Influence of Clinical Expertise Between Clinician-Instructors Versus Student-Instructors on the Effectiveness of Ultrasound Courses.

PURPOSE: To investigate how the extent of an ultrasound instructor's clinical expertise influences the level of hands-on ultrasound competency achieved by clinicians after three-day ultrasound courses in abdominal and emergency ultrasound. The second goal was to determine how physicians in residency rate the sonographic and didactic skills of student instructors compared to medical staff instructors. METHOD: A total of N = 100 residents participating in a 3-day ultrasound workshop were randomly trained either by 15 student instructors or by clinical staff physicians, both with > 2 years of teaching experience. Both instructor groups had previously completed 120 hours of didactic instructor training. Ultrasound competencies were assessed by a standardized objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) of healthy individuals. The sonographic and didactic skills of both instructor groups were rated by questionnaires with six-step Likert items (1 = excellent, 6 = poor). RESULTS: The cohort, trained by student instructors, achieved the same scoring level as the second cohort, trained by physician instructors (mean score 76.4, versus 73.7 of max. 100 points, p = 0.28) in the final OSCE. The sonographic qualification was rated for student educators as 1.44 (mean) [1.1-1.62], versus residents 1.46 [1.26-1.61], versus attendings 1.29 [1.05-1.61]. Didactic skill levels were rated without significant differences with means of 1.53, 1.57 and 1.53, respectively. DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION: The didactic competence of student instructors does not differ statistically from the competency levels of experienced physicians. In terms of the acquired ultrasound skills of trainees, our data indicate that student instructors can be as efficient as staff instructors. Therefore, student instructors can be employed as resource-saving ultrasound educators without decreasing the skills level achieved by course participants, provided that they previously underwent a comprehensive didactic and sonographic training program.

Temporarily increased stroke rate after Takotsubo syndrome: need for an anticoagulation?

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported slightly higher stroke rates in Takotsubo Syndrome compared to acute myocardial infarction. Our goal was to evaluate the temporal course of stroke rates and left ventricular recovery in patients with Takotsubo Syndrome. METHODS: We retrospectively examined the clinical and imaging data of 72 patients with Takotsubo Syndrome. The data collected came from January 2005 to March 2017. Left ventricular performance was evaluated by cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in all patients during the acute phase of Takotsubo Syndrome and in a follow-up scan 2 months later. Acute stroke and major adverse clinical events, such as myocardial infarction or recurrence of Takotsubo Syndrome and death, were also determined for each patient at 30 days and 12 months after initial presentation. RESULTS: The MRI scans performed during the acute phase of Takotsubo Syndrome demonstrated apical ballooning with anterior wall motion dysfunction in 65 (90%) patients. Imaging performed 2 months later demonstrated resolution of this in 97% of those patients. Median left ventricular ejection fraction also significantly increased between both scans (49.5% vs. 64.0%, P < 0.001). We observed 9 (12%) events in the study population within 12 months of the initial diagnosis of Takotsubo Syndrome. Stroke had an event rate of 2.8% after 30 days and 4.2% after 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Apical ballooning was found in the majority of our Takotsubo Syndrome patients on the MRI scans performed at presentation. This finding was subsequently associated with higher than expected stroke rates within 30 days of diagnosis and with rapid recovery of left ventricular function within 2 months of diagnosis. This suggests that rapid improvement in left ventricular morphology and function may facilitate the formation of cardiac emboli and consequently increase stroke rates in Takotsubo Syndrome. Although no guidelines currently exist for the treatment of Takotsubo Syndrome, these results may point to a potential role for temporary oral anticoagulation in high-risk patients. Future studies should examine if stroke rates after Takotsubo Syndrome have been underestimated.

Evaluation of therapy management and outcome in Takotsubo syndrome.

