Acute pulmonary embolism detection with ventilation/perfusion SPECT combined with full dose CT: what is the best option? / SPECT/TC de ventilación-perfusión pulmonar en el diagnóstico del tromboembolismo pulmonar agudo

Aim. To compare diagnostic accuracy of Ventilation/Perfusion (V/P) single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) combined with simultaneous full-dose CT with a hybrid SPECT/CT scanner versus planar ventilation/perfusion (V/P) SPECT and CT angiography (CTA) in patients suspected with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Methods. Between 2009 and 2011, consecutive patients suspected of acute PE were referred for V/P SPECT/CT (reviewed board approved study). A contrast agent was administered to patients who had no contraindications. Non-contrast V/P SPECT/CT was performed on the remaining patients. All patients were followed-up for at least 3 months. Results. A total of 314 patients were available during the study period, with the diagnosis of PE confirmed in 70 (22.29%) of them. The overall population sensitivity and specificity was 90.91% and 92.44%, respectively for V/P SPECT, 80% and 99.15%, respectively, for CTA, and 95.52% and 97.08% for V/P SPECT/CT. SPECT/CT performed better than V/P SPECT (AUC differences=0.0419, P=0.0043, 95% CI; 0.0131-0.0706) and CTA (AUC differences=0.0681, P=0.0208, 95% CI; 0.0103-0.1259)). Comparing imaging modalities when contrast agent could be administered, sensitivity and specificity increased and V/P SPECT/CT was significantly better than CTA (AUC differences=0.0681, P=0.0208, 95% CI; 0.0103-0.1259) and V/P SPECT (AUC differences=0.0659, P=0.0052, 95% CI; 0.0197-0.1121). In case of non-contrast enhancement, there was non-significant increase of specificity. Secondary findings on CT impacted patient management in 14.65% of cases. Conclusion. Our study shows that combined V/P SPECT/CT scanning has a higher diagnostic accuracy for detecting acute PE than V/P SPECT and CTA alone. When feasible, V/P SPECT/CT with contrast enhancement is the best option (AU)

Objetivo del estudio. Valorar la exactitud diagnóstica de la SPECT/TC de ventilación-perfusión (V/P) pulmonar de alta dosis mediante un equipo híbrido SPECT/TC frente a la SPECT de V/P pulmonar y a la angiografía por TC (CTA) en pacientes con sospecha de tromboembolismo pulmonar (TEP) agudo. Metodología. Entre 2009 y 2011, se estudiaron de forma consecutiva con SPECT/TC de V/P pulmonar los pacientes con sospecha de TEP agudo que acudieron a nuestro centro (estudio aprobado por el comité de ética hospitalaria). A los pacientes que no presentaban contraindicaciones se les administró contraste yodado (CI) por vía intravenosa. En el resto se realizó un estudio SPECT/TC de V/P pulmonar sin CI. Los pacientes fueron seguidos durante un período de 3 meses. Resultados. Se estudiaron un total de 314 pacientes. En 70 (22,29%) se confirmó el diagnóstico de TEP. La sensibilidad y especificidad para la población global fue: 90,91 y 92,44% respectivamente para la SPECT de V/P; 80 y 99.15% para la CTA; y 95.52 y 97.08% para la SPECT/TC de V/P pulmonar. La SPECT/TC presentaba una exactitud diagnóstica superior a la SPECT de V/P (diferencias AUC=0,0419; p=0,0043; IC95%: 0,0131-0,0706) y la CTA (diferencias AUC=0,0681, p=0,0208; IC95%: 0,0131-0,1259). Comparando las diferentes modalidades cuando se administró CI, observamos un aumento de la sensibilidad y la especificidad de la SPECT/TC de V/P superior a la CTA (diferencias AUC=0,0681; p=0,0208; IC95%: 0,0131-0,1259) y a la SPECT de V/P (diferencias AUC=0,0659; p=0,0052; IC95%: 0,0197-0,1121). En el caso de no administrar CI se observó un aumento no estadísticamente significativo de la especificidad. Los hallazgos secundarios de la TC provocaron un cambio en el manejo del paciente en un 14,65% de los casos. Conclusión. Nuestro estudio demuestra que el estudio combinado SPECT/TC de V/P pulmonar tiene una mayor exactitud diagnóstica para detectar el TEP agudo que la SPECT de V/P pulmonar o la CTA por sí solos. Cuando es factible, la SPECT/TC de V/P pulmonar con CI es la mejor opción diagnóstica (AU)

