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Daniele Regge

Publications and source records attributed to Daniele Regge.

17 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Relationship between DCE-MRI morphological and functional features and histopathological characteristics of breast cancer.

We studied whether dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) could identify histopathological characteristics of breast cancer. Seventy-five patients with breast cancer underwent DCE-MRI followed by core biopsy. DCE-MRI findings were evaluated following the scoring system published by Fischer in 1999. In this scoring system, five DCE-MRI features, three morphological (shape, margins, enhancement kinetic) and two functional (initial peak of signal intensity (SI) increase and behavior of signal intensity curve), are defined by 14 parameters. Each parameter is assigned points ranging from 0 to 1 or 0 to 2, with higher points for those that are more likely to be associated with malignancy. The sum of all the points defines the degree of suspicion of malignancy, with a score 0 representing the lowest and 8 the highest degree of suspicion. Associations between DCE-MRI features and tumor histopathological characteristics assessed on core biopsies (histological type, grading, estrogen and progesterone receptor status, Ki67 and HER2 status) were studied by contingency tables and logistic regression analysis. We found a significant inverse association between the Fischer's score and HER2-overexpression (odds ratio-OR 0.608, p = 0.02). Based on our results, we suggest that lesions with intermediate-low suspicious DCE-MRI parameters may represent a subset of tumor with poor histopathological characteristics.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Polyp measurement and size categorisation by CT colonography: effect of observer experience in a multi-centre setting.

The extent measurement error on CT colonography influences polyp categorisation according to established management guidelines is studied using twenty-eight observers of varying experience to classify polyps seen at CT colonography as either 'medium' (maximal diameter 6-9 mm) or 'large' (maximal diameter 10 mm or larger). Comparison was then made with the reference diameter obtained in each patient via colonoscopy. The Bland-Altman method was used to assess agreement between observer measurements and colonoscopy, and differences in measurement and categorisation was assessed using Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-squared test statistics respectively. Observer measurements on average underestimated the diameter of polyps when compared to the reference value, by approximately 2-3 mm, irrespective of observer experience. Ninety-five percent limits of agreement were relatively wide for all observer groups, and had sufficient span to encompass different size categories for polyps. There were 167 polyp observations and 135 (81%) were correctly categorised. Of the 32 observations that were miscategorised, 5 (16%) were overestimations and 27 (84%) were underestimations (i.e. large polyps misclassified as medium). Caution should be exercised for polyps whose colonographic diameter is below but close to the 1-cm boundary threshold in order to avoid potential miscategorisation of advanced adenomas.

Chi-Square Distribution↗
PubMed2006

CT colonography interpretation times: effect of reader experience, fatigue, and scan findings in a multi-centre setting.

Our purpose was to assess the effect of reader experience, fatigue, and scan findings on interpretation time for CT colonography. Nine radiologists (experienced in CT colonography); nine radiologists and ten technicians (both groups trained using 50 validated examinations) read 40 cases (50% abnormal) under controlled conditions. Individual interpretation times for each case were recorded, and differences between groups determined. Multi-level linear regression was used to investigate effect of scan category (normal or abnormal) and observer fatigue on interpretation times. Experienced radiologists (mean time 10.9 min, SD 5.2) reported significantly faster than less experienced radiologists and technicians; odds ratios of reporting times 1.4 (CI 1.1, 1.8) and 1.6 (1.3, 2.0), respectively (P<or=0.001). Experienced and less-experienced radiologists took longer to report abnormal cases; ratio 1.2 (CI 1.1,1.4, P<0.001) and 1.2 (1.0, 1.3, P=0.03), respectively. All groups took 70% as long to report the final five cases as they did with an initial five; ratio 0.7 (CI 0.6 to 0.8), P<0.001. For technicians only, accuracy increased with longer reporting times (P=0.04). Experienced radiologists report faster than do less-experienced observers and proportionally spend less time interpreting normal cases. Technicians who report more slowly are more accurate. All groups reported faster as the study period progressed.

Clinical Competence↗
PubMed2005

Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI and sonography in patients receiving primary chemotherapy for breast cancer.

