DAILY NEWS of March 5

The AI-POD project (AI for the Prediction of Obesity-related Vascular Diseases), funded by the European Commission and launched in 2023, aims to integrate clinical, imaging, and lifestyle data to generate an individualized cardiovascular risk score for obese patients.

Prospective inclusion of 1,200 patients has begun, alongside the analysis of retrospective datasets to develop the AI model.

In imaging, the model is trained exclusively on coronary CT angiography, using conventional structural data, 3D geometric data, and radiomics. The objective is to produce an individualized thermal cardiac map (deviation from normal values) combining the coronary calcium score, cardiac volumetry, and myocardial involvement.

Assessment of daily habits (nutritional intake, smoking quantification, physical activity, etc.) is performed through the Citizen App, ensuring continuous monitoring that complements the data collected in healthcare facilities.

The model is currently under development and is part of a broader perspective of personalized medicine, particularly aiming to strengthen primary prevention in obese individuals.

The AI-POD project also encourages us, as radiologists, to integrate our practice into a broader public health framework.

RPS 1009 – Research Presentation Session: Interventional radiology – Emerging trends in neuro and head and neck interventional radiology

Author : Nicolas STACOFFE, CHU de Lyon

Speciality : Radiologie interventionnelle

During the session RPS 1009 – Research Presentation Session: Interventional radiology – Emerging trends in neuro and head and neck interventional radiology, a study on CT- and fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous transfacet fixation performed under local anesthesia was presented. This prospective single-center study, conducted in Nice between 2022 and 2025, aimed to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and clinical outcomes of this technique as a minimally invasive alternative to lumbar fusion in patients with segmental instability following laminectomy. Thirty symptomatic patients were included and treated using this procedure performed by interventional radiologists under combined CT and fluoroscopic guidance. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and the EQ-5D quality-of-life score, measured preoperatively and at 1, 6, and 12 months, with extended follow-up up to two years. The technical success rate was 100%, confirming the accuracy of screw placement under combined imaging guidance. Clinically, a significant reduction in pain was observed, with an average decrease of 3 points on the VAS (p < 0.05), along with an improvement in quality of life reflected by a median reduction of 2 points in the EQ-5D score at 6 and 12 months. No major adverse events or serious complications were reported during follow-up, and no patient required conversion to conventional open lumbar fusion. The implanted screws remained stable throughout follow-up and could be safely repositioned or removed if necessary. This study highlights the potential of percutaneous transfacet fixation as a promising minimally invasive technique for effective stabilization of the lumbar segment while avoiding general anesthesia, conventional surgical approaches, and prolonged hospitalization.

RPS 712 - Paediatric abdominal radiology, new developments in ultrasound, MRI and CT

Author : Antoine FRAISSENON, CHU de Lyon

Field: Pediatric

Four main topics were presented during this session. The first focused on different advanced ultrasound techniques used to monitor Crohn’s disease activity. One study explored the use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound and demonstrated a promising correlation between the perfusion curve area under the curve and fecal calprotectin, a biological marker commonly used to monitor disease activity. However, the study did not report measurements of inter- and intra-observer agreement.

The second topic addressed the use of elastography-derived ultrasound parameters to quantify hepatic steatosis in children, using MRI as the gold standard. These studies showed that the measured parameters should be adjusted according to the child’s age and the type of ultrasound machine used.

The third presentation discussed ultrasound parameters suggestive of portal vein stenosis after liver transplantation and proposed several diagnostic criteria. Three main indicators were highlighted: the diameter of the stenosis, flow velocity, and the trans-anastomotic gradient. The potential value of splenic elastography was also discussed, although difficulties in obtaining reproducible measurements—even with devices from the same manufacturer—were emphasized.

Finally, the last study proposed updated reference charts for ultrasound biometrics of the abdominopelvic organs and the thyroid, taking into account the trend toward earlier onset of puberty observed over the past two decades. It should be noted that the measurements were not performed in healthy children. Nevertheless, each measurement was conducted by three experts and involved a cohort of more than 20,000 children, with exclusion of outlier values.

