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Due to the widespread use of imaging, incidental adrenal masses are commonly encountered. A number of pitfalls can result in misdiagnosis of these lesions, including inappropriate choice of imaging technique, presence of pseudolesions, and overlap of imaging features of different adrenal lesions. This article explores the potential pitfalls in imaging of the adrenal glands, on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, that can lead to misinterpretation. Clues to correct diagnoses are provided to evade potential misinterpretation.

Background: Recent data indicate that kidney stone formers (KSFs) may have increased biomineralization at anatomic sites throughout the body compared with nonstone formers (NSFs). The objective of this study is to compare the volume of nonrenal systemic calcifications between KSF and NSF by using a standardized system to analyze calcifications in the abdominal aorta (AA) and splenic artery (SA). Methods: The NSF cohort was obtained from a kidney donor's prospectively maintained database. One hundred ninety-seven NSF were matched to 197 KSF based on age, gender, and body mass index. Noncontrast CT scans were evaluated and semiautomated CT software was utilized to provide an AA and SA calcification Agatston score. Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used on continuous variables and chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test on categorical variables. Odds ratios (ORs) were given for a variable's influence on the formation of stones or calcifications. Results: AA and SA calcifications were more prevalent in the KSF group ( p  = 0.011 and p  = 0.027, respectively). KSFs were 1.9 times more likely to have intermediate or severe AA calcification than NSFs (OR = 1.9, p  = 0.004). Severe AA calcifications had even a greater association (OR = 3.1, p  = 0.019). KSFs were also more likely to have SA, but this did not reach statistical significance (OR = 3.7, p  = 0.103). Conclusion: Patients with increased systemic calcifications, specifically aortic or splenic calcifications, may be at an increased risk for future kidney stone formation. Patients with these imaging findings and additional risk factors for stone disease may be counseled on the future risk of stones.

Background: Historically, sampling of adrenal lesions has been performed by percutaneous image-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy. Endoscopic ultrasound guided (EUS)-FNA of the adrenals was first employed at Cleveland Clinic ~10 years ago. We report a two-decade experience of adrenal FNA in our institution., Methods: An electronic retrieval identified adrenal FNAs from 1997 to 2017. Data points from each case (diagnosis, method of FNA, age, sex, laterality, needle gauge, size of lesion, adequacy of sample, and histologic follow up) were analyzed., Results: Our retrieval confirmed 198 adrenal FNAs performed over 20 years. Of these, 90% (179/198) were percutaneous, and the remaining 10% (19/198) were collected by EUS. Of the 179 CT guided FNAs, 93% (162/179) yielded an adequate specimen as compared with an adequacy rate of 89% (17/19) for EUS-FNAs, with no significant difference in adequacy rates by collection method, P = .64 (Fisher's exact). Of all adrenal FNAs, 53% (105/198) confirmed metastases, 33% (65/198) showed adrenal cells or primary adrenal neoplasms (85% cortical cells, 14% cortical neoplasia, 1% pheochromocytoma), 8% were inadequate (15/198), 3% were atypical (7/198), and 2% were suspicious for malignancy (5/198)., Conclusion: FNA of the adrenal glands can be useful in the diagnosis and staging of metastatic neoplasms, as well as in distinguishing primary adrenal cortical from medullary neoplasms and characterizing hematolymphoid and mesenchymal neoplasms. Overall adequacy rates for adrenal cytology are high (92%) with no statistically significant difference between CT-guided (93%) and EUS-FNA adequacy (89%). The majority of our procedures confirmed metastases, sparing patients unnecessary surgery., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: Renal colic is common, and CT is frequently utilized when the diagnosis of kidney stones is suspected. CT is accurate but exposes patients to ionizing radiation and has not been shown to alter either interventional approaches or hospital admission rates. This multi-organizational transdisciplinary collaboration sought evidence-based, multispecialty consensus on optimal imaging across different clinical scenarios in patients with suspected renal colic in the acute setting., Methods: In conjunction with the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) eQual network, we formed a nine-member panel with three physician representatives each from ACEP, the ACR, and the American Urology Association. A systematic literature review was used as the basis for a three-step modified Delphi process to seek consensus on optimal imaging in 29 specific clinical scenarios., Results: From an initial search yielding 6,337 records, there were 232 relevant articles of acceptable evidence quality to guide the literature summary. At the completion of the Delphi process consensus, agreement was rated as perfect in 15 (52%), excellent in 8 (28%), good in 3 (10%), and moderate in 3 (10%) of the 29 scenarios. There were no scenarios where at least moderate consensus was not reached. CT was recommended in 7 scenarios (24%), with ultrasound in 9 (31%) and no further imaging needed in 12 (45%)., Summary: Evidence and multispecialty consensus support ultrasound or no further imaging in specific clinical scenarios, with reduced-radiation dose CT to be employed when CT is needed in patients with suspected renal colic., (Copyright © 2019 This article is published in print and electronic format in the Journal of American College of Radiology, ©2019 by American College of Radiology; Annals of Emergency Medicine, American College of Emergency Physicians; and The Journal of Urology®, American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Since 2014 the AUA (American Urological Association) has convened several Quality Improvement Summits to provide education and promote dialogue around issues of quality improvement and patient safety. The 2017 Summit, Challenges and Opportunities for Stewardship of Urological Imaging, organized in partnership with the American College of Radiology and the American College of Emergency Physicians, highlighted opportunities for collaborative improvement in the value, safety and quality of imaging for patients with urological conditions., Methods: The Summit was held at AUA headquarters in Linthicum, Maryland on October 21, 2017. Each talk, panel and working group held during the summit highlighted gaps in care being addressed by physician led stewardship initiatives in imaging, in general, as well as multiple specific examples related to prostate cancer and urinary stone disease., Results: Presentations facilitated information exchange on quality efforts between clinicians across disciplines and care settings and served to educate urology practitioners, primary care physicians, and specialists about existing patient centered quality improvement programs., Conclusions: This exchange serves to accelerate adoption of evidence-based practices and brings together stakeholder organizations to form partnerships that facilitate the further development of research and policy agendas to advance physician led stewardship of advanced imaging across emergency medicine, radiology and urology. In parallel, this meeting established a consortium to develop and disseminate tools for facilitating organizational improvement activities needed to enhance the quality and safety of medical care.

Objective: To analyze the full spectrum of patients presenting with radiologically-identified infiltrative renal masses (IRMs), including those managed surgically or otherwise, with focus on clinical presentation/prognosis., Methods: All 280 patients presenting with radiologically-identified renal mass with infiltrative features (2008-2017) were retrospectively reviewed. Poorly-defined interface between tumor and parenchyma and irregular shape (nonelliptical) in one or more distinct/unequivocal areas were required for classification as IRM. IRM was confirmed in 265 and clinical characteristics and outcomes were assessed., Results: Median age/tumor size were 65-years/6.9 cm, respectively, and 225 patients (85%) were R.E.N.A.L. = 10-12. Overall, 181 patients (68%) presented symptomatically, locally-advanced cancer (cT3-T4) was observed in 176 (66%) and disseminated disease and/or lymphadenopathy (>2 cm) in 181(68%). Clinical/radiographic findings were suggestive of etiology and could direct evaluation, but were nonspecific for definitive diagnosis. Renal-mass biopsy was performed in 103 patients and diagnostic in 97 (94%). Renal surgery was only performed in 82 patients (31%) and partial nephrectomy in 3 (1.1%). Overall, 72 patients (27%) received systemic chemotherapy and 59 (22%) targeted therapy. Final-diagnosis was renal cell carcinoma in 94 patients (35%), including 49 with highly-aggressive histology (sarcomatoid/rhabdoid/collecting-duct/medullary/unclassified). High-grade urothelial-carcinoma was found in 70 (26%), and lymphoma/metastatic cancer in 26 (10%)/25 (9%), respectively. Overall, 153 patients (58%) died; 138 (52%) cancer-related at median of 5 months. The majority of patients with renal cell carcinoma, urothelial-carcinoma, and renal metastasis died, almost exclusively cancer-related, at medians of 8, 3, and 2 months, respectively., Conclusion: Our series includes the full spectrum of IRMs and confirms predominance of symptomatic, poorly-differentiated, highly-lethal malignancies. Our study highlights the overriding importance of identifying infiltrative features, a simple radiologic diagnosis, during assessment of renal masses., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Cystic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is almost certainly overdiagnosed and overtreated. Efforts to diagnose and treat RCC at a curable stage result in many benign neoplasms and indolent cancers being resected without clear benefit. This is especially true for cystic masses, which compared with solid masses are more likely to be benign and, when malignant, less aggressive. For more than 30 years, the Bosniak classification has been used to stratify the risk of malignancy in cystic renal masses. Although it is widely used and still effective, the classification does not formally incorporate masses identified at MRI or US or masses that are incompletely characterized but are highly likely to be benign, and it is affected by interreader variability and variable reported malignancy rates. The Bosniak classification system cannot fully differentiate aggressive from indolent cancers and results in many benign masses being resected. This proposed update to the Bosniak classification addresses some of these shortcomings. The primary modifications incorporate MRI, establish definitions for previously vague imaging terms, and enable a greater proportion of masses to enter lower-risk classes. Although the update will require validation, it aims to expand the number of cystic masses to which the Bosniak classification can be applied while improving its precision and accuracy for the likelihood of cancer in each class., (© RSNA, 2019.)