Acute pulmonary embolism detection with ventilation/perfusion SPECT combined with full dose CT: What is the best option?

AIM: To compare diagnostic accuracy of Ventilation/Perfusion (V/P) single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) combined with simultaneous full-dose CT with a hybrid SPECT/CT scanner versus planar ventilation/perfusion (V/P) SPECT and CT angiography (CTA) in patients suspected with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). METHODS: Between 2009 and 2011, consecutive patients suspected of acute PE were referred for V/P SPECT/CT (reviewed board approved study). A contrast agent was administered to patients who had no contraindications. Non-contrast V/P SPECT/CT was performed on the remaining patients. All patients were followed-up for at least 3 months. RESULTS: A total of 314 patients were available during the study period, with the diagnosis of PE confirmed in 70 (22.29%) of them. The overall population sensitivity and specificity was 90.91% and 92.44%, respectively for V/P SPECT, 80% and 99.15%, respectively, for CTA, and 95.52% and 97.08% for V/P SPECT/CT. SPECT/CT performed better than V/P SPECT (AUC differences=0.0419, P=0.0043, 95% CI; 0.0131-0.0706) and CTA (AUC differences=0.0681, P=0.0208, 95% CI; 0.0103-0.1259)). Comparing imaging modalities when contrast agent could be administered, sensitivity and specificity increased and V/P SPECT/CT was significantly better than CTA (AUC differences=0.0681, P=0.0208, 95% CI; 0.0103-0.1259) and V/P SPECT (AUC differences=0.0659, P=0.0052, 95% CI; 0.0197-0.1121). In case of non-contrast enhancement, there was non-significant increase of specificity. Secondary findings on CT impacted patient management in 14.65% of cases. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that combined V/P SPECT/CT scanning has a higher diagnostic accuracy for detecting acute PE than V/P SPECT and CTA alone. When feasible, V/P SPECT/CT with contrast enhancement is the best option.

Protocolo de cirugía de rescate guiada por PET/TAC. Resultados con técnica ROLL y sonda PET / PET/CT-guided salvage surgery protocol. Results with ROLL Technique and PET probe

Objetivo. Evaluar la utilidad intraoperatoria de sondas de detección radioisotópica en la exéresis quirúrgica de lesiones tumorales previamente detectadas mediante 18F-FDG PET/TC. Material. Se han estudiado 12 pacientes consecutivos con elevada sospecha de recidiva tumoral detectada por 18F-FDG PET/TC potencialmente resecables. En los que ha sido posible se ha realizado confirmación histológica, en 6 pacientes mediante PAAF ecodirigida y en un paciente mediante BAG guiada por TC. A 5 pacientes con lesiones accesibles se realizó técnica ROLL (Radioguided Occult Lesion Localisation) tras punción intralesional guiada por ecografía/TC de 99mTc-coloide (1,7-2,4 mCi), con detección entre 19-24 horas intraquirúrgica mediante sonda gamma. A los 7 pacientes con lesiones no accesibles o múltiples, se inyectó la 18F-FDG (9,5-10,5 mCi) entre 3-5 horas previas a la cirugía que se realizó con sonda PET dedicada (Gamma locator DXI-GF&E). Resultados. Técnica ROLL: todas las lesiones marcadas con coloide fueron resecadas (6 lesiones en 5 pacientes, un paciente con dos lesiones) confirmándose la recidiva mediante anatomía patológica. Sonda PET: 14 de las 16 lesiones hipermetabólicas detectadas por la PET/TC inicial fueron resecadas. No se resecó una adenopatía cervical y una mediastínica pertenecientes a dos pacientes diferentes. En 12/14 lesiones la histología confirmo recidiva. En un paciente, dos adenopatías eran reactivas. Conclusiones. La 18F-FDG PET/TC es determinante para la elección del protocolo de cirugía radioguiada. Si las lesiones son únicas y de fácil acceso a la PAAF, el ROLL es la técnica de elección. La sonda PET se debería aplicar en lesiones no accesibles (AU)

