光学表面监测系统在胸部肿瘤调强放疗的初步应用

目的 探讨光学表面监测系统在胸部肿瘤调强放疗的摆位精度及其应用价值。方法 选取28例胸部肿瘤患者,应用体表标记与激光灯进行治疗前摆位,治疗前行锥形束CT（CBCT）扫描,扫描时通过光学表面监测系统获取表面影像,并与参考影像配准,记录x（左右）、y（头脚）与z（前后）轴的平移误差与旋转误差;扫描后CBCT图像与计划CT图像配准并记录x、y与z轴的平移误差与旋转误差,校正误差后治疗。应用Pearson法分析两组摆位误差的相关性,计算两组摆位误差的系统误差（Σ）与随机误差（σ）;应用Bland-Altman法评估两种影像系统的一致性,并计算95%的可信区间。结果 两组摆位误差有较好的相关性,相关系数在x、y、z轴分别为0.79、0.62、0.53,光学表面监测系统（OSMS）的Σ/σ（mm/mm）在x、y与z轴分别为0.7/1.5、0.9/1.8、0.9/1.5;CBCT的Σ/σ（mm/mm）在x、y与z轴分别为0.8/1.6、1.3/1.9、0.7/1.5;95%的可信区间在x、y与z轴的平移方向分别为（-2.0~2.3）、（-3.4~3.6）与（-3.3~2.4）mm,旋转方向分别为（-2.0~1.6）°、（-2.0~1.4）°与（-1.6~1.6）°。结论 OSMS是一种有效的图像引导工具,能快速准确地验证患者位置,提高摆位精度,可用于胸部肿瘤患者调强放疗的治疗摆位。     

宫颈癌螺旋断层调强放疗的外放边界研究

目的 通过自动和自动+手动配准分别得出的宫颈癌放疗位置误差,评估自动+手动配准的必要性,并给出螺旋断层放疗计划靶区(PTV)外扩边界值(MPTV)。方法 回顾性分析2012年6月至2014年12月入组单纯放疗宫颈癌患者29例,采集每周至少两次治疗前兆伏级CT(MVCT)与计划CT图像进行自动配准,得出自动配准位置误差值(AR),并对AR值再行手动配准,得出自动+手动配准位置误差总移动值(TS),比较AR和TS值的差异,并计算MPTV。结果 共获取443幅MVCT图像,在x、y、z轴和角度旋转方向上AR值分别为(-0.9±2.3)、(0.0±3.1)、(1.0±2.6)mm和0.2°±0.8°,TS值分别为(-0.8±1.8)、(-0.4±3.4)、(1.4±2.5)mm和0.1°±0.5°。除x轴以外,AR和TS两组结果差异有统计学意义(t=5.1、-5.2、3.2,P<0.05);x、y和z轴各方向MPTV相应为4.6、5.7和3.3 mm。结论 宫颈癌螺旋断层放疗中,自动配准基础上的手动配准是必要的。建议行螺旋断层宫颈癌单纯放疗患者外扩PTV左右、头脚、前后方向分别为5、6、4 mm。     

水固化头枕对提高乳腺托架固定下乳腺癌放疗锁骨上野摆位准确性的研究

目的 利用水固化头枕对乳腺托架固定下乳腺癌患者下颈部固定进行改良,观察其对锁骨上野（supraclavicular field,SCF）摆位误差及临床靶区（CTV）外放边界的影响。方法 选取13例乳腺癌改良根治术后放疗患者,在原有乳腺托架定位的基础上增加使用水固化垫,将其固定于圆形头枕上并保证填充颈部与托架间的间隙,同时支撑头部偏转。再利用锥形束CT（cone-beam CT,CBCT） 于第1、10和20次治疗前采集CT图像,记录SCF靶区的摆位误差并与前期研究对比分析,计算其CTV外放值及其外放体积的变化。结果 全组患者摆位误差在左右（x）、上下（y）、前后（z）方向分别为（2.16±1.25）、（1.50±1.28）和（1.94±1.12）mm,俯仰（θ）、滚转（Ф）、偏转（ψ）角度分别为（1.76±1.87）°、（1.82±1.12）°和（0.99±0.58）°。与前期研究数据进行非参数秩和检验（Mann-Whitney U test）,在y、z方向及θ角度上摆位误差差异具有统计学意义（Z=4.152、3.415、2.053,P<0.05）。CTV在x、y、z方向分别需外放4.07、4.03和3.73 mm,较前期研究x、y、z方向外放8、8和6 mm的体积平均减少32.73%。结论 个性化头枕配合乳腺托架的定位方法降低了单一圆枕定位下颈部SCF靶区的摆位误差,并将其CTV的外放缩减至在x、y、z方向上不少于4.07、4.03和3.73 mm。     

