Abstract 144: Value of CT Perfusion Imaging Among Patients With Minor Stroke

Stroke, Volume 55, Issue Suppl_1, Page A144-A144, February 1, 2024. Introduction:CTP has increasingly been incorporated into the evaluation of all patients with suspected acute ischemic stroke (AIS), including those with minor symptoms. We aimed to assess the incremental value of CTP in acute treatment decision-making among patients with low NIHSS.Methods:We performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent CTP upon presentation to the ED at three academic, urban hospitals in Philadelphia, PA between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022. We collected data on initial NIHSS score, AIS treatment decisions, subsequent neuroimaging, and final diagnosis.Results:There were 531 patients with a median age of 64.5 years (IQR 54-73) and 56% were women. 73% were Black or African American, 20% White, and 4% Asian. Frequency of CTP imaging by initial NIHSS score is presented in the Figure. Among 90 patients (16.9%) with NIHSS≤2, CTP imaging was cited as justification for AIS treatment (thrombolysis, thrombectomy, or both) in 0 (0%, 95% CI: 0-4%). Specifically, among 41 patients (7.7%) with NIHSS≤1, 0 received thrombolysis or thrombectomy, and 12 (29.2%) were ultimately diagnosed with AIS on CT/MRI. Among 49 with NIHSS=2 (9.2%), 2 patients received thrombolysis (based on clinical exam, CTP was normal) and one later underwent thrombectomy based on clinical decompensation with repeat NIHSS=7, and 28.6% had AIS on CT/MRI. Meanwhile, among 33 patients with NIHSS=3, acute treatment was given to 3 and CTP influenced AIS treatment decisions in 2 (6.1%). Among 59 patients with NIHSS=4, acute treatment was given to 4 and CTP influenced decision-making in 3 (5.1%). CTP mismatch ratio was > 1.7 in all 5 patients who received acute treatment and had NIHSS of 3 or 4.Conclusions:CTP is frequently performed in patients with low NIHSS. It had limited impact on acute treatment decisions, notably none among those with NIHSS≤2, suggesting that CTP may be over-utilized in this subset of patients with AIS.

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Febbraio 2024

Abstract WMP61: Assessment of Carotid Artery Plaques With Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer Imaging

Stroke, Volume 55, Issue Suppl_1, Page AWMP61-AWMP61, February 1, 2024. Background:Assessing carotid artery plaques in stenosis is crucial for treatment strategies and safety. Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST)-MRI, particularly Amide proton transfer (APT) imaging, shows promise in molecular imaging. This study explores the correlation between APT imaging and histopathological findings of carotid artery plaques in 34 consecutive patients who had carotid endarterectomy. We investigated the utility of CEST-MRI as a preoperative plaque diagnostic tool.Methods:APT imaging evaluated plaques prior to the procedures. APT signal values were derived from concentration maps. Plaques were categorized into Group A (APT signal values ≥ 1.90 E-04) and Group B (APT signal values < 1.90 E-04). Postoperative histopathological assessments were conducted on the excised plaques. Histology slides were categorized following AHA’s classification, distinguishing type VI lesions with intraplaque hemorrhage from non-type VI lesions.Results:Type VI lesions accounted for 64.7% (22 cases), while non-type VI lesions were 35.3% (12 cases). Type VI group showed significantly higher mean APT signal values (2.72 ± 1.96 E-04) compared to non-type VI group (0.70 ± 0.59 E-04) (p < 0.001). Pathologically, Group A had a significantly higher proportion of Type VI lesions (100%) than Group B (45%) (p < 0.01). Symptomatic patients or patients with worsening stenosis rates were significantly higher in Group A (75%) than Group B (36%) (p < 0.01).Conclusion:Elevated APT signals were observed in unstable plaques with intraplaque hemorrhage and in plaques of symptomatic or progressive stenosis patients. CEST-MRI evaluation is valuable for assessing plaque characteristics and activity.

