Microcalcificaciones en ausencia de nódulo tiroideo identificable por ecografía y su asociación a cáncer de tiroides: a propósito de un caso / Microcalcifications in the absence of identifiable thyroid nodule on sonography and its association with thyroid carcinoma: a case report

La ecografía tiroidea es la principal herramienta diagnóstica en el manejo de los nódulos tiroideos, siendo la presencia de microcalcificaciones un signo de malignidad. Sin embargo, existen escasas publicaciones acerca de la presencia de microcalcificaciones en ausencia de nódulo identificable y su asociación con cáncer de tiroides. Presentamos un caso de una mujer de 26 años, que, tras hallazgo incidental de bocio, se describe en ecografía un tiroides con alteración difusa de su ecogenicidad e imágenes compatibles con microcalcificaciones sin claro nódulo definido en su polo inferior. Tras realización de punción aspiración con aguja fina de la lesión con resultado Bethesda categoría 5, se decide realizar tiroidectomía total, presentando estudio histológico con diagnóstico de carcinoma papilar de tiroides variante clásica con metástasis ganglionares p(T1bN1a). Tras una revisión sistemática, los estudios hasta hoy publicados sugieren que la presencia de microcalcificaciones aisladas sin nódulo identificable debe considerarse un importante factor de riesgo de cáncer de tiroides, especialmente en gente joven, y en aquellas asentadas sobre una tiroiditis de Hashimoto. Por ende, resulta imperativo mantener una alta sospecha ante el hallazgo de este tipo de lesiones, recomendando una valoración exhaustiva de las mismas con la realización de una punción aspiración con aguja fina a todas las lesiones con dichas características.

Thyroid ultrasound is the main diagnostic tool in the management of thyroid nodules, with the presence of microcalcifications being a sign of malignancy. However, there are few publications about the presence of microcalcifications in the absence of an identifiable nodule and its association with thyroid cancer. We present a case of a 26-year-old woman who, after an incidental finding of goiter, a thyroid with diffuse echogenicity alteration and images compatible with microcalcifications without a clear nodule defined in the lower pole of the lobe is described on the ultrasound. After performing a fine needle aspiration of the lesion resulting in a Bethesda category 5, a total thyroidectomy was performed, presenting in the histological study a diagnosis of a classic variant of a papillary thyroid carcinoma with lymph node metastases p (T1bN1a). After a systematic review, the studies previously published suggest that the presence of isolated microcalcifications without an identifiable nodule should be considered an important risk factor for thyroid cancer, especially in young people, and in those with a concomitant Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Therefore, it is imperative to maintain a high suspicion of the discovery of this type of lesion, recommending an exhaustive assessment of them with the performance of a fine needle aspiration to all lesions with these features.

Role Of Strain Elastography In The Characterization Of Benign And Malignant Nature Of The Thyroid Nodules.

Elastography is an imaging technique to measure the stiffness of tissues. Images are acquired before and after soft compression of tissues and the deformation is evaluated. Strain ratio -calculated as the ratio of stiffness between nodular tissue and surrounding normal thyroid tissue. With prior verbal and written consent patients were examined on gray-scale ultrasound on transverse images and then using elastographic ultrasonography technique. patients were followed up by fnac findings & postoperative histopathology report in cases of inconclusive FNAC reports. This is prospective study conducted on 200 subjects at Government Medical College, Department of RADIO-DIAGNOSIS, Nagpur from November 2016 to 2018. Regarding sonoelastograph, relation between elastograph scores and thyroid malignancies showing sensitivity, specificity and p value is calculated. The most accurate strain ratio cutoff value among studies calculated. RESULTS: Ultrasound Strain elastography is a promising imaging technique that is useful in the differentiating between benign and malignant thyroid nodules. Further improvements in the technique and the diagnostic criteria are necessary for this examination to provide a useful contribution to diagnosis. The use of Real Time ultrasound strain elastography would lead to low thyroid FNAC’s because of the high elasticity of being strongly associated with a benign cytology.