Objective: The objective of our study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of active surveillance (AS) versus nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) in patients with a Bosniak IIF or III renal cyst., Materials and Methods: Markov models were developed to estimate life expectancy and lifetime costs for 60-year-old patients with a Bosniak IIF or III renal cyst (the reference cases) managed by AS versus NSS. The models incorporated the malignancy rates, reclassification rates during follow-up, treatment effectiveness, complications and costs, and short- and long-term outcomes. An incremental cost-effectiveness analysis was performed to identify management preference under an assumed $75,000 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) societal willingness-to-pay threshold, using data from studies in the literature and the 2015 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. The effects of key parameters were addressed in a multiway sensitivity analysis., Results: The prevalence of malignancy for Bosniak IIF and III renal cysts was 26% (25/96) and 52% (542/1046). Under base case assumptions for Bosniak IIF cysts, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of NSS relative to AS was $731,309 per QALY for women, exceeding the assumed societal willingness-to-pay threshold, and AS outperformed NSS for both life expectancy and cost for men. For Bosniak III cysts, AS yielded greater life expectancy (24.8 and 19.4 more days) and lower lifetime costs (cost difference of $12,128 and $11,901) than NSS for men and women, indicating dominance of AS over NSS. Superiority of AS held true in sensitivity analyses for men 46 years old or older and women 57 years old or older even when all parameters were set to favor NSS., Conclusion: AS is more cost-effective than NSS for patients with a Bosniak IIF or III renal cyst.

Purpose: The percent of preserved parenchymal mass is the primary determinant of functional outcomes after partial nephrectomy. Accurate methods to predict the percent of preserved parenchymal mass based on preoperative imaging could facilitate patient counseling., Materials and Methods: We evaluated the records of 428 patients who had undergone partial nephrectomy and the studies necessary to assess preserved ipsilateral parenchymal mass and function. Preoperative and postoperative ipsilateral parenchymal volumes were measured from contrast enhanced computerized tomography less than 2 months before and 3 to 12 months after partial nephrectomy and the actual percent of preserved parenchymal mass was determined. The ipsilateral percent of preserved parenchymal mass and the final global glomerular filtration rate were estimated based on preoperative imaging using subjective estimation, quantitative estimation, or estimation derived from the contact surface area or the R.E.N.A.L. (radius, exophytic/endophytic, nearness of tumor to collecting system or sinus, anterior/posterior and location relative to polar lines) score., Results: Median tumor diameter was 3.5 cm, median contact surface area was 24 cm 2 and the median R.E.N.A.L. score was 8. The median actual ipsilateral percent of preserved parenchymal mass was 84% and the preserved percent of the global glomerular filtration rate was 89%. The median estimated ipsilateral percent of preserved parenchymal mass was 85%, 87%, 88% and 83% based on subjective estimation, quantitative estimation, contact surface area and the R.E.N.A.L. score, respectively. Correlations between the actual and the estimated percent of preserved parenchymal mass were relatively weak in all instances (all r ≤0.46). Prediction of the final global glomerular filtration rate was strong for all 4 methods (all r = 0.91). However, a similarly strong correlation was obtained when presuming that 89% of the preoperative global glomerular filtration rate would be saved in each case (r = 0.91). On multivariable analyses a solitary kidney, the preoperative glomerular filtration rate and various estimates of the percent of preserved parenchymal mass were significantly associated with the final global glomerular filtration rate. However, the preoperative glomerular filtration rate proved to be the strongest predictor. It had more than a tenfold impact compared to the estimated percent of preserved parenchymal mass or a solitary kidney., Conclusions: Currently available methods to estimate the percent of preserved parenchymal mass have important limitations. The final global glomerular filtration rate, which is the most important functional outcome, could be predicted fairly accurately by all tested methods. However, none of them were better than simply presuming that 89% of function would be saved due to strong anchoring to the preoperative glomerular filtration rate.

Objective: The purposes of this article are to describe the creation of template report formats and content for a variety of abdominal and pelvic CT and MRI examinations and discuss a review-of-systems approach to text and avoidance of pitfalls of report templates., Conclusion: Organ system-specific report templates for CT and MRI incorporate radiologist preferences. Disease-specific report templates are created from these reports to provide a consistent radiologist and referring physician experience across the report templates.

Background: Percentage parenchymal mass preserved (PPMP) is a key determinant of functional outcomes after partial nephrectomy (PN); however, predictors of PPMP have not been defined., Objective: To provide a comprehensive analysis of the functional impact of and potential predictive factors for PPMP., Design, Setting, and Participants: We analyzed data for 464 patients managed with PN at our center with necessary studies to determine vascularized parenchymal mass and function preserved within the operated kidney. PPMP was measured from computed tomography scans <2 mo before and 3-12 mo after PN., Intervention: PN., Outcome Measurements/statistical Analysis: Recovery from ischemia was defined as percentage ipsilateral glomerular filtration rate (GFR) preserved normalized by PPMP. We used Pearson correlation to evaluate the relationships between GFR preserved and PPMP. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess predictors of PPMP., Result and Limitations: Ninety-six patients (21%) had a solitary kidney. The median tumor size and RENAL score were 3.5cm and 8, respectively. Cold/warm ischemia were utilized in 183/281 patients for which the median ischemia time were 28/20min. The median preoperative and postoperative vascularized parenchymal mass in the operated kidney were 194 and 157cm 3 , respectively, resulting in median PPMP of 84%. GFR preservation correlated strongly with PPMP (r=0.64; p<0.001). Recovery from ischemia was suboptimal (<80%) in 71 patients (15%), while suboptimal PPMP (<80%) was a more common adverse event, occurring in 160 patients (34%; p<0.001). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that greater tumor size and complexity were associated with lower PPMP (p≤0.04), while solitary kidney and hypothermia were associated with higher PPMP (p<0.001). Longer ischemia time was also associated with lower PPMP (p=0.003), probably reflecting the complexity of the surgery. Limitations include the retrospective design., Conclusion: PPMP correlates strongly with functional outcomes after PN, and lower PPMP is the most common and important source of functional decline after PN. Larger tumors, greater tumor complexity, and prolonged ischemia time were associated with lower PPMP, while PPMP tended to be greater for solitary kidneys, confirming that PPMP is a modifiable factor., Patient Summary: Kidney function after partial nephrectomy primarily depends on the amount of vascularized kidney preserved by the procedure. Lower recovery of function is seen when operating on larger tumors in unfavorable locations, but preservation of the parenchymal mass can be improved when truly necessary, such as when operating on a tumor in a solitary kidney., (Copyright © 2018 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To determine the need for a standardized renal mass reporting template by analyzing reports of indeterminate renal masses and comparing their contents to stated preferences of radiologists and urologists., Methods: The host IRB waived regulatory oversight for this multi-institutional HIPAA-compliant quality improvement effort. CT and MRI reports created to characterize an indeterminate renal mass were analyzed from 6 community (median: 17 reports/site) and 6 academic (median: 23 reports/site) United States practices. Report contents were compared to a published national survey of stated preferences by academic radiologists and urologists from 9 institutions. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were calculated., Results: Of 319 reports, 85% (271; 192 CT, 79 MRI) reported a possibly malignant mass (236 solid, 35 cystic). Some essential elements were commonly described: size (99% [269/271]), mass type (solid vs. cystic; 99% [268/271]), enhancement (presence vs. absence; 92% [248/271]). Other essential elements had incomplete penetrance: the presence or absence of fat in solid masses (14% [34/236]), size comparisons when available (79% [111/140]), Bosniak classification for cystic masses (54% [19/35]). Preferred but non-essential elements generally were described in less than half of reports. Nephrometry scores usually were not included for local therapy candidates (12% [30/257]). Academic practices were significantly more likely than community practices to include mass characterization details, probability of malignancy, and staging. Community practices were significantly more likely to include management recommendations., Conclusions: Renal mass reporting elements considered essential or preferred often are omitted in radiology reports. Variation exists across radiologists and practice settings. A standardized template may mitigate these inconsistencies.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a common cancer that is increasing in incidence because of the increased prevalence of risk factors, including tobacco use, hypertension, and obesity, and the improved detection of these tumors due to increased use of imaging. Localized renal cancer now accounts for more than 60%-70% of new RCC cases. Renal masses suggestive of cancer include enhancing solid renal lesions and Bosniak III and IV complex cystic lesions. Most of these tumors are detected incidentally, and many are slow growing with little propensity to metastasize. Radiologists have a vital role in evaluation of these tumors and subsequent patient counseling. Options for managing RCC include radical nephrectomy (RN), partial nephrectomy (PN), thermal ablation, and active surveillance. However, historically, the use of these strategies has varied among practices. Improved understanding of the biologic features of these tumors and data indicating the heterogeneous clinical course of many clinically localized renal tumors led to the development of the American Urological Association (AUA) Localized Renal Cancer Panel Guidelines in 2009, and these guidelines were updated in 2017. The format of the updated guidelines has moved from management recommendations based on index patients to individualized decision making, taking into account patient age and comorbidities, tumor characteristics, and important renal function considerations. A distinct role for RN is defined for cases of tumors with increased oncologic potential in patients with a normal contralateral kidney. Beyond this, nephron-sparing options, particularly PN, should be a priority. The updated guidelines also recommend increased use of renal mass biopsy, thermal ablation, and active surveillance in appropriately selected patients. The 2017 AUA guidelines are reviewed, with emphasis on the implications for practicing radiologists. © RSNA, 2018.

