Correlation of apparent diffusion coefficient at 3T with prognostic parameters of retinoblastoma

Diagnostic Imaging for Retinoblastoma Cancer Staging: Guide for Providing Essential Insights for Ophthalmologists and Oncologists

Retinoblastoma is the most common cause of all intraocular pediatric malignancies. It is caused by the loss of RB1 tumor suppressor gene function, although some tumors occur due to MYCN oncogene amplification with normal RB1 genes. Nearly half of all retinoblastomas occur due to a hereditary germline RB1 pathogenic variant, most of which manifest with bilateral tumors. This germline RB1 mutation also predisposes to intracranial midline embryonal tumors. Accurate staging of retinoblastoma is crucial in providing optimal vision-, eye-, and life-saving treatment. The AJCC Cancer Staging Manual has undergone significant changes, resulting in a universally accepted system with a multidisciplinary approach for managing retinoblastoma. The authors discuss the role of MRI and other diagnostic imaging techniques in the pretreatment assessment and staging of retinoblastoma. A thorough overview of the prevailing imaging standards and evidence-based perspectives on the benefits and drawbacks of these techniques is provided. Published under a CC BY 4.0 license. Test Your Knowledge questions for this article are available in the supplemental material.

Comparison of HASTE versus EPI-Based DWI for Retinoblastoma and Correlation with Prognostic Histopathologic Parameters

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Non-EPI-based DWI has shown better performance in head and neck pathologies owing to lesser susceptibility artifacts compared with EPI-DWI. However, only sporadic studies have investigated the feasibility of non-EPI-based DWI in retinoblastoma (RB). We qualitatively and quantitively compared EPI-DWI and HASTE-DWI in RB and correlated the tumor ADC values obtained from these 2 techniques with histopathologic markers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-one treatment-naive patients with RB underwent 1.5T orbital MR imaging. EPI-DWI and HASTE-DWI were acquired at 3 b-values (0, 500, and 1000 s/mm2). All patients subsequently underwent surgical enucleation. For qualitative image assessment, scoring of overall image quality, artifacts, tumor sharpness, and tumor conspicuity was done by using a 5-point Likert scale. Quantitative assessment included calculations of SNR, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), geometric distortion, and ADC. Qualitative scores were compared by using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and quantitative parameters were analyzed with a t test.

RESULTS

All 21 patients had unilateral RB; 15 were male and 6 were female with a median age of 36 months (range, 9-72 months). On histopathology, patients had either poorly differentiated (n = 13/21) or moderately differentiated (n = 8/21) RB. Other poor prognostic markers evaluated were optic nerve invasion (n = 10/21), choroidal invasion (n = 12/21), and anterior eye segment enhancement on MRI (n = 6/21). HASTE-DWI demonstrated higher image quality scores than EPI-DWI (P < .01), except for tumor conspicuity score, which was higher for EPI-DWI (P < .001). HASTE-DWI showed lower SNR, CNR, and geometric distortion than EPI-DWI (P < .001). The average acquisition times of EPI-DWI and HASTE-DWI were ∼1 and 14 minutes, respectively. The mean tumor ADC value on EPI-DWI was 0.62 ± 0.14 × 10-3 mm2/s and on HASTE-DWI was 0.83 ± 0.17 × 10-3 mm2/s. A significant correlation between EPI-DWI and HASTE-DWI ADC values (r = 0.8; P = .01) was found. Lower ADC values were found in tumors with poor prognostic markers, but none reached a statistically significant difference.

CONCLUSIONS

HASTE-DWI shows improved overall image quality; however, it lacks in terms of tumor conspicuity, SNR, CNR, and longer acquisition time compared with EPI-DWI. ADC values derived from HASTE-DWI show no advantage over EPI-DWI in correlation with histopathologic prognostic markers.

Identification of immune-related gene signature for predicting prognosis in uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma

The objective of this study is to develop a gene signature related to the immune system that can be used to create personalized immunotherapy for Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma (UCEC). To classify the UCEC samples into different immune clusters, we utilized consensus clustering analysis. Additionally, immune correlation algorithms were employed to investigate the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in diverse clusters. To explore the biological function, we conducted GSEA analysis. Next, we developed a Nomogram by integrating a prognostic model with clinical features. Finally, we performed experimental validation in vitro to verify our prognostic risk model. In our study, we classified UCEC patients into three clusters using consensus clustering. We hypothesized that cluster C1 represents the immune inflammation type, cluster C2 represents the immune rejection type, and cluster C3 represents the immune desert type. The hub genes identified in the training cohort were primarily enriched in the MAPK signaling pathway, as well as the PD-L1 expression and PD-1 checkpoint pathway in cancer, all of which are immune-related pathways. Cluster C1 may be a more suitable for immunotherapy. The prognostic risk model showed a strong predictive ability. Our constructed risk model demonstrated a high level of accuracy in predicting the prognosis of UCEC, while also effectively reflecting the state of TIME.

Multi-parametric arterial spin labeling and diffusion-weighted imaging of paranasal sinuses masses

PURPOSE

To evaluate arterial spin labeling (ASL) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in discrimination of benign from malignant paranasal sinus (PNS) tumors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A prospective study was done upon 42 cases of PNS masses that underwent magnetic resonance ASL and DWI of the head. Tumor blood flow (TBF) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the masses were calculated by two observers. The pathological diagnosis was malignant (n = 28) and benign (n = 14) cases.

RESULTS

For both observers, the malignant PNS masses had significantly higher TBF (P < 0.001, 0.001) and lower ADC (P < 0.001, 0.001) than in benign masses. The ROC curve analysis of TBF, The threshed TBF was (121.45, 122.68 mL/100 g/min) used for differentiation between benign and malignant PNS masses, revealed sensitivity (92.9%, 89.3%), specificity (85.7%, 85.7%), accuracy (90.5%, 88.1%) and the AUC was 0.87 and 0.86 by both observers. the ROC curve analysis of ADC, The threshold ADC (1.215, 1.205 X10^-3mm2/s) was used for differentiation between benign and malignant PNS masses, revealed sensitivity (96.4%, 89.3%), specificity (78.6%, 78.6%), accuracy of (90.5%, 85.7%) and the AUC was 0.93 and 0.92 by both observers. Combined analysis of TBF and ADC used for differentiation between benign and malignant PNS masses had revealed sensitivity (96.4%, 89.3%), specificity (92.9%, 85.7%) accuracy of (95.2%, 88.1%) and AUC. (0.995, 0.985) for both observers.

