Citations

Abstract Introduction: While CT lung cancer screening reduces lung cancer-specific mortality, there are remaining challenges. Radiomic tools promiss to address these challenges, however, they are subject to interobserver variability if semi-automated segmentation techniques are used. Herein we report interobserver variability for two validated radiomic tools, BRODERS (Benign versus aggRessive nODule Evaluation using Radiomic Stratification) and CANARY (Computer-Aided Nodule Assessment and Risk Yield). Methods We retrospectively analyzed the CT images of 95 malignant lung nodules of the adenocarcinoma spectrum using BRODERS and CANARY. Cases were identified at Mayo Clinic (n = 45) and Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Nashville/Veteran Administration Tennessee Valley Health Care System (n = 50). Three observers with different training levels (medical student, internal medicine resident and thoracic radiology fellow) each performed lung nodule segmentation. All methods were carried out in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations Results Interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) of 0.77, 0.98 and 0.97 for the average nodule volume, BRODERS cancer probability and Score Indicative of Lesion Aggression (SILA) which summarizes the distribution of the CANARY exemplars indicated good to excellent reliability, respectively. The dice similarity coefficient was 0.79 and 0.81 for the data sets from the two institutions. Conclusion: BRODERS and CANARY are robust radiomics tools with excellent interobserver variability. These tools are simple and reliable regardless the observer/operator’s level of training.

AbstractBackgroundMany hospitalized patients do not understand or agree with their clinicians about their discharge plan. However, the effect of disagreement on discharge outcomes is unknown.ObjectiveTo measure the correlation between patient‐clinician care agreement and discharge outcomes.DesignA prospective cohort study was performed from September 2019 to March 2020 (Rochester, MN, USA).Setting and ParticipantsInternal medicine patients and their primary clinician (resident, advanced practice clinician or attending) hospitalized from September 2019‐March 2020 at Mayo Clinic Hospital. Participants were independently surveyed following hospital day #3 ward rounds regarding the goals of the hospitalization and discharge planning.Main Outcome and MeasuresPatient–clinician agreement for main diagnosis, patient's main concern, and four domains of discharge planning was assessed. Readiness for hospital discharge, delayed discharge, and 30‐day readmission was measured. Then, associations between patient‐clinician agreement, delayed discharge, and 30‐day readmissions were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsOf the 436 patients and clinicians, 17.7% completely agreed about what needs to be accomplished before dismissal, 40.8% agreed regarding discharge date, and 71.1% agreed regarding discharge location. In the multivariable model, patient–clinician agreement scores were not significantly correlated with discharge outcomes. Patient–clinician agreement on discharge location was higher for those discharged to home (81.5%) versus skilled nursing facility (48.5%) or assisted living (42.9%) (p < .0001). The agreement on the expected length of stay was highest for home‐goers (45.9%) compared to skilled nursing (32.0%) or assisted living (21.4%) (p = .004).ConclusionsPatients and their clinicians frequently disagree about when and where a patient will go after hospitalization, particularly for those discharged to a skilled nursing facility. While disagreement did not predict discharge outcomes, our findings suggest opportunities to improve effective communication and promote shared mental models regarding discharge earlier in the hospital stay.

INTRODUCTION: Recurrent pancreatitis with pseudocyst can present with gastric outlet obstruction. Endoscopic evaluation should be utilized in certain contexts, especially to exclude more sinister causes of this presentation. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 43-year-old woman with a history of alcohol use disorder presented with a gastric outlet obstruction. This was felt secondary to a pancreatic pseudocyst given multiple episodes of recurrent pancreatitis, the last being 1 week prior to her current admission. On presentation, physical exam was significant for ascites and epigastric tenderness. Labs were notable for AST 214 U/L, ALT 99 U/L, alkaline phosphatase 147 U/L, lipase of 203 U/L, and negatives serum alcohol. Notably, Ca 19-9 was elevated to 154 IU/mL during admission 2 weeks prior. Computed tomography chest and abdomen revealed bilateral pleural effusions, pseudocyst, and abdominal ascites. A thoracentesis and paracentesis were performed with cytology for both peritoneal fluid and pleural fluid confirming metastatic adenocarcinoma. Given her refractory symptoms, an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) was performed which showed an obstructing tumor at the gastric outlet with biopsies revealing poorly differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma. A gastric stent was placed; however, she had continued nausea and vomiting. Repeat EGD showed gastric stent failure and subsequent endoscopic gastrojejunostomy with Axios stent was placed. The patient's functional status declined rapidly as a result of her advanced malignancy and on hospital day 8 she suffered a cardiac arrest, passing shortly after being transitioned to comfort cares. DISCUSSION: The patient's prior history of alcohol use disorder, recurrent pancreatitis, and imaging consistent with pancreatic pseudocyst made this case prone to numerous cognitive errors initially obscuring the etiology of her gastric outlet obstruction and pancreatitis. By reframing the presentation, we were able to question pancreatic pseudocyst as the sole source of the gastric outlet obstruction. Traditionally, Ca 19-9 is associated with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. It also can be elevated in the setting of other gastric malignancies and acute pancreatitis. In pancreatitis, absolute value and trends of Ca 19-9 can help differentiate between pancreatitis and malignancy. The diagnostic uncertainty around this patient's presentation with recurrent pancreatitis, pseudocyst, and gastric outlet obstruction required endoscopic evaluation to ultimately diagnose metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma.