Parenchymal Volume Research Articles

Pancreatic Parenchymal Atrophy and Pancreatic Fat Accumulation Measured by Multidetector Computed Tomography as a Stable Marker of Chronic Progressive Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus-A Cross Sectional Observational Study.

Background The most crucial step in the management of type 2 diabetes is identifying its pathogenesis and progression. Fat accumulation in the pancreas and decreased parenchymal volume can influence pancreatic function due to insulin resistance or β-cell dysfunction. This study aims to find out the difference in pancreatic volume and fat content by using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) between normal subjects and patients with different durations of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods This was a cross-sectional study. Patients who underwent CECT abdomen for the evaluation of conditions other than pancreatic origin were included. The study group was divided into three subgroups according to the duration of diabetes as <5 years, 5 to 10 years, and >10 years. In total, 40 nondiabetic controls were included. Pancreatic fat volume and parenchymal volume were measured in cm 3 using CECT. Correlation between pancreatic parenchymal and fat volume with the duration of T2DM as well as with levels of hemoglobin A1c, random blood sugar, serum triglyceride, low-density lipoproteins, and high-density lipoproteins was done. Results T2DM patients had significantly ( p < 0.001) lower pancreatic parenchymal volume (mean value of 57.08 ± 8.26 cm 3 in diabetics and 72.23 ± 3.41 cm 3 in controls) and higher pancreatic fat volume (mean value of 3.08 ± 1.90 cm 3 in diabetics and 0.67 ± 0.27cm 3 in controls) as compared to nondiabetic controls. In patients with T2DM, as the duration of T2DM increased, pancreatic parenchymal volume decreased and pancreatic fat volume increased. Conclusion Reduction in pancreatic volume and fat deposition may have a role in the onset and progression of diabetes. Determining the pancreatic volume and fat content would be useful for identifying high-risk patients and determining the pathogenesis of the development of diabetes.

Deep Learning-based Lung dose Prediction Using Chest X-ray Images in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Radiotherapy.

This study aimed to develop a deep learning model for the prediction of V20 (the volume of the lung parenchyma that received ≥20 Gy) during intensity-modulated radiation therapy using chest X-ray images. The study utilized 91 chest X-ray images of patients with lung cancer acquired routinely during the admission workup. The prescription dose for the planning target volume was 60 Gy in 30 fractions. A convolutional neural network-based regression model was developed to predict V20. To evaluate model performance, the coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE) were calculated with conducting a four-fold cross-validation method. The patient characteristics of the eligible data were treatment period (2018-2022) and V20 (19.3%; 4.9%-30.7%). The predictive results of the developed model for V20 were 0.16, 5.4%, and 4.5% for the R2, RMSE, and MAE, respectively. The median error was -1.8% (range, -13.0% to 9.2%). The Pearson correlation coefficient between the calculated and predicted V20 values was 0.40. As a binary classifier with V20 <20%, the model showed a sensitivity of 75.0%, specificity of 82.6%, diagnostic accuracy of 80.6%, and area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of 0.79. The proposed deep learning chest X-ray model can predict V20 and play an important role in the early determination of patient treatment strategies.

Influence of a simple cyst on kidney function.

The aim of the study was to estimate the influence of a simple kidney cyst on kidney function and to determine indications for surgical treatment. In this prospective cohort study, we analyze data on 109 patients who sought counseling with a simple kidney cyst. Patients with solitary cyst of the right or left kidney, grade I-IIF according to the Bosniak classification, were included. Split glomerular filtration rate (sGFR) was calculated. The maximum size of the cyst, single kidney volumes (SKV) and the volume of the lost (atrophied) parenchyma were estimated with computed tomography (CT) scan of the urinary tract with contrast. The average difference between the sGFR of a healthy and affected kidney cyst was 11 [8.70; 13.44] ml/min, which is a statistically significant value (p = 0.001). Correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship between the proportion of lost parenchyma and the maximum cyst size: p = 0.37 with 95% CI [0.20; 0.52] (p = 0). A multivariate logistic regression model showed that a statistically significant factor influencing the likelihood of a significant decrease in sGFR is the percentage of lost kidney parenchyma (OR = 1.13; p = 0). The growth of kidney cyst causes atrophy of the renal parenchyma and a decrease in the sGFR of the affected kidney. An increase in the volume of the atrophied parenchyma leads to a decrease in the sGFR of the affected kidney.