CONCLUSION

Combined using of TBF and ADC have a role in differentiation malignant from benign PNS masses.

Diffusion tensor imaging of dorsal stream language areas in patients with post-stroke aphasia

Background

Aphasia complicating stroke occurs due to language deficits that decrease communication abilities and functional independence. Our study aims to assess fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) parameters of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of the dorsal stream language areas in patients with post-stroke aphasia. It was conducted on 27 patients with post-stroke aphasia and 27 age- and sex-matched controls who underwent DTI of the brain. FA and MD values of Broca's area (BA), Wernick's area (WA), superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), and arcuate fasciculus (AF), and number of tract fibers (TF) of AF and SLF were calculated. Results were correlated with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Arabic version of Comprehensive Aphasia Test (Arabic CAT), and Mansoura Arabic Screening Aphasia Test (MASAT).

Results

FA of AF and SLF in patients was significantly lower (P = 0.001) than controls. MD of AF and SLF in patients was significantly higher (P = 0.001) than controls. The mean volume TF of AF and SLF in patients was significantly (P = 0.001) lower than the mean volume in controls for AF and SLF. FA cutoff for AF was 0.34 and for SLF, it was 0.35 with sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy (85.2%, 62.1%, 73.2%) for AF, (74.1%, 69%, 71.4%) for SLF, respectively. MD cutoff value for AF was 0.87, and 0.84 for SLF with sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy (63%, 72.4%, 67.8%) for AF, (81.5%, 79.3%, 80.4%) for SLF, respectively. Cutoff TF of AF was 1728 and for SLF it was 601 with sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy (88.9%, 72.4%, 80.4%) for AF and (85.2%, 85.2%, 78.6%) for SLF, respectively.

Conclusions

DTI is a non-invasive promising method that can be used to assess language areas in patients with post-stroke aphasia.

Diffusion‐Weighted MR Imaging of the Optic Nerve Can Improve the Detection of Post‐Laminar Optic Nerve Invasion from Retinoblastoma

BACKGROUND

Post-laminar optic nerve invasion (PLONI) is a high-risk factor for the metastasis of retinoblastoma (RB). Unlike conventional MRI, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) reflects histopathological features, and may aid the assessment of PLONI.

PURPOSE

To determine the value of conventional MRI plus DWI in detecting PLONI in RB patients.

STUDY TYPE

Retrospective.

POPULATION

Eighty-three RB patients, including 28 with histopathologically proven PLONI and 55 without PLONI.

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE

3.0 T, precontrast axial T1-weighted and T2-weighted imaging, DWI, and postcontrast axial, coronal, and oblique-sagittal T1-weighted imaging.

ASSESSMENT

PLONI was assessed using post-enucleation histology and preoperative MRI features (optic nerve signal intensity, enlargement, and enhancement on conventional MRI, and apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC] of the optic nerve on DWI) evaluated by three observers.

STATISTICAL TESTS

MRI features suggesting the presence of PLONI were identified using univariable and multivariable analyses. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC) were used to analyze diagnostic performance.

RESULTS

Optic nerve enhancement and low ADC of the optic nerve were significant indicators of PLONI. ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC of the combination of these two features for detecting PLONI was 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.78-0.93). The diagnostic performance of this model was significantly superior to that of optic nerve enhancement alone (0.76, 95% CI: 0.65-0.85) and marginally superior to that of the ADC of the affected optic nerve (0.78, 95% CI: 0.68-0.87, P = 0.051).

DATA CONCLUSION

Conventional MRI combined with DWI can improve the detection of PLONI in RB patients over conventional MRI alone.

EVIDENCE LEVEL

3 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2.

Diffusion Tensor Imaging of Auditory Pathway in Patients With Crigler-Najjar Syndrome Type I: Correlation With Auditory Brainstem Response

AIM

To evaluate the role of diffusion tensor imaging of the auditory pathway in patients with Crigler Najjar syndrome type I and its relation to auditory brainstem response.

METHODS

Prospective study was done including 12 patients with Crigler Najjar syndrome type I and 10 age- and sex-matched controls that underwent diffusion tensor imaging of brain. Mean diffusivity and fractional anisotropy at 4 regions of the brain and brainstem on each side were measured and correlated with the results of auditory brainstem response for patients.

RESULTS

There was significantly higher mean diffusivity of cochlear nucleus, superior olivary nucleus, inferior colliculus, and auditory cortex of patients versus controls on both sides for all regions (P = .001). The fractional anisotropy of cochlear nucleus, superior olivary nucleus, inferior colliculus, and auditory cortex of patients versus controls was significantly lower, with P values of, respectively, .001, .001, .003, and .001 on the right side and .001, .001, .003, and .001 on left side, respectively. Also, a negative correlation was found between the maximum bilirubin level and fractional anisotropy of the left superior olivary nucleus and inferior colliculus of both sides. A positive correlation was found between the mean diffusivity and auditory brainstem response wave latency of the right inferior colliculus and left cochlear nucleus. The fractional anisotropy and auditory brainstem response wave latency of the right superior olivary nucleus, left cochlear nucleus, and inferior colliculus of both sides were negatively correlated.

CONCLUSION

Diffusion tensor imaging can detect microstructural changes in the auditory pathway in Crigler Najjar syndrome type I that can be correlated with auditory brainstem response.

Early Response to Chemotherapy in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Evaluated Using Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Initial Observations

Introduction

We compared the magnetic resonance imaging total tumor volume (TTV) and median apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) before and at 4 weeks after chemotherapy, to evaluate whether these are potential early markers of treatment response.

Methods

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 23 patients with MPM before and after 4 weeks of chemotherapy. The TTV was measured by semiautomatic segmentation (GrowCut) and transferred onto ADC maps to record the median ADC. Test-retest repeatability of TTV and ADC was evaluated in eight patients. TTV and median ADC changes were compared between responders and nonresponders, defined using modified Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors on computed tomography (CT) at 12 weeks after treatment. TTV and median ADC were also correlated with CT size measurement and disease survival.

Results

The test-retest 95% limits of agreement for TTV were -13.9% to 16.2% and for median ADC -1.2% to 3.3%. A significant increase in median ADC in responders was observed at 4 weeks after treatment (p = 0.02). Correlation was found between CT tumor size change at 12 weeks and median ADC changes at 4 weeks post-treatment (r = -0.560, p = 0.006). An increase in median ADC greater than 5.1% at 4 weeks has 100% sensitivity and 90% specificity for responders (area under the curve = 0.933, p < 0.001). There was also moderate correlation between median tumor ADC at baseline and overall survival (r = 0.45, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging measurements of TTV and median ADC in MPM have good measurement repeatability. Increase in ADC at 4 weeks post-treatment has the potential to be an early response biomarker.

