Diagnostic accuracy and interobserver variability of CO-RADS in patients with suspected coronavirus disease-2019: a multireader validation study

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a multireader validation study to evaluate the interobserver variability and the diagnostic accuracy for the lung involvement by COVID-19 of COVID-19 Reporting and Data System (CO-RADS) score.

METHODS

This retrospective study included consecutive symptomatic patients who underwent chest CT and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from March 2020 to May 2020 for suspected COVID-19. Twelve readers with different levels of expertise independently scored each CT using the CO-RADS scheme for detecting pulmonary involvement by COVID-19. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were computed to investigate diagnostic yield. Fleiss' kappa statistics was used to evaluate interreader agreement.

RESULTS

A total of 572 patients (mean age, 63 ± 20 [standard deviation]; 329 men; 142 patients with COVID-19 and 430 patients without COVID-19) were evaluated. There was a moderate agreement for CO-RADS rating among all readers (Fleiss' K = 0.43 [95% CI 0.42-0.44]) with a substantial agreement for CO-RADS 1 category (Fleiss' K = 0.61 [95% CI 0.60-0.62]) and moderate agreement for CO-RADS 5 category (Fleiss' K = 0.60 [95% CI 0.58-0.61]). ROC analysis showed the CO-RADS score ≥ 4 as the optimal threshold, with a cumulative area under the curve of 0.72 (95% CI 66-78%), sensitivity 61% (95% CI 52-69%), and specificity 81% (95% CI 77-84%).

CONCLUSION

CO-RADS showed high diagnostic accuracy and moderate interrater agreement across readers with different levels of expertise. Specificity is higher than previously thought and that could lead to reconsider the role of CT in this clinical setting.

KEY POINTS

• COVID-19 Reporting and Data System (CO-RADS) demonstrated a good diagnostic accuracy for lung involvement by COVID-19 with an average AUC of 0.72 (95% CI 67-75%). • When a threshold of ≥ 4 was used, sensitivity and specificity were 61% (95% CI 52-69%) and 81% (95% CI 76-84%), respectively. • There was an overall moderate agreement for CO-RADS rating across readers with different levels of expertise (Fleiss' K = 0.43 [95% CI 0.42-0.44]).

Deep Learning Algorithm Trained with COVID-19 Pneumonia Also Identifies Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy-Related Pneumonitis

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy-related pneumonitis share common features. The aim of this study was to determine on chest computed tomography (CT) images whether a deep convolutional neural network algorithm is able to solve the challenge of differential diagnosis between COVID-19 pneumonia and ICI therapy-related pneumonitis.

METHODS

We enrolled three groups: a pneumonia-free group (n = 30), a COVID-19 group (n = 34), and a group of patients with ICI therapy-related pneumonitis (n = 21). Computed tomography images were analyzed with an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm based on a deep convolutional neural network structure. Statistical analysis included the Mann-Whitney U test (significance threshold at p < 0.05) and the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve).

RESULTS

The algorithm showed low specificity in distinguishing COVID-19 from ICI therapy-related pneumonitis (sensitivity 97.1%, specificity 14.3%, area under the curve (AUC) = 0.62). ICI therapy-related pneumonitis was identified by the AI when compared to pneumonia-free controls (sensitivity = 85.7%, specificity 100%, AUC = 0.97).

CONCLUSIONS

The deep learning algorithm is not able to distinguish between COVID-19 pneumonia and ICI therapy-related pneumonitis. Awareness must be increased among clinicians about imaging similarities between COVID-19 and ICI therapy-related pneumonitis. ICI therapy-related pneumonitis can be applied as a challenge population for cross-validation to test the robustness of AI models used to analyze interstitial pneumonias of variable etiology.

