1
|
O’Regan PW, Stevens NE, Logan N, Ryan DJ, Maher MM. Paediatric Thoracic Imaging in Cystic Fibrosis in the Era of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Modulation. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:256. [PMID: 38397368 PMCID: PMC10888261 DOI: 10.3390/children11020256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is one of the most common progressive life-shortening genetic conditions worldwide. Ground-breaking translational research has generated therapies that target the primary cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) defect, known as CFTR modulators. A crucial aspect of paediatric CF disease is the development and progression of irreversible respiratory disease in the absence of clinical symptoms. Accurate thoracic diagnostics have an important role to play in this regard. Chest radiographs are non-specific and insensitive in the context of subtle changes in early CF disease, with computed tomography (CT) providing increased sensitivity. Recent advancements in imaging hardware and software have allowed thoracic CTs to be acquired in paediatric patients at radiation doses approaching that of a chest radiograph. CFTR modulators slow the progression of CF, reduce the frequency of exacerbations and extend life expectancy. In conjunction with advances in CT imaging techniques, low-dose thorax CT will establish a central position in the routine care of children with CF. International guidelines regarding the choice of modality and timing of thoracic imaging in children with CF are lagging behind these rapid technological advances. The continued progress of personalised medicine in the form of CFTR modulators will promote the emergence of personalised radiological diagnostics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick W. O’Regan
- Department of Radiology, Cork University Hospital, T12 DC4A Cork, Ireland
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University College Cork, T12 AK54 Cork, Ireland
| | - Niamh E. Stevens
- Department of Surgery, Mercy University Hospital, T12 WE28 Cork, Ireland
| | - Niamh Logan
- Department of Medicine, Mercy University Hospital, T12 WE28 Cork, Ireland
| | - David J. Ryan
- Department of Radiology, Cork University Hospital, T12 DC4A Cork, Ireland
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University College Cork, T12 AK54 Cork, Ireland
| | - Michael M. Maher
- Department of Radiology, Cork University Hospital, T12 DC4A Cork, Ireland
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University College Cork, T12 AK54 Cork, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sheahan KP, O'Mahony AT, Morrissy D, Ibrahim H, Crowley C, Waldron MG, Sokol-Randell D, McMahon A, Maher MM, O'Connor OJ, Plant BJ. Replacing Plain Radiograph with ultra-low dose CT thorax in cystic fibrosis (CF) in the era of CFTR modulation and its impact on cumulative effective dose. J Cyst Fibros 2023; 22:715-721. [PMID: 37400300 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcf.2023.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical radiation exposure is of increasing concern in patients with cystic fibrosis (PWCF) due to improving life expectancy. We aimed to assess and quantify the cumulative effective dose (CED) in PWCF in the context of CFTR-modulator therapy and the advancement of dose reduction techniques. METHODS We performed a retrospective observational study in a single University CF centre over a 11-year period. We included PWCF, aged over 18 years who exclusively attended our institution. Relevant clinical data (demographics, transplantation history and modulator status) and radiological data (modality, quantity, and radiation exposure measured as CED) were collected. For those on modulator therapy the quantified imaging and radiation data was dichotomised into pre-and-post therapy periods. RESULTS The study included 181 patients: 139 on CFTR modulator therapy, 15 transplant recipients and 27 with neither exposure. 82% of patients received <25 mSv over the study period. Mean study duration was 6.9 ± 2.6 years pre-modulation and 4.2 ± 2.6 years post-modulation. Pre-modulation CT contributed 9.6% of total chest imaging (n = 139/1453) and 70.9% of the total CED. Post-modulation CT use increased contributing 42.7% of chest imaging (n = 444/1039) and comprised 75.8% of CED. Annual CED was 1.55 mSv pre and 1.36 mSv post modulation (p = 0.41). Transplant recipients had an annual CED of 64 ± 36.1mSv. CONCLUSION Chest CT utilisation for PWCF is rising in our institution, replacing chest radiography amidst CFTR-modulation. Despite the increasing use of CT, no significant radiation dose penalty was observed with a reduction in mean annual CED, primarily due to the influence of CT dose reduction strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin P Sheahan
- Department of Radiology, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - David Morrissy
