Image-guided Biopsy Research Articles

Cavernous hemangioma of breast: A case report

Cavernous hemangioma of the breast is a rare benign vascular tumor, whose clinical diagnosis is challenging. We describe a case of cavernous hemangioma in an 81-year-old female, who presented with a history of a slow-growing lump in the left breast from the past few months. Mammography revealed a circumscribed high-density mass with microlobulated margins in the lower outer quadrant with no associated findings. Targeted sonography revealed an isoechoic heterogeneous solid mass in the subcutaneous plane with no associated vascularity on color doppler. It was assigned as BI-RADS IV B and an image-guided core biopsy was done. The histopathology report was of cavernous hemangioma. A close follow-up was advised.

Significant Prostate Cancer in Patients with PI-RADS Category 3 Lesions: A Single-Center, Retrospective Cohort Study.

The Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) category 3 is the most ambiguous lesion with a variable clinically significant prostate cancer (CsPCa) detection rate. Prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD) has been investigated as an adjunctive factor to improve the diagnostic efficiency of PI-RADS categories. This study aimed to investigate the utility of PSAD as an adjunctive factor in predicting CsPCA risk in patients with PI-RADS 3 lesions. The patients with an initial PI-RADS 3 category lesion (n=142) scheduled for systematic and magnetic resonance imaging-guided prostate biopsy between 2018 and 2022 were retrospectively evaluated. Demographic and clinical variables, including PSAD, were collected. The rate of CsPCa was the primary outcome. The impact of PSAD on the CsPCa detection rate was the secondary outcome. The median age was 62 years. The rate of CsPCa was 8.5% (n=12). The patients with CsPCa have significantly lower prostate volüme and higher PSAD levels than those without CsPCa (p=0.016 and p=0.012). The cut-off values of PSAD in predicting CsPCa in all PI-RADS 3 patients and patients with CsPCa and clinically insignificant prostate cancer (n=26) were ≥0.181 ng/ml2. The sensitivity and specificity values for PSAD ≥0.181 ng/ml2 were of 75% (95% CI: 42.8%-94.5%) and 81.5% (95% CI: 73.4%-88.0%) in predicting CsPCa among PI-RADS 3 category. Conclusion: PSAD values higher than 0.181 ng/ml2 can be used as an adjunctive clinical parameter in predicting CsPCa in patients with PI-RADS 3 lesions and differentiating CsPCa from clinically insignificant prostate cancer cases.

Organ boundary delineation for automated diagnosis from multi-center using ultrasound images

Delineation of prostate boundary is a critical procedure in multi-modal prostate registration and patient-specific anatomical modeling for surgical planning and image-guided biopsy of prostate cancer. Accurate segmentation of the prostate from medical transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) images is challenging due to the presence of shadow artifacts that may cause missing or ambiguous boundaries of the prostate. In this work, we developed a novel hybrid model consisting of four primary merits to address this issue: (1) integrating the properties of the principal curve to fit the data center intelligently and of the artificial intelligence model to decrease model error; (2) developing a principal curve-based adaptive polygon tracking model to acquire the vertices sequence, which is designed via newly merging an automatic judgment of data radius algorithm; (3) introducing the quantum characteristics into the historical storage-based evolutionary model, which is proposed for the first attempt, whilst innovatively introduced new mutation technique and cuckoo search model; (4) presenting an interpretable mathematical model (explained via parameters of neural network) to express the smooth boundary. Promising experimental outcomes denote that our model has satisfactory segmentation performance. Future work will concentrate on improving the trustworthy performance of the model.