Prostate cancer MR imaging: today and tomorrow

Author : Juliette COUTUREAU, CHU de Rennes

Speciality : Urology

In this session on prostate MRI, two studies particularly caught our attention:

A meta-analysis evaluating the prognostic value of pre-treatment MRI in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (44 studies, 27,453 patients). MRI-detected extracapsular extension (mT3a) and seminal vesicle invasion (mT3b) were strong independent predictors of biochemical recurrence and metastatic progression. Tumor diameter and MRI-detected lymph nodes were also predictive, although with weaker associations. MRI-detected extracapsular extension was also associated with prostate cancer–specific mortality. Integrating these MRI parameters into risk stratification models could help guide treatment planning and patient management.

A second study aimed to compare MRI–fusion biopsy targeting using diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) versus T2-weighted imaging (T2WI). The authors evaluated whether DWI-based targeting, rather than T2-based targeting, could improve the diagnostic performance for detecting clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa). They included 152 lesions in 111 patients with a size discrepancy between DWI and T2WI. The results showed that DWI-based targeting achieved a higher diagnostic yield for csPCa compared with T2-based targeting (AUC 0.86 vs 0.66). The authors therefore suggest that DWI should be considered the dominant sequence for guiding targeted biopsy of peripheral zone lesions.

RPS 811 - Multiple sclerosis : advanced MRI biomarkers and imaging innovation

Author : Guillaume HAMON, CHU de Rennes

This scientific session focused on imaging in multiple sclerosis, including studies on the correlation between optic nerve lesions and overall lesion burden, spinal cord imaging and paramagnetic rim lesions (PRL), brain age estimation, and contrast enhancement algorithms.

One particularly notable study examined the value of spinal cord MRI in the follow-up of multiple sclerosis by analyzing the evolution of spinal cord lesions, their relationship with brain lesions, and their association with disability progression. A total of 127 patients were included; spinal cord lesions were present in 82.7% of patients at baseline, and 15.1% developed at least one new lesion during follow-up. New lesions occurred more frequently around 11–12 months and were mainly observed in relapsing-remitting forms, where they were associated with worsening of the EDSS score. In progressive forms, the appearance of new lesions was less frequent and less strongly correlated with clinical deterioration. The authors emphasize that new spinal cord lesions may therefore be associated with worsening disability and may reflect disease activity not visible on brain MRI. However, the overall frequency of spinal cord lesions remains relatively low, suggesting that spinal cord MRI should be used in a more targeted manner, depending on the patient’s phenotype and the timing of follow-up. In certain specific situations, these spinal cord lesions (often less closely monitored) may nevertheless warrant follow-up as regular as that of brain lesions. These observations should, however, be interpreted considering their potential therapeutic implications.

If you are interested in any of these topics, the detailed abstracts are available in the program of ECR 2026.

RPS809 : From tissue to therapy : innovations in biopsy and ablation – research presentation

Author : Mehdi HAIDAR, CHU de Lille

Radiology interventionnelle

This session presented six studies focusing on percutaneous biopsies and ablation procedures. Among them, two particularly drew our attention.

A retrospective study including 5,235 biopsies of targeted renal lesions performed under ultrasound and CT guidance reported a diagnostic yield of 95%, with an overall complication rate of 5% and 0.7% major complications. The complication rate was significantly higher with CT guidance compared with ultrasound guidance (5.52% vs 0.78%; p < 0.001).

Another retrospective study including 200 patients showed that the injection of saline during withdrawal of the coaxial needle following lung biopsies reduced the incidence of pneumothorax (7% in the saline group vs 24% in the control group; p < 0.001), potentially representing an alternative to the “blood patch” technique.

RPS 716 - Novel developments in neuro-oncolog

Author : Ahmed-Ali EL-AHMADI, AP-HM

During this session dedicated to advances in neuro-oncology, three studies particularly drew our attention.