We compared dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) and sonography (US) for monitoring tumour size in 21 patients with breast cancer undergoing primary chemotherapy (PCT) followed by surgery. The correlation between DCE-MRI and US measurements of tumour size, defined as the product of the two major diameters, was 0.555 (P=0.009), 0.782 (P<0.001), and 0.793 (P<0.001) at baseline, and after two and four cycles of PCT, respectively. The median tumour size was significantly larger when measured by DCE-MRI than by US at baseline (1472 vs 900 mm(2), P<0.001) and after two cycles of PCT (600 vs 400 mm(2), P=0.009). After PCT, the median tumour size measured by the two techniques was similar (256 vs 289 mm(2) for DCE-MRI and US, respectively, P=0.859). The correlation with the histopathological major tumour diameter was 0.824 (P<0.001) and 0.705 (P<0.001) for post-treatment DCE-MRI and US, respectively. Measurements of the final major tumour diameter by DCE-MRI tended to be more precise, including cases achieving a pathological complete response. Randomized trials are warranted to establish the clinical impact of the initial discrepancy in tumour size estimates between DCE-MRI and US, and the trend towards a better definition of the final tumour size provided by DCE-MRI in this clinical setting.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Extension of right portal vein embolization to segment IV portal branches.

HYPOTHESIS: Routine embolization of segment IV, combined with right portal vein embolization (PVE), has been suggested in patients who are candidates for right trisegmentectomy to induce higher and faster hypertrophy of segments II-III. Our objective was to compare hypertrophy of segments II-III induced by PVE with and without extension to segment IV in patients undergoing major hepatectomy. METHODS: Twenty-six consecutive patients were prospectively evaluated; the future remnant liver volume was calculated using the portal phase of spiral computed tomographic scans before and 3 to 4 weeks after right PVE (group R, n = 13), which was extended to segment IV branches in 13 patients (group L). RESULTS: Twenty patients (76.9%) underwent the scheduled hepatic resection. Of the 6 patients who did not undergo the planned operation, 5 showed disease progression; in 1 patient (group L), there was an insufficient increase of the future remnant liver volume due to the presence of embolizing material in the left lobe. The mean +/- SD time between PVE and volume measurements was 31.8 +/- 9.3 days. The overall mean +/- SD future remnant liver volume increase was 53.1% +/- 24.8%; the increase for segment IV was significantly higher in group R than group L. The mean +/- SD post-PVE volumes of segments II-III and the rate of volume increase were similar in the 2 groups: group R, 348.4 +/- 83.1 cm3 and 67.8% +/- 30.8%, respectively, vs group L, 391.2 +/- 78.05 cm3 and 56.1% +/- 35.1%, respectively (P = .20 and P = .40). CONCLUSION: Extension of embolization to segment IV portal branches should not be routinely used because a similar volume increase of segments II-III can be simply achieved by right PVE.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Magnetic resonance imaging and Orbscan assessment of the anterior chamber.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the correlation between white-to-white (WTW) distance as assessed by Orbscan II (Bausch & Lomb) and high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sulcus-sulcus (S-S) measures and to analyze the correlation between age and anterior chamber parameters. SETTING: Istituto per la Ricerca e la Cura del Cancro, Candiolo, Torino, Italy. METHODS: Eighty-eight patients had MRI with a 1.5 Tesla imager (GE Medical Systems) using a 3-inch circular coil. T1 weighted fast spin-echo scans were performed on the axial plane. Orbscan II was also used to measure WTW distance, K, anterior chamber depth (ACD), and lens curvature. One eye was randomly selected for analysis. Measures were compared using Spearman correlation, paired Student t test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA; post hoc: Scheffé). Intersession variability was performed in 10 patients. Ten MRI images were randomly selected and measured by 2 operators in a masked fashion (intrasession variability). RESULTS: Intersession and intrasession correlation was good for MRI (r = 0.89 and r = 0.92, respectively), and intersession was good for Orbscan (r = 0.91). When comparing Orbscan II and MRI results, the ACD was well correlated and not significantly different, whereas the S-S and the WTW measures were not correlated and significantly different. Lens thickness and lens diameter were directly correlated with age; S-S, WTW, lens curvature, and ACD were inversely correlated with age. CONCLUSIONS: Current methods of measuring the WTW were poorly correlated with anatomical measures. The S-S diameter and other anterior chamber structures significantly change with age, which could give rise to potential problems with posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens sizing position.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Virtual endoscopy of laryngeal carcinoma: is it useful?

