Imaging In Patients Research Articles

Skeletal Muscle Mass Measurement Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer.

Background and purposeHead and neck cancer (HNC) patients usually present with malnutrition during radiotherapy, leading to loss of skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and poor clinical outcomes. CT has been used in clinical practice for measuring SMM in cancer patients. However, its clinical application for monitoring SMM is limited by the expensive price and high radiation exposure. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for assessing SMM and its changes in HNC patients undergoing radiotherapy.Materials and methodsThis study was divided into two parts. In part 1 (n = 32), the cross-sectional of skeletal muscle area (SMA) at the third cervical vertebra (C3) based on CBCT and computed tomography (CT) was assessed. In part 2 (n = 30), CT and CBCT were performed, and patients’ weight was measured before and at four different time points during radiotherapy. SMAs at C3 were independently identified by three senior radiation oncologists. The interobserver agreement of SMA on CBCT (SMACBCT) findings was analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). One-way analysis of variance was used to evaluate the interobserver variability and statistical significance for SMA measurements. CBCT and CT measurement differences and correlations were analyzed using paired sample t-test and Pearson correlation analysis, respectively. The Krouwer variant of the Bland–Altman plot was used to analyze the agreement of SMA measurements between CBCT and CT. A simple linear regression model was used to analyze the relationship of SMA measurements between the two imaging techniques, and the equation was established. A repeated-measures ANOVA was performed to evaluate the effects and interactions between weight loss, SMA loss, and time.ResultsSMACBCT demonstrated excellent interobserver reliability; no significant difference between SMACBCT and SMA on CT (SMACT) at C3 was observed in all patients. The SMACBCT and SMACT were highly correlated (r = 0.966; 95% confidence interval = 0.955–0.975; p < 0.001). Bland–Altman analysis revealed that SMACBCT was generally higher than SMACT. The predicted SMA value at C3 on CT using CBCT was similar to the actual value. Moreover, significant differences between SMA and weight loss (F =10.99, p = 0.002), groups (weight loss and SMA loss) and times (4 time points) (F = 3.93, p = 0.013), and mean percent loss over time (F = 7.618, p < 0.001) were noted.ConclusionCBCT may be used as an alternative for CT to measure SMA in HNC patients during radiotherapy.

The relationship between diabetes and carotid artery calcifications detected via dental cone-beam computed tomography in patients undergoing implant treatment planning

BackgroundThe authors investigated the association between carotid artery calcifications (CACs) detected incidentally on dental cone-beam computed tomographic scans and positive diabetes status. MethodsTwo patient groups were identified retrospectively from a patient database: positive for CACs based on cone-beam computed tomographic scans and positive diabetes status. In addition to demographic characteristics, data including diabetes status and presence, type, and absence of CACs were obtained. A χ2 statistical analysis was completed by means of dividing the data into sets of known CAC and known history of diabetes; significance level was P < .05. ResultsTo satisfy the a priori power analysis, records from 2010 through 2021 were used.For the positive CAC group, data were obtained from 288 patients (171 men, 117 women) and 68 patients (24%) had a positive diabetes status at the time of cone-beam computed tomography (P < .001). There were significantly more male patients (n = 47) than female patients (n = 21) with diabetes (χ2 = 9.9; P = .002). For the positive diabetes group, data were obtained from 225 patients (149 men, 76 women), and 100 patients (44%) had an identifiable CAC. There were significantly more male patients (n = 73) than female patients (n = 27) with CAC (χ2 = 21.2; P < .001). ConclusionsThere was a significant relationship to diabetes for patients with CACs, indicating potential undiagnosed diabetes. Male patients with diabetes are significantly more at risk of developing CACs. Practical ImplicationsPeople with CAC may be at risk of having undiagnosed diabetes and require heightened awareness during implant treatment planning.

Investigation of the ongoing pulmonary defects with perfusion-single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography in patients under anticoagulant therapy for coronavirus disease 2019-induced pulmonary embolism.

