Prophylactic effect of pilocarpine on acute sialadenitis following radioactive iodine therapy in thyroid cancer patients

Purpose: Our aim was to evaluate the effect of prophylactic pilocarpine on acute salivary symptoms after radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer. Methods: We enrolled 88 patients (76 women and 12 men; mean age: 47 years; range: 20-74 years) with differentiated thyroid cancer who received RAI. Patients were divided into pilocarpine (51 patients) and control (37 patients) groups. Pilocarpine was given orally, at a dose of 5 mg three times a day, from 2 days before and 12 days after RAI therapy. Symptoms and signs of acute sialadenitis within 3 months of RAI therapy were recorded. Results: During the 3 months after RAI therapy, 13 of the 88 patients (14.7%) developed acute symptomatic sialadenitis (swelling or pain of salivary glands). Acute salivary symptoms were reported by 4 (7.8%) and 9 (24.3%) patients in the pilocarpine and control groups, respectively. Acute salivary symptoms were less frequent in the pilocarpine than control group (p = 0.04), but did not differ by age, sex, or RAI dose (p = 0.3357, p = 0.428, and p = 0.2792). Conclusions: Pilocarpine reduced the likelihood of acute sialadenitis after RAI therapy in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer.

Exposure to serum perfluoroalkyl substances and biomarkers of liver function: The Korean national environmental health survey 2015-2017

BACKGROUND

Exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may increase the risk of liver disease by disrupting cholesterol and lipid synthesis/metabolism, leading to higher liver-enzyme concentrations. However, most studies assessing association between PFAS and liver enzymes focused on individual PFAS. Moreover, PFAS concentrations differ based on sex and obesity status, and it remains unclear whether these factors affect associations with liver function. Therefore, we examined the association between exposure to both individual and combined PFAS and liver-function biomarkers and assessed sex and obesity as effect modifiers in Korean adults.

METHODS

We measured serum concentrations of the five most abundant PFAS (PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFDA, PFNA) and three liver enzymes (alanine transaminase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], γ-glutamyl transferase [GGT]) in 1404 adults from the Korean National Environmental Health Survey Cycle 3, 2015-2017. We used linear regression to evaluate associations between individual PFAS and liver-function biomarkers, assessing sex and obesity as possible effect modifiers, and performed Bayesian kernel machine regression and quantile g-computation to evaluate the overall effect of PFAS mixture on biomarkers of liver function.

RESULTS

Among 1404 Korean adults, all five PFAS were detected. Geometric mean concentration was highest for PFOS (16.11 μg/L), followed by PFOA (5.83 μg/L), PFHxS (2.21 μg/L), PFNA (2.03 μg/L), and PFDA (1.06 μg/L). In multivariable linear regression, all PFAS were positively associated with ALT, AST, and GGT; 2-fold increase in each PFAS was associated with 3.4-8.6% higher ALT, 2.4-4.6% higher AST, and 4.6-11.1% higher GGT (all p < 0.05). Positive associations for PFOA, PFDA, and PFNA with AST were stronger in men, and positive associations for PFOS with ALT and GGT were stronger in women. Compared to obese participants, nonobese participants had higher average percent changes in each enzyme, particularly GGT, when individual PFAS concentration doubled. Additionally, increased exposure to PFAS mixtures was associated with higher ALT, AST, and GGT. In quantile g-computations, simultaneous quartile increase in all PFAS was significantly associated with 6.9% (95%CI: 3.7, 10.2) higher ALT, 4.5% (95%CI: 2.4, 6.6) higher AST, and 8.3% (95%CI: 3.7, 13.1) higher GGT levels, on average.

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to individual and combined PFAS is associated with higher liver enzymes in Korean adults, providing additional evidence for the association between PFAS exposure and risk of liver disease.

Brown fat activation demonstrated on FDG PET/CT predicts survival outcome

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to compare the survival of patients with and without BAT activity on FDG PET/CT.

METHODS

PET/CT exams from 3937 breast cancer patients were retrospectively reviewed for bilateral symmetric elongated FDG activity in the neck and chest, typical of BAT activation. A control group of age-matched (± 1 year) breast cancer patients who underwent PET/CT the same week was also enrolled for comparison. Kaplan-Meier curves of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for BAT positive patients and the control group were calculated. Further sub-analysis was performed to account for the hormonal changes associated with menopause.

RESULTS

2.0% (80/3937) of the breast cancer patients who underwent PET/CT demonstrated BAT activation, and 80 additional patients were analyzed for comparison as the group without BAT activity. Mean follow-up was 76 months (range 1-225 months). There were 4 recurrences in the BAT group, compared to 12 in the control. The mean PFS for the BAT group was 127 months, which was significantly lower than the mean PFS of 180 months in the control (p = 0.047). Sub-analysis of premenopausal women again showed longer PFS for the BAT group (129 vs. 196 months, p = 0.095) while no difference was found in postmenopausal women (mean 102 vs. 135 months, p = 0.360). Presence of BAT activity was also a significant predictor variable for PFS on Cox regression.

CONCLUSION

Patients with BAT activity showed longer progression-free survival than those without, emphasizing the need for further evaluation of its role in metabolism, treatment response, tumor microenvironment and long-term prognosis.

Topological data analysis identified prognostically-distinct phenotypes in MitraClip patients

Background

Topological data analysis (TDA) is the state-of-the-art unsupervised machine learning framework that can provide insight into the dataset and visualize condensed information via the topological network graph. This robust approach was never used to assess the heterogeneous MitraClip population.

Purpose

We aim to develop a TDA model that will identify prognostically-distinct phenogroups in MitraClip patients without a priori knowledge of the population and their outcomes.

Method

Patients who underwent MitraClip (June 2014-September 2020) at Mayo Clinic sites were identified from the institutional database for baseline and follow-up data. Thirteen variables were used for TDA. The topological network graph was created using the Python Scikit-TDA Kepler-Mapper package (v. 2.0.1), and clustering was performed at the graph level with Louvain's modularity method. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess the all-cause mortality endpoint of each cluster identified in an unsupervised manner. The dataset with cluster labels was also used to train a Light Gradient Boosted Machine model, and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis was applied to determine the feature importance.

Results

A total of 389 consecutive patients were included in the final analysis and two major clusters consisting of 384 patients were identified. The mean age was 80.3±8.7 years; 256 (65.8%) were male. The mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons Mitral Valve Replacement risk score was 9.6±6.9%. Fifty-five (14.5%) patients died during the mean follow duration (185 days). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significant survival differences among the two clusters (HR: 2.38; 95% CI: 1.39–4.06, p=0.001; Figure 1). Clusters 1 (n=195) was associated with &gt; mild residual mitral regurgitation and worse survival performance and was characterized with worse tricuspid regurgitation severity, a higher proportion of patients with atrial fibrillation/flutter, anterior leaflet prolapse, and mitral annular/leaflet calcification, as summarized in Table 1.

Conclusion

TDA can identify distinct phenotype clusters with prognostic significance in MitraClip patients based on mitral valve morphology and clinical risk factors. This simple model can facilitate clinical risk stratification for MitraClip patients regarding procedural success and survival performance.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, including an impaired myocardial relaxation pattern, predicts long-term cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortality in the community

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background/Introduction

Prior studies have demonstrated abnormalities of diastolic function are independent predictors of heart failure and all-cause mortality. The optimal way to classify diastolic function has continued to evolve over time, particularly in those with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. A notable change in the 2016 American Society of Echocardiography (ASE)/European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) guidelines is that individuals with impaired myocardial relaxation and normal filling pressure can be classified as normal diastolic function.

Purpose

To determine whether the association of diastolic dysfunction with increased risk of all-cause mortality is driven by cardiovascular or non-cardiovascular death. Second, to evaluate if the presence of an impaired myocardial relaxation inflow pattern without other diastolic abnormalities conveys a marker of increased risk.

Methods

This study utilized the Olmsted County Heart Function Study (OCHFS), a well characterized prospective adult community cohort with comprehensive echocardiography between 2001 and 2004 and long-term follow-up. Only individuals with measurable diastolic function were included (n = 1,104). Those with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, more than moderate valve disease, or a clinical diagnosis of heart failure (n = 52); or indeterminate diastolic function (n = 47) were excluded. Diastolic function was assessed by the current Mayo Clinic diagnostic algorithm (Figure).

