Patient Experience of Women With Dense Breasts Undergoing Screening Contrast-Enhanced Mammography.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated patient experience with screening contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) to determine whether a general population of women with dense breasts would accept CEM in a screening setting. METHODS: In this institutional review board-approved prospective study, patients with heterogeneous and extremely dense breasts on their mammogram were invited to undergo screening CEM and complete pre-CEM and post-CEM surveys. On the pre-CEM survey, patients were asked about their attitudes regarding supplemental screening in general. On the post-CEM survey, patients were asked about their experience undergoing screening CEM, including causes and severity of any discomfort and whether they would consider undergoing screening CEM again in the future or recommend it to a friend. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-three women were surveyed before and after screening CEM. Most patients, 97.5% (159/163), reported minimal or no unpleasantness associated with undergoing screening CEM. In addition, 91.4% (149/163) said they would probably or very likely undergo screening CEM in the future if it cost the same as a traditional screening mammogram, and 95.1% (155/163) said they would probably or very likely recommend screening CEM to a friend. Patients in this study, who were all willing to undergo CEM, more frequently reported a family history of breast cancer than a comparison cohort of women with dense breasts (58.2% vs 47.1%, P = .027). CONCLUSION: Patients from a general population of women with dense breasts reported a positive experience undergoing screening CEM, suggesting screening CEM might be well received by this patient population, particularly if the cost was comparable with traditional screening mammography.

Predicting Malignancy of Breast Imaging Findings Using Quantitative Analysis of Contrast-Enhanced Mammography (CEM).

We sought to develop new quantitative approaches to characterize the spatial distribution of mammographic density and contrast enhancement of suspicious contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) findings to improve malignant vs. benign classifications of breast lesions. We retrospectively analyzed all breast lesions that underwent CEM imaging and tissue sampling at our institution from 2014-2020 in this IRB-approved study. A penalized linear discriminant analysis was used to classify lesions based on the averaged histograms of radial distributions of mammographic density and contrast enhancement. T-tests were used to compare the classification accuracies of density, contrast, and concatenated density and contrast histograms. Logistic regression and AUC-ROC analyses were used to assess if adding demographic and clinical data improved the model accuracy. A total of 159 suspicious findings were evaluated. Density histograms were more accurate in classifying lesions as malignant or benign than a random classifier (62.37% vs. 48%; p < 0.001), but the concatenated density and contrast histograms demonstrated a higher accuracy (71.25%; p < 0.001) than the density histograms alone. Including the demographic and clinical data in our models led to a higher AUC-ROC than concatenated density and contrast images (0.81 vs. 0.70; p < 0.001). In the classification of invasive vs. non-invasive malignancy, the concatenated density and contrast histograms demonstrated no significant improvement in accuracy over the density histograms alone (77.63% vs. 78.59%; p = 0.504). Our findings suggest that quantitative differences in the radial distribution of mammographic density could be used to discriminate malignant from benign breast findings; however, classification accuracy was significantly improved with the addition of contrast-enhanced imaging data from CEM. Adding patient demographic and clinical information further improved the classification accuracy.

Contrast-Enhanced In-Phase Dixon Sequence: Impact on Biopsy Clip Detection on Breast MRI.

