Best Practice Guidelines for Breast Imaging, Breast Imaging Society, India: Part—2

Breast imaging is a prerequisite for providing high quality breast health care. Choosing the appropriate investigation is central to diagnosing breast disease in patients who present to health professionals for treatment. These patients present to doctors of different subspecialties as well as to general practitioners in our country. It is important, therefore, to provide uniform guidance to doctors in different healthcare setups of our country, urban and rural, government and private, for optimal management of breast diseases. These guidelines framed by the task group set up by the Breast Imaging Society, India, have been formulated focusing primarily on the Indian patients and health care infrastructures. They aim to provide a framework for the referring doctors and practicing radiologists to enable them to choose the appropriate investigation for patients with breast symptoms and signs. The aim has been to keep this framework simple and practical so that it can guide not only subspecialists in breast care but also help doctors who do not routinely deal with breast diseases, so that breast cancer is not missed. Overall, the aim of this document is to provide a holistic approach to standardize breast care imaging services in India. Part 2 of these guidelines focuses on the best practice principles for breast interventions and provides algorithms for the investigation of specific common breast symptoms and signs. Ultrasound is the preferred imaging modality for image-guided breast interventions due to real-time needle visualization, easy availability, patient comfort and absence of radiation. Stereotactic mammography guided procedures are performed if the lesion is visualized on mammography but not visualized on ultrasound. 14-gauge automated core biopsy device is preferred for breast biopsies although vacuum assisted biopsy devices are useful for biopsy of certain abnormalities as well as for imaging guided excision of some pathologies. MRI guided biopsy is reserved for suspicious lesions seen only on MRI. Algorithms for investigation of patients presenting with mastalgia, breast lumps, suspicious nipple discharge, infections and inflammation of the breast have been provided. For early breast cancers routine use of investigations to detect occult distant metastasis is not advised. Metastatic work up for advanced breast cancer is required for selection of appropriate treatment options.

Biopsia estereotáxica digital y su correlación histopatológica con la biopsia/cirugía radioquirúrgica / Vacuum-assisted stereotactic breast biopsy and histopathological correlation with biopses and radiosurgical surgeries

Introducción La biopsia percutánea con guía estereotáxica digital (bed) ha permitido disminuir el número de cirugías innecesarias y planificar con mejores resultados las biopsias y cirugías radioquirúrgicas. Objetivos El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar la tasa de subestimación de la punción biopsia percutánea con guía estereotáxica digital y correlacionar la imagen mamográfica con la histopatología. Material y método Se evaluaron 247 pacientes con lesiones mamarias subclínicas diagnosticadas por mamografía y sometidas a una bed (suros) durante el período mayo 2013 a diciembre 2015. Se registró de cada paciente la edad, clasificación de bi-rads, la morfología radiológica de las lesiones, los informes histopatológicos de las bed y de posteriores biopsias y/o cirugías radioquirúrgicas (bp/cxrdq). Se analizaron 237 biopsias (Bp). La edad promedio fue de 52 años. De 237 Bp realizadas, obtuvimos 168 lesiones benignas, 25 lesiones de alto riesgo histológico (larh) y 44 malignas. La sensibilidad de las bed fue del 97,7% y la especificidad del 100%; la tasa de subestimación del método fue del 4% para larh y del 26% para cdis. Las lesiones radiológicas predominantes fueron las microcalcificaciones. Conclusiones La bed ha demostrado ser un excelente método de diagnóstico, con múltiples ventajas respecto de la bprdq, con una buena correlación histopatológica y muy baja tasa de subestimación en larh

Introduction Vacuum-assisted stereotactic breast biopsy (dvab) allowed to reduce the number of unnecessary surgeries and plan with better results biopsies and radiosurgical surgeries. Objectives The aim was to analyze the underestimation rate of dvab and correlate the mammographic image with histopathology. Materials and method 247 patients with subclinical breast lesions diagnosed by mammography and subjected to a dvab (suros) during the period May 2013 - December 2015 were evaluated. The age of each patient, bi-rads classification, radiological morphology of lesions, dvab histopathologic reports and subsequent biopsies and/or radiosurgical surgeries (bp/cxrdq) were registered. 237 biopsies were analyzed. The average age was 52 years. Of 237 Bp realized, we obtained 168 benign lesions (lb), 25 high risk histologically lesions (hrhl) and 44 malignant lesions (lm). The dvab sensitivity and specificity was 97.7% and 100%, respectively. The rate of underestimation of the method was 4% for hrhl and 26% for dcis. Microcalcifications were the predominant radiological lesions. Conclusions The dvab has proved to be an excellent method of diagnosis, with multiple advantages over the BpRDQ, with a good correlation histopathological and very low rate of underestimation in hrhl.

