Balanced steady-state free precession MRCP is a robust alternative to respiration-navigated 3D turbo-spin-echo MRCP.

BACKGROUND: Despite synchronization to respiration, respiration-navigated (RN) 3D turbo-spin-echo MRCP is limited by susceptibility to motion artifacts. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of pancreaticobiliary duct visualization of a non-RN MRCP alternative based on balanced steady-state free precession imaging (BSSFP) with overlapping slices compared with RN-MRCP. METHODS: This is a retrospective study on 50 patients without pancreaticobiliary duct disease receiving MRCP at 1.5 T. We performed an intraindividual comparison of coronal RN-MRCP with combined coronal and transverse BSSFP-MRCP. Image quality was scored by 3 readers for 6 pancreaticobiliary duct segments (3 pancreatic, 3 biliary) using a 6-point scale. A segment score of 3 or lower as assessed by at least 2 of 3 readers was defined as insufficient segment visualization. Nonparametric tests and interrater reliability testing were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Overall duct visualization averaged over all readers was scored with 4.5 ± 1.1 for RN-MRCP (pancreatic, 4.1 ± 0.5; biliary, 5.0 ± 0.4) and 4.9 ± 0.9 for combined coronal and transverse BSSFP-MRCP (pancreatic, 4.6 ± 0.6; biliary, 5.1 ± 0.6), respectively (p < 0.001). The number of segments visualized insufficiently was 81/300 for RN-MRCP and 43/300 for BSSFP-MRCP (p < 0.001). Segments visualized insufficiently only in RN-MRCP had a mean score of 4.4 ± 0.8 in BSSFP-MRCP. Overall interrater agreement on superiority of BSSFP-MRCP segment scores over corresponding RN-MRCP was 0.70. Mean acquisition time was 98% longer for RN-MRCP (198.0 ± 98.7 s) than for combined coronal and transverse BSSFP-MRCP (100.2 ± 0.4 s). CONCLUSIONS: Non-RN BSSFP-MRCP with overlapping slices is a fast alternative to RN-MRCP, frequently providing sufficient duct visualization when RN-MRCP fails.

[Skeletal changes in plasma cell dyscrasias]. / Skelettveränderungen bei Plasmazelldyskrasien.

BACKGROUND: Plasma cell dyscrasias are a spectrum of diseases characterized by clonal plasma cell proliferation. Important entities within this group are monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance, smoldering multiple myeloma, and symptomatic multiple myeloma. PURPOSE: The goal of this review is to illustrate plasma cell dyscrasia imaging findings of bone and bone marrow as seen on whole-body computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to discuss the relevance of imaging for management of patients with plasma cell dyscrasias. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Selective literature search with analysis of dedicated original research articles and reviews and discussion of clinical guidelines. RESULTS: Diagnostic classification of plasma cell dyscrasias is based on the SLiM-CRAB criteria. CT primarily represents imaging of mineralized bone to show osseous end organ damage by detecting osteodestruction. MRI is primarily used for bone marrow imaging to detect diffuse or focal bone marrow infiltration, even in the absence of bone destruction. Different patterns of bone marrow infiltration can be distinguished. Treatment response is associated with characteristic imaging signs of lesion regression. CONCLUSION: Imaging plays a prominent role in treatment stratification of patients with plasma cell dyscrasia at first diagnosis and during follow-up.

Ultra-High-b-Value Kurtosis Imaging for Noninvasive Tissue Characterization of Ovarian Lesions.

