Pulmonary Adverse Events in Cancer Immunotherapy: Case Studies of CT Patterns.

Immune-checkpoint inhibitors have profoundly changed cancer treatment, improving the prognosis of many oncologic patients. However, despite the good efficacy of these drugs, their mechanism of action, which involves the activation of the immune system, can lead to immune-related adverse events, which may affect almost all organs. Pulmonary adverse events are relatively common, and potentially life-threatening complications may occur. The diagnosis is challenging due to the wide and non-specific spectrum of clinical and radiological manifestations. The role of the radiologist is to recognize and diagnose pulmonary immune-related adverse events, possibly even in the early stages, to estimate their extent and guide patients' management.

Circumferential esophageal leiomyoma: Management by combined robotic surgery and intraoperative endoscopy.

Leiomyoma is the most common benign tumor of the esophagus. Open thoracotomy, the traditional approach adopted for the enucleation of the esophageal leiomyoma, over the years, has been gradually replaced by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. However, this minimally invasive approach has limitations, such as two-dimensional vision and reduced range of motion, which have recently been overcome by technical advantages of robot-assisted surgery. In the surgical management of circumferential esophageal leiomyoma, a combined use of robotic surgery and intraoperative endoscopy may be helpful to facilitate tumor enucleation and to prevent esophageal mucosal injury during the surgical procedure.

Non-A Non-B Acute Aortic Dissection: Is There Some Confusion in the Radiologist's Mind?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to define and determine the rate of acute non-A-non-B aortic dissections, and to evaluate CT angiography findings and possible complications, as well as to discuss management strategies and currently available therapy. Non-A non-B type of aortic dissection is still a grey area in the radiologist's mind, such that it is not entirely clear what should be reported and completed in terms of this disease. METHODS: A retrospective single-center study including 36 pre-treatment CT angiograms of consecutive patients (mean age: 61 years) between January 2012 and December 2022 with aortic dissection involving the aortic arch with/without the thoracic descending/abdominal aorta (type non-A non-B). RESULTS: According to the dissection anatomy, we identified three modalities of spontaneous acute non-A-non-B anatomical configurations. Configuration 1 (n = 25) with descending-entry tear and retrograde arch extension (DTA entry). Configuration 2 (n = 4) with Arch entry tear and isolated arch involvement (Arch alone). Configuration 3 (n = 7) with Arch entry and anterograde descending (±abdominal) aorta involvement (Arch entry). CT angiogram findings, management, and treatment options are described. CONCLUSIONS: Acute non-A non-B dissection represents an infrequent occurrence of aortic arch dissection (with or without involvement of the descending aorta) that does not extend to the ascending aorta. The complete understanding of its natural progression, distinct CT angiography subtypes, optimal management, and treatment strategies remains incomplete. Within our series, patients frequently exhibit a complex clinical course, often necessitating a more assertive approach to treatment compared to type B dissections.

Multidetector CT Imaging Biomarkers as Predictors of Prognosis in Shock: Updates and Future Directions.

A severe mismatch between the supply and demand of oxygen is the common sequela of all types of shock, which present a mortality of up to 80%. Various organs play a protective role in shock and contribute to whole-body homeostasis. The ever-increasing number of multidetector CT examinations in severely ill and sometimes unstable patients leads to more frequently encountered findings leading to imminent death, together called "hypovolemic shock complex". Features on CT include dense opacification of the right heart and major systemic veins, venous layering of contrast material and blood, densely opacified parenchyma in the right hepatic lobe, decreased enhancement of the abdominal organ, a dense pulmonary artery, contrast pooling in dependent lungs, and contrast stasis in pulmonary veins. These findings are biomarkers and prognostic indicators of paramount importance which stratify risk and improve patient outcomes. In this review, we illustrate the various CT patterns in shock and review the spectrum and prognostic significance of thoraco-abdominal vascular and visceral alarming signs of impending death with the intention of increasing awareness among radiologists and radiographers to prepare for immediate resuscitation when required.

Post-Intubation Tracheoesophageal Fistula: Surgical Management by Complete Cervical Tracheal Transection.

We report successful surgical management of post-intubation tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) in an adult patient requiring long-term mechanical ventilation. A complete tracheal transection without tracheal resection, via an anterior cervical approach, followed by direct closure of tracheal and esophageal defect, and interposition of muscle flap between the suture lines and tracheal reconstruction was performed. In selected cases, this surgical procedure may be a viable alternative to traditional techniques used to treat post-intubation TEF via the anterior or lateral cervical approach.

Acquired Benign Tracheoesophageal Fistula: An Alternative Tracheoplastic Technique.

