The nonspecific lymph node uptake of 18F-choline in patients with prostate cancer — a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to observe and characterize the nonspecific 18F-choline lymph node uptake in patients with prostate cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this single center, prospective observational study which was done in University Hospital Center Zagreb between December 2012 and October 2014, 69 patients (median age 71 years; range 50–92) with prostate cancer were included. Patients underwent 18F-choline PET/CT for staging or restaging of prostate cancer. The mean follow-up period was 11.5 months. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to find out if the differences between SUV values of specific and nonspecific accumulation of the tracer are statistically significant. RESULTS: Nonspecific accumulation of 18F-choline in lymph nodes was found in 36 patients (52.7%). Most of these findings (n = 24) were nonspecific accumulation of the tracer in mediastinal lymph nodes. Other sites of nonspecific tracer uptake were pulmonary hila (n = 20), inguinal lymph nodes (n = 15), and axillary lymph nodes (n = 10). Mean SUV values for mediastinal lymph nodes, pulmonary hila, axillary and inguinal lymph nodes were 4.8, 4.3, 3.1 and 4.1, respectively. Mean SUV value of nonspecific sites of tracer accumulation was lower (not significantly; (p = 0.2) than tracer uptake values measured in metastases sites (bone metastases mean SUVmax value — 13.2, metastatic lymph nodes mean SUVmax value — 9.2). CONCLUSIONS: 18F-choline PET/CT is a valuable and an established functional diagnostic imaging method for staging and restaging prostate cancer. However, nonspecific uptake of the tracer can often be seen in lymph nodes not related to primary disease. Patient history, clinical examination, laboratory tests and correlation with other imaging methods, must be taken into consideration when interpreting 18F-choline PET/CT findings

Unaprjeđenje iskorištavanja resursa u tekstilnoj industriji prelaskom na kružno gospodarstvo

Preservation of the Planet Earth and facing of global climate, environmental and societal challenges, require the harmonization of all human resources. The paper presents importance of The European Green Deal and its most important measures - improving resource efficiency by moving towards a clean, circular economy. The principles of the circular economy system, improvements, specialization and modernization of directions for its better and more efficient implementation in the economy and society are described. The situation of textile waste management and the application of the circular economy in the textile industry in the Republic of Croatia, as well as in the European Union, are presented. Additionally, possibilities of textile engineer’s contribution to environmental issues through implementation of sustainability principles in the processes of textile technologies is presented.Za očuvanje planeta Zemlje, a posebno u suočavanju s globalnim klimatskim, ekološkim i socijalnim promjenama, potrebno je ujedinjenje svih ljudskih potencijala. U tom smislu se u radu razmatra značaj Europskog zelenog plana i njegove najvažnije mjere - unaprjeđenje učinkovitog iskorištavanja resursa prelaskom na čisto kružno gospodarstvo. Navedena su načela sustava kružnog gospodarstva, poboljšanja, usavršavanja i osuvremenjivanja smjerova razvitka za što bolju i učinkovitiju implementaciju u gospodarstvo i općenito u društvo. Prikazana je situacija gospodarenja tekstilnim otpadom i primjena kružnog gospodarstva u tekstilnoj industriji u Republici Hrvatskoj, kao i u Europskoj uniji. Dodatno su predstavljene mogućnosti inženjerskog doprinosa u rješavanju problematike zaštite okoliša i održivosti tekstilnih tehnologija, posebno kroz učinkovito korištenje resursa - izborom sirovina i različitih visokoučinkovitih postupaka oplemenjivanja tekstila

Unaprjeđenje iskorištavanja resursa u tekstilnoj industriji prelaskom na kružno gospodarstvo

Preservation of the Planet Earth and facing of global climate, environmental and societal challenges, require the harmonization of all human resources. The paper presents importance of The European Green Deal and its most important measures - improving resource efficiency by moving towards a clean, circular economy. The principles of the circular economy system, improvements, specialization and modernization of directions for its better and more efficient implementation in the economy and society are described. The situation of textile waste management and the application of the circular economy in the textile industry in the Republic of Croatia, as well as in the European Union, are presented. Additionally, possibilities of textile engineer’s contribution to environmental issues through implementation of sustainability principles in the processes of textile technologies is presented.Za očuvanje planeta Zemlje, a posebno u suočavanju s globalnim klimatskim, ekološkim i socijalnim promjenama, potrebno je ujedinjenje svih ljudskih potencijala. U tom smislu se u radu razmatra značaj Europskog zelenog plana i njegove najvažnije mjere - unaprjeđenje učinkovitog iskorištavanja resursa prelaskom na čisto kružno gospodarstvo. Navedena su načela sustava kružnog gospodarstva, poboljšanja, usavršavanja i osuvremenjivanja smjerova razvitka za što bolju i učinkovitiju implementaciju u gospodarstvo i općenito u društvo. Prikazana je situacija gospodarenja tekstilnim otpadom i primjena kružnog gospodarstva u tekstilnoj industriji u Republici Hrvatskoj, kao i u Europskoj uniji. Dodatno su predstavljene mogućnosti inženjerskog doprinosa u rješavanju problematike zaštite okoliša i održivosti tekstilnih tehnologija, posebno kroz učinkovito korištenje resursa - izborom sirovina i različitih visokoučinkovitih postupaka oplemenjivanja tekstila