It was aimed to reveal the continuing perfusion defect rates in patients with a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) due to COVID-19 who have completed the third month of anticoagulant therapy but whose symptoms or laboratory elevations continue. Patients with COVID-19 who were diagnosed with PE by Q-SPECT-CT between 1 September 2020 and 1 November 2021, who underwent control Q-SPECT/CT were included in the study. Demographic characteristics, laboratory findings, and first and second Q-SPECT/CT evaluation results of the patients were recorded. It was observed that the pulmonary defect continued in Q-SPECT/CT in the third month of anticoagulant treatment in 58.3% of the patients diagnosed with PE due to COVID-19, and new defects developed in 6.3%. The persistence rate of segment defects was higher than that of subsegment defects. It was observed that the defects persisted more frequently in patients with a history of hospitalization due to COVID-19. Perfusion defects may still be present in patients diagnosed with PE due to COVID-19 in the presence of persistent dyspnea/chest pain/D-dimer elevation after 3 months of treatment. Perfusion defect persistence rates are higher in defects more proximal to the subsegment level and in people with severe COVID-19, and extended treatment should be considered in these patients.

Automated versus manual analysis of body composition measures on computed tomography in patients with bladder cancer

PurposeManual measurement of body composition on computed tomography (CT) is time-consuming, limiting its clinical use. We validate a software program, Automatic Body composition Analyzer using Computed tomography image Segmentation (ABACS), for the automated measurement of body composition by comparing its performance to manual segmentation in a cohort of patients with bladder cancer. MethodWe performed a retrospective analysis of 285 patients treated for bladder cancer at the Duke University Health System from 1996 to 2017. Abdominal CT images were manually segmented at L3 using Slice-O-Matic. Automated segmentation was performed with ABACS on the same L3-level images. Measures of interest were skeletal muscle (SM) area, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) area, and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) area. SM index, SAT index, and VAT index were calculated by dividing component areas by patient height2 (m2). Patients were dichotomized as sarcopenic, having excessive subcutaneous fat, or having excessive visceral fat using published cut-off values. Agreement between manual and automated segmentation was assessed using the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient (PPMCC), the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC3), and the kappa statistic (κ). ResultsThere was strong agreement between manual and automatic segmentation, with PPMCCs > 0.90 and ICC3s > 0.90 for SM, SAT, and VAT areas. Categorization of patients as sarcopenic (κ = 0.73), having excessive subcutaneous fat (κ = 0.88), or having excessive visceral fat (κ = 0.90) displayed high agreement between methods. ConclusionsAutomated segmentation of body composition measures on CT using ABACS performs similarly to manual analysis and may expedite data collection in body composition research.

Association Between Dietary Intakes and Plaque Vulnerability Measured by Optical Coherence Tomography in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease: A Mediation Analysis of Inflammatory Factors

Although studies have proven that diet has a critical role in preventing or delaying atherosclerosis and is far simpler to adjust and adhere to than other risk factors, the underlying mechanisms behind this effect remain not well comprehended. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the impact of inflammatory factors on the connection between dietary ingestion and coronary plaque fragility as measured via optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). This research eventually comprised 194 participants with CHD who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (SQFFQ) was utilized to investigate dietary consumption status, serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and OCT was employed to identify the plaque susceptibility of causative lesions in the body. Following correction for statistically meaningful possible confounders in univariate analysis, quartiles of soy and nuts, fruits and vitamin C were negatively associated with coronary plaque vulnerability. Conversely, the upper quartile group of sodium intake had 2.98 times the risk of developing vulnerable plaques compared with the most minimal quartile group. Meanwhile, we observed an inverse dose–response connection between vitamin C consumption and inflammatory biomarkers as well as plaque vulnerability. More importantly, tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were significant mediators of the connection between vitamin C and plaque vulnerability, suggesting that vitamin C may inhibit the atherosclerotic inflammatory process by decreasing the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α, thereby reducing the risk of vulnerable plaques. These new findings provide crucial clues to identify anti-inflammatory dietary components as effective therapeutic approaches in the management of CHD, while also providing some insights into their mechanisms of action.