Introduction and Objectives: Studies have demonstrated associations between nephrolithiasis and systemic conditions, including low bone mineral density (BMD), which may correlate with hypercalciuria in kidney stone formers (KSFs). Traditionally, low BMD is diagnosed with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. As a noncontrast CT (NCCT) scan is typically part of a stone evaluation, our objective was to evaluate the association of NCCT-based vertebral BMD with 24-hour urine parameters in KSF., Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of 99 KSFs who had CT imaging and 24-hour urine studies. For each patient, BMD was estimated at the L1 vertebral body and CT attenuation measured in HU. A threshold of 160 HU was chosen to distinguish normal from low BMD. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to compare patients with low and normal BMD. Multivariate linear regression was performed to assess for variables associated with 24-hour urine parameters., Results: Patients with low BMD had higher 24-hour urine calcium (219 vs 147 mg/day, p < 0.0001) and larger stone volume (259 vs 78.4 mm 3 , p = 0.009). Multivariate analysis demonstrated age >60 years (odds ratio [OR] 9.3, p < 0.0001) and hypercalciuria (OR 4.34, p = 0.004) correlated with low BMD. Linear regression demonstrated that lower BMD was associated with higher urinary calcium (β-coefficient -0.268, p = 0.009) and lower urinary citrate (β-coefficient 0.332, p = 0.01)., Conclusions: CT-based diagnosis of low mineral bone density is associated with derangement in 24-hour urine calcium and citrate in KSFs, as well as larger stone volumes.

The disease-focused panel (DFP) program was created by the Society of Abdominal Radiology (SAR) as a mechanism to "improve patient care, education, and research" in a "particular disease or a particular aspect of a disease". The DFP on renal cell carcinoma (RCC) was proposed in 2014 and has been functional for 4 years. Although nominally focused on RCC, the scope of the DFP has included indeterminate renal masses because many cannot be assigned a specific diagnosis when detected. Since its founding, the DFP has been active in a variety of clinical, research, and educational projects to optimize the care of patients with known or suspected RCC. The DFP is utilizing multi-institutional and cross-disciplinary collaboration to differentiate benign from malignant disease, optimize the management of early stage RCC, and ultimately to differentiate indolent from aggressive cancers. Several additional projects have worked to develop a quantitative biomarker that predicts metastatic RCC response to anti-angiogenic therapy. While disease focus is the premise by which all DFPs are created, it is likely that in the future the RCC DFP will need to expand or create new panels that will focus on other specific aspects of RCC-a result that the program's founders envisioned. New knowledge creates a need for more focus.

Background: Nephron mass preservation is a key determinant of functional outcomes after partial nephrectomy (PN), while ischemia plays a secondary role. Analyses focused specifically on recovery of the operated kidney appear to be most informative, yet have only included limited numbers of patients., Objective: To evaluate the relative impact of parenchymal preservation and ischemia on functional recovery after PN using a more robust cohort allowing for more refined perspectives about ischemia., Design, Setting, and Participants: A total of 401 patients managed with PN with necessary studies were analyzed for function and nephron mass preserved specifically within the kidney exposed to ischemia., Intervention: PN., Outcome Measurements and Statistical Analysis: The nephron mass preserved was measured from computed tomography scans <2 mo before and 3-12 mo after PN. Patients with two kidneys were required to have nuclear renal scans within the same timeframes. Recovery from ischemia was defined as the percent function preserved normalized by the percent nephron mass preserved. Pearson correlation was used to evaluate relationships between functional recovery and nephron mass preservation or ischemia time. Multivariable linear regression assessed predictors for recovery from ischemia., Results and Limitations: The median tumor size was 3.5cm and the median RENAL score was 8. Cold and warm ischemia were utilized in 151 and 250 patients, and the median ischemia time was 27 and 21min, respectively. The function preserved was strongly correlated with nephron mass preserved(r=0.63; p<0.001). Median recovery from ischemia was significantly higher for hypothermia (99% vs 92%; p<0.001) and remained consistently strong even with longer duration. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that recovery from ischemia, which normalizes for nephron mass preservation, was significantly associated with ischemia type and duration (both p<0.05). However, each additional 10min of warm ischemia was associated with only a 2.5% decline in recovery from ischemia. Limitations include the retrospective design., Conclusions: Our data suggest that functional recovery from clamped PN is most reliable with hypothermia. Longer intervals of warm ischemia are associates with reduced recovery; however, incremental changes are modest and may not be clinically significant in patients with a normal contralateral kidney., Patient Summary: Functional recovery after clamped partial nephrectomy is primarily dependent on preservation of nephron mass. Recovery is most reliable when hypothermia is applied. Longer intervals of warm ischemia are associated with reduced recovery; however, the incremental changes are modest., (Copyright © 2017 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Thiazides and citrate prevent kidney stones and improve bone mineral density (BMD). The objective of this study was to opportunistically utilize the noncontrast CT (NCCT) scan used for stone detection to identify those with low BMD and follow the impact of potassium citrate and thiazides on longitudinal BMD measurements., Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 299 kidney stone patients treated with thiazides and/or potassium citrate for a minimum of 1 year. For each patient, BMD was estimated at L1 with CT attenuation measured in HU. A level of 160 HU was chosen to distinguish normal from low BMD. Pairwise t-test was used to compare the continuous outcomes before and after treatment for the whole cohort and the low BMD subgroup. Linear regression was performed to find if any association exists between the duration of follow-up and the changes in HU. A matched pair t-test was performed to compare among the medications used and the impact of their doses on the HU outcomes., Results: Patients with low BMD (HU <160) comprised (n = 186, 62.2%) the cohort. A total of 16.1% normalized after 1 year of treatment and 68% had an increase in HU. The mean change in HU was 8.6 (p = 0.0001). Linear regression demonstrated no association between the duration of treatment and the HU changes (p = 0.64). Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) 50 mg was more effective at improving BMD (HU +19.7, p = 0.04) compared with 25 mg (+2.9) or 12.5 mg (HU +6.4). Majority of the low BMD subgroup were either postmenopausal women (n = 88) or men with age older than 60 (n = 74) and both showed a significant increase in HU (3.125, 10.731), p-value (0.0453, 0.0007), respectively., Conclusion: Stone health and bone health are synergistic. The impact of thiazides and citrates on BMD can be monitored opportunistically with the NCCT scan.