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Febbraio 2024

Abstract WP219: Diffusion Weighted Imaging Characteristics in Deep White and Gray Matter Structures in Pediatric Patients With Moyamoya Disease

Stroke, Volume 55, Issue Suppl_1, Page AWP219-AWP219, February 1, 2024. Background:Moyamoya Disease (MMD) is a steno-occlusive arteriopathy associated with transient ischemic attacks, stroke, and cognitive impairments. In adult MMD, normal-appearing deep gray and white matter structures (NADWM) show diffusion changes that are associated with cognitive impairments. Apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC] measures the mean diffusion and is sensitive to these changes. The association of ADC changes in NADWM in pediatric MMD is not clear. Our objective is to determine whether ADC is elevated in NADWM in pediatric MMD patients.Hypothesis:ADC values in NADWM will be elevated in MMD patients compared to controls.Methods:Twenty-nine MMD patients and no stroke and 7 healthy controls (HC) were included in a single center, retrospective study. Diffusion and T1-weighted images were analyzed. We constructed a script implementing a convolutional neural network (CNN) based approach to segment and binarize cortical regions of interest (ROI) and allow extraction of ADC values (units =[x10-6mm2/s]). Segmented ROIs included: 1) all white matter (WM), and NADWM including: 2) thalamus, 3) caudate, 4) putamen, 5) globus pallidus, 6) hippocampus. Mean ADC values were compared for: 1) all ROIs between MMD and controls, and 2) all ROIs in the MMD affected and the contralateral hemispheres within the MMD group.Results:Patients were on average 7.7+5.4 years at MMD diagnosis. In all WM, MMD patients had significantly higher ADC values than controls in the left (mean= 865.7+101.6 versus 762.4+21.6, p=0.01) and right hemispheres (mean= 869.9+104.9 versus 761.0+21.3, p=.01), respectively. In NADGM, there were no significant differences found between the MMD and control groups in any of the NADGM ROIs. In the NADGM of MMD patients, higher ADC values were found in the putamen (mean= 778.2+46.0, p=0.041), hippocampus (mean=1009.5+58.6, p=0.005) and all NAWM (mean= 860.3+57.0, p

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Febbraio 2024

Abstract NS1: Thrombolytic Door to Needle Times: Impact of Additional Multimodal Neuroimaging With Initial Imaging for All Patients versus Large Vessel Occlusion Screen Triage

Stroke, Volume 55, Issue Suppl_1, Page ANS1-ANS1, February 1, 2024. Background:Comprehensive Stroke Program identified increased thrombolytic door to needle times [DTN-t] for stroke alert patients [SA]. To increase numbers treated with [w/] mechanical thrombectomy [MT], the decision was made to perform additional multimodal neuroimaging [AMN] w/initial imaging for all SA & before thrombolytic. Prior to this, the Vision, Aphasia, Neglect [VAN] Large Vessel Occlusion [LVO] screening tool was used to triage for AMN. When compared to LVO screen triage, AMN for all SA demonstrated an overall increase in neuroimaging without increasing sensitivity of MT triage [Patterson et al, 2023].Purpose:Evaluate impact of AMN w/initial imaging for all SA on timely administration of thrombolytic.Method:Retrospective review of 220 SA receiving thrombolytic over 24-months was conducted, w/38 excluded for documented valid delay reasons & 156 receiving AMN before thrombolytic. The NIHSS was evaluated for components of the LVO screening tool to determine VAN [+] or [-]. For VAN [-] SA time required for AMN was subtracted from DTN-t & adjusted times assigned [A-DTN-t]. The group was divided into all SA, NIHSS 0-5 & NIHSS ≥6 & compared to determine impact on DTN-t.Results:A-DTN-t using LVO screen triage resulted in fewer AMN prior to DTN-t with a 5% increase in DTN-t ≤45 minutes [m] in all groups. For DTN-t ≤30m there was a 5% increase in all SA & in NIHSS ≥6, w/a 2% increase in NIHSS 0-5.Conclusion:Clinical Practice Guidelines state thrombolytic therapy is time-dependent & most beneficial when not delayed for AMN. Performing AMN w/initial imaging & before thrombolytic for all SA resulted in delayed administration of thrombolytic without increasing sensitivity of MT triage when compared to utilizing LVO screen triage.