TomoTherapy治疗不同部位肿瘤的摆位误差

目的 研究螺旋断层放疗（TomoTherapy治疗中不同部位肿瘤的摆位误差分布规律。方法 回顾性分析接受TomoTherapy治疗的151例患者的摆位,其中头颈部53例,胸部45例,腹部20例,盆腔33例。获得患者计划CT图像,并在每次治疗前行兆伏级 CT（MVCT）扫描获得MVCT图像,两者刚性配准后计算出摆位误差,分别对+x（左）、-x（右）、+y（进）、-y（出）、+z（腹）和-z（背）6个方向的摆位误差进行分析。结果 151例患者共进行MVCT扫描3 281次,6个方向的摆位误差在头颈部分别为（1.61±1.21）、（1.76±2.11）、（2.26±1.74）、（1.83±1.47）、（3.24±1.76）和（1.75±1.61）mm;在胸部分别为（2.43±1.88）、（2.55±1.92）、（3.06±2.64）、（3.90±2.91）、（6.71±3.46）和（2.64±2.77）mm;在腹部分别为（3.67±3.06）、（2.37±1.77）、（3.18±1.96）、（3.98±3.01）、（6.74±3.25）和（1.92±2.00）mm;在盆腔分别为（2.92±2.13）、（2.17±1.68）、（3.50±2.61）、（3.72±2.66）、（7.18±3.43）和（1.92±1.61）mm。各部位肿瘤+z和-z摆位误差间的差异均具有统计学意义（t=-4.119、-5.033、-3.763、-5.057,P<0.05）;胸部肿瘤用热塑性体膜定位的患者其在+z方向的摆位误差要小于采用真空负压袋定位者（t=-2.357,P<0.05）。结论 TomoTherapy治疗时,头颈部肿瘤摆位精度优于其他部位;胸部肿瘤用热塑性体膜固定可以进一步减少摆位误差;而不同部位肿瘤在腹背方向摆位误差的异质性不容忽视。     

利用CBCT研究乳腺托架固定下乳腺癌放疗下颈摆位误差及相应CTV外放边界

目的 利用锥形束CT（CBCT）研究乳腺托架固定下乳腺癌放疗下颈部摆位误差,推算锁骨上临床靶区（CTV）的外放边界。方法 选取于本科行乳腺托架固定体位的14例改良根治术后放疗患者,利用CBCT于第1、10、20次治疗前采集CT图像,比对并记录锁骨上靶区的摆位误差,计算其CTV外放值并分析各方向位移量及旋转度的变化。结果 全组患者摆位误差在左右（x）、上下（y）、前后（z）方向分别为（2.89±2.52）、（3.96±2.97）、（4.21±2.24） mm,俯仰（θ）、滚转（φ）、偏转（ψ）角度分别为（2.38±1.97）°、（1.60±1.63）°、（1.91±1.54）°。由公式计算出CTV在x、y、z方向分别需外放8.08、8.13、6.30 mm;摆位误差在y、z方向位移量分别与φ、ψ角旋转度相关（Pearson=-0.515、-0.509,P<0.05）;分次间变化仅在z方向上位移量与ψ角旋转度相关（Pearson=-0.583,P<0.05）。结论 乳腺托架固定下锁骨上靶区放疗其CTV外放在左右、上下、前后方向应≥8.08、8.13、6.30 mm。应重视颈部偏转对摆位误差带来的影响,进一步改良体位固定方法和优化摆位操作流程。     