Clinical study on the ultrasound guided mammotome biopsy for micro-calcifications visible in mammography / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective@#To evaluate the clinical feasibility and advantages of ultrasound guided mammotome biopsy for micro-calcifications visible in mammography.@*Methods@#A total of 12 patients with mammography-revealed micro-calcifications examined by ultrasound guided vacuum-assisted biopsy in our hospital from Jun. 2017 to Dec. 2018 were enrolled in this study and their medical records data were analyzed.@*Results@#All 12 patients had accepted pre-biopsy ultrasound localization and all micro-calcifications were successfully excised. Among 12 cases, 4 were revealed as benign breast diseases and 8 were diagnosed as breast cancer.@*Conclusions@#Ultrasound guided mammotome biopsy is found to be an alternative method to stereotactic biopsy in patients with US-detectable micro-calcifications, and re-scan ultrasonography focusing on the specific microcalcification area may be helpful for improving the ultrasound detection rate of micro-calcifications.

Value of multi-parametric MRI in mammographically detected breast imaging reporting and data systems 3 to 4 exclusive microcalcifications / 中华放射学杂志

Objective@#To assess the value of multi-parametric MRI in mammographically detected breast imaging reporting and data systems (BI-RADS) 3 to 4 exclusive microcalcifications.@*Methods@#A retrospective analysis was performed in 152 patients with mammographically detected BI-RADS 3 to 4 exclusive microcalcifications from January 2013 to December 2017. All patients underwent bilateral breast multi-parametric MRI before surgical biopsy. Microcalcifications were classified according to BI-RADS by two radiologists with more than 10 years′ experience in breast imaging. The area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity of BI-RADS 3 to 4 exclusive microcalcifications diagnosis by mammography and mammography plus MRI were calculated and compared using pathology as the gold standard.@*Results@#A total of 152 lesions (93 benign lesionsand 59 malignant lesions) were assessed in this study. The positive predictive value (PPV) of mammography for BI-RADS 3, 4A, 4B and 4C microcalcifications diagnosis were 22.2%(16/72), 5.0%(1/20), 48.5%(17/35) and 100.0%(25/25) respectively. The PPV of MRI for BI-RADS 2, 3, 4, 5 microcalcifications diagnosis were 1.6%(1/62), 7.1%(2/28), 72.2%(13/18) and 97.7%(43/44).The area under curve, sensitivity and specificity of mammography for BI-RADS 3 to 4 microcalcifications diagnosis were 0.676,72.9% and 60.2%. The area under curve, sensitivity and specificity of mammography plus MRI for BI-RADS 3 to 4 microcalcifications diagnosis were 0.982, 94.9% and 93.6%.@*Conclusions@#Multi-parametric MRI can improve the diagnostic accuracy in mammographically detected BI-RADS 3 to 4 exclusive microcalcifications, which is helpful to differentiate benign and malignant breast lesions with microcalcifications and avoid unnecessary biopsies.

Clinical study on the ultrasound guided mammotome biopsy for micro-calcifications visible in mammog-raphy / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective To evaluate the clinical feasibility and advantages of ultrasound guided mammo-tome biopsy for micro-calcifications visible in mammography. Methods A total of 12 patients with mammogra-phy-revealed micro-calcifications examined by ultrasound guided vacuum-assisted biopsy in our hospital from Jun. 2017 to Dec. 2018 were enrolled in this study and their medical records data were analyzed. Results All 12 patients had accepted pre-biopsy ultrasound localization and all micro-calcifications were successfully excised. A-mong 12 cases, 4 were revealed as benign breast diseases and 8 were diagnosed as breast cancer. Conclusions Ul-trasound guided mammotome biopsy is found to be an alternative method to stereotactic biopsy in patients with US-detectable micro-calcifications, and re-scan ultrasonography focusing on the specific microcalcification area may be helpful for improving the ultrasound detection rate of micro-calcifications.

