Polish journal of radiology最新文献

Purpose: Haemodialysis provides various options for vascular access, including native arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), arteriovenous grafts (AVGs), and central intravenous catheters. However, the use of catheters should be avoided due to their association with greater risks when opposed to AVFs or AVGs. AVFs have garnered strong endorsement as the favoured vascular access choice for extended haemodialysis.

Material and methods: A total of 200 patients initially diagnosed with AVF/AVG dysfunction were referred to the radiology department across 3 different institutions. The inclusion criteria involved patients who encountered repeated difficulties with access cannulation during dialysis. Conversely, the exclusion criteria comprised cases that had been solely assessed using colour Doppler ultrasound (CDUS), those exclusively evaluated with digital subtraction angiography (DSA), situations where DSA was not feasible, instances requiring immediate intervention due to acute access failure, and cases in which patients refused participation.

Results: Inter-observer agreement regarding complications of AVF/AVG was very good for the identification of thrombus (κ = 1.0), seroma (κ = 0.953), aneurysm (κ = 0.851), and pseudoaneurysm (κ = 0.851). It was considered good for the detection of juxta-anastomosis stenosis (κ = 0.751) and feeding artery stenosis (κ = 0.638). However, he agreement was fair for identifying draining vein stenosis (κ = 0.380) and distal arterial steal syndrome (κ = 0.210). The overall diagnostic performance of CDUS exhibited 86% sensitivity in identifying stenosis, with a specificity of 99.1%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 96.5%, a negative predictive value (NPV) of 97%, and an accuracy of 94.3%.

Conclusions: CDUS is a noninvasive diagnostic approach for the prompt picking of AVF complications. It serves as a suitable first-line imaging modality for nonfunctional AVF due to its cost-effectiveness and accessibility. Additionally, we provide evidence of reproducibility, encouraging the diligent use of CDUS in AVF and AVG evaluation for early complication detection and management guidance.

Radiological procedures utilising intravascular contrast media (ICM) are fundamental to modern medicine, enhancing diagnostics and treatment in diverse medical fields. However, the application of ICM has been constrained in patients with compromised kidney function due to perceived nephrotoxic risks, called contrast-induced nephropathy or contrastinduced acute kidney injury. Historical evidence marked ICM as a possible contributor to kidney damage. This led to restrictive guidelines advocating limited ICM use in patients with impaired renal function, preventing crucial radiographic interventions in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease. Recent advances challenge these traditional views. In particular, no direct causal relationship has been confirmed between contrast admi-nistration and elevated serum creatinine concentrations in humans. Furthermore, contemporary research models and meta-analyses do not associate AKI with contrast usage. This paper, prepared by a cross-disciplinary team of nephrologists and radiologists, presents updated guidelines for ICM application amid renal function impairments, emphasising the reduced nephrotoxic risks currently understood and loosening the previous restrictive approach in patients with renal dysfunction.

Purpose: Computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous drainage is an established method for the treatment of abdominal abscesses. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of drainage of abdominal abscesses with small-bore (6F and 9F) drains.

Material and methods: The analysis of a prospectively maintained database included 135 consecutive patients from a single centre with abdominal or pelvic abscesses, who underwent CT-guided drainage. Procedures were performed using a one-step trocar technique with 6F (40 procedures) or 9F (95 procedures) catheters. Technical success was defined as insertion of the drain into the abscess cavity and aspiration of the fluid sample. Clinical success was defined as resolution of infection without surgical intervention or upsizing of the drain.

Results: The mean size of abscesses was 77.0 ± 28.8 mm (32-220 mm). Thick fluid was aspirated from 129 collections; 6 collections contained thin fluid. Technical success was achieved in 100% of procedures. Clinical success was achieved in 94.8% of patients. Surgical drainage was necessary in 3.7% of patients and upsizing in 1.5% of patients. Complications of Clavien-Dindo grade III were noted in 2.2% of patients without grade IV or V adverse events. The mean radiation dose in terms of Dose Length Product was 617 ± 467 mGy x cm. The mean procedure time was 28.0 ± 11.3 min.

Conclusions: CT-guided drainage of abdominal abscesses with small- and very small-bore drains is usually sufficient to obtain clinical success with a low complication rate in the case of thick fluid collections.

Purpose: To independently and externally validate the Brain Tumour Reporting and Data System (BT-RADS) for post-treatment gliomas and assess interobserver variability.

Material and methods: In this retrospective observational study, consecutive MRIs of 100 post-treatment glioma patients were reviewed by two independent radiologists (RD1 and RD2) and assigned a BT-RADS score. Inter-observer agreement statistics were determined by kappa statistics. The BT-RADS-linked management recommendations per score were compared with the multidisciplinary meeting (MDM) decisions.

