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European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology,... Sep 2017To review the optimal techniques for localization and characterization of neck paragangliomas (PGL). (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To review the optimal techniques for localization and characterization of neck paragangliomas (PGL).
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Systematic review of the literature from the PubMed/Medline database.
RESULTS
Neck PGL are hypervascular tumours essentially arising from paraganglionic tissue situated at the carotid bifurcation (carotid body) and along the vagus nerve. Morphological and functional imaging are indicated to confirm the diagnosis, identify multifocal disease and for local and regional staging. MR angiography is the noninvasive technique of choice. CT scan and especially CT angiography are excellent alternatives for diagnosis and staging. Conventional arteriography remains useful preoperatively for embolization and occlusion tests. Functional imaging allows localization and characterization of PGLs. Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS) was the reference imaging technique for staging of sporadic PGLs. The indications for PET imaging have been extended over recent years in parallel with the development of new tracers such as [F]-FDOPA PET or Gallium-labelled DOTA peptides. Gallium-labelled DOTA peptides has become the first-line imaging modality in the evaluation of cervical PGLs, regardless of the genetic background.
CONCLUSION
Morphological and functional imaging is essential for the staging of neck PGL.
Topics: Computed Tomography Angiography; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Angiography; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Neoplasm Staging; Paraganglioma; Positron-Emission Tomography; Predictive Value of Tests; Radiopharmaceuticals; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 27887852
DOI: 10.1016/j.anorl.2016.10.003 -
Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Oct 2014The aim of this review is to describe imaging techniques for evaluation of non-osteochondral structures such as the synovium, menisci in the knee, labrum in the hip,... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this review is to describe imaging techniques for evaluation of non-osteochondral structures such as the synovium, menisci in the knee, labrum in the hip, ligaments and muscles and to review the literature from recent clinical and epidemiological studies of OA.
METHODS
This is a non-systematic narrative review of published literature on imaging of non-osteochondral tissues in OA. PubMed and MEDLINE search for articles published up to 2014, using the keywords osteoarthritis, synovitis, meniscus, labrum, ligaments, plica, muscles, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), scintigraphy, and positron emission tomography (PET).
RESULTS
Published literature showed imaging of non-osteochondral tissues in OA relies primarily on MRI and ultrasound. The use of semiquantitative and quantitative imaging biomarkers of non-osteochondral tissues in clinical and epidemiological OA studies is reported. We highlight studies that have compared both imaging methodologies directly, and those that have established a relationship between imaging biomarkers and clinical outcomes. We provide recommendations as to which imaging protocols should be used to assess disease-specific changes regarding synovium, meniscus in the knee, labrum in the hip, and ligaments, and highlight potential pitfalls in their usage.
CONCLUSION
MRI and ultrasound are currently the most useful imaging modalities for evaluation of non-osteochondral tissues in OA. MRI evaluation of any tissue needs to be performed using appropriate MR pulse sequences. Ultrasound may be particularly useful for evaluation of small joints of the hand. Nuclear medicine and CT play a limited role in imaging of non-osteochondral tissues in OA.
Topics: Diagnostic Imaging; Humans; Ligaments; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Menisci, Tibial; Muscle, Skeletal; Osteoarthritis, Hip; Osteoarthritis, Knee; Positron-Emission Tomography; Radionuclide Imaging; Synovial Membrane; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 25278069
DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2014.05.001 -
International Journal of Molecular... Nov 2022Breast cancer (BC) is a heterogeneous malignancy that still represents the second cause of cancer-related death among women worldwide. Due to the heterogeneity of BC,... (Review)
Review
Breast cancer (BC) is a heterogeneous malignancy that still represents the second cause of cancer-related death among women worldwide. Due to the heterogeneity of BC, the correct identification of valuable biomarkers able to predict tumor biology and the best treatment approaches are still far from clear. Although molecular imaging with positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) has improved the characterization of BC, these methods are not free from drawbacks. In recent years, radiomics and artificial intelligence (AI) have been playing an important role in the detection of several features normally unseen by the human eye in medical images. The present review provides a summary of the current status of radiomics and AI in different clinical settings of BC. A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus was conducted, including all articles published in English that explored radiomics and AI analyses of PET/CT images in BC. Several studies have demonstrated the potential role of such new features for the staging and prognosis as well as the assessment of biological characteristics. Radiomics and AI features appear to be promising in different clinical settings of BC, although larger prospective trials are needed to confirm and to standardize this evidence.
Topics: Female; Humans; Breast Neoplasms; Artificial Intelligence; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Prospective Studies
PubMed: 36362190
DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113409 -
Cancers Sep 2023Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is a rare neoplasm, and the role of both conventional imaging (CI) and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT)... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is a rare neoplasm, and the role of both conventional imaging (CI) and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for its assessment has not been clearly evaluated and demonstrated. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the diagnostic performances of these imaging modalities in this setting.
