Comparison of ZOOMit-DWI sequence and conventional DWI sequence in endometrial cancer / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#Magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) has important clinical value in diagnosis and curative effect evaluation on endometrial carcinoma. How to improve the detection rate of endometrial small lesions by DWI is the research focus of MRI technology. This study aims to analyze the image quality of small field MRI ZOOMit-DWI sequence and conventional single-shot echo-planar imaging (SS-EPI) DWI sequence in the scanning of endometrial carcinoma, and to explore the clinical value of ZOOMit-DWI sequence.@*METHODS@#A total of 37 patients with endometrial carcinoma diagnosed by operation and pathology in the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from July 2019 to May 2021 were collected. All patients were scanned with MRI ZOOMit-DWI sequence and SS-EPI DWI sequence before operation. Two radiologists subjectively evaluated the anatomical details, artifacts, geometric deformation and focus definition of the 2 groups of DWI images. At the same time, the signal intensity were measured and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast to noise ratio (CNR), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the 2 DWI sequences were calculated for objective evaluation. The differences of subjective score, objective score and ADC value of the 2 DWI sequences were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#The SNR of the ZOOMit-DWI group was significantly higher than that of the SS-EPI DWI group (301.96±141.85 vs 94.66±41.26), and the CNR of the ZOOMit-DWI group was significantly higher than that of the SS-EPI DWI group (185.05±105.45 vs 57.91±31.54, P<0.05). There was no significant difference in noise standard deviation between the ZOOMit-DWI group and the SS-EPI DWI group (P>0.05). The subjective score of anatomical detail and focus definition in the ZOOMit-DWI group was significantly higher than that of the SS-EPI DWI group (both P<0.05). The subjective score of artifacts and geometric deformation of ZOOMit-DWI group was significantly lower than that of the SS-EPI DWI group (both P<0.05). ADC had no significant difference between the ZOOMit-DWI group and the SS-EPI DWI group (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The image quality of ZOOMit-DWI is significantly higher than that of conventional SS-EPI DWI. In the MRI DWI examination of endometrial carcinoma, ZOOMit-DWI can effectively reduce the geometric deformation and artifacts of the image, which is more conducive to clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Efficacy of endometrial cancer follow-up protocols: time to change?

Abstract Objective The aim of the present study was to analyze relapse rates and patterns in patients with endometrial cancer with the aim of evaluating the effectiveness of current follow-up procedures in terms of patient survival, as well as the convenience of modifying the surveillance strategy. Methods Retrospective descriptive study including all patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer relapse at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of the Complejo Hospitalario Insular-Materno Infantil de Canarias, between 2005 and 2014. Results Recurrence was observed in 81 patients (10.04% of the sample); 66.7% of them suffered relapse within 2 years and 80.2% within 3 years after the termination of the primary treatment; 41.9% showed distant metastases while the rest corresponded to local-regional (40.7%) or ganglionar (17.4%) relapse; 42% of these were symptomatic; 14 patients showed more than 1 site of relapse. Relapse was detected mainly through symptoms and physical examination findings (54.3%), followed by elevated serummarker levels (29.6%), computed tomography (CT) images (9.9%) and abnormal vaginal cytology findings (6.2%). No differences in global survival were found between patients with symptomatic or asymptomatic relapse. Conclusion Taking into account that the recurrence rate of endometrial cancer is low, that relapse occurs mainly within the first 3 years post-treatment and that symptom evaluation and physical examination are the most effective follow-up methods, we postulate that a modification of the current model of hospital follow-up should be considered.

Synchronous gynecologic cancer and the use of imaging for diagnosis / Câncer ginecológico sincrônico e o uso da imagem para seu diagnóstico

Summary Endometrial and cervical cancers are the most prevalent gynecologic neoplasms. While endometrial cancer occurs in older women, cervical cancer is more prevalente in young subjects. The most common clinical manifestation in these two gynecological cancers is vaginal bleeding. In the first case, diagnosis is made based on histological and imaging evaluation of the endometrium, while cervical cancers are diagnosed clinically, according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO). The authors present a case of synchronous gynecological cancer of the endometrium and cervix diagnosed during staging on MRI and confirmed by histological analysis of the surgical specimen.

Resumo Os cânceres de endométrio e cervical são as neoplasias ginecológicas mais prevalentes. Enquanto o primeiro ocorre em mulheres mais velhas, o segundo é mais prevalente em mulheres jovens. A manifestação clínica mais comum nestas duas neoplasias ginecológicas é o sangramento vaginal. O diagnóstico do câncer de endométrio é feito a partir da avaliação histológica do endométrio e da avaliação por imagem, enquanto o câncer cervical é diagnosticado clinicamente, de acordo com a Federação Internacional de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia (FIGO). Apresentamos um caso de câncer ginecológico sincrônico de endométrio e cervical diagnosticado durante estadiamento por ressonância magnética e confirmado pela análise histológica da peça cirúrgica.

