Nonionic intravenous contrast agent does not cause clinically significant artifacts to <Superscript>18</Superscript>F-FDG PET/CT in patients with lung cancer

Objective This study was performed to evaluate the effects of intravenous (i.v.) contrast agent on semi-quantitative values and lymph node (LN) staging of ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT) in patients with lung cancer. Methods Thirty-five patients with lung cancer were prospectively included. Whole-body PET and nonenhanced CT images were acquired 60 min following the i.v. injection of 370 MBq ¹⁸F-FDG and subsequently, enhanced-CT images were acquired with the i.v. administration of 400 mg iodinated contrast agent without positional change. PET images were reconstructed with both nonenhanced and enhanced CTs, and the maximum and average standardized uptake values (SUV_max and SUV_ave) calculated from lung masses, LNs, metastatic lesions, and normal structures were compared. To evaluate the effects of the i.v. contrast agent on LN staging, we compared the LN status on the basis of SUVs (cut-offs; SUV_max = 3.5, SUV_ave = 3.0). Results The mean differences of SUV_max in normal structures between enhanced and nonenhanced PET/CT were 15.23% ± 13.19% for contralateral lung, 8.53% ± 6.11% for aorta, 5.85% ± 4.99% for liver, 5.47% ± 6.81% for muscle, and 2.81% ± 3.05% for bone marrow, and those of SUV_ave were 10.17% ± 9.00%, 10.51% ± 7.89%, 4.95% ± 3.89%, 5.66% ± 9.12%, and 2.49% ± 2.50%, respectively. The mean differences of SUV_max between enhanced and nonenhanced PET/CT were 5.89% ± 3.92% for lung lesions (n = 41), 6.27% ± 3.79% for LNs (n = 76), and 3.55% ± 3.38% for metastatic lesions (n = 35), and those of SUV_ave were 3.22% ± 3.01%, 2.86% ± 1.71%, and 2.33% ± 3.95%, respectively. Although one LN status changed from benign to malignant because of contrast-related artifact, there was no up- or down-staging in any of the patients after contrast enhancement. Conclusions An i.v. contrast agent may be used in PET/CT without producing any clinically significant artifact.     

Continuous intraarterial infusion chemotherapy for early lip cancer

Most lip cancers are usually diagnosed and can be treated with good prognosis at an early stage. This study reports our experience of treating seven, previously untreated, patients with lip cancer in stage I or II using intraarterial infusion chemotherapy with a single agent. They were all males with ages ranging from 37 to 69 years. An implantable port-catheter system was used for catheterization. Methotrexate 50mg was infused continuously to the external carotid artery every 24h using a portable pump. Methotrexate was given continuously for a mean period of 7 days (range, 4-10 days) and the total administrated dose of methotrexate for intraarterial infusion ranged from 200 to 500 mg (mean, 350 mg). These seven patients were then given weekly bolus of methotrexate (25mg) via intraarterial route for a range of 6-12 weeks. In every case the tumor regressed dramatically and disappeared completely after treatment within a mean period of 2.5 months. Only one patient died, of non-disease related pneumonia 3 years after infusion therapy. The remaining patients are still alive and no recurrence of carcinoma has been observed at a median follow-up period of 28 months. There was no catheter-related complication. The side effects of infusion chemotherapy were mild and tolerable. Our technique of continuous intraarterial infusion therapy for treatment of early lip cancers seems to be as effective as other standard techniques such as surgery or radiation therapy. This modality achieves good tumor response rates, an excellent cosmetic result, preservation of function and minimal side effects.     

Postpartum cerebral angiopathy presenting with non-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Parturition increases the risk of strokes of various types, including postpartum cerebral angiopathy (PCA), which is characterized by reversible multifocal vasoconstriction of the cerebral arteries. We describe an unusual presentation of PCA associated with postpartum non-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). A 31-year-old multiparous woman complained of sudden headache 3 hours after an uncomplicated vaginal delivery. She had no history of pregnancy-induced hypertension. SAH was found over the bilateral frontoparietal convexities with multifocal vasculopathy. Her symptoms resolved completely within 1 week. The findings of a follow-up neurological examination, cerebral angiography, and brain MRI were normal after 2 months. PCA syndrome may be associated with postpartum non-aneurysmal SAH.     

Bilateral Visual Loss as a Sole Manifestation Complicating Carotid Cavernous Fistula

Visual loss is one of the ocular symptoms resulting from a carotid cavernous fistula (CCF), but has rarely been reported as the sole manifestation in CCF. Visual impairment is known to be associated with a poor outcome unless timely intervention is employed. Herein, the authors report a patient with bilateral rapid progressing visual loss as a sole manifestation in CCF. Vision was successfully restored by transarterial embolization. The authors discuss the necessity of urgent fistula obliteration in patients with visual loss.