Early detection and early treatment are key to melanoma survival. To organise prevention programs, we need to know the detailed datas of melanoma. Our objective was to assess and understand the epidemiological data of melanoma patients treated at our institution. We investigate whether the available database is suitable for more detailed epidemiological and morphological data analysis; and whether the results can contribute to the design of programs for melanoma prevention and detection. In our study, we retrospectively analyzed data from 636 melanoma patients treated at the Moritz Kaposi General Hospital, based on a unique clinical oncology patient pathway management system (Onkonetwork) database. We analyzed the distribution by sex and age, the subtype of melanoma, localization, tumor thickness, stage, risks, and detection mode. Our results showed that most melanoma cases occurred in women under 40 years and in men aged 60–79 years. There was an increase in the incidence of thin melanomas and a relatively stable incidence of thick melanomas. The study confirmed that the Onkonetwork system serves as a valuable database to support the identification of prevention sites where improvements in early detection, prevention and early treatment of melanoma are needed, tailored to the specific geographical location.
Introduction: Faith and systems of beliefs are known to impact not only the emotional, but also the immunological state of believers in ways that we are just starting to understand. Moreover, clinical implications of previous studies are limited. The aim of the “HEALING” (Hospital-based Ecumenical and Linguistic Immuno-NeuroloGic) Study was to examine immunological and neurological changes in hospitalized patients after meeting a chaplain coupled with biblical readings. Methods: Hospitalized patients were pre-screened to find those who were the most in need of an intervention. A passage from the Bible was read to them during a meeting with the chaplain at the bedside (n= 20) or in the chapel (n= 18). No meeting occurred in the randomized control group (n=19). Blood samples were taken 30 minutes prior, and 60 minutes after the meeting to measure white blood cells (WBC), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), immunoglobulin M (IgM), IgA, IgG, and complement 3 (C3). A subgroup of the visited patients was subjected to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), where they were played an audiotape of readings of the same passage from the Bible (n=21). Results: Lymphocyte counts increased more often after the more successful visits, but the immunological changes were not significant. Conversely, a significant (pfwe=0.003) correlation was revealed between changes in lymphocytes and activation of the angular gyrus (left BA39) during fMRI, a brain area involved in word recognition. Conclusions: Although limited by the sample size and cohort study design, the findings suggest the depth of psycho-immunological changes could depend on the degree to which the chaplains’ main message is understood.
Abstract Rabbit bucks (bodyweight 5 kg) underwent dietary intoxication with fumonisin B series mycotoxins (FB1 + FB2 + FB3, 15 mg/kg diet) for 14 days to test the applicability of positron emission tomography-magnetic resonance (PET MR) hybrid imaging in characterizing experimentally induced mild hepatotoxicosis. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) radiotracer-aided imaging was performed before and after FBs administration on identical animals, and at both time points, blood was sampled for haematology and clinical chemistry. Kinetic PET image analysis revealed time-activity curves with uptake maxima below 1 min in the liver, renal cortex, portal vein, lung and coarctatio aortae. In the frame of static PET image analysis, based on the standardized uptake value (SUV), the so-called metabolic liver volume (MLV, liver volume defined by over 0.9 × average liver SUV) and the total liver glycolysis (TLG, MLV multiplied by the SUVmean) were calculated. Mycotoxicosis increased total liver glycolysis (p < 0.04) after 14 days and liver tissue TLG inhomogeneity was minimal. Pearson correlation between TLG and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was positive (0.515), while negative with LDH and AST (− 0.721 and − 0.491, respectively). Results indicate a slight hepatic mycotoxin effect and significantly increased glucose uptake intensity, which has been sensitively detected with molecular imaging (18F-FDG PET MRI) in the rabbit model.