Objective. To assess the value of intraoperatory radioguided probe detection to guide surgical resection of malignant lesions previously detected by 18F-FDG PET-CT. Material. Twelve consecutive patients with suspected tumor recurrence detected by 18F-FDG PET-CT considered resectable were enrolled in the study. Ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) before surgery was performed in 6 patients and CT guided biopsy was performed in 1 patient. In 5 patients with accessible lesions, a radioguided occult lesion localization (ROLL) technique was performed after injection of 99mTc-colloid (1.7-2.4 mCi) inside the lesion under ultrasound or CT guidance, pre-operatively. Radioguided surgical detection was then carried out 19-24hours afterwards using the gamma probe. In 7 patients with non-accessible needle lesions or multiple lesions, 9.5-10.5 mCi of 18F-FDG were injected 3-5hours before radioguided surgery using a PET-dedicated probe (Gamma locator DXI-GF&E). Results. ROLL technique: All lesions injected with nanocolloid were resected (6 lesions in 5 patients, 1 patient with 2 lesions), and recurrence was histologically confirmed. PET probe: Fourteen out of 16 hypermetabolic lesions detected on the PET-CT were resected. One cervical and one mediastinal lymph node in different patients could not be excised. Histological recurrence was confirmed in 12 out of 14 lesions. In one patient, the 2 lymph nodes excised were inflammatory. Conclusions. 18F-FDG PET-CT can be key in deciding surgical approach and appropriate radioguided protocol. When lesions are solitary and easily accessible, ROLL technique seems the method of choice. PET probe is more adequate for less accessible lesions (AU)

[PET/CT-guided salvage surgery protocol. Results with ROLL Technique and PET probe]. / Protocolo de cirugía de rescate guiada por PET/TAC. Resultados con técnica ROLL y sonda PET.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of intraoperatory radioguided probe detection to guide surgical resection of malignant lesions previously detected by (18)F-FDG PET-CT. MATERIAL: Twelve consecutive patients with suspected tumor recurrence detected by (18)F-FDG PET-CT considered resectable were enrolled in the study. Ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) before surgery was performed in 6 patients and CT guided biopsy was performed in 1 patient. In 5 patients with accessible lesions, a radioguided occult lesion localization (ROLL) technique was performed after injection of (99m)Tc-colloid (1.7-2.4 mCi) inside the lesion under ultrasound or CT guidance, pre-operatively. Radioguided surgical detection was then carried out 19-24 hours afterwards using the gamma probe. In 7 patients with non-accessible needle lesions or multiple lesions, 9.5-10.5 mCi of (18)F-FDG were injected 3-5 hours before radioguided surgery using a PET-dedicated probe (Gamma locator DXI-GF&E). RESULTS: ROLL technique: All lesions injected with nanocolloid were resected (6 lesions in 5 patients, 1 patient with 2 lesions), and recurrence was histologically confirmed. PET probe: Fourteen out of 16 hypermetabolic lesions detected on the PET-CT were resected. One cervical and one mediastinal lymph node in different patients could not be excised. Histological recurrence was confirmed in 12 out of 14 lesions. In one patient, the 2 lymph nodes excised were inflammatory. CONCLUSIONS: (18)F-FDG PET-CT can be key in deciding surgical approach and appropriate radioguided protocol. When lesions are solitary and easily accessible, ROLL technique seems the method of choice. PET probe is more adequate for less accessible lesions.

