Negative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings Research Articles

Predictive Factors for Extracapsular Extension of Prostate Cancer to Select the Candidates for Nerve-sparing Radical Prostatectomy.

Nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy (NSRP) for prostate cancer (PC) enables better postoperative recovery of continence and potency but may increase the risk of positive surgical margins. This study aimed to investigate preoperative predictive factors for extracapsular extension (ECE) of PC to select patients for NSRP. We retrospectively evaluated 288 patients with PC (576 lobes) diagnosed with 12-core transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) who underwent laparoscopic or robot-assisted radical prostatectomy at our institution. Surgical specimens and preoperative parameters (prostate-specific antigen, prostate volume, biopsy and MRI findings, preoperative therapy) were analyzed. Of 576 prostate lobes, the incidence Ipsilateral ECE was identified in 97 (16.8%) lobes. The higher number of unilateral positive biopsy cores, the highest Gleason score 8 or more and positive unilateral findings on MRI are significant higher in prostate sides with ECE in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, positive unilateral MRI findings (odds ratio [OR], 2.86; p < 0.001) and unilateral biopsy positive core ≥ 3 (OR, 3.73; p < 0.001) were independent predictors of unilateral ECE. The detection rate of unilateral ECE in those cases with two factors (side-specific positive biopsy core 2 or less and side-specific MRI findings negative) was 7.1% (19/269). Patients with fewer unilateral positive biopsy cores and negative unilateral MRI findings might be good candidates for NSRP.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging–Targeted Versus Systematic Prostate Biopsies: 2-year Follow-up of a Prospective Randomized Trial (PRECISE)

BackgroundThe prospective randomized PRECISE trial demonstrated that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with only targeted biopsy (TBx) was noninferior to systematic transrectal ultrasound biopsy (SBx) in the detection of International Society of Urological Pathology grade group (GG) ≥2 prostate cancer (PC). An unanswered question is the outcome for patients who avoided a biopsy because of negative MRI findings. ObjectiveTo explore the rate of PC diagnosis based on 2-yr MRI for PRECISE participants who had no biopsy and for patients who had a negative result or GG 1 on TBx in comparison to those with a negative result or GG 1 on SBx. Design, setting, and participantsThe PRECISE prospective trial was conducted at five Canadian academic centers. The present analysis was for trial participants who were not diagnosed with clinically significant PC (csPC) at baseline. Of 453 randomized patients, 146 were diagnosed with GG ≥2 at baseline and were excluded. Eligible patients for this study included 83 men from the MRI arm who had negative MRI findings and no biopsy, 120 from the overall cohort who had a negative SBx or TBx, and 72 from the overall cohort who were diagnosed with GG 1 disease. InterventionMRI at 2 yr in all men in the MRI and SBx arms and TBx for lesions with a Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System score of ≥3 or on the basis of clinical suspicion. Outcome measurements and statistical analysisThe primary outcome was the proportion of men diagnosed with GG ≥2 cancer. Secondary outcomes included the MRI outcome and the proportion of men diagnosed with GG 1 PC. Results and limitationsEvaluable 2-yr MRI scans were available for 75 (56%) eligible patients in the MRI arm and 69 (49%) in the SBx arm. Of these patients, 55 (73%) in the MRI arm and 51 (67%) SBx arm had negative 2-yr MRI. Of the 76 patients in the SBx arm with 2-yr MRI, 16 (21%) had a biopsy, for which the result was negative in eight (10%), GG1 in two (2.6%), and GG ≥2 in six (7.9%) cases. Of the 75 men in the MRI arm with 2-yr MRI, eight (11%) were biopsied, for which the result was negative in four cases (5%) and GG ≥2 in the other four (5%). At 2 yr, including baseline biopsy results, 116/221 (52.5%) in the MRI arm and 113/204 (55%) in the SBx arm were free of GG ≥2 disease, treatment, death from any cause, or progression (OR 1.08; p = 0.66). ConclusionsAfter 2-yr follow-up including MRI for patients in both arms of PRECISE, there was no difference in the rate of csPC diagnosis between the MRI and SBx groups, even though 38% of men in the MRI group avoided an initial biopsy. Patient summaryThe PRECISE trial compared systematic biopsy of the prostate to a strategy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with targeted biopsy of any lesions suspicious for cancer on the scan. After 2 years of follow-up that included 2-year MRI with or without biopsy in both groups, there was no difference in the rate of diagnosis of significant cancer, even though 38% of men in the initial MRI arm avoided an initial biopsy, and 30% avoided biopsy altogether.The PRECISE trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT02936258.

