Luda Guralnik - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Luda Guralnik
Journal of Nuclear Medicine Official Publication Society of Nuclear Medicine, Sep 1, 2002
Correct diagnosis and definition of the functional and anatomic status of lesions in cancer patie... more Correct diagnosis and definition of the functional and anatomic status of lesions in cancer patients are of clinical importance. The value of hybrid imaging using a gamma camera-based PET/CT and (18)F-FDG in determining the relationship between mass and cancer was assessed.METHODS: Hybrid imaging was performed using a device combining low-dose CT and gamma camera-based PET. Ninety-one patients with histologically proven malignancy and 190 suspected sites of disease were evaluated. Camera-based PET was performed after the injection of 296-370 MBq (18)F-FDG. The presence of organomegaly or an abnormal mass on CT and of abnormal uptake of (18)F-FDG was assessed for each suspected lesion. The presence of malignancy at each site was determined by biopsy, imaging follow-up, or clinical outcome.RESULTS: Five imaging patterns were found. Pattern 1 showed congruent abnormal (18)F-FDG uptake and a mass on CT in 110 of the lesions. One hundred two sites (93%) had active cancer. Pattern 2 showed a mass on CT, larger than the area of abnormal (18)F-FDG uptake, and was found in 5 lesions. Active malignancy was proven in 3 sites (60%). Pattern 3 showed an abnormal mass on CT with no (18)F-FDG uptake and was found in 52 lesions. Thirteen of these lesions (25%) had active tumor. Pattern 4 showing abnormal (18)F-FDG uptake with no mass on CT was found in 23 lesions. Sixteen of these sites (70%) were malignant. Pattern 5 showed normal CT findings and no abnormal (18)F-FDG uptake in 11 patients. Two of these patients (18%) had active disease. Hybrid imaging was of value in establishing the correct relationship between CT and (18)F-FDG findings in 98 of the 190 lesions (52%).CONCLUSION: A range of patterns presenting with or without abnormal (18)F-FDG uptake on camera-based PET and a mass on CT may occur in suspected cancer sites. Both structural changes on CT and increased cell metabolism expressed by abnormal (18)F-FDG uptake should be considered in oncologic imaging. Hybrid imaging, a combined physiologic and anatomic modality, appears to provide new diagnostic opportunities in characterizing function and morphology in malignancies.
The Journal of Nuclear Medicine, Oct 1, 2004
The goal of this study was to assess the value of hybrid imaging using a combined PET/CT device w... more The goal of this study was to assess the value of hybrid imaging using a combined PET/CT device with 18 F-FDG in the diagnosis and clinical management of suspected recurrent lung cancer. Methods: Forty-two patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with suspected recurrence due to new clinical, biochemical, and radiologic findings were prospectively evaluated. PET/CT results were compared with PET interpreted with sideby-side CT data. A final diagnosis of recurrence was confirmed by histologic tissue sampling during surgery or biopsy or by further clinical and radiologic work-up. The impact of PET/CT on patient management was assessed. Results: Twenty-four of 27 positive PET/CT studies (89%) were proven to have recurrent disease. Fourteen of 15 negative PET/CT studies (93%) had no evidence of disease. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of PET/CT for diagnosis of recurrence were 96%, 82%, 89%, and 93% compared with 96%, 53%, 75%, and 90%, respectively, for PET. PET/CT changed the PET lesion classification in 22 patients (52%), by determining the precise localization of sites of increased 18 F-FDG uptake. PET/CT changed the management of 12 patients (29%) by eliminating previously planned diagnostic procedures (5 patients), by initiating a previously unplanned treatment option (4 patients), or by inducing a change in the planned therapeutic approach (3 patients). Conclusion: In patients with a suspected recurrence of NSCLC, PET/CT provides a better anatomic localization of suspicious lesions compared with PET interpreted with side-by-side CT data. This improved diagnostic performance of PET/CT has a further impact on the clinical management and treatment planning of the patients.