Are brain displacements and pressures within the parenchyma induced by surface pressure differences? A computational modelling study.

The intracranial pressure is implicated in many homeostatic processes in the brain and is a fundamental parameter in several diseases such as e.g. idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus. The presence of a small but persistent pulsatile intracranial pulsatile transmantle pressure gradient (on the order of a few mmHg/m at peak) has recently been demonstrated in hydrocephalus subjects. A key question is whether pulsatile intracranial pressure and displacements can be induced by a small pressure gradient originating from the brain surface alone. In this study, we model the brain parenchyma as either a linearly elastic or a poroelastic medium, and impose a pulsatile pressure gradient acting between the ventricular and the pial surfaces but no additional external forces. Using this high-resolution physics-based model, we use in vivo pulsatile pressure gradients from subjects with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus to compute parenchyma displacement, volume change, fluid pressure, and fluid flux. The resulting displacement field is pulsatile and in qualitatively and quantitatively good agreement with the literature, both with elastic and poroelastic models. However, the pulsatile forces on the boundaries are not sufficient for pressure pulse propagation through the brain parenchyma. Our results suggest that pressure differences at the brain surface, originating e.g. from pulsating arteries surrounding the brain, are not alone sufficient to drive interstitial fluid flow within the brain parenchyma and that potential pressure gradients found within the parenchyma rather arise from a large portion of the blood vessel network, including smaller blood vessels within the brain parenchyma itself.

Current Application of Navigation Systems in Robotic-Assisted and Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy: Focus on the Improvement of Surgical Performance and Outcomes.

Kidney cancer represents the third most prevalent malignancy among all types of genitourinary cancer worldwide. Currently, there is a growing trend of employing partial nephrectomy for the management of large and complex tumors. Surgical outcomes are associated with some amendable surgical factors, including warm ischemic time, pedicle clamping, preserved volume of renal parenchyma, appropriate surgical strategy, and precise resection of the tumor. Improving surgical performance is pivotal for achieving favorable surgical outcomes. Due to advancements in imaging visualization technology and the shift of the medical paradigm toward precision medicine, an increasing number of navigation systems have been implemented in partial nephrectomy procedures. The navigation system can assist surgeons in formulating optimal surgical strategies and enhance the safety, precision, and feasibility of resecting complex renal tumors. In this review, we provide an overview of currently available navigation systems and their feasible applications, with a focus on how they contribute to the improvement of surgical performance and outcomes during robotic-assisted and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

Non-contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance urography for measuring split kidney function in pediatric patients with hydronephrosis: comparison with renal scintigraphy.

Split kidney function (SKF) is critical for treatment decision in pediatric patients with hydronephrosis and is commonly measured using renal scintigraphy (RS). Non-contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance urography (NCE-MRU) is increasingly used in clinical practice. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of using NCE-MRU as an alternative to estimate SKF in pediatric patients with hydronephrosis, compared to RS. Seventy-five pediatric patients with hydronephrosis were included in this retrospective study. All patients underwent NCE-MRU and RS within 2weeks. Kidney parenchyma volume (KPV) and texture analysis parameters were obtained from T2-weighted (T2WI) in NCE-MRU. The calculated split KPV (SKPV) percent and texture analysis parameters percent of left kidney were compared with the RS-determined SKF. SKPV showed a significant positive correlation with SKF (r = 0.88, p < 0.001), while inhomogeneity was negatively correlated with SKF (r = - 0.68, p < 0.001). The uncorrected and corrected prediction models of SKF were established using simple and multiple linear regression. Bland-Altman plots demonstrated good agreement of both predictive models. The residual sum of squares of the corrected prediction model was lower than that of the uncorrected model (0.283 vs. 0.314) but not statistically significant (p = 0.662). Subgroup analysis based on different MR machines showed correlation coefficients of 0.85, 0.95, and 0.94 between SKF and SKPV for three different scanners, respectively (p < 0.05 for all). NCE-MRU can be used as an alternative method for estimating SKF in pediatric patients with hydronephrosis when comparing with RS. Specifically, SKPV proves to be a simple and universally applicable indicator for predicting SKF.

