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Aydeniz E, Weberndorfer V, Brandts L, Smulders MW, van Herpt TT, Martens B, Vernooy K, Linz D, van der Horst IC, Wildberger JE, van Bussel BC, Driessen RG, Mihl C. Pericardial Fat Is Associated With Less Severe Multiorgan Failure Over Time in Patients With Coronavirus Disease-19: The Maastricht Intensive Care COVID Cohort. J Thorac Imaging 2024; 39:W32-W39. [PMID: 37624050 PMCID: PMC11027979 DOI: 10.1097/rti.0000000000000732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pericardial fat (PF) and epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) may enhance the proinflammatory response in corona virus-19 (COVID-19) patients. Higher PF and EAT volumes might result in multiorgan failure and explain unfavorable trajectories.The aim of this study was to examine the association between the volume of PF and EAT and multiorgan failure over time. MATERIALS AND METHODS All mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients with an available chest computed tomography were prospectively included (March-June 2020). PF and EAT volumes were quantified using chest computed tomography scans. Patients were categorized into sex-specific PF and EAT tertiles. Variables to calculate Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores were collected daily to indicate multiorgan failure. Linear mixed-effects regression was used to investigate the association between tertiles for PF and EAT volumes separately and serial SOFA scores over time. All models were adjusted. RESULTS Sixty-three patients were divided into PF and EAT tertiles, with median PF volumes of 131.4 mL (IQR [interquartile range]: 115.7, 143.2 mL), 199.8 mL (IQR: 175.9, 221.6 mL), and 318.8 mL (IQR: 281.9, 376.8 mL) and median EAT volumes of 69.6 mL (IQR: 57.0, 79.4 mL), 107.9 mL (IQR: 104.6, 115.1 mL), and 163.8 mL (IQR: 146.5, 203.1 mL). Patients in the highest PF tertile had a statistically significantly lower SOFA score over time (1.3 [-2.5, -0.1], P =0.033) compared with the lowest PF tertile. EAT tertiles were not significantly associated with SOFA scores over time. CONCLUSION A higher PF volume is associated with less multiorgan failure in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients. EAT volumes were not associated with multiorgan failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eda Aydeniz
- Departments of Intensive Care Medicine Maastricht
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Laurentius Hospital Roermond, Roermond, The Netherlands
| | - Vanessa Weberndorfer
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University
| | - Lloyd Brandts
- Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology Assessment
| | - Martijn W. Smulders
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University
| | - Thijs T.W. van Herpt
- Departments of Intensive Care Medicine Maastricht
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University
| | - Bibi Martens
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University
| | - Kevin Vernooy
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University
| | - Dominik Linz
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University
| | - Iwan C.C. van der Horst
- Departments of Intensive Care Medicine Maastricht
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University
| | - Joachim E. Wildberger
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University
| | - Bas C.T. van Bussel
- Departments of Intensive Care Medicine Maastricht
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University
- Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht
| | - Rob G.H. Driessen
- Departments of Intensive Care Medicine Maastricht
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University
| | - Casper Mihl
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University
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Nijssen EC, Nelemans PJ, Wildberger JE. Letter to the Editor: "Effects of intravenous hydration in preventing post-contrast acute kidney injury in patients with eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m 2". Eur Radiol 2024; 34:2641-2643. [PMID: 37815604 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-10291-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Estelle C Nijssen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Post box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Patricia J Nelemans
- Department of Epidemiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Joachim E Wildberger
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Post box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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3
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Ramaekers MJFG, van der Vlugt IB, Westenberg JJM, Perinajová R, Lamb HJ, Wildberger JE, Kenjereš S, Schalla S. Flow patterns in ascending aortic aneurysms: Determining the role of hypertension using phase contrast magnetic resonance and computational fluid dynamics. Comput Biol Med 2024; 172:108310. [PMID: 38508054 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.108310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a local dilation of the thoracic aorta. Although universally used, aneurysm diameter alone is a poor predictor of major complications such as rupture. There is a need for better biomarkers for risk assessment that also reflect the aberrant flow patterns found in TAAs. Furthermore, hypertension is often present in TAA patients and may play a role in progression of aneurysm. The exact relation between TAAs and hypertension is poorly understood. This study aims to create a numerical model of hypertension in the aorta by using computational fluid dynamics. First, a normotensive state was simulated in which flow and resistance were kept unaltered. Second, a hypertensive state was modeled in which blood inflow was increased by 30%. Third, a hypertensive state was modeled in which the proximal and peripheral resistances and capacitance parameters from the three-element Windkessel boundary condition were adjusted to mimic an increase in resistance of the rest of the cardiovascular system. One patient with degenerative TAA and one healthy control were successfully simulated at hypertensive states and were extensively analyzed. Furthermore, three additional TAA patients and controls were simulated to validate our method. Hemodynamic variables such as wall shear stress, oscillatory shear index, endothelial cell activation potential (ECAP), vorticity and helicity were studied to gain more insight on the effects of hypertension on flow patterns in TAAs. By comparing a TAA patient and a control at normotensive state at peak-systole, helicity and vorticity were found to be lower in the TAA patient throughout the entire domain. No major changes in flow and flow derived quantities were observed for the TAA patient and control when resistance was increased. When flow rate was increased, regions with high ECAP values were found to reduce in TAA patients in the aneurysm region which could reduce the risk of thrombogenesis. Thus, it may be important to assess cardiac output in patients with TAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J F G Ramaekers
- Departments of Cardiology and Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center +, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - I B van der Vlugt
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - J J M Westenberg
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - R Perinajová
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands; J.M. Burgerscentrum Research School for Fluid Mechanics, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - H J Lamb
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - J E Wildberger
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands; Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center +, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - S Kenjereš
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands; J.M. Burgerscentrum Research School for Fluid Mechanics, Delft, The Netherlands.
| | - S Schalla
- Departments of Cardiology and Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center +, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Sartoretti T, McDermott MC, Stammen L, Martens B, Moser LJ, Jost G, Pietsch H, Gutjahr R, Nowak T, Schmidt B, Flohr TG, Wildberger JE, Alkadhi H. Tungsten-Based Contrast Agent for Photon-Counting Detector CT Angiography in Calcified Coronaries: Comparison to Iodine in a Cardiovascular Phantom. Invest Radiol 2024:00004424-990000000-00204. [PMID: 38526041 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000001073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Calcified plaques induce blooming artifacts in coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) potentially leading to inaccurate stenosis evaluation. Tungsten represents a high atomic number, experimental contrast agent with different physical properties than iodine. We explored the potential of a tungsten-based contrast agent for photon-counting detector (PCD) CCTA in heavily calcified coronary vessels. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cardiovascular phantom exhibiting coronaries with calcified plaques was imaged on a first-generation dual-source PCD-CT. The coronaries with 3 different calcified plaques were filled with iodine and tungsten contrast media solutions equating to iodine and tungsten delivery rates (IDR and TDR) of 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 g/s, respectively. Electrocardiogram-triggered sequential acquisitions were performed in the spectral mode (QuantumPlus). Virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs) were reconstructed from 40 to 190 keV in 1 keV increments. Blooming artifacts and percentage error stenoses from calcified plaques were quantified, and attenuation characteristics of both contrast media were recorded. RESULTS Blooming artifacts from calcified plaques were most pronounced at 40 keV (78%) and least pronounced at 190 keV (58%). Similarly, percentage error stenoses were highest at 40 keV (48%) and lowest at 190 keV (2%), respectively. Attenuation of iodine decreased monotonically in VMIs from low to high keV, with the strongest decrease from 40 keV to 100 keV (IDR of 2.5 g/s: 1279 HU at 40 keV, 187 HU at 100 kV, and 35 HU at 190 keV). The attenuation of tungsten, on the other hand, increased monotonically as a function of VMI energy, with the strongest increase between 40 and 100 keV (TDR of 2.5 g/s: 202 HU at 40 keV, 661 HU at 100 kV, and 717 HU at 190 keV). For each keV level, the relationship between attenuation and IDR/TDR could be described by linear regressions (R2 ≥ 0.88, P < 0.001). Specifically, attenuation increased linearly when increasing the delivery rate irrespective of keV level or contrast medium. Iodine exhibited the highest relative increase in attenuation values at lower keV levels when increasing the IDR. Conversely, for tungsten, the greatest relative increase in attenuation values occurred at higher keV levels when increasing the TDR. When high keV imaging is desirable to reduce blooming artifacts from calcified plaques, IDR has to be increased at higher keV levels to maintain diagnostic vessel attenuation (ie, 300 HU), whereas for tungsten, TDR can be kept constant or can be even reduced at high keV energy levels. CONCLUSIONS Tungsten's attenuation characteristics in relation to VMI energy levels are reversed to those of iodine, with tungsten exhibiting high attenuation values at high keV levels and vice versa. Thus, tungsten shows promise for high keV imaging CCTA with PCD-CT as-in distinction to iodine-both high vessel attenuation and low blooming artifacts from calcified plaques can be achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Sartoretti
- From the Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (T.S., L.J.M., H.A.); Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands (T.S., M.C.M., L.S., B.M., T.G.F., J.E.W.); CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands (T.S., M.C.M., L.S., B.M., J.E.W.); Bayer AG, Berlin, Germany (M.C.M., G.J., H.P.); and Computed Tomography Division, Siemens Healthineers AG (R.G., T.N., B.S., T.G.F.), Forchheim, Germany
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5
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Aydeniz E, van Rosmalen F, de Kok J, Martens B, Mingels AMA, Canakci ME, Mihl C, Vernooy K, Prinzen FW, Wildberger JE, van der Horst ICC, van Bussel BCT, Driessen RGH. The association between coronary artery calcification and vectorcardiography in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients: the Maastricht Intensive Care COVID cohort. Intensive Care Med Exp 2024; 12:26. [PMID: 38451350 PMCID: PMC10920503 DOI: 10.1186/s40635-024-00611-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is associated with poor outcome in critically ill patients. A deterioration in cardiac conduction and loss of myocardial tissue could be an underlying cause. Vectorcardiography (VCG) and cardiac biomarkers provide insight into these underlying causes. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a high degree of CAC is associated with VCG-derived variables and biomarkers, including high-sensitivity troponin-T (hs-cTnT) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). METHODS Mechanically ventilated coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) patients with an available chest computed tomography (CT) and 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) were studied. CAC scores were determined using chest CT scans. Patients were categorized into 3 sex-specific tertiles: low, intermediate, and high CAC. Daily 12 leads-ECGs were converted to VCGs. Daily hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP levels were determined. Linear mixed-effects regression models examined the associations between CAC tertiles and VCG variables, and between CAC tertiles and hs-cTnT or NT-proBNP levels. RESULTS In this study, 205 patients (73.2% men, median age 65 years [IQR 57.0; 71.0]) were included. Compared to the lowest CAC tertile, the highest CAC tertile had a larger QRS area at baseline (6.65 µVs larger [1.50; 11.81], p = 0.012), which decreased during admission (- 0.27 µVs per day [- 0.43; - 0.11], p = 0.001). Patients with the highest CAC tertile also had a longer QRS duration (12.02 ms longer [4.74; 19.30], p = 0.001), higher levels of log hs-cTnT (0.79 ng/L higher [0.40; 1.19], p < 0.001) and log NT-proBNP (0.83 pmol/L higher [0.30; 1.37], p = 0.002). CONCLUSION Patients with a high degree of CAC had the largest QRS area and higher QRS amplitude, which decreased more over time when compared to patients with a low degree of CAC. These results suggest that CAC might contribute to loss of myocardial tissue during critical illness. These insights could improve risk stratification and prognostication of patients with critical illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eda Aydeniz
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Frank van Rosmalen
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jip de Kok
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Bibi Martens
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Alma M A Mingels
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Central Diagnostic Laboratory, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Mustafa Emin Canakci
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Emergency Department, Eskisehir Osmangazi University School of Medicine, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Casper Mihl
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Kevin Vernooy
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center +, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Frits W Prinzen
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Joachim E Wildberger
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Iwan C C van der Horst
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Bas C T van Bussel
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rob G H Driessen
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center +, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Jada L, Holtackers RJ, Martens B, Nies HMJM, Van De Heyning CM, Botnar RM, Wildberger JE, Ismail TF, Razavi R, Chiribiri A. Quantification of myocardial scar of different etiology using dark- and bright-blood late gadolinium enhancement cardiovascular magnetic resonance. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5395. [PMID: 38443457 PMCID: PMC10914833 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52058-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Dark-blood late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) has been shown to improve the visualization and quantification of areas of ischemic scar compared to standard bright-blood LGE. Recently, the performance of various semi-automated quantification methods has been evaluated for the assessment of infarct size using both dark-blood LGE and conventional bright-blood LGE with histopathology as a reference standard. However, the impact of this sequence on different quantification strategies in vivo remains uncertain. In this study, various semi-automated scar quantification methods were evaluated for a range of different ischemic and non-ischemic pathologies encountered in clinical practice. A total of 62 patients referred for clinical cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) were retrospectively included. All patients had a confirmed diagnosis of either ischemic heart disease (IHD; n = 21), dilated/non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM; n = 21), or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM; n = 20) and underwent CMR on a 1.5 T scanner including both bright- and dark-blood LGE using a standard PSIR sequence. Both methods used identical sequence settings as per clinical protocol, apart from the inversion time parameter, which was set differently. All short-axis LGE images with scar were manually segmented for epicardial and endocardial borders. The extent of LGE was then measured visually by manual signal thresholding, and semi-automatically by signal thresholding using the standard deviation (SD) and the full width at half maximum (FWHM) methods. For all quantification methods in the IHD group, except the 6 SD method, dark-blood LGE detected significantly more enhancement compared to bright-blood LGE (p < 0.05 for all methods). For both bright-blood and dark-blood LGE, the 6 SD method correlated best with manual thresholding (16.9% vs. 17.1% and 20.1% vs. 20.4%, respectively). For the NICM group, no significant differences between LGE methods were found. For bright-blood LGE, the 5 SD method agreed best with manual thresholding (9.3% vs. 11.0%), while for dark-blood LGE the 4 SD method agreed best (12.6% vs. 11.5%). Similarly, for the HCM group no significant differences between LGE methods were found. For bright-blood LGE, the 6 SD method agreed best with manual thresholding (10.9% vs. 12.2%), while for dark-blood LGE the 5 SD method agreed best (13.2% vs. 11.5%). Semi-automated LGE quantification using dark-blood LGE images is feasible in both patients with ischemic and non-ischemic scar patterns. Given the advantage in detecting scar in patients with ischemic heart disease and no disadvantage in patients with non-ischemic scar, dark-blood LGE can be readily and widely adopted into clinical practice without compromising on quantification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lamis Jada