OBJECTIVE: To compare virtual endoscopy (VE) with flexible endoscopy in patients with cancer of the larynx. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGS: This prospective study includes 24 patients with proven cancer of the larynx. Patients underwent spiral CT according to our standard protocol for upper airway imaging. This same set of axial scans was transferred to a dedicated workstation to obtain VE images. Results of VE were compared with the findings of flexible endoscopy. RESULTS: Quality of the examination was good in 96% of the patients. VE identified all exophytic lesions. Two small flat lesions could be observed as slightly enhanced plaques only on the axial scans. Subglottic extension was correctly demonstrated in all cases by associating VE to the axial scans. CONCLUSION: VE shows high sensitivity in the identification of exophytic lesions of the larynx and can establish relationships between cancer and nearby structures. It can be performed in the presence of severe stenosis and does not require sedation and additional scanning. On the other hand, VE show limits in the identification of flat lesions and does not allow biopsies and functional imaging to be performed. SIGNIFICANCE: VE is a useful tool for staging and presurgery treatment of cancer of the larynx.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Treatment of painful compression vertebral fractures with vertebroplasty: results and complications.

AIM: The aim of this paper is to assess the effectiveness and safety of percutaneous vertebroplasty in patients with focal pain caused by compression vertebral body fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over an eleven-month period 49 patients underwent percutaneous vertebroplasty, of which seven were retreated, for a total of 56 operations on 108 vertebrae. The patients were affected by osteoporotic compression fractures (n=28) or by benign and malignant infiltrative processes (n=21). All of the patients were examined at discharge and later at one week, and one, three, six and nine months after surgery to ascertain the development of the pain and possible changes in the quality of life. The mean length of follow-up was 3.8 months. RESULTS: One week after treatment all patients reported complete disappearance or significant alleviation of the pain. In 8 out of 49 patients (16.3%) there was a reoccurrence of pain; 7 of these patients underwent further treatment at another level with immediate pain relief. After surgery only three patients (6.1%) continued to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), whereas prior to surgery all patients were taking pain medication. We also observed an important benefit in the quality of life, in that after treatment all patients reported an improvement in functional abilities, and only three (6.1%) still had to wear a back brace (against 15 in the preoperative period). We only had one serious complication (1.7%) which involved the formation of a subcutaneous paravertebral haematoma, which was resolved in about a week. Eight patients (16.3%) developed transient pain at the site of the puncture or radiculopathy in the days following the operation. In 63 out of 108 of the treated vertebrae (58) there were small asymptomatic leakages of cement outside the vertebral body and in two asymptomatic patients (3.5%) the chest radiograph revealed a small pulmonary embolism of cement. DISCUSSION: Our experience confirms the effectiveness of vertebroplasty in the treatment of pain caused by vertebral fractures. If the indications are respected the improvement of symptoms is often immediate, such as the return of mobility, and patient satisfaction with surgery is higher. The use of appropriate guiding systems limits the number of complications.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Percutaneous image-guided radiofrequency ablation of painful metastases involving bone: a multicenter study.

PURPOSE: Few options are available for pain relief in patients with bone metastases who fail standard treatments. We sought to determine the benefit of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in providing pain relief for patients with refractory pain secondary to metastases involving bone. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-one US and 12 European patients with painful osteolytic metastases involving bone were treated with image-guided RFA using a multitip needle. Treated patients had > or = 4/10 pain and had either failed or were poor candidates for standard treatments such as radiation or opioid analgesics. Using the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form, worst pain intensity was the primary end point, with a 2-unit drop considered clinically significant. RESULTS: Forty-three patients were treated (median follow-up, 16 weeks). Before RFA, the mean score for worst pain was 7.9 (range, 4/10 to 10/10). Four, 12, and 24 weeks following treatment, worst pain decreased to 4.5 (P <.0001), 3.0 (P <.0001), and 1.4 (P =.0005), respectively. Ninety-five percent (41 of 43 patients) experienced a decrease in pain that was considered clinically significant. Opioid usage significantly decreased at weeks 8 and 12. Adverse events were seen in 3 patients and included (1) a second-degree skin burn at the grounding pad site, (2) transient bowel and bladder incontinence following treatment of a metastasis involving the sacrum, and (3) a fracture of the acetabulum following RFA of an acetabular lesion. CONCLUSION: RFA of painful osteolytic metastases provides significant pain relief for cancer patients who have failed standard treatments.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Monitoring response to primary chemotherapy in breast cancer using dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.