Pulmonary mucormycosis diagnosed by ultrasound guided percutaneous biopsy: A case series

Pulmonary mucormycosis is a rare but highly lethal fungal infection, usually affecting immunocompromised patients. Pulmonary mucormycosis was also a critical problem that complicated the later part of the clinical course of COVID-19 in India. Early diagnosis of the disease, combined with aggressive treatment, is crucial for patient survival. Fibreoptic bronchoscopy is a useful procedure for diagnosis of pulmonary mucormycosis, but image-guided percutaneous biopsy efficiently samples lesions abutting the chest wall. Biopsy is more yielding than cultures and imaging guided biopsy is required for lesions that cannot be microbiologically confirmed by fibreoptic bronchoscopy. We present a case series of four patients of pulmonary mucormycosis in whom ultrasound guided biopsy clinched the diagnosis. All the four patients were poor surgical candidates and underwent medical management with antifungal agents, and had successful clinical recovery and radiological resolution. Our case series illustrates the utility of ultrasound guided percutaneous biopsy as a diagnostic tool for sampling cavitatory disease due to pulmonary mucormycosis, when fibreoptic bronchoscopy failed to yield a diagnosis and the beneficial role antifungal agents as salvage therapy in poor surgical candidates.

Ultrasound versus computed tomography-guided transthoracic biopsy for pleural and peripheral lung lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

An accurate diagnosis of peripheral lung and pleural lesions using image-guided transthoracic biopsy procedure becomes a good diagnostic performance protocol. To examine the difference between ultrasonography (USG)-guided versus computed tomography (CT)-guided transthoracic biopsy for pleural and peripheral lung lesions by pooling data from published studies. PubMed, CENTRAL, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase were searched for comparative studies up to 20 February 2023 irrespective of the language of publication. The outcomes were adequacy of the sample and complications (pneumothorax and hemothorax). Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and eight non-RCTs were eligible. The total sample size was 1618. Meta-analysis showed that there was no difference in the adequacy of the sample obtained by USG- or CT-guided biopsies; however, an analysis of only non-RCTs indicated better adequacy with USG. On pooled analysis of any pneumothorax, there was a lower risk associated with USG-guided biopsies, but the risk of pneumothorax requiring interventional treatment was not different in the two groups. Similarly, the pooled analysis also demonstrated a reduced risk of hemothorax with USG-guided biopsies. While there seems to be no difference in the adequacy of the sample obtained with either imaging modality, retrospective data show that USG guidance offers better diagnostic yield compared to CT guidance for peripheral lung and pleural biopsies. The risk of pneumothorax and hemothorax is also significantly lower with USG-guided biopsies. Results should be interpreted with caution owing to selection bias among studies. There is a need for large-scale RCTs to enhance current evidence.

Feasibility and safety of bipolar radiofrequency track cautery during percutaneous image-guided abdominal biopsy procedures.

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of using a bipolar radiofrequency track cautery device during percutaneous image-guided abdominal biopsy procedures in at-risk patients. Forty-two patients (26-79 years old; female 44%) with at least one bleeding risk factor who underwent an abdominal image-guided (CT or US) biopsy and intended bipolar radiofrequency track cautery (BRTC) were retrospectively studied. An 18G radiofrequencyelectrode was inserted through a 17G biopsy introducer needle immediately following coaxial 18G core biopsy, to cauterize the biopsy track using temperature control. Bleeding risk factors, technical success, and adverse events were recorded. BRTC was technically successful in 41/42 (98%) of procedures; in one patient, the introducer needle retracted from the liver due to respiratory motion prior to BRTC. BRTC following percutaneous biopsy was applied during 41 abdominal biopsy procedures (renal mass = 12, renal parenchyma = 10, liver mass = 9, liver parenchyma = 5, splenic mass or parenchyma = 4, gastrohepatic mass = 1). All patients had one or more of the following risk factors: high-risk organ (spleen or renal parenchyma), hypervascular mass, elevated prothrombin time, renal insufficiency, thrombocytopenia, recent anticoagulation or anticoagulation not withheld for recommended interval, cirrhosis, intraprocedural hypertension, brisk back bleeding observed from the introducer needle, or subcapsular tumor location. No severe adverse events (grade 3 or higher) occurred. Two (2/41, 5%) mild (grade 1) bleeding events did not cause symptoms or require intervention. Bipolar radiofrequency track cautery was feasible and safe during percutaneous image-guided abdominal biopsy procedures. IRB approval: MBG 2022P002277.