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Robert J Holtackers
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Bibi Martens
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Hedwig M J M Nies
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline M Van De Heyning
- GENCOR, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Cardiology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Rene M Botnar
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute for Intelligent Healthcare Engineering, Santiago, Chile
| | - Joachim E Wildberger
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Tevfik F Ismail
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Reza Razavi
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amedeo Chiribiri
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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7
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Ramaekers MJFG, Westenberg JJM, Venner MFGHM, Juffermans JF, van Assen HC, Te Kiefte BJC, Adriaans BP, Lamb HJ, Wildberger JE, Schalla S. Evaluating a Phase-Specific Approach to Aortic Flow: A 4D Flow MRI Study. J Magn Reson Imaging 2024; 59:1056-1067. [PMID: 37309838 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.28852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aortic flow parameters can be quantified using 4D flow MRI. However, data are sparse on how different methods of analysis influence these parameters and how these parameters evolve during systole. PURPOSE To assess multiphase segmentations and multiphase quantification of flow-related parameters in aortic 4D flow MRI. STUDY TYPE Prospective. POPULATION 40 healthy volunteers (50% male, 28.9 ± 5.0 years) and 10 patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm (80% male, 54 ± 8 years). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE 4D flow MRI with a velocity encoded turbo field echo sequence at 3 T. ASSESSMENT Phase-specific segmentations were obtained for the aortic root and the ascending aorta. The whole aorta was segmented in peak systole. In all aortic segments, time to peak (TTP; for flow velocity, vorticity, helicity, kinetic energy, and viscous energy loss) and peak and time-averaged values (for velocity and vorticity) were calculated. STATISTICAL TESTS Static vs. phase-specific models were assessed using Bland-Altman plots. Other analyses were performed using phase-specific segmentations for aortic root and ascending aorta. TTP for all parameters was compared to TTP of flow rate using paired t-tests. Time-averaged and peak values were assessed using Pearson correlation coefficient. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS In the combined group, velocity in static vs. phase-specific segmentations differed by 0.8 cm/sec for the aortic root, and 0.1 cm/sec (P = 0.214) for the ascending aorta. Vorticity differed by 167 sec-1 mL-1 (P = 0.468) for the aortic root, and by 59 sec-1 mL-1 (P = 0.481) for the ascending aorta. Vorticity, helicity, and energy loss in the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending aorta peaked significantly later than flow rate. Time-averaged velocity and vorticity values correlated significantly in all segments. DATA CONCLUSION Static 4D flow MRI segmentation yields comparable results as multiphase segmentation for flow-related parameters, eliminating the need for time-consuming multiple segmentations. However, multiphase quantification is necessary for assessing peak values of aortic flow-related parameters. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitch J F G Ramaekers
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jos J M Westenberg
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Max F G H M Venner
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Joe F Juffermans
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hans C van Assen
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Bouke P Adriaans
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Hildo J Lamb
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Joachim E Wildberger
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Simon Schalla
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands
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8
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van de Weijer T, Bemer F, de Vos-Geelen J, Hermans B, Mitea C, van der Pol JAJ, Lodewick T, Wildberger JE, Mottaghy FM. Altered biodistribution of [ 68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC during somatostatin analogue treatment. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2024:10.1007/s00259-024-06659-0. [PMID: 38403723 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-024-06659-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The need for an interval between the administration of long-acting Somatostatin Receptor Analogues (SSA) and the [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TATE PET has been questioned based on recent literature in the new EANM guidelines. Here an earlier studies showed that SSA injection immediately before SSTR PET had minimal effect on normal organ and tumor uptake (1). However, data are scarce and there are (small) differences between [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TATE and [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC binding affinity, and it remains unknown whether these findings can be directly translated to scans with [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC as well. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of SSA use on the biodistribution in a subsequent [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC PET/CT and compare this intra-individually across several cycles of SSA treatments. METHODS Retrospectively, 35 patients with NENs were included. [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC PET at staging and after the 1st and 2nd cycle of SSA were included. SUVmean and SUVmax of blood, visceral organs, primary tumor and two metastases were determined. Also, the interval between SSA therapy and the PET scan was registered. RESULTS Treatment with SSA resulted in a significantly higher bloodpool activity and lower visceral tracer uptake. This effect was maintained after a 2nd cycle of SSA therapy. Furthermore, there was an inverse relationship between bloodpool tracer availability and visceral tracer binding and a positive correlation between bloodpool tracer availability and primary tumor tracer uptake. With an interval of up to 5 days, there was a significantly higher bloodpool activity than at longer intervals. CONCLUSION Absolute comparison of the SUV on [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC PET should be done with caution as the altered biodistribution of the tracer after SSA treatment should be taken into account. We recommend not to perform a scan within the first 5 days after the injection of lanreotide.
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Affiliation(s)
- T van de Weijer
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, ENETS Center of Excellence, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), P. Debeylaan 25, P.O. Box 5800, 6202, 6229 HX, AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), University of Maastricht (UM), P. Debeylaan 25, P.O. Box 5800, 6202, 6229 HX, AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - F Bemer
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, ENETS Center of Excellence, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), P. Debeylaan 25, P.O. Box 5800, 6202, 6229 HX, AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - J de Vos-Geelen
- Department of Medical Oncology, ENETS Center of Excellence, MUMC+, P. Debeylaan 25, P.O. Box 5800, 6202, 6229 HX, AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- School for Oncology and Reproduction (GROW), UM, P. Debeylaan 25, P.O. Box 5800, 6202, 6229 HX, AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - B Hermans
- Department of Medical Oncology, ENETS Center of Excellence, MUMC+, P. Debeylaan 25, P.O. Box 5800, 6202, 6229 HX, AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- School for Oncology and Reproduction (GROW), UM, P. Debeylaan 25, P.O. Box 5800, 6202, 6229 HX, AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - C Mitea
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, ENETS Center of Excellence, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), P. Debeylaan 25, P.O. Box 5800, 6202, 6229 HX, AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- School for Oncology and Reproduction (GROW), UM, P. Debeylaan 25, P.O. Box 5800, 6202, 6229 HX, AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - J A J van der Pol
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, ENETS Center of Excellence, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), P. Debeylaan 25, P.O. Box 5800, 6202, 6229 HX, AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- School for Cardiovascular Diseases (CARIM), UM, P. Debeylaan 25, P.O. Box 5800, 6202, 6229 HX, AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - T Lodewick
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, ENETS Center of Excellence, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), P. Debeylaan 25, P.O. Box 5800, 6202, 6229 HX, AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - J E Wildberger
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, ENETS Center of Excellence, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), P. Debeylaan 25, P.O. Box 5800, 6202, 6229 HX, AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- School for Cardiovascular Diseases (CARIM), UM, P. Debeylaan 25, P.O. Box 5800, 6202, 6229 HX, AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - F M Mottaghy
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, ENETS Center of Excellence, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), P. Debeylaan 25, P.O. Box 5800, 6202, 6229 HX, AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
- School for Oncology and Reproduction (GROW), UM, P. Debeylaan 25, P.O. Box 5800, 6202, 6229 HX, AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
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van Nijnatten TJA, Morscheid S, Baltzer PAT, Clauser P, Alcantara R, Kuhl CK, Wildberger JE. Contrast-enhanced breast imaging: Current status and future challenges. Eur J Radiol 2024; 171:111312. [PMID: 38237520 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2024.111312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Contrast-enhanced breast MRI and recently also contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) are available for breast imaging. The aim of the current overview is to explore existing evidence and ongoing challenges of contrast-enhanced breast imaging. METHODS This narrative provides an introduction to the contrast-enhanced breast imaging modalities breast MRI and CEM. Underlying principle, techniques and BI-RADS reporting of both techniques are described and compared, and the following indications and ongoing challenges are discussed: problem-solving, high-risk screening, supplemental screening in women with extremely dense breast tissue, breast implants, neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST) response monitoring, MRI-guided and CEM- guided biopsy. RESULTS Technique and reporting for breast MRI are standardised, for the newer CEM standardisation is in progress. Similarly, compared to other modalities, breast MRI is well established as superior for problem-solving, screening women at high risk, screening women with extremely dense breast tissue or with implants; and for monitoring response to NST. Furthermore, MRI-guided biopsy is a reliable technique with low long-term false negative rates. For CEM, data is as yet either absent or limited, but existing results in these settings are promising. CONCLUSION Contrast-enhanced breast imaging achieves highest diagnostic performance and should be considered essential. Of the two contrast-enhanced modalities, evidence of breast MRI superiority is ample, and preliminary results on CEM are promising, yet CEM warrants further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- T J A van Nijnatten
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands; GROW - School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - S Morscheid
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - P A T Baltzer
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Division of General and Pediatric Radiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - P Clauser
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Division of General and Pediatric Radiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - R Alcantara
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Department, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - C K Kuhl
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - J E Wildberger
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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de Jong JJA, Jansen JFA, Vergoossen LWM, Schram MT, Stehouwer CDA, Wildberger JE, Linden DEJ, Backes WH. Effect of Magnetic Resonance Image Quality on Structural and Functional Brain Connectivity: The Maastricht Study. Brain Sci 2024; 14:62. [PMID: 38248277 PMCID: PMC10813868 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14010062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
In population-based cohort studies, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is vital for examining brain structure and function. Advanced MRI techniques, such as diffusion-weighted MRI (dMRI) and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI), provide insights into brain connectivity. However, biases in MRI data acquisition and processing can impact brain connectivity measures and their associations with demographic and clinical variables. This study, conducted with 5110 participants from The Maastricht Study, explored the relationship between brain connectivity and various image quality metrics (e.g., signal-to-noise ratio, head motion, and atlas-template mismatches) that were obtained from dMRI and rs-fMRI scans. Results revealed that in particular increased head motion (R2 up to 0.169, p < 0.001) and reduced signal-to-noise ratio (R2 up to 0.013, p < 0.001) negatively impacted structural and functional brain connectivity, respectively. These image quality metrics significantly affected associations of overall brain connectivity with age (up to -59%), sex (up to -25%), and body mass index (BMI) (up to +14%). Associations with diabetes status, educational level, history of cardiovascular disease, and white matter hyperintensities were generally less affected. This emphasizes the potential confounding effects of image quality in large population-based neuroimaging studies on brain connectivity and underscores the importance of accounting for it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joost J. A. de Jong
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
- School for Mental Health and Neurosciences (MHeNs), Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jacobus F. A. Jansen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
- School for Mental Health and Neurosciences (MHeNs), Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Laura W. M. Vergoossen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
- School for Mental Health and Neurosciences (MHeNs), Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Miranda T. Schram
- School for Mental Health and Neurosciences (MHeNs), Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
- School for Cardiovascular Disease (CARIM), Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Heart and Vascular Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Coen D. A. Stehouwer
- School for Mental Health and Neurosciences (MHeNs), Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
- School for Cardiovascular Disease (CARIM), Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Heart and Vascular Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Joachim E. Wildberger
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
- School for Cardiovascular Disease (CARIM), Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - David E. J. Linden
- School for Mental Health and Neurosciences (MHeNs), Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Walter H. Backes
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
- School for Mental Health and Neurosciences (MHeNs), Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Hoeijmakers EJI, Martens B, Hendriks BMF, Mihl C, Miclea RL, Backes WH, Wildberger JE, Zijta FM, Gietema HA, Nelemans PJ, Jeukens CRLPN. How subjective CT image quality assessment becomes surprisingly reliable: pairwise comparisons instead of Likert scale. Eur Radiol 2024:10.1007/s00330-023-10493-7. [PMID: 38165429 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-10493-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study is to improve the reliability of subjective IQ assessment using a pairwise comparison (PC) method instead of a Likert scale method in abdominal CT scans. METHODS Abdominal CT scans (single-center) were retrospectively selected between September 2019 and February 2020 in a prior study. Sample variance in IQ was obtained by adding artificial noise using dedicated reconstruction software, including reconstructions with filtered backprojection and varying iterative reconstruction strengths. Two datasets (each n = 50) were composed with either higher or lower IQ variation with the 25 original scans being part of both datasets. Using in-house developed software, six observers (five radiologists, one resident) rated both datasets via both the PC method (forcing observers to choose preferred scans out of pairs of scans resulting in a ranking) and a 5-point Likert scale. The PC method was optimized using a sorting algorithm to minimize necessary comparisons. The inter- and intraobserver agreements were assessed for both methods with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS Twenty-five patients (mean age 61 years ± 15.5; 56% men) were evaluated. The ICC for interobserver agreement for the high-variation dataset increased from 0.665 (95%CI 0.396-0.814) to 0.785 (95%CI 0.676-0.867) when the PC method was used instead of a Likert scale. For the low-variation dataset, the ICC increased from 0.276 (95%CI 0.034-0.500) to 0.562 (95%CI 0.337-0.729). Intraobserver agreement increased for four out of six observers. CONCLUSION The PC method is more reliable for subjective IQ assessment indicated by improved inter- and intraobserver agreement. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT This study shows that the pairwise comparison method is a more reliable method for subjective image quality assessment. Improved reliability is of key importance for optimization studies, validation of automatic image quality assessment algorithms, and training of AI algorithms. KEY POINTS • Subjective assessment of diagnostic image quality via Likert scale has limited reliability. • A pairwise comparison method improves the inter- and intraobserver agreement. • The pairwise comparison method is more reliable for CT optimization studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva J I Hoeijmakers
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, P. Debyelaan 25, Maastricht, 6229 HX, The Netherlands.