Background MRI with contrast material enhancement is the imaging modality of choice to evaluate sonographically indeterminate adnexal masses. The role of diffusion-weighted MRI, however, remains controversial. Purpose To evaluate the diagnostic performance of ultra-high-b-value diffusion kurtosis MRI in discriminating benign and malignant ovarian lesions. Materials and Methods This prospective cohort study evaluated consecutive women with sonographically indeterminate adnexal masses between November 2016 and December 2018. MRI at 3.0 T was performed, including diffusion-weighted MRI (b values of 0-2000 sec/mm2). Lesions were segmented on b of 1500 sec/mm2 by two readers in consensus and an additional independent reader by using full-lesion segmentations on a single transversal slice. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) calculation and kurtosis fitting were performed. Differences in ADC, kurtosis-derived ADC (Dapp), and apparent kurtosis coefficient (Kapp) between malignant and benign lesions were assessed by using a logistic mixed model. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for ADC, Dapp, and Kapp to discriminate malignant from benign lesions was calculated, as was specificity at a sensitivity level of 100%. Results from two independent reads were compared. Histopathologic analysis served as the reference standard. Results A total of 79 ovarian lesions in 58 women (mean age ± standard deviation, 48 years ± 14) were evaluated. Sixty-two (78%) lesions showed benign and 17 (22%) lesions showed malignant histologic findings. ADC and Dapp were lower and Kapp was higher in malignant lesions: median ADC, Dapp, and Kapp were 0.74 µm2/msec (range, 0.52-1.44 µm2/msec), 0.98 µm2/msec (range, 0.63-2.12 µm2/msec), and 1.01 (range, 0.69-1.30) for malignant lesions, and 1.13 µm2/msec (range, 0.35-2.63 µm2/msec), 1.45 µm2/msec (range, 0.44-3.34 µm2/msec), and 0.65 (range, 0.44-1.43) for benign lesions (P values of .01, .02, < .001, respectively). AUC for Kapp of 0.85 (95% confidence interval: 0.77, 0.94) was higher than was AUC from ADC of 0.78 (95% confidence interval: 0.67, 0.89; P = .047). Conclusion Diffusion-weighted MRI by using quantitative kurtosis variables is superior to apparent diffusion coefficient values in discriminating benign and malignant ovarian lesions and might be of future help in clinical practice, especially in patients with contraindication to contrast media application. © RSNA, 2020 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

[Diagnostic imaging of malignant lymphomas]. / Bildgebende Diagnostik von malignen Lymphomen.

BACKROUND: Malignant lymphomas represent approximately 5% of all cancers. Imaging procedures play a crucial role concerning initial staging and assessment of the response to treatment. OBJECTIVE: This article gives an overview of the significance of imaging procedures in the treatment of patients with malignant lymphomas at various times during treatment. These include the initial assessment of the extent of the disease and staging during and after treatment under consideration of the current classification systems. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A selective literature search was carried out with analysis of dedicated original research articles and reviews as well as a discussion of the clinical guidelines. RESULTS: Computed tomography (CT) is the basic diagnostic tool in patients with malignant lymphomas. Particularly important is fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) CT, which enables a more accurate stage definition and a better assessment of the response to treatment in FDG-avid lymphoma subtypes. Using the FDG-PET/CT-based Deauville score persisting disease activity can be identified in residual masses and refractory disease can be distinguished from complete metabolic remission. The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with diffusion-weighted imaging can represent a future alternative but is, however, not yet sufficiently standardized and validated. CONCLUSION: The standardized analysis and reporting of purely morphological and metabolic imaging procedures is the backbone of treatment decisions in patients with malignant lymphomas.

3D reconstruction of MR-visible Fe3 O4 -mesh implants: Pelvic mesh measurement techniques and preliminary findings.