ExacTrac X-射线图像引导系统在体部肿瘤放疗中的摆位误差和残余误差分析

目的 通过对体部肿瘤放射治疗的ExacTrac X-射线图像的回顾性分析,了解患者群体的摆位误差和残余误差分布情况,研究六维放射治疗床修正摆位误差的必要性和有效性。方法 通过配准数字重建图像（DRR）和ExacTrac图像引导系统拍摄的正交kV级验证像的骨性解剖结构,计算患者3个方向的平移误差和旋转误差以及对应的残余误差。结果 平移摆位误差为x（左右方向）：（2.27±2.02）mm,y（头脚方向）：（4.49±2.52）mm,z（腹背方向）：（2.27±1.37）mm;旋转摆位误差为Rx（矢状面）：（1.02±0.73）°,Ry（横断面）：（0.67±0.68）°,Rz（冠状面）：（0.76±0.84）°。残余平移误差x（r）：（0.27±0.48）mm,y（r）：（0.37±0.45）mm,z（r）：（0.22±0.30）mm;残余旋转误差为Rx（r）：（0.17±0.33）°,Ry（r）：（0.14±0.34）°,Rz（r）：（0.16±0.28）°。结论 对于体部放射治疗的患者,旋转误差和平移误差是同时存在的,不仅需要校准平移误差,旋转误差也不容忽视。ExacTrac X-射线图像引导系统能够有效纠正六自由度的摆位误差,并保证残余误差在较小的范围内,保证了体部肿瘤放疗的治疗精度。     

光学体表监测系统在乳腺癌术后放疗颈胸膜固定中的应用

目的 建立光学体表监测系统（OSMS）在乳腺癌术后患者放疗颈胸膜固定中的摆位流程,与传统体表标记线摆位方式的摆位精度及其计划靶区体积（PTV）外放边界进行比较。方法 回顾性分析2019年3月至2019年8月于北京大学肿瘤医院行乳腺癌放疗的20例患者摆位数据,根据摆位方式分为OSMS摆位组和传统体表标记线摆位组,每组10例。通过锥形束CT（CBCT）刚性配准靶区微调后获取床左右（x轴向）、升降（y轴向）、进出（z轴向）、床旋转（Rtn）、进出倾斜（Pitch）、左右转动（Roll）配准误差;采用独立样本t检验和χ²检验分别统计误差绝对值和误差分布;最后由PTV外扩公式计算CTV-PTV外扩范围。结果 OSMS组和传统体表标记线组6维度配准误差取绝对值后平均值依次为0.18和0.18 cm、0.12和0.13 cm、0.13和0.23 cm、0.55°和0.74°、0.63°和0.99°、0.67°和0.68°;标准差依次为0.13和0.12 cm、0.09和0.09 cm、0.11和0.16 cm、0.37°和0.55°、0.53°和0.65°、0.42°和0.55°。两组病例摆位误差在z和Pitch方向差异均具有统计学意义（t=3.53、2.98,P<0.05）,两组z方向误差分布差异具有统计学意义（χ²=11.090,P<0.05）。OSMS组和传统体表标记线组x、y、z轴向CTV-PTV外放边界分别为0.28和0.26 cm、0.21和0.20 cm、0.24和0.35 cm。结论 建立和应用OSMS引导乳腺癌术后患者摆位流程,其摆位精度整体优于传统体表标记线摆位方式,且在z、Pitch方向摆位精度提升显著,z方向PTV外扩边界明显缩小,具有临床应用价值。     