| | - Bibi Martens
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, P. Debyelaan 25, Maastricht, 6229 HX, The Netherlands
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, Maastricht, 6229 ER, The Netherlands
| | - Babs M F Hendriks
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, P. Debyelaan 25, Maastricht, 6229 HX, The Netherlands
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, Maastricht, 6229 ER, The Netherlands
| | - Casper Mihl
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, P. Debyelaan 25, Maastricht, 6229 HX, The Netherlands
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, Maastricht, 6229 ER, The Netherlands
| | - Razvan L Miclea
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, P. Debyelaan 25, Maastricht, 6229 HX, The Netherlands
| | - Walter H Backes
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, P. Debyelaan 25, Maastricht, 6229 HX, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology and School for Mental health and Neuroscience (MheNs), Maastricht University Medical Centre+, P. Debyelaan 25, Maastricht, 6229 HX, The Netherlands
| | - Joachim E Wildberger
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, P. Debyelaan 25, Maastricht, 6229 HX, The Netherlands
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, Maastricht, 6229 ER, The Netherlands
| | - Frank M Zijta
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, P. Debyelaan 25, Maastricht, 6229 HX, The Netherlands
| | - Hester A Gietema
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, P. Debyelaan 25, Maastricht, 6229 HX, The Netherlands
- GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, Maastricht, 6229 ER, The Netherlands
| | - Patricia J Nelemans
- Department of Epidemiology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, Maastricht, 6229 ER, The Netherlands
| | - Cécile R L P N Jeukens
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, P. Debyelaan 25, Maastricht, 6229 HX, The Netherlands
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12
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Bijvoet GP, Nies HMJM, Holtackers RJ, Martens BM, Smink J, Linz D, Vernooy K, Wildberger JE, Nijveldt R, Chaldoupi SM, Mihl C. Tissue characterization of acute lesions during cardiac magnetic resonance-guided ablation of cavo-tricuspid isthmus-dependent atrial flutter: a feasibility study. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2023:jead334. [PMID: 38156446 DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jead334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS To characterize acute lesions during cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-guided radiofrequency (RF) ablation of cavo-tricuspid isthmus (CTI)-dependent atrial flutter by combining T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), T1 mapping, first-pass perfusion, and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging. CMR-guided catheter ablation offers a unique opportunity to investigate acute ablation lesions. Until present, studies only used T2WI and LGE CMR to assess acute lesions. METHODS AND RESULTS Fifteen patients with CTI-dependent atrial flutter scheduled for CMR-guided RF ablation were prospectively enrolled. Directly after achieving bidirectional block of the CTI line, CMR imaging was performed using: T2WI (n = 15), T1 mapping (n = 10), first-pass perfusion (n = 12), and LGE (n = 12) imaging. In case of acute reconnection, additional RF ablation was performed. In all patients, T2WI demonstrated oedema in the ablation region. Right atrial T1 mapping was feasible and could be analysed with a high inter-observer agreement (r = 0.931, ICC 0.921). The increase in T1 values post-ablation was significantly lower in regions showing acute reconnection compared with regions without reconnection [37 ± 90 ms vs. 115 ± 69 ms (P = 0.014), and 3.9 ± 9.0% vs. 11.1 ± 6.8% (P = 0.022)]. Perfusion defects were present in 12/12 patients. The LGE images demonstrated hyper-enhancement with a central area of hypo-enhancement in 12/12 patients. CONCLUSION Tissue characterization of acute lesions during CMR-guided CTI-dependent atrial flutter ablation demonstrates oedema, perfusion defects, and necrosis with a core of microvascular damage. Right atrial T1 mapping is feasible, and may identify regions of acute reconnection that require additional RF ablation.
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Affiliation(s)
- G P Bijvoet
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, P.Debyelaan 25, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - H M J M Nies
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - R J Holtackers
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - B M Martens
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - J Smink
- Department of Clinical Research, Philips Healthcare, Best, The Netherlands
| | - D Linz
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, P.Debyelaan 25, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Cardiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - K Vernooy
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, P.Debyelaan 25, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - J E Wildberger
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - R Nijveldt
- Department of Cardiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - S M Chaldoupi
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, P.Debyelaan 25, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - C Mihl
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Kassem M, Crombag GAJC, Stegers J, Liem MI, Koornstra E, Schreuder FHBM, van Dam-Nolen DHK, Lucci C, van der Geest RJ, Daemen MJ, van der Steen AFW, Hendrikse J, Mess WH, Bos D, Wildberger JE, van Oostenbruggeb RJ, Nederkoorn PJ, Kooi ME. The association between antiplatelet therapy and changes in intraplaque hemorrhage in patients with mild to moderate symptomatic carotid stenosis: a longitudinal MRI study. Cerebrovasc Dis 2023:000535274. [PMID: 37984345 DOI: 10.1159/000535274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Carotid atherosclerotic intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) predicts stroke. Patients with a history of stroke are treated with antiplatelet agents to prevent secondary cardiovascular events. A positive association between previous antiplatelet use and IPH was reported in a cross-sectional analysis. We investigated changes in IPH over two years in patients who recently started versus those with continued antiplatelet use. METHODS In the Plaque at Risk (PARISK) study, symptomatic patients with <70% ipsilateral carotid stenosis underwent carotid plaque MRI at baseline and after two years to determine IPH presence and volume. Participants were categorized into new users (starting antiplatelet therapy following the index event) and continued users (previous use of antiplatelet therapy before the index event). The association between previous antiplatelet therapy and the presence of IPH at baseline MRI was investigated using multivariable logistic regression analysis. IPH volume change over a period of two years, defined as the difference in volume between follow-up and baseline, was investigated in each group with a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The IPH volume change was categorized as progression, regression, or no change. Using multivariable logistic regression, we investigated the association between new antiplatelet use and 1) newly developed ipsilateral or contralateral IPH and 2) IPH volume progression. RESULTS A total of 108 patients underwent carotid MRI at baseline and follow-up. At baseline, previous antiplatelet therapy was associated with any IPH (OR=5.6, 95% CI: 1.3-23.1; p=0.02). Ipsilateral IPH volume did not change significantly during the two years in patients who continued receiving antiplatelet agents (86.4 mm3 [18.2-235.9] vs. 59.3 mm3 [11.4-260.3]; p=0.6) nor in the new antiplatelet users (n=31) (61.5 mm3 [0.0-166.9] vs. 27.7 mm3 [9.5-106.4]; p=0.4). Similar results of a nonsignificant change in contralateral IPH volume during those two years were observed in both groups (p>0.05). No significant associations were found between new antiplatelet use and newly developed IPH at two years (odds ratio (OR)=1.0, 95% CI:0.1-7.4) or the progression of IPH (ipsilateral: OR=2.4, 95% CI:0.3-19.1; contralateral: OR=0.3, 95% CI:0.01-8.5). CONCLUSION Although the baseline association between IPH and previous antiplatelet therapy was confirmed in this larger cohort, the new onset of antiplatelet therapy after TIA/stroke was not associated with newly developed IPH or progression of IPH volume over the subsequent two years.
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McDermott MC, Hendriks BM, Wildberger JE, de Boer SW. Shaken or Stirred? The Inconsistencies of Manual Contrast Media Dilution in Endovascular Interventions. Invest Radiol 2023; 58:811-815. [PMID: 37289302 PMCID: PMC10581416 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000000994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
MATERIALS AND METHODS Phase I: Eleven radiological technologists were asked to fill a CM injector 3 times with 50% diluted CM (iopromide 300 mg I/mL). The dilution was injected (12 mL/s) through a Coriolis flowmeter, with CM concentration and total volume calculated. Interoperator, intraoperator, and intraprocedural variations were calculated as coefficients of variability. Contrast media dose reporting accuracy was determined. Phase II: The study was repeated after implementation of a standardized dilution protocol with 5 representative operators. RESULTS Phase I: The average injected concentration among 11 operators was 68% ± 16% CM (n = 33; range, 43%-98%), as compared with the target of 50% CM. The interoperator variability was 16%, the intraoperator variability was 6% ± 3%, and the intraprocedural variability was 23% ± 19% (range, 5%-67%). This led to overdelivery of CM compared with intended patient dose by 36% on average. Phase II: After standardization, injections averaged 55% ± 4% CM (n = 15; range, 49%-62%), with interoperator variability of 8%, intraoperator variability of 5% ± 1%, and intraprocedural variability of 1.6% ± 0.5% (range, 0.4%-3.7%). CONCLUSIONS Manual CM dilution can lead to substantial interoperator and intraoperator, as well as intraprocedural variability in injected concentration. This can result in underreporting of administered CM doses to patients. It is recommended that clinics assess their current standard of care regarding CM injections for endovascular interventions and evaluate potential corrective actions if appropriate.
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de Wit-Verheggen VHW, Vanweert F, Raiko J, Liénard V, Schaart G, Gemmink A, Nascimento EBM, Hesselink MKC, Wildberger JE, Wierts R, Joris PJ, Haas J, Montaigne D, Staels B, Phielix E, Schrauwen P, Schrauwen-Hinderling VB, van de Weijer T. The tissue-specific metabolic effects of the PPARα agonist ciprofibrate in insulin-resistant male individuals: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2023; 31:2493-2504. [PMID: 37670579 DOI: 10.1002/oby.23874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Insulin resistance is characterized by ectopic fat accumulation leading to cardiac diastolic dysfunction and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The objective of this study was to determine whether treatment with the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα) agonist ciprofibrate has direct effects on cardiac and hepatic metabolism and can improve insulin sensitivity and cardiac function in insulin-resistant volunteers. METHODS Ten insulin-resistant male volunteers received 100 mg/d of ciprofibrate and placebo for 5 weeks in a randomized double-blind crossover study. Insulin-stimulated metabolic rate of glucose (MRgluc) was measured using dynamic 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (18 F-FDG-PET). Additionally, cardiac function, whole-body insulin sensitivity, intrahepatic lipid content, skeletal muscle gene expression, 24-hour blood pressure, and substrate metabolism were measured. RESULTS Whole-body insulin sensitivity, energy metabolism, and body composition were unchanged after ciprofibrate treatment. Ciprofibrate treatment decreased insulin-stimulated hepatic MRgluc and increased hepatic lipid content. Myocardial net MRgluc tended to decrease after ciprofibrate treatment, but ciprofibrate treatment had no effect on cardiac function and cardiac energy status. In addition, no changes in PPAR-related gene expression in muscle were found. CONCLUSIONS Ciprofibrate treatment increased hepatic lipid accumulation and lowered MRgluc, without affecting whole-body insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, parameters of cardiac function or cardiac energy status were not altered upon ciprofibrate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera H W de Wit-Verheggen
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Froukje Vanweert
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Juho Raiko
- Turku PET Centre, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Viktor Liénard
- University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Gert Schaart
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Anne Gemmink
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Emmani B M Nascimento
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Matthijs K C Hesselink
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Joachim E Wildberger
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Roel Wierts
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Peter J Joris
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Joel Haas
- University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - David Montaigne
- University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Bart Staels
- University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Esther Phielix
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Patrick Schrauwen
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Vera B Schrauwen-Hinderling
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Tineke van de Weijer
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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16
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Raafs AG, Adriaans BP, Henkens MTHM, Verdonschot JAJ, Abdul Hamid MA, Díez J, Knackstedt C, van Empel VPM, Brunner-La Rocca HP, González A, Wildberger JE, Heymans SRB, Hazebroek MR. Biomarkers of Collagen Metabolism Are Associated with Left Ventricular Function and Prognosis in Dilated Cardiomyopathy: A Multi-Modal Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5695. [PMID: 37685762 PMCID: PMC10488673 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12175695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Collagen cross-linking is a fundamental process in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and occurs when collagen deposition exceeds degradation, leading to impaired prognosis. This study investigated the associations of collagen-metabolism biomarkers with left ventricular function and prognosis in DCM. METHODS DCM patients who underwent endomyocardial biopsy, blood sampling, and cardiac MRI were included. The primary endpoint included death, heart failure hospitalization, or life-threatening arrhythmias, with a follow-up of 6 years (5-8). RESULTS In total, 209 DCM patients were included (aged 54 ± 13 years, 65% male). No associations were observed between collagen volume fraction, circulating carboxy-terminal propeptide of procollagen type-I (PICP), or collagen type I carboxy-terminal telopeptide [CITP] and matrix metalloproteinase [MMP]-1 ratio and cardiac function parameters. However, CITP:MMP-1 was significantly correlated with global longitudinal strain (GLS) in the total study sample (R = -0.40, p < 0.0001; lower CITP:MMP-1 ratio was associated with impaired GLS), with even stronger correlations in patients with LVEF > 40% (R = -0.70, p < 0.0001). Forty-seven (22%) patients reached the primary endpoint. Higher MMP-1 levels were associated with a worse outcome, even after adjustment for clinical and imaging predictors (1.026, 95% CI 1.002-1.051, p = 0.037), but CITP and CITP:MMP-1 were not. Combining MMP-1 and PICP improved the goodness-of-fit (LHR36.67, p = 0.004). CONCLUSION The degree of myocardial cross-linking (CITP:MMP-1) is associated with myocardial longitudinal contraction, and MMP-1 is an independent predictor of outcome in DCM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne G. Raafs
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (B.P.A.); (M.T.H.M.H.); (J.A.J.V.); (C.K.); (V.P.M.v.E.); (H.-P.B.-L.R.); (S.R.B.H.); (M.R.H.)
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands;
| | - Bouke P. Adriaans
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (B.P.A.); (M.T.H.M.H.); (J.A.J.V.); (C.K.); (V.P.M.v.E.); (H.-P.B.-L.R.); (S.R.B.H.); (M.R.H.)
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands;
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Michiel T. H. M. Henkens
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (B.P.A.); (M.T.H.M.H.); (J.A.J.V.); (C.K.); (V.P.M.v.E.); (H.-P.B.-L.R.); (S.R.B.H.); (M.R.H.)
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands;
- Netherlands Heart Institute (NLHI), 3511 EP Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands;
| | - Job A. J. Verdonschot
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (B.P.A.); (M.T.H.M.H.); (J.A.J.V.); (C.K.); (V.P.M.v.E.); (H.-P.B.-L.R.); (S.R.B.H.); (M.R.H.)
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands;
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Myrurgia A. Abdul Hamid
- Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands;
| | - Javier Díez
- Program of Cardiovascular Diseases, CIMA Universidad de Navarra and IdiSNA, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (J.D.); (A.G.)
- CIBERCV, Carlos III Institute of Health, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Christian Knackstedt
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (B.P.A.); (M.T.H.M.H.); (J.A.J.V.); (C.K.); (V.P.M.v.E.); (H.-P.B.-L.R.); (S.R.B.H.); (M.R.H.)
| | - Vanessa P. M. van Empel
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (B.P.A.); (M.T.H.M.H.); (J.A.J.V.); (C.K.); (V.P.M.v.E.); (H.-P.B.-L.R.); (S.R.B.H.); (M.R.H.)
| | - Hans-Peter Brunner-La Rocca
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (B.P.A.); (M.T.H.M.H.); (J.A.J.V.); (C.K.); (V.P.M.v.E.); (H.-P.B.-L.R.); (S.R.B.H.); (M.R.H.)
| | - Arantxa González
- Program of Cardiovascular Diseases, CIMA Universidad de Navarra and IdiSNA, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (J.D.); (A.G.)
- CIBERCV, Carlos III Institute of Health, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Joachim E. Wildberger
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands;
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Stephane R. B. Heymans
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (B.P.A.); (M.T.H.M.H.); (J.A.J.V.); (C.K.); (V.P.M.v.E.); (H.-P.B.-L.R.); (S.R.B.H.); (M.R.H.)
