Imaging In Patients Research Articles

Correlación entre la sensibilidad al contraste y las características morfológicas obtenidas por OCT en pacientes con degeneración macular relacionada con la edad avanzada tratados con dosis de carga de inhibidores del factor de crecimiento endotelial vascular

ObjectiveTo determine the correlation between contrast sensitivity and morphological characteristics obtained by optical coherence tomography in patients with age-related macular degeneration treated with a loading dose of vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors (anti-VEGF). DesignThis is an ambispective (prospective+retrospective) observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study. ParticipantsAll patients over 55 years of age with age-related macular degeneration who attended the Retina service of the Ophthalmology department and met the inclusion criteria between March-May 2022. MethodsData collection was carried out by reviewing the records of patients.Optical coherence tomography studies prior to the application of intravitreal injections of patients who were currently in the first month after the last dose of anti-VEGF were analyzed. A total of 33 subjects were included, of which 30 continued follow-ups. Normality tests (Shapiro and Bartlett) were performed where a nonparametric data distribution was demonstrated. The subjects underwent a new ophthalmological evaluation and new retinal measurements of the affected eye. ResultsA linear regression analysis was performed comparing the logarithmic values of both visual acuity and contrast sensitivity, obtaining a significant relationship between both values after the application of treatment (P<.0001). Likewise, correlation was demonstrated between the decrease in contrast sensitivity values and all the characteristics evaluated in the patients’ optical coherence tomography. ConclusionsAntiangiogenesis strategies can lead to better results in global visual function, positively impacting contrast sensitivity.

A machine learning approach for preoperatively assessing pulmonary function with computed tomography in patients with lung cancer.

It is clinically important to accurately assess the pulmonary function of patients with lung cancer, especially before surgery. This knowledge can help clinicians to monitor patients pre- and post-surgery, predict the impact of surgery on pulmonary function, and help to optimize postsurgical recovery. We used a deep learning approach for assessing pulmonary function on computed tomography (CT) scans in patients with lung cancer before they underwent surgery. A total of 188 patients with lung cancer whose diagnoses had been pathologically confirmed were enrolled in this study. We used a software to automatically delineate regions of interest (ROIs) throughout the airways, lobes, and the whole lungs. We then used AK software to extract radiomics features of the 3 types of ROIs. We randomly separated these cases into a training cohort and a test cohort at a ratio of 7:3. We next constructed a logistic regression model to assess pulmonary function from the radiomics features. The machine learning outcomes were compared with established clinical criteria for pulmonary function. including forced expiratory volume in the first second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC), FVC, and maximum vital capacity (VCmax) to evaluate the accuracy of the machine learning model. In the ROIs of the lobes, our results showed that the machine learning model had good performance in predicting FVC and VCmax, attaining a Spearman correlation r value of 0.714 with P<0.001 for FVC and a r value of 0.687 with P<0.001 for VCmax. Using the airway ROIs, our model achieved a r of 0.603 with P=0.001 for VCmax. Using the whole lung ROIs, our model achieved a r of 0.704 with P<0.001 for FVC and a r of 0.693 with P<0.001 for VCmax. Preoperative CT may provide a means for evaluating pulmonary function in patients with lung cancer. With radiomics features extracted from the airway, lobes, and the whole lung region, and a properly trained machine learning model, it is possible to obtain accurate estimation for metrics used in clinical criteria and to offer clinicians imaging-based indicators for the status of pulmonary functions.

Randomized comparison of 9-month stent strut coverage of biolimus and everolimus drug-eluting stents assessed by optical coherence tomography in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Long-term (5-years) clinical follow-up (ROBUST trial).

The aim of the study was to compare healing (assessed by optical coherence tomography [OCT]) of biolimus A9 (BES) and everolimus drug-eluting stents (EES) at 9-month follow-up in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). Nine-month clinical and angiographic data were also compared in both groups as well as clinical data at 5 years of follow-up. A total of 201 patients with STEMI were enrolled in the study and randomized either to pPCI with BES or EES implantation. All patients were scheduled for 9 months of angiographic and OCT follow-up. The rate of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was comparable at 9 months in both groups (5% in BES vs. 6% in the EES group; p = 0.87). Angiographic data were also comparable between both groups. The main finding at 9-month OCT analysis was the greatly reduced extent of mean neointimal area at the cost of a higher proportion of uncovered struts in the BES group (1.3 mm² vs. 0.9 mm²; p = 0.0001 and 15.9% vs. 7.0%; p = 0.0001, respectively). At 5 years of clinical follow-up the rate of MACE was comparable between both groups (16.8% vs. 14.0%, p = 0.74). The study demonstrates a very low rate of MACE and good 9-month stent strut coverage of second-generation BES and EES in patients with STEMI. BES showed greatly reduced extent of mean neointimal hyperplasia area at the cost of a higher proportion of uncovered struts when compared to EES. The rate of MACE was low and comparable in both groups at 5 years.

