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Funder: Barts and the London Charity project (no. MGU0360) Senior Investigator award no. NF-SI-0512-10052, Funder: NIHR Cambridge BRC (no. IS-BRC-1215-20014), Funder: NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Funder: National Medical Research Council and BRC of Singapore, Funder: NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre (grant reference number BRC-1215-20009) European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research Innovation Program under grant agreement no. 633983 (ENSAT-HT), Funder: Barts and The London Charity, Funder: Barts and the London Charity project (no. MGU0360), Funder: Barts and the London Charity project, Primary aldosteronism (PA) due to a unilateral aldosterone-producing adenoma is a common cause of hypertension. This can be cured, or greatly improved, by adrenal surgery. However, the invasive nature of the standard pre-surgical investigation contributes to fewer than 1% of patients with PA being offered the chance of a cure. The primary objective of our prospective study of 143 patients with PA ( NCT02945904 ) was to compare the accuracy of a non-invasive test, [11C]metomidate positron emission tomography computed tomography (MTO) scanning, with adrenal vein sampling (AVS) in predicting the biochemical remission of PA and the resolution of hypertension after surgery. A total of 128 patients reached 6- to 9-month follow-up, with 78 (61%) treated surgically and 50 (39%) managed medically. Of the 78 patients receiving surgery, 77 achieved one or more PA surgical outcome criterion for success. The accuracies of MTO at predicting biochemical and clinical success following adrenalectomy were, respectively, 72.7 and 65.4%. For AVS, the accuracies were 63.6 and 61.5%. MTO was not significantly superior, but the differences of 9.1% (95% confidence interval = -6.5 to 24.1%) and 3.8% (95% confidence interval = -11.9 to 9.4) lay within the pre-specified -17% margin for non-inferiority (P = 0.00055 and P = 0.0077, respectively). Of 24 serious adverse events, none was considered related to either investigation and 22 were fully resolved. MTO enables non-invasive diagnosis of unilateral PA.

Background Preoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the abdominal wall vessels is used when planning free flap breast reconstruction (FFBR) because it provides a surgical road map which facilitates flap harvest. However, there are few reports on the effect of abnormal findings on the operative plan. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of all FFBRs performed at a tertiary referral center over a 6-year period (November 2011 to June 2017). One consultant radiologist reported on the findings. Details on patient demographics, CTA reports, and intraoperative details were collected. Results Two hundred patients received preoperative CTAs. Fourteen percent of patients (n=28) had abnormal findings. Of these findings, 18% were vascular anomalies; 36% tumorrelated and 46% were “miscellaneous.” In four patients, findings subsequently prevented surgery; they comprised a mesenteric artery aneurysm, absent deep inferior epigastric (DIE) vessels, bilateral occluded DIE arteries, and significant bone metastases. Another patient had no suitable vessels for a free flap and the surgical plan converted to a pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap. The remaining incidental findings had no impact on the surgical plan or appropriateness of FFBR. More than one in 10 of those with abnormal findings went on to have further imaging before their operation. Conclusions CTA in FFBR can have a wider impact than facilitating surgical planning and reducing operative times. Incidental findings can influence the surgical plan, and in some instances, avoid doomed-to-fail and unsafe surgery. It is therefore important that these scans are reported by an experienced radiologist.

Primary aldosteronism (PA) due to a unilateral aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) is a common, curable cause of hypertension, but invasive methods of diagnosis and treatment contribute to -17%, the pre-specified margin of non-inferiority. The best univariate predictors of complete clinical cure were home systolic blood pressure (SBP)

Funder: University of Cambridge, Objectives: To assess the predictive value and correlation to pathological progression of the Prostate Cancer Radiological Estimation of Change in Sequential Evaluation (PRECISE) scoring system in the follow-up of prostate cancer (PCa) patients on active surveillance (AS). Methods: A total of 295 men enrolled on an AS programme between 2011 and 2018 were included. Baseline multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) was performed at AS entry to guide biopsy. The follow-up mpMRI studies were prospectively reported by two sub-specialist uroradiologists with 10 years and 13 years of experience. PRECISE scores were dichotomized at the cut-off value of 4, and the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were calculated. Diagnostic performance was further quantified by using area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) which was based on the results of targeted MRI-US fusion biopsy. Univariate analysis using Cox regression was performed to assess which baseline clinical and mpMRI parameters were related to disease progression on AS. Results: Progression rate of the cohort was 13.9% (41/295) over a median follow-up of 52 months. With a cut-off value of category ≥ 4, the PRECISE scoring system showed sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV for predicting progression on AS of 0.76, 0.89, 0.52 and 0.96, respectively. The AUC was 0.82 (95% CI = 0.74–0.90). Prostate-specific antigen density (PSA-D), Likert lesion score and index lesion size were the only significant baseline predictors of progression (each p < 0.05). Conclusion: The PRECISE scoring system showed good overall performance, and the high NPV may help limit the number of follow-up biopsies required in patients on AS. Key Points: • PRECISE scores 1–3 have high NPV which could reduce the need for re-biopsy during active surveillance. • PRECISE scores 4–5 have moderate PPV and should trigger either close monitoring or re-biopsy. • Three baseline predictors (PSA density, lesion size and Likert score) have a significant impact on the progression-free survival (PFS) time.