Post-biopsy spontaneous air in vertebrae: A tell-tale sign of vertebral hemangioma

Although most vertebral hemangiomas are asymptomatic and common incidental findings on radiographs and cross-sectional imaging, few atypical vertebral hemangiomas have aggressive imaging features and are clinically symptomatic. This atypical vertebral hemangioma poses a diagnostic dilemma and needs to be differentiated from aggressive vertebral neoplasm-like metastasis or plasmacytoma. Advances in radiological imaging, particularly MRI, help in differentiating atypical hemangioma from aggressive vertebral neoplasm to a certain extent; however, computed tomography-guided biopsy is often required for histopathological confirmation and further management. The aim of the case report is to highlight the finding of post-biopsy spontaneous gas bubble formation inside the vertebra in aggressive vertebral hemangioma, which helps to differentiate it from aggressive vertebral neoplasms.

Future of Breast Radiology.

The landscape of breast imaging has transformed significantly since mammography's introduction in the 1960s, accelerated by ultrasound and imageguided biopsies in the 1990s. The emergence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the 2000s added a valuable dimension to advanced imaging. Multimodality and multiparametric imaging have firmly established breast radiology's pivotal role in managing breast disorders. A shift from conventional to digital radiology emerged in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, enabling advanced techniques like digital breast tomosynthesis, contrast-enhanced mammography, and artificial intelligence (AI) integration. AI's impending integration into breast radiology may enhance diagnostics and workflows. It involves computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) algorithms, workflow support algorithms, and data processing algorithms. CAD systems, developed since the 1980s, optimize cancer detection rates by addressing false positives and negatives. Radiologists' roles will evolve into specialized clinicians collaborating with AI for efficient patient care and utilizing advanced techniques with multiparametric imaging and radiomics. Wearable technologies, non-contrast MRI, and innovative modalities like photoacoustic imaging show potential to enhance diagnostics. Imaging-guided therapy, notably cryotherapy, and theranostics, gains traction. Theranostics, integrating therapy and diagnostics, holds potential for precise treatment. Advanced imaging, AI, and novel therapies will revolutionize breast radiology, offering refined diagnostics and personalized treatments. Personalized screening, AI's role, and imaging-guided therapies will shape the future of breast radiology.

Imaging and Management of Radial Scars and Complex Sclerosing Lesions.

Radial scars and complex sclerosing lesions, often collectively referred to as radial sclerosing lesions (RSLs), are breast lesions characterized by sclerotic stroma with entrapped epithelial elements. RSLs have imaging features that overlap with those of breast malignancy and often become the target of imaging-guided biopsy given their suspicious imaging appearance. These can be identified in isolation or can also be associated with atypia or other high-risk lesions that have intrinsic malignant potential, increasing the risk of carcinoma and affecting prognosis and management of RSLs. Because of this, management of these lesions remains controversial. Traditional management has been surgical excisional biopsy. However, as more RSLs are identified (because digital breast tomosynthesis allows identification of more architectural distortions), optimal management is evolving. Physicians in some practices are using a multidisciplinary approach to the management of RSLs when deciding on surgical excision of these lesions versus imaging follow-up. These discussions also incorporate individual patient risk factors and greater patient informed medical decision making. Reported upgrade rates of RSLs at core needle biopsy vary and can depend on the sampling method, number of samples, gauge of the needle, target being sampled, and radiologic-pathologic concordance or discordance. A precise sampling technique also allows greater accuracy of diagnosis and lower upgrade rates for these lesions, with radiologic-pathologic correlation as an integral component for further management decisions. The authors review the overall histopathologic, clinical, and imaging features of RSLs and discuss appropriate management based on currently available data regarding upgrade rates. ©RSNA, 2023 Quiz questions for this article are available through the Online Learning Center.

Demystifying Breast Disease Markers.

