Ultrasound-guided percutaneous electrolysis: A new therapeutic option for mammary fistulas.

Mammary fistula (MF) is a recurrent condition characterised by the draining of abscesses around the areola. The best management for MF remains challenging. Moreover, the main problem is the high recurrence rate of this disease. MF is considered a chronic process. The percutaneous electrolysis (PE) technique involves the application of a galvanic current with an ultrasound-guided needle to induce ablation and repair of the affected tissue. Good results have been obtained with PE in chronic tendinopathies. Below we present a hypothesis that PE may be a new therapeutic option for MF.

Acoustic radiation force impulse imaging for detection of liver fibrosis in overweight and obese children.

Background Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) is a non-invasive alternative to a liver biopsy for the evaluation of liver fibrosis (LF). Purpose To investigate the potential usefulness of acoustic radiation force impulse ARFI for detecting LF in overweight and obese children Material and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 148 schoolchildren. A diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and LF was based on ultrasound (US) and ARFI shear wave velocity (SWV). Results The laboratory parameters were normal in all the children. NAFLD was observed in 50 children (33.8%). The median SWV was 1.18 ± 0.28 m/s. Differences between ARFI categories and hepatic steatosis grades were observed (χ2 = 43.38, P = 0.0005). No fibrosis or insignificant fibrosis (SWV ≤ 1.60 m/s) was detected in 137 children (92.5%), and significant fibrosis (SWV > 1.60 m/s) in 11 children (7.5%), nine of whom had normal US or mild steatosis. Conclusion The present study is the first to evaluate the utility of the ARFI technique for detecting LF in overweight and obese children. The results of the study suggest that children with normal laboratory parameters such as normal liver ultrasound or mild steatosis may present with significant LF.

Optimisation of sonourethrography: the clamp method.

PURPOSE: To describe the clamp method for performing retrograde sonourethrography (RSUG) and contrast-enhanced voiding sonourethrography (CE-VSUG) via the transperineal approach in male adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective study of 113 males (14-86 years) with urethral strictures confirmed by urethrography who received sonourethrography via the clamp method between 2011 and 2015. The characteristic parameters of the quantitative variables were calculated and a comparative analysis of the qualitative variables was conducted using the McNemar test. RESULTS: RSUG was performed successfully in all the cases (n = 113) and detected 49 cases with anterior urethral strictures; the strictures in the proximal bulbar cone in five of them (10.2%) were not visualised on retrograde urethrography (RUG) (p < 0.05). CE-VSUG was performed successfully in 97 cases and observed posterior urethral strictures in 82; the bladder neck strictures in 6 of them (7.3%) were not observed on voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) (p < 0.05). Retrograde bladder filling was achieved in approximately 6 min. CONCLUSION: The clamp method enables RSUG and CE-VSUG to be performed simply, effectively and painlessly by a single operator. It also allows the evaluation of cases with urethromeatal alterations (stricture, hypospadias and meatotomy). KEY POINTS: • The clamp method enables RSUG to be performed simply and painlessly. • The clamp method requires only one operator and allows assessing urethromeatal alterations. • RSUG shows greater capacity for detecting anterior urethral strictures than RUG. • The clamp method achieves retrograde bladder filling in approximately 6 min. • CE-VSUG shows greater capacity for detecting strictures than VCUG.

Efficacy of intralesional triamcinolone injection in the treatment of mammillary fistula: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Recurring mammillary fistula (MF) is often difficult to manage. PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of intralesional triamcinolone (ILT) injection versus irrigation with saline solution in the management of MF. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted including 10 patients with MF. The patients were distributed non-randomly into two groups: saline group (n = 5) and triamcinolone group (n = 5). Ultrasound guidance was used for ILT injection. The injection was repeated in the case of no response or recurrence. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were observed between the saline and triamcinolone groups for clinical parameters and ultrasonographic characteristics of the MF and for the outcomes of the two methods of treatment. However, a statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups for recurrence of MF (P < 0.046). Success of the treatment with ILT injection was observed in 90% of the patients (9/10), and a failure in one case (10%) after three ILT injections, who was referred for surgery. CONCLUSION: ILT injection is an effective, simple, and safe treatment for the management of MF.