Background Faith and belief systems impact the emotional as well as immunological states of believers in ways that we are just beginning to understand. However, the clinical implications of prior studies are limited. The aim of the HEALING (Hospital-based Ecumenical and Linguistic Immuno-NeuroloGic) study is to examine immunological and neurological changes in hospitalized patients after meeting with a chaplain coupled with the study of biblical readings. Methods Hospitalized patients were pre-screened to identify those who were most in need of a spiritual intervention. A passage from the Bible was read to them during a meeting with the chaplain at bedside (n = 20) or in the chapel (n = 18). No meeting occurred in the randomized control group (n = 19). Blood samples were obtained 30 min prior and 60 min after the meeting to measure white blood cell (WBC) count, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), immunoglobulin M (IgM), IgA, IgG, and complement 3 (C3). A subgroup of the visited patients was subjected to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), during which they listened to an audiotape of readings of the same biblical passage (n = 21). Results Immunological changes were not significant. Conversely, a significant (pfwe = 0.003) correlation was observed between lymphocyte changes and activation of the angular gyrus (left BA39) during fMRI, a brain area involved in word recognition. Conclusions This article contributes to the relevant literature by helping to create a realistic picture of the possibilities of neuroimmune modulation in clinical practice. Compared to healthy volunteers, the extent of short-term neuroimmunomodulation becomes narrower in a clinical setting. Although limited by the sample size and cohort study design, the findings suggest that the depth of psycho-immunological changes could depend on the degree to which the chaplain’s main message is understood.
Background Faith and belief systems impact the emotional as well as immunological states of believers in ways that we are just beginning to understand. However, the clinical implications of prior studies are limited. The aim of the HEALING (Hospital-based Ecumenical and Linguistic Immuno-NeuroloGic) study is to examine immunological and neurological changes in hospitalized patients after meeting with a chaplain coupled with the study of biblical readings. Methods Hospitalized patients were pre-screened to identify those who were most in need of a spiritual intervention. A passage from the Bible was read to them during a meeting with the chaplain at bedside (n = 20) or in the chapel (n = 18). No meeting occurred in the randomized control group (n = 19). Blood samples were obtained 30 min prior and 60 min after the meeting to measure white blood cell (WBC) count, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), immunoglobulin M (IgM), IgA, IgG, and complement 3 (C3). A subgroup of the visited patients was subjected to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), during which they listened to an audiotape of readings of the same biblical passage (n = 21). Results Immunological changes were not significant. Conversely, a significant (pfwe = 0.003) correlation was observed between lymphocyte changes and activation of the angular gyrus (left BA39) during fMRI, a brain area involved in word recognition. Conclusions This article contributes to the relevant literature by helping to create a realistic picture of the possibilities of neuroimmune modulation in clinical practice. Compared to healthy volunteers, the extent of short-term neuroimmunomodulation becomes narrower in a clinical setting. Although limited by the sample size and cohort study design, the findings suggest that the depth of psycho-immunological changes could depend on the degree to which the chaplain’s main message is understood.
Introduction: The increased workload caused by the coronavirus pandemic may have had a significant impact on the mental health of radiographers. The aim of our study was to investigate burnout and occupational stress in radiographers working in emergency departments (ED) and non-emergency de-partments (NED).Methods: Quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive research was carried out among radiographers working in the public health sector in Hungary. Due to the cross-sectional nature of our survey, there was no overlap between the ED and NED groups. For data collection, we used simultaneously the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), the Effort-Reward Imbalance questionnaire (ERI), and our self-designed questionnaire.Results: We excluded incomplete questionnaires from our survey; finally, 439 responses were evaluated. Significantly higher scores for depersonalisation (DP; 8.43 (SD = 6.69) vs. 5.63 (SD = 4.21) and emotional exhaustion (EE; 25.07 (SD =11.41) vs. 19.72 (SD = 11.72)) were observed in radiographers working in ED (p = 0.001; p = 0.001) when compared to NED. Male radiographers working in ED aged 20-29 and 30-39 years with experience of 1-9 years were more affected by DP (p <= 0.05). Worrying about one's own health had a negative effect on DP and EE (p <= 0.05). Having close friend with a COVID-19 infection had a negative effect on EE (p <= 0.05); not being infected with coronavirus, not being quarantined and relocating within the workplace had a positive effect on personal accomplishment (PA); radiographers who were 50 years or older with 20-29 years of experience were more affected by depersonalisation (DP); and those who worried about their health had significantly higher stress scores (p <= 0.05) in both ED and NED settings.Conclusion: Male radiographers at the beginning of their careers were more affected by burnout. Employment in EDs had a negative impact on DP and EE. Implications for practice: Our results support the implementation of interventions to counter the effects of occupational stress and burnout among radiographers working in ED.(c) 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The College of Radiographers. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
