Initial Radiological Evaluation Research Articles

Mesenteric Dedifferentiated liposarcoma presenting as a massive abdominal lump: A Rare Case

This case study examines a sixty five-year-old male presenting with a distended abdomen, lower back discomfort, and dyspnea on lying down, progressing over three months. Physical examination revealed multiple hard palpable lumps in the abdomen. Initial radiological evaluation indicated a connective tissue tumor, leading to a trucut biopsy revealing a spindle cell neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential. The tumor was found to be resistant to immunotherapy and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Surgical resection unveiled multiple mesenteric tumors along the small bowel and also involving the descending colon, diagnosed as a dedifferentiated liposarcoma. Liposarcoma encompasses five histological subtypes, with dedifferentiated being the least common and comprised of poorly differentiated cells. Although liposarcomas typically originate from the retroperitoneum, the occurrence of dedifferentiated liposarcoma in the small bowel mesentery is exceedingly rare. This case report aims to underscore this uncommon occurrence, discuss diagnostic and treatment strategies, and advocate for further research into targeted therapies addressing specific immunohistochemistry markers to enhance outcomes for such patients, who generally face a grim prognosis Keywords – dedifferentiated liposarcoma , mesenteric tumors, spindle cell malignancy, mesenchymal tumors of GIT.

Implementation of the Modified Canadian C-Spine Rule by Paramedics.

The Canadian C-spine rule was modified and validated for use by the paramedics in a multicenter study where patients were assessed with the Canadian C-spine rule yetall transported with immobilization. This study evaluated the clinical impact of the modified Canadian C-spine rule when implemented by paramedics. This single-center prospective cohort implementation study took place in Ottawa, Canada (from 2011 to 2015). Advanced and primary care paramedics were trained to use the modified Canadian C-spine rule, collect data on a standardized study form, and selectively transport eligible patients without immobilization. We evaluated all consecutive low-risk adult patients (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] 15, stable vital signs) at risk for a neck injury. We followed all patients without initial radiologic evaluation for 30 days. Analyses included descriptive statistics with 95% confidence intervals (CI), sensitivity, specificity, and kappa coefficients. The 4,034 enrolled patients had a mean age of 43 (range 16 to 99), and 53.4% were female. Motor vehicle collisions were the most common mechanism of injury (55.1%), followed by falls (23.9%). There were 11 clinically important injuries. The paramedics classified these injuries with a sensitivity of 90.9% (95% CI, 58.7 to 99.8) and specificity of 66.5% (95% CI, 65.1 to 68.0). There was no adverse event or resulting spinal cord injury. The kappa agreement between paramedics and investigators was 0.94. A total of 2,583 (64.0%) immobilizations were avoided using the modified Canadian C-spine rule. Paramedics could accurately apply the modified Canadian C-spine rule to low-risk trauma patients and significantly reduce the need for spinal immobilization during transport. This resulted in no adverse event or any spinal cord injury.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Liver Lesions Biopsy with Atypical Malignancies- An Alternative to Radiological Biopsy

Background: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is gaining attraction as an alternative method of obtaining biopsies. It offers a more targeted approach for focal lesions in liver especially for those areas which are accessible via EUS-guided method.
 Materials and Methods: A total of 8 patients underwent EUS-guided liver lesions biopsies (LLB). EUS Guided LLB was performed using the 22G FNA needle, 2 passes were done with slow pull technique over one minute with 10–15 strokes done in each pass to obtained core samples. The average duration of the procedures ranged from 15–30 minutes.
 Results: Out of 8 patients, majority were males. Most of these patients had presented with nonspecific signs and symptoms including weight loss, abdominal pain, jaundice etc. All of the 8 patients had an atypical liver lesions on initial radiological evaluation with inconclusive tumour markers and atypical CT radiological findings. Screening for Hepatitis B and C virus were negative in all of them. EUS guided biopsy performed in them revealed the following diagnosis: well differentiated adenocarcinoma, sarcomatoid carcinoma, neuroendocrine tumour, smooth muscle tumour, metastatic adenocarcinoma, lymphoproliferative disorder and malignant melanoma.
 Conclusions: EUS-guided LLB is an alternative new technique for biopsy of liver lesions with suspected atypical malignancies.

