Ya Ruth Huo

Objectives Incomplete myocardial glucose suppression (MGS) in ketogenic 18F-FDG-PET/CT is a common problem that reduces the diagnostic accuracy in detecting myocardial inflammation. This study assesses the usefulness of a dietary logbook, blood ketone testing and risk factors for inadequate MGS. Methods Retrospective (2022–2024) and prospective (2024–2025) analysis was performed on all patients who underwent a ketogenic 18F-FDG-PET/CT at two tertiary hospitals. All patients were instructed to follow > 24-hour ketogenic diet and > 12-hour fast before imaging. In April 2024, blood ketone testing, a dietary logbook, and improved dietary guidelines were introduced. Results After introducing the dietary logbook and improved dietary guidelines, inadequate MGS rates decreased from 26% to 17% (95 patients 2022–2024 vs. 92 patients 2024–2025)(p-value 0.14). Mean blood ketone levels were significantly lower in patients with incomplete MGS (0.34mmol/L vs. 0.76mmol/L, p-value 0.04). On univariate analysis, significant risk factors for inadequate MGS included prednisolone use (75% vs. 14.9%, OR: 17.1 [95%CI 1.65-177.04], p = 0.009), low blood ketones (≤ 0.3mmol/L)(OR: 5.77 [95%CI 1.69–19.68], p = 0.003) and female sex (27.5% vs. 9.6% in males, OR: 3.57 [95%CI 1.12–11.3], p = 0.025). Multivariate analysis confirmed prednisolone use, low ketones (≤ 0.3mmol/L) and < 24-hour ketogenic diet as independent risk factors for inadequate MGS. Rates of inadequate MGS were 50%, 26% and 7% for patients with blood ketone levels of 0.1, 0.2–0.3 and ≥ 0.4mmol/L, respectively. All patients on prednisolone with ketones ≤ 0.3mmol/L had inadequate MGS. Conclusions Dietary logbook and clear instructions improve adherence. Low ketones, prednisolone use and short ketogenic preparation are risk factors for inadequate MGS.

OBJECTIVES Incomplete myocardial glucose suppression (MGS) in ketogenic 18F-FDG-PET/CT is a common problem that reduces the diagnostic accuracy in detecting myocardial inflammation. This study assesses the usefulness of a dietary logbook, blood ketone testing and risk factors for inadequate MGS. METHODS Retrospective (2022–2024) and prospective (2024–2025) analysis was performed on all patients who underwent a ketogenic 18F-FDG-PET/CT. In April 2024, blood ketone testing, a dietary logbook, and improved dietary guidelines were introduced. All patients were instructed to follow > 24-hour ketogenic diet and > 12-hour fast before imaging. RESULTS After introducing the dietary logbook and guidelines, inadequate MGS rates decreased from 26% to 17% (95 patients 2022–2024 vs 92 patients 2024–2025)(p-value 0.14). Mean blood ketones were significantly lower in patients with incomplete MGS (0.34mmol/L vs 0.76mmol/L, p-value 0.04). On univariate analysis, significant risk factors for inadequate MGS included prednisolone use (75% vs 14.9%, OR: 17.1 [95%CI 1.65-177.04], p = 0.009), low blood ketones (≤ 0.3mmol/L)(OR: 5.77 [95%CI 1.69–19.68], p = 0.003) and female sex (7.5% vs 9.6% in males, OR: 3.57 [95%CI 1.12–11.3], p = 0.025). Multivariate analysis confirmed prednisolone use, low ketones (≤ 0.3mmol/L) and < 24-hour ketogenic diet as independent risk factors. Rates of inadequate MGS were 50%, 26% and 7% for patients with blood ketone levels of 0.1, 0.2–0.3 and ≥ 0.4mmol/L, respectively. All patients on prednisolone with ketones ≤ 0.3mmol/L had inadequate MGS. CONCLUSIONS Dietary logbook and clear instructions improve adherence. Low ketones, prednisolone use and short ketogenic preparation are risk factors for inadequate MGS.

