Preoperative Contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography Scans Research Articles

A Computer Vision Algorithm to Predict Superior Mesenteric Artery Margin Status for Patients with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma.

To evaluate the feasibility of developing a computer vision algorithm that uses preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans to predict superior mesenteric artery (SMA) margin status in patients undergoing Whipple for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and to compare algorithm performance to that of expert abdominal radiologists and surgical oncologists. Complete surgical resection is the only chance to achieve a cure for PDAC; however, current modalities to predict vascular invasion have limited accuracy. Adult patients with PDAC who underwent Whipple and had preoperative contrast-enhanced CT scans were included (2010-2022). The SMA was manually annotated on the CT scans, and we trained a U-Net algorithm for SMA segmentation and a ResNet50 algorithm for predicting SMA margin status. Radiologists and surgeons reviewed the scans in a blinded fashion. SMA margin status per pathology reports was the reference. Two hundred patients were included. Forty patients (20%) had a positive SMA margin. For the segmentation task, the U-Net model achieved a Dice Similarity Coefficient of 0.90. For the classification task, all readers demonstrated limited sensitivity, although the algorithm had the highest sensitivity at 0.43 (versus 0.23 and 0.36 for the radiologists and surgeons, respectively). Specificity was universally excellent, with the radiologist and algorithm demonstrating the highest specificity at 0.94. Finally, the accuracy of the algorithm was 0.85 versus 0.80 and 0.76 for the radiologists and surgeons, respectively. We demonstrated the feasibility of developing a computer vision algorithm to predict SMA margin status using preoperative CT scans, highlighting its potential to augment the prediction of vascular involvement.

Role of Cine-Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Assessment of Mediastinal Masses with Uncertain/Equivocal Findings from Pre-Operative Computed Tomography Scanning.

Malignant neoplasms originating from or involving the mediastinum represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge when they are in contact with nearby cardiovascular structures. We aimed to test the diagnostic accuracy of cine-magnetic resonance imaging (cine-MRI) in detecting the infiltration of cardiovascular structures in cases with uncertain or equivocal findings from contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography (CT) scanning. Fifty patients affected by tumors with a suspected invasion of mediastinal cardiovascular structures at the pre-operative chest CT scan stage underwent cine-MRI before surgery at our Institution. Intraoperative findings and the histological post-surgical report were used as a reference standard to define infiltration. Inter- and intra-observer agreement for CT scans and cine-MRI were also computed over a homogenous sample of 14 patients. Cine-MRI had a higher negative predictive value (93% vs. 54%, p < 0.001) than CT scans, higher sensitivity (91% vs. 16%, p < 0.001), as well as greater accuracy (66% vs. 50%, p < 0.001) in detecting cardiovascular invasion. Cine-MRI also showed better inter- and intra-observer agreement for infiltration detection. Cine-MRI outperforms conventional contrast-enhanced chest CT scans in the preoperative assessment of cardiovascular infiltration by mediastinal or pulmonary tumors, making it a useful imaging modality in the preoperative staging and evaluation of patients with equivocal findings at the chest CT scan stage.

Patterns of collateral arteries to the spinal cord after thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Our goal was to evaluate postoperative patterns of collateral arteries to the spinal cord during occlusion of the segmental arteries supplying the artery of Adamkiewicz (AKA). Between April 2011 and December 2022, a total of 179 patients underwent thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm repair; 141 had an identifiable AKA on preoperative multidetector computed tomography scans, 40 underwent thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm replacement (TAAR) and 101 underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). New postoperative collateral blood pathways invisible on preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography scans were identified in 42 patients (10 patients who had TAAR vs 32 patients who had TEVAR) who underwent preoperative and postoperative multidetector computed tomography scanning for AKA identification. The thoracodorsal and segmental arteries were the main collateral pathways in both groups. Th9-initiated collaterals were the most common. Collaterals from the internal thoracic artery were observed in the TEVAR group but not in the TAAR group. One patient in the TEVAR group experienced postoperative paraparesis, which was not observed in the TAAR group. Postoperative paraplegia was more common in the non-Th9-origin group, but this difference was not significant. Thoracodorsal and segmental arteries may be important collateral pathways after TEVAR and TAAR. For thoracodorsal arteries, preserving the thoracodorsal muscle during the approach would be crucial; for segmental arteries, minimizing the area to be replaced or covered would be paramount. An AKA not initiated at the Th9 level poses a high risk of postoperative paraplegia.