改进式的二维图像配准算法在头颈部肿瘤中的应用

目的 研究摆位误差导致的二维图像投影变化及其对图像配准的影响,提出一种改进的互信息配准算法。方法 借助仿真头部体模,分别模拟旋转误差和平移误差,通过互信息的变化来反映投影形变。以3mm平移误差和3°旋转误差为界,模拟10例较小摆位误差和10例较大摆位误差,拍摄正侧位射野图像,分别使用目前加速器自带的传统互信息配准方法和本研究改进的互信息配准方法获取摆位误差,并与实际摆位误差相比较,以判断本研究提出的改进配准方法的优劣。结果 对于摆位误差较小的实例,加速器自带的传统互信息配准方法的x、y、z轴平均平移误差分别为0.3、0.4和0.3 mm,x、z轴平均旋转误差均为0.4°,平均耗时28.7 s。本研究改进的互信息配准方法的平均误差为0.4、0.3和0.3 mm,x、z轴平均旋转误差分别为0.5°和0.4°,平均耗时31.1 s。对于摆位误差较大的实例,加速器自带的传统互信息配准方法的平均误差分别为0.9、0.7和0.8 mm,x、z轴平均旋转误差为0.9°和0.8°,平均耗时29.9 s,本研究的改进互信息方法平均误差分别为0.5、0.4和0.5 mm,x、z轴平均旋转误差分别为0.6°和0.5°,平均耗时33.2 s。结论 对于较小的摆位误差,两种方法都具有较高的配准精度,但对于较大的摆位误差,本研究改进互信息配准方法较加速器自带的互信息配准方法具有显着的精度优势,并且配准耗时也在临床可以接受的范围内。     

乳腺癌调强放射治疗中使用0°托架支撑板的可行性研究

目的 探讨乳腺癌调强放射治疗中使用0°托架支撑板的可行性。方法 选择2015年10月至2017年2月保乳术后行全乳腺+瘤床同步补量调强放射治疗病例60例,采用随机数表法将病例分成3组各20例,第一组支撑板角度选择12°,第二组选择7°,第三组选择0°;比较3组患者患侧肺V₂₀、V₅、D_mean,各组左乳患者心脏V₁₀、V₃₀、D_mean差异及准直器角度差别,分析各组摆位误差的分布并计算群体系统误差和随机误差。结果 3组病例患侧肺V₂₀、V₅、D_mean,左乳患者心脏V₁₀、V₃₀、D_mean之间差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）;各组准直器角度与支撑板角度的和近似为固定值13.4°。3组病例的摆位误差,只有z（前后）方向的差异有统计学意义（χ²=78.32,P<0.001）,此方向0°组中位数最接近0值且四分位间距最小;绝对误差y（头脚）、z方向的差异有统计学意义（χ²=7.63、22.61,P<0.05）,z方向3组数据递进减小且0°组值最小,y方向12°组最小,但与0°组差别不大。3组病例的群体系统误差x（左右）、z方向0°组最小,y方向12°组最小。结论 乳腺托架支撑板0°是可行的,倾斜角可由准直器转角代替,且可显著减小z方向的摆位误差。     

6D治疗床联合锥形束CT引导下妇科肿瘤摆位误差及计划靶区外放边界研究

目的 探究6D治疗床联合锥形束CT(CBCT)容积旋转调强(VMAT)治疗妇科肿瘤患者的摆位误差,以及其靶区外放边界的变化趋势。方法 妇科肿瘤术后患者20例,采用HexaPOD^TMevo RT 6D治疗床和kV级CBCT影像引导的容积调强放射治疗。所有患者常规摆位后均行校正前CBCT扫描,利用6D治疗床在线校正后,再次行CBCT扫描,治疗后第3次行CBCT扫描,分别获得校正前、校正后、治疗后X射线容积影像,所有容积图像与计划CT图像采用自动骨性标记和手动微调的配准方式,获得三维平移(x、y、z)和旋转方向(Rx、Ry、Rz)的摆位误差,分析其摆位误差及计划靶区外放边界。结果 患者共行CBCT扫描594次,6D治疗床在线校正后,分次间摆位误差在y、z、Rx、Ry、Rz轴方向上明显缩小(t=6.21、-8.60、2.13、-8.51、-3.48,P<0.05)。外扩边界M_PTV在x轴、y轴、z轴方向上分别为2.20、3.43、2.00 mm,校正前后减少幅度为4.46~6.05 mm。结论 6D治疗床联合CBCT可明显提高妇科肿瘤盆腔放疗患者的摆位精度,同时可为精确设定计划靶区外放边界提供可靠依据。     