Evaluation of DAP Values Obtained from Chest X-rays in Children under 12 Years of Age Referred to Educational Hospitals of Birjand University of Medical Sciences in 2020

Purpose: Dose Area Product (DAP) is a quantity for radiation risk assessment in diagnostic X-ray tests. Children's tissues are up to 10 times more sensitive to radiation than adults, and life expectancy is higher in children than adults, as well as a higher risk of hematopoietic and mass malignancies in them. Therefore, this study aimed to measure DAP values for X-ray fields adjusted by Birjand radio-technologists in chest X-rays of children under 12 years of age.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: 233 children from Birjand University hospitals who performed chest X-rays were included in the study. To collect data related to DAP, the DAP meter model KermaX® plus SDP was used. It should be noted that no intervention was performed in the patient's imaging method and at the time of radiation and measurement of the DAP values, there was no need for the patient's presence. In the end, the measured DAP values were compared with DAP values of other studies. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22 at 5% error level using Analysis of Variance (Anova), t-test, and Pearson correlation tests.&#x0D; Results: Out of 233 patients who were included in the study, 134 males (57.5%) and 99 females (42.5%) participated in the study, it should be noted that there was no significant difference between the mean of DAP in male and female (p = 0.52). In our study, the average DAP was 5.78 ± 3.54 μGy.m2 and DAP values in the range of 0.55 μGy.m2 to 15.54 μGy.m2 that were higher than the average of other studies and there was a significant difference. There was a direct relationship between radiation field dimensions and DAP values so that as the dimensions of the radiation field increase, the DAP value increases. There was a significant difference between the mean DAP of the lowest and the highest age groups, lowest and the highest age groups, and lowest and the highest height groups of patients.&#x0D; Conclusion: In our study, it was observed that there is a significant relationship between patients' weight, age, and height, radiation field dimensions with DAP values. The amount of DAP in the present study was significantly higher than in other studies. The most important effective parameter in DAP is the radiation field size and if sufficient optimization is done in imaging parameters (kVp, mAS, field size), the DAP values will be greatly reduced.

EAU-EANM Consensus Statements on the Role of Prostate-specific Membrane Antigen Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography in Patients with Prostate Cancer and with Respect to [177Lu]Lu-PSMA Radioligand Therapy

BackgroundProstate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) is useful for selected clinical indications in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) but it may have broader clinical utility owing to the emergence of lutetium-177-PSMA-617 ([177Lu]Lu-PSMA) therapy. However, robust data regarding the impact of PSMA PET/CT on patient management and treatment are lacking, and in many areas, the role of next-generation imaging has not been defined. ObjectiveTo assess expert opinion on the use of PSMA-based imaging and therapy to develop interim guidance. Design, setting, and participantsA panel of 21 PCa experts from various disciplines received thematic topics and relevant literature. A questionnaire to assess proposed guidance statements regarding PSMA PET/CT and [177Lu]Lu-PSMA therapy was developed for completion remotely in a first e-Delphi round. A subsequent panel discussion was conducted during a 1-d meeting, which included a second Delphi round. Outcome measurements and statistical analysisPanellists voted anonymously on statements using a nine-point Likert scale from 1 = strongly disagree to 9 = strongly agree. Median scores were calculated and consensus was assessed using methods proposed by the Research and Development (RAND) corporation. Results and limitationsStatements were developed to cover the following topics: PSMA PET/CT utility, clinical use, and choice of tracer; patient selection; and management of patients receiving [177Lu]Lu-PSMA for metastatic PCa. Consensus was reached for 33/36 statements. In-group bias is a potential limitation, as some statements were rephrased during discussions at the 1-d meeting. ConclusionsAdoption of PSMA PET/CT as an imaging tool to guide [177Lu]Lu-PSMA therapy should be supported by indications for appropriate use. Patient summaryA panel of experts in prostate cancer reached a consensus for the majority of statements proposed regarding the role of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-based imaging and therapy, particularly the use of PSMA-based imaging in patients suitable for [177Lu]Lu-PSMA therapy and the need to perform PSMA-based imaging before considering patients as candidates for this therapy.