Diagnosis and management of prostate cancer post treatment is a large and complex problem, and care of these patients requires multidisciplinary involvement of imaging, medical, and surgical specialties. Imaging capabilities for evaluation of men with recurrent prostate cancer are rapidly evolving, particularly with PET and MRI. At the same time, treatment options and capabilities are expanding and improving. These recommendations separate patients into three broad categories: (1) patients status post-radical prostatectomy, (2) clinical concern for residual or recurrent disease after nonsurgical local and pelvic treatments, and (3) metastatic prostate. This article is a review of the current literature regarding imaging in these settings and the resulting recommendations for imaging. 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., (Copyright © 2018 American College of Radiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Enlarged prostate is often noticed in patients with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) in our clinical practice. The aims were to identify the factors associated with enlarged prostate and to investigate its clinical implications., Methods: IPAA patients with available prostate imaging after IPAA were included. Prostate length and width were measured in the axial plane and height in coronal plane. Prostate volume was calculated with the formula (length × width × height) × π/6. A volume greater than 40 cm 3 was used to define enlarged prostate., Results: Prostate enlargement was found in 58 (24.8%) out of 234 patients. Factors associated with prostate enlargement included advanced age at imaging examination (55.6 ± 11.5 vs. 41.3 ± 13.6 years, P < 0.0001), age at pouch surgery (46.0 ± 11.8 vs. 32.5 ± 12.9 years, P<0.0001), and the presence of an S-pouch (6.9% vs. 1.1%, P = 0.03). Postoperative use of biologics was less common in patients with enlarged prostate (5.2% vs. 17%, P = 0.03). However, pouch duration was comparable (10.0 ± 5.9 vs. 8.8 ± 6.8 years, P = 0.2) and pouch failure rate was similar. A trend towards an increased risk for acute pouchitis in patients with enlarged prostate was noticed (19% vs. 9.1%, P = 0.06). The association of S-pouch (odds ratio: 7.2, 95% confidence interval: 1.1 - 46.4) and enlarged prostate remained significant after adjusting for age, acute pouchitis, and redo pouch on multivariate analysis., Conclusions: Prostate enlargement appears to be uncommon after IPAA and it was associated with S-pouch configuration and advanced age. Enlarged prostate in the setting of IPAA does not seem to have adverse impact on pouch outcomes, although there is a trend in correlation between enlarged prostate and acute pouchitis.

Management of incidental renal masses is in evolution. Recognition that cystic renal tumors generally act in an indolent fashion has led to less aggressive intervention. The ability of radiologists to stratify risk of malignancy, and in some cases, specify a precise diagnosis, is paramount to patient management. We review pathologies that present as cystic renal masses and how to best stratify malignancy risk., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: There are scant published data in the impact of prostate cancer and its treatment on functional outcomes and quality of life (QOL) in patients with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA). The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of prostate cancer and its treatment on functional outcomes and QOL in patients with IPAA., Methods: Patients with IPAA with prostate cancer were compared to age and pouch duration-matched controls without prostate cancer in a 1:2 ratio. Pouch function and QOL were compared between pretreatment and posttreatment for prostate cancer as well as between subjects and controls., Results: A total of 30 patients with IPAA with prostate cancer and 60 matched controls were included. Treatment modalities of prostate cancer included prostatectomy (n = 22), brachytherapy (n = 5), watchful waiting (n = 2), and hormonal therapy (n = 1). The median length of follow-up was 6 (interquartile range, 2.7-8) years. Permanent fecal diversion was required in 5 (16.7%) patients with prostate cancer who developed pouch failure, as compared with 2 patients in the control group (P = 0.04). In patients who retained their pouches, the pouch functional outcomes at the latest follow-up were similar to that before prostate cancer treatment and to that of the matched controls, in terms of bowel movements, daytime seepage, nighttime bowel movements, nighttime seepage, and QOL score., Conclusions: The risk of pouch failure may be increased after the diagnosis of prostate cancer with or without treatment. However, for those with retained pouches, their pouch function and QOL did not seem to be adversely affected.

Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of metastatic tumor response evaluation with computed tomography using computer-assisted versus manual methods., Materials and Methods: In this institutional review board-approved, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant retrospective study, 11 readers from 10 different institutions independently categorized tumor response according to three different therapeutic response criteria by using paired baseline and initial post-therapy computed tomography studies from 20 randomly selected patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma who were treated with sunitinib as part of a completed phase III multi-institutional study. Images were evaluated with a manual tumor response evaluation method (standard of care) and with computer-assisted response evaluation (CARE) that included stepwise guidance, interactive error identification and correction methods, automated tumor metric extraction, calculations, response categorization, and data and image archiving. A crossover design, patient randomization, and 2-week washout period were used to reduce recall bias. Comparative effectiveness metrics included error rate and mean patient evaluation time., Results: The standard-of-care method, on average, was associated with one or more errors in 30.5% (6.1 of 20) of patients, whereas CARE had a 0.0% (0.0 of 20) error rate ( P < .001). The most common errors were related to data transfer and arithmetic calculation. In patients with errors, the median number of error types was 1 (range, 1 to 3). Mean patient evaluation time with CARE was twice as fast as the standard-of-care method (6.4 minutes v 13.1 minutes; P < .001)., Conclusion: CARE reduced errors and time of evaluation, which indicated better overall effectiveness than manual tumor response evaluation methods that are the current standard of care.

Purpose: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) were historically placed using uncovered bare-metal stents. Current practice has now shifted toward the use of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-covered stents, given the improved primary patency seen with these stents. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is any added value, such as overall survival or stent patency, when using covered stents versus uncovered stents in TIPS placement in a large cohort., Materials and Methods: From April 1995 to June 2012, a total of 744 consecutive adult patients underwent de novo TIPS placement (378 receiving uncovered stents, 366 receiving covered stents). Information was obtained on demographics, baseline clinical variables, and outcomes after TIPS placement. Data were collected, compared, and analyzed to assess outcomes including mortality, primary patency (determined via repeat intervention), and secondary patency (determined via ultrasound parameters)., Results: Covered stents were associated with significantly improved primary patency (P < 0.001) and secondary patency (P < 0.001) when compared with uncovered stents in TIPS procedures. Additionally, covered stents were associated with higher estimated overall survival rates and higher survival rates when TIPS was performed emergently and in patients with higher Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores. For example, in patients with MELD scores between 11 and 18, there was a predicted survival of 59.2% with covered stents versus 42.8% with uncovered stents at 1 year., Conclusion: This study demonstrated that covered stents offer the additional value of higher estimated overall survival and higher estimated survival in patients undergoing TIPS emergently and in those with higher MELD scores when compared to uncovered stents.

