37 research outputs found
Disminución de la reserva de flujo coronario en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca no isquémica
Introduction and objectives. Coronary flow reserve
(CFR) is impaired not only in ischemic heart disease, but
also in cardiac diseases that may or may not course with
heart failure. The aim of the present study was to determine
if the severity of heart failure can influence CFR impairment.
Methods. Forty patients with non-ischemic heart disease
and heart failure were studied 41 times. Four groups
were established: 1. 10 patients in functional class III-IV;
2. 10 patients in functional class II not taking beta-blockers;
3. 11 patients in class II treated with carvedilol, and 4.
10 patients in class I. These patients had a history of heart
failure and systolic dysfunction. Myocardial blood flow
(MBF) was measured with positron emission tomography
(PET) and N-13 ammonia at rest (r) and during adenosine
triphosphate (ATP) infusion.
Results. MBF and CFR were significantly higher in
group 4 (1.95 ± 0.58 and 2.40 ± 0.95 ml/min/g) than in
group 1 (1.02 ± 0.52 and 1.46 ± 0.48 ml/min/g). CFR tended
to be higher in groups 2 (1.73 ± 0.72), and 3 (1.89 ±
0.75) vs group 1. No significant correlation was found between
CFR and the following variables: age, systolic blood
pressure, ventricular mass index, ventricular volume indexes,
and ejection fraction.
Conclusions. Coronary microvascular function is impaired
in non-ischemic heart failure, and the impairment is
related to functional class, regardless of the underlying
responsible heart disease
Impact of the dosimetry approach on the resulting 90Y radioembolization planned absorbed doses based on 99mTc-MAA SPEC T-CT: is there agreement between dosimetry methods?
Background: Prior radioembolization, a simulation using 99mTc-macroaggregated
albumin as 90Y-microspheres surrogate is performed. Gamma scintigraphy images
(planar, SPECT, or SPECT-CT) are acquired to evaluate intrahepatic 90Y-microspheres
distribution and detect possible extrahepatic and lung shunting. These images may
be used for pre-treatment dosimetry evaluation to calculate the 90Y activity that
would get an optimal tumor response while sparing healthy tissues.
Several dosimetry methods are available, but there is still no consensus on the best
methodology to calculate absorbed doses. The goal of this study was to
retrospectively evaluate the impact of using different dosimetry approaches on the
resulting 90Y-radioembolization pre-treatment absorbed dose evaluation based on 99mTc-MAA images.
Methods: Absorbed doses within volumes of interest resulting from partition model
(PM) and 3D voxel dosimetry methods (3D-VDM) (dose-point kernel convolution and
local deposition method) were evaluated. Additionally, a new “Multi-tumor Partition
Model” (MTPM) was developed. The differences among dosimetry approaches were
evaluated in terms of mean absorbed dose and dose volume histograms within the
volumes of interest.
Results: Differences in mean absorbed dose among dosimetry methods are higher
in tumor volumes than in non-tumoral ones. The differences between MTPM and
both 3D-VDM were substantially lower than those observed between PM and any
3D-VDM. A poor correlation and concordance were found between PM and the
other studied dosimetry approaches.
DVH obtained from either 3D-VDM are pretty similar in both healthy liver and
individual tumors. Although no relevant global differences, in terms of absorbed
dose in Gy, between both 3D-VDM were found, important voxel-by-voxel differences
have been observed. Conclusions: Significant differences among the studied dosimetry approaches for 90Y-radioembolization treatments exist. Differences do not yield a substantial impact
in treatment planning for healthy tissue but they do for tumoral liver.
An individual segmentation and evaluation of the tumors is essential. In patients with
multiple tumors, the application of PM is not optimal and the 3D-VDM or the new
MTPM are suggested instead. If a 3D-VDM method is not available, MTPM is the best
option. Furthermore, both 3D-VDM approaches may be indistinctly used
Utilización de un ciclotrón para la producción de radionucleidos emisores de positrones
The experience acquired by our center during the first two years of using cyclotron 18/9 (IBA) dedicated to the production of clinical positron emission radionuclides is described. The cyclotron performance characteristics, production yields, quality control and synthesized radiotracers are analyzed. Cyclotron makes it possible to produce up to 3,300 mCi of 18F-, 270 mCi of 18F2, 3,100 mCi of 11C, 502 mCi of 13N (in 120, 60, 35 and 20 minutes respectively) and 540 mCi/min of 15O. In our center, about 85% of the PET studies are performed with 18F-FDG, whereas the remaining are done with 15O-water, 11C-bicarbonate, 11C-methionine, 13N-ammonia or 18F-. Cyclotron is included in the Radiopharmacy Unit of our PET facility and is subjected to a global quality control program. Follow-up of the bombardment parameters and periodic verifications of the cyclotron performance have made it possible to prevent equipment functioning problems, increase mean time between stoppage and decrease downtime. We conclude that cyclotron has high production capabilities and allows enough flexibility for a clinical and research positron emission tomography center; furthermore, it can also be used for regional distribution of 18F-FDG to satellite PET centers
Ionizing radiation received by patients with osteosarcoma during intra-arterial chemotherapy treatment
Fundamento. Los pacientes afectos de osteosarcoma reciben tratamiento con quimioterapia administrada por vía intraarterial (QTia)3 directamente al tumor y son expuestos a radiación ionizante durante el mismo. Los pacientes pediátricos son especialmente vulnerables a esta exposición.