- Cork Centre for Cystic Fibrosis (3CF), Cork University Hospital, Cork Ireland
| | - Hisham Ibrahim
- Cork Centre for Cystic Fibrosis (3CF), Cork University Hospital, Cork Ireland
| | - Claire Crowley
- Department of Radiology, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | | | | | - Aisling McMahon
- Department of Radiology, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - Michael M Maher
- Department of Radiology, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - Owen J O'Connor
- Department of Radiology, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - Barry J Plant
- Cork Centre for Cystic Fibrosis (3CF), Cork University Hospital, Cork Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
FitzMaurice TS, McCann C, Nazareth D, Hawkes S, Shaw M, McNamara PS, Walshaw M. Feasibility of dynamic chest radiography to calculate lung volumes in adult people with cystic fibrosis: a pilot study. BMJ Open Respir Res 2023; 10:e001309. [PMID: 37147023 PMCID: PMC10163553 DOI: 10.1136/bmjresp-2022-001309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dynamic chest radiography (DCR) is a novel, low-dose, real-time digital imaging system where software identifies moving thoracic structures and can automatically calculate lung areas. In an observational, prospective, non-controlled, single-centre pilot study, we compared it with whole-body plethysmography (WBP) in the measurement of lung volume subdivisions in people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). METHODS Lung volume subdivisions were estimated by DCR using projected lung area (PLA) during deep inspiration, tidal breathing and full expiration, and compared with same-day WBP in 20 adult pwCF attending routine review. Linear regression models to predict lung volumes from PLA were developed. RESULTS Total lung area (PLA at maximum inspiration) correlated with total lung capacity (TLC) (r=0.78, p<0.001), functional residual lung area with functional residual capacity (FRC) (r=0.91, p<0.001), residual lung area with residual volume (RV) (r=0.82, p=0.001) and inspiratory lung area with inspiratory capacity (r=0.72, p=0.001). Despite the small sample size, accurate models were developed for predicting TLC, RV and FRC. CONCLUSION DCR is a promising new technology that can be used to estimate lung volume subdivisions. Plausible correlations between plethysmographic lung volumes and DCR lung areas were identified. Further studies are needed to build on this exploratory work in both pwCF and individuals without CF. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN64994816.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Simon FitzMaurice
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Caroline McCann
- Department of Radiology, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Dilip Nazareth
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Scott Hawkes
- Department of Pulmonary Physiology, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Matthew Shaw
- Research Department, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Paul Stephen McNamara
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Child Health (University of Liverpool), Institute in the Park, Alder Hey Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Martin Walshaw
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ciet P, Booij R, Dijkshoorn M, van Straten M, Tiddens HAWM. Chest radiography and computed tomography imaging in cystic fibrosis: current challenges and new perspectives. Pediatr Radiol 2023; 53:649-659. [PMID: 36307546 PMCID: PMC10027794 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-022-05522-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Imaging plays a pivotal role in the noninvasive assessment of cystic fibrosis (CF)-related lung damage, which remains the main cause of morbidity and mortality in children with CF. The development of new imaging techniques has significantly changed clinical practice, and advances in therapies have posed diagnostic and monitoring challenges. The authors summarise these challenges and offer new perspectives in the use of imaging for children with CF for both clinicians and radiologists. This article focuses on chest radiography and CT, which are the two main radiologic techniques used in most cystic fibrosis centres. Advantages and disadvantages of radiography and CT for imaging in CF are described, with attention to new developments in these techniques, such as the use of artificial intelligence (AI) image analysis strategies to improve the sensitivity of radiography and CT and the introduction of the photon-counting detector CT scanner to increase spatial resolution at no dose expense.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pierluigi Ciet
- Radiology & Nuclear Medicine Department, Pediatric Radiology Section, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Room Sb‑1650, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, South‑Holland, The Netherlands.