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Febbraio 2024

Abstract TP150: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Predictors of Atrial Fibrillation in Cryptogenic Stroke Cases

Stroke, Volume 55, Issue Suppl_1, Page ATP150-ATP150, February 1, 2024. Introduction:Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the US, with 20-40% of cases, classified as cryptogenic or with an unexplained cause. Detection of one cause, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF), is critical to ensuring optimal treatment with direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC). Currently, the most reliable AF detection strategy is use of an insertable cardiac monitor (ICM). However, earlier detection of occult cardioembolic patterns using MRI may promote earlier decisions for DOAC use. The overall goal of this study is to determine if MRI lesion patterns are predictive of AF detection by ICM.Methodology:Cases of consecutive patients (1/1/2015 – 12/31/2017) with MRI-confirmed stroke performed 48h from time last known well and prior to endovascular treatment were retrospectively analyzed. The primary outcome, presence of occult atrial fibrillation, was detected by ICM placement within 90 days and follow-up within 180 days from stroke. Four imaging patterns were tested as predictors of AF: i) acute stroke lesion involving multiple vascular territories (MVT, i.e. right or left carotid and/or posterior circulation), ii) MVT plus wedge-shaped cortical infarct or chronic stroke on FLAIR, iii) MVT involving 3 territories, and iv) MVT in 3 territories plus chronic FLAIR lesion. Adjustment variables were based on univariate logistic regression predictors of AF at P ≤0.1000.Results:Of the 101 cases in this analysis, the median age was 63 years and 49.5% male. Stroke in multiple vascular territories MVT was present in 22/101 (22%) at baseline. The total AF 6-month detection rate was 36/101 (36%). The imaging pattern most predictive of AF was pattern ii, MVT plus chronic FLAIR with an unadjusted odds ratio (OR) of 3.47, 95% CI of 0.3442-2.1731, P=.0073. The adjusted OR (age ≥ 55, history of stroke, and history of TIA,) was 3.26, 95% CI: 1.0358-11.1860,P=.0480.Conclusion:The presence of acute lesions in MVT and a chronic FLAIR lesion may be a biomarker of occult cardioembolic source that could be used early after the onset of stroke to determine optimal DOAC use for secondary prevention and potential risk reduction of stroke recurrence from suspected but unproven cardioembolic source.Funding:Lone Star Stroke Research Consortium

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Febbraio 2024

Abstract TMP16: Impact of Door-to-Imaging and Imaging-to-Door Times on Door-in-Door-out Times in Interhospital Transfers of Patients With Stroke

Stroke, Volume 55, Issue Suppl_1, Page ATMP16-ATMP16, February 1, 2024. Introduction:Urgent inter-hospital transfer ensures timely access to therapies for acute ischemic stroke. Door-in-door-out (DIDO) represents the total amount of time a patient spends in the transferring emergency department (ED) before transfer. DIDO time is an important quality metric for the care of acute stroke; however, little is known about the influence of process steps on DIDO times and which steps most often cause delays.Methods:This was a retrospective cohort study of patients in the American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke registry with ischemic stroke presenting January 2019 to December 2021 transferred from the ED at the presenting hospital to another acute care hospital for evaluation of thrombolytics, endovascular therapy or post-thrombolytic care. The primary independent variables were door-to-imaging and imaging-to-door times, and the primary outcome was DIDO time. Multivariate GEE regression models were performed to assess the comparative contributions of interval process times to variation in DIDO time, controlling for patient and hospital-level characteristics.Results:Among 24,662 patients (50.5% male, mean age 68.3 years, 73.2% White), mean DIDO time was 171.4 min (SD: 149.5), mean door-to-imaging time was 18.3 min (SD: 34.1) and mean imaging-to-door time was 153.1 min (SD: 141.5). A 1 min increase in door-to-imaging time was associated with a 1.33 min increase in the mean DIDO time, while a 1 min increase in imaging-to-door time was associated with a 1.02 min increase in mean DIDO time. The baseline model (without door-to-imaging or imaging-to-door included) had an R2 of 0.03. With door-to-imaging included in the GEE model, R2 was 0.13; whereas the model with imaging-to-door included had an R2 of 0.95.Conclusion:Imaging-to-door time accounts for a greater proportion of the variance in DIDO times than door-to-imaging time. Though the opportunity for improvement in DIDO is greater through reduction of imaging-to-door time, door-to-imaging time has greater per-minute effect on DIDO. While existing guidelines and care resources heavily focus on reducing door-to-imaging times, further attention is warranted to reduce imaging-to-door times in the management of acute ischemic stroke.