Laser Ablation Versus Radiofrequency Ablation for Benign Non-Functioning Thyroid Nodules: Six-Month Results of a Randomized, Parallel, Open-Label, Trial (LARA Trial)

Background: No direct prospective studies comparing laser ablation (LA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for debulking benign non-functioning thyroid nodules (BNTNs) exist. We aimed at comparing the efficacy and safety of both techniques in patients with solid or predominantly solid BNTN. Methods: This six-month, single-use, randomized, open-label, parallel trial compared the following primary endpoints between the RFA and LA groups six months after treatment: (i) nodule volume reduction expressed as a percentage of nodule volume at baseline; (ii) proportion of nodules with more than 50% reduction (successful rate). We enrolled subjects with a solitary BNTN or dominant nodule characterized by pressure symptoms/cosmetic problems or patients without symptoms who experienced a volume increase >20% in one year. Nodules underwent core needle biopsy for diagnosis. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive LA or RFA. Safety was assessed in all randomly assigned participants. Results: Sixty patients were randomly assigned to receive either RFA or LA (1:1) between January 2016 and November 2018. Both groups were similar in basal nodule volume, thyroid function, histology, symptoms/cosmetic score, and procedure time. At six months, the nodule volume reduction was 64.3% (95% confidence interval, CI 57.5-71.2) in the RFA group and 53.2% ([CI 47.2-95.2]; p = 0.02) in the LA group. This effect was also confirmed in the linear regression model adjusted for age, baseline volume, and proportion of cellular component (LA vs. RFA percent change Delta = -12.8, p = 0.02). No significant difference was observed in success rate six months after treatment (RFA vs. LA: 86.7% vs. 66.7%, p = 0.13) or in thyrotropin level between the groups. Although improved, no significant difference was observed between RFA and LA for compressive symptoms (RFA: 2.13 vs. 3.9, p < 0 · 001; LA: 2.4 vs. 3.87, p < 0.001) and cosmetic score (RFA: 1.65 vs. 2.2, p < 0.001; LA: 1.85 vs. 2.2, p < 0.001). The adverse event rates (local pain, dysphonia, thyrotoxicosis, fever, hematoma) were 37% (n = 11) and 43% (n = 13) for RFA and LA, respectively, with no requirement for hospitalization. Conclusion: Although the success rate was similar in the RFA and LA groups, RFA achieved a significantly larger nodule volume reduction at six months.

OR18-07 Laser Ablation Versus Radiofrequency Ablation for Benign Non-Functioning Thyroid Nodules: Six-Month Results of a Randomised, Parallel, Open-Label, Trial (Lara Trial)

ABSTRACT

Background: Up to now, there are no direct prospective studies comparing Laser (LA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). We aimed to compare, in a head- to-head clinical trial, the efficacy and safety of both techniques in a population affected by solid or predominantly solid benign non-functioning thyroid nodules (BNTN).

Methods. LARA is a six-month, single-use, randomized, superiority, open-label, parallel trial. We enrolled subjects with a solitary BNTN or dominant nodule characterized by pressure symptoms/cosmetic problems or patients without symptoms who experienced a volume increase >20% in one year. Nodules underwent core needle biopsy (CNB) to evaluate the histological architecture. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive treatment with either LA or RFA. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the difference in nodule volume reduction between the RF and the LA group at six months. Moreover, we aimed to assess the differences between groups in the rate of nodules with greater than 50% base volume reduction (successful rate) at six months after treatment. ClinicalTrials.gov: number NCT02714946.

Findings: From January 2016 to November 2018, 60 patients were randomly assigned (30 participants per group). In the whole study population, the average volume of nodules was 25 ml. The two groups were similar in terms of basal nodule volume, thyroid function, histology, symptoms/cosmetic score and procedure time. At six months, participants in the RFA group showed a reduction volume of 64·3% (95% CI: 57·5% - 71·2%) compared to 53·2% (95% CI: 47·2% - 59·2%) in the LA group (p= 0·015) and this difference was also confirmed in a linear regression model adjusted for age, baseline volume and proportion of cellular component (Laser vs. RFA percent change Delta= -12·8, P=0·018).We have not recorded any significant difference in terms of successful rate at six months after treatment between the two groups (86·7% in the RFA vs 66·7% in the LA, p=0·127). At six months, both symptoms and cosmetic scores improved (compressive symptom score: 2·13 vs 3·9 for RFA, p < 0·001; 2·4 vs. 3·87 for LA, p < 0·001; cosmetic score: 1·65 vs 2·2 for RFA p <0·001, 1·85 vs 2·2 for LA p <0·001) without any statistically significant difference between the two groups. No statistical difference between the two groups was detected at six months as regards the TSH level. High rate of cellularity negatively affects the volume reduction in RFA group (r coefficient -0·41, p=0·034) while histological features did not affect the efficacy of the LA. The adverse event rates were 37% and 43% for RFA and LA, respectively, with no requirement for hospitalization.

