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Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in the United States and globally with the majority of lung cancer cases attributable to cigarette smoking. Given the high societal and personal cost of a diagnosis of lung cancer including that most cases of lung cancer when diagnosed are found at a late stage, work over the past 40 years has aimed to detect lung cancer earlier when curative treatment is possible. Screening trials using chest radiography and sputum failed to show a reduction in lung cancer mortality however multiple studies using low dose CT have shown the ability to detect lung cancer early and a survival benefit to those screened. This review will discuss the history of lung cancer screening, current recommendations and screening guidelines, and implementation and components of a lung cancer screening program.

Accurate segmentation of the lung nodule in computed tomography images is a critical component of a computer-assisted lung cancer detection/diagnosis system. However, lung nodule segmentation is a challenging task due to the heterogeneity of nodules. This study is to develop a hybrid deep learning (H-DL) model for the segmentation of lung nodules with a wide variety of sizes, shapes, margins, and opacities.A dataset collected from Lung Image Database Consortium image collection containing 847 cases with lung nodules manually annotated by at least two radiologists with nodule diameters greater than 7 mm and less than 45 mm was randomly split into 683 training/validation and 164 independent test cases. The 50% consensus consolidation of radiologists' annotation was used as the reference standard for each nodule. We designed a new H-DL model combining two deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs) with different structures as encoders to increase the learning capabilities for the segmentation of complex lung nodules. Leveraging the basic symmetric U-shaped architecture of U-Net, we redesigned two new U-shaped deep learning (U-DL) models that were expanded to six levels of convolutional layers. One U-DL model used a shallow DCNN structure containing 16 convolutional layers adapted from the VGG-19 as the encoder, and the other used a deep DCNN structure containing 200 layers adapted from DenseNet-201 as the encoder, while the same decoder with only one convolutional layer at each level was used in both U-DL models, and we referred to them as the shallow and deep U-DL models. Finally, an ensemble layer was used to combine the two U-DL models into the H-DL model. We compared the effectiveness of the H-DL, the shallow U-DL and the deep U-DL models by deploying them separately to the test set. The accuracy of volume segmentation for each nodule was evaluated by the 3D Dice coefficient and Jaccard index (JI) relative to the reference standard. For comparison, we calculated the median and minimum of the 3D Dice and JI over the individual radiologists who segmented each nodule, referred to as M-Dice, min-Dice, M-JI, and min-JI.For the 164 test cases with 327 nodules, our H-DL model achieved an average 3D Dice coefficient of 0.750 ± 0.135 and an average JI of 0.617 ± 0.159. The radiologists' average M-Dice was 0.778 ± 0.102, and the average M-JI was 0.651 ± 0.127; both were significantly higher than those achieved by the H-DL model (p 0.05). The radiologists' average min-Dice (0.685 ± 0.139) and the average min-JI (0.537 ± 0.153) were significantly lower than those achieved by the H-DL model (p 0.05). The results indicated that the H-DL model approached the average performance of radiologists and was superior to the radiologist whose manual segmentation had the min-Dice and min-JI. Moreover, the average Dice and average JI achieved by the H-DL model were significantly higher than those achieved by the individual shallow U-DL model (Dice of 0.745 ± 0.139, JI of 0.611 ± 0.161; p 0.05) or the individual deep U-DL model alone (Dice of 0.739 ± 0.145, JI of 0.604 ± 0.163; p 0.05).Our newly developed H-DL model outperformed the individual shallow or deep U-DL models. The H-DL method combining multilevel features learned by both the shallow and deep DCNNs could achieve segmentation accuracy comparable to radiologists' segmentation for nodules with wide ranges of image characteristics.

The NCCN Guidelines for Lung Cancer Screening recommend criteria for selecting individuals for screening and provide recommendations for evaluation and follow-up of lung nodules found during initial and subsequent screening. These NCCN Guidelines Insights focus on recent updates to the NCCN Guidelines for Lung Cancer Screening.