Role of galactography in the early diagnosis of breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of galactography (GL) in the early diagnosis of breast cancer in patients with pathologic nipple discharge (PND). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied all galactograms obtained in 117 women with PND, who subsequently had a biopsy. The findings detected in the galactograms of the patients in this study were assigned to different categories of the Galactogram Image Classification System (GICS): GICS 2, benign; GICS 3, probably benign; GICS 4, suspicious for malignancy; and GICS 5, highly suspicious for malignancy. RESULTS: The galactograms were classified into GICS 2 (29 cases; 24.7%), GICS 3 (42 cases; 35.8%), GICS 4 (30 cases; 25.6%), and GICS 5 (16 cases; 13.6%). A good correlation was observed between histological diagnosis and GICS categories (p < 0.05). All cases diagnosed with carcinoma (n = 18) were classified in GICS categories 4-5: ductal carcinoma in situ in 14 cases (11.9%) and invasive carcinoma in 4 cases (3.4%). CONCLUSION: GL is a useful procedure in the early diagnosis of breast cancer in patients with PND.

Sonographically guided percutaneous intralesional triamcinolone injection: a new treatment for mammillary fistulas: preliminary results.

We describe a new procedure, sonographically guided intralesional triamcinolone injection, for the treatment of mammillary fistulas. Six patients with mammillary fistulas were enrolled in this prospective study. Clinical improvement was rapid after the first triamcinolone injection. The initial response to treatment was assessed as complete in 4 cases, and the remaining 2 cases resolved successfully with additional injections. On the basis of the excellent results obtained in this study, it is thought that intralesional triamcinolone injection may be a good alternative to surgery.

An unusual case of locally advanced glycogen-rich clear cell carcinoma of the breast.

Glycogen-rich clear cell (GRCC) is a rare subtype of breast carcinoma characterized by carcinoma cells containing an optically clear cytoplasm and intracytoplasmic glycogen. We present the case of a 55-year-old woman with a palpable mass in the right breast and clinical signs of locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). The diagnosis of GRCC carcinoma was based on certain histopathological characteristics of the tumor and immunohistochemical analysis. To our knowledge, this is the first case of GRCC LABC with intratumoral calcifications. There is no evidence of recurrence or metastatic disease after 14 months' follow-up.

Reproducibility of shear wave velocity measurements by acoustic radiation force impulse imaging of the liver: a study in healthy volunteers.

OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study were to investigate interobserver reproducibility using acoustic radiation force impulse imaging and to develop an acoustic radiation force impulse scoring system. METHODS: Fifty healthy volunteers with normal liver function test values were selected for the study. Shear wave velocity measurements, expressed in meters per second, were taken in a deep portion of liver segment 6. Two observers with different levels of experience performed the measurements independently and blindly. RESULTS: All of the measurements taken by the 2 observers were valid, even in volunteers with a body mass index of greater than 28 kg/m(2). The results point to very good interobserver reproducibility of shear wave velocity measurements, with an intraclass coefficient correlation of 0.86 (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that shear wave velocity measurements using the acoustic radiation force impulse technique and a standardized protocol are accurate and reproducible.

Follicular occlusion due to hyperkeratosis: a new hypothesis on the pathogenesis of mammillary fistula.

Mammary fistula (MF) is a disease characterised by recurrent draining abscesses around the areola. The aetiology of MF remains unclear. The most common cause is duct obstruction by squamous metaplasia. The clinical aspects and histological findings of MF are very similar to those observed in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). We propose a new hypothesis on the pathogenesis of MF and suggest that occlusion of hair follicles by keratinous plugging may relevantly contribute to the development of MF.

Assessment of liver steatosis in chicken by using acoustic radiation force impulse imaging: preliminary results.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging as a non-invasive tool for quantification of the grades of liver steatosis in chickens. METHODS: We used two different diets: a standard diet (SD group) and a hyperlipidaemic diet (HD group). The ARFI technique was performed in all the animals in the right hepatic lobe and shear wave velocity (SWV) was measured and expressed in metres per second (m/s). Plasma lipid levels were analysed. Steatosis was quantified by using semiquantitative analysis. Statistical analysis was used and Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated. RESULTS: Mean SWV was 0.94 ± 0.16 m/s (range 0.8-1.3 m/s) in the SD group and 1.91 ± 0.25 m/s (range 1.3-2.2 m/s) in the HD group (p < 0.001). The lowest SWVs (≤1.3 m/s) corresponded to the chickens in the SD group, with 100% of the animals returning a score of 0, whereas the range of SWV in the HD group chickens was between 1.6 and 2.2 m/s. A substantial correlation was observed between SWVs with histological semiquantitative analysis of steatosis (r = 0.85, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: ARFI imaging is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that allows discrimination between the grades of liver steatosis in chickens.