Reoperation for Recurrent and Persistent Cushing's Disease without Visible MRI Findings.

Transsphenoidal surgery is the first-line treatment for Cushing's disease (CD), even with negative preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results. Some patients with persistent or recurring hypercortisolism have negative MRI findings after the initial surgery. We aimed to analyze the efficacy of repeat surgery in two groups of patients and determine if there is an association between positive MRI findings and early remission. Clinical, imaging, and biochemical information of 42 patients who underwent repeat surgery by a single neurosurgeon between 2002 and 2021 was retrospectively analyzed. We compared the endocrinological, histopathological, and surgical outcomes before and after repeat surgery among 14 CD patients with negative MRI findings and 28 patients with positive MRI findings. Immediate remission was achieved in 29 patients (69.0%) who underwent repeat surgery. Among all patients, 28 (66.7%) had MRI findings consistent with solid lesions. There was no significant difference in remission rates between the recurrence and persistence groups (77.8% vs. 57.1%, odds ratio = 2.625, 95% confidence interval = 0.651 to 10.586). Patients in remission after repeat surgery were not associated with positive MRI findings (odds ratio = 3.667, 95% confidence interval = 0.920 to 14.622). In terms of recurrence, repeat surgery in patients with either positive or negative MRI findings showed reasonable remission rates. For persistent disease with positive MRI findings, repeat surgery is still an option; however, more solid evidence is needed to determine if negative MRI findings are predictors for failed reoperations for persistent hypercortisolism.

Spinal Cord Infarction with a Negative MRI Finding: A Case Report and Literature Review

Introduction: Spinal cord infarction (SCI) is a relatively rare disease. Abnormality on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an important diagnostic criterion. It may be normal on the first day. Then abnormal signal will appear a few days later. There were some reports with negative MRI findings at the beginning. However, those reports were neither found abnormalities on repeat MRI nor without repeat MRI. Case Presentation: We report a case of SCI presented as paralysis of lower limbs and chest pain with no abnormalities on MRI through the course of disease in a 74-year-old female. Anti-platelet aggregation drugs, stabilizing plaque treatments and rehabilitation exercise were performed. The patient recovered significantly. She could walk independently a month after the onset. Conclusions: Although MRI provides important evidence for diagnosis, clinical manifestations are the most important when diagnosing. For patients who were highly suspected of SCI clinically, treatment for vascular diseases should be applied as soon as possible even if no lesion is found on imaging examination.

Effects of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Targeting on Overdiagnosis and Overtreatment of Prostate Cancer

BackgroundIt has been suggested that targeting prostate lesions identified on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will improve the sensitivity of prostate biopsy for high-grade disease. The clinical significance of high-grade tumors found on MRI but missed on systematic biopsy is open to question. ObjectiveTo determine the risk of mortality for high-grade cancers identified by MRI targeting in men who had benign systematic biopsy findings. Design, setting, and participantsWe used data from 999 men with negative systematic biopsy and concurrent MRI-targeted biopsy in the National Cancer Institute MRI study. The comparison group consisted of 3056 men followed for 11 yr after negative sextant biopsy in the European Randomized Trial of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC). Outcome measurements and statistical analysisWe calculated the number of patients needed to be diagnosed (NND) and treated (NNT) following targeted biopsy in order to prevent one prostate cancer death at 11 yr. We used a simple modeling approach that involved several assumptions, such as the proportion of the deaths in ERSPC preventable by earlier detection with MRI-guided biopsy. We then varied these assumptions to assess the effects on the results. Results and limitationsNND and NNT were 89 and 57 for the scenario involving assumptions favorable to MRI, and 169 and 127 for a more neutral set of assumptions, respectively. Results were only more encouraging for MRI targeting under unlikely scenarios, such as 100% sensitivity for MRI and a cure rate of 100% for treatment. ConclusionsAlthough MRI may be of benefit overall, considering the decrease in overdiagnosis among men with negative MRI findings, targeting biopsy needles to MRI-detected lesions results in a large number of men diagnosed and treated per death prevented. Consideration should be given to changing guidelines on grading of MRI cores and those regarding treatment of MRI-detected high-grade prostate cancer. Patient summaryWe carried out a modeling study to assess how magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan results used to target prostate cancer lesions during biopsy can affect outcomes. The model results show that if MRI-visible tumors are targeted during prostate biopsy, a large number of men need to be diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer in order to avoid just one prostate cancer death.