BACKGROUND. Identification of breast biopsy clips using conventional MRI sequences may be challenging. A contrast-enhanced in-phase Dixon sequence may have greater conspicuity for areas of susceptibility compared with standard clinical sequences. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to compare detection of breast biopsy clips on MRI between the contrast-enhanced in-phase Dixon sequence and three routine clinical sequences. METHODS. This retrospective study included 164 patients (mean age, 50.3 years) with a total of 281 breast biopsy clips who underwent contrast-enhanced breast MRI between January 2, 2019, and April 16, 2020. Three radiologists, blinded to the clip location and sequence used, independently annotated biopsy clip locations on three clinical sequences (T1-weighted non-fat-suppressed [NFS], STIR, and first phase from dynamic contrast-enhanced T1-weighted fat-suppressed [FS]) and on a contrast-enhanced in-phase Dixon sequence and then recorded confidence scores (1-4 scale). A study coordinator used all available imaging and reports to localize clips on MRI, which served as the reference standard. A physicist measured clip CNR. Sequences were compared using the McNemar test and two-tailed Wilcoxon signed rank tests. RESULTS. Among the three readers, pooled sensitivity and PPV were 78.2% and 96.2% for T1-weighted NFS, 26.6% and 92.7% for STIR, 61.7% and 95.9% for contrast-enhanced T1-weighted FS, and 85.1% and 95.1% for contrast-enhanced in-phase Dixon sequence. Pooled sensitivity was higher for contrast-enhanced in-phase Dixon sequence than for the other sequences (all p < .05); pooled PPV was not significantly different between contrast-enhanced in-phase Dixon and the other sequences (all p > .05). Mean confidence scores (pooled across readers for true-positive assessments) and mean CNR were 3.0 ± 0.9 (SD) and 1.21 ± 0.61 for T1-weighted NFS, 1.7 ± 0.9 and 0.57 ± 0.69 for STIR, 2.5 ± 1.0 and 0.54 ± 0.61 for contrast-enhanced T1-weighted FS, and 3.5 ± 0.8 and 4.05 ± 2.6 for the contrast-enhanced in-phase Dixon sequence. Pooled mean confidence scores and CNR were higher for contrast-enhanced in-phase Dixon than for the other sequences (all p < .001). CONCLUSION. Compared with clinical sequences, the contrast-enhanced in-phase Dixon sequence had higher sensitivity for detecting breast biopsy clips on MRI and higher reader confidence and CNR, without change in PPV. CLINICAL IMPACT. The contrast-enhanced in-phase Dixon sequence may help address a current challenge in clinical breast MRI interpretation.

Utility of MRI-Directed Contrast-Enhanced Mammography for Biopsy Planning for Suspicious MRI-Detected Breast Lesions.

BACKGROUND. Suspicious lesions detected on contrast-enhanced breast MRI often undergo targeted ultrasound evaluation to determine whether they are amenable to ultrasound-guided biopsy. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to assess the utility of MRI-directed contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) performed for biopsy planning for suspicious MRI-detected breast lesions and to compare its use with that of MRI-directed ultrasound. METHODS. This retrospective study included 120 patients (median age, 50.3 years) who underwent MRI-directed CEM from September 2014 to July 2020 for biopsy planning for a total of 140 suspicious breast MRI lesions; 109 lesions were also evaluated by MRI-directed ultrasound at the same visit. The reference standard was histopathology or at least 2 years of imaging follow-up for benign lesions. Rates of detecting a correlate for the MRI lesion, among all lesions and among malignant lesions, were compared between MRI-directed CEM, MRI-directed ultrasound, and combined MRI-directed CEM and ultrasound (i.e., with the correlate detected on either modality), by use of the McNemar test. The frequencies with which imaging modalities were used for biopsy guidance after MRI-directed imaging were determined. RESULTS. Twenty-three of 109 lesions were malignant. The lesion detection rate was higher for MRI-directed CEM than for MRI-directed ultrasound (69.7% [76/109] vs 45.9% [50/109]; p < .001) and higher for combined MRI-directed CEM and ultrasound (77.1% [84/109]) than for either MRI-directed CEM (p = .008) or MRI-directed ultrasound (p < .001). The rate of detection of malignant lesions was not significantly different between MRI-directed CEM and MRI-directed ultrasound (95.7% [22/23] vs 78.3% [18/23]; p = .13). A total of 31.2% (34/109) of lesions were seen on MRI-directed CEM only, and 7.3% (8/109) were seen on MRI-directed ultrasound only. A total of 17.4% (4/23) of malignant lesions were seen on MRI-directed CEM only, and none were seen on MRI-directed ultrasound only. Among lesions recommended for biopsy, stereotactic- or tomosynthesis-guided biopsy was recommended for 25.2% (26/103), ultrasound-guided biopsy for 35.9% (37/103), and MRI-guided biopsy for 38.8% (40/103). CONCLUSION. MRI-directed CEM detects a higher fraction of suspicious MRI lesions than does MRI-directed ultrasound. Combined MRI-directed CEM and ultrasound detects a higher fraction than either method does individually. CLINICAL IMPACT. MRI-directed CEM may be a useful alternate or complementary tool to MRI-directed ultrasound in biopsy planning for suspicious MRI lesions, facilitating the use of biopsy guidance methods other than MRI guidance.