PURPOSE: Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) allows analysis of both tumor volume and contrast enhancement pattern using a single tool. We sought to investigate whether DCE-MRI could be used to predict histological response in patients undergoing primary chemotherapy (PCT) for breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with breast cancer, clinical diameter > 3 cm or stage III A/B, received anthracycline and taxane based PCT. DCE-MRI was performed at the baseline, after two cycles and after four cycles of PCT, before surgery. Histological response was assessed using a five-point scheme. Grade 4 (small cluster of dispersed residual cancer cells) and grade 5 (no residual viable cancer cell) were defined as a major histopathological response (MHR). RESULTS: Univariate analysis showed that a > 65% reduction in the tumor volume and a reduction in the early enhancement ratio (ECU) after two cycles of PCT were associated with a MHR. Multivariate analysis revealed that tumor volume reduction after two cycles of PCT was independently associated with a MHR (odds ratio [OR] 39.968, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.438-464.962, p < 0.01). ECU reduction was still associated with a MHR (OR 2.50, 95% CI 0.263-23.775), but it did not retain statistical significance (p = 0.42). Combining tumor volume and ECU reduction after two cycles of PCT yielded a 93% diagnostic accuracy in identifying tumors achieving a pathological complete response (pCR) (histopathological grade 5). CONCLUSIONS: DCE-MRI allows prediction of the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer. Although in our study tumor volume reduction after two cycles had the strongest predictive value, DCE-MRI has the potential to provide functional parameters that could be integrated to optimize neoadjuvant chemotherapy strategies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Computed tomography colonography in routine clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the experience of a radiology unit in using open access computed tomography (CT) colonography instead of double-contrast barium enema in patients who refused or had an incomplete first-attempt colonoscopy. METHODS: All consecutive patients who underwent CT colonography from December 1998 to August 2001 were recalled and evaluated. Patients in whom CT colonography showed intraluminal growths were sent for colonoscopy, performed using deep sedation if the first attempt failed. RESULTS: A total of 463 consecutive CT colonography examinations were performed: 304 patients were re-traceable and were evaluated. In 85 cases CT colonography reported the presence of intraluminal growth. Colonoscopy confirmed the presence of 74 of the 94 polyps, and of 43 of the 48 cancers found at CT colonography. Colonoscopy also diagnosed an additional two cancers in two patients with CT colonography findings of inflammatory changes, and an additional 26 polyps in 16 patients. On a per-lesion basis, the positive predictive value of CT colonography was 73%, 80% and 87% for polyps </= 5 mm, 6-9 mm and >/= 10 mm, respectively, and was 90% for cancer. On a per-patient basis, the positive predictive value was 60%, 72% and 89% for lesions </= 5 mm, 6-9 mm and >/= 10 mm, respectively, and was 93% for cancer. CONCLUSION: CT colonography on an open access basis can be confidently used as a routine test instead of double-contrast barium enema when total colonoscopy cannot be performed.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Pain relief following percutaneous vertebroplasty: results of a series of 283 consecutive patients treated in a single institution.

The aim of this study was to assess if percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) could relieve back pain, reduce drug consumption, and improve the mobility of patients with metastases and vertebral compression fractures. From August 2002 to July 2004, 283 patients (216 females; mean age: 73.8 +/- 9.9 years) underwent PVP on 749 vertebrae. Pain was evaluated with the pain intensity numeric rating scale (PI-NRS) (0 = no pain; 10 = worst pain) before the procedure and at the end point in September 2004 (follow-up:1-24 months; median: 7 months). A reduction of at least two points of the PI-NRS score was considered clinically relevant. Two hundred four patients were available for evaluation at the end point. Overall results showed a reduction of the median pain score from 8 at baseline to 1 at the end point (p < 0.0001); a clinically relevant pain reduction was observed in 176/205 patients (86%); 89/147 patients (61%) gave up a brace support (p < 0.0001); and 117/190 patients (62%) gave up drug therapy. Results were similar in different subgroups stratified according to age, underlying pathology, number of fractured or treated vertebrae, and length of follow-up. This study adds evidence that PVP is effective in treating painful vertebral fractures. A significant reduction in drug assumption and significant mobility improvement can also be achieved.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The impact of 18F-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography on tumor staging, treatment strategy and treatment planning for radiotherapy in a department of radiation oncology.