Intracranial Undifferentiated Sarcoma Arising from a Low-Grade Glioma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Undifferentiated sarcomas are rarely identified in the intracranial region. A 23-year-old man was admitted with a chief complaint of headache. Initial magnetic resonance images showed signs of low-grade glioma in the frontal lobe. Stereotactic biopsy was performed, and a diagnosis of diffuse astrocytoma was confirmed. Three months later, the patient presented with a high-grade tumor as seen on imaging studies. He underwent total resection of the tumor and histopathological tests identified an undifferentiated sarcoma. The patient died eight months later due to massive tumor bleeding. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of undifferentiated sarcoma arising from low-grade glioma without any chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Procedimientos neuroquirúrgicoscerebrales guiados por estereotaxiarealizados en el Hospital Universitario de San Ignacio (HUSI): evolución a corto y mediano plazo / Neurosurgical Brain Estereotactic- Guided Procedures Performed at Hospital Universitario San Ignacio (HUSI): Development in the Short and Medium Term

Objetivo: Describir los resultados postoperatorios de los pacientes a los que se lesrealizaron procedimientos neuroquirúrgicos cerebrales guiados por estereotaxia enel Hospital Universitario de San Ignacio durante el periodo julio del 2009-julio del2011. Materiales y métodos: Se revisaron las historias clínicas de 78 pacientes,sus características clínicas, la localización de las lesiones en las neuroimágenes,el tipo de procedimiento, los resultados funcionales y los desenlaces a corto ymediano plazo. Resultados: 78 pacientes tuvieron procedimientos neuroquirúrgicosguiados por estereotaxia entre julio del 2009 y julio del 2011. El 64,1 % (n = 50)eran hombres. La localización de las lesiones fue en orden de frecuencia: gangliossubtalámicos, lóbulo frontal, lóbulo temporal, tálamo, unión córtico-subcortical, tallocerebral, ubicación frontotemporal, lóbulo occipital, ubicación parieto-occipital ybase del cráneo. Discusión: La implementación de procedimientos neuroquirúrgicosguiados por estereotaxia sigue siendo una de las mejores opciones en el abordaje depatologías cerebrales profundas o de difícil acceso. Tanto en Colombia como en elresto del mundo son procedimientos con una baja tasa de morbilidad y mortalidad.Conclusiones: Independientemente del tipo de procedimiento guiado por estereotaxiala tasa de complicaciones no excede el 5 %, tasas similares a las obtenidas en laliteratura mundial...

Objective: Retrospective description of postoperativeoutcomes of patients who underwentneurosurgical brain stereotactic guided proceduresat the Hospital Universitario San Ignacioduring the period July 2009-July 2011. Materialsand Methods: A review of medical recordsof 78 patients who were taken to neurosurgicalstereotactic guided procedures at the HospitalUniversitario San Ignaci. We reviewed the clinicalcharacteristics of patients, the location of thelesions on neuroimaging, management, type ofprocedure of each patient, functional results andoutcomes in the short and medium term. Results:78 patients who underwent neurosurgical brainstereotactic guided procedures between July2009 to July 2011 at the Hospital UniversitarioSan Ignacio. The 64.1 % (n = 50) were men. Thelocation of the lesions were in order of frequencysub-thalamic ganglia, frontal lobe, temporallobe, thalamus, cortico-subcortical junction, brainstem,fronto-temporal location, occipital lobe,parieto-occipital location, and at the skull’s base.Discussion: Implementing guided stereotacticneurosurgical procedures remains one of the bestoptions in dealing with deep brain pathologies ordifficult access. In both Colombia and the rest ofthe world, these are procedures with low morbidityand mortality. It must, however, developmulticenter studies that allow us to observe thedevelopment of stereotactic neurosurgery in ourcountry, also develop studies with a larger continuityto assess the long-term outcomes. Conclusions:Whatever type of stereotactic guidedprocedure the rate of complications does not exceed5 %, similar rates to those obtained from theglobal literature...

Caracterización de lesiones asociadas a microcalcificaciones BI-RADS 4A, en 11 años de biopsias estereotáxicas / Characterization of lesions associated with microcalcifications BI-RADS 4A over a 11-year period of stereotactic breast biopsies

Substantial advances in breast imaging techniques, especially developments in digital mammography, have led to early detection of breast cancer. It is well-known that microcalcifications are present in approximately 55 percent of nonpalpable breast malignancies and are responsible for the detection of 85-90 percent of cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) through mammographic screening. We evaluated the types of associated lesions and the percentage of malignancy in BI-RADS 4A subcategory (low suspicion of malignancy), by performing a database review of stereotactic biopsies of microcalcifications categorized as BI-RADS 4A, between September 1999 and January 2011, which accounted for 21.4 percent of biopsied microcalcifications in a total of 159 women. Histological findings corresponded to benign lesions in 43.5 percent, high-risk lesions in 46.5 percent, and malignant tumors in 10 percent. Concerning the latter (16 biopsies), 81.3 percent were DCIS and 18.7 percent corresponded to infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC). The PPV of BI-RADS 4 A category was 13 percent, a value consistent with that described in the literature. Microcalcifications BI-RADS 4A exhibit low suspicion of malignancy, since they mostly correspond to benign lesions (90 percent). Subcategory 4A constitutes an important ancillary diagnostic tool for a more accurate assessment of lesions suspicious for malignancy; therefore, we strongly recommend its use.