Asymptomatic Azygos Vein Cement Embolism: A Potential Risk of Cement Injection via Cannulated Screw: A case report

Objective: Vertebroplasty is a method that stabilizes the fracture and relieves pain by injecting cement into the vertebral body that has lost its height for some reason. Cement injection can also be done through kyphoplasty and cannulated screw. During the injection, protrusion of the cementum from the corpus is a complication that must be avoided in this procedure. Cement extending out of the corpus may cause pulmonary cement embolism (PCE) via the azygos vein. Case: A 76-year-old female patient was admitted to our clinic with the complaint of low back pain that had been going on for one year. The patient, who did not have motor or sensory deficits in the examination, described neurogenic claudication at 200 meters as well as sensitivity in the lumbar region. An osteoporotic collapse fracture in the L1 vertebra was detected in the patient's imaging. Transpedicular fixation, decompression, and cement-augmented pedicle screw were applied to the patient. After the operation, vena azygos cement embolism was detected in the thoracolumbar computed tomography (CT) scan conducted for follow-up. Although detailed tests were performed for pulmonary embolism (PCE), no findings were detected in the asymptomatic patient. During the follow-up examination after discharge, the patient did not report any respiratory complaints, pain in the lumbar region, or neurogenic claudication complaints. Conclusion: PCE may develop after cement leakage into the azygos vein during cement injection. Although most PCEs remain asymptomatic, sometimes serious or even fatal sequelae have been reported. Cement overflows not reflected in fluoroscopy during the procedure can be detected by post-procedure imaging, and patients can be protected from serious complications.

Computed tomography‐based morphological analysis for intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy in patients with mandibular prognathism

AbstractAimIntraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO) is an orthognathic surgery for patients with jaw deformity. To avoid complications associated with IVRO, understanding the position of the mandibular foramen and shape of the mandibular ramus in patients with mandibular prognathism is important, which only few studies have reported. Most studies have been performed with dry skulls of older people without jaw deformity. This study aimed to examine the position and shape of the mandibular foramen and ramus, respectively, using computed tomography in patients with mandibular prognathism.MethodsThe study was performed on 50 Japanese patients who underwent IVRO. We examined the position of the mandibular foramen against the occlusal plane, distance between the posterior border of the mandible and mandibular foramen, and thickness of the mandibular ramus.ResultsThe mandibular foramen was vertically located above the occlusal plane at a distance of 2.6 ± 5.1 and 1.2 ± 5.1 mm in men and women, respectively. The distances between the mandibular ramus and foramen, measured with the posterior border line of the mandibular ramus as a criterion, were 15.9 ± 2.2 and 14.4 ± 2.1 mm in men and women, respectively. The thickest parts of the mandibular ramus were 6.8 ± 1.6 and 6.9 ± 0.9 mm in men and women, respectively.ConclusionKnowledge of the accurate position of the mandibular foramen is important for a safe IVRO. Mandibular ramus osteotomy line should be within 10 mm from the posterior border of the mandibular ramus, to avoid inferior alveolar nerve damage.

Left atrial strain assessment using cardiac computed tomography in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

PurposeTo evaluate left atrial (LA) function in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) by LA strain assessment using cardiac computed tomography (CT-derived LA strain).Materials and methodsThis was a retrospective study of 34 patients with HCM and 31 non-HCM patients who underwent cardiac computed tomography (CT) using retrospective electrocardiogram-gated mode. CT images were reconstructed every 5% (0–95%) of the RR intervals. CT-derived LA strain (reservoir [LASr], conduit [LASc], and booster pump strain [LASp]) were semi-automatically analyzed using a dedicated workstation. We also measured the left atrial volume index (LAVI) and left ventricular longitudinal strain (LVLS) for the left atrial and ventricular functional parameters to assess the relationship with CT-derived LA strain.ResultsCT-derived LA strain significantly correlated with LAVI: r = − 0.69, p < 0.001 for LASr; r = − 0.70, p < 0.001 for LASp; and r = − 0.35, p = 0.004 for LASc. CT-derived LA strain also significantly correlated with LVLS: r = − 0.62, p < 0.001 for LASr; r = − 0.67, p < 0.001 for LASc; and r = − 0.42, p = 0.013 for LASp. CT-derived LA strain in patients with HCM was significantly lower than that in non-HCM patients: LASr (20.8 ± 7.6 vs. 31.7 ± 6.1%, p < 0.001); LASc (7.9 ± 3.4 vs. 14.2 ± 5.3%, p < 0.001); and LASp (12.8 ± 5.7 vs. 17.6 ± 4.3%, p < 0.001). Additionally, CT-derived LA strain showed high reproducibility; inter-observer correlation coefficients were 0.94, 0.90, and 0.89 for LASr, LASc, and LASp, respectively.ConclusionCT-derived LA strain is feasible for quantitative assessment of left atrial function in patients with HCM.

Assessment of macular and peripapillary choroidal thickness in non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy: A meta-analysis.

Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is the most common optic neuropathy in adults aged ≥ 50 years. Transient non-perfusion or hypoperfusion of the optic nerve head circulation is believed to be the underlying cause of NAION. It has been suggested that peripapillary choroidal thickness (PCT) is altered after ischemic disorders of the optic nerve head, but the results have not always been consistent. To address this issue and provide evidence for the pathogenesis of NAION, we performed a meta-analysis to systematically evaluate macular choroidal thickness (MCT) and PCT in patients with NAION. A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases was performed until August 31, 2022. The main inclusion criterion was a case-control study in which MCT and PCT were measured using optical coherence tomography in patients with NAION. Mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval were calculated for continuous estimates. The Review Manager (V5.40) was used for the analysis. Nine studies comprising 663 eyes (283 NAION eyes and 380 healthy control eyes) were included (Newcastle-Ottawa Scale score ≥ 5). MCT and PCT were higher in eyes with chronic NAION (MD = 19.16, P = .04; MD = 35.36, P < .00001) and NAION fellow eyes (MD = 30.35, P = .0006; MD = 29.86, P = .04) than in healthy controls. No difference was noted in the MCT between eyes with acute NAION and healthy controls (MD = 2.99, P = .87). Increased MCT and PCT may be important anatomical and physiological features of the eyes in patients with NAION.

Usefulness of skeletal muscle measurement by computed tomography in patients with esophageal cancer: changes in skeletal muscle mass due to neoadjuvant therapy and the effect on the prognosis.

This analysis was performed to clarify the usefulness of skeletal muscle measurements using computed tomography (CT) in patients with esophageal cancer and the effect of treatment-induced changes in the skeletal muscle mass on the prognosis. Ninety-seven male patients who underwent thoracoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were included in the study. The preoperative CT images were analyzed retrospectively. In a survival analysis performed according to the preoperative data of skeletal muscle, the low-skeletal muscle index (l-SMI) group had a poorer outcome than the normal skeletal muscle index (n-SMI) group in terms of both the overall survival (OS) and the relapse-free survival (RFS) (OS: P < 0.01, RFS: P = 0.01). In the multivariate analysis for the OS, preoperative l-SMI was an independent predictor (hazard ratio: 3.68, 95% confidence interval 1.32-10.2, P = 0.01). In patients who underwent neoadjuvant therapy (NAT), the SMI was significantly reduced after NAT (P < 0.01). The preoperative skeletal muscle area on CT was strongly correlated with the results of a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) (ρ = 0.77, P < 0.01). A decreased preoperative skeletal muscle mass was associated with a poor outcome. In patients who underwent NAT, the SMI was significantly reduced after NAT. An analysis of the skeletal muscle mass using CT images was found to be useful for providing data that corresponded with BIA data.

