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OBJECTIVE. Knowledge of normal testicular 18F-FDG PET/CT (FDG PET/CT) SUVs is crucial for accurate examination interpretation. The objective of this study was to establish normal testicular SUV ranges among adult men receiving health care in North America. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A retrospective review of an institutional electronic database identified adult men undergoing pretreatment clinical FDG PET/CT examinations from March 15, 2013, through March 15, 2018. An FDG PET/CT image review of 700 testicles in 350 male patients was performed. Data collected included testicular SUVmax, SUVmean, and visual PET pattern of uptake. RESULTS. Testicular SUVmean and SUVmax values (mean ± SD) by age group were as follows: 3.1 ± 0.7 and 3.8 ± 0.9 for the age group of 18-30 years; 3.2 ± 0.6 and 4.0 ± 0.8, 31-40 years; 3.1 ± 0.4 and 3.8 ± 0.5, 41-50 years; 3.0 ± 0.5 and 3.7 ± 0.7, 51-60 years; 2.9 ± 0.5 and 3.5 ± 0.7, 61-70 years; 2.8 ± 0.5 and 3.5 ± 0.7, 71-80 years; and 2.6 ± 0.5 and 3.3 ± 0.6, more than 80 years. A statistically significant difference exists between age groups for testicular SUVmean (p ≤ .001) and SUVmax (p < .001), with SUVs peaking in the 4th decade of life and subsequently declining with age. A small but significant negative correlation exists between blood glucose level and testicular SUVmean (r = -0.12). CONCLUSION. This study reports the largest currently known cohort of SUVs in normal testicles and may guide clinical interpretation of testicular FDG activity. Discrepancies in normal SUVs may exist because of differences in patient demographics and PET technology.

Buffered lidocaine is a local anesthetic option during percutaneous needle-directed procedures in the breast. At our institution, sodium bicarbonate (the buffer) is dispensed in volumes that frequently lead to medical waste and shortages. In this study, we describe how moving the buffering of lidocaine from the procedure room to our clinical hospital pharmacy results in a reduction in costs and improves satisfaction across the breast radiology department. While cost savings are difficult to tease out in practices that opt for bundled payments, we were able to access pricing and supply data and coordinate with our pharmacy to change our practice. Making these changes saves our practice $26 000 a year and allows us to continue to offer buffered lidocaine even during sodium bicarbonate shortages. This manuscript describes how these changes came about and their economic impact.

To assess the efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-directed ultrasound (US) in further characterizing lesions detected on MRI and to evaluate the correlation between lesion characteristics and their visibility on US.A retrospective review was performed of the records of patients with breast abnormalities detected on MRI between May 2018 and December 2020. All patients who were given a Breast Imaging-Reported and Data System Assessment Category 4 or 5 on breast MRI and sent to breast US for assessment of the MRI abnormality were included. Patients lost to follow-up or those who did not get their subsequent ultrasound at our institution were excluded. The following factors were recorded for all lesions described on the MRI reports: breast density, degree of background parenchymal enhancement, type of MRI finding (mass, areas of non-mass enhancement [NME], enhancing focus), largest dimension, T2 signal intensity, kinetics, shape, margins, enhancement pattern, and presence of ipsilateral breast malignancy. For the subset of the lesions that were identified on MRI-directed US, we recorded the following sonographic features: largest dimension, shape, and margin. The chi-square or Fisher exact tests of association were used to compare categorical characteristics.Two hundred and thirty-three MRI-detected breast lesions were included in the study, which consisted of 171 masses, 7 enhancing foci, and 55 NME lesions. Of all lesions, 52% (89/171) of masses, 29% (16/55) of areas of NME, and 29% (2/7) of foci were seen on US. Moreover, 43 per 63 (68%) of malignant, 18 per 47 (38%) of high-risk and 46 per 123 (37%) of benign lesions were seen on MRI-directed US. Of the invasive malignant lesions, 77% (36/47) had a sonographic correlate. For masses, the average size on MRI was 1.1 cm, and MRI size had a statistically significant association with US visibility (P value 0.01). Similarly, spiculated margins on MRI for masses had a significant association with US visibility (P value 0.0006). Linear, segmental, and regional distributions of areas of NME were associated with decreased likelihood of sonographic visibility (P = 0.049).MRI-directed US is a useful tool in the management of MRI-detected breast lesions. Our study indicates that masses, particularly those with spiculated margins on MRI, should be sent to US for further assessment. Additionally, masses are more likely to be seen under US as their size increases. MRI-directed US is less likely to visualize areas of NME and enhancing foci, which may be managed with MRI follow-up or MRI-guided biopsy depending on their level of suspicion.