Journal of nuclear medicine : official publication, Society of Nuclear Medicine, 2006
The present study evaluated the role of SPECT/CT as an adjunct to (67)Ga (GS) or (111)In-labeled ... more The present study evaluated the role of SPECT/CT as an adjunct to (67)Ga (GS) or (111)In-labeled white blood cell (WBC) scintigraphy for diagnosis or localization of infection. Eighty-two patients (56 male and 26 female; mean age, 62 y) assessed for known or suspected infectious processes underwent 88 SPECT/CT studies. Forty-seven patients underwent GS SPECT/CT (13 with fever of unknown origin, 21 with suspected osteomyelitis, and 13 with suspected soft-tissue infection), and 35 patients underwent WBC SPECT/CT (24 with suspected vascular graft infection, and 11 with suspected osteomyelitis). Ninety-eight suggestive sites were identified (52 on GS and 46 on WBC). Additional information provided by SPECT/CT for diagnosis or localization of infection, as compared with planar and SPECT scintigraphy, was recorded. The SPECT/CT contribution was analyzed on a patient and site basis and was compared for the 2 tracers and clinical indications. SPECT/CT provided additional information for inf...
Journal of nuclear medicine : official publication, Society of Nuclear Medicine, 2004
Rising serum tumor markers may be associated with negative imaging in the presence of cancer. CT ... more Rising serum tumor markers may be associated with negative imaging in the presence of cancer. CT and (18)F-FDG PET may yield incongruent results in the assessment of tumor recurrence. The present study evaluates the incremental role of (18)F-FDG PET/CT for the diagnosis and management of cancer patients with increasing levels of tumor markers as the sole indicator of potential recurrence after initial successful treatment. Thirty-six cancer patients with increasing levels of tumor markers during follow-up and negative CT underwent (18)F-FDG PET/CT, which showed 111 sites of increased tracer uptake. PET/CT was compared with PET results on a site-based analysis for characterization of (18)F-FDG foci and on a patient-based analysis for diagnosis of recurrence. The clinical impact of PET/CT on further patient management was evaluated. Thirty patients (83%) had recurrence in 85 malignant sites (77%). For the site-based analysis, PET had a sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive pred...
Journal of nuclear medicine : official publication, Society of Nuclear Medicine, 2002
Correct diagnosis and definition of the functional and anatomic status of lesions in cancer patie... more Correct diagnosis and definition of the functional and anatomic status of lesions in cancer patients are of clinical importance. The value of hybrid imaging using a gamma camera-based PET/CT and (18)F-FDG in determining the relationship between mass and cancer was assessed. Hybrid imaging was performed using a device combining low-dose CT and gamma camera-based PET. Ninety-one patients with histologically proven malignancy and 190 suspected sites of disease were evaluated. Camera-based PET was performed after the injection of 296-370 MBq (18)F-FDG. The presence of organomegaly or an abnormal mass on CT and of abnormal uptake of (18)F-FDG was assessed for each suspected lesion. The presence of malignancy at each site was determined by biopsy, imaging follow-up, or clinical outcome. Five imaging patterns were found. Pattern 1 showed congruent abnormal (18)F-FDG uptake and a mass on CT in 110 of the lesions. One hundred two sites (93%) had active cancer. Pattern 2 showed a mass on CT, ...
Journal of nuclear medicine : official publication, Society of Nuclear Medicine, 2001
The clinical value of a novel technology of combined transmission and emission tomography (TET) w... more The clinical value of a novel technology of combined transmission and emission tomography (TET) was assessed in patients with endocrine tumors. TET technology, which combines simultaneous acquisition of SPECT and CT images, using the same imaging device, allows correct fusion of images of both modalities. TET was performed on 27 patients with known or suspected endocrine tumors. The radiopharmaceuticals used for the emission part of the study were chosen according to the tumor type: (111)In-octreotide for patients with neuroendocrine tumors (n = 10), (99m)Tc-sestamibi for patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (n = 8), (131)I for patients with thyroid cancer (n = 4), and (123)I-metaiodobenzylguanidine and (75)Se-cholesterol for patients with adrenal masses (n = 3 and n = 2, respectively). The additional information provided by TET compared with scintigraphy was assessed for both image interpretation and clinical utility. TET did not provide any additional data in 16 patients (59%...