Results

A total of 695 individuals were classified as normal, 265 with impaired myocardial relaxation or grade 1 diastolic dysfunction, and 45 with grade 2-3 diastolic dysfunction. Those with diastolic dysfunction were older and had more comorbidities including diabetes, hypertension and coronary disease (Table). There were 264 deaths in the median follow up period of 15.2 years (IQR 14.4 – 18.0), including 173 non-cardiovascular and 81 cardiovascular deaths. Both cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortality were associated with the presence and grade of diastolic dysfunction (Table 1). Individuals classified as normal by 2016 ASE/EACVI criteria, but grade 1 by the Mayo algorithm had an increased risk of all-cause mortality after univariate analysis (HR 4.35, 95% CI (3.35, 5.65), p &lt; 0.0001) compared to normal subjects and remained associated after adjustment for age (HR 1.55, 95% CI (1.15, 2.09), p &lt; 0.0001. Subjects with a grade 1 pattern had a higher rate of cardiovascular mortality (ꭕ2 70.1, p &lt; 0.0001).

Conclusions

Individuals with diastolic dysfunction, including those with an impaired relaxation mitral inflow, were at increased risk of mortality, particularly cardiovascular mortality. This study highlights the importance of separating grade 1 diastolic dysfunction from normal in the assessment of diastolic function as it represents a clinically significant risk marker of myocardial disease. Abstract Figure.  Abstract Figure.

Prognostic Impact of Total Lesion Glycolysis (TLG) from Preoperative 18F-FDG PET/CT in Stage II/III Colorectal Adenocarcinoma: Extending the Value of PET/CT for Resectable Disease

We investigated the prognostic role of metabolic parameters from preoperative ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT in stage II/III colorectal adenocarcinoma. A total of 327 stage II/III colorectal adenocarcinoma patients who underwent curative resection were included. The maximal standard uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) were analyzed for optimal cut-offs and their effect on DFS. Differences in DFS rates and hazard ratios for DFS between cut-offs were statistically significant in SUVmax, MTV2.5, MTV3, TLG 2.5, TLG3, and TLG30%. Factors significantly related to DFS in univariate Cox regression were age, sex, stage, preoperative CEA, SUVmax, MTV2.5, MTV3, TLG2.5, TLG3, and TLG30%. Age, sex, preoperative CEA, and TLG2.5 (p = 0.009) sustained statistically significant difference in multivariate analysis. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year DFS rates for TLG2.5 ≤ 448.5 were 98.1%, 79.6%, and 74.8%, significantly higher than 78.4%, 68.5%, and 61.1% of TLG2.5 > 448.5, respectively (p = 0.012). TLG, a parameter indicating both the metabolic activity and metabolic volume, was the strongest predictor independently associated with DFS, among several PET parameters with statistical significance. These results suggest the potential prognostic value of preoperative ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT in stage II/III resectable colorectal cancer.

Prognostic value of pretreatment F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT in colorectal cancer with unresectable metastasis

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to assess the prognostic value of pretreatment PET/computed tomography (CT) scans in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with unresectable metastasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the pretreatment PET/CT images of 82 CRC patients with unresectable metastasis and their medical records. On PET/CT images, maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of primary tumor, highest SUVmax of metastatic tumors and number of metastatic organs were identified. The patients were further divided into single and multiple organ metastases groups according to the extent of disease. Survival analysis was performed with the clinical variables and metabolic parameters from PET/CT.

RESULTS

In a total of 82 patients, the age of patients, highest SUVmax of metastatic tumors and number of metastatic organs were independent prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) (all P < 0.05), whereas the SUVmax of primary tumor was not. On multivariate analysis, only the SUVmax of metastatic tumor was a significant prognostic factor in the single organ metastasis group (P = 0.047), whereas the age and highest SUVmax of metastatic tumors were independent prognostic factors in the multiple organ metastases group (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The highest SUVmax of metastatic tumors was an independent prognostic factor for OS in CRC patients with unresectable metastasis.

Imaging Characteristics of Brain SPECT, PET, and MRI in Neurosyphilis

The incidence of neurosyphilis has declined since effective penicillin therapy against Treponema pallidum was introduced. However, the diagnosis of neurosyphilis early in the disease course is very important in order to select appropriate antibiotic therapy. We report brain MRI, SPECT with Tc-99m ECD, and PET with F-18 FDG findings before antibiotic therapy in a neurosyphilis patient with neurological symptoms. The cerebral cortices showed hypoperfusion with a patchy distribution on SPECT and foci with high signal intensity on MRI, suggesting ischemia. Brain PET showed areas with hypometabolism in the temporoparietal lobes bilaterally.

Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on addictive behavior and brain glucose metabolism in problematic online gamers

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Some online gamers may encounter difficulties in controlling their gaming behavior. Previous studies have demonstrated beneficial effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on various kinds of addiction. This study investigated the effects of tDCS on addictive behavior and regional cerebral metabolic rate of glucose (rCMRglu) in problematic online gamers.

METHODS

Problematic online gamers were randomized and received 12 sessions of either active (n = 13) or sham tDCS (n = 13) to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex over 4 weeks (anode F3/cathode F4, 2 mA for 30 min, 3 sessions per week). Participants underwent brain 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography scans and completed questionnaires including the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS), and Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System scales (BIS/BAS) at the baseline and 4-week follow-up.

RESULTS

Significant decreases in time spent on gaming (P = 0.005), BIS (P = 0.03), BAS-fun seeking (P = 0.04), and BAS-reward responsiveness (P = 0.01), and increases in BSCS (P = 0.03) were found in the active tDCS group, while decreases in IAT were shown in both groups (P < 0.001). Group-by-time interaction effects were not significant for these measures. Increases in BSCS scores were correlated with decreases in IAT scores in the active group (β = -0.85, P < 0.001). rCMRglu in the left putamen, pallidum, and insula was increased in the active group compared to the sham group (P for interaction < 0.001).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

tDCS may be beneficial for problematic online gaming potentially through changes in self-control, motivation, and striatal/insular metabolism. Further larger studies with longer follow-up period are warranted to confirm our findings.

Early assessment of health impact of the population-based tobacco control interventions in Vietnam

Background

Through the period from 2013 until now, Vietnam has achieved progress in tobacco control following the implementation of MPOWER in 2008 and the enactment of the comprehensive Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms in 2012. This study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of 6 population-based interventions including health promotion & education program; smoke-free models; cessation program; graphic health warning on cigarette package; bans on advertising/ promotion/ sponsoring; raising tobacco tax.

Methods

An Excel-based Markov model was adopted based on the previous studies of HV Minh et al 2018 and Ngalesoni et al 2017. We estimated the potential health gain on Vietnamese population by using the empirical data on tobacco epidemic in Vietnam together with the reviewed intervention effects from the literature. Due to the rapid decline of risk of cardiovascular disease after the smoking behavior changed, the short-run heath impacts were mainly estimated based on the change of smoking-related health burden of cardiovascular diseases.

Results

All six population-based interventions on tobacco control that have implemented were considered to be highly cost-effective ranged from 1,405 VND - 135,560 VND per DALYs averted compared to the WHO recommended threshold at 1 GDP per capita. Raising tobacco tax was projected to the most cost-effective intervention due to its significant health gains and potential to work on in the long run. Besides, smoke-free model, as the best intervention on individual behavior change, should be continue invested together with campaigns on raising awareness.

Conclusions

The study results shown the potential health impact in tobacco control in Vietnam after 10 years' implementation of MPOWER. Also, the findings provided a strong message that more attention should be paid to developing the national tobacco control strategy in the next phase to make the best use of available resources.

Key messages

Adequate attention should be equally paid for both political interventions and individual behavior – aimed interventions (communication, cessation…) in the fight against tobacco harms. Aside from raising tobacco tax, further investigations and investments on cessation services as well as smoking bans in public places are needed in Vietnam to achieve the best compliance on MPOWER.

Abstract 1191: Divergent trends in lung cancer incidence by histologic subtype in Philippines, 2003-2012: A population-based study

Introduction. Lung cancer (LC) is the leading cause of cancer incidence among men and third most frequent case in women in the Philippines. LC incidence rates, overall and by histologic subtype, vary substantially by sex and smoking prevalence. The study aimed to analyze time trends in LC incidence in the Philippines over the 10-year period. There is no published report regarding trends of LC incidence by histologic subtype in the Philippines. Herein, we provide model-based estimates of limited time LC cases by histologic subtype from year 2003-2012.

Methodology. Data for calculating LC incidence rates in 2003-2012 were obtained from the nationwide population-based Department of Health- Rizal Cancer Registry. Joinpoint regression was used to analyze trends and estimate annual percentage change (APC) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) on LC incidence by histologic subtype, time- period, sex, and geographical location, calculated incidence counts, rates per 100,000 person-years. 2000 - 2015 population used in calculating ASR of LC incidence where taken from Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA), and each annual population from 2003 - 2012 where estimated using exponential function by extrapolation.

