British Journal of Radiology最新文献

Objectives: The combination of sharp dose gradients in stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and minute optic nerve motion may significantly increase dose to the optic nerves when treating perioptic lesions. The aim of this study was to calculate optic nerve planning organ at risk volume (PRV) margins for CyberKnife SRS treatment planning.

Methods: MRI scans were taken of 10 healthy volunteers looking left, right, up, down, and straight ahead to measure optic nerve motion. The measured optic nerve motion and the uncertainties in the technical accuracy of CyberKnife were used to calculate optic nerve PRV margins.

Results: Two optic nerve PRV margins were calculated: a non-isotropic margin of mL/R,PRV=3mm, mSup/Inf,PRV=2mm and mAnt/Post,PRV=1mm which considers the full range of motion measured in a worst case scenario; and an isotropic margin of mPRV=1mm which considers a scenario where patients are asked to look neutrally during imaging and treatment. Applying these PRVs to 8 historical sphenoid wing meningioma CyberKnife plans showed tolerance levels may be exceeded due to optic nerve motion.

Conclusions: Optic nerve PRV margins may be needed in CyberKnife planning to reduce risk to the optic nerves. The use of a mPRV=1mm PRV to account for organ motion, along with instructing patients to hold their gaze neutrally during imaging and treatment, may be a suitable organ sparing strategy.

Advances in knowledge: Measured optic nerve motion and the technical accuracy of the CyberKnife system have been used to calculate optic nerve PRV margins.

Objectives: The underrepresentation of women within interventional radiology (IR) is profound. This scoping review aims to evaluate the current literature on gender disparity within IR. To uncover relevant themes and research gaps to inform future research and to recommend changes aimed at increasing application and retention of women in IR.

Methods: A review of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science was conducted. Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to gather all relevant literature. Thematic analysis of included literature highlighted themes and commonalities between papers.

Results: Of 396 articles, only 15 met the inclusion criteria. Many papers were excluded due to their lack of relevance to the topic. Thematic analysis identified 6 themes radiation exposure, mentorship, male dominance, work-life balance, research, and early exposure to IR.

Conclusions: Recommendations relating to each theme have been made. Establishing a high-quality mentoring scheme, for medical students, is the priority. Followed by accurate information, regarding radiation safety and teaching opportunities provided by medical schools and placement trusts, to demonstrate the value of IR and the need for a representative workforce.

Advances in knowledge: With little research based primarily within the United Kingdom, this review has amalgamated results from papers published internationally to highlight potential factors influencing the gender disparity within IR. Realistic recommendations and future points of research aimed at creating gender parity that are appropriate towards both the United Kingdom and global institutions have been suggested.

Objectives: This study aims to develop an automated approach for estimating the vertical rotation of the thorax, which can be used to assess the technical adequacy of chest X-ray radiographs (CXRs).

Methods: Total 800 chest radiographs were used to train and establish segmentation networks for outlining the lungs and spine regions in chest X-ray images. By measuring the widths of the left and right lungs between the central line of segmented spine and the lateral sides of the segmented lungs, the quantification of thoracic vertical rotation was achieved. Additionally, a life-size, full body anthropomorphic phantom was employed to collect chest radiographic images under various specified rotation angles for assessing the accuracy of the proposed approach.

Results: The deep learning networks effectively segmented the anatomical structures of the lungs and spine. The proposed approach demonstrated a mean estimation error of less than 2° for thoracic rotation, surpassing existing techniques and indicating its superiority.

Conclusions: The proposed approach offers a robust assessment of thoracic rotation and presents new possibilities for automated image quality control in chest X-ray examinations.

Advances in knowledge: This study presents a novel deep-learning-based approach for the automated estimation of vertical thoracic rotation in chest X-ray radiographs. The proposed method enables a quantitative assessment of the technical adequacy of CXR examinations and opens up new possibilities for automated screening and quality control of radiographs.

Background and aims: With ultrasound sensitivity limited in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance and few prospective studies on non-contrast abbreviated MRI (NC-AMRI), this study aimed to assess its diagnostic performance in detecting HCC.

Methods: This prospective study involved cirrhotic patients with contrast-enhanced MRI (CE-MRI) Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) LR-3 and LR-4 observations detected during HCC surveillance. Patients underwent average 3 complete CE-MRI rounds at 3-6 months interval, with approximately 12-month follow-up. NC-AMRI included diffusion-weighted (DWI), T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), and T1-weighted imaging (T1WI). NC-AMRI protocol images were analysed for diagnostic performance, with subgroup analyses. CE-MRI and NC-AMRI images were independently reviewed by 2 experienced radiologists, with inter-reader agreement assessed with Kappa coefficient. The reference standard was the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases-defined presence of arterial hypervascularity and washout during the portal-venous or delayed phases on CE-MRI.