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Febbraio 2024

Abstract 38: Temporal Changes in Intracranial Arterial Diseases: A Longitudinal High-Resolution Vessel Wall Imaging Analysis

Stroke, Volume 55, Issue Suppl_1, Page A38-A38, February 1, 2024. Introduction:Temporal changes of intracranial arterial disease (ICAD) in patients with ischemic stroke in high-resolution vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI) have not been elucidated.Methods:We recruited consecutive ICAD-related ischemic stroke patients admitted between June 2016 and June 2019 and had subsequent HR-VWI follow-ups. On HR-VWI, we manually segmented the lumen area (LA), total vessel area (TVA), and enhancing area (EA) of the culprit lesion’s most stenotic part in the perpendicular section on T1-weighted, proton density, and post-contrast T1-weighted sequences. We defined the area stenosis as [1-LA/TVA]х100 (%) and the enhancing proportion as EA/TVAх100 (%). Enhancement ratio of the enhancing lesion was also quantified. Three raters independently quantified the imaging using ITK-SNAP with acceptable inter-rater reliability.Results:A total of 208 patients (age 57±14, male 58%) with 469 HR-VWIs (2-6 scans per patient) were included. The causes of ICAD were atherosclerosis (69%), dissection (24%), vasculitis (3%), moyamoya disease (1%), and other causes (2%). The median follow-up duration was 9.0 months (interquartile range: 3.9-13.2 months), and the maximum follow-up duration was 41.3 months. Among patients with atherosclerosis, area stenosis aggravated, stable, and improved in 7%, 77%, and 16%, respectively, with an overall rate of 0.23 ± 0.07% improvement per month. Among patients with dissection, area stenosis aggravated, stable, and improved in 2%, 49%, and 49%, respectively, with an overall rate of 2.11 ± 0.26% improvement per month (Figure,P-for-difference < 0.01). The temporal changes of the enhancing proportion and enhancement ratio were different between atherosclerosis and dissection (Figure,P< 0.01).Conclusions:ICAD lesions had dynamic changes over time; the temporal changes of atherosclerosis and dissection are distinct. Serial HR-VWI can offer insights for a more accurate diagnosis of the underlying pathologies of ICADs.

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Febbraio 2024

Abstract 89: Portable, Low-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Determining Mismatch Following Acute Ischemic Stroke

Stroke, Volume 55, Issue Suppl_1, Page A89-A89, February 1, 2024. Background and Aims:Treatment options for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) are uniquely dependent on the time of stroke onset. Intravenous thrombolysis must be administered within 4.5 hours of symptoms commencing, yet a subset of patients wake-up with symptoms and time of onset is unknown. Mismatch between fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) MRI can be used to qualify wake-up strokes for thrombolysis. This has been shown to lead to improved functional outcomes in multicenter trials (WAKE-UP, MR-WITNESS). However, access to MRI is a barrier to differential diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Recent advances in portable, low-field MRI (LF-MRI) offer a solution to increase access to MRI technologies and circumvent the limitations of conventional systems. As such, in this pilot study, we sought to establish the utility of portable LF-MRI to identify DWI-FLAIR mismatch following AIS.Methods:Patients with a diagnosis of AIS presenting to Emergency Department or Intensive Care Unit of the Yale New Haven Hospital or Massachusetts General Hospital from January 2020 to June 2023 underwent DWI and FLAIR acquisition on a 0.064T MRI (Hyperfine Research Inc.) at

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Febbraio 2024

Abstract TP12: Changes in Plasma Metabolites Reflect Lesional Iron Content and Permeability Imaging as Monitoring Biomarkers of Hemorrhage in Cavernous Angiomas