Longitudinal changes in renal parenchymal volume and function status after partial nephrectomy: a retrospective cohort study.

The ipsilateral renal parenchymal volume (RPV) experiences a sharp decrease shortly after partial nephrectomy (PN), mainly due to surgical remove or devascularization of kidney tissue. However, the subsequent change of RPV and its association with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) fast decline remains unknown. Our objective was to investigate the change of ipsilateral RPV and renal function status from new baseline (1-12 months after PN) to latest follow-up (≥1 year) after PN, and to explore factors associated with ipsilateral RPV decrease rate and correlation between RPV decrease and GFR fast decline. A retrospective review of 367 patients with PN was conducted. Three-dimensional reconstruction of computed tomography (CT)/MRI images was performed for RPV calculation. Spectrum score was used to assess the degree of acute kidney injury (AKI) in the operated kidney after PN. GFR decline greater than 3ml/min/1.73m 2 /year was defined as GFR fast decline. One hundred fourteen patients underwent abdominal surgery was used as control. Predictive factors for subsequent decrease of RPV rate and GFR fast decline were evaluated by linear and logistic regression, respectively. With a median interval time of 21.1 (interquartile range:13.8-35.5) months, median ipsilateral RPV significantly decreased from 118.7 (interquartile range:100.7-137.1) ml at new baseline to 111.8 (IQR: 92.3-131.3) ml at latest follow-up. The interval time [β: 1.36(0.71-2.01), P <0.001] and spectrum score [β: 5.83 (2.92-8.74), P <0.001] were identified as independent predictors of ipsilateral RPV decrease rate. GFR fast decline was observed in 101 (27.5%) patients. Annual ipsilateral RPV decrease rate [odds ratio:1.67 (1.05-2.67), P =0.03] and overweight [odds ratio:1.63 (1.02-2.60), P =0.04] were independent predictors of GFR fast decline. Ipsilateral RPV experienced a moderate but significant decrease during follow-up after PN, especially in those with severer acute kidney injury. The presence of GFR fast decline was found to be associated with reduction of ipsilateral RPV, particularly in overweight individuals.

Pancreas volumes in pediatric patients following index acute pancreatitis and acute recurrent pancreatitis

Background/objectivesPancreas volume derived from imaging may objectively reveal volume loss relevant to identifying sequelae of acute pancreatitis (AP) and ultimately diagnosing chronic pancreatitis (CP). The purposes of this study were to: (1) quantify pancreas volume by imaging in children with either (a) a single episode of AP or (b) acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP), and (2) compare these volumes to normative volumes. MethodsThis retrospective study was institutional review board approved. A single observer segmented the pancreas (3D Slicer; slicer.org) on n = 30 CT and MRI exams for 23 children selected from a prospective registry of patients with either an index attack of AP or with ARP after a known index attack date. Patients with CP were excluded. Segmented pancreas volumes were compared to published normal values. ResultsMean pancreas volumes normalized to body surface area (BSA) in the index AP and ARP groups were 38.2 mL/m2 (range: 11.8–73.5 mL/m2) and 27.9 mL/m2 (range: 8.0–69.2 mL/m2) respectively. 43 % (6/14) of patients post-AP had volumes below the 25th percentile, 1 (17 %) of which was below the 5th percentile (p = 0.3027 vs. a normal distribution). Post-ARP, 44 % (7/16) of patients had volumes below the 5th percentile (p < 0.001). ConclusionsA significant fraction (40 %) of children with ARP have pancreas volumes <5th percentile for BSA even in the absence of CP. A similar, but not statistically significant, fraction have pancreas volumes <25th percentile after an index attack of AP. Pancreatic parenchymal volume deserves additional investigation as an objective marker of parenchymal damage from acute pancreatitis and of progressive pancreatitis in children.