PURPOSE: To assess the added value of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) in prostate MR in clinical practice. METHODS: Two hundred sixty-four patients underwent prostate MRI, with T2 and DWI sequences initially interpreted, prior to full multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) interpretation using a Likert 1-5 scale. A prospective opinion was given on likely benefit of contrast prior to review of the DCE sequence, and retrospectively following full mpMRI review. The final histology result following targeted and/or systematic biopsy of the prostate was used for outcome purposes. RESULTS: Biparametric magnetic resonance imaging (bpMRI) and mpMRI were assigned the same score in 86% of cases; when dichotomising to a negative or positive MRI (Likert score ≥ 3), concordance increased to 92.8%. At Likert score ≥ 3 bpMRI detected 89.9% of all cancers and 93.5% clinically significant prostate cancers (csPCa) and mpMRI 90.7% and 94.6%, respectively. mpMRI had fewer false positives than bpMRI (11.4% vs 18.9%) and a lower Likert 3 rate (8.3% vs 17%), conferring higher specificity (74% vs 67%), but similar sensitivity (95% versus 94%) and ROC-AUC (90% vs 89%). At a positive MRI threshold of Likert ≥ 4, mpMRI had a higher sensitivity than bpMRI (89% versus 80%) and detected more csPCa (89.2% versus 79.6%). DCE was prospectively considered of potential benefit in 27.3%, but readers would only recall 11% of patients for DCE sequences, mainly to assess score 3 peripheral zone lesions. Following full mpMRI review, DCE was considered helpful in 28.4% of cases; in 23/75 (30.6%) of these cases this only became apparent after reviewing the sequence, reasons included increased confidence, presence of "safety-net" lesions or inflammatory lesions. CONCLUSION: BpMRI has equivalent cancer detection rates to mpMRI; however, mpMRI had fewer Likert 3 call rates and increased specificity and was subjectively considered of benefit by readers in 28.4% of cases. KEY POINTS: • bpMRI has similar cancer detection rates to the full mpMRI protocol at a positive MRI threshold of Likert 3. • mpMRI had fewer intermediate category 3 calls (8.3%) than bpMRI (17%) and fewer false positives than bpMRI (11.4% vs 18.9%), conferring higher specificity (74% vs 67%). • Readers considered DCE beneficial in 28.4% of cases, but in a relatively high number (30.6%) this only became apparent after reviewing the sequence.

OBJECTIVE To assess early outcomes since the introduction of an active surveillance (AS) protocol incorporating multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI)-guided baseline biopsies and image-based surveillance. PATIENTS AND METHODS A new AS protocol mandating image-guided baseline biopsies, annual mpMRI and 3-monthly prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, but which retained protocol re-biopsies, was tested. Pathological progression, treatment conversion and triggers for non-protocol biopsy were recorded prospectively. RESULTS Data from 157 men enrolled in the AS protocol (median age 64 years, PSA 6.8 ng/mL, follow-up 39 months) were interrogated. A total of 12 men (7.6%) left the AS programme by choice. Of the 145 men who remained, 104 had re-biopsies either triggered by a rise in PSA level, change in mpMRI findings or by protocol. Overall, 23 men (15.9%) experienced disease progression; pathological changes were observed in 20 men and changes in imaging results were observed in three men. Of these 23 men, 17 switched to treatment, giving a conversion rate of 11.7% (

Purpose To evaluate sub-differentiation of PI-RADS-3 prostate lesions using pre-defined T2- and diffusion-weighted (DWI) MRI criteria, to aid the biopsy decision process. Methods 143 patients with PIRADS-3 index lesions on MRI underwent targeted transperineal-MR/US fusion biopsy. Radiologists with 2 and 7-years experience performed blinded retrospective second-reads using set criteria and assigned biopsy recommendations. Inter-reader agreement, Gleason score (GS), positive (PPV) predictive values (±95% confidence intervals) were calculated and compared by Fisher’s exact test with Bonferroni-Hom correction. Results 43% (61/143) patients had GS 6–10 and 21% (30/143) GS ≥ 3 + 4 cancer. For peripheral zone lesions, significant differences in any cancer detection were found for shape (0.26 ± 0.13 geographical vs. 0.69 ± 0.23 rounded; p = 0.0055) and ADC (mild 0.21 ± 0.12 vs marked 0.81 ± 0.19; p = 0.0001). For transition zone, significantly increased cancer detection was shown for location (anterior 0.63 ± 0.15 vs. mid/posterior 0.31 ± 0.14; p = 0.0048), border (pseudo-capsule 0.32 ± 0.14 vs. ill-defined 0.61 ± 0.15; p = 0.0092), and ADC (mild 0.35 ± 0.12 vs marked restriction 0.68 ± 0.17; p = 0.0057). Biopsy recommendations had 62% inter-reader agreement (89/143). Experienced reader PPVs were significantly higher for any cancer with “biopsy-recommended” 0.61 ± 0.11 vs. “no biopsy” 0.21 ± 0.10 (p = 0.0001), and for GS 7–10 cancers: 0.32 ± 0.10 vs. 0.08 ± 0.07, respectively (p = 0.0003). Conclusion Identification of certain objective imaging criteria as well as a subjective biopsy recommendation from an experienced radiologist can help to increase the predictive value of equivocal prostate lesions and inform the decision making process of whether or not to biopsy.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of pre-biopsy magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on cancer diagnostic times, and to report MRI-directed pathology outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 1483 patients were referred with prostate cancer suspicion during a 30-month period. Upfront MRI was performed in 745 patients: 332 MRIs in the 15 months prior to dedicated scanning slots (group 1), and 413 in the 15 months post-introduction (group 2). A further 88 patients had initial MRI following clinical assessment. Biopsy via the transrectal (TR) or transperineal (TP) approach was performed, with MRI/ultrasound fusion for MRI targets. Clinically significant cancer (csPCa) was defined as Gleason ≥3+4. Negative MRIs were defined as Likert 1-2. Per-case clinical decisions were taken to biopsy or not. RESULTS: 44.4% of patients avoided biopsy. 484/833 (58.1%) MRIs were negative; 37.4% of these patients had biopsy with a negative predictive value (NPV) of 92.8% for Gleason ≥3+4 and 98.3% for ≥4+3. Overall prostate cancer prevalence was 34.3% (24.6% csPCa). In 323 MRI-positive cases, any cancer was present in 78.9% (csPCa 60.4%). Of the 1483 patients, 1232 (83.1%) completed all diagnostic tests within 28 days. Upfront MRI patients met this standard in 621/833 (74.5%), improving from 66.9% to 81.1% with reserved slots (group 2) with a reduced diagnostic time from median 25.5 to 20.9 days. Biopsy scheduling delayed the pathway in 69.7%, with MRI responsible in 22.3%, reducing to 10.3% in group 2. TP biopsies met the 28-day standard in significantly less cases (29.7%), compared to TR (67.4%, p