Although recommended lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography scanning (LDCT) reduces mortality among high-risk adults, annual screening rates remain low. This study complements a previous nationwide assessment of access to lung cancer screening within 40 miles by evaluating differences in accessibility across rural and urban settings for the population aged 50 to 80 years and a subset eligible population based on the 2021 US Preventive Services Task Force LDCT lung screening recommendations.Distances from population centers to screening facilities (American College of Radiology Lung Cancer Screening Registry) were calculated, and the number of individuals who had access within graduating distances, including 10, 20, 40, 50, and 100 miles, were estimated. Census tract results were aggregated to counties, and both geographies were classified with rural-urban schemas.Approximately 5% of the eligible population did not have access to lung cancer screening facilities within 40 miles; however, different patterns of accessibility were observed at different distances, between regions, and across rural-urban environments. Across all distances and geographies, there was a larger percentage of the population in rural geographies with no access. Although the rural population represented approximately 8% of the eligible population, the larger percentage of the rural population with no access was noteworthy and translated into a larger number of individuals with no access at longer distance thresholds (≥40 miles).Disparities in access should be examined as both percentages of the population and numbers of individuals with no access in order to tailor interventions to communities and increase access. Geospatial analysis at the census tract level is recommended to help to identify optimal focus areas and reach the most people.As annual lung cancer screening rates remain low, this study examines access to lung cancer screening nationwide and across rural and urban settings. A geographic information system network analysis of census tract-level populations is used to estimate access at different distances, including 10, 20, 40, 50, and 100 miles, and the results are aggregated to counties. Approximately 5% of the eligible population does not have access to screening facilities within 40 miles; however, different patterns of accessibility are observed at different distances, between regions, and across rural-urban environments. Across all distances and geographies, there is a larger percentage of the population in rural geographies with no access.

Rationale: The ability of peripheral blood biomarkers to assess COPD risk and progression is unknown. Genetics and gene expression may capture important aspects of COPD-related biology that predict...

BACKGROUND: Smokers manifest varied phenotypes of pulmonary impairment. RESEARCH QUESTION: Which pulmonary phenotypes are associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) in smokers? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We analyzed data from the University of Pittsburgh COPD Specialized Center for Clinically Oriented Research (SCCOR) cohort (n = 481) and the Genetic Epidemiology of COPD (COPDGene) cohort (n = 2,580). Participants were current and former smokers with > 10 pack-years of tobacco exposure. Data from the two cohorts were analyzed separately because of methodologic differences. Lung hyperinflation was assessed by plethysmography in the SCCOR cohort and by inspiratory and expiratory CT scan lung volumes in the COPDGene cohort. Subclinical CAD was assessed as the coronary artery calcium score, whereas clinical CAD was defined as a self-reported history of CAD or myocardial infarction (MI). Analyses were performed in all smokers and then repeated in those with airflow obstruction (FEV(1) to FVC ratio, < 0.70). RESULTS: Pulmonary phenotypes, including airflow limitation, emphysema, lung hyperinflation, diffusion capacity, and radiographic measures of airway remodeling, showed weak to moderate correlations (r < 0.7) with each other. In multivariate models adjusted for pulmonary phenotypes and CAD risk factors, lung hyperinflation was the only phenotype associated with calcium score, history of clinical CAD, or history of MI (per 0.2 higher expiratory and inspiratory CT scan lung volume; coronary calcium: OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.5; P = .02; clinical CAD: OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1-2.3; P = .01; and MI in COPDGene: OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.0-2.8; P = .05). FEV(1) and emphysema were associated with increased risk of CAD (P < .05) in models adjusted for CAD risk factors; however, these associations were attenuated on adjusting for lung hyperinflation. Results were the same in those with airflow obstruction and were present in both cohorts. INTERPRETATION: Lung hyperinflation is associated strongly with clinical and subclinical CAD in smokers, including those with airflow obstruction. After lung hyperinflation was accounted for, FEV(1) and emphysema no longer were associated with CAD. Subsequent studies should consider measuring lung hyperinflation and examining its mechanistic role in CAD in current and former smokers.

Lung cancer screening (LCS) with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) was recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) in 2013, making approximately 8 million Americans eligible for screening. The demographic characteristics and adherence of persons screened in the United States have not been reported at the population level.To define sociodemographic characteristics and adherence among persons screened and entered into the American College of Radiology's Lung Cancer Screening Registry (LCSR).Cohort study.United States, 2015 to 2019.Persons receiving a baseline LDCT for LCS from 3625 facilities reporting to the LCSR.Age, sex, and smoking status distributions (percentages) were computed among persons who were screened and among respondents in the 2015 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) who were eligible for screening. The prevalence between the LCSR and the NHIS was compared with prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% CIs. Adherence to annual screening was defined as having a follow-up test within 11 to 15 months of an initial LDCT.Among 1 159 092 persons who were screened, 90.8% (Underreporting of LCS and missing data may skew demographic characteristics of persons reported to be screened. Underreporting of adherence may result in underestimates of follow-up.Approximately 91% of persons who had LCS met USPSTF eligibility criteria. In addition to continuing to target all eligible adults, men, those who formerly smoked, and younger eligible patients may be less likely to be screened. Adherence to annual follow-up screening was poor, potentially limiting screening effectiveness.None.