BACKGROUND: Delayed cerebral ischemia and vasospasm are the most common causes of late morbidity following aneurysmal SAH, but their diagnosis remains challenging. PURPOSE: This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the diagnostic performance of CTP for detection of delayed cerebral ischemia and vasospasm in the setting of aneurysmal SAH. DATA SOURCES: Studies evaluating the diagnostic performance of CTP in the setting of aneurysmal SAH were searched on the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Clinical Answers, Cochrane Methodology Register, Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, American College of Physicians Journal Club, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Health Technology Assessment, National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database, PubMed, and Google Scholar from their inception to September 2023. STUDY SELECTION: Thirty studies were included, encompassing 1786 patients with aneurysmal SAH and 2302 CTP studies. Studies were included if they compared the diagnostic accuracy of CTP with a reference standard (clinical or radiologic delayed cerebral ischemia, angiographic spasm) for the detection of delayed cerebral ischemia or vasospasm in patients with aneurysmal SAH. The primary outcome was accuracy for the detection of delayed cerebral ischemia or vasospasm. DATA ANALYSIS: Bivariate random effects models were used to pool outcomes for sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio. Subgroup analyses for individual CTP parameters and early-versus-late study timing were performed. Bias and applicability were assessed using the modified QUADAS-2 tool. DATA SYNTHESIS: For assessment of delayed cerebral ischemia, CTP demonstrated a pooled sensitivity of 82.1% (95% CI, 74.5%–87.8%), specificity of 79.6% (95% CI, 73.0%–84.9%), positive likelihood ratio of 4.01 (95% CI, 2.94–5.47), and negative likelihood ratio of 0.23 (95% CI, 0.12–0.33). For assessment of vasospasm, CTP showed a pooled sensitivity of 85.6% (95% CI, 74.2%–92.5%), specificity of 87.9% (95% CI, 79.2%–93.3%), positive likelihood ratio of 7.10 (95% CI, 3.87–13.04), and negative likelihood ratio of 0.16 (95% CI, 0.09–0.31). LIMITATIONS: QUADAS-2 assessment identified 12 articles with low risk, 11 with moderate risk, and 7 with a high risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS: For delayed cerebral ischemia, CTP had a sensitivity of >80%, specificity of >75%, and a low negative likelihood ratio of 0.23. CTP had better performance for the detection of vasospasm, with sensitivity and specificity of >85% and a low negative likelihood ratio of 0.16. Although the accuracy offers the potential for CTP to be used in limited clinical contexts, standardization of CTP techniques and high-quality randomized trials evaluating its impact are required.

Objective: Quantify the outcomes following pneumothorax aspiration and influence upon chest drain insertion. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent aspiration for the treatment of a pneumothorax following a CT percutaneous transthoracic lung biopsy (CT-PTLB) from January 1, 2010 to October 1, 2020 at a tertiary center. Patient, lesion and procedural factors associated with chest drain insertion were assessed with univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: A total of 102 patients underwent aspiration for a pneumothorax following CT-PTLB. Overall, 81 patients (79.4%) had a successful pneumothorax aspiration and were discharged home on the same day. In 21 patients (20.6%), the pneumothorax continued to increase post-aspiration and required chest drain insertion with hospital admission. Significant risk factors requiring chest drain insertion included upper/middle lobe biopsy location [odds ratio (OR) 6.46; 95% CI 1.77–23.65, p = 0.003], supine biopsy position (OR 7.06; 95% CI 2.24–22.21, p < 0.001), emphysema (OR 3.13; 95% CI 1.10–8.87, p = 0.028), greater needle depth ≥2 cm (OR 4.00; 95% CI 1.44–11.07, p = 0.005) and a larger pneumothorax (axial depth ≥3 cm) (OR 16.00; 95% CI 4.76–53.83, p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, larger pneumothorax size and supine position during biopsy remained significant for chest drain insertion. Aspiration of a larger pneumothorax (radial depths ≥3 cm and ≥4 cm) had a 50% rate of success. Aspiration of a smaller pneumothorax (radial depth 2–3 cm and 80%). Advances in knowledge: Aspiration of pneumothoraces up to 3 cm was often associated with avoiding chest drain insertion and allowing for earlier discharge.