Preimaging and Postimaging of Graft and Flap in Head and Neck Reconstruction

Head and neck reconstructive surgical techniques are complex; now the microvascular free tissue transfer is the most frequently used. The postreconstruction imaging interpretation is challenging due to the altered anatomy and flap variability. We aim to improve radiologists' knowledge with diverse methods of flap reconstruction for an accurate appreciation of their expected cross-sectional imaging appearance and early detection of tumor recurrence and other complication.

Role of MR Imaging in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Routine and advanced MR imaging sequences are used for locoregional spread, nodal, and distant staging of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, aids treatment planning, predicts treatment response, differentiates recurrence for postradiation changes, and monitors patients after chemoradiotherapy.

Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning of Head and Neck Cancer

Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, particularly deep learning, have developed to the point that they can be applied in image recognition tasks. The use of AI in medical imaging can guide radiologists to more accurate image interpretation and diagnosis in radiology. The software will provide data that we cannot extract from the images. The rapid development in computational capabilities supports the wide applications of AI in a range of cancers. Among those are its widespread applications in head and neck cancer.

The role of diffusion tensor imaging of the liver in children with autoimmune hepatitis

Purpose

To evaluate the role of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of the liver in children with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH).

Material and methods

A prospective study was done on 42 children with AIH (30 girls and 12 boys, with a mean age of 13 years) and 20 age- and sex-matched healthy control children. They underwent DTI of the liver and laboratory tests. Liver biopsy was done for the patients. The mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) of the liver were calculated and correlated with the pathological results.

Results

The mean MD and FA of the liver in children with AIH were 1.42 ± 0.06 × 10^-3 mm²/s and 0.37 ± 0.11; and in the control children they were 1.55 ± 0.07 × 10^-3 mm²/s and 0.25 ± 0.03, respectively. The MD and FA were significantly different in the children with AIH compared to the control children (p = 0.001). The cutoff MD and FA used to differentiate patients from controls were 1.50 × 10^-3 mm²/s, 0.31 with AUC of 0.919 and 0.813, sensitivity of 97.6% and 66.7%, a specificity of 80% and 70%, an accuracy of 94.2% and 67.3%, PPV of 95.3 and 90.3, and NPV of 88.9 and 33.3, respectively. There was significantly lower MD and higher FA of the liver in children with AIH type I (n = 31) than type II (n = 11) (p = 0.001), and patients with (n = 9) and without (n = 33) overlap syndrome (p = 0.005).

Conclusions

We concluded that DTI parameters can help to diagnose AIH, detect its phenotyping, and give clues as to the presence of associated overlap syndrome.

Diffusion-weighted MRI for predicting treatment response in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Early prediction of treatment response in nasopharyngeal carcinoma is clinically relevant for optimizing treatment strategies. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate whether apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) from diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) can predict treatment response of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. A systematic search of PubMed-MEDLINE and Embase was performed to identify relevant original articles until July 22, 2021. We included studies which performed DWI for predicting locoregional treatment response in nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, definitive chemoradiation, or radiation therapy. Hazard ratios were meta-analytically pooled using a random-effects model for the pooled estimates of overall survival, local relapse-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival and their 95% CIs. ADC showed a pooled sensitivity of 87% (95% CI 72–94%) and specificity of 70% (95% CI 56–80%) for predicting treatment response. Significant between-study heterogeneity was observed for both pooled sensitivity (I² = 68.5%) and specificity (I² = 92.2%) (P < 0.01). The pooled hazard ratios of low pretreatment ADC for assessing overall survival, local relapse-free survival, and distant metastasis-free survival were 1.42 (95% CI 1.09–1.85), 2.31 (95% CI 1.42–3.74), and 1.35 (95% CI 1.05–1.74), respectively. In patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, pretreatment ADC demonstrated good predictive performance for treatment response.

Carotid disease and retinal optical coherence tomography angiography parameters in patients with non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy

PURPOSE

In order to analyze the data and retinal microvasculature for non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), patients were referred to have carotid Doppler ultrasound (CDU) from 2016 to 2020.

METHODS

In this case-control observational study, 30 NAION patients were evaluated with CDU. Twenty-two NAION patients (at least 3 months after the onset of symptoms) and 9 normal subjects underwent a complete ophthalmic examination including optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A). NAION eyes and fellow eyes were further divided into two groups based on the presence of carotid stenosis (CS). NAION patients with CS were termed "CS-NAION"; and those without CS were termed "NCS-NAION." Measurements of radial peripapillary capillary vessel density (RPC VD), ganglion cell complex (GCC), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thicknesses were compared among groups.

RESULTS

Fourteen of 30 NAION patients referred to have carotid Doppler were positive for CS with each one of such referrals having less than 50% stenosis. RNLF, GCC and RPC VDs were reduced in NAION patients' eyes, when compared to controls and the fellow eyes. RPC VD was significantly lower in the temporal-superior (P = 0.037) and the superior-temporal (P = 0.012) sectors of the NCS-NAION patients than in the CS-NAION patients. No significant differences were found between CS-fellow eyes and NCS-fellow eyes in terms of RPC VDs, RNLF or GCC.

CONCLUSION

Results of the study highlight the effect of the carotid artery stenosis on ocular perfusion pressure in the pathogenesis of NAION. More extensive studies are necessary.

Diagnosis of hilar cholangiocarcinoma using intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the value of intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighed magnetic resonance imaging (IVIM-DWI) in discriminating the pathological grades of hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-seven HC patients were enrolled and received routine and advanced DWI scanning with multiple b-values. IVIM-DWI images were obtained using echo-planar imaging sequence.

RESULTS

The consistency of the maximum cross-sectional area ROI measuring method was higher than that of the repeated sampling ROI measuring method. ADC_slow values were closely correlated with the pathological grades of HC. The degrees of biliary dilatation and MELD scores had no influence on the negative correlation between ADC_slow values and the pathological degrees of HC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

ADC_slow values could be applied in indicating the pathological grades of HC, which was independent on the extent of biliary dilatation.

Correlations between apparent diffusion coefficient values of WB-DWI and clinical parameters in multiple myeloma

Background

Whole-body diffusion-weighted imaging (WB-DWI) is a method for evaluating bone marrow infiltration in multiple myeloma (MM). This study seeks to elucidate the correlation between the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value and some selected clinical parameters.

