Zastosowanie sieci neuronowych w diagnostyce patologii endometrium

Abstract Aim: The aim of the study was to construct neuron networks utilizing selected risk factors and ultrasonographic (USG) examination parameters in a two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) presentation in relation to endometrial pathologies. Materials and methods: The following risk factors were statistically analyzed: age and menopausal status, parity, using hormonal replacement therapy (HRT), BMI, 2D USG of the endometrium (thickness, uterine artery blood flow indices) and 3D USG (volume, vascularization indices) in relation to the result of histopathological examination of the endometrial tissue in 421 women, aged 22-87 years, with abnormal bleeding from the uterus. The changes of the sensitivity and specificity in the applied models corresponding to changes of the limit value, were presented in the form of receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) and the comparison of the values of the area under the curve (AUC). The threshold value for the obtained models was established and models of artificial neuron networks (ANN) were constructed on the basis of the ROC. Conclusion: Application of artificial neural networks in medicine has been developing rapidly. They have been applied in pre-surgical differentiation of ovarian tumors and other neoplasms. In case of endometrial carcinoma the degree of clinical usage of artificial neural networks has been limited, despite the fact that, from the mathematical point of view, the differentiation using neural networks would be much more precise than the one that could be obtained by chance.Streszczenie Cel pracy: Celem pracy było skonstruowanie sztucznych sieci neuronowych wykorzystujących wybrane czynniki ryzyka oraz parametry oceny ultrasonograficznej (USG) w prezentacji dwuwymiarowej (2D) i trójwymiarowej (3D) w odniesieniu do patologii endometrium. Materiał i metody: Analizie statystycznej poddano czynniki ryzyka: wiek oraz status menopauzalny, rodność, stosowanie hormonalnej terapii zastępczej, BMI, 2D USG endometrium (grubość, indeksy przepływu krwi w t. macicznej) i 3D (objętość, wskaźniki naczyniowe) w odniesieniu do wyniku badania histopatologicznego z endometrium u 421 kobiet z nieprawidłowym krwawieniem z macicy w wieku 22-87 lat. Zmiany czułości i specyficzności przy przesuwaniu wartości granicznej, dla zastosowanych modeli przedstawiono w formie krzywych ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic Curves) oraz porównania wartości pola pod badanymi krzywymi AUC (Area Under the Curve). Na podstawie krzywych ROC stwierdzono wartość progową dla uzyskanych modeli oraz skonstruowano modele sztucznych sieci neuronowych (ANN). Wnioski: Wykorzystanie sztucznych sieci neuronowych w medycynie rozwija się dynamicznie. Znalazły one zastosowanie w przedoperacyjnym różnicowaniu guzów jajnika oraz innych nowotworów. W odniesieniu do raka endometrium pomimo tego, że z punktu widzenia matematycznego różnicowanie jest znacznie lepsze niż można by otrzymać przez przypadek, to jednak z punktu widzenia klinicznego w chwili obecnej zastosowanie ich jest ograniczone

Diagnostic hysteroscopy and the risk of malignant cells intraabdominal spread in women with endometrial cancer

Although hysteroscopy is currently the undisputed gold standard for the examination of the uterine cavity in women with suspected endometrial cancer, it remains controversial as a procedure that can enhance metastasis spread. Endometrial cancer cells may shed during hysteroscopy and be passively transported with fluid flow into the peritoneal cavity. The paper presents the review of current knowledge regarding the risk of neoplasm metastases in women who had diagnostic hysteroscopy and the conditions that have to be met for the procedure to be safe. We searched PubMed, Ovid, Medline and Scopus databases for data published in the years 1985–2017. The following browsing criteria, the “MeSH headings”: hysteroscopy, endometrial cancer, intraperitoneal or metastatic spread were used to find relevant papers. Based on the current data analysis we conclude that (1.) diagnostic hysteroscopy performed in women with endometrial cancer, especially in its early stages, is a very useful, efficient and safe diagnostic method and (2.) the distension media used for endoscopic procedures in the uterine cavity must be strictly controlled for relatively low pressures to prevent the increase in risk of endometrial cancer intraperitoneal spread