ISOLATED PANCREATIC INJURIES: A CASE SERIES

Context: Pancreatic injuries constitutes a set of rare abdominal solid organ injuries. Isolated pancreatic injuries are even more rare injuries and are often missed in initial clinical and radiological evaluation . such injuries present late and denitive guidelines to manage such injuries are lacking, considering rarity of such injuries. Unpredictable course involves traumatic pancreatitis, pancreatic necrosis, peripancreatic collections, infective complications and extra abdominal complication The aim of this study is to present clinical details and management outcomes of such casesAims: at our institute This study is a retrospective analytical study In this retrospective study medicalSettings and Design: Methods and Material: records of all the admissions were collected from trauma registry from may 2016 to april 2022 at Thanjavur medical college. All these records were screened for patients with isolated pancreatic injuries All continuous variables were analyzed with descriptive statisticsStatistical analysis used: and their mean, median, mode, range and frequencies were calculated. All categorical data are analyzed with frequencies. Comparison of data is done using: all nominal data is analyzed with parametric tests (Chi-square test, unpaired t test) and non-nominal data is analyzed with non- parametric tests (Fischer's exact test and Mann-whitney U test). In our study a total of 22 cases were included. Mean age being 33.91yearsResults: among which 81.8% were males. 72.7% of the patients suffered road trafc accidents. 77.3% of the patients had BMI less than 25. Main pancreatic duct (MPD) involvement was noticed in 22.7% patients. median levels of serum amylase levels were 390U/L. 22.7% patients underwent operative management were as rest were managed non-operatively. Two patients died due to severe pancreatitis. Isolated pancreatic injuries inConclusions: patients where surgery is otherwise not indicated due to other causes needs management tailored to the clinical needs of the patient. Diagnostic ambiguity is best resolved by combining computed tomography (CT) and Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). Patients with distal MPD injury are usually operated when presented early and pancreatic stenting is considered when proximal ductal injury is noticed. In selected cases conservative approach is not a contraindication, even in patients with MPD injury, considering high stula and peripancreatic collection rates in distal pancreatectomy.

Conservative management of complicated Rathke's cleft cyst mimicking pituitary apoplexy.

SummaryComplicated Rathke’s cleft cyst (RCC) is a rare occurrence of symptomatic bleeding or growth of a previously asymptomatic (and often undiagnosed) intrasellar cyst derived from remnants of Rathke’s pouch, situated on the midline between the adeno- and neurohypophysis. Symptoms may be identical to those of pituitary apoplexy: acute onset of headache, hypopituitarism, and neurological disturbances. Both syndromes may also exhibit a similar appearance of a large haemorrhagic sellar mass at initial radiological evaluation. We report on two patients who presented with headache and complete hypopituitarism. Based on the initial MRI, they were first diagnosed with pituitary apoplexy but managed conservatively with hormone therapy alone because of the absence of severe visual or neurological threat. Upon follow-up at 4 months, clinical evolution was good in both patients but their pituitary mass had not reduced in size and, after careful radiologic reviewing, was more indicative of a large midline complicated RCC. In conclusion, the diagnosis of complicated RCC is challenging because it can mimic pituitary apoplexy clinically, biologically, and radiologically. Clinicians should distinguish between the two entities using specific radiological signs or evolution of the mass at MRI if the patient does not undergo surgery. To our knowledge, we report conservative management of this rare condition for the first time, though it seems appropriate in the absence of neurological compromise or visual compression. Long-term follow-up is however mandatory.Learning pointsComplicated Rathke’s cleft cyst can mimic pituitary apoplexy, presenting with sudden onset of headache, hypopituitarism, and visual and neurological compromise in the most severe cases.At diagnosis, pituitary MRI may not be able to differentiate between the two entities, showing a large haemorrhagic mass inside the sella, with little or no normal pituitary tissue visible. Patients are often diagnosed with apoplexy at this stage and may undergo pituitary surgery.When surgery has not been performed initially in these patients, repeat imaging at 3–6 months is unchanged and does not show the expected involution usually seen after adenoma apoplexy.Conservative management with hormonal replacement seems a valid option in the absence of visual or neurological deficits that would require trans-sphenoidal surgery.

Giant bezoar causing recurrent abdominal pain in a young girl with autism spectrum disorder

A giant bezoar fulfilling the stomach, the duodenum and the jejunum for about 60–70 cm was found in a young girl with autism spectrum disorder, admitted for acute abdominal pain. At initial radiological evaluation an intestinal ilea-ileal intussusception was diagnosed but a computed tomography showed hypointense material with a chambered aspect likely due to accidental ingestion of exogenous material. The presence of a giant bezoar was endoscopically confirmed and the patient underwent surgery for its manual removal.