Interpretation: Both techniques are very effective in reducing the volume of thyroid nodules. RFA appears to be more effective than LA, but both techniques showed no difference in terms of success rate six months after treatment. The safety of the two techniques is very satisfactory.

Nodule size as predictive factor of efficacy of radiofrequency ablation in treating autonomously functioning thyroid nodules

CONTEXT

No defined pre-treatment factors are able to predict the response to radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of an autonomously functioning thyroid nodule (AFTN).

OBJECTIVE

Primary endpoint was to evaluate the success rate of RFA to restore euthyroidism in a cohort of adult patients with small solitary AFTN compared with medium-sized nodules. Secondary endpoints included nodule volume reduction and rate of conversion from hot nodules to cold using scintiscan.

METHODS

This was a 24-month prospective monocentric open parallel-group trial. Twenty-nine patients with AFTN were divided into two groups based on thyroid volume: 15 patients with small nodules (<12 mL) in group A and 14 patients with medium nodules (>12 mL) in group B. All patients underwent a single session of RFA and were clinically, biochemically, and morphologically evaluated at baseline and at 1, 6, 12 and 24 months after treatment.

RESULTS

After RFA, there was greater nodule volume reduction in group A compared with group B (p < 0.001 for each follow-up point). In group A, there was a greater increase in TSH levels than in group B at 6 (p = 0.01), 12 (p = 0.005), and 24 months (p < 0.001). At 24 months, the rate of responders was greater in group A than in group B (86 vs. 45%; p < 0.001). In group A, 86% of nodules converted from hot to cold compared with 18% in group B (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A single session of RFA was effective in restoring euthyroidism in patients with small AFTNs. Nodule volume seems to be a significant predictive factor of the efficacy of RFA in treating AFTN.

Massive pulmonary embolism as a rare complication of a stab in the inguinal region in a HIV-positive patient: a case report

OBJECTIVE

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a severe preventable disease; HIV-infection represents a prothrombotic condition, because of specific factors due to the virus itself, the host response and the antiretroviral therapy. Our aim is to raise awareness of thromboembolic risk when dealing with HIV-positive patients presenting to the Emergency Department for treatment of injuries, even though small.

CASE REPORT

We present a case of a 33-year-old woman suffering from HIV-infection who presented to the Emergency Department with two small stab wounds. Laboratory tests and radiologic examinations were normal. About 8 hours after admission the patient developed a syncopal attack: a CT scan performed after hemodynamic stabilization revealed a massive pulmonary embolism (PE); the patient was then transferred to the Intensive Care Unit and treated with systemic thrombolysis.

CONCLUSIONS

This case confirms that HIV-positive patients carry a higher risk for VTE and PE compared to general population, similarly to patients suffering from cancer: emergency physicians must be aware even in case of minor wounds.

Long-term survival after transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a main challenge in oncologic care. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment. Transarterial chemoembolization is the most widely used palliative treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma. The Authors present a case report of a 61-year old man with hepatocellular carcinoma, belonging to Child-Pugh class A. The advanced age and the previous history of bladder carcinoma made the patient not suitable for liver transplantation. The patient refused hepatic resection so that transarterial chemoembolization was proposed. During 14-year follow-up there was intrahepatic progression of the tumor after the first treatment, followed by reduction in size and number of the lesions after subsequent treatments. In spite of the ominous prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma, in this case-report transarterial chemoembolization allowed us to achieve a unique long-term survival.