METHODS
A wide literature search of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was made to find relevant published articles about the role of CI and PET/CT for the evaluation of NEPC.
RESULTS
13 studies were included in the systematic review. PET/CT imaging with different radiopharmaceuticals has been evaluated in many studies (10) compared to CI (3 studies), which has only a limited role in NEPC. Focusing on PET/CT, a study used [F]FDG, labeled somatostatin analogs were used in 5 cases, a study used [Ga]Ga-FAPI-04, [Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 was evaluated in a single case, and two works used different tracers.
CONCLUSION
Published data on the role of PET/CT for the assessment of NEPC are limited. At present, it is still uncertain which tracer performs best, and although [F]FDG has been evaluated and seems to offer some advantages in availability and clinical staging, other tracers may be more useful to understand tumor biology or identify targets for subsequent radioligand therapy. Further research is therefore desirable. In contrast, data are still limited to draw a final conclusion on the role and the specific characteristics of CI in this rare form of neoplasm, and therefore, more studies are needed in this setting.
PubMed: 37686680
DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174404 -
European Thyroid Journal Jan 2018Positron emission tomography (PET) and PET/CT are functional imaging methods that are widely used in diagnostic procedures in oncology.
BACKGROUND
Positron emission tomography (PET) and PET/CT are functional imaging methods that are widely used in diagnostic procedures in oncology.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this study was to assess the patient-relevant benefit of PET or PET/CT in patients with thyroid cancer based on a literature review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
A systematic review including studies that had been published until December 2013 was performed. To be included, studies had to prospectively investigate patients with thyroid cancer in a clinical setting of staging, restaging, or diagnosing tumour recurrence.
RESULTS
Out of 3,506 potentially relevant articles, 29 studies were included. No study directly evaluated the benefits of PET. Twenty-eight studies dealt with the diagnostic accuracy of PET or PET/CT, and 1 study evaluated the prognostic value of PET/CT. The authors showed that a positive result of PET/CT in restaging patients with differentiated thyroid cancer yielded a significant decrease in overall survival (hazard ratio, HR 5.01, CI 3.41-6.62). In patients with suspected recurrence of differentiated thyroid cancer, meta-analysis showed higher sensitivity of PET (89.7%, CI 78-99%) and PET/CT (94.3%, CI 87-97%) compared with conventional imaging (65.4%, CI 32-88%) and comparable results for specificity. Due to the low numbers of studies and patients, meta-analyses on medullary carcinoma did not produce meaningful results.
CONCLUSION
The patient-relevant benefits of PET or PET/CT in thyroid cancer could not be evaluated satisfactorily based on the included studies. It remains unclear whether higher diagnostic test accuracy leads to changes in therapeutic strategies and better patient-relevant outcomes.
PubMed: 29594049
DOI: 10.1159/000481707 -
Translational Andrology and Urology Nov 2021To date, the results of studies into the effectiveness of positron emission tomography (PET) combined with computed tomography (CT) and bone scan (BS) in the diagnosis...
BACKGROUND
To date, the results of studies into the effectiveness of positron emission tomography (PET) combined with computed tomography (CT) and bone scan (BS) in the diagnosis of malignant prostate lesions have been inconsistent, and the advantages and disadvantages of the two methods cannot be accurately judged.
METHODS
Articles were retrieved from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database, Wan Fang Medical Network, PubMed, Excerpta Medica data BASE (EMBASE), Medline, and Cochrane database. The keywords used in the search were: Ga-prostate specific membrane antibody (Ga-PSMA), PET/CT, prostate lesions, prostate adenocarcinoma, bone metastasis, and BS.
RESULTS
Ultimately, 3 publications were selected for inclusion in the meta-analysis. A total of 215 patients were considered in the 3 articles that met the inclusion criteria. All of the included articles were small sample studies, with sample sizes ranging from 28 to 113 cases. In this study, from the 3 randomized controlled trials, only 2 (66.67%) randomized controls described the correct randomized allocation method, and only 1 (33.33%) described the hidden allocation scheme in detail. The highest sensitivity for Ga-PSMA PET/CT was 0.96, with 95% CI: 0.87, 1.00, and the highest specificity was 1.00, with 95% CI: 0.96, 1.00. The highest sensitivity and specificity of BS were 0.92 with 95% CI: 0.81, 0.98 and 0.96 with 95% CI: 0.78, 1.00, respectively. The results of meta-analysis of Ga-PSMA PET/CT diagnosis with confirmation by surgical and histopathological examination showed that the area under the summary receiver operating characteristics (SROC) curve (AUC) =0.826 and standard error (SE) (AUC) =0.0425. The results of meta-analysis of BS diagnosis with confirmation by surgical and histopathological examination showed that the area under the SROC curve (AUC) =0.714 and SE (AUC) =0.0034.
