PET/MRI and Novel Targets for Breast Cancer

Breast cancer, with its global prevalence and impact on women's health, necessitates effective early detection and accurate staging for optimal patient outcomes. Traditional imaging modalities such as mammography, ultrasound, and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) play crucial roles in local-regional assessment, while bone scintigraphy and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) aid in evaluating distant metastasis. Despite the proven utility of 18F-FDG PET/CT in various cancers, its limitations in breast cancer, such as high false-negative rates for small and low-grade tumors, have driven exploration into novel targets for PET radiotracers, including estrogen receptor, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2, fibroblast activation protein, and hypoxia. The advent of PET/MRI, which combines metabolic PET information with high anatomical detail from MRI, has emerged as a promising tool for breast cancer diagnosis, staging, treatment response assessment, and restaging. Technical advancements including the integration of PET and MRI, considerations in patient preparation, and optimized imaging protocols contribute to the success of dedicated breast and whole-body PET/MRI. This comprehensive review offers the current technical aspects and clinical applications of PET/MRI for breast cancer. Additionally, novel targets in breast cancer for PET radiotracers beyond glucose metabolism are explored.

The Light Cupula Phenomenon: A Scoping Review

Direction-changing positional nystagmus (DCPN), which refers to the change in the direction of nystagmus with different head positions, is a well-known characteristic of horizontal semicircular canal BPPV. The supine head roll test is commonly used to diagnose horizontal canal BPPV. However, persistent geotropic DCPN observed during this test cannot be explained by the conventional explanations of canalolithiasis or cupulolithiasis. To account for this unique nystagmus, the concept of a "light cupula" has been recently introduced. In this review, we provide an overview of the historical background, clinical features and diagnostic methods, proposed mechanisms, and treatment strategies associated with the light cupula phenomenon based on the available literature to date.

Sex-Specific Relationships between HDL-Cholesterol Levels and 10-Year Mortality in Individuals with Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: A Nationwide Cohort Study of South Koreans

Large epidemiological studies show U-shaped relationships between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and all-cause mortality in individuals without atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD). Association in those with ASCVD by sex is unclear. We examined the association between HDL-C levels and 10-year all-cause mortality in subjects (≥40 years of age) with ASCVD using the 2010 National Health Insurance Service and the National Death Registry of Korea. We categorized HDL-C levels into three groups (low: <40 mg/dL for males, <50 mg/dL for females; high: 40-90 mg/dL for males, 50-90 mg/dL for females; extremely high: >90 mg/dL) and 10 mg/dL intervals. We conducted a sex-stratified and adjusted Cox proportional hazards analysis. Out of 1,711,548 individuals (54% female, mean age 61.4 years), 10-year mortality was observed in 218,252 (12.8%). Males had a higher mortality rate than females (16.2% vs. 9.8%; p < 0.001). When adjusting for age, body mass index, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and alcohol consumption, the low and extremely high HDL-C groups had significantly higher hazard ratios for 10-year mortality compared to the high HDL-C group in males [1.183 (1.166-1.199), 1.359 (1.288-1.434)] and in females [1.153 (1.138-1.169), 1.095 (1.029-1.167)]. The frequency distribution bars for the 10-year mortality rate showed sex-specific nadirs of 50-59 mg/dL in males and 70-79 mg/dL in females. In this ASCVD cohort, the extremely high HDL-C (>90 mg/dL) group had 35.9% and 9.5% higher 10-year mortality risks than the high HDL-C group for males and females, respectively. There was a slightly U-shaped relationship between baseline HDL-C levels and a 10-year mortality rate, with earlier inflection in males than in females.

