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Gregory W Gladish

Publications and source records attributed to Gregory W Gladish.

17 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Incidental pulmonary emboli in oncology patients: prevalence, CT evaluation, and natural history.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively determine the prevalence and natural history of incidental pulmonary emboli in oncology patients, the number of such cases reported at initial thoracic computed tomographic (CT) image interpretation, and the factors that contribute to underdiagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional review board approval, which included HIPAA-compliant access to protected health information and waived patient consent requirements, was obtained for this retrospective study. Four hundred three consecutive oncology patients (199 male, 204 female; age range, 14-87 years; mean age, 55 years) in whom adequate-quality multidetector thoracic CT was performed within a 10-day period for indications other than pulmonary emboli assessment were identified. There were 31 (7.7%) inpatients at the time of imaging. Each imaging case was reviewed by two independent radiologists, and all pulmonary emboli were confirmed by a panel of three thoracic radiologists. Clinical charts were reviewed for demographic data, embolus detection, and outcomes up to 2 years after the initial examination. Patient groups were compared by using chi2 and one-sided binomial tests. RESULTS: Sixteen (4.0%) of the 403 patients had pulmonary emboli. The highest prevalences were in patients with gynecologic malignancies (two of 13, 15%) and in those with melanoma (four of 41, 10%). Four (25%) of the 16 patients with emboli were identified at initial clinical CT image interpretation, and all had multiple emboli involving at least the lobar arteries. Missed emboli typically were solitary and involved smaller arteries; no other confounding factors were identified. Six (60%) of 10 patients with emboli who underwent any lower extremity imaging had deep vein thrombosis. With the exception of one patient, who was transferred back to the referring physician and lost to follow-up, all patients with reported pulmonary emboli were treated. Two patients had subsequent embolic events: one death despite treatment and one recurrent embolus in a nontreated patient. CONCLUSION: Incidental pulmonary emboli were seen in 16 (4%) oncology patients but were initially reported in only four of them. The small size of involved arteries contributes to the failed detection at initial CT image interpretation, and patients with emboli in these small vessels may have deep vein thrombosis or recurrent emboli.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Interobserver and intraobserver variability of standardized uptake value measurements in non-small-cell lung cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To assess interobserver and intraobserver variabilities in measuring the maximal standardized uptake value (SUV) of non-small-cell lung cancer. METHODS: Positron emission tomography-computed tomography examinations of 20 consecutive patients referred for initial evaluation of newly diagnosed non-small-cell lung cancer were retrospectively reviewed by 5 experienced positron emission tomography-computed tomography readers, who independently measured the maximal SUV/body weight of the primary tumors. Interobserver and intraobserver variabilities were assessed by using 4 statistical methods: correlation, regression analysis, Bland-Altman analysis, and analysis of variance. The SUV measurements derived in the study were compared with the SUV measurements documented in the original reports using correlation and regression analysis. The percentages of tumors whose retrospective SUV measurements were more than 20% different and more than 25% different from those in the original report were assessed. RESULTS: Both interobserver and intraobserver SUV measurements were highly reproducible. Pearson correlation coefficients were greater than 0.95 and 0.94, respectively. Good interobserver and intraobserver agreement was shown with regression analysis (F test P value >0.05), the Bland-Altman analysis, and analysis of variance (F test P value >0.95). The mean original SUV was much less than the mean study SUV (P<0.05). The study SUV differed from the SUV of the original report by more than 20% in 50% of the tumors, and by more than 25% in 45% of the tumors. CONCLUSIONS: There was excellent interobserver and intraobserver agreement in SUVs measured in the study environment but poor agreement between study SUVs and those documented in original reports, which can affect treatment decisions substantially.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Phase II study of pemetrexed in combination with carboplatin in the first-line treatment of advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: The primary objectives of this study were to determine the efficacy and tolerability of a pemetrexed-carboplatin combination as first-line therapy in patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer. METHODS: Eligibility criteria included Zubrod performance status of 0 or 1, Stage IIIB (malignant effusion) or IV disease, and no prior chemotherapy. Treatment was pemetrexed 500 mg/m2 given intravenously and carboplatin area under the serum concentration-time curve = 6 given intravenously on Day 1 every 3 weeks for six cycles; patients could receive additional cycles at the discretion of the treating physician and patient. All patients received folic acid, vitamin B12, and dexamethasone prophylaxis. RESULTS: Fifty patients (31 men and 19 women) were treated. The median age was 62 years. Ninety-six percent of patients had Stage IV disease, and 88% had a performance status of 1. The median number of cycles was 6; 15 patients received 8 or more cycles. There was Grade 3/4 neutropenia in 11 (22%) and 2 (4%) patients, respectively; Grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia in 1 (2%) and 0 patients, respectively. Three patients (6%) experienced Grade 3 nonhematologic side effects (diarrhea, neutropenic pneumonia, and fatigue). No patients had sensory neuropathy or alopecia >Grade 1. The partial response rate was 24%, median time to progression 5.4 months, 1-year survival 56.0%, and median survival 13.5 months. CONCLUSIONS: This is an active, very well-tolerated regimen. Trials focused on how to integrate this doublet with novel agents are warranted.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Focal uptake of fluorodeoxyglucose by the thyroid in patients undergoing initial disease staging with combined PET/CT for non-small cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate the prevalence of focal fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake by the thyroid gland on combined positron emission tomographic (PET) and computed tomographic (CT) scans in patients undergoing staging of newly diagnosed non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional review board approval was obtained, informed consent was waived, and the study was Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant. Whole-body PET/CT scans and medical records of 140 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed NSCLC (80 men, 60 women; mean age, 66 years; range, 39-89 years) were retrospectively reviewed by two experienced PET/CT scan readers. Maximum standardized uptake value (SUV) was calculated for FDG-avid thyroid foci. Corresponding thyroid CT findings were recorded in patients with focal increased FDG thyroid uptake. RESULTS: PET results showed that six patients (4.3%) had seven foci of increased FDG uptake in the thyroid. Five of the seven foci (in four patients) corresponded to a low-attenuation thyroid lesion on the non-enhanced CT scan. Lesions ranged in diameter from 0.8 to 2.5 cm. Four of the lesions were found to be papillary thyroid cancers at fine-needle aspiration biopsy. The fifth lesion was found to be benign at thyroidectomy. The remaining two patients did not have histologic confirmation of their thyroid lesion because no specific biopsy site was visualized on CT or sonographic images and lesions were considered benign. Maximum SUV of the thyroid cancers ranged from 3.0 to 32.9 (mean, 13.7). Maximum SUV of benign thyroid lesions ranged from 4.6 to 6.2 (mean, 5.4). CONCLUSION: Focal thyroid FDG uptake found during the initial staging of NSCLC at PET/CT indicates a high likelihood of primary thyroid cancer.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Advances in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography.