Strontium ranelate in postmenopausal osteoporosis treatment: a critical appraisal

Osteoporosis is a progressive and debilitating disease characterized by a massive bone loss with a deterioration of bone tissues, and a propensity for a fragility fracture. Strontium ranelate is the first antiosteoporotic treatment that has dual mode of action and simultaneously increases bone formation, while decreasing bone resorption, thus rebalancing bone turnover formation. Strontium ranelate rebalances bone turnover in favor of improved bone geometry, cortical thickness, trabecular bone morphology and intrinsic bone tissue quality, which translates into enhanced bone strength. This review describes the mechanism of the strontium ranelate action and its effects on bone mineral density, bone turnover, and osteoporotic fractures. The efficacy of strontium ranelate in postmenopausal osteoporosis treatment to reduce the risk of vertebral and hip fractures has been highlighted in several randomized, controlled trials. Treatment efficacy with strontium ranelate has been documented across a wide range of patient profiles: age, number of prevalent vertebral fractures, body mass index, and a family history of osteoporosis. Because strontium ranelate has a large spectrum of efficacy, it can be used to treat different subgroups of patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Strontium ranelate was shown to be relatively well tolerated and the safety aspects were good. Strontium ranelate should be considered as a first-line treatment for postmenopausal osteoporotic patients.

Short term effects of levothyroxine treatment in thyroid multinodular disease

The levothyroxine suppressive efficacy in benign thyroid nodules treatment is well described in uninodular non-toxic goiter, whereas only few controlled trials enrolled patients with multinodular disease. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the short term effects of levothyroxine treatment in never treated, pre-menopausal women affected by thyroid multinodular disease. Seventy-one pre-menopausal women with thyroid multinodular disease, still presenting normal TSH levels, from Latina area were randomly assigned to a levothyroxine treated or control group. Biochemical and ultrasonography evaluations of thyroid were monitored at the enrollment and after 6, 12 and 24 months of treatment. In the levothyroxine treated group, after 1 year of treatment, thyroid and dominant nodule volume and number of nodules >0.5 mL significantly decreased from a median of 12.0 to 9.8 mL (p <0.001), from 1.0 to 0.5 mL (p <0.001) and from 0.5 to 0, respectively. Conversely, in the control group significant augmented values of these parameters were observed (p =0.007, p <0.001 and p <0.001, respectively). Furthermore, these observations were also confirmed by results obtained after a 24 months follow-up period. Our data support previous observations on the clinical usefulness of L-T(4) treatment in preventing thyroid and nodule volume and nodule numbers growth. These findings confirm the tendency of benign nodular disease toward progression and the efficacy of TSH suppression in preventing its evolution by means of removing the major growth factor for thyroid nodules still responsive to physiological stimuli.

Osteoporosis: recent physiopatologic acquisitions and new therapeutic perspectives

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared osteoporosis "social disease". The present revision of the literature will focus on the recent acquisitions in bone pathophysiology and the efforts in the formulation of new molecules able to change successfully the course of the disease. Osteocyte cell is now thought to be the main biomechanical transducer of bones, able to release sclerostin that produces inhibition on osteosynthesis and on the other hand to release substances like nitrid oxide and prostaglandins that provide a stimulus to osteosynthesis through direct or indirect activation of osteoblasts. In this work the authors analyze the most important clinical trials involving the use of new molecules, like denosumab, integrin avb3 inhibitor, cathepsin k inhibitors, able to interfere in the new osteometabolic pathways. Two trials, phase I and II, have been conducted using denosumab. The endpoint of the first phase was the evaluation of the markers of resorption and bone formation, while the second phase II trial focused on the use of this molecule in double-blind matching placebo and open alendronate with the evaluation of bone mass density (BMD) over one year in lumbar area. Another clinical trial in double-blind versus placebo was carried on and published on the use of a competitive integrin avb3 inhibitor in various dosages for the evaluation of bone mass modification in the lumbar and femoral area and of bone markers modification. Many studies focus on the use of cathepsin k inhibitors. Odanacatib has demonstrated to have worked on dose-dependent increase of densitometric value and to have reduced the bone turnover.

