Sophia Freya Ulrike Blum

Dr. Sophia Freya Ulrike Blum


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

13Years (2014-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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27 August 2018 in Acta Radiologica
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JGJens Goronzy
Jens Goronzy
SBSophia Freya Ulrike Blum
Sophia Freya Ulrike Blum
AHAlbrecht Hartmann
Albrecht Hartmann
VPVerena Plodeck
Verena Plodeck
LFLea Franken
Lea Franken
FTFalk Thielemann
Falk Thielemann
Background: Appropriate three-dimensional imaging of the hip joint is a substantial prerequisite for planning and performing surgical correction of deformities. Although surgeons still use computed tomography (CT), modern and fast acquisition techniques of volumetric imaging using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for pelvic measurements enable similar resolution. Purpose: This study was designed to determine if already described measures of acetabular morphology are comparable in both techniques and if assessment can be performed with equal intra-observer and inter-observer reliability. Material and Methods: Thirty-two hips (16 patients) were examined with a pelvic CT and a MRI with 3-T. Pelvic orientation was standardized by each observer in coronal, axial, and sagittal planes. Acetabular version as well as seven acetabular sector angles were measured by two observers twice with a minimum of four weeks between sessions. Results: Inter-rater reliability showed excellent results for intra- and inter-rater reliability for CT (0.977–0.999) and MRI (0.969–0.998) measuring acetabular version and sector angles. Evaluating the reliability of CT and MRI for each observer revealed excellent results (0.972–0.998). Evaluating the Bland–Altman plots for intra-observer reliability showed an equal distribution of angles, within acceptable 95% limits of agreement. The same results were observed for inter-observer reliability evaluating CT and MRI as well as inter-method reliability. Conclusion: Modern MRI scans are equally applicable to assess the bony pelvis as CT scans. In addition, MRI would enable the examination of soft tissues such as chondrolabral structures and muscle in the same examination. Since hip-preserving surgery is mostly conducted in younger patients, the reduction of radiation exposure is a benefit.

29 June 2021 in British Journal of Dermatology
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Journal Article
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DWDana Westphal
Dana Westphal
MGM. Garzarolli
M. Garzarolli
MSM. Sergon
M. Sergon
PHP. Horak
P. Horak
BHB. Hutter
B. Hutter
FMFriedegund Meier
Friedegund Meier
Background Eccrine porocarcinoma (EPC) is a rare skin cancer arising from the eccrine sweat glands. Due to the lack of effective therapies, metastasis is associated with a high mortality rate. Objectives To investigate drivers of EPC progression. Methods Here, we report the genomic and transcriptomic profiling of mEPC, validation of the observed alterations in an EPC patient-derived cell line, confirmation of relevant observations in a large patient cohort of 30 tumour tissues and successful treatment of a mEPC patient with the identified treatment regimes. Results mEPC was characterized by a high tumour mutational burden with a UV-signature, widespread copy number alterations and gene expression changes that affected cancer-relevant cellular processes like cell cycle regulation and proliferation, including a pathogenic TP53 mutation, a copy number deletion in the CDKN2A region and a CTNND1-PAK1 fusion. The overexpression of EGFR, PAK1, and MAP2K1 (MEK1) genes translated into strong protein expression and respective pathway activation in the tumour tissue. Furthermore, a patient-derived cell line was sensitive to EGFR and MEK inhibition, confirming the functional relevance of the pathway activation. Immunohistochemistry analyses in a large patient cohort showed the relevance of the observed changes to the pathogenesis of EPC. Our results indicate that mEPC should respond to immune or kinase inhibitor therapy. Indeed, the advanced disease of our index patient was controlled by EGFR-directed therapy and immune checkpoint inhibition for more than 2 years. Conclusions Molecular profiling demonstrated high tumour mutational burden and EGFR/MAPK pathway activation as novel therapeutic targets in mEPC.

13 April 2023 in Insights into Imaging
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FWFelix Walther
Felix Walther
MEMaria Eberlein-Gonska
Maria Eberlein-Gonska
RHRalf-Thorsten Hoffmann
Ralf-Thorsten Hoffmann
JSJochen Schmitt
Jochen Schmitt
SBSophia Freya Ulrike Blum
Sophia Freya Ulrike Blum
In radiology, the justification of diagnostic imaging is a key performance indicator. To date, specific recommendations on the measurement of appropriateness in diagnostic imaging are missing. To map the study literature concerning the definition, measures, methods and data used for analyses of appropriateness in research of diagnostic imaging. We conducted a scoping review in Medline, EMBASE, Scopus and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Two independent reviewers undertook screening and data extraction. After screening 6021 records, we included 50 studies. National guidelines (n = 22/50) or American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria (n = 23/50) were used to define and rate appropriateness. 22/50 studies did not provide methodological details about the appropriateness assessment. The included studies varied concerning modality, amount of reviewed examinations (88–13,941) and body regions. Computed tomography (27 studies, 27,168 examinations) was the most frequently analyzed modality, followed by magnetic resonance imaging (17 studies, 6559 examinations) and radiography (10 studies, 7095 examinations). Heterogeneous appropriateness rates throughout single studies (0–100%), modalities, and body regions (17–95%) were found. Research on pediatric and outpatient imaging was sparse. Multicentric, methodologically robust and indication-oriented studies would strengthen appropriateness research in diagnostic imaging and help to develop reliable key performance indicators.