El continuo avance en las técnicas de imágenes mamarias, especialmente el desarrollo de la mamografía digital, ha permitido detectar cáncer mamario en etapa precoz. Se sabe que las microcalcificaciones están presentes en el 55 por ciento de los cánceres no palpables y corresponden al 85-90 por ciento de los carcinomas ductales in situ (CDIS) que se detectan con mamografía de screening. Hemos evaluado el tipo de lesiones asociadas y el porcentaje de malignidad de la subcategoría BI-RADS 4A (baja sospecha de malignidad), realizando una revisión de la base de datos de las biopsias estereotáxicas por microcalcificaciones categorizadas BI-RADS 4A entre septiembre 1999 y enero 2011 y que alcanzaron al 21,4 por ciento del total de las microcalcificaciones biopsiadas, en un total de 159 mujeres. Los resultados histológicos correspondieron a lesiones benignas en el 43,5 por ciento, lesiones de alto riesgo en el 46,5 por ciento y malignas en 10 por ciento. De las lesiones malignas (16 biopsias), el 81,3 por ciento fue CDIS y el 18,7 por ciento carcinoma ductal infiltrante (CDI). El VPP de la categoría BI-RADS 4 A fue de 13 por ciento, concordante con la literatura. Las microcalcificaciones BI-RADS 4A son de baja sospecha de malignidad, correspondiendo en su gran mayoría (90 por ciento) a lesiones benignas. La subdivisión en 4 A representa una herramienta que facilita un mejor manejo clínico de las pacientes, por lo que recomendamos su utilización.

Stereotactic biopsy for intracranial lesions: clinical-pathological compatibility in 60 patients / Biopsia estereotáctica para lesões intracranianas: compatibilidade clínico patológica em 60 casos

OBJECTIVE: Image guided stereotactic biopsy (SB) provides cerebral tissue samples for histological analysis from minimal lesions or those that are located in deep regions, being crucial in the elaboration of therapeutic strategies, as well as the prevention of unnecessary neurosurgical interventions. METHOD: Sixty patients with central nervous lesions underwent SB from November 1999 to March 2008. They were followed up to 65 months. Preoperative diagnosis was based on clinical presentation and neuro-radiological features, pathologic diagnosis, clinical outcome. The compatibility of these findings with the pathologic diagnosis was analyzed. RESULTS: Considering diagnosis confirmation when inflammatory hypothesis were made, our accuracy was of 76 percent, with 94 percent of those cases having clinic-pathological correspondence after an average of 65.2 months of follow up. Considering diagnosis confirmation with the preoperative hypothesis of neoplasm, our accuracy was of 69 percent with 90 percent of these cases having clinic-pathological correspondence after an average of 47.3 months of follow-up. Morbidity rate was of 5 percent and mortality was zero. The diagnosis rate was 95 percent. CONCLUSION: Stereotactic biopsy represents a safe and precise method for diagnosis. Anatomic and histopathological analyses have high compatibility with long-term clinical outcome.

OBJETIVO: A biopsia estereotáctica (BE) guiada por imagem propicia amostras de tecido cerebral para análises histológicas, sendo decisiva na estratégia terapêutica e prevenção de intervenções neurocirúrgicas desnecessárias. MÉTODO: 60 pacientes com lesões do sistema nervoso central foram submetidos à biópsia estereotáctica no período de novembro de 1999 a março de 2008. Foram analisados a acurácia do método, a capacidade de confirmar o diagnóstico clínico pré-operatório e o comportamento evolutivo com sua compatibilidade com o diagnóstico patológico. RESULTADOS: As três lesões mais freqüentes foram: neoplasias neuroepiteliais, processos inflamatórios e infecções. Considerando a confirmação diagnóstica quando pensava-se em lesão inflamatória, nossa acurácia foi 76 por cento, com 94 por cento destes casos tendo compatibilidade clínico patológica após média de 65,2 meses de acompanhamento. Considerando a confirmação diagnóstica com a hipótese pré-operatória de lesão neoplásica, nossa acurácia foi 69 por cento, com 90 por cento destes casos tendo compatibilidade clínico-patológica após média de 47,3 meses de acompanhamento. O índice de morbidade foi 5 por cento. A mortalidade foi nula e o índice de diagnóstico foi 95 por cento. CONCLUSÃO: A biopsia estereotáctica é um método seguro e preciso para o diagnóstico. O exame anátomo-patológico possui alta compatibilidade com a evolução clínica dos doentes a longo prazo.

Brainstem biopsies in adults: Review of 80 consecutive cases / Biópsia estereotáxica das lesões do tronco cerebral. Estudo de 80 casos consecutivos

Objective: To retrospectively review the morbidity and mortality rates associated with stereotactic brainstem lesion biopsy, the success rate and the impact on treatment. Material and methods: Eighty consecutive stereotactic biopsies and literature review were performed to analyze clinical, radiographic and histopathological data. Results: Stereotactic biopsy of brainstem lesions conducted to the diagnosis in 96.3%. One death (1.3% of cases) occurred and 10% morbidity was associated with the procedure. Pathology showed that 65% of the adult brainstem intrinsic lesions were gliomas, 11.3% were metastasis, 8.7% were lymphomas and the remaining tumoral lesions were ganglioglioma, ependymoma and craniopharyngeoma. Non-tumoral lesions were the diagnosis in 11 cases. Conclusion: Empiric treatment of adult brainstem lesions is not prudent, because a wide spectrum of pathologies occur in this location. Stereotactic biopsy is a safe and effective method for determining the diagnostic of these lesions.