Evaluation of three-dimensional dual-energy CT cholangiopancreatography image quality in patients with pancreatobiliary dilatation: Comparison with conventional single-energy CT

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate three-dimensional (3D) negative-contrast CT cholangiopancreatography (nCTCP) image quality using dual-energy CT (DECT) with iterative reconstruction (IR) technique in patients with pancreatobiliary dilatation compared with single-energy CT (SECT). MethodsOf the patients, 67 and 56 underwent conventional SECT (SECT set) and DECT with IR technique (DECT set), respectively. All patients were retrospectively analyzed during the portal phase to compare objective image quality and other data including patient demographics, hepatic and pancreatic parenchymal enhancement, noise, and attenuation difference (AD) between dilated ducts and enhanced hepatic parenchyma, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and CT volume dose index (CTDIvol). Two radiologists used the five-point Likert scale to evaluate the subjective image quality of 3D nCTCP regarding image noise, sharpness of dilated ducts, and overall image quality. Statistical analyses used the Mann–Whitney U test. ResultsNo significant difference in patient demographics in either CT set was showed during objective evaluation (p > 0.05). However, higher hepatic and pancreatic parenchymal enhancement, AD, SNR, and CNR and lower hepatic and pancreatic noise (p < 0.005) as well as CTDIvol (p = 0.005) on DECT than on SECT were observed. Higher mean grades on DECT than on SECT were showed for image noise (4.65 vs 3.92), sharpness of dilated ducts (4.52 vs 3.94), and overall image quality (4.45 vs 3.91; p < 0.001), respectively during subjective evaluation. ConclusionA higher overall image quality and lower radiation dose on 3D nCTCP can be obtained by DECT with IR technique than with conventional SECT in patients with pancreatobiliary dilatation.

Dysanapsis and its role in the occurrence of chronic obstructive respiratory diseases in children and adults: A review

The literature review, written on the basis of world literature data and the results of the authors' own research, is devoted to an important pathogenetic mechanism of development and progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases in children and adults dysanapsis, which is understood as a mismatch in the size or growth of the airways to the volume or growth of the lung parenchyma, while the diameter of the airways is disproportionately smaller than the volume of the lung parenchyma. Modern methods of diagnosis of dysanapsis are based on the use of computed tomography of the chest organs, spirometry (accounting for the volume of forced exhalation in 1 second, forced vital capacity of the lungs, calculation of the coefficient of dysanapsis). Dysanapsis, which has genetic and age-dependent mechanisms of formation, makes an important contribution to the development of bronchial hyperreactivity and bronchial asthma, especially in combination with overweight and obesity, determining the uncontrolled course of asthma. The phenomenon of dysanapsis can be explained by the clinical and functional indicators of the respiratory system (hypoxemia, bronchial obstruction) in premature infants, including patients with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, patients with postinfectious obliterating bronchiolitis. In addition, imbalance is an important pathogenetic component of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, causing the defeat of patients with this disease, regardless of the presence and length of smoking.

Real-time estimation of nephron activity with a linear measurement system (RENAL-MS) predicts postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate.

