Towards optimal deep fusion of imaging and clinical data via a model-based description of fusion quality.

Background: Due to intrinsic differences in data formatting, data structure, and underlying semantic information, the integration of imaging data with clinical data can be non-trivial. Optimal integration requires robust data fusion, that is, the process of integrating multiple data sources to produce more useful information than captured by individual data sources. Here, we introduce the concept of fusion quality for deep learning problems involving imaging and clinical data.

Coaxial Stent Graft inside a Constraining Stent for Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Reduction.

A technique to create a coaxial, self-expanding stent graft inside a constraining, bare-metal, balloon-expandable stent for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) reduction is described. The key steps are performed on a back table rather than inside the patient, and the resulting construct is deployed using standard unsheathing maneuvers. The construct was used in 4 patients to make 6 TIPS diameter reductions (mean postreduction diameter, 6 mm; range, 0-8 mm), all resulting in increases in the portosystemic pressure gradient (mean increase, 6 mm Hg; range, 1-19 mm Hg).

Clinical and imaging predictors of the natural course of bland portal vein thrombus in cirrhotic patients.

Background: Portal vein thrombus (PVT) in cirrhotic patients is associated with worsening portal hypertension, leads to increased complexity of necessary interventions such as transjugular liver portosystemic shunt or liver transplantation, and is associated with worse outcomes after liver transplantation. Additionally, there are no established consensus guidelines for management of bland PVT in cirrhotic patients, which currently exists on a spectrum and is patient and provider dependent.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine whether there are associations between key clinical and imaging variables and bland PVT burden over time.

Modifying LI-RADS on Gadoxetate Disodium-Enhanced MRI: A Secondary Analysis of a Prospective Observational Study.

Background: The Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) is widely used for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), however, with unsatisfactory sensitivity, complex ancillary features, and inadequate integration with gadoxetate disodium (EOB)-enhanced MRI.

Purpose: To modify LI-RADS (mLI-RADS) on EOB-MRI.

Study Type: Secondary analysis of a prospective observational study.

Data-Driven Modification of the LI-RADS Major Feature System on Gadoxetate Disodium-Enhanced MRI: Toward Better Sensitivity and Simplicity.

Background: The Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) is widely accepted as a reliable diagnostic scheme for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in at-risk patients. However, its application is hampered by substantial complexity and suboptimal diagnostic sensitivity.

Purpose: To propose data-driven modifications to the LI-RADS version 2018 (v2018) major feature system (rLI-RADS) on gadoxetate disodium (EOB)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to improve sensitivity and simplicity while maintaining high positive predictive value (PPV) for detecting HCC.

Proton Pump Inhibitor Use Is Associated with an Increased Frequency of New or Worsening Hepatic Encephalopathy after Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Creation.

Purpose: To determine whether proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use increases the rate of new or worsening hepatic encephalopathy (HE) after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation.

Materials And Methods: In this retrospective study, 284 of 365 patients who underwent TIPS creation from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2016, were analyzed (186 male, mean age 56 y, range 19-84 y). Dates of PPI use and dates of new or worsening HE, defined as hospitalization or escalation in outpatient medical management, were extracted from medical records.

Risk factors for ocular complications in periocular infantile hemangiomas.

Background/objectives: Infantile hemangiomas are the most common benign tumors of childhood. Although some children with periocular infantile hemangiomas do not require treatment, these lesions may result in amblyopia and visual impairment if not properly treated. We have attempted to characterize clinical features of periocular infantile hemangiomas that predict negative ocular outcomes and thus require prompt referral to an ophthalmologist and initiation of therapy.

An Endovascular Approach to the Entrapped Central Venous Catheter After Cardiac Surgery.

Purpose: Entrapment of central venous catheters (CVC) at the superior vena cava (SVC) cardiopulmonary bypass cannulation site by closing purse-string sutures is a rare complication of cardiac surgery. Historically, resternotomy has been required for suture release. An endovascular catheter release approach was developed.

Membrane glycoproteins associated with breast tumor cell progression identified by a lectin affinity approach.

The membrane glycoprotein component of the cellular proteome represents a promising source for potential disease biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Here we describe the development of a method that facilitates the analysis of membrane glycoproteins and apply it to the differential analysis of breast tumor cells with distinct malignant phenotypes. The approach combines two membrane extraction procedures, and enrichment using ConA and WGA lectin affinity columns, prior to digestion and analysis by LC-MS/MS.