Maximum Diameter Of Lesions Research Articles

Impact of irrigation flow rate and intrapericardial fluid on cooled-tip epicardial radiofrequency ablation

The optimal irrigation flow rate (IFR) during epicardial radiofrequency (RF) ablation has not been established. This study specifically examined the impact of IFR and intrapericardial fluid (IPF) accumulation during epicardial RF ablation. Altogether, 452 ex vivo RF applications (10 g for 60 seconds) delivered to the epicardial surface of bovine myocardium using 3 open-irrigated ablation catheters (ThermoCool SmartTouch, ThermoCool SmartTouch-SF, and FlexAbility) and 50 in vivo RF applications delivered (ThermoCool SmartTouch-SF) in 4 healthy adult swine in the presence or absence of IPF were examined. Ex vivo, RF was delivered at low (≤3 mL/min), reduced (5-7 mL/min), and high (≥10 mL/min) IFRs using intermediate (25-35 W) and high (35-45 W) power. In vivo, applications were delivered (at 9.3 ± 2.2 g for 60 seconds at 39 W) using reduced (5 mL/min) and high (15 mL/min) IFRs. Ex vivo, surface lesion diameter inversely correlated with IFR, whereas maximum lesion diameter and depth did not differ. While steam pops occurred more frequently at low IFR using high power (ThermoCool SmartTouch and ThermoCool SmartTouch-SF), tissue disruption was rare and did not vary with IFR. In vivo, charring/steam pop was not detected. Although there were no discernible differences in lesion size with IFR, surface lesion diameter, maximum diameter, depth, and volume were all smaller in the presence of IPF at both IFRs. Cooled-tip epicardial RF ablation created using reduced IFRs (5-7 mL/min) yields lesion sizes similar to those created using high IFRs (≥10 mL/min) without an increase in steam pop/tissue disruption, whereas the presence of IPF significantly reduces the lesion size.

Economic Short-Term Cost Model for Stereotactic Radiotherapy of Neovascular AMD

Stereotactic radiation therapy (Oraya, OT) is available as a second line therapy for patients who, despite intensive anti-VEGF therapy for neovascular AMD, do not show an improvement in CNV. As OT is expensive (5,308 €), the short term economics for starting this therapy were investigated. A short-term cost model was set up in MS Excel with a two year time horizon. On the basis of the data of the randomised, controlled INTREPID pivotal trial and current treatment practice in Germany, the costs were compared of conventional anti-VEGF therapy, with or without a single OT treatment. Patients with an active lesion after initial anti-VEGF therapy and a maximum lesion diameter ≤ 4 mm were included. Modeled cost components/aspects were direct savings from injection number, control follow-up examinations and aids, as well as anti-VEGF switches. Costs for Germany were employed and a univariate sensitivity analysis was performed to address the existing uncertainty. For the patients with a maximum AMD lesion diameter ≤ 4 mm and a macula volume > 7.4 mm(3), the INTREPID trial showed a mean reduction of 3.68 intravitreal injections for 16 Gy radiation versus sham over a time period of 2 years. These 3.68 IVM result in ~ 4,500 € direct cost savings. Moreover, due to the higher response rate with 16 Gy radiation, the number of follow-up visits and aids can be reduced, which results in savings between 207 € and 1,224 € over 2 years. After radiation, fewer anti-VEGF switches for low or non-responders are expected, which is modeled to result in ~ 1.7 fewer injections over 2 years. Due to overall fewer injections, fewer endophthalmitis cases would be expected. However, endophthalmitis and microvascular abnormalities, which can be observed in a few cases, are associated with low or non-quantifiable costs in this cost-cost comparison model. In summary, cost reductions of between 6,400 and 8,500 € are predicted in the model over two years, which have to be compared to the costs of a single application of OT. The short-term economic analysis shows that anti-VEGF therapy combined with OT results in savings above the costs for OT itself over a 2 year time horizon. Overall, the approach gives potential cost reductions, if the appropriate indication is followed.