Journal of nuclear medicine : official publication, Society of Nuclear Medicine, 2004
The goal of this study was to assess the value of hybrid imaging using a combined PET/CT device w... more The goal of this study was to assess the value of hybrid imaging using a combined PET/CT device with 18F-FDG in the diagnosis and clinical management of suspected recurrent lung cancer. Forty-two patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with suspected recurrence due to new clinical, biochemical, and radiologic findings were prospectively evaluated. PET/CT results were compared with PET interpreted with side-by-side CT data. A final diagnosis of recurrence was confirmed by histologic tissue sampling during surgery or biopsy or by further clinical and radiologic work-up. The impact of PET/CT on patient management was assessed. Twenty-four of 27 positive PET/CT studies (89%) were proven to have recurrent disease. Fourteen of 15 negative PET/CT studies (93%) had no evidence of disease. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of PET/CT for diagnosis of recurrence were 96%, 82%, 89%, and 93% compared with 96%, 53%, 75%, and 90%, respectively, for ...
The goal of this study was to assess the value of hybrid imaging using a combined PET/CT device w... more The goal of this study was to assess the value of hybrid imaging using a combined PET/CT device with 18F-FDG in the diagnosis and clinical management of suspected recurrent lung cancer. Methods: Forty-two patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with suspected recurrence due to new clinical, bio- chemical, and radiologic findings were prospectively evaluated. PET/CT results were compared with
World Journal of Surgery, 2006
The novel trend toward focused parathyroidectomy requires precise preoperative localization of th... more The novel trend toward focused parathyroidectomy requires precise preoperative localization of the parathyroid adenoma in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). The present study evaluated the impact of hybrid single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT), using 99mTc-sestamibi (MIBI), on the surgical management of these patients. In a retrospective study of 36 patients with PHPT, SPECT/CT was undertaken when planar 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy was negative or when an ill-defined focus in the neck or an ectopic site on planar views was visualized. Imaging data were compared with intraoperative findings, and the incremental value of SPECT/CT to lesion localization and surgical procedure was assessed. Three patients with both negative planar and SPECT/CT studies subsequently underwent bilateral neck exploration, with multiglandular hyperplasia diagnosed in two patients and a parathyroid adenoma in one. Of 33 patients with a positive MIBI study, parathyroid adenoma was confined to the neck in 23 patients and to the lower neck-mediastinum in 10. SPECT/CT facilitated the surgical exploration of all 10 ectopic parathyroid adenomas and 4 of 23 cervical parathyroid adenomas, the latter four either at reexploration or in patients with nonvisualization of the thyroid after thyroidectomy. SPECT/CT contributed to the localization of parathyroid adenomas in patients with PHPT and to planning the surgical exploration in 14 of 36 (39%) patients, predominantly those with ectopic parathyroid adenomas or who had distorted neck anatomy.
Respiration, 2000
We describe a 66-year-old patient with hemoptysis, a drop in hematocrit, hypoxemia and new bilate... more We describe a 66-year-old patient with hemoptysis, a drop in hematocrit, hypoxemia and new bilateral alveolar infiltrates after receiving streptokinase for acute myocardial infarction. Markedly increased carbon monoxide diffusion capacity suggested a diagnosis of alveolar hemorrhage. Underlying conditions included congestive heart failure. The patient recovered uneventfully within 7 days of conservative treatment. Alveolar hemorrhage is a rare and often unrecognized life-threatening complication of thrombolytic therapy. Particular attention should be paid to the pulmonary status of patients with congestive heart failure scheduled to receive thrombolytic therapy.
