Noninvasive Differential Diagnosis of Pulmonary Nodules Using the Standardized Uptake Value Index

Objectives: We previously showed that the standardized uptake value (SUV) index, which was defined as the ratio of the maximum SUV of the tumor to mean SUV of the liver, was a surrogate marker of lung cancer aggressiveness. In this study of patients with pulmonary nodules (PNs), we explored whether the SUV index could be used to differentiate small malignant from small benign PNsMethods: A total of 284 patients with solitary PNs ≤2 cm in size underwent positron emission tomography/computed tomography and surgery. The associations between pathological findings and clinical factors were evaluated.Results: The median SUV indices of lung cancer, metastatic PNs and benign nodules were 1.2, 1.5, and 0.6, respectively (P <0.01). A SUV index cut-off value of 1.2 was used to differentiate benign from malignant nodules. When patients were grouped according to SUV index cut-off values of <1.2 or ≥1.2, the following cases were false-negative: lung adenocarcinoma (P <0.01), kidney as primary site (P <0.01), and metastatic PNs with long disease-free survival (P = 0.02).Conclusions: As a noninvasive diagnostic marker, the SUV index was found to be useful for differentiating benign from malignant small PNs.     

Management of erythropoiesis: cross‐sectional study of the relationships between erythropoiesis and nutrition,physical features,and adiponectin in 3519 Japanese people

Although erythroid abnormalities (anemia and polycythemia) are commonly observed pathological conditions, not much information about borderline abnormalities is available. In this study, a cross‐sectional study to analyze the relationships between erythropoiesis and nutrition, physical features, and laboratory test findings was conducted in middle‐aged and older men and women. The study included 3519 Japanese people (1579 men and 1940 women), age 40 years and over. Analysis of variance showed that the group with a tendency to anemia was older, had a lower body mass index and diastolic blood pressure, and had higher serum adiponectin and creatinine. Multiple regression analysis showed that adiponectin, triglycerides, and total protein were common factors that affected erythropoiesis in both men and women. Hepatic, renal, and cardiac functions were also factors involved in erythropoiesis in men and in postmenopausal women. In addition, nutrient factors such as alcohol, vitamins, and carbohydrates were also significantly involved in erythropoiesis in men, but there were no significant nutrient factors involved in erythropoiesis in either premenopausal or postmenopausal women. This study showed that factors that influence erythropoiesis differ between men, premenopausal women, and postmenopausal women, and it suggested that appropriately modifying erythropoiesis management for each group of people is essential.