Clinical Utility of Negative Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer and Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer

BackgroundMultiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly used to diagnose prostate cancer (PCa). It is not yet established whether all men with negative MRI (Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System version 2 score <3) should undergo prostate biopsy or not. ObjectiveTo develop and validate a prediction model that uses clinical parameters to reduce unnecessary prostate biopsies by predicting PCa and clinically significant PCa (csPCa) for men with negative MRI findings who are at risk of harboring PCa. Design, setting, and participantsThis was a retrospective analysis of 200 men with negative MRI at risk of PCa who underwent prostate biopsy (2014–2020) with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) >4 ng/ml, 4Kscore of >7%, PSA density ≥0.15 ng/ml/cm3, and/or suspicious digital rectal examination. The validation cohort included 182 men from another centre (University of Miami) with negative MRI who underwent systematic prostate biopsy with the same criteria. Outcome measurements and statistical analysiscsPCa was defined as Gleason grade group ≥2 on biopsy. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed using coefficients of logit function for predicting PCa and csPCa. Nomogram validation was performed by calculating the area under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) and comparing nomogram-predicted probabilities with actual rates of PCa and csPCa. Results and limitationsOf 200 men in the development cohort, 18% showed PCa and 8% showed csPCa on biopsy. Of 182 men in the validation cohort, 21% showed PCa and 6% showed csPCa on biopsy. PSA density, 4Kscore, and family history of PCa were significant predictors for PCa and csPCa. The AUC was 0.80 and 0.87 for prediction of PCa and csPCa, respectively. There was agreement between predicted and actual rates of PCa in the validation cohort. Using the prediction model at threshold of 40, 47% of benign biopsies and 15% of indolent PCa cases diagnosed could be avoided, while missing 10% of csPCa cases. The small sample size and number of events are limitations of the study. ConclusionsOur prediction model can reduce the number of prostate biopsies among men with negative MRI without compromising the detection of csPCa. Patient summaryWe developed a tool for selection of men with negative MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) findings for prostate cancer who should undergo prostate biopsy. This risk prediction tool safely reduces the number of men who need to undergo the procedure.

Outcomes of Transsphenoidal Surgery in Cushing Disease Patients with Negative Pituitary Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings: A Single-Center Experience

Transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) is a first-line treatment for Cushing disease (CD). However, a subset of patients with CD have no visible adenoma on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and whether MRI results affect surgical outcomes is controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the surgical outcomes of CD patients with negative MRI findings to those of patients with positive MRI findings. The clinical features and outcomes of CD patients who underwent TSS between January 2000 and July 2019 at Peking Union Medical College Hospital were collected from medical records. The clinical, endocrinologic, histopathologic, surgical outcomes, and a minimum 12-month follow-up of 125 consecutive CD patients with negative MRI findings were compared with those of 1,031 consecutive CD patients with MRI-visible adenomas. The total remission rate was 73.3% after TSS, and 11.8% of patients experienced recurrence. Of 1,031 patients with MRI-visible adenomas, postoperative remission was achieved in 762 patients (73.9%), and the recurrence of CD was observed in 94 (12.3%) patients. Of the 125 patients with negative MRI findings, postoperative remission was achieved in 85 (68%) patients, and recurrence was observed in 6 (7.1%) patients. The remission rate and recurrence rate were not significantly different between patients with negative MRI findings and those with positive MRI findings (all P>.05). The remission rate was not significantly different between patients who did or did not undergo bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (BIPSS) in patients with negative MRI findings (P>.05). In the patients with negative MRI findings who underwent BIPSS, the remission rate of patients with positive BIPSS results was not different from that in patients with negative BIPSS results (P>.05). The lack of prior TSS, the detection of a tumor during operation, and pathologic confirmation of adenoma were associated with a higher surgical remission rate in patients with negative MRI findings (all P<.05). Similar results were observed in the patients with positive MRI findings (all P<.05). In addition, the major perioperative complications, including intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage, hypopituitarism, and transient diabetes insipidus, were not related to the MRI results (all P>.05). The remission rate and recurrence rate were not different between patients with negative MRI findings and those with positive MRI findings. If CD is clearly diagnosed according to biochemical tests, radiologic examinations, and BIPSS, we recommend TSS as the first-line treatment for patients, even if the MRI results are negative.