Purpose To evaluate the long-term clinical efficacy of the Tigris © stent (Gore ©) in femoropopliteal chronic total occlusions (CTOs). Material and methods This single centre retrospective study included 29 patients treated with 47 Tigris© stents for CTOs. Lesion location, type, length, revascularisation method, smoking status and diabetes were reviewed. Clinical follow-up was performed. Primary safety points were complications and adverse events. Secondary efficacy points were symptom deterioration, freedom from target lesion revascularization (TLR) and amputation rate. Freedom from TLR was evaluated with Kaplan-Meier analysis; Cox multivariable logistic regression analysis of the factors associated with stent re-occlusion was also performed. Results All procedures were technically successful without any peri- or post-procedural complications and adverse events. Median follow-up was 48 months (range: 7–70). Lesions were located in the superficial femoral (19), popliteal (3) and femoropopliteal (7) arteries with mean lesion length 13.9 ± 7.6 cm. In 12 patients subintimal recanalization was performed. Freedom from TLR rates at 6, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months were 96.6 %, 85.7 %, 81.9 %, 78.2 % and 74.3 % respectively. No stent fracture was observed and no amputation was performed in any of the patients. Smoking status, the presence of diabetes, lesion localization and recanalization type were not associated with stent re-occlusion. Conclusion This study demonstrated that use of a heparin coated vascular stent for femoropopliteal CTOs appears to offer satisfactory long-term results.

The diagnosis of curable, secondary causes of hypertension is a satisfying but challenging aspect, for both patient and doctor, of the clinical management of hypertension. They are probably under-recognized, and the enthusiasm to look for causes is blunted by low pickup rates in unselected patients. Young age encourages a search more because the alternative is many decades of drug treatment than because of any good evidence that prevalence of secondary hypertension varies with age.1 Plasma renin is still not a routine measurement even in the younger patient. And although there is an increasing evidence that a low plasma renin is valuable in the detection of primary aldosteronism,2 a high plasma renin does not usually trigger investigations for renal artery stenosis. The cases we present here are not part of a formal prospective series. But they illustrate how valuable was the finding of an extremely high plasma renin, leading to re-evaluation of magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomographic (CT) angiograms in the light of a high, rather than low prior probability. Our report is stimulated by the coincidence of 5 such patients being diagnosed within an 18-month period, and a parallel prospective study of plasma renin concentration’s prediction of treatment response, which enabled us to define the threshold for an extremely high plasma renin.3 We will discuss the significance of the log distribution of renin, of factors such as drug treatment influencing interpretation, and of reviewing reportedly normal radiology. Plasma renin concentration was measured by the Diasorin Liaison automated immunoassay analyzer.4 Intra-assay coefficients of variation were 3.7%, 2.8%, 2.0%, and 1.2% at concentrations of 15.1, 33.8, 82.2, and 258.0 mU/L, respectively. Inter-assay coefficients of variation were 5.8% and 4.9% at concentrations of 25.6 and 101.3 mU/L, respectively. The lower limit of quantitation of the assay, as specified …

