Pharmacokinetic analysis of prostate cancer using independent component analysis.

Dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE)-MRI combined with pharmacokinetic (PK) modeling of a tumor provides information about its perfusion and vascular permeability. Most PK models require the time course of contrast agent concentration in blood plasma as an input, which cannot be measured directly at the tissue of interest, and is approximated with an arterial input function (AIF). Variability in methods used in estimating the AIF and inter-observer variability in region of interest selection are major sources of discrepancy between different studies.

A prospective comparison of MRI-US fused targeted biopsy versus systematic ultrasound-guided biopsy for detecting clinically significant prostate cancer in patients on active surveillance.

Background: In active surveillance (AS) patients: (i) To compare the ability of a multiparametric MRI (mpMRI)-ultrasound biopsy system to detect clinically significant (CS) prostate cancer with systematic 12-core biopsy (R-TRUSBx), and (ii) To assess the predictive value of mpMRI with biopsy as the reference standard.

Methods: Seventy-two men on AS prospectively underwent 3T mpMRI . MRI-ultrasound fusion biopsy (UroNavBx) and R-TRUSBx was performed.

Prostate imaging: evaluation of a reusable two-channel endorectal receiver coil for MR imaging at 1.5 T.

Purpose: To prospectively compare image quality with use of a two-channel solid reusable phased-array endorectal receiver coil (SPAC) with that of the single-channel inflatable endorectal balloon coil currently in widespread use for 1.5-T magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the prostate.

Materials And Methods: Institutional review board approval and informed consent were obtained.

Incorporating endorectal MR elastography into multi-parametric MRI for prostate cancer imaging: Initial feasibility in volunteers.

Purpose: To investigate the tolerability and technical feasibility of performing endorectal MR elastography (eMRE) in human volunteers within the representative age group commonly affected by prostate cancer.

Materials And Methods: Endorectal MRE was conducted on seven volunteers in a 1.5 Tesla (T) MR imager using a rigid endorectal coil.

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation as a bridge to cardiac transplantation.

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) have been shown to reduce sudden cardiac death in select patients with impaired left ventricular function. However, consensus guidelines on ICD use have not historically addressed patients waiting for heart transplantation, and further evidence is needed to broaden and strengthen current recommendations. The objective of the present study was to review all patients listed for heart transplantation at a single institution and evaluate the impact of ICD implantation while waiting.