Citations

BACKGROUND: Children continue to undergo right hemicolectomy (RHC) for neuroendocrine tumors (NET) of the appendix based on adult guidelines. Appendectomy alone is recommended for the pediatric population; however, there are no data on safety of this approach in the setting of positive margins. This study aimed to determine the association between tumor characteristics and survival in a national cohort, hypothesizing that survival would be excellent despite high-risk features including positive margins on appendectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Patients 18 years of age or younger with NET of the appendix were identified in the National Cancer Database from 2004 to 2022 using ICD-O-3 codes. Characteristics of patients who underwent definitive appendectomy vs RHC were compared using chi-square tests. Five-year survival was determined for appendectomy patients with and without high-risk size, margin, and lymph node (LN) features. RESULTS: Of 1,339 patients, 1,156 (86%) underwent appendectomy and 183 (14%) RHC. Median age in both groups was 15 (13 to 17) years. Patients who underwent RHC had larger tumors (24% vs 4%, greater than 2 cm, p < 0.001), more lymphovascular invasion (31% vs 10%, p < 0.001), and were more likely to undergo LN assessment (82% vs 10%, p < 0.001) with a higher LN positivity rate (31% vs 16%, p = 0.006). There was no difference in margins status (p = 0.76). The 5- and 10-year survival was excellent regardless of tumor characteristics for patients overall (99.9% and 99.4%, respectively) and for those who underwent definitive appendectomy (99.9% and 99.2%). CONCLUSIONS: These data further support appendectomy as definitive management for children with appendiceal NET. Additional resection does not confer a survival benefit even in the setting of positive margins.

Abstract Aims Catheter ablation is commonly performed in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) for management of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). The impact of catheter ablation on cardiac function is unknown. The aim is to assess the impact of catheter ablation for VAs on cardiac function in patients with ARVC. Methods and results This retrospective study included consecutive patients with ARVC who underwent catheter ablation for VAs. Cardiac and valvular functions were assessed on pre- and post-procedure cardiac imaging. The severities of tricuspid regurgitation, pulmonic regurgitation, right ventricular (RV) enlargement, and RV systolic dysfunction was graded as absent (=0), mild (=1), mild-moderate (=2), moderate (=3), moderate-severe (=4), or severe (=5). Thirty-four patients were included. Median age at the time of ablation was 49 [inter-quartile range (IQR), 23] years, and 10 (29%) patients were female. After a median follow-up of 1 (IQR, 0) day, 11 (34%) patients had worsening RV function, and 4 (12%) patients had worsening left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) &gt;5%. Five (15%) patients required inotropic support. After a median follow-up of 6.5 (IQR, 6.4) months, 20 (59%) patients had repeat transthoracic echocardiograms. Among patients with worsening RV function post-ablation, one-sixth (17%) had improvement in the RV function at follow-up. In contrast, among patients who had an acute drop in LVEF post-ablation, two-thirds (67%) had improvement at follow-up. Conclusion Right ventricular dysfunction following catheter ablation in patients with ARVC is common, affecting one-third of patients. Patients undergoing catheter ablation of VAs should be counselled on the potential negative impact of ablation on cardiac function.

Abstract Background: Rectosigmoid endometriosis (RSE) presents with a diverse array of MRI findings that impact surgical planning. No standardized reporting and data system has been established for RSE. Purpose: We propose a novel MRI scoring system designed to predict the likelihood of muscularis propria (MP) involvement in RSE, which would, in turn, influence surgical planning. Material and Methods: The records of patients with bowel endometriosis treated surgically from May 2018 to June 2022 were retrieved. Surgery was classified as partial thickness discoid, full thickness discoid, or segmental resection. Each pre-treatment MRI was scored based on the mutual agreement of two abdominal radiologists (reference score). The MRI score was defined as (1) score 0: no evidence of RSE, (2) score 1: minimal tethering involving the serosal surface without MP involvement, (3) score 2: intermediate soft tissue thickening involving the rectosigmoid colon with indeterminate MP involvement, or (4) score 3: definite mushroom cap sign or definite MP involvement. In the reader study, two radiologists independently scored each exam. The area under the curve (AUC) was evaluated for predicting the need for segmental or full thickness discoid resection. Results: The cohort consisted of 95 patients (median age: 36 years); 16, 14, 30, and 35 patients had MRI score 0, 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Patients with MRI scores 3 and 2 underwent partial thickness discoid (6% vs 50%), full thickness discoid (6% vs 17%), and segmental resection (89% vs 33%), respectively. All patients with MRI scores 1 or 0 either underwent partial thickness discoid resection or did not undergo rectosigmoid surgery. The AUCs were 92.2%, 84.5% and 93.9% for MRI scores of the reference, reader 1, and 2, respectively. Conclusion: Our MRI scoring system based on suspected depth of bowel invasion showed good diagnostic performance to predict the type of surgical intervention needed. Summary Statement This novel MRI scoring system for rectosigmoid endometriosis is a concise and qualitative scale based on suspected depth of bowel wall invasion to best guide operative planning.