Proliferation and maturation of intratumoral blood vessels in women with malignant ovarian tumors assessed with cancer stem cells marker nestin and platelet derived growth factor PDGF-B

Objectives: Platelet-derived growth factor B (PDGF-B) and nestin have been suggested to be useful in the assessment of neoangiogenesis in malignant ovarian masses. We aimed to investigate a possible association of these markers with newly formed microcapillaries and perivascular cells in ovarian tumors. Material and methods: Microvessel density (MVD) and pericytes were studied in 82 women with ovarian neoplasms, including 7 benign cysts, 7 borderline masses, 64 epithelial ovarian cancers and 4 other malignant ovarian tumors. Immunohistochemical staining included antibodies to CD34, PDGF-B and nestin. Results: Median values of CD34-positive and nestin-positive MVD were: 24,5 (range:17-32) and 21 (range: 12–31), respectively. No significant correlation between intratumoral CD-34 positive MVD and nestin-positive MVD was found. Benign and borderline lesions more frequently than malignant tumors displayed low or medium values of nestin-positive MVD (p = 0.01). Histological grading of malignant tumors was associated with nestin-positive MVD (p = 0.01). Nestin expression in tumor cells was not correlated with tumor grade or histological subtype. PDGF-B expression was found in tumor microves­sels in 72% of cases (59/82). High expression of PDGF in pericapillary cells was strongly associated with high expression of this marker in cancer cells (p = 0.007). Significant correlations between PDGF-B and nestin expression in malignant tumor microvessels were also found (p = 0.04). Nestin and PDGF-B expressions were strongly associated with high grade tumors when compared to low grade or benign masses. Conclusions: We conclude that the assessment of PDGF-B and nestin-positive MVD could be used to identify only highly active, angiogenic malignant ovarian masses, where tumor vasculature is formed

Mig-7 expression and vasculogenic mimicry in malignant ovarian tumors

Objectives: To investigate the possible association of vasculogenic mimicry (VM), VE-cadherin and MIG-7 expression with clinicopathological features of women with malignant ovarian masses. Material and methods: VM was studied with the PAS reaction and VE-cadherin was assessed with immunohistochemistry in 108 women with malignant ovarian tumors. Additionally, quantitative expression of MIG-7 mRNA was performed in 52 ovarian cancers with qRT-PCR. Results: VM was found in 48/108 cases (44%), more often in higher FIGO stage tumors (83% cases; 40 vs. 8; p = 0.01). High expression of VE-cadherin was present in 37% of all ovarian masses. Ovarian tumors without VM more often expressed low levels of VE-cadherin than tumors where VM was found (37.6% vs.14.6%). No expression or very low expression of MIG-7 mRNA was found in all normal ovarian tissues and in 32 cancer samples. Median RQ of MIG-7 mRNA in tumor samples was higher than in normal ovarian tissue (RQ = 0.29 vs. RQ = 0.05, respectively; p < 0.005) and higher than in non-malignant ovarian masses (0.98 vs. 0.05 respectively; p = 0.03). Expression of MIG-7 mRNA was significantly correlated with VM (p = 0.039). In tumors with PAS-positive structures median RQ MIG-7 mRNA was higher than in tumors with PAS-negative findings (1.89 vs. 0.13 respectively). VE-cadherin expression was more frequently found in tumors where MIG-7 mRNA was present (p = 0.004). Conclusions: Vasculogenic mimicry exists in malignant ovarian tumors and advanced clinical stages of malignancy are accompanied by a high incidence of VM formation. MIG-7 mRNA and VE-cadherin expression may serve as additional molecular markers of VM in ovarian malignancies

Ultrasonograficzna ocena mięśnia dźwigacza odbytu u kobiet z wysiłkowym nietrzymaniem moczu

