Thoracic tuberculosis, mycobacteriosis, MERosis, and BCGosis in a cancer treatment center

An attempt was made to improve upon selection criteria for the performance of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series in three settings: a teaching hospital, a community hospital, and a health maintenance organization. Two statistical techniques, the polychotomous logistic model (to develop predictive algorithms for the identification of specific diseases) and the maximum attainable discrimination technique, were used to show the relationship between the percentage of patients with any disease detected and the percentage of UGI examinations performed. Results showed that neither technique improved significantly upon selection criteria for identifying patients with abnormal UGI series.     

Thoracic sequelae and complications of tuberculosis.

Pulmonary tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis when droplet nuclei laden with bacilli are inhaled. In accordance with the virulence of the organism and the defenses of the host, tuberculosis can occur in the lungs and in extrapulmonary organs. A variety of sequelae and complications can occur in the pulmonary and extrapulmonary portions of the thorax in treated or untreated patients. These can be categorized as follows: (a) parenchymal lesions, which include tuberculoma, thin-walled cavity, cicatrization, end-stage lung destruction, aspergilloma, and bronchogenic carcinoma; (b) airway lesions, which include bronchiectasis, tracheobronchial stenosis, and broncholithiasis; (c) vascular lesions, which include pulmonary or bronchial arteritis and thrombosis, bronchial artery dilatation, and Rasmussen aneurysm; (d) mediastinal lesions, which include lymph node calcification and extranodal extension, esophagomediastinal or esophagobronchial fistula, constrictive pericarditis, and fibrosing mediastinitis; (e) pleural lesions, which include chronic empyema, fibrothorax, bronchopleural fistula, and pneumothorax; and (f) chest wall lesions, which include rib tuberculosis, tuberculous spondylitis, and malignancy associated with chronic empyema. These varieties of radiologic manifestations can mimic other disease entities. Therefore, recognition and understanding of the radiologic manifestations of the thoracic sequelae and complications of tuberculosis are important to facilitate diagnosis.     

Non-small cell lung cancer: treatment results at a USAF referral center.

The treatment results of 197 consecutive patients with non-small cell carcinoma of the lung managed at David Grant USAF Medical Center between January 1978 and September 1985 were reviewed. Patients were staged according to 1983 AJCC criteria as follows: 52 stage I, 28 stage II, and 117 stage III. Five-year survival and freedom from relapse (FFR) were 24% and 32%, respectively, for the entire population. Survival and FFR by stage were: stage I, 68% and 77% (5-year); stage II, 32% and 43% (5-year); and stage III, 10% and 10% (3-year), respectively.     

Hepatic hemangioendothelioma: CT,MR, and FDG-PET-CT in 67 patients—a bi-institutional comprehensive cancer center review

European Radiology - To evaluate the imaging features of hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEH) on multiphasic CT, MR, and FDG-PET-CT. Bi-institutional review identified 67 adults (mean...     

Initial experience of MR/PET in a clinical cancer center

Magentic Resonance/positron emission tomography (PET) has been introduced recently for imaging of clinical patients. This hybrid imaging technology combines the inherent strengths of MRI with its high soft‐tissue contrast and biological sequences with the inherent strengths of PET, enabling imaging of metabolism with a high sensitivity. In this article, we describe the initial experience of MR/PET in a clinical cancer center along with a review of the literature. For establishing MR/PET in a clinical setting, technical challenges, such as attenuation correction and organizational challenges, such as workflow and reimbursement, have to be overcome. The most promising initial results of MR/PET have been achieved in anatomical areas where high soft‐tissue and contrast resolution is of benefit. Head and neck cancer and pelvic imaging are potential applications of this hybrid imaging technology. In the pediatric population, MR/PET can decrease the lifetime radiation dose. MR/PET protocols tailored to different types of malignancies need to be developed. After the initial exploration phase, large multicenter trials are warranted to determine clinical indications for this exciting hybrid imaging technology and thereby opening new horizons in molecular imaging. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;39:768–780. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc .     