Características clínico-epidemiológicas y manejo del cáncer endometrial (2010-2013) / Clinical-epidemiological characteristics and management of endometrial cancer (2010-2013)

Introducción: el cáncer de endometrio ha incrementado su incidencia y se asocia a factores de riesgo presentes en muchas mujeres en la perimenopausia. El síntoma más común es el sangramiento y la modalidad de tratamiento más empleada es la cirugía. Objetivo: caracterizar el cáncer endometrial en el Hospital América Arias desde enero de 2010 hasta junio de 2013. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo en el Hospital América Arias, desde 1ro de enero de 2010 hasta el 30 de junio de 2013. Se incluyó el total las pacientes con sangramiento uterino anormal en la etapa peri y posmenopáusico a partir de 40 años de edad. Las pacientes con diagnóstico histopatológico de cáncer endometrial constituyeron la muestra (n= 49). Resultados: la edad promedio de las pacientes fue de 60,8 ± 9,9 años. Presentaban sobrepeso 30,6 por ciento, y 44,9 por ciento eran obesas. El examen histopatológico posquirúrgico muestra que la lesión estuvo limitada al endometrio en 14,3 por ciento de las pacientes; pero hubo invasión de los dos tercios externos del miometrio en 61,2 por ciento de ellas. La extensión al cuello y a los anejos uterinos fue de 38,8 por ciento y 22,4 por ciento respectivamente. Conclusiones: existe una tendencia a la aparición del adenocarcinoma endometrial en edades cada vez más avanzadas. Se asocia a factores de riesgo como obesidad, infertilidad y el uso de terapia hormonal de remplazo. Además de la cirugía, algunas pacientes requirieron tratamiento oncológico específico(AU)

Introduction: The incidence of endometrial cancer has increased and it is associated with risk factors present in many perimenopausewomen. The most common symptom is bleeding and the most widely used treatment modality is surgery. Objective: Characterize endometrial cancer at America Arias Hospital from January 2010 to June 2013. Methods: A descriptive study was conductedat America Arias Hospital, from 1 January 2010 to 30 June 2013. The total included over 40 year patients with abnormal uterine bleeding in perimenopausal and postmenopausal. Patients with histopathologic diagnosis of endometrial cancer constituted the sample (n= 49). Results: The mean age of patients was 60.8 ± 9.9 years. 30.6 percent were overweight and 44.9 percent were obese. Postoperative histopathologic examination shows that the lesion was limited to the endometrium in 14.3 percent of patients, but there was invasion of the two outer thirds of the myometrium in 61.2 percent. The extension cervix and adnexa was 38.8 percent and 22.4 percent, respectively. Conclusions: There is a tendency to the appearance of endometrial adenocarcinoma at increasingly advanced ages. It is associated with risk factors such as obesity, infertility, and the use of hormone replacement therapy. In addition to surgery, some patients required specific cancer treatment(AU)

Time-lapse imaging of sentinel lymph node using indocyanine green with near-infrared fluorescence imaging in early endometrial cancer / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE: Indocyanine green with near-infrared fluorescence imaging (NIR-ICG) is a new tracer modality in the limelight used for lymphatic mapping. The advantage of this method is to provide real-time image during surgery. To use ICG for image guided lymph node dissection, a surgeon needs to know initial appearing time and duration. METHODS: A 52-year-old woman undertook surgery diagnosed with endometrial cancer. She had no past medical history and her body mass index was 25.3 kg/m2. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging examination revealed 2.7 cm sized cancerous mass in the endometrial cavity with superficial myometrial invasion without lymph node enlargement. Four mL (1.25 mg/mL) of ICG solution was prepared for injection. For each site, 1 mL of solution was injected superficially, 2-3 mm into the cervical submucosa and another 1 mL was injected deep, 1-2 cm into the stroma of the cervix. We recorded video with 30° 10 mm scope equipped with a specific lens and light source emitting both visible and NIR light (KARL STORZ GmbH & Co. KG, Tuttlingen, Germany). RESULTS: Pelvic lymph node was visualized from around 5 minutes. ICG was dispersed into organs after hysterectomy (53 minutes after ICG injection), yet we could clearly identify sentinel lymph node (SLN). Pathology revealed endometriod adenocarcinoma grade I, myometrial invasion with less than half of myometrium and no lymph node metastasis. CONCLUSION: Cervical injection of ICG provides good visualization of SLN from 5 minutes to over an hour. Our film gives an idea about time management to make a plan for surgery and not to miss SNLs.