Material y métodos. Se registró la cantidad de radiación ionizante recibida por 16 pacientes pediátricos
afectos de osteosarcoma durante la administración de QTia en la Clínica Universidad de Navarra.
Resultados. La mediana de radiación total recibida fue de 33,4 Gy·cm2 (IQR 43,33 Gy·cm2) y la mediana de número de pruebas por paciente de 10 (IQR: 6,5).
Conclusión. El estudio resalta la importancia de cuantificar la radiación recibida por un grupo de niños
y adolescentes afectos de osteosarcoma durante el tratamiento con QTia ya que no conviene olvidar los potenciales efectos adversos a largo plazo de esta exposición. Actualmente, no existen estudios previos que aporten datos acerca de la cantidad de radiación ionizante recibida a través de este procedimiento.Background. Osteosarcoma paediatric patients are usually treated with intra-arterial chemotherapy (QTia) which is administered directly to the tumour. This procedure exposes patients to ionizing radiation. Paediatric patients are especially sensitive to this exposure.
Methods. The total amount of ionizing radiation received from QTia administration was quantified in a group
of 16 osteosarcoma paediatric patients from the Clínica Universidad de Navarra.
Results. The median of the total radiation received per patient was 33.4 Gy·cm2 (IQR: 43.33 Gy·cm2), and the median number of procedures performed per subject was 10 (IQR: 6.5).
Conclusions. The study highlights the importance of quantifying the radiation received by a group of children and adolescents affected by osteosarcoma during treatment with QTia. Long-term side effects of this radiation should be considered in paediatric patients. Currently, there are no previous studies that provide data of the amount of ionizing radiation received through
this procedure
Evaluation of spacial resolution of a PET scanner through the simulation and experimental measurement of the Recovery coefficient
Purpose: In order to measure spatial resolution of a PET tomograph in clinical conditions, this study describes and
validates a method based on the recovery coefficient, a factor required to compensate underestimation in measured
radioactivity concentration for small structures.
Methods: In a PET image, the recovery factors of radioactive spheres were measured and their comparison with
simulated recovery coefficients yielded the tomographic spatial resolution. Following this methodology, resolution was
determined in different surrounding media and several conditions for reconstruction, including clinical conditions for brain
PET studies. All spatial resolution values were compared with those obtained using classical methods with point and
line sources.
Results: In each considered condition, spatial resolution of the PET image estimated using the recovery coefficient
showed good agreement with classical methods measurements, validating the procedure.
Conclusion: Measurement of the recovery coefficient provides an assessment of tomographic spatial resolution,
particularly in clinical studies conditions
PET tracers for clinical imaging of breast cancer
Molecular imaging of breast cancer has undoubtedly permitted a substantial development of the overall diagnostic accuracy of this malignancy in the last years. Accurate tumour staging, design of individually suited therapies, response evaluation, early detection of recurrence and distant lesions have also evolved in parallel with the development of novel molecular imaging approaches. In this context, positron emission tomography (PET) can be probably seen as the most interesting molecular imaging technology with straightforward clinical application for such purposes. Dozens of radiotracers for PET imaging of breast cancer have been tested in laboratory animals. However, in this review we shall focus mainly in the smaller group of PET radiopharmaceuticals that have lead through into the clinical setting. PET imaging can be used to target general metabolic phenomena related to tumoural transformation, including glucose metabolism and cell proliferation, but can also be directed to specific hormone receptors that are characteristic of the breast cancer cell. Many other receptors and transport molecules present in the tumour cells could also be of interest for imaging. Furthermore, molecules related with the tumour microenvironment, tumour induced angiogenesis or even hypoxia could also be used as molecular biomarkers for breast cancer imaging
Autologous intramyocardial injection of cultured skeletal muscle-derived stem cells in patients with non-acute myocardial infarction
AIM: Experimental animal studies suggest that the use of skeletal myoblast in patients with myocardial infarction may result in improved cardiac function. The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility and safety of this therapy in patients with myocardial infarction.