A risk scoring system for the differentiation between melanoma with regression and regressing nevi

BackgroundSpontaneous regression of melanomas is relatively common, its prevalence ranging from 10 to 35%. However, regressing nevi can exhibit worrisome feature and simulate melanoma both clinically and dermoscopically. Thus, the presence of regression can represent a confounding factor. ObjectiveTo investigate the frequency of dermoscopic patterns of “regression” in a series of benign and malignant melanocytic skin lesions, and to design an integrated scoring system. Scoring classifiers are very effective in selecting the significant parameters for discriminating two clinical conditions, thus can rapidly calculate a patient’s risk for a given disease. MethodsWe selected a series of 95 regressing melanocytic lesions, including 50 regressing nevi and 45 melanomas with regression. For each lesion, 12 dermoscopic variables (i.e. five types of regression structures, five atypical pigmentation structures, atypical vascular pattern and pink areas) were examined by three expert in dermoscopy (blinded to the histological diagnosis). The dermoscopic evaluation was then combined with patient age, gender, body site and the maximum diameter of lesion. Concordance analysis with Cohen’s kappa was performed between the three clinicians. A risk scoring system was designed by the leave-one-out cross-validation procedure to ensure model prediction power. ResultsThe predictive score model revealed a sensitivity of 97.8% and a specificity of 75.5% in discriminating nevi and melanomas with regression. Using the score model, the diagnostic performance of the examiners increased by an average of 23.7% in sensitivity and 5.9% in specificity, compared with standard dermoscopic pattern analysis. ConclusionsWe assessed the validity of an integrated risk scoring model as a new methodological approach that could help the dermatologist in the differentiation between melanoma with regression and regressing nevus. Future studies could test the setting up of a score model over an even more complex pool of data obtained from different skin lesions with various diagnostic devices.

Efficacy of the treatment of transarterial chemoembolization combined with radiotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus: A propensity score analysis.

The survival outcome of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) who received transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with radiotherapy (RT) remains unclear. A total of 112 and 735 HCC patients with PVTT undergoing TACE combined with RT and TACE alone, respectively, were evaluated. One hundred and eight pairs of matched patients were selected from each treatment arm by using a propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. Of the whole study population, TACE combined with RT showed significant survival benefits compared with TACE in all patients (median survival, 11.0 vs 4.8months; P <0.001), especially in patients with PVTT involving the right/left portal vein (median survival, 12.5 vs 5.2months; P <0.001) and main portal vein trunk (median survival, 8.9 vs 4.3months; P <0.001). After one-to-one PSM, 108 pairs of matched patients were selected for further analysis. In the propensity model, the median survival time was 10.9 versus 4.1months (P <0.001) in all patients, 12.5 versus 4.4months (P = 0.002) in patients with PVTT involving the right/left portal vein and 8.9 versus 4.0months (P <0.001) in patients with PVTT involving the main portal vein trunk. The treatment, maximum lesion diameter and main trunk PVTT were the independent prognostic factors for survival at uni- and multivariate analysis. TACE combined with RT provides a significantly better survival outcome than TACE for unresectable HCC patients with PVTT, especially for patients with PVTT involving the right/left portal vein or main trunk.

Vacuum-assisted breast biopsies (VAB) carried out on an open 1.0 T MR imager: Influence of patient and target characteristics on the procedural and clinical results

PurposeThe study was conducted in order to assess the clinical impact of MRI-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsies carried out using an open 1.0T open MRI-system. Material and methodsThe clinical, imaging, interventional and histological data of all 132 patients with a first MRI-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy carried out between 07/2005 and 03/2012at the Radiological Department were extracted from the clinical files. The clinical outcome of patients with benign histological findings was assessed based on the clinical files and queries of the local gynecologists in charge. In the 103 interventional image data sets available target localization and target size were evaluated by two board-certified senior radiologists. Clinical data, lesion characteristics and interventional results were evaluated statistically using subgroup analyses. Results131 of 132 MRI-guided breast biopsies (99.2%) were carried out successfully. The median interventional duration was 30min (25%-percentile 25min, 75%-percentile 35min, maximum 75min). Minor complications occurred in 12 interventions of the 131 (9.2%). The histological work-up of the biopsy specimen showed benign results in 98 of 131 interventions (74.8%), lesions with uncertain biological potential in 5 biopsies (3.8%) and malignant findings in 28 biopsies (21.4%). There were 2 false negative histological findings. Neither the patient age nor the medical history nor the anticipated risk of developing breast cancer had an impact on the success rates and the complication rates. In the 103 interventions with available image data sets the maximum target lesion diameters were 1–5mm in 16 lesions (15.5%), 6–10mm in 41 lesions (39.8%) and 11–15mm in 29 lesions (28.2%). There was a positive correlation between the maximum diameters and the rate of malignancy of the target lesions (p=0.020) as well as a trend towards longer interventional procedure durations in smaller target lesions (p=0.183). ConclusionMRI-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy for suspicious breast lesions is a clinically safe and feasible method even in small target lesions when using an open high-field MRI-system.

