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Clinical Nuclear Medicine Feb 202318F-FDG is the dominant radiotracer in oncology; however, it has limitations. Novel labeled fibroblast activation protein (FAP) radiotracers have been developed and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
18F-FDG is the dominant radiotracer in oncology; however, it has limitations. Novel labeled fibroblast activation protein (FAP) radiotracers have been developed and published in several studies. Thus, this meta-analysis aimed to compare the detection rates (DRs) of FDG and FAP, based on previous studies from a systematic review.
METHODS
PubMed/MEDLINE and Cochrane library databases were used to perform a comprehensive and systematic search and are updated to April 30, 2022. The DR, relative risk, and the SUVmax were calculated between the FAP and FDG tracers. Finally, the sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio, and summary receiver operating characteristic curve of FAP and FDG were analyzed using gold and reference standards.
RESULTS
Thirty studies (1170 patients) were included in the meta-analysis. The relative risks of FAP DR for the primary tumor, recurrent tumor, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis were FDG 1.06- to 3.00-fold per patient and per lesion. For the primary tumor, FAP uptake was most intense in pancreatic cancer, followed by head and neck, cervical, colorectal, lung, gastric, and hepatocellular carcinoma, and was higher than FDG except for urological system cancer. The sensitivity (0.84-0.98), diagnostic odds ratio (19.36-358.47), and summary receiver operating characteristic curve (0.94-0.99) of FAP based on patient and lesion were better for primary tumors, LN metastasis, and distant metastasis than FDG.
CONCLUSIONS
Fibroblast activation protein is an extremely potential radiotracer to replace most of the use of FDG in oncology. It is noteworthy that the FAP tracers for primary tumors had low specificity despite excellent sensitivity and had lower uptake than FDG in urological system cancer. In addition, the difference in detection between FAP and FDG for LN metastasis could not be certain in sarcoma.
Topics: Humans; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Radiopharmaceuticals; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Positron-Emission Tomography; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 36607362
DOI: 10.1097/RLU.0000000000004438 -
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 -
Head & Neck Dec 2020The role of metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) in head and neck cancer (HNC) prognosis is not well established. We conducted a systematic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The role of metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) in head and neck cancer (HNC) prognosis is not well established. We conducted a systematic review focusing on MTV and TLG measured by F-FDG positron-emission tomography in HNC. Meta-analyses were developed, estimating hazard ratios (HRs) for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Eighteen studies were found with a total of 1512 patients. MTV-adjusted analysis had an HR of 4.65 (95% CI = 2.04-10.6) for DFS and 3.89 (95% CI = 1.47-10.30) for OS. TLG-unadjusted analysis had an HR of 3.19 (95% CI = 2.33-4.37) for DFS and 2.48 (95% CI = 1.82-3.39) for OS. TLG-adjusted analysis for DFS obtained an HR of 2.05 (95% CI = 0.96-4.39). MTV and TLG are good prognostic factors in HNC, as high values predict a worse OS and DFS. Given the important information they provide, these parameters may be considered in clinical practice, as they are easily obtainable with current technology.
Topics: Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Glycolysis; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Humans; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Positron-Emission Tomography; Prognosis; Radiopharmaceuticals; Retrospective Studies; Tumor Burden
PubMed: 32914474
DOI: 10.1002/hed.26461 -
Journal of Nuclear Cardiology :... Aug 2023Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) are frequently used advanced cardiac imaging to diagnose... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Comparison of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in the assessment of cardiac sarcoidosis: Meta-analysis and systematic review.
AIM
Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) are frequently used advanced cardiac imaging to diagnose cardiac sarcoidosis (CS). We conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review to compare diagnostic parameters of FDG-PET and CMR in the diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis (CS).
METHODS
We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus databases from their inception to 9/30/2021 with search terms "cardiac sarcoidosis" AND "cardiac magnetic resonance imaging" AND "positronemission tomography". We extracted patient characteristics, results of the FDG-PET and CMR, and adverse outcomes from the included studies. Adverse outcomes served as a reference standard for the evaluation of FDG-PET and CMR.
RESULTS
We included 4 studies in the meta-analysis which provided adverse outcomes and all patients underwent FDG-PET and CMR. There were 237 patients, 60.3% male, and ages ranged from 50-53 years. There were 45 events in 237 patients from four studies included in the meta-analyses. The pooled sensitivity (95% confidence interval-CI) and specificity (CI) of CMR in predicting an adverse event were 0.94 (0.79-0.98) and 0.49 (0.40-0.59), respectively. The pooled sensitivity (CI) and specificity (CI) of FDG-PET in predicting an adverse event were 0.51 (0.26-0.75) and 0.60 (0.35-0.81), respectively.
