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Influence of Different Arm Positions in the Localizer Radiograph(s) on Patient Dose during Exposure-Controlled CT Examinations of the Neck to Pelvis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 7:313-322. [PMID: 34449741 PMCID: PMC8396306 DOI: 10.3390/tomography7030028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Our aim was to examine the impact of different arm positions during imaging of the localizer radiograph(s) on effective dose for exposure-controlled computed tomography (CT) (Siemens/Canon) scans of the neck to pelvis. An anthropomorphic whole-body phantom was scanned from the neck to pelvis with the arms positioned in three different ways during the acquisition of the localizer radiograph: (i) above the head, (ii) alongside the trunk, and (iii) along the trunk with the hands placed on the abdomen. In accordance with clinical routines, the arms were not included in the subsequent helical scans. Effective doses were computed to a standard-sized patient (male/female) using a dedicated system-specific Monte Carlo-based software. Effective doses for the Canon CT scanner for the different alternatives (male/female) were (a) 5.3/6.62 mSv, (b) 5.62/7.15 mSv and (c) 5.92/7.44 mSv. For the Siemens CT scanner, effective doses were (a) 4.47/5.59 mSv, (b) 5.4/6.69 mSv and (c) 5.7/6.99 mSv. Arms placed above the head during localizer radiograph imaging in the current CT procedures substantially reduced the total effective dose to the patient.
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Cox CW, Chung JH, Ackman JB, Berry MF, Carter BW, de Groot PM, Hobbs SB, Johnson GB, Maldonado F, McComb BL, Tong BC, Walker CM, Kanne JP. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Occupational Lung Diseases. J Am Coll Radiol 2020; 17:S188-S197. [PMID: 32370962 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2020.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Ordering the appropriate diagnostic imaging for occupational lung disease requires a firm understanding of the relationship between occupational exposure and expected lower respiratory track manifestation. Where particular inorganic dust exposures typically lead to nodular and interstitial lung disease, other occupational exposures may lead to isolated small airway obstruction. Certain workplace exposures, like asbestos, increase the risk of malignancy, but also produce pulmonary findings that mimic malignancy. This publication aims to delineate the common and special considerations associated with occupational lung disease to assist the ordering physician in selecting the most appropriate imaging study, while still stressing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jeanne B Ackman
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mark F Berry
- Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, California; The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
| | - Brett W Carter
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | | | | | | | - Fabien Maldonado
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; American College of Chest Physicians
| | | | - Betty C Tong
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina; The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
| | | | - Jeffrey P Kanne
- Specialty Chair, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
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Svahn TM, Sjöberg T, Ast JC. Dose estimation of ultra-low-dose chest CT to different sized adult patients. Eur Radiol 2018; 29:4315-4323. [PMID: 30560356 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-018-5849-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of patient size on radiation dose for standard CT (SD-CT), ultra-low-dose CT (ULD-CT) and two-view digital radiography (DR). METHODS Dosimeters were distributed within the lungs of chest phantoms representing males of 65 kg and 82 kg (body mass indices 23 and 29). In contrast to SD-CT and DR which include automatic exposure control (AEC), the ULD scan employs a fixed mAs value. The phantoms were exposed to SD, ULD and DR while recording lung doses. Projected dose data were calculated from the phantoms. The resulting exposure settings were used in Monte Carlo programs to determine the effective dose for a standard-sized (BMI 24.2) adult male (170 cm/70 kg) and female (160 cm/59 kg). Patients previously examined by both ULD- and SD-CT were identified to determine post hoc size-specific dose estimates (SSDEs). RESULTS ULD-CT dose was inversely related to patient size; average lung doses summarised in terms of patient size BMI23/29 are 5.2/8.1 (SD-CT), 0.56/0.35 (ULD-CT) and 0.05/0.13 mGy (DR), while the effective doses for these techniques on a standard-sized male were 2.9, 0.16 and 0.03 mSv and 2.3, 0.247 and 0.024 mSv for a standard-sized female respectively. SSDEs for 15 patients (averages: BMI 26, range 18-37) averaged 5.5 mGy (3.6-10) for SD-CT and 0.35 mGy (0.42-0.27) for ULD-CT. CONCLUSIONS The effective doses for a standard-sized male and female examined by ULD-CT are (respectively) ~ 6%/~ 11% of SD-CT and ~ 5/~ 10 times higher than DR. ULD-CT gave a lower radiation dosage to larger patients than DR. AEC is warranted in ULD-CT for improved dose consistency. KEY POINTS • For standard-sized patients, ULD-CT dose level is ~ 6%/~ 11% of SD-CT, and ~ 5/~ 10 times higher than DR. For larger patients, ULD-CT is currently being used clinically at lower dose levels than DR. • Using ULD-CT should greatly reduce the risk of late effects from ionising radiation. • AEC in ULD-CT is desirable for increased consistency in patient dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony M Svahn
- Centre for Research and Development, Uppsala University/Region Gävleborg, 801 88, Gävle, Sweden.