Radiologic Progression of Interstitial Lung Abnormalities following Surgical Resection in Patients with Lung Cancer

In this study, we aimed to assess the prevalence of interstitial lung abnormalities (ILAs) and investigate the rates and risk factors associated with radiologic ILA progression among patients with lung cancer following surgical resection. Patients who underwent surgical resection for lung cancer at our institution from January 2015 to December 2020 were retrospectively evaluated and grouped according to their ILA status as having no ILAs, equivocal ILAs, or ILAs. Progression was determined by simultaneously reviewing the baseline and corresponding follow-up computed tomography (CT) scans. Among 346 patients (median age: 67 (interquartile range: 60-74) years, 204 (59.0%) men), 22 (6.4%) had equivocal ILAs, and 33 (9.5%) had ILAs detected upon baseline CT. Notably, six patients (6/291; 2.1%) without ILAs upon baseline CT later developed ILAs, and 50% (11/22) of those with equivocal ILAs exhibited progression. Furthermore, 75.8% (25/33) of patients with ILAs upon baseline CT exhibited ILA progression (76.9% and 71.4% with fibrotic and non-fibrotic ILAs, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that ILA status was a significant risk factor for ILA progression. ILAs and equivocal ILAs were associated with radiologic ILA progression after surgical resection in patients with lung cancer. Hence, early ILA detection can significantly affect clinical outcomes.

Utility of Presepsin and Interferon-λ3 for Predicting Disease Severity and Clinical Outcomes in COVID-19 Patients

We explored the utility of novel biomarkers, presepsin and interferon-λ3 (IFN-λ3), for predicting disease severity and clinical outcomes in hospitalized Coronavirus (COVID-19) patients. In a total of 55 patients (non-critical, n = 16; critical, n = 39), presepsin and IFN-λ3 were compared with sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores and age. Disease severity and clinical outcomes (in-hospital mortality, intensive care unit admission, ventilator use, and kidney replacement therapy) were analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. In-hospital mortality was also analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method with hazard ratios (HR). SOFA scores, age, presepsin, and IFN-λ3 predicted disease severity comparably (area under the curve [AUC], 0.67-0.73). SOFA score and IFN-λ3 predicted clinical outcomes comparably (AUC, 0.68-0.88 and 0.66-0.74, respectively). Presepsin predicted in-hospital mortality (AUC = 0.74). The combination of presepsin and IFN-λ3 showed a higher mortality risk than SOFA score or age (HR [95% confidence interval, CI], 6.7 [1.8-24.1]; 3.6 [1.1-12.1]; 2.8 [0.8-9.6], respectively) and mortality rate further increased when presepsin and IFN-λ3 were added to SOFA scores or age (8.5 [6.8-24.6], 4.2 [0.9-20.6], respectively). In the elderly (≥65 years), in-hospital mortality rate was significantly higher when both presepsin and IFN-λ3 levels increased than when either one or no biomarker level increased (88.9% vs. 14.3%, p < 0.001). Presepsin and IFN-λ3 predicted disease severity and clinical outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Both biomarkers, whether alone or added to the clinical assessment, could be useful for managing COVID-19 patients, especially the elderly.

Latarjet procedure for failed Bankart repair provides better stability and return to sports, but worse postoperative pain and external rotation limitations with more complications, compared to revision Bankart repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

This study aimed to compare the clinical results of revision Bankart repair versus the Latarjet procedure for failed Bankart repair.

METHODS

A literature search was performed in databases, such as Pubmed, Embase, and Scopus Library. The studies were appraised using the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies tool. Studies for failed Bankart repair with revision Bankart repair or Latarjet procedure were included. The pain VAS, ROWE score, rate of return to sports and preinjury level of sports, recurrent instability, range of motion, and complications were compared. Additionally, the pain VAS, ROWE score, forward flexion, and external rotation at side were subjected to a meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-four articles were included in the systematic review. The functional outcomes in terms of the ROWE score, recurrent instability, return to sports, and the preinjury level of sports was better in the Latarjet procedure group than those in the revision Bankart repair group (ROWE score, 91 vs. 86.7; recurrent instability rate, 3.5% vs. 14.4%; return to sports rate, 100% vs. 87.9%; return to preinjury level of sports rate, 89.9% vs. 74.9%; all P < 0.001). However, the results of postoperative pain and the postoperative limitation of external rotation at side were worse in the Latarjet procedure group than those in the revision Bankart repair group (pain VAS, 1.4 vs. 0.8; postoperative external rotation at side, 38° vs. 60°; all P < 0.001). In addition, the majority of the complications occurred in the Latarjet procedure group. In the meta-analysis, the postoperative ROWE score was significantly higher in the Latarjet procedure group than that in the revision Bankart group (revision Bankart repair: 95% CI 88.9-80.9, I² = 65.70; Latarjet procedure: 95% CI 95.8-88.1, I² = 93.37; P = 0.014). However, the pain VAS, forward flexion, and external rotation at side did not reach the significant level in the meta-analysis.