AIMS: To develop MR-based measurement technique to evaluate the postoperative dimension and location of implanted magnetic resonance (MR)-visible meshes. METHODS: This technique development study reports findings of six patients (A-F) with cystoceles treated with anterior vaginal MR-visible Fe3 O4 -polypropylene implants. Implanted meshes were reconstructed from 3 months and/or 1 year postsurgical MR-images using 3D Slicer®. Measurements including mesh length, distance to the ischial spines, pudendal, and obturator neurovascular bundles and urethra were obtained using software Rhino® and a custom Matlab® program. The range of implanted mesh length and their placements were reported and compared with mesh design and implantation recommendations. With the anterior/posterior-mesh-segment-ratio mesh shrinkage localization was evaluated. RESULTS: Examinations were possible for patients A-D 3 months and for A, C, E, and F 1 year postsurgical. The mesh was at least 40% shorter in all patients 3 months and/or 1 year postoperatively. A, B showed shrinkage in the anterior segment, D, E in the posterior segment (Patients C, F not applicable due to intraoperative mesh trimming). Patient E presented pain in the area of mesh shrinkage. In Patient C posterior mesh fixations were placed in the iliococcygeal muscle rather than sacrospinous ligaments. Arm placement less than 20 mm from the pudendal neurovascular bundles was seen in all cases. The portion of the urethra having mesh underneath it ranged from 19% to 55%. CONCLUSIONS: MRI-based measurement techniques have been developed to quantify implanted mesh location and dimension. Mesh placement variations possibly correlating with postoperative complications can be illustrated.

Semi-automated computed tomography Volumetry can predict hemihepatectomy specimens' volumes in patients with hepatic malignancy.

BACKGROUND: One of the major causes of perioperative mortality of patients undergoing major hepatic resections is post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). For preoperative appraisal of the risk of PHLF it is important to accurately predict resectate volume and future liver remnant volume (FLRV). The objective of our study is to prospectively evaluate the accuracy of hemihepatectomy resectate volumes that are determined by computed tomography volumetry (CTV) when compared with intraoperatively measured volumes and weights as gold standard in patients undergoing hemihepatectomy. METHODS: Twenty four patients (13 women, 11 men) scheduled for hemihepatectomy due to histologically proven primary or secondary hepatic malignancies were included in our study. CTV was performed using a semi-automated module (S, hereinafter) (syngo.CT Liver Analysis VA30, Siemens Healthcare, Germany). Conversion factors between CT volumes on the one side and intraoperative volumes and weights on the other side were calculated using the method of least squares. Absolute and relative disagreements between CT volumes and intraoperative volumes were determined. RESULTS: A conversion factor of c = 0.906 most precisely predicted intraoperative volumes of exsanguinated hemihepatectomy specimens from CT volumes in all patients with mean absolute and relative disagreements between CT volumes and intraoperative volumes of 57 ml and 6.3%. The use of operation-specific conversion factors yielded even better results. CONCLUSIONS: CTV performed with S accurately predicts intraoperative volumes of hemihepatectomy specimens when applying conversion factors which compensate for exsanguination. This allows to precisely estimate the FLRV and thus minimize the risk of PHLF in patients undergoing major hepatic resections.

Gadoxetic Acid-Enhanced Hepatobiliary-Phase Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Delineation of Focal Nodular Hyperplasia: Superiority of High-Flip-Angle Imaging.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether hepatobiliary-phase (HBP) flip-angle (FA) increase to 25° improves conspicuity of focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) and enables HBP delay reduction. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 23 patients with 46 FNHs. In each patient, HBP was performed with reduced-delay high FA (early/high), standard-delay high FA (late/high), and standard-delay standard FA (standard). Relative enhancement of liver and FNH periphery, FNH periphery-to-liver contrast ratio, and FNH periphery-to-central scar contrast ratio were compared between each HBP. RESULTS: Early/high, late/high, and standard HBPs were performed after 13.00 ± 2.12, 19.12 ± 3.10, and 19.68 ± 3.22 minutes, respectively. Liver and FNH periphery relative enhancement, FNH periphery-to-liver contrast ratio, and FNH periphery-to-central scar contrast ratio were higher for early/high and late/high than for standard HBP (P < 0.001 to P = 0.0048). CONCLUSIONS: Increasing FA to 25° improves delineation of FNHs in HBP. Combining FA increase with delay reduction is superior to standard HBP and is sufficient for FNH characterization.