Interleukin-17A biomarker as a predictor for detection of early axial spondyloarthritis changes in patients with psoriasis.

Although the pathogenic mechanisms of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are not completely clarified, evidence suggests that interleukin 17A (IL-17A)-mediated immune responses play a pivotal role in the disease. This is best underscored by the important clinical effectiveness of IL-17A inhibitors in psoriasis treatment. We aim to investigate the predictive value of IL-17A in detecting the early axial spondyloarthropic (SpA) changes in psoriatic patients. The study enrolled 100 patients with psoriasis, classified into group 1, included 62 patients with only psoriatic skin lesions (Ps), and group 2 included 38 patients with PsA, and 100 age and gender matched healthy volunteers. All participants were subjected to general and local clinical examination, laboratory assessment including IL-17A in the serum by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and axial joint radiological assessment. Our study included 60 males (60%) and 40 females (40%).The positive radiological findings of early axial SpA changes were found among 30.6% of the Ps group and among 84.2% of the PsA group. There were significant differences between patients with positive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of early axial SpA and patients with negative MRI findings in both groups regarding IL-17A levels. There was a significant association between IL-17A level and early axial SpA changes in psoriatic patients with a clear cutoff point (222.5). Our study can imply that IL-17A is a valuable, useful and low-cost biomarker in detecting early axial SpA changes in asymptomatic and nonradiographic axial SpA (nr-axial SpA) psoriatic patients that helps early management and prevent progressive axial involvement and disabilities.

THE UTILITY OF MRI IN CLINICAL DECISION-MAKING FOR PEDIATRIC ATHLETES WITH SYMPTOMATIC SUBFIBULAR OSSICLES

Background:Pediatric athletes commonly sustain inversion-type ankle fractures.1,2 Approximately 1% will form post-traumatic subfibular ossicles (SO), especially after tip avulsion fractures.3,4 Athletes with SOs can have pain and recurrent sprains.5,6,7 Here we show the utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in clinical decision-making for athletes with ankle symptoms and the presence of a SO. Our hypothesis is that MRI can predict which athletes have a stable SO and will respond to non-operative management, and which athletes have an unstable SO and will need surgery.Methods:We performed an IRB approved retrospective cohort study. Children were eligible from our practices if (1) they had radiographic evidence of a SO, (2) they had symptoms of pain and recurrent sprains, and (3) they had undergone MRI during their clinical evaluation. We identified 19 eligible children (20 ankles;) eight girls and eleven boys, ages 5–19 years. Nine involved the left ankle; 11 the right ankle. Most frequent sport was soccer (12/16) followed by basketball (3/14.) From the radiograph we determined ossicle size and location. MRI images were considered positive if fluid-sensitive sequences showed a high-intensity signal between the SO and the fibular epiphysis. Main outcome was treatment (non-surgical or surgical) relative to the MRI findings.Results:Size shape and location:Size and shape were variable. Width ranged from 2 – 10.4 mm and length from 4 – 13.5 mm. Concerning location all were in the distal 1/3 pf the epiphysis. Six were anterior and 14 were anterior-inferior to the fibular tip.MRI findings:Sixteen of the 20 ankles (80%) had positive MRI findings (figure 1), and 4 had negative findings (figure 2). The ATFL attached directly to the fragment in 11 of the 16 MRI positive ankles.Clinical decision making:All athletes with negative MRI findings responded to non-operatively management. Ten of the 16 ankles with positive MRIs have had surgery. Eight had excision of the ossicle and two had internal fixation based on the size of the ossicle. Surgical findings confirmed attachment of the ATFL to the fragment (figure 3.) Six athletes with positive MRIs continue to be under observation.ConclusionsThe results support our hypothesis that MRI has predictive value in clinical decision-making for symptomatic athletes with a SO. When fluid-sensitive MRI sequences show high signal intensity between the ossicle and the fibular epiphysis, and when the ATFL attaches to the ossicle, the athlete has a poor prognosis for non-operative management.Figure 1.Seventeen-year-old with positive MRI who had internal fixation of the fragmentFigure 2.Note direct attachment of the ATFL to the mobile SO.