Purpose In-stent restenosis (ISR) following internal carotid artery (ICA) stenting is relatively common with an estimated incidence of 5%. Treatment options include repeat angioplasty with conventional or drug-eluting balloons (DEB), repeat stent angioplasty and surgical intervention. Application of DEB in ISR of the coronary and peripheral arteries is an established method; however, data on DEB treatment of ICA ISR are sparse. In this work, results from a retrospective cohort of 45 patients harboring 46 ICA ISR lesions treated with DEB angioplasty are presented. Methods Clinical, procedural and imaging data from DEB angioplasty treatment of 46 high-grade ICA ISR lesions in 45 patients, performed between 2013 and 2021 were collected. A single type of DEB (Elutax, Aachen Resonance, Aachen, Germany) was used in all procedures. Imaging follow-up was performed by regular Doppler ultrasound (DUS), verified by computed tomography angiography (CTA) in cases suspicious for a recurrent ISR. Results Technical success was 100%. Intraprocedural and postprocedural complications were not encountered. Clinical follow-up was obtained in all patients. Recurrent stroke in the affected territory was not encountered. A recurrent ISR following DEB treatment was confirmed by DUS and CTA in 4/46 (8.7%) of the lesions and were retreated with DEB. A third recurrent ISR occurred in a single case (2%) and following a second DEB retreatment there were no signs of a fourth recurrence after 36 months follow-up. Conclusion The use of DEB angioplasty is a safe and effective treatment of ICA ISR lesions, yielding significantly better results compared to other modalities. Randomized multicenter studies are warranted.
Background: This study aimed to assess the association of 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission-tomography (18F-FDG/PET) and DWI imaging parameters from a primary tumor and their correlations with clinicopathological factors. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed primary tumors in 71 patients with proven HNC. Primary tumor radiological parameters: DWI and FDG, as well as pathological characteristics were analyzed. Spearman correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation between DWI and FDG parameters, ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis, independent sample t-test, Mann–Whitney test, and multiple regression were performed on the clinicopathological features that may affect the 18F- FDG and apparent-diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the tumor. Results: No significant correlations were observed between DWI and any of the 18F-FDG parameters (p > 0.05). SUVmax correlated with N-stages (p = 0.023), TLG and MTV correlated with T-stages (p = 0.006 and p = 0.001), and ADC correlated with tumor grades (p = 0.05). SUVmax was able to differentiate between N+ and N− groups (p = 0.004). Conclusions: Our results revealed a non-significant correlation between the FDG-PET and ADC-MR parameters. FDG-PET-based glucose metabolic and DWI-MR-derived cellularity data may represent different biological aspects of HNC.
The aim of our prospective study was to evaluate the clinical impact of hybrid [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging ([18F]-FDG PET/MRI) on the decision workflow of epileptic patients with discordant electroclinical and MRI data. A novel mathematical model was introduced for a clinical concordance calculation supporting the classification of our patients by subgroups of clinical decisions. Fifty-nine epileptic patients with discordant clinical and diagnostic results or MRI negativity were included in this study. The diagnostic value of the PET/MRI was compared to other modalities of presurgical evaluation (e.g., electroclinical data, PET, and MRI). The results of the population-level statistical analysis of the introduced data fusion technique and concordance analysis demonstrated that this model could be the basis for the development of a more accurate clinical decision support parameter in the future. Therefore, making the establishment of "invasive" (operable and implantable) and "not eligible for any further invasive procedures" groups could be much more exact. Our results confirmed the relevance of PET/MRI with the diagnostic algorithm of presurgical evaluation. The introduction of a concordance analysis could be of high importance in clinical and surgical decision-making in the management of epileptic patients. Our study corroborated previous findings regarding the advantages of hybrid PET/MRI technology over MRI and electroclinical data.