Renovascular hypertension is the most common type of secondary hypertension and is estimated to have a prevalence between 0.5% and 5% of the general hypertensive population, and an even higher prevalence among patients with severe hypertension and end-stage renal disease, approaching 25% in elderly dialysis patients. Investigation for renal artery stenosis is appropriate when clinical presentation suggests secondary hypertension rather than primary hypertension, when there is not another known cause of secondary hypertension, and when intervention would be carried out if a significant renal artery stenosis were identified. The primary imaging modalities used to screen for renal artery stenosis are CT, MRI, and ultrasound, with the selection of imaging dependent in part on renal function. 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., (Copyright © 2017 American College of Radiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Uric acid nephrolithiasis is associated with an elevated visceral fat area in kidney stone formers. Hepatic steatosis has also been linked to visceral obesity and nephrolithiasis. We evaluated the association of noncontrast computerized tomography based diagnosis of visceral obesity and hepatic steatosis with 24-hour urine parameters and stone composition in kidney stone formers., Materials and Methods: A total of 98 kidney stone formers were included in study who had computerized tomography imaging and 24-hour urine studies available. For each patient a single computerized tomography axial area measurement was obtained of the visceral fat area. Hepatic steatosis was diagnosed by comparing the HU of regions from the liver and spleen. Univariate analysis was performed to compare patients with or without an elevated visceral fat area and hepatic steatosis. Multivariate linear and logistic regression was done to assess for variables associated with 24-hour urine parameters and stone composition., Results: An elevated visceral fat area was associated with higher 24-hour urine sodium (175 vs 157 mg per day, p <0.036) and lower 24-hour urine pH (5.724 vs 6.478, <0.0001). Urine pH less than 6 (OR 2.52) was associated with hepatic steatosis. Low urine pH less than 6 (OR 11.1, p = 0.004) and stone volume greater than 65 mm 3 (OR 5.12, p = 0.023) were associated with an elevated visceral fat area. Low urine pH less than 6 (OR 5.87) and visceral fat area greater than 48% (OR 5.33) were associated with uric acid stones. Linear regression demonstrated that the percent of visceral fat area was associated with lower 24-hour urine pH (β-coefficient -0.438, p <0.0001)., Conclusions: Noncontrast computerized tomography based diagnosis of visceral obesity is associated with low urine pH, high urinary sodium and uric acid stone formation. Hepatic steatosis is associated with low urine pH., (Copyright © 2017 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Tumor enucleation (TE) optimizes parenchymal preservation and could yield better function than standard partial nephrectomy (SPN), although data on this are conflicting., Objective: To compare functional outcomes for TE and SPN strategies., Design, Setting, and Participants: Patients managed with partial nephrectomy (PN) with necessary data for analysis of preservation of ipsilateral parenchymal mass (IPM) and global glomerular filtration rate (GFR) from two centers were included. All studies were required <2 mo before and 3-12 mo after surgery. Patients with a solitary kidney or multifocal tumors were excluded., Intervention: Partial nephrectomy., Outcome Measurements and Statistical Analysis: Vascularized IPM was estimated from contrast-enhanced CT scans preoperatively and postoperatively. Serum creatinine-based estimates of global GFR were also obtained in the same timeframes. Univariable and multivariable linear regression evaluated factors associated with new-baseline global GFR., Results/limitations: Analysis included 71 TE and 373 SPN cases. The median preoperative global GFR was comparable for TE and SPN (75 vs 78ml/min/1.73m 2 ; p=0.6). The median tumor size was 3.0cm for TE and 3.3cm for SPN (p=0.03). The median RENAL score was 7 in both cohorts. For TE, warm ischemia and zero ischemia were used in 51% and 49% of cases, respectively. For SPN, warm ischemia and cold ischemia were used in 72% and 28% of patients, respectively. Capsular closure was performed in 46% of TE and 100% of SPN cases (p<0.001). Positive margins were found in 8.5% of TE and 4.8% of SPN patients (p=0.2). The median vascularized IPM preserved was 95% (interquartile range [IQR] 91-100%) for TE and 84% (IQR 76-92%) for SPN (p<0.001). The median global GFR preserved was 101%(IQR 93-111%) and 89% (IQR 81-96%) for TE and SPN, respectively (p<0.001). On multivariable analysis, resection strategy, preoperative GFR, and vascularized IPM preserved were all significantly associated (p<0.001) with new-baseline global GFR. Limitations include the retrospective design and the lack of resection outcome data., Conclusions: Our analysis suggests that TE has potential for maximum IPM preservation compared to SPN and may provide optimized functional recovery. Further investigation will be required to evaluate the clinical significance of these findings., Patient Summary: Tumor enucleation for kidney cancer involves dissection along the tumor capsule and optimally preserves normal kidney tissue, which may lead to better functional recovery. The importance of this approach in various clinical settings will require further investigation., (Copyright © 2017 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Vascular calcifications are associated with nephrolithiasis. Although studies have demonstrated correlations with vascular disease and calcium stones in kidney stone formers (KSF), an etiologic link has remained elusive. As a noncontrast CT (NCCT) scan is typically part of a stone evaluation, our objective was to evaluate the association of NCCT-based assessment of abdominal aortic calcifications (AACs) with 24-hour urine parameters and stone composition., Materials and Methods: Ninety-seven KSF were included with CT imaging and 24-hour urine studies. For each patient, semi-automated CT software was utilized to provide an AAC Agatston score from the celiac axis to the aortic bifurcation. Univariate analysis was performed to compare patients with or without AAC. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess for variables associated with 24-hour urine parameters and stone composition., Results: The presence of AAC was associated with hypertension, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and coronary artery disease. Patients with any AAC showed lower 24-hour urine citrate (399 vs 593 mg/day, p < 0.001) and lower 24-hour urine pH (5.862 vs 6.328, p = 0.003). When controlling for age, system comorbidities, the presence of AAC was associated with low urine pH <6 (odds ratio [OR] 2.86, p = 0.032) and hypocitraturia <320 mg/day (OR 4.37, p = 0.005). The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that increasing AAC was associated with low urine pH (area under the curve [AUC] 0.683, p = 0.002) and uric acid stone formation (AUC 0.698, p = 0.045)., Conclusions: NCCT-based diagnosis of AAC is associated with low urine pH, hypocitraturia, and uric acid stone formation. The presence of AAC could be considered an additional prognosticator for the utility of alkalinization therapy.

Background and aims: The differential diagnosis between Crohn's disease (CD) and ischemic colitis (ISC) is important as their clinical management is different. ISC can easily be misdiagnosed as CD, especially in elderly populations. The distinctive radiographic features of the two disease entities have not been investigated. The aim of this study is to assess the utility of computed tomographic enterography (CTE) in the differential diagnosis between CD and ISC. Methods: Patients with confirmed CD and ISC were identified through an electronic medical record search of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Patients who had undergone CTE, with or without concurrent colonoscopy and histopathological specimens, were included in this study. CTE images were blindly re-reviewed by an expert gastrointestinal radiologist. The sensitivities, specificities, accuracies and positive and negative predictive values for each of the CTE findings in differentiating CD from ISC were estimated. Kappa coefficients (κ) were calculated to measure diagnosis agreement between CTE and the reference standard. Results: A total of 34 eligible patients were included in this study with 17 having CD and 17 having ISC. In differentiating CD from ISC, the presence of mucosal hyperenhancement and absence of the "target sign" on CTE showed a sensitivity of 100% each for CD, while the two radiographic features yielded a low specificity of 35.3% and 76.5%, respectively. The presence of stricture had a lower sensitivity of 64.7% for the detection of CD but had a high specificity of 100%. In distinguishing CD from ISC, the accuracy of presence of mucosal hyperenhancement, stricture and absence of target sign were 67.7%, 82.4% and 88.2%, respectively. The combination of the presence of mucosal hyperenhancement and the absence of the target sign achieved an accuracy of 100% for distinguishing CD from ISC. There was a good correlation between CTE and the reference standard for distinguishing CD from ISC (κ = 0.882). Conclusions: CTE appeared to be clinically useful in distinguishing CD from ISC.