Results. LC incidence shows increasing average annual rates in the past 10 years, observed rate overall (19.5), male (27.0) and female (12.1). Among LC specified histologic subtype, adenocarcinoma (ADC) contributes highest rate, in men (9.8) and women (5.5), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (SQCC), in men (3.6) and women (0.6). Incidence trend declines to both sexes in 2007, and increases thereafter, in men (APC: 13.7, 95% CI: -8.5; 41.3) and women (APC: 14.8, 95% CI: -10.0; 47.4). The highest increase in average annual percentage change (AAPC) among specified LC histologic subtype were observe to ADC, in men (APC: 6.5, 95% CI: -2.2; 16.1) and women (APC: 8.5, 95% CI: -1.4; 19.5). Along with SQCC to women's cohort were also remark high AAPC (APC: 6.7, 95% CI: -4.4; 19.0). From cohort 2003- 2007 carcinoma not otherwise specified which has the foremost number of cases among non-specified histologic subtype eventually decreased by half folds from cohort 2008-2012. In contrast, malignant neoplasm increase doubled in rate from each mentioned year-cohorts.

Conclusion. The study revealed divergent LC trends by gender and histologic subtype, which were generally consistent from 2003-2012. Among LC histological subtypes, large increase in incidence was observed for ADC, which both genders showed an increasing trend for 10-year period. LC will always remain a serious public health issue in the Philippines such implementation of National Tobacco Control Policy should be prioritized in preventing smoking initiation and promoting smoking cessation, particularly among men.

Citation Format: Jansen Marcos Cambia, Jin Kyoung Oh, Jayson Cagadas Pasaol. Divergent trends in lung cancer incidence by histologic subtype in Philippines, 2003-2012: A population-based study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 1191.

Abstract A36: Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice and associated factors towards palliative care among health care providers to the pediatric oncology patients in southern Philippines

Background: Palliative care in the Philippines is categorized as 3A, considered to have localized hospice care provision; however, lack of education and awareness are dismal and accounted as the biggest challenges for the health care providers and for their patients. Other barriers like access and referral to palliative care specialist were not even equitable for all, especially in the Southern Philippines. The pervasive stigma of what palliative care means to the health care provider remains the major problem for accessing palliative programs, particularly in pediatric oncology patients.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of health care providers towards pediatric palliative care. It intended to discover the associated factors that limit the pediatric oncology patients to receive palliative care, and to identify the barriers in providing palliative care by the cancer centers to the pediatric oncology patients.

Method: A cross-sectional study design was used to carry out the research study in the 500 respondents (100 oncology doctors, 250 medical nurses, and 150 allied health workers) using a systematic random sampling method at the 13 tertiary care hospitals that offer palliative care to pediatric oncology patients in the Southern Philippines. Structured questionnaire was circulated to identify the barriers of palliative care, and assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of health care providers using a systematic random sampling method. The data were entered, cleaned, and analyzed using Excel and SPSS version 19.0 software. The chi-square test was employed to assess the association between variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results: From the total of 508 health care providers selected, a response rate of 500 (98.4%) was registered. Among the respondents, 287 (57.4%) had good knowledge and 259 (58.1%) had favorable attitude towards pediatric palliative care. In contrast, the level of practice showed that the majority, 384 (76.8%) of health care providers, had poor practice towards palliative care. Results showed that 94% to 99% of health care providers believed that the inadequate research evidence base to guide and measure the quality of life and lack of staff training in pediatric palliative care were the major barriers in providing palliative care by the cancer centers to the pediatric oncology patients. In addition, 100% of health care providers affirmed that the ignorance and lack of awareness about the existing program and resources of palliative care were the major factors that limit the pediatric oncology patients in receiving pediatric palliative care in Southern Philippines.

Conclusions: The health care providers had poor training and knowledge aspect of practice, but their attitude towards palliative care was favorable. Recommendations are the need to be incorporated in the Department of Health through Continuing Professional Development to promote regular training for palliative care.

Citation Format: Jayson Cagadas Pasaol, Jashin Rosal, Jansen Marcos Cambia, Jin Kyoung Oh. Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice and associated factors towards palliative care among health care providers to the pediatric oncology patients in southern Philippines [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Environmental Carcinogenesis: Potential Pathway to Cancer Prevention; 2019 Jun 22-24; Charlotte, NC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2020;13(7 Suppl): Abstract nr A36.

1680 Left ventricular filling pressure assessment with exercise stress echocardiography in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation

Background

Noninvasive parameters of LV filling pressure (E/e’) and pulmonary pressures (RVSP) by Doppler echocardiography correlate with functional capacity and outcome in sinus rhythm (SR). Their role in AF is less clear. Elevated left ventricular filling pressures (E/e’) and pulmonary artery systolic pressures (PASP) by Doppler stress echocardiography correlate with impaired functional capacity in patients in sinus rhythm (SR). However, there is limited data in atrial fibrillation (AF).

Purpose

The aim of this study was to delineate the characteristics of patients with AF referred for exercise stress echocardiography and determine the prevalence and significance of E/e’ and PASP elevations in AF.

Methods

Subjects were patients referred for exercise treadmill stress echocardiography (n= 14,937) and underwent regional wall motion assessment, Doppler assessment of mitral inflow (E) and early tissue relaxation (e’) velocities and PASP at rest and immediately following maximum symptom limited exercise. Exclusion criteria included significant valvular heart disease (moderate or greater stenosis and/or regurgitation of any cardiac valve or previous valve repair or replacement) (1%), congenital heart disease (&lt;1%) or refusal to participate in research (&lt;1%).

Results

Patients with AF (n = 310, 2%) were older (71 ± 10 vs 59 ± 13 years, p &lt; 0.001). While resting blood pressure was similar, resting heart rates were higher in AF (80 ± 17 bpm vs 73 ± 13 bpm, p &lt; 0.0001). AF patients achieved lower workloads (6.4 ± 2.4 METS vs 9 ± 2.4 METS, p &lt; 0.001) with lower peak double products (22336 ± 6677 vs 25148 ± 5438, p &lt; 0.001). Rates of resting (27% vs 10%, p &lt; 0.0001) and exercise-induced (37% vs 20%, p &lt; 0.0001) regional wall motion abnormalities were higher in AF. Mean E/e’ was higher in AF at rest (12 ± 5 vs 9 ± 3, p &lt; 0.001) and with exercise (12 ± 5 vs 10 ± 4, p &lt; 0.001), with a higher percentage of patients in AF having E/e’ ≥15 at rest (20% vs 6% in SR, p= &lt;0.001) and with exercise in (23% vs 8%, p &lt; 0.001). PASP was higher in AF at rest (33 ± 8 mm Hg vs 28 ± 6 mm Hg, p &lt; 0.001) and with exercise (48 ± 12 vs 42 ± 11, p &lt; 0.001) compared to SR. E/e’ correlated with exercise capacity in AF and in SR, with an E/e’ cutoff of 11.7 that was best predictive of impaired functional capacity (&lt; 5 METS in women and &lt; 7 METS in men).

Conclusions

Abnormalities of E/e’ and PASP are more prevalent in patients with AF and correlate with impaired functional capacity. In patients with AF, a medial E/e’ ratio of ≥ 12 immediately following exercise is best associated with impaired functional capacity.

Prognostic value of 18F-FDG PET/CT metabolic parameters in small cell lung cancer

Objective

To compare the prognostic values of metabolic parameters from pretreatment PET/CT between limited disease (LD) and extensive disease (ED) small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients.

Methods

Data on 118 newly diagnosed SCLC patients (50 LD and 68 ED) who underwent pretreatment positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET/CT) were reviewed. For PET, metabolic parameters were measured for: (1) primary tumor, maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic tumor volume, and total lesion glycolysis; and (2) all tumor lesions, SUVmax of the hottest tumor, whole body metabolic tumor volume (WBMTV), and whole body total lesion glycolysis (WBTLG). Prognostic values of metabolic parameters and other clinical variables were analyzed to predict overall survival (OS).

Results

In LD, SUVmax of the primary tumor was an independent prognostic factor for OS. Patients with high SUVmax showed significantly worse OS than those with low SUVmax. In ED, WBMTV and WBTLG were independent prognostic factors for OS. Patients with high WBMTV or WBTLG showed significantly worse OS than those with low WBMTV or WBTLG.

Conclusions

SUVmax of primary tumor was the only independent prognostic factor for OS in LD SCLC patients. WBMTV and WBTLG were independent prognostic factors in ED SCLC patients.