Various applications of farm animal imaging are based on estimating the weight of specific body parts and cuts from CT images of animals. In many cases, the complexity of the problem is increased by the enormous variability in body postures in the CT images due to scanning unsedated live animals. In this work, we propose a general and robust approach to estimate the weights of sections and body parts from CT images of (possibly) live animals. We adapt the segmentation by elastic registration and joint feature and model selection for the regression component to cope with the large number of features and small number of samples. The proposed technique is evaluated and illustrated by real applications in rabbit breeding programs. The r(2) values are 12% higher than those of previous techniques and methods used in the breeding selection programs. The proposed technique is easily transferable to similar problems and is therefore made available in an open source software package for the benefit of the community.
OnkoNetwork is a patient navigation program established in the Moritz Kaposi General Hospital to improve the timeliness and completeness of cancer investigations and treatment. The H2020 SELFIE consortium selected OnkoNetwork as a promising integrated care initiative in Hungary and conducted a multicriteria decision analysis based on health, patient experience, and cost outcomes. In this paper, a more detailed analysis of clinical impacts is provided in the largest subgroup, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. A retrospective cohort study was conducted, enrolling new cancer suspect patients with subsequently confirmed NSCLC in two annual periods, before and after OnkoNetwork implementation (control and intervention cohorts, respectively). To control for selection bias and confounding, baseline balance was improved via propensity score weighting. Overall survival was analyzed in univariate and multivariate weighted Cox regression models and the effect was further characterized in a counterfactual analysis. Our analysis included 123 intervention and 173 control NSCLC patients from early to advanced stage, with significant between-cohort baseline differences. The propensity score-based weighting resulted in good baseline balance. A large survival benefit was observed in the intervention cohort, and intervention was an independent predictor of longer survival in a multivariate analysis when all baseline characteristics were included (HR = 0.63, p = 0.039). When post-baseline variables were included in the model, belonging to the intervention cohort was not an independent predictor of survival, but the survival benefit was explained by slightly better stage distribution and ECOG status at treatment initiation, together with trends for broader use of PET-CT and higher resectability rate. In conclusion, patient navigation is a valuable tool to improve cancer outcomes by facilitating more timely and complete cancer diagnostics. Contradictory evidence in the literature may be explained by common sources of bias, including the wait-time paradox and adjustment to intermediate outcomes.
Összefoglaló. Bevezetés: Általánosságban elmondható, hogy a fekvőbeteg-ellátást nyújtó egészségügyi intézmények intenzív terápiás osztályain (ITO) jelennek meg a legsúlyosabb kórképekkel és a legmagasabb halálozási aránnyal bíró esetek, rendszerint megkésve. Eltérően az ITO-tól, más betegellátó osztályokon előfordulhat, hogy nem észlelik megfelelően és időben a betegek olyan állapotváltozásait, melyek előre jelzik például a szívleállást vagy a keringési rendszer várható összeomlását. Ennek kiküszöbölésére jelenthet megoldást az úgynevezett gyors reagálású rendszer (RRS), melynek segítségével csökkenthető a kórházon belüli mortalitás. Célkitűzés: A Somogy Megyei Kaposi Mór Oktató Kórház a teljes intézményre kiterjedően a 2016. évtől alkalmazza az RRS-t. A jelen tanulmány célja a kórházi mortalitás csökkentésével kapcsolatos első eredmények bemutatása. Módszer: Vizsgálatunkban az ITO-ra került betegek adatbázisán alapuló kereszttáblás, illetve nemparametrikus statisztikai módszereket alkalmaztuk. Eredmények: A statisztikai próbák eredményei alapján megállapítottuk, hogy az intenzív ellátás felvételi diagnózisai (légzési elégtelenség, neurológiai ok, reanimáció, szepszis, szív/keringési, egyéb ok) között statisztikailag igazolható eltérés tapasztalható (p = 3,815e-14) RRS alkalmazásával és a nélkül. Az RRS-sel felvettek között magasabb arányt képviseltek a légzési elégtelenséggel és szepszissel érkező, súlyosabb betegek, ugyanakkor kisebbnek bizonyult a reszuszcitáltak száma. Megbeszélés: Az RRS nélküli időszak 2,983%-os intézményi mortalitása az RRS-időszakban 2,932%-ra csökkent, azonban a beküldő osztályonkénti adatokban jelentős különbségeket tapasztaltunk. 