Discrimination between benign and malignant gallbladder lesions on enhanced CT imaging using radiomics.

Gallbladder cancer is a rare but aggressive malignancy that is often diagnosed at an advanced stage and is associated with poor outcomes. To develop a radiomics model to discriminate between benign and malignant gallbladder lesions using enhanced computed tomography (CT) imaging. All patients had a preoperative contrast-enhanced CT scan, which was independently analyzed by two radiologists. Regions of interest were manually delineated on portal venous phase images, and radiomics features were extracted. Feature selection was performed using mRMR and LASSO methods. The patients were randomly divided into training and test groups at a ratio of 7:3. Clinical and radiomics parameters were identified in the training group, three models were constructed, and the models' prediction accuracy and ability were evaluated using AUC and calibration curves. In the training group, the AUCs of the clinical model and radiomics model were 0.914 and 0.968, and that of the nomogram model was 0.980, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in diagnostic accuracy between nomograms and radiomics features (P <0.05). There was no significant difference in diagnostic accuracy between the nomograms and clinical features (P >0.05) or between the clinical features and radiomics features (P >0.05). In the testing group, the AUC of the clinical model and radiomics model were 0.904 and 0.941, and that of the nomogram model was 0.948, respectively. There was no significant difference in diagnostic accuracy between the three groups (P >0.05). It was suggested that radiomics analysis using enhanced CT imaging can effectively discriminate between benign and malignant gallbladder lesions.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor directly invading the right first rib treated with oral steroids: a case report

BackgroundWe present a case of an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor cured with a short period of steroid administration, a treatment previously unreported for such cases.Case presentationA 49-year-old man had a chief complaint of chest pain for more than 3 days. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a tumoral lesion suspected to have infiltrated into the right first rib and intercostal muscles, with changes in lung parenchymal density around the lesion. The maximal standardized uptake value on 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography was high (16.73), consistent with tumor presence. CT-guided biopsy revealed an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor with no distant metastases. Surgery was indicated based on the disease course. However, he had received an oral steroid before the preoperative contrast-enhanced CT scan due to a history of bronchial asthma, and subsequent CT showed that the tumor shrank in size after administration; he has been recurrence-free for more than a year.ConclusionsSurgery is still the first choice for inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors, as the disease can metastasize and relapse; however, this condition can also be cured with a short period of steroid therapy.

Preoperative prediction model for macrotrabecular-massive hepatocellular carcinoma based on contrast-enhanced CT and clinical characteristics: a retrospective study.

To investigate the predictive value of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) imaging features and clinical factors in identifying the macrotrabecular-massive (MTM) subtype of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) preoperatively. This retrospective study included 101 consecutive patients with pathology-proven HCC (35 MTM subtype vs. 66 non-MTM subtype) who underwent liver surgery and preoperative CECT scans from January 2017 to November 2021. The imaging features were evaluated by two board-certified abdominal radiologists independently. The clinical characteristics and imaging findings were compared between the MTM and non-MTM subtypes. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the association of clinical-radiological variables and MTM-HCCs and develop a predictive model. Subgroup analysis was also performed in BCLC 0-A stage patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis was used to determine the optimal cutoff values and the area under the curve (AUC) was employed to evaluate predictive performance. Intratumor hypoenhancement (odds ratio [OR] = 2.724; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.033, 7.467; p = .045), tumors without enhancing capsules (OR = 3.274; 95% CI: 1.209, 9.755; p = .03), high serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) (≥ 228 ng/mL, OR = 4.101; 95% CI: 1.523, 11.722; p = .006) and high hemoglobin (≥ 130.5 g/L; OR = 3.943; 95% CI: 1.466, 11.710; p = .009) were independent predictors for MTM-HCCs. The clinical-radiologic (CR) model showed the best predictive performance, achieving an AUC of 0.793, sensitivity of 62.9% and specificity of 81.8%. The CR model also effectively identify MTM-HCCs in early-stage (BCLC 0-A stage) patients. Combining CECT imaging features and clinical characteristics is an effective method for preoperatively identifying MTM-HCCs, even in early-stage patients. The CR model has high predictive performance and could potentially help guide decision-making regarding aggressive therapies in MTM-HCC patients.