Abstract TP66: Single Slice Maximal Lesion Diameter Predicts Malignant Pattern of Diffusion Lesions in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Introduction: Recent endovascular trials excluded patients with large ischemic cores on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) or perfusion CT using automated volumetric analysis. Hypothesis: We investigated whether the largest diameter of the DWI lesion measured on a single slice could accurately predict large ischemic cores, as defined by automated volumetric analysis; such findings could result in a simple tool for predicting clinical outcome. Methods: Magnetic resonance imaging data from the multicenter AXIS 2-trial were used. Patients were included within 9h of symptom onset and received intravenous thrombolysis if eligible. The maximum diameter of the diffusion lesion was measured on the slice with the largest lesion extension. Maximum diameters on a single slice were compared with the volumes of &gt; 50 ml, &gt;70ml and &gt;100ml determined by standard volumetric analysis. We also assessed whether and for which threshold, largest lesion diameter was a predictor of poor clinical outcome defined as modified ranking scale (mRS) 5 or 6. Results: A total of 304 patients were included of which 50 (16%) presented with a carotid occlusion. 96 (32%) patients had a DWI-volume of more than 50 ml, 63 (21%) more than 70ml and 46 (15%) more than 100ml. A diameter of respectively 5.5, 6.5 and 7 cm on a single slice with the largest lesion extension was the best predictor of a DWI lesion volume of more than 50 (sensitivity (sens) 97%, specificity (spec) 80%), 70 (sens 95%, spec 83%) and 100ml (sens 100%, spec 85%). The maximum diameter was a reasonable predictor of poor clinical outcome with an AUC of 0.76 (95%CI: 0.68-0.83). The optimal cut off point was found to be 5.5 cm (sens 71%, spec 67%). Conclusion: Measuring the maximum lesion diameter on a single slice on DWI identifies patients with large ischemic cores with a high sensitivity and specificity. This finding can be useful in clinical practice and for future clinical trials where rapid and uniform decision making to exclude patients with a malignant profile from endovascular therapy is essential.

Clinical Outcome of Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy for Lung Metastatic Lesions in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Oligometastatic Patients

AimsThe aim of this observational study was the evaluation of toxicity, local control and overall survival in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) oligometastatic patients who had undergone stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) for lung metastatic lesions. Materials and methodsSABR was carried out in oligometastatic patients with controlled primary tumour (adequate pulmonary function). We adopted the following dose prescriptions according to the site and the maximum diameter of the lung lesions: 60 Gy in three fractions for peripheral lesions with diameter ≤2 cm, 48 Gy in four fractions for peripheral lesions between 2 and 5 cm and 60 Gy in eight fractions for central lesions. A radiological response was defined according to RECIST criteria. Toxicity was recorded according to the Common Toxicity Criteria version 4.0. ResultsBetween October 2010 and December 2014, 60 NSCLC patients with 90 lung lesions in total were treated at our institution. A radiological response was obtained in most patients. No pulmonary toxicity grade 4, chest pain or rib fracture occurred. The median follow-up from diagnosis was 28 months (range 5.4–104.5 months). The local control at 2 years was 88.9%. Overall survival at 1 and 2 years was 94.5 and 74.6%, respectively. ConclusionSABR is well tolerated with a good radiological response and toxicity profile. Discussion within a multidisciplinary team is crucial to identify the oligometastatic patients who would probably benefit from ablative local therapy.