Factors associated with perceived personal risk for breast cancer among women with dense breasts.

PURPOSE: To determine what patient factors are associated with a high or an accurate perceived personal risk (PPR) for breast cancer. METHODS: An IRB-approved survey study of women with dense breasts presenting for annual screening mammography was previously conducted from March 2017 to February 2018. Patients were asked to estimate their personal risk for breast cancer and to answer questions about prior breast care-related medical interactions. Survey data were combined post hoc with demographic and clinical data, including breast cancer risk status, and socioeconomic data imputed for each patient from census data. Logistic regression was used to determine which patient factors were associated with a high or accurate PPR. RESULTS: Surveys were completed by 508 women with dense breasts (median age 59.0 years). A high PPR was independently associated with younger age (AOR, 1.71 [95% CI, 1.13, 2.60]), family history of breast cancer (AOR 4.27 [95% CI, 2.81-7.34]), having a clinical "high-risk" designation (AOR, 3.43 [95% CI, 1.13-10.39], and having been called back from screening (AOR, 1.94 [95% CI, 1.14-3.32]). A lower accuracy of PPR was independently associated with a family history of breast cancer (AOR, 0.25 [95% CI, 0.14-0.42]) and having been called back from screening (AOR, 0.58 [95% CI, 0.35-0.98]). CONCLUSION: Women with dense breasts who had a family history of breast cancer or who had been called back from screening had a higher but less accurate PPR. Women with a "high-risk" clinical designation had a higher PPR, even when controlling for family history.

Factors Associated With Breast Cancer Screening Behaviors Among Women With Dense Breasts.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to identify patient factors associated with patient-reported screening behaviors in women with dense breasts. METHODS: An IRB-approved survey study of women with dense breasts presenting for annual screening mammography at an outpatient imaging center was previously conducted from March 2017 to February 2018. The survey included questions regarding mammographic screening frequency and recent participation in supplemental screening. These survey data were combined post hoc with clinical and demographic data and socioeconomic data imputed from census data. Logistic regression was used to identify patient factors associated with reported screening behaviors. RESULTS: Surveys were completed by 508 women (median age, 59.0 years; range, 31.0-86.0 years) with dense breasts. Multivariable analysis demonstrated an independent association of undergoing mammographic screening annually with a history of discussing breast density with a doctor (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.60; P = 0.019). Undergoing supplemental screening in the previous three years was independently associated with younger age (AOR, 1.59; P = 0.004), strong family history of breast cancer (AOR, 3.84; P = 0.027), higher perceived personal risk for breast cancer (AOR, 3.47; P = 0.004), and increased concern about radiation associated with screening examinations (AOR, 3.31; P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Women with dense breasts who had discussed breast density with a doctor were more likely to report undergoing annual screening mammography, while younger women and women with a strong family history of breast cancer, higher perceived personal risk for breast cancer, or greater concern about radiation were more likely to report recently undergoing supplemental screening.

Persistent post-galactogram intraductal iodinated contrast detected on contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) in a patient with nipple discharge.