Long-term outcomes of magnetic resonance imaging-invisible endometrial cancer / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful for staging endometrial cancer. The treatment and prognosis of MRI-invisible endometrial cancer remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the long-term outcomes of patients with MRI-invisible endometrial cancer. METHODS: Between February 1995 and December 2011, we reviewed the medical records of 433 patients with endometrial cancer, which was staged IA on MRI. Of these patients, 89 had MRI-invisible cancer and 344 had MRI-visible cancer. Both cancers were treated with simple hysterectomy with or without lymph node dissection according to the surgeon's decision. Both cancers were compared regarding pathologic findings, recurrence rates, and survival rates. RESULTS: The median sizes of MRI-invisible and MRI-visible cancers were 4 mm (0 to 40 mm) and 20 mm (0 to 89 mm), respectively (p<0.001). Myometrial invasion of these groups were detected in 20.2% (18/89) and 56.7% (195/344), respectively (p<0.001). Lymphadenectomy and follow-up imaging revealed no lymph node metastasis in patients with MRI-invisible cancers, while those revealed in 4.7% (16/344) of patients with MRI-visible cancers (p=0.052). The recurrence rates of MRI-invisible and MRI-visible cancers were 1.1% (1/89) and 7.8% (27/344), respectively (p=0.026). The recurrence-free survival rates of these groups were 98.9% (88/89) and 91.6% (315/344), respectively (p=0.022). CONCLUSION: MRI-invisible endometrial cancer can be treated with less invasive surgery because of its lower tumor burden and better prognosis. This cancer may not require lymphadenectomy because of no metastasis or recurrence in lymph nodes.

Long-term outcomes of magnetic resonance imaging-invisible endometrial cancer / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful for staging endometrial cancer. The treatment and prognosis of MRI-invisible endometrial cancer remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the long-term outcomes of patients with MRI-invisible endometrial cancer. METHODS: Between February 1995 and December 2011, we reviewed the medical records of 433 patients with endometrial cancer, which was staged IA on MRI. Of these patients, 89 had MRI-invisible cancer and 344 had MRI-visible cancer. Both cancers were treated with simple hysterectomy with or without lymph node dissection according to the surgeon's decision. Both cancers were compared regarding pathologic findings, recurrence rates, and survival rates. RESULTS: The median sizes of MRI-invisible and MRI-visible cancers were 4 mm (0 to 40 mm) and 20 mm (0 to 89 mm), respectively (p<0.001). Myometrial invasion of these groups were detected in 20.2% (18/89) and 56.7% (195/344), respectively (p<0.001). Lymphadenectomy and follow-up imaging revealed no lymph node metastasis in patients with MRI-invisible cancers, while those revealed in 4.7% (16/344) of patients with MRI-visible cancers (p=0.052). The recurrence rates of MRI-invisible and MRI-visible cancers were 1.1% (1/89) and 7.8% (27/344), respectively (p=0.026). The recurrence-free survival rates of these groups were 98.9% (88/89) and 91.6% (315/344), respectively (p=0.022). CONCLUSION: MRI-invisible endometrial cancer can be treated with less invasive surgery because of its lower tumor burden and better prognosis. This cancer may not require lymphadenectomy because of no metastasis or recurrence in lymph nodes.

Avaliação endometrial em pacientes usuárias de tamoxifeno / Endometrial assessment in patients taking tamoxifen

O câncer de mama é a neoplasia maligna mais frequente em mulheres tanto no Brasil quanto no mundo. A doença é mais comum acima dos 50 anos, coincidindo com a faixa etária de risco para o câncer de endométrio. O tamoxifeno é um modulador seletivo de receptor de estrogênio (SERMs), usadona terapêutica das mulheres portadoras de câncer de mama. Assim como os outros SERMs (raloxifeno,toremifeno,arzoxifeno e lasoxifeno), o tamoxifeno pode atuar como antagonista ou agonista, dependendo do tecido-alvo.Nestas pacientes, o uso destes agonistas seletivos embora apresente maior benefício do que risco para o tratamento do câncer de mama, pode causar efeitos secundários no endométrio, com aumento do risco para doenças malignas. Consensos atuais, porém, não demonstram benefício de nenhum método de rastreio para câncer endometrial de rotina. O que se recomenda, nas pacientes na pré e pós-menopausa com câncer de mama, é o exame ginecológico com intervalo anual e o prosseguimento com propedêutica, através de biópsia do endométrio nas pacientes pós-menopausa que apresentam sangramento vaginal.(AU)

