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Autoimmunity Reviews Jul 2023To estimate the diagnostic accuracy of combined cranial and large vessel imaging by PET/CT, ultrasound and MRI for giant cell arteritis (GCA). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
To estimate the diagnostic accuracy of combined cranial and large vessel imaging by PET/CT, ultrasound and MRI for giant cell arteritis (GCA).
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and Web of Science databases were searched from inception till August 31, 2022. Studies were included if they involved patients with suspected GCA and assessed the diagnostic accuracy of combined cranial and large vessel imaging by PET/CT, ultrasound or MRI with the final clinical diagnosis as reference standard.
RESULTS
Eleven (1578 patients), 3 (149 patients) and 0 studies were included for the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound, PET/CT and MRI, respectively. Combined cranial and large vessel ultrasound had a sensitivity of 86% (76-92%) and specificity of 96% (92-98%). PET/CT of both cranial and large vessels yielded a sensitivity of 82% (61-93%) and specificity of 79% (60-90%). No studies assessed both PET/CT and ultrasound, which precluded head-to-head comparison. Addition of large vessel ultrasound to ultrasound of the temporal arteries (7 studies) significantly increased sensitivity (91% versus 80%, p < 0.001) without decrease in specificity (96% versus 95%, p = 0.57). Evaluating cranial arteries in addition to large vessels on PET/CT (3 studies) tended to increase the sensitivity (82% versus 68%, p = 0.07) without decrease in specificity (81% versus 79%, p = 0.70).
CONCLUSION
Combined cranial and large vessel ultrasound and PET/CT provided excellent accuracy for the diagnosis of GCA. Either PET/CT or ultrasound may be preferred depending on setting, expertise and clinical presentation. The diagnostic accuracy of combined cranial and large vessel MRI needs to be determined in future studies.
Topics: Humans; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Giant Cell Arteritis; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Temporal Arteries; Magnetic Resonance Imaging
PubMed: 37146926
DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103355 -
Seminars in Nuclear Medicine Sep 2023Fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI) is a promising tracer in oncologic positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). Numerous studies have... (Review)
Review
Fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI) is a promising tracer in oncologic positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). Numerous studies have demonstrated the superior sensitivity of FAPI PET/CT over fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT in several types of cancer. However, the cancer specificity of FAPI uptake remains understudied, and several cases of false-positive FAPI PET/CT findings have been reported. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was conducted for studies published prior to April 2022 reporting nonmalignant FAPI PET/CT findings. We included original peer-reviewed articles of studies in humans using FAPI tracers radiolabeled with Ga or F that were published in English. Papers without original data and studies with insufficient information were excluded. Nonmalignant findings were presented on a per-lesion basis and grouped according to the type of organ or tissue involved. The search identified a total of 1.178 papers, of which 108 studies were eligible. Eighty studies were case reports (74%), and the remaining 28 were cohort studies (26%). A total of 2.372 FAPI-avid nonmalignant findings were reported, with the most frequent being uptake in the arteries, e.g., related to plaques (n = 1178, 49%). FAPI uptake was also frequently related to degenerative and traumatic bone and joint lesions (n = 147, 6%) or arthritis (n = 92, 4%). For organs, diffuse or focal uptake was often seen in cases of inflammation, infection, fibrosis, and IgG4-related disease (n = 157, 7%). FAPI-avid inflammatory/reactive lymph nodes (n = 121, 5%) and tuberculosis lesions (n = 51, 2%) have been reported and could prove to be potential pitfalls in cancer staging. Periodontitis (n = 76, 3%), hemorrhoids (n = 47, 2%), and scarring/wound healing (n = 35, 2%) also presented as focal uptake on FAPI PET/CT. The present review provides an overview of the reported FAPI-avid nonmalignant PET/CT findings to date. A large number of benign clinical entities may show FAPI uptake and should be kept in mind when interpreting FAPI PET/CT findings in patients with cancer.