Reinterpretation of cross-sectional images in patients with head and neck cancer in the setting of a multidisciplinary cancer center

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Patients referred to tertiary care centers frequently arrive with images obtained at outside institutions; these images require reinterpretation. We assessed the clinical value of reinterpreting cross-sectional imaging studies of patients with head and neck cancer, in the setting of a multidisciplinary cancer center. METHODS: Outside CT and MR images of 136 patients with known or presumed head and neck cancer were reinterpreted by a neuroradiologist. Clinical history and findings on physical examination were available. Reinterpretation was performed before review of outside reports, which were subsequently compared with those generated at the cancer center. Changes in interpretation were noted, and their effects on TNM staging, patient care, and prognosis were assessed. Reliability and statistical significance of rates of change in diagnosis were analyzed with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and the sign test, respectively. Verification of change in diagnosis was confirmed by pathologic analysis (75%), characteristic radiologic findings (18%), or clinical and imaging follow-up (7%). RESULTS: Change in interpretation occurred in 56 patients (41%) (95% CI: 33-49%, P <.001). Forty-six patients (34%) had a change in T, N, and/or M staging (26-42%, P <.001). Change in T stage occurred in 27 cases (20%) (13-27%, P <.001) (upstaged in 22, downstaged in five), and a change in N stage in 26 cases (19%) (12-26%, P <.001) (upstaged in 20, downstaged in six). Two patients (1.5%) had missed systemic metastases. Three patients with an initial diagnosis of cancer were found to be cancer-free, and six patients had a diagnosis of new second primary cancers that were missed at original interpretation. One patient had a missed middle cerebral artery aneurysm. Changes in image interpretation altered treatment in 55 (98%) of 56 patients and affected prognosis in 53 patients (95%) (P <.001). CONCLUSION: Reinterpretation of cross-sectional images in the setting of a multidisciplinary cancer center has a significant effect on staging, management, and prognosis in patients with head and neck cancer.     

Workflow and efficiency in MRI-based high-dose-rate brachytherapy for cervical cancer in a high-volume brachytherapy center

PurposeWe report the clinical workflow and time required for MRI-based image-guided brachytherapy (MR-IGBT) of cervical cancer patients in a high-volume brachytherapy center with 10 years of experiences to provide a practical guideline for implementing MR-IGBT into clinical use.Methods and MaterialsWe recorded the time and workflow of each procedure step within the 40 consecutive ring and tandem applicator fractions of MR-IGBT by our multidisciplinary team. We divided the entire procedure into four sections based on where the procedure was performed: (1) applicator insertion under sedation, (2) MR imaging, (3) planning, and (4) treatment delivery. In addition, we compared the current procedure time to the initial procedure time when first implementing MR-IGBT in 2007–2008 via a retrospective review.ResultsMean total procedure time was 149.3 min (SD 17.9, ranges 112–178). The multidisciplinary team included an anesthesia team, radiologist, radiation oncologist, nurses, radiation therapists, MRI technicians, dosimetrists, and physicists. The mean procedure time and ranges for each section (min) were as follows: (1) 56.2 (28.0–103.0), (2) 31.0 (19.0–70.0), (3) 44.3 (21.0–104.0), and (4) 17.8 (9.0–34.0). Under current setting, the combined mean procedure time for MR imaging and planning was 63.2 min. In comparison, the same procedure took 137.7 min in 2007–2008 period, which was significantly longer than the current workflow (p < 0.001).ConclusionsA skilled and dedicated multidisciplinary team is required for an efficient clinical workflow and delivery of MR-IGBT. Over the years, we have improved efficiency with clinical experience and continuous efforts in staff education.     