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women both in Brazil and in the world. The disease is more common over 50 years, coinciding with the age of risk for endometrial cancer. Tamoxifen is a selective modulator of estrogen receptor (SERMs) used in the treatment of women with breast cancer. Like other SERMs (raloxifene, toremifene, arzoxifeno and lasoxifeno), tamoxifen may act as antagonist or agonist depending on the target tissue. In these patients, although showing greater benefit of what risk for the treatment of the breast cancer, can cause side effects on the endometrium, with increased risk for malignant diseases. Current consensus, however, do not demonstrate any benefit from routine screening method for endometrial cancer. Women with breast cancer should undergo annual gynecologic examinations for premenopausal and postmenopausal patients and further workup by means of biopsy in patients with postmenopausal vaginal bleeding.(AU)

value of transvaginal ultrasonography in the endometrial evaluation of breast cancer patients using tamoxifen

To estimate the value of transvaginal ultrasonography [TVU] in evaluating the endometrium in breast cancer patients on tamoxifen, and to investigate the relationship between TVU and histologic endometrial findings in these patients. 107 breast cancer patients taking tamoxifen were included in this study. TVU was performed twice for each patient: prior to starting tamoxifen therapy and 1 year after taking tamoxifen. An endometrial thickness of >5 mm was considered abnormal. Endometrial biopsy was performed at the same time the 2nd TVU was done. The patients were divided into 2 groups: symptomatic [group A] and asymptomatic [group B], based on whether or not there was abnormal vaginal bleeding. 31 patients [29%] were symptomatic, while the remaining 76 [71%] were asymptomatic. The endometrial thickness increased after 1 year of taking tamoxifen from 4.84 +/- 0.4 mm to 6.34 +/- 2.1 mm in group A and from 4.73 +/- 0.3 mm to 5.67 +/- 1.95 mm in group B [p > 0.05]. Endometrial biopsy revealed 77 [71.96%] atrophic endometria and 21 [19.62%] polyps. A comparison between the 2 groups showed a significant difference in patients with endometrial atrophy and atypical hyperplasia. Patients who had an endometrial thickness of >5 mm had a significantly higher prevalence of atypical hyperplasia [p = 0.003] and polyps [p = 0.041]. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive and negative predictive values of TVU were 63.3, 28.57, 25.67 and 66.66%, respectively. Our study showed a discrepancy between TVU and endometrial biopsy findings, due to the specific histology of the endometrium in breast cancer patients using tamoxifen. Due to this discrepancy, TVU alone is not an effective screening test for endometrial pathology and its application alone might lead to an undesirably high frequency of invasive diagnostic procedures

Correlación de la histeroscopia y biopsia dirigida en el estudio del engrosamiento endometrial patológico por ultrasonido / Correlation of hysteroscopy and directed biopsy in the study of pathological endometrial thickening by ultrasound

OBJETIVO: Correlacionar la histeroscopia con la biopsia dirigida en pacientes pre y postmenopáusicas con engrosamiento endometrial patológico al ultrasonido. MÉTODO: Estudio retrospectivo de 265 pacientes derivadas por engrosamiento endometrial patológico en la ecografía transvaginal y evaluadas mediante histeroscopia con biopsia dirigida. RESULTADOS: 68,7% de las pacientes presentaron un aspecto histeroscópico benigno, 15,1% normal, 10,6% potencialmente maligno y 5,6% maligno. Los diagnósticos anátomo patológicos más frecuentes fueron: pólipo endometrial (n=92; 34,7%), endometrio proliferativo/secretor (n=84; 31,7%) y mioma submucoso (n=38; 14,3%). Todos los cánceres endometriales (n=9) se presentaron en mujeres postmenopáusicas sin TRH y con endometrio 11 mm. La correlación entre histeroscopia y anatomía patológica para diagnóstico de patología benigna tuvo una sensibilidad y especificidad de 90,7% (95% IC 85,2 - 94,3) y 65,4% (95% IC 55,8 - 73,8); valor predictivo positivo y negativo fue de 80,2% (95% IC 73,8 - 85,4) y 82% (95% IC 72,3 - 88,7). Para diagnóstico de hiperplasia endometrial la sensibilidad y especificidad fue 60% (95% IC 31,3 - 83,2) y 91,4% (95% IC 87,3 - 94,2); el valor predictivo positivo y negativo fue de 21,4% (95% IC 10,7 - 39,5) y 98,3% (95% IC 95,7 - 99,3). Para diagnóstico de cáncer endometrial la sensibilidad y especificidad fue de 95% (95% IC 65,5 - 99,5) y 97,9% (95% IC 95,2 - 99); el valor predictivo positivo y negativo fue de 63,3% (95% IC 38,7 - 82,5) y 99,7% (95% IC 98,1 - 99,8). CONCLUSIÓN: El 85% de las pacientes con engrosamiento endometrial presentaron una histeroscopia alterada (benigna, potencialmente maligna o maligna), confirmada en 80% de los casos por anatomía patológica. En un centro con experiencia la histeroscopia normal puede hacer innecesaria la biopsia. El aspecto potencialmente maligno a la histeroscopia puede ser un sobrediagnóstico, por lo que la anatomía patológica es imprescindible. ...