Topics: Humans; Biological Transport; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Gallium Radioisotopes; Inflammation; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography
PubMed: 36813670
DOI: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2023.02.001 -
Journal of Cardiac Surgery Nov 2022The introduction of the frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique for total arch replacement (TAR) has revolutionized the field of aortovascular surgery. However, although... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The introduction of the frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique for total arch replacement (TAR) has revolutionized the field of aortovascular surgery. However, although FET yields excellent results, the risk of certain complications requiring secondary intervention remains present, negating its one-step hybrid advantage over conventional techniques. This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to evaluate controversies regarding the incidence of FET-related complications, with a focus on aortic remodeling, distal stent-graft induced new entry (dSINE) and endoleak, in patients with type A aortic dissection (TAAD) and/or thoracic aortic aneurysm.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was conducted using multiple electronic databases including EMBASE, Scopus, and PubMed/MEDLINE to identify evidence on TAR with FET in patients with TAAD and/or aneurysm. Studies published up until January 2022 were included, and after applying exclusion criteria, a total of 43 studies were extracted.
RESULTS
A total of 5068 patients who underwent FET procedure were included. The pooled estimates of dSINE and endoleak were 2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.01-0.06, I = 78%) and 3% (95% CI 0.01-0.11, I = 89%), respectively. The pooled rate of secondary thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) post-FET was 7% (95% CI 0.05-0.12, I = 89%) while the pooled rate of false lumen thrombosis at the level of stent-graft was 91% (95% CI 0.75-0.97, I = 92%). After subgroup analysis, heterogeneity for distal stent-graft induced new entry (dSINE) and endoleak resolved among European patients, where Thoraflex Hybrid (THP) and E-Vita stent-grafts were used (both I = 0%). In addition, heterogeneity for secondary TEVAR after FET resolved among Asians receiving Cronus (I = 15.1%) and Frozenix stent-grafts (I = 1%).
CONCLUSION
Our results showed that the FET procedure in patients with TAAD and/or aneurysm is associated with excellent results, with a particularly low incidence of dSINE and endoleak as well as highly favorable aortic remodeling. However the type of stent-graft and the study location were sources of heterogeneity, emphasizing the need for multicenter studies directly comparing FET grafts. Finally, THP can be considered the primary FET device choice due to its superior results.
Topics: Aortic Dissection; Aorta, Thoracic; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic; Azides; Blood Vessel Prosthesis; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Deoxyglucose; Endoleak; Humans; Retrospective Studies; Stents; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36069163
DOI: 10.1111/jocs.16918 -
Pediatric Radiology Aug 2016Astroblastoma is a rare tumor of uncertain origin most commonly presenting in the cerebrum of children and young adults. The literature contains only case reports and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Astroblastoma is a rare tumor of uncertain origin most commonly presenting in the cerebrum of children and young adults. The literature contains only case reports and small series regarding its radiologic features. This systematic review is the largest study of imaging findings of astroblastoma to date and serves to identify features that might differentiate it from other neoplasms.
OBJECTIVE
This study describes the imaging features of astroblastoma based on a systematic review of the literature and two new cases.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We conducted a PubMed and Google Scholar database search that identified 59 publications containing 125 cases of pathology-confirmed astroblastoma, and we also added two new cases from our own institution. Data collected include patient age, gender, tumor location, morphology, calcifications and calvarial changes. We recorded findings on CT, MRI, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), MR spectroscopy, positron emission tomography (PET) and catheter angiography.
RESULTS
Age at diagnosis ranged 0-70 years (mean 18 years; median 14 years). Female-to-male ratio was 8:1. Of 127 cases, 66 reported CT, 78 reported MRI and 47 reported both findings. Not all authors reported all features, but the tumor features reported included supratentorial in 96% (122/127), superficial in 72% (48/67), well-demarcated in 96% (79/82), mixed cystic-solid in 93% (79/85), and enhancing in 99% (78/79). On CT, 84% (26/31) of astroblastomas were hyperattenuated, 73% (27/37) had calcifications and 7 cases reported adjacent calvarial erosion. Astroblastomas were hypointense on T1-W in 58% (26/45) and on T2-W in 50% (23/46) of MRI sequences. Peritumoral edema was present in 80% (40/50) of cases but was typically described as slight. Six cases included DWI findings, with 100% showing restricted diffusion. On MR spectroscopy, 100% (5/5) showed nonspecific tumor spectra with elevated choline and decreased N-acetylaspartate (NAA). PET revealed nonspecific reduced uptake of [F-18] 2-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose ((18)F-FDG) and increased uptake of [11C]-Methionine in 100% (3/3) of cases. Catheter angiography findings (n=12) were variable, including hypervascularity in 67%, arteriovenous shunting in 33% and avascular areas in 25%.