D-二聚体、纤溶酶原激活物抑制物在急性肾衰竭患者血液净化中的临床意义

目的探讨急性肾衰竭(ARF)时D-二聚体(D-D)、纤溶酶原激活物抑制物(PAI)在不同的血液净化方法中的动态变化及临床意义。方法对我院2007年1月—2010年3月急诊住院58例ARF患者血液净化前、净化后4 h及38例健康人进行血浆中D-D含量及PAI水平测定。ARF患者血液净化方法随机采用血液透析(HD)(31例)、血液透析滤过(HDF)(27例)。结果 ARF患者D-D含量及PAI水平较对照组明显升高[D-D(0.83±0.04)与(0.48±0.03)mg/L,P=0.000 2;PAI(14.95±0.73)与(8.03±0.30)103kat/L,P<0.0001;]HD治疗4 h后D-D含量和PAI活性较治疗前升高[D-D(0.89±0.05)与(1.48±0.37)mg/L,P=0.018;PAI(14.89±1.78)与(22.10±3.56)103kat/L,P=0.025],而HDF治疗后D-D含量和PAI无明显变化[D-D(0.91±0.06)与(1.12±0.09)mg/L,P=0.65;PAI(15.81±1.98)与(16.10±2.56)103kat/L,P=0.86]。结论 ARF患者D-D、PAI水平升高,存在凝血-纤溶系统的紊乱,HD可以加重这种改变,而采用HDF治疗可避免对患者凝血机能的影响,在急性肾衰竭治疗中有一定临床价值。     

高压氧辅助治疗对卒中后抑郁患者血清5-HT、NE及神经功能的影响

目的：观察高压氧（HBO）辅助治疗对卒中后抑郁（PSD）患者血清5-羟色胺（5-HT）、去甲肾上腺素（NE）及神经功能的影响。方法70例PSD患者根据数字表法随机分为2组,对照组（n=35例）采用常规措施治疗,观察组（n=35例）待确定活动性出血已稳定或已趋于稳定后,在对照组治疗基础上加用HBO治疗。两组疗程均为30d,比较两组患者治疗前后血清5-HT、NE表达水平及汉密尔顿抑郁量表（HAMD）、中国脑卒中量表（CSS）,改良Barthel指数（MBI）评分变化。结果两组患者治疗后血清5-HT、NE表达水平均明显升高（P<0.05）,且观察组升高较对照组更为显著（P<0.05）;两组患者治疗后HAMD、CSS评分明显降低（P<0.05）,而MBI评分明显升高（P<0.05）,且观察组降低或升高较对照组更为显著（P<0.05）。结论 HBO辅助治疗可明显升高PSD患者血清5-HT、NE表达水平,改善抑郁状态和神经功能。     

Image quality dependence on in-plane positions and directions for MDCT images

Objective

The present study was performed to examine the dependence of image quality on in-plane position and direction in computed tomography (CT) imaging using the modulation transfer function (MTF), noise power spectrum (NPS) and analysis of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). For detailed analysis of SNR, the low-contrast detectability was compared using simulated small low-contrast objects.

Materials and methods

Three models of multidetector-row CT (MDCT) were employed. The measurement positions for MTF were set to the isocentre and several peripheral areas, and NPS and SNR were calculated for the isocentre and 128 mm off-centre. To evaluate directional dependence, the one-dimensional physical properties were measured separately in the radial and azimuthal directions. Seven radiological technologists also performed a perceptual detection study at the different in-plane positions using computer-simulated low-contrast images.

Results

The results of MTF and SNR differed between the isocentre and the peripheral area. The MTF values also tended to decrease with distance from the isocentre, and the SNR values in the low frequency range for the peripheral area were superior to those for the isocentre. In the detection study, the low-contrast detectability in the peripheral area was 13-40% higher than the value in the isocentre.

