An Innovative Ultrasound Technique for Evaluation of Tumor Vascularity in Breast Cancers: Superb Micro-Vascular Imaging / 한국유방암학회지

Tumor vascularity is an important indicator for differential diagnosis, tumor growth, and prognosis. Superb micro-vascular imaging (SMI) is an innovative ultrasound technique for vascular examination that uses a multidimensional filter to eliminate clutter and preserve extremely low-velocity flows. Theoretically, SMI could depict more vessels and more detailed vascular morphology, due to the increased sensitivity of slow blood flow. Here, we report the early experience of using SMI in 21 breast cancer patients. We evaluated tumor vascular features in breast cancer and compared SMI and conventional color or power Doppler imaging. SMI was superior to color or power Doppler imaging in detecting tumor vessels, the details of vessel morphology, and both peripheral and central vascular distribution. In conclusion, SMI is a promising ultrasound technique for evaluating microvascular information of breast cancers.

Spinal cord stimulation for intractable post-thoracotomy pain syndrome: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Post-thoracotomy syndrome is a condition characterized by pain that continues for more than 2 months after a thoracotomic procedure. Some patients suffer from devastating chest pain despite receiving multimodal treatment such as analgesics, antidepressants, anticonvulsants and nerve blockers. Spinal cord stimulation has been reported to be a promising relief for the intractable neuropathic pain. A 60-year-old man who had been suffering from post-thoracotomy pain for 20 years showed relief of pain after spinal cord stimulation. Spinal cord stimulation thus seems to be a viable option for patients who do not respond to conventional pain management therapy.