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Positron emission tomography (PET) is used for staging and response evaluation in primary gastric lymphoma (PGL). However, the implications of [(18)F]-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose ((18)F-FDG) uptake in PGL at first diagnosis have not been reported. The relationship between (18)F-FDG uptake and the expression of facilitative glucose transporters (GLUTs), hexokinase II (HK II), and Ki67, as well as malignant potential in PGL, was assessed in this study. We analyzed 23 patients with PGL [nine with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL); seven with high-grade mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma; and seven with low-grade MALT lymphoma]. The expression levels of GLUT1, GLUT3, HK II, and Ki67 were evaluated according to the percentage of positive area determined by immunohistochemistry. Standardized uptake values correlated significantly with pathological malignant potentials (low-grade/high-grade MALT lymphoma and DLBCL: p = 0.001-0.002), Ki67 (p < 0.001), and GLUT1 expression (p = 0.02). We determined that (18)F-FDG uptake is related to GLUT1 expression and tumor histological grade as well as Ki67 in PGL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) evoke inflammatory reactions, contributing to the development and progression of atherosclerosis. We investigated the relationship between serum AGE level and vascular inflammation.Research Design and Methods: The study involved 275 outpatients at Kurume University, Japan (189 males and 86 females; mean age 61.2 ± 8.8 years) who underwent complete history and physical examinations and determinations of blood chemistry and anthropometric variables, including AGEs. Serum AGE level was examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Vascular [(18)F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake, an index of vascular inflammation, was measured as blood-normalized standardized uptake value, known as the target-to-background ratio (TBR), by FDG-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET). Furthermore, we examined whether the changes in serum AGE level after treatment with oral hypoglycemia agents (OHAs) were correlated with those of TBR in another 18 subjects whose AGE value was >14.2 units/mL (mean ± 2 SD).Results: Mean serum AGE level and carotid TBR values were 9.15 ± 2.53 and 1.43 ± 0.22 units/mL, respectively. Multiple stepwise regression analysis revealed that TBR was independently correlated with AGEs (P < 0.001), carotid intima-media thickness (P < 0.01), and BMI (P < 0.02). When age- and sex-adjusted AGE values stratified by TBR tertiles were compared using ANCOVA, a significant trend was observed (P < 0.01). In addition, the changes in AGEs after OHA treatment were positively (r = 0.50, P < 0.05) correlated with those in TBR value.Conclusions: The current study reveals that serum AGE level is independently associated with vascular inflammation evaluated by FDG-PET, suggesting that circulating AGE value may be a biomarker that could reflect vascular inflammation within an area of atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a coaxial reservoir system with a non-braided spiral tip microcatheter and exclusive port for hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy.Materials and Methods: In vitro evaluation included evaluation of pressure tolerance/flow rate of the coaxial reservoir system, and the strength of connection between the 2.7-F catheter and port. Due to the difficulty of implanting conventional reservoirs, coaxial reservoirs were implanted via the femoral artery of 80 patients. We implanted a non-braided 2.7-F microcatheter with a spiral shaped tip, 5-F catheter, and a port. Clinical assessment included evaluation of technical success and complications.Results: In vitro evaluation of the coaxial reservoir at its maximum pressure load showed that flow rates for 300 mg I/mL iopamidol contrast medium were 0.25 ± 0.04 mL/s (undiluted), 1.03 ± 0.01 mL/s (50% dilution), and 2.91 ± 0.01 mL/s (30% dilution). Connection strength between the 2.7-F catheter and port was 13.4 ± 0.57 N. Percutaneous port catheter placement was successful in all patients (100%, n = 80). Complications included hepatic arterial occlusion (10%, n = 8), catheter tip dislocation (1.3%, n = 1), and catheter occlusion (1.3%, n = 1).Conclusions: A coaxial reservoir system with a non-braided microcatheter and exclusive port is safe and effective for difficulty of implanting conventional reservoir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between (99m)Tc-tetrofosmin