European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, 2009
Purpose To evaluate whether PET/low-dose CT (ldCT) using 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) improves c... more Purpose To evaluate whether PET/low-dose CT (ldCT) using 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) improves characterization of indeterminate single pulmonary nodules (SPNs) in patients at high risk of lung cancer. Methods Retrospective analysis of 307 patients who underwent FDG-PET/CT for indeterminate SPNs identified 93 (70 men, age range 46-90 years) at high risk of lung cancer (age >40 years, minimum 10 pack-year smokers). SPNs were evaluated for the presence and intensity of FDG avidity and ldCT patterns. The performance of visual and semiquantitative FDG-PET/ldCT algorithms for characterization of SPNs was compared to that of ldCT. Incongruent FDG-PET and ldCT patterns were analyzed for significance in further patient management.
Clinical Rheumatology, 2006
Background: Leflunomide (LEF) is indicated in adults for the treatment of active rheumatoid arthr... more Background: Leflunomide (LEF) is indicated in adults for the treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). LEF inhibits dehydroorotate dehydrogenase, a key enzyme of the pyrimidine synthesis in activated lymphocytes. Among rare adverse effects, fatal interstitial lung disease has been recently reported during treatment of RA with LEF in Japan. Clinical trials outside Japan do not suggest that LEF causes an excess of pulmonary adverse effects. Development and increase of peripheral rheumatoid nodules in typical sites of RA patients following LEF therapy has been recently reported. Objectives: Two cases with new and accelerated development of rheumatoid lung nodulosis during LEF therapy were described in this study. Methods: LEF treatment was administered to two male patients (77 and 66 years old) with long-standing active seropositive nodular RA with failure of multiple second line drugs and without lung involvement. Clinical and labora-
Cancer, 2006
BACKGROUND. Early diagnosis of recurrent breast cancer is crucial to selection of the most approp... more BACKGROUND. Early diagnosis of recurrent breast cancer is crucial to selection of the most appropriate therapy. The current study evaluated the role of FDG-PET/ CT in the assessment of suspected recurrent breast cancer in patients who presented with elevated serum tumor markers.
European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, 2007
Purpose 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose ( 18 F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging has been u... more Purpose 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose ( 18 F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging has been used in the assessment of paediatric malignancies. PET/CT increases the diagnostic accuracy in adult cancer patients. The present study assesses the incremental value of FDG PET/CT in paediatric malignancies.
Journal of Nuclear Medicine Official Publication Society of Nuclear Medicine, Sep 1, 2002
Correct diagnosis and definition of the functional and anatomic status of lesions in cancer patie... more Correct diagnosis and definition of the functional and anatomic status of lesions in cancer patients are of clinical importance. The value of hybrid imaging using a gamma camera-based PET/CT and (18)F-FDG in determining the relationship between mass and cancer was assessed.METHODS: Hybrid imaging was performed using a device combining low-dose CT and gamma camera-based PET. Ninety-one patients with histologically proven malignancy and 190 suspected sites of disease were evaluated. Camera-based PET was performed after the injection of 296-370 MBq (18)F-FDG. The presence of organomegaly or an abnormal mass on CT and of abnormal uptake of (18)F-FDG was assessed for each suspected lesion. The presence of malignancy at each site was determined by biopsy, imaging follow-up, or clinical outcome.RESULTS: Five imaging patterns were found. Pattern 1 showed congruent abnormal (18)F-FDG uptake and a mass on CT in 110 of the lesions. One hundred two sites (93%) had active cancer. Pattern 2 showed a mass on CT, larger than the area of abnormal (18)F-FDG uptake, and was found in 5 lesions. Active malignancy was proven in 3 sites (60%). Pattern 3 showed an abnormal mass on CT with no (18)F-FDG uptake and was found in 52 lesions. Thirteen of these lesions (25%) had active tumor. Pattern 4 showing abnormal (18)F-FDG uptake with no mass on CT was found in 23 lesions. Sixteen of these sites (70%) were malignant. Pattern 5 showed normal CT findings and no abnormal (18)F-FDG uptake in 11 patients. Two of these patients (18%) had active disease. Hybrid imaging was of value in establishing the correct relationship between CT and (18)F-FDG findings in 98 of the 190 lesions (52%).CONCLUSION: A range of patterns presenting with or without abnormal (18)F-FDG uptake on camera-based PET and a mass on CT may occur in suspected cancer sites. Both structural changes on CT and increased cell metabolism expressed by abnormal (18)F-FDG uptake should be considered in oncologic imaging. Hybrid imaging, a combined physiologic and anatomic modality, appears to provide new diagnostic opportunities in characterizing function and morphology in malignancies.