The Diagnostic Value of Micropure Imaging in Breast Suspicious Microcalcificaion

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of Micropure Imaging (MI) in breast lesions differentiation by comparison with B-mode ultrasonography (B-US) and Doppler ultrasonography (DU). A total of 135 consecutive patients (all females) with 135 suspicious lesions were examined and skin marked by MI before mammotome biopsies. All patients (age range, 20-86 years; mean age, 42.5 ± 15.6 years) were the first onset, not in the pregnancy or lactation and had no history of radiation or chemotherapy. The maximum diameter of lesions ranged from 0.2 to 9.6 cm (average 1.98 ± 1.3 cm). Their final diagnoses were obtained by histologic examination. The study protocol was approved by the hospital review board; each patient gave written informed consent. One hundred thirty-five breast lesions were classified into 90 nonmalignant and 45 malignant types. To 86 breast lesions with microcalcification, MI showed more microcalcification and coincided better with pathology results than B-US did (P < .05). The specificity of MI was higher than that of B-US and DU; the sensitivity of DU was significantly higher than that of B-US and MI (P < .001). By combining B-US, DU, and MI, the detection accuracy was 86.7%. Receiver-operator characteristic curves showed the area under the curve of B-US, DU, and MI was 0.865, 0.934, and 0.923(P = .000), respectively. Moreover, the interobserver agreements of MI were the highest, 0.922 (observer 1 vs. observer 2), 0.866 (observer 1 vs. observer 3), and 0.916 (observer 2 vs. observer 3). MI as an adjunct ultrasound modality holds some promise in locating and differentiating breast lesions.

MRI for discriminating metastatic ovarian tumors from primary epithelial ovarian cancers.

AimsTo find specific magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features to differentiate metastatic ovarian tumors from primary epithelial ovarian cancers.MethodsEleven cases with metastatic ovarian tumors and 26 cases with primary malignant epithelial ovarian cancers were retrospectively studied. All features such as patient characteristics, MRI findings and biomarkers were evaluated. The differences including laterality, configuration, uniformity of locules, diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) signal of solid components and enhancement of solid portions between metastatic ovarian tumors and primary epithelial ovarian cancers were compared by Fisher’s exact test. Median age of patients, the maximum diameter of lesions and biomarkers were compared by the Mann-Whitney test.ResultsPatients with metastatic ovarian tumors were younger than patients with primary epithelial ovarian cancers in the median age (P = 0.015). Patients with bilateral tumors in metastatic ovarian tumors were more than those of primary epithelial ovarian cancers (P = 0.032). The maximum diameter of lesions in metastatic ovarian tumors was smaller than that of primary epithelial ovarian cancers (P = 0.005). The locules in metastatic ovarian tumors were more uniform than those of primary epithelial ovarian cancers (P = 0.024). The enhancement of solid portions in metastatic ovarian tumors showed more moderate than that of primary epithelial ovarian cancers (P = 0.037). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in configuration, DWI signal of solid components and ascites. Biomarkers such as CA125 and human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) in metastatic ovarian tumors showed less elevated than that of primary epithelial ovarian cancers.ConclusionsSignificant differences between metastatic ovarian tumors and primary epithelial ovarian cancers were found in the median age of patients, laterality, the maximum diameter of lesions, uniformity of locules, enhancement patterns of solid portions and biomarkers. Metastatic ovarian tumors usually presented in the younger patients, smaller-sized, more bilateral lesions, more uniform of locules, more moderate enhancement of solid portions, and less elevated levels of CA125 and HE4 than those of primary epithelial ovarian cancers.