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands;
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mark R. Hazebroek
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (B.P.A.); (M.T.H.M.H.); (J.A.J.V.); (C.K.); (V.P.M.v.E.); (H.-P.B.-L.R.); (S.R.B.H.); (M.R.H.)
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands;
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17
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Kassem M, Nies KPH, Boswijk E, van der Pol J, Aizaz M, Gijbels MJJ, Li D, Bucerius J, Mess WH, Wildberger JE, van Oostenbrugge RJ, Moonen RPM, Fan Z, Kooi ME. Quantification of carotid plaque composition with a multi-contrast atherosclerosis characterization (MATCH) MRI sequence. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1227495. [PMID: 37680565 PMCID: PMC10481960 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1227495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose Carotid atherosclerotic plaques with a large lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC), intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), and a thin or ruptured fibrous cap are associated with increased stroke risk. Multi-sequence MRI can be used to quantify carotid atherosclerotic plaque composition. Yet, its clinical implementation is hampered by long scan times and image misregistration. Multi-contrast atherosclerosis characterization (MATCH) overcomes these limitations. This study aims to compare the quantification of plaque composition with MATCH and multi-sequence MRI. Methods MATCH and multi-sequence MRI were used to image 54 carotid arteries of 27 symptomatic patients with ≥2 mm carotid plaque on a 3.0 T MRI scanner. The following sequence parameters for MATCH were used: repetition time/echo time (TR/TE), 10.1/4.35 ms; field of view, 160 mm × 160 mm × 2 mm; matrix size, 256 × 256; acquired in-plane resolution, 0.63 mm2× 0.63 mm2; number of slices, 18; and flip angles, 8°, 5°, and 10°. Multi-sequence MRI (black-blood pre- and post-contrast T1-weighted, time of flight, and magnetization prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo; acquired in-plane resolution: 0.63 mm2 × 0.63 mm2) was acquired according to consensus recommendations, and image quality was scored (5-point scale). The interobserver agreement in plaque composition quantification was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The sensitivity and specificity of MATCH in identifying plaque composition were calculated using multi-sequence MRI as a reference standard. Results A significantly lower image quality of MATCH compared to that of multi-sequence MRI was observed (p < 0.05). The scan time for MATCH was shorter (7 vs. 40 min). Interobserver agreement in quantifying plaque composition on MATCH images was good to excellent (ICC ≥ 0.77) except for the total volume of calcifications and fibrous tissue that showed moderate agreement (ICC ≥ 0.61). The sensitivity and specificity of detecting plaque components on MATCH were ≥89% and ≥91% for IPH, ≥81% and 85% for LRNC, and ≥71% and ≥32% for calcifications, respectively. Overall, good-to-excellent agreement (ICC ≥ 0.76) of quantifying plaque components on MATCH with multi-sequence MRI as the reference standard was observed except for calcifications (ICC = 0.37-0.38) and fibrous tissue (ICC = 0.59-0.70). Discussion and conclusion MATCH images can be used to quantify plaque components such as LRNC and IPH but not for calcifications. Although MATCH images showed a lower mean image quality score, short scan time and inherent co-registration are significant advantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Kassem
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Kelly P. H. Nies
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ellen Boswijk
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jochem van der Pol
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Mueez Aizaz
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Marion J. J. Gijbels
- Department of Pathology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Experimental Vascular Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Debiao Li
- Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jan Bucerius
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Georg-August University Göttingen, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Werner H. Mess
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Joachim E. Wildberger
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Robert J. van Oostenbrugge
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Rik P. M. Moonen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Zhaoyang Fan
- Department of Radiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - M. Eline Kooi
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
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18
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Ganizada BH, Reesink KD, Parikh S, Ramaekers MJFG, Akbulut AC, Saraber PJMH, Debeij GP, Jaminon AM, Natour E, Lorusso R, Wildberger JE, Mees B, Schurink GW, Jacobs MJ, Cleutjens J, Krapels I, Gombert A, Maessen JG, Accord R, Delhaas T, Schalla S, Schurgers LJ, Bidar E. The Maastricht Acquisition Platform for Studying Mechanisms of Cell-Matrix Crosstalk (MAPEX): An Interdisciplinary and Systems Approach towards Understanding Thoracic Aortic Disease. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2095. [PMID: 37626592 PMCID: PMC10452257 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Current management guidelines for ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms (aTAA) recommend intervention once ascending or sinus diameter reaches 5-5.5 cm or shows a growth rate of >0.5 cm/year estimated from echo/CT/MRI. However, many aTAA dissections (aTAAD) occur in vessels with diameters below the surgical intervention threshold of <55 mm. Moreover, during aTAA repair surgeons observe and experience considerable variations in tissue strength, thickness, and stiffness that appear not fully explained by patient risk factors. To improve the understanding of aTAA pathophysiology, we established a multi-disciplinary research infrastructure: The Maastricht acquisition platform for studying mechanisms of tissue-cell crosstalk (MAPEX). The explicit scientific focus of the platform is on the dynamic interactions between vascular smooth muscle cells and extracellular matrix (i.e., cell-matrix crosstalk), which play an essential role in aortic wall mechanical homeostasis. Accordingly, we consider pathophysiological influences of wall shear stress, wall stress, and smooth muscle cell phenotypic diversity and modulation. Co-registrations of hemodynamics and deep phenotyping at the histological and cell biology level are key innovations of our platform and are critical for understanding aneurysm formation and dissection at a fundamental level. The MAPEX platform enables the interpretation of the data in a well-defined clinical context and therefore has real potential for narrowing existing knowledge gaps. A better understanding of aortic mechanical homeostasis and its derangement may ultimately improve diagnostic and prognostic possibilities to identify and treat symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with existing and developing aneurysms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berta H. Ganizada
- Departments of Cardiothoracic Surgery, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (B.H.G.)
- Department of Biochemistry, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Koen D. Reesink
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Shaiv Parikh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Mitch J. F. G. Ramaekers
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Asim C. Akbulut
- Department of Biochemistry, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Stem Cell Research University Maastricht Facility, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Pepijn J. M. H. Saraber
- Department of Biochemistry, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Gijs P. Debeij
- Departments of Cardiothoracic Surgery, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (B.H.G.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - MUMC-TAA Student Team
- Departments of Cardiothoracic Surgery, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (B.H.G.)
| | - Armand M. Jaminon
- Department of Biochemistry, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ehsan Natour
- Departments of Cardiothoracic Surgery, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (B.H.G.)
| | - Roberto Lorusso
- Departments of Cardiothoracic Surgery, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (B.H.G.)
| | - Joachim E. Wildberger
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Barend Mees
- Department of Vascular Surgery, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Willem Schurink
- Department of Vascular Surgery, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Michael J. Jacobs
- Department of Vascular Surgery, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jack Cleutjens
- Department of Pathology, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ingrid Krapels
- Department of Clinical Genetics, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander Gombert
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Jos G. Maessen
- Departments of Cardiothoracic Surgery, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (B.H.G.)
| | - Ryan Accord
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Center for Congenital Heart Diseases, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tammo Delhaas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Simon Schalla
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Leon J. Schurgers
- Department of Biochemistry, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Stem Cell Research University Maastricht Facility, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Institute of Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Elham Bidar
- Departments of Cardiothoracic Surgery, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (B.H.G.)
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19
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Ramaekers MJFG, Westenberg JJM, Adriaans BP, Nijssen EC, Wildberger JE, Lamb HJ, Schalla S. A clinician's guide to understanding aortic 4D flow MRI. Insights Imaging 2023; 14:114. [PMID: 37395817 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-023-01458-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Four-dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging is an emerging technique which may play a role in diagnosis and risk-stratification of aortic disease. Some knowledge of flow dynamics and related parameters is necessary to understand and apply this technique in clinical workflows. The purpose of the current review is to provide a guide for clinicians to the basics of flow imaging, frequently used flow-related parameters, and their relevance in the context of aortic disease.Clinical relevance statement Understanding normal and abnormal aortic flow could improve clinical care in patients with aortic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitch J F G Ramaekers
- Department of Cardiology and Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center +, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands.
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Jos J M Westenberg
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bouke P Adriaans
- Department of Cardiology and Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center +, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Estelle C Nijssen
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center +, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Joachim E Wildberger
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center +, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Hildo J Lamb
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Simon Schalla
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center +, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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20
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Abstract
ABSTRACT Noninvasive vascular imaging with computed tomography (CT) has become the clinical mainstay for many indications and body regions. The recent introduction of photon-counting detector (PCD)-CT into clinical routine has further broadened the spectrum of vascular applications. Technical improvements of PCD-CT, such as the decreased noise levels, improved contrast-to-noise ratio, and full spectral multienergy data information from every acquisition, have the potential to further impact on clinical decision making and ultimately on outcome of vascular patients. Early experience with the new PCD-CT technology demonstrates these improvements in various aspects. This review summarizes the main advantages of PCD-CT for vascular imaging a discussion of the PureLumen and PureCalcium algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hatem Alkadhi
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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21
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Lobbes MBI, Neeter LMFH, Raat F, Turk K, Wildberger JE, van Nijnatten TJA, Nelemans PJ. The performance of contrast-enhanced mammography and breast MRI in local preoperative staging of invasive lobular breast cancer. Eur J Radiol 2023; 164:110881. [PMID: 37201248 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2023.110881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Breast MRI is considered the best modality for preoperative staging of invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC). However, contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) shows comparable diagnostic performance to MRI, but evidence of CEM's accuracy in women diagnosed with ILC is scant. We aimed to retrospectively evaluate CEM and MRI accuracy in preoperative staging of ILC. METHODS ILC cases diagnosed between 2013 and 2021 were collected. For both modalities, tumour diameter was extracted from the reports. Bland-Altman plots were used to assess discrepancies between size measurements according to imaging and histopathological findings. CEM and MRI's ability to detect multifocal/contralateral cancer was expressed as sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratios (DORs). Pairwise comparison of women undergoing both CEM and MRI was not performed. RESULTS 305 ILC-cases fulfilled preset inclusion criteria. Mean age was 63.7 years. Preoperative staging was performed using MRI or CEM in 266 (87.2%) and 77 (25.2%) cases, respectively. MRI and CEM overestimated tumour size by 1.5 and 2.1 mm, respectively. Sensitivity to detect multifocal disease was higher for MRI than for CEM (86% versus 78%), but specificity was lower for MRI (79% versus 92%). For detection of contralateral breast cancer, sensitivity for MRI was 96% versus 88% for CEM, and specificity was 92% and 99%, respectively. For both indications, DOR was higher for CEM, but differences were non-significant (p = 0.56 and p = 0.78). CONCLUSION CEM and MRI overestimate ILC size with comparable systematic and random errors. MRI's higher sensitivity for detection of multifocal/contralateral cancers is accompanied by lower specificity, but discriminative ability for both modalities was non-significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc B I Lobbes
- Maastricht University Medical Center, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, P.O. Box 5800, 6202AZ Maastricht, the Netherlands; Zuyderland Medical Center, Department of Medical Imaging, P.O. Box 5500, 6130MB Sittard-Geleen, the Netherlands; GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, P.O. Box 616, 6200MD Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Lidewij M F H Neeter
- Maastricht University Medical Center, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, P.O. Box 5800, 6202AZ Maastricht, the Netherlands; GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, P.O. Box 616, 6200MD Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Frank Raat
- Laurentius Hospital, Department of Radiology, P.O. Box 920, 6040AX Roermond, the Netherlands.
| | - Kim Turk
- Zuyderland Medical Center, Department of Medical Imaging, P.O. Box 5500, 6130MB Sittard-Geleen, the Netherlands.
| | - Joachim E Wildberger
- Maastricht University Medical Center, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, P.O. Box 5800, 6202AZ Maastricht, the Netherlands; GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, P.O. Box 616, 6200MD Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Thiemo J A van Nijnatten
- Maastricht University Medical Center, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, P.O. Box 5800, 6202AZ Maastricht, the Netherlands; GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, P.O. Box 616, 6200MD Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Patricia J Nelemans
- Maastricht University, Department of Epidemiology, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, the Netherlands.