CONCLUSION
CMR was more sensitive but less specific than FDG-PET in predicting adverse events; however, the study population and definition of a positive test need to be considered while interpreting the results.
Topics: Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Female; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Cardiomyopathies; Positron-Emission Tomography; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Myocarditis; Sarcoidosis; Radiopharmaceuticals; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 36443587
DOI: 10.1007/s12350-022-03129-8 -
American Heart Journal Jul 2023The use of F-FDG PET/CT in diagnostic algorithms for PVE has increased since publication of studies and guidelines advocating its use. The assessment of test accuracy... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
IMPORTANCE
The use of F-FDG PET/CT in diagnostic algorithms for PVE has increased since publication of studies and guidelines advocating its use. The assessment of test accuracy has been limited by small study sizes. We undertook a systematic review using individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis techniques.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the summary sensitivity and specificity of F-FDG PET/CT in diagnosing PVE. We also assessed the effect of patient factors on test accuracy as defined by changes in the odds ratios associated with each factor. The effect of the PET/CT study on the final diagnosis was also assessed when compared to the preliminary Duke classification to determine in which patient group F-FDG PET/CT had the greatest utility.
STUDY SELECTION
Studies were included if PET/CT was performed for suspicion of PVE and IPD of both the PET/CT result and final diagnosis defined by a gold-standard assessment was available. There were 3 possible final diagnoses ("definite PVE," "possible PVE," and "rejected PVE").
RESULTS
Seventeen studies were included with IPD available for 537 patients (from 538 scans). The summary sensitivity and specificity were 85% (95% CI 74.2%-91.8%) and 86.5% (95% CI 75.8%-92.9%) respectively when patients with final diagnosis of "possible PVE" were classified as positive for PVE. When this group was classified as negative for PVE, sensitivity was 87.4% (95% CI 80.4%-92.1%) and specificity was 84.9% (95% CI 71.5%-92.6%). Patients with a known pathogen (especially coagulase negative staphylococcal species), elevated CRP, a biological or aortic valve infection appeared more likely to have an accurate PET/CT diagnosis. Those with a mechanical valve, prior antibiotic treatment or a transcatheter aortic valve replacement valve were less likely to have an accurate test. Time since valve implantation and the presence of surgical adhesive did not appear to affect test accuracy. Of the patients with a preliminary Duke classification of "possible PVE," 84% received a more conclusive final diagnosis of "definite" or "rejected" PVE after the PET/CT study.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
F-FDG PET/CT has high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing PVE and the diagnostic utility is greatest in patients with a preliminary Duke classification of "possible PVE." Some patient factors appear to affect test accuracy, though these results should be interpreted with caution given low patient numbers for subgroup analyses.
Topics: Humans; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Endocarditis, Bacterial; Heart Valve Prosthesis; Endocarditis; Sensitivity and Specificity; Radiopharmaceuticals
PubMed: 36934977
DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2023.03.004 -
Clinical Nuclear Medicine Feb 2021The aims of this study were to determine the role of 18F-FDG PET/CT in vulvar cancer patients and to extract summary estimates of its diagnostic performance for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
AIM
The aims of this study were to determine the role of 18F-FDG PET/CT in vulvar cancer patients and to extract summary estimates of its diagnostic performance for preoperative lymph node staging.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
PubMed/Medline and Embase databases were searched to identify studies evaluating 18F-FDG PET/CT in vulvar cancer patients. The assessment of methodological quality of the included articles was performed. Per-patient and per-groin pooled estimates, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were calculated.
RESULTS
Ten articles were included in the systematic review, 7 among which evaluated the diagnostic performance of preoperative 18F-FDG PET/CT for lymph node staging. Qualitative per-patient analysis (72 patients from 4 studies) resulted in estimated pooled sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and DOR of 0.70 (95% CI, 0.44-0.95), 0.90 (95% CI, 0.76-1.04), 0.86 (95% CI, 0.66-1.06), 0.77 (95% CI, 0.56-0.97), and 10.49 (95% CI, 1.68-65.50), respectively. Qualitative per-groin analysis (245 groins from 5 studies) resulted in estimated pooled sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and DOR of 0.76 (95% CI, 0.57-0.94), 0.88 (95% CI, 0.82-0.94), 0.70 (95% CI, 0.55-0.85), 0.92 (95% CI, 0.86-0.97), and 19.43 (95% CI, 6.40-58.95), respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite limited literature data, this systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that a negative preoperative PET/CT scan may exclude groin metastases in at least early-stage vulvar cancer patients currently unfit for sentinel node biopsy and select those eligible for a less invasive surgical treatment. A positive PET/CT result should otherwise be interpreted with caution. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm these results and to evaluate the diagnostic value of standardized semiquantitative analysis compared with the qualitative one.
