Radiologia Medica最新文献

Purpose: Immunotherapy-based neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (iNCRT) has recently emerged for proficient mismatch repair/microsatellite stable (pMMR/MSS) locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Accurate identification of pathological complete response for primary tumor (ptPCR) post-treatment is critical for selecting patients eligible for watch-and-wait strategies. This study aimed to evaluate arterial-phase mucosal linear enhancement (AMLE) on contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging (CE-T1WI) for predicting ptPCR after iNCRT in pMMR/MSS LARC, compared to conventional T2-weighted/diffusion-weighted imaging (T2DWI) and rectal endoscopy.

Methods: This retrospective study included patients with pMMR/MSS LARC who underwent total mesorectal excision after iNCRT between July 2022 and Oct 2024 at a tertiary referral academic center. Preoperative re-staging examinations were rectal endoscopy and MRI, included T2DWI and arterial-phase CE-T1WI for primary tumor assessment. Baseline and post-therapy features associated with ptPCR were identified using univariate and multivariable regression analysis. Diagnostic performance of endoscopy and different MRI protocols to identify ptPCR after iNCRT was evaluated using ROC curves.

Results: In total, 75 patients (mean age, 57 years ± 10 [SD]; 54 male patients) were assessed. At histopathology, 29 patients achieved ptPCR. AMLE was more common in the ptPCR group than in the non-ptPCR group after iNCRT (75.9% vs 15.2%, respectively; P < 0.001). AMLE was associated with higher odds of ptPCR in the multivariable regression analysis (odds ratio, 19.14; 95% CI 4.03, 90.87; P = 0.001). And AMLE exhibited the best diagnostic performance in identifying ptPCR after iNCRT, with highest sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and AUC (0.80; 95% CI 0.70, 0.89).

Conclusion: AMLE at CE-TlWI of rectal MRI could be a potential indicator of ptPCR after a new iNCRT in pMMR/MSS LARC, suggesting a relatively credible preoperative evaluation strategy for this group of patients in clinical practice to accurately exclude residual tumors and select watch-and-wait approach, avoiding unnecessary surgery.

Purpose: To assess the performance of state-of-the-art large language models in classifying vertebral metastasis stability using the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS) compared to human experts, and to evaluate the impact of task-specific refinement including in-context learning on their performance.

Material and methods: This retrospective study analyzed 100 synthetic CT and MRI reports encompassing a broad range of SINS scores. Four human experts (two radiologists and two neurosurgeons) and four large language models (Mistral, Claude, GPT-4 turbo, and GPT-4o) evaluated the reports. Large language models were tested in both generic form and with task-specific refinement. Performance was assessed based on correct SINS category assignment and attributed SINS points.

Results: Human experts demonstrated high median performance in SINS classification (98.5% correct) and points calculation (92% correct), with a median point offset of 0 [0-0]. Generic large language models performed poorly with 26-63% correct category and 4-15% correct SINS points allocation. In-context learning significantly improved chatbot performance to near-human levels (96-98/100 correct for classification, 86-95/100 for scoring, no significant difference to human experts). Refined large language models performed 71-85% better in SINS points allocation.

Conclusion: In-context learning enables state-of-the-art large language models to perform at near-human expert levels in SINS classification, offering potential for automating vertebral metastasis stability assessment. The poor performance of generic large language models highlights the importance of task-specific refinement in medical applications of artificial intelligence.

Ultra-low-field magnetic resonance imaging (ULF-MRI), operating below 0.2 Tesla, is gaining renewed interest as a re-emerging diagnostic modality in a field dominated by high- and ultra-high-field systems. Recent advances in magnet design, RF coils, pulse sequences, and AI-based reconstruction have significantly enhanced image quality, mitigating traditional limitations such as low signal- and contrast-to-noise ratio and reduced spatial resolution. ULF-MRI offers distinct advantages: reduced susceptibility artifacts, safer imaging in patients with metallic implants, low power consumption, and true portability for point-of-care use. This narrative review synthesizes the physical foundations, technological advances, and emerging clinical applications of ULF-MRI. A focused literature search across PubMed, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, and Google Scholar was conducted up to August 11, 2025, using combined keywords targeting hardware, software, and clinical domains. Inclusion emphasized scientific rigor and thematic relevance. A comparative analysis with other imaging modalities highlights the specific niche ULF-MRI occupies within the broader diagnostic landscape. Future directions and challenges for clinical translation are explored. In a world increasingly polarized between the push for ultra-high-field excellence and the need for accessible imaging, ULF-MRI embodies a modern "David versus Goliath" theme, offering a sustainable, democratizing force capable of expanding MRI access to anyone, anywhere.

Objective: Describe the early non-arthrographic MRI appearance of the acetabular labrum after arthroscopic surgery for femoroacetabular impingement and labrum repair.