Acquired renal arteriovenous malformation: the diagnostic value of three-dimensional multidetector-row computed tomography ⁎

Abstract Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of three-dimensional multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) in detecting acquired renal arteriovenous malformation (RAVM) and to compare its performance with that of ultrasonography and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Methods The institutional review board approved this retrospective study and written informed consent was obtained from all patients before examination. All 14 patients with acquired RAVM underwent MDCT, including cortical and medullary phase enhancement angiography and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction. Five and nine patients were further examined and their diagnoses confirmed by DSA and surgery, respectively. The MDCT images, including 3D reconstructions, were analyzed for RAVM independently and in consensus by two observers using a workstation. Results Among the 14 patients with acquired RAVM, 12 with maximum lesion diameter ≥ 10 mm, and one with a maximum lesion diameter between 5 and 10 mm, were correctly diagnosed with MDCT angiography. Among these patients, four diagnoses were confirmed by DSA. One patient with a lesion 5-10 mm in diameter was misdiagnosed with a renal aneurysm by MDCT angiography. The other one with the maximum diameter of the lesion between 5 mm and 10 mm was misdiagnosed as renal aneurysm with MDCT angiography, which was diagnosed as renal arteriovenous malformation with DSA. Among 14 lesions in 14 patients, eight and six originated in the left and right kidney, respectively. Conclusion MDCT angiography can accurately diagnose RAVM and improve our understanding of the disease, which will allow clinicians to provide better care.

Variant of BCL3 gene is strongly associated with five-year survival of non-small-cell lung cancer patients.

BCL3, a known atypical IκB family member, has been documented to be upregulated in hematological malignancies and in some solid tumors, functioning as a crucial player in tumor development. Recently, rs8100239, a tag-Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) in BCL3 (T>A) has been identified, but there are no data regarding its involvement in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) initiation and progression. To study the possible association of BCL3 with NSCLC, 268 patients and 279 healthy controls were genotyped for rs8100239. Moreover, BCL3 protein expression was also investigated in 112 NSCLC cases through an immunohistochemical analysis. NSCLC patients with AA genotype displayed significantly worse prognosis compared to T allele carriers (P<0.001), who had less frequent intermediate nuclear BCL3 expression (P=0.042). In addition, overexpression of BCL3 was detected in tumor specimens, compared to normal tissue (P<0.001). Furthermore, BCL3 protein levels were associated with five-year survival (P=0.039), maximum diameter of lesion (P=0.012), grade (P=0.002) and relapse frequency (P=0.041). The present study is the first to show a relationship between the genetic variation rs8100239 of BCL3 and cancer patients' survival. It also represents the first quantitative evaluation of BCL3 expression in NSCLC. Our findings indicate that rs8100239 may be considered as a novel prognostic indicator, demonstrating also the overexpression of BCL3 protein in NSCLC and implicating this pivotal molecule in the pathogenesis of NSCLC.

Sclerotherapy treatment of orbital lymphatic malformations: a large single-centre experience

BackgroundPercutaneous sclerotherapy is an alternative to surgery for the treatment of orbital lymphatic malformations (LMs). We present a large series of patients undergoing sclerotherapy for macrocystic LMs with detailed visual...

Number of cerebral lesions predicts freedom from new brain metastases after radiosurgery alone in lung cancer patients.

Numerous patients with few brain metastases receive radiosurgery, either alone or in combination with whole-brain irradiation. The addition of whole-brain irradiation to radiosurgery reduces the rate of intracerebral failures, particularly the development of new cerebral lesions distant from those treated with radiosurgery. Less intracerebral failures mean less neurocognitive deficits. However, whole-brain irradiation itself may lead to a decline in neurocognitive functions. Therefore, a number of physicians have reservations with regard to adding whole-brain irradiation to radiosurgery. Prognostic factors that allow an estimation of the risk of developing new cerebral metastases can facilitate the decision regarding additional whole-brain irradiation. Since primary tumors show a different biology and clinical course, prognostic factors should be identified separately for each primary tumor leading to brain metastasis. The present study investigated 10 characteristics in a series of 98 patients receiving radiosurgery alone for 1-2 cerebral metastases from lung cancer, the most common primary tumor associated with brain metastasis. These characteristics included radiosurgery dose, age, gender, performance status, histology, number of cerebral lesions, maximum total diameter of cerebral lesions, main location of cerebral lesions, extracranial spread and interval from first diagnosis of lung cancer to administration of radiosurgery. On univariate analysis, the number of cerebral lesions prior to radiosurgery (1 vs. 2 lesions) was the only characteristic significantly associated with freedom from new brain metastases (P=0.002). In cases of 2 lesions, 73% of patients developed new cerebral lesions within 1 year. On multivariate analysis, the number of brain metastases remained significant (risk ratio, 2.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.34-4.58; P=0.004). Given the high rates of new cerebral lesions in patients with 2 brain metastases, these patients should be strongly considered for additional whole-brain irradiation.