Lung cancer screening with a low radiation dose chest CT scan is the standard of care for screening-eligible individuals. The net benefit of screening may be optimized by delivering high-quality care, capable of maximizing the benefit and minimizing the harms of screening. Valid, feasible, and relevant indicators of the quality of lung cancer screening may help programs to evaluate their current practice and to develop quality improvement plans. The purpose of this project was to develop quality indicators related to the processes and outcomes of screening. Potential quality indicators were explored through surveys of multidisciplinary lung cancer screening experts. Those that achieved predefined measures of consensus for each of the validity, feasibility, and relevance domains are proposed as quality indicators. Each of the proposed indicators is described in detail, with guidance on how to define, measure, and improve program performance within the indicator.

In 2014, the American College of Radiology (ACR) created Lung-RADS 1.0. The system was updated to Lung-RADS 1.1 in 2019, and further updates are anticipated as additional data become available. Lung-RADS provides a common lexicon and standardized nodule follow-up management paradigm for use when reporting lung cancer screening (LCS) low-dose CT (LDCT) chest examinations and serves as a quality assurance and outcome monitoring tool. The use of Lung-RADS is intended to improve LCS performance and lead to better patient outcomes. To date, the ACR's Lung Cancer Screening Registry is the only LCS registry approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and requires the use of Lung-RADS categories for reimbursement. Numerous challenges have emerged regarding the use of Lung-RADS in clinical practice, including the timing of return to LCS after planned follow-up diagnostic evaluation; potential substitution of interval diagnostic CT for future LDCT; role of volumetric analysis in assessing nodule size; assessment of nodule growth; assessment of cavitary, subpleural, and category 4X nodules; and variability in reporting of the S modifier. This article highlights the major updates between versions 1.0 and 1.1 of Lung-RADS, describes the system's ongoing challenges, and summarizes current evidence and recommendations.

Differently from computed tomography (CT), well-defined terminology for chest radiography (CXR) findings and standardized reporting in the setting of known or suspected COVID-19 are still lacking. We propose a revision of CXR major imaging findings in SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia derived from the comparison of CXR and CT, suggesting a precise and standardized terminology for CXR reporting. This description will consider asymptomatic patients, symptomatic patients, and patients with SARS-CoV-2-related pulmonary complications. We suggest using terms such as ground-glass opacities, consolidation, and reticular pattern for the most common findings, and characteristic chest radiographic pattern in presence of one or more of the above-mentioned findings with peripheral and mid-to-lower lung zone distribution.

The NCCN Guidelines for Lung Cancer Screening recommend criteria for selecting individuals for screening and provide recommendations for evaluation and follow-up of lung nodules found during initial and subsequent screening. These NCCN Guidelines Insights focus on recent updates to the NCCN Guidelines for Lung Cancer Screening.

Background Lung cancer risk prediction models do not routinely incorporate imaging metrics available on low-dose CT (LDCT) imaging of the chest ordered for lung cancer screening. Research Question What is the association between quantitative emphysema measured on LDCT imaging and lung cancer incidence and mortality, all-cause mortality, and airflow obstruction in individuals who currently or formerly smoked and are undergoing lung cancer screening? Study Design and Methods In 7,262 participants in the CT arm of the National Lung Screening Trial, percent low attenuation area (%LAA) was defined as the percentage of lung volume with voxels less than –950 Hounsfield units on the baseline examination. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models, adjusting for competing risks where appropriate, were built to test for association between %LAA and lung cancer incidence, lung cancer mortality, and all-cause mortality with censoring at 6 years. In addition, multivariable logistic regression models were built to test the cross-sectional association between %LAA and airflow obstruction on spirometry, which was available in 2,700 participants. Results The median %LAA was 0.8% (interquartile range, 0.2%-2.7%). Every 1% increase in %LAA was independently associated with higher hazards of lung cancer incidence (hazard ratio [HR], 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.03; P = .004), lung cancer mortality (HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00-1.05; P = .045), and all-cause mortality (HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.03; P = .042). Among participants with spirometry, 892 had airflow obstruction. The likelihood of airflow obstruction increased with every 1% increase in %LAA (odds ratio, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.06-1.09; P 65 years. Interpretation Quantitative emphysema measured on LDCT imaging of the chest can be leveraged to improve lung cancer risk prediction and help diagnose COPD in individuals who currently or formerly smoked and are undergoing lung cancer screening.

Comprehensive biomarker testing has become the standard of care for informing the choice of the most appropriate targeted therapy for many patients with advanced cancer. Despite evidence demonstrating the need for comprehensive biomarker testing to enable the selection of appropriate targeted therapies and immunotherapy, the incorporation of biomarker testing into clinical practice lags behind recommendations in National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. Coverage policy differences across insurance health plans have limited the accessibility of comprehensive biomarker testing largely to patients whose insurance covers the recommended testing or those who can pay for the testing, and this has contributed to health disparities. Furthermore, even when insurance coverage exists for recommended biomarker testing, patients may incur burdensome out-of-pocket costs depending on their insurance plan benefits, which may also create barriers to testing. Prior authorization for biomarker testing for some patients can add an administrative burden and may delay testing and thus treatment if it is not done in a timely manner. Recently, three states (Illinois, Louisiana, and California) passed laws designed to improve access to biomarker testing at the state level. However, there is variability among these laws in terms of the population affected, the stage of cancer, and whether the coverage of testing is mandated, or the legislation addresses only prior authorization. Advocacy efforts by patient advocates, health care professionals, and professional societies are imperative at the state level to further improve coverage for and access to appropriate biomarker testing.