Comparing retinal changes measured by optical coherence tomography in patients with schizophrenia and their siblings with healthy controls: Are retinal findings potential endophenotype candidates?

The aim of our study is to examine whether differences in retinal structure may reflect endophenotypes for schizophrenia by comparing thicknesses of retinal layers between patients with schizophrenia, their unaffected siblings, and healthy control groups and investigating the relationship between OCT findings and disease parameters. 46 patients with schizophrenia, their 46 healthy siblings, and 46 age and gender-matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study and underwent spectral domain OCT (examinations to assess differences in peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, ganglion cell layer (GCL)+ inner plexiform layer (IPL) thicknesses and macular volumes (MV) in both eyes). Clinical variables were also recorded in the patient group. There was no difference between the groups in terms of RNFL thicknesses. The GCL+IPL thicknesses of the siblings are between the patients and controls but according to post hoc comparisons the GCL+IPLs of the patients were only thinner than controls. Additionally, MVs were significantly lower in the patient group compared to the sibling group. There was no correlation between any clinical parameters and the GCL+IPLs of all groups, however there were some correlations between RNFL and clinical features especially in the patients group. GCL+IPL values do not seem to be affected by the disease parameters or the factors like body mass index or nicotine use. On the other hand, further studies are needed to determine whether GCL+IPL could be an endophenotype candidate.

Chest Radiographs Images Retrieval Using Deep Learning Networks

Chest diseases are among the most common diseases today. More than one million people with pneumonia enter the hospital, and about 50,000 people die annually in the U.S. alone. Also, Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a risky disease that threatens the health by affecting the lungs of many people around the world. Chest X-ray and CT-scan images are the radiological imaging that can be helpful to detect COVID-19. A radiologist would need to compare a patient's image with the most similar images. Content-based image retrieval in terms of medical images offers such a facility based on visual feature descriptor and similarity measurements. In this paper, a retrieval algorithm was developed to tackle such challenges based on deep convolutional neural networks (e.g., ResNet-50, AlexNet, and GoogleNet) to produce an effective feature descriptor. Also, similarity measures such as City block and Cosine were employed to compare two images. Chest X-ray and CT-scan datasets used to evaluate the proposed algorithms with a highest performance applying ResNet -50 (99% COVID-19 (+) and 98% COVID-19 (–)) and GoogleNet (84% COVID-19 (+) and 81% COVID-19 (–)) for X-ray and CT-scan respectively. The percentage increased about 1-4% when voting was used by a k-nearest neighbor classifier

Role of Optical Coherence Tomography to Measure Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Patient With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Aim: This study aimed to measure retinal nerve fiber layer thickness with spectral domain optical coherence tomography in patients diagnosed with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. And, comparing the RNFL thickness of stable patients with mild to moderate COPD and severe to very severe COPD patientsPatients and methods: In this prospective case-control study, a total of 120 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have been selected for measurement of retinal nerve fiber layer on spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). This study included 120 eyes of participants among which 80 were COPD patients (G1) and 40 were healthy participants (control group: G2). The G1 group is further sub-classified into G1A included 40 eyes of 40 patients with mild to moderate COPD and G1B included 40 eyes of 40 patients with severe to very severe COPD. To determine the hypoxic status of patient arterial blood gas analysis was done. The subfoveal choroidal thickness and retinal nerve fiber thickness were calculated using spectral domain OCT, and these readings of OCT are compared with COPD.Results: There was no statistically significant difference between groups according to demographic data. Mean peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness on SD-OCT was statistically significantly thinner in mild to moderate COPD (106.76±4.39) group and severe to very severe COPD (100.75±4.66) group than in the control group (108.51±4.39); this thinning was more pronounced with increase in the severity of COPD. On comparing macular thickness between three groups, it was found that there were no statistically significant differences in macular thickness (MT) (p=0.684). Subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) was significantly thinner in the COPD groups compared to the control group.Conclusion: Changes in the SD-OCT and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness could be used as indicators for the severity of COPD. And, it can also aid in the early intervention to hypoxic changes in the retina there by decreasing the chances of visual field defect