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22
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Nies HM, Martens B, Gommers S, Bijvoet GP, Wildberger JE, ter Bekke RM, Holtackers RJ, Mihl C. Myocardial Scar Detection Using High-Resolution Free-Breathing 3D Dark-Blood and Standard Breath-Holding 2D Bright-Blood Late Gadolinium Enhancement MRI: A Comparison of Observer Confidence. Top Magn Reson Imaging 2023; 32:27-32. [PMID: 37058709 PMCID: PMC10510822 DOI: 10.1097/rmr.0000000000000304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare observer confidence for myocardial scar detection using 3 different late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) data sets by 2 observers with different levels of experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-one consecutive patients, who were referred for 3D dark-blood LGE MRI before implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation or ablation therapy and who underwent 2D bright-blood LGE MRI within a time frame of 3 months, were prospectively included. From all 3D dark-blood LGE data sets, a stack of 2D short-axis slices was reconstructed. All acquired LGE data sets were anonymized and randomized and evaluated by 2 independent observers with different levels of experience in cardiovascular imaging (beginner and expert). Confidence in detection of ischemic scar, nonischemic scar, papillary muscle scar, and right ventricular scar for each LGE data set was scored using a using a 3-point Likert scale (1 = low, 2 = medium, or 3 = high). Observer confidence scores were compared using the Friedman omnibus test and Wilcoxon signed-rank post hoc test. RESULTS For the beginner observer, a significant difference in confidence regarding ischemic scar detection was observed in favor of reconstructed 2D dark-blood LGE compared with standard 2D bright-blood LGE (p = 0.030) while for the expert observer, no significant difference was found (p = 0.166). Similarly, for right ventricular scar detection, a significant difference in confidence was observed in favor of reconstructed 2D dark-blood LGE compared with standard 2D bright-blood LGE (p = 0.006) while for the expert observer, no significant difference was found (p = 0.662). Although not significantly different for other areas of interest, 3D dark-blood LGE and its derived 2D dark-blood LGE data set showed a tendency to score higher for all areas of interest at both experience levels. CONCLUSIONS The combination of dark-blood LGE contrast and high isotropic voxels may contribute to increased observer confidence in myocardial scar detection, independent of observer's experience level but in particular for beginner observers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hedwig M.J.M. Nies
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Bibi Martens
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Suzanne Gommers
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Geertruida P. Bijvoet
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Joachim E. Wildberger
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Rachel M.A. ter Bekke
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Robert J. Holtackers
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Casper Mihl
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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23
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de Wit-Verheggen VHW, Schrauwen-Hinderling VB, Brouwers K, Jörgensen JA, Schaart G, Gemmink A, Nascimento EBM, Hesselink MKC, Wildberger JE, Segers P, Montaigne D, Staels B, Schrauwen P, Lindeboom L, Hoeks J, van de Weijer T. PCr/ATP ratios and mitochondrial function in the heart. A comparative study in humans. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8346. [PMID: 37221197 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35041-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac energy status, measured as phosphocreatine (PCr)/adenosine triphosphate (ATP) ratio with 31P-Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (31P-MRS) in vivo, is a prognostic factor in heart failure and is lowered in cardiometabolic disease. It has been suggested that, as oxidative phosphorylation is the major contributor to ATP synthesis, PCr/ATP ratio might be a reflection of cardiac mitochondrial function. The objective of the study was to investigate whether PCr/ATP ratios can be used as in vivo marker for cardiac mitochondrial function. We enrolled thirty-eight patients scheduled for open-heart surgery in this study. Cardiac 31P-MRS was performed before surgery. Tissue from the right atrial appendage was obtained during surgery for high-resolution respirometry for the assessment of mitochondrial function. There was no correlation between the PCr/ATP ratio and ADP-stimulated respiration rates (octanoylcarnitine R2 < 0.005, p = 0.74; pyruvate R2 < 0.025, p = 0.41) nor with maximally uncoupled respiration (octanoylcarnitine R2 = 0.005, p = 0.71; pyruvate R2 = 0.040, p = 0.26). PCr/ATP ratio did correlate with indexed LV end systolic mass. As no direct correlation between cardiac energy status (PCr/ATP) and mitochondrial function in the heart was found, the study suggests that mitochondrial function might not the only determinant of cardiac energy status. Interpretation should be done in the right context in cardiac metabolic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera H W de Wit-Verheggen
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center, Universiteitssingel 50, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Vera B Schrauwen-Hinderling
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center, Universiteitssingel 50, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Kim Brouwers
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Johanna A Jörgensen
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center, Universiteitssingel 50, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Gert Schaart
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center, Universiteitssingel 50, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Anne Gemmink
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center, Universiteitssingel 50, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Emmani B M Nascimento
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center, Universiteitssingel 50, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Matthijs K C Hesselink
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center, Universiteitssingel 50, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Joachim E Wildberger
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Patrique Segers
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - David Montaigne
- University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Bart Staels
- University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Patrick Schrauwen
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center, Universiteitssingel 50, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lucas Lindeboom
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center, Universiteitssingel 50, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Joris Hoeks
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center, Universiteitssingel 50, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Tineke van de Weijer
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center, Universiteitssingel 50, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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24
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Fuchs CJ, Kuipers R, Rombouts JA, Brouwers K, Schrauwen-Hinderling VB, Wildberger JE, Verdijk LB, van Loon LJ. Thigh muscles are more susceptible to age-related muscle loss when compared to lower leg and pelvic muscles. Exp Gerontol 2023; 175:112159. [PMID: 36967049 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2023.112159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A key hallmark of aging is the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass. Due to limitations of the various methods typically applied to assess muscle mass, only limited information is available on age-related differences between various muscle groups. This study assessed differences in individual lower body muscle group volumes between healthy young and older males. METHODS Lower body muscle mass assessments were performed in 10 young (age: 27 ± 4 y) and 10 older (age: 71 ± 6 y) healthy, male adults using Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA), single slice (thigh) Computed Tomography (CT), as well as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Muscle volumes of all individual muscle groups in the lower body were assessed by MRI. RESULTS Leg lean mass, as assessed with DXA, was not significantly different between older (9.2 ± 1.0 kg) and young (10.5 ± 2.0 kg) men (P = 0.075). Thigh muscle cross-sectional area, as assessed with CT, was significantly lower (by 13 %) in the older (137 ± 17 cm2) compared to young (157 ± 24 cm2) participants (P = 0.044). MRI-derived lower body muscle volume was also significantly lower (by 20 %) in older (6.7 ± 0.9 L) compared to young (8.3 ± 1.3 L) men (P = 0.005). This was primarily attributed to substantial differences in thigh (24 %), rather than lower leg (12 %) and pelvis (15 %) muscle volume in the older vs the young. Thigh muscle volume averaged 3.4 ± 0.5 L in older and 4.5 ± 0.7 L in young men (P = 0.001). Of all thigh muscle groups, the quadriceps femoris showed the most profound difference (30 %) between young (2.3 ± 0.4 L) and older (1.6 ± 0.2 L) men (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The most profound differences in lower body muscle volume between young and older men are observed in the thigh. Within the thigh muscle groups, the quadriceps femoris shows the largest difference in muscle volume between young and older men. Finally, DXA appears less sensitive when compared to CT and MRI to assess age-related differences in muscle mass.
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25
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Geering L, Sartoretti T, Mergen V, Cundari G, Rusek S, Civaia F, Rossi P, Wildberger JE, Templin C, Manka R, Eberhard M, Alkadhi H. First in-vivo coronary stent imaging with clinical ultra high resolution photon-counting CT. J Cardiovasc Comput Tomogr 2023:S1934-5925(23)00085-0. [PMID: 36898952 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcct.2023.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronary stent imaging remains limited with conventional CT. In this patient study we evaluated the quality of coronary stent imaging and determined the optimal reconstruction settings for ultra-high-resolution (UHR) coronary CT angiography (cCTA) with clinical photon-counting-detector CT (PCD-CT). METHODS In this retrospective dual-center study, 22 patients with 36 coronary stents who underwent UHR cCTA with PCD-CT were included. Images with a slice thickness of 0.6mm and Bv40 kernel and UHR images at a slice thickness of 0.2mm with kernels of eight sharpness levels (Bv40, Bv44, Bv56, Bv60, Bv64, Bv72, Bv80, and Bv89) and adapted matrix-sizes and field-of-views were reconstructed. Image noise, contrast-to-noise-ratio (CNR), in-stent diameters, and differences of in-stent attenuation compared with adjacent segments were measured. Stent strut sharpness was quantified using data derived from line profiles. Subjective in-stent lumen visualization was rated by two blinded, independent readers. In-vitro stent diameters were taken as reference standard. RESULTS At increasing kernel sharpness, CNR decreased, in-stent diameter increased (1.8 ± 0.5mm for 0.6mm/Bv40 to 2.5 ± 0.5mm for 0.2mm/Bv89), and stent strut sharpness increased. Differences of in-stent attenuation decreased from 0.6mm/Bv40 to 0.2 mm/Bv60-Bv80 kernels, being not different from zero for the latter kernels (p > 0.05). Percentage (absolute) differences of measured to in-vitro diameters decreased from 40.1 ± 11.1% (1.2 ± 0.4mm) for 0.6mm/Bv40 to 16.6 ± 8% (0.5 ± 0.3mm) for 0.2mm/Bv89. There were no associations between stent angulation and in-stent diameter or attenuation differences (p > 0.05). Qualitative scores increased from suboptimal/good for 0.6mm/Bv40 to very good/excellent for 0.2mm/Bv64 and 0.2mm/Bv72. CONCLUSION UHR cCTA with clinical PCD-CT enables excellent in-vivo coronary stent lumen visualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ladina Geering
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Sartoretti
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, the Netherlands; Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Victor Mergen
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Giulia Cundari
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomopathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Joachim E Wildberger
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, the Netherlands; Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Christian Templin
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Robert Manka
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Eberhard
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Institute of Radiology, Spitäler Fmi AG, Spital Interlaken, Unterseen, Switzerland
| | - Hatem Alkadhi
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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26
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Sartoretti T, McDermott M, Mergen V, Euler A, Schmidt B, Jost G, Wildberger JE, Alkadhi H. Photon-counting detector coronary CT angiography: impact of virtual monoenergetic imaging and iterative reconstruction on image quality. Br J Radiol 2023; 96:20220466. [PMID: 36633005 PMCID: PMC9975359 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20220466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the impact of low kilo-electronvolt (keV) virtual monoenergetic image (VMI) energies and iterative reconstruction on image quality of clinical photon-counting detector coronary CT angiography (CCTA). METHODS CCTA with PCD-CT (prospective ECG-triggering, 120 kVp, automatic tube current modulation) was performed in a high-end cardiovascular phantom with dynamic flow, pulsatile heart motion, and including different calcified plaques with various stenosis grades and in 10 consecutive patients. VMI at 40,50,60 and 70 keV were reconstructed without (QIR-off) and with all quantum iterative reconstruction (QIR) levels (QIR-1 to 4). In the phantom, noise power spectrum, vessel attenuation, contrast-to-noise-ratio (CNR), and vessel sharpness were measured. Two readers graded stenoses in the phantom and graded overall image quality, subjective noise, vessel sharpness, vascular contrast, and coronary artery plaque delineation on 5-point Likert scales in patients. RESULTS In the phantom, noise texture was only slightly affected by keV and QIR while noise increased by 69% from 70 keV QIR-4 to 40 keV QIR-off. Reconstructions at 40 keV QIR-4 exhibited the highest CNR (46.1 ± 1.8), vessel sharpness (425 ± 42 ∆HU/mm), and vessel attenuation (1098 ± 14 HU). Stenosis measurements were not affected by keV or QIR level (p > 0.12) with an average error of 3%/6% for reader 1/reader 2, respectively. In patients, across all subjective categories and both readers, 40 keV QIR-3 and QIR-4 images received the best scores (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Forty keV VMI with QIR-4 significantly improved image quality of CCTA with PCD-CT. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE PCD-CT at 40 keV and QIR-4 improves image quality of CCTA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Victor Mergen
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - André Euler
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Hatem Alkadhi
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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27
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Abstract
Since its development in the 1970s, X-ray CT has emerged as a landmark diagnostic imaging modality of modern medicine. Technological advances have been crucial to the success of CT imaging, as they have increasingly enabled improvements in image quality and diagnostic value at increasing radiation dose efficiency. With recent advances in engineering and physics, a novel technology has emerged with the potential to surpass several shortcomings and limitations of current CT systems. Photon-counting detector (PCD)-CT might substantially improve and expand the applicability of CT imaging by offering intrinsic spectral capabilities, increased spatial resolution, reduced electronic noise and improved image contrast. In this review we sought to summarize the first clinical experience of PCD-CT. We focused on most recent prototype and first clinically approved PCD-CT systems thereby reviewing initial publications and presenting corresponding clinical cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Sartoretti
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zürich, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Joachim E Wildberger
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Flohr
- Siemens Healthcare GmbH, Computed Tomography, Forchheim, Germany
| | - Hatem Alkadhi
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zürich, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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28
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Abstract
Since its development in the 1970s, X-ray CT has emerged as a landmark diagnostic imaging modality of modern medicine. Technological advances have been crucial to the success of CT imaging, as they have increasingly enabled improvements in image quality and diagnostic value at increasing radiation dose efficiency. With recent advances in engineering and physics, a novel technology has emerged with the potential to surpass several shortcomings and limitations of current CT systems. Photon-counting detector (PCD)-CT might substantially improve and expand the applicability of CT imaging by offering intrinsic spectral capabilities, increased spatial resolution, reduced electronic noise and improved image contrast. In this review we sought to summarize the first clinical experience of PCD-CT. We focused on most recent prototype and first clinically approved PCD-CT systems thereby reviewing initial publications and presenting corresponding clinical cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Sartoretti
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zürich, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Joachim E Wildberger
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Flohr
- Siemens Healthcare GmbH, Computed Tomography, Forchheim, Germany
| | - Hatem Alkadhi
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zürich, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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29
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Neeter LM, Robbe MQ, van Nijnatten TJ, Jochelson MS, Raat H, Wildberger JE, Smidt ML, Nelemans PJ, Lobbes MB. Comparing the Diagnostic Performance of Contrast-Enhanced Mammography and Breast MRI: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Cancer 2023; 14:174-182. [PMID: 36605487 PMCID: PMC9809339 DOI: 10.7150/jca.79747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: To provide a systematic review and meta-analysis that evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) compared to standard contrast-enhanced breast magnetic resonance imaging (breast MRI). Like breast MRI, CEM enables tumour visualization by contrast accumulation. CEM seems to be a viable substitute for breast MRI. Methods: This systematic search assessed the diagnostic accuracy of these techniques in women with suspicious breast lesions on prior imaging or physical examination, who have undergone both breast MRI and CEM. CEM had to be performed on a commercially available system. The MRI sequence parameters had to be described sufficiently to ensure that standard breast MRI sequence protocols were used. Pooled values of sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), were estimated using bivariate mixed-effects logistic regression modeling. Hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curves for CEM and breast MRI were also constructed. Results: Six studies (607 patients with 775 lesions) met the predefined inclusion criteria. Pooled sensitivity was 96% for CEM and 97% for breast MRI. Pooled specificity was 77% for both modalities. DOR was 79.5 for CEM and 122.9 for breast MRI. Between-study heterogeneity expressed as the I2 -index was substantial with values over 80%. Conclusion: Pooled sensitivity was high for both CEM and breast MRI, with moderate specificity. The pooled DOR estimates, however, indicate higher overall diagnostic performance of breast MRI compared to CEM. Nonetheless, current scientific evidence is too limited to prematurely discard CEM as an alternative for breast MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidewij M.F.H. Neeter
- GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - M.M. Quirien. Robbe
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Thiemo J.A. van Nijnatten
- GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Maxine S. Jochelson
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - H.P.J. Raat
- Department of Medical Imaging, Laurentius hospital, Mgr. Driessenstrtaat 6, 6040AX Roermond, the Netherlands
| | - Joachim E. Wildberger
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Marjolein L. Smidt
- Department of Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center+, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Patty J. Nelemans
- Department of Epidemiology, Maastricht University, P. Debyelaan 1, 6229 HA Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Marc B.I. Lobbes
- GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Medical Imaging, Zuyderland Medical Center, Dr. H. van der Hoffplein 1, 6162 BG Sittard-Geleen, the Netherlands
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Heuts S, Schalla S, Ramaekers MJFG, Bidar E, Mihl C, Wildberger JE, Adriaans BP. Imaging surveillance for complications after primary surgery for type A aortic dissection. Heart 2022; 109:96-101. [PMID: 35321890 DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2022-320881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is a life-threatening condition that requires emergency surgery to avert fatal outcome. Conventional surgical procedures comprise excision of the entry tear and replacement of the proximal aorta with a synthetic vascular graft. In patients with DeBakey type I dissection, this approach leaves a chronically dissected distal aorta, putting them at risk for progressive dilatation, dissection propagation and aortic rupture. Therefore, ATAAD survivors should undergo serial imaging for evaluation of the aortic valve, proximal and distal anastomoses, and the aortic segments beyond the distal anastomosis. The current narrative review aims to describe potential complications in the early and late phases after ATAAD surgery, with focus on their specific imaging findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Heuts
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Maastricht Universitair Medisch Centrum+, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Simon Schalla
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands.,Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands.,CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Mitch J F G Ramaekers
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands.,Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands.,CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Elham Bidar
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Maastricht Universitair Medisch Centrum+, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands.,CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Casper Mihl
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands.,CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Joachim E Wildberger
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands.,CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Bouke P Adriaans
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands.,Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands.,CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
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31
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McDermott MC, Sartoretti T, Mihl C, Pietsch H, Alkadhi H, Wildberger JE. Third-Generation Cardiovascular Phantom: The Next Generation of Preclinical Research in Diagnostic Imaging. Invest Radiol 2022; 57:834-840. [PMID: 35703259 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000000894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Different types of preclinical research tools used in the field of diagnostic imaging such as dynamic flow circulation phantoms have built the foundation for optimization and advancement of clinical procedures including new imaging techniques. The objective was to introduce a third-generation phantom, building on the limitations of earlier versions and unlocking new opportunities for preclinical investigation. MATERIAL AND METHODS A third-generation phantom was designed and constructed comprising physiological vascular models from head to toe, including a 4-chamber heart with embedded heart valves and a controllable electromechanical pump. The models include modular segments, allowing for interchangeability between healthy and diseased vessels. Clinical sanity checks were performed using the phantom in combination with a dual-head power injector on a third-generation dual-source computed tomography scanner. Contrast media was injected at 1.5 g I/s, and the phantom was configured with a cardiac output of 5.3 L/min. Measurements of mean transit times between key vascular landmarks and peak enhancement values in Hounsfield units (HUs) were measured to compare with expected in vivo results estimated from literature. RESULTS Good agreement was obtained between literature reference values from physiology and measured results. Contrast arrival between antecubital vein and right ventricle was measured to be 13.1 ± 0.3 seconds. Transit time from right ventricle to left ventricle was 12.0 ± 0.2 seconds, from left internal carotid artery to left internal jugular vein 7.7 ± 0.4 seconds, and 2.9 ± 0.2 seconds from aortic arch to aortic bifurcation. The peak enhancement measured in the regions of interest was between 336 HU and 557 HU. CONCLUSIONS The third-generation phantom demonstrated the capability of simulating physiologic in vivo conditions with accurate contrast media transport timing, good repeatability, and expected enhancement profiles. As a nearly complete cardiovascular system including a functioning 4-chamber heart and interchangeable disease states, the third-generation phantom presents new opportunities for the expansion of preclinical research in diagnostic imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Hatem Alkadhi
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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32
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Bijvoet GP, Nies HMJM, Holtackers RJ, Linz D, Adriaans BP, Nijveldt R, Wildberger JE, Vernooy K, Chaldoupi SM, Mihl C. Correlation between Cardiac MRI and Voltage Mapping in Evaluating
Atrial Fibrosis: A Systematic Review. Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging 2022; 4:e220061. [PMID: 36339060 PMCID: PMC9627236 DOI: 10.1148/ryct.220061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To provide an overview of existing literature on the association between
late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiac MRI and low voltage areas
(LVA) obtained with electroanatomic mapping (EAM) or histopathology when
assessing atrial fibrosis. Materials and Methods A systematic literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Embase, and
Cochrane Library databases to identify all studies published until June
7, 2022, comparing LGE cardiac MRI to LVA EAM and/or histopathology for
evaluation of atrial fibrosis. The study protocol was registered at
PROSPERO (registration no. CRD42022338243). Two reviewers independently
evaluated the studies for inclusion. Risk of bias and applicability for
each included study were assessed using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic
Accuracy Studies–2 (QUADAS-2) criteria. Data regarding
demographics, electrophysiology, LGE cardiac MRI, and study outcomes
were extracted. Results The search yielded 1048 total results, of which 22 studies were included.