- Department of Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Ronald Booij
- Radiology & Nuclear Medicine Department, Pediatric Radiology Section, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Room Sb‑1650, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, South‑Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel Dijkshoorn
- Radiology & Nuclear Medicine Department, Pediatric Radiology Section, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Room Sb‑1650, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, South‑Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel van Straten
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, South-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Harm A W M Tiddens
- Radiology & Nuclear Medicine Department, Pediatric Radiology Section, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Room Sb‑1650, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, South‑Holland, The Netherlands
- Department of Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pilot study to determine whether reduced-dose photon-counting detector chest computed tomography can reliably display Brody II score imaging findings for children with cystic fibrosis at radiation doses that approximate radiographs. Pediatr Radiol 2023; 53:1049-1056. [PMID: 36596868 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-022-05574-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Brody II score uses chest CT to guide therapeutic changes in children with cystic fibrosis; however, patients and providers are often reticent to undergo chest CT given concerns about radiation. OBJECTIVE We sought to determine the ability of a reduced-dose photon-counting detector (PCD) chest CT protocol to reproducibly display pulmonary disease severity using the Brody II score for children with cystic fibrosis (CF) scanned at radiation doses similar to those of a chest radiograph. MATERIALS AND METHODS Pediatric patients with CF underwent non-contrast reduced-dose chest PCD-CT. Volumetric inspiratory and expiratory scans were obtained without sedation or anesthesia. Three pediatric radiologists with Certificates of Added Qualification scored each scan on an ordinal scale and assigned a Brody II score to grade bronchiectasis, peribronchial thickening, parenchymal opacity, air trapping and mucus plugging. We report image-quality metrics using descriptive statistics. To calculate inter-rater agreement for Brody II scoring, we used the Krippendorff alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS Fifteen children with CF underwent reduced-dose PCD chest CT in both inspiration and expiration (mean age 8.9 years, range, 2.5-17.5 years; 4 girls). Mean volumetric CT dose index (CTDIvol) was 0.07 ± 0.03 mGy per scan. Mean effective dose was 0.12 ± 0.04 mSv for the total examination. All three readers graded spatial resolution and noise as interpretable on lung windows. The average Brody II score was 12.5 (range 4-19), with moderate inter-reader reliability (ICC of 0.61 [95% CI=0.27, 0.84]). Inter-rater reliability was moderate to substantial for bronchiectasis (0.52), peribronchial thickening (0.55), presence of opacity (0.62) and air trapping (0.70) and poor for mucus plugging (0.09). CONCLUSION Reduced-dose PCD-CT permits diagnostic image quality and reproducible identification of Brody II scoring imaging findings at radiation doses similar to those for chest radiography.
Collapse
|
6
|
Sinderholm Sposato N, Rossi Norrlund R, Gilljam M, Bjerså K, Lannefors L, Fagevik Olsén M. Thoracic configuration in patients ageing with cystic fibrosis: A retrospective single-blinded cohort study. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2023; 307:103976. [DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2022.103976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|
7
|
Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Lung Disease in the Patients with Cystic Fibrosis—A Challenging Diagnostic Problem. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12071514. [PMID: 35885420 PMCID: PMC9316837 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12071514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal, recessive genetic disorder, caused by a mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance receptor regulator (CFTR) gene. Dysregulated mucous production, and decreased bronchial mucociliary clearance, results in increased susceptibility to bacterial and fungal infections. Recently, nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections were identified as an emerging clinical problem in CF patients. Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess the frequency of NTM isolations in CF patients hospitalized in the pulmonary department, serving as a hospital CF center, and to describe challenges concerning the recognition of NTMLD (nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease) in those patients. Methods: Consecutive CF patients, who were hospitalized due to pulmonary exacerbations (PEX), in a single CF center, between 2010 and 2020, were retrospectively assessed for the presence of NTM in respiratory specimens. Clinical and radiological data were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Positive respiratory specimen cultures for NTM were obtained in 11 out of 151 patients (7%), mean age—35.7 years, mean BMI—20.2 kg/m2, mean FEV1—58.6% pred. Cultures and phenotyping revealed the presence of Mycobacterium avium (M. avium)—in six patients, Mycobacterium chimaera (M. chimaera) in two, Mycobacterium kansasii (M. kansasii)—in one, Mycobacterium abscessus (M. abscessus)—in one, Mycobacterium lentifavum (M. lentiflavum)—in one. Simultaneously, respiratory cultures were positive for fungi in 91% of patients: Candida albicans (C. albicans)—in 82%, Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus)—in 45%. Clinical signs of NTMLD were non—specific, chest CT indicated NTMLD in five patients only. Conclusion: Due to non-specific clinical presentation, frequent sputum cultures for NTM and analysis of serial chest CT examinations are crucial for NTMLD recognition in CF patients. Further studies concerning the predictive role of fungal pathogens for NTMLD development in CF patients are needed.
