Search

Purpose: Single-slice magnetization transfer (MT) imaging has shown promising results for evaluating post-radiation fibrosis. The study aim was to evaluate the value of multislice MT imaging to assess tumour response after chemoradiotherapy by comparing magnetization transfer ratios (MTR) with histopathological tumour regression grade (TRG).Materials and Methods: Thirty patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (cT3-4 and/or cN2) underwent routine restaging MRI 8 weeks post-chemoradiotherapy, including multislice MT-sequence, covering the entire tumour bed. Two independent readers delineated regions of interest on MTR maps, covering all potential remaining tumour and fibrotic areas. Mean MTR and histogram parameters (minimum, maximum, median, standard deviation, skewness, kurtosis, and 5-30-70-95th percentiles) were calculated. Reference standard was histological TRG1-2 (good response) and TRG3-5 (poor response).Results: 24/30 patients were male; mean age was 67.7 ± 10.8 years. Mean MTR rendered AUCs of 0.65 (reader1) and 0.87 (reader2) to differentiate between TRG1-2 versus TRG3-5. Best results were obtained for 95(th) percentile (AUC 0.75- 0.88). Interobserver agreement was moderate (ICC 0.50) for mean MTR and good (ICC 0.80) for 95(th) percentile.Conclusions: MT imaging is a promising tool to assess tumour response post-chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer. Particularly, 95(th) percentile results in AUCs up to 0.88 to discriminate a good tumour response.Key Points: • The mean MTR can differentiate between good and poor responders after chemoradiation. • In addition to measurement of the mean value, histogram analyses can be beneficial. • The histogram parameter 95 (th) percentile can reach AUCs of 0.75-0.88. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate a self-test for Dutch breast screening radiologists introduced as part of the national quality assurance programme. Methods and materials: A total of 144 radiologists were invited to complete a test-set of 60 screening mammograms (20 malignancies). Participants assigned findings such as location, lesion type and BI-RADS. We determined areas under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves (AUC), case and lesion sensitivity and specificity, agreement (kappa) and correlation between reader characteristics and case sensitivity (Spearman correlation coefficients). Results: A total of 110 radiologists completed the test (76 %). Participants read a median number of 10,000 screening mammograms/year. Median AUC value was 0.93, case and lesion sensitivity was 91 % and case specificity 94 %. We found substantial agreement for recall (κ = 0.77) and laterality (κ = 0.80), moderate agreement for lesion type (κ = 0.57) and BI-RADS (κ = 0.45) and no correlation between case sensitivity and reader characteristics. Conclusion: Areas under the ROC curve, case sensitivity and lesion sensitivity were satisfactory and recall agreement was substantial. However, agreement in lesion type and BI-RADS could be improved; further education might be aimed at reducing interobserver variation in interpretation and description of abnormalities. We offered individual feedback on interpretive performance and overall feedback at group level. Future research will determine whether performance has improved. Key Points: • We introduced and evaluated a self-test for Dutch breast screening radiologists. • ROC curves, case and lesion sensitivity and recall agreement were all satisfactory. • Agreement in BI-RADS interpretation and description of abnormalities could be improved. • These are areas that should be targeted with further education and training. • We offered individual feedback on interpretative performance and overall group feedback. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We compared the interobserver variability concerning the detection of calcified and non-calcified plaque in two different low-dose and standard retrospectively gated protocols for coronary CTA. Methods: 150 patients with low heart rates and less than 100 kg body weight were randomised and examined by contrast-enhanced dual-source CT coronary angiography (100 kV, 320 mAs). 50 patients were examined with prospectively ECG-triggered axial acquisition, 50 patients with prospectively ECG-triggered high pitch spiral acquisition, and 50 patients using spiral acquisition with retrospective ECG gating. Two investigators independently analysed the datasets concerning the presence of calcified and non-calcified plaque on a per-segment level. Results: Mean effective dose was 1.4 ± 0.2 mSv for axial, 0.8 ± 0.07 mSv for high-pitch spiral, and 5.3 ± 2.6 mSV for standard spiral acquisition ( P < 0.0001). In axial acquisition, interobserver agreement concerning the presence of atherosclerotic plaque was achieved in 650/749 coronary segments (86.8%). In high-pitch spiral acquisition, agreement was achieved in 664/748 segments (88.8%, n.s.). In standard spiral acquisition, agreement was achieved in 672/738 segments (91.0%, P < 0.0001). Interobserver agreement was significantly higher for calcified than for non-calcified plaque in all data acquisition modes. Conclusion: Low-dose coronary CT angiography permits the detection of coronary atherosclerotic plaque with good interobserver agreement. Key Points: • Low-dose CT protocols permit coronary plaque detection with good interobserver agreement. • Image noise is a major predictor of interobserver variability. • Interobserver agreement is significantly higher for calcified than for non-calcified plaque. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]