MA-QC: Free online software for prostate MR quality control and PI-QUAL assessment

PURPOSE

To validate MRI Analyzer Quality Control (MA-QC), a free and open-source online software designed to facilitate MR data acquisition quality control and PI-QUAL score calculation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

MA-QC is a web-based software, designed for analysing DICOM data related to MR acquisition parameters. The software allows automatic extraction of 18 technical criteria, and manual input of 12 visual criteria, to calculate the PI-QUAL score. We collected 100 prostate MRI datasets from four MR device manufacturers to test data compatibility, automatic sequence recognition, and robustness of technical criteria extraction from DICOM data. The main issue was to determine the spatial resolution in the phase and frequency directions, due to variable encoding of the DICOM datasets.

RESULTS

Acquisition data could be extracted from all sample examinations (100%), with a median analysis speed of 15.2 ± 4.4 images per second and mean processing time of 96 [11-326] seconds per examination. MA-CQ automatically detected the optimal T2-w, DWI and DCE sequences in 71 out of 100 (71%) cases, and required manual selection of at least one sequence in 29 out of 100 (29%) cases to get the best parameters. Display of technical criteria for the 3 sequences was instantaneous. PI-QUAL score could be calculated in all cases.

CONCLUSION

This software brings substantial help in the quality assessment of prostate MRI examinations, by providing fast extraction of series data and the 18 technical parameters of PI-QUAL. PI-QUAL scoring can be performed in less than two minutes, helping to focus on the visual criteria, allowing use of this software in the clinical workflow in the aim of improving overall image quality in prostate MR imaging.

Percutaneous tumor ablation versus image guided robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy for cT1b renal cell carcinoma: a comparative matched-pair analysis (UroCCR 80)

BACKGROUND

Partial nephrectomy (PN) is the gold standard treatment for cT1b renal tumors. Percutaneous guided thermal ablation (TA) has proven oncologic efficacy with low morbidity for the treatment of small renal masses (<3 cm). Recently, 3D image-guided robot-assisted PN (3D-IGRAPN) has been described, and decreased perioperative morbidity compared to standard RAPN has been reported. Our objective was to compare two minimally invasive image-guided nephron-sparing procedures (TA vs. 3D-IGRAPN) for the treatment of cT1b renal cell carcinomas (4.1-7 cm).

METHODS

Patients treated with TA and 3D-IGRAPN for cT1b renal cell carcinoma, prospectively included in the UroCCR database (NCT03293563), were pair-matched for tumor size, pathology, and RENAL score. The primary endpoint was the local recurrence rate between the two groups. Secondary endpoints included metastatic evolution, perioperative complications, decrease in renal function, and length of hospitalization.

RESULTS

A total of 198 patients were included and matched into two groups of 72 patients. The local recurrence rate was significantly higher in the TA group than that in the 3D-IGRAPN group (4.2% vs. 15.2%, P=0.04). Metastatic evolution and perioperative outcomes such as major complications, eGFR decrease, and length of hospitalization did not differ significantly between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

3D-IGRAPN resulted in a significantly lower local recurrence rate and comparable rates of complications and metastatic evolution compared with thermal ablation.

[Contribution of the pre-operative Mri-coloscan couple in the surgical planning of deep digestive pelvic endometriosis]

INTRODUCTION

The digestive involvement of endometriosis accounts for up to 20-25% of deep localisations. Precise mapping of digestive lesions is essential in order to plan surgery and specialized teams. The aim of this study is to assess the contribution of the MRI-coloscan couple in the preoperative assessment of digestive endometriosis.

METHODS

We analyzed 45 files of patients referred for suspected digestive endometriosis. They had all undergone a preoperative MRI and coloscan associated with surgery throughout the year. We first compared the data collected in imaging, and then compared the synthesis of this data with the surgical procedure performed.