ULTRASOUND GUIDED BREAST BIOPSY – A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY AND LITERATURE REVIEW

Cilj. Svrha je istraživanja retrospektivno analizirati točnost i kliničku vrijednost biopsije širokom iglom pod kontrolom ultrazvuka (UZ) sumnjivih lezija u dojci. Materijali i metode. Retrospektivno su analizirani nalazi patohistološke analize 229 sumnjivih lezija u dojci koji su dobiveni biopsijom širokom iglom pod UZ kontrolom u razdoblju od 14 mjeseci. Sumnjive su lezije otkrivene mamografijom i/ili ultrazvukom (BI-RADS 4 ili 5). Ako je nakon biopsije postojala nepodudarnost radiološkog i patohistološkog nalaza, ponovila se biopsija širokom iglom ili se učinila kirurška biopsija lezije. U slučaju benignih lezija bolesnice su bile naručene na UZ kontrolu za šest mjeseci, a za granično maligne lezije i maligne lezije preporučena je kirurška ekscizija. Uspoređeni su nalazi biopsije širokom iglom i kirurške ekscizije. Rezultati. Patohistološkom analizom bioptiranih lezija otkrivene su 143 (62,4%) benigne lezije, 21 (9,2%) granično maligna lezija i 65 (28,4%) malignih lezija. Praćenjem, ponovljenom biopsijom ili kirurškom ekscizijom dokazana su četiri lažno negativna nalaza. Točnost biopsije širokom iglom pod UZ kontrolom iznosila je 98,3%. Zaključak. Biopsija širokom iglom pouzdana je metoda za postavljanje dijagnoze sumnjivih lezija u dojci bez značajnijih komplikacija.Aim. The purpose of this study is to determine the accuracy and clinical usefulness of ultrasound guided core biopsy for diagnosing suspicious radiologically detected breast lesions. Patients and methods. We retrospectively evaluated the results of percutaneous core biopsy with 14-gauge needles performed over a period of 14 months on 229 suspicious lesions detectable on mammography and/or ultrasound exam (BI-RADS 4 or 5). The imaging-histological concordance was ascertained for each lesion. In cases of discordance, repeat biopsy or surgical excision was performed. Six-month ultrasound control was recommended in cases of benign lesions. For borderline and malignant lesions a surgical excision was done. Concordance between biopsy results and subsequent examinations (surgical excision or follow-up) was also evaluated. Results. Histological analysis of core biopsy samples showed 143 (62.4%) benign lesions, 21 (9.2%) borderline lesions and 65 (28.4%) malignant lesions. Follow-up, repeated biopsy, or surgical excision showed four false negative cases. Accuracy of ultrasound guided core biopsy was 98.3%. Conclusion. Ultrasound guided core biopsy is a safe and reliable method for diagnosing suspicious breast lesions without any significant complications as was reported in previous studies

The value of positron emission tomography/computed tomography with fluor-18-choline in follow-up of prostate cancer patients with biochemical relapse