The Journal of Nuclear Medicine, Oct 1, 2004
The goal of this study was to assess the value of hybrid imaging using a combined PET/CT device w... more The goal of this study was to assess the value of hybrid imaging using a combined PET/CT device with 18 F-FDG in the diagnosis and clinical management of suspected recurrent lung cancer. Methods: Forty-two patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with suspected recurrence due to new clinical, biochemical, and radiologic findings were prospectively evaluated. PET/CT results were compared with PET interpreted with sideby-side CT data. A final diagnosis of recurrence was confirmed by histologic tissue sampling during surgery or biopsy or by further clinical and radiologic work-up. The impact of PET/CT on patient management was assessed. Results: Twenty-four of 27 positive PET/CT studies (89%) were proven to have recurrent disease. Fourteen of 15 negative PET/CT studies (93%) had no evidence of disease. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of PET/CT for diagnosis of recurrence were 96%, 82%, 89%, and 93% compared with 96%, 53%, 75%, and 90%, respectively, for PET. PET/CT changed the PET lesion classification in 22 patients (52%), by determining the precise localization of sites of increased 18 F-FDG uptake. PET/CT changed the management of 12 patients (29%) by eliminating previously planned diagnostic procedures (5 patients), by initiating a previously unplanned treatment option (4 patients), or by inducing a change in the planned therapeutic approach (3 patients). Conclusion: In patients with a suspected recurrence of NSCLC, PET/CT provides a better anatomic localization of suspicious lesions compared with PET interpreted with side-by-side CT data. This improved diagnostic performance of PET/CT has a further impact on the clinical management and treatment planning of the patients.
Journal of nuclear medicine : official publication, Society of Nuclear Medicine, 2006
The present study evaluated the role of SPECT/CT as an adjunct to (67)Ga (GS) or (111)In-labeled ... more The present study evaluated the role of SPECT/CT as an adjunct to (67)Ga (GS) or (111)In-labeled white blood cell (WBC) scintigraphy for diagnosis or localization of infection. Eighty-two patients (56 male and 26 female; mean age, 62 y) assessed for known or suspected infectious processes underwent 88 SPECT/CT studies. Forty-seven patients underwent GS SPECT/CT (13 with fever of unknown origin, 21 with suspected osteomyelitis, and 13 with suspected soft-tissue infection), and 35 patients underwent WBC SPECT/CT (24 with suspected vascular graft infection, and 11 with suspected osteomyelitis). Ninety-eight suggestive sites were identified (52 on GS and 46 on WBC). Additional information provided by SPECT/CT for diagnosis or localization of infection, as compared with planar and SPECT scintigraphy, was recorded. The SPECT/CT contribution was analyzed on a patient and site basis and was compared for the 2 tracers and clinical indications. SPECT/CT provided additional information for inf...
Journal of nuclear medicine : official publication, Society of Nuclear Medicine, 2004
Rising serum tumor markers may be associated with negative imaging in the presence of cancer. CT ... more Rising serum tumor markers may be associated with negative imaging in the presence of cancer. CT and (18)F-FDG PET may yield incongruent results in the assessment of tumor recurrence. The present study evaluates the incremental role of (18)F-FDG PET/CT for the diagnosis and management of cancer patients with increasing levels of tumor markers as the sole indicator of potential recurrence after initial successful treatment. Thirty-six cancer patients with increasing levels of tumor markers during follow-up and negative CT underwent (18)F-FDG PET/CT, which showed 111 sites of increased tracer uptake. PET/CT was compared with PET results on a site-based analysis for characterization of (18)F-FDG foci and on a patient-based analysis for diagnosis of recurrence. The clinical impact of PET/CT on further patient management was evaluated. Thirty patients (83%) had recurrence in 85 malignant sites (77%). For the site-based analysis, PET had a sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive pred...