OC-061 Change in size of hepatic colorectal metastases after completion of chemotherapy is greater than during treatment, but doesn’t influence disease-free survival after resection

Introduction The aim of this study was to assess the change in size of colorectal liver metastases between post-chemotherapy imaging and liver resection and to measure potential associations of this change with disease-free survival. Method Analysis of a prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing liver resection for colorectal liver metastases between 2005 and 2012 was undertaken. Response to chemotherapy was assessed by RECIST criteria. Change in tumour size between completion of chemotherapy and liver resection was measured by comparing the maximum diameter of lesions determined by post-chemotherapy imaging and those determined by examination of the resected specimen. Results In 146 patients the median interval between post-chemotherapy imaging and liver resection was 10.4 weeks (7.1–17.6 weeks). During this period tumour diameter increased in 102 patients (69.9%) and decreased in 37 (25.3%) with a median change of +2.3% per week (–19.4 to +1624%). Tumour behaviour after completion of treatment was not associated with disease-free survival in patients who initially responded to chemotherapy (P = 0.591) or those with stable disease (P = 0.436). Among patients with progressive disease after completion of chemotherapy the median disease-free survival of patients who initially responded (26 months) was longer than in those with stable disease (7 months) (P = 0.002), but there was no association between the rate of increase in size and disease-free survival (P = 0.406). Conclusion Change in tumour size after completion of chemotherapy is variable and can be rapid, especially in patients who initially responded to treatment. It does not however appear to affect outcome and should not be considered an adverse factor when counselling patients. Disclosure of interest None Declared.

Association between real-time contrast-enhanced ultrasound characteristics and thyroid carcinoma size.

The aim of the present study was to discuss the various appearances of thyroid carcinomas on real-time contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in association with tumor size. The appearances of 68 thyroid carcinomas confirmed by pathology were retrospectively analyzed. The lesions were divided into 3 groups by maximum diameter <10, 10-20 and >20 mm, respectively. For each lesion, absolute enhancement beginning time, relative enhancement beginning time, homogeneity, with or without perfusion defect, enhancement order, enhancement intensity and enhancement margin type were evaluated by CEUS. The majority of thyroid carcinomas were enhanced later than the surrounding thyroid gland. The predominant enhancement pattern of all the 68 thyroid carcinomas in the 3 groups was mainly heterogeneous and concentric enhancement, and the lesions mostly showed less clear or poorly defined enhancement margins. There was no significant difference among the 3 groups (P>0.05). Thyroid carcinoma with diameters <10 and 10-20 mm exhibited low enhancement, while thyroid carcinomas with diameters >20 mm showed high enhancement. With the increase of the lesion's maximum diameter, the probability of perfusion defect increased by 28.57, 54.29 and 75.00%, respectively, and there was a significant difference among the 3 groups (P<0.05). CEUS characteristics are associated with tumor size to a certain extent, and can provide valuable information for clinical diagnosis.

High pressure jet injection of viscous solutions for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD): first clinical experience.

Background: Long lasting elevation is a key factor during endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and can be obtained by water jet injection of saline solution or by viscous macromolecular solutions. In a previous animal study, we assessed the Nestis Enki II system to combine jet injection and viscous solutions. In the present work, we used this combination in humans in different sites of the digestive tract. Methods: We retrospectively report all of the consecutive ESD procedures performed with jet injection of viscous solutions in four centers. Information was collected about the lesion, the procedure, the histological result, and the outcomes for the patient. Results: In total, 45 resections were completed by six operators: five experts and one beginner with only one previous experience in human ESD. Lesions were located in the esophagus (10), the stomach (11), the duodenum (1), the colon (1) and the rectum (22). Average maximal lesion diameter was 4.8 cm (SD 2.4, range 2 – 11 cm), average lesion surface area was 19.8 cm2 (SD 17.7, range 2.2 – 72 cm2), and average duration of procedure was 79.9 min (SD 50.3 min, range 19 – 225 min). ESD could be conducted while the endoscope was retroflexed at its maximum in 26 cases. Four adverse events were observed: two diminutive perforations and two delayed bleeding occurrences treated conservatively. The R0 resection rate was 91.1 %. The catheter was obstructed in six occurrences of bleeding. Conclusion: Endoscopic submucosal dissection using high pressure injection of viscous macromolecular solutions is safe and effective in different parts of the digestive tract. It does not impede working with the endoscope in the maximal retroflexed position.