Nineteen of the 22 included studies reported a significant correlation
between high signal intensity at LGE cardiac MRI and LVA EAM or
histopathology. However, there was great heterogeneity between included
studies regarding study design, patient samples, cardiac MRI performance
and postprocessing, and EAM performance. Conclusion Current literature suggests a correlation between LGE cardiac MRI and LVA
EAM or histopathology when evaluating atrial fibrosis but high
heterogeneity between studies, demonstrating the need for uniform
choices regarding cardiac MRI and EAM acquisition in future studies. Keywords: Cardiac, MR Imaging, Left Atrium Supplemental material is available for this
article. © RSNA, 2022
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Bijvoet GP, Hermans BJM, Holtackers RJ, Luermans JGLM, Linz D, Maesen B, Mihl C, Nijveldt R, Vernooy K, Wildberger JE, Schotten U, Chaldoupi SM. The use of novel 3D dark-blood late gadolinium enhancement MRI to determine the optimal threshold for atrial scar after pulmonary vein isolation ablation. Eur Heart J 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac544.421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Dark-blood late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is proved to be superior to bright-blood LGE MRI in localising subtle subendocardial scar in the ventricles, because of improved contrast between myocardial scar and blood. However, dark-blood LGE MRI has not yet been applied to identify atrial scar in the left atrium (LA) and therefore its threshold to determine scar is unknown.
Purpose
To determine the optimal intensity threshold for 3D dark-blood LGE MRI for atrial ablation scar after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI)
Methods
Twelve re-do PVI patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) who underwent pre-procedural 3D dark-blood LGE MRI were included. The image intensity ratio (IIR = myocardial intensity normalized to the blood pool) from the LGE MRI were calculated using ADAS-AF. High-density bipolar voltages (BiV) maps were recorded during sinus rhythm prior to ablation. All BiV locations ≤5 mm from the ADAS LA anatomy were compared with the corresponding IIR, using custom-made software in MATLAB. To achieve an equal ratio between scar (BiV ≤0.15 mV) and non-scar (BiV >0.15 mV) for each patient, non-scar pairs were randomly resampled to the same number as scar pairs. This was repeated 10 times and for every random selection, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was performed to determine the optimal IIR threshold (provided by the Youden's index) for scar defined as BiV <0.15 mV (Figure 1). All IIR thresholds and areas under the curve were averaged to determine the overall performance and optimal IIR threshold.
Results
Of the 12 included patients, 8 had prior cryo PVI, 2 radiofrequency PVI, and 2 surgical/hybrid AF ablation. ROC curve analysis estimated the average optimal threshold for predicting BiV <0.15 mV to be an IIR of 1.106, with a mean area under the curve (AUC) of 0.73 (Figure 1). Figure 2 shows two examples of the IIR map (A), BiV map (B), and the correspondence map (C) providing information on spatial agreement between IIR and BiV. This individual qualitative assessment provides insight into the spatial variation between techniques and may facilitate future studies on the pathophysiological understanding of atrial ablation scarring.
Conclusion
This is the first study to use the novel 3D dark-blood whole heart LGE MRI to evaluate LA ablation scar after PVI. Based on the ROC analyses, an IIR of 1.106 is the optimal threshold for atrial ablation scar, defined as high density bipolar voltage <0.15 mV.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
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Affiliation(s)
- G P Bijvoet
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Department of Physiology , Maastricht , The Netherlands
| | - B J M Hermans
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Department of Physiology , Maastricht , The Netherlands
| | - R J Holtackers
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Department of Physiology , Maastricht , The Netherlands
| | - J G L M Luermans
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Department of Physiology , Maastricht , The Netherlands
| | - D Linz
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Department of Physiology , Maastricht , The Netherlands
| | - B Maesen
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Department of Physiology , Maastricht , The Netherlands
| | - C Mihl
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Department of Physiology , Maastricht , The Netherlands
| | - R Nijveldt
- Radboud University Medical Center, Cardiology , Nijmegen , The Netherlands
| | - K Vernooy
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Department of Physiology , Maastricht , The Netherlands
| | - J E Wildberger
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Department of Physiology , Maastricht , The Netherlands
| | - U Schotten
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Department of Physiology , Maastricht , The Netherlands
| | - S M Chaldoupi
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Department of Physiology , Maastricht , The Netherlands
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Altintas S, van Workum S, Kok M, Joosen IA, Versteylen MO, Nelemans PJ, Wildberger JE, Crijns HJ, Das M, Kietselaer BL. BMI is not independently associated with coronary artery calcification in a large single‐center CT cohort. Obes Sci Pract 2022; 9:172-178. [PMID: 37034565 PMCID: PMC10073817 DOI: 10.1002/osp4.636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Obesity is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and CVD mortality. However, previous reports showed a paradoxical protective effect in patients with known CVD referred as "obesity paradox". Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the association of body mass index (BMI) with coronary artery calcification (CAC) in a large outpatient cardiac CT cohort. Methods 4.079 patients who underwent cardiac CT between December 2007-May 2014 were analyzed. BMI and clinical risk factors (current smoking, diabetes mellitus type 2, family history, systolic blood pressure, lipid spectrum) were assessed. Missing values were imputed using multiple imputation. CAC extent was categorized as absent (0), mild (>0-100), moderate (>100-400) and severe (>400). Results Multivariable multinomial logistic regression analysis, including all risk factors as independent variables, showed no association between BMI and CAC. Using absence of calcification as reference category, the odds ratios per unit increase in BMI were 1.01 for mild; 1.02 for moderate; and 1.00 for severe CAC (p-values ≥0.103). Conclusions No statistically significant association was observed between BMI and CAC after adjustment for other risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibel Altintas
- Department of Cardiology Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+) Nijmegen the Netherlands
| | - Samanta van Workum
- Department of Cardiology Canisius Wilhelmina hospital Nijmegen the Netherlands
| | - Madeleine Kok
- Department of Radiology University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU) Nijmegen the Netherlands
| | - Ivo A.P.G. Joosen
- Department of Cardiology Canisius Wilhelmina hospital Nijmegen the Netherlands
| | | | - Patricia J. Nelemans
- Department of Epidemiology CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care University Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences Maastricht the Netherlands
| | | | - Harry J.G.M. Crijns
- Department of Cardiology Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+) Nijmegen the Netherlands
| | - Marco Das
- Department of Radiology Helios Klinikum Duisburg Germany
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Martens B, Driessen RG, Brandts L, Hoitinga P, van Veen F, Driessen M, Weberndörfer V, Kietselaer B, Ghossein-Doha C, Gietema HA, Vernooy K, van der Horst IC, Wildberger JE, van Bussel BC, Mihl C. Coronary Artery Calcifications Are Associated With More Severe Multiorgan Failure in Patients With Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection: Longitudinal Results of the Maastricht Intensive Care COVID Cohort. J Thorac Imaging 2022; 37:217-224. [PMID: 35412497 PMCID: PMC9223512 DOI: 10.1097/rti.0000000000000648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is regarded as a multisystemic disease. Patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease have an increased risk for a more severe disease course. This study aimed to investigate if a higher degree of coronary artery calcifications (CAC) on a standard chest computed tomography (CT) scan in mechanically ventilated patients was associated with a more severe multiorgan failure over time. MATERIALS AND METHODS All mechanically ventilated intensive care unit patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection who underwent a chest CT were prospectively included. CT was used to establish the extent of CAC using a semiquantitative grading system. We categorized patients into 3 sex-specific tertiles of CAC: lowest, intermediate, and highest CAC score. Daily, the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores were collected to evaluate organ failure over time. Linear mixed-effects regression was used to investigate differences in SOFA scores between tertiles. The models were adjusted for age, sex, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score, cardiovascular risk factors, and chronic liver, lung, and renal disease. RESULTS In all, 71 patients were included. Patients in the highest CAC tertile had, on average, over time, 1.8 (0.5-3.1) points higher SOFA score, compared with the lowest CAC tertile ( P =0.005). This association remained significant after adjustment for age, sex, and APACHE II score (1.4 [0.1-2.7], P =0.042) and clinically relevant after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors (1.3 [0.0-2.7], P =0.06) and chronic diseases (1.3 [-0.2 to 2.7], P =0.085). CONCLUSION A greater extent of CAC is associated with a more severe multiorgan failure in mechanically ventilated coronavirus disease 2019 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bibi Martens
- Departments of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM)
| | - Rob G.H. Driessen
- Intensive Care Medicine
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM)
| | - Lloyd Brandts
- Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology Assessment, Maastricht University Medical Centre+
| | | | | | | | | | - Bas Kietselaer
- Department of Cardiology, Zuyderland Medical Centre Heerlen, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Chahinda Ghossein-Doha
- Intensive Care Medicine
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM)
- School for Oncology & Developmental Biology (GROW)
- Department of Cardiology, Zuyderland Medical Centre Heerlen, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Hester A. Gietema
- Departments of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine
- School for Oncology & Developmental Biology (GROW)
| | | | | | - Joachim E. Wildberger
- Departments of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM)
| | - Bas C.T. van Bussel
- Intensive Care Medicine
- Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht
| | - Casper Mihl
- Departments of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM)
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Nies HMJM, Gommers S, Bijvoet GP, Heckman LIB, Prinzen FW, Vogel G, Van De Heyning CM, Chiribiri A, Wildberger JE, Mihl C, Holtackers RJ. Histopathological validation of semi-automated myocardial scar quantification techniques for dark-blood late gadolinium enhancement magnetic resonance imaging. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2022; 24:364-372. [PMID: 35723673 PMCID: PMC9936958 DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jeac107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate the performance of various semi-automated techniques for quantification of myocardial infarct size on both conventional bright-blood and novel dark-blood late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) images using histopathology as reference standard. METHODS AND RESULTS In 13 Yorkshire pigs, reperfused myocardial infarction was experimentally induced. At 7 weeks post-infarction, both bright-blood and dark-blood LGE imaging were performed on a 1.5 T magnetic resonance scanner. Following magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the animals were sacrificed, and histopathology was obtained. The percentage of infarcted myocardium was assessed per slice using various semi-automated scar quantification techniques, including the signal threshold vs. reference mean (STRM, using 3 to 8 SDs as threshold) and full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) methods, as well as manual contouring, for both LGE methods. Infarct size obtained by histopathology was used as reference. In total, 24 paired LGE MRI slices and histopathology samples were available for analysis. For both bright-blood and dark-blood LGE, the STRM method with a threshold of 5 SDs led to the best agreement to histopathology without significant bias (-0.23%, 95% CI [-2.99, 2.52%], P = 0.862 and -0.20%, 95% CI [-2.12, 1.72%], P = 0.831, respectively). Manual contouring significantly underestimated infarct size on bright-blood LGE (-1.57%, 95% CI [-2.96, -0.18%], P = 0.029), while manual contouring on dark-blood LGE outperformed semi-automated quantification and demonstrated the most accurate quantification in this study (-0.03%, 95% CI [-0.22, 0.16%], P = 0.760). CONCLUSION The signal threshold vs. reference mean method with a threshold of 5 SDs demonstrated the most accurate semi-automated quantification of infarcted myocardium, without significant bias compared to histopathology, for both conventional bright-blood and novel dark-blood LGE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Suzanne Gommers
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, PO Box 5800, AZ 6202, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Geertruida P Bijvoet
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands,Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Luuk I B Heckman
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Frits W Prinzen
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands,Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Gaston Vogel
- Pie Medical Imaging, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline M Van De Heyning
- Department of Cardiology, Antwerp University Hospital and GENCOR, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Amedeo Chiribiri
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Joachim E Wildberger
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands,Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, PO Box 5800, AZ 6202, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Casper Mihl
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands,Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, PO Box 5800, AZ 6202, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Nies HMJM, Bijvoet GP, Chaldoupi SM, Vernooy K, Linz D, Wildberger JE, Holtackers RJ, Mihl C. Direct pre- and post-ablation cardiac magnetic resonance imaging of tissue characteristics in patients with typical atrial flutter. Europace 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/euac053.312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.