Nipple discharge is a common complaint among adult women and is often evaluated by galactography. Contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) is an emerging breast imaging modality that is useful in the evaluation of patients with nipple discharge who have a negative galactogram, especially if they are not good candidates for contrast-enhanced MRI. Here we present a case of a 37-year-old female who was 22 weeks pregnant and presented with suspicious nipple discharge. The patient initially underwent galactography, which was negative, and was subsequently referred for CEM for further evaluation. One week after the galactogram, the patient underwent CEM which revealed persistent intraductal iodinated contrast from the galactogram. The retained intraductal contrast obscured the area of concern on the CEM and limited evaluation for underlying areas of enhancement. Given the increasing popularity of CEM in breast imaging practice and its utility in the evaluation of patients with nipple discharge, recognition of retained intraductal contrast as a source of artifact on CEM is important so that steps can be taken to prevent acquiring a limited and/or non-diagnostic CEM. We suggest several practical steps the radiologist can take when planning the diagnostic workup of patients with nipple discharge to ensure the patient will be able to successfully undergo CEM, if needed. These steps will help reduce unnecessary patient exposure to radiation and intravenous contrast and avoid a delay in diagnosis and treatment.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on breast cancer screening volumes and patient screening behaviors.

PURPOSE: In order to facilitate targeted outreach, we sought to identify patient populations with a lower likelihood of returning for breast cancer screening after COVID-19-related imaging center closures. METHODS: Weekly total screening mammograms performed throughout 2019 (baseline year) and 2020 (COVID-19-impacted year) were compared. Demographic and clinical characteristics, including age, race, ethnicity, breast density, breast cancer history, insurance status, imaging facility type used, and need for interpreter, were compared between patients imaged from March 16 to October 31 in 2019 (baseline cohort) and 2020 (COVID-19-impacted cohort). Census data and an online map service were used to impute socioeconomic variables and calculate travel times for each patient. Logistic regression was used to identify patient characteristics associated with a lower likelihood of returning for screening after COVID-19-related closures. RESULTS: The year-over-year cumulative difference in screening mammogram volumes peaked in week 21, with 2962 fewer exams in the COVID-19-impacted year. By week 47, this deficit had reduced by 49.4% to 1498. A lower likelihood of returning for screening after COVID-19-related closures was independently associated with younger age (odds ratio (OR) 0.78, p < 0.001), residence in a higher poverty area (OR 0.991, p = 0.014), lack of health insurance (OR 0.65, p = 0.007), need for an interpreter (OR 0.68, p = 0.029), longer travel time (OR 0.998, p < 0.001), and utilization of mobile mammography services (OR 0.27, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Several patient factors are associated with a lower likelihood of returning for screening mammography after COVID-19-related closures. Knowledge of these factors can guide targeted outreach to vulnerable patients to facilitate breast cancer screening.

An observational study to develop a scoring system and model to detect risk of hospital admission due to COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has caused an unprecedented global health emergency. The strains of such a pandemic can overwhelm hospital capacity. Efficient clinical decision-making is crucial for proper healthcare resource utilization in this crisis. Using observational study data, we set out to create a predictive model that could anticipate which COVID-19 patients would likely be admitted and developed a scoring tool that could be used in the clinical setting and for population risk stratification. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated data from COVID-19 patients across a network of 6 hospitals in northeastern Pennsylvania. Analysis was limited to age, gender, and historical variables. After creating a variable importance plot, we chose a selection of the best predictors to train a logistic regression model. Variable selection was done using a lasso regularization technique. Using the coefficients in our logistic regression model, we then created a scoring tool and validated the score on a test set data. RESULTS: A total of 6485 COVID-19 patients were included in our analysis, of which 707 were hospitalized. The biggest predictors of patient hospitalization included age, a history of hypertension, diabetes, chronic heart disease, gender, tobacco use, and chronic kidney disease. The logistic regression model demonstrated an AUC of 0.81. The coefficients for our logistic regression model were used to develop a scoring tool. Low-, intermediate-, and high-risk patients were deemed to have a 3.5%, 26%, and 38% chance of hospitalization, respectively. The best predictors of hospitalization included age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.03, confidence interval [CI] = 1.02-1.03), diabetes (OR = 2.08, CI = 1.69-2.57), hypertension (OR = 2.36, CI = 1.90-2.94), chronic heart disease (OR = 1.53, CI = 1.22-1.91), and male gender (OR = 1.32, CI = 1.11-1.58). CONCLUSIONS: Using retrospective observational data from a 6-hospital network, we determined risk factors for admission and developed a predictive model and scoring tool for use in the clinical and population setting that could anticipate admission for COVID-19 patients.