The US Preventive Services Task Force has recommended lung cancer screening (LCS) with low-dose CT (LDCT) in high-risk individuals since 2013. Because LDCT encompasses the lower neck, chest, and upper abdomen, many incidental findings (IFs) are detected. The authors created a quick reference guide to describe common IFs in LCS to assist LCS program navigators and ordering providers in managing the care continuum in LCS.The ACR IF white papers were reviewed for findings on LDCT that were age appropriate for LCS. A draft guide was created on the basis of recommendations in the IF white papers, the medical literature, and input from subspecialty content experts. The draft was piloted with LCS program navigators recruited through contacts by the ACR LCS Steering Committee. The navigators completed a survey on overall usefulness, clarity, adequacy of content, and user experience with the guide.Seven anatomic regions including 15 discrete organs with 45 management recommendations were identified as relevant to the age of individuals eligible for LCS. The draft was piloted by 49 LCS program navigators from 32 facilities. The guide was rated as useful and clear by 95% of users. No unexpected or adverse experiences were reported in using the guide. On the basis of feedback, relevant sections were reviewed and edited.The ACR Lung Cancer Screening CT Incidental Findings Quick Reference Guide outlines the common IFs in LCS and can serve as an easy-to-use resource for ordering providers and LCS program navigators to help guide management.

In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) functional small airways disease (fSAD) has been identified as a transitional state between healthy lung and irremediable emphysema. Topological analysis of the CT-based parametric response map (PRM) spatially quantifies distribution and arrangement of fSAD and emphysema. We present a cross sectional analysis of topological PRM (tPRM) in 8,972 participants from the COPDGene study, covering a complete spectrum of COPD severity. We aimed to evaluate tPRM dynamics with respect to GOLD and test association of tPRM with pulmonary function using Spearman correlation and stepwise linear regression. Baseline CT and clinical data were included, and tPRM was computed as whole lung averages summarizing disease volume density, surface area, curvature and perforation (measured by Ⲭ). Strong correlation (ρ = -0.74, p < 0.001) was determined between degree of perforation in healthy lung (ⲬNorm) and fSAD regions (ⲬfSAD), transposing from predominantly healthy lung perforated with fSAD (GOLD 2, ⲬNorm = -0.84, ⲬfSAD = 0.47) to fSAD perforated with healthy lung (GOLD 4, ⲬNorm = 0.39, ⲬfSAD = -0.36). tPRM significantly (p < 0.05) contributed to regression modelling of FEV1/FVC (R2 = 0.71), where surface area of emphysema had the most notable effect (β = -0.49, p < 0.01). Thus, tPRM provided insight into topology of fSAD and emphysema in COPD and associated statistically with clinical lung function measures.

Parametric response mapping (PRM) is a novel computed tomography (CT) technology that has shown potential for assessment of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT). The primary aim of this study was to evaluate whether variations in image acquisition under real-world conditions affect the PRM measurements of clinically diagnosed BOS. CT scans were obtained retrospectively from 72 HCT recipients with BOS and graft-versus-host disease from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Karolinska Institute, and the University of Michigan. Whole lung volumetric scans were performed at inspiration and expiration using site-specific acquisition and reconstruction protocols. PRM and pulmonary function measurements were assessed. Patients with moderately severe BOS at diagnosis (median forced expiratory volume at 1 second [FEV1] 53.5% predicted) had similar characteristics between sites. Variations in site-specific CT acquisition protocols had a negligible effect on the PRM-derived small airways disease (SAD), that is, BOS measurements. PRM-derived SAD was found to correlate with FEV1% predicted and FEV1/ forced vital capacity (R = -0.236, P = .046; and R = -0.689, P < .0001, respectively), which suggests that elevated levels in the PRM measurements are primarily affected by BOS airflow obstruction and not CT scan acquisition parameters. Based on these results, PRM may be applied broadly for post-HCT diagnosis and monitoring of BOS.

