Identification of Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features Associated with Positive Resection Margins in Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVE: To determine which preoperative breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and clinicopathologic features are associated with positive resection margins at the time of breast-conserving surgery (BCS) in patients with breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed preoperative breast MRI and clinicopathologic features of 120 patients (mean age, 53.3 years; age range, 27–79 years) with breast cancer who had undergone BCS in 2015. Tumor size on MRI, multifocality, patterns of enhancing lesions (mass without non-mass enhancement [NME] vs. NME with or without mass), mass characteristics (shape, margin, internal enhancement characteristics), NME (distribution, internal enhancement patterns), and breast parenchymal enhancement (BPE; weak, strong) were analyzed. We also evaluated age, tumor size, histology, lymphovascular invasion, T stage, N stage, and hormonal receptors. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the correlation between clinicopathological features, MRI findings, and positive resection margins. RESULTS: In univariate analysis, tumor size on MRI, multifocality, NME with or without mass, and segmental distribution of NME were correlated with positive resection margins. Among the clinicopathological factors, tumor size of the invasive breast cancer and in situ components were significantly correlated with a positive resection margin. Multivariate analysis revealed that NME with or without mass was an independent predictor of positive resection margins (odds ratio [OR] = 7.00; p < 0.001). Strong BPE was a weak predictor of positive resection margins (OR = 2.59; p = 0.076). CONCLUSION: Non-mass enhancement with or without mass is significantly associated with a positive resection margin in patients with breast cancer. In patients with NME, segmental distribution was significantly correlated with positive resection margins.

Change in Dietary Intake and Nutritional Status Using Mealworms as Hospital Meal in Postoperative Patients

The purpose of this study was to verify the validity of Mealworms as a hospital meal with increased nutrition density. We provided a meal for postoperative patients and conducted analysis of dietary intake and nutritional status of patients and assessment of acceptability of the meal. This study was carried out as a randomized control trial. Patients were supplied either a hospital meal using Mealworms (Experimental group) or a regular hospital meal (Control group). We investigated the administration amounts of parenteral nutrition (PN) and food intake of patients after surgery and measured anthropometry, body composition, and blood tests before surgery and at hospital discharge. We included 34 postoperative patients who were admitted to Gangnam Severance Hospital from March to September. In the groups of patients not supplied with PN, the experimental group (964.68±284.6 kcal, 38.82±12.9 g) had significantly higher dietary calorie and protein intake than the control group (666.62±153.7 kcal, 24.47±4.9 g)(P<0.05). Additionally in the group of patients not supplied with PN, the experimental group (1.37%) showed a significantly higher increase in fat free mass index than the control group (−3.46%)(P<0.05). In all subjects, calorie density and protein density were significantly higher in the experimental group (P<0.001), and acceptability of calorie (P=0.036) and protein (P=0.001) was also significantly higher in the experimental group. Therefore, the results of this study support the validity of the introduction of hospital meals using Mealworms.

Beta-Thalassemia Minor Is Associated with IgA Nephropathy

No abstract available.

Acalculous Gallbladder Perforation and Coronary Artery Aneurysm after Kidney Transplantation / 대한이식학회지

Although gallbladder (GB) perforation due to acalculous cholecystitis after kidney transplantation is rarely observed, it can be life threatening and result in cholecystectomy. Coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) is also rare and may require invasive therapy depending on its diameter. We report herein the case of a 69-year-old female who developed GB perforation due to acalculous cholecystitis after kidney transplantation and underwent cholecystectomy. The patient was later invasively treated when CCA was detected by coronary angiography.

Reproductive and Hormonal Factors Associated with Fatty or Dense Breast Patterns among Korean Women / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: Dense breasts have been suggested as a risk factor for breast cancer, but controversy still remains. This study evaluates the association of reproductive and hormonal factors with dense breasts among Korean women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design, 516 women were recruited and classified for breast density patterns as being either fatty or dense, using the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) of the American College of Radiology. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: In univariate logistic regression, older age, higher body mass index, older age at menarche, and oral contraceptive use were associated with more fatty breasts. On the contrary, longer duration of education, alcohol consumption, lower parity, menopause and use of hormone replacement therapy were associated with dense breasts. After adjustment, age and body mass index were inversely associated with breast density (p-value for trend or =2 children, nulliparous women had an 11.8-fold increase of dense breasts (p-value for trend <0.01). Compared to postmenopausal women, premenopausal women had 2.4-fold increase of dense breasts (odds ratio, 2.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.36 to 4.32). CONCLUSION: Young age, lower body mass index, lower parity, and premenopausal status were significantly associated with dense breasts in Korea.

Comparison of Early Clinical Outcomes Between ALTA (Aluminum Potassium Sulfate and Tannic Acid, Ziohn(R)) Injection Therapy and a Submucosal Hemorrhoidectomy in Patients with Internal Hemorrhoids

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate early outcomes of ALTA (aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid, Ziohn(R)) injection compared with those of a submucosal hemorrhoidectomy for the treatment of internal hemorrhoids. METHODS: From September 2008 to April 2009, a total of 50 patients who had internal hemorrhoids (Golliger grade II to IV) were treated by using either ALTA injection (n=25) or a submucosal hemorrhoidectomy (n=25). Outcomes with respect to pain scores, analgesics use, and satisfaction levels of the patients, and complications were compared. RESULTS: The mean number of hemorrhoidal piles was 3.52 in the ALTA injection group and 3.56 in the operation group. The average amount of ALTA injection was 27.34 cc. Pain scores measured at one day and 7 days after the treatment, and the number of analgesics used in the injection group were significantly lower than those in the operation group (P<0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the satisfaction level between two groups. One case of treatment failure was found in the ALTA injection group. There was no difference in complications between the injection group (n=4) and the operation group (n=5) (P=0.725). CONCLUSION: When compared with a submucosal hemorrhoidectomy, ALTA injection showed less post-treatment pain and less analgesics use. Overall complication rates were not different between the two groups. We found the early outcomes of ALTA injection for the treatment of internal hemorrhoids to be comparable to those of surgery. Thus, large-scale and long-term follow-up studies are needed to clarify the proper indications for ALTA injection.