Objetivo: Analisar retrospectivamente as taxas de morbidade e mortalidade associadas ao procedimento de biópsia estereotáxica das lesões do tronco encefálico, assim como sua taxa de sucesso e impacto no tratamento. Material e métodos: Foram analisados retrospectivamente 80 casos consecutivos de biópsia estereotáxica de lesões do tronco encefálico e confrontados seus dados clínicos, imagiológicos e histopatológicos com dados da literatura atual. Resultados: A biópsia estereotáxica das lesões do tronco encefálico obteve diagnóstico em 96,3% dos casos. A taxa de mortalidade foi de 1,3% e de morbidade de 10%. Estudo histopatológico evidenciou que 65% das lesões intrínsecas do tronco encefálico do adulto eram gliomas, 11,3% eram metástases, 8,7%, linfomas, e o restante das lesões tumorais eram gangliogliomas, ependimomas e craniofaringeomas. Foram diagnosticadas lesões não tumorais em 11 casos. Conclusão: Tratamento empírico das lesões do tronco encefálico do adulto não é prudente em virtude do amplo espectro de patologias que podem acometer esta região. Concluímos que a biópsia estereotáxica é método seguro e efetivo para determinar o diagnóstico de tais lesões.

Estudo retrospectivo e analítico de biópsias estereotácticas / Retrospective study of stereotactic brain biopsies

Fundamento: A biópsia estereotáctica tem sido considerada técnica simples e sem complicações e com resultados satisfatórios para o diagnóstico. Neste estudo ficou evidente que nem sempre o procedimento é simples e pode apresentar riscos. Métodos: Foram analisados procedimentos (n=78) para biópsia estereotáctica de novembro de 2000 a setembro de 2007. As biópsias foram diagnósticas em 85,7% e não diagnósticas em 4%. Os procedimentos foram realizados em centro cirúrgico próximo à radiologia e à sala de patologia. Foi usado equipamento do tipo arco-alvo-centrado compatível com coordenadas cartesianas. Os fiduciais usados foram adequados somente para o equipamento de TC. A cânula de biópsia foi do tipo Nashold e as coordenadas foram calculadas no tomógrafo com programa computadorizado. Resultados: Pré-operatoriamente, observaram-se déficits motores e visuais em 35%, convulsões em 38% e alterações do nível de consciência em 27%. Foram incluídos nas biópsias pacientes com lesões expansivas intracranianas e as indefinidas. Foram excluídos os casos com discrasia sanguínea, tumores vasculares, intraventriculares e doença de Creutzfeldt-Jakob. As lesões expansivas predominaram no nível supratentorial e os homens foram mais afetados do que as mulheres: 64% e 36% respectivamente. O mais jovem tinha 16 anos e o mais velho 74. A lesão expansiva predominante foi o glioblastoma multiforme. Entre os diagnósticos da TC 1/3 não correspondeu à biópsia. Não houve morbidade e/ou mortalidade. Conclusão: O procedimento da biópsia estereotáctica não é isenta de risco, assim como de complicações. Em 1/3 dos casos o diagnóstico neuro-radiológico foi diferente do resultado da biópsia dificultando a conduta cirúrgica. O glioma predominante foi do tipo glioblastoma multiforme supratentorial em faixa etária mais alta e glioma de baixo grau nos mais jovens.

Background: Stereotactic biopsy has been considered simple and safe. In this paper it is shown that the stereotactic procedure is not always without risk. Methods: Procedures (n=78) for stereotactic biopsy were analysed from november 2000 to september 2007. Diagnosis was accurate in 85,7% and misdiagnosis was 4%. The isocentric stereotactic arc-centered system type was used with cartesian system of coordinates. Fiducials were adapted only for CT scanner. Biopsy probe Nashold was used. The coordinates were made within the tomographic machine. Results: The patients presented lesions causing motor déficits and visual disturbances in 35%, convulsions in 38%, and conscience level disturbances in 27%. Patients with tumours and undefined lesions were chosen. Patients with blood dyscrasia, vascular and intraventricular tumors, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease were excluded. The tumours were mainly supratentorial and men were more affected than women. The younger patient was 16 and the olderst 74 years old. Glioblastoma was the more frequent glioma. Among the cases, 1/3 diagnosed by neuroradiologists was different in relation to the pahological findings. No morbimortality was registered. Conclusions: Stereotactic biopsies are not always safe and with no risks. The neuroradiologic diagnosis were different in 1/3 of the cases in comparison to the pathological findings. The predominant glioma was the glioblastoma type for the older and low grade gliomas for the younger subjects.