Stroke, Volume 55, Issue Suppl_1, Page ATP12-ATP12, February 1, 2024. Background:Increase in mean lesional iron content (≥6%) measurement by QSM and vascular permeability (≥ 40%) assessed by DCEQP MRI have been associated with new bleeding in cavernous angiomas (CA), and are used as monitoring biomarkers in clinical trial of pharmacotherapy in CAs with symptomatic hemorrhage (SH). Plasma metabolites have been associated with CA in unsupervised discovery, and linked mechanistically to the permissive microbiome and angiogenic and inflammatory mechanisms in CAs. To date, their levels change has not been compared to lesional QSM and DCEQP change during prospective monitoring.Methods:Fifty-nine paired plasma samples and MRI sequences were simultaneously acquired in 46 subjects at beginning and end of 1-year epochs in prospective follow-up of cases with CA enrolled in clinical trial after SH. Plasma levels of 14 metabolites previously associated with CA were assayed by liquid-chromatography mass spectrometry, and their changes were compared to changes in mean lesional QSM and DCEQP during the same epochs. Univariate correlations were followed by multivariate analyses combining multiple metabolites levels to minimize Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) or increase R2. Accuracy (AUC on receiver operating curves) and sum of squared error (SSE) are reported for associations achieving statistical significance with FDR correction.Results:Aceltyl.L.carnitine absolute change was correlated with QSM absolute change (p=0.01). Highest accuracy for lesional ΔθΣμ ινχρεασε ≥6% was reported for the absolute change of Arachidonic Acid + LPE.18.0 (AUC 99.7%; SD 0.003; p0.01). Relative change of Arachidonic Acid + Hypoxanthine + Piperine, and absolute change of LPE.18.0 + Pipecolic Acid + Piperine had the highest accuracy (AUC 99.1%; SD 0.008 and 98.0%; 0.013) for lesional DCEQP increase of ≥40%. Relative change in Phenylacetylglutamine and LPE.18.0+Piperine reported the lowest SSE (9.77; 438.33) with respective QSM and DCEQP relative changeConclusion:Changes in circulating metabolites accurately reflect changes in lesional iron content and permeability in CASH during yearly follow-up. Results are a proof of concept that blood tests could replace more complex and costly imaging biomarkers in monitoring CA hemorrhage.

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Febbraio 2024

Dynamic Imaging of Blood Coagulation Within the Hematoma of Patients With Acute Hemorrhagic Stroke

Stroke, Ahead of Print. BACKGROUND:The dynamics of blood clot (combination of Hb [hemoglobin], fibrin, and a higher concentration of aggregated red blood cells) formation within the hematoma of an intracerebral hemorrhage is not well understood. A quantitative neuroimaging method of localized coagulated blood volume/distribution within the hematoma might improve clinical decision-making.METHODS:The deoxyhemoglobin of aggregated red blood cells within extravasated blood exhibits a higher magnetic susceptibility due to unpaired heme iron electrons. We propose that coagulated blood, with higher aggregated red blood cell content, will exhibit (1) a higher positive susceptibility than noncoagulated blood and (2) increase in fibrin polymerization–restricted localized diffusion, which can be measured noninvasively using quantitative susceptibility mapping and diffusion tensor imaging. In this serial magnetic resonance imaging study, we enrolled 24 patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage between October 2021 to May 2022 at a stroke center. Patients were 30 to 70 years of age and had a hematoma volume >15 cm3and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score >1. The patients underwent imaging 3×: within 12 to 24 (T1), 36 to 48 (T2), and 60 to 72 (T3) hours of last seen well on a 3T magnetic resonance imaging system. Three-dimensional anatomic, multigradient echo and 2-dimensional diffusion tensor images were obtained. Hematoma and edema volumes were calculated, and the distribution of coagulation was measured by dynamic changes in the susceptibilities and fractional anisotropy within the hematoma.RESULTS:Using a coagulated blood phantom, we demonstrated a linear relationship between the percentage coagulation and susceptibility (R2=0.91) with a positive red blood cell stain of the clot. The quantitative susceptibility maps showed a significant increase in hematoma susceptibility (T1, 0.29±0.04 parts per millions; T2, 0.36±0.04 parts per millions; T3, 0.45±0.04 parts per millions;P

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Gennaio 2024

COMPARING MAGNETIC RESONANCE ENTEROGRAPHY AND ENDOSCOPY FINDINGS TO QUANTATATIVE MAGENTIC RESONANCE IMAGING IN PEDIATRIC CROHN’S DISEASE

In pediatric Crohn’s disease, endoscopy has remained the gold standard for diagnosis; however, Magnetic Resonance Enterography (MRE) is able to show inflammation of the bowel that a gastroenterologist cannot reach with endoscopy. For a standard MRE, a patient needs to ingest oral contrast, receive intravenous (IV) contrast and a spasmolytic agent, and hold his/her breath during portions of the study, which can be challenging in younger children. As shown in previous studies, quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can evaluate bowel motility in children with Crohn’s disease, showing that as motility decreases in the bowel, inflammation increases.