| | - Tommy Sjöberg
- Department of Surgical Science, Uppsala University, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jennifer C Ast
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, 752 36, Uppsala, Sweden
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3-Dimensional Quantification of Composite Pleural Plaque Volume in Patients Exposed to Asbestos Using High-resolution Computed Tomography: A Validation Study. J Thorac Imaging 2018; 34:320-325. [PMID: 30489434 DOI: 10.1097/rti.0000000000000377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE As pleural plaque has been reported as a risk factor in the occurrence of lung cancer and mesothelioma, a reproducible and precise method of measurement of pleural plaque volume (PPV) is needed to further describe these relationships. The aim of the study was to assess the reproducibility of a 3-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) volumetric analysis of PPV in patients with occupational exposure to asbestos. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 28 patients were retrospectively randomly selected from the multicenter APEXS (Asbestos Post Exposure Survey) study, which was held between 2003 and 2005. All patients underwent a 3D-CT scan. Two readers specialized in chest radiology completed the 3D semiautomated quantification of lung volume using dedicated software. They also had to categorize the visual extent of pleural plaque in terms of thickness and circumference. Reproducibility of the continuous PPV variable was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman analysis. Reproducibility of categorical variables was assessed using the κ test. RESULTS Intraobserver reproducibility of PPV was almost perfect (ICC=0.98 [95% interval: 0.97-0.99]), and interobserver reproducibility was very good (ICC=0.93 [0.88-0.97]). At Bland-Altman analysis, the mean differences were 0.1 (limit of agreement: -11.0 to 11.2) and 3.7 cc (-17.8 to 25.2), respectively. Visual analysis of both plaque in terms of thickness and circumference were fair to moderate, with κ values ranging from 0.30 to 0.60. CONCLUSIONS 3D semiautomatic quantification of PPV is feasible and reproducible using CT in patients with occupational exposure to asbestos. PPV measurement may be useful to correlate with other asbestos-related disease outcomes and prognosis.
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Mazzei MA, Sartorelli P, Bagnacci G, Gentili F, Sisinni AG, Fausto A, Mazzei FG, Volterrani L. Occupational Lung Diseases: Underreported Diagnosis in Radiological Practice. Semin Ultrasound CT MR 2018; 40:36-50. [PMID: 30686366 DOI: 10.1053/j.sult.2018.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Underreporting of occupational lung diseases is a widespread problem in clinical practice. In Europe there is not a common regulation even for the recognition of occupational cancers. Furthermore epidemiologic data on occupational interstitial lung diseases, in general, is limited by no standardized diagnostic criteria, varied physician awareness and training, limitations inherent to the various data sources, and the long latency period. Therefore, to optimize the management of the patient with occupational pathology, the collaboration and skills of the multidisciplinary at the service of the patient, play a fundamental role. In particular, radiologists should give substance to a clinical suspicion on an anamnestic basis and at the same time should recognize patterns of illness that can lead to the emergence of stories of misunderstood exposures. This article aims to provide an overview of the main occupational lung diseases with attention to diagnostic possibilities of the different imaging techniques. The issue of the radiological error is investigated, providing tools to minimize it in the daily practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Antonietta Mazzei
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neuro Sciences, Unit of Diagnostic Imaging, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Pietro Sartorelli
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, University of Siena, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnology, Unit of Occupational Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Giulio Bagnacci
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neuro Sciences, Unit of Diagnostic Imaging, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, University of Siena, Italy.