Characteristics and Prognostic Factors of Pulmonary Fibrosis After COVID-19 Pneumonia.

BackgroundFew is known about the long-term pulmonary sequelae after COVID-19 infection. Hence, the aim of this study is to characterize patients with persisting pulmonary sequelae at follow-up after hospitalization. We also aimed to explore clinical and radiological predictors of pulmonary fibrosis following COVID-19.MethodsTwo hundred and 20 consecutive patients were evaluated at 3–6 months after discharge with high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and categorized as recovered (REC) or not recovered (NOT-REC). Both HRCTs at hospitalization (HRCT0), when available, and HRCT1 during follow-up were analyzed semiquantitatively as follows: ground-glass opacities (alveolar score, AS), consolidations (CONS), and reticulations (interstitial score, IS).ResultsA total of 175/220 (80%) patients showed disease resolution at their initial radiological evaluation following discharge. NOT-REC patients (45/220; 20%) were mostly older men [66 (35–85) years vs. 56 (19–87); p = 0.03] with a longer in-hospital stay [16 (0–75) vs. 8 (1–52) days; p < 0.0001], and lower P/F at admission [233 (40–424) vs. 318 (33–543); p = 0.04]. Moreover, NOT-REC patients presented, at hospital admission, higher ALV [14 (0.0–62.0) vs. 4.4 (0.0–44.0); p = 0.0005], CONS [1.9 (0.0–26.0) vs. 0.4 (0.0–18.0); p = 0.0064], and IS [11.5 (0.0– 29.0) vs. 0.0 (0.0–22.0); p < 0.0001] compared to REC patients. On multivariate analysis, the presence of CONS and IS at HRCT0 was independent predictors of radiological sequelae at follow-up [OR 14.87 (95% CI: 1.25–175.8; p = 0.03) and 28.9 (95% CI: 2.17–386.6; p = 0.01, respectively)].ConclusionsIn our population, only twenty percent of patients showed persistent lung abnormalities at 6 months after hospitalization for COVID-19 pneumonia. These patients are predominantly older men with longer hospital stay. The presence of reticulations and consolidation on HRCT at hospital admission predicts the persistence of radiological abnormalities during follow-up.

Analysis of Survival and Response to Lenvatinib in Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Simple SummaryWith the recent increase in the number of drug therapy options for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (u-HCC), the key issue has become how to prolong overall survival (OS). The aim was to evaluate the association between radiological response and OS in patients treated with lenvatinib as a first-line systemic treatment for u-HCC. Radiological response using both Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) and modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST) is a predictor of OS and achieving an objective response at the first evaluation is an independent prognostic factor for OS. In addition, if an objective response is obtained at the initial evaluation, continuation of treatment appears desirable because prolonged OS can be expected; but, if stable disease is obtained at the initial evaluation, one should determine whether to continue or switch to the next treatment, with careful consideration of factors related to the tumor and hepatic reserve at the initial evaluation.The association between radiological response and overall survival (OS) was retrospectively evaluated in patients treated with lenvatinib as a first-line systemic treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. A total of 182 patients with Child–Pugh class A liver function and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of zero or one were enrolled. Radiological evaluation was performed using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) and modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST). Initial radiological evaluation confirmed significant stratification of OS by efficacy judgment with both RECIST and mRECIST, and that initial radiological response was an independent prognostic factor for OS on multivariate analysis. Furthermore, in patients with stable disease (SD) at initial evaluation, macrovascular invasion at the initial evaluation on RECIST and modified albumin–bilirubin grade at initial evaluation on mRECIST were independent predictors of OS on multivariate analysis. In conclusion, if objective response is obtained at the initial evaluation, continuation of treatment appears desirable because prolonged OS can be expected; but, if SD is obtained at the initial evaluation, one should determine whether to continue or switch to the next treatment, with careful consideration of factors related to the tumor and hepatic reserve at the initial evaluation.

Ultrasound can differentiate complicated and noncomplicated acute colonic diverticulitis: a prospective comparative study with computed tomography.