Background The risks from potential exposure to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and resource reallocation that has occurred to combat the pandemic, have altered the balance of benefits and harms that informed current (pre-COVID-19) guideline recommendations for lung cancer screening and lung nodule evaluation. Consensus statements were developed to guide clinicians managing lung cancer screening programs and patients with lung nodules during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods An expert panel of 24 members, including pulmonologists (n = 17), thoracic radiologists (n = 5), and thoracic surgeons (n = 2), was formed. The panel was provided with an overview of current evidence, summarized by recent guidelines related to lung cancer screening and lung nodule evaluation. The panel was convened by video teleconference to discuss and then vote on statements related to 12 common clinical scenarios. A predefined threshold of 70% of panel members voting agree or strongly agree was used to determine if there was a consensus for each statement. Items that may influence decisions were listed as notes to be considered for each scenario. Results Twelve statements related to baseline and annual lung cancer screening (n = 2), surveillance of a previously detected lung nodule (n = 5), evaluation of intermediate and high-risk lung nodules (n = 4), and management of clinical stage I non–small-cell lung cancer (n = 1) were developed and modified. All 12 statements were confirmed as consensus statements according to the voting results. The consensus statements provide guidance about situations in which it was believed to be appropriate to delay screening, defer surveillance imaging of lung nodules, and minimize nonurgent interventions during the evaluation of lung nodules and stage I non–small-cell lung cancer. Conclusions There was consensus that during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is appropriate to defer enrollment in lung cancer screening and modify the evaluation of lung nodules due to the added risks from potential exposure and the need for resource reallocation. There are multiple local, regional, and patient-related factors that should be considered when applying these statements to individual patient care.

COPD is a heterogeneous syndrome. Many COPD subtypes have been proposed, but there is not yet consensus on how many COPD subtypes there are and how they should be defined. The COPD Genetic Epidemiology Study (COPDGene), which has generated 10-year longitudinal chest imaging, spirometry, and molecular data, is a rich resource for relating COPD phenotypes to underlying genetic and molecular mechanisms. In this article, we place COPDGene clustering studies in context with other highly cited COPD clustering studies, and summarize the main COPD subtype findings from COPDGene. First, most manifestations of COPD occur along a continuum, which explains why continuous aspects of COPD or disease axes may be more accurate and reproducible than subtypes identified through clustering methods. Second, continuous COPD-related measures can be used to create subgroups through the use of predictive models to define cut-points, and we review COPDGene research on blood eosinophil count thresholds as a specific example. Third, COPD phenotypes identified or prioritized through machine learning methods have led to novel biological discoveries, including novel emphysema genetic risk variants and systemic inflammatory subtypes of COPD. Fourth, trajectory-based COPD subtyping captures differences in the longitudinal evolution of COPD, addressing a major limitation of clustering analyses that are confounded by disease severity. Ongoing longitudinal characterization of subjects in COPDGene will provide useful insights about the relationship between lung imaging parameters, molecular markers, and COPD progression that will enable the identification of subtypes based on underlying disease processes and distinct patterns of disease progression, with the potential to improve the clinical relevance and reproducibility of COPD subtypes.

Chronic rejection of lung allografts has two major subtypes, bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) and restrictive allograft syndrome (RAS), which present radiologically either as air trapping with small airways disease or with persistent pleuroparenchymal opacities. Parametric response mapping (PRM), a computed tomography (CT) methodology, has been demonstrated as an objective readout of BOS and RAS and bears prognostic importance, but has yet to be correlated to biological measures. Using a topological technique, we evaluate the distribution and arrangement of PRM-derived classifications of pulmonary abnormalities from lung transplant recipients undergoing redo-transplantation for end-stage BOS (N = 6) or RAS (N = 6). Topological metrics were determined from each PRM classification and compared to structural and biological markers determined from microCT and histopathology of lung core samples. Whole-lung measurements of PRM-defined functional small airways disease (fSAD), which serves as a readout of BOS, were significantly elevated in BOS versus RAS patients (p = 0.01). At the core-level, PRM-defined parenchymal disease, a potential readout of RAS, was found to correlate to neutrophil and collagen I levels (p < 0.05). We demonstrate the relationship of structural and biological markers to the CT-based distribution and arrangement of PRM-derived readouts of BOS and RAS. ispartof: CELLS vol:11 issue:4 ispartof: location:Switzerland status: published

Rationale: Evidence suggests damage to small airways is a key pathologic lesion in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Computed tomography densitometry has been demonstrated to identify e...