Cilj: Karcinom prostate najčešća je zloćudna neoplazma u muškaraca te treći uzrok smrtnosti od karcinoma u zemljama Europske unije. Nakon provedene inicijalne terapije, u oko 20-50% pacijenata dolazi do biokemijskog povrata bolesti. Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je ispitati korist nuklearno-medicinske metode F-18-kolin PET/CT-a u procjeni aktivnosti bolesti u bolesnika nakon provedene inicijalne terapije karcinoma prostate, a pod sumnjom na biokemijski povrat bolesti. ----- Metode: U prospektivno istraživanje uključeno je 150 muškaraca nakon provedene inicijalne terapije karcinoma prostate, upućenih od specijalista onkologije ili urologije zbog porasta serumskih vrijednosti ukupnog PSA i sumnje na biokemijski povrat bolesti. Snimljena je pozitronska emisijska tomografija udružena s kompjutoriziranom tomografijom 20 minuta nakon intravenskog injiciranja radiofarmaka F-18-kolin, a injicirane aktivnosti individualizirane su prema tjelesnoj težini svakog ispitanika. Kliničko praćenje od najmanje šest mjeseci uz praćenje vrijednosti ukupnog serumskog PSA i nalaza drugih, konvencionalnih dijagnostičkih metoda (scintigrafije koštanog sustava s Tc-99m-MDP, RTG kostiju, MR zdjelice) smatrano je referentnim standardom. ----- Rezultati: Osjetljivost pretrage F-18-kolin PET/CT-a iznosila je 87,5%, uz specifičnost 36,8%. Preciznost mjerenja iznosila je 74,7%, a omjer izgleda u predikciji uspješnosti terapijskih postupaka 4,04 (95% CI 1,55-1,56), značajno više u odnosu na ostale metode. Nalaz F-18-kolin PET/CT-a ima i značajnu ulogu u predikciji ishoda te promjeni terapijskog pristupa, a ispitanici s pozitivnim nalazom pretrage imali su značajno kraće vrijeme preživljenja. ----- Zaključak: F-18-kolin PET/CT koristan je u procjeni aktivnosti bolesti kod pacijenata s karcinomom prostate i sumnjom na biokemijski povrat bolesti. Osjetljivost i omjer izgleda veći su u odnosu na druge ispitivane metode. Pretraga omogućuje i predikciju ishoda te utječe na promjenu terapijskog pristupa. Pozitivan nalaz pretrage povezan je s predikcijom nepovoljnog ishoda i kraćim vremenom preživljavanja.Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of F-18-choline PET/CT in prostate cancer patients with biochemical relapse. Methods: In this prospective study, 150 men biochemical relapse of prostate cancer, underwent a whole-body PET/CT 20 minutes after intravenous application of F-18-choline. Clinical follow-up of at least six months was the referent standard with other, conventional diagnostic methods monitoring (Tc-99m-MDP bone scintigraphy, bone X-ray, pelvic MRI) with close follow-up of serum PSA values. Results: F-18-choline PET/CT sensitivity was 87,5%, with 95% CI 79,92% to 92,99%, and specificity was 36,84% (95% CI 21,81% to 54,00%). Diagnostic accuracy was 74,67% (95% CI 66,93% to 81,41%) with odds ratio OR 4,04 (95% CI 1,55 to 10,56), significantly higher than other reported diagnostic methods. F-18-choline PET/CT findings were predictors of unfavourable outcomes, with an impact on treatment change and therapeutic strategies. Conclusion: F-18-choline PET/CT is valuable in biochemical relapse detection in prostate cancer patients. Sensitivity, accuracy and odds ratio of the method are higher than in other reported conventional imaging methods. F-18-choline PET/CT is a predictor of outcomes and influences therapy and treatment changes. Positive findings of F-18-choline PET/CT are correlated with shorter survival times and unfavourable outcomes

The value of positron emission tomography/computed tomography with fluor-18-choline in follow-up of prostate cancer patients with biochemical relapse

