The predictive value, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of PET CT in the evaluation of axillary metastases in breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of preoperative 18F-FDG PET CT in detecting axillary lymph node (ALN) metastases in patients with breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical records of 114 patients who underwent PET CT for breast cancer between January 2017 and January 2020. Clinicopathological features and the relationship between lymph node metastasis were evaluated. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were calculated based on the PET CT findings compared to histopathological results. RESULTS: Among the 67 patients included in this study, 29 were identified as having no axillary involvement, while 38 showed axillary involvement according to preoperative PET CT. Of the 34 patients with histopathologically confirmed metastatic lymph nodes, 28 had PET CT-detected axillary involvement, while 6 did not. Similarly, among the 33 patients without histopathological evidence of lymph node metastasis, 23 had no axillary involvement according to PET CT, while 10 showed axillary involvement. The calculated values were as follows: sensitivity = 82.4% (67-92%), specificity = 69.7% (53-83%), positive predictive value = 73.7% (62-83%), negative predictive value = 79.3% (64%-89%), and accuracy = 76.1% (64-86%). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that preoperative 18F-FDG PET CT, particularly p SUVmax, can serve as an independent prognostic factor for ALN metastasis in breast cancer patients. Therefore, it may be beneficial for preoperative risk stratification and personalized treatment planning.

Comparison of different interval times of Limberg flap reconstruction after pilonidal sinus abscess.

OBJECTIVE: Pilonidal disease (PD) is a chronic inflammatory condition located in the natal cleft originating from the subcutaneous hair characterized by sinuses and painful cysts. PD has a wide symptom perspective, presenting different clinical findings and affecting the patient's quality of life in case of frequent recurrences. There is no definite consensus on when definitive treatment should be given after drainage of pilonidal abscess. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the effect of the timing chosen for Limberg flap reconstruction after drainage of pilonidal abscess on the postoperative process and complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study includes patients with Limberg flap reconstruction performed after pilonidal abscess drainage between January 1, 2015 and January 1, 2019 at a private hospital in Adana, Turkey. The patients to whom Limberg flap reconstruction was offered were divided into two groups, according to interval times from the abscess drainage as <4 weeks (Group 1, 100 patients) and >4 weeks (Group 2, 32 patients). RESULTS: Both groups, having a homogeneous distribution in terms of age, gender, and comorbidity, were compared in terms of return to work, complications, and recurrence. There was no statistical difference between the groups in terms of postoperative pain, individual complications, and recurrence (p=0.999). However, the time to return to work was longer in Group 1 (p=0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that there is no need to wait for a long time for elective surgery after drainage of pilonidal abscess, and that it can be safely performed when the interval time is less than 4 weeks.