Breast imaging radiologists regularly perform image-guided biopsies of suspicious breast lesions based on features that are associated with a likelihood of malignancy ranging from 2% to greater than 95% (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System categories 4 and 5). As diagnostic partners, pathologists perform histopathologic assessment of these tissue samples to confirm a diagnosis. Correlating the imaging findings with the histopathologic results is an integral aspect of multidisciplinary breast care. Assessment of radiologic-pathologic concordance is vital in guiding appropriate management, as it enables identification of discordant results, minimizing the chance of misdiagnosis. Undersampling can lead to false-negative results, with the frequencies of false-negative diagnoses varying on the basis of multiple factors, including biopsy type (eg, core needle, vacuum-assisted needle), needle gauge, and type of lesion sampled at biopsy (ie, mass, calcifications, asymmetry, architectural distortion). Improving a radiologist's knowledge of macroscopic and microscopic breast anatomy and more common breast diseases and their expected imaging findings ensures more accurate radiologic-pathologic correlation and management recommendations. The histopathologic and molecular characteristics of biopsy-sampled breast lesions aid in making an accurate diagnosis. Hematoxylin-eosin staining provides critical morphologic details, whereas immunohistochemical staining enables molecular characterization of many benign and malignant lesions, which is critical for tailored treatment. The authors review commonly encountered benign and malignant breast diseases, their corresponding histopathologic phenotypes, and the histopathologic markers that are essential to clinching the diagnosis of these entities. As part of a multidisciplinary team that provides optimal patient care, radiologists should be knowledgeable of the foundations of histopathologic diagnosis and the implications for patient management to ensure appropriate radiologic-pathologic concordance. ©RSNA, 2023 Quiz questions for this article are available in the supplemental material.

COVID-19 Pandemisinin Meme Kanseri Tarama ve Tanı Sürecine Etkisi

Aim: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused delays in breast cancer screening and diagnostic procedures. The aim of this research was to compare the status of breast cancer screenings and newly diagnosed breast cancer cases during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period.
 Material and method: This retrospective study included patients with screening mammography, imaging-guided biopsies, and newly diagnosed breast cancer from March 2020– February 2021 (during-COVID-19) were compared with March 2019–February 2020 (pre-COVID-19). We compared numbers and distribution over time of mammography and biopsies between the time periods. In the breast cancer group; the stage at diagnosis and histopathological features of the tumor were also compared.
 Results: Compared to pre-pandemic mammography scans, a 44% decrease was observed in total during pandemic, the most significant being in April (-98%) and May (-93%). While there was a significant decrease in the number of biopsies in April (-100%) and May (-69%), it was seen that there was no decrease in the pandemic period when the whole year was looked at with a rebound increase that started with 29% in June. In the breast cancer group, there was a significant increase in the number of patients who were metastatic at the time of diagnosis compared to the pre-pandemic period (p=0.001). No significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of tumor grade, hormone receptor status, or HER2 positivity (p>0.05).
 Conclusions: In this study, it was observed that both screening and diagnosis processes in breast cancer were significantly affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was observed that the delay in admission to the hospital in the first months of the pandemic resulted in an increase in patients who were metastatic at the time of diagnosis.

Active surveillance in favorable intermediate-risk prostate cancer: A single-center experience

PurposeTo report the long-term oncological outcomes of active surveillance (AS) in selected patients with favorable intermediate-risk (IR) prostate cancer (PCa). MethodsA retrospective database review of two academic centers was conducted to identify favorable IR PCa patients initially managed by AS between 2014 and 2022. Favorable IR PCa was defined by the presence of one single element of IR disease (i.e., PSA 10–20ng/mL, Gleason Grade Group [GG] 2, or cT2b). All patients were diagnosed and followed up according to a contemporary scheme, including MRI and image-guided biopsies. The primary endpoint was metastasis-free survival. ResultsA total of 57 patients met our inclusion criteria and the median follow-up was 56months. During follow-up, there were no cases of metastasis or death due to PCa, but 6 deaths due to competing causes. A total of 25 (44%) and 6 patients (11%) had definitive treatment and GG 3 reclassification during follow-up, respectively. In multivariable Cox hazard regression analysis, the risk of undergoing definitive treatment was significantly associated with PSA density>0.15 (HR: 4.82, 95% CI: 1.47 to 15; P=0.01) and PI-RADS 4-5 lesions on mpMRI (HR: 2.48, 95% CI: 1.06 to 5.19; P=0.006). Interestingly, tumor burden (P=0.3) and GG (P=0.7) on biopsy were not associated with definitive treatment. ConclusionsAS is a safe and valuable strategy for well-selected patients with favorable IR prostate cancer, with excellent oncological outcomes after five years’ follow-up. Level of evidence4

Rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) of image-guided FNA specimens improves subsequent core biopsy adequacy in clinical trial patients: The impact of preanalytical factors and its correlation with survival.