Imaging evaluation of the heart encompasses structural evaluation of the chambers, valves and coronary arteries, and functional evaluation, including assessment of perfusion, wall motion and myocardial viability. Magnetic resonance imaging is well established for the structural and functional evaluation of the heart, and benefits from direct multiplanar image acquisition and a lack of ionizing radiation. Magnetic resonance imaging assessment of myocardial viability after myocardial infarction appears to be helpful in predicting benefit from revascularization procedures. Magnetic resonance imaging continues to hold promise as the least invasive method of coronary artery evaluation, and continuing developments are improving image quality and decreasing examination time. The development of cardiac-gating techniques for multidetector computed tomography has the potential to provide widespread availability of cardiac computed tomography. Short examination times and straightforward scanning procedures promise a convenient method for the examination of cardiac structure and function. However, this convenience must be balanced against radiation dose and contrast-media requirements when determining the appropriate use of cardiac computed tomography. Computed tomography coronary-calcium scoring can aid in the prediction of significant coronary events in all but the lowest-risk patients. The high negative-predictive value of computed tomography coronary angiography may allow some patients to avoid cardiac catheterization, but its role in the assessment of patients with moderate coronary atherosclerosis remains unclear. New software tools can assist in the complex and tedious analysis of the large volumes of data produced by these examinations.

Heart Diseases↗
PubMed2004

Focal FDG uptake in mediastinal brown fat mimicking malignancy: a potential pitfall resolved on PET/CT.

OBJECTIVE: A potential source of false-positive FDG PET interpretations in oncologic imaging is FDG uptake in brown fat. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence, location, and appearance of hypermetabolic brown fat in the mediastinum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All PET/CT scans obtained at our cancer institution from August to October 2003 were retrospectively reviewed for increased FDG uptake in the mediastinum localized to fat on CT. The following features were recorded: location, appearance, maximal standard uptake value (SUV(max)) of hypermetabolic mediastinal brown fat, and presence of extramediastinal brown fat. RESULTS: PET/CT scans were obtained in 845 oncologic patients. Fifteen patients (1.8%) with focal hypermetabolic mediastinal brown fat were identified: nine women and two men (age range, 27-79; mean, 55.1 years) and four children (age range, 5-16 years; mean, 10 years). Hypermetabolic mediastinal brown fat (mean SUV(max), 5.7) was more common in children (4/8) than in adults (11/837) and more common in women (9/372) than in men (2/465). Foci of hypermetabolic brown fat were localized to the paratracheal, paraesophageal, prevascular, and pericardial regions; interatrial septum; and azygoesophageal recess. Five patients had focal hypermetabolic brown fat isolated to the mediastinum. Ten patients also had extramediastinal hypermetabolic brown fat in the neck, thorax, and abdomen. There was no difference in the body weight (p = 0.876) or body mass index (p = 0.538) of patients with hypermetabolic brown fat compared with age- and sex-matched control subjects. CONCLUSION: Hypermetabolic brown fat can be localized to the mediastinum and manifests as focal increased FDG uptake. Knowledge of this potential pitfall and precise localization with fusion PET/CT are important in preventing misinterpretation as malignancy.