Value of multi?parametric MRI in mammographically detected breast imaging reporting and data systems 3 to 4 exclusive microcalcifications / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To assess the value of multi-parametric MRI in mammographically detected breast imaging reporting and data systems (BI-RADS) 3 to 4 exclusive microcalcifications. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed in 152 patients with mammographically detected BI-RADS 3 to 4 exclusive microcalcifications from January 2013 to December 2017. All patients underwent bilateral breast multi-parametric MRI before surgical biopsy. Microcalcifications were classified according to BI-RADS by two radiologists with more than 10 years′ experience in breast imaging. The area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity of BI-RADS 3 to 4 exclusive microcalcifications diagnosis by mammography and mammography plus MRI were calculated and compared using pathology as the gold standard. Results A total of 152 lesions (93 benign lesionsand 59 malignant lesions) were assessed in this study. The positive predictive value (PPV) of mammography for BI-RADS 3, 4A, 4B and 4C microcalcifications diagnosis were 22.2%(16/72),5.0%(1/20),48.5%(17/35) and 100.0%(25/25) respectively. The PPV of MRI for BI-RADS 2, 3, 4, 5 microcalcifications diagnosis were 1.6%(1/62),7.1%(2/28),72.2%(13/18) and 97.7%(43/44).The area under curve, sensitivity and specificity of mammography for BI-RADS 3 to 4 microcalcifications diagnosis were 0.676,72.9% and 60.2%. The area under curve, sensitivity and specificity of mammography plus MRI for BI-RADS 3 to 4 microcalcifications diagnosis were 0.982, 94.9% and 93.6%. Conclusions Multi-parametric MRI can improve the diagnostic accuracy in mammographically detected BI-RADS 3 to 4 exclusive microcalcifications, which is helpful to differentiate benign and malignant breast lesions with microcalcifications and avoid unnecessary biopsies.

Microcalcificaciones y focos ecogénicos puntiformes, ¿qué tan bien sabemos lo que estamos viendo? / Microcalcifications and punctate echogenic foci, how well do we know what we are seeing?

Resumen: La presencia de microcalcificaciones en nódulos tiroideos es un signo muy específico de malignidad, al corresponder a cuerpos de Psammoma. No existen suficientes estudios que demuestren una correlación entre su presencia histológica y su aspecto ecográfico real. Materiales y Métodos: Se seleccionaron todos los nódulos con tamaño mayor a 3 cm puncionados en el Hospital Clínico Universidad Católica entre los años 2010-2015 y se clasificó el aspecto ecográfico según la presencia de 3 tipos de focos ecogénicos con una definición más estricta a lo usual. Se correlacionó lo anterior con hallazgos en biopsias. Resultados: 44 nódulos correspondieron a cáncer papilar de tiroides. Hubo relación estadísticamente significativa entre una nueva definición ecográfica de las microcalcificaciones (focos ecogénicos puntiformes) y la presencia histológica de cuerpos de psamomma. Discusión: Habría una buena correlación entre una definición más estricta y la presencia real de microcalcificaciones en histología, mejorando la alta tasa de sobrediagnóstico advertido recientemente por algunos autores.

Abstract: The presence of microcalcifications in thyroid nodules is a very specific sign of malignancy, as it corresponds to Psammoma bodies. There are not enough studies that demonstrate a correlation between their histological presence and their actual ultrasound appearance. Materials and Methods: All nodules larger than 3 cm punctured at the Universidad Católica Clinical Hospital between 2010-2015 were selected, and the sonographic appearance was classified according to the presence of 3 types of echogenic foci according to a stricter definition than usual. The above was correlated with findings in biopsies. Results: 44 nodules corresponded to papillary thyroid cancer. There was a statistically significant relationship between a new ultrasound definition of the microcalcifications (punctate echogenic foci) and the histological presence of psamomma bodies. Discussion: There would be a good correlation between a stricter definition and the actual presence of microcalcifications in histology, improving the high rate of over diagnosis recently noticed by some authors.