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Online Gamers

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive brain stimulation technique that applies a weak electric current to the scalp to modulate neuronal membrane potentials. Compared to other brain stimulation methods, tDCS is relatively safe, simple, and inexpensive to administer. Since excessive online gaming can negatively affect mental health and daily functioning, developing treatment options for gamers is necessary. Although tDCS over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) has demonstrated promising results for various addictions, it has not been tested in gamers. This paper describes a protocol and a feasibility study for applying repeated tDCS over the DLPFC and neuroimaging to examine the underlying neural correlates in gamers. At baseline, individuals who play online games report average weekly hours spent on games, complete questionnaires on addiction symptoms and self-control, and undergo brain ¹⁸F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET). The tDCS protocol consists of 12 sessions over the DLPFC for 4 weeks (anode F3/cathode F4, 2 mA for 30 min per session). Then, a follow-up is conducted using the same protocol as the baseline. Individuals who do not play online games receive only baseline FDG-PET scans without tDCS. Changes of clinical characteristics and asymmetry of regional cerebral metabolic rate of glucose (rCMRglu) in the DLPFC are examined in gamers. In addition, asymmetry of rCMRglu is compared between gamers and non-gamers at baseline. In our experiment, 15 gamers received tDCS sessions and completed baseline and follow-up scans. Ten non-gamers underwent FDG-PET scans at the baseline. The tDCS reduced addiction symptoms, time spent on games, and increased self-control. Moreover, abnormal asymmetry of rCMRglu in the DLPFC at baseline was alleviated after tDCS. The current protocol may be useful for assessing treatment efficacy of tDCS and its underlying brain changes in gamers. Further randomized sham-controlled studies are warranted. Moreover, the protocol can be applied to other neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Diverging roles of the anterior insula in trauma-exposed individuals vulnerable or resilient to posttraumatic stress disorder

Distinct brain alterations in response to traumatic events may render trauma-exposed individuals either resilient or vulnerable to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study compared regional cerebral metabolic rate of glucose (rCMRglu) among trauma-exposed individuals with current PTSD (PTSD group, n = 61), those without current PTSD (Resilience/Recovery group, n = 26), and trauma-unexposed controls (Control group, n = 54). All participants underwent brain [¹⁸F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scans. Voxel-wise group differences in rCMRglu among the three groups were evaluated. Associations between rCMRglu and both PTSD severity and resilience were examined. The rCMRglu in the right anterior insula and adjacent prefrontal and striatal areas was lower in the PTSD group, while higher in the Resilience/Recovery group, compared to the Control group. In addition, the lower glucose metabolism of these areas was associated with higher severity and less improvement in PTSD symptoms in the PTSD group, while the higher levels of rCMRglu were correlated with stronger resilience in the Resilience/Recovery group. This study suggests distinct roles of the anterior insula in response to trauma between the PTSD and Resilience/Recovery groups. Heightened rCMRglu in the anterior insular regions may reflect an underlying mechanism of resilience against traumatic stress, while reduced rCMRglu may indicate vulnerability to PTSD.

P1851Long-term outcomes of transcatheter versus surgical aortic valve replacement in low risk, elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis

Background

Although surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is recommended for symptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS) patients at low surgical risk, there is a growing need for an expansion of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) as an alternative to SAVR for elderly AS patients at low operative risk.

Purpose

We tried to compare the long-term clinical outcomes of TAVR versus SAVR in elderly AS patients (≥80 years old) at low surgical risk.

Methods

We consecutively enrolled 261 elderly patients (131 men; 83±3 years of age) with symptomatic severe AS and EuroSCORE II <4%, who underwent SAVR or TAVR from 2010 to 2018. Heart Team made the decision between SAVR and TAVR according to the individual patient's preference and characteristics. SAVR was performed on 93 patients (SAVR group), whereas TAVR was chosen for 168 patients (TAVR group). The primary end point was cardiac mortality including procedure-related death, and the secondary end point was all-cause death and cardiovascular event.

Results

Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups, but the TAVR group was significantly older than the SAVR group (83±3 vs 82±2 years; p<0.01). Device was successfully implanted in all the patients and there was 1 in-hospital mortality in the TAVR group and 3 in-hospital mortalities in the SAVR group (p=0.13). During a median follow-up of 24 months (IQR, 9–45 months), there were 22 deaths (13.1%) including 8 cardiac deaths (4.8%) in the TAVR group and 16 deaths (17.2%) including 9 cardiac deaths (9.7%) in the SAVR group. The rates of the primary and secondary end points were similar between two groups in the overall cohort and the propensity score-matched cohort (table). On subgroup analysis according to the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD), the only independent variable associated with cardiac mortality, the SAVR group had a significantly higher cardiac mortality rate than the TAVR group (15±7% vs 7±6% at 5 years, p=0.048) in 185 (71%) patients without CAD, whereas there was no significant difference among those with CAD.

Harzard ratio for clinical outcomes TAVR (n=168) SAVR (n=93) Overall cohort TAVR (n=76) SAVR (n=76) PS-matched cohort HR (95% CI) p value HR (95% CI) p value Cardiac mortality 8 9 0.65 (0.25–1.71) 0.386 2 7 0.34 (0.07–1.61) 0.173 All-cause mortality 22 16 1.08 (0.56–2.08) 0.831 6 12 0.86 (0.30–2.43) 0.774 Cardiovascular event* 18 12 1.09 (0.52–2.28) 0.826 6 10 0.72 (0.26–1.98) 0.525 *Cardiovascular event was defined as the composite of cardiac mortality, hospitalization for heart failure, stroke, myocardial infarction, and reoperation.

Conclusion

In elderly AS patients at low surgical risk, TAVR was similar to SAVR with respect to long-term clinical outcomes. TAVR should be considered a treatment option for elderly patients who refuse to undergo surgery despite low risk.

Neuroprotective Effects of Rasagiline in Parkinson's Disease: A Regional Cerebral Blood Flow Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Despite accumulating evidence for the clinical efficacy and neuroprotective properties of rasagiline in Parkinson's disease (PD), effects of rasagiline on brain perfusion in PD patients have not been elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of rasagiline on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in patients with PD using single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).

METHODS

A total of 44 PD patients were recruited and treated with dopamine agonist, either alone or in combination with levodopa. Twenty-two of these patients (referred to as the rasagiline group) additionally received rasagiline (1 mg/day). All patients underwent brain SPECT scans and clinical assessments at baseline and follow-up visits. The mean follow-up period was 2.2 years. Changes in rCBF were compared between the rasagiline group and the comparison group in a voxel-wise manner.

RESULTS

Annual change in Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale motor score was lower in the rasagiline group compared to the comparison group (P = .01). A significant group-by-time interaction effect on rCBF was found in the right precuneus (P = .001), where rCBF was decreased in the comparison group and remained stable in the rasagiline group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that adjunctive rasagiline treatment had beneficial effects on perfusion in the precuneus of PD patients, suggesting potential neuroprotective effects.

Development of visual scoring system with Tc-99m DMSA renal scintigraphy to predict the risk of recurrence of symptomatic urinary tract infections in pediatric patients

OBJECTIVE

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a major risk factor for recurrent symptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI) in pediatric patients. In addition, dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scintigraphy (DMSA) is an important diagnostic modality of VUR. However, the value of DMSA for predicting recurrent pediatric UTI has not been studied. Therefore, we aimed to develop visual scoring system (VSS) with DMSA to predict the risk of recurrence of symptomatic urinary tract infection in pediatric patient under the age of 24 months.

METHODS

Pediatric UTI patients who visited our tertiary hospital emergency department and underwent DMSA for initial work-up from January 2006 to December 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. We developed a VSS with Tc-99m DMSA renal scintigraphy. We compared sensitivity and specificity between VSS with DMSA and other variables in predicting recurrent symptomatic UTI. Laboratory indices for systemic inflammation, abnormal finding on ultrasonography, VUR on voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG), and the VSS with DMSA were considered as variables. In addition, we used Kaplan-Meier estimator analyses and Cox proportional regression analyses to evaluate the predictive value of each variable for the recurrence of symptomatic UTI.

RESULTS

A total of 338 patients were enrolled. During the follow-up period, 42 patients (12.4%) had UTI recurrence. Visual scoring with DMSA resulted in 69.1% sensitivity and 79.4% specificity with an optimal cut-off value of score 2 (AUC = 0.790, p < 0.001). Significant predictive factors associated with recurrent symptomatic UTI were CRP ≥ 67.0 mg/L, VUR on VCUG and VSS with DMSA ≥ score 2. On multivariate analysis, the visual score with DMSA was the only independent prognostic factor for recurrent symptomatic UTI (p < 0.001; adjusted hazard ratio = 7.522; 95% CI = 2.799-20.224).

CONCLUSION

High scores in VSS with DMSA were associated with frequent recurrence and short recurrence periods in pediatric UTI patients. VSS with DMSA can stratify risk of recurrence in pediatric UTI patients.

Effects of 6-month at-home transcranial direct current stimulation on cognition and cerebral glucose metabolism in Alzheimer's disease

BACKGROUND

Although single or multiple sessions of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the prefrontal cortex over a few weeks improved cognition in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), effects of repeated tDCS over longer period and underlying neural correlates remain to be elucidated.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated changes in cognitive performances and regional cerebral metabolic rate for glucose (rCMRglc) after administration of prefrontal tDCS over 6 months in early AD patients.