Adipose Tissue, Brown↗
PubMed2003

Interobserver and intraobserver variability in measurement of non-small-cell carcinoma lung lesions: implications for assessment of tumor response.

PURPOSE: Response of solid malignancies to therapy is usually determined by serial measurements of tumor size. The purpose of our study was to assess the consistency of measurements performed by readers evaluating lung tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group was composed of 33 patients with lung tumors more than 1.5 cm. Bidimensional (BD) and unidimensional (UD) measurements were performed on computed tomography (CT) scans according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria and the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST), respectively. Measurements were performed independently by five thoracic radiologists using printed film and were repeated after 5 to 7 days. Inter- and intraobserver measurement variations were estimated through statistical modeling. RESULTS: There were 40 tumors with an average size of 1.8 to 8.0 cm (mean, 4.1 cm). Analysis of variance showed a significant difference (P <.05) among readers and among the measured nodules for UD and BD measurements. Interobserver misclassification rates were more than intraobserver misclassification rates using either progressive disease or response criteria. The probability of misclassifying a tumor with the WHO criteria or RECIST was greatest with interobserver measurements when criteria for progression (43% BD, 30% UD) were used and lowest with intraobserver measurements when criteria for response (2.5% BD, 3.0% UD) were used. In addition, interobserver misclassification rates were more than intraobserver misclassification rates for both regular and irregular tumors. CONCLUSION: Measurements of lung tumor size on CT scans are often inconsistent and can lead to an incorrect interpretation of tumor response. Consistency can be improved if the same reader performs serial measurements for any one patient.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Argon beam coagulator electrode tip mimicking a metallic foreign body.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose is to describe the appearance of an argon beam coagulator electrode tip that may become fractured and detached during surgery. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of the potential for fracture and detachment and recognition of the characteristic radiographic appearance of the argon beam coagulator electrode tip allows radiographic identification of this metallic foreign body.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Radiation injury of the lung after three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to describe the CT patterns of radiation injury in the lungs of patients who have undergone three-dimensional (3D) conformal radiation therapy (CRT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over a 36-month period, the chest CT scans of 19 patients with non-small cell lung cancer who were treated with 3D CRT were reviewed. CT scans were evaluated for findings of radiation injury (ground-glass opacities, consolidation, bronchiectasis, and volume loss). The presence, extent, and distribution of these findings were reached by consensus. RESULTS: Radiation pneumonitis limited to a small area immediately around the tumor was present in all patients who were imaged within 3 months after completion of the treatment (n = 7). Radiation-induced fibrosis occurred in all patients (n = 19). Three distinct patterns of fibrosis were consistently present, and these were classified as modified conventional, masslike, and scarlike. Modified conventional fibrosis (consolidation, volume loss, and bronchiectasis similar to, but less extensive than, conventional radiation fibrosis) was seen in five patients. Masslike fibrosis (focal consolidation with traction bronchiectasis limited to the site of the original tumor) was seen in eight patients. Scarlike fibrosis (linear opacity in the region of the original tumor associated with moderate to severe volume loss) was seen in six patients. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy results in three patterns of radiation fibrosis that differ from the conventional radiation-induced lung injury. Knowledge of the full spectrum of these manifestations is useful in the correct interpretation of CT scans after 3D CRT.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Hepatic segments II and III mimicking a lung mass: diagnosis of a normal variant using reformatted multiplanar CT images.