To determine whether a simple point-of-care measurement system estimating renal parenchymal volume using tools ubiquitously available could be used to replace nuclear medicine renal scintigraphy (NMRS) in current clinical practice to predict estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) after nephrectomy by estimating preoperative split renal function. We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent abdominal cross-sectional imaging (computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging) and mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3) NMRS prior to total nephrectomy at a single institution. We developed the real-time estimation of nephron activity with a linear measurement system (RENAL-MS) method of estimating postoperative renal function via the following technique: renal parenchymal volume of the removed kidney relative to the remaining kidney was estimated as the product of renal length and the average of six renal parenchymal thickness measurements. The utility of this value was compared to the utility of the split renal function measured by MAG3 for prediction of eGFR and new onset Stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD) at ≥90 days after nephrectomy using uni- and multivariate linear and logistic regression. A total of 57 patients met the study criteria. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 69 (61-80) years. The median (IQR) pre- and postoperative eGFR was 74 (IQR 58-90) and 46 (35-62) mL/min/1.73 m2 , respectively. [Correction added on 29 December 2023, after first online publication: The data numbers in the preceding sentence have been corrected.] Correlations between actual and predicted postoperative eGFR were similar whether the RENAL-MS or NMRS methods were used, with correlation using RENAL-MS being slightly numerically but not statistically superior (R = 0.82 and 0.76; P = 0.138). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis using logistic regression estimates incorporating age, sex, and preoperative creatinine to predict postoperative Stage 3 CKD were similar between RENAL-MS and NMRS (area under the curve 0.93 vs. 0.97). [Correction added on 29 December 2023, after first online publication: The data numbers in the preceding sentence have been corrected.] CONCLUSION: A point-of-care tool to estimate renal parenchymal volume (RENAL-MS) performed equally as well as NMRS to predict postoperative eGFR and de novo Stage 3 CKD after nephrectomy in our population, suggesting NMRS may not be necessary in this setting.

Preoperative Renal Parenchyma Volume as a Predictor of Kidney Function Following Nephrectomy of Complex Renal Masses

BackgroundThe von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) is a hereditary cancer syndrome with multifocal, bilateral cysts and solid tumors of the kidney. Surgical management may include multiple extirpative surgeries, which ultimately results in parenchymal volume loss and subsequent renal function decline. Recent studies have utilized parenchyma volume as an estimate of renal function prior to surgery for renal cell carcinoma; however, it is not yet validated for surgically altered kidneys with multifocal masses and complex cysts such as are present in VHL. ObjectiveWe sought to validate a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based volumetric analysis with mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG-3) renogram and postoperative renal function. Design, setting, and participantsWe identified patients undergoing renal surgery at the National Cancer Institute from 2015 to 2020 with preoperative MRI. Renal tumors, cysts, and parenchyma of the operated kidney were segmented manually using ITK-SNAP software. Outcome measurements and statistical analysisSerum creatinine and urinalysis were assessed preoperatively, and at 3- and 12-mo follow-up time points. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using serum creatinine-based CKD-EPI 2021 equation. A statistical analysis was conducted on R Studio version 4.1.1. Results and limitationsPreoperative MRI scans of 113 VHL patients (56% male, median age 48 yr) were evaluated between 2015 and 2021. Twelve (10.6%) patients had a solitary kidney at the time of surgery; 59 (52%) patients had at least one previous partial nephrectomy on the renal unit. Patients had a median of three (interquartile range [IQR]: 2–5) tumors and five (IQR: 0–13) cysts per kidney on imaging. The median preoperative GFR was 70 ml/min/1.73 m2 (IQR: 58–89). Preoperative split renal function derived from MAG-3 studies and MRI split renal volume were significantly correlated (r = 0.848, p < 0.001). On the multivariable analysis, total preoperative parenchymal volume, solitary kidney, and preoperative eGFR were significant independent predictors of 12-mo eGFR. When only considering patients with two kidneys undergoing partial nephrectomy, preoperative parenchymal volume and eGFR remained significant predictors of 12-mo eGFR. ConclusionsA parenchyma volume analysis on preoperative MRI correlates well with renogram split function and can predict long-term renal function with added benefit of anatomic detail and ease of application. Patient summaryPrior to kidney surgery, it is important to understand the contribution of each kidney to overall kidney function. Nuclear medicine scans are currently used to measure split kidney function. We demonstrated that kidney volumes on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging can also be used to estimate split kidney function before surgery, while also providing essential details of tumor and kidney anatomy.

ALPPS technique for two-stage liver resections: immediate and long-term results

Aim. To evaluate the immediate and long-term results of two-stage liver resection performed by means of ALPPS technique.Materials and methods. The retrospective analysis involved 7 patients (mean age 62 years) with intact liver parenchyma volume (Future Liver Remnant, FLR) &lt;25%. All patients underwent ALPPS from 2014 to 2021. Both stages of ALPPS were performed in the traditional way. The increment of intact parenchyma on days 6–8 after stage I was evaluated by CT volumetry. The main operative characteristics, incidence of postoperative complications according to Clavien-Dindo and ISGLS, time without progression and life expectancy were analyzed.Results. The median duration of ALPPS stage I was 250 min, median blood loss was 600 ml, and stage II – 210 min and 300 ml, correspondingly. The median FLR before and after ALPPS stage I was 15.3% and 31.6%. The median FLR hypertrophy after ALPPS stage I accounted for 123%. The median interval between stage I and II of ALPPS was 10 days. All patients underwent R0 resection. The incidence of postoperative complications after ALPPS stage I was 14.3% (Clavien–Dindo I), after stage II – 57.1% (Clavien–Dindo III–V). The mortality rate within 90 days after ALPPS stage II accounted for 14.3%. Median follow-up was 25 months. The median time without progression in 6 patients operated for colorectal cancer metastases was 6 months, the median life expectancy was 31 months. The patient who underwent ALPPS for hepatocellular carcinoma is alive, no signs of disease progression have been detected.Conclusion. ALPPS provides a rapid and more than two-fold growth in FLR and increases the likelihood of R0 resection in patients with initially unresectable primary and secondary liver tumors. However, the immediate results of ALPPS are unsatisfactory. The indications for surgery are extremely controversial due to the development of drug therapies, ablation techniques and radiotherapy.

MRI-phenotype of kidney structural changes in patients with resistant hypertension: correlations with functional markers

The aim: to determine the phenotype of kidney damage characteristic of resistant arterial hypertension by MRI, including the volume of renal parenchyma, and its association with biomarkers of renal dysfunction.Patients and methods. The main group included 35 patients with resistant arterial hypertension (RAH), average age 57.6±8.4 years. The comparison group consisted of 20 men and women without cardiovascular pathology, comparable in gender and age. To determine the qualitative and quantitative changes in the kidneys, MRI was performed (1.5 Tesla, Titan vantage, Toshiba). Kidney volumes (TKV, TCV) were calculated using the ellipsoid formula. Kidney volumes indexed for height, BMI and body surface area were calculated. Renal dysfunction was assessed by the level of serum creatinine and cystatin C, as well as by the value of eGFR (CKD-EPI).Results. The MR phenotype of kidney changes in resistant hypertension is described – renal cortex surface roughness, renal cortex thinning, decreased kidney sizes, and rounded kidney shape. The relationship of the renal parenchyma volume indexed for height with the level of cystatin C (r=-0.36), creatinine (r=-0.48) and eGFR (r=0.49) was revealed.Conclusion. The hypertensive renal MRI-phenotype includes a decreased in kidney size, thinning of the renal cortex, renal cortex surface roughness and rounded shape of the kidneys. The total volume of the renal cortex indexed for height has a close relationship with serum biomarkers of renal dysfunction, and is recommended for use as a non-invasive marker reflecting the state of the kidneys in resistant arterial hypertension.

Assessment of the kidney functional state prior and after partial nephrectomy for a unilateral tumor using mathematical processing of computed tomography data with contrast enhancement

Background. According to the contemporary data available contrast-enhanced computed tomography can be used to assess total and split kidney function. The Urology Clinic of the I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University) utilizes mathematical processing of computed tomography data for the assessment of split kidney function.Aim. To evaluate the effect of main renal artery clamping (warm ischemia time) during partial nephrectomy for a unilateral tumor on the kidney function.Materials and methods. 33 patients of both sexes who underwent partial nephrectomy for unilateral kidney tumor were enrolled in the study. Prior to and 3–6 months after the surgery, 3D glomerular filtration rate (GFR), 3D perfusion, 3D volume of the renal parenchyma were evaluated by mathematical processing of computed tomography data with contrast enhancement. As well as that the dynamics of the total GFR (CKD-EPI equation) and total volume of the kidneys were assessed.Results. No significant changes were registered for both general functional renal parameters (creatinine level, total GFR, total volume of functioning renal parenchyma) and split 3D GFR. There were significant differences in 3D perfusion and kidney parenchyma volume prior and after partial nephrectomy.Conclusion. The results of the research highlight good reserve capacity the kidneys after partial nephrectomy with main renal artery clamping. The evidence that the non-operated kidney takes over the function of the resected kidney is based on the fact that there is an increase in its perfusion and volume of the kidney in the postoperative period. This state can also be regarded as a redistribution of functional loads between the kidneys, which is an adaptive mechanism in the postoperative period.

Brain Atrophy as an Outcome of Disease-Modifying Therapy for Remitting-Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis.

Currently, clinical trials of DMTs strive to determine their effect on neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. We aimed to determine the impact of currently used DMTs on brain atrophy and disability in RRMS. The main goal of this review is to evaluate the neuroprotective potential of MS therapy and assess its impact on disability. We performed a systematic analysis of clinical trials that used brain atrophy as an outcome or performed post hoc analysis of volumetric MRI parameters to assess the neuroprotective potential of applied therapies. Trials between 2008 and 2019 that included published results of brain parenchymal fraction (BPF) change and brain volume loss (BVL) in the period from baseline to week 96 or longer were considered. Twelve from 146 clinical trials met the inclusion criteria and were incorporated into the analysis. DMTs that presented a large reduction in BVL also exhibited robust effects on clinical disability worsening, e.g., alemtuzumab with a 42% risk reduction in 6-month confirmed disability accumulation (p = 0.0084), ocrelizumab with a 40% risk reduction in 6-month confirmed disability progression (p = 0.003), and other DMTs (cladribine and teriflunomide) with moderate influence on brain atrophy were also associated with a marked impact on disability worsening. Dimethyl fumarate (DEFINE) and fingolimod (FREEDOMS I) initially exhibited significant effect on BVL; however, this effect was not confirmed in further clinical trials: CONFIRM and FREEDOMS II, respectively. Peg-IFN-β1a shows a modest effect on BVL and disability worsening. Our results show that BVL in one of the components of clinical disability worsening, together with other variables (lesion volume and annualized relapse rate). Standardization of atrophy measurement technique as well as harmonization of disability worsening and progression criteria in further clinical trials are of utmost importance as they enable a reliable comparison of neuroprotective potential of DMTs.

MR imaging differences between Multiple Sclerosis and Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders: A single institutional study in a tertiary referral centre in Sri Lanka.

Background and objectives- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders (NMOSD) are the commonest demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system with overlapping clinical and radiological features, leading to frequent misinterpretation. This study aimed to describe neuroimaging features for differentiating MS and NMOSD and also comparing NMOSD subcategories.Methods- A cross sectional study was conducted at a single tertiary referral center in Sri Lanka. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of 82 MS and 36 NMOSD patients were prospectively evaluated by a fourth-year resident under the supervision of consultant radiologists and were analyzed using standard descriptive statistical tests. Results- Statistical analyses indicated significance (p&lt;0.05) in distinguishing both entities (MS and 36 NMOSD) across lesions in periventricular, subcortical, intracortical, inferior temporal, corpus callosum, and infratentorial locations by MRI. Dawson finger lesions, U fibers, calloso-septal interface involvement and T1 black holes indicated MS, whereas linear ependymal lesions suggested NMOSD. In the spinal cord, peripherally located short-segment lesions were significant for MS (p=0.000) and longitudinally extensive lesions involving central grey matter (p=0.000) pointed towards NMOSD. There was only a slight variation in lesion distribution between cervical and thoracic cord. MS showed more brain parenchymal volume loss while spinal cord atrophy was higher in NMOSD. Symmetry and location of the optic pathway lesions reinforced the differentiation.Conclusion- Comprehensive analyses support the use of neuroimaging in distinguishing between NMOSD and MS. However, further multicentric longitudinal studies are required to differentiate NMOSD phenotypes.

Trunk muscle quality and quantity are associated with renal volume in nondiabetic people.

Renal disease is a major problem in terms of community health and the economy. Skeletal muscle is involved in crosstalk with the kidney. We therefore investigated the relationship between muscle quality and quantity, and renal parenchymal volume (RPV). The association between the parameters of skeletal muscle and RPV/body surface area (BSA) was analyzed by computed tomography in 728 middle-aged participants without kidney disease or diabetes mellitus in a cross-sectional study. A retrospective cohort study of 68 participants was undertaken to analyze the association between changes in RPV/BSA and muscle parameters. Parameter change was calculated as follows: parameter at the follow-up examination/parameter at the baseline examination. The normal attenuation muscle (NAM) and low attenuation muscle (LAM) were identified by Hounsfield Unit thresholds of +30 to +150, and -29 to +29, respectively. Positive correlations were found between estimated glomerular filtration rate and RPV/BSA (r=0.451, P<.0001). Multiple regression analyses revealed that the NAM index was positively related to RPV/BSA (β=0.458, P<.0001), whereas the LAM index was negatively related to RPV/BSA (β=-0.237, P<.0001). In this cohort study, a change in the LAM index was independently associated with a change in RPV/BSA (β=-0.349, P=.0032). Both trunk muscle quantity and quality were associated with renal volume related to renal function in nondiabetic people. An increase in low quality muscle volume might be related to a decrease in renal volume.

Does the kidney actually swell during an acute urinary tract obstruction?

The appearance of renal swelling during an acute obstruction of the urinary tract could be caused by hydronephrosis or an increase of the parenchymal volume. To the best of our knowledge no studies have been performed regarding renal parenchymal volume change during an acute urinary tract obstruction. To investigate the change in renal parenchymal volume during an acute urinary tract obstruction and to correlate any such volume change to the degree of secondary signs of obstruction. In total, 20 patients with obstructive ureterolithiasis were retrospectively and randomly included. Two observers measured the parenchymal volume of the obstructed and the contralateral kidney in CT examinations before, during, and after obstruction. Hydronephrosis, hydroureter, perirenal stranding, and thickening of the renal fascia were graded and correlated to volume change. A decreased volume was noted after obstruction in the obstructed kidneys (-24%) (P < 0.0001) and in the contralateral kidneys (-5%) (P = 0.0110) with a positive correlation of change in volume (P = 0.011). The volume of the obstructed kidneys was larger than the contralateral kidneys during obstruction (P < 0.0001) but not after obstruction (P = 0.559). No significant difference in volume was found before compared to after obstruction. Secondary signs of obstruction did not correlate to volume change. The parenchymal volume increases in the obstructed kidneys as well as in the contralateral kidneys during obstruction. The increase in volume was larger in the obstructed kidneys compared to the contralateral kidneys. After obstruction the kidneys regained their original volume. Secondary signs did not correlate to volume change.

Predictors of lung injury during durvalumab maintenance therapy following concurrent chemoradiotherapy in unresectable locally advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma.

Based on the results of the PACIFIC trial, maintenance with durvalumab has emerged as the standard treatment following concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with unresectable locally advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). However, adverse events attributed to durvalumab, especially lung injuries, including immune-related adverse events, and radiation pneumonitis, are concerning. This study retrospectively investigated the factors related to lung injury in patients receiving the PACIFIC regimen. Patients with unresectable locally advanced NSCLC who received durvalumab maintenance therapy following concurrent chemoradiotherapy at Yokohama City University Medical Centre between July 2018 and March 2022 were included. Clinical data, volume of normal lung receiving 20 or 5 Gy or more (V20 or V5), planning target volume (PTV), and relative lung parenchyma volume in emphysematous lung receiving 20 or 5 Gy or more (RLPV20 or 5; V20 or V5/100-percentage of low-attenuation volume) were evaluated. Performance status (PS), V20, V5, PTV, RLPV20, and RLPV5 were significantly higher in the lung injury group in the univariate analysis. Furthermore, RLPV20 was the most significant factor in the lung injury group in the multivariate analysis comprising PS, PTV, V20, and RLPV20. RLPV20 and RLPV5 are useful in estimating lung inflammation. RLPV20 could be considered the most reliable risk factor for maintenance therapy with durvalumab following concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with unresectable locally advanced NSCLC.