Most men with hematospermia or hemospermia (HS) are young (<40 years of age), presenting with transient or episodic HS without other signs or symptoms of disease. The condition is self-limiting in most cases and idiopathic in nature. When a cause can be identified, infections of the urogenital tract are the most common. Imaging does not play a role in this patient population. In older men (>40 years of age), clinical screening for prostate cancer is advised. Furthermore, when HS is persistent or has symptoms, causes include obstruction or stricture at the level of the verumontanum, calcifications or calculi in the prostate, ejaculatory ducts or seminal vesicles, and cysts arising within these structures. Noninvasive imaging, predominantly transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and MRI, can be used in men of any age with persistent or refractory HS, or other associated symptoms or signs. TRUS is considered as the first-line imaging with MRI used when TRUS is inconclusive or negative. 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., (Copyright © 2017 American College of Radiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Despite the frequent statement that "most men die with prostate cancer, not of it," the reality is that prostate cancer is second only to lung cancer as a cause of death from malignancy in American men. The primary goal during baseline evaluation of prostate cancer is disease characterization, that is, establishing disease presence, extent (local and distant), and aggressiveness. Prostate cancer is usually diagnosed after the finding of a suspicious serum prostate-specific antigen level or digital rectal examination. Tissue diagnosis may be obtained by transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy or MRI-targeted biopsy. The latter requires a preliminary multiparametric MRI, which has emerged as a powerful and relatively accurate tool for the local evaluation of prostate cancer over the last few decades. Bone scintigraphy and CT are primarily used to detect bone and nodal metastases in patients found to have intermediate- or high-risk disease at biopsy. 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., (Copyright © 2017 American College of Radiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Renal transplantation is the treatment of choice in patients with end-stage renal disease because the 5-year survival rates range from 72% to 99%. Although graft survival has improved secondary to the introduction of newer immunosuppression drugs and the advancements in surgical technique, various complications still occur. Ultrasound is the first-line imaging modality for the evaluation of renal transplants in the immediate postoperative period and for long-term follow-up. In addition to depicting many of the potential complications of renal transplantation, ultrasound can also guide therapeutic interventions. Nuclear medicine studies, CT, and MRI are often helpful as complementary examinations for specific indications. Angiography remains the reference standard for vascular complications and is utilized to guide nonsurgical intervention. 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., (Copyright © 2017 American College of Radiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To evaluate whether excised parenchymal mass (EPM) during partial nephrectomy (PN) correlates with functional decline and can serve as a surrogate for functional outcomes., Materials and Methods: All 215 patients managed with PN for unifocal renal mass with necessary studies to determine EPM and percent glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and parenchymal mass preserved (both global and specific to the operated kidney) were analyzed. EPM was estimated from the pathologic specimen by subtracting the tumor mass from the specimen mass, with both calculated using the elliptical formula. Vascularized parenchymal mass preserved was measured from computed tomography scans obtained <2 months prior and 3-12 months after surgery. All functional analyses were required to be within the same time frames, and patients with a contralateral kidney were also required to have nuclear renal scans., Results: The median tumor size was 3.5 cm and the median R.E.N.A.L. was 7. Warm and cold ischemia were utilized in 123 and 92 patients, respectively (median ischemia time = 23 minutes). The median global GFR preserved was 89%, the median total parenchymal mass preserved was 93%, and the median estimated EPM was 16 cm 3 . Whereas percent parenchymal mass preserved correlated strongly with global and ipsilateral GFR preserved (both P < .001), EPM failed to correlate with functional outcomes on both univariable and multivariable analyses., Conclusion: Our data suggest that parenchymal mass preserved with standard PN by experienced surgeons associates strongly with function preserved, whereas EPM fails to correlate with functional outcomes. Further study of the functional impact of EPM in other circumstances will be required, such as enucleation or PN performed by less-experienced surgeons., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Testicular cancer represents only 1% of all malignancies occurring in men. However, it is the most frequent malignancy in men between the ages of 20 and 34 years, accounting for 10% to 14% of cancer incidence in that age group. In most instances, the diagnosis of testicular tumors is established with a carefully performed physical examination and scrotal ultrasonography. Tumor markers are useful for determining the presence of residual disease. Cross-sectional imaging studies (CT, MRI) are useful in determining the location of metastases. Chest radiography and CT are used to assess pulmonary disease. Fluorine-18-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) PET scans have slightly higher sensitivity than CT, but their role in staging testicular cancer has not been determined in a large study. FDG PET may play a role in the follow-up of higher stage seminoma after chemotherapy. Bone scans are useful in the absence of FDG PET scans and should be used when bone metastases are suspected. The ACR 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 (the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances in which evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment., (Copyright © 2016 American College of Radiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Acute ischemic injury in the operated kidney after partial nephrectomy (PN) is often masked by a functional contralateral kidney; however, there is no practical method to assess this and its prognostic significance has not been defined., Objective: We propose a spectrum score to reflect the degree of ischemic insult in the ipsilateral kidney and study its relationship to subsequent functional recovery., Design, Setting, and Participants: From 2007 to 2014, 243 patients with a functional contralateral kidney underwent PN with necessary studies for detailed analysis of function and parenchymal mass before and after surgery in the ipsilateral kidney. Based on split function and percent parenchymal mass preserved in the ipsilateral kidney, we determined: serum creatinine (SCr) ideal-peak : expected peak SCr presuming no ischemic injury; and SCr worstcase-peak : expected peak SCr presuming temporary complete nonfunction of the ipsilateral kidney. The acute ipsilateral renal dysfunction spectrum score was defined: (observed peak SCr - SCr ideal-peak )/(SCr worstcase-peak - SCr ideal-peak ). Subsequent functional recovery was defined: (percent function preserved)/(percent mass saved)., Intervention: PN., Outcome Measurements and Statistical Analysis: Factors associated with spectrum score and relationship between spectrum score and subsequent functional recovery were evaluated by linear regression., Results and Limitations: Median duration of warm ischemia (n=152) was 21min (interquartile range [IQR] = 15-27) and hypothermia (n=91) 26min (IQR=23-30). Median parenchymal mass preservation was 83% (IQR=74-91%). Warm ischemia and longer ischemia duration associated with higher spectrum score (both p<0.05). Increased spectrum score (<25%, 25-50%, 50-75%, and >75% quartiles) had decreased functional recovery (98%, 94%, 90%, and 89%, respectively, p<0.001). However, this trend was not observed in the hypothermia cohort. On multivariable analysis spectrum score and ischemia type significantly associated with functional recovery (both p<0.01), while age and comorbidities failed to associate (p=0.3-0.7)., Conclusions: Acute ipsilateral renal dysfunction spectrum score unmasks the degree of ischemic insult in the operated kidney after PN and associates with functional recovery. While increased spectrum score associates with suboptimal recovery, even patients with a high spectrum score reached 89-90% recovery., Patient Summary: Acute functional decline after partial nephrectomy is difficult to evaluate in patients with two kidneys, but a proposed spectrum score can be used to evaluate this. Increased spectrum score reflects increased ischemia and may impact the functional recovery of the kidney., (Copyright © 2016 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Although some research and publication practices are clearly unethical, including fraud and plagiarism, other areas of research and publication, such as informed consent and conflicts of interest, fall into grayer areas., Conclusion: The purposes of this article are, therefore, to review a variety of relevant ethical issues in radiology-related journalism, peer review, and research; to review the radiology literature to date that has addressed these issues; and to present position statements and potential solutions to these problems.

Purpose To compare the diagnostic accuracy and image quality of computed tomographic (CT) enterographic images obtained at half dose and reconstructed with filtered back projection (FBP) and sinogram-affirmed iterative reconstruction (SAFIRE) with those of full-dose CT enterographic images reconstructed with FBP for active inflammatory terminal or neoterminal ileal Crohn disease. Materials and Methods This retrospective study was compliant with HIPAA and approved by the institutional review board. The requirement to obtain informed consent was waived. Ninety subjects (45 with active terminal ileal Crohn disease and 45 without Crohn disease) underwent CT enterography with a dual-source CT unit. The reference standard for confirmation of active Crohn disease was active terminal ileal Crohn disease based on ileocolonoscopy or established Crohn disease and imaging features of active terminal ileal Crohn disease. Data from both tubes were reconstructed with FBP (100% exposure); data from the primary tube (50% exposure) were reconstructed with FBP and SAFIRE strengths 3 and 4, yielding four datasets per CT enterographic examination. The mean volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) and size-specific dose estimate (SSDE) at full dose were 13.1 mGy (median, 7.36 mGy) and 15.9 mGy (median, 13.06 mGy), respectively, and those at half dose were 6.55 mGy (median, 3.68 mGy) and 7.95 mGy (median, 6.5 mGy). Images were subjectively evaluated by eight radiologists for quality and diagnostic confidence for Crohn disease. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) were estimated, and the multireader, multicase analysis of variance method was used to compare reconstruction methods on the basis of a noninferiority margin of 0.05. Results The mean AUCs with half-dose scans (FBP, 0.908; SAFIRE 3, 0.935; SAFIRE 4, 0.924) were noninferior to the mean AUC with full-dose FBP scans (0.908; P < .003). The proportion of images with inferior quality was significantly higher with all half-dose reconstructions than with full-dose FBP (mean proportion: 0.117 for half-dose FBP, 0.054 for half-dose SAFIRE 3, 0.054 for half-dose SAFIRE 4, and 0.017 for full-dose FBP; P < .001). Conclusion The diagnostic accuracy of half-dose CT enterography with FBP and SAFIRE is statistically noninferior to that of full-dose CT enterography for active inflammatory terminal ileal Crohn disease, despite an inferior subjective image quality. (©) RSNA, 2016 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Objective: To evaluate whether surgeons can predict the percent parenchymal mass that will be preserved by partial nephrectomy (PN) based on preoperative imaging, which could have potential utility for preoperative surgical planning and patient counseling. The proportion of preserved viable parenchyma following PN is the primary determinant of functional recovery. However, direct measurement of parenchymal volume preservation (VP) can be complex and time consuming., Materials and Methods: For patients managed with PN at our institution (2007-2014), we randomly selected 45 with a third in each of low, intermediate, or high R.E.N.A.L. complexity groups. All patients had recorded postoperative surgeon assessment of volume preservation (SAVP) and measured VP based on preoperative or postoperative computed tomography. Nine clinical providers predicted VP based solely on review of preoperative imaging while blinded to SAVP and measured VP. Clinical experience of the providers ranged from medical students to experienced urologic surgeons., Results: Median age was 66 years, median tumor size was 4.0 cm, and median R.E.N.A.L. was 8. Median measured VP was 81% (interquartile range of 74-89%). Preoperative prediction of VP correlated poorly with measured VP among the different surgeons (mean correlation coefficient, R = 0.34, range = 0.24-0.40). Surgeon experience provided minimal incremental improvement. Correlation between R.E.N.A.L. and measured VP was also marginal (R = 0.43). In contrast, correlation between postoperative SAVP and measured VP was much more robust (R = 0.75, P <.001)., Conclusion: Preoperative prediction of VP and R.E.N.A.L. score correlated poorly with measured VP for patients managed with PN. In contrast, postoperative SAVP provided a relatively reliable estimate of VP, and should be considered an acceptable substitute in most clinical circumstances., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The kidneys and perinephric tissues can be affected by a variety of hematologic disorders, which usually occur in the setting of multisystem involvement. In many of these disorders, imaging is used to evaluate the extent of disease, guide biopsy, and/or monitor disease activity and patient response to therapy. Lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma commonly manifest as multiple parenchymal or perinephric lesions. Erdheim-Chester disease and Rosai-Dorfman disease, rare forms of multisystemic histiocytosis, are often identified as perinephric and periureteral masses. Renal abnormalities depicted at imaging in patients with sickle cell disease include renal enlargement, papillary necrosis, and renal medullary carcinoma. Sickle cell disease, along with other causes of intravascular hemolysis, can also lead to hemosiderosis of the renal cortex. Thrombosis of renal veins is sometimes seen in patients with coagulation disorders but more often occurs in association with certain malignancies and nephrotic syndrome. Immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing disease is another multisystem process that often produces focal renal lesions, seen along with involvement of more characteristic organs such as the pancreas. Perinephric lesions with calcifications should raise the possibility of secondary amyloidosis, especially in patients with a history of lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Although the imaging patterns of renal and perinephric involvement are usually not specific for a single entity, and the same entity can manifest with different or overlapping patterns, familiarity with these patterns and key clinical and histopathologic features may help to narrow the differential diagnosis and determine the next step of care. (©)RSNA, 2016.