Cilj: Karcinom prostate najčešća je zloćudna neoplazma u muškaraca te treći uzrok smrtnosti od karcinoma u zemljama Europske unije. Nakon provedene inicijalne terapije, u oko 20-50% pacijenata dolazi do biokemijskog povrata bolesti. Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je ispitati korist nuklearno-medicinske metode F-18-kolin PET/CT-a u procjeni aktivnosti bolesti u bolesnika nakon provedene inicijalne terapije karcinoma prostate, a pod sumnjom na biokemijski povrat bolesti. ----- Metode: U prospektivno istraživanje uključeno je 150 muškaraca nakon provedene inicijalne terapije karcinoma prostate, upućenih od specijalista onkologije ili urologije zbog porasta serumskih vrijednosti ukupnog PSA i sumnje na biokemijski povrat bolesti. Snimljena je pozitronska emisijska tomografija udružena s kompjutoriziranom tomografijom 20 minuta nakon intravenskog injiciranja radiofarmaka F-18-kolin, a injicirane aktivnosti individualizirane su prema tjelesnoj težini svakog ispitanika. Kliničko praćenje od najmanje šest mjeseci uz praćenje vrijednosti ukupnog serumskog PSA i nalaza drugih, konvencionalnih dijagnostičkih metoda (scintigrafije koštanog sustava s Tc-99m-MDP, RTG kostiju, MR zdjelice) smatrano je referentnim standardom. ----- Rezultati: Osjetljivost pretrage F-18-kolin PET/CT-a iznosila je 87,5%, uz specifičnost 36,8%. Preciznost mjerenja iznosila je 74,7%, a omjer izgleda u predikciji uspješnosti terapijskih postupaka 4,04 (95% CI 1,55-1,56), značajno više u odnosu na ostale metode. Nalaz F-18-kolin PET/CT-a ima i značajnu ulogu u predikciji ishoda te promjeni terapijskog pristupa, a ispitanici s pozitivnim nalazom pretrage imali su značajno kraće vrijeme preživljenja. ----- Zaključak: F-18-kolin PET/CT koristan je u procjeni aktivnosti bolesti kod pacijenata s karcinomom prostate i sumnjom na biokemijski povrat bolesti. Osjetljivost i omjer izgleda veći su u odnosu na druge ispitivane metode. Pretraga omogućuje i predikciju ishoda te utječe na promjenu terapijskog pristupa. Pozitivan nalaz pretrage povezan je s predikcijom nepovoljnog ishoda i kraćim vremenom preživljavanja.Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of F-18-choline PET/CT in prostate cancer patients with biochemical relapse. Methods: In this prospective study, 150 men biochemical relapse of prostate cancer, underwent a whole-body PET/CT 20 minutes after intravenous application of F-18-choline. Clinical follow-up of at least six months was the referent standard with other, conventional diagnostic methods monitoring (Tc-99m-MDP bone scintigraphy, bone X-ray, pelvic MRI) with close follow-up of serum PSA values. Results: F-18-choline PET/CT sensitivity was 87,5%, with 95% CI 79,92% to 92,99%, and specificity was 36,84% (95% CI 21,81% to 54,00%). Diagnostic accuracy was 74,67% (95% CI 66,93% to 81,41%) with odds ratio OR 4,04 (95% CI 1,55 to 10,56), significantly higher than other reported diagnostic methods. F-18-choline PET/CT findings were predictors of unfavourable outcomes, with an impact on treatment change and therapeutic strategies. Conclusion: F-18-choline PET/CT is valuable in biochemical relapse detection in prostate cancer patients. Sensitivity, accuracy and odds ratio of the method are higher than in other reported conventional imaging methods. F-18-choline PET/CT is a predictor of outcomes and influences therapy and treatment changes. Positive findings of F-18-choline PET/CT are correlated with shorter survival times and unfavourable outcomes

The value of positron emission tomography/computed tomography with fluor-18-choline in follow-up of prostate cancer patients with biochemical relapse

Cilj: Karcinom prostate najčešća je zloćudna neoplazma u muškaraca te treći uzrok smrtnosti od karcinoma u zemljama Europske unije. Nakon provedene inicijalne terapije, u oko 20-50% pacijenata dolazi do biokemijskog povrata bolesti. Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je ispitati korist nuklearno-medicinske metode F-18-kolin PET/CT-a u procjeni aktivnosti bolesti u bolesnika nakon provedene inicijalne terapije karcinoma prostate, a pod sumnjom na biokemijski povrat bolesti. ----- Metode: U prospektivno istraživanje uključeno je 150 muškaraca nakon provedene inicijalne terapije karcinoma prostate, upućenih od specijalista onkologije ili urologije zbog porasta serumskih vrijednosti ukupnog PSA i sumnje na biokemijski povrat bolesti. Snimljena je pozitronska emisijska tomografija udružena s kompjutoriziranom tomografijom 20 minuta nakon intravenskog injiciranja radiofarmaka F-18-kolin, a injicirane aktivnosti individualizirane su prema tjelesnoj težini svakog ispitanika. Kliničko praćenje od najmanje šest mjeseci uz praćenje vrijednosti ukupnog serumskog PSA i nalaza drugih, konvencionalnih dijagnostičkih metoda (scintigrafije koštanog sustava s Tc-99m-MDP, RTG kostiju, MR zdjelice) smatrano je referentnim standardom. ----- Rezultati: Osjetljivost pretrage F-18-kolin PET/CT-a iznosila je 87,5%, uz specifičnost 36,8%. Preciznost mjerenja iznosila je 74,7%, a omjer izgleda u predikciji uspješnosti terapijskih postupaka 4,04 (95% CI 1,55-1,56), značajno više u odnosu na ostale metode. Nalaz F-18-kolin PET/CT-a ima i značajnu ulogu u predikciji ishoda te promjeni terapijskog pristupa, a ispitanici s pozitivnim nalazom pretrage imali su značajno kraće vrijeme preživljenja. ----- Zaključak: F-18-kolin PET/CT koristan je u procjeni aktivnosti bolesti kod pacijenata s karcinomom prostate i sumnjom na biokemijski povrat bolesti. Osjetljivost i omjer izgleda veći su u odnosu na druge ispitivane metode. Pretraga omogućuje i predikciju ishoda te utječe na promjenu terapijskog pristupa. Pozitivan nalaz pretrage povezan je s predikcijom nepovoljnog ishoda i kraćim vremenom preživljavanja.Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of F-18-choline PET/CT in prostate cancer patients with biochemical relapse. Methods: In this prospective study, 150 men biochemical relapse of prostate cancer, underwent a whole-body PET/CT 20 minutes after intravenous application of F-18-choline. Clinical follow-up of at least six months was the referent standard with other, conventional diagnostic methods monitoring (Tc-99m-MDP bone scintigraphy, bone X-ray, pelvic MRI) with close follow-up of serum PSA values. Results: F-18-choline PET/CT sensitivity was 87,5%, with 95% CI 79,92% to 92,99%, and specificity was 36,84% (95% CI 21,81% to 54,00%). Diagnostic accuracy was 74,67% (95% CI 66,93% to 81,41%) with odds ratio OR 4,04 (95% CI 1,55 to 10,56), significantly higher than other reported diagnostic methods. F-18-choline PET/CT findings were predictors of unfavourable outcomes, with an impact on treatment change and therapeutic strategies. Conclusion: F-18-choline PET/CT is valuable in biochemical relapse detection in prostate cancer patients. Sensitivity, accuracy and odds ratio of the method are higher than in other reported conventional imaging methods. F-18-choline PET/CT is a predictor of outcomes and influences therapy and treatment changes. Positive findings of F-18-choline PET/CT are correlated with shorter survival times and unfavourable outcomes

