Piotr Białek

Dr. Piotr Białek

1st Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Łódzkie, Poland
orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

8Years (2019-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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21 January 2025 in Kidney and Blood Pressure Research
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
Piotr BiałekPiotr Białek
Piotr Białek
ADAdam Dobek
Adam Dobek
KFKrzysztof Falenta
Krzysztof Falenta
IKIlona Kurnatowska
Ilona Kurnatowska
LSLudomir Stefańczyk
Ludomir Stefańczyk
Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is classified according to the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), but kidney volume (KV) can also provide meaningful information. Very few radiomics (RDX) studies on CKD have used computed tomography (CT). This study aimed to determine whether non-enhanced computed tomography-based (NECT) RDX can be useful in evaluation of patients with CKD and to compare it with KV. Methods: The NECT scans of 64 subjects with impaired kidney function classified based on < 60 ml/min/1,73 m2 and 60 with normal kidney function as controls were retrospectively analyzed. Kidney segmentation, volume measurements and RDX features extraction were performed. Machine learning models (RDX) were constructed to classify the kidneys as having structural markers of impaired or normal function. Results: The median KV in the impaired kidney function group was 114.83 mL vs 159.43 mL (p < 0.001) in the control group. There was a statistically significant strong positive correlation between KV and eGFR (rs = 0.579, p < 0.001), and a strong negative correlation between KV and serum creatinine level (rs = -0.514, p < 0.001). The KV-based models achieved the best area under the curve (AUC) of 0.746, whereas the RDX-based models achieved the best AUC of 0.878. Conclusions: RDX can be useful in identifying patients with impaired kidney function on NECT. RDX-based models perform better than KV-based models. RDX has the potential to identify patients with a higher risk of CKD based on imaging, which, as we believe, can indirectly assist in clinical decision-making.

29 November 2025 in Biomedicines
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Journal Article
Open access
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Piotr BiałekPiotr Białek
Piotr Białek
WBWeronika Karina Banasik
Weronika Karina Banasik
ADAdam Dobek
Adam Dobek
MŻMichał Żuberek
Michał Żuberek
KFKrzysztof Falenta
Krzysztof Falenta
LSLudomir Stefańczyk
Ludomir Stefańczyk
Introduction: Percutaneous renal biopsy (PRB) is the gold standard for diagnosing nephropathies, but it carries a risk of bleeding complications, mainly perinephric hematomas (PHs). While PH incidence is often reported, the significance of PH size remains insufficiently explored. This scoping review systematically mapped the evidence on PH size after ultrasound-guided PRB in adults, focusing on imaging modalities, measurement methods, the definition of ‘large’ PH, factors influencing PH size, and its clinical implications. Materials and Methods: Following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, we searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Scopus through 27 August 2025. Eligible studies included at least 50 adult subjects undergoing ultrasound-guided PRB with quantitative, imaging-based assessment of PH size. Results: Fifty-one studies met the inclusion criteria. Almost all relied on ultrasound, with only one using computed tomography. PH size was measured using heterogeneous methods, most often one-dimensional diameters, less frequently surface area or volumetry, with no standardization. Reported PH frequencies varied substantially across studies (1.1–85%), likely reflecting differences in imaging protocols, timing, and reporting thresholds. Several studies proposed PH size thresholds (e.g., diameter ≥ 2–3 cm, volume ≥ 40–85 mL) linked to adverse outcomes such as transfusion or hemodynamic instability. Factors associated with larger PHs included needle gauge, number of passes, impaired kidney function, coagulopathy, and certain histopathologies. Conclusions: PH size has prognostic value beyond incidence alone. Standardized measurement and reporting are needed to clarify its clinical relevance after PRB.

12 September 2025 in Advances in Respiratory Medicine
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Journal Article
Open access
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AZAnna Ziętarska
Anna Ziętarska
ADAdam Dobek
Adam Dobek
ASAnna Sawina
Anna Sawina
Piotr BiałekPiotr Białek
Piotr Białek
Sebastian MajewskiSebastian Majewski
Sebastian Majewski
LSLudomir Stefańczyk
Ludomir Stefańczyk
Haemoptysis is an alarming symptom of a wide spectrum of underlying diseases, ranging from indolent chronic conditions to life-threatening states. Among the strategies to manage pulmonary bleeding is bronchial artery embolisation (BAE), an interventional radiology procedure. The objective of this scoping review was to map the current evidence on embolic agents used in BAE for haemoptysis management, with a focus on their clinical applications, and decision-making factors. Studies published between 2019 and 2024 were included if they specified the embolic material used and reported outcomes of BAE in adult patients. Data were extracted from PubMed and charted according to embolic agent type, recurrence rate, and clinical context. Thirty-one studies met the eligibility criteria. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) remains the most widely studied agent, comparable in efficacy to more homogeneous microspheres. Gelatin sponges (GS), though biodegradable, are well-documented and affordable, making them a common choice. N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) is highly effective for small vessels and may offer lower recurrence rates. Coils are valuable in proximal embolisation and severe cases. This review highlights the need for individualised embolisation strategies and updated guidelines for material selection, considering clinical context, vascular anatomy, and recurrence rates. The findings aim to support evidence-based decision-making in interventional radiology practice.