Prone positioning improves ventilation–perfusion matching assessed by electrical impedance tomography in patients with ARDS: a prospective physiological study

BackgroundThe physiological effects of prone ventilation in ARDS patients have been discussed for a long time but have not been fully elucidated. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) has emerged as a tool for bedside monitoring of pulmonary ventilation and perfusion, allowing the opportunity to obtain data. This study aimed to investigate the effect of prone positioning (PP) on ventilation–perfusion matching by contrast-enhanced EIT in patients with ARDS.DesignMonocenter prospective physiologic study.SettingUniversity medical ICU.PatientsTen mechanically ventilated ARDS patients who underwent PP.InterventionsWe performed EIT evaluation at the initiation of PP, 3 h after PP initiation and the end of PP during the first PP session.Measurements and main resultsThe regional distribution of ventilation and perfusion was analyzed based on EIT images and compared to the clinical variables regarding respiratory and hemodynamic status. Prolonged prone ventilation improved oxygenation in the ARDS patients. Based on EIT measurements, the distribution of ventilation was homogenized and dorsal lung ventilation was significantly improved by PP administration, while the effect of PP on lung perfusion was relatively mild, with increased dorsal lung perfusion observed. The ventilation–perfusion matched region was found to increase and correlate with the increased PaO2/FiO2 by PP, which was attributed mainly to reduced shunt in the lung.ConclusionsProlonged prone ventilation increased dorsal ventilation and perfusion, which resulted in improved ventilation–perfusion matching and oxygenation.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04725227. Registered on 25 January 2021.

Evaluation of the temporomandibular joint morphology and condylar position with cone-beam computerized tomography in patients with internal derangement.

To evaluate the relationship between internal derangement and morphological features of the temporomandibular joint by comparing joint morphology between patients with ID and control patients. The current study prospectively is evaluated the cone-beam computed images of 106 ID patients and 122 patients with asymptomatic joints; recorded angular and linear measurements. The relationships between these measurements and ID are investigated; the differences between the two groups using paired t tests. There were significant differences in the values of articular slope and the condyle height/glenoid fossa depth (CH/GFD) ratio between patients in the ID and control groups (p < 0.05). There was also a relationship between these parameters and the gender of patients with ID. The condylar position was posterior in the ID group. Posteriorly and superiorly located condyles with an increased CH/GFD ratio, condyles located eccentrically, and a steeper posterior slope may be risk factors for ID.

Silent Myocardial Ischemia in Patients after Permanent Coronary Intervention

Frequency and timing of appearance of myocardial ischemia, including silent ischemia, were analyzed in published scientific sources. Silent myocardial ischemia is risk factor for stent restenosis after percutaneous coronary interventions. Patients with silent ischemia lack clinical symptoms while perfusion, metabolic and electrical activity of their myocardium may be compromised. These patients do not have warning clinical symptoms during physical exercise and do not stop inappropriate activity. Silent myocardial ischemia itself can indicate severity of atherosclerosis in coronary arteries. High probability of stent restenosis can be assessed by exercise tests prior to coronary angiography. These tests also allow to reveal clinically silent myocardial ischemia. Quarter of patients after coronary intervention develop silent myocardial ischemia. Silent myocardial infarction comprises 22-78 % of all infarctions after coronary interventions. Exercise tests based on single-photon emitting computed tomography can be used in diagnosing stent restenosis, silent ischemia and assessment of cardiovascular risk in patients after coronary interventions. Its results can be used as indications for repeated coronary interventions and for prognosis after revascularization. Exercise tests are recommended in two years after revascularization in absence of ischemic symptoms. Early tests are recommended in cases of high cardiovascular risk, suboptimal revascularization, stenting of arteries with small diameter or at bifurcation. Diagnosis of silent myocardial ischemia by single-photon emitting computed tomography in patients after coronary revascularization is significant for clinical practice.

Effect of Whole-body [18F]Fluoro-2-deoxy-2-d-glucose Positron Emission Tomography in Patients with Suspected Brain Metastasis

Abstract Background and Purpose [18F]Fluoro-2-deoxy-2-d-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) has a promising role in the workup and management of carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP). We have evaluated the effect of whole-body FDG PET/CT in assessing the patients presented with suspected brain metastasis (CUP-BM) on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT). Materials and Methods This retrospective study included FDG PET/CT of 50 patients (24 males, mean: 58 ± 12.2 years old) with a CUP-BM diagnosis based on MRI and CT imaging. The final diagnosis of primary brain neoplasm (BP) or brain metastases (BM) was based on FDG PET/CT findings and/or histopathology (HPE). Results On FDG PET/CT, 52% (26/50) of patients did not have any systemic lesion apart from a brain lesion. Out of these, 50% (13/26) had HPE confirmation of primary brain neoplasm (BP). FDG PET/CT identified multiple systemic lesions apart from brain lesions in the remaining 48% (24/50) of patients. They were categorized as the brain metastases (BM) group. The primary lesions were located in the lungs (n = 20), kidneys (n = 1), prostate (n = 1), esophagus (n = 1), and tongue (n = 1). Conclusion FDG PET/CT could suggest a diagnosis of BM based on the presence of systemic lesions. It also provides an easily accessible peripheral site for biopsy and systemic disease burden in a single scan. FDG PET/CT's up-front use in suspected CUP-BM on CT and/or MRI could differentiate the BM from BP in most cases and avoid brain biopsy in the BM group.

Correlation between Lactate Dehydrogenase Levels and Severity by Pulmonary Tomography in Patients with Sars-Cov-2

Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LHD) concentration has been described as a biomarker to predict severe lung injury and severe hypoxemia in patients with ARDS. The aim of the study was to correlate lactate dehydrogenase concentrations with the tomographic severity index in SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia cases, considering lung CT as the gold standard for severity diagnosis in this population based on the presence of ground glass pattern and the score given in the segmental assessment. A total of 110 patients were included in the study, in the period from April to September 2020. From the results, a moderate correlation was obtained between serum LHD levels and severity score by pulmonary tomography, with an r=0.474 and p &lt;0.0001; with a severity-associated serum LHD cut-off point of 396 mg /dl (p &lt; 0.001, sensitivity 86.02%, specificity 75%, AUC 0.806). Serum DHL levels may be useful for predicting severity in patients with COVID pneumonia 19t

Aortic valve leaflet and root dimensions in normal tricuspid aortic valves: A computed tomography study.

The aim of this study was to use coronary computed tomography in patients with normal tricuspid aortic valves to perform detailed aortic root and aortic valve geometric analysis with a focus on the asymmetry of the three leaflets. Retrospective analysis of anonymized coronary computed tomography angiograms was performed using dedicated software, where manual aortic root segmentation and marking of several points of interest were followed by automated measurements of aortic root and leaflets. Asymmetry of the three leaflets in individual patients was assessed by calculating absolute and relative differences between the largest and the smallest of the three leaflets. We analyzed 70 aortic valves, the mean patient age was 53 ± 11 years, and 50% (n = 35) of patients were female. All aortic valves were tricuspid, without calcifications and aortic roots were of normal dimensions. Some degree of asymmetry was present in all analyzed valves. Absolute and relative differences for free margin length were 3.2 ± 1.4 mm and 9.3 ± 3.8%, respectively. The largest relative difference was noted in the coaptation area (36.5 ± 16.5%) and the smallest in leaflet effective height (6.1 ± 4.8%). Using predefined cutoff criteria for absolute differences in leaflet dimensions, 86% of the valves were classified as asymmetric. Most normal tricuspid aortic valves show some degree of asymmetry. Equal free margin length of the three leaflets is not needed for normal tricuspid aortic valve function. Leaflet effective height showed the least amount of asymmetry confirming its importance in keeping the aortic valve competent.

