Bolan, Candice W.

Objective This study aimed to evaluate a deep learning protocol to identify neoplasia in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia (IPMN) in comparison to current radiographic criteria. Methods A computer-aided framework was designed using convolutional neural networks to classify IPMN. The protocol was applied to magnetic resonance images of the pancreas. Features of IPMN were classified according to American Gastroenterology Association guidelines, Fukuoka guidelines, and the new deep learning protocol. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated using surgically resected cystic lesions or healthy controls. Results Of 139 cases, 58 (42%) were male; mean (standard deviation) age was 65.3 (11.9) years. Twenty-two percent had normal pancreas; 34%, low-grade dysplasia; 14%, high-grade dysplasia; and 29%, adenocarcinoma. The deep learning protocol sensitivity and specificity to detect dysplasia were 92% and 52%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity to identify high-grade dysplasia or cancer were 75% and 78%, respectively. Diagnostic performance was similar to radiologic criteria. Areas under the receiver operating curves (95% confidence interval) were 0.76 (0.70–0.84) for American Gastroenterology Association, 0.77 (0.70–0.85) for Fukuoka, and 0.78 (0.71–0.85) for the deep learning protocol ( P = 0.90). Conclusions The deep learning protocol showed accuracy comparable to current radiographic criteria. Computer-aided frameworks could be implemented as aids for radiologists to identify high-risk IPMN.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by mutations in the gene that encodes for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator protein (CFTR). CFTR gene mutations manifest as epithelial cell dysfunction in the airways, biliary tract, pancreas, gut, sweat glands, paranasal sinuses, and genitourinary tract. The clinical manifestations of this dysfunction include respiratory tract infections, bronchiectasis, pancreatic insufficiency, malabsorption, intestinal obstruction, liver disease, and male infertility. The liver disease manifestations of CF can include biliary disease, multilobular cirrhosis, and portal hypertension with and without cirrhosis. Pulmonary disease is the main cause for morbidity and mortality in individuals with CF, and according to the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation, CF is the third most common indication for lung transplantation in adults, accounting for 16% of procedures performed. The survival after lung transplantation in individuals with CF continues to improve and is now the highest among end‐stage lung diseases requiring transplant. The survival rate at 10 years is close to 50%. Given the potential presence of liver disease in CF patients undergoing an evaluation for lung transplantation and in lung transplant recipients, it is important to understand the manifestations of liver disease in CF patients and the recommended workup and follow‐up. This review aims to discuss the current literature and provide guidance in the management of these patients.

Background Venous congestion after deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction is a complication that may be partially attributable to variations in venous abdominal wall anatomy. In previous work, we have shown that ferumoxytol may be used as a bloodpool contrast agent to perform high-resolution venous imaging. Our current aim was to use this technology to perform a detailed analysis of the venous anatomy among patients undergoing DIEP flap breast reconstruction. Methods All patients undergoing DIEP flap reconstruction with preoperative ferumoxytol-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (FE-MRA) were retrospectively reviewed. A detailed anatomic analysis of each abdominal wall on FE-MRAwas performed before review of operative findings. Statistical analysis was used to determine venous characteristics associated with superficial inferior epigastric vein (SIEV) augmentation. Results From 2012 to 2016, 59 patients underwent preoperative FE-MRA. This resulted in imaging for 118 hemiabdomen and 99 flaps. Superficial-deep communication was identified in 117 of 118 hemiabdomen. Fifty (93%) of 59 patients had greater than 1-mm venous communication of the superficial system across midline. Reconstructed breasts were based on dominant medial row perforators in 82 (83%) of 99 flaps. The mean diameters of the SIEVand dominant venous perforator were 3.8 and 2.8mm, respectively. Anatomic characteristics associated with SIEVaugmentation included SIEVdiameter ( P = 0.01), dominant perforator diameter ( P = 0.04), and the ratio between these 2 variables ( P = 0.001). Conclusions Ferumoxytol-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography provides excellent imaging of the venous system. Anatomic characteristics such as the diameter of the SIEVand the diameter of the dominant perforator may be useful in determining which flaps require venous augmentation using the SIEV.