Three-dimensional sonography has been used for about 15 years, not only to examine the female genital organs, but also the lower urinary tract and pelvic floor. Three-dimensional sonography offers more information than traditional two-dimensional sonography, allowing for a dynamic representation of the examined structures and observation at any angle necessary. Translabial sonography is the best way of a sonographic examination of the lower urinary tract, because it does not affect the mutual relationship of any parts in the lower pelvic area, contrary to the transrectal or transvaginal probes. In order to establish proper treatment of the urinary incontinence symptoms, not only a functional examination of the lower urinary tract, but also a very accurate assessment of the statics of the female genital organs and pelvic floor need to be performed. Background: The aim of the study was to rate the area and diameters of the limbs of the levator ani muscle using a three-dimensional (3D) translabial sonography in women with stress urinary incontinence without the female genital tract prolapse. Material and methods: The study group included 100 patients who were examined with the GE Kretz Voluson 730 (GE, Austria), equipped with 6-9 MHz translabial probe. The first group with stress urinary incontinence consisted of 50 women (mean age 56.22 (±10.43) years) and the second group included 50 women without symptoms (mean age 49.40 (±13.22) years). All cases of urinary stress incontinence in the first group were confirm by means of a urodynamic examination. Women in both groups had similar body weight (kilograms), mean (±SD): 26.88 (±2.02) and 26.20 (±4,14), respectively. Menopausal status in both groups was not statistically significant and amounted to 7.21 (±8.71) in the group of women with stress urinary incontinence and 4.70 (±6.32) in the group without symptoms. Mean (±SD) number of deliveries was significantly higher in the group of women with stress urinary incontinence than in the control group (2.40 (±1.03) and 1.56 (±1.34), respectively). In all cases 3D coronal view of the pelvic diaphragm was obtained and the area and thickness of limbs of the levator ani muscle were measured. All women had about 200 ml urine in the bladder. Results: The results are presented as means±SD. Mean measurements of this area in both groups were 8.54±1.62 cm2 and 10.57±1.29 cm2, respectively. Mean thickness of the limbs in the groups were: 8.72±0.64mm and 10.85±0.89mm on the left side and 8.85±0.67mm and 10.89±0.87mm on right side, respectively. The differences between both groups in all measurements were statistically significant (pCel pracy: Celem naszej pracy była ocena powierzchni i wymiarów ramion mięśnia dźwigacza odbytu (MDO) przy zastosowaniu 3D USG u kobiet z wysiłkowym nietrzymaniem moczu (WNM) bez współistniejącego obniżenia narządu płciowego. Materiał i metody: Badania 3D USG wykonano sondą przezwargową aparatu GE Kretz Voluson 730 u 50 kobiet ze zdiagnozowanym WNM i 50 zdrowych kobiet. Oceniono statykę narządu płciowego w skali POPQ. W płaszczyźnie czołowej oceniano grubość i pole powierzchni ramion MDO. Wyniki: Stwierdzono istotne statystycznie różnice średnich wartości pól powierzchni między grupą z WNM, a grupą kontrolną (

The use of sonographic subjective tumor assessment, IOTA logistic regression model 1, IOTA Simple Rules and GI-RADS system in the preoperative prediction of malignancy in women with adnexal masses

Background: Sonography based methods with various tumor markers are currently used to discriminate the type of adnexal masses. Objective: To compare the predictive value of selected sonography-based models along with subjective assessment in ovarian cancer prediction. Material and methods: We analyzed data of 271 women operated because of adnexal masses. All masses were verified by histological examination. Preoperative sonography was performed in all patients and various predictive models includ¬ing IOTA group logistic regression model LR1 (LR1), IOTA simple ultrasound-based rules by IOTA (SR), GI-RADS and risk of malignancy index (RMI3) were used. ROC curves were constructed and respective AUC’s with 95% CI’s were compared. Results: Of 271 masses 78 proved to be malignant including 6 borderline tumors. LR1 had sensitivity of 91.0%, specificity of 91.2%, AUC = 0.95 (95% CI: 0.92–0.98). Sensitivity for GI-RADS for 271 patients was 88.5% with specificity of 85% and AUC = 0.91 (95% CI: 0.88–0.95). Subjective assessment yielded sensitivity and specificity of 85.9% and 96.9%, respectively with AUC = 0.97 (95% CI: 0.94–0.99). SR were applicable in 236 masses and had sensitivity of 90.6% with specificity of 95.3% and AUC = 0.93 (95% CI 0.89–0.97). RMI3 was calculated only in 104 women who had CA125 available and had sensitivity of 55.3%, specificity of 94% and AUC = 0.85 (95% CI: 0.77–0.93). Conclusions: Although subjective assessment by the ultrasound expert remains the best current method of adnexal tumors preoperative discrimination, the simplicity and high predictive value favor the IOTA SR method, and when not applicable, the IOTA LR1 or GI-RADS models to be primarily and effectively used