CONCLUSION
Astroblastomas occur most often in adolescent girls. Imaging often shows a supratentorial, superficial, well-defined, cystic-solid enhancing mass. On CT, most are hyperattenuated, have calcifications, and may remodel adjacent bone if superficial. MRI characteristically reveals a hypointense mass on T1-W and T2-W sequences with restricted diffusion. MR spectroscopy, PET and catheter angiography findings are nonspecific.
Topics: Brain Neoplasms; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Neoplasms, Neuroepithelial; Neuroimaging
PubMed: 27048363
DOI: 10.1007/s00247-016-3607-x -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2023Various papers have introduced the use of positron emission tomography (PET) with [Ga]Ga-radiolabeled fibroblast-activation protein inhibitor (FAPi) radiopharmaceuticals... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Various papers have introduced the use of positron emission tomography (PET) with [Ga]Ga-radiolabeled fibroblast-activation protein inhibitor (FAPi) radiopharmaceuticals in different subtypes of gastric cancer (GC). Our aim was to assess the diagnostic performance of this novel molecular imaging technique in GC with a systematic review and meta-analysis. A straightforward literature search of papers concerning the diagnostic performance of FAP-targeted PET imaging was performed. Original articles evaluating this novel molecular imaging examination in both newly diagnosed GC patients and GC patients with disease relapse were included. The systematic review included nine original studies, and eight of them were also eligible for meta-analysis. The quantitative synthesis provided pooled detection rates of 95% and 97% for the assessment of primary tumor and distant metastases, respectively, and a pooled sensitivity and specificity of 74% and 89%, respectively, for regional lymph node metastases. Significant statistical heterogeneity among the included studies was found only in the analysis of the primary tumor detection rate (I = 64%). Conclusions: Beyond the limitations of this systematic review and meta-analysis (i.e., all the included studies were conducted in Asia, and using [F]FDG PET/CT as a comparator of the index test), the quantitative data provided demonstrate the promising diagnostic performance of FAP-targeted PET imaging in GC. Nevertheless, more prospective multicentric studies are needed to confirm the excellent performances of FAP-targeted PET in this cluster of patients.
Topics: Humans; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Stomach Neoplasms; Prospective Studies; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Positron-Emission Tomography; Radiopharmaceuticals; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Gallium Radioisotopes
PubMed: 37373285
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210136 -
Cancer Medicine Aug 2023Positron emission tomography (PET) images of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients can assess the functional and biochemical processes at cellular... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
A systematic review and meta-analysis of predictive and prognostic models for outcome prediction using positron emission tomography radiomics in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients.
BACKGROUND
Positron emission tomography (PET) images of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients can assess the functional and biochemical processes at cellular levels. Therefore, PET radiomics-based prediction and prognostic models have the potentials to understand tumour heterogeneity and assist clinicians with diagnosis, prognosis and management of the disease. We conducted a systematic review of published modelling information to evaluate the usefulness of PET radiomics in the prediction and prognosis of HNSCC patients.
METHODS
We searched bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science) from 2010 to 2021 and considered 31 studies with pre-defined inclusion criteria. We followed the CHARMS checklist for data extraction and performed quality assessment using the PROBAST tool. We conducted a meta-analysis to estimate the accuracy of the prediction and prognostic models using the diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and average C-statistic, respectively.
RESULTS
Manual segmentation method followed by 40% of the maximum standardised uptake value (SUV ) thresholding is a commonly used approach. The area under the receiver operating curves of externally validated prediction models ranged between 0.60-0.87, 0.65-0.86 and 0.62-0.75 for overall survival, distant metastasis and recurrence, respectively. Most studies highlighted an overall high risk of bias (outcome definition, statistical methodologies and external validation of models) and high unclear concern in terms of applicability. The meta-analysis showed the estimated pooled DOR of 6.75 (95% CI: 4.45, 10.23) for prediction models and the C-statistic of 0.71 (95% CI: 0.67, 0.74) for prognostic models.
CONCLUSIONS
Both prediction and prognostic models using clinical variables and PET radiomics demonstrated reliable accuracy for detecting adverse outcomes in HNSCC, suggesting the prospect of PET radiomics in clinical settings for diagnosis, prognosis and management of HNSCC patients. Future studies of prediction and prognostic models should emphasise the quality of reporting, external model validation, generalisability to real clinical scenarios and enhanced reproducibility of results.
