Detection of Microcalcifications in Spiral Breast Computed Tomography with Photon-Counting Detector Is Feasible: A Specimen Study

The primary objective of the study was to compare a spiral breast computed tomography system (SBCT) to digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) for the detection of microcalcifications (MCs) in breast specimens. The secondary objective was to compare various reconstruction modes in SBCT. In total, 54 breast biopsy specimens were examined with mammography as a standard reference, with DBT, and with a dedicated SBCT containing a photon-counting detector. Three different reconstruction modes were applied for SBCT datasets (Recon1 = voxel size (0.15 mm)3, smooth kernel; Recon2 = voxel size (0.05 mm)3, smooth kernel; Recon3 = voxel size (0.05 mm)3, sharp kernel). Sensitivity and specificity of DBT and SBCT for the detection of suspicious MCs were analyzed, and the McNemar test was used for comparisons. Diagnostic confidence of the two readers (Likert Scale 1 = not confident; 5 = completely confident) was analyzed with ANOVA. Regarding detection of MCs, reader 1 had a higher sensitivity for DBT (94.3%) and Recon2 (94.9%) compared to Recon1 (88.5%; p 0.05). The diagnostic confidence of reader 1 was better with SBCT than with DBT (DBT 4.48 ± 0.88, Recon1 4.77 ± 0.66, Recon2 4.89 ± 0.44, and Recon3 4.75 ± 0.72; DBT vs. Recon1/2/3: p < 0.05), while reader 2 found no differences. Sensitivity and specificity for the detection of MCs in breast specimens is equal for DBT and SBCT when a small voxel size of (0.05 mm)3 is used with an equal or better diagnostic confidence for SBCT compared to DBT

Detection of Microcalcifications in Spiral Breast Computed Tomography with Photon-Counting Detector Is Feasible: A Specimen Study

The primary objective of the study was to compare a spiral breast computed tomography system (SBCT) to digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) for the detection of microcalcifications (MCs) in breast specimens. The secondary objective was to compare various reconstruction modes in SBCT. In total, 54 breast biopsy specimens were examined with mammography as a standard reference, with DBT, and with a dedicated SBCT containing a photon-counting detector. Three different reconstruction modes were applied for SBCT datasets (Recon1 = voxel size (0.15 mm)3, smooth kernel; Recon2 = voxel size (0.05 mm)3, smooth kernel; Recon3 = voxel size (0.05 mm)3, sharp kernel). Sensitivity and specificity of DBT and SBCT for the detection of suspicious MCs were analyzed, and the McNemar test was used for comparisons. Diagnostic confidence of the two readers (Likert Scale 1 = not confident; 5 = completely confident) was analyzed with ANOVA. Regarding detection of MCs, reader 1 had a higher sensitivity for DBT (94.3%) and Recon2 (94.9%) compared to Recon1 (88.5%; p &lt; 0.05), while sensitivity for Recon3 was 92.4%. Respectively, reader 2 had a higher sensitivity for DBT (93.0%), Recon2 (92.4%), and Recon3 (93.0%) compared to Recon1 (86.0%; p &lt; 0.05). Specificities ranged from 84.7–94.9% for both readers (p &gt; 0.05). The diagnostic confidence of reader 1 was better with SBCT than with DBT (DBT 4.48 ± 0.88, Recon1 4.77 ± 0.66, Recon2 4.89 ± 0.44, and Recon3 4.75 ± 0.72; DBT vs. Recon1/2/3: p &lt; 0.05), while reader 2 found no differences. Sensitivity and specificity for the detection of MCs in breast specimens is equal for DBT and SBCT when a small voxel size of (0.05 mm)3 is used with an equal or better diagnostic confidence for SBCT compared to DBT

Phantom study for comparison between computed tomography- and C-Arm computed tomography-guided puncture applied by residents in radiology