Sufficient tumor collection has become of utmost importance in therapeutic experimental protocols. Rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) ensures adequate sampling for quantification of biomarkers, molecular analyses, and other ancillary studies. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the role of ROSE in trial-associated fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and to analyze predictors of adequacy and cumulative survival from in-house FNA cases used in clinical trials. Clinical trial FNA biopsies performed at a large academic institution were analyzed over 10months using a comprehensive chart review of the electronic medical records. SPSS version 28 was used for statistical analysis. Three hundred twenty-five FNAs were collected for 57 clinical trials. In total, 225 individual patients had an average of 1.4 FNA procedures each as a result of a multidepartmental collaborative effort. ROSE was performed for all patients, and adequacy was evaluated by cytotechnologists. Seventy-eight percent of samples were considered adequate, 14% were considered less than optimal, and 8% were considered inadequate, with the latter two categories designated together as less than adequate. The imaging modalities were mainly ultrasound-guided (n=267; 82%) and computed tomography-guided (n=58; 18%). There was a statistically significant association between adequate sampling and ultrasound-guided biopsies (83%) compared with computed tomography-guided biopsies (59%; p<.01). The effect of body mass index (BMI) on mortality was also a significant finding. The authors observed a survival benefit in patients who had elevated BMIs (range, 25.0-34.9 kg/m2 ) compared with those who were underweight (BMI, <18.5 kg/m2 ) or class III obese (BMI, >35.0 kg/m2 ; p<.01). Therefore, the best predictors of adequacy and mortality were imaging modality and BMI, respectively. Ultrasound-guided modalities are recommended for obtaining adequate FNA sampling for clinical trials. In addition, patients with cancer who had slightly elevated BMIs (25.0-34.0 kg/m2 ) had increased overall survival in this cohort.

CT-Guided Liver Biopsy: Evaluation of Spectral Data From Dual-Layer Detector CT for Improved Lesion Detection

PurposeEvaluation of dual-layer spectral computed tomography (CT) for contrast enhancement during image-guided biopsy of liver lesions using virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) and virtual non-contrast (VNC) images.MethodsSpectral CT data of 20 patients receiving CT-guided needle biopsy of focal liver lesions were used to generate VMI at energy levels from 40 to 200 keV and VNC images. Images were analyzed objectively regarding contrast-to-noise ratio between lesion center (CNRcent) or periphery (CNRperi) and normal liver parenchyma. Lesion visibility and image quality were evaluated on a 4-point Likert scale by two radiologists.ResultsUsing VMI/VNC images, readers reported an increased visibility of the lesion compared to the conventional CT images in 18/20 cases. In 75% of cases, the highest visibility was derived by VMI-40. Showing all reconstructions simultaneously, VMI-40 offered the highest visibility in 75% of cases, followed by VNC in 12.5% of cases. Either CNRcent (17/20) or/and CNRperi (17/20) was higher (CNR increase > 50%) in 19/20 cases for VMI-40 or VNC images compared to conventional CT images. VMI-40 showed the highest CNRcent in 14 cases and the highest CNRperi in 12 cases. High image quality was present for all reconstructions with a minimum median of 3.5 for VMI-40 and VMI-50.ConclusionsWhen implemented in the CT scanner software, automated contrast enhancement of liver lesions during image-guided biopsy may facilitate the procedure.Graphical