Methods

A total of 101 Chinese patients with MM who had undergone WB-DWI from May 2017 to May 2019 were enrolled in this study. The ADC values of the MM lesions and the clinical parameters were quantified at the first (baseline) visit and after four-course induction chemotherapy. Multiple linear regression and logistic analyses were carried out to find the implicit inherent relationships within the patients’ data.

Results

The paired Wilcoxon test showed that the ADC values at the baseline visit (ADC₀) were significantly lower than the values after four-course induction chemotherapy (ADC_{4 c}) (p < 0.001), including different therapeutic responses. The Revised International Staging System (RISS) stage, type of MM, and β2-microglobulin (β2-MG) were predictors of clinically significant increases or decreases in the ADC values (p < 0.05). Multiple linear regression showed that the ADC₀ was negatively associated with β2-MG (p < 0.001) and immunoglobulin heavy chain gene rearrangement (p = 0.012), while the RISS Stage III (p = 0.001), type IgG λ (p = 0.005), and albumin were negatively associated with ADC_{4 c} (p = 0.010). The impacts of the therapeutic response were associated with ADC₀ and immunoglobulin heavy chain gene rearrangement (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The ADC values of WB-DWI may be associated with clinical parameters of MM including the fluorescence in situ hybridization result, and may be useful in the prognosis of patients with MM.

Trial Registration: ChiCTR2000029587

Diffusion tensor imaging of vertebral bone marrow in children with Gaucher's disease type I and III: Pre- and post-therapy

PURPOSE

To assess diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of the vertebral bone marrow (BM) in children with Gaucher's disease (GD) types I and III before and after therapy.

METHODS

Prospective study was conducted upon 25 children with GD type I (n = 17) and III (n = 8) and 13 age and sex-matched controls underwent DTI of vertebral BM. Mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) of vertebral BM was calculated and correlated with genotyping, chitotriosidase, hemoglobin (HB) and, platelet count.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant difference in MD and FA of BM between patients and controls (P = 0.001 and 0.02). The area under the curve (AUC) of MD and FA used to differentiate untreated patients from controls was 0.902 and 0.68 with sensitivity, specificity, and, accuracy 92%, 84.6%, and, 89.5% respectively. There was a significant difference in MD and FA of BM between untreated and treated patients (P = 0.001 and 0.02). AUC of MD and FA used to differentiate untreated from treated patients was 0.93 and 0.649 with sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 92%, 80%, and 86% respectively. There was a significant difference in MD and FA (P = 0.03, 0.001 respectively) of BM in GD with homozygous L444P mutation (n = 9) and other mutations (n = 14). Chiotriptase, HB and platelet count of patients was correlated with MD (r = -0.36, 0.42, -0.41) and FA (r = -0.47, -0.37, -0.46) respectively.

CONCLUSION

DTI of vertebral BM can help in diagnosis and monitoring patients with GD after therapy and correlated with genotyping, and hematological biomarkers of GD.

Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS): What the radiologists need to know?

We aim to review the new modifications in MR imaging technique, image interpretation, lexicon, and scoring system of the last version of Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2.1 (PI-RADS v2.1) in a simple and practical way. This last version of PI-RADS v2.1 describes the new technical modifications in the protocol of Multiparametric MRI (MpMRI) including T2, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and dynamic contrast enhancement (DCE) parameters. It includes also; new guidelines in the image interpretation specifications in new locations (lesions located in the central zone and anterior fibromuscular stroma), clarification of T2 scoring of lesions of the transition zone, the distinction between DWI score 2 and 3 lesions in the transition zone and peripheral zone, as well as between positive and negative enhancement in DCE. Biparametric MRI (BpMRI) along with simplified PI-RADS is gaining more acceptances in the assessment of clinically significant prostatic cancer.

Diffusion tensor imaging of the spleen in prediction and grading of esophageal varices in cirrhotic children with portal hypertension

PURPOSE

To assess diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of spleen in prediction and grading of esophageal varices (OV) in cirrhotic children.

METHODS

This prospective study was conducted upon 30 children with cirrhotic children with OV and 10 age-gender matched controls that underwent DTI of abdomen. Mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) of spleen were calculated and matched with the grading of OV at endoscopy and laboratory biomarkers of portal hypertension.

RESULTS

Mean ADC of spleen in patient was significantly different (p = 0.001) from that of controls by both reviewers respectively. The cutoff ADC measurement of the spleen used for prediction of OV was ≥ 0.75 and ≥ 0.76 × 10^-3mm²/s with AUC was 0.993 and 0.997 for both reviewers respectively. The FA of the spleen in patient was different (p = 0.01) from of controls of both reviewers respectively. Cutoff FA of spleen used for prediction of OV was ≤ 0.35 and ≤ 0.36 for both observers respectively. ADC and FA of spleen was correlated with platelets count (r =  - 0.713, 0.392; p = 0.001, 0.012) and prothrombin time (r = 0.518, - 0.380; p = 0.001, 0.016).

CONCLUSION

DTI metrics of spleen can predict and grade OV and correlated with laboratory biomarkers of portal hypertension.

Overexpressing PTTG family genes predict poor prognosis in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma

Background

Pituitary tumor transforming genes (PTTG1, PTTG2, and PTTG3P) play key roles in the pathogenesis and development of human cancers. The studies show that overexpression of the PTTG genes is associated with tumor progression and migration. However, the function of the PTTG genes in the prognostic value of kidney renal clear cell carcinoma is rarely known by people.

Methods

The expression of PTTG family genes was analyzed by the ONCOMINE, Human Protein Atlas, GEPIA2, and UALCAN database. The relationship between PTTG family genes expression level and clinical indicators including prognostic data in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma was analyzed by GEPIA2, TCGA portal, and UALCAN. cBioPortal database was used to analyze the genetic mutations of differentially expressed PTTG family members. Similar genes of the PTTG family (90 in total) obtained from GEPIA2 and Metascape were used for GO enrichment to explore the interaction among similar genes. The online tools of Metascape and STRING were used for functional and pathway enrichment analysis.

Results

PTTG1, 2, and 3P mRNA and protein expression upregulated in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma kidney renal clear cell carcinoma patients compared with normal tissues. And higher expression level of PTTG family genes was associated with shorter overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Furthermore, overexpression of the PTTG family genes had been found correlated with individual cancer stages and pathological tumor grades. In addition, 18% of mutations in the PTTG family genes were associated with short-term survival in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma patients.