METHODS

Patients with early AD were randomized to receive either active (n = 11) or sham tDCS (n = 7) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) at home every day for 6 months (anode F3/cathode F4, 2 mA for 30 min). All patients underwent neuropsychological tests and brain ¹⁸F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scans at baseline and 6-month follow-up. Changes in cognitive performances and rCMRglc were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Compared to sham tDCS, active tDCS improved global cognition measured with Mini-Mental State Examination (p for interaction = 0.02) and language function assessed by Boston Naming Test (p for interaction = 0.04), but not delayed recall performance. In addition, active tDCS prevented decreases in executive function at a marginal level (p for interaction < 0.10). rCMRglc in the left middle/inferior temporal gyrus was preserved in the active group, but decreased in the sham group (p for interaction < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Daily tDCS over the DLPFC for 6 months may improve or stabilize cognition and rCMRglc in AD patients, suggesting the therapeutic potential of repeated at-home tDCS.

Transcranial direct current stimulation for online gamers: A prospective single-arm feasibility study

AIM

Excessive use of online games can have negative influences on mental health and daily functioning. Although the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have been investigated for the treatment of addiction, it has not been evaluated for excessive online game use. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and tolerability of tDCS over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in online gamers.

METHODS

A total of 15 online gamers received 12 active tDCS sessions over the DLPFC (anodal left/cathodal right, 2 mA for 30 min, 3 times per week for 4 weeks). Before and after tDCS sessions, all participants underwent ¹⁸F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography scans and completed the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), Brief Self Control Scale (BSCS), and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II).

RESULTS

After tDCS sessions, weekly hours spent on games (p = .02) and scores of IAT (p < .001) and BDI-II (p = .01) were decreased, whereas BSCS score was increased (p = .01). Increases in self-control were associated with decreases in both addiction severity (p = .002) and time spent on games (p = .02). Moreover, abnormal right-greater-than-left asymmetry of regional cerebral glucose metabolism in the DLPFC was partially alleviated (p = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

Our preliminary results suggest that tDCS may be useful for reducing online game use by improving interhemispheric balance of glucose metabolism in the DLPFC and enhancing self-control. Larger sham-controlled studies with longer follow-up period are warranted to validate the efficacy of tDCS in gamers.

Socioeconomic Inequalities in Colorectal Cancer Screening in Korea, 2005-2015: After the Introduction of the National Cancer Screening Program

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate inequalities in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates in Korea and trends therein using the slope index of inequality (SII) and relative index of inequality (RII) across income and education groups.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from the Korean National Cancer Screening Survey, an annually conducted, nationwide cross-sectional survey, were utilized. A total of 17174 men and women aged 50 to 74 years were included for analysis. Prior experience with CRC screening was defined as having either a fecal occult blood test within the past year or a lifetime colonoscopy. CRC screening rates and annual percentage changes (APCs) were evaluated. Then, SII and RII were calculated to assess inequality in CRC screening for each survey year.

RESULTS

CRC screening rates increased from 23.4% in 2005 to 50.9% in 2015 (APC, 7.8%; 95% CI, 6.0 to 9.6). Upward trends in CRC screening rates were observed for all age, education, and household income groups. Education inequalities were noted in 2009, 2014, and overall pooled estimates in both indices. Income inequalities were inconsistent among survey years, and overall estimates did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

Education inequalities in CRC screening among men and women aged 50 to 74 years were observed in Korea. No apparent pattern, however, was found for income inequalities. Further studies are needed to thoroughly outline socio-economic inequalities in CRC screening.

Socioeconomic Inequalities in Cervical and Breast Cancer Screening among Women in Korea, 2005-2015

PURPOSE

Consistent evidence indicates that cervical and breast cancer screening rates are low among socioeconomically deprived women. This study aimed to assess trends in cervical and breast cancer screening rates and to analyze socioeconomic inequalities among Korean women from 2005 to 2015.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from the Korean National Cancer Screening Survey, an annual nationwide cross-sectional survey, were utilized. A total of 19910 women were finally included for analysis. Inequalities in education and household income status were estimated by slope index of inequality (SII) and relative index of inequality (RII), along with calculation of annual percent changes (APCs), to show trends in cancer screening rates.

RESULTS

Cervical and breast cancer screening rates increased from 54.8% in 2005 to 65.6% in 2015 and from 37.6% in 2005 to 61.2% in 2015, respectively. APCs in breast cancer screening rates were significant among women with higher levels of household income and education status. Inequalities by household income in cervical cancer screening uptake were observed with a pooled SII estimate of 10.6% (95% CI: 8.1 to 13.2) and RII of 1.4 (95% CI: 1.3 to 1.6). Income inequalities in breast cancer screening were shown to gradually increase over time with a pooled SII of 5.9% (95% CI: 2.9 to 9.0) and RII of 1.2 (95% CI: 0.9 to 1.3). Educational inequalities appeared to diminish over the study period for both cervical and breast cancer screening.

CONCLUSION

Our study identified significant inequalities among socioeconomically deprived women in cervical and breast cancer screening in Korea. Especially, income-related inequalities were greater than education-related inequalities, and these were constant from 2005 to 2015 for both cervical and breast cancer screening.

Prevalence of human papillomavirus genotypes and precancerous cervical lesions in a screening population in the Republic of Korea, 2014-2016

Objective

Knowledge regarding the prevalence and distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) genotyping in healthy women is important in establishing strategies for cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination.

Methods

A total of 18,170 women who visited a Korean Medical Institute for health check-ups were recruited retrospectively; they underwent HPV genotyping and conventional cervical cytology. An HPV DNA test was performed using the Anyplex™ II HPV 28 detection system (Seegene) or HPV Liquid Bead Microarray (Osang Healthcare). The distribution of HPV genotypes was assessed according to cervical cytology and age.

Results

HPV was detected in 3,037 (16.71%) of the 18,170 women enrolled, and 2,268 (12.48%) were positive for high-risk (HR) HPV. In total, HPV 53 (9.69% of all detected HPV viruses) was the most common type; HPV 58 (7.90%) and 52 (7.81%) were also common. HPV 54 (6.99%) was common in low-risk subjects. Overall and in the normal cytology group, the most common HPV genotype was HPV 53, whereas HPV 58 was more common in women who had atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance or low-grade squamous intraepithelial neoplasia cervical cytology. In addition, HPV 16 was the most common type in cases with high-grade squamous intraepithelial neoplasia (HSIL)/atypical squamous cells-cannot exclude HSIL. Among women with normal cytology, 76 of 231 (32.9%) women under 24 years of age were positive for HR HPV, whereas 84 of 852 (9.9%) women aged 55–59 years were positive.

Conclusion

HPV 53 was the most prevalent genotype in healthy women. Distribution of HPV genotypes varied with cervical cytology and age. Our study provides important baseline data for the recently implemented national HPV vaccination program.

A Pilot Trial to Examine the Changes in Carotid Arterial Inflammation in Renal Transplant Recipients as Assessed by 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography (PET/CT)

BACKGROUND Inflammatory activity of the artery can be assessed by measuring 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) uptake with positron emission tomography computed tomography (PET/CT). Improvement in vascular function after renal transplantation has been reported, but no studies have used 18F-FDG PET/CT to examine the changes in vascular inflammation. This study investigated the changes in the inflammatory activity in the carotid artery after renal transplantation in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). MATERIAL AND METHODS 18F-FDG PET/CT was performed before and at 4 months after transplantation. We quantified 18F-FDG uptake as the target-to-background ratio (TBR) in the carotid artery in 10 CKD patients. TBR was evaluated in the whole carotid artery (WH) and most-diseased segment (MDS), and the mean and maximum values were analyzed. The concentrations of inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and endothelin-1, were measured. RESULTS Eight patients showed a decrease in mean or maximum TBR. The average mean or maximum TBRs in the WH and MDS of the right and left arteries were all reduced after transplantation. The average mean TBR for the right WH decreased significantly (% reduction [95% CI]) by -5.74% [-15.37, -0.02] (p=0.047). TBRs did not correlate significantly with cytokine concentrations. The changes in cytokine concentrations after transplantation varied. CONCLUSIONS 18F-FDG uptake by the WH and MDS tended to reduce after renal transplantation. Therefore, renal transplantation may confer an anti-inflammatory effect on carotid atherosclerosis in patients with CKD; however, this effect is not large enough to be demonstrated in this study with small sample size.

Altered attentional control over the salience network in complex regional pain syndrome

The degree and salience of pain have been known to be constantly monitored and modulated by the brain. In the case of maladaptive neural responses as reported in centralized pain conditions such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), the perception of pain is amplified and remains elevated even without sustained peripheral pain inputs. Given that the attentional state of the brain greatly influences the perception and interpretation of pain, we investigated the role of the attention network and its dynamic interactions with other pain-related networks of the brain in CRPS. We examined alterations in the intra- and inter-network functional connectivities in 21 individuals with CRPS and 49 controls. CRPS-related reduction in intra-network functional connectivity was found in the attention network. Individuals with CRPS had greater inter-network connectivities between the attention and salience networks as compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, individuals within the CRPS group with high levels of pain catastrophizing showed greater inter-network connectivities between the attention and salience networks. Taken together, the current findings suggest that these altered connectivities may be potentially associated with the maladaptive pain coping as found in CRPS patients.

