Exploring the accuracy of multiparametric MRI in prostate cancer staging: An institutional retrospective study

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Background: Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging (mpMRI) has been increasingly utilized in prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis and staging. While there is Level 1 data supporting MRI utility in identifying clinically significant PCa and guiding PCa diagnosis, there is little data on its ability to predict surgical outcomes and its utility as a staging study. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of mpMRI in predicting common surgical pathology outcomes in patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP). Methods: Men who underwent either open radical prostatectomy (ORP) or robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) for prostate adenocarcinoma from January-December 2021 at a single tertiary level care academic medical center were identified. Chart review for relevant patient demographics, mpMRI related variables and final surgical pathology was completed. In patients who had pre-operative mpMRI, we evaluated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of mpMRI in predicting relevant surgical outcomes, including presence of pT2N0 organ confined disease (OCD), extracapsular extension (ECE), seminal vesicle invasion (SVI), lymph node involvement (LNI), and bladder neck invasion (BNI). Results: 168 eligible patients were identified in a 12-month period. The mean age was 63.5±6.24 years and mean Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) was 11.4±23.7, with 166 (98.8%) patients undergoing RALP and 115 (68.5%) having pre-operative mpMRI. Median GGG was 2 in both MRI and CT subsets (p = 0.580), and patients who had pre-op MRI were more likely to have higher PSA (12.7 ±28.1 vs 8.38± 6.32, p = 0.073) and clinically node positive disease (p < 0.001) than those with CT. However, there was no significant difference in final surgical pathology or positive surgical margin rates between these two groups. On subset analysis of the MRI subset, Table summarizes the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of pre-op MRI to predict OCD, ECE, SVI, LNI, and BNI. While specificity of pre-op MRI was adequate for all outcomes (89.1-100%), sensitivity (2.9-49.2%), PPV (40-100%), and NPV (56.3-94.3%) were poor. Conclusions: At present, pre-op MRI of the prostate does not appear to be accurate in its ability to predict important pathologic outcomes at the time of radical prostatectomy and should be used cautiously as a local staging tool. More work is needed before MRI can be used as a reliable staging tool for PCa.[Table: see text]

Case report: Bilateral emphysematous pyelonephritis with pneumatosis intestinalis

Emphysematous pyelonephritis is a severe and rare gas producing infection in the renal parenchyma or collecting system. Diabetes mellitus is an established risk factor. Treatment options include antibiotics, minimally invasive management such as percutaneous drainage, or nephrectomy. This case report describes a 40-year-old female with newly diagnosed diabetes and cirrhosis who presented with left sided emphysematous pyelonephritis. After initial management with intravenous antibiotics and drainage of the collecting system, this patient's clinical condition worsened, and subsequent repeat imaging revealed bilateral emphysematous pyelonephritis as well as pneumatosis intestinalis.

Implementation of Germline Testing for Prostate Cancer: Philadelphia Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference 2019

PURPOSE

Germline testing (GT) is a central feature of prostate cancer (PCA) treatment, management, and hereditary cancer assessment. Critical needs include optimized multigene testing strategies that incorporate evolving genetic data, consistency in GT indications and management, and alternate genetic evaluation models that address the rising demand for genetic services.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary consensus conference that included experts, stakeholders, and national organization leaders was convened in response to current practice challenges and to develop a genetic implementation framework. Evidence review informed questions using the modified Delphi model. The final framework included criteria with strong (> 75%) agreement (Recommend) or moderate (50% to 74%) agreement (Consider).

RESULTS

Large germline panels and somatic testing were recommended for metastatic PCA. Reflex testing-initial testing of priority genes followed by expanded testing-was suggested for multiple scenarios. Metastatic disease or family history suggestive of hereditary PCA was recommended for GT. Additional family history and pathologic criteria garnered moderate consensus. Priority genes to test for metastatic disease treatment included BRCA2, BRCA1, and mismatch repair genes, with broader testing, such as ATM, for clinical trial eligibility. BRCA2 was recommended for active surveillance discussions. Screening starting at age 40 years or 10 years before the youngest PCA diagnosis in a family was recommended for BRCA2 carriers, with consideration in HOXB13, BRCA1, ATM, and mismatch repair carriers. Collaborative (point-of-care) evaluation models between health care and genetic providers was endorsed to address the genetic counseling shortage. The genetic evaluation framework included optimal pretest informed consent, post-test discussion, cascade testing, and technology-based approaches.

CONCLUSION

This multidisciplinary, consensus-driven PCA genetic implementation framework provides novel guidance to clinicians and patients tailored to the precision era. Multiple research, education, and policy needs remain of importance.

Pregnancy in a drug-abusing population

Substance abuse in pregnancy places both mother and infant at extremely high risk. There is little information, however, about the impact of changing patterns of drug use and improvements in medical technology on pregnancy outcome. The Family Center Program utilizes a team approach to provide counseling, support, and education as well as complete medical care for substance-abusing pregnant women. We reviewed the records of women seen in the Family Center Program from 1981 to 1983 to evaluate the effect of intervention on pregnancy outcome. Complications, including prematurity, growth retardation, intrauterine fetal demise, and neonatal abstinence, were common, although early prenatal care and frequent visits appear to reduce the risk of low birth weight infants. Uncorrected perinatal mortality was 11/163 (67/1,000). Compared to earlier experience in this program, few women delivered with no prenatal care. Thus a program designed specifically for the needs of these women is successful in increasing the number seeking prenatal care and appears to improve pregnancy outcome. Despite this, serious problems are common and further improvement seems unlikely unless such women can be maintained in a stable, drug-free environment during their pregnancies.