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Gennaio 2024

Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Imaging of Atherosclerotic Intracranial Disease

Stroke, Volume 55, Issue 2, Page 311-323, February 1, 2024. Intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is one of the most common causes of stroke worldwide. Among people with stroke, those of East Asia descent and non-White populations in the United States have a higher burden of ICAD-related stroke compared with Whites of European descent. Disparities in the prevalence of asymptomatic ICAD are less marked than with symptomatic ICAD. In addition to stroke, ICAD increases the risk of dementia and cognitive decline, magnifying ICAD societal burden. The risk of stroke recurrence among patients with ICAD-related stroke is the highest among those with confirmed stroke and stenosis ≥70%. In fact, the 1-year recurrent stroke rate of >20% among those with stenosis >70% is one of the highest rates among common causes of stroke. The mechanisms by which ICAD causes stroke include plaque rupture with in situ thrombosis and occlusion or artery-to-artery embolization, hemodynamic injury, and branch occlusive disease. The risk of stroke recurrence varies by the presumed underlying mechanism of stroke, but whether techniques such as quantitative magnetic resonance angiography, computed tomographic angiography, magnetic resonance perfusion, or transcranial Doppler can help with risk stratification beyond the degree of stenosis is less clear. The diagnosis of ICAD is heavily reliant on lumen-based studies, such as computed tomographic angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, or digital subtraction angiography, but newer technologies, such as high-resolution vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging, can help distinguish ICAD from stenosing arteriopathies.

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Gennaio 2024

Value Creation Through Artificial Intelligence and Cardiovascular Imaging: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Circulation, Ahead of Print. Multiple applications for machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) in cardiovascular imaging are being proposed and developed. However, the processes involved in implementing AI in cardiovascular imaging are highly diverse, varying by imaging modality, patient subtype, features to be extracted and analyzed, and clinical application. This article establishes a framework that defines value from an organizational perspective, followed by value chain analysis to identify the activities in which AI might produce the greatest incremental value creation. The various perspectives that should be considered are highlighted, including clinicians, imagers, hospitals, patients, and payers. Integrating the perspectives of all health care stakeholders is critical for creating value and ensuring the successful deployment of AI tools in a real-world setting. Different AI tools are summarized, along with the unique aspects of AI applications to various cardiac imaging modalities, including cardiac computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography. AI is applicable and has the potential to add value to cardiovascular imaging at every step along the patient journey, from selecting the more appropriate test to optimizing image acquisition and analysis, interpreting the results for classification and diagnosis, and predicting the risk for major adverse cardiac events.

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Gennaio 2024

Concordance of shoulder symptoms and imaging findings: a protocol for the Finnish Imaging of Shoulder (FIMAGE) study

Introduction
Shoulder pain is a substantial medical and socioeconomic problem in most societies, affecting the ability to work or carry out leisure time activities as well as subsequently influencing physical and psychological well-being. According to a nationwide survey in Finland, 27% of the population reported shoulder pain within the last 30 days. In clinical practice, imaging findings of structural abnormalities are typically thought to explain symptoms, even though such findings are also prevalent in asymptomatic individuals, particularly with increasing age. Overall, there is a paucity of high-quality evidence on the prevalence, clinical relevance and prognosis of ‘abnormal’ imaging findings of the shoulder.
The aim of the Finnish Imaging of Shoulder (FIMAGE) study is fourfold: to assess (1) the prevalence of shoulder symptoms and the most common anatomical variants and imaging abnormalities of the shoulder; (2) the concordance between shoulder symptoms, function and imaging abnormalities; (3) the most important determinants of symptoms, function and imaging abnormalities; and (4) the course of shoulder complaints over 5 years.

Methods
The FIMAGE target population of 600 participants, aged 40–75 years, will be randomly selected from a nationally representative general population sample of 9922 individuals originally recruited for the Finnish Health 2000 Survey. On giving informed consent, the participants will be invited to a clinical visit that includes assessment of general health, shoulder symptoms, bilateral shoulder examination and imaging of both shoulders with plain radiography and MRI.

Ethics and dissemination
The study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Helsinki and Uusimaa Hospital District. The findings will be published according to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology criteria.

Trial registration number
NCT05641415.

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Dicembre 2023