Background
Real-time cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging as guidance in electrophysiology (EP) procedures enables a detailed overview of the anatomy of the heart and surrounding structures, active and passive catheter tracking, and real-time visualisation of ablation lesions throughout the ablation procedure, without using fluoroscopy.
Purpose
To evaluate ablation induced changes in tissue characteristics of the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI), directly following typical atrial flutter ablation in an interventional cardiac magnetic resonance (iCMR) suite.
Methods
Nine patients with symptomatic typical atrial flutter were referred for CTI ablation in an iCMR suite. Procedures were performed using a 1.5T MRI scanner. Pre-ablation imaging included T2-weighted edema imaging in the right anterior oblique (RAO) and transversal view. During the ablation procedure, CMR imaging facilitated active tracking and real-time navigation of both diagnostic and ablation catheters, as well as visualisation of the ablated tissue. Post-ablation imaging to evaluate the target tissue again included T2-weighted edema imaging as well as dark-blood late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging. Data regarding post-ablation imaging findings, ablation outcome, and complications were collected for all patients. All patients provided written informed consent.
Results
In eight of the nine patients, T2-weighted imaging was successfully performed pre- and post-ablation, which identified myocardial edema at the CTI ablation line in all patients (Figure 1A-B). Due to time restraints, post-ablation LGE imaging was performed in five patients, which showed pathological signal intensity at the level of the CTI in all five patients (Figure 1C). Bidirectional block of the CTI was confirmed by differential pacing in eight patients. No complications occurred during or immediately after the procedures. In one patient, the registration of intracardiac electrograms was not possible due to technical problems and the patient was transferred to a conventional EP lab to complete the ablation following our predefined bailout procedure.
Conclusion
Real-time CMR guided CTI ablation in patients with typical atrial flutter is safe and successful. CMR enables accurate visualisation of the CTI line and provides immediate post-ablation evaluation of tissue characteristics at the ablation target location.
Figure 1. T2-weighted edema cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in the right anterior oblique (RAO) view acquired pre- (A) and post-ablation (B) during interventional CMR ablation therapy. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) CMR in the RAO view post-ablation (C) of the same patient. The blue arrowheads indicate the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) line. High signal intensity at the level of CTI is observed post-ablation on both T2-weighted (indicating edema) and LGE (indicating cell membrane rupture) images.
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Affiliation(s)
- HMJM Nies
- Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC), Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - GP Bijvoet
- Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC), Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - SM Chaldoupi
- Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC), Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - K Vernooy
- Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC), Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - D Linz
- Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC), Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - JE Wildberger
- Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC), Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - RJ Holtackers
- Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC), Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - C Mihl
- Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC), Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
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Bijvoet GP, Nies HMJM, Holtackers RJ, Vernooy K, Wildberger JE, Linz D, Mihl C, Chaldoupi SM. First clinical experience with cardiac magnetic resonance guided typical atrial flutter ablation with the integration of active catheter tracking and electro-anatomical mapping. Europace 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/euac053.311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.
Background
In our university hospital, we previously implemented cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) guided typical atrial flutter ablation in a pre-existing MRI suite which was transformed into an interventional cardiac MRI (iCMR) suite.
Purpose
To describe our first clinical experience with integration of active catheter tracking and dedicated electro-anatomical mapping (EAM) system for the treatment of typical atrial flutter in a transformed pre-existing MRI suite.
Methods
Between February 2021 and December 2021, all consecutive patients planned for CMR guided typical atrial flutter ablation were included in this analysis. The procedure was performed under general anaesthesia. Feasibility and safety of active catheter tracking and the integration with a dedicated EAM was evaluated. All patients provided written informed consent.
Results
In total, nine patients underwent CMR guided atrial flutter ablation. Procedural characteristics are presented in Table 1. In all patients, both active catheter tracking and the integration with EAM were performed successfully. Bidirectional cavo-tricuspid isthmus block was achieved in eight out of nine patients and confirmed by differential pacing using intracardiac electrograms and EAM. In one of these eight patients, the registration of intracardiac electrograms was not possible due to technical problems and the patient was transferred to a conventional electrophysiology lab to complete the ablation following our predefined bailout procedure. Seven out of nine patients were in sinus rhythm at the start of the procedure, one in nodal rhythm with atrial bigeminy, one patient required electrical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation prior to the procedure. No periprocedural complications occurred.
Conclusion
CMR guided typical atrial flutter ablation in a transformed pre-existing MRI suite using active catheter tracking and a dedicated EAM system is feasible and safe based on this small population. It allows for detailed visualisation of catheters and individual patients anatomy. Further studies in larger patient populations are required to evaluate whether iCMR is cost effective and can improve clinical outcome of typical atrial flutter ablation and other arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- GP Bijvoet
- Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC), Department of Cardiology, Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - HMJM Nies
- Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC), Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - RJ Holtackers
- Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC), Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - K Vernooy
- Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC), Department of Cardiology, Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - JE Wildberger
- Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC), Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - D Linz
- Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC), Department of Cardiology, Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - C Mihl
- Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC), Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
| | - SM Chaldoupi
- Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC), Department of Cardiology, Maastricht, Netherlands (The)
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Aizaz M, van der Pol JAJ, Wierts R, Zwart H, van der Werf AJ, Wildberger JE, Bucerius JA, Moonen RPM, Kooi ME. Evaluation of a Dedicated Radiofrequency Carotid PET/MRI Coil. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11092569. [PMID: 35566694 PMCID: PMC9101928 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11092569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Carotid radiofrequency coils inside a PET/MRI system can result in PET quantification errors. We compared the performance of a dedicated PET/MRI carotid coil against a coil for MRI-only use. An 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) phantom was scanned without and with an MRI-only coil and with the PET/MRI coil. The decay-corrected normalized activity was compared for the different coil configurations. Eighteen patients were scanned with the three coil configurations. The maximal standardized uptake values (SUVmax) and signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) were calculated. Repeated measures ANOVA was performed to assess the differences in SUVmax and SNR between the coil configurations. In the phantom study, the PET/MRI coil demonstrated a slight decrease (<5%), while the MRI-only coil showed a substantial decrease (up to 10%) in normalized activity at the position of coil elements compared to no dedicated coil configuration. In the patient study, the SUVmax values for both no surface coil (3.59 ± 0.15) and PET/MRI coil (3.54 ± 0.15) were significantly higher (p = 0.03 and p = 0.04, respectively) as compared to the MRI-only coil (3.28 ± 0.16). No significant difference was observed between PET/MRI and no surface coil (p = 1.0). The SNR values for both PET/MRI (7.31 ± 0.44) and MRI-only (7.62 ± 0.42) configurations demonstrated significantly higher (p < 0.001) SNR values as compared to the no surface coil (3.78 ± 0.22), while no significant difference was observed in SNR between the PET/MRI and MRI-only coil (p = 1.0). This study demonstrated that the PET/MRI coil can be used for PET imaging without requiring attenuation correction while acquiring high-resolution MR images.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mueez Aizaz
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands; (M.A.); (J.A.J.v.d.P.); (R.W.); (J.E.W.); (J.A.B.); (R.P.M.M.)
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jochem A. J. van der Pol
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands; (M.A.); (J.A.J.v.d.P.); (R.W.); (J.E.W.); (J.A.B.); (R.P.M.M.)
| | - Roel Wierts
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands; (M.A.); (J.A.J.v.d.P.); (R.W.); (J.E.W.); (J.A.B.); (R.P.M.M.)
| | - Hans Zwart
- Machnet B.V, 9301 LK Roden, The Netherlands; (H.Z.); (A.J.v.d.W.)
| | | | - Joachim E. Wildberger
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands; (M.A.); (J.A.J.v.d.P.); (R.W.); (J.E.W.); (J.A.B.); (R.P.M.M.)
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan A. Bucerius
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands; (M.A.); (J.A.J.v.d.P.); (R.W.); (J.E.W.); (J.A.B.); (R.P.M.M.)
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Medicine Goettingen, Georg-August-University Goettingen, 37073 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Rik P. M. Moonen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands; (M.A.); (J.A.J.v.d.P.); (R.W.); (J.E.W.); (J.A.B.); (R.P.M.M.)
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marianne Eline Kooi
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands; (M.A.); (J.A.J.v.d.P.); (R.W.); (J.E.W.); (J.A.B.); (R.P.M.M.)
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-43-387-4910
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Martens B, Bosschee JGA, Van Kuijk SMJ, Jeukens CRLPN, Brauer MTH, Wildberger JE, Mihl C. Finding the optimal tube current and iterative reconstruction strength in liver imaging; two needles in one haystack. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266194. [PMID: 35390018 PMCID: PMC8989341 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives
The aim of the study was to find the lowest possible tube current and the optimal iterative reconstruction (IR) strength in abdominal imaging.
Material and methods
Reconstruction software was used to insert noise, simulating the use of a lower tube current. A semi-anthropomorphic abdominal phantom (Quality Assurance in Radiology and Medicine, QSA-543, Moehrendorf, Germany) was used to validate the performance of the ReconCT software (S1 Appendix). Thirty abdominal CT scans performed with a standard protocol (120 kVref, 150 mAsref) scanned at 90 kV, with dedicated contrast media (CM) injection software were selected. There were no other in- or exclusion criteria. The software was used to insert noise as if the scans were performed with 90, 80, 70 and 60% of the full dose. Consequently, the different scans were reconstructed with filtered back projection (FBP) and IR strength 2, 3 and 4. Both objective (e.g. Hounsfield units [HU], signal to noise ratio [SNR] and contrast to noise ratio [CNR]) and subjective image quality were evaluated. In addition, lesion detection was graded by two radiologists in consensus in another 30 scans (identical scan protocol) with various liver lesions, reconstructed with IR 3, 4 and 5.
Results
A tube current of 60% still led to diagnostic objective image quality (e.g. SNR and CNR) when IR strength 3 or 4 were used. IR strength 4 was preferred for lesion detection. The subjective image quality was rated highest for the scans performed at 90% with IR 4.