Conclusions

A single PTTG gene or PTTG family genes as a whole may be a potential prognostic biomarker for kidney renal clear cell carcinoma.

Differentiation Between Phenotypes of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome With Sonography

Objectives:

To differentiate between the classic (A/B) from the nonclassic (C/D) phenotypes of the polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) with sonography.

Materials & Methods:

Retrospective analysis was performed upon 72 female patients with PCOS. All patients underwent transvaginal sonography. The patients were classified into classic and nonclassic phenotypes of PCOS. Image analysis was performed for the ovarian volume, follicle counts, follicle size, and endometrial plate thickness.

Results:

There were significant differences in the ovarian volume ( P = .001), follicle counts ( P = .001), follicle size ( P = .001), and endometrial plate thickness ( P = .001) between classic and nonclassic phenotypes of PCOS. The threshold value for ovarian volume, follicle count, follicle size, and endometrial plate thickness used to differentiate classic from nonclassic phenotypes were 12.5, 10.5, 5.25, and 5.75, respectively, with an area under the curve of 0.79, 0.82, 0.83, 0.77 and an accuracy of 75%, 73.6%, 79.2%, and 68.1%, respectively. The serum testosterone level and the body mass index were significantly higher in patients with classic than nonclassic phenotypes of PCOS ( P = .001, .04), respectively.

Conclusion:

Sonography findings can differentiate classic from nonclassic phenotypes of PCOS.

Bone-related disorders of the jaw: A clinico-radiological diagnostic algorithm

Bone-related disorders of the jaw (BRDJ) include a spectrum of non-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions of the maxillofacial region that have been recently classified into fibro-osseous lesions, giant cell lesions and osseous tumours. The histopathological features of BRDJ can be similar and overlie each other. Imaging is important in order to reach a specific diagnosis. However, the appearance of BRDJ on imaging is non-specific in some cases. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used for accurate localisation, characterisation of the tumour matrix, delineation of the lesion extension and establishment of the relation of BRDJ to the surrounding structures. Imaging is usually done to detect the relationship with the adjacent surrounding vital structures and to diagnose aggressive forms, malignant transformation and associated syndromes. The correlation of the demographic findings, the location and the clinical presentations with the imaging features are important for the diagnosis of BRDJ. The proposed clinico-radiological diagnostic algorithm with CT and MRI helps a specific diagnosis to be reached in some cases.

Interstitial Lung Fibrosis Imaging Reporting and Data System: What Radiologist Wants to Know?

The aim of this work is to review interstitial lung fibrosis Imaging Reporting and Data System (ILF-RADS) that was designed for reporting of interstitial lung fibrosis (ILF). Findings include pulmonary and extrapulmonary findings and is subsequently designed into 4 categories. Pulmonary findings included lung volume, reticulations, traction bronchiectasis, honeycomb, nodules, cysts, ground glass, consolidation, mosaic attenuation and emphysema, and distribution of pulmonary lesions; axial (central, peripheral and diffuse), and zonal distribution (upper, middle, and lower zones). Complications in the form of acute infection, acute exacerbation, and malignancy were also assessed. Extrapulmonary findings included mediastinal, pleural, tracheal, and bone or soft tissue lesions. The lexicon of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) was classified into 4 categories designated as belonging in 1 of 4 categories. Lexicon of ILF-RADS-1 (typical UIP), ILF-RADS-2 (possible UIP), ILF-RADS-3 (indeterminate for UIP), and ILF-RADS-4 (inconsistent with UIP).

Novel observations in choroidal osteoma by multispectral imaging: a pilot case series

PURPOSE

To identify novel tumor-specific features of ossification by using multispectral imaging (MSI) in patients diagnosed with choroidal osteoma.

METHODS

Six eyes of 5 patients previously diagnosed with choroidal osteoma by ocular ultrasonography and orbital computerized tomography were observed with multispectral imaging (MSI). Traditional multimodal imaging, including color fundus photograph (CFP) and enhanced depth-imaging-optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT), fundus autofluorescence (FAF), indocyanine green angiography/fundus fluorescein angiography (ICGA/FFA), was performed. Osseous features detected by MSI such as calcification and decalcification were characterized and compared with other imaging modalities.

RESULTS

In all 3 eyes with calcified choroidal osteoma (100%), MSI featured by the homogeneous reflectance in 550 nm but the beehive appearance in 600-680 nm and homogenous hyper-reflectance in 780-850 nm', indicating the compact bone in the outer layers and bone trabecula in the middle layer (Sandwich sign). The pigmentary change showed high agreement between MSI and FAF. In other 3 eyes with extensive decalcification, MSI was able to differentiate the inactive portion of the osteoma from the decalcified area. The inactive portion was characterized by geographic hyper-reflective islands with higher reflectivity border (floating island sign). Decalcified portion was featured by increased definition and reflectivity from osteoma. Partial decalcification and total decalcification can be differentiated in one decalcifying eye (33.3%). MSI revealed better the presence and border of the osteoma compared with FFA, FAF and MC (100%) in all six eyes in our study.

CONCLUSIONS

MSI presented characteristic osseous-related features of choroidal osteoma, providing clear evidence for differentiating osteoblastic and osteoclastic regions and noncalcifying regions. It can contribute to en-face visualization of choroidal osteomas at different stages, providing new insight into the spectrum behavior of CO.

Assessment of Tamoxifen-Related Endometrial Changes in Premenopausal Female Patients With Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging

PURPOSE

To evaluate tamoxifen-related endometrial changes in premenopausal female patients with diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI).

METHODS

This prospective study was performed on 71 premenopausal female patients (mean age, 41 years) who were receiving tamoxifen therapy. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging with DWI of the pelvis and hysteroscopic-guided endometrial biopsy. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of the endometrial plate were calculated and correlated with pathological results.