Biópsia estereotáxica no diagnóstico de tumores cerebrais e lesões não-neoplásicas: indicações, acurácia e dificuldades diagnósticas: [revisão] / Stereotactic biopsy in the diagnosis of brain tumors and non-neoplastic lesions: prescription, accuracy and diagnostic difficulties: [revision]

Objetivo: A biópsia estereotáxica (BE) é um procedimento valioso e seguro para o diagnóstico das lesões expansivas intracranianas. Essa revisão analisa a literatura sobre a importância e a acurácia da BE no diagnóstico de tumores cerebrais e de lesões não-neoplásicas. Resultados: Foram analisados os principais achados anatomopatológicos de cerca de 11.500 BEs provenientes de grandes séries publicadas entre 1980 e 2008. Um diagnóstico histopatológico foi possível em 80% a 99% dos pacientes. As lesões mais freqüentemente encontradas foram neoplasias (64% a 86,4%), principalmente gliomas (61,7% a 71%), e processos não-neoplásicos (4% a 32%). Amostras nas quais não foi possível fazer um diagnóstico foram identificadas em 3,4% a 18,7% dos casos. As principais lesões não-neoplásicas diagnosticadasforam infecções (8% a 15%) e infartos (0,6% a 6%). As causas predominantes para a obtenção de amostras não-diagnósticas foram pequeno tamanho da amostra, lesão de dimensões pequenas, lesão localizada em estruturas cerebrais profundas e cálculo errôneo do alvo resultando em erro na obtenção da amostra. A utilização do esfregaço peroperatório e/ou do corte de congelação permitiu rápido diagnóstico com elevado grau de acurácia, além de ter melhorado a qualidade dos fragmentos coletados durante a realização da BE. Conclusão: A BE é um procedimento seguro e eficaz, o que a torna indicada na abordagem das lesões expansivas intracranianas nas quais não são recomendáveis craniotomia e ressecção ampla da lesão. Possui acurácia elevada, desde que realizada por profissionais habilitados e examinada por patologista ou neuropatologista experiente. A possibilidade de confecção de esfregaçoe/ou corte de congelação aumenta o grau de acerto do diagnóstico da BE.

Objective: Stereotactic biopsy (SB) is an invaluable and safe procedure in the diagnosis of intracranial expanding lesions. This review analyses the literature as to the relevance and accuracy of SB in the diagnosis of brain tumors and non-neoplastic lesions. Results: The main anatomicopathologic findings of approximately 11,500 stereotactic brain biopsies from large series published between 1980 and 2008 were reviewed. A histopathological diagnosis was reached in 80% to 99% of the patients. The most frequently found lesions were neoplasms (64% to 86.4%), especially gliomas (61.7% to 71%), and non-neoplastic lesions (4% to 32%). The diagnosis was non-conclusive in 3.4% to 18.7% of the samples. The most common non-neoplastic lesions were infections (8% to 15%) and infarcts (0.6% to 6%). Non-diagnostic specimens were obtained due to smallsample size, small lesions, lesions located in deep brain structures and inaccurate tissue targeting resultingin sampling error. The use of intraoperative smear and/or frozen section allowed a rapid diagnosis with high level of accuracy as well as it improved the quality of specimens collected during SB procedure. Conclusions: SB is a safe and effective procedure for evaluating intracranial expanding lesions when craniotomy and an open surgical resection are not recommended. It has high accuracy as long as it is performed by experiencedand skilled professionals and examined by experienced pathologists or neuropathologists. The use of smear and/or frozen section increases the diagnostic yield of SB.

La biopsia estereotáctica en el diagnóstico de las lesiones cerebrales focales en sida / Stereotactic brain biopsy in the diagnosis of focal brain lesions in AIDS

Las lesiones cerebrales focales constituyen una complicación frecuente en los pacientes con infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (HIV) y síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida (sida). Durante el período comprendido entre enero de 1999 y mayo de 2007 se realizaron un total de 83 biopsias en pacientes con sida y lesiones cerebrales. Se incluyeron aquellos pacientes que no hubiesen respondido al algoritmo habitual de enfoque diagnóstico-terapéutico de estas lesiones. Todas las muestras obtenidas fueron sometidas a evaluación intraoperatoria para asegurar la obtención de material patológico y posterior análisis histopatológico y exámenes microbiológicos. De los 41 pacientes con lesiones cerebrales múltiples, 62 tenían localización supratentorial, en 4 eran infratentoriales y 17 mostraron ambas localizaciones. Cincuenta y un lesiones seleccionadas como blanco estereotáctico tuvieron refuerzo periférico del contraste. Se obtuvo material histopatológico en el 100% de los procedimientos. El diagnóstico más frecuente fue el de leucoencefalopatía multifocal progresiva (LEMP) con 24 casos (29%), seguido del linfoma primario del sistema nervioso central (LPSNC) con 19 diagnósticos (23%) y de toxoplasmosis en 13 pacientes (15.7%). Se comprobó una relación significativa entre los diagnósticos histopatológicos y la localización de las lesiones y entre los diagnósticos histopatológicos y el comportamiento de las imágenes luego de la administración de la sustancia de contraste. El rédito diagnóstico alcanzó el 90.3% (75 biopsias). La morbiletalidad en esta serie fue de 2.4%. La biopsia cerebral estereotáctica permitió alcanzar el diagnóstico etiológico y adecuar el enfoque terapéutico en la mayoría de los pacientes de esta serie.