Purpose Comparison of puncture deviation and puncture duration between computed tomography (CT)- and C-arm CT (CACT)-guided puncture performed by residents in training (RiT). Methods In a cohort of 25 RiTs enrolled in a research training program either CT- or CACT-guided puncture was performed on a phantom. Prior to the experiments, the RiT’s level of training, experience playing a musical instrument, video games, and ball sports, and self-assessed manual skills and spatial skills were recorded. Each RiT performed two punctures. The first puncture was performed with a transaxial or single angulated needle path and the second with a single or double angulated needle path. Puncture deviation and puncture duration were compared between the procedures and were correlated with the self-assessments. Results RiTs in both the CT guidance and CACT guidance groups did not differ with respect to radiologic experience (p = 1), angiographic experience (p = 0.415), and number of ultrasound-guided puncture procedures (p = 0.483), CT-guided puncture procedures (p = 0.934), and CACT-guided puncture procedures (p = 0.466). The puncture duration was significantly longer with CT guidance (without navigation tool) than with CACT guidance with navigation software (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the puncture duration between the first and second puncture using CT guidance (p = 0.719). However, in the case of CACT, the second puncture was significantly faster (p = 0.006). Puncture deviations were not different between CT-guided and CACT-guided puncture (p = 0.337) and between the first and second puncture of CT-guided and CACT-guided puncture (CT: p = 0.130; CACT: p = 0.391). The self-assessment of manual skills did not correlate with puncture deviation (p = 0.059) and puncture duration (p = 0.158). The self-assessed spatial skills correlated positively with puncture deviation (p = 0.011) but not with puncture duration (p = 0.541). Conclusion The RiTs achieved a puncture deviation that was clinically adequate with respect to their level of training and did not differ between CT-guided and CACT-guided puncture. The puncture duration was shorter when using CACT. CACT guidance with navigation software support has a potentially steeper learning curve. Spatial skills might accelerate the learning of image-guided puncture. Key Points:  Citation FormatZiel Vergleich der Punktionsabweichung und -dauer zwischen Computertomografie (CT) – und C-Arm-CT (CACT) -gesteuertem Punktionsverfahren bei Anwendung durch Assistenzärzte in Weiterbildung (AiW). Material und Methode In einer Kohorte von 25 AiW, die Teil einer wissenschaftlichen Förderung waren, wurden entweder CT- oder CACT-gesteuerte Punktionen an einem Phantom durchgeführt. Vor Beginn wurden der Weiterbildungsstand, die Erfahrung mit Spielen eines Musikinstruments, mit Videospielen und mit Ballsportarten und die Selbsteinschätzung von manueller Geschicklichkeit und räumlichem Denkvermögen abgefragt. Jede/r AiW führte 2 Punktionen durch, wobei die 1. Punktion mit einem transaxialen bzw. einfach angulierten Nadelpfad und die 2. Punktion mit einem einfach bzw. doppelt angulierten Nadelpfad erfolgte. Punktionsabweichung und -dauer wurden zwischen den Verfahren verglichen und mit den Selbsteinschätzungen korreliert. Ergebnisse Die beiden Gruppen der AiW zeigten keine Unterschiede in der Erfahrung in der Radiologie (p = 1), in der Angiografie (p = 0.415) und in der Anzahl bereits durchgeführter Punktionen gesteuert durch Ultraschall (p = 0,483), CT (p = 0,934) und CACT (p = 0,466). In der CT (ohne Navigationssoftware) war die Punktionsdauer signifikant länger als mit der CACT-Bildsteuerung mit Navigationssoftware (p < 0,001). Bei der Punktionsdauer zeigten sich keine signifikanten Unterschiede zwischen der 1. und 2. Punktion im CT (p = 0,719), während die 2. Punktion mit CACT schneller durchgeführt werden konnte (p = 0,006). Die Punktionsabweichung war weder signifikant zwischen CT- und CACT-Bildsteuerung (p = 0,337), noch zwischen der 1. und 2. Punktion der jeweiligen Verfahren (CT: p = 0,130; CACT: p = 0,391). Die Selbsteinschätzung der manuellen Geschicklichkeit korrelierte nicht mit der Punktionsabweichung (p = 0,059) und -dauer (p = 0,158). Das subjektive räumliche Denkvermögen zeigte eine moderate positive Korrelation zur Punktionsabweichung (p = 0,011), aber nicht zur -dauer (p = 0,541). Schlussfolgerung Die AiW erreichten eine dem Ausbildungsstand entsprechende, klinisch adäquate Punktionsabweichung unter CT- und CACT-Bildsteuerung. Die CACT-gesteuerten Punktionen mit Unterstützung durch Navigationssoftware wurden schneller durchgeführt, und auch die Lernkurve war mit CACT-Bildsteuerung steiler. Räumliches Denkvermögen kann möglicherweise das Erlernen bildgesteuerter Punktionen beschleunigen. Kernaussagen:  ZitierweisePurpose