Actualidad para el diagnóstico del carcinoma ductal in situ: correlación radiopatológica / Current issues in the diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ: a radiopathological correlation

El carcinoma ductal in situ (CDIS) se encuentra en un grupo heterogéneo de tumores, cuyo diagnóstico se ha visto incrementado con el uso de la mamografía como método de cribado. El sistema de clasificación de Van Nuys, que se basa principalmente en el grado nuclear histológico y la presencia de necrosis, es el sistema más reproducible para la clasificación histopatológica. La anomalía más común que se observa en la mamografía son las microcalcificaciones, coexistiendo con otras lesiones como masas y distorsión arquitectural, que representan lesiones de bajo grado. El diagnóstico inicial debe realizarse mediante anamnesis y examen físico detallado que permita realizar una aproximación a las características morfoestructurales de la lesión, para posteriormente llegar a un acercamiento imagenológico y dinámico mediante resonancia magnética (RM), complementada con técnicas de inmunohistoquímica que caractericen el tumor. La presencia de distribución segmentaria morfológica es típico de malignidad (CDIS). La cinética de las lesiones en el estudio dinámico de la RM varía, siendo patognomónico de CDIS el patrón de washout en la fase de reforzamiento tardío. Sin embargo, el patrón dinámico parece estar correlacionado con los hallazgos mamográficos. Los hallazgos de RM y TC multidetector pueden ser útiles en combinación con la RM de mama para el mapeo preoperatorio. Sin embargo, existen técnicas complementarias como la espectroscopía y la difusión ponderada que mejoran la especificidad de la RM y tienen utilidad en la predicción de respuesta a la quimioterapia adyuvante. Estas aplicaciones futuras podrán mejorar la capacidad de diagnóstico oportuno y opciones de tratamiento.

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) falls into a heterogeneous group of tumors, whose diagnosis has increased with the use of mammography as screening method. The Van Nuys Prognostic Index, mainly based on histological nuclear grade and presence of necrosis, is the most reproducible histopathological classification system. The most common abnormality observed during a mammography are microcalcifications, which coexist with other lesions such as masses and architectural distortion, and represent low-grade lesions. The initial diagnosis should be performed by anamnesis and a detailed physical examination to help determine the morphostructural characteristics of the lesion. Then an imaging and dynamic approach should be achieved by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) complemented by immunohistochemistry to characterize the tumor. The presence of morphological segmental distribution is typical of malignancy (DCIS). The kinetics of the lesions using a dynamic MRI varies, with the washout and late enhancement pattern being pathognomonic for DCIS. However, the dynamic pattern seems to be correlated with mammographic findings. Multidetector CT and MRI findings may be useful in combination with breast MRI for preoperative mapping. Nevertheless, there are complementary techniques such as spectroscopy and weighted diffusion that improve the specificity of the MRI and are useful in predicting response to adjuvant chemotherapy. These future applications will improve the ability for early diagnosis and treatment options.

Calcificaciones mamarias: descripción y clasificación según la 5ª edición BI-RADS / Breast calcifications: description and classification according to BI-RADS 5th edition

Abstract. Breast calcifications are frequent findings in mammography. Most of them have a benign origin, such as in the case of the response to inflammatory disease of the ducts or coarse calcifications in benign nodules. Many of these calcifications show a characteristic benign appearance, and they do not need to be magnified or monitored. However, other calcifications can show a grouped pattern, have a suspicious appearance, and transform into an in situ ductal carcinoma or a high risk breast lesion. It is important to know the morphological and distribution patterns of these calcifications in order to make right decisions for each case. In the 5th edition of the BI-RADS atlas, 2013, categories and levels of suspicion for some patterns were modified. The objective of this article is to update descriptors and categories of BI-RADS micro-calcifications, pointing out their most important features and malignancy risk linked to each descriptor.

Resumen. Las calcificaciones mamarias son un hallazgo frecuente en mamografía. La mayoría de ellas tienen un origen benigno, como puede ser la respuesta a patología inflamatoria de los conductos o calcificaciones gruesas en nódulos benignos. Muchas de estas calcificaciones presentan un aspecto benigno característico y no requieren ser magnificadas o controladas. Otras calcificaciones sin embargo pueden presentarse agrupadas, tener un aspecto sospechoso y originarse en un carcinoma ductal in situ o una lesión de alto riesgo. Es relevante conocer los patrones morfológicos y de distribución de estas calcificaciones a fin de tomar la conducta adecuada para cada caso. En la 5.ª edición del atlas BI-RADS, 2013, las categorías y grados de sospecha de algunos patrones fueron modificados. El objetivo del presente artículo es realizar una actualización de los descriptores y las categorías BI-RADS de las microcalcificaciones, señalando sus características más importantes y el riesgo de malignidad asociado a cada descriptor.

Pre‑surgical road map for thyroid cancer and large goiters: Practical benefits of detailed radiological evaluation by surgeon.

INTRODUCTION: Pre‑surgical radiological evaluation of neck is often mandatory for surgical planning in high risk thyroid cancer and large goiters. Frequently, surgeons are overdependent on radiologist’s report. In this context, we analysed the practical benefits of surgeon’s independent radiological evaluation in our institutional experience. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted in Endocrine Surgery department of a teaching hospital in South India. Cases operated between January 2011 and June 2012 (18 months) were included. Films of cross‑sectional imaging were read in detail by primary and assistant surgeons in correlation with stepwise operative planning and documented. Cases with additional radiological signs on surgeon’s evaluation, which were missing in radiologist’s report are discussed in detail. RESULTS: F: M ratio is 67:24. Mean age was 45.3 ± 9.8 years (37 – 76). Forty‑seven cases of thyroid cancer and 44 cases of large goiters were analysed. Surgeon read additional signs such as obliterated fat plane between goiter and subcutaneous plane; level I lymph nodes; bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy, internal jugular vein thrombus, and pharyngeal invasion helped in pre‑operatively planned modification of operative steps for optimal R0 resection and total thyroidectomy. A mean of 1.42 ± 0.83 (1 – 6), additional signs were detected on surgeon’s radiological evaluation compared to radiologist’s report in 41.7% of cases. These findings modified the pre‑operative plan, facilitating better surgical outcome in 28.6% of cases. CONCLUSION: In high‑risk thyroid cancer and large goiters, detailed radiological evaluation by surgeon facilitates optimal surgical resection and superior outcome compared to radiologist report‑guided surgery.

Research progress on microcalcifications in breast cancer / 中国肿瘤临床

Microcalcifications are among the most common imaging findings of breast cancer. This article reviews the recent liter-ature regarding the foci of microcalcifications in breast cancer. In particular, we summarize the composition, formation mechanism, and biopsy method of the microcalcifications;the relationship between the foci and clinicopathologic indicators;and the influence of neoad-juvant chemotherapy on the foci.

Retrieval Rate and Accuracy of Ultrasound-Guided 14-G Semi-Automated Core Needle Biopsy of Breast Microcalcifications

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the retrieval rate and accuracy of ultrasound (US)-guided 14-G semi-automated core needle biopsy (CNB) for microcalcifications in the breast. MATERIALS AND METHODS: US-guided 14-G semi-automated CNB procedures and specimen radiography were performed for 33 cases of suspicious microcalcifications apparent on sonography. The accuracy of 14-G semi-automated CNB and radiology-pathology concordance were analyzed and the microcalcification characteristics between groups with successful and failed retrieval were compared. RESULTS: Thirty lesions were successfully retrieved and the microcalcification retrieval rate was 90.9% (30/33). Thirty lesions were successfully retrieved. Twenty five were finally diagnosed as malignant (10 invasive ductal carcinoma, 15 ductal carcinoma in situ [DCIS]) and five as benign. After surgery and mammographic follow-up, the 25 malignant lesions comprised 12 invasive ductal carcinoma and 13 DCIS. Three lesions in the failed retrieval group (one DCIS and two benign) were finally diagnosed as two DCIS and one benign after surgery. The accuracy of 14-G semi-automated CNB was 90.9% (30/33) because of two DCIS underestimates and one false-negative diagnosis. The discordance rate was significantly higher in the failed retrieval group than in the successful retrieval group (66.7% vs. 6.7%; p < 0.05). Punctate calcifications were significantly more common in the failed retrieval group than in the successful retrieval group (66.7% vs. 3.7%; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: US-guided 14-G semi-automated CNB could be a useful procedure for suspicious microcalcifications in the breast those are apparent on sonography.