CONCLUSION

Compared with revision Bankart repair, the Latarjet procedure for failed Bankart repair showed better ROWE scores, stability, and return to sports or preinjury level of sports; however, the postoperative pain and the limitation of external rotation at side were worse with more complications.

IRB NO

KUMC 2022-01-024.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

A Pilot Study of Autonomic Function Screening Tests for Differentiating Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type II and Traumatic Neuropathic Pain

Background and Objectives: One of the most challenging tasks in a clinical setting is to differentiate between complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) type II and traumatic neuropathic pain (NeP). CRPS is characterized by several dysautonomic manifestations, such as edema, hyper/hypohidrosis, skin color change, and tachycardia. This study compared the outcomes of autonomic function screening tests in patients with CRPS type II and traumatic NeP for diagnostic differentiation. Materials and Methods: CRPS type II was diagnosed according to the Budapest research criteria, while NeP was diagnosed according to the updated grading system suggested by the International Association for the Study of Pain Special Interest Group on Neuropathic Pain in 2016. Twenty patients with CRPS type II and twenty-five with traumatic NeP were investigated. Results: Twelve patients with CRPS type II presented abnormal results for the quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test (QSART). Abnormal QSART results were more common in the CRPS type II group. Conclusions: Analysis of QSART combined with other ancillary tests can help in the differential diagnosis of CRPS type II and traumatic NeP if factors influencing abnormal QSART are sufficiently controlled.

Evaluation of Humoral Immune Response after SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Using Two Binding Antibody Assays and a Neutralizing Antibody Assay

Multiple vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been developed and administered to mitigate the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We assessed the humoral response of BNT162b2 and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 using Siemens SARS-CoV-2 IgG (sCOVG; cutoff of ≥1.0 U/ml), Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quant (CoV-2 IgG II; cutoff of ≥50.0 AU/ml), and GenScript cPASS SARS-CoV-2 neutralization antibody detection kits (cPASS; cutoff of ≥30% inhibition). We collected 710 serum samples (174 samples after BNT162b2 and 536 samples after ChAdOx1 nCoV-19). Venous blood was obtained 3 weeks after first and second vaccinations. In both vaccines, sCOVG, CoV-2 IgG II, and cPASS showed a high seropositive rate (>95.7%) except for cPASS after the first vaccination with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (68.8%). Using sCOVG and CoV-2 IgG II, the ratios of antibody value (second/first) increased 10.6- and 11.4-fold in BNT162b2 (first 14.1, second 134.8 U/ml; first 1,416.2, second 14,326.4 AU/ml) and 2.3- and 2.0-fold in ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (first 4.0, second 9.1 U/ml; first 431.0, second 9,744.0 AU/ml). cPASS-positive results indicated a very high concordance rate with sCOVG and CoV-2 IgG II (>98%), whereas cPASS-negative results showed a relatively low concordance rate (range of 22.2% to 66.7%). To predict cPASS positivity, we suggested additional cutoffs for sCOVG and CoV-2 IgG II at 2.42 U/ml and 284 AU/ml, respectively. In conclusion, BNT162b2 and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 evoked robust humoral responses. sCOVG and CoV-2 IgG II showed a very strong correlation with cPASS. sCOVG and CoV-2 IgG II may predict the presence of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. IMPORTANCE The Siemens severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) IgG (sCOVG; Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc., NY, USA) and Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quant (CoV-2 IgG II; Abbott Laboratories, Sligo, Ireland), which are automated, quantitative SARS-CoV-2-binding antibody assays, have been recently launched. This study aimed to evaluate the humoral immune response of BNT162b2 and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccines using sCOVG and CoV-2 IgG II and compare the quantitative values with the results of the GenScript surrogate virus neutralization test (cPASS; GenScript, USA Inc., NJ, USA). Our findings demonstrated that both BNT162b2 and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 elicited a robust humoral response after the first vaccination and further increased after the second vaccination. sCOVG and CoV-2 IgG II showed a strong correlation, and the concordance rates among sCOVG, CoV-2 IgG II, and cPASS were very high in the cPASS-positive results. The additional cutoff sCOVG and CoV-2 IgG II could predict the results of cPASS.