The role of magnetic resonance imaging in patients with palpable breast abnormalities and negative mammographic and sonographic findings.

The objective of this retrospective study was to determine the frequency of positive findings on breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with palpable breast abnormalities in the setting of negative mammographic and sonographic evaluations. Consecutive patients undergoing breast MRI for palpable abnormalities from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2015 were identified for this retrospective study. Those with preceding imaging (mammograms or ultrasounds) demonstrating positive findings related to the palpable abnormalities were excluded. The location and the duration of the symptoms, the type and the location of the abnormal MRI findings, and their relationships to the symptoms were recorded. Clinical and imaging follow-up as well as the type and the resultant biopsies were recorded. Patients with less than two years of imaging or clinical follow-up were excluded from the study. 22004 women presented with palpable abnormalities at one breast imaging center between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2015. Nine thousand and three hundred and thirty-four patients had negative or benign findings on mammography, ultrasound, or mammography plus ultrasound. Thirty-one patients underwent MRI with the complaint of palpable abnormalities despite negative or benign mammographic and/or sonographic findings. Their age range was between 32 and 74years, and their mean age was 49years. Of those who had MRI, twenty-one patients had negative MRI findings. Six patients had negative concordant results for the palpable abnormalities and benign incidental findings. Three patients had benign concordant results for the palpable abnormalities, and one patient had incidental atypia. Twenty-eight patients had negative MRI results in the area of the palpable abnormality, and none of these patients underwent biopsy. Of the 31 cases, four patients (13%) underwent additional examinations (three second-look ultrasounds and one bone scan) after MRI. Five patients (16%) underwent MRI-guided biopsies, two patients (6%) underwent ultrasound-guided biopsies, and one patient (3%) had an excision. All biopsies showed benign results. The Gail risk score was calculated for 22 of them and the mean 5-year risk was 1.64 and the mean lifetime risk was 12.51. Breast MRI to evaluate palpable abnormalities after negative mammography and ultrasound results in a low yield for malignancy. The majority of patients (67.7%) had negative MRI examinations, and there were no malignancies detected. Our findings lead us to believe that there are no data to encourage the use of MRI in patients with palpable abnormalities and negative mammographic and/or ultrasound studies.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in Diagnosis of Hip Joint Disability in Adults

AbstractBackground: Painful hip is a common problem in absence of a known acute trauma. MRI is a method of choice in detection of different causes of hip pain causing hip joint disability in adults including osseous, chondral and soft tissue abnormalities.Aim of Study: This prospective study was conducted to evaluate the role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in diagnosis of different causes of hip joint disability in adults.Patients and Methods: This study was conducted on 42 patients (22 females and 20 males) with age ranged from 18- 68 years (mean of 41 years). All patients was subjected to plain X-ray and MRI of hip joint in different sequences, with additional post contrast (axial and coronal T1 WI) in 6 patents. Patient history, clinical examination of the diseased hip, and laboratory investigations were performed.Results: According to final results: 12 patients (28.6% of 42 patients) presented clinically with hip pain but had negative plain X-ray and MRI findings, while other 30 patients of them (71.4%) their MRI diagnoses were as follows: Avascular necrosis in 10 (33.3%), transient osteoporosis in 4 (13%), osteoarthritis in 3 (10%), inflammatory arthritis in 2 (6.7%), traumatic condition in 3 (10%) and bone tumors in 8 (27%).Conclusion: MRI of the hip joint is an essential imaging modality in detection of different hip joint pathologies espe-cially in patients presented clinically with hip pain but with negative conventional radiography.

Hemichorea after hypoglycemic episodes with negative MRI findings in an elderly woman with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus: a case report