Methods: Eleven subjects (12 hips, 8 hips of females; mean age: 25.8 years, SD: 3.0) with a pre-operative MRI demonstrating a labrum tear and symptoms of femoroacetabular impingement were prospectively enrolled. Non-arthrographic images were obtained on a 3 T MRI scanner < 4 weeks after arthroscopic surgery for femoroacetabular impingement. Imaging features of the labrum, capsule, and cartilage were systematically assessed by two independent fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists. Disagreements were resolved through consensus mediated by a musculoskeletal radiologist with 20 + years of experience and expertise in hip imaging.

Results: The appearance of a persistent labral tear and increased intrasubstance signal was observed in all hips. The labrum appeared shortened in 92% (11/12). The geographic distribution of abnormal labral signal corresponded to the same number of labrum quadrants treated surgically in 67% (8/12). There was an even distribution of hips showing abnormal signal across a smaller and larger portion of the labrum than was treated arthroscopically, seen in 17% (2/12), respectively. The appearance of a capsular defect was observed in 92% (11/12).

Conclusion: In the first 4 weeks after arthroscopic labrum repair surgery for femoroacetabular impingement, it is common for the labrum to appear shortened with a persistent appearance of a labrum tear and increased signal in the repaired segment. The capsule often appears discontinuous, even when capsular closure is performed.

Aim: The AI case malignancy score (AI-CMS) represents the AI algorithm's confidence (from 0 to 100%) that a mammography exam is malignant. This work aims to retrospectively evaluate, through simulation on real-world data, a strategy that integrates AI-CMS into a standard screening scenario to reduce the radiologists' workload.

Methods: A total of 89176 consecutive screening exams from the 2023-2024 Reggio Emilia Breast Screening Program (REBSP) were retrospectively considered, which included 479 biopsy-proven cancers (interval cancers were only partially available, therefore false negatives beyond those detected in the real screening workflow could not be assessed). In the proposed strategy, computer-aided detection (CAD) acts as a reader (CR), recalling women with an AI-CMS greater than a predefined threshold (ranging from 5 to 25%). If the first radiologist (HR1) disagrees with CR, the case goes to a second radiologist (HR2) and, in case of human disagreement, to a third radiologist (HR3). For each threshold, final recall rate (RR), cancer detection rate (CDR), number of detected cancers (DC), predictive positive value (PPV) of recalls, false positive rate (FPR), human reading workload, and economic impact were estimated.

Results: At AI-CMS thresholds of 5%, 8%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%, human workload decrease ranged from 13.4% to 36.1%. The final RR decreased between 4.3% and 4.0%, slightly lower than the current 4.4% with human double reading. The PPV ranged from 12.6% to 13.3%, higher than the current PPV of 12.2%. The FPR ranged from 3.8% to 3.5%, down from the current 3.9%. With thresholds up to 5%, no true positive cases were missed, maintaining the CDR of 5.4‰ of those detected by current double reading. Considering CAD payback periods of either 6 or 8 years, financial savings from our strategy ranged from approximately 17800 to over 590,000€.

Conclusion: Integrating AI-CMS support into a standard screening scenario could substantially reduce the screen-reading workload and slightly reduce unnecessary ascertainments without affecting the cancer detection rate. This approach, although limited by its retrospective simulation design and the partial availability of interval cancer data, has also proven to be economically sustainable.

The growing use of computed tomography (CT) in clinical practice has led to an increase in incidental pulmonary findings, with nodules being among the most commonly encountered. Managing these nodules remains a significant challenge in clinical radiology. In addition to nodules, interstitial lung abnormalities (ILAs) have emerged as a newly defined entity, necessitating recognition to prevent underestimation and misinterpretation, as well as to guide appropriate management. This review aims to examine the interpretation of incidental pulmonary nodules, providing clarity on their management and addressing gaps not covered by the 2017 Fleischner Society Guidelines. Additionally, we focus on recent updates related to ILA classification, as outlined by the Fleischner Society, and highlight key radiologic features critical for distinguishing ILAs from non-ILA alterations. Finally, we explore the potential future developments in the evaluation of ILAs, offering insights into how the radiologists' role in managing these abnormalities may evolve.

Purpose: Evaluate Late Iodine Enhancement (LIE) using the new Philips Spectral CT 7500 scanner without ECG-gating.

Material and methods: Fifty-one contrast-enhanced cardiac Computed Tomography (CT) scans with LIE phase (LIE-CT) acquired using the Philips Spectral CT 7500 scanner (8 cm, 256 reconstructed slices) were retrospectively reviewed. LIE-CT was acquired 6-7 min after the administration of contrast agent, using ultra-short scanning time without ECG-gating. LIE-CT technical and dosimetry data were compared with data from 17 cardiac CT scans acquired with Philips Brilliance iCT (4 cm, 128 reconstructed slices). On Spectral CT images, LIE was assessed using "Iodine no water" spectral maps and Extracellular Volume (ECV) quantification. CT findings were compared with the gold standard (Cardiac Magnetic Resonance, CMR) when available.