One study showed that analysis using MIP reconstruction improves the detection of brain metastases on CT for radiologists who are not experts in neuroradiology, while also allowing a significant reduction in interpretation time. Although MRI remains the reference standard for the diagnosis of brain lesions, the systematic analysis of MIP reconstructions in routine CT protocols could be useful in non-specialized settings or in resource-limited environments.

A second study evaluated the diagnostic performance of quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) and intratumoral susceptibility signals (ITSS) for the grading of glial lesions.
ITSS alone achieved a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 83%, while susceptibility parameters derived from QSM reached a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 80%. The combined model integrating QSM and ITSS showed the best performance, with a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 85%, representing a valuable complement to conventional MRI in the preoperative assessment of glial tumors.

The third study evaluated the predictive performance of imaging biomarkers related to tumor microvascularization, blood flow, and tumor oxygenation to distinguish tumor recurrence from radionecrosis, in comparison with cerebral blood volume (CBV), which is classically used for this indication.
Univariate analysis identified six biomarkers that were significantly more performant than CBV. Analysis using the Random Forest algorithm defined an optimal model composed of five biomarkers: corrected CBV, uncorrected CBV, Delay_ratio, OEF_ratio, and COV_ratio associated with Delay_ratio.

These results are promising for improving the differentiation between radionecrosis and tumor progression.

EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS

RC 800a - Imaging of sports trauma : paediatric vs adult patterns

Author : Maxime PASTOR, CHU de Montpellier

This educational session focused on the imaging differences between sports-related trauma in children and adults, highlighting once again that children are not simply “small adults.”

Regarding the knee, the key message was that pediatric injuries most commonly consist of osseous avulsions or apophyseal injuries, whereas in adults traumatic lesions more frequently involve the ligaments or menisci. The combination of radiography and MRI remains the reference diagnostic approach. Fractures of the tibial tuberosity, typically seen in young athletes such as soccer players, illustrate this predominance of avulsion injuries in children. Particular attention should be paid to physeal injuries, whether traumatic or related to repetitive stress, which may be underrecognized by non-specialized radiologists.

For the shoulder, the example of baseball players, a population highly exposed to these injuries in the United States, illustrates that adult lesions are predominantly labral or tendinous. In contrast, in children and adolescents the most common condition is “Little League shoulder,” caused by injury to the proximal humeral physis. This typically manifests as physeal widening or fragmentation on radiographs and bone marrow edema on MRI.

Finally, acromial apophysitis represents another stress-related injury in young athletes, corresponding to a Salter–Harris type I equivalent, which is best detected on MRI.

E³ 22C - Painful hips in adults

Author : Maxime PASTOR, CHU de Montpellier

This session on the painful hip began with a reminder of the continuing value of conventional radiography, which tends to be overlooked in the era of cross-sectional imaging. Radiographs remain particularly useful as a first-line examination for the diagnosis of hip osteoarthritis and for the follow-up of hip prostheses. However, as expected, cross-sectional imaging is often required to complete the diagnostic evaluation.

The session then addressed the issue of early-onset hip osteoarthritis, defined by hip pain associated with joint space narrowing below 1.5 mm in patients younger than 55 years. Among the main etiologies, particular attention was given to hip dysplasia, a common cause of femoroacetabular impingement. An important message concerned the risk of overdiagnosis of these impingement syndromes, emphasizing the need for careful correlation with the clinical examination, which can be easily performed by the radiologist in routine practice.

Overall, this educational session was primarily of interest to junior radiologists or those without specific expertise in musculoskeletal imaging.

OB 9 - Discovering medical secrets hidden in ice and sand

Author : Clara COHEN, Pôle Imagerie Centre Hôspitalier Universitaire d'Orléans

Speciality : Cardio et neuroradiologie

Discovering medical secrets hidden in sand

Radiology applied to archaeology aims to establish epidemiological data on ancient populations. The Swiss Mummy Project began in 1995. The analysis of soft tissues preserved through mummification offers a unique opportunity to shed light on the living conditions of ancient societies.