Shrinkage of hepatocellular carcinoma after radiofrequency ablation following transcatheter arterial chemoembolization: Analysis of contributing factors

Objective

This study was conducted to investigate tumor shrinkage and influencing factors in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from radiofrequency (RF) ablation following transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE).

Methods

A total of 222 patients underwent combined sequential treatment of TACE and RF ablation for HCC at our institution between 2008 and 2014. Of those, 86 patients (men, 68; women, 18) who achieved compact iodized oil tagging and complete ablation were included for this retrospective study. We measured three-dimensional tumor diameters and calculated tumor volumes on pre-treatment CT/MRI and follow-up CT scans performed post-TACE, post-ablation, and 1 month post-treatment, respectively. To compare periodically generated tumor diameters and volumes, repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify factors impacting tumor shrinkage after RF ablation.

Results

Diameters and volumes of HCCs declined significantly in the immediate aftermath of RF ablation (i.e., between post-TACE and post-ablation CT scans) (p < 0.001, for both). Mean reduction rates in tumor diameter and volume immediately after RF ablation were 18.2 ± 9.1% and 44.4 ± 14.6%, respectively. Of note, tumors of left hepatic lobe and in subphrenic or perivascular locations showed lower rates of post-ablative volume reduction than those in counterpart locations (p = 0.002, 0.046, 0.024, respectively). Tumor size and liver function did not influence tumor shrinkage after RF ablation.

Conclusion

In patients with HCC, significant tumor shrinkage occurs immediately after RF ablation. The degree of shrinkage in response to ablative treatment seems to vary by tumor location.

Isoflurane's Effect on Intraoperative Systolic Left Ventricular Performance in Cardiac Valve Surgery Patients

BACKGROUND

Isoflurane, a common anesthetic for cardiac surgery, reduced myocardial contractility in many experimental studies, few studies have determined isoflurane's direct impact on the left ventricular (LV) contractile function during cardiac surgery. We determined whether isoflurane dose-dependently reduces the peak systolic velocity of the lateral mitral annulus in tissue Doppler imaging (S') in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

METHODS

During isoflurane-supplemented remifentanil-based anesthesia for patients undergoing cardiac surgery with preoperative LV ejection fraction greater than 50% (n = 20), we analyzed the changes of S' at each isoflurane dose increment (1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 minimum alveolar concentration [MAC]: T1, T2, and T3, respectively) with a fixed remifentanil dosage (1.0 μg/min/kg) by using transesophageal echocardiography.

RESULTS

Mean S' values (95% confidence interval [CI]) at T1, T2, and T3 were 10.5 (8.8-12.2), 9.5 (8.3-10.8), and 8.4 (7.3-9.5) cm/s, respectively (P < 0.001 in multivariate analysis of variance test). Their mean differences at T1 vs. T2, T2 vs. T3, and T1 vs. T3 were -1.0 (-1.6, -0.3), -1.1 (-1.7, -0.6), and -2.1 (-3.1, -1.1) cm/s, respectively. Phenylephrine infusion rates were significantly increased (0.26, 0.22, and 0.47 μg/kg/min at T1, T2, and T3, respectively, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Isoflurane increments (1.0-2.0 MAC) dose-dependently reduced LV systolic long-axis performance during cardiac surgeries with a preserved preoperative systolic function.