To prospectively assess the diagnostic value of intestinal ultrasound (US) compared to computerized tomography (CT) in differentiating uncomplicated and complicated acute colonic diverticulitis (ACD). During a period of 14months patients referred to the department of Radiology with clinical suspicion of ACD underwent an US examination. All confirmed US ACD diagnosis were included and subsequently underwent an emergency abdominal CT, used as gold standard. The WSES (World Society for Emergent Surgery) classification of diverticulitis was used. Diverticulitis was prospectively classified as either uncomplicated or complicated. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive values of US were evaluated. Before CT scan, the radiologist indicated whether they would have required or not a complementary CT scan, based on US findings. Of the 240 patients included in our study, 71 (29.6%) were Stage 0, 127 (53%) Stage 1A, and 42 (17.5%) were moderate-severe ACD (stages 1B, 2A, 2B, 3 and 4). The sensitivity of US for diagnosing complicated ACD was 84% and specificity of 95.8%. Most patients (24 of 27) misclassified by US as uncomplicated diverticulitis were classified on CT as stage 1A. From the 148 cases in which the radiologist considered CT unnecessary, only 3 of these revealed signs of complicated ACD on CT; none of them required emergency surgery. US is an effective technique to differentiate complicated from uncomplicated ACD. Our results suggest that US, may be a valuable alternative to CT for the initial radiologic evaluation in patients with clinical suspicion of ACD.

Optimum Radiological Screening Examination for Lumbar Spine

A retrospective study was performed to assess the diagnostic contribution of oblique view films of the lumbar spine, to information obtained from anteroposterior (AP) and lateral films, as an initial screening tool for the detection of pars interarticularis defects. Twenty-two cases of lumbar spondylolysis were selected from 243 lumbar spine reports, randomly combined with 40 plain X-rays of normal lumbar spines, and evaluated by radiology residents. The frequency of correctly detecting a pars defect on lateral vs. right and left oblique views was determined. Of the bilateral spondylolyses, 85% were diagnosed on lateral films compared to 35% on oblique radiographs. Both views gave poor diagnostic yield in detecting unilateral pars defects. In evaluating a total of 186 X-rays, an average of 31 oblique films were incorrectly diagnosed, as compared to an average of 14 misdiagnosed lateral films. Considering the low sensitivity associated with the use of oblique view radiography, in addition to the extra cost and significantly increased radiation exposure seen with this procedure, our findings indicate that oblique views should be used only for selected patients who might require further investigation. We therefore recommend that the initial lumbosacral radiological evaluation be limited to AP and lateral views.

Neoplastic and Non-neoplastic Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage in CT Brain Scans: Machine Learning-Based Prediction Using Radiomic Image Features.

Background: Early differentiation of neoplastic and non-neoplastic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) can be difficult in initial radiological evaluation, especially for extensive ICHs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of a machine learning-based prediction of etiology for acute ICHs based on quantitative radiomic image features extracted from initial non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography (NECT) brain scans.Methods: The analysis included NECT brain scans from 77 patients with acute ICH (n = 50 non-neoplastic, n = 27 neoplastic). Radiomic features including shape, histogram, and texture markers were extracted from non-, wavelet-, and log-sigma-filtered images using regions of interest of ICH and perihematomal edema (PHE). Six thousand and ninety quantitative predictors were evaluated utilizing random forest algorithms with five-fold model-external cross-validation. Model stability was assessed through comparative analysis of 10 randomly drawn cross-validation sets. Classifier performance was compared with predictions of two radiologists employing the Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC).Results: The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curve (AUC) of the test sets for predicting neoplastic vs. non-neoplastic ICHs was 0.89 [95% CI (0.70; 0.99); P < 0.001], and specificities and sensitivities reached >80%. Compared to the radiologists' predictions, the machine learning algorithm yielded equal or superior results for all evaluated metrics. The MCC of the proposed algorithm at its optimal operating point (0.69) was significantly higher than the MCC of the radiologist readers (0.54); P = 0.01.Conclusion: Evaluating quantitative features of acute NECT images in a machine learning algorithm provided high discriminatory power in predicting non-neoplastic vs. neoplastic ICHs. Utilized in the clinical routine, the proposed approach could improve patient care at low risk and costs.

The Role of Peroral Cholangioscopy in Evaluating Indeterminate Biliary Strictures.