Prevalence of hepatic vascular anomalies in consecutive contrast-enhanced computed tomography images — a retrospective observational study

BackgroundLiver is a complex, highly vascular organ, where anatomical variations are the norm. This study aimed to analyze all the three hepatic vascular anatomical variations in a single study which would help us understand the prevalence of hepatic vascular (arterial, portal, venous) anomalies in the population catered to by our institution.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 545 contrast-enhanced CT scans was done from November 2019 from the institute PACS after satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The raw imaging data were processed in PACS software — Centricity™ Universal Viewer and Syngo.via Vb20 platform, for axial, coronal, and axial-oblique multiplanar reformation, maximum intensity projection (MIP), and volume rendering (VR) images. Data were analyzed in the three vascular phases to determine the anatomical variations. Analysis was done by two surgical residents in the division of HPB surgery, which was verified by a certified radiologist.ResultsThere were no major differences in the prevalence rates of the vascular anomalies across gender and domicile distributions. The prevalence of normal hepatic artery and variant hepatic artery in our study was 69% and 31%, respectively. Accessory left hepatic artery (10%) was the most common hepatic artery variant in our study. Single RHV was seen in 77.4%, and other RHV variants like two RHV with common trunk, two RHV with independent drainage, and three RHV with common trunk contribute 22.6% of our study population. Accessory inferior RHV was seen in 19.8% of the study population. Normal portal vein anatomy was found in 81.1% in our study, and the most common variant in our study population was trifurcation of portal vein (16.1%).ConclusionThis was the largest study until date from South India, studying all three hepatic vascular anatomical variations in a single study. Variations in the anatomy of hepatic arteries, portal veins, and hepatic veins are common. A good knowledge of the same is necessary especially for a hepatobiliary surgeon or for an interventional radiologist, to plan and avoid complications during a procedure. Preoperative contrast-enhanced CT scan and whenever necessary a VR or a MIP reconstruction will precisely help in identifying these variations.

MP40-19 HOW TO IDENTIFY PATIENTS SUITABLE FOR CONSERVATIVE MANAGEMENT OF UPPER TRACT UROTHELIAL CARCINOMA (UTUC) ACCORDING TO TUMOR SIZE: IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL GUIDELINES