Five-year outcome after pelvic floor reconstructive surgery: evaluation using dynamic magnetic resonance imaging compared to clinical examination and quality-of-life questionnaire.

Background Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) captures the entire pelvis during Valsalva maneuver and helps diagnosing pelvic floor changes after reconstructive surgery. Purpose To evaluate therapeutic outcome five years after reconstructive surgery using clinical examination, dMRI, and quality-of-life (QOL) questionnaire. Material and Methods Clinical examination, dMRI, and QOL questionnaire were conducted before surgery and in the follow-ups at 12 weeks, one year, and five years in women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) stage ≥2. dMRI was performed at 1.5-T using a predefined protocol including sagittal T2-weighted (T2W) sequence at rest and sagittal T2W true-FISP sequence at maximum strain for metric POP measurements (reference points = bladder, cervix, pouch, rectum). Pelvic organ mobility (POM) was defined as the difference of the metric measurement at maximum strain and at rest. Results Twenty-six women with 104 MRI examinations were available for analysis. dMRI results mostly differ to clinical examination regarding the overall five-year outcome and the posterior compartment in particular. dMRI diagnosed substantially more patients with recurrent or de novo POP in the posterior compartment (n = 17) compared to clinical examination (n = 4). POM after five years aligns to preoperative status except for the bladder. POM reflects best the QOL results regarding defecation disorders. Conclusion A tendency for recurrent and de novo POP was seen in all diagnostic modalities applied. dMRI objectively visualizes the interaction of the pelvic organs and the pelvic floor after reconstructive surgery and POM correlated best with the women's personal impression on pelvic floor complaints.

Retrospective study in 23 patients of the self-expanding sinus-XL stent for treatment of malignant superior vena cava obstruction caused by non-small cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate retrospectively the self-expanding nitinol Sinus-XL stent (OptiMed, Ettlingen, Germany) for the treatment of superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction caused by non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between October 2009 and December 2012, 23 patients (7 women and 16 men; age, 62.5 y ± 8.5) with stage IIIA (1 patient), IIIB (4 patients) or IV (18 patients) NSCLC and acute SVC obstruction were scheduled for urgent stent implantation. The primary study endpoints were technical success (defined as accurate stent placement with complete coverage of the obstructed SVC), residual stenosis < 30%, and clinical efficacy. Complications were assessed as a secondary study endpoint. RESULTS: There were 26 stents implanted in 23 patients. The technical success was 100%. Stent dilation was performed after deployment in 18 cases (78%). Stent migration into the right atrium occurred immediately after deployment in one patient; however, this stent was successfully repositioned and stabilized by a second stent. The clinical symptoms improved at least one category according to the International Consensus Committee on Chronic Venous Disease after stent implantation in all but one patient. The mean clinical follow-up was 66 days ± 83 (range, 1-305 d). Three minor complications (13%) and one major complication (4%) occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of the self-expanding Sinus-XL stent for treatment of SVC obstruction caused by NSCLC is a safe and effective urgent treatment in this palliative setting.

Evaluation of the plasmatic and parenchymal elution kinetics of two different irinotecan-loaded drug-eluting embolics in a pig model.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare irinotecan elution kinetics of two drug-eluting embolic agents in a porcine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Embolization of the left liver lobe was performed in 16 domestic pigs, with groups of two receiving 1 mL of DC Bead M1 (70-150 µm) or Embozene TANDEM (75 µm) loaded with 50 mg irinotecan. Irinotecan plasma levels were measured at 0, 10, 20, 30, 60, 120, 180, and 240 minutes after completed embolization and at the time of euthanasia (24 h, 48 h, 72 h, or 7 d). Liver tissue samples were taken to measure irinotecan tissue concentrations. RESULTS: The highest irinotecan plasma concentrations of both embolic agents were measured 10 and 20 minutes after embolization, and concentrations were significantly higher for DC Bead M1 versus Embozene TANDEM (P = .0019 and P = .0379, respectively). At 48 hours and later follow-up, no irinotecan was measurable in the plasma. For both embolic agents, the highest irinotecan tissue concentration was found after 24 hours and decreased in a time-dependent manner at later follow-up intervals. Additionally, SN-38 tissue levels for both agents were therapeutic at 24 hours, with therapeutic levels of SN-38 at 48 hours in one liver embolized with TANDEM particles. Histopathologic analysis revealed ischemic, inflammatory, and fibrotic tissue reactions. CONCLUSIONS: Irinotecan is measurable in plasma and hepatic tissue after liver embolization with both types of irinotecan-eluting embolic agents. DC Bead M1 shows early burst elution kinetics, whereas Embozene TANDEM has a lower and slower release profile. The initial burst is significantly greater after embolization with DC Bead M1 than with Embozene TANDEM.