Segmenting mammographic microcalcifications using a semi-automatic procedure based on Otsu's method and morphological filters

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer has the second highest world's incidence rate, according to the Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCa). Clinical examination and mammography are the best methods for early diagnosis. Computer-aided detection (CADe) and computer-aided diagnosis (CADx) systems are developed to improve mammographic diagnosis. Basically, CADx systems have three components: (i) segmentation, (ii) parameters extraction and selection, (iii) lesion classification. The first step for a CADx system is segmentation. METHODS: A microcalcification segmentation method is proposed, based on morphological operators, Otsu's Method and radiologists' knowledge. Pre-processing with top-hat operators improves contrast and reduces background noise. The Otsu's method automatically selects the best grey-level threshold to segment microcalcifications, obtaining binary images. Following, inferior reconstruction and morphological dilatation operators are applied to reconstruct lost structure details and fill small flaws in the segmented microcalcifications. Finally, the Canny edge detection is applied to identify microcalcifications contour candidates for each region-of-interest (ROI). Two experienced radiologists intervene in this semi-automatic method, firstly, selecting the ROI and, then, analyzing the segmentation result. The method was assessed in 1000 ROIs from 158 digital images (300 dpi, 8 bits). RESULTS: Considering the radiologists opinion, the rates of ROIs adequately segmented to establish a diagnosis hypothesis were 97.8% for one radiologist and 97.3% for the other. Using the Area Overlap Measure (AOM) and the 2136 microcalcifications delineated by an experienced radiologist as gold standards, the method achieved an average AOM of 0.64±0.14, being 0.56±0.09 for small microcalcifications and 0.66±0.13 for the large ones. Moreover, AOM was 0.64±0.13 for the benign and 0.64±0.14 for the malignant lesions with no statistical differences between them. CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, the proposed method could be used to develop a CADx system that could help early breast cancer detection.

Microcalcificaciones mamarias: revisión de los descriptores y categorías BI-RADS / Breast microcalcifications: review the BI-RADS descriptors and categories

Las calcificaciones mamarias son hallazgos frecuentes en la mamografía. La mayoría de ellas son originadas por patología benigna, aunque algunos patrones agrupados específicos pueden ser causados por patología maligna, especialmente el carcinoma ductal in situ. El objetivo del presente artículo es realizar una revisión de los descriptores y categorías BI-RADS de las microcalcificaciones, señalando sus características más importantes y el riesgo de malignidad asociado a cada descriptor.

Breast calcifications are frequent findings on mammography. Most of them are caused by benign pathologies, although some specific grouped patterns may be caused by malignancy, especially ductal carcinoma in situ. The aim of this article is to review the BI-RADS descriptors and categories of microcalcifications, marking its most important characteristics and the risk of malignancy associated with each descriptor.

Lymphocytic Thyroiditis Presenting as Diffuse Microcalcifications on Ultrasound: A Case Report

The presence of microcalcifications is one of the representative features suggesting papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Thyroid malignancy appearing solely as diffuse microcalcifications on ultrasound (US) is rare. Here, we report on a 52-year-old male patient with lymphocytic thyroiditis presenting as diffuse microcalcifications on US. This case report describes a patient who showed benign cytology twice on US-guided FNAB, and was finally found to have lymphocytic thyroiditis on core-needle biopsy. Lymphocytic thyroiditis, as well as PTC, can manifest solely as microcalcifications on US, and performance of two US-guided FNABs may be acceptable for lesions showing only microcalcifications on thyroid US.