Biliary strictures are considered indeterminate when the initial radiologic evaluation and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with brush cytology and/or forceps biopsy do not reveal diagnostic findings. Evaluation of these strictures is challenging and often requires a multidisciplinary approach and multiple procedures. Peroral cholangioscopy allows direct visualization of these lesions and targeted tissue acquisition using miniature biopsy forceps. In the past decade, there have been significant improvements in the field of cholangioscopy. These advances have allowed higher-quality image acquisition, easy setup, operation by a single operator, easy maneuverability, and excellent targeted tissue sampling performance. However, the interpretation of cholangioscopic visual findings remains challenging. In this review, we discuss the role of peroral cholangioscopy in the evaluation of indeterminate biliary strictures.

Is microductectomy still necessary to diagnose breast cancer: a 10-year study on the effectiveness of duct excision and galactography.

Patients with spontaneous nipple discharge (SND) who have neither clinically palpable masses nor evidence of disease on imaging with mammogram and/or ultrasound are traditionally investigated with galactogram and duct excision. As breast imaging improves, it has raised the question whether galactography and microductectomy are necessary to diagnose breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of malignancy in patients presenting with SND who underwent microductectomy and to evaluate the utility of duct excision and galactography in patients whose initial clinical and radiological evaluation were negative. A 10-year retrospective study was conducted in British Columbia's largest tertiary breast referral center examining the clinical, radiological and pathological results for all patients who underwent a microductectomy procedure for SND between 2008 and 2017. A total of 231 microductectomies were performed and the overall incidence of malignancy was 13% (n = 32). Following initial work up, 155 patients (67%) had only discharge on exam and no radiologically suspicious findings of malignant disease. Of these patients, 14% (n = 21) were diagnosed with cancer by duct excision. Galactography yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 63% and 36%, respectively (PPV 15% and NPV 85%). Lastly, we found that 3% of patients (n = 8) initially diagnosed with benign disease later developed breast cancer. Patients with SND should continue to be evaluated with microductectomy to prevent missing a breast cancer. Moreover, we do not recommend performing galactography for diagnosing breast cancer due to poor sensitivity and specificity though it may assist in preoperative planning.

Clinical Factors Affecting Bevacizumab Efficacy With and Without Conventional Chemotherapy in Metastatic Colon Cancer.

Bevacizumab (BZ) combined with first line chemotherapy (CC) has shown good clinical outcomes in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Overall survival (OS) and/or progression free survival in mCRC patients receiving BZ with or without 5FU-based CC is thought to be affected by clinical and morphological factor(s). We reviewed retrospective medical records of all consecutive mCRC patients treated with BZ with or without CC at tertiary care center between 2003 and 2009 out of which149 patients (m = 77, f = 72) were eligible. Our study population had a mean age at diagnosis of 63.5 years (SD = 11) with median follow-up period of 19.4 months. On initial radiological evaluation following BZ therapy, 56 patients (m = 31, f = 25) had complete or partial response categorized as "early responders." Remaining patients (m = 46, f = 47) who were either stable or showed progressive disease were categorized as "non-responders." Fifty percent among early responders and 60% among non-responders [relative risk (RR) 0.67 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.43-1.06)] demonstrated disease progression on follow up. There was a slightly better OS among early responders compared to non-responders (median 21.5 months days versus 16.8 months, P = 0.07). Cox regression analysis suggested male sex (RR 0.65, 95% CI, 0.43-0.98), hematochezia (RR 0.63, 95% CI, 0.4-0.98), resectable primary tumor (RR 0.42, 95% CI, 0.24-0.72) and resectable metastatic mass (RR 0.32, 95% CI, 0.14-0.74) were found to be associated with longer OS. Abdominal pain (RR 1.76, 95% CI, 1.1-2.8), accompanying diabetes (RR 1.76, 95% CI, 1.09-2.85), and unexplained weight loss (RR 2.73, 95% CI, 1.73-4.29) were associated with poor OS. Better OS among mCRC patients with resectable primary and metastatic tumors was seen. This is the first study to demonstrate slightly better outcome in males and negative influence of diabetes on outcome in mCRC treated with BZ.

Radiologic Evaluation of Chronic Vertebral Compression Fractures and Role of Vertebral Augmentation.