Emergency embolization for the treatment of acute hemorrhage from intercostal arteries.

To evaluate embolotherapy for the emergency management of acute bleeding from intercostal arteries. Between October 2003 and August 2012, 19 consecutive patients with hemorrhage from intercostal arteries were scheduled for emergency embolization. The primary study endpoints were technical and clinical success, which were defined as angiographic cessation of bleeding, and cessation of clinical signs of hemorrhage. The secondary study endpoints were periprocedural complications and 30-day mortality rate. In most patients (74 %), hemorrhage was caused by iatrogenic procedures with subsequent intercostal artery laceration. One of the patients was treated twice for recurrent hemothorax caused by a new intercostal artery pseudoaneurysm 7.5 years after the initial procedure. Thus, 20 procedures were performed in these 19 patients. Overall technical success was 85 %. In six patients, no embolization of the "backdoor" was feasible, and in two of these patients additional embolization of other intercostal arteries was necessary to prevent hemorrhage via collateral vessels. Clinical signs of hemorrhage ceased after embolotherapy in 16 of 20 procedures (clinical success 80 %). The mean follow-up was 358.7 ± 637.1 days. One minor procedure-related complication occurred. The 30-day mortality rate was 21 %, however, this was unrelated to intercostal artery hemorrhage. Embolotherapy is an effective emergency therapy for patients with acute hemorrhage from intercostal arteries. Especially if embolization of the backdoor is not feasible, collateral supply via other intercostal arteries should be either ruled out or embolized to prevent ongoing hemorrhage. Despite successful embolotherapy, a majority of patients underwent surgery during follow-up to remove the symptomatic hematoma.

Daily AI-Based Treatment Adaptation under Weekly Offline MR Guidance in Chemoradiotherapy for Cervical Cancer 1: The AIM-C1 Trial.

(1) Background: External beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and concurrent chemotherapy, followed by brachytherapy (BT), offer a standard of care for patients with locally advanced cervical carcinoma. Conventionally, large safety margins are required to compensate for organ movement, potentially increasing toxicity. Lately, daily high-quality cone beam CT (CBCT)-guided adaptive radiotherapy, aided by artificial intelligence (AI), became clinically available. Thus, online treatment plans can be adapted to the current position of the tumor and the adjacent organs at risk (OAR), while the patient is lying on the treatment couch. We sought to evaluate the potential of this new technology, including a weekly shuttle-based 3T-MRI scan in various treatment positions for tumor evaluation and for decreasing treatment-related side effects. (2) Methods: This is a prospective one-armed phase-II trial consisting of 40 patients with cervical carcinoma (FIGO IB-IIIC1) with an age ≥ 18 years and a Karnofsky performance score ≥ 70%. EBRT (45-50.4 Gy in 25-28 fractions with 55.0-58.8 Gy simultaneous integrated boosts to lymph node metastases) will be accompanied by weekly shuttle-based MRIs. Concurrent platinum-based chemotherapy will be given, followed by 28 Gy of BT (four fractions). The primary endpoint will be the occurrence of overall early bowel and bladder toxicity CTCAE grade 2 or higher (CTCAE v5.0). Secondary outcomes include clinical feasibility, quality of life, and imaging-based response assessment.