Background There is no consensus regarding the relative prognostic value of cardiac MRI and fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET in cardiac sarcoidosis. Purpose To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prognostic value of cardiac MRI and FDG PET for major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in cardiac sarcoidosis. Materials and Methods In this systematic review, MEDLINE, Ovid Epub, CENTRAL, Embase, Emcare, and Scopus were searched from inception until January 2022. Studies that evaluated the prognostic value of cardiac MRI or FDG PET in adults with cardiac sarcoidosis were included. The primary outcome of MACE was assessed as a composite including death, ventricular arrhythmia, and heart failure hospitalization. Summary metrics were obtained using random-effects meta-analysis. Meta-regression was used to assess covariates. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality in Prognostic Studies, or QUIPS, tool. Results Thirty-seven studies were included (3489 patients with mean follow-up of 3.1 years ± 1.5 [SD]); 29 studies evaluated MRI (2931 patients) and 17 evaluated FDG PET (1243 patients). Five studies directly compared MRI and PET in the same patients (276 patients). Left ventricular late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) at MRI and FDG uptake at PET were both predictive of MACE (odds ratio [OR], 8.0 [95% CI: 4.3, 15.0] [P < .001] and 2.1 [95% CI: 1.4, 3.2] [P < .001], respectively). At meta-regression, results varied by modality (P = .006). LGE (OR, 10.4 [95% CI: 3.5, 30.5]; P < .001) was also predictive of MACE when restricted to studies with direct comparison, whereas FDG uptake (OR, 1.9 [95% CI: 0.82, 4.4]; P = .13) was not. Right ventricular LGE and FDG uptake were also associated with MACE (OR, 13.1 [95% CI: 5.2, 33] [P < .001] and 4.1 [95% CI: 1.9, 8.9] [P < .001], respectively). Thirty-two studies were at risk for bias. Conclusion Left and right ventricular late gadolinium enhancement at cardiac MRI and fluorodeoxyglucose uptake at PET were predictive of major adverse cardiac events in cardiac sarcoidosis. Limitations include few studies with direct comparison and risk of bias. Systematic review registration no. CRD42021214776 (PROSPERO) © RSNA, 2023 Supplemental material is available for this article.

Background and Aim: The exact place for selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) in the therapeutic algorithm for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is debated. There are limited data on its indications, efficacy, and safety in Australia.Methods: We performed a multicenter retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing SIRT for HCC in all Sydney hospitals between 2005 and 2019. The primary outcome was overall survival. Secondary outcomes were progression‐free survival and adverse events.Results: During the study period, 156 patients underwent SIRT across 10 institutions (mean age 67 years, 81% male). SIRT use progressively increased from 2005 (n = 2), peaking in 2017 (n = 42) before declining (2019: n = 21). Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stages at treatment were A (13%), B (33%), C (52%), and D (2%). Forty‐four (28%) patients had tumor thrombus. After a median follow‐up of 13.9 months, there were 117 deaths. Median overall survival was 15 months (95% confidence interval 11–19). Independent predictors of mortality on multivariable analysis were extent of liver involvement, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage, baseline ascites, alpha fetoprotein, and model for end‐stage liver disease score. Median progression‐free survival was 6.0 months (95% confidence interval 5.1–6.9 months). Following SIRT, 11% of patients were downstaged to curative therapy. SIRT‐related complications occurred in 17%: radioembolization‐induced liver disease (11%), pneumonitis (3%), gastrointestinal ulceration, and cholecystitis (1% each). Baseline ascites predicted for radioembolization‐induced liver disease.Conclusion: We present the largest Australian SIRT cohort for HCC. We have identified several factors associated with a poor outcome following SIRT. Patients with early‐stage disease had the best survival with some being downstaged to curative therapy.

Objective Multiple cohort studies have compared surgical resection with CT-guided percutaneous ablation for patients with stage 1 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, the results have been heterogeneous. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to compare surgery with ablation for stage 1 NSCLC. Method A search of five databases was performed from inception to 5 July 2020. Studies were included if overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and/or disease-free survival (DFS) were compared between patients treated with surgical resection versus ablation (radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or microwave ablation (MWA)) for stage 1 NSCLC. Pooled odds ratios (OR) were calculated. Results A total of eight studies were included (total 792 patients: 460 resection and 332 ablation). There were no significant differences in 1- to 5-year OS or CSS between surgery versus ablation. There were significantly better 1- and 2-year DFS for surgery over ablation (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.14–4.34; OR 2.60, 95% CI 1.21–5.57 respectively), but not 3- to 5-year DFS. Subgroup analysis demonstrated no significant OS difference between lobectomy and MWA, but there were significantly better 1- and 2-year OS with sublobar resection (wedge resection or segmentectomy) versus RFA (OR 2.85, 95% CI 1.33–6.10; OR 4.54, 95% CI 2.51–8.21, respectively). In the two studies which only included patients with stage 1A NSCLC, pooled outcomes demonstrated no significant differences in 1- to 3-year OS or DFS between surgery versus ablation. Conclusion Surgical resection of stage 1 NSCLC remains the optimal choice. However, for non-surgical patients with stage 1A, ablation offers promising DFS, CSS, and OS. Future prospective randomized controlled trials are warranted. Key Points • Surgical resection of stage 1 NSCLC remains the optimal choice. • In patients with stage 1A NSCLC who are not surgical candidates, CT-guided microwave or radiofrequency ablation may be an alternative which offers promising disease-free survival and overall survival.