A comparative study of fine needle aspiration and fine needle non-aspiration biopsy on suspected thyroid nodules

Ultrasonography-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) and fine needle non-aspiration (FNNA) biopsy were performed consecutively on 104 patients (mean age 50 +/- 15 years) affected by multinodular and uninodular goiter. Both techniques were executed on the same patients in the same clinical session beginning with the first (FNA) on half of the patients (randomly selected) and vice versa. The cytological findings on cell samples were divided into four groups: colloidal (benign), follicular (suspicious), malignant, and inadequate. The overall cytologic findings obtained with the two techniques were as follows (FNA % vs FNNA %): inadequate, 16.3% vs 5.8%; colloidal, 69.2% vs 76.9%; follicular, 9.6% vs 10.5%; and malignant, 4.8% vs 6.7%. A statistically significant difference between FNA and FNNA cytology was found only on the number of inadequate results (p = 0.015). Interestingly, the frequency of inadequate specimens for FNNA showed a significantly different distribution depending on the sequence (first or second) in which the technique was executed. In conclusion, FNA and FNNA are useful and cost-effective techniques for the pre-operative assessment of patients with thyroid nodules. However, due probably to its minimally invasive procedure, FNNA produces specimens of better quality and reduces inadequate results. For these reasons FNNA should be preferable to FNA for the cytological evaluation of thyroid nodules.

[Using parathyroid hormone 1-84 in the treatment of osteoporosis: presentation and comments of main clinical trial]

Osteoporosis and associated fractures associated constitute a real and serious socio-medical problem. The purpose of this research is to report the most important clinical studies regarding the effect of parathyroid hormone PTH 1-84 for osteoporosis. TOP study has demonstrated the antifracture effectiveness of PTH 1-84 in patients of primary prevention and particular attention has been paid to show a clear achievement of the primary end-point that consists in a reduction of the vertebral fracturing event. PATH study has evidenced that the administration for one year of alendronate after one year of PTH 1-84 reduced the risk of osteoporotic fractures. The primary endpoint has been the evaluation of the densitometry values in the femoral and lumbar side and the evaluation of markers of bone turnover. In this case it is possible to assume that the above mentioned therapy could offer benefits in the long term.

[Massive haemoperitoneum due to traumatic rupture of multifocal hepatocarcinoma in the right hepatic lobe. Case report]

Abdominal blunt trauma is the main cause of death in people younger than 40 years old. The liver injury still represents a challenging problem. Isolated hepatic injury is rare and it occurs more frequentely in polytraumatizated patients and causes massive haemoperitoneum. The Authors report a case of a 83 years-old woman admitted to Emergency Department for syncope due to an active bleeding arising from a rupture of a right hepatic lobe unsuspected tumor. The computer tomography (CT) scans showed a clear pattern of liver laceration of the VI segment with contrast enhancement spreading in the surrounding tissues, and detected a multifocal hepatocarcinoma located in the VI, VII and VIII segments. Patient's haemodinamically unstable conditions suggested an urgent laparotomy. An accurate perihepatic packing with sterile-drape were successfully employed to control liver hemorrage. Temporary abdominal closure, followed by hepatic arteriography and the right hepatic artery embolization, completed the damage control. Re-exploration laparotomy after 72 hours confirmed the definitive haemostasis and the pack removal was performed without complications.

CONCLUSIONS

CT plays a leading role in the diagnosis of liver damage. The patient's haemodynamic status is the principal criterion determining conservative or operative therapy in blunt liver injury. The early perihepatic packing followed by artheriographic embolization to stop liver hemorrhage showed efficacy and safety for the patient. The packing performed with sterile-drape is able to avoid removal complications and 72 hours timing for the pack removal is effective to avoid re-bleeding.