Collapse
|
8
|
Ciet P, Bertolo S, Ros M, Casciaro R, Cipolli M, Colagrande S, Costa S, Galici V, Gramegna A, Lanza C, Lucca F, Macconi L, Majo F, Paciaroni A, Parisi GF, Rizzo F, Salamone I, Santangelo T, Scudeller L, Saba L, Tomà P, Morana G. State-of-the-art review of lung imaging in cystic fibrosis with recommendations for pulmonologists and radiologists from the "iMAging managEment of cySTic fibROsis" (MAESTRO) consortium. Eur Respir Rev 2022; 31:31/163/210173. [PMID: 35321929 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0173-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Imaging represents an important noninvasive means to assess cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease, which remains the main cause of morbidity and mortality in CF patients. While the development of new imaging techniques has revolutionised clinical practice, advances have posed diagnostic and monitoring challenges. The authors aim to summarise these challenges and make evidence-based recommendations regarding imaging assessment for both clinicians and radiologists. STUDY DESIGN A committee of 21 experts in CF from the 10 largest specialist centres in Italy was convened, including a radiologist and a pulmonologist from each centre, with the overall aim of developing clear and actionable recommendations for lung imaging in CF. An a priori threshold of at least 80% of the votes was required for acceptance of each statement of recommendation. RESULTS After a systematic review of the relevant literature, the committee convened to evaluate 167 articles. Following five RAND conferences, consensus statements were developed by an executive subcommittee. The entire consensus committee voted and approved 28 main statements. CONCLUSIONS There is a need for international guidelines regarding the appropriate timing and selection of imaging modality for patients with CF lung disease; timing and selection depends upon the clinical scenario, the patient's age, lung function and type of treatment. Despite its ubiquity, the use of the chest radiograph remains controversial. Both computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging should be routinely used to monitor CF lung disease. Future studies should focus on imaging protocol harmonisation both for computed tomography and for magnetic resonance imaging. The introduction of artificial intelligence imaging analysis may further revolutionise clinical practice by providing fast and reliable quantitative outcomes to assess disease status. To date, there is no evidence supporting the use of lung ultrasound to monitor CF lung disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pierluigi Ciet
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Dept, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands .,Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergology Dept, Erasmus MC, Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Depts of Radiology and Medical Science, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Silvia Bertolo
- Radiology Dept, Ca'Foncello S. Maria Hospital, Treviso, Italy
| | - Mirco Ros
- Dept of Pediatrics, Ca'Foncello S. Maria Hospital, Treviso, Italy
| | - Rosaria Casciaro
- Dept of Pediatrics, IRCCS Institute "Giannina Gaslini", Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Cipolli
- Regional Reference Cystic Fibrosis center, University hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Stefano Colagrande
- Dept of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Radiodiagnostic Unit n. 2, University of Florence- Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Stefano Costa
- Dept of Pediatrics, Gaetano Martino Hospital, Messina, Italy
| | - Valeria Galici
- Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Dept of Paediatric Medicine, Anna Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Gramegna
- Respiratory Disease and Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Internal Medicine Dept, IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, Italy.,Dept of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Lanza
- Radiology Dept, University Hospital Ospedali Riuniti, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesca Lucca
- Regional Reference Cystic Fibrosis center, University hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Letizia Macconi
- Radiology Dept, Tuscany Reference Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Fabio Majo
- Dept of Pediatrics, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Fabio Parisi
- Pediatric Pulmonology Unit, Dept of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesca Rizzo
- Radiology Dept, IRCCS Institute "Giannina Gaslini", Cystic Fibrosis Center, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Teresa Santangelo
- Dept of Radiology, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigia Scudeller
- Clinical Epidemiology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Saba
- Depts of Radiology and Medical Science, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paolo Tomà
- Dept of Radiology, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Morana
- Radiology Dept, Ca'Foncello S. Maria Hospital, Treviso, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
FitzMaurice TS, McCann C, Nazareth D, Shaw M, McNamara PS, Walshaw MJ. Measuring the effect of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor combination therapy on the respiratory pump in people with CF using dynamic chest radiography. J Cyst Fibros 2022; 21:1036-1041. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcf.2022.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|