Focal brain lesions are frequent complications among HIV/AIDS patients. Between January 1999 and May 2007, 83 procedures of stereotactic brain biopsies in HIV/AIDS patients with focal cerebral lesions were carried out. The inclusion criteria were lack of response to current diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines for brain lesions. All the samples underwent microscopic evaluation during surgery to assert valid material and delayed histopathological and microbiological examination. Forty one patient images demonstrated multiple brain lesions. Sixty two cases had supratentorial localization, 4 lesions were located beneath the tentorium and 17 showed both settings. Fifty one lesions presented peripheral enhancement after contrast computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A 100% of useful samples recovery was achieved. Progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy (PML) was the most frequent diagnosis (29%), followed by primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) (23%), and toxoplasmosis (15.7%). Statistically significant association was observed between histopathological diagnosis and lesion location and between those and peripheral ring enhancement images. The positive diagnostic rate of the invasive procedure was 90.3%. The morbidity/mortality rate was 2.4% in this series. In conclusion, the stereotactic brain biopsy ordered early during the patient’s evolution showed a good performance in order to achieve a prompt and accurate diagnosis and to guide the therapeutic scheme in these AIDS patients with focal brain lesions.

Linfoma primario del sistema nervioso central en pacientes inmunocompetentes / Primary central nervous system lymphoma in immunocompetent patients

El linfoma primario del sistema nervioso central ha sido informado con frecuencia en pacientes que padecen síndromes de inmuno deficiencia. Sin embargo ésta no es una condición necesaria para su presentación, dado que existen informes de la enfermedad en sujetos inmunológicamente competentes. En el presente trabajo se analizaron en forma retrospectiva, los expedientes de 22 pacientes inmunocompetentes con diagnóstico confirmado de linfoma primario encefálico, se revisó la literatura mundial, con el fin de analizar objetivamente las manifestaciones clínicas, comportamiento radiológico, aspecto histopatológico, dificul tades diagnósticas y terapéuticas, así como las consideraciones pro nósticas. El promedio de edad fue de 65 años y con una relación equitativa hombre/mujer. El tiempo de evolución del cuadro clínico fue de 80.4 días y estuvo dominado por cefalea y déficit neurológico focal. En cuatro pacientes se encontraron lesiones múltiples, mientras que en el resto se trataba de lesiones únicas con localización predominante en la región periventricular de los hemisferios cerebrales. Todos los pacientes fueron manejados inicialmente con esteroides y sometidos a toma de biopsia por estereotaxia. La variedad histológica más frecuente fue la de células grandes difusas y la totalidad de los casos reaccionaron positivamente a antígenos de células B en la inmunohistoquímica. Los 22 pacientes fueron tratados con radio terapia y 10 de ellos además con quimioterapia con metotrexato. La supervivencia promedio fue de 11 meses en los pacientes radiados y de 36 meses en los que se agregó quimioterapia.

Primary central nervous system lymphoma has been traditionally described in patients with immunodeficiency syndromes; however, there is an increasing number of immunocompetent patients with this type of tumor that have been reported recently. In this paper we have retrospectively analyzed 22 immunocompetent patients with a confirmed diagnosis of primary lymphoma of the brain. The mean age in this group was 65 years with a similar male/female ratio. The time of evolution of the clinical course was 80.4 days and it was mainly characterized by headache and focal neurological deficit. In four patients multiple lesions were observed, while the remaining presented single lesions mainly located in the periventricular area of the cerebral hemispheres. All patients were initially administered steroids and a stereotactic biopsy was performed. The majority of tumors were histologically classified as diffuse large cells and all of them showed a positive reaction to B cells antigens on immunohistochemistry. All patients were treated with radiotherapy and in 10 of them, chemotherapy with methotrexate was also indicated. The mean survival rate was 11 months among patients treated with radiotherapy alone and increased to 36 months when chemotherapy was added.

Diagnosis of Non-palpable Breast Lesions with Microcalcification by Upright Add-on Type Stereotactic Vacuum-assisted Biopsy / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: For the accurate diagnosis of non-palpable breast lesions with microcalcification, a localization and biopsy procedure should be performed by using mammography. Recently, a stereotactic vacuum-assisted biopsy has been reported as a convenient and accurate method for a procedure. This study was performed to determine whether the upright add-on type stereotactic biopsy was suitable for the diagnosis of microcalcified breast lesions in Korean women. METHODS: Between April 2002 and March 2003, an upright add-on type stereotactic vacuum-assisted biopsy was performed in 21 cases with microcalcification; that had been categorized from 2 to 5 according to the BI-RADS (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System). The microcalcified lesions in biopsy specimens were confirmed with tissue mammogram and a pathological review performed. RESULTS: The pathological findings revealed fibrocystic changes in 15 cases, intraductal papilloma in 1 and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in 5. There were no malignancy among the BI-RADS category 2 & 3 cases, but DCIS was found in 2 (25%) out of 8 BI-RADS category 4 cases, and in all 3 (100%) of BI-RADS category 5 cases. The malignancy detection rate among the cases with microcalcification with a BI-RADS category above 4 was 45.4% (5/11). CONCLUSION: An upright add-on type stereotactic vacuum assisted biopsy is an accurate, safe and very convenient tool for the diagnosis of breast lesions with microcalcification.