We present a case of surgical management of a tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) following prolonged intubation. After transverse tracheal division and retraction of the distal stump, direct closure of the esophageal defect and repair of the membranous tracheal defect using a synthetic bioabsorbable patch were performed, followed by interposition of muscle flap between the suture lines and tracheal reconstruction. Large TEFs, without tracheal stenosis or circumferential airway defect, associated with marked peritracheal inflammation, may be treated with this alternative tracheoplastic technique in patients deemed not suitable for tracheal resection and anastomosis.

Chest CT-based Assessment of 1-year Outcomes after Moderate COVID-19 Pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 pneumonia may lead to pulmonary fibrosis in the long term. Chest CT is useful to evaluate changes in the lung parenchyma over time. PURPOSE: To illustrate the temporal change of lung abnormalities on chest CT scans associated with COVID-19 pneumonia over 1 year. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, patients previously hospitalized due to COVID-19 pneumonia who visited the radiology department of a tertiary care center for imaging follow-up were consecutively enrolled between March 2020 and July 2021. Exclusion criteria were acute respiratory distress syndrome, requirement of intubation and/or mechanical ventilation, pulmonary embolism, and any interstitial lung disease. High-resolution volumetric noncontrast chest CT scans were acquired at 3, 6, and 12 months from the first diagnosis and were compared with baseline CT scans. The imaging features analyzed were ground-glass opacity (GGO), consolidation, pleuroparenchymal band, linear atelectasis, bronchiectasis and/or bronchiolectasis, reticulation, traction bronchiectasis and/or bronchiolectasis, and honeycombing. The prevalence distribution of lung abnormalities was recorded at all time points. RESULTS: Eighty-four participants (56 men; mean age, 61 years ± 11 [SD]) were studied. GGOs and consolidations represented the main baseline lung abnormalities, accounting for a median severity score of 9 (IQR, 7-12.7; maximum possible score, 20), which indicates moderate lung involvement. The baseline prevalence of GGOs decreased from 100% to 2% of participants at 1 year, and that of consolidations decreased from 71% to 0% at 6 months. Fibrotic-like abnormalities (pleuroparenchymal bands, linear atelectasis, bronchiectasis and/or bronchiolectasis) were detected at 3 months (50% of participants), 6 months (42% of participants), and 1 year (5% of participants). Among these, pleuroparenchymal bands were the most represented finding. Fibrotic changes (reticulation and traction bronchiectasis and/or bronchiolectasis) were detected at 3-6 months (2%) and remained stable at 1 year, with no evidence of honeycombing. At 1 year, lung abnormalities due to COVID-19 pneumonia were completely resolved in 78 of 84 (93%) participants. CONCLUSION: Residual lung abnormalities in individuals hospitalized with moderate COVID-19 pneumonia were infrequent, with no evidence of fibrosis at 1-year chest CT. © RSNA, 2022.

Anomalous segmental pulmonary vein: additional V6 behind the bronchus intermedius draining into the superior pulmonary vein.

Anatomical variations of pulmonary venous drainage have been widely described in the literature in order to perform safe thoracic surgical procedures. We report a case of anomalous vein from the superior segment of the right lower lobe running in the posterior mediastinum and draining into the superior pulmonary vein. As the patient showed a usual right inferior pulmonary vein, formed by the union of the superior segment right lower lobe vein (V6) and the common basal vein joining the left atrium, the uncommon segmental pulmonary vein described was named: additional V6. It was identified preoperatively and recognized intraoperatively during thoracoscopic right lower lobectomy and lymph node dissection performed for lung cancer treatment. Diagnostic imaging and careful surgical dissection are helpful tools to avoid intraoperative bleeding and other complications during thoracic surgical procedures due to unrecognized vascular anomalies.

MDCT Imaging of Non-Traumatic Thoracic Aortic Emergencies and Its Impact on Diagnosis and Management-A Reappraisal.

Non-traumatic thoracic aorta emergencies are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Diseases of the intimomedial layers (aortic dissection and variants) have been grouped under the common term of acute aortic syndrome because they are life-threatening conditions clinically indistinguishable on presentation. Patients with aortic dissection may present with a wide variety of symptoms secondary to the pattern of dissection and end organ malperfusion. Other conditions may be seen in patients with acute symptoms, including ruptured and unstable thoracic aortic aneurysm, iatrogenic or infective pseudoaneurysms, aortic fistula, acute aortic thrombus/occlusive disease, and vasculitis. Imaging plays a pivotal role in the patient's management and care. In the emergency room, chest X-ray is the initial imaging test offering a screening evaluation for alternative common differential diagnoses and a preliminary assessment of the mediastinal dimensions. State-of-the-art multidetector computed tomography angiography (CTA) provides a widely available, rapid, replicable, noninvasive diagnostic imaging with sensitivity approaching 100%. It is an impressive tool in decision-making process with a deep impact on treatment including endovascular or open surgical or conservative treatment. Radiologists must be familiar with the spectrum of these entities to help triage patients appropriately and efficiently. Understanding the imaging findings and proper measurement techniques allow the radiologist to suggest the most appropriate next management step.