Conclusion

The results of the present study indicated that clinical CT images have remarkable non-uniformity of image quality. Therefore, the detailed analysis performed in this study will provide useful information for the development of advanced image processing applications, such as computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) and de-noising of CT images.     

Anterior interosseous nerve lession and distal myoclonus revealing a parsonage turner syndrome associated with hashimoto thyroiditys

Parsonage-Turner Syndrome (PTS), also known as brachial neuritis or neuralgic amyotrophy, is a rare disorder affecting 2 to 3 individuals per 100,000 each year. Abrupt onset shoulder pain, followed by motor weakness, paresthesia and hypoesthesia, is usually reported, lasting several months with variable recovery. The etiology of the disease may be idiopathic or triggered by an underlying autoimmune disease in genetically susceptible individuals. Our report addresses a unique case of Parsonage-Turner Syndrome in a patient suffering from concurrent Hashimoto Thyroiditis. A previously healthy A 22 year-old female was referred to the Department of Neurology after complaints of sudden-onset motor weakness in her left upper limb. On physical examination, the patient could not make an “Ok sign” with her thumb and distal phalanx or form a complete fist, revealing weakness within the anterior interosseous branch of the median nerve. Further testing with electromyography demonstrated muscular atrophy within the arm''s anterior compartment, forearm, and triceps brachii of the posterior compartment. Additional imaging and physical examination were unremarkable, confirming our diagnosis of PTS. Furthermore, lab reports revealed elevated levels of anti-thyroglobulin and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies and our patient was concurrently diagnosed with Hashimoto''s thyroiditis.This case aims to highlight the rare co-occurrence of Hashimoto''s thyroiditis with Parsonage-Turner Syndrome in an otherwise healthy patient. A 2014 study published by Nugent et al. had also shed light on brachial neuritis in a patient suffering from autoimmune connective tissue disease, and through this case study, we hope to add to the growing literature regarding the correlation between PTS and autoimmune diseases. Symptoms of PTS can easily be misdiagnosed given its similarity to other peripheral neuropathies, and careful assessment and thorough understanding of the disease is required to successfully distinguish it from other neurological pathologies.     

Validity of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value in diagnosis and follow-up of multiple sclerosis patients in different clinical subtypes

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease with a wide range of pathologic changes that modify the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value.

Humane metapneumovirus (HMPV) associated pulmonary infections in immunocompromised adults—Initial CT findings,disease course and comparison to respiratory-syncytial-virus (RSV) induced pulmonary infections

Aim

To describe computed tomography (CT)-imaging findings in human metapneumovirus (HMPV)-related pulmonary infection as well as their temporal course and to analyze resemblances/differences to pulmonary infection induced by the closely related respiratory-syncytial-virus (RSV) in immunocompromised patients.

Materials and methods

Chest-CT-scans of 10 HMPV PCR-positive patients experiencing pulmonary symptoms were evaluated retrospectively with respect to imaging findings and their distribution and results were then compared with data acquired in 13 patients with RSV pulmonary infection. Subsequently, we analyzed the course of chest-findings in HMPV patients.

Results

In HMPV, 8/10 patients showed asymmetric pulmonary findings, whereas 13/13 patients with RSV-pneumonia presented more symmetrical bilateral pulmonary infiltrates. Image analysis yielded in HMPV patients following results: ground-glass-opacity (GGO) (n = 6), parenchymal airspace consolidations (n = 5), ill-defined nodular-like centrilobular opacities (n = 9), bronchial wall thickening (n = 8). In comparison, results in RSV patients were: GGO (n = 10), parenchymal airspace consolidations (n = 9), ill-defined nodular-like centrilobular opacities (n = 10), bronchial wall thickening (n = 4). In the course of the disease, signs of acute HMPV interstitial pneumonia regressed transforming temporarily in part into findings compatible with bronchitis/bronchiolitis.