Objective:To compare the performance of Likert and Prostate Imaging–Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) multiparametric (mp) MRI scoring systems for detecting clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa).Methods:199 biopsy-naïve males undergoing prostate mpMRI were prospectively scored with Likert and PI-RADS systems by four experienced radiologists. A binary cut-off (threshold score ≥3) was used to analyze histological results by three groups: negative, insignificant disease (Gleason 3 + 3; iPCa), and csPCa (Gleason ≥3 +4). Lesion-level results and prostate zonal location were also compared.Results:129/199 (64.8%) males underwent biopsy, 96 with Likert or PI-RADS score ≥3, and 21 with negative MRI. A further 12 patients were biopsied during follow-up (mean 507 days). Prostate cancer was diagnosed in 87/199 (43.7%) patients, 65 with (33.6%) csPCa. 30/92 (32.6%) patients with negative MRI were biopsied, with an NPV of 83.3% for cancer and 86.7% for csPCa. Likert and PI-RADS score differences were observed in 92 patients (46.2%), but only for 16 patients (8%) at threshold score ≥3. Likert scoring had higher specificity than PI-RADS (0.77 vs 0.66), higher area under the curve (0.92 vs 0.87, p = 0.002) and higher PPV (0.66 vs 0.58); NPV and sensitivity were the same. Likert had more five score results (58%) compared to PI-RADS (36%), but with similar csCPa detection (81.0 and 80.6% respectively). Likert demonstrated lower proportion of false positive in the predominately AFMS-involving lesions.Conclusion:Likert and PI-RADS systems both demonstrate high cancer detection rates. Likert scoring had a higher AUC with moderately higher specificity and lower positive call rate and could potentially help to reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies performed.Advances in knowledge:This paper illustrates that the Likert scoring system has potential to help urologists reduce the number of prostate biopsies performed.

Background: The use of CT angiography (CTA) or venous couplers (VCs) has led to shorter operative times in free flap breast reconstruction (FFBR). However, there are no reports on the effect of these two interventions relative to each other or combined. Methods: Abdominal based FFBRs performed by a single surgeon before introduction of either intervention were compared to those with VC only, and those after the addition of CTA to VCs (CT-VC). Operative time was defined as from “knife-to-skin” to insertion of the last stitch. Results: One hundred and twenty patients; 40 without intervention (WI), 40 with VC, and 40 with CT-VC. Introduction of VCs did not significantly reduce operative time compared to WI (P=0.73). However, patients in the CT-VC group had significantly shorter operations vs. WI (472 vs. 586 min, P

Objective To evaluate diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) and magnetisation transfer imaging (MTI) compared to standard MRI for prostate cancer assessment in a re-biopsy population. Methods Thirty-patients were imaged at 3 T including DKI (Kapp and Dapp) with b-values 150/450/800/1150/1500 s/mm2 and MTI performed with and without MT saturation. Patients underwent transperineal biopsy based on prospectively defined MRI targets. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analyses assessed the parameters and Wilcoxon-signed ranked test assessed relationships between metrics. Results Twenty patients had ≥ 1 core positive for cancer in a total of 26 MRI targets (Gleason 3+3 in 8, 3+4 in 12, ≥ 4+3 in 6): 13 peripheral (PZ) and 13 transition zone (TZ). The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and Dapp were significantly lower and the Kapp and MT ratio (MTR) significantly higher in tumour versus benign tissue (all p ≤ 0.005); ROC values 0.767-1.000. Normal TZ had: lower ADC and Dapp and higher Kapp and MTR compared to normal PZ. MTR showed a moderate correlation to Kapp (r = 0.570) and Dapp (r = -0.537) in normal tissue but a poor correlation in tumours. No parameter separated low-grade (Gleason 3+3) from high-grade (≥ 3+4) disease for either PZ (p = 0.414-0.825) or TZ (p = 0.148-0.825). Conclusion ADC, Dapp, Kapp and MTR all distinguished benign tissue from tumour, but none reliably differentiated low- from high-grade disease. Key Points • MTR was significantly higher in PZ and TZ tumours versus normal tissue • K app was significantly lower and D app higher for PZ and TZ tumours • There was no incremental value for DKI/MTI over mono-exponential ADC parameters • No parameter could consistently differentiate low-grade (Gleason 3+3) from high-grade (≥ 3+4) disease • Divergent MTR/DKI values in TZ tumours suggests they offer different functional information Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00330-017-5169-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

To determine the accuracy of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) during the learning curve of radiologists using MRI targeted, transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) guided transperineal fusion biopsy (MTTP) for validation.Prospective data on 340 men who underwent mpMRI (T2-weighted and diffusion-weighted MRI) followed by MTTP prostate biopsy, was collected according to Ginsburg Study Group and Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy standards. MRI data were reported by two experienced radiologists and scored on a Likert scale. Biopsies were performed by consultant urologists not 'blinded' to the MRI result and men had both targeted and systematic sector biopsies, which were reviewed by a dedicated uropathologist. The cohorts were divided into groups representing five consecutive time intervals in the study. Sensitivity and specificity of positive MRI reports, prostate cancer detection by positive MRI, distribution of significant Gleason score and negative MRI with false negative for prostate cancer were calculated. Data were sequentially analysed and the learning curve was determined by comparing the first and last group.We detected a positive mpMRI in 64 patients from Group A (91%) and 52 patients from Group E (74%). The prostate cancer detection rate on mpMRI increased from 42% (27/64) in Group A to 81% (42/52) in Group E (P0.001). The prostate cancer detection rate by targeted biopsy increased from 27% (17/64) in Group A to 63% (33/52) in Group E (P0.001). The negative predictive value of MRI for significant cancer (Gleason 3+3) was 88.9% in Group E compared with 66.6% in Group A.We demonstrate an improvement in detection of prostate cancer for MRI reporting over time, suggesting a learning curve for the technique. With an improved negative predictive value for significant cancer, decision for biopsy should be based on patient/surgeon factors and risk attributes alongside the MRI findings.