OBJECTIVE: Comparison of hysteroscopy with biopsy in pre- and post -menopausic patients with endometrial thickening on ultrasound. METHODS: Retrospective study of 265 patients with pathologic endometrial thickening on transvaginal ultrasound and evaluated with hysteroscopy and biopsy. RESULTS: 68.7% of the patients had benign hysteroscopy results, 15.1% were normal, 10.6% were potentially malignant, and 5.6% were malignant. The most frequent biopsy results were: endometrial polyp (n= 92, 34.7%), proliferate / secretor endometrium (n= 84, 31.7%), and submucosal myoma (n=38, 14.3%). All of the endometrial cancers (n= 9) were in post- menopausic women, with no history of hormone replacement therapy and with endometrial thickening 11mm. Sensitivity and specificity for hysteroscopy in comparison to biopsy for diagnosing benign pathology were 90.7% (95% CI 85.2 - 94.3) and 65.4% (95% CI 55.8 - 73.8), and the positive and negative predictive values were 80.2% (95% CI 73.8 - 85.4) and 81.9% (95% CI 72.3 - 88.7). Sensitivity and specificity for hysteroscopy in comparison to biopsy for diagnosing endometrial hyperplasia were 60% (95% CI 31.3 - 83.2) and 91.4% (95% CI 87.3 - 94.2), the positive and negative predictive values were 21.4% (95% CI 10.7 - 39.5) and 98.3% (95% CI 95.7 - 99.3). Sensitivity and specificity for hysteroscopy in comparison to biopsy for diagnosing endometrial cancer were 95% (95% CI 65.5 - 99.5) and 97.9% (95% CI 95.2 - 99), positive and negative predictive values were 63.3% (95% CI 38.7 - 82.5) and 99.7% (95% CI 98.1 - 99.8). CONCLUSION: 85% of the patients with endometrial thickening had an abnormal hysteroscopy result, which latter were confirmed in 80% of the cases with biopsy. In a center with experience, a normal hysteroscopy result can make biopsy unnecessary. Potentially malignant hysteroscopys tend to be over diagnosed, making biopsy fundamental. All endometrial cancers were detected by hysteroscopy in our study.

Utilidad del PET--FDG en patología gineco-oncológica / Usefulness of PET--FDG in gynecological-oncological pathology

El PET-FDG es un estudio de imágenes de cuerpo entero que evalúa el metabolismo glucídico celular. Su mayor utilidad es en oncología tanto en adultos como en niños. Permite distinguir tumores malignos de benignos, seleccionar los sitios de biopsia, etapificar las neoplasias, determinar la respuesta al tratamiento y distinguir entre cicatriz y enfermedad residual post tratamiento. Diversos estudios han concluido que el PET-FDG es un examen útil en el manejo de la patología gineco-oncológica, destacando en cáncer de endometrio, cérvico uterino y ovárico. En este trabajo, se revisan las indicaciones de la técnica en las diversas patologías ginecológicas neoplásicas y su rendimiento. Asimismo, se presenta la experiencia chilena inicial realizada en el Hospital Militar de Santiago con equipo PET dedicado, donde se han estudiado más de 1.500 pacientes en su gran mayoría oncológicos.

FDG-PET is a whole body scan that evaluates glucose cell metabolism. Its main utility is in adult and children oncology. PET scan is useful differentiating benign from malignant neoplasm, selecting the site for biopsy, staging of the malignancy, evaluating response to therapy and distinguishing scar from residual neoplasm. Different studies have concluded that FDG-PET is a useful study in the gyneco-oncological management, especially in endometrial, cervical and ovarian cancer. This work reviews the principal indications of PET in this pathology and also the initial Chilean experience at the Military Hospital of Santiago with a dedicated PET, where we have studied more than 1,500 cases, most of them in cancer patients.