Prognostic significance of TEM7 and nestin expression in women with advanced high grade serous ovarian cancer

Objectives: Tumor endothelial marker 7 (TEM7) and nestin have been proposed to be new candidates for neoangiogenesis assessment. Nestin is also cancer stem cells marker in various malignant tumors. AIMS. To investigate the expression of TEM7, nestin and nestin-related microvessel density (MVD) in high-grade serous ovarian cancer samples and to study their correlation with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) times. Material and methods: Tumor samples obtained from 70 women with FIGO IIIc/IV ovarian serous cancer were studied with immunohistochemistry. Results: Patients median age was 54 yrs (range: 29–72 years), 86% died of the disease with median OS = 28.5 months and median DFS = 10 months (3 years DFS = 19%; 5 years. DFS = 13.8%). High nestin expression was found in 16 (23%) patients with 3 years and 5 years OS of 14% and 0%. In low-nestin expression group OS and DFS were 42% and 25%, respectively. Median nestin-MVD (16, range:12–23) was not correlated with cancer cells nestin expression and with both DFS and OS. High TEM7 expression was found in 29 women (41%) of whom 21 (72%) died of the disease. A 5-year OS in these women was 27% as compared to 8% in low TEM7 expression group, but TEM7 presence had no association with nestin, nestin-MVD and both OS and DFS. Conclusions: Nestin as a marker of cancer stem cells may assist in the prediction of OS and DFS in women with high grade serous ovarian cancer. Nestin may also be considered a novel therapeutic target for antiangiogenic agents

The estimation of the probability of tumor malignacy on the basis of test combination in the primary diagnosis of adnexal tumors

Summary Purpose: The aim was to evaluate the risk of ovarian tumor malignancy based on logistic regression analysis and to construct a practical tool which might be used at the bedside. Material and methods: 379 women with adnexal masses were enrolled to the study. The results of the twodimensional (2D) gray-scale ultrasound examination, color and spectral Doppler blood flow measurement, threedimensional (3D) sonoangiography examination and serum levels of CA-125 measurement were analyzed. 160 out of 379 women with abnormal findings, (42.2%), were diagnosed with a malignant ovarian tumor, and 219 (57.8%) were found to have a non-malignant adnexal mass. To improve the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound scan findings, postmenopausal status and preoperative serum CA-125 levels, the risk of malignancy index (RMI) was calculated and compared to the result of logistic regression analysis. Furthermore, the nomograms applicable at the bedside for estimation of the probability of malignancy for the examined adnexal tumor were derived. Results: The highest values of the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves in univariate analysis were 0.87 for serum levels of CA-125 and 0. 83 for the color score. For the RML, the value of the area under ROC curve was 0.91. The results of logistic regression revealed that papillary growth, color score, age, pulsatility index (PI) and level of serum CA 125 were significant factors in the multivariate model. The obtained classification accuracies for MLRA model in the training set and the test set were 88% and 92%, respectively. The value of the area under the ROC curve was 0.94 and significantly differed from the value of area for CA-125 (

Mechanical thrombectomy in acute stroke – Five years of experience in Poland

Objectives Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is not reimbursed by the Polish public health system. We present a description of 5 years of experience with MT in acute stroke in Comprehensive Stroke Centers (CSCs) in Poland. Methods and results We retrospectively analyzed the results of a structured questionnaire from 23 out of 25 identified CSCs and 22 data sets that include 61 clinical, radiological and outcome measures. Results Most of the CSCs (74%) were founded at University Hospitals and most (65.2%) work round the clock. In 78.3% of them, the working teams are composed of neurologists and neuro-radiologists. All CSCs perform CT and angio-CT before MT. In total 586 patients were subjected to MT and data from 531 of them were analyzed. Mean time laps from stroke onset to groin puncture was 250±99min. 90.3% of the studied patients had MT within 6h from stroke onset; 59.3% of them were treated with IV rt-PA prior to MT; 15.1% had IA rt-PA during MT and 4.7% – emergent stenting of a large vessel. M1 of MCA was occluded in 47.8% of cases. The Solitaire device was used in 53% of cases. Successful recanalization (TICI2b–TICI3) was achieved in 64.6% of cases and 53.4% of patients did not experience hemorrhagic transformation. Clinical improvement on discharge was noticed in 53.7% of cases, futile recanalization – in 30.7%, mRS of 0–2 – in 31.4% and mRS of 6 in 22% of cases. Conclusion Our results can help harmonize standards for MT in Poland according to international guidelines