Renal cell carcinoma accounts for 2%-3% of all visceral malignancies. Preoperative imaging can provide important staging and anatomic information to guide treatment decisions. Size of the primary tumor and degree of local invasion, such as involvement of perinephric fat or renal sinus fat, and tumor thrombus in renal veins and inferior vena cava are important detriments to local staging of primary tumor. Both kidneys are assessed for presence of other synchronous lesions. The ACR Appropriateness Criteria(®) are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed every three years by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and review include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer-reviewed journals and application by the panel of a well-established consensus methodology (modified Delphi) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures. In those instances in which evidence is lacking or not definitive, expert opinion may be used to recommend imaging or treatment., (Copyright © 2016 American College of Radiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the association between visceral fat area (VFA) on CT and postoperative complications after primary surgery in patients with Crohn's disease (CD)., Method: Inclusion criteria were patients with a confirmed diagnosis of CD who had preoperative abdominal CT scan. The areas of total fat, subcutaneous fat and visceral fat were measured using an established image-analysis method at the lumbar 3 (L3) level on CT cross-sectional images. Visceral obesity was defined as a visceral fat area (VFA) of ≥ 130 cm(2) . Clinical variables, intra-operative outcomes and postoperative courses within 30 days were analysed., Results: A total of 164 patients met the inclusion criteria. Sixty-three (38.4%) patients had postoperative complications. The mean age of the patients with complications (the study group) was 40.4 ± 15.4 years and of those without complications (the control group) was 35.8 ± 12.9 years (P = 0.049). There were no differences in disease location and behaviour between patients with or without complications (P > 0.05). In multivariable analysis, VFA [odds ratio (OR) = 2.69; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09-6.62; P = 0.032] and corticosteroid use (OR = 2.86; 95% CI: 1.32-6.21; P = 0.008) were found to be associated with postoperative complications. Patients with visceral obesity had a significantly longer operative time (P = 0.012), more blood loss (P = 0.019), longer bowel resection length (P = 0.003), postoperative ileus (P = 0.039) and a greater number of complications overall (P < 0.001)., Conclusion: High VFA was found to be associated with an increased risk for 30-day postoperative complications in patients with CD undergoing primary surgery., (Colorectal Disease © 2015 The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland.)

Objective: To evaluate the impact of extended warm ischemia on incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and ultimate functional recovery after partial nephrectomy (PN), incorporating rigorous control for loss of parenchymal mass, and embedded within comparison to cohorts of patients managed with hypothermia or limited warm ischemia., Materials and Methods: From 2007 to 2014, 277 patients managed with PN had appropriate studies to evaluate changes in function/mass specifically within the operated kidney. Recovery from ischemia was defined as %function saved/%parenchymal mass saved. AKI was based on global renal function and defined as a ≥1.5-fold increase in serum creatinine above the preoperative level., Results: Hypothermia was utilized in 112 patients (median = 27 minutes) and warm ischemia in 165 (median = 21 minutes). AKI strongly correlated with solitary kidney (P < .001) and duration (P < .001) but not type (P = .49) of ischemia. Median recovery from ischemia in the operated kidney was 100% (interquartile range [IQR] = 88%-109%) for cold ischemia, with 6 (5%) noted to have <80% recovery from ischemia. For the warm ischemia group, median recovery from ischemia was 91% (IQR = 82%-101%, P < .001 compared with hypothermia), and 34 (21%) had recovery from ischemia <80% (P < .001). For warm ischemia subgrouped by duration <25 minutes (n = 114), 25-35 minutes (n = 35), and >35 minutes (n = 16), median recovery from ischemia was 92% (IQR = 86%-100%), 90% (IQR = 78%-104%), and 91% (IQR = 80%-96%), respectively (P = .77)., Conclusion: Our results suggest that AKI after PN correlates with duration but not with type of ischemia. However, subsequent recovery, which ultimately defines the new baseline glomerular filtration rate, is most reliable with hypothermia. However, most patients undergoing PN with warm ischemia still recover relatively strongly from ischemia, even if extended to 35-45 minutes., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Acute urinary tract disorders often manifest as flank pain and are a common complaint of patients who present to the emergency department. The pain is often a vague, poorly localized sensation that may have a variety of causes. Laboratory and clinical findings, such as hematuria, are neither sensitive nor specific for determining the cause of the flank pain. Accordingly, imaging is an important tool in determining a diagnosis and management plan. Patients with acute urinary tract disorders who present with pain include those with calculi as well as renal infection, vascular disorders, and hemorrhage., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: With the incidence of renal cell carcinoma on the rise treatment options for the small renal mass have broadened. Cryoablation is increasingly used as a therapeutic option for renal tumors in select cases. However, studies with long-term oncologic outcomes are sparse. We evaluated the long-term oncologic outcomes of laparoscopic renal mass cryoablation., Materials and Methods: We reviewed our laparoscopic cryoablation database for patients treated with laparoscopic cryoablation from October 1997 to February 2005. Patients with less than 3 months of followup were excluded from study. Patient and tumor characteristics, and perioperative outcomes, including complications, were recorded. Recurrence-free, cancer specific and overall survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves., Results: A total of 142 tumors in 138 consecutive patients were treated with laparoscopic cryoablation. Mean age of the cohort was 66.35 years. Of the patients 99 (71.7%) were male and 39 (28.3%) were female. Mean body mass index was 29.15 kg/m(2) and median ASA score was 3. A solitary kidney was present in 23 patients (16.2%). Mean tumor size on cross-sectional imaging was 2.4 cm. The mean preoperative and postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate was 66.72 and 61.00 ml per minute, respectively. The postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate was determined at a mean ± SD of 15.17 ± 10.99 months of followup. The median R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score was 5. Of the 142 tumors 100 were diagnosed as renal cell carcinoma after histopathological examination of the biopsy specimen. At 3, 5 and 10 years in patients diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma estimated recurrence-free survival was 91.4%, 86.5% and 86.5%, estimated cancer specific survival was 96.8%, 96.8% and 92.6%, and estimated overall survival was 88.7%, 79.1% and 53.8%, respectively. Mean followup was 98.8 ± 54.2 months in those diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma. Mean time to recurrence was 2.3 years. The latest experienced recurrence was 4.4 years after laparoscopic cryoablation. There was a postoperative complication rate of 10.6% with a total of 15 complications., Conclusions: Laparoscopic cryoablation achieves good long-term oncologic outcomes for localized small renal masses. It can safely be used in patients who cannot undergo or are unwilling to accept the risks of partial nephrectomy. Mean time to recurrence was 2.3 years and all recurrences developed within 4.4 years of initial treatment., (Copyright © 2015 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Hemorrhage of the kidneys and adrenal glands has many etiologies. In the adrenal glands, trauma, anticoagulation, stress, sepsis, surgery, and neoplasms are common causes of hemorrhage. In the kidneys, reasons for hemorrhage include trauma, bleeding diathesis, vascular diseases, infection, infarction, hemorrhagic cyst rupture, the Antopol-Goldman lesion, and neoplasms. Angiomyolipoma and renal cell carcinoma are the neoplasms most commonly associated with hemorrhage in the kidneys and adrenal cortical carcinoma, metastases, and pheochromocytoma are associated with hemorrhage in the adrenal glands. Understanding the computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging features, and causes of hemorrhage in the kidneys and adrenal glands is critical. It is also important to keep in mind that mimickers of hemorrhage exist, including lymphoma in both the kidneys and adrenal glands, and melanoma metastases in the adrenal glands. Appropriate imaging follow-up of renal and adrenal hemorrhage should occur to exclude an underlying malignancy as the cause. If there is suspicion for malignancy that cannot be definitively diagnosed on imaging, surgery or biopsy may be warranted. Angiography may be indicated when there is a suspected underlying vascular disease. Unnecessary intervention, such as nephrectomy, may be avoided in patients with benign causes or no underlying disease. Appropriate management is dependent on accurate diagnosis of the cause of renal or adrenal hemorrhage and it is incumbent upon the radiologist to determine the etiology.