uptake and extracellular signal-regulated kinase mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK MAPK) expression in papillary thyroid cancer patients.Materials and Methods: Our study population consisted of 14 patients. The histopathological findings for all patients were confirmed by surgery. Patients were administ 740 MBq of (99m)Tc-tetrofosmin. The tumor/background (T/B) ratios in regions of interest (ROIs) were measured at 10 min, 1 h, and 3 h to determine the uptake by papillary cancer. Immunohistopathological staining was performed, and the expression of phospho-ERK MAPK in papillary cancer was investigated. The relation between the expression of phospho-ERK MAPK and the T/B ratio was examined using the Mann-Whitney U-test.Results: (99m)Tc-tetrofosmin uptake was positive in all patients. There was a statistically significant relation between the T/B ratio (at 3 h) and the expression of phospho-ERK MAPK but not with the T/B ratio at 10 min or 1 h: T/B ratio at 10 min (P = 0.32), at 1 h (P = 0.62), and at 3 h (P = 0.0072).Conclusion: Our results suggest that the relation between (99m)Tc-tetrofosmin uptake (3 h T/B ratio) may lead us to assume cell proliferation of papillary cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 40-year-old woman discovered through palpation a tumor in the upper lateral quadrant of the left mammary gland. Mammography, ultrasonography (US), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a 10 mm diameter tumor. Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ((18)F-FDG-PET) showed abnormal accumulation in the detected tumor, and the maximum standardized uptake value was 2.2. The patient underwent tumor resection. The postoperative histopathological finding was intraductal papilloma. The intraductal papilloma showed strong expression of glucose transporter (GLUT)-4 on membrane and/or cytoplasm, and weak expression of GLUT-1 and GLUT-3 by immunohistochemistry. This case suggests that other glucose transporters (e.g., GLUT-4), other pathological factors, and cytokines may have a close relation with (18)F-FDG accumulation in intraductal papilloma more than GLUT-1 or GLUT-3 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the results of semiquantitative analysis by(18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with plasma osteopontin levels in the same asbestos-related pleural disease population.Materials and Methods: A total of 17 patients with asbestos-related pleural disease were prospectively recruited. They underwent PET/CT, and plasma osteopontin levels were measured. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was determined from the most active pleural lesion in each patient.Results: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) was histologically proven in 6 patients, and 11 patients had proven benign asbestos-related pleural diseases (7 pleural plaques, 4 asbestos pleurisy). Significant differences in SUVmax were found between patients with MPM and those with asbestos pleurisy (P = 0.031) and between patients with MPM and those with pleural plaques (P = 0.012). A significant difference was found in the plasma osteopontin levels between patients with asbestos pleurisy and patients with pleural plaques (Bonferroni correction, P = 0.024). The SUVmax in patients with benign asbestos-related diseases was statistically positively correlated with plasma osteopontin in the same group (Spearman's r = 0.75, P < 0.05).Conclusion: PET/CT might be more helpful than plasma osteopontin for distinguishing benign asbestos-related pleural diseases from MPM, and the SUVmax in benign asbestos-related pleural diseases may reflect changes in pleural inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) findings between cases of sclerosing cholangitis with autoimmune pancreatitis (SC-AIP) and infiltrative extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IEC).Materials and Methods: We retrospectively assessed MDCT findings from 16 IEC cases and 13 SC-AIP cases. MDCT findings were analyzed with regard to location, length, wall thickness, contour, stricture wall enhancement pattern, proximal duct diameter, and the presence of diffuse concentric thickening in the proximal duct and gallbladder wall thickness.Results: Stricture length, stricture wall thickness, and proximal duct diameter were significantly smaller for SC-AIP than for IEC: 19.3 +/- 8.7 vs. 31.8 +/- 12.0 mm (P = 0.004), 2.1 +/- 1.3 vs. 4.1 +/- 1.3 mm (P < 0.001), and 9.2 +/- 3.9 vs. 13.3 +/- 5.0 mm (P = 0.012), respectively. SC-AIP was correlated with stricture location in both the intrapancreatic and hilar hepatic bile