RESULTS

35 patients required digestive surgery. 24 of 45 files were concordant in MRI and coloscanner. Data from MRI alone matched with surgery in 69% of cases, against 84% for the coloscan. The synthesis allowed a concordance of 89%. 25 segmental resections, 2 discoid and 16 shaving were performed. The use of coloscan made up for nine extra cases: the detection of four additional cases of multifocality, a single undiagnosed case of a deep lesion, and allowed to specify the depth of the involvement in four cases. On the contrary, the MRI was correct compared to the CT in four cases. The presence of a digestive surgeon was necessary in 53% of cases.

CONCLUSION

In the era of imaging staging, it would seem interesting to turn towards a subclassification of the digestive involvement of endometriosis in order to decide which surgery to perform. In our experience, the coloscan is a useful complement of MR, especially to assess the depth of involvement and the multifocality.

Predictive Factors of Missed Clinically Significant Prostate Cancers in Men with Negative Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

We systematically reviewed the literature on predictive factors for clinically significant prostate cancer diagnosis after prebiopsy negative magnetic resonance imaging in prostate cancer naïve patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The MEDLINE® and Scopus® databases were searched up to March 2019. The review protocol was published in the PROSPERO database (CRD42019125549). The clinical factors and markers studied were age, prostate specific antigen, prostate specific antigen isoforms, prostate specific antigen density, PCA3, prostate volume, family history, ethnicity and risk calculators. The primary objective was to determine their predictive ability for clinically significant prostate cancer diagnosis. Secondary objectives included meta-analysis of the negative predictive value of prebiopsy negative magnetic resonance imaging when combined with these predictive factors.

RESULTS

A total of 16 studies were eligible for inclusion. Few studies reported negative predictive value of magnetic resonance imaging combined with a marker. Prostate specific antigen density was the best studied and the strongest predictor of clinically significant prostate cancer in men with prebiopsy negative magnetic resonance imaging. There were 8 studies (1,015 patients) eligible for meta-analysis of the added value of prostate specific antigen density less than 0.15 ng/ml/ml to magnetic resonance imaging in reducing the risk of missing clinically significant prostate cancer. When combined with prostate specific antigen density, overall magnetic resonance imaging negative predictive value increased from 84.4% to 90.4% in cancer naïve patients. The increase was from 82.7% to 88.7% in biopsy naïve and from 88.2% to 94.1% in previous negative biopsy subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of prostate specific antigen density less than 0.15 ng/ml/ml in the presence of prebiopsy negative magnetic resonance imaging was the most useful factor to identify men without clinically significant prostate cancer who could avoid biopsy.

How reproducible are classical and new CT-pelvimetry measurements?

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to assess the reliability and reproducibility of existing and new computed tomography (CT)-pelvimetry measurements.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of 63 women with a mean age of 33.9±5.2 (SD) years (range: 19-49 years) was conducted. Classical pelvimetry measurements were collected including the obstetric conjugate (OC), median transverse diameter (MTD), and interspinous diameter (ISD). Additionally, we used multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) mode to define two oblique planes: inlet pelvic plane (IPP) and mid-pelvic plane (MPP) and measure new pelvic parameters, including anteroposterior (APD), transverse diameters and circumference of both IPP and MPP (inletAPD, inletMTD, inletCIRC and midAPD, ISD, midCIRC, respectively). The reproducibility (intra- and inter-observer) of our results were assessed. Multivariate analyses using principal component analysis and clustering methods were conducted to analyze the association between pelvimetry measurements and identify patient sub-groups.

RESULTS

All linear measurements (OC, inletAPD, MTD, inletMTD, midAPD, and ISD) showed statistically "almost perfect" intra- and inter-observer correlation coefficients (range: 0.924-0.980). Circumferences (inletCIRC and midCIRC) showed statistically "almost perfect" intra- (range: 0.847-0.857) and inter-observer correlation coefficients (range: 0.923-0.957). The measurement of 6 pelvimetric parameters allowed determining three groups of pelvis size.

CONCLUSION

New pelvic measurements have excellent reproducibility and are similar to the classical measurements, based on the MPR analysis of CT planes adjusted to the inner bony pelvis.