Effects of Lamellar Keratectomy and Intrastromal Injection of 0.2% Fluconazole on Fungal Keratitis.

Purpose. To evaluate effects of lamellar keratectomy and intrastromal injection of 0.2% fluconazole (LKIIF) on fungal keratitis. Methods. Data for 54 eyes of consecutive patients with fungal keratitis treated with LKIIF were retrospectively analyzed. The lesions in these eyes did not heal or were aggravated after antifungal chemotherapy for 7 days. The maximum lesion diameters were ≤5 mm and maximum depth was not more than half of full corneal thickness. Cases were followed up for at least 90 days. Results. Forty-six eyes were cured (85.2%). The wound healing times were 3–16 days and were less than 7 days in 28 cases (51.9%). In cured eyes, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were both 20/250–20/20. The UCVA improved in 38 eyes and was unchanged in seven eyes. BCVA improved in 44 eyes and was unchanged in two eyes. When followed up for more than 90 days, 89% (41 of 46 eyes) showed improvement in UCVA and 11% were unchanged. Regarding BCVA, 98% improved and one eye was unchanged. No other complications were observed except neovascularization in one eye and thinner corneas. Conclusions. LKIIF was quick and effective for small fungal keratitis confined to half of the corneal thickness.

In reply to the Letter to the Editor titled: “Comments on: Clinical implementation of a new electronic brachytherapy system for skin brachytherapy”

In reply to the Letter to the Editor titled: “Comments on: Clinical implementation of a new electronic brachytherapy system for skin brachytherapy”

Investigation of the manifestation of pancreatic metastases on contrast-enhanced ultrasound

Objective To explore the manifestation of pancreatic metastases （PM） using contrast- enhanced ultrasound （CEUS）. Methods Eleven patients with PM confirmed by pathology or CT/MR1 combined with clinical data were analyzed retrospectively.The manifestation on conventional ultrasound and the enhancement appearance on CEUS were analyzed.Results The primary malignant tumors included lung cancer （ n = 6）, breast cancer （ n = 1 ）, renal clear cell carcinoma （ n = 1 ）, gastric cancer （ n = 1 ）, rectal cancer （n = 1） and leiomyosarcoma of uterus （n = 1 ）. Eight patients had one lesion and three were multiple.The maximum lesion diameter was 2.0- 5.0 cm. Eight of the 11 patients showed hypoechoic on conventional US.Three patients were diagnosed as probably PM, one probably malignant and 7 undetermined by US.In the early stage of CEUS, two patients showed hyper-enhancement, six showed iso-enhancement and 3 showed hypo-enhancement.In the late stage of CEUS, nine patients （9/11） showed hypo-enhancement. Seven patients showed homogeneous enhancement.Six patients were diagnosed as PM, three malignant, one neuroendocrine tumor and one undetermined by CEUS.Conclusions PM showed certain characteristics on CEUS.The hyper- or iso-enhancement at the early stage of CEUS and history of primary cancer is helpful for diagnosis of PM. Key words: Ultrasonography; Microbubbles ; Pancreatic neoplasms ; Neoplasms metastasis

Evaluating the risk of ovarian cancer before surgery using the ADNEX model to differentiate between benign, borderline, early and advanced stage invasive, and secondary metastatic tumours: prospective multicentre diagnostic study

Objectives To develop a risk prediction model to preoperatively discriminate between benign, borderline, stage I invasive, stage II-IV invasive, and secondary metastatic ovarian tumours.Design Observational diagnostic study using prospectively collected...