Results of Computed Tomography-guided Stereotactic Biopsy for Intracerebral Mass Lesions

OBJECTIVE: The diagnostic results are analyzed in a consecutive 55 patients undergoing computerized tomography(CT)-guided stereotactic brain biopsies. METHODS: There were 32 males and 23 females, and their mean age was 44.9(range 8 to 74) years. The biopsy procedure was generally carried out under local anesthesia. Three to four specimens were obtained with side-biting biopsy needles or cup biopsy forceps, usually from the enhancing portion or central hypodense area within the lesion. In 41 patients of brain tumor, 61% had frozen section guidance intraoperatively. The accuracy of targeting by postoperative CT scan was 95%. RESULTS: The lesions identified were neoplastic disease in 41 cases(75%), vascular disease in three, and infectious process in two. Forty-six cases revealed a definitive diagnosis, and 9 cases(16%) were classified as nondiagnostic. The stereotactic biopsy modified the clinical presumptive diagnosis in fifteen patients(28%), with changing the treatment modality. The final diagnosis was achieved in 8 of 9 failed biopsy patients based on the results from craniotomy(1), second biopsy(3), cerebrospinal fluid study(2), and clinical monitoring(2). The positive biopsy rate was 85% for brain tumors. In 10 cases of brain tumor, the histological studies from biopsied materials and resection tissue were identical. Comparison between the frozen section diagnosis and the final diagnosis based on the permanent sections revealed that they matched in 23(92%) cases. Five patients experienced transient neurological worsening after stereotactic biopsy. CONCLUSION: The representative tissue sampling and intraoperative assessment of sample quality by frozen section examinations can improve the diagnostic yield for the stereotactic brain biopsy. In a small number of patients who had inconclusive results, issues on repeating stereotactic biopsy or open biopsy, clinical and radiological follow-up, or choosing empiric therapy should carefully be considered.

Periventricular Germinoma

Germinomas of the central nervous system are rare embryonal tumors(accounting for less than 1% of intracranial neoplasms) that may be located in the pineal region, in the floor of the third ventricle, or in the suprasellar area. We report a case of germinoma developed in periventricular deep white matter without pineal region tumors or suprasellar masses. The 19-year-old male patient presented with slowly progressing headache, dizziness, photophobia, and dysarthria. Initial brain MRI revealed a irregular and dense enhancement from lateral ventricles to 4th ventricle. The stereotactic biopsy of tumor and histologic examination revealed the germinoma. Craniospinal axis radiation therapy was performed. After radiation therapy patient was improved and no neurologic sequelae was seen at discharge. Periventricular germinomas without pineal or suprasellar lesion are very rare. The radiation therapy, as in our case, is beneficial as with other intracranial germinomas. Stereotactic biopsy of periventricular germinoma provides precise pathologic diagnosis and thus allows more specific management.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with Central Nervous System Involvement: Case Report

Systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE) is a disease of unknown cause in which tissues and cells are damaged by pathogenic autoantibodies and immune complexes. Clinical manifestations which fulfill American Rheumatism Association criteria for a diagnosis of SLE include malar or discoid rash, photosensitivity, oral ulcers, arthritis, serositis, renal, neurologic, hematologic or immunologic disorder, and antinuclear antibodies. Central nervous system (CNS) events may be single or multiple. Clinical manifestations of CNS involvement include organic brain syndromes, focal infarcts, headache, transverse myelitis, optic neuritis, cranial nerve palsies, depression, and anxiety. A 34-year-old female presented with generalized seizure. Antinuclear antibody and antibody to Sm were positive, and low levels of C3 and C4 were detected. On MRI, mild, non-enhancing, low signal intensity was seen on T1 weighted images, and illdefined higher intensities on T2 weighted images. On stereotactic biopsy, three pieces of yellowish material were obtained. Microscopically, coagulative necrosis and neutrophilic infiltration were seen, and the patient underwent steroid therapy. Two months later, MRI no longer showed abnormal signal intensity.

A Clinical Analysis of CT-guided Stereotactic Biopsy for Intracranial Mass Lesions

Using computed tomographic scanners, stereotactic guided brain biopsy usually permits safe and accurate pathologic diagnosis. In our department between 1991 and 1995, 35 patients underwent CT guided stereotactic biopsy and/or craniotomy with CRW stereotactic frame, and following results were obtained. 1) All lesions were supratentorial. As surgical intervention for the diagnosis, biopsy was carried out in 25(71.4%), aspiration of cystic content was in 2(6%), and stereotactic guided craniotomy was in 8 cases(23%) respectively. 2) A positive diagnosis could be obtained in 34 cases(97.1%), and inconclusive diagnosis disclosed in only one case (2.9%). Positive diagnoses included: 10 cases of astrocytoma(28.6%), 4 cases of glioblastoma(11.4%), metastasis, germinoma, and meningioma in that order. 3) It seemed to be difficcult to ascertain a grade and to search for any presence of mixed area in glioma cases, because open craniotomy was not carried out in all cases. 4) The biosy specimens were generally obtained with cup forceps, however a spiral needle core device with outer probe was very useful for obtaining tissue of tumor for an unavailable case with cup forceps. 5) The immediate post-operative CT scan after 3-4 hours of procedure gave information for accurate site of target under location of air bubble, and any evidence of complication such as hemorrhage. This study provides evidence that CT-guided stereotactic biopsy is a reliable, simple, and safe method for obtaining histological diagnosis of intracranial mass lesions.