[Active surveillance in prostate cancer: Assessment of MRI in the selection and follow-up of patients]

AIM

To evaluate the contribution of multiparametric MRI (MRI) and targeted biopsies (TB) in the selection and follow-up of patients under active surveillance (AS).

METHODS

A single-center, retrospective cohort study on 131 patients in AS, with following criteria:≤cT2 stage, PSA≤15ng/mL, Gleason score≤6,≤3 positive biopsies and maximum tumor length≤5mm. Patients' selection and follow-up was performed by the combination of systemic biopsies (SB) and mpMRI±TB. Reclassification was defined by a Gleason score>6 and/or a maximum tumor length>5mm.

RESULTS

Overall, 29 patients (22.1 %) were reclassified. Reclassification free survival rate was 93 % and 70 % at 1 year and 4 years respectively. Reclassification independent risk factors were: PSA density>0.15ng/mL/cm³ (RR=2.75), PSA doubling time<3 years (RR=9.28), suspicious lesion on MRI diagnosis (RR=2.79) and occurrence of MRI progression during follow-up (RR=2). Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of MRI to assess progression for reclassification were 61 %, 69 %, 45 % and 81 %, respectively.

CONCLUSION

For patients under AS, mpMRI decreases reclassification rates over time through better initial detection of significant cancers. Its high NPV makes it an efficient monitoring tool to distinguish patients with low risk of reclassification.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

[Pathology findings after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer in patients eligible for active surveillance: Contribution of multiparametric MRI to treatment decision]

OBJECTIVES

To analyze, in patients with prostate cancer (PC) potentially eligible for active surveillance (AS), whether multiparametric-MRI (mp-MRI) predicts presence of clinically significant cancer on radical prostatectomy (RP) specimen.

METHODS

We identified 77 men with PC eligible for AS (PSA≤15ng/mL, stage≤T2a, Gleason score≤6, up to 3 positive cores, maximal cancer core length≤5mm) who underwent RP between 01/2008 and 08/2015. All patients had prebiopsy mp-MRI followed by systematic±targeted biopsies. For each patient, the likelihood of the presence of cancer on mp-MRI was assigned using Likert scale (1 to 5). The predictive factors for the presence of significant cancer on RP specimen (Gleason score≥7 and/or tumoral maximal diameter>10mm) were evaluated using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Median age was 61 and median PSA was 6.7ng/mL. Overall, 49 (64%) patients had a positive mp-MRI (score≥3). Clinically significant cancer on RP specimen was found in 45 (58%) patients (69% in MRI-positive patients vs 39% in MRI-negative patients). In multivariate analysis, a positive MRI was a predictive factor for the presence of significant cancer on the surgical specimen (OR=3.0; CI95% [1.01-8.88]; P=0.04), as was age (OR=1.17; CI95% [1.05-1.31]; P=0.004) and PSAD (OR=1.10; CI95% [1.01-1.20]; P=0.02).

CONCLUSION

Mp-MRI is a useful exam for selecting patients eligible for AS even if the situation remains unclear after prostate biopsies including targeted biopsies. Upon confirmation by further studies, mp-MRI should be considered as an independent criterion before entering an AS program.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

Resolving the Framework Position of Organic Structure-Directing Agents in Hierarchical Zeolites via Polarized Stimulated Raman Scattering

The direct synthesis of hierarchically intergrown silicalite-1 can be achieved using a specific diquaternary ammonium agent. However, the location of these molecules in the zeolite framework, which is critical to understand the formation of the material, remains unclear. Where traditional characterization tools have previously failed, herein we use polarized stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy to resolve molecular organization inside few-micron-sized crystals. Through a combination of experiment and first-principles calculations, our investigation reveals the preferential location of the templating agent inside the linear pores of the MFI framework. Besides illustrating the attractiveness of SRS microscopy in the field of material science to study and spatially resolve local molecular distribution as well as orientation, these results can be exploited in the design of new templating agents for the preparation of hierarchical zeolites.