Results: The overall agreement rate between RD1 and RD2 was 62.7% (κ = 0.67). The agreement rate between RD1 and consensus was 83.3% (κ = 0.85), while the agreement between RD2 and consensus was 69.3% (κ = 0.79). Among the radiologists, agreement was highest for score 2 and lowest for score 3b. There was a 97.9% agreement between BT-RADS-linked management recommendations and MDM decisions.

Conclusions: BT-RADS scoring led to improved consistency, and standardised language in the structured MRI reporting of post-treatment brain tumours. It demonstrated good overall agreement among the reporting radiologists at both extremes; however, variation rates increased in the middle part of the spectrum. The interpretation categories linked to management decisions showed a near-perfect match with MDM decisions.

Purpose: Solid pancreatic lesions might have overlapping findings in portal venous phase computed tomography (CT). In this study, we aimed to investigate the quantitative and qualitative imaging features of solid pancreas lesions based on subtype and grade.

Material and methods: The study group consisted of 159 patients with solid pancreatic tumours detected after exclusion criteria. According to the pathology results, the patients were divided into 3 groups as PDAC (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, n = 137), PNET (pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour, n = 15), and SC (sarcomatoid carcinoma, n = 7). PDAC and PNET lesions were evaluated in 3 subgroups according to grade.

Results: There was no difference between the groups in terms of age, gender, tumour localisation, and internal structure (p = 0.23, p = 0.81, p = 0.19, and p = 0.94, respectively). Qualitative features significantly differed in terms of tumour margin feature, visual tumour density, presence of cystic component, and presence of necrosis (p = 0.01, p = 0.0001, p = 0.002, and p = 0.004, respectively). Tumour size, Tm_den, Tm_den/VP_den, and Tm_den/PanP_den showed differences between groups (p = 0.0001, p = 0.002, p = 0.0001, p = 0.0001, respectively). The presence of cystic density in PDAC patients differed according to grade (p = 0.01).

Conclusions: While ill-defined irregular margins, hypodense visual tumour density, no cystic component, low value of Tm_den, and low ratios of Tm_den/VP_den and Tm_den/PanP_den indicate PDAC, regular margins, iso-or hyperdense visual tumour density, cystic component, high value of Tm_den, and high ratios of Tm_den/VP_den and Tm_den/PanP_den indicate PNET. SC can be differentiated from them by containing necrosis and reaching larger sizes. The presence of a cystic component in PDAC patients indicates high grade.

Purpose: Primary hyperparathyroidism is mainly caused by parathyroid adenomas. Preoperative imaging can be performed using different imaging modalities, e.g. ultrasound (US), radionuclide scanning, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography, often used in combination. Currently, US-guided blue dyes, especially methylene blue (MB) injection, are used to identify parathyroid tumours.

Material and methods: This was a retrospective study of 228 patients. Preoperative ultrasound, scintigraphy, and bio-chemistry were performed on all patients, and fine-needle aspiration procedures were performed on suspected patients. Using preoperative US-G injection with MB dye, target tumours were injected in all cases.

Results: A total of 163 patients were female and 65 were male. The mean age was 42.5 years. US was positive in 203 (89%) cases, 25 (11%) were negative, and all had a positive sestamibi scan (100%). US-G needle injections with MB dye of target tumours were successful in all cases. The average diameter of the lesions was 18 mm. All had positive intraoperative identification of parathyroid adenoma and MB staining (100% accuracy, 100% sensitivity, and 100% specificity). Operating time (min ± SD) was 22.7 ± 11.5 minutes, and the success rate was 100%. All were parathyroid adenomas histologically. Intraoperative parathormone hormone decreased in all patients. In postoperative follow-up, all were normocalcaemic with no local or systemic complications.

Conclusions: Localisation of small parathyroid adenomas by US-guided blue dye injection is a safe, simple, and useful tool when performing parathyroidectomy with no complications.

Purpose: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the fourth most common metastatic tumour of the spine. RCC metastases are highly vascular and might cause life-threatening intraoperative bleeding. That is why preoperative embolisation is performed to reduce intraoperative blood loss. The aim of this study was to evaluate the procedural and clinical outcomes of preoperative embolisation of RCC metastases to the vertebral column.

Material and methods: In this single-centre retrospective study, data of 59 consecutive patients undergoing endovascular treatment prior to surgical resection were collected and evaluated. In all cases superselective catheterisation and occlusion of feeding vessels was attempted and performed if deemed safe and possible. Completeness of embolisation, procedural details, and the complication rate were evaluated. Surgical procedures were carried out within 48 hours after embolisation. The surgical approach was dependent on the anatomical site and osseous destruction. Intraoperative blood loss was estimated.