Objectives To measure the performance characteristics of combined T2-weighted (T2W) and diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suspicion scoring prior to MR-transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) fusion template transperineal (TTP) re-biopsy.

Objectives To define terms and processes and agree on a minimum dataset in relation to transperineal prostate biopsy procedures and enhanced prostate diagnostics. To identify the need for further evaluation and establish a collaborative research practice. Patients and Methods A 19-member multidisciplinary panel rated 66 items for their appropriateness and their definition to be incorporated into the international databank using the Research and Development/University of California Los Angeles Appropriateness Method. The item list was developed from interviews conducted with healthcare professionals from urology, radiology, pathology and engineering. Results The panel agreed on 56 items that were appropriate to be incorporated into a prospective database. In total, 10 items were uncertain and were omitted. These items were within the categories: definitions (n = 2), imaging (n = 1), surgical protocols (n = 2) and histology (n = 5). Conclusions The components of a minimum dataset for transperineal prostate biopsy have been defined. This provides an opportunity for multicentre collaborative data analysis and technique development. The findings of the present study will facilitate prospective studies into the application and outcome of transperineal prostate biopsies.

Parapelvic cysts originate in the renal parenchyma and extend into the renal sinus. A series of 3 patients with symptomatic obstructing parapelvic cysts is described, 2 with acute presentations, and 1 with chronic symptoms. In 2 of the 3 cases, there was a significant delay in establishing a diagnosis. Although one individual was successfully managed by image-guided cyst aspiration, the second patient required repeated aspiration due to cyst re-accumulation. A high index of clinical suspicion and a combination of imaging modalities, including serial ultrasound, excretory-phase CT, and MAG3 renogram, are necessary to establish the diagnosis and monitor response to treatment.

European radiology 27(6), 2259-2266 (2017). doi:10.1007/s00330-016-4635-5, Published by Springer, Berlin

Background To assess if transperineal prostate (TP) biopsy affects th e outcome of robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP), with particular reference to perioperative complications, oncological results and functional outcomes in the early postoperative setting. Methods We identified 61 men who had undergone RALP after TP biopsies, from June 2012 to June 2014 and a control group of 120 men who had undergone RALP after conventional TRUS biopsy in the same period. Data was compared from the pre-operative biopsy, peri- and postoperative period, procedural outcomes including histological, oncological and functional outcomes between the groups. Results The groups had comparable demographics, with matched median ages and PSA levels. There was a higher incidence of Gleason 6 disease detected in the TRUS group (P=0.01). Mean operative time (146 minutes TRUS vs. 158 minutes TP, P=0.133), blood loss (250 mL TRUS vs. 288 mL TP, P=0.462) and intraoperative complications were not significantly different between groups. Median length of stay (1 day) and median catheter duration (7 days) were identical in both cohorts. PSA failure rate at 6 months was similar (11.7% TRUS vs. 9.8% TP, P=0.904). There were no differences in functional outcomes (potency or continence) between groups at 6 month s follow-up. Conclusions RALP is safe after TP biopsy with no adverse impact on oncological or short-term functional outcomes.

To evaluate the detection rates of targeted and systematic biopsies in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound (US) image-fusion transperineal prostate biopsy for patients with previous benign transrectal biopsies in two high-volume centres.A two centre prospective outcome study of 487 patients with previous benign biopsies that underwent transperineal MRI/US fusion-guided targeted and systematic saturation biopsy from 2012 to 2015. Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) was reported according to Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) Version 1. Detection of Gleason score 7-10 prostate cancer on biopsy was the primary outcome. Positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values including 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated. Detection rates of targeted and systematic biopsies were compared using McNemar's test.The median (interquartile range) PSA level was 9.0 (6.7-13.4) ng/mL. PI-RADS 3-5 mpMRI lesions were reported in 343 (70%) patients and Gleason score 7-10 prostate cancer was detected in 149 (31%). The PPV (95% CI) for detecting Gleason score 7-10 prostate cancer was 0.20 (±0.07) for PI-RADS 3, 0.32 (±0.09) for PI-RADS 4, and 0.70 (±0.08) for PI-RADS 5. The NPV (95% CI) of PI-RADS 1-2 was 0.92 (±0.04) for Gleason score 7-10 and 0.99 (±0.02) for Gleason score ≥4 + 3 cancer. Systematic biopsies alone found 125/138 (91%) Gleason score 7-10 cancers. In patients with suspicious lesions (PI-RADS 4-5) on mpMRI, systematic biopsies would not have detected 12/113 significant prostate cancers (11%), while targeted biopsies alone would have failed to diagnose 10/113 (9%). In equivocal lesions (PI-RADS 3), targeted biopsy alone would not have diagnosed 14/25 (56%) of Gleason score 7-10 cancers, whereas systematic biopsies alone would have missed 1/25 (4%). Combination with PSA density improved the area under the curve of PI-RADS from 0.822 to 0.846.In patients with high probability mpMRI lesions, the highest detection rates of Gleason score 7-10 cancer still required combined targeted and systematic MRI/US image-fusion; however, systematic biopsy alone may be sufficient in patients with equivocal lesions. Repeated prostate biopsies may not be needed at all for patients with a low PSA density and a negative mpMRI read by experienced radiologists.