Chemically linked metal-matrix nanocomposites of boron nitride nanosheets and silver as thermal interface materials

Herein, novel hybrid nanocomposite thermal interface materials (TIMs) relying on the chemical linkage of silver, boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs), and organic ligands are reported. These TIMs were prepared using a co-electrodeposition/chemisorption approach where the electrolytic reduction of silver ions into silver nano-/micro-crystals was coupled with the conjugation of ligand-coated nanosheets onto silver crystals. Furthermore, the influence of the bond strength of silver/nanosheet links on the thermal, mechanical, and structural properties is investigated using a combination of techniques including laser flash analysis, phase-sensitive transient thermoreflectance, nanoindentation, and electron microscopy. The internal nanostructure was found to be strongly dependent on the linker chemistry. While the chemical grafting of 4-cyano-benzoyl chloride (CBC) and 2-mercapto-5-benzimidazole carboxylic acid (MBCA) on BNNSs led to the uniform distribution of functionalized-nanosheets in the silver crystal matrix, the physical binding of 4-bromo-benzoyl chloride linkers on nanosheets caused the aggregation and phase separation. The thermal conductivity was 236-258 W m^-1 K and 306-321 W m^-1 K for physically and chemically conjugated TIMs, respectively, while their hardness varied from 400-495 MPa and from 240 to 360 MPa, respectively. The corresponding ratio of thermal conductivity to hardness, which is a critical parameter controlling the performance of TIMs, was ultrahigh for the chemically conjugated TIMs: 1.3 × 10^-6 m² K^-1 s for MBCA-BNNS and 8.5 × 10^-7 m² K^-1 s for CBC-BNNS. We anticipate that these materials can satisfy some of the emerging thermal management needs arising from the improved performance and efficiency, miniaturization, and/or high throughput of electronic devices, energy storage devices, energy conversion systems, light-emitting diodes, and telecommunication components.

Correlation between Physical Features of Elementary School Children and Chest Compression Depth

Introduction

The height and body weight of 6th grade elementary school children may have influence on chest compression.

Materials & methods

In accordance with the 2005 American Heart Association guidelines and 2006 Korean Association of CardioPulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) guidelines, a 25-minute audiovisual presentation and practical demonstration of CPR were presented by the researchers and assistants. The assistants supervised and corrected the practical performance of the students who performed 5 cycles of CPR (2 minutes each) with the aid of the Laerdal Resusci® Anne SkillReporter™. The students then carried out another 5 cycles of CPR (2 minutes each) using the skill reporter; and a short report was printed.

Results

The correlation coefficient between body weight and chest compression was 0.467 (p=0.000), and the correlation coefficient between height and chest compression was 0.309 (p=0.009). The intercept between body weight and chest compression was 21.763 (p=0.000), and the slope was 0.324 (p=0.000). Student height showed no linear correlation with chest compression depth.

Conclusions

The body weight of 6th grade elementary school children showed moderate correlation with chest compression depth. A minimal body weight of 50 kg is required to attain a standard chest compression depth of 38 mm. With improved training, some students with body weight less than 50 kg may also achieve satisfactory performance of CPR.

Preoperative prediction of microvascular invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma using 18F-FDG PET/CT: a multicenter retrospective cohort study

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to assess the potential of tumor ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) avidity as a preoperative imaging biomarker for the prediction of microvascular invasion (MVI) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

One hundred and fifty-eight patients diagnosed with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stages 0 or A HCC (median age, 57 years; interquartile range, 50-64 years) who underwent ¹⁸F-FDG positron emission tomography with computed tomography (PET/CT) before curative surgery at seven university hospitals were included. Tumor FDG avidity was measured by tumor-to-normal liver standardized uptake value ratio (TLR) of the primary tumor on FDG PET/CT imaging. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify significant parameters associated with MVI. The predictive performance of TLR and other clinical variables was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

RESULTS

MVI was present in 76 of 158 patients with HCCs (48.1%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that TLR, serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level, and tumor size were significantly associated with the presence of MVI (P < 0.001). Multinodularity was not significantly associated with MVI (P = 0.563). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for predicting the presence of MVI was best with TLR (AUC = 0.704), followed by tumor size (AUC = 0.685) and AFP (AUC = 0.670). We were able to build an improved prediction model combining TLR, tumor size, and AFP by using multivariable logistic regression modeling (AUC = 0.756).

CONCLUSIONS

Tumor FDG avidity measured by TLR on FDG PET/CT is a preoperative imaging biomarker for the prediction of MVI in patients with HCC.

The association between whole body sagittal balance and risk of falls among elderly patients seeking treatment for back pain

Objectives

The objective of this study was to assess the association between whole body sagittal balance and risk of falls in elderly patients who have sought treatment for back pain. Balanced spinal sagittal alignment is known to be important for the prevention of falls. However, spinal sagittal imbalance can be markedly compensated by the lower extremities, and whole body sagittal balance including the lower extremities should be assessed to evaluate actual imbalances related to falls.

Methods

Patients over 70 years old who visited an outpatient clinic for back pain treatment and underwent a standing whole-body radiograph were enrolled. Falls were prospectively assessed for 12 months using a monthly fall diary, and patients were divided into fallers and non-fallers according to the history of falls. Radiological parameters from whole-body radiographs and clinical data were compared between the two groups.

Results

A total of 144 patients (120 female patients and 24 male patients) completed a 12-month follow-up for assessing falls. A total of 31 patients (21.5%) reported at least one fall within the 12-month follow-up. In univariate logistic regression analysis, the risk of falls was significantly increased in older patients and those with more medical comorbidities, decreased lumbar lordosis, increased sagittal vertical axis, and increased horizontal distance between the C7 plumb line and the centre of the ankle (C7A). Increased C7A was significantly associated with increased risk of falls even after multivariate adjustment.

Conclusion

Whole body sagittal balance, measured by the horizontal distance between the C7 plumb line and the centre of the ankle, was significantly associated with risk of falls among elderly patients with back pain.

Cite this article: J. Kim, J. Y. Hwang, J. K. Oh, M. S. Park, S. W. Kim, H. Chang, T-H. Kim. The association between whole body sagittal balance and risk of falls among elderly patients seeking treatment for back pain. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:–344. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.65.BJR-2016-0271.R2.

Correlation between total lesion glycolysis in 18F-FDG PET/CT and KRAS mutation and clinical features in patients with resectable colon cancer

555

Background: Recently, novel metabolic parameters in 18F-FDG PET/CT such as total lesion glycolysis (TLG) and metabolic tumor volume (MTV) as well as maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) have been reported to be prognostic and be related with genomic aberration. We evaluated the prognostic role of these metabolic parameters and the correlation with clinical features in resected colon cancer. Methods: This study included 212 colon cancer patients who underwent surgical resection of stage II and III disease and conducted pre-treatment 18F-FDG PET/CT between February 2009 and December 2013. TLG, MTV of the primary tumors as well as SUVmax were analyzed according to clinical features including KRAS mutation, pre-treatment carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and recurrence free survival (RFS). Results: TLG was significantly higher in patients with right colon cancer than those with left colon cancer ( P = 0.015) and in patients with elevated CEA than those with normal range of CEA ( P = 0.034), while MTV and SUVmax were not correlated with cancer location and CEA level. KRAS mutation analysis using peptide nucleic acid-mediated real-time polymerase chain reaction clamping was conducted in 94 patients and forty-one (43.6%) patients showed KRAS mutation in tumor tissues. TLG was significantly higher in patients with mutated KRAS compared with in those with wild KRAS ( P = 0.021). CEA was significantly higher in patients with mutated KRAS than those with wild KRAS ( P-value = 0.024). CEA and TLG could predict KRAS mutation showing odds ratio 1.07 and 1.02 in the multivariate logistic analysis ( P-value = 0.024, 0.048). There was no difference of RFS between in patients with high TLG and in those with low TLG. Conclusions: Based on the result that TLG had a predictive role for KRAS mutation and was related with tumor location and CEA value, we suggested that TLG might reflect genomic alteration and other clinical features as well as tumor burden. It could be useful for differentiating different population of colon cancer and further study is clinically warranted.

Differences in Brain Glucose Metabolism During Preparation for 131I Ablation in Thyroid Cancer Patients: Thyroid Hormone Withdrawal Versus Recombinant Human Thyrotropin

BACKGROUND

In preparation for ¹³¹I ablation, temporary withdrawal of thyroid hormone is commonly used in patients with thyroid cancer after total thyroidectomy. The current study aimed to investigate brain glucose metabolism and its relationships with mood or cognitive function in these patients using ¹⁸F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (¹⁸F-FDG-PET).