A case of alpha-fetoprotein-positive thymic small cell carcinoma: a case report

BackgroundAn alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-positive neuroendocrine tumor of the thymus is a rare thoracic malignancy. Few cases of AFP-positive thymic large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma have been reported, with no known previous report of an AFP-positive thymic small cell carcinoma. We encountered a patient with an AFP-positive small cell carcinoma and report here the clinical course.Case presentationA 40-year-old man was transferred to our hospital for a large anterior mediastinal tumor and showed an elevated serum AFP level. Computed tomography-guided biopsy results led to diagnosis of small cell carcinoma. Induction chemoradiotherapy was performed before surgery because of pulmonary artery invasion. The response to Induction chemoradiotherapy varied among sites, with the main tumor showing shrinkage and the metastasis site growth. This discrepancy suggested a histologic type unresponsive to or cancer cells potentially resistant to chemotherapy, thus a surgical re-biopsy was performed and histological findings revealed AFP-positive small cell carcinoma. Additional chemotherapy was performed, though could not control cancer progression, and the patient died 8 months after the first medical examination.ConclusionsOur present clinical experience indicates the importance of histological examination for determining AFP-positive anterior mediastinal tumor treatment. Although AFP-positive neuroendocrine tumor of the thymus is relatively rarer than germ cell carcinoma, differential diagnosis with use of a histological examination should be considered because of the potentially poorer prognosis. The present clinical findings for an AFP-positive neuroendocrine tumor of the thymus case are considered useful for establishing an optimal treatment strategy in the future.

Primary Neuroendocrine Tumor in Type-1C Choledochal Cyst

Cholangiocarcinoma is the most common biliary tumor and a dreaded complication of choledochal cyst. However, the development of neuroendocrine tumor (NET) in choledochal cyst is very rare due to the paucity of Kulchitsky cells. Here, we are presenting a case report on primary NET in choledochal cyst. To date, only four case reports have been published globally and all of them were diagnosed postsurgically; this is the first case diagnosed prior. A 45-year-old female presented with abdominal pain. Imaging showed dilated common hepatic duct and proximal common bile duct with soft-tissue mass lesion in the lateral wall, infiltrating the liver with liver metastasis (suspected as cholangiocarcinoma). As the patient was inoperable, palliative care was planned. To have tissue diagnosis, we proceeded with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and brush cytology, but no malignant cells were detected. Image-guided biopsy was done, and surprisingly, the report came to be NET. To rule out occult metastasis elsewhere, positron emission tomography–computed tomography (DOTANOC) scan was done, which was suggestive of a primary bile duct growth with multiple liver metastases. Because of slow growth, nonfunctional nature, and clinical and radiological resemblance with cholangiocarcinoma, biliary tract NETs are very difficult to diagnose preoperatively.

The Added Value of Systematic Sampling in In-Bore Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Prostate Biopsy.

We sought to quantify the additive value of systematic biopsy (SB) using in-bore magnetic resonance (MR)-guided prostate biopsy (IBMRGpB) by retrospectively reviewing the records of 189 patients who underwent IBMRGpB for suspected prostate cancer or as part of the surveillance protocol for previously diagnosed prostate cancer. The endpoints included clinically significant and non-clinically significant cancer diagnosis. SB detected clinically significant disease in 67 (35.5%) patients. Five (2.65%) patients whose targeted biopsies indicated benign or non-clinically significant disease had clinically significant disease based on SB. SB from the lobe contralateral to the lesion detected clinically significant disease in 15 (12%) patients. The size of the prostate was larger and the percentage of lesions located in the peripheral zone of the prostate was higher in patients with SB-detected clinically significant disease. The location of the main lesion in the peripheral zone of the prostate was a predictor for clinically significant disease in the multivariate analysis (OR = 8.26, p = 0.04), a finding supported by a subgroup analysis of biopsy-naïve patients (OR = 10.52, p = 0.034). The addition of SB during IBMRGpB increased the diagnosis of clinically significant as well as non-clinically significant prostate cancer. The location of the main lesion in the peripheral zone emerged as a positive predictive factor for clinically significant disease based on SB. These findings may enhance patient-tailored management.