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 May 2022MP40-19 HOW TO IDENTIFY PATIENTS SUITABLE FOR CONSERVATIVE MANAGEMENT OF UPPER TRACT UROTHELIAL CARCINOMA (UTUC) ACCORDING TO TUMOR SIZE: IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL GUIDELINES Eugenio Ventimiglia, Christian Corsini, Margherita Fantin, Mario de Angelis, Pietro Dioni, Marco Moschini, Daniele Raggi, Maurilio Ponzoni, Umberto Capitanio, Andrea Necchi, Roberta Lucianò, Olivier Traxer, Alberto Briganti, Francesco Montorsi, Luca Villa, and Andrea Salonia Eugenio VentimigliaEugenio Ventimiglia More articles by this author , Christian CorsiniChristian Corsini More articles by this author , Margherita FantinMargherita Fantin More articles by this author , Mario de AngelisMario de Angelis More articles by this author , Pietro DioniPietro Dioni More articles by this author , Marco MoschiniMarco Moschini More articles by this author , Daniele RaggiDaniele Raggi More articles by this author , Maurilio PonzoniMaurilio Ponzoni More articles by this author , Umberto CapitanioUmberto Capitanio More articles by this author , Andrea NecchiAndrea Necchi More articles by this author , Roberta LucianòRoberta Lucianò More articles by this author , Olivier TraxerOlivier Traxer More articles by this author , Alberto BrigantiAlberto Briganti More articles by this author , Francesco MontorsiFrancesco Montorsi More articles by this author , Luca VillaLuca Villa More articles by this author , and Andrea SaloniaAndrea Salonia More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002600.19AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Tumor size <2 cm is the upper dimensional limit for conservative management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Within this indication, we aimed to analyze the risk of adverse oncological outcomes of this approach according to specific tumor size. METHODS: Data from 151 consecutive ureteroscopies (n=39 patients) performed for UTUC at a single academic center between 2015 and 2021 were included in this analysis. Two experienced endo-urologists performed all the procedures. Ureteroscopies were performed using a digital flexible ureterorenoscope (Flex XC, Karl-Storz). Ureteroscopic biopsy forceps (3 Fr Piranha, Boston Scientific) were used in every case. Biopsy specimens were assessed by a dedicated uro-pathologist according to 2016 WHO grading classification and classified into low- vs high-grade. Tumor Ho:YAG laser ablation was performed in any case whenever feasible (VersaPulse PowerSuite 100W, Lumenis) using 1 J and 10 Hz. Tumor size was evaluated at pre-operative contrast-enhanced CT-scan; for non-CT visible lesions, size was endoscopically estimated by comparing with a 0.038” nitinol guidewire. We analysed the association between tumor size and histopathological grade according to different size cut-offs (≥1 and <1.5, ≥1.5, and ≥2 cm). Moreover, we explored the graphical relationship between tumor size and the multivariable adjusted probability of having high-grade tumor at biopsy (LOWESS curve). RESULTS: Mean [IQR] tumor size was 1.5 [0.8-2.0] cm. High grade disease was found in 34 cases (23%). At multivariable logistic regression analysis tumor size ≥1.5 cm (OR 2.46 [1.06-5.88], p=0.04) and ≥2.0 cm (OR 2.90 [1.24-6.93]) were associated to increased risk of having high-grade disease, whereas tumor size between 1 and 1.5 cm was not (p=0.80). We then graphically modelled the multivariable adjusted risk of high-grade disease according to different tumor size cutoffs. The risk of high-grade disease (∼20%) remained stable for tumors <1.5 cm, then linearly increased up to 30% for tumors >2 cm. CONCLUSIONS: The probability of diagnosing high-grade UTUC during fURS marginally increases for tumor size ≥ 1.5 cm as compared to smaller lesions. These patients need to be accurately counselled regarding the risk of not being enrollable in conservative management protocols. Source of Funding: none © 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 207Issue Supplement 5May 2022Page: e682 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Eugenio Ventimiglia More articles by this author Christian Corsini More articles by this author Margherita Fantin More articles by this author Mario de Angelis More articles by this author Pietro Dioni More articles by this author Marco Moschini More articles by this author Daniele Raggi More articles by this author Maurilio Ponzoni More articles by this author Umberto Capitanio More articles by this author Andrea Necchi More articles by this author Roberta Lucianò More articles by this author Olivier Traxer More articles by this author Alberto Briganti More articles by this author Francesco Montorsi More articles by this author Luca Villa More articles by this author Andrea Salonia More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF DownloadLoading ...

Recurrence After Resection of Pancreatic Cancer: Can Radiomics Predict Patients at Greatest Risk of Liver Metastasis?

Liver metastasis (LM) after pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) resection is common but difficult to predict and has grave prognosis. We combined preoperative clinicopathological variables and quantitative analysis of computed tomography (CT) imaging to predict early LM. We retrospectively evaluated patients with PDAC submitted to resection between 2005 and 2014 and identified clinicopathological variables associated with early LM. We performed liver radiomic analysis on preoperative contrast-enhanced CT scans and developed a logistic regression classifier to predict early LM (< 6 months). In 688 resected PDAC patients, there were 516 recurrences (75%). The cumulative incidence of LM at 5 years was 41%, and patients who developed LM first (n = 194) had the lowest 1-year overall survival (OS) (34%), compared with 322 patients who developed extrahepatic recurrence first (61%). Independent predictors of time to LM included poor tumor differentiation (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.30; P < 0.001), large tumor size (HR = 1.17 per 2-cm increase; P = 0.048), lymphovascular invasion (HR = 1.50; P = 0.015), and liver Fibrosis-4 score (HR = 0.89 per 1-unit increase; P = 0.029) on multivariate analysis. A model using radiomic variables that reflect hepatic parenchymal heterogeneity identified patients at risk for early LM with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.71; the performance of the model was improved by incorporating preoperative clinicopathological variables (tumor size and differentiation status; AUC = 0.74, negative predictive value (NPV) = 0.86). We confirm the adverse survival impact of early LM after resection of PDAC. We further show that a model using radiomic data from preoperative imaging combined with tumor-related variables has great potential for identifying patients at high risk for LM and may help guide treatment selection.