Topics: Female; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Humans; Neoplasm Staging; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Vulvar Neoplasms
PubMed: 33234921
DOI: 10.1097/RLU.0000000000003411 -
Current Oncology (Toronto, Ont.) Oct 2022The present study aimed to assess the existing data about Primary Adrenal Lymphoma (PAL) evaluated with FDG PET and to describe a small monocentric series of cases. A... (Review)
Review
The present study aimed to assess the existing data about Primary Adrenal Lymphoma (PAL) evaluated with FDG PET and to describe a small monocentric series of cases. A systematic analysis (from 2010 to 2022) was made by using PubMed and Web of Science databases reporting data about the role of FDG PET/CT in patients with suspicious or known adrenal lymphoma. The quality of the papers was assessed by using QUADAS-2 criteria. Moreover, from a single institutional collection between 2010 and 2021, data from patients affected by adrenal lymphoma and undergoing contrast-enhanced compute tomography (ceCT)/magnetic resonance (MR) and FDG PET/CT or PET/MR were retrieved and singularly described. Seventy-eight papers were available from PubMed and 25 from Web of Science. Forty-seven (Nr. 47) Patients were studied, most of them in the initial staging of disease ( = 42; 90%). Only in one paper, the scan was made before and after therapy. The selected clinical cases were relative to the initial staging of disease, the restaging, and the evaluation of response to therapy. PET/CT and PET/MR always showed a high FDG uptake in the primary adrenal lesions and in metastatic sites. Moreover, PET metrics, such as maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) and metabolic tumor volume (MTV), were elevated in all primary adrenal lesions. In conclusions, FDG PET either coupled with CT or MRI can be useful in staging, restaging, and for the evaluation of treatment response in patients affected by PAL.
Topics: Humans; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Radiopharmaceuticals; Lymphoma; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
PubMed: 36290900
DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29100623 -
Skeletal Radiology Jan 2021To evaluate the frequency, clinico-pathologic and imaging features of malignant tumors in peripheral nerves which are of non-neurogenic origin (non-neurogenic peripheral...
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the frequency, clinico-pathologic and imaging features of malignant tumors in peripheral nerves which are of non-neurogenic origin (non-neurogenic peripheral nerve malignancy-PNM).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed our pathology database for malignant peripheral nerve tumors from 07/2014-07/2019 and performed a systematic review. Exclusion criteria were malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST). Clinico-pathologic and imaging features, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and standard uptake values (SUV) are reported.
RESULTS
After exclusion of all neurogenic tumors (benign = 196, MPNST = 57), our search yielded 19 non-neurogenic PNMs (7%, n = 19/272), due to primary intraneural malignancy (16%, n = 3/19) and secondary perineural invasion from an adjacent malignancy (16%, n = 3/19) or metastatic disease (63%, n = 12/19). Non-neurogenic PNMs were located in the lumbosacral plexus/sciatic nerves (47%, n = 9/19), brachial plexus (32%, n = 6/19), femoral nerve (5%, n = 1/19), tibial nerve (5%, n = 1/19), ulnar nerve (5%, n = 1/19), and radial nerve (5%, n = 1/19). On MRI (n = 14/19), non-neurogenic PNM tended to be small (< 5 cm, n = 10/14), isointense to muscle on T1-W (n = 14/14), hyperintense on T2-WI (n = 12/14), with enhancement (n = 12/12), low ADC (0.5-0.7 × 10-3 mm/s), and variable metabolic activity (SUV range 2.1-13.1). A target sign was absent (n = 14/14) and fascicular sign was rarely present (n = 3/14). Systematic review revealed 89 cases of non-neurogenic PNM.
CONCLUSION
Non-neurogenic PNMs account for 7% of PNT in our series and occur due to metastases and primary intraneural malignancy. Although non-neurogenic PNMs exhibit a non-specific MRI appearance, they lack typical signs of neurogenic tumors such as the target sign. Quantitative imaging features identified by DWI (low ADC) and F-FDG PET/CT (high SUV) may be helpful clues to the diagnosis.
Topics: Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Neoplasms; Nerve Sheath Neoplasms; Peripheral Nerves; Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Positron-Emission Tomography; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 32699955
DOI: 10.1007/s00256-020-03556-z -
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Post-Treatment PET/CT in HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer.The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and... Jun 2022To perform a systematic review with meta-analysis to investigate the utility of post-treatment PET/CT specifically in HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To perform a systematic review with meta-analysis to investigate the utility of post-treatment PET/CT specifically in HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma following curative intent treatment.
METHODS
Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool data from 7 observational studies (2013-2019) obtained from a database search of PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE using an a priori protocol with dual independent evaluation for inclusion, risk of bias assessment for acceptable methodology, and extraction of data for analysis. PET/CT results, treatment failure, imaging and interventions subsequent to PET/CT findings, and efficacy of salvage therapy were extracted.
RESULTS
Of the 907 post-treatment scans, PET/CT results were largely negative (76.2%; 95% CI, 63.4-85.6) and least often positive (11.3%; 95% CI, 8.8-14.4). PET/CT results were equivocal for 22.5% (95% CI, 12.5-36.9) and equivocal/positive for 34.2% of patients (95% CI, 25.1-44.5). Patients with an initial positive scan had the highest treatment failure rates (43.1%; 95% CI, 21.4-67.7) and those with an initial negative scan had the lowest rates (7.4%; 95% CI, 5.7-9.7). The equivocal and equivocal/positive scans had intermediate prevalence of 16.5% (95% CI, 9.4-27.6) and 16.7% (95% CI, 9.1-28.7), respectively.
CONCLUSION
The low treatment failure rate following a negative PET/CT scan is reassuring, but the data are consistent with treatment failure rates up to 9.7% suggesting follow-up of these patients is prudent. Additionally, the low positive predictive value for treatment failure observed alludes to use of post-treatment PET/CT in HPV-associated disease frequently leading to unnecessary subsequent imaging and intervention.
Topics: Disease-Free Survival; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Humans; Oropharyngeal Neoplasms; Papillomavirus Infections; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 34353135
DOI: 10.1177/00034894211036842 -
European Journal of Nuclear Medicine... May 2020Diagnosis of spinal infection (SI) is challenging and usually requires multiple tests. We aimed to perform a systematic review and a bivariate meta-analysis on the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
Diagnosis of spinal infection (SI) is challenging and usually requires multiple tests. We aimed to perform a systematic review and a bivariate meta-analysis on the diagnostic role of F-FDG PET/CT in patients with SI.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search of studies published through February 2019 in PubMed/MEDLINE and Cochrane library databases was carried out. Studies investigating the diagnostic performance of F-FDG PET/CT in patients with SI were eligible for inclusion in the qualitative analysis. For the quantitative analysis, pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratio (LR+ and LR-) and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of F-FDG PET/CT in patients with suspected SI were calculated on a per examination-based analysis. Pooled data were presented with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).
RESULTS
Twenty-six articles (833 patients) using F-FDG PET/CT were eligible for the qualitative analysis. Twelve studies (396 patients) were selected for the meta-analysis. Overall, F-FDG PET/CT demonstrated a very good diagnostic performance in patients with SI and several studies underlined the value of F-FDG PET/CT in assessing the response to treatment. The bivariate meta-analysis on F-FDG PET/CT in patients with suspected SI provided the following results: sensitivity 94.8% (95% CI 88.9-97.6%) and specificity 91.4% (95% CI 78.2-96.9%). The pooled LR+, LR- and DOR were 4.7 (95% CI 2.9-7.7), 0.11 (95% CI 0.07-0.16) and 63.4 (95% CI 28.9-139), respectively. No significant heterogeneity or publication bias was found.
CONCLUSION
F-FDG PET/CT demonstrated a very good diagnostic performance in patients with SI and can be used in patients in which MRI cannot be performed or is non-diagnostic or inconclusive. Several studies underlined the value of F-FDG PET/CT in assessing the response to treatment in patients with SI. Overall, larger multicentre and prospective studies and cost-effectiveness analyses are warranted.
Topics: Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Humans; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Prospective Studies; Radiopharmaceuticals; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 31729539
DOI: 10.1007/s00259-019-04571-6