Galactography: an application of the Galactogram Imaging Classification System (GICS).

BACKGROUND: Galactography is the technique of choice for investigating pathological nipple discharge. However, there is no standardized interpretation system for this procedure. PURPOSE: To evaluate radiological and histological correlation using a Galactogram Imaging Classification System (GICS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied all galactograms obtained in 62 women with pathological nipple discharge who subsequently had biopsy at our institution between 1999 and 2007. The GICS proposes five categories for galactographic findings: GICS 1: negative; GICS 2: benign; GICS 3: probably benign; GICS 4: suspect for malignancy; GICS 5: highly suspect for malignancy. RESULTS: The galactographic findings were classified as follows: GICS 2: 25.8% (16/62); GICS 3: 30.6% (19/62); GICS 4: 25.8% (16/62); and GICS 5: 17.7% (11/62). A good correlation was observed between histological diagnosis and GICS categories (P < 0.05). All the cases diagnosed with carcinoma (n = 11) were classified in GICS category 5. CONCLUSION: The present study shows a good correlation between GICS categories and histological diagnosis.

Urethrography in men: conventional technique versus clamp method.

PURPOSE: To compare examination adequacy and patient discomfort during retrograde urethrography (RUG) performed by using the conventional balloon method versus those of RUG and voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) performed with the clamp method of using drip infusion for the administration of contrast material. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study was approved by the institutional review board; written informed consent was obtained from all patients. Eighty men (mean age, 64.3 years +/- 16 [standard deviation]; range, 18-85 years) suspected of having urethral stenosis were randomly distributed into two groups for urethrography: a control group (n = 36) and a clamp group (n = 44). In 11 of the 36 patients in the control group, the conventional balloon method could not be used, so these patients were transferred to the clamp group. Drip infusion was used to administer contrast material for RUG, and, except in cases where a suprapubic catheter was used (n = 8), for VCUG. The pain levels reported by patients were recorded by using a verbal descriptor scale (VDS) and a visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: In the control group, RUG was successfully performed in 69% of patients (25 of 36), and mean pain levels recorded on inflation of the balloon were distressing according to the VDS and 4.8 +/- 1.4 (range, 2.3-7.5) according to the VAS. In the clamp group, RUG was successfully performed in all cases; in 69% of patients in this group (38 of 55), the pain level recorded at external compression was no pain according to the VDS and 0 according to the VAS, while mean values in the remaining 31% of patients (17 of 55) were mild pain on the VDS and 0.6 +/- 0.3 (range, 0.3-1.2) on the VAS. Bladder filling for VCUG was achieved with drip infusion in 96% of patients (69 of 72) in an average time of 11 minutes. CONCLUSION: The conventional balloon method of performing RUG is painful and, in some cases, not effective. The clamp method is a simple, well-tolerated procedure that allowed diagnostic evaluation in all cases. Drip infusion enables RUG and VCUG to be performed without the need for syringes or bladder catheters, thus increasing patient comfort.

Use of urokinase in percutaneous drainage of large breast abscesses.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate intracavitary urokinase therapy versus irrigation with a saline solution in percutaneous drainage of large breast abscesses. METHODS: A prospective randomized study was conducted in 19 nonlactating women (median age, 35.7 years) with breast abscesses of greater than 3 cm. Percutaneous drainage with an ultrasound-guided catheter was performed in group A patients (saline solution) and group B patients (urokinase). Postdrainage care and ultrasound-guided drainage control were performed on an outpatient basis. The Student t test, Fisher exact test, chi(2) test, and Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Percutaneous drainage with saline or urokinase irrigation was successful in all cases. No statistically significant differences were observed between groups A and B for clinical parameters and sonographic characteristics of the abscesses. However, a statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups for the average drainage times (P < 0.012), which were 3.8 days for the urokinase group and 5.3 days for the saline group. A recurrence was observed in 1 saline group patient who had a diagnosis of a chronic abscess, which was resolved with intracavitary urokinase irrigation. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous drainage of large breast abscesses in nonlactating women with intracavitary urokinase irrigation is a simple and safe procedure. It reduces the treatment time and improves the clinical course of patients more than conventional drainage with saline irrigation.