Both multi-parametric MRI (mpMRI) and the Prostate Health Index (PHI) have shown promise in predicting a positive biopsy in men with suspected prostate cancer. Here we investigated the value of combining both tests in men requiring a repeat biopsy. PHI scores were measured in men undergoing re-biopsy with an mpMRI image-guided transperineal approach (n = 279, 94 with negative mpMRIs). The PHI was assessed for ability to add value to mpMRI in predicting all or only significant cancers (Gleason ≥7). In this study adding PHI to mpMRI improved overall and significant cancer prediction (AUC 0.71 and 0.75) compared to mpMRI + PSA alone (AUC 0.64 and 0.69 respectively). At a threshold of ≥35, PHI + mpMRI demonstrated a NPV of 0.97 for excluding significant tumours. In mpMRI negative men, the PHI again improved prediction of significant cancers; AUC 0.76 vs 0.63 (mpMRI + PSA). Using a PHI≥35, only 1/21 significant cancers was missed and 31/73 (42%) men potentially spared a re-biopsy (NPV of 0.97, sensitivity 0.95). Decision curve analysis demonstrated clinically relevant utility of the PHI across threshold probabilities of 5–30%. In summary, the PHI adds predictive performance to image-guided detection of clinically significant cancers and has particular value in determining re-biopsy need in men with a negative mpMRI.

Intraprocedural distal embolization is an accepted complication of femoropopliteal angioplasty. The purpose of this study is to assess the use of below-the-knee stents in the "bail-out" of conventional methods.We retrospectively reviewed 1485 of femoropopliteal angioplasties that were performed in our centre in a 4-year period and analysed 12 cases (1%) where distal embolization that required further intervention occurred. In all cases lesions were chronic and 75% suffered from critical limb ischaemia. The target vessel was the SFA in all of the cases with a long (10 cm) occlusion in 50%. A three-vessel run-off was present in only 25%. Patients that received a stent as a limb salvage attempt were analysed. Outcome measures were technical success, clinical success and procedure-related complications. Multivariate regression analysis of the factors related to stenting was also performed.In 41% of the cases with distal embolization, recanalization with aspiration, thrombolysis or angioplasty offered a satisfactory result. In 59%, conventional methods were ineffective; a stent was deployed in 85%, whereas in 15% surgical embolectomy was required. Technical and clinical success of the stent cases was 100% without any procedure-related complications. There was significance (p 0.05) between critical limb ischaemia and stenting; single-vessel run-off has also shown a positive trend (p = 0.88).Stents appear as a valid salvage option for infragenicular distal embolization when conventional methods fail; the likelihood of having to use a stent is higher for patients with critical limb ischaemia and a single-vessel run-off.

Objectives To evaluate the influence of prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD) on positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) to detect Gleason score ≥7 cancer in a repeat biopsy setting. Patients and Methods Retrospective study of 514 men with previous prostate biopsy showing no or Gleason score 6 cancer. All had mpMRI, graded 1–5 on a Likert scale for cancer suspicion, and subsequent targeted and 24-core systematic image-fusion guided transperineal biopsy in 2013–2015. The NPVs and PPVs of mpMRIs for detecting Gleason score ≥7 cancer were calculated (±95% confidence intervals) for PSAD ≤0.1, 0.1–0.2, ≤0.2 and >0.2 ng/mL/mL, and compared by chi-square test for linear trend. Results Gleason score ≥7 cancer was detected in 31% of the men. The NPV of Likert 1–2 mpMRI was 0.91 (±0.04) with a PSAD of ≤0.2 ng/mL/mL and 0.71 (±0.16) with a PSAD of >0.2 ng/mL/mL (P = 0.003). For Likert 3 mpMRI, PPV was 0.09 (±0.06) with a PSAD of ≤0.2 ng/mL/mL and 0.44 (±0.19) with a PSAD of >0.2 ng/mL/mL (P = 0.002). PSAD also significantly affected the PPV of Likert 4–5 mpMRI lesions: the PPV was 0.47 (±0.08) with a PSAD of ≤0.2 ng/mL/mL and 0.66 (±0.10) with a PSAD of >0.2 ng/mL/mL (P < 0.001). Conclusion In a repeat biopsy setting, a PSAD of ≤0.2 ng/mL/mL is associated with low detection of Gleason score ≥7 prostate cancer, not only in men with negative mpMRI, but also in men with equivocal imaging. Surveillance, rather than repeat biopsy, may be appropriate for these men. Conversely, biopsies are indicated in men with a high PSAD, even if an mpMRI shows no suspicious lesion, and in men with an mpMRI suspicious for cancer, even if the PSAD is low.

