Heart rate-reducing therapy with add-on ivabradine and bisoprolol before coronary computed tomographic angiography in a fast-track ambulatory setting.

Objective This study was performed to determine whether add-on oral ivabradine in patients treated with beta blockers 1 hour before coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) is effective in lowering the heart rate and thus improving CCTA quality. Methods In this single-center cohort study, the data of 294 patients referred for ambulant CCTA were retrospectively screened. Patients with an initial heart rate of ≥75 bpm (n = 112) were pretreated with either a combination of bisoprolol and ivabradine or with bisoprolol alone.

3 Tesla breast MR imaging as a problem-solving tool: Diagnostic performance and incidental lesions.

Purpose: To investigate the diagnostic performance and incidental lesion yield of 3T breast MRI if used as a problem-solving tool.

Methods: This retrospective, IRB-approved, cross-sectional, single-center study comprised 302 consecutive women (mean: 50±12 years; range: 20-79 years) who were undergoing 3T breast MRI between 03/2013-12/2014 for further workup of conventional and clinical breast findings. Images were read by experienced, board-certified radiologists.

Multiparametric [11C]Acetate positron emission tomography-magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment and staging of prostate cancer.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether MP [11C]Acetate PET-MRI enables an accurate differentiation of benign and malignant prostate tumors as well as local and distant staging.

Materials And Methods: Fifty-six consecutive patients fulfilling the following criteria were included in this IRB-approved prospective study: elevated PSA levels or suspicious findings at digital rectal examination or TRUS; and histopathological verification. All patients underwent MP [11C]Acetate PET-MRI of the prostate performed on separate scanners with PET/CT using [11C]Acetate and 3T MP MR imaging.

Multiparametric MRI of the prostate at 3 T: limited value of 3D (1)H-MR spectroscopy as a fourth parameter.

Purpose: The aim of our study was to assess whether multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MP-MRI) of the prostate with three parameters (PS3: T2-weighted, DWI, and DCE) benefits from an additional fourth parameter (PS4: including (1)H-MRSI) in the detection and grading of prostate cancer (PCa) at 3 T.

Methods: MP-MRI was performed in 64 patients (mean 66.7 years, mean PSA 13 ng/ml).

Improved differentiation of benign and malignant breast tumors with multiparametric 18fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography magnetic resonance imaging: a feasibility study.

Purpose: To assess whether multiparametric (18)fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (MP (18)FDG PET-MRI) using dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), three-dimensional proton MR spectroscopic imaging (3D (1)H-MRSI), and (18)FDG-PET enables an improved differentiation of benign and malignant breast tumors.

Experimental Design: Seventy-six female patients (mean age, 55.7 years; range, 25-86 years) with an imaging abnormality (BI-RADS 0, 4-5) were included in this Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved study.

Molecular imaging for the characterization of breast tumors.

Recently, molecular imaging, using various techniques, has been assessed for breast imaging. Molecular imaging aims to quantify and visualize biological, physiological, and pathological processes at the cellular and molecular levels to further elucidate the development and progression of breast cancer and the response to treatment. Molecular imaging enables the depiction of tumor morphology, as well as the assessment of functional and metabolic processes involved in cancer development at different levels.

Noninvasive molecular imaging using reporter genes.

Noninvasive reporter gene imaging is a component of molecular imaging. Reporter imaging can provide noninvasive assessments of endogenous biologic processes in living subjects and can be performed using different imaging modalities. This review will focus on radionuclide-based reporter gene imaging as developed and applied in preclinical and clinical studies.

Treatment algorithm for complex injuries of the foot in paediatric patients.

Background: Complex injuries of the foot in the paediatric population present difficult treatment challenges. While standardised protocols exist for the adult population to achieve an optimal result in the treatment of such injuries, therapy in paediatric patientsmust be managed without a firm treatment algorithm.

Methods: Medical records of all patients with a complex trauma of the foot treated at our Department over a period of 13 years were evaluated.

Molecular Imaging in Breast Cancer - Potential Future Aspects.

SUMMARY: Molecular imaging aims to visualize and quantify biological, physiological, and pathological processes at cellular and molecular levels. Recently, molecular imaging has been introduced into breast cancer imaging. In this review, we will present a survey of the molecular imaging techniques that are either clinically available or are being introduced into clinical imaging.

Combination of pet imaging with viral vectors for identification of cancer metastases.

There are three main ways for dissemination of solid tumors: direct invasion, lymphatic spread and hematogenic spread. The presence of metastases is the most significant factor in predicting prognosis and therefore evidence of metastases will influence decision-making regarding treatment. Conventional imaging techniques are limited in the evaluation and localization of metastases due to their restricted ability to identify subcentimeter neoplastic disease.

Novel handheld PET probes provide intraoperative localization of PET-avid lymph nodes.

Introduction: The accurate intraoperative localization of malignant nodes can pose a challenge to the surgical oncologist. Positron emission tomography (PET) scanning has significantly increased our ability to detect suspicious lesions. We investigated the ability of a novel, handheld tool to evaluate suspicious nodes intraoperatively and to correlate its findings with those seen on preoperative PET scan.

Do characteristics of pulmonary nodules on computed tomography in children with known osteosarcoma help distinguish whether the nodules are malignant or benign?

Purpose: To determine if selected computed tomography (CT) characteristics of pulmonary nodules in pediatric patients with osteosarcoma can help distinguish the nodules as benign or malignant.

Methods: The institutional review board approved this HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant, retrospective study of 30 pediatric osteosarcoma patients (median age 14 years, range 8-22) who underwent chest CT with resection of 117 pulmonary nodules from January 2001 to December 2006. Two pediatric radiologists and one chest radiologist independently and retrospectively reviewed the CT scans and classified nodules as benign, malignant, or indeterminate on the basis of nodule size, laterality, number, location, growth, density, margin appearance, and calcification.

An analysis of the utility of handheld PET probes for the intraoperative localization of malignant tissue.

Introduction: The intraoperative localization of suspicious lesions detected by positron emission tomography (PET) scan remains a challenge. To solve this, two novel probes have been created to accurately detect the (18)F-FDG radiotracer intraoperatively.

Methods: Nude rats were inoculated with mesothelioma.

Principles and basic concepts of molecular imaging.

Advanced knowledge in molecular biology and new technological developments in imaging modalities and contrast agents calls for molecular imaging (MI) to play a major role in the near future in many human diseases (Weissleder and Mahmood Radiology 219:316-333, 2001). Imaging systems are providing higher signal-to-noise ratio and higher spatial and/or temporal resolution. New specific contrast agents offer the opportunity to drive new challenges for obtaining functional and biological information on tissue characteristics and tissue processes.

Genetically engineered oncolytic Newcastle disease virus effectively induces sustained remission of malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a highly aggressive tumor. Alternative treatment strategies such as oncolytic viral therapy may offer promising treatment options in the future. In this study, the oncolytic efficacy and induction of tumor remission by a genetically engineered Newcastle disease virus [NDV; NDV(F3aa)-GFP; GFP, green fluorescent protein] in malignant pleural mesothelioma is tested and monitored by bioluminescent tumor imaging.

Different strategies for reducing intestinal background radioactivity associated with imaging HSV1-tk expression using established radionucleoside probes.

One limitation of HSV1-tk reporter positron emission tomography (PET) with nucleoside analogues is the high background radioactivity in the intestine. We hypothesized that endogenous expression of thymidine kinase in bacterial flora could phosphorylate and trap such radiotracers, contributing to the high radioactivity levels in the bowel, and therefore explored different strategies to increase fecal elimination of radiotracer. Intestinal radioactivity was assessed by in vivo microPET imaging and ex vivo tissue sampling following intravenous injection of 18F-FEAU, 124I-FIAU, or 18F-FHBG in a germ-free mouse strain.

Paracrine regulation of pancreatic cancer cell invasion by peripheral nerves.