Occult liver involvement by polyarteritis nodosa.

The diagnosis of panarteritis nodosa is usually difficult because of the variability of clinical manifestations. Herein is presented a case of occult liver involvement by polyarteritis nodosa. Several biopsies were performed but the diagnosis was made with the contribution of a hepatic arteriography.

[Assessment of thoracic X-ray readings by emergency room physicians at a university hospital]. / Evaluación de la interpretación de la radiografía de tórax por los médicos de guardia en un hospital universitario.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to find out whether systematic reading of chest radiography (CRx) by radiologists in the emergency unit might lead to a higher diagnostic efficiency and improve health care. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Descriptive study of consecutive admissions during 3 months in an internal medicine department. We registered the CRx interpretation by the emergency unit physician first, and a radiologist the next day. In cases with different interpretations, we assessed whether these differences would have modified the treatment. RESULTS: The overall disagreement between the emergency room physician and the radiologist was 13.7%. In 19 of 29 cases with different readings, the radiologist interpretation was in agreement with the final diagnosis. In 7 of these 19 cases, the radiologist reading of CRx would have led to a positive change of treatment. However, differences between both physicians were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: There seems to be a higher diagnostic efficiency when the emergency room physician interpretation of CRx is complemented by a radiologist.

Evaluación de la interpretación de la radiografía de tórax por los médicos de guardia en un hospital universitario / Evaluation of chest X-ray readings by emergency room physicians of a universitary hospital

FUNDAMENTO: Analizar si la interpretación sistemática de las radiografías de tórax en urgencias por un radiólogo obtendría mayor rendimiento diagnóstico y mejoraría los resultados asistenciales. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio descriptivo de los ingresos de 3 meses, recogiéndose la interpretación de la radiografía de tórax del médico de guardia y, al día siguiente, la de un radiólogo. Se compararon los diagnósticos radiológicos de los dos y, posteriormente, se evaluó si los cambios hubiesen modificado el tratamiento. RESULTADOS: La discordancia entre el médico de guardia y el radiólogo es del 13,7 por ciento. De los 29 casos discordantes, el radiólogo concordaba con el informe de alta en 19 (65,5 por ciento), y de éstos en ocho habría habido un cambio en el tratamiento, siendo en siete de ellos de valor positivo, de acuerdo con el diagnóstico final. Las diferencias entre los dos médicos no eran significativas. CONCLUSIÓN: Parece existir una tendencia a un mayor rendimiento diagnóstico de la radiografía de tórax en urgencias con la participación del radiólogo en su interpretación (AU)

Insuficiencia hepática grave y lesiones ocupantes de espacio en el hígado en una paciente de 33 años / Severe hepatic failure and space occupying lesions in the liver in a 33-year-old patient

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[Pancoast's syndrome secondary to neck metastasis with normal radiography of the thorax]. / Síndrome de Pancoast secundario a metástasis cervical con radiografía de tórax normal.

Pancoast's syndrome is characterized by pain in the shoulders and upper extremities, Horner's syndrome, bone loss and hand muscle atrophy. Bronchogenic carcinoma is the most common cause, although other neoplasms or lung infection are occasionally responsible. An apical mass on the chest film can be seen in over 90% of cases, although apical pleural thickening is sometimes the only radiographic finding. We describe a patient whose clinical picture was highly suggestive of Pancoast's syndrome but whose chest film was normal. Magnetic resonance imaging disclosed a cervical mass adjacent to the brachial plexus that proved to be cervical metastasis from an unknown primary tumor. We emphasize the need to consider the possibility of a metastatic cervical tumor compromising the brachial plexus in patients with a normal chest X-ray but clinical signs highly suggestive of Pancoast's syndrome.

Chronic traumatic pseudoaneurysm of right subclavian artery.

A right subclavian artery pseudoaneurysm caused by blunt trauma is described. CT and digital subtraction angiography helped us to establish a correct diagnosis. Radiologic features of subclavian artery aneurysms and relevant literature are briefly discussed.