Postoperative D-dimer levels predict venous thromboembolisms detected with contrast-enhanced computerized tomography in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

BackgroundIn the literature, factors associated with postoperative venous thromboembolisms (VTEs) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are limited. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of venous thromboembolisms (VTEs) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and to identify risk and predictive factors for VTEs.MethodsThis retrospective study included 136 patients who underwent arthroscopic ACLR with mechanical prophylaxis between April 2012 and July 2022. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) was applied to detect VTEs comprising deep venous thromboses and pulmonary embolisms 7 days after surgery. Data including age, sex, body mass index, concomitant treatments, graft types, smoking status, operative and tourniquet times, postoperative D-dimer levels, and other laboratory test results, were collected for analyses. The incidence of radiographically confirmed VTEs and the associated risk factors, such as age, sex, body mass index, concomitant treatments, graft types, smoking status, operative and tourniquet times, postoperative D-dimer levels, and other laboratory test results, were analyzed.ResultsThe overall incidence of radiographic VTEs was 11.0% (15 cases) in 136 patients. There was one symptomatic patient who had Homan’s sign. Multivariable analysis indicated that postoperative D-dimer level was an independent factor related to a radiographic VTE after ACLR, although there was no association between radiographic VTEs and preoperative status or operation status. The optimal cutoff value for postoperative D-dimer level was 2.8 μg/ml according to the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, with a sensitivity of 80.0% and specificity of 83.5%.ConclusionThe incidence of ACLR-associated radiographical VTEs (deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) under mechanical prophylaxis was 11.0% in this study. An elevated D-dimer level at 7 days after surgery is an independent predictor of VTE in patients undergoing ACLR. The postoperative D-dimer level is a more reliable marker for identifying VTE in patients who underwent ACLR.

Is it really safe to omit staging chest computed tomography in patients with incidentally diagnosed cT1a renal masses who are candidates for surgery? An audit from a high-volume referral academic centre

Is it really safe to omit staging chest computed tomography in patients with incidentally diagnosed cT1a renal masses who are candidates for surgery? An audit from a high-volume referral academic centre

Diagnostic implications of neuroimaging in epilepsy and other seizure disorders.

Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder that affects ~1-2% of the global population, leading to presentation in the emergency room. The neuroimaging modalities have an important application in diagnosing new onset unprovoked seizures and epilepsy. This article discusses the various neuroimaging modalities for diagnosing seizures and epilepsy and addresses that the MRI is the investigation of choice, and urgent imaging is more commonly done by computed tomography in patients with new-onset seizures. The goal of the article was to diagnose seizures and epilepsy for early intervention to prevent complications or damage to the brain. MRI detects even small cortical epileptogenic lesions, whereas computed tomography is used in screening, diagnosis, evaluation, and monitoring of the prognosis of seizures in children. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy provides biochemical measurements of reduced N-acetyl aspartate and increased creatinine and choline in dysfunctioning epileptic zones. Volumetric MRI is very sensitive and specific in determining seizures originating in extratemporal and extrahippocampal sites. Even though diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging has a limited role, it is used in specific pediatric patient groups with temporal lobe epilepsy. Functional radionuclide imaging modalities (positron emission tomography and single-photon emission computerized tomography) are increasingly significant for the identification of the epileptic region. Furthermore, the authors recommend the use of artificial intelligence and further research on imaging modalities for early diagnosis of seizures and epilepsy.

Factors associated with left atrial appendage filling defects on early-phase cardiac computed tomography in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: a case-control study.

The significance of left atrial appendage (LAA) filling defects on early-phase cardiac computed tomography (CCT) remains uncertain. This study retrospectively investigated predictive factors of LAA filling defects on early-phase CCT. A total of 68 patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) and early filling defect on CCT who underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) were enrolled [48 males, 20 females; mean ± standard deviation (SD) age 62.72±8.13 years]. Additionally 68 sex- and age-matched patients with normal LAA filling were included as the control group. CCT, ultrasound, clinical and laboratory data were analyzed. Baseline data between groups were analyzed using t-, Mann-Whitney, and chi-squared tests. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to adjust for confounders. Pearson correlation analysis was used to confirm correlations between variables. Decreased LAA flow velocity [LAAFV; odds ratio (OR) =0.918; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.883-0.954; P<0.001] and increased left atrial volume index (LAVI; OR =1.055; 95% CI: 1.012-1.099; P=0.011) were significantly associated with early-phase CCT LAA filling defects. The LAAFV threshold for predicting early LAA filling defects was 40.5 cm/s, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of 0.905 (sensitivity 82.4%, specificity 91.2%); the LAVI predictive threshold was 58.77 mL/m2 (AUC =0.840, sensitivity 85.3%, specificity 72.1%). A significant positive correlation was detected between LAAFV and the Hounsfield unit (HU) ratio of the LAA to ascending aorta on early-phase CCT (r=0.614; P<0.001), as well as the HU difference in LAA between early and delayed phase CCT (r=0.591; P<0.001). There were significant (P<0.05) differences in LAAFV between different filling defects. Decreased LAAFV and increased LAVI are independent factors associated with LAA filling defects only on early-phase CCT. Early-phase CCT LAA filling defect is associated with LAA emptying dysfunction. These findings contribute to thrombosis risk stratification in patients with AF.

Compare Mean Central Corneal Thickness with Ultrasound Pachymetry and Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography in Patients Presenting with Glaucoma

Background: The optic nerve damage with the ultimate loss of vision resulting from a clutch of diseases named Glaucoma. In many conditions including, corneal dystrophies, corneal edema, and endothelial diseases of the cornea, the important biometric is Central corneal thickness (CCT). Objective: To find the difference in mean CCT with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and ultrasound pachymetry in patients presenting with Glaucoma. Material &amp; Methods: The study design opted was the observational cross-section. The study was done in tertiary care hospital. A total of 180 patients were registered for the present study. Both techniques noted the CCT value of all patients. Once the data was collected, it was stored electronically and analyzed by using SPSS version 20.0. Results: 40.00±11.50 years was the average age of all the patients. There were 89(49.44%) males and 91(50.56%) females. The mean CCT was 531.01±28.54µm on OCT and 530.01±29.74µm on USP. The mean difference in CCT was 3.93±3.13µm between OCT &amp; USP. The difference was statistically insignificant (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: There is a statistically insignificant difference between the mean CCT with USP and spectral domain OCT patients presenting with Glaucoma. Keywords: Glaucoma, Optical Coherence Tomography, Central Corneal Thickness.

Sudden Hairloss and COVID-19

A woman, 51 years old with known hypothyroidism, was admitted to the emergency service because of postoperative complaints of nausea, vomiting, and jaundice. The patient's imaging revealed pleural effusion, compression atelectasis in the right lung, and lesions compatible with type 2 hydatid cysts in the liver; therefore, PAIR (Puncture, Aspiration, Injection, Reaspiration) was planned, and she was admitted to the internal medicine service. After this, the routine COVID PCR, taken before the interventional procedure, was found positive. During the patient's follow-up, there were no indications of respiratory failure brought on by a COVID infection. Although her vitals were steady, it was noted that she had an intense headache, and frequent and severe hair loss from night to morning on the third day of hospitalisation due to a contagious infection.&#x0D; There are few photos about similar cases. This case also important to be recognized as a symptom/complication of COVID-19 to be managed.

Clinical Implications of FDG-PET in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Patients Treated with Neoadjuvant Therapy

PurposeTo evaluate the clinical significance of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who underwent neoadjuvant therapy. MethodsAmong 285 consecutive patients who underwent pancreatic resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma between 2015 and 2021, 86 who underwent preoperative 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography after completion of neoadjuvant treatment were reviewed. Among preoperative factors, including post-treatment maximum standardized uptake value, predictors of early recurrence and poor prognosis were identified using multivariate analysis for decision making in surgery. ResultsNineteen (22%) patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma demonstrated high maximum standardized uptake (≥ 4.5). High post-treatment maximum standardized uptake (≥ 4.5) predicted early recurrence within 6 months after surgery and correlated with shorter recurrence-free survival. Elevated post-treatment CA19-9 level (> 37 U/ml) and maximum standardized uptake ≥ 4.5 were independent prognostic factors. Post-treatment, a high maximum standardized uptake value indicated a poorer prognosis than a low maximum standardized uptake value in both patients with elevated CA19-9 and normal CA19-9 levels. The median overall survival in patients with elevated post-treatment CA19-9 and high maximum standardized uptake was only 17 months; 67% experienced early recurrence. Dynamic changes in maximum standardized uptake during neoadjuvant therapy were correlated with pathological response to neoadjuvant therapy, but not with radiological response or change in CA19-9 level. ConclusionsPost-treatment assessment using maximum standardized uptake value is useful for stratifying patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who will benefit from surgery. Instead of subsequent curative resection, additional neoadjuvant therapy should be considered in patients with a persistently high maximum standardized uptake value.

Characteristics of pulmonary veins and left atrium on computed tomography in patients with atrial fibrillation ablation

Background: It is important to evaluate the imaging of the left atrium (LA) and pulmonary veins (PV) before performing catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. Several factors on computed tomography (CT) are related to the outcome of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation.&#x0D; Methods: From 2/2020 to 5/2022, 45 patients who diagnosed of paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation underwent RF ablation, chest CT scan obtained to evaluate left atrium and pulmonary veins at the Cardiovascular Center – E Hospital.&#x0D; Results: The mean age was 56.1±11.8, male/female was 3/1. Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation accounted for 68.9%. PV dimensions: right superior PV was 18.29 ± 2.39 mm and 16.14 ± 2.26 mm; right inferior PV was 17.63 ± 3.74 mm and 15.07 ± 3.82 mm; left superior PV was 18.60 ± 2.55 mm and 15.79 ± 2.43 mm; left inferior PV was 15.25 ± 1.88 mm and 12.08 ± 1.77 mm. The average diameter of LA measured in the superior-inferior, anterior-posteror directions were: 59.97 ± 7.03 mm, 36.70 ± 5.53 mm and 53.64 ± 8.81 m; respectively. The diameter before-after procedure and the procedure time in the group of patients with persistent AF was larger than that of patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (p&lt;0.05). Patients with paroxysmal AF had a higher success rate of ablation than those with persistent AF (OR=5.27, 95%CI: 1.48-18.80, p &lt; 0.05). Patients who met the criteria for large anterior-posterior LA had a lower successful ablation result than patients without large LA (OR=2.04, 95%CI :1.03-4.04, p &lt; 0.05) .&#x0D; Conclusion: Detailed left atrial and pulmonary venous imaging is essential when performing atrial fibrillation ablation. Paroxysmaltrial fibrillation has a better ablation outcome than persistent atrial fibrillation. Larger left atrial diameter is associated with a lower success rate of ablation.

Prognostic significance of pretreatment 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in patients with T2N1 hormone receptor-positive, ERBB2-negative breast cancer who underwent adjuvant chemotherapy.

To determine whether tumor uptake of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) is associated with invasive disease-free survival (IDFS) in patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive ERBB2-negative early-stage breast cancer treated with adjuvant chemotherapy. This is a single-center cohort study of women with breast cancer who underwent surgery between 2008 and 2015 at Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. Patients were enrolled if they were diagnosed with HR-positive ERBB2-negative breast cancer with histology of invasive ductal carcinoma, had an American Joint Committee on Cancer pathologic tumor stage of T2N1 with 1-3 positive axillary nodes, underwent preoperative 18F-FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), and underwent breast cancer surgery followed by anthracycline- or taxane-based adjuvant chemotherapy. The primary outcome measure was IDFS. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was dichotomized using a predefined cut-off of 4.14. A total of 129 patients were included. The median follow-up period for IDFS in those without recurrence was 82months (interquartile range, 65-106). Multivariable Cox analysis showed that SUVmax was independently associated with IDFS [adjusted hazard ratio 2.49; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.06-5.84]. Ten-year IDFS estimates via the Kaplan-Meier method were 0.60 (95% CI, 0.42-0.74) and 0.82 (95% CI, 0.65-0.91) for high and low SUVmax groups, respectively. The overall association between SUVmax and IDFS appeared to be consistent across subgroups divided according to age, progesterone receptor status, histologic grade, or presence of lymphovascular invasion. High SUVmax on preoperative 18F-FDG PET/CT was independently associated with reduced long-term IDFS in T2N1 HR-positive ERBB2-negative breast cancer patients who underwent adjuvant chemotherapy.

Relationship Between Pulmonary Vascular Dilatation and Clinical Symptoms on Chest Computed Tomography in Patients with Confirmed COVID-19