Imaging diagnosis in germ cell and sex cord-stromal tumors

Clinical diagnosis of ovarian tumors is the more difficult, the earlier is the clinical stage at presentation. On the other hand, while early-stage conditions are much more difficult to detect, early diagnosis is associated with the best outcomes. Rare sex cord-stromal and germ cell tumors present sonographic features similar to other ovarian tumors. Sonographic report should address the following: location, size and echogenicity of ovaries, location of adnexal lesions and their relation to other pelvic structures, precise description of solid elements, septations and papillomatous excrescences within the tumor as well as presence of free fluid within the peritoneal cavity. In suspected malignant tumors, most useful prognostic features include papilliform excrescences, so their location, size and number must be always documented. Furthermore, number and thickness of septations is of great prognostic significance. Description of tumor morphology should include its external and internal walls. Sonographic diagnosis may predict malignancy of lesion based on such features as solid areas, papilliform excrescences, septations or abnormal pattern of tumor vasculature. Due to neoangiogenesis in malignant tumors, study of vasculature and perfusion is also important. A typical finding in a malignant tumor is increased late-diastolic flow velocity, reduced resistance index RI to less than 0.5 and pulsation index to less than 0.8. Frequent is also elevation of peak systolic velocity PSV to over 12 cm/s. In spite of sophisticated and continuously improved imaging techniques in sonography, including “color” and “power” options in angio-Doppler studies as well as introduction of 3D/4D technique, malignant process may at best be suspected. Final diagnosis of malignant tumor is always based on histological studies.Diagnostyka kliniczna zmian rozrostowych jajnika jest tym trudniejsza, im stopień zaawansowania klinicznego jest niższy, jednocześnie wczesne rozpoznanie daje najlepsze efekty terapeutyczne. Rzadko występujące guzy gonadalne i germinalne charakteryzują się podobnymi cechami ultrasonograficznymi jak inne guzy jajnika. W opisie wyniku badania sonograficznego należy uwzględnić następujące elementy: umiejscowienie, rozmiary i echostrukturę jajników, umiejscowienie zmian przydatkowych i ich stosunek do pozostałych struktur miednicy, dokładny opis elementów litych, przegród i wyrośli brodawkowatych w obrębie guza, obecność płynu w jamie otrzewnej. Wśród najbardziej przydatnych prognostycznie cech guza podejrzanego o rozrost złośliwy są wyrośla brodawkowate, dlatego też zawsze należy opisać ich lokalizację i wymiary oraz liczbę. Rokownicze znaczenie ma również liczba przegród oraz ich grubość. Ocena morfologii guza powinna także dotyczyć jego ścian zewnętrznych i wewnętrznych. Diagnostyka ultrasonograficzna może jedynie prognozować, czy zmiana ma charakter złośliwy, przy uwzględnieniu takich cech, jak obszary lite, wyrośla brodawkowate, przegrody czy nieprawidłowości przepływów naczyniowych w guzie. Ze względu na występowanie neoangiogenezy w guzach złośliwych ważne jest również badanie unaczynienia i przepływów naczyniowych w obrębie naczyń krwionośnych. W guzie złośliwym najczęściej można uwidocznić naczynia, w których stwierdza się wzrost prędkości przepływu późnorozkurczowego oraz spadek indeksów oporu RI12 cm/s. Pomimo zaawansowanej i wciąż rozwijającej się techniki obrazowania sonograficznego z zastosowaniem kolorowego i power angio-Dopplera oraz możliwości wykorzystania techniki 3D/4D możemy jedynie podejrzewać rozrost złośliwy. Ostateczne rozpoznanie nowotworu złośliwego jest zawsze rozpoznaniem histopatologicznym