Background: New techniques have reduced the radiation dose delivered from a computed tomography (CT) examination. These techniques do not affect the number of scans ordered, the number of phases in each examination, or the scan length, as these parameters are controlled by ordering providers and CT technologists. The purpose of this study was to determine if deploying low-dose CT resulted in an increase in radiation exposure because of more liberal ordering habits or more liberal scanning ranges. Methods: We identified the most frequent CT examination types through a retrospective study of billing data from 2013. A campaign for low-dose CT scans was implemented, and data from 2 months prior and 2 months after were collected (n=797; average age=51.0 years ± 20.5; range, 4 to 97 years) and analyzed for differences in radiation dose, overall area scanned, and number of phases requested using unpaired t tests. Results: According to the billing data, the largest category of CT scans was the abdominal CT (31% of all CT examinations). After the low-dose campaign was implemented, we observed no difference in the number of examination phases ordered (1.2 ± 0.5 vs 1.3 ± 0.6, P=0.15), no increase in length of the scan (45.1 ± 7.5 cm vs 43.7 ± 10. 4 cm, P=0.08), and an overall decrease in dose (1,069 ± 634 mGy*cm vs 676 ± 480 mGy*cm, P

INTRODUCTION: Sonic hedgehog (SHH)-activated medulloblastoma is one of the four consensus molecular subgroups of medulloblastoma and is typically associated with PTCH1, SUFU, and/or SMO mutations. GNAS inactivating mutations are a less commonly recognized tumorigenic driver for SHH pathway activation. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of an 11-month-old male who presented with a large posterior fossa mass, cerebellar tonsillar herniation, and obstructive hydrocephalus. Following a successful gross total resection, pathology was consistent with desmoplastic/nodular medulloblastoma. Tumor molecular profiling using a DNA-based, next-generation sequencing platform detected a pathogenic frameshift mutation in the GNAS gene (p.D189Mfs*14, NM_000516.4:c.565_568del) at a variant allele frequency of 81%, suggestive of biallelic GNAS inactivation. The same mutation was detected from a buccal swab sample, confirming germline GNAS inactivation. Whole genome methylation profiling was consistent with medulloblastoma subclass SHH B (infant). Concurrent with this brain tumor evaluation, a skin biopsy was performed of scattered subcutaneous, plate-like nodules distributed over the patient’s back and extremities. This revealed metaplastic-appearing cancellous bone within the dermis and subcutaneous tissue consistent with plate-like osteoma cutis. He was treated with high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell rescue and remains disease-free 15 months from diagnosis. DISCUSSION: There have been scattered case reports describing germline loss-of-function GNAS mutations acting as tumorigenic drivers of SHH medulloblastoma. However, GNAS alterations are not covered by most standard diagnostic molecular sequencing panels for medulloblastoma. Other phenotypic manifestations of germline inactivating GNAS mutations include pseudohypoparathyroidism, pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism, progressive osseous heteroplasia, and osteoma cutis. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of the possible association between germline GNAS inactivating mutations and the development of childhood SHH-activated medulloblastoma is essential for prompt diagnosis and treatment initiation. As such, consideration should be given for inclusion of GNAS alterations in diagnostic medulloblastoma sequencing panels, especially in the setting of osteoma cutis or other endocrinopathies.

The purpose of this study is to review tomosynthesis-guided wire and seed needle localizations of the breast and axilla performed at our institution.Tomosynthesis-guided needle localizations were performed for 38 lesions, including 14 architectural distortions, five groups of calcifications, two focal asymmetries, three masses, four breast clips, and 10 axillary clips. All lesions were successfully removed at surgery, indicating that breast and axillary lesions can be precisely localized under tomosynthesis.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to assess the outcomes of symptomatic and asymptomatic solitary dilated ducts detected on mammography, ultrasound, and MRI. Methods: All cases of isolated solitary dilated ducts between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2016 in non-lactating females were reviewed. Clinical data, including patient’s age, breast cancer history, and pathology results were collected. Imaging was reviewed, and indication for the exam, breast density, maximum diameter of the dilated duct on ultrasound, presence of an intraductal mass, presence of intraductal vascularity, presence of intraductal echogenicity, and subareolar or peripheral location of the dilated duct were recorded. Results: 87 cases of solitary dilated ducts were assessed in this study, of which 3 were malignant, resulting in a positive predictive value of 3.5% (3/87). No malignancy was identified in asymptomatic screening patients. The three malignant cases were seen in patients presenting with a palpable lump (n = 1) or bloody nipple discharge (n = 2). There was a statistically significant association observed between the dilated duct diameter (p = 0.049) and presence of intraductal vascularity (p = 0.0005) with presence of malignancy. Conclusion: Rate of malignancy is low in solitary dilated ducts, especially among asymptomatic patients. Patient’s presenting with clinical symptoms, larger dilated duct diameters, and/or intraductal vascularity may require additional evaluation including biopsy to exclude malignancy. Advances in knowledge: Clinical and imaging factors can assist in better identifying patients with solitary dilated ducts who should undergo biopsy.