Correlation between Lactate Dehydrogenase Levels and Severity by Pulmonary Tomography in Patients with Sars-Cov-2

Correlation between Lactate Dehydrogenase Levels and Severity by Pulmonary Tomography in Patients with Sars-Cov-2

Quantification of Lung Perfusion Blood Volume in Dual-Energy Computed Tomography in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension.

Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) is a promising technique for the assessment of the lung perfused blood volume (LPBV) in the lung parenchyma. This study was performed to compare the LPBV by DECT of patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) and controls and to evaluate the association between the LPBV and the perfusion ratio derived by lung perfusion scintigraphy. This study involved 45 patients who underwent DECT (25 patients with PH and 20 controls). We measured the total LPBV and distribution of the LPBV in each lung. The total LPBV was significantly lower in the PH group than the control group (38 ± 9 vs. 45 ± 8 HU, p = 0.024). Significant differences were observed between the LPBV of the upper lung of the PH and control groups (34 ± 10 vs. 47 ± 10, p = 0.021 and 37 ± 10 vs. 47 ± 8, p < 0.001). A significant correlation was observed between the LPBV and the lung perfusion scintigraphy. A lower total LPBV and lower LPBV of the upper lung as detected by DECT might be specific findings of PH.

D-11 | Outcomes and Readmission rates of Intravascular Ultrasound Versus Intracoronary Optical Coherence Tomography in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Intracoronary imaging has the capability of accurately measuring vessel and stenosis dimensions, characterizing lesion morphology, and guiding optimal percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). There are 2 types of intracoronary imaging currently available: intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and intracoronary optical coherence tomography (OCT). We aimed to compare the impact of IVUS and OCT on outcomes and 30-day readmission rates following PCI.

Prospective study on the clinical relevance of 18F-DOPA positron emission tomography/computed tomography in patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma.

18F-DOPA Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (18F-DOPA PET/CT) is a sensitive functional imaging method (65-75%) for detecting disease localization in medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). We aimed: (i) to assess the clinical usefulness of 18F-DOPA PET/CT in patients with MTC and elevated calcitonin (Ctn) and CEA levels and, (ii) to evaluate changes in disease management secondary to the findings encountered with this methodology. Thirty-six patients with MTC and Ctn levels ≥150 pg/ml were prospectively included. Neck ultrasound, chest contrast-enhanced CT, liver magnetic resonance imaging/abdominal three-phase contrast-enhanced CT and bone scintigraphy were carried out up to 6 months before the 18F DOPA PET/CT. Seventy eight percent of patients were female and 27% had hereditary MTC. Median Ctn level was 1450 pg/ml [150-56620], median CEA level 413 ng/ml [2.9-7436]. Median Ctn DT was 37.5 months [5.7-240]; median CEA DT was 31.8 [4.9-180]. 18F-DOPA PET/CT was positive in 33 patients (91.6%); in 18 (56%) uptake was observed in lymph nodes in the neck or mediastinum, in seven cases (22%) distant metastases were diagnosed, and in eight additional patients (24%) both locoregional and distant sites of disease were found. Ctn and CEA levels were higher in patients with ≥3 foci of distant metastases. In 14 patients (38.8%), findings on 18F-DOPA PET/CT led to changes in management; surgery for locoregional lymph nodes was the most frequent procedure in 8 patients (22%). 18F-DOPA PET/CT was useful for the detection of recurrent disease in MTC, providing incremental value over conventional imaging procedures that led to modification in treatment strategies in nearly 40% of patients.