In 2002, the first CT-guided biopsy of a mummy was performed. In 2007, sodium MRI (²³Na-MRI) revealed unusually high sodium concentrations in soft tissues, reflecting the mummification technique based on natron, a mineral used for desiccation.

Scarab amulets placed where the heart should be, or coins placed in the hands of the deceased, were visible on CT scans. Among 52 mummies from ancient Egypt that were scanned, 20 showed vascular calcifications, including 2 with coronary localization.

The development of portable X-ray fluorescence devices (pXRF) has made it possible to perform imaging exploration directly at archaeological excavation sites, particularly for elements that cannot be transported.

It is difficult to summarize all the fascinating information presented, and many questions arise: how representative are these data of those vanished populations? Are our modern diseases in fact very ancient?

And above all: how can we obtain the consent of the subjects being studied?

Genital emergencies, a rapid refresher rally

Author : Juliette COUTUREAU, CHU de Montpellier

Speciality : Emergency/Pelvis

From this session, we can retain several practical points:

Ovarian torsion:
In ovarian torsion, venous outflow is interrupted before arterial inflow (unless the twist is very tight). Therefore, signs of ovarian edema related to venous congestion—such as ovarian enlargement, T2 hyperintensity, and peripherally displaced follicles—are more sensitive than signs of ischemia, such as lack of enhancement or absence of Doppler flow.

Postpartum imaging:
In the postpartum period, it is normal to observe air within the uterine cavity and very intense or heterogeneous uterine enhancement for up to 3 weeks after delivery. Care should be taken not to overdiagnose endometritis, as it is a clinical diagnosis without specific imaging findings. Only an increase in intrauterine air on follow-up imaging may raise suspicion for this diagnosis.

Penile trauma:
In penile trauma, ultrasound is the first-line imaging modality to identify the site of a penile fracture. However, MRI should be performed if there is uncertainty, as it can demonstrate interruption of the T2 hypointense tunica albuginea. Urethral injury (present in 10–20% of patients) is much more difficult to confirm on imaging and should be suspected particularly when there is bilateral involvement of the corpora cavernosa

RC 901 - Approach to liver tumours in adolescents and young adults (AYAs)

Author : Antoine FRAISSENON, CHU de Lyon

Speciality : Pediatric, Oncology

This educational session focused on diagnostic pitfalls in imaging of pediatric liver tumors, distinguishing situations with or without genetic predisposition.

In patients without known risk factors, one of the main pitfalls is confusing fibrolamellar carcinoma with focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH), both of which are rare tumors. A key differentiating feature is the appearance of the central scar on MRI: it appears hypointense on T2-weighted images in fibrolamellar carcinoma, whereas it is hyperintense in FNH. In addition, the presence of calcifications favors fibrolamellar carcinoma, as they are very rare in FNH (less than 1%). Another diagnostic pitfall is mistaking a cystic lesion for a hepatic abscess when it may actually represent an undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma. This diagnosis should be considered in the absence of fever and elevated alpha-fetoprotein levels. This type of lesion is typically seen in children older than five years and is frequently associated with pulmonary metastases.

In patients with genetic predispositions, certain tumors should be specifically considered. In Li-Fraumeni syndrome, PEComa may mimic hepatocellular carcinoma on imaging, sometimes appearing even more hypodense on non-contrast scans. Two other predisposing conditions discussed were Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis, both associated with a markedly increased risk of hepatoblastoma—approximately 2,000 times higher than in the general population. This session highlighted the importance of considering tumor predisposition syndromes when interpreting imaging findings.

RC 711 - Post-operative and post-treatment brain and spine: imaging essentials for the radiologist

Author : Guillaume HAMON, CHU de Rennes

Speciality : Neuroradiologie

This pedagogic session focused on post-operative brain imaging, with several key points highlighted.