RESULTS

The mean ADCs of tamoxifen-related benign endometrial lesions (1.35 ± 0.19 and 1.32 ± 0.13 × 10 mm/s) were significantly higher (P = 0.001) than those of normal endometrial plate (0.95 ± 0.11 and 0.93 ± 0.11 × 10 mm/s) by both reviewers, respectively. The cutoff ADC values used to differentiate tamoxifen-related benign endometrial lesions from normal endometrium were 1.07 and 1.02 × 10 mm/s with areas under the curve of 0.94 and 0.93 and accuracy of 94.4 and 95.8 by both reviewers, respectively. The mean ADC values of endometrial polyp (EP) (1.44 ± 0.19 and 1.42 ± 0.22 × 10 mm/s) were significantly higher (P = 0.001) than those of endometrial hyperplasia (EH) (1.25 ± 0.19 and 1.23 ± 0.19 × 10 mm/s) by both reviewers, respectively. The cutoff ADC values used to differentiate EP from EH were 1.38 × 10 and 1.36 × 10 mm/s with areas under the curve of 0.81 and 0.77 and accuracy of 80% and 70% by both reviewers, respectively. There was an insignificant difference in ADC value between typical and atypical EH. The ADC values of endometrial cancer (0.80 and 0.78 × 10 mm/s) were lower than those of tamoxifen-related benign endometrial lesions. The final diagnosis was normal endometrium (n = 36), benign endometrial lesions either EH (n = 17), or EP (n = 16), and endometrial cancer in only 2 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

We concluded that DWI helps in detection and characterization of different tamoxifen-related endometrial changes in the premenopausal female patients.

MR and CT imaging features of sino-nasal organized hematomas

AIM

To describe the MR and CT imaging features of organized hematomas [OH].

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of MR imaging and CT of eight patients [6 male, 2 females; age range is 6-86 years] with pathological proven OH was performed. Routine contrast MR and CT scan were done for all patients, and diffusion-weighted imaging and dynamic contrast CT were done for only five patients. Imaging analysis was done for the signal intensity, the enhancement pattern at MR imaging, the ADC value at DWI, bone remodeling at CT, and the neo-vascularization at dynamic contrast CT.

RESULTS

OH revealed T2 hypo-intense of the matrix in all patients with complete [n = 3] and incomplete [n = 5] marginal hypo-intensity rim. The lesions revealed a frond-like pattern of contrast enhancement of the central part of the lesion that associated with a peripheral rim of contrast enhancement. OH revealed unrestricted diffusion with high ADC value [1.7-2.5 × 10^-3 cm²/s] in 5 patients. CT scan showed geographic bone remodeling and thinning of the nasal turbinates, and the sinus wall and contrast CT showed neo-vascularization with frond-like branching arteries of the central part of the lesions in five patients.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that MR and CT imaging findings can help in the diagnosis of OH.

Assessment of the optic nerve using strain and shear-wave elastography in patients with pseudotumour cerebri

AIM

To evaluate the optic nerve using strain elastography (SE) and shear-wave elastography (SWE) in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) patients in comparison to participants in the control group.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty eyes were evaluated in 40 cases consisting of 20 IIH patients and 20 participants in the control group. This study was conducted using SE and SWE in addition optic nerve sonography measurements of participants in the IIH patient group and the control group. SE patterns were categorised using three main types and two subtypes. Quantitative measurements of optic nerve stiffness with SWE were expressed in kilopascals.

RESULTS

In the IIH patient group, type 2 and type 1 elasticity patterns were primarily observed, followed by type 3 patterns. In the control group, type 3 elasticity patterns were most often observed, while type 2 elasticity patterns were seen less frequently. Statistically significance differences in the types of elasticity strain patterns were observed between the groups (p<0.01). Quantitative analysis was also performed, and the SWE moduli were obtained for the control group (10.1±0.28 kPa) and the IIH patient group (26.97±1 kPa). A statistically significant difference in the SWE modulus was found between the groups (p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Biomechanical changes may have occurred in the optic nerve secondary to increased intracranial pressure in IIH patients. Strain and shear elastography may have potential as assistive diagnostic techniques for the detection and follow-up of these changes.

Optic disc drusen: a systematic review : Up-to-date and future perspective

BACKGROUND

Optic disc drusen (ODD) are acellular deposits in the prelaminar optic nerve head. The most accredited theory is that they are secondary to abnormalities in axonal metabolism and degeneration, but the pathogenesis is not clear to date.

CLINICAL MANIFESTATION

Although ODD are often considered a benign condition, the great majority of patients with ODD show visual field defects and are at higher risk for developing anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. ODD are classified as superficial or buried, with the latter being often misdiagnosed as papilledema with optic nerve head swelling, leading to an unnecessary investigation for causes of increased intracranial pressure.

AIM

The recent technological improvements in OCT imaging which allowed an earlier and more certain diagnosis even of the smallest ODD, renovated the interest around this pathology. However, an updated systematic review is still missing. Therefore, the aim of this work is to provide a concise yet comprehensive overview of the current state of art, focusing on pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, treatment modalities and potential future perspectives of this condition.

A Potential Role For Apparent Diffusion Coefficient in the Diagnosis of Trilateral Retinoblastoma

We attempted to investigate the potential role for apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) to diagnose trilateral retinoblastoma (TRb) by retrospectively reviewing brain magnetic resonance images of retinoblastoma patients. Observations: The median ADC measured 620.95 for TRb (n=6) and 1238.5 for normal pineal gland in bilateral retinoblastoma (n=8). Monitoring ADC trends aided in establishing the appropriate diagnoses in 3 patients (2 TRb, 1 benign pineal cyst). Conclusions: Our results provide baseline reference data and describe the importance of downward trending ADC which should prompt consideration of TRb. Unchanged high/nonrestricted values (>1000) may distinguish those with benign pineal tissue and obviate invasive neurosurgical procedures.

Multi-parametric arterial spin labelling and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in differentiation of grade II and grade III gliomas

Purpose

To assess arterial spin labelling (ASL) perfusion and diffusion MR imaging (DWI) in the differentiation of grade II from grade III gliomas.

Material and methods

A prospective cohort study was done on 36 patients (20 male and 16 female) with diffuse gliomas, who underwent ASL and DWI. Diffuse gliomas were classified into grade II and grade III. Calculation of tumoural blood flow (TBF) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the tumoral and peritumoural regions was made. The ROC curve was drawn to differentiate grade II from grade III gliomas.

Results

There was a significant difference in TBF of tumoural and peritumoural regions of grade II and III gliomas (p = 0.02 and p =0.001, respectively). Selection of 26.1 and 14.8 ml/100 g/min as the cut-off for TBF of tumoural and peritumoural regions differentiated between both groups with area under curve (AUC) of 0.69 and 0.957, and accuracy of 77.8% and 88.9%, respectively. There was small but significant difference in the ADC of tumoural and peritumoural regions between grade II and III gliomas (p = 0.02 for both). The selection of 1.06 and 1.36 × 10^-3 mm²/s as the cut-off of ADC of tumoural and peritumoural regions was made, to differentiate grade II from III with AUC of 0.701 and 0.748, and accuracy of 80.6% and 80.6%, respectively. Combined TBF and ADC of tumoural regions revealed an AUC of 0.808 and accuracy of 72.7%. Combined TBF and ADC for peritumoural regions revealed an AUC of 0.96 and accuracy of 94.4%.