Results: In 166 CE-MRI follow-ups of 63 patients (median age: 63 years; 60.3% male, 39.7% female), 12 patients developed HCC, with average size of 19.6 mm. The NC-AMRI (DWI + T2WI + T1WI) showed 91.7% sensitivity (95%CI, 61.5-99.8) and 91.6% specificity (95%CI, 86.0-95.4), area under receiver operating characteristic 0.92 (95%CI, 0.83-1.00). Across different Body Mass Index categories, lesion size, Child-Turcotte-Pugh classes, Albumin-Bilirubin (ALBI) grades, and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease classes, sensitivity remained consistent. However, specificity differed significantly between ALBI grade 1 and 2 (86.7% vs. 98.4%, P = .010), and between viral and non-viral cirrhosis (93.8% vs. 80.8%, P = .010).

Conclusions: NC-AMRI proved clinically feasible, and exhibits high diagnostic performance in HCC detection.

Advances in knowledge: This study highlights efficacy of NC-AMRI in detecting HCC among cirrhotic patients with LR-3 and LR-4 observations, representing significant progress in HCC surveillance.

Objectives: Evaluate acceptance of percutaneous cryoablation (PCA) treatment by patients with early breast cancer (BC) who choose not to have surgery and present our experience in the use of PCA for the local control of BC in this group of patients.

Methods: All biopsy-proven early BC diagnosed in our institution as non-surgical patients between January 2020 and December 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. We recorded if PCA was offered and if it was accepted by the patient. PCA was performed under ultrasound (US) guidance, using a liquid nitrogen-based system. Mammography and US or contrast-enhanced mammography follow-up was scheduled every 6 months for 5 years. Patient's tolerance to the procedure, adverse effects, and results regarding local control of the disease were assessed.

Results: A total of 66 early BC were diagnosed in 63 patients who decided not to have surgery. Median age was 88 years (range 60-99 years). Forty-three (95.6%) of the 45 patients offered PCA accepted. Thirty-nine malignant tumours (median size 24 mm) underwent PCA. All cases were previously reviewed in a multidisciplinary tumour board. Complete tumour necrosis was achieved in 81.3% of the cases followed for ≥ 6 months. After a median follow-up of 16 months, the complete ablation rate in Luminal BC ≤ 25 mm was 100%. No major complications were seen.

Conclusions: Non-surgical patients with early BC accepted PCA when the treatment was offered. PCA is safe, effective, and well-tolerated outpatient procedure. The study outcomes suggest that PCA could be an alternative to surgery for the management of BC in this group of patients.

Advances in knowledge: Patients with early BC who choose not to have surgery accept PCA. This percutaneous approach probably allows local control of early BC, mainly in ≤25 mm Luminal tumours.

Objective: CA125 is recommended by many countries as the primary screening test for ovarian cancer. But there are patients with ovarian cancer having normal CA125. We hope to identify the types of EOC with normal CA125 levels better by building a refined model based on the ultrasound radiomics, thus providing precise medical treatment for patients.

Methods: We included 58 patients with EOC with normal CA125 from 2 centres, who were confirmed by preoperative ultrasound and pathology. We extracted 1130 radiomics features based on the tumour's region of interest from the most typical ultrasound image of each patient. We selected radiomics and clinical features by LASSO and logistic regression to construct Rad-score and clinical models, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curves judged their test efficacy. On the basis of the combined model, we developed a nomogram.

Results: Area under the curves (AUCs) of 0.93 and 0.83 were achieved in both the training and test groups for the combined model. There were similar AUCs between the Rad-score and clinical models of 0.82 and 0.80, respectively. By analysing the calibration curves, it was determined that the nomogram matched actual observations in the training cohort.

Conclusion: Ultrasound radiomics can differentiate type I and type II EOC with normal CA125 levels.

Advances in knowledge: This study is the first to focus on EOC cases with normal level of CA125. The subset of patients constituting 20% of the disease population may require more refined radiomics models.

Objectives: We evaluated the role of contrast-enhanced mammogram (CEM) in the characterization of circumscribed lesions detected in digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) and correlated with histopathology.

Methods: A retrospective study was done on 205 circumscribed breast masses detected with DBT and for whom CEM was done before core biopsy/excision biopsy. Morphology of lesion enhancement was noted at a 2-min CEM image and depending on the enhancement pattern, they were classified as benign, malignant, and indeterminate. Indeterminate lesions were further characterized by contrast kinetics at 8 min and divided into benign and malignant lesions. The results were correlated with histopathology reports.