NECTIN4 Amplification Is Frequent in Solid Tumors and Predicts Enfortumab Vedotin Response in Metastatic Urothelial Cancer.

PURPOSE: The anti-NECTIN4 antibody-drug conjugate enfortumab vedotin (EV) is approved for patients with metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC). However, durable benefit is only achieved in a small, yet uncharacterized patient subset. NECTIN4 is located on chromosome 1q23.3, and 1q23.3 gains represent frequent copy number variations (CNVs) in urothelial cancer. Here, we aimed to evaluate NECTIN4 amplifications as a genomic biomarker to predict EV response in patients with mUC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We established a NECTIN4-specific fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay to assess the predictive value of NECTIN4 CNVs in a multicenter EV-treated mUC patient cohort (mUC-EV, n = 108). CNVs were correlated with membranous NECTIN4 protein expression, EV treatment responses, and outcomes. We also assessed the prognostic value of NECTIN4 CNVs measured in metastatic biopsies of non-EV-treated mUC (mUC-non-EV, n = 103). Furthermore, we queried The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data sets (10,712 patients across 32 cancer types) for NECTIN4 CNVs. RESULTS: NECTIN4 amplifications are frequent genomic events in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (TCGA bladder cancer data set: approximately 17%) and mUC (approximately 26% in our mUC cohorts). In mUC-EV, NECTIN4 amplification represents a stable genomic alteration during metastatic progression and associates with enhanced membranous NECTIN4 protein expression. Ninety-six percent (27 of 28) of patients with NECTIN4 amplifications demonstrated objective responses to EV compared with 32% (24 of 74) in the nonamplified subgroup (P < .001). In multivariable Cox analysis adjusted for age, sex, and Bellmunt risk factors, NECTIN4 amplifications led to a 92% risk reduction for death (hazard ratio, 0.08 [95% CI, 0.02 to 0.34]; P < .001). In the mUC-non-EV, NECTIN4 amplifications were not associated with outcomes. TCGA Pan-Cancer analysis demonstrated that NECTIN4 amplifications occur frequently in other cancers, for example, in 5%-10% of breast and lung cancers. CONCLUSION: NECTIN4 amplifications are genomic predictors of EV responses and long-term survival in patients with mUC.

Quantification of tissue shrinkage and dehydration caused by microwave ablation: experimental study in kidneys for the estimation of effective coagulation volume.

PURPOSE: To quantify the extent of tissue shrinkage and dehydration caused by microwave (MW) ablation in kidneys for estimation of effective coagulation volume. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MW ablations were carried out in ex vivo porcine kidneys. Six study groups were defined: groups 1A, 2A, and 3A for MW ablation (90 W for 5 min, 7.5 min, or 10 min), and groups 1B, 2B, and 3B for control (without MW ablation). Pre- and postinterventional volume analyses were performed. Effective coagulation volumes (original tissue included in coagulation) were determined. Postinterventional dehydration analyses were performed with calculation of mean mass fractions of water. RESULTS: Mean deployed energies were 21.6 kJ ± 1.1 for group 1A, 29.9 kJ ± 1.0 for group 2A, and 42.1 kJ ± 0.5 kJ for group 3A, and were significantly different (P < .0001). Differences between pre- and postinterventional volumes were -3.8% ± 0.6 for group 1A, -5.6% ± 0.9 for group 2A, and -7.2% ± 0.4 for group 3A, and -1.1% ± 0.3 for group 1B, -1.8% ± 0.4 for group 2B, and -1.1% ± 0.4 for group 3B. Postinterventional volumes were significantly smaller than preinterventional volumes for all groups (P < .01). Underestimations of effective coagulation volume from visualized coagulation volume were 26.1% ± 3.5 for group 1A, 35.2% ± 11.2 for group 2A, and 42.1% ± 4.9 for group 3A, which were significantly different (P < .01). Mean mass fractions of water were 64.2% ± 1.4 for group 1A, 63.2% ± 1.7 for group 2A, and 62.6% ± 1.8% for group 3A, with significant differences versus corresponding control groups (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: For MW ablation in kidneys, underestimation of effective coagulation volume based on visualized coagulation volume is significantly greater with greater deployed energy. Therefore, local dehydration with tissue shrinkage is a potential contributor.