| | - Francesco Gentili
- Unit of Diagnostic Imaging, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, University of Siena, Italy
| | | | - Alfonso Fausto
- Unit of Diagnostic Imaging, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, University of Siena, Italy
| | | | - Luca Volterrani
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neuro Sciences, Unit of Diagnostic Imaging, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, University of Siena, Italy
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Schikowsky C, Felten MK, Eisenhawer C, Das M, Kraus T. Response to Baur et al. (2017). Am J Ind Med 2018. [PMID: 29542199 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael K Felten
- Institute for Occupational Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Marco Das
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Radiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Kraus
- Institute for Occupational Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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Tamura A, Funakoshi M, J-P NA, Hasegawa K, Ishimine A, Koike A, Tannai N, Fujii M, Hattori M, Hirano H, Nakamura K, Funakoshi M, Satomi K, Yamashita Y, Fukuchi Y, Suganuma N. Potential asbestos exposure among patients with primary lung cancer in Japan. J Occup Health 2018; 60:236-245. [PMID: 29563365 PMCID: PMC5985347 DOI: 10.1539/joh.2017-0199-oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the extent of asbestos exposure among patients with primary lung cancer in Japan. Methods: A retrospective estimation of potential asbestos-exposed individuals, as determined by the presence of pleural plaques identified on chest computed tomography (CT), was conducted on 885 pathologically confirmed primary lung cancer patients (mean age 71.3 years, 641 males). All patients were diagnosed at 29 hospitals across Japan between 2006 and 2007. Since these hospitals belong to the Japan Federation of Democratic Medical Institutions (MIN-IREN), an organization of medical institutions for workers, the study subjects may contain a higher proportion of workers than the general population. Results: Pleural plaques were identified in 12.8% of subjects (15.8% in males and 4.9% in females), consisting exclusively of cases older than 50 years. They were found most frequently on the chest wall pleura (96.5%), followed by the diaphragm (23.9%) and mediastinum (9.7%). Calcifications were seen in 47 cases (41.6%). The highest prevalence of pleural plaques was seen among workers from construction-related fields (37.7%). No distinct lung cancer histology was observed in patients with pleural plaques. Coexistence of pleural plaques and small irregular opacities was observed in 2.5% of subjects. Conclusion: In a Japanese population representing more workers than general Japanese, 12.8% of patients with primary lung cancer may have experienced asbestos exposure at some time in the past. Special medical attention should be paid to individuals with a history of employment in construction-related occupations, as workers in this sector showed the highest prevalence of pleural plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiko Tamura
- Japan Federation of Democratic Medical Institutions Multicenter Asbestos Study Group.,Kyushu Institute for Social Medicine
| | - Mitsuhiko Funakoshi
- Japan Federation of Democratic Medical Institutions Multicenter Asbestos Study Group.,Kyushu Institute for Social Medicine
| | - Naw Awn J-P
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University
| | - Kichinori Hasegawa
- Japan Federation of Democratic Medical Institutions Multicenter Asbestos Study Group.,Chiba Kensei Hospital
| | - Atsushi Ishimine
- Japan Federation of Democratic Medical Institutions Multicenter Asbestos Study Group.,Kin-ikyo Chuo Hospital
| | - Akio Koike
- Japan Federation of Democratic Medical Institutions Multicenter Asbestos Study Group.,Saitama Cooperative Hospital
| | - Noriyuki Tannai
- Japan Federation of Democratic Medical Institutions Multicenter Asbestos Study Group.,Tachikawa Sogo Hospital
| | - Masami Fujii
- Japan Federation of Democratic Medical Institutions Multicenter Asbestos Study Group.,Shiba Hospital
| | - Makoto Hattori
- Japan Federation of Democratic Medical Institutions Multicenter Asbestos Study Group.,Jouhoku Hospital
| | - Harukazu Hirano
- Japan Federation of Democratic Medical Institutions Multicenter Asbestos Study Group.,Koyo Seikyo Hospital
| | - Kenji Nakamura
- Japan Federation of Democratic Medical Institutions Multicenter Asbestos Study Group.,Osaka Institute of Social Medicine
| | - Masanobu Funakoshi
- Japan Federation of Democratic Medical Institutions Multicenter Asbestos Study Group.,Shioe Clinic
| | - Kazuhiko Satomi
- Japan Federation of Democratic Medical Institutions Multicenter Asbestos Study Group.,Mizushima Kyodo Hospital
| | - Yoshihito Yamashita
- Japan Federation of Democratic Medical Institutions Multicenter Asbestos Study Group.,Kokubu Seikyo Hospital
| | | | - Narufumi Suganuma
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University