21 fekvőbeteg-osztály közül 19 osztály esetén csökkent a mortalitás az RRS bevezetését követően. Következtetés: Arra a megállapításra jutottunk, hogy a nemzetközi szakirodalom alapján bevezetett RRS növelte az egészségügyi ellátás hatékonyságát, és ezáltal sikerült csökkenteni az intézményi szintű mortalitást. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(20): 782–789. Summary. Introduction: In general, the cases with the most severe diseases and highest mortality rate are admitted to the intensive care units (ICU) usually late. Contrary to ICU, in other in-patient units it can happen that those changes in patients’ condition, which pre-indicate, e.g., cardiac arrest or collapse of circulatory system, are not noticed properly and in time. To eliminate this, the so-called rapid response system (RRS) can be the solution, by the help of which hospital mortality can be reduced. Objectve: The RRS has been used all institution-wide in Somogy County Kaposi Mór Teaching Hospital from 2016. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the results concerning hospital mortality cutdown. Method: Our analysis was based on ICU patients’ database and we applied cross-tabulation and non-parametric statistical methods. Results: We appointed, that among admission diagnosises to ICU (respiration insufficiency, neurological reason, reanimation, sepsis, cardiac/circulatory condition, other), statistically verifiable discrepancy can be experienced (p = 3.815e-14) with using RRS or without it. Among those admitted via RRS, more severe patients with respiration insufficiency and septic conditions were represented in higher rate, while the number of the admitted ones after resuscitation has decreased. Discussion: Hospital mortality rate of 2.983% without using RRS decreased into 2.932% in the period of using RRS, though we observed remarkable differences in data of non-ICU in-patient departments. Mortality has reduced in 19 in-patient departments out of 21, after implementing RRS. Conclusion: To sum it up, we identified that RRS implemented on the basis of international references has increased the efficiency of healthcare and owing to it, institution-level mortality has successfully decreased. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(20): 782–789.
The standardized incidence of melanoma almost doubled in Hungary. Incidence and mortality of melanoma could be reduce by prevention and early detection. The frst health promotion ofces as actors in Public Health appeared in 2008. The authors present their good practices and possible programs of melanoma prevention through the experience of their health promotion ofce. Their study revealed that prevention should place greater emphasis on individual risk factors, estimated risk, and sun protection. Particular attention should be paid to the prevention of sunburn in childhood, and more men and those with lower levels of education should be able to take advantage of the possibility of skin examination.
Objectives: To determine the feasibility of pre-treatment primary tumor FDG-PET and DWI-MR imaging parameters in predicting HPV status and the second aim was to assess the feasibility of those imaging parameters to predict response to therapy. Material and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed primary tumors in 33 patients with proven OPSCC. PET/MRI was performed before and 6 months after chemo-radiotherapy for assessing treatment response. PET Standardized uptake value (SUVmax), total lesion glycolysis (TLG), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) from pre-treatment measurements were assessed and compared to the clinicopathological characteristics (T stages, N stages, tumor grades, HPV and post-treatment follow up). HPV was correlated to the clinicopathological characteristics. Results: ADCmean was significantly lower in patients with HPV+ve than HPV-ev, (P = 0.001), cut off value of (800 +/- 0.44*10-3mm2/s) with 76.9% sensitivity, and 72.2% specificity is able to differentiate between the two groups. No significant differences were found between FDG parameters (SUVmax, TLG, and MTV), and HPV status, (P = 0.873, P = 0.958, and P = 0.817), respectively. Comparison between CR and NCR groups; ADCmean, TLG, and MTV were predictive parameters of treatment response, (P = 0.017, P = 0.013, and P = 0.014), respectively. HPV+ve group shows a higher probability of lymph nodes involvement, (P = 0.006) Conclusion: Our study found that pretreatment ADC of the primary tumor can predict HPV status and treatment response. On the other hand, metabolic PET parameters (TLG, and MTV) were able to predict primary tumor response to therapy.