Intraoperative Detection of Hyperplastic Parathyroid Gland With Positron Emitter 18F-Fluorocholine and Handheld Probe

We present the first intraoperative detection of a hyperplastic parathyroid gland with a positron emitter F-fluorocholine and handheld probe, with the estimation of the absorbed dose to the surgeon and surgical staff. Intraoperative positron emitter detection enabled the resection of a small parathyroid gland, resulting in normal postoperative values of PTH and serum calcium in a 69-year-old woman. Calculated whole-body dose to the surgical staff and surgeons' fingers is well below the annual limits for exposed workers and the general public. Intraoperative F-FCH detection with handheld probe is a safe and feasible method for localizing small parathyroid glands

Intraoperative Detection of Hyperplastic Parathyroid Gland With Positron Emitter 18F-Fluorocholine and Handheld Probe

We present the first intraoperative detection of a hyperplastic parathyroid gland with a positron emitter F-fluorocholine and handheld probe, with the estimation of the absorbed dose to the surgeon and surgical staff. Intraoperative positron emitter detection enabled the resection of a small parathyroid gland, resulting in normal postoperative values of PTH and serum calcium in a 69-year-old woman. Calculated whole-body dose to the surgical staff and surgeons' fingers is well below the annual limits for exposed workers and the general public. Intraoperative F-FCH detection with handheld probe is a safe and feasible method for localizing small parathyroid glands

Biopsija dojke pod kontrolom ultrazvuka - retrospektivna studija i pregled literature [Ultrasound guided breast biopsy - a retrospective study and literature review]

AIM: The purpose of this study is to determine the accuracy and clinical usefulness of ultrasound guided core biopsy for diagnosing suspicious radiologically detected breast lesions. ----- PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the results of percutaneous core biopsy with 14-gauge needles performed over a period of 14 months on 229 suspicious lesions detectable on mammography and/or ultrasound exam (BI-RADS 4 or 5). The imaging-histological concordance was ascertained for each lesion. In cases of discordance, repeat biopsy or surgical excision was performed. Six-month ultrasound control was recommended in cases of benign lesions. For borderline and malignant lesions a surgical excision was done. Concordance between biopsy results and subsequent examinations (surgical excision or follow-up) was also evaluated. ----- RESULTS: Histological analysis of core biopsy samples showed 143 (62.4%) benign lesions, 21 (9.2%) borderline lesions and 65 (28.4%) malignant lesions. Follow-up, repeated biopsy, or surgical excision showed four false negative cases. Accuracy of ultrasound guided core biopsy was 98.3%. ----- CONCLUSION: Ultrasound guided core biopsy is a safe and reliable method for diagnosing suspicious breast lesions without any significant complications as was reported in previous studies