The literature has classified chronic vertebral compression fractures (VCF) as those still "symptomatic" four or more months after onset. Pain is regarded as the predominant chronic symptom; however, radiologic changes are important in evaluating fracture progression. This review examines a series of patients with chronic fractures and both persistence of spinal pain combined with radiologic changes, such as worsening collapse, spinal angulation, the development of vertebral edema and clefts, as well as the development of new fractures at adjacent spinal levels. In patients with clear progressive radiologic changes in addition to pain, vertebral augmentation on an average of 9.3 months after injury was effective in reducing the pain and stabilizing these more chronic osteoporotic fractures. A comparison of the pre- and post-procedure visual analog scale score (VAS) indicated an average of 66% reduction in pain. There are several reasons for the development of chronic symptomatic fractures. Most commonly, interventional treatment is delayed in a patient already diagnosed with VCF after a long period of conservative treatment, yet pain persists, or the initial clinical and radiologic evaluation misses the fracture, leading to a delay in diagnosis and treatment. In this report, management in these patients and the role of late vertebral augmentation for chronic symptomatic fractures is clarified based on the findings of various radiologic changes seen on both initial and follow-up radiologic studies.

Sacral Tuberculosis in the Elderly

Vertebral Tuberculosis represents about 50% of all osseous compromised in tuberculosis. However, sacral tuberculosis is rare even in developing countries. Objective: Describe the importance of the diagnosis of vertebral tuberculosis in the sacral region. Methods: Case report of a 67 year-old woman who presented with low back pain for one year. Results: Initial radiological evaluation was compatible with a lytic lesion at the first sacral (S1) vertebrae on the computed tomography scan. Open surgical biopsy was performed, but it was inconclusive. A second procedure was performed and Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli werevisualized on microbiological purulent fluid analysis. A complete improvement of pain was obtained after introduction of antituberculousdrugs. Conclusion: Although rare, sacral tuberculosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis of low back pain in endemic regions.

Multimodality management of incidentally detected gall bladder cancer: long term results from a tertiary care cancer centre.

Gall bladder cancer (GBC) is the most common biliary tract malignancy in India. GBC present either with incidental diagnosis after simple cholecystectomy (SC) or with a primary gall bladder mass. Incidentally detected gall bladder cancer (ICGB) has traditionally been thought to be a relatively early stage disease but there are controversies associated with various aspects of its management. In this article we describe our experience with multimodality management of ICGB. A retrospective analysis of incidentally detected GBC patients was performed to analyze the profile of presentation and treatment outcome. After initial radiological evaluation for operability, all the patients underwent surgical exploration. If found resectable, revision surgery including 2 cm wedge resection of liver and lymphadenectomy was done followed by concurrent chemo-radiation for tumors T2 and above stages. A total of 54 patients with incidentally detected GBC with a male to female ratio of 1:3 and mean age of 47.5 years were included in the study. Thirty-four (63%) patients underwent curative resection followed by adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The remaining 20 patients had metastatic/unresectable disease. The 5 years disease free and overall survival (OS) for patients receiving curative treatment was 64% and 72% respectively. On univariate analysis, presence of residual disease in the gallbladder fossa and liver were significant risk factors for disease recurrence. Depth of invasion, adjuvant treatment received and stage were significant prognostic factors for OS. Incidentally detected GBC is increasing in incidence. A multi-modality approach with revision surgery and adjuvant chemo-radiation treatment may yield better outcome. Presence of residual disease is a poor prognostic factor. Optimal evaluation before SC and early referral to specialty center is therefore important in patients with suspicion of gallbladder malignancy because first chance is probably the best chance.

PL03: Implementation of the Canadian C-Spine Rule by paramedics: a safety evaluation