26 December 2020 in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
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Journal Article
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JGJens Goronzy
Jens Goronzy
LFLea Franken
Lea Franken
AHAlbrecht Hartmann
Albrecht Hartmann
FTFalk Thielemann
Falk Thielemann
SBSophia Freya Ulrike Blum
Sophia Freya Ulrike Blum
APAnne Postler
Anne Postler
Background: Periacetabular osteotomy is a successful treatment for hip dysplasia. The results are influenced, however, by optimal positioning of the acetabular fragment, femoral head morphology and maybe even femoral version as well as combined anteversion have an impact. In order to obtain better insight on fragment placement, postoperative acetabular orientation and femoral morphology were evaluated in a midterm follow-up in regard to functional outcome and osteoarthritis progression. Methods: A follow-up examination with 49 prospectively documented patients (66 hips) after periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) was performed after 62.2 ± 18.6 months. Mean age of patients undergoing surgery was 26.7 ± 9.6 years, 40 (82%) of these patients were female. All patients were evaluated with an a.p. pelvic x-ray and an isotropic MRI in order to assess acetabular version, femoral head cover, alpha angle, femoral torsion and combined anteversion. The acetabular version was measured at the femoral head center as well as 0.5 cm below and 0.5 and 1 cm above the femoral head center and in addition seven modified acetabular sector angles were determined. Femoral torsion was assessed in an oblique view of the femoral neck. The combined acetabular and femoral version was calculated as well. To evaluate the clinical outcome the pre- and postoperative WOMAC score as well as postoperative Oxford Hip Score and Global Treatment Outcome were analyzed. Results: After PAO acetabular version at the femoral head center (31.4 ± 9.6°) was increased, the anterior cover at the 15 o’clock position (34.7 ± 15.4°) was reduced and both correlated significantly with progression of osteoarthritis, although not with the functional outcome. Combined acetabular and femoral torsion had no influence on the progression of osteoarthritis or outcome scores. Conclusion: Long-term results after PAO are dependent on good positioning of the acetabular fragment in all 3 planes. Next to a good lateral coverage a balanced horizontal alignment without iatrogenic pincer impingement due to acetabular retroversion, or insufficient coverage of the anterior femoral head is important.

30 June 2022 in Diagnostics
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Journal Article
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FSFelix S. Schön
Felix S. Schön
RSRebecca Sinzig
Rebecca Sinzig
FWFelix Walther
Felix Walther
CRChristoph Georg Radosa
Christoph Georg Radosa
HNHeiner Nebelung
Heiner Nebelung
SBSophia Freya Ulrike Blum
Sophia Freya Ulrike Blum
Radiological reporting errors have a direct negative impact on patient treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the contribution of clinical information (CI) in radiological reporting of oncological imaging and the dependence on the radiologists’ experience level (EL). Sixty-four patients with several types of carcinomas and twenty patients without tumors were enrolled. Computed tomography datasets acquired in primary or follow-up staging were independently analyzed by three radiologists (R) with different EL (R1: 15 years; R2: 10 years, R3: 1 year). Reading was initially performed without and 3 months later with CI. Overall, diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity for primary tumor detection increased significantly when receiving CI from 77% to 87%; p = 0.01 and 73% to 83%; p = 0.01, respectively. All radiologists benefitted from CI; R1: 85% vs. 92%, p = 0.15; R2: 77% vs. 83%, p = 0.33; R3: 70% vs. 86%, p = 0.02. Overall, diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity for detecting lymphogenous metastases increased from 80% to 85% (p = 0.13) and 42% to 56% (p = 0.13), for detection of hematogenous metastases from 85% to 86% (p = 0.61) and 46% to 60% (p = 0.15). Specificity remained stable (>90%). Thus, CI in oncological imaging seems to be essential for correct radiological reporting, especially for residents, and should be available for the radiologist whenever possible.

3 June 2021 in Scientific Reports
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Journal Article
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SBSophia Freya Ulrike Blum
Sophia Freya Ulrike Blum
TIT. Ittermann
T. Ittermann
MKM. L. Kromrey
M. L. Kromrey
CDC. M. Dreyer
C. M. Dreyer
DSD. Seppelt
D. Seppelt
JKJ. P. Kühn
J. P. Kühn
Aim of this study was to investigate frequency, incidence and risk factors of liver cysts in the general population in a longitudinal survey. Cyst frequency was investigated in 607 adult volunteers (288 women, 319 men, mean age 55 years) using strong T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Risk factors were investigated for occurrence, frequency and size of cystic lesions at baseline. Incidence and physiological growing of the lesions were observed in a 5-years follow-up. At baseline, 431 volunteers had 1,479 cysts (71.0%). The mean number of cysts per person was 3.4 ± 9.0. The mean size of cysts was 13.1 ± 11.7 mm. Women had a higher number of cysts than men (p = 0.026). Older and male volunteers demonstrated a higher cyst frequency (p = 0.002 and p = 0.025). Per one-year increase in age the chance for a liver cyst increased by 2%. Four-hundred seventeen volunteers had cysts in the follow-up, in 24.6% new lesions had occurred. Lesion size significantly increased in follow-up (p < 0.001). Age and male sex were associated with the occurrence of at least one liver cyst. Women had a higher average number of cysts. Cystic lesion progression is a physiological phenomenon in the long-term follow-up.