Stereotactic Biopsy in Brain Lesions

The authors present a retrospective analysis of 100 consecutive patients who between February 1993 and June 1996 underwent computed tomography(CT)-guided stereotactic biopsy using the Riechert-Mundinger system. The patients were aged between ten and 70(mean 41) years and the male-to-female ratio was 58 : 42. All were suffering from intracranial lesion(s) which had not been correctly diagnosed by CT and/or magnetic resonance(MR) imaging. Among these 100 patients, 102 stereotactic biopsy procedures were carried out ; in two cases, the procedure was repeated, due to initial failure. Diagnostic yield was 92%(94 procedures) and the accuracy by image was 100%. After biopsy, eleven glioma cases underwent craniotomy ; in ten of these(92%), the diagnosis was the same on craniotomy and on biopsy. The exception had on biopsy been diagnosed as anaplastic astrocytoma, but on craniotomy was diagnosed as anaplastic oligoastrocytoma. The treatment plan for 27 of 85 patients(31%) was changed after biopsy. The mortality rate was 1%(one case) ; after biopsy, a patient with brain abscess and impending herniation died due to progressive brain edema. The morbidity rate was 7%(seven cases) ; one patient showed transient symptoms of increased intracranial pressure, five showed transient weakness, and one, transient speech disturbance. In conclusion, our system for CT-guided stereotactic biopsy is highly diagnostic, accurate, effective for treatment planning, and in diagnosing brain lesions, does not damage tissue. The possible causes and the solutions for non-specific diagnoses are also discussed.

Comparison of Positron Emission Tomography(PET) and CT/MRI Findings and Correlation with Histopathology in a Case of Glioblastoma: Case Report

Computed tomography(CT) and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) facilitated detection and accurate localization of brain tumors, however, have limitation in predicting the physiologic nature of tumors or the extent of tumor cell infiltration. The PET with [18 F] fluorodeoxyglucose(FDG) can give complementary information by measuring glucose consumption. It was reported that PET was useful for differentiation between recurrent tumor and necrosis, detection of early recurrence, and prediction of the degree of malignancy. Also it can evaluate the metabolic status to dfferent areas in a lesion with heterogeneous components, and be useful for optimal targeting in stereotactic biopsy. We performed stereotactic biopsy of a glioblastoma, obtained multiple specimens from different sites, and investigated correlation between histopathological findings and the findings in CT, MRI, and PET. The histopathological findings such as cell density and presence of microscopic necrosis were well correlated with the metabolic status measured by PET. The extent of the area involved by infiltrating tumor cells was estimated more approximately by PET they by CT or MRI. These findings suggest that PET may give additional information which may be useful for diagnosis and evaluation of the disease.

Analysis of Inconclusive Diagnostic lesions in Stereotactic Biopsy: Review of Cases in 5 Years

While stereotactic biopsy increases the accuracy of obtaining appropriate tissue for precise diagnosis, inconclusive diagnostic lesions can still be observed frequently. We present a review of 43 patients with inconclusive diagnostic samples in stereotactic biopsy between June 1989 and June 1994. inconclusive diagnostic lesions were found in 43 patients(17.9%); the biopsy of these patients showed reactive gliosis in 22, foam cell infiltration and/or demyelination with coagulation necrosis in 8, chronic inflammatory cell infiltration with necrosis, fibrosis in 6, no evidence of tumor in 5, and ganglioglial lesion in 2. The final diagnosis was based on histological findings of permanent paraffin sections after rebiopsy or open surgery, close follow-up CT/MRI scan findings, clinical features and/or history, and serological studies;neoplasm 16, infarction/leukodystrophy 8, infection/inflammation 4, granuloma 1, and no confirmative diagnosis 4, In conclusion, rebiopsy or open surgery is recommended if the lesion is suspected to be a neoplasm, and the patient is closely observed with repeated radiological studies if the lesion is suspected to be benign. This study provides evidence that in some cases an accurate histopathological diagnosis can not be made with stereotactic biopsy and therefore, further investigations are needed in such inconclusive cases.

Clinical Analysis of the CNS Malignant Lymphomas

Malignant CNS lymphoma is a malignant intracranial tumor and in most cases they run a fulminating course if left untreated, with 3 to 5 months survival after appearance of the initial symptoms. Sixteen patients with malignant lymphoma were treated in Asan Medical Center from 1989 to 1994. All patients were underwent tissue diagnosis with subtotal resection or stereotactic biopsy and followed by cranial or craniospinal irradiation with or without systemic chemotherapy. One and three year survival rate of the patients was 88% and 78% respectively. In conclusion, addition of chemotherapy and/or cranial radiation for treatment of the CNS lymphoma may improve survival.