MR arthrography of the shoulder using an anterior approach: optimal injection site.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to optimize anterior MR arthrography of the shoulder by comparing three injection sites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-eight patients were divided into three groups of 26 each, according to the injection site selected: the upper third of the medial part of the humeral head, the lower third of the medial part of the humeral head, or the area between the middle and lower thirds of the glenohumeral joint. A marker plate with radiopaque coordinates was used in performing the technique. Radiologist time and exposure time were recorded, and the intensity of the patient's pain was measured using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Groups were compared using variance analysis and the least significant difference method. RESULTS: Shoulder arthrography was considered satisfactory for all three injection sites. Mean exposure time was 20.9 +/- 7.8 (SD) milliseconds, and mean radiologist time was 6.4 +/- 0.8 minutes. Mean pain intensity registered by the VAS was 1.7 +/- 0.9, the lowest values tending to be those recorded by patients who received an injection in the upper third. Exposure and radiologist times were lower for these latter patients; differences between the upper third and the other two areas were statistically significant (p < 0.005). CONCLUSION: The optimal injection site for anterior MR arthrography of the shoulder is the upper third of the humeral head, a simple, rapid procedure that is well tolerated by patients and reduces the radiation dose administered.

Osteochondritis dissecans of the knee: sonographically guided percutaneous drilling.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to present a procedure for sonographically guided percutaneous drilling in the treatment of a case of osteochondritis dissecans (OD) of the knee. METHODS: A 14-year-old boy had OD of the external femoral condyle. Conventional radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and sonography revealed the osteochondral lesion. RESULTS: This study showed the utility of sonography both in the treatment of OD through percutaneous drilling and in follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the good results obtained in the case described here, it is thought that sonographically guided percutaneous drilling may be a good alternative to arthroscopic drilling in cases of early OD lesions without displacement of the fragment.

Wrist arthrography: a simple method.

A technique of wrist arthrography is presented using an adhesive marker-plate with radiopaque coordinates to identify precisely sites for puncture arthrography of the wrist and to obviate the need for fluoroscopic guidance. Radiocarpal joint arthrography was performed successfully in all 24 cases, 14 in the cadaveric wrists and 10 in the live patients. The arthrographic procedure described in this study is simple, safe, and rapid, and has the advantage of precise localisation of the site for puncture without need for fluoroscopic guidance.

Ultrasound therapy in rectus sheath hematoma.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Ultrasound (US) is one of the most common modalities used in intervention for musculoskeletal disorders, although its effectiveness is debated. The purpose of this case report is to describe the intervention, including the use of US, in the management of a large rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) in a patient receiving anticoagulant therapy. CASE DESCRIPTION: The patient was a 62-year-old woman with RSH who was receiving oral anticoagulant therapy and had a history of bouts of coughing. Computed tomographic scans verified the diagnosis of RSH. The report describes the patient examination, management, intervention, and outcomes. OUTCOMES: The intervention, including the use of US therapy, may have enabled a rapid resolution of the hematoma. DISCUSSION: This case report illustrates how US may be a useful modality for complementary management of RSH, helping the reabsorption of the hematoma.

Percutaneous management of breast abscesses. An experience of 39 cases.

This is a review of our experience with percutaneous drainage by means of needle aspiration or catheter drainage of breast abscesses under ultrasound (US) guidance, and a suggested management algorithm. A retrospective study of the 39 patients (36 women, 3 men; mean age: 28.9 years) with breast abscesses who were treated by percutaneous US-guided procedures over a period of 13 years (1989 to 2002) was carried out. Of the 36 women, 34 were nonlactating and two lactating. Needle aspiration was used in the cases of fluid collections < or = 3 cm and catheter drainage in fluid collections of > 3 cm. Postdrainage care and US evolutive controls were carried out on an outpatient basis. Fine-needle aspiration cytology was performed in masses unresolved after postdrainage. Mammography was performed in patients over 30 years old. In all cases, US examination revealed images of fluid collection. A single needle aspiration was sufficient in 19 cases; 3 patients needed a second aspiration to resolve the breast abscess. A total of 15 cases were resolved by means of percutaneous catheter drainage. In 2 of the 17 patients who underwent catheter drainage, the mass persisted postdrainage; histologic findings showed a chronic abscess requiring surgical intervention in one and a breast carcinoma in the second. Mean follow-up was 8.4 months. Recurrence of breast abscess occurred in 4 patients, and these were resolved by surgical excision. Percutaneous drainage procedures in breast abscesses are a safe and effective alternative to incision and drainage. Needle aspiration is employed in cases of small abscesses and catheter drainage in abscesses larger than 3 cm. Although, in chronic abscesses, the treatment of choice is surgical excision, percutaneous drainage remains as an intermediate therapeutic option.