Background: The ability of cancer to infiltrate along nerves is a common clinical observation in pancreas, head and neck, prostate, breast, and gastrointestinal carcinomas. For these tumors, nerves may provide a conduit for local cancer progression into the central nervous system. Although neural invasion is associated with poor outcome, the mechanism that triggers it is unknown.

Oncolytic vaccinia therapy of squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: Novel therapies are necessary to improve outcomes for patients with squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of the head and neck. Historically, vaccinia virus was administered widely to humans as a vaccine and led to the eradication of smallpox. We examined the therapeutic effects of an attenuated, replication-competent vaccinia virus (GLV-1h68) as an oncolytic agent against a panel of six human head and neck SCC cell lines.

Imaging a Genetically Engineered Oncolytic Vaccinia Virus (GLV-1h99) Using a Human Norepinephrine Transporter Reporter Gene.

Purpose: Oncolytic viral therapy continues to be investigated for the treatment of cancer, and future studies in patients would benefit greatly from a noninvasive modality for assessing virus dissemination, targeting, and persistence. The purpose of this study was to determine if a genetically modified vaccinia virus, GLV-1h99, containing a human norepinephrine transporter (hNET) reporter gene, could be sequentially monitored by [(123)I]metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) gamma-camera and [(124)I]MIBG positron emission tomography (PET) imaging.

Experimental Design: GLV-1h99 was tested in human malignant mesothelioma and pancreatic cancer cell lines for cytotoxicity, expression of the hNET protein using immunoblot analysis, and [(123)I]MIBG uptake in cell culture assays.

A novel recombinant vaccinia virus expressing the human norepinephrine transporter retains oncolytic potential and facilitates deep-tissue imaging.

Noninvasive and repetitive monitoring of a virus in target tissues and/or specific organs of the body is highly desirable for the development of safe and efficient cancer virotherapeutics. We have previously shown that the oncolytic vaccinia virus GLV-1h68 can target and eradicate human tumors in mice and that its therapeutic effects can be monitored by using optical imaging. Here, we report on the development of a derivative of GLV-1h68, a novel recombinant vaccinia virus (VACV) GLV-1h99, which was constructed to carry the human norepinephrine transporter gene (hNET) under the VACV synthetic early promoter placed at the F14.

Imaging of lymph node micrometastases using an oncolytic herpes virus and [F]FEAU PET.

Background: In patients with melanoma, knowledge of regional lymph node status provides important information on outlook. Since lymph node status can influence treatment, surgery for sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy became a standard staging procedure for these patients. Current imaging modalities have a limited sensitivity for detection of micrometastases in lymph nodes and, therefore, there is a need for a better technique that can accurately identify occult SLN metastases.

Congenital hearing loss explained in adulthood. Computed tomography of the temporal bone in hemifacial microsomia. A case report.

We present a case of complex hemifacial microsomia (HFM) which was diagnosed at the age of 46 years. Imaging findings of a complex deformity of the temporal bone are presented and connected to a broad range of clinical symptoms. Computed tomography (CT) imaging indications are discussed briefly.

Real-time intraoperative detection of melanoma lymph node metastases using recombinant vaccinia virus GLV-1h68 in an immunocompetent animal model.

There is a clinical need for improved intraoperative detection of lymph node metastases from malignant melanoma (MM). We aimed to investigate the use of recombinant vaccinia virus GLV-1h68, expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP), for real-time intraoperative detection of melanoma lymph node metastases in an immunocompetent animal model. Mice bearing foot pad tumors received intratumoral injections of GLV-1h68, and 48 hr later were evaluated for popliteal lymph node metastasis using noninvasive bioluminescence imaging and fluorescence imaging.

Novel oncolytic agent GLV-1h68 is effective against malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a fatal disease with a median survival of less than 14 months. For the first time, a genetically engineered vaccinia virus is shown to produce efficient infection, replication, and oncolytic effect against MPM. GLV-1h68 is a replication-competent engineered vaccinia virus carrying transgenes encoding Renilla luciferase, green fluorescent protein (both inserted at the F14.