ducts, concentric stricture contour (P < 0.001), and diffuse concentric thickening of the proximal bile duct (P = 0.010). Overall values of sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy used to distinguish between SC-AIP and IEC for stricture wall thickness of <3.0 mm and concentric contour were 76.9%, 93.8%, and 86.2%, respectively, and 100%, 87.5%, 93.1%, respectively.Conclusion: Concentric contour and stricture wall thicknesses of <3.0 mm may help distinguish between SC-AIP and IEC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 61-year-old woman presented with pancytopenia and underwent a bone marrow biopsy. The patient was diagnosed with nonsecretory myeloma (plasmablastic type) based on both the bone marrow biopsy findings and her laboratory data. Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography ((18)F-FDG-PET) was performed prior to chemotherapy showing diffuse bone marrow uptake, splenic uptake, and focal uptake of the right anterior chest wall. The patient underwent an (18)F-FDG-PET examination to evaluate the curative effects after three cycles of chemotherapy, and no abnormal uptake on (18)F-FDG-PET was found. Bone marrow biopsy to evaluate the curative effect showed no viable tumor cells. We present a rare case of nonsecretory plasmablastic myeloma detected by (18)F-FDG-PET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The optimal chemotherapeutic protocol for the treatment of esophageal cancer has not yet been established. This study was performed to identify the differences in toxicity and completion rates of various chemotherapy protocols with that goal in mind.Materials and Methods: A total of 61 patients with esophageal cancer were enrolled in this study between June 2002 and January 2004. The total radiotherapy dose was 64 Gy. Three chemotherapy protocols were used. Arm A comprised daily low-dose cisplatin (CDDP) and 5-fluorouracil (5FU) (CF protocol) (3 mg/m(2) and 180 mg/m(2), respectively). Arm B was intermediate between arm A and C (CDDP 7 mg/m(2) and 5FU 250 mg/m(2) on days 1-5, 8-12, 29-33, and 36-40). Arm C comprised two courses of standard CF (CDDP 70 mg/m(2) on day 1 and 5FU 600 mg/m(2)/24 h on days 1-4).Results: Although there were no significant differences in hematological toxicity between the protocols, leukocytopenia was slightly milder in arm A. Nausea was significantly more severe in arm C. The completion rate was higher in arm A. The 3-year survival rates were 40%, 31%, and 62%, respectively.Conclusion: The daily low-dose CF protocol showed a trend of mild toxicity regarding leukocytopenia. However, we could not find statistical difference between arms. It also showed a better completion rate than the other two arms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare contrast material-enhanced three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 3.0T and multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) in the same patient with regard to image quality of pancreatobiliary disease and hepatic vascular conspicuity. Materials and Methods: This study enrolled 32 patients with pancreatobiliary disease who underwent both gadolinium-enhanced 3D dynamic MRI and multiphasic CT using 16-MDCT. Data analysis of image quality was performed by two radiologists based on source images, multiplanar reconstruction (MPR), curved planar reconstruction (CPR), and maximum intensity projection (MIP) reconstruction. Determination of image quality was based on a 4-point image quality rating scale. Results: The overall image quality of the MRI axial images was superior to that of the axial MDCT images. The MRI protocol yielded an average score of 3.8 points versus 3.5 for the CT imaging. No significant difference was found between 3.0T MRI and MDCT images in MPR or CPR image quality. Image quality for visualization of the distal intrahepatic segmental arteries was significantly improved using MDCT imaging. No significant difference was found between the MDCT and 3.0T MR in portal vein branch image quality. Conclusion: High-resolution dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging at 3.0T is a comprehensive technique which provides high image quality in pancreatobiliary disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Objectives: The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical, chest radiographic, high-resolution CT, and histopathologic features of clay dye "sendo" dust pneumoconiosis in seven rush mat ("tatami") workers.Patients: Seven patients with a history of occupational exposure to sendo dust and radiographic changes suggestive of pneumoconiosis were retrospectively