Identification of unilateral aldosterone-producing (Conn's) adenomas has traditionally required lateralization by the invasive and technically difficult procedure of adrenal vein sampling (AVS). (11)C-metomidate, a potent inhibitor of adrenal steroidogenic enzymes, is a positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer that is selectively accumulated by Conn's adenomas.The objective of the study was to compare the sensitivity and specificity of (11)C-metomidate PET-computed tomography (CT) against the current gold standard of AVS.The design of the study was within-patient comparison of diagnostic techniques.The study was conducted at a single center-university teaching hospital.Thirty-nine patients with primary hyperaldosteronism (PHA) and five with nonfunctioning adenomas (incidentalomas) participated in the study.The first six PHA patients were studied on three occasions to determine whether steroid pretreatment reduced (11)C-metomidate uptake by normal adrenal. Subsequent patients received dexamethasone for 3 d prior to injection of (11)C-metomidate 150-500 MBq.Maximum standardized uptake values (SUV(max)) over regions of interest determined from 35-45 min after injection were measured.Dexamethasone increased tumor to normal adrenal SUV(max) ratio by 25.6 ± 5.0% (P0.01). PET-CT visualized subcentimeter adenomas and distinguished hot from cold adenomas within a gland. In 25 patients with PHA and AVS lateralization to the side of an adenoma, SUV(max) over tumor (mean ± sem) of 21.7 ± 1.6 was greater than over normal adrenal, 13.8 ± 0.6 (P = 0.00003); this difference was absent in 10 patients without lateralization on AVS (P = 0.28) and in four of five incidentalomas. On receiver-operator characteristics analysis, an SUV(max) ratio of 1.25:1 provided a specificity of 87% [95% confidence interval (69, 104)] and sensitivity of 76% (59, 93); in tumors with SUV(max) greater than 17, the specificity rose to 100%.(11)C-metomidate PET-CT is a sensitive and specific noninvasive alternative to AVS in the management of PHA.

Over the past decade, significant advances have been made in the field of subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). Prompt diagnosis with high-resolution CT and intensive critical care support remain key aspects of good patient management. Early identification and definitive treatment of underlying ruptured aneurysms is generally advocated to reduce the risk of re-bleeding, a complication with high mortality and morbidity. Although intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is still considered the gold standard for sourcing aneurysms, CT angiography, especially with the evolution of multi-slice technology, is slowly gaining acceptance as a rapid, accessible and minimally invasive method which appears likely to replace DSA as first-line modality in the future. Furthermore, the advent of Guglielmi detachable coils and the ISAT trial have revolutionised the treatment of ruptured aneurysms, with a significant trend towards endovascular coiling away from operative clipping. Improvements in clinical experience, coiling technology and assistive devices now allow interventionalists to potentially treat the majority of aneurysms, including wide-necked or complex lesions. The uncertain long-term results of coiling, however, still fuel strong debate and controversy. This review summarises current diagnostic approaches to SAH from a radiological perspective, with an emphasis on aneurysmal SAH and an evidence-based approach to the role of imaging and interventional radiology in diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.

Introduction: We characterized false negative prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reporting by using histology derived from MRI-transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided transperineal (MTTP) fusion biopsies.Methods: In total, 148 consecutive patients were retrospectively reviewed. Men underwent multiparametric MRI (mpMRI), reported by a consultant/attending radiologist in line with European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) standards. MTTP biopsy of the lesions was performed according to the Ginsburg recommendations. Cases with an MRI-histology mismatch were identified and underwent a second read by an experienced radiologist. A third review was performed with direct histology comparison to determine a true miss from an MRI-occult cancer. Statistical analysis was performed with McNemar’s test.Results: False negative lesions were identified in 29 MRI examinations (19.6%), with a total of 46 lesions. Most false negative lesions (21/46) were located in the anterior sectors of the prostate. The second read led to a significant decrease of false-negative lesions with 7/29 further studies identified as positive on a patientby- patient basis (24.1% of studies, p = 0.016) and 11/46 lesions (23.9%; p = 0.001). Of these, 30 lesions following the first read and 23 lesions after the second read were considered significant cancer according to the University College London criteria. However, on direct comparison with histology, most lesions were MRI occult.Conclusion: We demonstrate that MRI can fail to detect clinically relevant lesions. Improved results were achieved with a second read but despite this, a number of lesions remain MRI-occult. Further advances in imaging are required to reduce false negative results.

To test the hypothesis that MRI–TRUS fusion technique can increase the detection rate of prostate cancer (PC) in patients with previously negative biopsy. Patient records of men with persisting suspicion for PC after previous negative biopsy having undergone either extensive transrectal prostate biopsies (MD Anderson protocol; MDA), transperineal saturation (STP) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) fusion transperineal biopsies (MTTP) in three consecutive time intervals were reviewed retrospectively. The respective approach was the standard for the above indication at these episodes. In Cambridge, 70 patients underwent MDA biopsies, 75 STP underwent biopsies and 74 patients underwent MTTP biopsies. In total, 164 MTTP patients with the same indication from Heidelberg were analysed as reference standard. In total, 383 men were included into analysis. Low-grade PC was defined as Gleason score 7 (3 + 4) or lower. Even though MTTP patients had significantly larger prostates, the overall cancer detection rate for PC was the highest in MTTP (24.2 % MDA, 41.3 % STP, 44.5 % MTTP, p = 0.027, Kruskal–Wallis test). The detection rate for clinically relevant high-grade PC was highest in MTTP; however, this did not reach statistical significance compared with MDA (23.5 % MDA, 12.9 % STP, 27.2 % MTTP, p = 0.25, Fischer’s exact test). Comparing MTTP between Cambridge and Heidelberg, detection rates did not differ significantly (44.5 vs. 48 %, p = 0.58). There was a higher detection rate of high-grade cancer in Heidelberg. (36.3 vs. 27.2 %, p = 0.04). Patients whom are considered for repeat biopsies may benefit from undergoing MRI-targeted TRUS fusion technique due to higher cancer detection rate of significant PC.