Patient Characteristics Associated With Patient-Reported Deterrents to Adjunct Breast Cancer Screening of Patients With Dense Breasts.

BACKGROUND. The success of adjunct breast cancer screening of women with dense breasts can be enhanced by identifying and addressing patient concerns regarding adjunct screening modalities. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to identify patient characteristics associated with patient-reported concerns about adjunct breast cancer screening to facilitate the development of a more effective screening model for women with dense breasts. METHODS. Patients with dense breasts completed surveys between March 2017 and February 2018 regarding factors that might deter them from adjunct screening and about which of three hypothetical screening examinations they might prefer. Additional patient data were extracted from medical records, and socioeconomic data were imputed from federal census data. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify associations between patient characteristics and patient attitudes toward adjunct screening. RESULTS. Surveys were completed by 508 women (median age, 59.0 years) with dense breasts. Lower confidence in the sensitivity of mammography of dense breasts was independently associated with lesser concern about adjunct screening examination time (1 divided by adjusted odds ratio [1/AOR], 0.55 [95% CI, 0.34-0.89]), additional imaging that could result (1/AOR, 0.51 [95% CI, 0.31-0.85]), and greater preference for a more sensitive hypothetical screening examination (1/AOR, 1.85 [95% CI, 1.20-2.86]). Concern about examination cost, the most commonly cited deterrent to adjunct screening (66.9%), was independently associated with younger age (1/AOR, 1.45 [95% CI, 1.01-2.08]) but not with imputed socioeconomic variables or other tested variables. Younger age was also associated with lesser concern about pain (1/AOR, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.48-0.99]), additional imaging that could result (1/AOR, 0.48 [95% CI, 0.31-0.76]), and IV contrast administration (1/AOR, 0.56 [95% CI, 0.37-0.83]). CONCLUSION. Younger age and lower confidence in the sensitivity of mammography among women with dense breasts are independently associated with lesser patient concern about common deterrents to adjunct breast cancer screening. Younger age is independently associated with greater concern about the cost of undergoing adjunct breast cancer screening. CLINICAL IMPACT. Concerns about adjunct screening may be reduced by educating patients about the lower sensitivity of mammography of dense breasts and by finding ways to address or mitigate the financial and daily-life impact of adjunct screening, especially for younger patients.

Assembly of the LongSHOT cohort: public record linkage on a grand scale.

BACKGROUND: Virtually all existing evidence linking access to firearms to elevated risks of mortality and morbidity comes from ecological and case-control studies. To improve understanding of the health risks and benefits of firearm ownership, we launched a cohort study: the Longitudinal Study of Handgun Ownership and Transfer (LongSHOT). METHODS: Using probabilistic matching techniques we linked three sources of individual-level, state-wide data in California: official voter registration records, an archive of lawful handgun transactions and all-cause mortality data. There were nearly 28.8 million unique voter registrants, 5.5 million handgun transfers and 3.1 million deaths during the study period (18 October 2004 to 31 December 2016). The linkage relied on several identifying variables (first, middle and last names; date of birth; sex; residential address) that were available in all three data sets, deploying them in a series of bespoke algorithms. RESULTS: Assembly of the LongSHOT cohort commenced in January 2016 and was completed in March 2019. Approximately three-quarters of matches identified were exact matches on all link variables. The cohort consists of 28.8 million adult residents of California followed for up to 12.2 years. A total of 1.2 million cohort members purchased at least one handgun during the study period, and 1.6 million died. CONCLUSIONS: Three steps taken early may be particularly useful in enhancing the efficiency of large-scale data linkage: thorough data cleaning; assessment of the suitability of off-the-shelf data linkage packages relative to bespoke coding; and careful consideration of the minimum sample size and matching precision needed to support rigorous investigation of the study questions.

Preferences and Attitudes Regarding Adjunct Breast Cancer Screening Among Patients with Dense Breasts.