DISCUSSION
The meta-analysis showed that Ga-PSMA PET/CT has clear advantages over BS in the diagnosis of bone metastases of malignant prostate tumors, and could improve the diagnostic accuracy of bone metastases.
PubMed: 34984188
DOI: 10.21037/tau-21-912 -
Contrast Media & Molecular Imaging 2021Prostate-specific membrane antigen- (PSMA-) targeted agents labeled with fluorine-18 (F) have recently become available to evaluate patients with biochemical recurrent... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Prostate-specific membrane antigen- (PSMA-) targeted agents labeled with fluorine-18 (F) have recently become available to evaluate patients with biochemical recurrent prostate cancer (BRPCa) by using positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) or positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis about the detection rate (DR) of F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT or PET/MRI in BRPCa patients.
METHODS
A comprehensive computer literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases for studies published through 17 May 2021 was carried out using the following search algorithm: "PSMA" AND "1007". Only studies providing data on the DR of F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT or PET/MRI in BRPCa were included. A random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled DR on a per scan basis.
RESULTS
Fifteen articles (853 patients) were selected and included in the systematic review, and ten were included in the quantitative analysis. Most of the studies reported a good DR of F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT or PET/MRI in BRPCa including also patients with low prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSA) values. The DR of F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT or PET/MRI was dependent on PSA serum values. The pooled DR was 81.3% (95% confidence interval: 74.6-88%) with statistical heterogeneity. A significant reporting bias (publication bias) was not detected.
CONCLUSIONS
F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT or PET/MRI showed a good DR in BRPCa patients in line with other PSMA-targeted agents. The DR of F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT or PET/MRI is influenced by serum PSA values. These findings should be confirmed by prospective multicentric trials.
Topics: Gallium Radioisotopes; Humans; Male; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Niacinamide; Oligopeptides; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Positron-Emission Tomography; Prospective Studies; Prostatic Neoplasms
PubMed: 35002568
DOI: 10.1155/2021/3502389 -
Obesity Reviews : An Official Journal... Nov 2023This systematic review collates studies of dietary or bariatric surgery interventions for obesity using positron emission tomography and single-photon emission computed... (Review)
Review
Effects of bariatric surgery and dietary interventions for obesity on brain neurotransmitter systems and metabolism: A systematic review of positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) studies.
This systematic review collates studies of dietary or bariatric surgery interventions for obesity using positron emission tomography and single-photon emission computed tomography. Of 604 publications identified, 22 met inclusion criteria. Twelve studies assessed bariatric surgery (seven gastric bypass, five gastric bypass/sleeve gastrectomy), and ten dietary interventions (six low-calorie diet, three very low-calorie diet, one prolonged fasting). Thirteen studies examined neurotransmitter systems (six used tracers for dopamine DRD2/3 receptors: two each for C-raclopride, F-fallypride, I-IBZM; one for dopamine transporter, I-FP-CIT; one used tracer for serotonin 5-HT receptor, F-altanserin; two used tracers for serotonin transporter, C-DASB or I-FP-CIT; two used tracer for μ-opioid receptor, C-carfentanil; one used tracer for noradrenaline transporter, C-MRB); seven studies assessed glucose uptake using F-fluorodeoxyglucose; four studies assessed regional cerebral blood flow using O-H O (one study also used arterial spin labeling); and two studies measured fatty acid uptake using F-FTHA and one using C-palmitate. The review summarizes findings and correlations with clinical outcomes, eating behavior, and mechanistic mediators. The small number of studies using each tracer and intervention, lack of dietary intervention control groups in any surgical studies, heterogeneity in time since intervention and degree of weight loss, and small sample sizes hindered the drawing of robust conclusions across studies.
Topics: Humans; Positron-Emission Tomography; Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon; Bariatric Surgery; Brain; Obesity; Neurotransmitter Agents
PubMed: 37699864
DOI: 10.1111/obr.13620 -
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related... May 2017In the assessment of possible periprosthetic knee infection, various imaging modalities are used without consensus regarding the most accurate technique. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
In the assessment of possible periprosthetic knee infection, various imaging modalities are used without consensus regarding the most accurate technique.