Relationship of body mass index and abdominal fat with radiation dose received during preoperative liver CT in potential living liver donors: a cross-sectional study

Although contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) is currently the most widely-used imaging modality for the preoperative evaluation of potential living liver donors, radiation exposure remains a major concern. The present study aimed to determine the relationship of body mass index (BMI) and abdominal fat with the effective radiation dose received during liver CT scans as part of a pre-donation work-up in potential living donors. This retrospective cross-sectional study included 695 potential living donors (mean age, 30.5±9.7 years; 445 men and 250 women) who had undergone preoperative liver CT scans between 2017 and 2018. The following measures were evaluated: BMI, abdominal fat as measured at the level of the third lumbar vertebra, and effective dose based on the dose length product (DLP). Correlations between the effective dose and other variables were evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficient. The mean BMI, total fat area (TFA), and effective dose were 23.6±3.3 kg/m2, 218.7±110.0 cm2, and 9.4±3.3 mSv, respectively. The effective dose during liver CT scans had a strong positive correlation with both BMI (r=0.715; P<0.001) and TFA (r=0.792; P<0.001). As BMI and TFA increased, so did the effective dose. Higher BMI and TFA significantly increased the radiation dose received during liver CT scans in potential living donors.

Giant Inguinoscrotal hernia -a radiological perspective

Inguinal hernia is a common surgical disease. Giant inguinoscrotal hernias are more unusual and impose significant impact on quality of life including difficulty with mobility, scrotal skin ulceration and bowel obstruction. Besides it is more challenging in terms of surgical management. Diagnosis of giant inguinoscrotal hernia is straight forward on clinical examination. Nevertheless, with the advent of CT scan, pre-operative contrast-enhanced CT scan is useful for ascertaining the hernia contents, its configuration and measuring the neck of hernia. We report a case of a patient with extremely huge irreducible right giant inguinoscrotal hernias.

Imaging criteria to predict Shamblin group in carotid body tumors - revisited.

This study aims to compare the imaging findings of carotid body tumors on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) with the intraoperative Shamblin grade and to evolve an imaging-based scoring system that can accurately predict the Shamblin grade. Preoperative contrast-enhanced CT scans of 40 patients who underwent surgical excision of carotid body tumors in our institution between 2004 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The angle of contact with the internal carotid artery (ICA), tumor volume, presence of peritumoral tuft of veins, loss of tumor adventitia interface and distance from the skull base were assessed and compared with the intraoperative Shamblin grades of the tumor. Ordinal logistic regression was used to determine which parameters could be predictors of the Shamblin grades. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were used to score the tumor volumes. Among the 42 tumors evaluated, 6 (14.3%) were surgically classified as Shamblin I, 15 (35.7%) as Shamblin II, and 21 (50%) as Shamblin III tumors. Pairwise comparison between the three Shamblin groups showed a statistically significant difference for angle of contact with ICA, maximum tumor dimension, presence of peritumoral tuft of veins and loss of tumor adventitia interface (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.038 and p = 0.003, respectively). However, tumor volumes and distance from skull base were not significantly different between the Shamblin groups (p = 0.136 and p = 0.682). A scoring system, including four of the above mentioned parameters (angle of contact with ICA, tumor volume, presence of peritumoral tuft of veins, and loss of tumor adventitia interface) was developed with a maximum score of 8 and a minimum of 2. A statistically significant difference was found between the final scores among the three Shamblin groups (p < 0.001). Using ROC curves, a final score of ≥6 was found to separate Shamblin grade III tumors from grade I and II tumors (sensitivity, 95.24%; specificity, 71.43%). All patients with documented intraoperative estimated blood loss of >1000 mL had Shamblin grade III tumors. Postoperative complications like stroke, ICA thrombosis and lower cranial nerve palsies were seen only with Shamblin grade II and III tumors. The simple scoring system we have proposed correlates well with the Shamblin grade and helps in identifying patients who have a higher risk of developing complications.