Conclusion

TBF and ADC of tumoural and peritumoural regions are accurate non-invasive methods of differentiation of grade II from grade III gliomas.

Reliability of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in differentiation of recurrent cholesteatoma and granulation tissue after intact canal wall mastoidectomy

Objective

To assess the reliability of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in differentiating recurrent cholesteatoma from granulation tissue after intact canal wall mastoidectomy.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted of 56 consecutive patients with suspected cholesteatoma recurrence after intact canal wall mastoidectomy who underwent diffusion-weighted imaging and delayed contrast magnetic resonance imaging of the temporal bone. The final diagnosis was recurrence in 38 patients and granulation tissue in 18 patients.

Results

Cholesteatoma detection on diffusion-weighted imaging based on two sets of readings had sensitivity of 94.7 and 94.7 per cent, specificity of 94.4 and 88.9 per cent, and accuracy of 94.6 and 92.8 per cent, with good intra-observer agreement (Κ= 0.72,p= 0.001). Cholesteatoma detection on delayed contrast magnetic resonance imaging had sensitivity of 81.6 and 78.9 per cent, specificity of 77.8 and 66.7 per cent, and accuracy of 80.4 and 75.0 per cent, with fair intra-observer agreement (Κ= 0.57,p= 0.001). The mean cholesteatoma diameter on diffusion-weighted imaging was 7.7 ± 1.8 and 7.9 ± 1.8 mm, with excellent intra-observer agreement (Κ= 0.994,p= 0.001).

Conclusion

Diffusion-weighted imaging is a reliable method for differentiating recurrent cholesteatoma and granulation tissue after intact canal wall mastoidectomy.

Differentiation of sublingual thyroglossal duct cyst from midline dermoid cyst with diffusion weighted imaging

PURPOSE

to differentiate sublingual thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) from midline dermoid cyst (DC) with diffusion weighted imaging (DWI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 22 consecutive patients (11 male and 11 female aged 5-15 years) with midline cystic lesion at floor of mouth. They underwent DWI of floor of mouth. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the cystic lesions was calculated and correlated with surgical findings.

RESULTS

The mean ADC value of TGDC of 1st observer was (2.20 ± 0.28 × 10^-3 mm²/s) and of 2nd observer was (2.28 ± 0.27 × 10^-3 mm²/s) was significantly higher than that of DC (P = 0.001) whose ADC of 1st observer was (1.55 ± 0.15 × 10^-3 mm²/s) and of 2nd observer was (1.53 ± 0.11 × 10^-3 mm²/s). There was excellent inter-observer agreement of both readings (r = 92%, P = 0.001). When ADC of 1.76 and 1.62 × 10^-3 mm²/s was used as a threshold value for differentiating TGDC from DC, the best results were obtained with area under the curve of 0.94 and 0.96, accuracy of 90% and 86%, sensitivity of 91% and 91%%, specificity of 90% and 80%, negative predictive value of 90% and 88% and positive predictive value of 92% and 84% of both reviewers respectively.

CONCLUSION

DWI is reliable and reproducible imaging modality for differentiation sublingual TGDC from DC.

Diagnosis of Postlaminar Optic Nerve Invasion in Retinoblastoma With MRI Features

BACKGROUND

Retinoblastomas (RBs) with postlaminar optic nerve invasion (PLONI) increases the risk of local recurrence or systemic metastasis. Most MRI studies on PLONI focused on optic nerve enhancement and tumor size, with reported relatively high specificity (84-98%) but low sensitivity (37-78%), which shows room for improvement, especially with regard to sensitivity.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the diagnostic performance for detecting PLONI with RB using MRI features.

STUDY TYPE

Retrospective.

POPULATION

Fifty patients with histopathologic PLONI and 70 patients without PLONI of RB.

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE

1.5T and 3.0T, precontrast axial T₁ -weighted and T₂ -weighted, postcontrast axial, coronal and oblique-sagittal T₁ -weighted.

ASSESSMENT

The eyes were histopathologically analyzed and the preoperative MRI features of the eyes were independently evaluated by three observers.

STATISTICAL TESTS

MRI features suggesting the presence of PLONI were identified by univariate and multivariable analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and the area under the curve (AUC) were used to analyze diagnostic performance.

RESULTS

Significant independent diagnostic factors for PLONI include: 1: Bilateral tumor (odds ratio [OR], 15.32; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.63-143.51); 2: Tumor with total coverage of the optic disk (OR, 6.43; 95% CI: 1.04-39.79); and 3: Optic nerve enhancement (OR, 8.43; 95% CI: 3.50-20.31). On the other hand, isointense signal of tumor on T₂ WI (OR, 0.30; 95% CI: 0.12-0.75) was an independent diagnostic factor in excluding PLONI. ROC analysis showed AUC of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.77-0.91, P < 0.0001) for PLONI. Based on the cutoff of maximum Youden index, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 82%, 73%, and 77%, respectively.

DATA CONCLUSION

MRI features of RB showed a strong association with PLONI. The model of MRI features demonstrated promising diagnostic performance in detecting PLONI.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:1045-1052.

Influence of blade width and magnetic field strength on the ADC on PROPELLER DWI in head and neck

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of blade width and magnetic field strength on apparent diffusion coefficient values of periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction (PROPELLER) diffusion-weighted imaging in the head and neck at 1.5 and 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging.

METHODS

Fifteen healthy volunteers (eight men and seven women; mean age 36.4 ± 10.1 years) underwent PROPELLER diffusion-weighted imaging using four blade widths at 3.0 T and three blade widths at 1.5 T. For the multigroup comparison of apparent diffusion coefficient values, we performed analysis of variance and Tukey-Kramer tests. The apparent diffusion coefficient values in each organ were compared among the different blade widths and magnetic field strengths by a t test. Inter and intra-observer agreements regarding apparent diffusion coefficient value measurements were evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed in apparent diffusion coefficient values of the cerebellum in each blade width at both field strengths. The apparent diffusion coefficient values of the right parotid glands were significantly lower for blade width 32 than for blade width 16 at 3.0 T (1.16 × 10^-3 mm²/s vs. 1.01 × 10^-3 mm²/s; P < 0.05). The apparent diffusion coefficient values of bilateral parotid glands were significantly higher at 1.5 T than at 3.0 T. Intraclass correlation coefficients were almost perfect to substantial in the cerebellum, whereas they showed moderate agreement in the parotid glands.