Journal of nuclear medicine : official publication, Society of Nuclear Medicine, 2002
Correct diagnosis and definition of the functional and anatomic status of lesions in cancer patie... more Correct diagnosis and definition of the functional and anatomic status of lesions in cancer patients are of clinical importance. The value of hybrid imaging using a gamma camera-based PET/CT and (18)F-FDG in determining the relationship between mass and cancer was assessed. Hybrid imaging was performed using a device combining low-dose CT and gamma camera-based PET. Ninety-one patients with histologically proven malignancy and 190 suspected sites of disease were evaluated. Camera-based PET was performed after the injection of 296-370 MBq (18)F-FDG. The presence of organomegaly or an abnormal mass on CT and of abnormal uptake of (18)F-FDG was assessed for each suspected lesion. The presence of malignancy at each site was determined by biopsy, imaging follow-up, or clinical outcome. Five imaging patterns were found. Pattern 1 showed congruent abnormal (18)F-FDG uptake and a mass on CT in 110 of the lesions. One hundred two sites (93%) had active cancer. Pattern 2 showed a mass on CT, ...
Journal of nuclear medicine : official publication, Society of Nuclear Medicine, 2001
The clinical value of a novel technology of combined transmission and emission tomography (TET) w... more The clinical value of a novel technology of combined transmission and emission tomography (TET) was assessed in patients with endocrine tumors. TET technology, which combines simultaneous acquisition of SPECT and CT images, using the same imaging device, allows correct fusion of images of both modalities. TET was performed on 27 patients with known or suspected endocrine tumors. The radiopharmaceuticals used for the emission part of the study were chosen according to the tumor type: (111)In-octreotide for patients with neuroendocrine tumors (n = 10), (99m)Tc-sestamibi for patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (n = 8), (131)I for patients with thyroid cancer (n = 4), and (123)I-metaiodobenzylguanidine and (75)Se-cholesterol for patients with adrenal masses (n = 3 and n = 2, respectively). The additional information provided by TET compared with scintigraphy was assessed for both image interpretation and clinical utility. TET did not provide any additional data in 16 patients (59%...
Journal of nuclear medicine : official publication, Society of Nuclear Medicine, 2004
The goal of this study was to assess the value of hybrid imaging using a combined PET/CT device w... more The goal of this study was to assess the value of hybrid imaging using a combined PET/CT device with 18F-FDG in the diagnosis and clinical management of suspected recurrent lung cancer. Forty-two patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with suspected recurrence due to new clinical, biochemical, and radiologic findings were prospectively evaluated. PET/CT results were compared with PET interpreted with side-by-side CT data. A final diagnosis of recurrence was confirmed by histologic tissue sampling during surgery or biopsy or by further clinical and radiologic work-up. The impact of PET/CT on patient management was assessed. Twenty-four of 27 positive PET/CT studies (89%) were proven to have recurrent disease. Fourteen of 15 negative PET/CT studies (93%) had no evidence of disease. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of PET/CT for diagnosis of recurrence were 96%, 82%, 89%, and 93% compared with 96%, 53%, 75%, and 90%, respectively, for ...
The goal of this study was to assess the value of hybrid imaging using a combined PET/CT device w... more The goal of this study was to assess the value of hybrid imaging using a combined PET/CT device with 18F-FDG in the diagnosis and clinical management of suspected recurrent lung cancer. Methods: Forty-two patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with suspected recurrence due to new clinical, bio- chemical, and radiologic findings were prospectively evaluated. PET/CT results were compared with
World Journal of Surgery, 2006
The novel trend toward focused parathyroidectomy requires precise preoperative localization of th... more The novel trend toward focused parathyroidectomy requires precise preoperative localization of the parathyroid adenoma in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). The present study evaluated the impact of hybrid single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT), using 99mTc-sestamibi (MIBI), on the surgical management of these patients. In a retrospective study of 36 patients with PHPT, SPECT/CT was undertaken when planar 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy was negative or when an ill-defined focus in the neck or an ectopic site on planar views was visualized. Imaging data were compared with intraoperative findings, and the incremental value of SPECT/CT to lesion localization and surgical procedure was assessed. Three patients with both negative planar and SPECT/CT studies subsequently underwent bilateral neck exploration, with multiglandular hyperplasia diagnosed in two patients and a parathyroid adenoma in one. Of 33 patients with a positive MIBI study, parathyroid adenoma was confined to the neck in 23 patients and to the lower neck-mediastinum in 10. SPECT/CT facilitated the surgical exploration of all 10 ectopic parathyroid adenomas and 4 of 23 cervical parathyroid adenomas, the latter four either at reexploration or in patients with nonvisualization of the thyroid after thyroidectomy. SPECT/CT contributed to the localization of parathyroid adenomas in patients with PHPT and to planning the surgical exploration in 14 of 36 (39%) patients, predominantly those with ectopic parathyroid adenomas or who had distorted neck anatomy.