To measure the performance characteristics of combined T2-weighted (T₂W) and diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suspicion scoring prior to MR-transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) fusion template transperineal (TTP) re-biopsy.Thirty-nine patients referred for prostate re-biopsy, with prior MRI examinations, were retrospectively included. The MR images, including T₂W and DW-MRI, had been independently evaluated prospectively by two radiologists using a structured scoring system. An MR-TRUS fusion TTP re-biopsy was used for MR target and non-targeted biopsy cores. Targeting performance and correlation with disease status were evaluated on a per-patient and per-region basis.The cancer yield was 41% (16/39 patients). MR targeting accurately detected the disease in 12/16 (75%) cancerous patients and missed the disease in 4/16 (25%) patients, all with Gleason 3 + 3 disease. There was a significant relationship (P 0.01) between MR suspicion score and the significance of cancer. Reader 1 had significantly higher sensitivity in the transition zone (TZ; 0.84) compared with the peripheral zone (PZ; 0.32) (P = 0.04). Inter-reader agreement was moderate for the PZ and substantial for the TZ.MRI targeting is beneficial in the setting of TTP MR-TRUS fusion re-biopsy and MR suspicion score relates to prostate cancer clinical significance. A T₂W and DW-MRI structured scoring system results in good inter-reader agreement in this setting.• Pre-biopsy MRI aids the detection of high significance cancer during prostate re-biopsy. • MRI suspicion level correlates with the clinical significance of prostate cancer detected. • T₂W and DW-MRI structured scoring of pre-biopsy MRI permits good inter-reader agreement.

To define terms and processes and agree on a minimum dataset in relation to transperineal prostate biopsy procedures and enhanced prostate diagnostics. To identify the need for further evaluation and establish a collaborative research practice.A 19-member multidisciplinary panel rated 66 items for their appropriateness and their definition to be incorporated into the international databank using the Research and Development/University of California Los Angeles Appropriateness Method. The item list was developed from interviews conducted with healthcare professionals from urology, radiology, pathology and engineering.The panel agreed on 56 items that were appropriate to be incorporated into a prospective database. In total, 10 items were uncertain and were omitted. These items were within the categories: definitions (n = 2), imaging (n = 1), surgical protocols (n = 2) and histology (n = 5).The components of a minimum dataset for transperineal prostate biopsy have been defined. This provides an opportunity for multicentre collaborative data analysis and technique development. The findings of the present study will facilitate prospective studies into the application and outcome of transperineal prostate biopsies.

Radiography of the excised surgical specimen following wire guided localisation of impalpable breast lesions is standard surgical practice. The aims of the study were to establish the reliability of the breast specimen radiograph (SR) in determining lesion excision and to determine whether the radiographic margin correlated with the histological margin. The clinical, imaging, SR and pathological details of 106 patients with a pre-operative diagnosis of breast cancer were retrospectively reviewed. The reliability of orientation was estimated and the appearance and distance from the mammographic abnormality to each radial margin were measured and correlated with surgical histological findings. The overall accuracy of the specimen radiograph in determining whether the mammographic lesion was present was 99%. The SR could be orientated "very reliably" or "reliably" in 80% of patients however in only 48% of patients did the closest margin on the SR correspond with the same nearest margin at final histology. A maximum measurement of 11 mm or more from the lesion to the specimen edge was associated with a 77% likelihood of having a clear final histological margin (taken as 5mm or more) and if

PURPOSE: To compare histological outcomes in patients undergoing MRI-transrectal ultrasound fusion transperineal (MTTP) prostate biopsy and determine the incremental benefit of targeted cores. METHODS: Seventy-six consecutive patients with 89 MRI-identified targets underwent MTTP biopsy. Separate targeted biopsies and background cores were obtained according to a standardized protocol. Target biopsies were considered of added diagnostic value if these cores showed a higher Gleason grade than non-targeted cores taken from the same sector (Group 1, n = 41). Conversely, where background cores demonstrated an equal or higher Gleason grade, target cores were considered to be non-beneficial (Group 2, n = 48). RESULTS: There was no significant difference in age, PSA, prostate volume, time-to-biopsy, and number of cores obtained between the groups. A greater proportion of target cores were positive for cancer (158/228; 69.3 %) compared to background (344/1881; 18.38 %). The median target volume was 0.54 cm(3) for Group 1 (range 0.09-2.79 cm(3)) and 1.65 cm(3) for Group 2 (0.3-9.07 cm(3)), p < 0.001. The targets in Group 1 had statistically lower diameters for short and long axes, even after correction for gland size. The highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was demonstrated when a lesion cutoff value of 1.0 cm in short axis was applied, resulting in a sensitivity of 83.3 % and a specificity of 82.9 %. CONCLUSIONS: When a combined systematic and targeted transperineal prostate biopsy is performed, there is limited benefit in acquiring additional cores from larger-volume targets with a short axis diameter >1.0 cm.