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Micolucci L, Akhtar MM, Olivieri F, Rippo MR, Procopio AD. Diagnostic value of microRNAs in asbestos exposure and malignant mesothelioma: systematic review and qualitative meta-analysis. Oncotarget 2018; 7:58606-58637. [PMID: 27259231 PMCID: PMC5295457 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Asbestos is a harmful and exceptionally persistent natural material. Malignant mesothelioma (MM), an asbestos-related disease, is an insidious, lethal cancer that is poorly responsive to current treatments. Minimally invasive, specific, and sensitive biomarkers providing early and effective diagnosis in high-risk patients are urgently needed. MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are endogenous, non-coding, small RNAs with established diagnostic value in cancer and pollution exposure. A systematic review and a qualitative meta-analysis were conducted to identify high-confidence miRNAs that can serve as biomarkers of asbestos exposure and MM. Methods The major biomedical databases were systematically searched for miRNA expression signatures related to asbestos exposure and MM. The qualitative meta-analysis applied a novel vote-counting method that takes into account multiple parameters. The most significant miRNAs thus identified were then subjected to functional and bioinformatic analysis to assess their biomarker potential. Results A pool of deregulated circulating and tissue miRNAs with biomarker potential for MM was identified and designated as “mesomiRs” (MM-associated miRNAs). Comparison of data from asbestos-exposed and MM subjects found that the most promising candidates for a multimarker signature were circulating miR-126-3p, miR-103a-3p, and miR-625-3p in combination with mesothelin. The most consistently described tissue miRNAs, miR-16-5p, miR-126-3p, miR-143-3p, miR-145-5p, miR-192-5p, miR-193a-3p, miR-200b-3p, miR-203a-3p, and miR-652-3p, were also found to provide a diagnostic signature and should be further investigated as possible therapeutic targets. Conclusion The qualitative meta-analysis and functional investigation confirmed the early diagnostic value of two miRNA signatures for MM. Large-scale, standardized validation studies are needed to assess their clinical relevance, so as to move from the workbench to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigina Micolucci
- Computational Pathology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.,Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Most Mauluda Akhtar
- Computational Pathology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.,Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Fabiola Olivieri
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.,Center of Clinical Pathology and Innovative Therapy, Italian National Research Center on Aging (INRCA-IRCCS), Ancona, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Rippo
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Antonio Domenico Procopio
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.,Center of Clinical Pathology and Innovative Therapy, Italian National Research Center on Aging (INRCA-IRCCS), Ancona, Italy
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Valenzuela M, Giraldo M, Gallo-Murcia S, Pineda J, Santos L, Ramos-Bonilla JP. Recent Scientific Evidence Regarding Asbestos Use and Health Consequences of Asbestos Exposure. Curr Environ Health Rep 2018; 3:335-347. [PMID: 27696225 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-016-0109-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
To justify the continuous use of two million tons of asbestos every year, it has been argued that a safe/controlled use can be achieved. The aim of this review was to identify recent scientific studies that present empirical evidence of: 1) health consequences resulting from past asbestos exposures and 2) current asbestos exposures resulting from asbestos use. Articles with evidence that could support or reject the safe/controlled use argument were also identified. A total of 155 articles were included in the review, and 87 % showed adverse asbestos health consequences or high asbestos exposures. Regarding the safe/controlled use, 44 articles were identified, and 82 % had evidence suggesting that the safe/controlled use is not being achieved. A large percentage of articles with evidence that support the safe/controlled use argument have a conflict of interest declared. Most of the evidence was developed in high-income countries and in countries that have already banned asbestos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Valenzuela
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra 1ª Este No. 19A-40, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Margarita Giraldo
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra 1ª Este No. 19A-40, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Sonia Gallo-Murcia
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra 1ª Este No. 19A-40, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juliana Pineda
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra 1ª Este No. 19A-40, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Laura Santos
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra 1ª Este No. 19A-40, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan Pablo Ramos-Bonilla
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra 1ª Este No. 19A-40, Bogotá, Colombia.