Objective: The objective of our study was to review our experience with CT-guided transgluteal prostate biopsy in patients without rectal access., Materials and Methods: Twenty-one CT-guided transgluteal prostate biopsy procedures were performed in 16 men (mean age, 68 years; age range, 60-78 years) who were under conscious sedation. The mean prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value was 11.4 ng/mL (range, 2.3-39.4 ng/mL). Six had seven prior unsuccessful transperineal or transurethral biopsies. Biopsy results, complications, sedation time, and radiation dose were recorded. The mean PSA values and number of core specimens were compared between patients with malignant results and patients with nonmalignant results using the Student t test., Results: The average procedural sedation time was 50.6 minutes (range, 15-90 minutes) (n = 20), and the mean effective radiation dose was 8.2 mSv (median, 6.6 mSv; range 3.6-19.3 mSv) (n = 13). Twenty of the 21 (95%) procedures were technically successful. The only complication was a single episode of gross hematuria and penile pain in one patient, which resolved spontaneously. Of 20 successful biopsies, 8 (40%) yielded adenocarcinoma (Gleason score: mean, 8; range, 7-9). Twelve biopsies yielded nonmalignant results (60%): high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (n = 3) or benign prostatic tissue with or without inflammation (n = 9). Three patients had carcinoma diagnosed on subsequent biopsies (second biopsy, n = 2 patients; third biopsy, n = 1 patient). A malignant biopsy result was not significantly associated with the number of core specimens (p = 0.3) or the mean PSA value (p = 0.1)., Conclusion: CT-guided transgluteal prostate biopsy is a safe and reliable technique for the systematic random sampling of the prostate in patients without a rectal access. In patients with initial negative biopsy results, repeat biopsy should be considered if there is a persistent rise in the PSA value.

Objective: To compare freehand scripting and semiautomated renal parenchymal volume measurements on preoperative or postoperative computed tomography scans and assess relationships between parenchymal volume loss and functional changes within the operated kidney after partial nephrectomy (PN)., Materials and Methods: Fifty patients (16 solitary kidneys, 34 bilateral kidneys) with renal tumors managed by PN with necessary studies for analysis were included. Freehand scripting and semiautomated threshold-based analysis were performed before and 4-12 months after PN to obtain preoperative normal parenchymal volumes, projected residual parenchymal volumes, and actual postoperative volumes. Glomerular filtration rate was determined by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease 2 equation along with nuclear renal scan to provide split function for patients with 2 kidneys. Limits of agreement and Bland-Altman analyses were performed. The relationship between the amount of vascularized parenchyma preserved and renal function saved was correlated for each measurement method using Pearson correlation., Results: The semiautomated method yielded estimates that were higher than freehand scripting by a mean of 14 cm(3) for estimation of preoperative normal parenchymal volume, 21 cm(3) for projected residual parenchymal volume, and 9 cm(3) for actual postoperative parenchymal volume. For the semiautomated method, correlation between the amount of normal parenchyma preserved and renal function saved was 0.52 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.28-0.69; P <.001), and for the scripting method, correlation was 0.60 (95% CI, 0.39-0.76; P <.001)., Conclusion: Semiautomated and freehand scripting measurements of parenchymal volumes were relatively consistent before and after PN, although the semiautomated approach tended to yield volumes that were approximately 5%-10% higher on average. Measurement of parenchymal volume changes by both approaches correlated significantly with functional changes after PN., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Partial nephrectomy is the reference standard for the management of small renal tumors and is commonly used for localized kidney cancer. A primary goal of partial nephrectomy is to preserve as much renal function as possible. New baseline glomerular filtration rate after partial nephrectomy can have prognostic significance with respect to long-term outcomes. Recent studies provide an increased understanding of the factors that determine functional outcomes after partial nephrectomy as well as preventive measures to minimize functional decline. We review these advances, highlight ongoing controversies and stimulate further research., Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature review consistent with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) criteria was performed from January 2006 to April 2014 using PubMed®, Cochrane and Ovid Medline. Key words included partial nephrectomy, renal function, warm ischemia, hypothermia, nephron mass, parenchymal volume, surgical approaches to partial nephrectomy, preoperative and intraoperative imaging, enucleation, hemostatic agents and energy based resection. Relevant reviews were also examined as well as their cited references. An additional Google Scholar search was conducted to broaden the scope of the review. Only English language articles were included in the analysis. The primary outcomes of interest were the new baseline level of function after early postoperative recovery, percent decline in function, potential etiologies and preventive measures., Results: Decline in function after partial nephrectomy averages approximately 20% in the operated kidney, and can be due to incomplete recovery from the ischemic insult or loss of nephron mass related to parenchymal excision or collateral damage during reconstruction. Compensatory hypertrophy in the contralateral kidney after partial nephrectomy in adults is marginal and decline in global renal function for patients with 2 kidneys averages about 10%, although there is some variance based on tumor size and location. Irreversible ischemic injury can be minimized by pharmacological intervention or surgical approaches such as hypothermia, limited warm ischemia, or zero or segmental ischemia. Excessive loss of nephron mass can be minimized by improved preoperative or intraoperative imaging, use of a bloodless field, enucleation and vascular microdissection. Hemostatic agents or energy based resection that minimizes the need for parenchymal and capsular suturing can also optimize preservation of the vascularized nephron mass., Conclusions: Our understanding of the decline in renal function after partial nephrectomy has advanced considerably, including better appreciation of its magnitude and impact in various settings, possible etiologies and potential preventive measures. Many controversies persist and this remains an important area of investigation., (Copyright © 2015 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Ischemia is a potential contributor to decline of function after partial nephrectomy (PN), although loss of parenchymal mass related to excision and reconstruction appears to be a more significant factor. However, loss of parenchymal mass could also be due to global effects of ischemia leading to parenchymal atrophy. In this study, we evaluated parenchymal volumes in regions away from the operated site to assess for atrophy., Materials and Methods: A total of 164 patients undergoing PN for whom detailed analysis of function and parenchymal mass within the operated kidney could be performed were assessed for opposite pole volume (OPV) before and 4-12 months after surgery. Tumor location was required to be ≥2 cm away from the opposite polar line to exclude local effects related to excision or reconstruction. OPV was estimated by software analysis, and the ratio of the estimates (OPV ratio = postoperative OPV to preoperative OPV) was used to assess for atrophy., Results: Patient demographics and tumor characteristics were representative of conventional PN populations, and warm ischemia (n = 101; median, 21 minutes) and cold ischemia (n = 63; median, 26 minutes) were applied by surgeon discretion. OPVs before and after PN were 63.2 and 62.5 cm(3), respectively (P = .76). The median OPV ratio was 0.99 suggesting that significant atrophy did not occur. OPV ratio was 0.99 for warm ischemia cases and 0.99 for cold ischemia cases (P = .95)., Conclusion: Limited warm ischemia or hypothermia was not associated with significant parenchymal atrophy after PN, which suggests that parenchymal volume loss in this setting is primarily due to excision or reconstruction., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)