BACKGROUND: To date there is no validated evidence for standardized treatment of patients with Takotsubo syndrome (TTS). Medication therapy after final TTS diagnosis remains unclear. Previous data on patient outcome is ambivalent. Aim of this study was to evaluate medication therapy in TTS and to analyze patient outcome. METHODS: Within an observational retrospective cohort study we analyzed our medical records and included 72 patients with TTS that underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) after a median of 2 days interquartile range (IQR 1-3.5). We investigated medication therapy at discharge. Medication implementation and major adverse clinical events (MACE) were prospectively evaluated after a median follow-up of 24 months (IQR 6-43). Left ventricular function, myocardial oedema and late gadolinium enhancement were analyzed in a CMR follow-up if available. RESULTS: Antithrombotic therapy was recommended in 69 (96%) patients including different combinations. Antiplatelet monotherapy was prescribed in 28 (39%) patients. Dual antiplatelet therapy was recommended in 29 (40%) patients. Length of therapy duration varied from one to twelve months. Only in one case oral anticoagulation was prescribed due to apical ballooning with a left ventricular ejection fraction <30%. In all other cases oral anticoagulation was recommended due to other indications. ß-adrenoceptor antagonists and ACE inhibitors were recommended in 63 (88%), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists were prescribed in 31 (43%) patients. After a median of 2 months (IQR 1.3-2.9) left ventricular function significantly recovered (49.1% ± 10.1 vs. 64.1% ± 5.7, P < 0.001) and myocardial oedema significantly decreased (13.5 ± 11.3 vs. 0.6% ± 2.4, P = <0.001) in the CMR follow-up. The 30-day mortality was 1%. MACE rate after 24 months was 12%. CONCLUSION: Although therapy guidelines for TTS currently do not exist, we found that the majority of patients were treated with antithrombotic and heart failure therapy for up to twelve months. Left ventricular function and myocardial oedema recovered rapidly within the first two months. Outcome analysis showed a low bleeding rate and a high short-term survival. Therefore, TTS patients might benefit from antithrombotic and heart failure therapy at least for the first two months.

Ruptured Mycotic Aortic Aneurysm after Bacille Calmette-Guerin Therapy.

To report a case of a ruptured mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysm (MAA) after intravesical Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) therapy because of bladder carcinoma. A 57-year-old male patient was admitted to our hospital for follow-up computed tomography 14 months after transurethral resection of a papillary carcinoma of the bladder and intravesical BCG therapy. The CT scan revealed a ruptured MAA aneurysm and the patient underwent an endovascular repair with an aorto-bi-iliac stent graft. A ruptured MAA is a rare but lethal complication after BCG instillation therapy. The standard therapy is the open reconstruction but according to the literature an endovascular therapy in combination with long-term antibiotics should be considered as a bridging or a definite solution.

Tamoxifen monotherapy in the treatment of retroperitoneal fibrosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of tamoxifen monotherapy in patients with retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 2007 on, 31 patients with idiopathic RPF were treated with tamoxifen monotherapy. Follow-up investigations included magnetic resonance imaging, laboratory measurements, registration of side effects and changes or removal of ureteral stents. Data were stored in the Else Kröner-Fresenius Registry of Retroperitoneal Fibrosis. RESULTS: 25 men and 6 women with a mean age of 56.6 years were treated with tamoxifen monotherapy. Mean duration of treatment was 13.3 months, mean follow-up 26.8 months. A total of 44 renal units were affected by hydronephrosis and covered by DJ stents. Radiological regression of fibrosis was detected in 22 cases (71.0%); removal of ureteral stents was possible in 27/44 renal units (61.4%) and 17/29 patients (58.6%), respectively. Most patients showed only mild or no side effects of therapy. In 7 cases (22.3%) tamoxifen therapy had to be abandoned because of severe side effects, progression of fibrosis or persistent intolerance. CONCLUSIONS: Tamoxifen is an alternative in the medical treatment of RPF, especially if patients want to avoid glucocorticoids. The potential of regression of fibrosis seems to be slightly inferior and the relapse rate is higher compared to steroids, but the rate of successful DJ removals is comparable.

[Infrarenal aortic ectasia in retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF)]. / Aufweitungen der infrarenalen Aorta bei retroperitonealer Fibrose (RPF).

We analysed the infrarenal aortic morphology by abdominal MR-examinations of 47 RPF patients compared to a control group. A significant larger aortic calibre and higher rates of infrarenal dilatation in male RPF patients were observed. The larger aortic diameter in male RPF patients may be due to periaortic inflammation with resulting aortic ectasia and supports the classification of RPF into the spectrum of chronic periaortitis.

Value of CT in COVID-19-pandemia: A systematic analysis of CT-findings and outcomes in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

Chest-computer tomography (CT) is a crucial factor in the clinical course and evaluation of patients with COVID-pneumonia. In the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic little information was known on the prognostic value of the initially taken thoracic CTs. The purpose of this study was to determine predictive values for clinical outcome based on CT classification of the pulmonary pathologies in patients with COVID-pneumonia. This single center study included 51 non-immunized patients during the first COVID-19 outbreak in Germany. The patients underwent a clinically indicated chest-CT. Using the radiological society of North America (RSNA)-report template, chest-CTs were classified into 4 categories (typical, atypical, indeterminate, and no changes). We analyzed the outcomes based on these imaging classifications and relevant comorbidities. Among the 51 patients of our study population 14 (27.5%) patients had a lethal outcome. Typical radiological COVID-19 pattern was found in 92.9% of the deceased patients and in 59.5% of the surviving patients (P = .022). The lethal group showed a significant higher proportion of diabetes mellitus (50% vs 10.8%; P = .003) and arterial hypertension (aHTN) (85.7% vs 54.1%; P = .037). Male sex, higher age and coronary heart disease (CHD) were also seen more often in the lethal group. In patients with clinically proven COVID-19 pneumonia, typical chest CT findings show a negative outcome. A classification system used in this study is helpful for classifying imaging features and is recommended as a standardized CT reporting tool. It could also help in triaging of the therapy of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Especially the comorbidities, diabetes and arterial hypertonia triggered a negative outcome in our study population.

[Correlation between comorbidities and thoracic CT manifestations of COVID-19 pneumonia]. / Korrelation zwischen Komorbiditäten und Veränderungen des Lungenparenchyms im CT des Thorax bei Patienten mit COVID-19-Pneumonie.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pulmonary manifestation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is described using standardized computed tomography (CT) morphologic criteria. In this study, we investigated possible associations between thoracic CT manifestations in COVID-19 pneumonia and typical comorbidities, as well as clinical course. METHODS: We analyzed clinical data and pulmonary imaging of 61 patients with positive PCR test. Pulmonary changes were categorized and reviewed for associations with pre-existing comorbidities and clinical course. RESULTS: Compared to patients with atypical infiltrate patterns (2/19, 10.5%), 25 patients with typical infiltrate patterns (25/42, 59.5%) were significantly more likely to receive intensive care (p<0.001). In addition, patients with typical infiltrate patterns were more likely to receive non-invasive ventilation (12/42, 28.6%, p=0.040) and high-flow therapy (8/42, 19%, p=0.041) compared to patients with atypical infiltrate patterns. Mortality was also higher in patients with typical infiltrate patterns, with 15 patients (15/42, 35.7%) dying during follow-up compared to only 1 patient with atypical infiltrate pattern (1/19, 10.5%, p=0.012). No significant association between specific comorbidities and the resulting infiltrate pattern could be demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a typical COVID-19 infiltrate pattern are more likely to receive intensive care and show higher mortality rates. Further analysis with larger patient collectives is needed to identify specific risk factors for typical COVID-19 pneumonia.

The Great Saphenous Vein-An Underrated Recipient Vein in Free Flap Plasty for Lower Extremity Reconstruction: A Retrospective Monocenter Study.

Background Reconstruction of large soft tissue defects of the lower extremity often requires the use of free flaps. The main limiting factor and potential for complications lie in the selection of proper donor and recipient vessels for microvascular anastomosis. While the superficial veins of the lower leg are easier to dissect, they are thought to be more vulnerable to trauma and lead to a higher complication rate when using them instead of the deep accompanying veins as recipient vessels. No clear evidence exists that proves this concept. Methods We retrospectively studied the outcomes of 97 patients who underwent free flap plasty to reconstruct predominantly traumatic defects of the lower extremity at our institute. The most used flap was the gracilis muscle flap. We divided the population into three groups based on the recipient veins that were used for microvascular anastomosis and compared their outcomes. The primary outcome was the major complication rate. Results Overall flap survivability was 93.81%. The complication rates were not higher when using the great saphenous vein as a recipient vessel when comparing to utilizing the deep concomitant veins alone or the great saphenous vein in combination to the concomitant veins. Conclusions In free flap surgery of the lower extremity, the selection of the recipient veins should not be restricted to the deep accompanying veins of the main vessels. The superficial veins, especially the great saphenous vein, offer an underrated option when performing free flap reconstruction.

Imaging of clinically silent rectoprostatic hematoma in MRI guided in-bore prostate biopsy.