Respiration, 2000
We describe a 66-year-old patient with hemoptysis, a drop in hematocrit, hypoxemia and new bilate... more We describe a 66-year-old patient with hemoptysis, a drop in hematocrit, hypoxemia and new bilateral alveolar infiltrates after receiving streptokinase for acute myocardial infarction. Markedly increased carbon monoxide diffusion capacity suggested a diagnosis of alveolar hemorrhage. Underlying conditions included congestive heart failure. The patient recovered uneventfully within 7 days of conservative treatment. Alveolar hemorrhage is a rare and often unrecognized life-threatening complication of thrombolytic therapy. Particular attention should be paid to the pulmonary status of patients with congestive heart failure scheduled to receive thrombolytic therapy.
European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, 2009
Purpose To evaluate whether PET/low-dose CT (ldCT) using 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) improves c... more Purpose To evaluate whether PET/low-dose CT (ldCT) using 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) improves characterization of indeterminate single pulmonary nodules (SPNs) in patients at high risk of lung cancer. Methods Retrospective analysis of 307 patients who underwent FDG-PET/CT for indeterminate SPNs identified 93 (70 men, age range 46-90 years) at high risk of lung cancer (age >40 years, minimum 10 pack-year smokers). SPNs were evaluated for the presence and intensity of FDG avidity and ldCT patterns. The performance of visual and semiquantitative FDG-PET/ldCT algorithms for characterization of SPNs was compared to that of ldCT. Incongruent FDG-PET and ldCT patterns were analyzed for significance in further patient management.
Clinical Rheumatology, 2006
Background: Leflunomide (LEF) is indicated in adults for the treatment of active rheumatoid arthr... more Background: Leflunomide (LEF) is indicated in adults for the treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). LEF inhibits dehydroorotate dehydrogenase, a key enzyme of the pyrimidine synthesis in activated lymphocytes. Among rare adverse effects, fatal interstitial lung disease has been recently reported during treatment of RA with LEF in Japan. Clinical trials outside Japan do not suggest that LEF causes an excess of pulmonary adverse effects. Development and increase of peripheral rheumatoid nodules in typical sites of RA patients following LEF therapy has been recently reported. Objectives: Two cases with new and accelerated development of rheumatoid lung nodulosis during LEF therapy were described in this study. Methods: LEF treatment was administered to two male patients (77 and 66 years old) with long-standing active seropositive nodular RA with failure of multiple second line drugs and without lung involvement. Clinical and labora-
Cancer, 2006
BACKGROUND. Early diagnosis of recurrent breast cancer is crucial to selection of the most approp... more BACKGROUND. Early diagnosis of recurrent breast cancer is crucial to selection of the most appropriate therapy. The current study evaluated the role of FDG-PET/ CT in the assessment of suspected recurrent breast cancer in patients who presented with elevated serum tumor markers.
European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, 2007
Purpose 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose ( 18 F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging has been u... more Purpose 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose ( 18 F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging has been used in the assessment of paediatric malignancies. PET/CT increases the diagnostic accuracy in adult cancer patients. The present study assesses the incremental value of FDG PET/CT in paediatric malignancies.