METHODS AND RESULTS: Twelve patients with old myocardial infarction and ischaemic coronary artery disease underwent treatment with coronary artery bypass surgery and intramyocardial injection of autologous skeletal myoblasts obtained from a muscle biopsy of vastus lateralis and cultured with autologous serum for 3 weeks. Global and regional cardiac function was assessed by 2D and ABD echocardiogram. 18F-FDG and 13N-ammonia PET studies were used to determine perfusion and viability. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) improved from 35.5+/-2.3% before surgery to 53.5+/-4.98% at 3 months (P=0.002). Echocardiography revealed a marked improvement in regional contractility in those cardiac segments treated with skeletal myoblast (wall motion score index 2.64+/-0.13 at baseline vs 1.64+/-0.16 at 3 months P=0.0001). Quantitative 18F-FDG PET studies showed a significant (P=0.012) increased in cardiac viability in the infarct zone 3 months after surgery. No statistically significant differences were found in 13N-ammonia PET studies. Skeletal myoblast implant was not associated with an increase in adverse events. No cardiac arrhythmias were detected during early follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS: In patients with old myocardial infarction, treatment with skeletal myoblast in conjunction with coronary artery bypass is safe and feasible and is associated with an increased global and regional left ventricular function,improvement in the viability of cardiac tissue in the infarct area and no induction of arrhythmias
New MRI, 18F-DOPA and 11C-(+)-alpha-dihydrotetrabenazine templates for Macaca fascicularis neuroimaging: advantages to improve PET quantification
Normalization of neuroimaging studies to a stereotaxic space allows the utilization of standard volumes of
interest (VOIs) and voxel-based analysis (SPM). Such spatial normalization of PET and MRI studies requires a
high quality template image. The aim of this study was to create new MRI and PET templates of 18F-DOPA
and 11C-(+)-α-dihydrotetrabenazine (11C-DTBZ) of the Macaca fascicularis brain, an important animal
model of Parkinson's disease. MRI template was constructed as a smoothed average of the scans of 15
healthy animals, previously transformed into the space of one representative MRI. In order to create the PET
templates, 18F-DOPA and 11C-DTBZ PET of the same subjects were acquired in a dedicated small animal PET
scanner and transformed to the created MRI template space. To validate these templates for PET
quantification, parametric values obtained with a standard VOI-map applied after spatial normalization to
each template were statistically compared to results computed using individual VOIs drawn for each animal.
The high correlation between both procedures validated the utilization of all the templates, improving the
reproducibility of PET analysis. To prove the utility of the templates for voxel-based quantification, dopamine
striatal depletion in a representative monkey treated with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine
(MPTP) was assessed by SPM analysis of 11C-DTBZ PET. A symmetric reduction in striatal 11C-DTBZ uptake
was detected in accordance with the induced lesion. In conclusion, templates of M. fascicularis brain have
been constructed and validated for reproducible and automated PET quantification. All templates are
electronically available via the internet
18F-FDG metabolism in a rat model of chronic infarction: a 17-sector semiquantitative analysis
Strategies to establish the functional benefit of cell therapy in cardiac regeneration and the potential mechanism are needed. Aims: Development of a semi-quantitative method for non invasive assessment of cardiac viability and function in a rat model of myocardial infarction (MI) based on the use of microPET. Animals, methods: Ten rats were subjected to myocardial imaging 2, 7, 14, 30, 60 and 90 days after left coronary artery ligation. Intravenous 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-2-D-glucose (18F-FDG) was administered and regional 18F activity concentrations per unit area were measured in 17 regions of interest (ROIs) drawn on cardiac polar maps. By comparing the differences in 18F uptake between baseline and each of the follow up time points, parametric polar maps of statistical significance (PPMSS) were calculated. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was blindly assessed echocardiographically. All animals were sacrificed for histopathological analysis after 90 days. Results: The diagnostic quality of 18F-FDG microPET images was excellent. PPMSS demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in 18F concentrations as early as 48 hours after MI in 4 of the 17 ROIs (segments 7, 13, 16 and 17; p <0.05) that persisted throughout the study. Semi-quantitative analysis of 18F-FDG uptake correlated with echocardiographic decrease in LVEF (p <0.001). Conclusion: The use of PPMSS based on 18F-FDG-microPET provides valuable semi-quantitative information of heart glucose metabolism allowing for non-invasive follow up thus representing a useful strategy for assessment of novel therapies in cardiac regeneration