ABSTRACTBackgroundArtificial intelligence (AI)‐based imaging analysis and circulating tumor‐associated DNA (ctDNA) are both being used diagnostically in HPV‐driven oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma (HPV‐OPSCC). We evaluated associations between AI‐measured tumor burden and ctDNA.MethodsWe analyzed 170 patients treated definitively for HPV‐OPSCC. All had pre‐treatment serum tumor‐tissue modified viral (TTMV) ctDNA levels. An AI algorithm measured tumor and lymph nodes on CT scans. Linear regressions detected associations between ctDNA (fragments/mL) and automated volumes, clinical tumor (T) and nodal (N) stage, and disease factors.ResultsAutomated tumor volume (coeff = 39.43, p < 0.001), nodal volume (coeff = 39.54, p < 0.001), T stage (coeff = 1031.09, p = 0.009), and N stage (coeff = 1840, p = 0.018) were associated with ctDNA. On multivariable analysis, tumor (coeff = 34.79, p = 0.001) and nodal volumes (coeff = 24.68, p = 0.022) were associated with ctDNA; T and N stage were not.ConclusionsAutomated volumetrics are independently and more strongly associated with ctDNA, compared with clinical stage. Automated volumetrics provide a practical correlate to ctDNA.

Objective: To assess the impact of extent of parotidectomy on surgical and oncologic outcomes in low grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma (LGMEC). Methods: A retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing primary surgical treatment for LGMEC from 2000 to 2022 was conducted. Clinical features collected included demographics, facial nerve function, operative techniques, postoperative complications/facial nerve function, and recurrence. Results: 58 patients were included; 10 patients underwent partial parotidectomy (PP), 38 underwent superficial parotidectomy (SP), and 10 underwent near-total/total parotidectomy. PP and SP patients had smaller tumors and more superficial tumors compared to near-total/total parotidectomy group ( P = .03). PP and SP were more likely to have negative margins and less locoregional disease compared to near-total/total parotidectomy patients ( P < .01). Near-total/total parotidectomy were more likely to undergo facial nerve resection (20% vs 0% for PP & SP respectively) ( P = .05). Immediate postoperative facial nerve function was significantly better among PP patients (73% HB I) compared to SP (44% HB I) and near-total/total parotidectomy patients (0% HB I) ( P < .01). Most patients regained their facial nerve function although only 40% of the near-total/total parotidectomy patients had a HB I at the time of last follow up ( P < .01). Patients were followed for a median of 6.2 years, during which only 1 patient (total parotidectomy) had a recurrence. Conclusions: PP offers a safe and effective approach for small LGMEC tumors, ensuring better facial nerve function postoperatively with minimal complications compared to more extensive surgery.

Abstract Obstetric training programs typically offer limited formal education on placental pathology; yet, in practice, obstetric providers are expected to incorporate placental pathology findings into the overall evaluation of obstetric complications. In this narrative review, we briefly review pathology classifications and then delve deeper into pathology findings that may change clinical decision‐making, specifically highlighting pathologic lesions with a recurrence risk and recommended management for subsequent pregnancies. Last, we present specific recommendations on how to improve clinical interpretability and utility of placental pathology reports for obstetrical practice.

ABSTRACT Background Incident atrial functional mitral regurgitation (AFMR) is associated with mortality. Transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair (TEER) has shown effectiveness in improving MR and symptoms in AFMR, but previous studies lacked comparison to conservative management. We aimed to study the association of AFMR severity and mitral TEER with symptoms, heart failure hospitalizations (HFH) and all‐cause mortality in moderate/severe AFMR. Methods Consecutive adults with moderate/severe AFMR managed conservatively or with TEER 2010−2023 were identified retrospectively. To ensure similar technique in evaluation in the two groups, variables were obtained from the closest transthoracic echocardiogram before TEER in the TEER group. In addition to multivariable analysis, the association of TEER (vs. conservative management) with HFH and mortality was assessed using propensity‐score matched analyses; the propensity score was based on age, sex, EuroSCORE II, effective regurgitant orifice area, integrative MR severity, and NYHA class III/IV (vs. I/II). Results Among 230 patients with moderate/severe AFMR [mean age 77; 56% females], 46 were managed with TEER. Severe (vs. moderate) AFMR was independently associated with baseline NYHA class III/IV (multivariable OR 2.18 [95% CI 1.13−4.26]) and HFH [multivariable HR 2.75 (95% CI 1.25−6.03)] but not mortality ( p = 0.26). TEER improved MR to ≤ moderate in 93% but was not associated with lower HFH or death rates versus conservative management on multivariable or matched analysis. However, 1‐year NYHA improved more with TEER versus conservative management in patients with baseline NYHA class III/IV (62% vs. 27%, p = 0.03). Rhythm control was associated with improved survival (HR 0.38 [0.15−0.98]). Conclusions AFMR severity was associated with symptoms and HFH but not mortality. MR severity and NYHA class improved with TEER, but the association of TEER with HF hospitalizations or death remains unproven. Randomized studies are needed to evaluate the potential role of TEER and rhythm control on outcomes in AFMR.

ABSTRACT In 2005, the Paediatric Radiation Oncology Society (PROS), a multi‐professional association to promote radiotherapy for children and young people, was created. Its mission has been to educate those involved in this field, and to improve the standards of radiation oncology care for children, adolescents, and young adults across the globe, not least in less privileged settings where the majority of the world's children, and most with cancer, live. Through regular congresses, and joint meetings with the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP), PROS has facilitated a focus on this treatment modality, and advocated on behalf of those who might benefit from it.