The purpose of this study was to create a detailed cross‐sectional anatomical reference atlas of the Pannon minipig by correlating good resolution CT and MR images with high quality cross‐sectional anatomical images. According to the authors knowledge, no detailed anatomical atlas is available for the minipig.
PurposeTo investigate the added value of 6-(18F]-fluoro-L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (FDOPA) PET to radiotherapy planning in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).MethodsFrom September 2017 to December 2020, 17 patients with GBM received external beam radiotherapy up to 60 Gy with concurrent and adjuvant temozolamide. Target volume delineations followed the European guideline with a 2-cm safety margin clinical target volume (CTV) around the contrast-enhanced lesion+resection cavity on MRI gross tumor volume (GTV). All patients had FDOPA hybrid PET/MRI followed by PET/CT before radiotherapy planning. PET segmentation followed international recommendation: T/N 1.7 (BTV1.7) and T/N 2 (BTV2.0) SUV thresholds were used for biological target volume (BTV) delineation. For GTV-BTVs agreements, 95% of the Hausdorff distance (HD95%) from GTV to the BTVs were calculated, additionally, BTV portions outside of the GTV and coverage by the 95% isodose contours were also determined. In case of recurrence, the latest MR images were co-registered to planning CT to evaluate its location relative to BTVs and 95% isodose contours.ResultsAverage (range) GTV, BTV1.7, and BTV2.0 were 46.58 (6–182.5), 68.68 (9.6–204.1), 42.89 (3.8–147.6) cm3, respectively. HD95% from GTV were 15.5 mm (7.9–30.7 mm) and 10.5 mm (4.3–21.4 mm) for BTV1.7 and BTV2.0, respectively. Based on volumetric assessment, 58.8% (28–100%) of BTV1.7 and 45.7% of BTV2.0 (14-100%) were outside of the standard GTV, still all BTVs were encompassed by the 95% dose. All recurrences were confirmed by follow-up imaging, all occurred within PTV, with an additional outfield recurrence in a single case, which was not DOPA-positive at the beginning of treatment. Good correlation was found between the mean and median values of PET/CT and PET/MRI segmented volumes relative to corresponding brain-accumulated enhancement (r = 0.75; r = 0.72).Conclusion18FFDOPA PET resulted in substantial larger tumor volumes compared to MRI; however, its added value is unclear as vast majority of recurrences occurred within the prescribed dose level. Use of PET/CT signals proved to be feasible in the absence of direct segmentation possibilities of PET/MR in TPS. The added value of 18FFDOPA may be better exploited in the context of integrated dose escalation.
Abstract Background When MRI fails to detect a potentially epileptogenic lesion, the chance of a favorable outcome after epilepsy surgery becomes significantly lower (from 60 to 90% to 20–65%). Hybrid FDG-PET/MRI may provide additional information for identifying the epileptogenic zone. We aimed to investigate the possible effect of the introduction of hybrid FDG-PET/MRI into the algorithm of the decision-making in both lesional and non-lesional drug-resistant epileptic patients. Methods In a prospective study of patients suffering from drug-resistant focal epilepsy, 30 nonlesional and 30 lesional cases with discordant presurgical results were evaluated using hybrid FDG-PET/MRI. Results The hybrid imaging revealed morphological lesion in 18 patients and glucose hypometabolism in 29 patients within the nonlesional group. In the MRI positive group, 4 patients were found to be nonlesional, and in 9 patients at least one more epileptogenic lesion was discovered, while in another 17 cases the original lesion was confirmed by means of hybrid FDG-PET/MRI. As to the therapeutic decision-making, these results helped to indicate resective surgery instead of intracranial EEG (iEEG) monitoring in 2 cases, to avoid any further invasive diagnostic procedures in 7 patients, and to refer 21 patients for iEEG in the nonlesional group. Hybrid FDG-PET/MRI has also significantly changed the original therapeutic plans in the lesional group. Prior to the hybrid imaging, a resective surgery was considered in 3 patients, and iEEG was planned in 27 patients. However, 3 patients became eligible for resective surgery, 6 patients proved to be inoperable instead of iEEG, and 18 cases remained candidates for iEEG due to the hybrid FDG-PET/MRI. Two patients remained candidates for resective surgery and one patient became not eligible for any further invasive intervention. Conclusions The results of hybrid FDG-PET/MRI significantly altered the original plans in 19 of 60 cases. The introduction of hybrid FDG-PET/MRI into the presurgical evaluation process had a potential modifying effect on clinical decision-making. Trial registration Trial registry: Scientific Research Ethics Committee of the Medical Research Council of Hungary. Trial registration number: 008899/2016/OTIG . Date of registration: 08 February 2016.
Tandem occlusive lesions are responsible for up to 20% of acute ischemic stroke cases and are associated with poor prognosis if complete recanalization cannot be achieved. Endovascular recanalization might be challenging due to difficulties in the safe passage of the occluded plaque at the origin of the internal carotid artery (ICA). The balloon-assisted tracking technique (BAT), where a partially deflated balloon is exposed out of the catheter tip to facilitate its passage through stenosed or spastic arterial segments was introduced by interventional cardiologists and the applicability of the technique has been recently proposed in the field of neurointervention as well. Here we describe our experience using the BAT technique in the endovascular recanalization of tandem occlusive lesions. Procedures were performed from June 2013 to December 2020 in a single center. Baseline clinical and imaging data, procedural and follow-up details and clinical outcomes were retrospectively collected. In this study 107 patients, median age 66 years, median admission NIHSS 14 and median ASPECTS 8 were included. Successful recanalization of the ICA using the BAT technique was achieved in 100 (93%) and successful intracranial revascularization in 88 (82%) patients. There were no complications attributable to the BAT technique. Intraprocedural complications occurred in 9 (8%) patients. Emergent stenting was performed in 40 (37%) at the end of the procedure. Postprocedural adverse events (intracerebral hemorrhage [ICH], malignant infarction) occurred in 6 (5%) patients. Good clinical outcome at 3 months (modified Rankin scale [mRS] 0–2) was 54 (50%) and mortality 26 (24%). Delayed stent placement during follow-up occurred in 21 cases. Application of BAT technique in tandem occlusions appears feasible, safe, and efficient. Further evaluation of this technique is awaited.
Összefoglaló. Bevezetés: Általánosságban elmondható, hogy a fekvőbeteg-ellátást nyújtó egészségügyi intézmények intenzív terápiás osztályain (ITO) jelennek meg a legsúlyosabb kórképekkel és a legmagasabb halálozási aránnyal bíró esetek, rendszerint megkésve. Eltérően az ITO-tól, más betegellátó osztályokon előfordulhat, hogy nem észlelik megfelelően és időben a betegek olyan állapotváltozásait, melyek előre jelzik például a szívleállást vagy a keringési rendszer várható összeomlását. Ennek kiküszöbölésére jelenthet megoldást az úgynevezett gyors reagálású rendszer (RRS), melynek segítségével csökkenthető a kórházon belüli mortalitás. Célkitűzés: A Somogy Megyei Kaposi Mór Oktató Kórház a teljes intézményre kiterjedően a 2016. évtől alkalmazza az RRS-t. A jelen tanulmány célja a kórházi mortalitás csökkentésével kapcsolatos első eredmények bemutatása. Módszer: Vizsgálatunkban az ITO-ra került betegek adatbázisán alapuló kereszttáblás, illetve nemparametrikus statisztikai módszereket alkalmaztuk. Eredmények: A statisztikai próbák eredményei alapján megállapítottuk, hogy az intenzív ellátás felvételi diagnózisai (légzési elégtelenség, neurológiai ok, reanimáció, szepszis, szív/keringési, egyéb ok) között statisztikailag igazolható eltérés tapasztalható (p = 3,815e-14) RRS alkalmazásával és a nélkül. Az RRS-sel felvettek között magasabb arányt képviseltek a légzési elégtelenséggel és szepszissel érkező, súlyosabb betegek, ugyanakkor kisebbnek bizonyult a reszuszcitáltak száma. Megbeszélés: Az RRS nélküli időszak 2,983%-os intézményi mortalitása az RRS-időszakban 2,932%-ra csökkent, azonban a beküldő osztályonkénti adatokban jelentős különbségeket tapasztaltunk. 21 fekvőbeteg-osztály közül 19 osztály esetén csökkent a mortalitás az RRS bevezetését követően. Következtetés: Arra a megállapításra jutottunk, hogy a nemzetközi szakirodalom alapján bevezetett RRS növelte az egészségügyi ellátás hatékonyságát, és ezáltal sikerült csökkenteni az intézményi szintű mortalitást. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(20): 782-789. SUMMARY INTRODUCTION In general, the cases with the most severe diseases and highest mortality rate are admitted to the intensive care units (ICU) usually late. Contrary to ICU, in other in-patient units it can happen that those changes in patients' condition, which pre-indicate, e.g., cardiac arrest or collapse of circulatory system, are not noticed properly and in time. To eliminate this, the so-called rapid response system (RRS) can be the solution, by the help of which hospital mortality can be reduced. Objectve: The RRS has been used all institution-wide in Somogy County Kaposi Mór Teaching Hospital from 2016. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the results concerning hospital mortality cutdown. METHOD Our analysis was based on ICU patients' database and we applied cross-tabulation and non-parametric statistical methods. RESULTS We appointed, that among admission diagnosises to ICU (respiration insufficiency, neurological reason, reanimation, sepsis, cardiac/circulatory condition, other), statistically verifiable discrepancy can be experienced (p = 3.815e-14) with using RRS or without it. Among those admitted via RRS, more severe patients with respiration insufficiency and septic conditions were represented in higher rate, while the number of the admitted ones after resuscitation has decreased. DISCUSSION Hospital mortality rate of 2.983% without using RRS decreased into 2.932% in the period of using RRS, though we observed remarkable differences in data of non-ICU in-patient departments. Mortality has reduced in 19 in-patient departments out of 21, after implementing RRS. CONCLUSION To sum it up, we identified that RRS implemented on the basis of international references has increased the efficiency of healthcare and owing to it, institution-level mortality has successfully decreased. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(20): 782-789.
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to evaluate the predictive value of pretreatment positron emission tomography (PET) standardized uptake value (SUVmax), standardized uptake value corrected for lean body mass (SULpeak) value, metabolic tumour volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) parameters of the primary tumour assessed with PET/computed tomography (CT) in the clinical out-come in patients diagnosed with histopathologically confirmed head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospective evaluation was performed using PET/CT image datasets of 52 histologically proven head and neck cancer patients in 4 weeks' prior receiving definitive chemo-radiotherapy (CRT). Positron emission tomography /CT was performed before the CRT and 12 weeks after it for response evaluation. Image data was used for target volume delineation and for specify SUVmax, SULpeak, MTV and TLG parameters of the primary tumour. According to the results of the therapeutic response evaluation two patient subgroups were created in relation to the presence or absence of viable tumour. Metabolic data from pre-treatment PET/CT and therapeutic response were correlated using Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS After completion of the CRT in 24/52 (46%) cases viable residual tumour was detected on restaging PET/CT, while in 28/52 (54%) patients showed complete remission. For the therapeutic success prediction assessment, we could not find any significant correlation with pre-treatment SUVmax and SULpeak values (P>0.44, P>0.33). Total lesion glycolysis provided nearly significant difference (P=0.052) and MTV had shown significant difference (P=0.001) between the two patient subgroups statistically. CONCLUSION Simple metabolic data (SUVmax and SULpeak) from pretreatment fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT were unable to predict therapeutic response, while volumetric information containing MTV and TLG parameters proved to be more useful, thus their inclusion to risk stratification may also have additional value.