MR imaging provides awareness for rectoprostatic hematomas as a complication in prostate biopsy. We evaluated the frequency and size of clinically silent bleeding after in-bore MRI-guided prostate biopsy according to documentation in MRI. From 2007 until 2020 in-bore MRI-guided prostate biopsy was performed in 283 consecutive patients with suspected prostate cancer. Interventional image documentation was reviewed for rectoprostatic hematomas and rectal blood collections in this retrospective observational single-center study. Correlation to patient characteristics was analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model. 283 consecutive patients with a mean age of 66 ± 8 years were included. We diagnosed bleeding complications in 41 (14.5%) of the patients. Significant rectoprostatic hematomas were found in 24 patients. Intra-rectal blood collections were observed in 16 patients and one patient showed bleeding in the urinary bladder. The volume of rectoprostatic hematomas was determined with a median of 7.5 ml (range 2-40 ml, IQR 11.25). We found no correlation between the presence of a rectoprostatic hematoma and malignant findings, patient position in biopsy, number of cores, age, prostate volume nor PSA density (p > 0.05). Rectoprostatic hematomas and rectal blood collections are rare complications after in-bore MR-guided prostate biopsy. MR imaging provides benefits not only for lesion detection in prostate biopsy but also for the control of bleeding complications, which can be overlooked in standard TRUS biopsy. Their significance in pain, erectile dysfunction, and urinary retention remains to be investigated.

Structured reporting in radiologic education - Potential of different PI-RADS versions in prostate MRI controlled by in-bore MR-guided biopsies.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficiency of structured reporting in radiologic education - based on the example of different PI-RADS score versions for multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) of the prostate. METHODS: MpMRI of 688 prostate lesions in 180 patients were retrospectively reviewed by an experienced radiologist and by a student using PI-RADS V1 and V2. Data sets were reviewed for changes according to PI-RADS V2.1. The results were correlated with results obtained by MR-guided biopsy. Diagnostic potency was evaluated by ROC analysis. Sensitivity, specificity and correct-graded samples were evaluated for different cutpoints. The agreement between radiologist and student was determined for the aggregation of the PI-RADS score in three categories. The student's time needed for evaluation was measured. RESULTS: The area under curve of the ROC analysis was 0.782/0.788 (V1/V2) for the student and 0.841/0.833 (V1/V2) for the radiologist. The agreement between student and radiologist showed a Cohen's weighted κ coefficient of 0.495 for V1 and 0.518 for V2. Median student's time needed for score assessment was 4:34 min for PI-RADSv1 and 2:00 min for PI-RADSv2 (p < 0.001). Re-evaluation for V2.1 changed the category in 1.4% of all ratings. CONCLUSION: The capacity of prostate cancer detection using PI-RADS V1 and V2 is dependent on the reader's experience. The results from the two observers indicate that structured reporting using PI-RADS and, controlled by histopathology, can be a valuable and quantifiable tool in students' or residents' education. Herein, V2 was superior to V1 in terms of inter-observer agreement and time efficacy. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: Structured reporting can be a valuable and quantifiable tool in radiologic education. Structured reporting using PI-RADS can be used by a student with good performance. PI-RADS V2 is superior to V1 in terms of inter-observer agreement and time efficacy.

Impact of CYP2D6 Polymorphisms on Tamoxifen Treatment in Patients With Retroperitoneal Fibrosis: A First Step Towards Tailored Therapy?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of CYP2D6 polymorphisms on outcomes and health-related quality of life of patients with retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) receiving tamoxifen (TMX). TMX is an effective alternative to corticosteroids for patients with RPF. Conversion of TMX to more potent endoxifen is dependent on enzyme activity of CYP2D6. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CYP2D6 genotyping and phenotype prediction of all patients treated with TMX between 02/2007 and 01/2018 was assessed using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Groups were classified by phenotype: extensive (EM) vs poor and intermediate (PM + IM) vs ultrarapid metabolizer (UM). Retrospective evaluation of outcome (including magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography-computed tomography) and health-related quality of life using the SF-36 was performed. RESULTS: A total of 63/194 patients received TMX, 40/63 with complete follow-up were sequenced: Twenty-nine patients with EM phenotype, 8 PM + IM and 3 UM. The median therapy duration was 364.5 days with a mean follow-up of 62.9 months. Seven therapy terminations occurred due to lack of response (17.5%), including all UM patients (P <.001). Magnetic resonance imagings showed a regression of fibrosis for EM and PM + IM in 69% and 62.5% of cases and a progression for UM in 100% (P = .004). In positron emission tomography-computed tomography, glucose utilization of RPF decreased significantly for EM and PM + IM. The physical sum-score of SF-36 improved for EM and PM + IM and decreased for UM (P <.05). The removal of DJ-stents was successful for EM, PM + IM, and UM in 48.3%, 75%, and 0% of cases (P = .0581). CONCLUSION: Contrary to expectations, UM showed the lowest success rate, which concludes that genotyping of RPF-patients may be useful in the sense of a tailored-therapy.