[Acute pancreatitis in newly diagnosed type I diabetes mellitus with diabetic ketoacidosis and hypertriglyceridemia]. / Pancreatitis aguda en el inicio de una diabetes mellitus tipo I con cetoacidosis diabética e hipertrigliceridemia.

A 19 years old patient who presented grade D acute pancreatitis by abdominal CT with marked hypertriglyceridemia during a diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in the onset of a type I diabetes mellitus is described. The pancreatitis and DKA were resolved with the usual treatment, and the levels of triglycerides became normal within one week. Hyperamylasemia is frequent in DKA although of uncertain significance. Acute pancreatitis coinciding with DKA has been described, in this case radiologic findings demonstrated the diagnosis. No other bibliographic references have been found in which pathologic imaging in abdominal CT are described in a situation of DKA with hyperamylasemia. Moderate hypertriglyceridemia is common upon initiation of diabetes mellitus and likewise it usually presents during the course of acute pancreatitis. Pancreatitis could be secondary to hypertriglyceridemia and the latter to the insulin deficiency.

Intestinal leiomyomas: angiographic imaging.

A retrospective angiographic study was done on 19 patients with solitary leiomyomas of the small bowel, one patient with multiple leiomyomas, and two patients with leiomyosarcomas. All patients had gastrointestinal bleeding but no small bowel obstruction. Selective mesenteric angiography was the main diagnostic procedure. Tumoral hypervascularity and dense capillary staining within a well-circumscribed mass were present in all patients. Prominent and irregular feeding arteries were seen in 19 cases and prominent draining veins in 20. Contrast extravasation indicating the site of active bleeding was shown in two patients.

Radiographic appearance of nosocomial legionnaires' disease after erythromycin treatment.

Radiographic features of 71 patients (48 men, 23 women) with nosocomial Legionella pneumophila pneumonia were assessed and compared with those of other nosocomial series of L pneumophila pneumonia. Sixteen patients were assessed retrospectively and 55 prospectively. Chest radiographs were assessed at the onset of the illness, 10 days later, and at 3 months. Erythromycin was given to 67 patients at the time of the diagnosis and to the remaining four at a later stage. Forty eight patients were over the age of 60. On the initial chest radiograph 53 of the 71 patients had unilateral shadowing (23 of them in the right lung); 35 had unilobar shadowing and the remaining 36 had more than one affected lobe. Pleural effusion was present in 24 cases and cavitation in 2. One patient had evidence of a pericardial effusion. At 10 days 21 patients had evidence of radiographic progression (14 ipsilateral), but 28 had improved. At 3 months 36 patients had an abnormal radiograph, 30 showing residual scarring, 15 loss of volume, six pleural shadows and two cavitation. Our series shows a lesser incidence of unilateral shadowing and pleural effusion than other nosocomial series and a lesser tendency to progression, but more patients had radiographic abnormalities at long term follow up.

Real-time ultrasound for diagnosis of symptomatic venous thrombosis and for screening of patients at risk: correlation with ascending conventional venography.

This is a prospective study of 108 patients in two distinct groups undergoing real-time ultrasonography (US) and ascending conventional venography within the same day. The two patient groups consisted of the following: Those patients evaluated because of suspicion of deep venous thrombosis of lower limbs (69 patients) and those at high risk for venous thrombosis (19 patients with a recent hip fracture, 20 with a suspected pulmonary embolism). In the diagnosis group 48 patients had venographic evidence of thrombosis. The predictive value of abnormal findings from real-time US was 97%, and that of a negative study was 75%. Thus, real-time US may have a role as a diagnostic procedure, to be followed by x-ray venography in patients with negative US results. By contrast, real-time US is far less sensitive as a screening test in patients without clinical evidence of thrombosis. Only 3 of 9 patients with thrombosis were detected, with a 50% sensitivity for proximal vein thrombosis. Therefore, the use of real-time US for screening high-risk patients must be limited to very high risk patients in whom other tests are ineffective (as in hip surgery).