Results: Spectral CT images without ECG-gating exhibited high visual quality with minimal motion artifacts. Technical data significantly differed (p < .001) between Spectral CT and iCT: median scan time 0.69 s (interquartile range (IQR) 0.66-0.72) vs 8.02 s (IQR 7.32-8.49), median Table speed 433.2 mm/s vs 23.5 mm/s (IQR 21.8-26.5), median CTDIvol 7.2 mGy vs 29.6 mGy (IQR 27.8-33.3), median DLP 211 mGy*cm (IQR 199-222) vs 477.6 mGy*cm (IQR 430.9-551.7), current 812 mA vs 924 mA (IQR 924-925), voltage 100 kV (min 100-max 140) vs 80 kV. Interobserver reproducibility of ECV quantification on Spectral CT images was good in myocardium without LIE and excellent in LIE areas, with negligible bias between observers. Where available, LIE and ECV findings showed good concordance with CMR LGE and ECV.

Conclusion: Ultrafast non-ECG-gated cardiac Spectral CT provides high-quality images for evaluating LIE, 76% reduction of radiation dose, 50% increase in signal-to-noise ratio, and 91% reduction of acquisition time. ECV measurements demonstrate high interobserver reproducibility. Preliminary findings show good agreement with CMR; while based on a limited validation cohort with selective ECV use.

Purpose: To evaluate whether myocardial extracellular volume (ECV) could be estimated from whole-body CT examinations without electrocardiographic gating in cancer patients before and after the chemotherapy, with the goal to detect early-stage myocardial alterations heralding chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity.

Material and methods: Consecutive patients receiving chemotherapy with a high (High-risk group) or low (Low-risk group) risk of cardiotoxicity were retrospectively enrolled. Patients underwent a whole-body CT examination for cancer staging before (CT-I) and after the first chemotherapy cycle (CT-II). Precontrast, arterial phase, and late post-contrast CT-I and CT-II images were analysed using in-house software. Myocardial Attenuation-based estimation of ECV (ABE-ECV) maps were generated from the combined analysis of regions of interest in precontrast images and a pixel-wise analysis of late post-contrast images, whereas the increase of myocardial and blood densities in arterial phase from basal values were compared to calculate arterial myocardial λ (arterial increase of myocardial density/increase of blood density).

Results: The population included 89 patients (mean age 63 ± 14 years): 58 High-Risk and 31 Low-Risk. High-risk patients showed a significant increase of ABE-ECV of the interventricular septum, from 32% (31-35%) to 37% (35-39%) (p = 0.0002) and lateral wall, from 30% (27-31) to 32% (29-34) (p = 0.028). In contrast, Low-risk patients showed no significant variation of septal (p = 0.16) and LV lateral wall ABE-ECV (p = 0.93). Arterial myocardial λ at CT-II was reduced compared to CT-I in 31% of High-risk patients vs 10% of Low-risk patients (p = 0.036).

Conclusion: This preliminary study demonstrated that ECV can be estimated in ECG-ungated whole-body CT examinations for cancer staging in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Potentially cardiotoxic chemotherapy can be associated with alterations of ABE-ECV and arterial myocardial λ.

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of prostatic artery embolization (PAE) using glue (n-butyl cyanoacrylate, NBCA) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to obstruction or chronic urinary retention managed with an indwelling catheter (IUC).

Material and methods: A total of 101 patients (median age 79 years) were included, of whom 67 had LUTS and 34 had an IUC. All were treated with PAE with glue between 2021 and 2024. Clinical success was defined as either a ≥ 25% reduction in the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and a ≥ 3-point improvement in the quality of life (QoL) score or stable catheter removal.

Results: Technical success was achieved in 100% of cases, with bilateral embolization in 93% of patients. Among symptomatic patients, clinical success was observed in 92.5%, with a reduction in IPSS from 25.3 ± 8.1 to 15.3 ± 7.8 and in QoL from 4.5 ± 1.1 to 2.3 ± 1.4 at 36 months (p < 0.001). Mean prostate volume decreased by 37.6%. In patients with an IUC, 73.5% resumed spontaneous voiding within an average of 29 days. All complications (13.9%) were minor and managed conservatively.

Conclusion: Embolization with acrylic glue is a safe and effective minimally invasive alternative to surgery for BPH, with sustained long-term results. It is particularly suitable for elderly patients with comorbidities or those unfit for surgery presenting with LUTS or chronic urinary retention.