Guideline-Oriented Therapy of Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) - Current Data and Perspectives. / Leitliniengerechte Therapie der PAVK ­ Aktuelle Studienlage und Ausblick.

BACKGROUND: Because of the demographic change, lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) is becoming increasingly relevant with respect to health economics. PAD patients often suffer from multiple diseases. Consequently, therapy is commonly complex and requires an interdisciplinary approach. Because of rapid technical developments, interventional endovascular therapy regimens play an increasingly important role. METHOD: Review and literature search on the basis of the current German S3 guidelines on the therapy of PAD as well as international guidelines. In terms of state-of-the-art therapies, relevant current studies were considered. RESULTS: Knowledge of existing guidelines and recommendations as well as new therapeutic approaches is essential for the adequate therapy of PAD patients. A close cooperation between the interventional radiologist and the vascular surgeon is the key to success. In addition to established conservative approaches and invasive bypass surgery, the endovascular approach has been a mainstay in the TASC A and B environment for years. It has recently shown promising results in advanced PAD conditions, such as TASC C and D. An endovascular-first strategy is defined in most guidelines. CONCLUSION: A primarily endovascular-first strategy has become the standard in the majority of even complex lesions of the lower extremity arterial system. Regarding the crural segment, a decrease in mortality compared to bypass surgery has been demonstrated. Further evidence can be expected from ongoing randomized multicenter trials. KEY POINTS: · Adequate diagnostic examination is essential for the classification and strategy of therapy in PAD. · Therapeutic decisions are ideally made in an interdisciplinary conference. · Interventional therapy of intermittent claudication after exhaustion of conservative and medicamentous therapy. · Endovascular-first approach in supra- and infrainguinal lesions. · Additional evidence expected from future randomized trials. CITATION FORMAT: · Kersting J, Kamper L, Das M et al. Guideline-Oriented Therapy of Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) - Current Data and Perspectives. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2019; 191: 311 - 322.

MRI findings in patients with acute coronary syndrome and unobstructed coronary arteries.

PURPOSE: The underlying diagnosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and unobstructed coronary arteries remains a diagnostic challenge. We analyzed the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in this clinical setting. METHODS: A total of 213 patients with ACS and unobstructed coronary arteries underwent MRI within a median of 2 days after initial presentation. Clinical, laboratory, and MRI data were analyzed. A consensus diagnosis was established for each case by an independent panel after reviewing the individual clinical, laboratory, and MRI data. Standardized interviews to determine patient outcomes were carried out after a median follow-up of 24 months. Clinical events were defined as a composite of death, stroke, myocardial infarction or recurrence of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), new onset of heart failure with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <30%, and occurrence of a new left ventricular thrombus formation. RESULTS: Final diagnoses included acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (40%), acute myocarditis (24%) and TTS (33%). In 3% of patients, nonspecific findings lead to an indeterminate diagnosis. Patients with TTS showed a significantly impaired LVEF during the index event (50% vs. 60% in AMI and 60% in myocarditis, P = 0.001). The extent of myocardial edema was most pronounced in patients with TTS (13.4%±11.4 vs. 4.6%±7.9 in AMI and 1.8%±2.7 in myocarditis, P < 0.001). TTS patients had the highest event rate (16.9%). CONCLUSION: Our study emphasizes the diagnostic utility of timely MRI in patients with ACS and unobstructed coronary arteries. We found a high prevalence of TTS patients, who had poorer outcomes compared with patients with a final diagnosis of AMI or myocarditis.

Endovascular treatment to boost AV fistula maturation.

Impaired fistula maturation is associated with puncture-related complications, insufficient dialysis and potential permanent access failure. Non-maturation is frequently initiated by stenotic vascular access vessels comprising the outflow veins, the arteriovenous anastomosis and infrequently the inflow artery. Further findings in maturation protraction are central venous stenoses or accessory outflow veins. Depending on the underlying pathology, several endovascular approaches to boost fistula maturation are possible. To date standard balloon angioplasty remains the primary proven treatment option.