Simulation of portal/hepatic vein associated remnant liver ischemia/congestion by three-dimensional visualization technology based on preoperative CT scan.

BackgroundRemnant liver hypoperfusion is frequently observed after hepatectomy, and associated with a higher risk of postoperative complications and poorer survival. However, the development of remnant liver hypoperfusion was not fully understood.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed patients who received hepatectomy and took contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scans before, 1-week (POW1) and 4-week (POW4) after resection in our department from June 2017 to July 2019. We simulated and estimated the occurrence of portal-vein-related remnant liver ischemia (RLI) and hepatic-vein-related remnant liver congestion (RLC) after hepatectomy via three-dimensional visualization technology (3DVT) according to blood vessels ligated in the resection; then we analyzed association between the estimated RLI, RLC, and postoperative clinical outcomes.ResultsA total of 102 eligible patients were analyzed. Remnant liver hypoperfusion was observed in 47 (46%) patients in the POW1 CT scans and shrunk in the POW4 CT scans. RLC had better diagnostic significance than RLI in predicting remnant liver hypoperfusion [area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve: 0.745 vs. 0.569, P=0.026]. Multivariate analysis showed that larger RLI [odds ratio (OR), 1.154; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.075–1.240; P<0.001] was independent risk factor for post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). Besides, larger RLC (OR, 1.114; 95% CI, 1.032–1.204; P=0.006) was independent risk factor for major postoperative complications.ConclusionsRemnant liver hypoperfusion can be predicted during the preoperative surgical plan by 3DVT. Portal vein related RLI was associated with PHLF, and hepatic vein related RLC was associated with major postoperative complications. Preservation of the hepatic vein and complete removal of the perfusion territory of ligated vessels are essential procedures to reduce RLI/RLC and the risk of PHLF or other surgical complications.

Validation of aorta-lesion-attenuation difference on preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan to differentiate between malignant and benign oncocytic renal tumors.

We previously noted that the aorta-lesion-attenuation difference (ALAD) determined on CT scan discriminated well between chromophobe RCC and oncocytoma. The current evaluation seeks to validate these initial findings in a second cohort of nephrectomy patients. A retrospective review of preoperative CT scans and surgical pathology was performed on patients undergoing nephrectomy for small, solid renal masses. ALAD was calculated by measuring the difference in Hounsfield units (HU) between the aorta and the lesion of interest on the same image slice on preoperative CT scan. The discriminative ability of ALAD to differentiate malignant pathology from oncocytoma was evaluated by sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and area under curve (AUC) using ROC analysis. Twenty-one preoperative CT scans and corresponding pathology reports were reviewed and included in the validation cohort. ALAD values were calculated during the excretory and nephrographic phases. Compared to the training cohort, patients in the validation cohort were significantly older (62 versus 59years old), had larger tumors (3.7 versus 2.7cm), and higher stage disease (59% versus 79% T1a disease). Nephrographic ALAD was able to differentiate malignant pathology from oncocytoma in the training and validation cohorts with a sensitivity of 84% versus 73%, specificity of 86% and 67%, PPV of 98% versus 91%, and NPV of 33% versus 35%. The AUC for malignant pathology versus oncocytoma in the validation cohort was 0.72 (95% CI 0.63-0.82). Nephrographic ALAD was able to differentiate chromophobe RCC from oncocytoma in the training and validation cohorts with a sensitivity of 100% versus 67%, specificity of 86% versus 67%, PPV of 75% versus 43%, and NPV of 100% versus 84%. The AUC for chromophobe RCC versus oncocytoma in the validation cohort was 0.72 (95% CI 0.48-0.96). The ability of ALAD to discriminate between chromophobe RCC and oncocytoma was diminished in the validation cohort compared to the training cohort, but remained significant. The current findings support further investigation in the role of ALAD in the management of patients with indeterminate diagnoses of oncocytic neoplasm.