Rib fractures are the most common thoracic injury after minor blunt trauma. Although rib fractures can produce significant morbidity, the diagnosis of injuries to underlying organs is arguably more important as these complications are likely to have the most significant clinical impact. Isolated rib fractures have a relatively low morbidity and mortality and treatment is generally conservative. As such, evaluation with standard chest radiographs is usually sufficient for the diagnosis of rib fractures, and further imaging is generally not appropriate as there is little data that undiagnosed isolated rib fractures after minor blunt trauma affect management or outcomes. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation frequently results in anterior rib fractures and chest radiographs are usually appropriate (and sufficient) as the initial imaging modality in these patients. In patients with suspected pathologic fractures, chest CT or Tc-99m bone scans are usually appropriate and complementary modalities to chest radiography based on the clinical scenario. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Rationale and objectives To determine the utility of routine postbronchoscopy chest radiography to detect pneumothorax. Materials and Methods This retrospective quality improvement cohort study was approved by the Institutional Review Board. All outpatients (n = 1443) who underwent protocol-driven postbronchoscopy chest radiography in one health system from January 2010 to July 2017 were identified by electronic medical record query. The prevalence of pneumothorax (with 95% confidence intervals [CI]) and clinical outcome were determined following coded review of chest radiography reports and review of the electronic medical record. The effect of smoking and lung disease on risk of pneumothorax was determined with Chi Square tests. Results Of 1443 subjects undergoing interventional bronchoscopy, 6% (93/1443) were current smokers, 35% (505/1442) were former smokers, and 35% (540/1443) had known lung disease. Pneumothorax prevalence was 3.4% (49/1443; 95% CI: 2.6%–4.5%) following any intervention and 4.1% (42/1032; 95% CI: 3.9%–5.5%) following transbronchial intervention. In those without known pre-existing pneumothorax or a confirmed false positive diagnosis, the real overall pneumothorax rate was 2.9% (42/1443; 95% CI: 2.1%–3.9%). The risk of pneumothorax did not differ based on smoking history (p = 0.99) or history of lung disease (p = 0.19). Of 49 subjects with pneumothorax, 13 were symptomatic, and 10 had a change in management including chest tube placement (N = 2), inpatient admission (N = 3), and/or observation (N = 7). No pneumothorax-related intervention was performed in asymptomatic patients. Conclusion Pneumothorax following interventional outpatient bronchoscopy is uncommon, usually asymptomatic, and often clinically insignificant. Asymptomatic postbronchoscopy patients are very low risk and may not need routine imaging.

Background Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an interstitial lung disease with a better prognosis, on average, than idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We compare survival time and pulmonary function trajectory in patients with HP and IPF by radiologic phenotype. Methods HP (n = 117) was diagnosed if surgical/transbronchial lung biopsy, BAL, and exposure history results suggested this diagnosis. IPF (n = 152) was clinically and histopathologically diagnosed. All participants had a baseline high-resolution CT (HRCT) scan and FVC % predicted. Three thoracic radiologists documented radiologic features. Survival time is from HRCT scan to death or lung transplant. Cox proportional hazards models identify variables associated with survival time. Linear mixed models compare post-HRCT scan FVC % predicted trajectories. Results Subjects were grouped by clinical diagnosis and three mutually exclusive radiologic phenotypes: honeycomb present, non-honeycomb fibrosis (traction bronchiectasis and reticulation) present, and nonfibrotic. Nonfibrotic HP had the longest event-free median survival (> 14.73 years) and improving FVC % predicted (1.92%; 95% CI, 0.49-3.35; P = .009). HP with non-honeycomb fibrosis had longer survival than IPF (> 7.95 vs 5.20 years), and both groups experienced a significant decline in FVC % predicted. Subjects with HP and IPF with honeycombing had poor survival (2.76 and 2.81 years, respectively) and significant decline in FVC % predicted. Conclusions Three prognostically distinct, radiologically defined phenotypes are identified among patients with HP. The importance of pursuing a specific diagnosis (eg, HP vs IPF) among patients with non-honeycomb fibrosis is highlighted. When radiologic honeycombing is present, invasive diagnostic testing directed at determining the diagnosis may be of limited value given a uniformly poor prognosis.

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified multiple associations with emphysema apicobasal distribution (EABD), but the biological functions of these variants are unknown. To characterize the functions of EABD-associated variants, we integrated GWAS results with 1) expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) from the Genotype Tissue Expression (GTEx) project and subjects in the COPDGene (Genetic Epidemiology of COPD) study and 2) cell type epigenomic marks from the Roadmap Epigenomics project. On the basis of these analyses, we selected a variant near ACVR1B (activin A receptor type 1B) for functional validation. SNPs from 168 loci with P values less than 5 × 10(−5) in the largest GWAS meta-analysis of EABD were analyzed. Eighty-four loci overlapped eQTL, with 12 of these loci showing greater than 80% likelihood of harboring a single, shared GWAS and eQTL causal variant. Seventeen cell types were enriched for overlap between EABD loci and Roadmap Epigenomics marks (permutation P