Topics: Humans; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; Prognosis; Reproducibility of Results; Positron-Emission Tomography; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
PubMed: 37353996
DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6278 -
Thyroid : Official Journal of the... Oct 2023The objective of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) in detecting... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The Diagnostic Value of F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Patients with Elevated Thyroglobulin/Thyroglobulin Antibody Levels and Negative Iodine Scintigraphy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
The objective of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) in detecting recurrence in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) who have negative whole-body scans (WBSs) but elevated serum thyroglobulin (Tg) or thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) levels. This systematic review/meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis for Diagnostic Test Accuracy criteria (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews registration number: CRD42022340924). A comprehensive search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases identified articles reporting the diagnostic accuracy of FDG PET/CT for the detection of recurrence in patients with DTC with negative WBS and elevated serum Tg or TgAb levels published between January 2012 and June 2023. Meta-analyses were performed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of FDG PET/CT on the total target population as well as on subgroups stratified by serum Tg or TgAb, and thyrotropin (TSH) stimulation status at the time of FDG PET/CT. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) framework was applied to evaluate the quality of evidence and the strength of recommendations to facilitate translation of the meta-analysis results into practical recommendations for clinical guidelines. A total of 24 studies involving 1988 patients were included for analysis. The overall pooled sensitivity and specificity values were 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.83-0.92; = 75%) and 0.84 (CI = 0.80-0.89; = 44%), respectively. Subgroup analyses revealed no significant differences in the diagnostic accuracy of FDG PET/CT in patients stratified by serum Tg or TgAb levels, and TSH stimulation status at the time of PET/CT. Treatment plans were changed following FDG PET/CT imaging in 40% (CI = 34-47%; = 39%) of cases. The quality level of evidence for using FDG PET/CT was moderate in both sensitivity and specificity according to the GRADE system. There is moderate quality evidence demonstrating the high diagnostic accuracy of FDG PET/CT in detecting recurrence in patients with DTC with negative WBS and elevated serum Tg or TgAb levels. This evidence corroborates the current guidelines' endorsement of FDG PET/CT as a diagnostic tool in such patients.
Topics: Humans; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Thyroglobulin; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Iodine; Positron-Emission Tomography; Iodine Radioisotopes; Thyroid Neoplasms; Adenocarcinoma; Thyrotropin
PubMed: 37597200
DOI: 10.1089/thy.2023.0264 -
Journal of Nuclear Medicine : Official... Apr 2015Standard pretreatment staging for gastric cancer includes CT of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis; gastroscopy; and laparoscopy. Although (18)F-PET combined with CT has... (Review)
Review
UNLABELLED
Standard pretreatment staging for gastric cancer includes CT of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis; gastroscopy; and laparoscopy. Although (18)F-PET combined with CT has proven to be a useful staging tool in many cancers, some gastric cancers are not (18)F-FDG-avid and its clinical value is still debatable.
METHODS
Gastric cancer patients who underwent staging (18)F-FDG PET scans from 2002 to 2013 at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Center were retrospectively analyzed, and a systematic review was also conducted using PubMed between 2000 to March 2014 to investigate clinicopathologic parameters associated with (18)F-FDG avidity. A pretreatment PET scoring system was developed from predictors of (18)F-FDG avidity.
RESULTS
Both the retrospective analysis of the patients and the systematic literature review showed similar significant predictors of (18)F-FDG avidity, including large tumor size, non-signet ring cell carcinoma type, and glucose transporter 1-positive expression on immunohistochemistry. A PET scoring system was developed from these clinicopathologic parameters that allowed (18)F-FDG-avid tumors to be detected with a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 71%.
CONCLUSION
A pretreatment PET scoring system can assist in the selection of patients with gastric adenocarcinoma when staging (18)F-FDG PET is being considered.
Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Carcinoma; Carcinoma, Signet Ring Cell; Female; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Glucose Transporter Type 1; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Staging; Observer Variation; Patient Selection; Positron-Emission Tomography; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity; Stomach Neoplasms
PubMed: 25745094
DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.114.150946 -
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology Apr 2023FDG PET/CT has limited diagnostic performance in the detection of peritoneal metastasis (PM). Gallium-68-labeled fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI) targets... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
FDG PET/CT has limited diagnostic performance in the detection of peritoneal metastasis (PM). Gallium-68-labeled fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI) targets tumor stroma, leading to high accumulation across cancer types. The purpose of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis to compare the diagnostic performances of Ga-FAPI PET/CT and FDG PET/CT in detecting PM on the basis of studies providing head-to-head comparisons between the two tests. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched through July 2022 to identify studies reporting head-to-head comparison of Ga-FAPI PET/CT and FDG PET/CT for detection of PM. The reference standard was classified as histopathology for all patients or as a combination of histopathologic, clinical, imaging, laboratory, and follow-up information (multidisciplinary reference standard). A random-effects statistical model was applied to conduct a meta-analysis of the diagnostic performances of the tests in patient-based and lesion-based analyses. The QUADAS-2 and QUADAS Comparative tools were used to assess study quality. Eleven studies were included. Patient-based analysis was reported in nine studies including 340 patients, and lesion-based analysis was reported in four studies including 222 lesions. The pooled sensitivity of Ga-FAPI PET/CT was significantly higher than that of FDG PET/CT in patient-based analysis (98.2% [95% CI, 96.1-100.0%] vs 55.9% [95% CI, 33.9-77.9%]) and lesion-based analysis (99.9% [95% CI, 99.5-100.0%] vs 27.3% [95% CI, 11.2-43.4%]). Eight studies were rated at high risk of bias in the reference standard domain because the multidisciplinary reference standard was not sufficiently explained and may have included one of the two index tests, which would have artificially increased sensitivity. In three studies specificity was reported as 100.0% for both tests; these studies were considered at uncertain risk of bias in the patient selection domain because patients with benign peritoneal conditions may have been excluded, resulting in underestimation of potential false-positive results. The current evidence suggests excellent sensitivity of Ga-FAPI PET/CT for the detection of PM in comparison with poorer sensitivity of FDG PET/CT. However, most included studies had high risk of bias. Further studies are needed to more convincingly characterize true- and false-positive results. The sensitivity of Ga-FAPI PET/CT may be substantially greater than that of FDG PET/CT for the evaluation of PM, facilitating surgical planning and candidate selection.
Topics: Humans; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Peritoneal Neoplasms; Gallium Radioisotopes; Positron-Emission Tomography
PubMed: 36321984
DOI: 10.2214/AJR.22.28402 -
Seminars in Nuclear Medicine Nov 2023F-FDG-PET/CT imaging has become a key tool to evaluate infectious and inflammatory diseases. However, application of F-FDG-PET/CT in patients in the intensive care unit... (Review)
Review
F-FDG-PET/CT imaging has become a key tool to evaluate infectious and inflammatory diseases. However, application of F-FDG-PET/CT in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) is limited, which is remarkable since the development of critical illness is closely linked to infection and inflammation. This limited use is caused by perceived complexity and risk of planning and executing F-FDG-PET/CT in such patients. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the feasibility of F-FDG-PET/CT in ICU patients with special emphasis on patient preparation, transport logistics and safety. Therefore, a systematic search was performed in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science using the search terms: intensive care, critically ill, positron emission tomography and F-FDG or derivates. A total of 1183 articles were found of which 10 were included. Three studies evaluated the pathophysiology of acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute lung injury and acute chest syndrome. Three other studies applied F-FDG-PET/CT to increase understanding of pathophysiology after traumatic brain injury. The remaining four studies evaluated infection of unknown origin. These four studies showed a sensitivity and specificity between 85%-100% and 57%-88%, respectively. A remarkable low adverse event rate of 2% was found during the entire F-FDG-PET/CT procedure, including desaturation and hypotension. In all studies, a team consisting of an intensive care physician and nurse was present during transport to ensure continuation of necessary critical care. Full monitoring during transport was used in patients requiring mechanical ventilation or vasopressor support. None of the studies used specific patient preparation for ICU patients. However, one article described specific recommendations in their discussion. In conclusion, F-FDG-PET/CT has been shown to be feasible and safe in ICU patients, even when ventilated or requiring vasopressors. Specific recommendations regarding patient preparation, logistics and scanning are needed. Including F-FDG-PET/CT in routine workup of infection of unknown origin in ICU patients showed potential to identify source of infection and might improve outcome.
Topics: Humans; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Radiopharmaceuticals; Positron-Emission Tomography; Critical Care; Intensive Care Units; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 37258380
DOI: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2023.05.003