We describe a patient misinterpreted to have a lung mass on CT owing to extension of hepatic segments II and III between the diaphragm and spleen. This report underscores the importance of being aware of this normal anatomic variant and the utility of two-dimensional multiplanar reformation in interpretation of abnormalities in the region of the thoracoabdominal junction.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Pericardial "sleeve" recess of right inferior pulmonary vein mimicking adenopathy: computed tomography findings.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the computed tomography (CT) features of the pericardial "sleeve" recess of the right inferior pulmonary vein misinterpreted as adenopathy. METHOD: Six patients with fluid in the pericardial sleeve recess mistaken for adenopathy were retrospectively identified. The following CT features were assessed: location of fluid in relation to the vein, size, shape, attenuation, and mass effect on the inferior pulmonary vein. RESULTS: The most common presentation was fluid inferior and posterior to the vein. The anterior and posterior components are typically spindle shaped, whereas the superior and inferior components are ovoid. The attenuation values of the fluid ranged from 2-32 H (mean = 13 H). None of the fluid collections exerted mass effect on the right inferior pulmonary vein. CONCLUSION: Although fluid in the right pulmonary venous sleeve pericardial recess can mimic adenopathy, this accumulation has a characteristic appearance, and knowledge of this normal variant is useful in preventing misinterpretation.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Integrated positron emission tomography/computed tomography in patients with non-small cell lung cancer: normal variants and pitfalls.

The purpose of this pictorial essay is to illustrate a spectrum of normal variants and potential pitfalls in integrated positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) imaging in the evaluation of patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Knowledge of the normal variants and potential pitfalls in PET/CT imaging as well as patients' clinical histories, together with the use of CT to localize foci of increased tracer uptake accurately, is useful in preventing misinterpretation.

Adipose Tissue, Brown↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Primary thoracic sarcomas.

Primary sarcomas of the thorax are rare. The diagnosis is established only after sarcomalike primary lung malignancies and metastatic disease have been excluded. Primary sarcomas of the thorax are classified according to their histologic features and constitute a large group of tumors that occur in the lung, mediastinum, pleura, and chest wall. Angiosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and mesothelioma (sarcomatoid variant) are the most common primary intrathoracic sarcomas. Ewing sarcoma, primitive neuroectodermal tumor, chondrosarcoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, osteosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, and fibrosarcoma usually arise in the chest wall. Although primary thoracic sarcomas commonly manifest as large, heterogeneous masses, they have a wide spectrum of radiologic manifestations, including solitary pulmonary nodules, central endobronchial tumors, and intraluminal masses within the pulmonary arteries. The different histologic types of sarcomas are frequently indistinguishable at radiologic analysis. However, differences in clinical presentation and the location of the tumor, as well as morphologic features such as calcification within the mass and rib involvement, can be useful in suggesting the appropriate diagnosis. For example, a large rib mass in a child with fever and malaise indicates a Ewing sarcoma, a mass with a calcified matrix is likely a chondrosarcoma or osteosarcoma, and a pulmonary artery mass is likely a leiomyosarcoma.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Chest wall tumors: radiologic findings and pathologic correlation: part 1. Benign tumors.

Benign chest wall tumors are uncommon lesions that originate from blood vessels, nerves, bone, cartilage, or fat. Chest radiography is an important technique for evaluation of such tumors, especially those that originate from bone, because it can depict mineralization and thus indicate the diagnosis. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging are helpful in further delineating the location and extent of the tumor and in identifying tumor tissues and types. Although the radiologic manifestations of benign and malignant chest wall tumors frequently overlap, differences in characteristic location and appearance occasionally allow a differential diagnosis to be made with confidence. Such features include the presence of mature fat tissue with little or no septation (lipoma), the presence of phleboliths and characteristic vascular enhancement (cavernous hemangioma), evidence of neural origin combined with a targetlike appearance on MR images (neurofibroma), well-defined continuity of cortical and medullary bone with the site of origin (osteochondroma), or fusiform expansion and ground-glass matrix (fibrous dysplasia). Both aneurysmal bone cysts and giant cell tumors typically manifest as expansile osteolytic lesions and occasionally show fluid-fluid levels suggestive of diagnosis.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Chest wall tumors: radiologic findings and pathologic correlation: part 2. Malignant tumors.

Malignant chest wall tumors are classified into eight main diagnostic categories: muscular, vascular, fibrous and fibrohistiocytic, peripheral nerve, osseous and cartilaginous, adipose, hematologic, and cutaneous. However, there are malignant tumors that arise in the chest wall and that do not fit well in any of these categories (eg, Ewing sarcoma and synovial sarcoma). Malignant chest wall tumors typically manifest as painful, rapidly growing, large palpable masses. Chest radiography, the technique most often used for initial evaluation, can be helpful for detecting cortical destruction. However, computed tomography is more sensitive than chest radiography for detecting calcified tumor matrix and cortical destruction. Magnetic resonance imaging often allows more accurate delineation and localization of the tumor and is helpful for determining the presence and extent of tumor invasion and for tissue characterization. Although the imaging features of many malignant chest wall tumors are nonspecific, knowledge of the typical radiologic manifestations of these tumors often enables their differentiation from benign chest wall tumors and occasionally allows a specific diagnosis to be suggested. The article reviews the clinical and imaging features of the most common malignant chest wall tumors and presents images collected at a single cancer referral center.

Adult↗