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.

Cancerização de lóbulos: correlação de achados mamográficos e histológicos / Cancerization of lobules: correlation between mammography and histological findings

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar os aspectos mamográficos de cancerização de lóbulos associados a carcinoma ductal in situ (CDIS), por meio de correlação entre achados de imagem e histológicos. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: O presente estudo retrospectivo foi baseado em uma revisão de laudos histopatológicos de 135 pacientes submetidas a biópsia de mama. O diagnóstico de cancerização de lóbulos associada a CDIS foi confirmado em 12 das pacientes. Dois casos foram excluídos porque os cortes histopatológicos não estavam disponíveis para correlação da patologia com a mamografia. Todas as imagens mamográficas foram retrospectivamente analisadas às cegas quanto aos resultados histológicos e classificados por dois experientes radiologistas especializados em mama. RESULTADOS: Nove casos (90 por cento) apresentavam microcalcificações redondas agrupadas e um (10 por cento) apresentava calcificações lineares. A distribuição das calcificações foi definida como lobular em todos os casos. A análise histopatológica demonstrou quatro casos de CDIS cribriforme, dois casos de comedocarcinoma, um caso de CDIS sólido, um caso de CDIS cribriforme associado com sólido e um caso de CDIS cribriforme associado com sólido e comedocarcinoma. No caso em que havia calcificações redondas e lineares, o subtipo histológico era de CDIS cribriforme. Com relação ao número de microcalcificações, nove casos apresentavam mais do que 20 e apenas um caso apresentava menos do que 10 microcalcificações. CONCLUSÃO: Na presente coorte, a avaliação mamográfica de pacientes com CDIS apresentando cancerização de lóbulos demonstrou agrupamentos de microcalcificações redondas com distribuição lobular. Embora agrupamentos de calcificações redondas sejam normalmente associados a um processo benigno, a cancerização de lóbulos por CDIS pode produzir um padrão similar, mimetizando, assim, uma condição benigna.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the mammographic appearance of cancerization of lobules by ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), by correlating imaging and histological findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was based on a review of the histopathological reports of 135 patients who underwent breast biopsy. A diagnosis of cancerization of lobules by DCIS was confirmed in 12 patients. Two cases were excluded because the histopathological sections were not available to correlate pathological and mammographic findings. All mammograms were retrospectively reviewed and categorized by two experienced breast radiologists, with no knowledge of the histological findings. RESULTS: Nine cases (90 percent) presented clusters of round microcalcifications, and one (10 percent) had round and linear calcifications. The distribution of the calcifications was defined as lobular in all the cases. Histopathological study showed four cases of cribriform DCIS, two cases of comedo DCIS, one case of solid DCIS, one case of cribriform associated with solid DCIS, and one case of cribriform associated with solid and comedo DCIS. In the case showing round and linear calcifications, the histological subtype was cribriform DCIS. With respect to the number of microcalcifications, nine cases presented more than 20, and only one case showed less than 10 microcalcifications. CONCLUSION: In our cohort, the mammographic evaluation of patients with DCIS presenting cancerization of lobules demonstrated clusters of microcalcifications in a lobular distribution. Although clusters of round calcifications are typically associated with a benign process, cancerization of lobules by DCIS may produce a similar pattern, thus mimicking a benign condition.

Avaliação de um dispositivo portátil para biópsia vácuo-assistida de microcalcificações mamárias / Evaluation of a portable device for vacuum-assisted biopsy of breast microcalcifications