BackgroundDiabetic chorea appears during the course of poorly-controlled diabetes. While chorea associated with diabetes mellitus usually occurs during hyperglycemic episodes, hypoglycemia can also cause diabetic chorea. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful for evaluating the pathogenesis of diabetic chorea. However, several diabetic chorea cases have reportedly not shown abnormal high-intensity in the putamen and striatum on T1-weighted images.Case presentationWe report a 74-year-old woman who was admitted to our hospital for treatment of poorly-controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus. Intensified insulin treatment gradually normalizeed blood glucose, but on the 19th hospital day, after a blood glucose measurement of 49 mg/dL, she showed hemichorea of the left face, shoulder, arm and leg. MRI revealed no abnormalities of either the putamen or the striatum on T1-weighted images. She was treated with dopamine receptor antagonists, which alleviated her hemichorea symptoms and allowed discharge from the hospital. 1 year after the first hospitalization, she had to be readmitted because her glycemic control had markedly deteriorated. Glycemic control improved rapidly, and, because hemichorea did not recur, the dopamine receptor antagonists were stopped. 1 month later, however, hemichorea recurred. She resumed taking the dopamine receptor antagonists, resulting in immediate disappearance of the hemichorea.ConclusionsWe herein describe a rare case of diabetes-associated hemichorea occurring after hypoglycemic episodes without abnormal high-intensity findings in the basal ganglia on T1-weighted images. The hemichorea relapsed with cessation of dopamine receptor antagonists. This case also underscores the importance of longitudinal assessment and treatment for hemichorea after hypoglycemic episodes, even in the absence of MRI findings, in elderly diabetic patients.

Negative Predictive Value of Prostate Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging among Men with Negative Prostate Biopsy and Elevated Prostate Specific Antigen: A Clinical Outcome Retrospective Cohort Study.

We estimated the negative predictive value of prostate multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging to detect clinically significant (Gleason 7 or greater) prostate cancer at long-term followup (median 6.7 years, range 2.6 to 10.7), in men with negative biopsy findings before magnetic resonance imaging. We also assessed the diagnostic performance of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging to detect clinically significant prostate cancer during this time. Following Institutional Research Ethics Board approval we retrospectively identified men who underwent prostate multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging after biopsy between 2004 and 2009 using a cancer registry database and magnetic resonance imaging reports. Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging sequences comprised T2-weighted and dynamic contrast-enhanced series from 2004 to 2005 with diffusion-weighted imaging from 2006 and thereafter. Clinical outcomes were assessed up to July 2015 by reviewing subsequent pathology results, prostate specific antigen levels and electronic patient records. The primary outcome was clinically significant prostate cancer diagnosis during followup. We also estimated the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of all prostate multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging during this period. A total of 502 multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging scans with a prior biopsy were included in study. Of these scans 121 were done in men with a prior systematic biopsy negative for cancer. In these men median prostate specific antigen was 9.5 ng/dl and median age was 60 years. At a median followup of 6.7 years (95% CI 2.6 to 10.7) 70 of 73 (96%) men with negative multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging findings remained free of clinically significant prostate cancer. In this period the overall negative and positive predictive values of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging were 86% (range 80% to 91%) and 54% (range 52% to 57%), respectively, in the entire cohort regardless of biopsy status before magnetic resonance imaging. Prostate multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging has high clinical negative predictive value. In men with a negative biopsy before magnetic resonance imaging and negative magnetic resonance imaging findings the risk of clinically significant prostate cancer was extremely low at a median of 6.7 years.

Femoral Neck Aspiration Aids in the Diagnosis of Osteomyelitis In Children With Septic Hip.

The role of femoral aspiration (FA) in the treatment of septic arthritis of the hip is controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine if FA conducted concomitantly with irrigation and debridement (I&D) of the septic hip aids in microorganism and osteomyelitis identification and alters the treatment plan, or if the risks of the procedure outweigh its potential benefit. We also compare preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with FA for diagnosis of osteomyelitis cooccurring with septic arthritis. Retrospective review was performed of all patients treated at a single institution between January 2003 and June 2014 for suspected septic hip arthritis. Eighty-three patients were identified with suspected or confirmed septic arthritis and 28 patients (33%) had cooccurring osteomyelitis. Demographic and clinical data were recorded for each patient. The sensitivity and specificity of FA and MRI for diagnosing osteomyelitis were determined. Among the 83 patients with confirmed or suspected septic arthritis, 31 patients (37%) had a FA performed at the time of the hip I&D, resulting in positive cultures in 17 patients. All of these patients had other positive cultures (blood and/or joint fluid) that grew the same organism. 54 patients (65%) had a preoperative MRI. The MRI was falsely negative in 10 patients, 6 of whom had a positive FA resulting in appropriate management of osteomyelitis. Missed or delayed diagnosis of osteomyelitis resulted in significant morbidity in 3 patients (avascular necrosis and femoral neck fracture, extensive lower extremity osteomyelitis, and subtrochanteric fracture with malunion). No complications associated with FA were identified. FA and MRI were found to have sensitivity/specificity for osteomyelitis of 100%/100% and 38%/95%, respectively. Although FA did not improve microorganism identification, it did aid in the diagnosis of cooccurring osteomyelitis when treating children with septic arthritis, especially in patients with false negative MRI findings for osteomyelitis. We recommend FA at the time of septic hip I&D as its benefits appear to far outweigh its risks. Level III-diagnostic study.