Conclusions

Early chest-CT findings in patients with HMPV-related pulmonary symptoms are compatible with asymmetric acute interstitial pneumonia accompanied by signs of bronchitis; the former transforming with time into bronchitis and bronchiolitis before they resolve. On the contrary, RSV-induced pulmonary infection exhibits mainly symmetric acute interstitial pneumonia.     

脑梗死患者血清同型半胱氨酸检测的临床意义

目的：探讨脑梗死患者血清同型半胱氨酸（Hcy）水平的变化及临床意义。方法：应用比色法对44例脑梗死患者（脑梗死组）进行血清Hcy水平测定,并与40例健康正常人（对照组）作比较。结果：脑梗死组血清Hcy水平（21.42±3.19μmol/L）明显高于对照组（12.04±2.46μmol/L）。结论：脑梗死患者血清Hcy水平明显升高,可作为预测脑梗死发生、发展的敏感指标。     

强直性脊柱炎80例临床研究

1985年,我院内科对800例患腰背痛,其中部分为外院疑有强直性脊柱炎(AS)的病人,进行了临床及HLA-B_(27)检查。根据纽约诊断标准,确诊为AS病者80例,其发病年龄多在12～30岁之间,男女之比例为6.3∶1;72例AS病人之HLA-B_(27)阳性,5例病人有家族史,提示本病与遗传因素有关。部分病人做到了早期诊断。我们认为,对患腰背痛的病人进行HLA-B_(27)检查,可提高医生对AS发病之警觉。     

Comparison of double inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging (DIR-MRI) and dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) in detection of prostate cancer: A pilot study

IntroductionDCE-MRI is established for detecting prostate cancer (PCa). However, it requires a gadolinium contrast agent, with potential risks for patients. The application of DIR-MRI is simple and may allow cancer detection without the use of an intravenous contrast agent by differentially nullifying signal from normal and abnormal prostate tissue, creating contrast between the cancer and background normal prostate. In this pilot study we gathered data from DIR-MRI and DCE-MRI of the prostate for an equivalence trial. We also looked at how the DIR-MRI appearance varies with the aggressiveness of PCa.MethodDIR-MRI and DCE-MRI were acquired. The images were assessed by an experienced Consultant Radiologist and a novice reporter (Radiographer). The potential PCa lesions were quantified using a lesion to normal ratio (LNR). Radiological pathological correlation was made to identify the MRI lesions that represented significant PCa. A Wilcoxon sign rank was used to compare DCE-LNR and DIR-LNR for PCa containing lesions. Pearson's correlation was used to look at the relationship between DIR-LNR and PCa grade group (aggressiveness).ResultsDCE-LNR and DIR-LNR were found to be significantly different (Z = −5.910, p < 0.001). However, a significant correlation was found between PCa grade group and DIR-LNR.ConclusionDIR and DCE sequences are not equivalent and significant cancer is more conspicuous on the DCE sequence. However, DIR-LNR does correlate with PCa aggressiveness.Implications for practiceWith the correlation of PCa grade group with DIR-LNR this may be a useful sequence in evaluation of the prostate; stratifying the risk of there being clinically significant PCa before biopsy is performed. Furthermore, given that DIR-LNR appears to predict PCa aggressiveness DIR might be used as part of a multiparametric MRI protocol designed to avoid biopsy.     

CT and MR features of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in children and young adults

AIM: To clarify CT and MR features of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in children and young adults. METHOD: CT and MR findings of 13 patients (30 years old or younger) with a histopathologic diagnosis of NPC were reviewed. RESULTS: Skull base invasion (12/13), lymphadenopathy (10/13), and infiltrative growth (8/8) were common findings. The signal intensity of tumours was slightly higher than that of muscles in six cases and isointense to that of muscles in two cases on T1-weighted images; it was higher than that of muscle and lower than that of cerebellar grey matter on T2-weighted images in all cases. Internal signals were homogeneous in both pre- and post-Gd-enhanced MR images in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Despite its rarity in this age group, NPC should be included in a differential diagnosis when CT and MR imaging reveal these features.