OBJETIVO: A biópsia vácuo-assistida é a forma percutânea de biópsia de microcalcificações que obtém a menor taxa de subestimação, porém, seu custo é alto, havendo interesse em se conseguir formas mais baratas de biópsia vácuo-assistida. O objetivo deste trabalho foi testar um dispositivo portátil de biópsia vácuo-assistida que apresenta custo menor. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram biopsiadas 35 pacientes que apresentavam agrupamentos de microcalcificações BI-RADS® 4 ou 5. Foram testados a representatividade dos fragmentos colhidos, as dificuldades na reintrodução da cânula e o número de ciclos de colheita. RESULTADOS: Houve obtenção de calcificações representativas em todas as pacientes. Não houve discordância anatomorradiológica, dificuldade na reintrodução da cânula ou complicações graves. CONCLUSÃO: Os dados permitem concluir que o sistema apresenta boa eficácia na obtenção das amostras e com relação de custo-benefício favorável em relação a outros sistemas para a biópsia de microcalcificações, achados em concordância com outras publicações da literatura.

OBJECTIVE: Vacuum-assisted biopsy is the percutaneous technique of breast biopsy with the lowest underestimation rate. However, the cost of such procedure is high and currently there is a considerable interest in developing less expensive techniques. The present study was aimed at testing a less expensive device for vacuum-assisted biopsy of breast microcalcifications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients with clustered microcalcifications classified as BI-RADS® 4 or 5 were submitted to biopsy. Collected specimen appropriateness, difficulties in the reinsertion of the cannula and number of biopsy passes were evaluated. RESULTS: Successful specimens collection was achieved in all of the patients. Histo-radiological disagreement, difficulties in the cannula reinsertion or severe complications were not observed. CONCLUSION: The authors conclude that the method is effective in terms of specimens appropriateness and cost-benefit ratio as compared with of biopsy techniques for breast microcalcifications. Such findings are compatible with data reported in the literature.

Lesiones mucocele-like de la mama: experiencia local y revisión de la literatura / Mucocele-like lesions of the breast: local experience and review of the literature

Mucocele-like lesions of the breast are uncommon. They where first described by Rosen in 1986. Pathologically, they are defined as mucin filled cysts and extravasated mucin in the adjacent stroma, without inflammatory reaction. We present eight cases of mucocele-like lesions in six patients, emphasizing the clinical and radiological findings and features of the respective percutaneous and excisional biopsies. Considering their frequent association with high risk type lesions (4/8 = 50%) and also with ductal carcinomas in situ or mucinous carcinomas (1/7 = 14%), surgical excision is recommended to exclude malignancy.

La lesión mucocele-like (LML) es infrecuente, fue descrita por primera vez por Rosen en 1986; se define anatomopatológicamente como área de quistes conteniendo mucina, con presencia de mucina extravasada en el estroma adyacente debido a la rotura de quistes, sin reacción inflamatoria asociada. Se presentan ocho casos de LML diagnosticados en seis pacientes, haciendo énfasis en las características clínicas, imaginológicas y hallazgos de las respectivas biopsias percutáneas y excisionales. Considerando su frecuente asociación con lesiones de alto riesgo, (4/8=50%) y también con cáncer in situ o cáncer infiltrante mucinoso (1/7=14%), la recomendación actual es la biopsia quirúrgica para excluir malignidad.

The Relationship between the Mammographic Features and Clinicopathologic Characteristics in Breast Cancer / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To study the relationship between the mammographic features and clinicopathologic characteristics in breast cancer.Methods Digital mammograms of 176 patients with pathologically proved breast cancer were reviewed.X-ray findings were analysed compared with clinical and pathologic data(histological types and axillary nodes status).Results The breast cancer simplely with micro-calcifications was common seen is the young women under 50 years old(27/32,84.4%) and microcalcifications with the mass was common seen in the aged women over 50 years old(53.8%,28/52).Microcalcifications in mammography occurred frequently occurred in 51.9%(14/27)in intra-ductal carcinoma and early invasive carcinoma.The breast cancer with expression of microcalcification cimbined with burr-like mass had a high metastatic rate to axillary lymph nodes(69.4%,25/36).A high metastatic rate of axillary lymph nodes could also be found in the patients with solitary worm-like microcalcification,solitary burr-like tumor and simple non-wormlike microcalcification.Conclusion The X-ray features of breast carcinoma are certainly related to the clinicopathological manifestations.