US and MRI in the evaluation of mammographic BI-RADS 4 and 5 microcalcifications.

The aim of this study was to assess diagnostic accuracies of ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in lesions that manifest as mammographic BI-RADS 4 and 5 microcalcifications, in the setting of conjoined use of mammography, US, and MRI. Patients with mammographic BI-RADS 4 or 5 microcalcifications, without additional findings, were included in this prospective study. All patients subsequently underwent breast US and MRI. Histopathologic diagnosis, obtained by US-guided core-needle biopsy or surgical excision, served as a reference standard. Diagnostic accuracies of US and MRI were calculated, and positive predictive value for different MRI BI-RADS imaging features were determined. The study group consisted of 113 women with 125 areas of suspicious microcalcifications. MRI reached sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value 3 (PPV3), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 100%, 70.1%, 67.6%, and 100%, respectively. Statistically significant differences in MRI morphologic features and kinetic enhancement curves were observed between malignant and benign microcalcifications. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV3, and NPV for US were: 85.4%, 66.2%, 61.2%, and 87.9%. There was statistically significant difference in presentation of malignant and benign microcalcifications at US. In the setting of conjoined use of mammography, US, and MRI, MRI can reliably exclude malignancy in suspicious microcalcifications. Thus, negative MRI findings may influence the decision to biopsy the microcalcifications.

Radiographs in screening for sacroiliitis in children: what is the value?

BackgroundWe aimed to evaluate the diagnostic utility of pelvic radiographs versus magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the sacroiliac joints in children with suspected sacroiliitis.MethodsThis was a retrospective cross-sectional study of children with suspected or confirmed spondyloarthritis who underwent pelvic radiograph and MRI within 6 months of one another. Images were scored independently by five raters. Interrater reliability was calculated using Fleiss’s kappa coefficient (κ). Test properties of radiographs for depiction of sacroiliitis were calculated using MRI global sacroiliitis impression as the reference standard.ResultsThe interrater agreement for global impression was κ = 0.34 (95% CI 0.19–0.52) for radiographs and κ = 0.72 (95% CI 0.52–0.86) for MRI. Across raters, the sensitivity of radiographs ranged from 25 to 77.8% and specificity ranged from 60.8 to 92.2%. Positive and negative predictive values ranged from 25.9 to 52% and from 82.7 to 93.9%, respectively. The misclassification rate ranged from 6 to 17% for negative radiographs/positive MRI scans and from 48 to 74% for positive radiographs/negative MRI scans. When the reference standard was changed to structural lesions consistent with sacroiliitis on MRI, the misclassification rate was higher for negative radiographs/positive MRI scans (9–23%) and marginally improved for positive radiographs/negative MRI scans (33–52%).ConclusionInterrater reliability of MRI was superior to radiographs for global sacroiliitis impression. Misclassification for both negative and positive radiographs was high across raters. Radiographs have limited utility in screening for sacroiliitis in children and result in a significant proportion of both false negative and positive findings versus MRI findings.

Use of Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Women Diagnosed With Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia at Core Needle Biopsy Helps Select Women for Surgical Excision