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Silva M, Pastorino U, Sverzellati N. Lung cancer screening with low-dose CT in Europe: strength and weakness of diverse independent screening trials. Clin Radiol 2017; 72:389-400. [PMID: 28168954 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2016.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 11/27/2016] [Accepted: 12/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
A North American trial reported a significant reduction of lung cancer mortality and overall mortality as a result of annual screening using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). European trials prospectively tested a variety of possible screening strategies. The main topics of current discussion regarding the optimal screening strategy are pre-test selection of the high-risk population, interval length of LDCT rounds, definition of positive finding, and post-test apportioning of lung cancer risk based on LDCT findings. Despite the current lack of statistical evidence regarding mortality reduction, the European independent diverse strategies offer a multi-perspective view on screening complexity, with remarkable indications for improvements in cost-effectiveness and harm-benefit balance. The UKLS trial reported the advantage of a comprehensive and simple risk model for selection of patients with 5% risk of lung cancer in 5 years. Subjective risk prediction by biological sampling is under investigation. The MILD trial reported equal efficiency for biennial and annual screening rounds, with a significant reduction in the total number of LDCT examinations. The NELSON trial introduced volumetric quantification of nodules at baseline and volume-doubling time (VDT) for assessment of progression. Post-test risk refinement based on LDCT findings (qualitative or quantitative) is under investigation. Smoking cessation remains the most appropriate strategy for mortality reduction, and it must therefore remain an integral component of any lung cancer screening programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Silva
- Section of Radiology, Department of Surgical Sciences, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - U Pastorino
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - N Sverzellati
- Section of Radiology, Department of Surgical Sciences, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy.
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Diagnostic Performance of Ultra-Low-Dose Computed Tomography for Detecting Asbestos-Related Pleuropulmonary Diseases: Prospective Study in a Screening Setting. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0168979. [PMID: 28033378 PMCID: PMC5199059 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the diagnostic performance of Ultra-Low-Dose Chest CT (ULD CT) for the detection of any asbestos-related lesions (primary endpoint) and specific asbestos-related abnormalities, i.e. non-calcified and calcified pleural plaques, diffuse pleural thickening, asbestosis and significant lung nodules (secondary endpoints). Material and Methods 55 male patients (55.7±8.1 years old) with occupational asbestos exposure for at least 15 years and where CT screening was indicated were prospectively included. They all underwent a standard unenhanced chest CT (120kV, automated tube current modulation), considered as the reference, and an ULD CT (135kV, 10mA), both with iterative reconstruction. Two chest radiologists independently and blindly read the examinations, following a detailed protocol. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, accuracy and error rate of ULD CT were calculated using the exact method of Pearson with a confidence interval of 95%. Results Radiation dose was 17.9±1.2mGy.cm (0.25mSv) for the ULD-CT versus 288.8 ±151mGy.cm (4mSv); p <2.2e-16. Prevalence of abnormalities was 20%. The ULD CT’s diagnostic performance in joint reading was high for the primary endpoint (sensitivity = 90.9%, specificity = 100%, positive predictive value = 100%, negative predictive value = 97.8%), high for lung nodules, diffuse pleural thickening and calcified pleural plaques (sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV = 100%) and fair for asbestosis (sensitivity = 75%, specificity = 100%, PPV = 00%, NPV = 98.1%). Intra-reader accuracy between the ULD CT and the reference CT for the primary endpoint was 98% for the senior and 100% for the junior radiologist. Inter-reader agreement for the primary endpoint was almost perfect (Cohen’s Kappa of 0.81). Conclusion ULD CT in the screening of asbestos exposure related diseases has 90.9% sensitivity and 100% specificity, and could therefore be proposed as a first line examination.
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