Purpose The aim of this work was to prioritize in a quaternary academic environment necessary elements of a replacement PACS. Methods This quality improvement work was conducted at one academic medical center and was “not regulated” by the institutional review board. Three workgroups (10-15 members each) with unique resident, fellow, and attending radiologists; IT specialists; and departmental leaders convened in 2018 to prioritize elements for a PACS replacement project, including integrated IT tools. Each workgroup met two or three times and represented one of three missions (clinical, research, and education). Six elements assigned the highest priority were distilled from each workgroup. The resulting 18 elements were condensed into survey format and distributed to all department residents, fellows, and faculty members for 5-point Likert-type prioritization stratified by mission. Data were collected over 2 weeks. Results The survey response rate was 37% (71 of 192; 17 of 44 residents, 3 of 27 fellows, and 51 of 121 faculty members). Self-reported work effort was 63 ± 26% clinical, 14 ± 11% education, 15 ± 21% research, and 8 ± 14% administration. Aggregate priority ratings across all domains were highest for “stable system with predictable behavior” (mean, 4.51), “minimizes repetitive non-value-added work” (mean, 4.40), “interoperability” (mean, 4.12), and “near-instantaneous load times” (mean, 4.07). Clinical-specific ratings for these elements were even higher (means, 4.85-4.90). The lowest aggregate scores were mobile device compatibility (mean, 3.03), connectivity to nonaffiliated sites (mean, 3.01), and integrated instant messaging (mean, 2.87). Conclusions The department prioritized a stable and interoperable system that minimized non-value-added work. In other words, participants wanted a functioning PACS. PACS vendors should prioritize a reliable experience over niche add-ons.

Purpose To determine an optimal embargo period preceding release of radiologic test results to an online patient portal. Materials and Methods This prospective discrete choice conjoint survey with modified orthogonal design was administered to patients by trained interviewers at four outpatient sites and two institutions from December 2016 to February 2018. Three preferences for receiving imaging results associated with a possible or known cancer diagnosis were evaluated: delay in receipt of results (1, 3, or 14 days), method of receipt (online portal, physician's office, or phone), and condition of receipt (before, at the same time as, or after health care provider). Preferences (hereafter, referred to as utilities) were derived from parameter estimates (β) of multinomial regression stratified according to study participant and choice set. Results Among 464 screened participants, the response and completion rates were 90.5% (420 of 464) and 99.5% (418 of 420), respectively. Participants preferred faster receipt of results (P.001) from their physician (P.001) over the telephone (P.001). Each day of delay decreased preference by 13 percentage points. Participants preferred immediate receipt of results through an online portal (utility, -.57) if made to wait more than 6 days to get results in the office and more than 11 days to get results by telephone. Compared with receiving results in their physician's office on day 7 (utility, -.60), participants preferred immediate release through the online portal without physician involvement if followed by a telephone call within 6 days (utility, -0.49) or an office visit within 2 days (utility, -.53). Older participants preferred physician-directed communication (P.001). Conclusion The optimal embargo period preceding release of results through an online portal depends on the timing of traditional telephone- and office-based styles of communication. © RSNA, 2018 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Arenson et al in this issue.

Rationale: Increasing awareness of the prevalence and significance of Preserved Ratio Impaired Spirometry (PRISm), alternatively known as restrictive or Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lu...

The ACR Incidental Findings Committee presents recommendations for managing incidentally detected lung findings on thoracic CT. The Chest Subcommittee is composed of thoracic radiologists who endorsed and developed the provided guidance. These recommendations represent a combination of current published evidence and expert opinion and were finalized by informal iterative consensus. The recommendations address commonly encountered incidental findings in the lungs and are not intended to be a comprehensive review of all pulmonary incidental findings. The goal is to improve the quality of care by providing guidance on management of incidentally detected thoracic findings.

Background Psoriasis confers elevated risk of coronary-artery disease. Objective Do patients with severe psoriasis have larger epicardial adipose tissue volumes (EAT-V) that are associated with cardiovascular risk? Methods For this cross-sectional study, we recruited dermatology patients with severe psoriasis and control patients without psoriasis or rheumatologic disease themselves or in a first-degree relative. Participants, age 34-55 years without known coronary-artery disease or diabetes mellitus, underwent computed tomography (CT); EAT-V was obtained from non-contrast-CT heart images. Results Twenty-five patients with psoriasis (14 men, 11 women) and 16 controls (5 men, 11 women) participated. Groups had no statistical difference in age; body-mass index; various cardiovascular risk factors (except hs-CRP in men); CT-determined coronary-artery calcium scores or plaque; or family history of premature cardiovascular disease. Mean EAT-V was greater in the psoriasis group compared to controls (P=.04). There was no statistical difference among women; however, male patients with psoriasis had significantly more EAT-V than controls (P=.03), even when corrected for elevated hs-CRP (P=.05). Limitations A single-center convenience sample may not be representative. Conclusions Males with psoriasis without known coronary disease or diabetes had greater EAT-V than controls. EAT-V may be an early identifier of those at increased risk for cardiovascular events. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2021;XX:xxx-xxx)