Introduction: Chest computed tomography (CT) is important in establishing a diagnosis, including detecting pulmonary vascular dilatation as a radiological feature of COVID-19, and consequently in providing comprehensive treatment. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between pulmonary vascular dilatation and clinical symptoms on chest CT in patients with confirmed COVID-19.&#x0D; Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Radiology Department of Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital and Hasanuddin University Hospital, Makassar, Indonesia, from July to September 2021 in a total of 231 patients with confirmed COVID-19. The chi-squared correlation test was used to analyze the data, with p-values of &lt;0.05 considered significant.&#x0D; Results: Pulmonary vascular dilatation was observed in 31 (37.8%) of the 82 patients with confirmed COVID-19 with mild-to-moderate clinical symptoms and in 51 (69.8%) of the 73 patients with confirmed COVID-19 with severe-to-critical clinical symptoms. The incidence of pulmonary vascular dilatation increased in the patients with confirmed COVID-19 with severe-to-critical clinical symptoms. The chief complaints of most patients were cough, shortness of breath, and fever. In the patients with mild-to-moderate clinical symptoms, the most common chief complaint was cough (n=53; 64.63%), while in those with severe-to-critical clinical symptoms, the most common chief complaint was shortness of breath (n=60; 82.19%).&#x0D; Conclusions: Based on chest CT findings, pulmonary vascular dilatation is related to clinical symptoms in patients with confirmed COVID-19.

Association between Aqueous Humor Cytokines and Structural Characteristics Based on Optical Coherence Tomography in Patients with Diabetic Macular Edema.

To investigate the relationship between aqueous humor cytokines and structural characteristics based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). Forty eyes of 28 patients with DME diagnosed in the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University at Hangzhou were included. All patients collected aqueous humor during anti-VEGF treatment, and the IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, VEGF, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, TGF-β1, FGF, and MCP-1 concentrations were detected. OCT examination was performed before anti-VEGF treatment and 1 month after anti-VEGF operation. Central macular thickness (CMT), macular volume (MV), choroidal thickness (CT), and the number of hyperreflective foci (HRF) were obtained for analysis. Each eye was determined whether there is subretinal effusion (SRD), cystoid macular edema (CME), and diffuse retinal thickening (DRT). The levels of IL-6 and FGF in DME patients with SRD were significantly higher than those without SRD (all P < 0.05). The level of VEGF in DME patients with CME was significantly higher than that in DME patients without CME (P = 0.005); IL-6, TGF-β1, and MCP-1 were significantly higher in DME patients with DRT than that without DRT (all P < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between aqueous humor cytokines and retinal thickness and retinal volume. However, the thinner the CT, the higher the level of aqueous humor cytokines IL-6 (r = -0.313, P = 0.049) and FGF (r = -0.361, P = 0.022). A multivariate linear regression analysis showed that IL-6 was significantly correlated with CT (P = 0.002) and SRD (P = 0.017), FGF was also significantly correlated with CT (P = 0.002) and SRD (P = 0.005), and TGF-β1 was correlated with triglycerides (P = 0.030) and HRF (P = 0.021). DME patients with significant macular cystoid edema changes may be related to high VEGF concentrations and thin CT; meanwhile, the presence of SRD or a high number of HRF on OCT macular scans in DME patients may indicate high levels of intraocular inflammatory factors. Thus, OCT morphology characteristics to some extent reflect intraocular inflammatory factors and VEGF levels and may guide treatment alternatives.

Longitudinal evaluation of RTVue optical coherence tomography in patients with glaucoma and suspected glaucoma and stable visual fields.

To longitudinally compare isolated structural parameters obtained using RTVue optical coherence tomography in patients with glaucoma and suspected glaucoma with stable visual fields. All patients were required to have a reliable SITA Standard 24-2 Humphrey Visual Field test. Visual field stability was defined as having <5 points with p<5% and/or having no points with p<1% and/or p<0.05% in the glaucoma progression analysis comparison graph. Furthermore, the glaucoma assessment strategy was used in optical coherence tomography. The study included 75 eyes from 75 patients, 43 of which had glaucoma and 32 had suspected glaucoma. The mean visual field intervals were 29.57 ± 9.65 months between the first and third tests. No visual field parameter variations (mean deviation, pattern standard deviation, and visual field index) and no retinal nerve fiber layer or optic disk parameter variations between the first and third tests were observed (p>0.05 for all), and no retinal nerve fiber layer parameter variations throughout the study were observed, except for optic disk parameters presenting with cup volume changes (p=0.004). However, ganglion complex cells presented a progressively decreased average ganglion cell complex parameter, with a variability of -0.98% ± 3.71% (p=0.04) between the first and third tests. By contrast, the global loss volume progressively increased throughout the study, with a variability of 14.71% ± 44.52% (p=0.04) between the first and third tests. The inferior ganglion cell complex parameter was significantly decreased between the first and third tests (p=0.02). The present findings suggest that patients with glaucoma or suspected glaucoma with stable visual fields may present structural ganglion complex cell progression as assessed using RTVue optical coherence tomography.