Irreversible electroporation of the pig kidney with involvement of the renal pelvis: technical aspects, clinical outcome, and three-dimensional CT rendering for assessment of the treatment zone.

PURPOSE: To analyze irreversible electroporation (IRE) of the pig kidney with involvement of the renal pelvis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: IRE of renal tissue including the pelvis was performed in 10 kidneys in five pigs. Three study groups were defined: group I (two applicators with parallel configuration; n = 11), group II (three applicators with triangular configuration; n = 2), and group III (six applicators with complex configuration; n = 3). After IRE and before euthanasia, pigs underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). Technical aspects (radial distance of applicators, resulting mean current), clinical outcome (complications, blood samples), and three-dimensional CT rendering for assessment of the treatment zone (short axis, circularity) were assessed. RESULTS: Radial distances of applicators were 14.3 mm ± 2.8 in group I, 12.3 mm ± 1.9 in group II, and 16.4 mm ± 3.5 in group III. Resulting mean currents were 25.7 A ± 6.5 in group I, 27.0 A ± 7.1 in group II, and 39.4 A ± 8.9 in group III. In group III, two perirenal hematomas were identified. There was no damage to the renal pelvis. During IRE, clinical blood parameters and cardiovascular markers did not change significantly. Short axis measurements were 20.6 mm ± 3.6 in group I, 31.9 mm ± 8.2 in group II, and 39.3 mm ± 2.4 in group III (P < .01 between groups). Circularity scores were 0.8 ± 0.2 in group I, 0.7 ± 0.1 in group II, and 0.7 ± 0.1 in group III, with a score of 1 indicating perfect roundness (P value not significant). CONCLUSIONS: IRE of the pig kidney with involvement of the renal pelvis is feasible and safe. Size but not shape of the treatment zone is significantly affected by applicator configuration.

Echinococcoses - A Primer for Radiologists. / Die Echinokokkosen aus Sicht der Radiologie.

BACKGROUND: Cystic (CE) and alveolar (AE) echinococcoses are zoonotic parasitoses that may pose diagnostic problems due to their relative rarity in Middle Europe. METHODS: Based on a recent literature search and the observation of casuistics from a national echinococcosis treatment center, epidemiological, radiological, and therapeutic fundamentals are presented and important differences between AE and CE are discussed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: AE and CE must be regarded as completely different diseases, which differ from each other in every significant aspect. This applies not only to the epidemiological background of the patients but also to the biology of the diseases and their respective imaging features. KEY POINTS: · AE and CE are very distinct from one another and must be considered separately.. · AE is endemic in Middle Europe and is known as malignant parasitosis due to its destructive growth form.. · CE is primarily seen in Middle Europe in individuals with migration background and has a rather benign character.. CITATION FORMAT: · Weber TF, Mokry T, Stojkovic M. Die Echinokokkosen - Einblicke aus Sicht der Radiologie. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2023; 195: 1106 - 1121.

Endometrial Cancer. Guideline of the DGGG, DKG and DKH (S3-Level, AWMF Registry Number 032/034-OL, September 2022). Part 1 with Recommendations on the Epidemiology, Screening, Diagnosis and Hereditary Factors of Endometrial Cancer, Geriatric Assessment and Supply Structures.