METHOD

A total of 40 consecutive adult patients with thyroid carcinoma who had undergone total thyroidectomy were recruited for this cross-sectional study. At the time of assessment, 20 patients were hypothyroid after two weeks of thyroid hormone withdrawal, while 20 received thyroid hormone replacement therapy and were euthyroid. All participants underwent brain ¹⁸F-FDG-PET scans and completed mood questionnaires and cognitive tests. Multivariate spatial covariance analysis and univariate voxel-wise analysis were applied for the image data.

RESULTS

The hypothyroid patients were more anxious and depressed than the euthyroid participants. The multivariate covariance analysis showed increases in glucose metabolism primarily in the bilateral insula and surrounding areas and concomitant decreases in the parieto-occipital regions in the hypothyroid group. The level of thyrotropin was positively associated with the individual expression of the covariance pattern. The decreased ¹⁸F-FDG uptake in the right cuneus cluster from the univariate analysis was correlated with the increased thyrotropin level and greater depressive symptoms in the hypothyroid group.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that temporary hypothyroidism, even for a short period, may induce impairment in glucose metabolism and related affective symptoms.

Increased sagittal vertical axis is associated with less effective control of acute pain following vertebroplasty

OBJECTIVES

Although vertebroplasty is very effective for relieving acute pain from an osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture, not all patients who undergo vertebroplasty receive the same degree of benefit from the procedure. In order to identify the ideal candidate for vertebroplasty, pre-operative prognostic demographic or clinico-radiological factors need to be identified. The objective of this study was to identify the pre-operative prognostic factors related to the effect of vertebroplasty on acute pain control using a cohort of surgically and non-surgically managed patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with single-level acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture at thoracolumbar junction (T10 to L2) were followed. If the patients were not satisfied with acute pain reduction after a three-week conservative treatment, vertebroplasty was recommended. Pain assessment was carried out at the time of diagnosis, as well as three, four, six, and 12 weeks after the diagnosis. The effect of vertebroplasty, compared with conservative treatment, on back pain (visual analogue score, VAS) was analysed with the use of analysis-of-covariance models that adjusted for pre-operative VAS scores.

RESULTS

A total of 342 patients finished the 12-week follow-up, and 120 patients underwent vertebroplasty (35.1%). The effect of vertebroplasty over conservative treatment was significant regardless of age, body mass index, medical comorbidity, previous fracture, pain duration, bone mineral density, degree of vertebral body compression, and canal encroachment. However, the effect of vertebroplasty was not significant at all time points in patients with increased sagittal vertical axis.

CONCLUSIONS

For single-level acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, the effect of vertebroplasty was less favourable in patients with increased sagittal vertical axis (> 5 cm) possible due to aggravation of kyphotic stress from walking imbalance.Cite this article: Y-C. Kim, D. H. Bok, H-G. Chang, S. W. Kim, M. S. Park, J. K. Oh, J. Kim, T-H. Kim. Increased sagittal vertical axis is associated with less effective control of acute pain following vertebroplasty. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:544-551. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.511.BJR-2016-0135.R1.

18F-FDG PET/CT Can Predict Survival of Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study

Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage C hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) consists of a heterogeneous group of patients with a wide range of survival times, requiring further prognostic stratification to facilitate treatment allocation. We evaluated the prognostic value of ¹⁸F-FDG uptake on PET/CT at the time of presentation in patients with BCLC stage C HCC. Methods: A total of 291 patients with BCLC stage C HCC who underwent ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT between 2009 and 2010 for staging were retrospectively enrolled from 7 university hospitals. The patients were further divided into 2 groups according to the extent of disease, as intrahepatic or extrahepatic. Tumor-to-liver SUV ratio (TLR) of the primary tumor was measured on ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT. Prognostic values of TLR and other clinical variables were analyzed to predict overall survival (OS) in univariate and multivariate analyses. Differences in the OS stratified by TLR were examined by the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Higher TLR was associated with extrahepatic disease (P = 0.018). On multivariate analysis, Child-Pugh classification and TLR were independent prognostic factors in the intrahepatic disease group (all P < 0.05), whereas TLR was the only independent prognostic factor in the extrahepatic disease group (P < 0.05). Patients with high TLR showed a significantly worse OS than those with low TLR (P < 0.05) in both groups. Conclusion: In patients with BCLC stage C HCC, ¹⁸F-FDG uptake in the primary tumor was significantly higher in patients with extrahepatic disease than in those with intrahepatic disease. In addition, ¹⁸F-FDG uptake on pretreatment PET/CT had an incremental prognostic value for OS in both intrahepatic and extrahepatic disease groups.

Prognostic value of (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stages 0 and A hepatocellular carcinomas: a multicenter retrospective cohort study

PURPOSE

We evaluated the prognostic value of pretreatment (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography with computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) in patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage 0 or A hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who had received curative treatment or transarterial chemoembolization (TACE).

METHODS

Between 2009 and 2010, 317 patients diagnosed with HCC at seven hospitals were enrolled. Among these, 195 patients underwent curative treatments including resection, liver transplantation, and radiofrequency ablation. TACE was performed in 122 patients. The tumor-to-normal liver standardized uptake value ratio (TLR) of the primary tumor was measured using pretreatment FDG PET/CT. The prognostic significance of TLR and other clinical variables was assessed using Cox regression models. Differences in the overall survival (OS) associated with TLR or other significant clinical factors were examined using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Over a median follow-up period of 46 months, 77 patients died from cancer. In the curative cohort, higher TLR (≥2) was significantly associated with death (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.68; 95 % CI, 1.16-6.15; P = 0.020) in multivariable analysis. Patients with a higher TLR had significantly worse OS than patients with a lower TLR (5-year overall survival, 61 % vs. 79.4 %; P = 0.006). In the TACE cohort, the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score (≥8) was a significant independent prognostic factor for OS (HR = 3.34; 95 % CI, 1.49-7.48; P = 0.003), whereas TLR was not associated with OS. The Kaplan-Meier curves showed significantly poorer OS in patients with higher MELD scores (≥8) than in those with lower MELD scores (5-year survival rate, 33.1 % vs. 79.6 %; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Pretreatment TLR measured using FDG PET/CT was an independent prognostic factor for OS in patients with BCLC stage 0 or A HCC undergoing curative treatment. In contrast, underlying liver function appeared to be important in predicting the prognosis of patients undergoing TACE.

Prognostic Significance of ¹⁸F-FDG Uptake in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated with Transarterial Chemoembolization or Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study

This study aimed to assess the prognostic value of (18)F-FDG uptake in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who had transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) or concurrent intraarterial chemotherapy with external-beam radiotherapy (CCRT) and to compare the prognosis between patients treated with TACE and those with CCRT according to (18)F-FDG uptake.

METHODS

Two hundred fourteen intermediate-to-advanced-stage HCC patients without extrahepatic metastasis who underwent staging (18)F-FDG PET/CT before TACE (153 patients) or CCRT (61 patients) were recruited from 7 hospitals. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared using an optimal cutoff value for tumor-to-normal liver uptake ratio (TLR). Further, PFS and OS were compared according to treatment modalities (TACE vs. CCRT) using the same TLR cutoff value.

RESULTS

On multivariate analysis, age and TLR were independent prognostic factors for PFS (P< 0.050). For OS, Child-Pugh classification and TLR were independent prognostic factors (P< 0.050). When the TLR was greater than 2.0, patients treated with CCRT showed significantly better PFS and OS than those treated with TACE after adjusting for tumor size and number (P= 0.014, for all). In contrast, there was no significant difference in PFS and OS between patients treated with TACE or CCRT when the TLR was 2.0 or less.

CONCLUSION

(18)F-FDG uptake was an independent prognostic factor for PFS and OS in HCC patients treated with TACE or CCRT. Especially, in HCCs with high (18)F-FDG uptake, patients treated with CCRT showed better survival than those treated with TACE. (18)F-FDG PET/CT may help determine the treatment modality for intermediate-to-advanced-stage HCCs.

Alteration patterns of brain glucose metabolism: comparisons of healthy controls, subjective memory impairment and mild cognitive impairment

BACKGROUND

Some groups have focused on the detection and management of subjective memory impairment (SMI) as the stage that precedes mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, there have been few clinical studies that have examined biomarkers of SMI to date.

PURPOSE

To investigate the differences in glucose metabolism as a prodromal marker of dementia in patients with SMI, MCI, and healthy controls using brain F-18 fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sixty-eight consecutive patients with SMI, 47 patients with MCI, and 42 age-matched healthy subjects were recruited. All subjects underwent FDG-PET and detailed neuropsychological testing. FDG-PET images were analyzed using the statistical parametric mapping (SPM) program.