PurposeThe study sought to investigate the role of breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients diagnosed with atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) at core needle biopsy (CNB). MethodsThe breast MRI database at our centre was queried for studies performed between January 2010 and December 2016 for the clinical indication of ADH diagnosed at CNB. Medical files were reviewed for demographic data, clinical information, and radiology and pathology reports. Pathological results of the surgical specimens were considered the gold standard for comparison with breast MRI findings. In women not undergoing excision, at least 2 years of follow-up was used to ascertain the benign nature of the finding. ResultsFifty patients were included in the study. Thirty-one (62%) patients had surgical excision of the ADH lesion, and 7 (23%) were upgraded to malignancy. Breast MRI accurately identified 6 of the 7 cases. Six of the 12 women (50%) with positive MRI findings at the biopsy site were upgraded to malignancy on surgical pathology, compared with only 1 of 19 (5%) with negative MRI findings. Forty-nine percent of the women with a negative MRI did not undergo surgical excision of the ADH lesion, compared with 8% of the women with a positive MRI (P = .009), with no cancer diagnosed during follow-up. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of breast MRI for predicting upgrade to malignancy were 86%, 83%, 97%, and 46%, respectively. ConclusionsMRI may have a role in the management of women diagnosed with ADH on CNB, to minimize diagnostic excisional biopsies.

Nine-year Experience: Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation in Extensive Disease Small-cell Lung Cancer

BackgroundIn 2007, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT00016211) demonstrated a beneficial effect on overall survival (OS) with the use of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) for extensive disease (ED) small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). Nevertheless, debate is ongoing regarding the role of PCI, because the patients in that trial did not undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain before treatment. Also, a recent Japanese randomized trial showed a detrimental effect of PCI on OS in patients with negative pretreatment brain MRI findings. Materials and MethodsWe examined the medical records of 136 patients with ED SCLC who had initially responded to chemotherapy and undergone PCI from 2007 to 2015. The outcomes, radiation toxicity, neurologic progression-free survival, and OS after PCI were analyzed. Survival and correlations were calculated using log-rank and univariate Cox proportional hazard ratio analyses. ResultsThe median OS and the median neurologic progression-free survival after PCI was 12 and 19 months, respectively. No significant survival difference was seen for patients who had undergone MRI before PCI compared with patients who had undergone contrast-enhanced computed tomography (P = .20). Univariate analysis for OS did not show a statistically significant effect for known cofactors. ConclusionIn the present cohort, PCI was associated with improved survival compared with the PCI arm of the EORTC trial, with a nearly doubled median OS period. Also, the median OS was prolonged by 2 months compared with the irradiation arm of the Japanese trial.

Efficacy and tolerability of levetiracetam for pediatric refractory epilepsy

IntroductionLevetiracetam has a high tolerability and is effective against various seizure types and epilepsy syndromes. However, no study has specifically evaluated the efficacy of levetiracetam in children with refractory epilepsy based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and the presence of intellectual disability (ID). MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated levetiracetam efficacy and safety in 49 pediatric patients who met the following inclusion criteria: (1) diagnosis of refractory epilepsy with first-line antiepileptic (AED) treatment ⩾2years, (2) younger than 20years old, and (3) received oral levetiracetam treatment for ⩾6months. We assessed the relationships of these outcomes with MRI findings and ID status. ResultsEighteen (37%) patients achieved a ⩾50% reduction in seizure frequency, and the majority (78%) had no remarkable side effects. Twenty-two (45%) patients had previously been treated with more than seven antiepileptic drugs prior to levetiracetam. Among 18 patients who achieved a ⩾50% reduction in seizure frequency, 13 and 5 had negative and positive MRI findings, and 9 and 9 had and did not have ID, respectively. ConclusionsOur findings suggest that even for intractable pediatric cases with symptomatic etiology (i.e., MRI lesion and ID), levetiracetam has favorable efficacy for refractory epilepsy with tolerable adverse effects.

Comparison of magnetic resonance imaging and blink reflex in patients with multiple sclerosis

Despite many new developments and studies, multiple Sclerosis (MS) is still difficult to diagnose. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an important aid in the patients clinically diagnosed as MS. Functional assessment of the patient’s symptoms increases the importance of neurophysiological methods, especially in cases with negative MRI findings. Impulse conduction in MS as a result of demyelination in the central nervous system fibers changes and delays. In this study, we compared blink reflex (BR) which is a neuropsychological methods with MRI examination. We aimed to determine the relationship between the BR abnormalities and lesion localization and their values in the diagnosis of MS. We studied 21 patients (mean age 33 ± 9 years; 7 men and 14 women) and 33 age-matched healthy subjects (mean age 34 years, 19 females and 14 males). MRI and BR were studied in all the subjects. BR showed abnormalities in 66.7% of patients and these abnormalities were apparent in the brainstem lesion. We conclude that BR, which can be easily and rapidly performed in an EMG laboratory can provide useful and objective information about in particular the brainstem lesions.