Summary The S3-guideline on endometrial cancer, first published in April 2018, was reviewed in its entirety between April 2020 and January 2022 and updated. The review was carried out at the request of German Cancer Aid as part of the Oncology Guidelines Program and the lead coordinators were the German Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics (DGGG), the Gynecology Oncology Working Group (AGO) of the German Cancer Society (DKG) and the German Cancer Aid (DKH). The guideline update was based on a systematic search and assessment of the literature published between 2016 and 2020. All statements, recommendations and background texts were reviewed and either confirmed or amended. New statements and recommendations were included where necessary. Aim The use of evidence-based risk-adapted therapies to treat women with endometrial cancer of low risk prevents unnecessarily radical surgery and avoids non-beneficial adjuvant radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy. For women with endometrial cancer and a high risk of recurrence, the guideline defines the optimum level of radical surgery and indicates whether chemotherapy and/or adjuvant radiation therapy is necessary. This should improve the survival rates and quality of life of these patients. The S3-guideline on endometrial cancer and the quality indicators based on the guideline aim to provide the basis for the work of certified gynecological cancer centers. Methods The guideline was first compiled in 2018 in accordance with the requirements for S3-level guidelines and was updated in 2022. The update included an adaptation of the source guidelines identified using the German Instrument for Methodological Guideline Appraisal (DELBI). The update also used evidence reviews which were created based on selected literature obtained from systematic searches in selected literature databases using the PICO process. The Clinical Guidelines Service Group was tasked with carrying out a systematic search and assessment of the literature. Their results were used by interdisciplinary working groups as a basis for developing suggestions for recommendations and statements which were then modified during structured online consensus conferences and/or additionally amended online using the DELPHI process to achieve a consensus. Recommendations Part 1 of this short version of the guideline provides recommendations on epidemiology, screening, diagnosis, and hereditary factors. The epidemiology of endometrial cancer and the risk factors for developing endometrial cancer are presented. The options for screening and the methods used to diagnose endometrial cancer are outlined. Recommendations are given for the prevention, diagnosis, and therapy of hereditary forms of endometrial cancer. The use of geriatric assessment is considered and existing structures of care are presented.

Microwave ablation in porcine livers applying 5-minute protocols: influence of deployed energy on extent and shape of coagulation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of deployed energy on extent and shape of microwave (MW)-induced coagulation in porcine livers applying 5-minute protocols. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MW ablations (n = 25) were performed in ex vivo porcine livers (n = 8). Ablation time was 5 minutes. Five study groups were defined, each with different power output: I, 20 W (n = 5); II, 40 W (n = 5); III, 60 W (n = 5); IV, 80 W (n = 5); and V, 105 W (n = 5). Extent and shape of white coagulation was evaluated macroscopically, including short diameter, volume, front margin, coagulation center (distance between center of short diameter of coagulation and applicator tip), and ellipticity index (short diameter/long diameter). Deployed energy was also analyzed. RESULTS: Short diameter and volume were significantly different (P<.001 and P<.001) between the groups: I, 23.0 mm and 11.1 cm(3); II, 12.4 mm and 12.4 cm(3); III, 27.0 mm and 17.6 cm(3); IV, 31.0 mm and 29.2 cm(3); and V, 35.0 mm and 42.3 cm(3). Front margin and coagulation center were also significantly different (P<.05 and P<.001): I, 6.0 mm and 13.0 mm; II, 8.0 mm and 11.0 mm; III, 8.0 mm and 14.0 mm; IV, 8.0 mm and 18.0 mm; and V, 10.0 mm and 19.0 mm. Ellipticity index was not significantly different. Deployed energy was significantly different (P<.001): I, 5.7 kJ; II, 11.0 kJ; III, 15.5 kJ; IV, 21.6 kJ; and V, 26.6 kJ. CONCLUSIONS: Extent, but not shape, of MW-induced coagulation depends on the deployed energy. Applying the protocols described in this study, significantly different coagulation volumes can be created with an ablation time of 5 minutes but different power output.