Subclinical leaflet thrombosis was recently described in a randomized trial of transcatheter aortic valve replacement. It was subsequently demonstrated in a series of registries that this was a commonly observed imaging finding seen in all transcatheter and surgical bioprostheses. The phenomenon has aroused considerable interest due to the as-yet-undefined risk for later clinical events and the possibility of pharmacological intervention with anticoagulation. Subclinical leaflet thrombosis is easily detected noninvasively by technically suitable computed tomography (CT) with a high degree of concordance to transesophageal echocardiography findings. The CT hallmarks were noted to be hypoattenuated leaflet thickening (HALT) associated with reduced leaflet motion (RELM). The combination of HALT and RELM signified hypoattenuation affecting motion, the standardized imaging endpoint used. This paper describes the systematic CT evaluation methodology that was devised during the Portico trial investigation and U.S. Food and Drug Administration submission; it also highlights the need for an ongoing discussion among experts to enable, with the help of the Valve Academic Research Consortium, standardization of reporting of this imaging finding to cater to the present and future needs of clinical trials.

PurposeThyroid eye disease (TED) is a progressive, debilitating and potentially vision-threatening autoimmune disease. Teprotumumab, a novel human monoclonal antibody, has been shown to reverse the clinical manifestations of TED. Patients receiving teprotumumab have been shown in two multicenter, randomized placebo-controlled trials to have decreased proptosis, diplopia and inflammation after 24 weeks of treatment. This study aims to analyse volumetric and inflammatory changes on orbital imaging prior to and after teprotumumab treatment from one of these trials.DesignRetrospective review.SubjectsSix patients enrolled in the phase III teprotumumab clinical trial (OPTIC, NCT03298867) with active TED who received 24 weeks of teprotumumab and had pre- and post-treatment orbital imaging (CT or MRI). Additionally, 12 non-TED patients (24 orbits) were analysed as a comparative control group.Methods3D volumetric calculations of the extraocular muscles (EOMs), orbital fat, and bony orbit were measured using previously validated image processing software. 3D volumetric results and changes in EOM inflammation were compared with clinical measurements of TED.ResultsTotal EOM volume within each orbit was markedly reduced post-teprotumumab in all patients (n=six patients, 12/12 orbits, p<0.02). There was no statistical difference in post-treatment EOM volume when compared to non-TED controls. Total orbital fat volume was also reduced in 11 of 12 studied orbits (n=six patients, p=0.04). Overall EOM inflammation based on MRI signal intensity ratio was reduced in 8/8 orbits (n=four patients, p<0.01).ConclusionOrbital imaging demonstrated decreased EOM volumes and orbital fat tissue volumes after teprotumumab treatment.

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Computed tomography with multiple detectors and the advancement of processors improved rendered images and three-dimensional reconstructions in clinical practice. Traditional axial slices form non-intuitive images because they are seen in only one plane. The three-dimensional reconstructions can show structures details and diseases with complex anatomy in different perspectives. Cinematic rendering is a newly three-dimensional reconstruction technique, already approved for clinical use, which can produce realistic images from traditional computed tomography data. The algorithm used is based on light trajectory methods and the global lighting model, which simulate thousands of images from all possible directions. Thus, the technique shapes the physical propagation of light and generates a realistic three-dimensional image with depth, shadows and more anatomic details. It is a multidimensional rendering acquired through complex lighting effects. The aim of this article was to show the advance of three-dimensional technology with the cinematic rendering in images exams of the thoracic wall.

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Chronic pouchitis (CP) after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is a significant clinical problem. Adipose tissues produce antiinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. We evaluated the association between abdominal visceral fat area (VFA) and CP. Patients with a preoperative CT evaluation were included. The diagnosis of CP was confirmed in all cases by endoscopy with afferent ileal limb intubation. Patients were allocated into groups of high VFA and low VFA. The study cohort of 52 patients had a median body mass index of 22 (range, 14–32). Indications for surgery were medically refractory disease in 46 (88%) patients and cancer/dysplasia in six (12%) patients. Median VFA was 27.1 (range, 1–144). Six (12%) patients developed CP. Low VFA patients were significantly younger (29 vs 45 years; P < 0.0001), had lower body mass index (20.4 vs 24.7; P < 0.0001), had surgery more commonly for medically refractory disease than for cancer or dysplasia (100 vs 77%; P = 0.02), and had a higher incidence of CP than high VFA patients (23 vs 0%; P = 0.02). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that only low VFA was associated with CP (P = 0.009). An association is present between VFA and CP after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, implicating adipocytes in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease.

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