RESULTS

FDG-PET analysis showed glucose hypometabolism in the periventricular regions of patients with SMI and in the parietal, precentral frontal, and periventricular regions of patients with MCI compared with healthy controls. Interestingly, hypometabolism on FDG-PET was noted in the parietal and precentral frontal regions in MCI patients compared to SMI patients.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that hypometabolism in the periventricular regions as seen on FDG-PET may play a role as a predictive biomarker of pre-dementia, and the extension of reduced glucose metabolism into parietal regions likely reflects progression of cognitive deterioration.

Prognostic value of pretreatment (18)F-FDG PET-CT in radiotherapy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the predictable value of pretreatment ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (¹⁸F-FDG PET-CT) in radiotherapy (RT) for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT).

Materials and Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 36 stage I-IV HCC patients treated with RT. ¹⁸F-FDG PET-CT was performed before RT. Treatment target was determined HCC or PVTT lesions by treatment aim. They were irradiated at a median prescription dose of 50 Gy. The response was evaluated within 3 months after completion of RT using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). Response rate, overall survival (OS), and the pattern of failure (POF) were analyzed.

Results

The response rate was 61.1%. The statistically significant prognostic factor affecting response in RT field was maximal standardized uptake value (maxSUV) only. The high SUV group (maxSUV ≥ 5.1) showed the better radiologic response than the low SUV group (maxSUV < 5.1). The median OS were 996.0 days in definitive group and 144.0 days in palliative group. Factors affecting OS were the %reduction of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level in the definitive group and Child-Pugh class in the palliative group. To predict the POF, maxSUV based on the cutoff value of 5.1 was the only significant factor in distant metastasis group.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that the maxSUV of ¹⁸F-FDG PET-CT may be a prognostic factor for treatment outcome and the POF after RT. A %reduction of AFP level and Child-Pugh class could be used to predict OS in HCC.

Brain MRI, Tc-99m HMPAO SPECT and F-18 FP-CIT PET/CT Findings in a Patient with Wilson Disease: A Case Report

A 34-year-old female had experienced head and hand tremors with a dystonic component for 8 months. Brain MRI showed T2 high signal intensity in the periaqueductal region, dorsal midbrain and dorsal upper pons. No abnormal uptake was noted on Tc-99m HMPAO SPECT or F-18 FP-CIT PET/CT. Wilson disease was diagnosed according to the 2008 consensus guideline from the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease and 2012 guideline from the European Association for the Study of the Liver. This case demonstrates T2 signal change in the basal ganglia, excluding the putamen, in a Wilson disease patient with relatively severe clinical findings, but normal Tc-99m HMPAO SPECT and F-18 FP-CIT PET/CT.

Effectiveness of Breast MRI and (18)F-FDG PET/CT for the Preoperative Staging of Invasive Lobular Carcinoma versus Ductal Carcinoma

Purpose

We evaluated the utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT) for the preoperative staging of invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) of the breast and compared the results with those of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC).

Methods

The study included pathologically proven 32 ILCs and 73 IDCs. We compared clinical and histopathological characteristics and the diagnostic performances of MRI and ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT for the primary mass, additional ipsilateral and/or contralateral lesion(s), and axillary lymph node metastasis between the ILC and IDC groups.

Results

Primary ILCs were greater in size, but demonstrated lower maximum standardized uptake values than IDCs. All primary masses were detected on MRI. The detection rate for ILCs (75.0%) was lower than that for IDCs (83.6%) on ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT, but the difference was not significant. For additional ipsilateral lesion(s), the sensitivities and specificities of MRI were 87.5% and 58.3% for ILC and 100.0% and 66.7% for IDC, respectively; whereas the sensitivities and specificities of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT were 0% and 91.7% for ILC and 37.5% and 94.7% for IDC, respectively. The sensitivity of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT for ipsilateral lesion(s) was significantly lower in the ILC group than the IDC group. The sensitivity for ipsilateral lesion(s) was significantly higher with MRI; however, specificity was higher with ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT in both tumor groups. There was no significant difference in the diagnostic performance for additional contralateral lesion(s) or axillary lymph node metastasis on MRI or ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT for ILC versus IDC.

Conclusion

The MRI and ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT detection rates for the primary cancer do not differ between the ILC and IDC groups. Although ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT demonstrates lower sensitivity for primary and additional ipsilateral lesions, it shows higher specificity for additional ipsilateral lesions, and could play a complementary role in the staging of ILC as well as IDC.

Second to fourth digit ratio: a predictor of adult testicular volume

It has been suggested that second to fourth digit ratio (digit ratio) may correlate with male reproductive system function or disorders. This hypothesis is based on finding that the Hox genes control finger development and differentiation of the genital bud during embryogenesis. Thus, we investigated the association between digit ratio and adult testicular volume. A total of 172 Korean men (aged 20-69 years) hospitalized for urological surgery were prospectively enrolled. Patients with conditions known to strongly influence testicular volume were excluded. Before determining testicular volume, the lengths of the second and fourth digits of the right hand were measured by a single investigator using a digital vernier calliper. Using orchidometry, the testes were measured by an experienced urologist who had no information about the patient's digit ratio. To identify the independent predictive factors influencing testicular volume, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using linear regression models. Age, height, serum testosterone and free testosterone level were not correlated with testicular volume. Digit ratio, along with weight, was significantly correlated with testicular volume (right testicular volume: r = -0.185, p = 0.015; left testicular volume: r = -0.193, p = 0.011; total testicular volume: r = -0.198, p = 0.009). Multivariate analysis using linear regression models showed that only digit ratio was the independent factor to predict all (right, left and total) testicular volumes (right testicular volume: β = -0.174, p = 0.023; left testicular volume: β = -0.181, p = 0.017; total testicular volume: β = -0.185, p = 0.014). Our findings demonstrated that digit ratio is negatively associated with adult testicular volume. This means that men with a higher digit ratio may be more likely to have smaller testis compared to those with a lower digit ratio.

Analysis of Cerebral Blood Flow with Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography in Mild Subcortical Ischemic Vascular Dementia

PURPOSE

The mechanism of cognitive dysfunction of subcortical ischemic vascular dementia (SIVaD) is not yet fully understood. The objective of this study was to investigate and compare the distribution of regional cerebral perfusion (CP) change in the mild forms of SIVaD, a relatively homogeneous subtype of vascular dementia, using statistical parametric mapping (SPM) analysis of the technetium-99m hexamethylproplyeneamineoxime (Tc-99m HMPAO) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 28 patients with mild SIVaD and 33 healthy controls were prospectively recruited and underwent SPECT imaging studies between January 2012 and May 2013. SPECT was performed to measure the regional CP, and SPM was applied to the analysis of the SPECT data.

RESULTS

The regional CP was significantly decreased in the bilateral insula, anterior and posterior cingulated gyrus, precentral gyrus, and subcallosal gyrus as well as the right inferior parietal lobule in the SIVaD patients compared to the controls (corrected p = 0.01). The pattern of CP abnormality correlated well with those previously reported in later forms of SIVaD.

CONCLUSIONS

Reduction of CP in the brain areas mentioned was present earlier on in the natural course of SIVaD pathophysiology. Our study suggests that cognitive dysfunction of SIVaD may be related to these regional CP deficits.

Value of F-18 FDG PET/CT in detection and prognostication of isolated extra-axillary lymph node recurrences in postoperative breast cancer

We assessed the role of F-18 FDG PET/CT in evaluating isolated extra-axillary lymph node recurrences in postoperative breast cancer patients and its prognostic value on clinical outcome. We reviewed PET/CT scans of postoperative breast cancer patients performed at our institution between July 2003 and February 2012. We recorded PET/CT findings, clinicopathologic variables and treatment modalities. We analyzed metabolic parameters from PET/CT and clinicopathologic variables with respect to progression free survival (PFS). A total of 3561 PET/CT scans were performed in 1906 postoperative breast cancer patients with a median interval of 43 month from curative surgery. Fifty seven patients (2.99%) demonstrated isolated extra-axillary nodal recurrences (n=85) on PET/CT (internal mammary node recurrences in 28, supraclavicular 24, infraclavicular 4, interpectoral 8, cervical 12, and mediastinal 9).The median SUVmax was 7.8 (range, 1.8~19.0), and the median node size was 15 mm (range, 6~38 mm). All recurrences were nonpalpable. Based on PET/CT findings, 53 out of 57 patients with extra-axillary node recurrences underwent subsequent chemotherapy/radiation therapy. The estimated 3-year PFS rate was 48.6%. Cutoff points of SUVmax 2.7 and size 14 mm were the best discriminative values for predicting clinical outcome. SUVmax and size of extra-axillary nodal recurrences were significantly correlated to PFS on univariate and multivariate analyses (p<0.001 and p=0.019, respectively).