11 December 2025 in Advances in Respiratory Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
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AZAnna Ziętarska
Anna Ziętarska
ADAdam Dobek
Adam Dobek
Piotr BiałekPiotr Białek
Piotr Białek
WSWojciech Szubert
Wojciech Szubert
Sebastian MajewskiSebastian Majewski
Sebastian Majewski
LSLudomir Stefańczyk
Ludomir Stefańczyk
Haemoptysis arises from diverse respiratory diseases and may involve a broad spectrum of thoracic vessels. Arterial embolisation (AE) is an effective, repeatable, minimally invasive treatment option for life-threatening haemoptysis. This case series included 10 patients (mean age 34 years; six males; five with cystic fibrosis) who underwent 17 AE procedures for life-threatening haemoptysis between January 2018 and September 2025. The study assessed the role of wide-field computed tomography angiography (CTA), extending from the thoracic inlet to L2, in preprocedural planning, bleeding localisation and detection of systemic collaterals. CTA accurately predicted the culprit region in 16 out of 17 procedures. Non-bronchial systemic arteries were identified in 6 out of 10 patients, consistent with previous reports. CTA showed strong concordance with angiography and enabled the detection of uncommon collaterals, including subclavian and phrenic branches. Recurrence of hemoptysis occurred in one patient during follow-up; however, three patients were lost to follow-up. Wide-field CTA enhances the identification of systemic feeders and supports procedural planning, potentially reducing recurrence associated with missed culprit vessels. AE remains a valuable option for haemoptysis control in cystic fibrosis, with outcomes further improved following initiation of CFTR modulators. The small sample size and incomplete follow-up limit generalisability, but findings highlight the importance of CTA in guiding AE and improving clinical outcomes.

22 November 2025 in International Urology and Nephrology
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Journal Article
Open access
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Piotr BiałekPiotr Białek
Piotr Białek
WBWeronika Banasik
Weronika Banasik
KSKatarzyna Szychowska
Katarzyna Szychowska
ADAdam Dobek
Adam Dobek
MŻMichał Żuberek
Michał Żuberek
LSLudomir Stefańczyk
Ludomir Stefańczyk
Background Percutaneous renal biopsy (PRB) is the gold standard for diagnosing nephropathies but carries a risk of complications, most commonly perirenal hematoma (PH). Although usually minor, PH volume is rarely quantified, and ultrasound—the standard modality—has limited accuracy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enables precise volumetric assessment and may improve understanding of PH pathophysiology. Materials and methods This retrospective study included 138 patients (104 with native kidneys, 34 with grafts) who underwent kidney MRI 36–48 h after PRB. PHs were manually segmented on T1-weighted Dixon water-only images. Predictors of large PHs (upper tertile of volume) were identified using logistic regression, and model stability was evaluated with leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV). As an exploratory analysis, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were obtained from diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) maps to assess correlations between renal diffusivity and PH volume. Results PH was detected in 89.9% of cases. Median PH volume was significantly lower in grafts than in native kidneys (9.3 mL vs. 20.95 mL, p = 0.030). Graft status was an independent negative predictor of large PH, while kidney volume (KV), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and proteinuria were independent positive predictors. The final model showed moderate discriminative performance (AUC = 0.708). Lower ADC values correlated moderately and negatively with PH volume (rho = –0.41, p = 0.009). Conclusion MRI volumetry enables precise assessment of PH after PRB. Larger KV, higher DBP and proteinuria predicted greater PH volume, while graft status was protective. Lower renal parenchymal ADC values may reflect microstructural alterations predisposing to increased PH volume but warrants further evaluation in future studies.

20 August 2025 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Piotr BiałekPiotr Białek
Piotr Białek
MŻMichał Żuberek
Michał Żuberek
ADAdam Dobek
Adam Dobek
KFKrzysztof Falenta
Krzysztof Falenta
IKIlona Kurnatowska
Ilona Kurnatowska
LSLudomir Stefańczyk
Ludomir Stefańczyk
Background/Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a prevalent condition with many cases remaining undiagnosed, although early detection is essential. Adipose tissue distribution—particularly perirenal fat thickness (PrFT)—has recently been linked to renal pathophysiology. This study assessed the association between CT-derived parameters of fat distribution and kidney morphology with CKD. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 237 patients (117 subjects, 120 controls) who underwent abdominal CT and had serum creatinine data. The dataset was randomly split (70% training, 30% test) to develop and evaluate a logistic regression model. CKD was defined as estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. PrFT was measured as the distance from the posterior renal capsule to the posterior abdominal wall; renal hilum fat was segmented using a −195 to −45 HU range. Additional parameters (measured using automated segmentation tools) included kidney volume (KV), visceral/subcutaneous fat areas, skeletal muscle area and attenuation, and liver attenuation. Bilateral measurements were averaged. Results: KV (OR = 0.249, 95% CI: 0.146–0.422, p < 0.001) and PrFT (2nd tercile: OR = 7.720, 95% CI: 2.860–20.839; 3rd tercile: OR = 16.892, 95% CI: 5.727–49.822; both p < 0.001) were identified as independent predictors of CKD. These variables were used to construct a simplified model, which demonstrated moderate clinical applicability (AUC = 0.894) when evaluated on the test subset. Conclusions: KV and PrFT emerged as independent predictors of CKD, forming the basis of a simplified model with potential for opportunistic clinical application. This approach may facilitate earlier detection of CKD in patients undergoing CT imaging for unrelated clinical reasons. These imaging parameters are not intended to replace serum creatinine or eGFR but may serve as complementary predictors in specific clinical contexts.