Gland and Zonal Segmentation of Prostate on T2W MR Images

For many years, prostate segmentation on MR images concerned only the extraction of the entire gland. Currently, in the focal treatment era, there is a continuously increasing need for the separation of the different parts of the organ. In this paper, we propose an automatic segmentation method based on the use of T2W images and atlas images to segment the prostate and to isolate the peripheral and transition zones. The algorithm consists of two stages. First, the target image is registered with each zonal atlas image then the segmentation is obtained by the application of an evidential C-Means clustering. The method was evaluated on a representative and multi-centric image base and yielded mean Dice accuracy values of 0.81, 0.70, and 0.62 for the prostate, the transition zone, and peripheral zone, respectively.

[CCAFU french national guidelines 2016-2018 on upper tract tumors]

INTRODUCTION

The purpose was to propose an update of the french guidelines from the national committee CCAFU on upper tract urothelial carcinomas (UTUC).

METHODS

A systematic Medline search was performed between 2013 and 2016, as regards diagnosis, options of treatment and follow-up of UTUC, to evaluate different references with levels of evidence.

RESULTS

The diagnosis of this rare pathology is based on CT-scan acquisition during excretion and ureteroscopy with histological biopsies. Radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) remains the gold standard for surgical treatment, nevertheless a conservative endoscopic approach can be proposed for low risk lesion: unifocal tumour, possible complete resection and low grade and absence of invasion on CT-scan. Close monitoring with endoscopic follow-up (flexible ureteroscope) in compliant patients is therefore necessary. After RNU, bladder instillation of chemotherapy is recommended to reduced risk of baldder recurrence. The place of systemic therapy (adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy) remains to define.

CONCLUSION

These updated guidelines will contribute to increase the level of urological care for diagnosis and treatment for UTUC. © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Leydig cell tumor of the testis with azoospermia and elevated delta4 androstenedione: case report

Background

Secreting interstitial cell (Leydig cell) tumors are rare. In adults, the clinical picture and steroid levels are variable.

Case presentation

This paper presents a case of left testicular tumor, showing azoospermia with normal serum level of total testosterone, collapsed FSH and LH, and high delta4 androstenedione. Histopathological investigation revealed a Leydig cell tumor. TESE allowed spermatozoa extraction and freezing. Testicular histology found hypospermatogenesis and germ-cell aplasia with interstitial fibrosis. Surgical resection of the tumor resulted in normalization of gonadotropins and fall in serum delta4 androstenedione to subnormal levels in the postoperative period confirming that the tumor was secreting delta4 androstenedione. It was hypothesized that high delta4 androstenedione resulted in intra tumoral 17 β-HSD overtaken by delta4 androstenedione or that 17 β-HSD activity in the tumor was different from that of normal Leydig cells. Three months after surgery sperm analysis found a complete recovery of spermatogenesis. A spontaneous pregnancy occurred 3 months after surgery and a girl was born.

Conclusions

In this case, the diagnosis of testicular Leydig cell tumor secreting delta4 androstenedione was made in a context of azoospermia.

Current practice and access to prostate MR imaging in France

PURPOSE

To obtain an overview of the degree of discrepancy between current clinical practice of prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in France and recommendations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A brief survey was sent to 1229 members of the French society of urology in order to identify their indications of prostate MRI and its impact on patient management. The urologists were asked to answer several questions regarding age, practice modality, prostate MRI examinations (technique, indication before first biopsy, second biopsy, cancer staging, active surveillance, recurrence, focal therapy) and quality of reports.

RESULTS

A total of 445 responses were received (participation rate of 36%). The mean delay for obtaining an appointment for prostate MRI ranged between 15-30 days in 54%. Fifty-four percent of MRI reports contained a PIRADS score and 23% a Likert score. The indications of multiparametric-MRI were tumor detection/location prior to repeat biopsy (90%), cancer staging (85%), management of patients under active surveillance (85%), selection of candidates to focal therapy (63%), tumor detection/location in biopsy naïve patients (53%), detection of local recurrence after radical (51%). Only 119 urologists (28.6%) had access to image fusion (MRI and transrectal ultrasound) and 351 (85.4%) used cognitive fusion. Mostly, targeted biopsies are done by urologists alone (nearly 80%), a very few are done by radiologists (8%) or by the two of them in collaboration (12%).

CONCLUSION

The majority of urologists consider that prostate MRI is essential for the management of patients with prostate cancer. Practices are ahead of recommendations particularly before the first biopsy and in active surveillance.

[Observational survey of the French Urological Association Oncology Committee (CCAFU) evaluating the practice of immediate postoperative instillation (IPOP) using mitomycin C for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) treatment]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the practice of immediate postoperative instillation (IPOP) using mitomycin C for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) treatment by urologists members of the French Association of Urology (AFU).

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Internet-based observational survey evaluating indications and practical modalities of IPOP in NMIBC treatment using questionnaire sent in May 2014 to 915 urologists.

RESULTS

Two hundred ninety-eight urologists participated in the survey (response rate: 32.6%) and 57% prescribed the IPOP. The median frequency of IPOP prescription was 3.3%, and was higher in the academic public sector. The CASE recommendations were self-assessed as known or well-known in 67% of cases. The selections criteria for IPOP were adequately identified by 62% of urologists, without differences according to sectors of activity. The IPOP prescription modalities were declared as an obstacle to the completion for 41.9% of urologists, and especially in the private sector. Completion times of IPOP were declared <24h in 91% of cases. We see that 28.5% of urologists prescribed an urinary alkalization. The average frequency of complications of IPOP was 0.91 per urologist.

CONCLUSIONS

The IPOP prescription frequency was higher among urologists practicing in the academic sector. Neither the level of knowledge of the recommendations nor the frequency of complications of IPOP had explained this difference. However, the prescription modalities were more frequently reported as an obstacle to their completion in the private sector.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Water-soluble, heterometallic chalcogenide oligomers as building blocks for functional films

Highly water-soluble, discrete, heterometallic, chalcogenide oligomers displaying various valences in a single metal chalcogenide oligomer are proposed for functional films.

[Molecular, preclinical, and clinical comparative data regarding different strains of bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG): Review by the French Urological Association Oncology Committee (CCAFU)]

OBJECTIVE

To review the differences between the BCG strains used for the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) at the molecular level, regarding cytotoxicity, immunogenicity, clinical efficiency, and safety.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A systematic review of the literature search was performed from the database MedLine, focused on the following keywords: BCG; bladder; strain; genome; cytotoxicity; immune response; efficiency; safety.

RESULTS

Genetic differences between BCG strains have been identified and correlated to their time to differentiation from their initial cultures start, assuming a lower resistance to the host immune defenses of Tice and Danish strains compared to the Connaught strain. Preclinical comparative data showed superior cytotoxic effect and immunogenicity of the Connaught strain compared to Tice and Danish strains. The phase III trials have shown superior efficiency of BCG Connaught compared to BCG Tice and BCG Danish compared to BCG Tice regarding recurrence-free survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Among BCG strains used in France in NMIBC treatment, preclinical and clinical efficiency of Connaught strain was higher than that of the Tice strain. The limits of the currently available studies lie primarily in the lack of use of maintenance therapy.

An image guided treatment platform for prostate cancer photodynamic therapy

This study describes a multimodality images based platform to drive photodynamic therapies of prostate cancer using WST 11 TOOKAD Soluble drug. The platform integrates a pre-treatment planning tool based on magnetic resonance imaging and a per-treatment guidance tool based on transrectal ultrasound images. Evaluation of the platform on clinical data showed that prediction of the therapy outcome was possible with an accuracy of 90 %.

Contribution of the his bundle recording to the diagnosis of bilateral bundle branch conduction defects

The participation of intraventricular conduction defects in the AV delays and blocks has been investigated by His bundle electrogram recording in 239 patients with different degrees of AV blocks and QRS enlargement (greater than 0.12 sec). In absence of PR prolongation, the His bundle electrogram can demonstrate intraventricular conduction delay (HV superior to 55 msec) with an increasing frequency in right bundle branch block and right bundle branch with left axis deviation, left bundle branch block and right bundle block with right axis deviation. In cases of first-degree AV block (PR greater than 0.20 sec) delay within the His bundle is present in 20% of the cases and HV prolongation, isolated or associated with an upper conduction defect is demonstrated in 66% of the cases. Second-degree AV block with QRS enlargement in the conducted beats is due to a subnodal lesions of the conducting tissue in 80% of the cases. Wenckebach phenomenon and bundle branch block is as frequent above as below the site of His bundle electrogram recording. Möbitz II block has always an infranodal localization. Third-degree AV block with wide QRS complexes is the consequence of a lesion within the His bundle in 11% and of a complete bilateral bundle branch block in 78% of the cases. Exploration of the AV conduction in acute myocardial infarction with AV block confirms the usual bilateral bundle branch lesion in anterior myocardial necrosis and the AH localization of the AV block in posterior myocardial infarction even in presence of enlarged QRS complexes. Unidirectional block occurs in 19 of the 82 cases of complete anterograde bilateral bundle branch block, with retrograde conduction to the atria in 11 and concealed retrograde conduction in 8 cases.

Computer-aided analysis of prostate multiparametric MR images: an unsupervised fusion-based approach

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to provide an automatic framework for computer-aided analysis of multiparametric magnetic resonance (mp-MR) images of prostate.

METHOD

We introduce a novel method for the unsupervised analysis of the images. An evidential C-means classifier was adapted for use with a segmentation scheme to address multisource data and to manage conflicts and redundancy.

RESULTS

Experiments were conducted using data from 15 patients. The evaluation protocol consisted in evaluating the method abilities to classify prostate tissues, showing the same behaviour on the mp-MR images, into homogeneous classes. As the actual diagnosis was available, thanks to the correlation with histopathological findings, the assessment focused on the ability to segment cancer foci. The method exhibited global sensitivity and specificity of 70 and 88 %, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The preliminary results obtained by these initial experiments showed that the method can be applied in clinical routine practice to help making decision especially for practitioners with limited experience in prostate MRI analysis.

Prostate MRI: can we do without DCE sequences in 2013?

Multiparametric MRI (mp-MRI) of the prostate currently provides stable and reproducible performances. The usefulness of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) sequences is currently challenged, as they sometimes only confirm what has already been observed on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and require the additional purchase of a contrast agent. Eliminating these sequences may help accelerate the use of MRI in addition to, or in lieu of, prostate biopsies in selected patients. However, many studies show that these sequences can detect lesions invisible on T2-weighted and diffusion-weighted images, better assess cancer extension and aggressiveness, and finally help detecting recurrence after treatment. We present the various applications of dynamic MRI and discuss the possible consequences of its omission from the current protocol.

An anatomically realistic and adaptable prostate phantom for laser thermotherapy treatment planning

PURPOSE

To construct a phantom for prostate cancer laser based thermotherapy treatment planning and simulation.

METHODS

A realistic and adaptable prostate phantom was designed. It exhibits the following properties: valid and complete description of the prostate anatomy, material with similar optical properties of prostate tissues and compatibility with clinical imaging protocols mainly multiparametric magnetic resonance (MR) and transrectal ultrasound imaging (TRUS).

RESULTS

Preliminary experiments with the phantom using an interstitial laser treatment protocol allowed obtaining results similar to those obtained on preclinical model.

CONCLUSIONS

These results proved that this phantom could allow a real simulation of laser therapy procedure: target definition and fibers' placement optimization using MR imaging, treatment delivery, and finally treatment monitoring using TRUS imaging.