Conclusion
A tube current reduction of 10–40% is possible in case IR 4 is used, leading to the highest image quality (10%) or still diagnostic image quality (40%), shown by a pairwise comparison in the same patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bibi Martens
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Sander M. J. Van Kuijk
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology Assessment, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Cécile R. L. P. N. Jeukens
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Maikel T. H. Brauer
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Joachim E. Wildberger
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Casper Mihl
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Holtackers RJ, Emrich T, Botnar RM, Kooi ME, Wildberger JE, Kreitner KF. Late Gadolinium Enhancement Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging: From Basic Concepts to Emerging Methods. ROFO-FORTSCHR RONTG 2022; 194:491-504. [PMID: 35196714 DOI: 10.1055/a-1718-4355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) is a widely used cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique to diagnose a broad range of ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathies. Since its development and validation against histology already more than two decades ago, the clinical utility of LGE and its span of applications have increased considerably. METHODS In this review we will present the basic concepts of LGE imaging and its diagnostic and prognostic value, elaborate on recent developments and emerging methods, and finally discuss future prospects. RESULTS Continuous developments in 3 D imaging methods, motion correction techniques, water/fat-separated imaging, dark-blood methods, and scar quantification improved the performance and further expanded the clinical utility of LGE imaging. CONCLUSION LGE imaging is the current noninvasive reference standard for the assessment of myocardial viability. Improvements in spatial resolution, scar-to-blood contrast, and water/fat-separated imaging further strengthened its position. KEY POINTS · LGE MRI is the reference standard for the noninvasive assessment of myocardial viability. · LGE MRI is used to diagnose a broad range of non-ischemic cardiomyopathies in everyday clinical practice.. · Improvements in spatial resolution and scar-to-blood contrast further strengthened its position. · Continuous developments improve its performance and further expand its clinical utility. CITATION FORMAT · Holtackers RJ, Emrich T, Botnar RM et al. Late Gadolinium Enhancement Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging: From Basic Concepts to Emerging Methods. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2022; DOI: 10.1055/a-1718-4355.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Holtackers
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, the Netherlands.,Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, the Netherlands.,School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Tilman Emrich
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center Mainz, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Rhine Main, Mainz, Germany.,Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - René M Botnar
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, United Kingdom.,Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Escuela de Ingeniería, Santiago, Chile
| | - M Eline Kooi
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, the Netherlands.,Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, the Netherlands
| | - Joachim E Wildberger
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, the Netherlands.,Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, the Netherlands
| | - K-F Kreitner
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center Mainz, Germany
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Martens B, Wildberger JE, Van Kuijk SMJ, De Vos-Geelen J, Jeukens CRLPN, Mihl C. Influence of Contrast Material Temperature on Patient Comfort and Image Quality in Computed Tomography of the Abdomen: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Invest Radiol 2022; 57:85-89. [PMID: 34280944 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000000807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND International guideline recommendations on safe use of contrast media (CM) are conflicting regarding the necessity to prewarm iodinated CM. PURPOSE Aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of room temperature CM compared with prewarmed CM on image quality, safety, and patient comfort in abdominal computed tomography (CT). METHODS CATCHY (Contrast Media Temperature and Patient Comfort in Computed Tomography of the Abdomen) is a double-blinded, randomized noninferiority trial. Between February and August 2020, 218 participants referred for portal venous abdominal CT were prospectively and randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups. All patients received iopromide at 300 mg I/mL: group 1 at room temperature (~23°C [~73°F]) and group 2 prewarmed to body temperature (37°C [99°F]). A state-of-the-art individualized CM injection protocol was used, based on body weight and adapted to tube voltage. Primary outcome was absolute difference in mean liver attenuation between groups, calculated with a 2-sided 95% confidence interval. The noninferiority margin was set at -10 HU. Secondary outcomes were objective (signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio) and subjective image quality; CM extravasations and other adverse events; and participant comfort (5-point scale questionnaire) and pain (numeric rating scale). This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04249479). RESULTS The absolute difference in mean attenuation between groups was + 4.23 HU (95% confidence interval, +0.35 to +8.11; mean attenuation, 122.2 ± 13.1 HU in group 1, 118.0 ± 15.9 HU in group 2; P = 0.03). Signal-to-noise ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio, and subjective image quality were not significantly different between groups (P = 0.53, 0.23, and 0.99 respectively). Contrast extravasation occurred in 1 patient (group 2), and no other adverse events occurred. Comfort scores were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (P = 0.03); pain did not significantly differ (perceived P > 0.99; intensity P = 0.20). CONCLUSIONS Not prewarming iodinated CM was found noninferior in abdominal CT imaging. Prewarming conferred no beneficial effect on image quality, safety, and comfort, and might therefore no longer be considered a prerequisite in state-of-the art injection protocols for parenchymal imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sander M J Van Kuijk
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology Assessment, Maastricht University Medical Center
| | | | - Cécile R L P N Jeukens
- From the Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center
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Dudink E, Weijs B, Luermans J, Peeters F, Altintas S, Vernooy K, Pison L, Haest RJ, Kragten JA, Kietselaer B, Wildberger JE, Crijns H. Concealed Coronary Atherosclerosis In Idiopathic Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation is Associated with Imminent Cardiovascular Diseases. J Atr Fibrillation 2021; 13:2321. [PMID: 34950316 DOI: 10.4022/jafib.2321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background Previous research showed a significant difference in the presence of subclinical coronary artery disease (CAD) on cardiac CT angiography (CTA) between patients with idiopathic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (iAF) versus a matched sinus rhythm population (iSR). Here we present 5-year follow-up data and the consequences of subclinical CAD on baseline CTA on the development of cardiovascular disease in iAF. Methods In 99 iAF patients (who underwent CTA as part of work-up for pulmonary vein isolation) and 221 matched iSR controls (who underwent CTA for CAD assessment), the incidence of hypertension, diabetes and major cardiovascular events (MACCE) during follow-up was obtained. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to reveal predictors of incident cardiovascular disease in the iAF group. Results During a follow-up of 68±11 months, over one third of patients developed cardiovascular disease, with no difference between iAF and iSR (log-rank p=0.56), and comparable low rates of MACCE (4.0% vs 5.0%,p=0.71). Within the iAF group, age (HR1.12(1.03-1.20);p=0.006), left atrial diameter (HR1.16(1.03-1.31);p=0.01), Segment Involvement Score (total number of coronary segments with atherosclerotic plaque; HR1.43(1.09-1.89);p=0.01) and the number of calcified plaques on CTA (HR0.53(0.30-0.92);p=0.01) were independent predictors of incident cardiovascular disease. Conclusions Subclinical coronary disease on CTA may be useful to identify the subset of patients with iAF that harbour concealed cardiovascular risk factors and need intensive clinical follow-up to ensure timely initiation of appropriate therapy once CV disease develops, including anticoagulation and vascular prophylactic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eamp Dudink
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+) and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - B Weijs
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+) and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Jglm Luermans
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+) and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Fecm Peeters
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+) and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - S Altintas
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+) and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - K Vernooy
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+) and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Lafg Pison
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+) and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - R J Haest
- Department of Cardiology, St. Anna Hospital, Geldrop, the Netherlands
| | - J A Kragten
- Department of Cardiology, Zuyderland Medical Center, Heerlen, the Netherlands
| | - Bljh Kietselaer
- Department of Cardiology, Zuyderland Medical Center, Heerlen, the Netherlands
| | - J E Wildberger
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+) and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Hjgm Crijns
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+) and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, the Netherlands
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Boswijk E, de Ligt M, Habets MFJ, Mingels AMA, van Marken Lichtenbelt WD, Mottaghy FM, Schrauwen P, Wildberger JE, Bucerius J. Resveratrol treatment does not reduce arterial inflammation in males at risk of type 2 diabetes: a randomized crossover trial. Nuklearmedizin 2021; 61:33-41. [PMID: 34918332 DOI: 10.1055/a-1585-7215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Resveratrol has shown promising anti-inflammatory effects in in vitro and animal studies. We aimed to investigate this effect on arterial inflammation in vivo. METHODS This was an additional analysis of a double-blind randomized crossover trial which included eight male subjects with decreased insulin sensitivity who underwent an 18F-fluoroxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT after 34 days of placebo and resveratrol treatment (150 mg/day). 18F-FDG uptake was analyzed in the carotid arteries and the aorta, adipose tissue regions, spleen, and bone marrow as measures for arterial and systemic inflammation. Maximum target-to-background ratios (TBRmax) were compared between resveratrol and placebo treatment with the non-parametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Median values are shown with their interquartile range. RESULTS Arterial 18F-FDG uptake was non-significantly higher after resveratrol treatment (TBRmax all vessels 1.7 (1.6-1.7)) in comparison to placebo treatment (1.5 (1.4-1.6); p=0.050). Only in visceral adipose tissue, the increase in 18F-FDG uptake after resveratrol reached statistical significance (p=0.024). Furthermore, CRP-levels were not significantly affected by resveratrol treatment (p=0.091). CONCLUSIONS Resveratrol failed to attenuate arterial or systemic inflammation as measured with 18F-FDG PET in subjects at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, validation of these findings in larger human studies is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Boswijk
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht UMC+, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Marlies de Ligt
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Marie-Fleur J Habets
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Alma M A Mingels
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Central Diagnostic Laboratory, Maastricht UMC+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Wouter D van Marken Lichtenbelt
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Felix M Mottaghy
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht UMC+, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Patrick Schrauwen
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Joachim E Wildberger
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht UMC+, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Jan Bucerius
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht UMC+, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Gottingen, Germany
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Nijssen EC, Wildberger JE. A novel risk score for contrast-associated acute kidney injury: the heart of the matter. Lancet 2021; 398:1941-1943. [PMID: 34793747 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(21)02445-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Estelle C Nijssen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht 6202 AZ, Netherlands.
| | - Joachim E Wildberger
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht 6202 AZ, Netherlands
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Abstract
ABSTRACT Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely applied for the noninvasive assessment of cardiac structure and function, and for tissue characterization. For more than 2 decades, 1.5 T has been considered the field strength of choice for cardiac MRI. Although the number of 3-T systems significantly increased in the past 10 years and numerous new developments were made, challenges seem to remain that hamper a widespread clinical use of 3-T MR systems for cardiac applications. As the number of clinical cardiac applications is increasing, with each having their own benefits at both field strengths, no "holy grail" field strength exists for cardiac MRI that one should ideally use. This review describes the physical differences between 1.5 and 3 T, as well as the effect of these differences on major (routine) cardiac MRI applications, including functional imaging, edema imaging, late gadolinium enhancement, first-pass stress perfusion, myocardial mapping, and phase contrast flow imaging. For each application, the advantages and limitations at both 1.5 and 3 T are discussed. Solutions and alternatives are provided to overcome potential limitations. Finally, we briefly elaborate on the potential use of alternative field strengths (ie, below 1.5 T and above 3 T) for cardiac MRI and conclude with field strength recommendations for the future of cardiac MRI.
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Franks R, Holtackers RJ, Alskaf E, Nazir MS, Clapp B, Wildberger JE, Perera D, Plein S, Chiribiri A. The impact of dark-blood versus conventional bright-blood late gadolinium enhancement on the myocardial ischemic burden. Eur J Radiol 2021; 144:109947. [PMID: 34700091 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2021.109947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), ischemic burden predicts adverse prognosis and is often used to guide revascularization. Ischemic scar tissue can cause stress perfusion defects that do not represent myocardial ischemia. Dark-blood late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) methods detect more scar than conventional bright-blood LGE, however, the impact on the myocardial ischemic burden estimation is unknown and evaluated in this study. METHODS Forty patients with CMR stress perfusion defects and ischemic scar on both dark-blood and bright-blood LGE were included. For dark-blood LGE, phase sensitive inversion recovery imaging with left ventricular blood pool nulling was used. Ischemic scar burden was quantified for both methods using >5 standard deviations above remote myocardium. Perfusion defects were manually contoured, and the myocardial ischemic burden was calculated by subtracting the ischemic scar burden from the perfusion defect burden. RESULTS Ischemic scar burden by dark-blood LGE was higher than bright-blood LGE (13.3 ± 7.4% vs. 10.3 ± 7.1%, p < 0.001). Dark-blood LGE derived myocardial ischemic burden was lower compared with bright-blood LGE (15.6% (IQR: 10.3 to 22.0) vs. 19.3 (10.9 to 25.5), median difference -2.0%, p < 0.001) with a mean bias of -2.8% (95% confidence intervals: -4.0 to -1.6%) and a large effect size (r = 0.62). CONCLUSION Stress perfusion defects are associated with higher ischemic scar burden using dark-blood LGE compared with bright-blood LGE, which leads to a lower estimation of the myocardial ischemic burden. The prognostic value of using a dark-blood LGE derived ischemic burden to guide revascularization is unknown and warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell Franks
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Robert J Holtackers
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands.
| | - Ebraham Alskaf
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Muhummad Sohaib Nazir
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Brian Clapp
- Cardiovascular Division, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Joachim E Wildberger
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands.
| | - Divaka Perera
- Cardiovascular Division, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Sven Plein
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom.
| | - Amedeo Chiribiri
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
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Neeter LM, Raat H(F, Alcantara R, Robbe Q, Smidt ML, Wildberger JE, Lobbes MB. Contrast-enhanced mammography: what the radiologist needs to know. BJR Open 2021; 3:20210034. [PMID: 34877457 PMCID: PMC8611680 DOI: 10.1259/bjro.20210034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) is a combination of standard mammography and iodinated contrast material administration. During the last decade, CEM has found its place in breast imaging protocols: after i.v. administration of iodinated contrast material, low-energy and high-energy images are retrieved in one acquisition using a dual-energy technique, and a recombined image is constructed enabling visualisation of areas of contrast uptake. The increased incorporation of CEM into everyday clinical practice is reflected in the installation of dedicated equipment worldwide, the (commercial) availability of systems from different vendors, the number of CEM examinations performed, and the number of scientific articles published on the subject. It follows that ever more radiologists will be confronted with this technique, and thus be required to keep up to date with the latest developments in the field. Most importantly, radiologists must have sufficient knowledge on how to interpret CEM images and be acquainted with common artefacts and pitfalls. This comprehensive review provides a practical overview of CEM technique, including CEM-guided biopsy; reading, interpretation and structured reporting of CEM images, including the accompanying learning curve, CEM artefacts and interpretation pitfalls; indications for CEM; disadvantages of CEM; and future developments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - H.P.J. (Frank) Raat
- Department of Medical Imaging, Laurentius Hospital, Roermond, the Netherlands
| | | | - Quirien Robbe
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Joachim E. Wildberger
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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Ramaekers MJFG, Adriaans BP, Juffermans JF, van Assen HC, Bekkers SCAM, Scholte AJHA, Kenjeres S, Lamb HJ, Wildberger JE, Westenberg JJM, Schalla S. Characterization of Ascending Aortic Flow in Patients With Degenerative Aneurysms: A 4D Flow Magnetic Resonance Study. Invest Radiol 2021; 56:494-500. [PMID: 33653992 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000000768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Degenerative thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) patients are known to be at risk of life-threatening acute aortic events. Guidelines recommend preemptive surgery at diameters of greater than 55 mm, although many patients with small aneurysms show only mild growth rates and more than half of complications occur in aneurysms below this threshold. Thus, assessment of hemodynamics using 4-dimensional flow magnetic resonance has been of interest to obtain more insights in aneurysm development. Nonetheless, the role of aberrant flow patterns in TAA patients is not yet fully understood. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 25 TAA patients and 22 controls underwent time-resolved 3-dimensional phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging with 3-directional velocity encoding (ie, 4-dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging). Hemodynamic parameters such as vorticity, helicity, and wall shear stress (WSS) were calculated from velocity data in 3 anatomical segments of the ascending aorta (root, proximal, and distal). Regional WSS distribution was assessed for the full cardiac cycle. RESULTS Flow vorticity and helicity were significantly lower for TAA patients in all segments. The proximal ascending aorta showed a significant increase in peak WSS in the outer curvature in TAA patients, whereas WSS values at the inner curvature were significantly lower as compared with controls. Furthermore, positive WSS gradients from sinotubular junction to midascending aorta were most prominent in the outer curvature, whereas from midascending aorta to brachiocephalic trunk, the outer curvature showed negative WSS gradients in the TAA group. Controls solely showed a positive gradient at the inner curvature for both segments. CONCLUSIONS Degenerative TAA patients show a decrease in flow vorticity and helicity, which is likely to cause perturbations in physiological flow patterns. The subsequent differing distribution of WSS might be a contributor to vessel wall remodeling and aneurysm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sasa Kenjeres
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Transport Phenomena Section, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Hildo J Lamb
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center
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Holtackers RJ, Van De Heyning CM, Chiribiri A, Wildberger JE, Botnar RM, Kooi ME. Dark-blood late gadolinium enhancement cardiovascular magnetic resonance for improved detection of subendocardial scar: a review of current techniques. J Cardiovasc Magn Reson 2021; 23:96. [PMID: 34289866 PMCID: PMC8296731 DOI: 10.1186/s12968-021-00777-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
For almost 20 years, late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has been the reference standard for the non-invasive assessment of myocardial viability. Since the blood pool often appears equally bright as the enhanced scar regions, detection of subendocardial scar patterns can be challenging. Various novel LGE methods have been proposed that null or suppress the blood signal by employing additional magnetization preparation mechanisms. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these dark-blood LGE methods, discussing the magnetization preparation schemes and findings in phantom, preclinical, and clinical studies. Finally, conclusions on the current evidence and limitations are drawn and new avenues for future research are discussed. Dark-blood LGE methods are a promising new tool for non-invasive assessment of myocardial viability. For a mainstream adoption of dark-blood LGE, however, clinical availability and ease of use are crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J. Holtackers
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, PO Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Amedeo Chiribiri
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joachim E. Wildberger
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, PO Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - René M. Botnar
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Escuela de Ingeniería, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - M. Eline Kooi
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, PO Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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