Lymph node metastasis in the space between the right carotid artery and jugular vein in papillary thyroid carcinoma

BackgroundThe oblique brachiocephalic trunk and right common carotid artery constitute the right carotid sheath space (RCSS). The aim of this study was to detect the clinicopathologic factors associated with RCSS lymph node metastasis.MethodsIn total, 232 papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients with preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography scans were analyzed for associations between RCSS lymph node metastasis and clinicopathological factors.ResultsAmong the 232 cases, 18 (7.76%) had suspicious RCSS lymph nodes, which was correlated with the presence of >5 metastatic lymph nodes, a larger thoracic inlet, and primary tumor size >2.15 cm. All pathologically confirmed metastatic lymph nodes were >1 cm in diameter.ConclusionsThe concept of “RCSS lymph node metastasis” was first introduced by this study. For PTC patients, a larger thoracic inlet, increased number of metastatic lymph nodes, and larger primary tumor size were related to RCSS lymph nodes, and more attention should be paid to patients who have lymph nodes >1 cm. A future prospective study will be designed to identify the potential risk factors for RCSS lymph node metastasis.

FEASIBILITY OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL CARDIAC MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (3D-CMR) FOR PREOPERATIVE PLANNING OF TRANS-CATHETER AORTIC VALVE IMPLANTATION IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

Preoperative contrast-enhanced CT scan for the annular measurements before trans-catheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) typically utilizes up to 100 cc of iodinated contrast. Iodinated contrast can increase the risk of contrast induced nephropathy especially in patients with frequently

Radiographic characteristics of neuroendocrine liver metastases do not predict clinical outcomes following liver resection.

Previous research has demonstrated that specific radiographic criteria, including the presence of calcifications and the enhancement pattern on computed tomography (CT) imaging, correlates with clinicopathologic features and outcomes of patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NET). We sought to investigate whether these radiographic characteristics were prognostic among patients with neuroendocrine liver metastases (NELM) undergoing surgical resection. The preoperative contrast-enhanced CT scans of all patients who underwent resection of NELM at a single institution between 2000-2015 were retrospectively reviewed. The presence of calcifications was determined on non-contrast phase imaging. Enhancement on the arterial phase scan was categorized as hyperenhancing, hypoenhancing, or mixed. Relevant clinicopathologic characteristics as well as recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between groups. Among 82 patients who underwent resection of NELM, 57 had available data on calcifications while 51 had data available on arterial enhancement patterns. Among all patients, median age was 58 (IQR: 47-63) and the majority were female (N=48, 59.5%). The most common primary tumor locations were pancreas (N=25, 30.5%) and small bowel (N=27, 32.9%). The most commonly performed operations were right hepatectomy (N=29, 35.4%), bisegmentectomy (N=15, 18.3%), and segmentectomy (N=14, 17.1%). Median tumor number was 4 (IQR: 2-9), median Ki-67 was 5% (IQR: 2-10%), and median size of the largest liver metastasis was 4.5 (IQR: 2.8-7.7) cm. Twelve (21%) patients had tumor calcifications. Among patients with and without calcifications there were no differences in demographics, clinicopathologic characteristics, RFS (P=0.772) or OS (P=0.095). Arterial enhancement was hypoenhancing in 23 (45.1%), hyperenhancing in 10 (19.6%), and mixed in 18 (35.3%). Similarly, there were no differences between arterial enhancement groups in demographics, clinicopathologic characteristics, RFS (P=0.618) or OS (P=0.268). Radiographic characteristics on contrast-enhanced CT are not associated with the outcomes of patients undergoing resection of NELM. Future investigations should evaluate the prognostic impact of functional neuroendocrine imaging.

Main Pancreatic Duct to Parenchymal Thickness Ratio at Preoperative Imaging is Associated with Overall Survival in Upfront Resected Pancreatic Cancer.