Comparison of puncture deviation and puncture duration between computed tomography (CT)- and C-arm CT (CACT)-guided puncture performed by residents in training (RiT). Methods In a cohort of 25 RiTs enrolled in a research training program either CT- or CACT-guided puncture was performed on a phantom. Prior to the experiments, the RiT’s level of training, experience playing a musical instrument, video games, and ball sports, and self-assessed manual skills and spatial skills were recorded. Each RiT performed two punctures. The first puncture was performed with a transaxial or single angulated needle path and the second with a single or double angulated needle path. Puncture deviation and puncture duration were compared between the procedures and were correlated with the self-assessments. Results RiTs in both the CT guidance and CACT guidance groups did not differ with respect to radiologic experience (p = 1), angiographic experience (p = 0.415), and number of ultrasound-guided puncture procedures (p = 0.483), CT-guided puncture procedures (p = 0.934), and CACT-guided puncture procedures (p = 0.466). The puncture duration was significantly longer with CT guidance (without navigation tool) than with CACT guidance with navigation software (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the puncture duration between the first and second puncture using CT guidance (p = 0.719). However, in the case of CACT, the second puncture was significantly faster (p = 0.006). Puncture deviations were not different between CT-guided and CACT-guided puncture (p = 0.337) and between the first and second puncture of CT-guided and CACT-guided puncture (CT: p = 0.130; CACT: p = 0.391). The self-assessment of manual skills did not correlate with puncture deviation (p = 0.059) and puncture duration (p = 0.158). The self-assessed spatial skills correlated positively with puncture deviation (p = 0.011) but not with puncture duration (p = 0.541). Conclusion The RiTs achieved a puncture deviation that was clinically adequate with respect to their level of training and did not differ between CT-guided and CACT-guided puncture. The puncture duration was shorter when using CACT. CACT guidance with navigation software support has a potentially steeper learning curve. Spatial skills might accelerate the learning of image-guided puncture. Key Points:  Citation FormatZiel Vergleich der Punktionsabweichung und -dauer zwischen Computertomografie (CT) – und C-Arm-CT (CACT) -gesteuertem Punktionsverfahren bei Anwendung durch Assistenzärzte in Weiterbildung (AiW). Material und Methode In einer Kohorte von 25 AiW, die Teil einer wissenschaftlichen Förderung waren, wurden entweder CT- oder CACT-gesteuerte Punktionen an einem Phantom durchgeführt. Vor Beginn wurden der Weiterbildungsstand, die Erfahrung mit Spielen eines Musikinstruments, mit Videospielen und mit Ballsportarten und die Selbsteinschätzung von manueller Geschicklichkeit und räumlichem Denkvermögen abgefragt. Jede/r AiW führte 2 Punktionen durch, wobei die 1. Punktion mit einem transaxialen bzw. einfach angulierten Nadelpfad und die 2. Punktion mit einem einfach bzw. doppelt angulierten Nadelpfad erfolgte. Punktionsabweichung und -dauer wurden zwischen den Verfahren verglichen und mit den Selbsteinschätzungen korreliert. Ergebnisse Die beiden Gruppen der AiW zeigten keine Unterschiede in der Erfahrung in der Radiologie (p = 1), in der Angiografie (p = 0.415) und in der Anzahl bereits durchgeführter Punktionen gesteuert durch Ultraschall (p = 0,483), CT (p = 0,934) und CACT (p = 0,466). In der CT (ohne Navigationssoftware) war die Punktionsdauer signifikant länger als mit der CACT-Bildsteuerung mit Navigationssoftware (p < 0,001). Bei der Punktionsdauer zeigten sich keine signifikanten Unterschiede zwischen der 1. und 2. Punktion im CT (p = 0,719), während die 2. Punktion mit CACT schneller durchgeführt werden konnte (p = 0,006). Die Punktionsabweichung war weder signifikant zwischen CT- und CACT-Bildsteuerung (p = 0,337), noch zwischen der 1. und 2. Punktion der jeweiligen Verfahren (CT: p = 0,130; CACT: p = 0,391). Die Selbsteinschätzung der manuellen Geschicklichkeit korrelierte nicht mit der Punktionsabweichung (p = 0,059) und -dauer (p = 0,158). Das subjektive räumliche Denkvermögen zeigte eine moderate positive Korrelation zur Punktionsabweichung (p = 0,011), aber nicht zur -dauer (p = 0,541). Schlussfolgerung Die AiW erreichten eine dem Ausbildungsstand entsprechende, klinisch adäquate Punktionsabweichung unter CT- und CACT-Bildsteuerung. Die CACT-gesteuerten Punktionen mit Unterstützung durch Navigationssoftware wurden schneller durchgeführt, und auch die Lernkurve war mit CACT-Bildsteuerung steiler. Räumliches Denkvermögen kann möglicherweise das Erlernen bildgesteuerter Punktionen beschleunigen. Kernaussagen:  Zitierweis