We developed a radiomic-based reinforcement learning (R-RL) model for the early diagnosis of lung cancer. We formulated the classification of malignant and benign lung nodules with multiple years of screening as a Markov decision process. The reinforcement learning method learned a policy mapping from the set of states (patients’ clinical conditions) of the environment (patients) to the set of possible actions (decisions). The customary mapping between the two sets was based on a value function with the expected reward designed to be associated with lung cancer risk which was increased when the patient was diagnosed with lung cancer and vice versa in the Markov chains. The trained model can be deployed to a single baseline CT scan for early diagnosis of malignant nodules. 215 NLST cases including 108 positive and 107 negative cases with 431 LDCT scans collected from 3 years of screening were used as the training set and another 70 cases with 35 positive and 35 negative cases were used as the independent test set. For each screen-detected nodule in a CT exam, forty-three texture features were extracted and used as the state in reinforcement learning. An offline model-free value iteration method was used to build the R-RL model. Our R-RL model trained with 3 years of serial CT exams achieved an AUC of 0.824 ± 0.003 when deployed to the first year CT exams of the test set. In comparison, the R-RL model trained with only the first year CT scans achieved a significantly (P

In 2014, the American College of Radiology (ACR) created Lung-RADS 1.0. The system was updated to Lung-RADS 1.1 in 2019, and further updates are anticipated as additional data become available. Lung-RADS provides a common lexicon and standardized nodule follow-up management paradigm for use when reporting lung cancer screening (LCS) low-dose CT (LDCT) chest examinations and serves as a quality assurance and outcome monitoring tool. The use of Lung-RADS is intended to improve LCS performance and lead to better patient outcomes. To date, the ACR's Lung Cancer Screening Registry is the only LCS registry approved by the Centers for MedicareMedicaid Services and requires the use of Lung-RADS categories for reimbursement. Numerous challenges have emerged regarding the use of Lung-RADS in clinical practice, including the timing of return to LCS after planned follow-up diagnostic evaluation; potential substitution of interval diagnostic CT for future LDCT; role of volumetric analysis in assessing nodule size; assessment of nodule growth; assessment of cavitary, subpleural, and category 4X nodules; and variability in reporting of the S modifier. This article highlights the major updates between versions 1.0 and 1.1 of Lung-RADS, describes the system's ongoing challenges, and summarizes current evidence and recommendations.

While medical device migration is rare, it has important clinical implications that can lead to increased morbidity and mortality if not promptly detected, and radiologists play a critical role in ...

Background Attenuation of transforming growth factor β by blocking angiotensin II has been shown to reduce emphysema in a murine model. General population studies have demonstrated that the use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEis) and angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs) is associated with reduction of emphysema progression in former smokers and that the use of ACEis is associated with reduction of FEV1 progression in current smokers. Research Question Is use of ACEi and ARB associated with less progression of emphysema and FEV1 decline among individuals with COPD or baseline emphysema? Methods Former and current smokers from the Genetic Epidemiology of COPD Study who attended baseline and 5-year follow-up visits, did not change smoking status, and underwent chest CT imaging were included. Adjusted linear mixed models were used to evaluate progression of adjusted lung density (ALD), percent emphysema (%total lung volume Results Over 5 years of follow-up, compared with nonusers, ACEi and ARB users with COPD showed slower ALD progression (adjusted mean difference [aMD], 1.6; 95% CI, 0.34-2.9). Slowed lung function decline was not observed based on phase 1 medication (aMD of FEV1 % predicted, 0.83; 95% CI, –0.62 to 2.3), but was when analysis was limited to consistent ACEi and ARB users (aMD of FEV1 % predicted, 1.9; 95% CI, 0.14-3.6). No effect modification by smoking status was found for radiographic outcomes, and the lung function effect was more pronounced in former smokers. Results were similar among participants with baseline emphysema. Interpretation Among participants with spirometry-confirmed COPD or baseline emphysema, ACEi and ARB use was associated with slower progression of emphysema and lung function decline. Trial Registry ClinicalTrials.gov ; No.: NCT00608764; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov

Lung cancer screening with a low radiation dose chest CT scan is the standard of care for screening-eligible individuals. The net benefit of screening may be optimized by delivering high-quality care, capable of maximizing the benefit and minimizing the harms of screening. Valid, feasible, and relevant indicators of the quality of lung cancer screening may help programs to evaluate their current practice and to develop quality improvement plans. The purpose of this project was to develop quality indicators related to the processes and outcomes of screening. Potential quality indicators were explored through surveys of multidisciplinary lung cancer screening experts. Those that achieved predefined measures of consensus for each of the validity, feasibility, and relevance domains are proposed as quality indicators. Each of the proposed indicators is described in detail, with guidance on how to define, measure, and improve program performance within the indicator.