Pancreatic cancer induces parenchymal atrophy and duct dilation. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether these radiologic modifications are associated with outcomes. Upfront pancreaticoduodenectomy patients with available preoperative contrast enhanced CT scan imaging were retrospectively analyzed. Thickness of the pancreas, size of the main pancreatic duct (MPD), and distance of the tumor from the ampulla were assessed. A training cohort was selected, including short- (3-12months following surgery) and long-term (≥ 36months) survivors. Identified survival determinants were validated in the overall cohort. Two-hundred-sixteen patients were analyzed. In the training cohort (N = 118), 68 patients (57.6%) were in the short-term and 50 (42.4%) in the long-term survival group. The short-term survival group had significantly higher CA 19-9 levels (p = 0.027), larger tumors (32.6 ± 12.1mm vs. 26.5 ± 11.6mm, p = 0.007), poorer differentiation (p = 0.003), higher rate of R < 1mm resections (54% vs. 32%, p = 0.008), and reduced receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy (p = 0.020). The MPD-to-pancreatic thickness ratio was significantly lower in the short-term survivors (3.6 ± 6.2 vs. 8.2 ± 12.0, p = 0.016). In the entire cohort, an MPD-to-pancreatic thickness ratio ≥ 3.5 was associated with improved OS [median 33.0months IQR (19.7-48.1) versus 17months IQR (14.8-19.2), p = 0.004], and confirmed by a Cox-proportional hazards model independently associated with OS (HR = 0.58; p = 0.009), together with tumor size (HR = 1.02; p =0.012), R1/R2 status (HR = 1.53; p = 0.029), and receipt of adjuvant treatment (HR = 0.61; p = 0.021). High MPD-to-pancreatic thickness ratio was associated with improved long-term survival in pancreaticoduodenectomy for cancer. Whether these features are related to tumor chronicity, indolent biology, or local growth over metastasis remains to be determined.

Comparison of thyroid gland involvement in contrast enhanced computed tomography of the neck and histopathology and the necessity of thyroidectomy in patients with laryngeal and hypo pharyngeal cancer

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; The aim of this study is to assess the thyroid gland involvement in the preoperative contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) of neck with histopathology (HPE) in determining the indications for ipsilateral thyroidectomy in patients undergoing total laryngectomy in laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; Forty patients diagnosed clinically with stage 3 laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer were subjected to CECT of neck. Patients with cartilage erosion and extra laryngeal spread on CECT (T3, T4a) were routinely taken for total laryngectomy, partial pharyngectomy and hemi thyroidectomy. Specimens were sent for histopathological analysis and which was compared with preoperative CECT scan. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; Of the forty cases, only four patients had thyroid gland involvement in CECT scan and 2 of the 40 had thyroid gland involvement in histopathology. Of the four patients where the CT scan which showed infiltration of the thyroid gland, none had thyroid gland involvement in histopathology. In two patients where thyroid gland was involved in histopathology, CT scan failed to pick up the thyroid gland involvement. Those two patients with histologically proven thyroid gland involvement identify as transglottic malignancy with cartilage erosion and extra laryngeal spread.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; Our study concludes that an ipsilateral hemi-thyroidectomy is probably still indicated in transglottic cancer with cartilage invasion and/or extra laryngeal spread.&lt;/p&gt;

Contrast CT Scan Evaluation of Incidence and Pattern of Thyroid Gland Involvement in Locally Advanced Ca Larynx Modifying the Need of Routine Thyroidectomy with Total Laryngectomy

In locally advanced cases of carcinoma larynx, which are being treated with total laryngectomy, routine excision of the thyroid gland (either total or hemi section) is carried out. This study was carried out to evaluate the requirement of routine thyroidectomise with total laryngectomy. An analysis of the final histology of 83 patients, who underwent the traditional treatment, together with the preoperative contrast enhanced CT scan was carried out. Among 58 cases of T3 carcinoma larynx 2 revealed thyroid involvement by metastasis (3.45%), 1 of them was suspected in preoperative CT and confirmed by FNAC. Among 25 cases of T4a carcinoma larynx 6 revealed thyroid involvement by direct extension (24%) with evidence of same in preoperative CT. Risk of thyroid involvement is low in T3 cases (3.45%) and is by metastasis. Risk of thyroid involvement is higher in T4a cases (24%) and is by direct extension. Preoperative CECT is a good tool to predict thyroid gland involvement either by metastasis or by direct spread. This study thus raises doubts about the requirement of routine thyroidectomise in association with total laryngectomies in advanced carcinoma larynx. We thus believe that further investigations, on a larger scale and multi-institutional, is warranted.