reviewed.Results: The duration of exposure ranged from 15 to 45 years (median, 30 years). Three patients had cough, and four patients had abnormal pulmonary function test results. Chest radiographs showed nodular opacities < 3 mm in diameter (types p and q) in all patients. The standard International Labor Office profusion score ranged from 0/1 to 1/1 (median, 1/0). High-resolution CT demonstrated small nodular opacities (types p and q) in all seven patients. In four patients, high-resolution CT demonstrated branching centrilobular structures, airway ectasia, airway wall thickening, and emphysematous changes. None of the patients had conglomerate nodules, large opacities, honeycombing, pleural effusion, or lymphadenopathy. Microscopic examination of the specimens obtained by open lung biopsy or transbronchial lung biopsy revealed nodular fibrosis with accumulation of dust-laden macrophages, but no silicotic nodules. Needle-like particles of 1 to 20 microm in length were evident among the dust deposits, and birefringent crystals were identified under polarizing microscopy. Four of seven patients showed intra-alveolar fibroblastic foci similar to Masson bodies, accompanied by dust deposition.Conclusion: Rush mat workers' sendo dust pneumoconiosis is caused by dust containing free silica. The radiographic and high-resolution CT findings consist of small nodular opacities < 3 mm in diameter and bronchial and bronchiolar abnormalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlabelled: Although thallium-201 (201Tl) uptake is related to perfusion in many normal tissues, the biologic rationale for 201Tl uptake in tumors is uncertain. To determine if tumor uptake is related to cell proliferation, we correlated the relative retention of 201Tl in lung tumors with expression of Ki-67, an indicator of cell proliferation.Methods: Sixty patients with lung tumors, included small cell carcinoma (n = 8) and non-small cell carcinoma (n = 52), underwent 201Tl single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging. The 201Tl lesion uptake was determined on early and delayed images and the radiotracer retention index (RI) was calculated. Tumor specimens were obtained at surgery or bronchoscopy. The cell proliferation ratio was estimated with MIB-1, a monoclonal antibody that recognized the nuclear antigen Ki-67.Results: The average 201Tl index was 2.13+/-0.61 (early) and 2.46+/-0.83 (delayed). The average RI was 17.44+/-35.01. Overall, the 201Tl index (delayed) and the cancer cell proliferation were correlated (r = 0.70, p < 0.0001). Of interest, there was a significant correlation (r = 0.872, p < 0.0005) between the 201Tl index on delayed images and the cell proliferation ratio in patients with small cell but not non-small cell lung carcinoma. The 201Tl index (delayed) was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) in patients with small cell lung carcinoma than in patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma.Conclusion: 201Tl imaging appears to be useful for evaluating patients with small cell lung carcinoma but not non-small lung carcinoma, and is correlated with the monoclonal antibody MIB-1, a marker of cell proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radioactivity after administration of 123I-sodium iodide was measured in breast milk samples obtained from a patient with postpartum thyroiditis. The breast milk was collected over 93 h during the infant's regular feeding times. The radioactivity in the breast milk was calculated with a 123I capsule of the same lot number as the standard source. 123I was excreted exponentially with an effective half-life of 5.5 h; 2.5% of the total radioactivity administered was excreted in the breast milk over the 93 h, 95% of which was excreted within the first 24 h, and 98.2% within 36 h. The first milk sample collected at 7 h after administration of the radiopharmaceutical contained 48.5% of the total radioactivity excreted. We estimated the potential absorption of radioactivity to an infant's thyroid in uninterrupted breast-feeding to be 30.3 mGy. With a 24-hour interruption, the absorbed radioactivity would be 1.25 mGy; with a 36-hour interruption, it would be 0.24 mGy. According to our calculations, breast feeding should be curtailed for 36 h to reduce the infant's exposure to 123I radioactivity. By using a correction factor based on maximum radioactivity from another 123I capsule of the same lot, we were able to ascertain the appropriate protocol for our patient and establish a measurement method that can be applied in similar clinical situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]