Introduction: The Canadian C-Spine Rule (CCR) was validated by emergency physicians and triage nurses to determine the need for radiography in alert and stable Emergency Department trauma patients. It was modified and validated for use by paramedics in 1,949 patients. The prehospital CCR calls for evaluation of active neck rotation if patients have none of 3 high-risk criteria and at least 1 of 4 low-risk criteria. This study evaluated the impact and safety of the implementation of the CCR by paramedics. Methods: This single-centre prospective cohort implementation study took place in Ottawa, Canada. Advanced and primary care paramedics received on-line and in-person training on the CCR, allowing them to use the CCR to evaluate eligible patients and selectively transport them without immobilization. We evaluated all consecutive eligible adult patients (GCS 15, stable vital signs) at risk for neck injury. Paramedics were required to complete a standardized study data form for each eligible patient evaluated. Study staff reviewed paramedic documentation and corresponding hospital records and diagnostic imaging reports. We followed all patients without initial radiologic evaluation for 30 days for referral to our spine service, or subsequent visit with radiologic evaluation. Analyses included sensitivity, specificity, kappa coefficient, t-test, and descriptive statistics with 95% CIs. Results: The 4,034 patients enrolled between Jan. 2011 and Aug. 2015 were: mean age 43 (range 16-99), female 53.3%, motor vehicle collision 51.9%, fall 23.8%, admitted to hospital 7.0%, acute c-spine injury 0.8%, and clinically important c-spine injury (0.3%). The CCR classified patients for 11 important injuries with sensitivity 91% (95% CI 58-100%), and specificity 67% (95% CI 65-68%). Kappa agreement for interpretation of the CCR between paramedics and study investigators was 0.94 (95% CI 0.92-0.95). Paramedics were comfortable or very comfortable using the CCR in 89.8% of cases. Mean scene time was 3 min (15.6%) shorter for those not immobilized (17 min vs. 20 min; p=0.0001). A total of 2,569 (63.7%) immobilizations were safely avoided using the CCR. Conclusion: Paramedics could safely and accurately apply the CCR to low-risk trauma patients. This had a significant impact on scene times and the number of prehospital immobilizations.

NT-24 * IPILIMUMAB AND BEVACIZUMAB IN GLIOBLASTOMA

BACKGROUND: Current median survival in glioblastoma is less than a year. Ipilimumab is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits CTLA-4 and has shown significant activity in melanoma including in brain metastases. Evidence of activity in other tumour types is emerging. METHODS: In this single practice case series, 6 patients with glioblastoma were treated with ipilimumab and bevacizumab. Informed consent was obtained from each patient for this ‘off-label’ combination. A review of safety, response and survival was undertaken. RESULTS: 6 patients with glioblastoma were treated; 5 female and 1 male. Median age at initiating treatment was 47 yrs (range 31-55). WHO performance status ranged from 1-4. 4 patients had recurrent disease and 2 patients were treated following first-line palliative chemoradiation. Ipilimumab was dosed at 3mg/kg, q3w for 4 doses then 12 weekly maintenance. Bevacizumab was administered at 10mg/kg, q2w. Concurrent therapies given: GM-CSF (5), valganciclovir (5), temozolomide (3), lomustine (3). Toxicity was evaluated in all patients: fatigue grade 1 and 2 (3), grade 4 (1); diarrhea grade 1 (1); dry skin grade 1 (1); alopecia grade 1 (1). Best responses seen were CR in one patient and PR in one patient. 3 patients are awaiting initial radiological evaluation of response. One patient died from disease progression within 6 weeks of commencing ipilimumab. Response and toxicity data continues to be evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: In this series, combination ipilimumab and bevacizumab has shown promising activity with an acceptable toxicity profile. Optimal dose and timing of use of ipilimumab in the glioblastoma treatment pathway has yet to be determined but warrants further investigation within prospective studies.

Missed injuries during the initial assessment in a cohort of 1124 level-1 trauma patients

IntroductionDespite the presence of diagnostic guidelines for the initial evaluation in trauma, the reported incidence of missed injuries is considerable. The aim of this study was to assess the missed injuries in a large cohort of trauma patients originating from two European Level-1 trauma centres. MethodsWe analysed the 1124 patients included in the randomised REACT trial. Missed injuries were defined as injuries not diagnosed or suspected during initial clinical and radiological evaluation in the trauma room. We assessed the frequency, type, consequences and the phase in which the missed injuries were diagnosed and used univariate analysis to identify potential contributing factors. ResultsEight hundred and three patients were male, median age was 38 years and 1079 patients sustained blunt trauma. Overall, 122 injuries were missed in 92 patients (8.2%). Most injuries concerned the extremities. Sixteen injuries had an AIS grade of ≥3. Patients with missed injuries had significantly higher injury severity scores (ISSs) (median of 15 versus 5, p<0.001). Factors associated with missed injuries were severe traumatic brain injury (GCS≤8) and multitrauma (ISS≥16). Seventy-two missed injuries remained undetected during tertiary survey (59%). In total, 31 operations were required for 26 initially missed injuries. ConclusionDespite guidelines to avoid missed injuries, this problem is hard to prevent, especially in the severely injured. The present study showed that the rate of missed injuries was comparable with the literature and their consequences not severe. A high index of suspicion remains warranted, especially in multitrauma patients.