CONCLUSION

The largest blade width 32 at 3.0 T and high magnetic field strength lowered the apparent diffusion coefficient values of parotid glands of PROPELLER diffusion-weighted imaging. The apparent diffusion coefficient values in the parotid glands of PROPELLER diffusion-weighted imaging may be affected for blade width and magnetic field strength.

Upregulated delta-like protein 3 expression is a diagnostic and prognostic marker in endometrial cancer: A retrospective study

Upregulated delta-like protein 3 (DLL3) functions as a Notch ligand and has been a target for cancer therapy. The present study assessed DLL3 expression as a tumor marker for endometrial cancer.RNA-Seq expression data and clinicopathologic records from 545 patients with endometrial cancer were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Mann-Whitney U and logistic regression tests were applied to associate the level of DLL3 expression with clinical variables from the patients. Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests were performed to compare overall survival of patients stratified by different levels of DLL3 expression. Multivariate Cox regression tests were used to analyze independent predictors for endometrial cancer. DLL3 expression was upregulated in endometrial cancer tissues compared to para-carcinoma tissues (P = .0003). High DLL3 expression was associated with the age of patients (odds ratio [OR] = 1.74), advanced stages of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics system (OR = 2.9), grade III/IV (OR = 5.1), myometrial invasion (OR = 2.2), pelvic involvement (OR = 12.9), and para-aortic lymph node metastasis (OR = 9.9) (all P ≤ .001). Furthermore, upregulated DLL3 expression was also associated with a median overall survival of 112 months (HR = 1.85, confidence internal 1.202-2.846, P = .005). The multivariate analysis showed that DLL3 overexpression and advanced tumor stages, grades, and lymph node metastases were all independent prognostic predictors for endometrial cancer.The DLL3 expression could be a potential and novel tumor marker for early diagnosis and an independent predictor of poor survival for patients with endometrial cancer.

Arterial spin labelling and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in differentiation of recurrent head and neck cancer from post-radiation changes

Objective

To assess arterial spin labelling and diffusion-weighted imaging in the differentiation of recurrent head and neck cancer from post-radiation changes.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted of 47 patients with head and neck cancer, treated with radiotherapy, who underwent magnetic resonance arterial spin labelling and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Tumour blood flow and apparent diffusion co-efficient of the lesion were calculated.

Results

There was significant difference (p= 0.001) in tumour blood flow between patients with recurrent head and neck cancer (n= 31) (47.37 ± 16.3 ml/100 g/minute) and those with post-radiation changes (n= 16) (18.80 ± 2.9 ml/100 g/minute). The thresholds of tumour blood flow and apparent diffusion co-efficient used for differentiating recurrence from post-radiation changes were more than 24.0 ml/100 g/minute and 1.21 × 10−3mm2/second or less, with area under the curve values of 0.94 and 0.90, and accuracy rates of 88.2 per cent and 88.2 per cent, respectively. The combined tumour blood flow and apparent diffusion co-efficient values used for differentiating recurrence from post-radiation changes had an area under the curve of 0.96 and an accuracy of 90.2 per cent.

Conclusion

Combined tumour blood flow and apparent diffusion co-efficient can differentiate recurrence from post-radiation changes.

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the frontal region in patients with metabolic syndrome: correlation with anthropometric measurement

PURPOSE

To demonstrate 1H-MR spectroscopy of the frontal region in patients with metabolic syndrome and to correlate the metabolic ratios with anthropometric measurement.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A prospective study was conducted upon 20 patients with metabolic syndrome (10 male, 10 female; mean age 52 years) and 20 age- and sex-matched volunteers. Patients were mild-moderate (n = 14) and marked and morbid obesity (n = 6). Patients and volunteers underwent 1H-MR spectroscopy of the frontal region. The Ch/Cr and NAA/Cr ratio were calculated and correlated with anthropometric measurement.

RESULTS

The Cho/Cr and NAA/Cr of patients with Mets (1.03 ± 0.08 and 1.62 ± 0.08) were significantly different (p = 0.001) to those of volunteers (0.78 ± 0 and 1.71 ± 0.61, respectively). The Cho/Cr and NAA/Cr cutoffs used to differentiate patients from volunteers were 0.89 and 1.77 with areas under the curve of 0.992 and 0.867 and accuracy of 97% and 93%, respectively. There was a significant difference in Cho/Cr and NAA/Cr between patients with marked-morbid obesity and moderate-mild obesity (p = 0.001 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

We concluded that NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr ratios of the frontal region can differentiate patients with metabolic syndrome from volunteers and are well correlated with the anthropometric measurement.

Prediction of venous malformations with localized intravascular coagulopathy with diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging

Background

Venous malformations may be complicated by localized intravascular coagulopathy which is a serious condition with hematological sequel. Prediction of localized intravascular coagulopathy is mandatory for prompt anticoagulation therapy. Laboratory and routine magnetic resonance imaging can predict localized intravascular coagulopathy in venous malformations; however, the results are variable.

Purpose

To predict venous malformations with localized intravascular coagulopathy with diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging.

Material and methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on 55 patients (34 male, 21 female aged 14–64 years: mean 39 years) with venous malformations that underwent diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. The apparent diffusion coefficient value of venous malformations was calculated.

Results

The mean apparent diffusion coefficient value of venous malformations with localized intravascular coagulopathy (n = 26) (1.28 ± 0.18 × 10−3 mm2/s) was significantly different ( P = 0.001) from venous malformations without localized intravascular coagulopathy (n = 29) (1.60 ± 0.18 × 10−3 mm2/s). When apparent diffusion coefficient value of 1.454 × 10−3 mm2/s was used as a threshold value for the prediction of venous malformations with localized intravascular coagulopathy, the best result was obtained with an accuracy of 83.6%, sensitivity of 84.6%, specificity of 82.8%, and area under the curve of 0.895. The apparent diffusion coefficient value of venous malformations was correlated with D-dimer level ( r = −0.59, P = 0.006) and fibrinogen level ( r = 0.73, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

The apparent diffusion coefficient value is a non-invasive imaging parameter that can be used to predict venous malformations with localized intravascular coagulopathy.