Imaging in spinal infections: Current status and future directions

Imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis of spinal infections. Early diagnosis is paramount in the treatment of spinal infections and leads to improved outcomes. This article reviews the imaging and relevant clinical details of infections of the spine: pyogenic spondylodiscitis, tuberculous spondylodiscitis, septic facet arthritis, epidural abscess, and subdural abscess. Though radiographs can reveal subtle changes with infections, advanced imaging modalities have increased sensitivity to aid in early diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is emphasized given it is generally the most sensitive and specific advanced imaging modality. However, nuclear medicine imaging and computer tomography (CT) play a role diagnosis in cases where MRI is not available or contra-indicated. Additionally, CT is also important for image-guided biopsy to guide antimicrobial treatment.

JS09.7.A COMBINATION OF APPARENT DIFFUSION COEFFICIENT AND FET PET COMPARED WITH STANDARD IMAGING FOR QUANTITATIVE TUMOR PRESENCE IN DIFFUSE GLIOMAS

Abstract BACKGROUND Diffuse glioma local treatment is currently guided by standard MRI sequences. Yet, the combination of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and O-(2-[18F]-fluoroethyl)-L-tyrosine positron emission tomography (FET PET) (ADC/FET) detects histopathological qualitative assessed tumor presence more accurately than standard imaging. It is unknown whether this is similar for quantitative assessed tumor presence. This study compares the diagnostic accuracy of standard imaging and ADC/FET for the detection of quantitative assessed tumor presence in diffuse glioma. MATERIAL AND METHODS Fifteen patients with newly diagnosed diffuse glioma were retrospectively included. Pre-operative standard imaging, ADC and FET PET were available. Multiregional image-guided stereotactic biopsies were acquired before craniotomy. Quantitative imaging data from regions-of-interests (ROIs) centered at the biopsy locations was obtained. For each biopsy, sample semi-automatic cellularity and proliferation index, as well as DNA methylation-based tumor purity was determined. Linear mixed models were used to evaluate which modalities were significant independent predictors for each tumor presence marker and fitness was assessed using Bayesian Information Criterium. RESULTS 125 biopsies were analyzed (75 from eight high grade and 50 from seven low grade gliomas). Cellularity was predicted by T1 weighted MRI (p = 0.033), ADC (p = 0.016) and ADC/FET (p &amp;lt;.001), with ADC/FET as best fit. Both proliferation index (p = 0.003) and tumor purity (p &amp;lt;.001) were only predicted by ADC/FET. CONCLUSION Combining ADC and FET PET predicts cellularity, proliferation index and tumor purity better than standard imaging. Further investigation into ADC/FET-guided local treatment of diffuse glioma is therefore needed.

Africa Guidelines for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Buildup Process.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the fourth most common cancer in Africa, has a dismal overall survival of only 3 months like in sub-Saharan Africa. This is affected by the low gross domestic product and human development index, absence of coherent guidelines, and other factors. An open forum for HCC-experienced health care workers from Africa and the rest of the world was held in October 2021. Participants completed a survey to help assess the real-life access to screening, diagnoses, and treatment in the North and Southern Africa (NS), East and West Africa (EW), Central Africa (C), and the rest of the world. Of 461 participants from all relevant subspecialties, 372 were from Africa. Most African participants provided hepatitis B vaccination and treatment for hepatitis B and C. More than half of the participants use serum alpha-fetoprotein and ultrasound for surveillance. Only 20% reported using image-guided diagnostic liver biopsy. The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer is the most used staging system (52%). Liver transplant is available for only 28% of NS and 3% EW. C reported a significantly lower availability of resection. Availability of local therapy ranged from 94% in NS to 62% in C. Sorafenib is the most commonly used systemic therapy (66%). Only 12.9% reported access to other medications including immune checkpoint inhibitors. Besides 42% access to regorafenib in NS, second-line treatments were not provided. Similarities and differences in the care for patients with HCC in Africa are reported. This reconfirms the major gaps in access and availability especially in C and marginally less so in EW. This is a call for concerted multidisciplinary efforts to achieve and sustain a reduction in incidence and mortality from HCC in Africa.