BACKGROUND There is no accurate method distinguishing different types of pulmonary nodules. PURPOSE To investigate whether multiparametric 3T MRI biomarkers can distinguish malignant from benign pulmonary nodules, differentiate different types of neoplasms, and compare MRI-derived measurements with values from commonly used noninvasive imaging modalities. STUDY TYPE Prospective. SUBJECTS Sixty-eight adults with pulmonary nodules undergoing resection. SEQUENCES Respiratory triggered diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction (PROPELLER) fat saturated T2 -weighted imaging, T1 -weighted 3D volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE) using CAIPIRINHA (controlled aliasing in parallel imaging results in a higher acceleration). ASSESSMENT/STATISTICS Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), T1 , T2 , T1 and T2 normalized to muscle (T1 /M and T2 /M), and dynamic contrast enhancement (DCE) values were compared with histology to determine whether they could distinguish malignant from benign nodules and discern primary from secondary malignancies using logistic regression. Predictability of primary neoplasm types was assessed using two-sample t-tests. MRI values were compared with positron emission tomography / computed tomography (PET/CT) to examine if they correlated with standardized uptake value (SUV) or CT Hounsfield unit (HU). Intra- and interreader agreements were assessed using intraclass correlations. RESULTS Forty-nine of 74 nodules were malignant. There was a significant association between ADC and malignancy (odds ratio 4.47, P < 0.05). ADC ≥1.3 μm2 /ms predicted malignancy. ADC, T1 , and T2 together predicted malignancy (P = 0.003). No MRI parameter distinguished primary from metastatic neoplasms. T2 predicted PET positivity (P = 0.016). T2 and T1 /M correlated with SUV (P < 0.05). Of 18 PET-negative malignant nodules, 12 (67%) had an ADC ≥1.3 μm2 /ms. With the exception of T2 , all noncontrast MRI parameters distinguished adenocarcinomas from carcinoid tumors (P < 0.05). T1 , T2 , T1 /M, and T2 /M correlated with HU and therefore can predict nodule density. Combined with ADC, washout enhancement, arrival time (AT), peak enhancement intensity (PEI), Ktrans , Kep , Ve collectively were predictive of malignancy (P = 0.012). Combined washin, washout, time to peak (TTP), AT, and PEI values predicted malignancy (P = 0.043). There was good observer agreement for most noncontrast MRI biomarkers. DATA CONCLUSION MRI can contribute to pulmonary nodule analysis. Multiparametric MRI might be better than individual MRI biomarkers in pulmonary nodule risk stratification. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018.

The effects of dopants Al, La, Si, and Zr on the stability, surface area, and porosity of anatase were investigated. Anatase materials stabilized with 0–14 mol% La, Si, Zr, or 0–85 mol% Al were studied. Materials were characterized using XRD, TEM and N 2 adsorption. Results show that (1) dopants increased the surface area and thermal stability of anatase through structural modifications and grain growth inhibition, (2) due to structural modifications it was important to select the appropriate hysteresis branch for pore diameter calculations, and (3) a thorough analysis of N 2 adsorption and TEM data provided additional insight into how stabilizing agents affected the mesoporous structure. Stabilized titanias produced by this method demonstrated equivalent or higher thermal stability and surface area compared with pure anatase and previously reported materials after treatment at 400 °C and 700 °C including 22 mol% Al–TiO 2 calcined at 400 °C which had a surface area of 479 ± 39 m 2 /g, a pore volume of 0.46 ± 0.04 cm 3 /g, and a pore diameter of 2.9 ± 0.2 nm.

Ten myopic patients with no previous contact lens experience were fitted with similarly designed Silcon and Polycon II contact lenses so that we could evaluate and compare the patients' responses to these lens types in a double masked fashion. None of the patients had any contraindications to contact lens wear. The Silcon lens is a cross-linked silicone resin lens with a reported DK value of 16 X 10(-11). The Polycon II lenses is a combination PMMA-Silicone lens with a reported DK value of 12 X 10(-11). After a thorough contact lens pre-fitting evaluation, each patient was fitted in a random fashion with a Silcon lens on one eye and a Polycon II lens on the other. Patient response was evaluated by the standard of success of Sarver and Harris. No statistically significant differences were found in the patients responses to the two lens types. Nine of the patients were successful with the Silcon lenses while all 10 patients were successful with the Polycon II lenses.