OBJECTIVE: New breast screening modalities are being investigated to address the need for more sensitive breast cancer screening in women with dense breasts. We investigated the preferences and attitudes of these patients regarding adjunct screening modalities to help evaluate the acceptability of these exams. METHODS: In this institutional review board-approved prospective study, patients with dense breasts on their prior mammogram were invited to complete a survey. Patients were asked to estimate their personal breast cancer risk compared with peers, indicate their level of concern related to screening callbacks, radiation exposure, and intravenous (IV) contrast allergies, and identify which factors might deter them from getting adjunct screening exams. RESULTS: Five hundred eight patients with dense breasts presenting for screening mammography completed surveys. While most patients (304/508, 59.9%) felt it was likely or very likely that cancer could be missed on their mammogram, only 8.9% (45/508) had undergone adjunct screening exams in the past 3 years. The most commonly cited deterrents to adjunct screening were cost (340/508, 66.9%), pain (173/508, 34.1%), and concern that adjunct screening could lead to additional procedures (158/508, 31.1%). When asked to select among three hypothetical breast cancer screening modalities, patients strongly preferred the more sensitive examination, even if this involved greater cost (162/508, 31.9%) or IV-contrast administration (315/508, 62.0%). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that patients with dense breasts prefer adjunct screening exams that are both sensitive and inexpensive, although an increase in sensitivity could outweigh additional cost or even IV-line placement.

Growth Dynamics of Mammographic Calcifications: Differentiating Ductal Carcinoma in Situ from Benign Breast Disease.

Background Most ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) lesions are first detected on screening mammograms as calcifications. However, false-positive biopsy rates for calcifications range from 30% to 87%. Improved methods to differentiate benign from malignant calcifications are thus needed. Purpose To quantify the growth rates of DCIS and benign breast disease that manifest as mammographic calcifications. Materials and Methods All calcifications (n = 2359) for which a stereotactic biopsy was performed from 2008 through 2015 at Duke University Medical Center were retrospectively identified. Mammograms from all cases of DCIS (n = 404) were reviewed for calcifications that were visible on mammograms taken at least 6 months before biopsy. Women with at least one prior mammogram with visible calcifications were age- and race-matched 1:2 to women with a benign breast biopsy and calcifications visible on prior mammograms. The long axis of the calcifications was measured on all mammograms. Multivariable adjusted linear mixed-effects models estimated the association of calcification growth rates with patholo findings. Hierarchical clustering accounted for matching benign and DCIS groups. Results A total of 74 DCIS calcifications and 148 benign calcifications were included for final analysis. The median patient age was 62 years (interquartile range, 51-71 years). No significant difference in breast density (P > .05) or number of available mammograms (P > .05) was detected between groups. Calcifications associated with DCIS were larger than those associated with benign breast disease at biopsy (median, 10 mm vs 6 mm, respectively; P < .001). After adjustment, the relative annual increase in the long-axis length of DCIS calcifications was greater than that of benign breast calcifications (96% [95% confidence interval: 72%, 224%] vs 68% [95% confidence interval: 56%, 80%] per year, respectively; P < .001). Conclusion Ductal carcinoma in situ calcifications are more extensive at diagnosis and grow faster in extent than those associated with benign breast disease. The rate of calcification change may help to discriminate benign from malignant calcifications. © RSNA, 2019 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Systematic Review of the Literature: Best Practices.

Reviews of published scientific literature are a valuable resource that can underline best practices in medicine and clarify clinical controversies. Among the various types of reviews, the systematic review of the literature is ranked as the most rigorous since it is a high-level summary of existing evidence focused on answering a precise question. Systematic reviews employ a pre-defined protocol to identify relevant and trustworthy literature. Such reviews can accomplish several critical goals that are not easily achievable with typical empirical studies by allowing identification and discussion of best evidence, contradictory findings, and gaps in the literature. The Association of University Radiologists Radiology Research Alliance Systematic Review Task Force convened to explore the methodology and practical considerations involved in performing a systematic review. This article provides a detailed and practical guide for performing a systematic review and discusses its applications in radiology.