Results: Fifty-nine patients with a mean age of 63 years were included. Complete embolisation was successful in 76% (45/59) and partial in 15% (9/59). Microspheres were the most commonly used embolic material. In 5 cases (8%) safe occlusion was not possible due to the radiculomedullary artery originating from the same pedicle as the tumour. Minor complications (vomiting, increased pain) occurred in 8 patients. Paraplegia (one transient and one permanent) was noted in 2 cases. Estimated intraoperative blood loss was 830 ± 410 ml.

Conclusions: The results of our study show that preoperative embolisation is a feasible and effective method with a relatively high rate of occlusion and low complication rate.

Purpose: This retrospective study aimed to investigate the epicardial fat volume in cardiac computed tomography (CT), its relationship with cardiac arrhythmias, and its correlation with the coronary artery disease reporting and data system (CAD-RADS) score.

Material and methods: Ninety-six patients who underwent CT coronary angiography (CTCA) were included in this study. Patient data, including demographic information, clinical history, and imaging data were collected retrospectively. Epicardial fat volume was quantified using a standardised algorithm, the CAD-RADS scoring system was applied to assess the extent of coronary artery disease (CAD). Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and receiver operating characteristics methods were used.

Results: The study found a significant correlation between epicardial fat volume and CAD-RADS score (r² = 0.31; p < 0.001), indicating the known influence of epicardial fat on CAD risk. Moreover, patients with higher epicardial fat volumes were more likely to experience cardiac tachyarrhythmia (p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis established a threshold value of 123 cm³ for epicardial fat volume to predict tachyarrhythmia with 80% sensitivity (AUC = 0.69).

Conclusions: In this study a volume of at least 123 cm³ epicardial fat in native coronary calcium scans is associated with cardiac tachyarrhythmia. In these patients, careful selection of suitable imaging protocols is advised.

Purpose: Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is a rare congenital ano-maly of the origin of the coronary arteries. The prevalence of this anomaly in the adult patient population is low, and therefore there is virtually no original research on this topic. Reports are limited to case reports.

Material and methods: We evaluated 16,264 computed tomography (CT) exams (cardiac and chest) performed in our heart imaging department between 2015 and 2022 on a dual-source 128-slice CT scanner (SOMATOM Definition Flash, Siemens Healthineers, Forchheim, Germany) and established a retrospective registry of adult patients (> 18 years old) with ALCAPA. The study included 7 cases. Next, we collected clinical and echocardiographic data, which could be assessed retrospectively.

Results: We found 7 cases of ALCAPA in adult patients (0.043%). Three of them were female, and 4 were male. The age varied between 20 and 60 years. Echocardiographic findings, as well as the clinical course, varied widely.

Conclusions: ALCAPA is an extremely rare anomaly, which nonetheless must be taken into clinical consideration. This lesion may be fatal during infancy. Data regarding adult patients is scarce. Multicentre registries are needed to establish a more detailed clinical profile of adults with this anomaly.

Purpose: This retrospective cohort study assessed the efficiency of non-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for differentiating gallbladder cancer (GBC) from gallbladder polyps (GBPs) measuring ≥ 10 mm.

Material and methods: Patients diagnosed with GBCs or GBPs ≥ 10 mm and GBC ≤ T2 stage were eligible for inclusion. Two independent blinded readers assessed the continuity of the mucosal and muscular layers (CMML; present or absent) and normalised signal intensity ratio (NIR) on the apparent diffusion coefficient map (NIR-ADC), T1-weighted image (NIR-T1WI), and T2-weighted half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo image. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses and interobserver agreement analyses were performed to detect predictive variables differentiating GBCs from GBPs. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to evaluate diagnostic performance. A reproducibility test was performed to verify the predictive variables.

Results: Multivariate analysis showed significant differences in CMML, NIR-ADC, and NIR-T1WI (p < 0.001). The positive predictive value (PPV) and specificity of the absence of CMML were approximately 100%. The CMML showed the best specificity, accuracy, and PPV in the reproducibility study. The sensitivity of CMML alone was approximately 50%, whereas it increased to approximately 70% when combined with NIR-ADC. The diagnostic performance of the combination, including sensitivity, was almost like that of tumour size. The combined tumour size and CMML assessment showed higher diagnostic performance than tumour size alone.

Conclusions: The absence of CMML and NIR-ADC ≤ 1.86 helped in differentiating GBCs from GBPs. Evaluation of the absence of CMML and measurement of tumour size could better aid in determining between the two than measurement of tumour size alone.