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: The study analyzed the potential contribution of positron emission tomography (PET) in patient selection for radiotherapy and in radiation therapy planning. METHODS: Eighty-seven patients with a histological cancer diagnosis were accrued for the study from December 2000 to December 2001. Demographic characteristics included a median age of 54 years and male/female ratio of 51/36. All patients staged by conventional workup who were candidates for radiotherapy had PET imaging and were allocated to a conventional "pre/post-PET stage". The treatment protocol and the shape and/or size of the portals was directly related to PET results. We examined 26 lung cancers, 15 gastrointestinal tumors, 22 genitourinary cancers and 24 hematologic malignancies. RESULTS: In the lung cancer group, the stage was modified in 10/26 patients (38.5%) by PET, with a change in management in 13 (50%) and a change in radiotherapy planning in 6 (23.1%). In the hematological group, stage was modified by PET in 8/24 cases (33.3%), with a change in treatment strategy in 9 (37.5%) and a change in radiotherapy planning in 3 (12.5%). In the gastrointestinal group, the stage was modified by PET in 2/15 cases (13.4%), with a change inn treatment strategy in 4 (26.7%) and a change in the decision for radiotherapy in 8 (no radiotherapy in 53.3%). In the mixed group (genitourinary, breast and other), the stage was modified by PET in 6/22 cases (27.3%), with a change in treatment strategy in 11 (50%) and a very low rate of change in radiotherapy planning. CONCLUSIONS: PET contributed to a modification of stage in 26/87 patients (30%), to a changing in treatment strategy in 37/87 (42.5%), and to a substantial change of the shape and/or size of radiotherapy portals in 13/43 (30%) who underwent radiotherapy.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the prediction of tumor response in patients with locally advanced breast cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemo-therapy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate if dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance can predict the tumoural response in patients with breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients with biopsy-proven locally advanced breast cancer underwent taxane-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical surgery. MRI evaluations were carried out at baseline, after two of the four planned cycles of chemotherapy, and before surgical treatment. MR images, obtained with 1.5 T scanner and using dedicated surface multichannel coil (GEMS), were acquired by 3D SPGR sequences on the coronal plane before and after intravenous administration of gadolinium chelate by an automatic injector. The percent reduction of the early contrast uptake between the baseline and the second MRI was then calculated for every lesion and correlated with the outcome of interest (pCR). RESULTS: At baseline, we identified 26 lesions and two patterns of MRI enhancement: homogeneous (group 1, 14 patients) and peripheral ring-like (group 2, 12 patients). At surgery, pathological complete response was observed in 4 patients (2 patients group 1, 2 patients group 2). In group 1, the 2 cases of pCR showed a gs;70% reduction in the early contrast uptake between baseline examination and after two cycles of chemotherapy, whereas values <70% were seen in 12 cases of partial response (p=0.02). In group 2, the 2 cases of pCR showed a gs; 40% reduction in the early contrast uptake whereas all of the 10 cases of partial response had <40% reduction (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: In our series, the percent reduction in the early contrast uptake after two cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy was predictive of the achievement of a pathological complete response. However, we identified two distinct morphologic patterns associated with different cut-offs in the predictive value of the early contrast uptake reduction between baseline and intermediate examination.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗
PubMedDate not supplied

CT angiography in the assessment of carotid atherosclerotic disease: results of more than two years' experience.

PURPOSE: To assess the role of CT Angiography (CTA) in patients with carotid atherosclerotic disease as compared to echo-colour Doppler (CDUS) ultrasound of the supra-aortic trunks (SAT) and surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-two patients with suspected carotid atherosclerotic disease were submitted to CDUS and CTA of the supra-aortic trunks. Agreement between CDUS and CTA was first evaluated with regard to the following parameters: degree of stenosis according to NASCET criteria, plaque morphology, presence of ulcerations, tandem lesions and vessel abnormalities. Secondly, data provided by the two methodologies were compared with the surgical specimens (35 patients); in 12 cases, the stenosis was measured on the cast of the carotid plaque made of for biologic use silicone. RESULTS: The correlation between CDUS and CTA in evaluating the degree of stenosis was 75.6%; poor agreement was found for mild (61.1%) and severe (69.1%) stenoses; agreement in the evaluation of vessel abnormalities, plaque morphology and ulcerations was 81.7%, 89.0% and 96.3%, respectively. CTA demonstrated 11 tandem lesions not detected CDUS. Compared to surgery, CTA correctly classified the degree of stenosis according to NASCET criteria in 31/35 cases (88.6%) - as opposed to 29/35 by CDUS (82.9%) - and never overestimated the stenosis. CTA proved superior to CDUS in detecting plaque ulcerations (75% vs 25% sensitivity) and vessel abnormalities (100% vs 44.4% sensitivity). CONCLUSIONS: CTA is recommended as a second-level examination in patients with carotid atherosclerotic steno-obstructive disease who are surgical candidates.

Aged↗