Computed Tomography Angiographic Assessment of Acute Chest Pain.

Acute chest pain is a leading cause of Emergency Department visits. Computed tomography angiography plays a vital diagnostic role in such cases, but there are several common challenges associated with the imaging of acute chest pain, which, if unrecognized, can lead to an inconclusive or incorrect diagnosis. These imaging challenges fall broadly into 3 categories: (1) image acquisition, (2) image interpretation (including physiological and pathologic mimics), and (3) result communication. The aims of this review are to describe and illustrate the most common challenges in the imaging of acute chest pain and to provide solutions that will facilitate accurate diagnosis of the causes of acute chest pain in the emergency setting.

Contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) versus MRI in the high-risk screening setting: patient preferences and attitudes.

PURPOSE: Our study evaluates patient preferences toward screening CESM versus MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: As part of a prospective study, high-risk patients had breast MRI and CESM. Patients completed an anonymous survey to evaluate preferences regarding the two modalities. RESULTS: 88% of participants completed the survey. 79% preferred CESM over MRI if the exams had equal sensitivity. 89% would be comfortable receiving contrast as part of an annual screening test. CONCLUSION: High-risk populations may accept CESM as a screening exam and may prefer it over screening MRI if ongoing trials demonstrate screening CESM to be clinically non-inferior MRI.

Teaching Principles of Patient-Centered Care During Radiology Residency.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Patient-centered healthcare delivery has become increasingly established as a cornerstone of quality medical care, but teaching these principles in a radiology residency setting is often difficult and ineffective in a traditional lecture format. We developed a novel educational session in which actual patient letters about a healthcare provider are used to facilitate a case-based discussion of key principles of patient-centered care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A novel patient letter-facilitated, case-based session was conducted at two different university-based teaching institutions. Prior to the educational session, patient letters introducing the principles of patient-centered care were distributed to residents for review. During the session, radiology-specific cases were discussed in the context of the principles introduced by the letters. A post-session survey was administered to evaluate the efficacy and usefulness of the session. RESULTS: Forty-six of the 61 session attendees (75%) completed the post session survey. Most respondents (93%) preferred this case-based, interactive session to a typical didactic session. A majority of the residents indicated that both the patient letters (64%) and radiology specific cases (73%) helped them think differently about how they interact with patients. They indicated that the session enhanced their understanding of professionalism (3.7 out of 5.0 [95% CI 3.4-4.0]) and increased their motivation to become more patient-centered (3.0 out of 4.0 [95% CI 2.8-3.3]). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that patient letter-facilitated, case-based sessions may influence resident attitudes regarding the principles of patient-centered care and may help to increase resident motivation to become more patient-centered in their own practice.

Regulation of actin polymerization and adhesion-dependent cell edge protrusion by the Abl-related gene (Arg) tyrosine kinase and N-WASp.

Extracellular cues stimulate the Abl family nonreceptor tyrosine kinase Arg to promote actin-based cell edge protrusions. Several Arg-interacting proteins are potential links to the actin cytoskeleton, but exactly how Arg stimulates actin polymerization and cellular protrusion has not yet been fully elucidated. We used affinity purification to identify N-WASp as a novel binding partner of Arg. N-WASp activates the Arp2/3 complex and is an effector of Abl. We find that the Arg SH3 domain binds directly to N-WASp. Arg phosphorylates N-WASp on Y256, modestly increasing the affinity of Arg for N-WASp, an interaction that does not require the Arg SH2 domain. The Arg SH3 domain stimulates N-WASp-dependent actin polymerization in vitro, and Arg phosphorylation of N-WASp weakly stimulates this effect. Arg and N-WASp colocalize to adhesion-dependent cell edge protrusions in vivo. The cell edge protrusion defects of arg-/- fibroblasts can be complemented by re-expression of an Arg-yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) fusion, but not by an N-WASp binding-deficient Arg SH3 domain point mutant. These results suggest that Arg promotes actin-based protrusions in response to extracellular stimuli through phosphorylation of and physical interactions with N-WASp.