不同年龄人群单中心自发性气胸的诊治

 目的 探讨不同年龄人群自发性气胸的病因和治疗特点。方法 回顾性分析我院2010-01-01至2014-12-31收治的325例自发性气胸患者,按年龄分为青年组和老年组,观察分析患者的发病基础、治疗时间、预后等情况。结果 325例中,闭合性气胸208例,交通性气胸98例,张力性气胸19例。46例胸腔抽气治愈。青年组有明确发病诱因86例,扁平胸57例,行胸腔穿刺抽气成功37例,手术治疗18例;中老年组有明确发病诱因54例,抽气成功9例,胸管留置引流时间及住院平均时间分别为(6.65±10.20)d、(13.20±5.60)d;中老年组手术治疗81例,死亡1例。结论 青年人群气胸的发生与扁平胸有关联,发病诱因明确;肺气肿是中老年气胸的主要病因,预防和提前控制中老年慢性阻塞肺气肿感染,是减少中老年人自发性气胸的关键。     

Deployment-related testing and treatment for latent tuberculosis infection, part II

Current Topics in Military Tropical Medicine is a Continuing Medical Education series, which updates military medical personnel on questions related to clinical practice while deployed. This issue is Part II of a two-part series on the approach to decision to test, testing and management of latent tuberculosis infection. A representative case is explored in both parts to highlight how to approach service members and their units with regard to latent tuberculosis infection screening and intervention.     

Deployment-related testing and treatment for latent tuberculosis infection, Part I

Current Topics in Military Tropical Medicine is a Continuing Medical Education series, which updates military medical personnel on questions related to clinical practice while deployed. This issue is Part I of a two-part series on the approach to decision to test, testing and management of latent tuberculosis infection. A representative case is explored in both parts to highlight how to approach service members and their units with regards to latent tuberculosis infection screening and intervention.     

Brachytherapy care during the COVID-19 pandemic: Practice statement from a cancer center in Wuhan,China

PurposeCOVID-19 broke out in late 2019 and rapidly spread around the world and became a pandemic. This highly contagious disease affects routine health care services and patients with cancer who are susceptible to it. Delivering brachytherapy on time is critical for patients with cancer to get better prognosis. The purpose of this study is to present workflow and standard for radiation centers to deliver brachytherapy and avoid cross-infection during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods and MaterialsThis study combined previous literature and guidelines of precaution with clinical experience in the COVID-19 pandemic.ResultsA workflow covering patients' screening, health care workers’ precaution, training, and other aspects of the whole brachytherapy procedure was established.ConclusionsFrom the reopening of radiation center to mid-May in 2020, there is no hospital infection of COVID-19 in patients or health care workers. This recommendation is effective and helpful to other cancer centers.     

Population characterization, histological evaluation, and timeliness of care of surgical nonsmall cell lung cancer patients in a military academic medical center

Lung cancer remains a major medical impediment in which early diagnosis and timely treatment are key factors in its management. This study evaluated nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients in a large military medical center to determine the timeliness to diagnosis and curative surgery in comparison with published guidelines. A retrospective record review of tumor registry NSCLC surgery cases at Navy Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) from 2004 to 2009 was conducted. Of the 84 patients, 49% were women, the median age was 63, 58% were Caucasian, and 71% represented ex- or active smokers. A significant number of women were Asian (30%) and nonsmokers (77%). The predominant histology was adenocarcinoma (86%) with positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) nonavid (57%). Median time for pulmonologist evaluation was 8 days, median time for PET-CT was 13 days, median time for cardiothoracic surgery evaluation to thoracotomy was 25 days, and median time from pulmonologist evaluation to thoractomy was 59 days. Conclusions: Except for the pulmonary specialist referral time (8 vs. 7 days), timeliness of diagnosis and curative surgery for NSCLC patients at NMCSD was within international guideline recommendations. Additional proposals have been made to improve the evaluation and treatment of lung cancer patients.     

眼眶结核9例诊治体会

 目的 通过对9例眼眶结核临床患者的临床分析,提高对该病的认识.方法 对9例经病理活检确诊为眼眶结核患者的临床特点、诊断进行总结分析.结果 所有病例均手术切除,病理确诊为眼眶结核 .结论 眼眶结核的临床表现及实验室检查结果 多不典型,易被误诊.在临床上,要对此病加以重视.确诊主要依靠活组织病理检查.