computed Tomography Findings.

AIMS: To demonstrate the prevalence, accompanying pathologies, imaging and follow up findings of Duodenal Diverticula (DD) with Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive 2910 abdominal MDCTs were retrospectively reviewed on axial, coronal and sagittal planes. DD were evaluated for prevalence, location, number, size, contents, diverticular neck, accompanying pancreaticobiliary pathologies, jejunal and colonic diverticula, respectively. RESULTS: DD were diagnosed in 157 cases (5.4%) and found mostly in the second part of the duodenum. Juxta-ampullary DD was the most common type (78.3%) and mostly located ventral (n:86, 69.9%) to the ampulla of Vater. DD was solitary in 123 patients (78.3%) and more than one in 34 patients (21.7%). The median diameter of DD was 2.5 cm (range 1.5-3.6 cm) in the long-axis. The lumen of DD contains air and contrast agent (n:96, 61.1%); air, contrast agent and debris (n:42, 26.7%) in most cases. Colonic diverticula (n:36, 22.9%), cholelithiasis (n:32, 20.4%), choledocholithiasis (n:7, 4.4%), and biliary dilatation (n:8, 5.1%) were the most common additional findings. Median follow-up time was 23 months (range 11 to 41 months). In three cases, new findings (cholelithiasis, n:3, choledocholithiasis, n:1) were detected. CONCLUSION: Accompanying pathologies with DD diagnosis are valuable for physicians in order to manage the patients. Following clinical and radiological features of well-diagnosed DD might reduce the possible complications.

Value of MRI apparent diffusion coefficient for assessment of response to sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Efficient and adequate evaluation of therapeutic response in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an evolving field. We aimed to evaluate apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in the prediction of response to sorafenib and prognosis in patients with advanced HCC. METHODS: Baseline magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was performed before treatment. After sorafenib started, clinical and radiological response were evaluated at approximately 3 months later. ADC measurements were performed by a 12- year experienced radiologist who evaluated MR before and after sorafenib therapy. RESULTS: A total of 17 patients (median age 60 years, range 51-66 and M/F ratio=3.25/1) were analyzed. A significant increase in ADC levels in responders was observed 3 months after sorafenib therapy. Baseline and post-sorafenib ADC values were not significantly associated with mortality (hazard ratio/HR baseline ADC=1.003, p=0.98) and after sorafenib (HR 0.480, p=0.48, respectively). CONCLUSION: Advanced HCC patients with a favorable response to sorafenib had a significant increase in ADC value at the first radiological evaluation. The predictive and prognostic role of ADC for overall survival is still unknown and further research is needed to investigate any possible association.

The effects of fat distribution and some adipokines on insulin resistance.

INTRODUCTION: The risk of developing insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome is particularly high in central obesity. In this study we evaluated the effects of fat distribution and some adipokines on insulin resistance in prediabetic patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty-seven age- and sex-matched patients were divided into three groups according to their 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test results as follows: impaired fasting glucose group, impaired glucose tolerance group, and normal glucose tolerance group. Fasting insulin levels were measured. Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance was calculated. Body fat mass measurements were assessed by bioelectric impedance analyser and abdominal fat thicknesses (subcutaneous, visceral, and preperitoneal) by ultrasonography. The fasting serum levels of several adipokines [adiponectin, leptin, resistin, vaspin, visfatin, retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP-4), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)] were measured by ELISA method. RESULTS: The mean body mass index, fat mass measurements, and abdominal fat thicknesses of the groups were similar. There were no differences between groups in terms of the mean fasting insulin, vaspin, RBP-4, leptin, resistin, and TNF-alpha. In comparison of the prediabetic and normal groups, the levels of adiponectin (p < 0.001) and visfatin (p < 0.001) were lower in the prediabetic group. Furthermore, we found that high body mass index (p < 0.01) and fat mass (p < 0.01) and low adiponectin (p < 0.05) levels have roles in the development of insulin resistance in the prediabetic group. CONCLUSIONS: We suggested that in the prediabetic period not only obesity but also decreased adiponectin levels play some role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. (Endokrynol Pol 2016; 67 (3): 277-282).