Results: Among the 205 lesions, 158 were benign and 47 were malignant by histopathology. All 47 malignant cases were diagnosed as malignant (sensitivity-100%) and 150 out of 158 benign lesions were diagnosed as benign by CEM (specificity-95%). Eight benign lesions were reported as malignant (false positive) by CEM. Positive predictive value was 85.4% (47/55); negative predictive value (NPV) was 100% (150/150); accuracy was 96% (197/205).

Conclusions: The high sensitivity of CEM in our study suggests that CEM helps in the early diagnosis of benign-looking circumscribed breast malignancies. The high NPV of CEM helps to avoid unnecessary biopsies and interventions in benign lesions.

Advances in knowledge: This study describes the contrast enhancement pattern of benign and malignant circumscribed breast lesions and thereby helps in the diagnosis of malignancy at an early stage. CEM is a promising adjunct tool since it offers functional imaging as a supplement to anatomical imaging by DBT.

Background: Isolated tumours affecting the coccyx are infrequent, with only a handful of documented cases in the literature. Herein, we highlight the most extensive consecutive case series involving various isolated coccyx tumours with varied clinical presentations and imaging features.

Methods: A retrospective search of our tertiary Orthopaedic oncology institute's oncology and Radiology database [Radiology Information System, Picture Archiving and Communication System, and Computerised Radiology Information System] for the keyword "Coccyx" and "Tumour" was performed over 15 years (between December 2007 and August 2022). Data collected was correlated with local histopathology and laboratory records. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and complementary imaging findings were recorded for analysis.

Results: One hundred and three lesions originating in the coccyx with a mean age of 62 years (range 25-90 years) were identified. There was a male preponderance with 59 male and 44 female patients (1.3:1.0). The most typical tumour noted was chordoma. Other lesions included a dermoid cyst, a myxopapillary ependymoma, a notochordal remnant, an osteochondroma, an Ewing sarcoma, and a teratoma.

Conclusion: Our analysis suggests that most of the tumours involving coccyx are chordomas with a few rarely encountered benign and malignant tumours. Radiological imaging plays a vital role in characterising isolated tumours affecting the coccyx and guiding appropriate patient management.

Advances in knowledge: This is the largest reported series of coccygeal tumours. Chordoma is the commonest coccygeal tumour. Patients with unexplained coccydynia should undergo detailed investigations, preferably with cross-sectional imaging.

The management of patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) has transformed over the past 2 decades. Advances in surgical techniques, systemic therapies, and local treatments have resulted in a paradigm shift. Disease that would once have been considered terminal is now frequently treated aggressively with both a disease-free and overall survival benefit. In line with the expanding range of treatment options, there has been an increase in the volume and complexity of imaging required in the management of these patients to ensure optimal patient selection and outcome. The radiologist plays a pivotal role in interpreting these studies, conveying the relevant information and informing the discussion at multidisciplinary team meetings. The purpose of this review is to provide an update for radiologists on the current surgical management of patients with CRLM highlighting specific imaging information that is required by the multidisciplinary team when assessing resectability and/or the need for additional liver-directed therapies.

Objective: This study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis of procedural efficacy, safety, and patient outcomes between 2 distinct approaches for percutaneous antegrade double-J ureteral stent (DJS) insertion: the first-hand approach and via a nephrostomy route.

Methods: Electronic records of patients undergoing percutaneous antegrade ureteral DJS placement from January 2016 to 2023 were reviewed. Patients were categorized into 2 groups based on stent placement technique: the first-hand group, involving a single-stage approach without prior percutaneous nephrostomy catheter insertion, and the nephrostomy group, where stent placement occurred through a percutaneous nephrostomy tube. Clinical data, including patient demographics, primary diagnoses, procedural details, complication rates, stent placement success, and post-procedural outcomes, were collected and analysed.

Results: Both approaches demonstrated high technical success rates (93.1%). However, the nephrostomy route group exhibited a comparatively higher fluoroscopy exposure rate (8.2 min) than the first-hand group (6.8 min). Moreover, the complication risk increased by 3.08 times in patients treated with the nephrostomy method (P = .047). Notably, in cases of urinary malignancies, the preference was for placing DJS via nephrostomy.

Conclusion: The first-hand approach should be prioritized as the initial choice in suitable cases owing to its reduced fluoroscopy time, lower complication rate, and the single-stage nature of the procedure.

Advances in knowledge: With the exception of cases necessitating urgent drainage, such as post-renal acute renal failure and urosepsis, the first-hand method is the primary approach for inserting DJS. This is primarily due to the significantly shorter radiation time and the single-stage nature of the procedure.