QUESTIONS/PURPOSES
To perform a meta-analysis to compare the accuracy of various applied imaging modalities in the assessment of periprosthetic knee infection.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted with a comprehensive search of MEDLINE and Embase in accordance with the PRISMA and Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) recommendations to identify clinical studies in which periprosthetic knee infection was investigated with different imaging modalities. The sensitivity and specificity of each imaging technique were determined and compared with the results of microbiologic and histologic analyses, intraoperative findings, and clinical followup of more than 6 months. A total of 23 studies, published between 1990 and 2015, were included for meta-analysis, representing 1027 diagnostic images of symptomatic knee prostheses. Quality of the included studies showed low concerns regarding external validity, whereas internal validity indicated more concerns regarding the risk of bias. The most important concerns were found in the lack of uniform criteria for the diagnosis of a periprosthetic infection and the flow and timing of the included studies. Differences among techniques were tested at a probability less than 0.05 level. Where there was slight overlap of confidence intervals for two means, it is possible for the point estimates to be statistically different from one another at a probability less than 0.05. The z-test was used to statistically analyze differences in these situations.
RESULTS
Bone scintigraphy was less specific than all other modalities tested (56%; 95% CI, 0.47-0.64; p < 0.001), and leukocyte scintigraphy (77%; 95% CI, 0.69-0.85) was less specific than antigranulocyte scintigraphy (95%; 95% CI, 0.88-0.98; p < 0.001) or combined leukocyte and bone marrow scintigraphy (93%; 95% CI, 0.86-0.97; p < 0.001). Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) (84%; 95% CI, 0.76-0.90) was more specific than bone scintigraphy (56%; 95% CI, 0.47-0.64; p < 0.001), and less specific than antigranulocyte scintigraphy (95%; 95% CI, 0.88-0.98; p = 0.02) and combined leukocyte and bone marrow scintigraphy (93%; 95% CI, 0.86-0.97; p < 0.001). Leukocyte scintigraphy (88%; 95% CI, 0.81-0.93; p = 0.01) and antigranulocyte scintigraphy (90%; 95% CI, 0.78-0.96; p = 0.02) were more sensitive than FGD-PET (70%; 95% CI, 0.56-0.81). However, because of broad overlapping of confidence intervals, no differences in sensitivity were observed among the other modalities, including combined bone scintigraphy (93%; 95% CI, 0.85-0.98) or combined leukocyte and bone marrow scintigraphy (80%; 95% CI, 0.66-0.91; p > 0.05 for all paired comparisons).
CONCLUSIONS
Based on current evidence, antigranulocyte scintigraphy and combined leukocyte and bone marrow scintigraphy appear to be highly specific imaging modalities in confirming periprosthetic knee infection. Bone scintigraphy was a highly sensitive imaging technique but lacks the specificity needed to differentiate among various conditions that cause painful knee prostheses. FDG-PET may not be the preferred imaging modality because it is more expensive and not more effective in confirming periprosthetic knee infection.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level III, diagnostic study.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; Bone Marrow; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Granulocytes; Humans; Knee Joint; Knee Prosthesis; Leukocytes; Male; Middle Aged; Positron-Emission Tomography; Predictive Value of Tests; Prosthesis-Related Infections; Radionuclide Imaging; Radiopharmaceuticals; Reproducibility of Results; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
PubMed: 28050818
DOI: 10.1007/s11999-016-5218-0 -
Frontiers in Surgery 2022Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron emission tomography/computerized tomography (FDG PET/CT) has become popular for diagnosing periprosthetic joint infections (PJI). However,... (Review)
Review
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Accuracy of Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/ Computerized Tomography for Diagnosing Periprosthetic Joint Infections.
OBJECTIVE
Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron emission tomography/computerized tomography (FDG PET/CT) has become popular for diagnosing periprosthetic joint infections (PJI). However, the diagnostic accuracy for this technique has varied from report to report. This meta-analysis was performed to assess the accuracy of FDG PET/CT for PJI diagnosis.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
We conducted a systematic search of online academic databases for all studies reporting the diagnostic accuracy of FDG PET/CT for PJI. Meta-analysis was performed using STATA software.
RESULTS
23 studies, containing data on 1,437 patients, met inclusion criteria. Pooled sensitivity and specificity of FDG PET/CT for diagnosing PJI were 85% (95% CI, 76%, 91%) and 86% (95% CI, 78%, 91%), respectively with an AUC of 0.92. LRP was 6.1 (95% CI, 3.8, 9.7) and LRN was 0.17 (0.11, 0.28), indicating that FDG PET/CT cannot be used for confirmation or exclusion of PJI. There was significant inter-study heterogeneity, but no significant publication bias was noted.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study found that FDG PET/CT has an important role as a diagnostic tool for PJI with high sensitivity and specificity. Further studies exploring its accuracy in different PJI locations remain necessary.
PubMed: 35722526
DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.698781