[A case of arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma with 11 years of survival]

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common malignancy of the liver and the third most common cause of cancer mortality worldwide. The major risk of developing HCC is associated with HBV and HCV hepatitis. Liver transplant (LT) is the gold standard for "small" HCC (HCCs) in Child-Pugh class A cirrhotic patients. However its use has been restricted by the severe shortage of donors, so that hepatic resection (HR) is often performed in these patients. In the last two decades image-guided interventional catheterization and ablative regional treatment procedures have revolutionized the therapy of unresectable primary and secondary liver tumors. The Authors present a case of a 61-years old man with Child-Pugh class A HCCs. The age and the previous history of bladder carcinoma made the patient not suitable for LT. The patient refused HR so that transarterial chemoembolization combined to thermo-ablation therapy and oral intake of tamoxifen were proposed. Patient's tolerance to the treatments has been good. During 11-year follow-up there was earlier intrahepatic progression of the tumor followed by reduction in size and number of the lesions. In spite of the scarce prognosis, chemoembolization and immunotherapy allowed to achieve a satisfactory local control of disease in our patient and guaranteed a good quality of life at long-term follow-up.

[AECA plasmatic levels in patients with severe dyslipidemia and carotid stenosis]

Anti-endothelial cell antibodies (AECA) are a heterogeneous family of autoantibodies directed against antigens adhering to endothelial cells. These autoantibodies have a pathogenic role in disease characterized by endothelial damage. Aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between AECA and carotid artery stenosis at early stages of atherosclerosis process.

Evidence based medicine and effective interventions of pharmacological therapy for the prevention of osteoporotic fractures

Osteoporosis and fractures associated with it constitute a real and serious socio-medical problem, which only recently has come to the forefront of social consciousness. The authors are carrying out a critical re-examination of the medical literature of osteoporosis pharmacological treatment. Particular attention has been paid to studies which show a clear reduction of the primary endpoint that, in the case of this pathology, consists of a reduction of the fracturing event. According to the examination of the clinical studies introduced, antiresorptive bone agents, such as alendronate and risenderonate, turn out to be molecules with higher levels of evidence implicated on the reduction of the main osteoporotic fractures, in particular the reduction of vertebral and femoral fractures. The 10 years long-term extension studies, in particular those that have seen the employment of alendronate, found a positive outcome regarding densitometry data and a favorable trend in antifracture effectiveness. Ibandronate is another amino-bisphosphonate which was recently validated as an effective drug for the treatment of osteoporosis with its documented ability to meaningfully reduce vertebral fractures. Also ranelate of strontium, a drug that seems to explain its own result in a different way from the other antiresorptive bone agents, constitutes another valid alternative in the treatment of this pathology. Both of these molecules however, need further studies in order to estimate their antifracture effectiveness in the long term, particularly those related to femoral fractures. Teriparatide and the entire molecule paratohormone are usually not prescribed for its high cost in treatment and because, typically, patients with high-risk level fractures that are already affected, produce more vertebral fractures from moderate to severe intensity.

[Massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding due to diverticular disease during antiplatelet therapy. Case report]

Diverticular disease is very frequent in Western countries; in 5% of the cases it is the cause of serious bleeding, haemodynamic instability and death. The authors report a case of 74 years old patient with severe lower gastrointestinal bleeding. She was in antiplatelet treatment with acetylsalicylic acid (100 mg/die) and clopidogrel (75 mg/die) for preventing the restenosis of medicated stents positioned to treat an acute coronary syndrome. At the same time the patient was under treatment for primary hypercholesterolemia with rosuvastatin (20 mg/die). The severe haemorrhage demanded haemodynamic stabilization, achieved by colloid infusion and blood transfusions. The bleeding continued; selective arteriography showed it's origin from the areas of the sigmoid and superior hemorrhoidal arteries. During the procedure, embolization of the inferior mesenteric artery using spiral type BALT was performed, with consequent bleeding interruption. Fifteen days after the embolization, a rectosigmoid colonoscopy showed a sigmoid diverticular disease. The treatment with acetylsalicylic acid and clopidogrel has surely contributed to the severity of the hemorrhage. Recent experimental and clinical evidence suggests a possible antiplatelet effect of the statins.

[Obesity and hypertension. Recent advances in etiopathogenesis]

The aim of the study is to evaluate the pathogenetic factors which determine the association between obesity and hypertension. In particular we consider the role of adipose tissue. Activity of sympathetic nervous system, hyperinsulinemia, lower action of the atrial natriuretic peptide are important to understand the correlation between these pathologies.