Lesson by SARS-CoV-2 disease (COVID-19): whole-body CT angiography detection of "relevant" and "other/incidental" systemic vascular findings.

OBJECTIVES: Increasing evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 infection may lead to severe and multi-site vascular involvement. Our study aimed at assessing the frequency of vascular and extravascular events' distribution in a retrospective cohort of 42 COVID-19 patients. METHODS: Patients were evaluated by whole-body CT angiography between March 16 and April 30, 2020. Twenty-three out of the 42 patients evaluated were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Vascular and extravascular findings were categorized into "relevant" or "other/incidental," first referring to the need for immediate patient care and management. Student T-test, Mann-Whitney U test, or Fisher exact test was used to compare study groups, where appropriate. RESULTS: Relevant vascular events were recorded in 71.4% of cases (n = 30). Pulmonary embolism was the most frequent in both ICU and non-ICU cases (56.5% vs. 10.5%, p = 0.002). Ischemic infarctions at several sites such as the gut, spleen, liver, brain, and kidney were detected (n = 20), with multi-site involvement in some cases. Systemic venous thrombosis occurred in 30.9% of cases compared to 7.1% of systemic arterial events, the first being significantly higher in ICU patients (p = 0.002). Among incidental findings, small-sized splanchnic arterial aneurysms were reported in 21.4% of the study population, with no significant differences in ICU and non-ICU patients. CONCLUSIONS: Vascular involvement is not negligible in COVID-19 and should be carefully investigated as it may significantly affect disease behavior and prognosis. KEY POINTS: • Relevant vascular events were recorded in 71.4% of the study population, with pulmonary embolism being the most frequent event in ICU and non-ICU cases. • Apart from the lung, other organs such as the gut, spleen, liver, brain, and kidneys were involved with episodes of ischemic infarction. Systemic venous and arterial thrombosis occurred in 30.9% and 7.1% of cases, respectively, with venous events being significantly higher in ICU patients (p = 0.002). • Among incidental findings, small-sized splanchnic arterial aneurysms were reported in 21.4% of the whole population.

Penetrating pulmonary injury caused by a steel rod.

In stable patients with penetrating thoracic trauma, a careful radiological assessment should be taken into account for a correct surgical management.

Accessory V6 during thoracoscopic middle lobectomy: "an uncomfortable presence".

The identification of the accessory vein draining the superior segment of the right lower lobe (accessory V6), during the posterior mediastinal lymph node dissection, can help avoid operative complications.

Vertebroplasty in the treatment of back pain.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to show the utility of vertebroplasty in the treatment of some types of back pain. Vertebroplasty is a venous embolisation of the vertebral body performed under computed tomography (CT) or fluoroscopy guidance with transpedicular, anterolateral, intercostovertebral or posterolateral approach with acrylic cement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report our experience in 85 patients suffering from low back and thoracic pain and treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty owing to osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, vertebral haemangiomas or secondary lytic lesions of the spine. Patient selection was performed on the basis of physical examination, magnetic resonance or less frequently, with bone scan. CT has a minor role in selected cases to evaluate the integrity of the posterior wall. We treated 55 patients affected by acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture, 10 patients with vertebral haemangioma and 20 patients with metastatic lesions. The patients were placed in the prone position and the procedure was performed under fluoroscopy guidance in 80 patients and under CT guidance in 5 patients affected by metastatic lesions. In no cases was phlebography performed before the treatment. The approach adopted was bilateral in 45 patients and unilateral in the remaining 30 cases. Injection with a low viscosity cement was performed under fluoroscopy guidance with extreme precision in all cases. The amount of cement injected ranged from 4 ml (thoracic level) up to 12 ml (lumbar level). RESULTS: The results were better for osteoporotic cases (95%) and patients with vertebral haemangioma (90%) than with metastatic lesions (77%), with improvement within 24-72 hours after the treatment. We noted asymptomatic cement leakage in 39 cases but only in 2 cases was there an acute radiculopathy due to epidural cement leakage, which was treated and resolved medically in 1 month. At follow-up no cases were noted of fractures of vertebral bodies adjacent to the treated vertebrae. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Since the first case of vertebroplasty was used in vertebral haemangioma, the possibility of using this technique in other pathological conditions such as metastatic lesions and osteoporotic compression fractures has been clear. MR has a key role in the selection of patients while bone scan and CT can be useful in selected cases. Absolute controindication is local or systemic infection while relative controindications are epidural extension of the neoplastic lesion, vertebra plana, clinical signs of myelopathy or radiculopathy and coagulation disorders. The results of our study were better in patients treated for osteoporosis or haemangioma than in cancer patients. We consider percutaneous vertebroplasty a valid technique for the treatment of the pain due to osteoporotic compression fractures, vertebral haemangiomas or metastatic lesions.