Loss of 4q21.23-22.1 is a prognostic marker for disease free and overall survival in non-small cell lung cancer.

This study was performed to assess the prognostic relevance of genomic aberrations at chromosome 4q in NSCLC patients. We have previously identified copy number changes at 4q12-q32 to be significantly associated with the early hematogenous dissemination of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and now aim to narrow down potential hot-spots within this 107 Mb spanning region. Using eight microsatellite markers at position 4q12-35, allelic imbalance (AI) analyses were performed on a preliminary study cohort (n = 86). Positions indicating clinicopathological and prognostic associations in AI analyses were further validated in a larger study cohort using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in 209 NSCLC patients. Losses at positions 4q21.23 and 4q22.1 were shown to be associated with advanced clinicopathological characteristics as well as with shortened disease free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) (DFS: P = 0.019; OS: P = 0.002). Multivariate analyses identified the losses of 4q21.23-22.1 to be an independent prognostic marker for both DFS and OS in NSCLC (HR 1.64-2.20, all P<0.04), and especially in squamous cell lung cancer (P<0.05). A case report study of a lung cancer patient further revealed a loss of 4q21.23 in disseminated tumor cells (DTCs). Neither gains at the latter positions, nor genomic aberrations at 4q12, 4q31.2 and 4q35.1, indicated a prognostic relevance. In conclusion, our data indicate that loss at 4q21.23-22.1 in NSCLC is of prognostic relevance in NSCLC patients and thus, includes potential new tumor suppressor genes with clinical relevance

Multivariate analysis RP11-1053C2.

<p>Cox regression hazard model was used for multivariate analysis to assess the prognostic value of aberrations.</p><p>HR, hazard ratio; CI, confidence interval; UICC, Union for International Cancer Control.</p><p>Multivariate analysis RP11-1053C2.</p

Allelotyping results.

<p>AI: allelic imbalance; NI: non-informative;</p><p>values in parenthesis are percentages.</p><p>Allelotyping results.</p

Loss of 4q21.23 in DTCs and tumor tissue of a NSCLC patient.

<p>Bone-marrow cells of the patient were immunocytochemically stained against cytokeratin using the APAAP method. A positive DTC (red) and a negative leukocyte (brown) are shown. <b>B</b>: Bone-marrow cells of the patient were stained fluorescently against cytokeratin (red signal) followed by FISH analysis in <b>C</b>) with RP11-1053C2 probe and Cen3 probe (RP11-1053C2 probe: 1 green signal; Cen3 probe: 3 spectrum orange signals; nuclear staining in DAPI). Cen7 probe (Cen7 probe: spectrum aqua displayed in the pseudo-color magenta) was in addition used for FISH analysis on <b>D</b>) primary tumor (2–5 orange signals/cell, 2–4 magenta signals/cell and 0–2 green signals/cell) and <b>E</b>) tumor relapse FFPE material (3–6 orange, 4–5 magenta and 1–3 green signals/cell).</p

Estimated probability of disease free survival.

<p>A: Copy number loss at position 4q21.23 (RP11-570L13) revealed a trend towards shorter median disease free survival (DFS) in univariate analysis (12.5 months versus 28.0 months, <i>P = </i>0.056). B: Copy number loss at position 4q21.23 (RP11-570L13) in the squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) subgroup showed strong correlations with shorter DFS (11.2 months versus 39.1 months) <i>P = </i>0.031. C: Copy number loss at position 4q22.1 (RP11-1053C2) showed significant correlations with shorter DFS (12.5 months versus 32.7 months), <i>P = </i>0.010. D: Copy number loss at position 4q22.1 (RP11-1053C2) showed significant correlations with shorter DFS in SqCC subgroup (11.7 months versus 35.5 months), <i>P = </i>0.027. Survival plots for gain aberrations were faded out for the sake of clarity.</p

Estimated probability of overall survival.

<p>A: Copy number loss at position 4q21.23 (RP11-570L13) revealed strong correlations with shorter median overall survival (OS) in univariate analysis (23.9 months versus 42.6 months), <i>P = </i>0.033. B: Copy number loss at position 4q21.23 (RP11-570L13) in the squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) subgroup showed strong correlations with shorter OS (12.5 months versus 41 months), <i>P = </i>0.031 C: Copy number loss at position 4q22.1 (RP11-1053C2) showed significant correlations with shorter DFS (25.8 months versus 40.3 months), <i>P = </i>0.012. D: Copy number loss at position 4q22.1 (RP11-1053C2) showed significant correlations with shorter DFS in adenocarcinoma subgroup (10.0 months versus 43.1 months), <i>P = </i>0.035. Survival plots for gain aberrations were faded out for the sake of clarity.</p