Regarding the evaluation of post-operative brain tumors: one of the main recommendations from this session is to use a 3D T1 TSE sequence acquired more than 4–8 minutes after contrast injection to obtain optimal enhancement. Early post-operative MRI (48–72 hours) is useful to limit non-tumoral enhancement related to surgical changes, assess the extent of resection, and detect ischemia. Pre-irradiation MRI should be performed no later than 2 weeks before radiotherapy, as glioblastomas can evolve rapidly before irradiation. It is also necessary to apply the RANO 2.0 criteria, using the post-radiotherapy MRI as the reference examination (rather than the post-surgical or pre-radiotherapy MRI). Particular attention should be paid to pseudoprogression, which may occur in IDH-wildtype gliomas (within the first 3 months) and IDH-mutant gliomas (after more than 6 months). Finally, the use of advanced imaging techniques such as DSC-PWI is essential in addition to conventional imaging (T1/T2 matching) to differentiate radiation necrosis from tumor progression.

Regarding the evaluation of the post-operative pituitary gland: pre-operative MRI is essential for interpretation. Indeed, the presence of a residual tumor is often predictable based on the initial assessment of tumor extension. In addition, it is important to recognize the imaging appearance of hemostatic materials, particularly the possibility of peripheral enhancement, which typically disappears on follow-up at more than 3–5 months after surgery.

Regarding imaging after treatment of ischemic stroke: it is important to be aware of the “fogging effect” on CT, which corresponds to a pseudo-normal appearance of the brain parenchyma related to the usual evolution of stroke at around 1 week. It is also important to incorporate the Heidelberg bleeding classification when describing hemorrhagic transformation in the radiology report and to correlate these findings with the clinical symptoms.

Meets 7 : Problem-solving with AI in emergencies : the French experience

Mehdi HAIDAR, CHU de Lille

Intelligence artificielle

This session aimed to audit the use of AI in emergency imaging in France.

In thoracic imaging, available AI tools are effective for detecting acute pathologies such as pneumothorax or pulmonary embolism. Some AI tools demonstrated an excellent negative predictive value (0.99) for aortic dissection, highlighting their potential usefulness in patients with low pre-test probability. However, limitations remain, making substitution or triage in acute aortic syndromes unrealistic: intramural hematomas and aortic ulcers are not reliably diagnosed.

In abdominal imaging, software has been developed for the detection of acute appendicitis, pneumoperitoneum, and acute intestinal obstruction. Nonetheless, specific limitations of each AI tool, combined with the fact that acute abdominal pathology often presents with multiple concomitant imaging findings, currently restrict the use of AI software to patient triage rather than definitive diagnosis.

In neuroradiology, the generation of synthetic sequences, such as synthetic FLAIR, allows time-saving during MRI acquisition in thrombolysis alert scenarios.

RC 800c - The skull base: imaging essentials

Author : Ahmed-Ali EL-AHMADI, AP-HM

The skull base is a strategic anatomical region, acting as a true crossroads between several intracranial and extracranial compartments. This anatomical complexity is associated with a wide spectrum of lesions with diverse presentations. These lesions may be intrinsic to the skull base or extend to it from adjacent spaces, with the foramina playing a key role in their spread from one compartment to another.

These particular features require specific CT and MRI protocols, as presented by the speakers. Through a didactic and illustrated approach, this session aims to revisit the anatomical foundations of the skull base and to review the diagnostic spectrum of the main tumor, infectious, and vascular lesions. It highlights common diagnoses as well as the specific characteristics of each level of the skull base, in order to provide practical guidance for imaging analysis.

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DAILY NEWS of March 5

DAILY NEWS ECR 2026 - MARCH 5, 2026 - Scholarship CERF-GUERBET

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SCIENTIFIC SESSIONS

SCIENTIFIC SESSIONS

EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS