Electrophysiological findings in extensive macular atrophy with pseudodrusen.

PURPOSE: To present electroretinogram findings in extensive macular atrophy with pseudodrusen (EMAP) and describe associated systemic factors. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: Data on medical history, visual symptoms, multimodal imaging findings, and visual field were collected from the medical records of patients with extensive macular atrophy with pseudodrusen who attended a visual electrophysiology laboratory. Electrophysiological tests, including full-field electroretinogram, multifocal electroretinogram and photopic negative response, were performed. RESULTS: Eighteen patients (10 [56%] females, age 49-66 years) were included. Of these, 17 (94%) had a history of rheumatic fever in childhood and/or adolescence, 7 (39%) had cardiovascular disease, 4 (22%) had autoimmune disease, and 10 (56%) had inflammatory conditions. The primary visual complaints were nyctalopia (95%), followed by visual field loss (67%) and dyschromatopsia (67%). The key retinal findings included retinal pigmented epithelium atrophy in the macular region and subretinal drusenoid deposits. Regarding electrophysiological results, 100% of patients had abnormalities on multifocal electroretinogram, 94% displayed alterations in photopic negative response, and 78% showed changes in the full-field electroretinogram. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort, electrophysiologic evaluation demonstrated diffuse retinal dysfunction affecting all layers of the retina in patients with EMAP. The disease is associated with immune-mediated systemic conditions, chiefly rheumatic fever.

Weight-adjusted caffeine and ß-blocker use in novice versus senior retina surgeons: a self-controlled study of simulated performance.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Tremor and expertise are potentially influenced variables in vitreoretinal surgery. We investigated whether surgeon experience impacts the association of microsurgical performance with caffeine and ß-blockers weight-adjusted intake. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Novice and senior surgeons (<2 and >10 practice years, respectively) were recruited in this self-controlled, cross-sectional study. A simulator's task sequence was repeated over 2 days, 30 min after the following exposures: day 1, placebo, 2.5 mg/kg caffeine, 5.0 mg/kg caffeine, and 0.6 mg/kg propranolol; and day 2, placebo, 0.2 mg/kg propranolol, 0.6 mg/kg propranolol, and 5.0 mg/kg caffeine. Outcomes were total score (0-700, worst-best), simulation time (minutes), intraocular trajectory (centimeters), and tremor-specific score (0-100, worst-best). RESULTS: We recruited 15 novices (9 men [60%], 1.33 ± 0.49 practice years) and 11 seniors (8 men [72.7%], 16.00 ± 4.24 practice years). Novices performed worse after 2.5 mg/kg caffeine and improved following 0.2 mg/kg propranolol in total score (557 vs. 617, p = 0.009), trajectory (229.86 vs. 208.07, p = 0.048), time (14.9 vs. 12.7, p = 0.048), and tremor-score (55 vs. 75, p = 0.009). Surgical performance improved with propranolol post-caffeine but remained worse than 0.2 mg/kg propranolol in total score (570 vs. 617, p = 0.014), trajectory (226.59 vs. 208.07, p = 0.033), and tremor-score (50 vs. 75, p = 0.029). Seniors' tremor-score was lower after 2.5 mg/kg caffeine compared to 0.2 mg/kg propranolol (8 vs. 37, p = 0.015). Tremor-score following propranolol post-caffeine remained inferior to 0.6 mg/kg propranolol alone (17 vs. 38, p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: While caffeine and propranolol were associated with performance changes among novices, only tremor was affected in seniors, without dexterity changes. The pharmacologic exposure impact on surgical dexterity seems to be offset by increased experience.

Value of Breast MRI and Nomogram After Negative Axillary Ultrasound for Predicting Axillary Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients With Clinically T1-2 N0 Breast Cancer

Background@#There are increasing concerns about that sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) could be omitted in patients with clinically T1-2 N0 breast cancers who has negative axillary ultrasound (AUS). This study aims to assess the false negative result (FNR) of AUS, the rate of high nodal burden (HNB) in clinically T1-2 N0 breast cancer patients, and the diagnostic performance of breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nomogram. @*Methods@#We identified 948 consecutive patients with clinically T1-2 N0 cancers who had negative AUS, subsequent MRI, and breast conserving therapy between 2013 and 2020 from two tertiary medical centers. Patients from two centers were assigned to development and validation sets, respectively. Among 948 patients, 402 (mean age ± standard deviation, 57.61 ± 11.58) were within development cohort and 546 (54.43 ± 10.02) within validation cohort. Using logistic regression analyses, clinical-imaging factors associated with lymph node (LN) metastasis were analyzed in the development set from which nomogram was created. The performance of MRI and nomogram was assessed. HNB was defined as ≥ 3 positive LNs. @*Results@#The FNR of AUS was 20.1% (81 of 402) and 19.2% (105 of 546) and the rates of HNB were 1.2% (5/402) and 2.2% (12/546), respectively. Clinical and imaging features associated with LN metastasis were progesterone receptor positivity, outer tumor location on mammography, breast imaging reporting and data system category 5 assessment of cancer on ultrasound, and positive axilla on MRI. In validation cohorts, the positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of MRI and clinical-imaging nomogram was 58.5% and 86.5%, and 56.0% and 82.0%, respectively. @*Conclusion@#The FNR of AUS was approximately 20% but the rate of HNB was low. The diagnostic performance of MRI was not satisfactory with low PPV but MRI had merit in reaffirming negative AUS with high NPV. Patients who had low probability scores from our clinical-imaging nomogram might be possible candidates for the omission of SLNB.

Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Preoperative Evaluation of Patients With Breast Cancer: Protocol of a Prospective, Multicenter, Observational Cohort Study / 한국유방암학회지

Purpose@#Detection of multifocal, multicentric, and contralateral breast cancers in patients affects surgical management. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) can identify additional foci that were initially undetected by conventional imaging. However, its use is limited owing to low specificity and high false-positive rate. Multiparametric MRI (DCE-MRI + diffusion-weighted [DW] MRI) can increase the specificity. We aimed to describe the protocols of our prospective, multicenter, observational cohort studies designed to compare the diagnostic performance of DCE-MRI and multiparametric MRI for the diagnosis of multifocal, multicentric cancer and contralateral breast cancer in patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer. @*Methods@#Two studies comparing the performance of DCE-MRI and multiparametric MRI for the diagnosis of multifocal, multicentric cancer (NCT04656639) and contralateral breast cancer (NCT05307757) will be conducted. For trial NCT04656639, 580 females with invasive breast cancer candidates for breast conservation surgery whose DCE-MRI showed additional suspicious lesions (breast imaging reporting and data system [BI-RADS] category ≥ 4) on DCE-MRI in the ipsilateral breast will be enrolled. For trial NCT05307757, 1098 females with invasive breast cancer whose DCE-MRI showed contralateral lesions (BI-RADS category ≥ 3 or higher on DCE-MRI) will be enrolled. Participants will undergo 3.0-T DCE-MRI and DWMRI. The diagnostic performance of DCE-MRI and multiparametric MRI will be compared.The receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and characteristics of the detected cancers will be analyzed. The primary outcome is the difference in the receiver operating characteristic curve between DCE-MRI and multiparametric MRI interpretation. Enrollment completion is expected in 2024, and study results are expected to be presented in 2026.Discussion: This prospective, multicenter study will compare the performance of DCE-MRI versus multiparametric MRI for the preoperative evaluation of multifocal, multicentric, and contralateral breast cancer and is currently in the patient enrollment phase.

PIK3CA Mutation is Associated with Poor Response to HER2-Targeted Therapy in Breast Cancer Patients / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

Purpose@#Mutations in the PIK3CA gene occur frequently in breast cancer patients. Activating PIK3CA mutations confer resistance to human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-targeted treatments. In this study, we investigated whether PIK3CA mutations were correlated with treatment response or duration in patients with HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer. @*Materials and Methods@#We retrospectively reviewed the clinical information of patients with HER2+ breast cancer who received HER2-targeted therapy for early-stage or metastatic cancers. The pathologic complete response (pCR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival were compared between patients with wild-type PIK3CA (PIK3CAw) and those with mutated PIK3CA (PIK3CAm). Next-generation sequencing was combined with examination of PFS associated with anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatment. @*Results@#Data from 90 patients with HER2+ breast cancer were analyzed. Overall, 34 (37.8%) patients had pathogenic PIK3CA mutations. The pCR rate of the PIK3CAm group was lower than that of the PIK3CAw group among patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy for early-stage cancer. In the metastatic setting, the PIK3CAm group showed a significantly shorter mean PFS (mPFS) with first-line anti-HER2 mAb. The mPFS of second-line T-DM1 was lower in the PIK3CAm group than that in the PIK3CAw group. Sequencing revealed differences in the mutational landscape between PIK3CAm and PIK3CAw tumors. @*Conclusion@#Patients with HER2+ breast cancer with activating PIK3CA mutations had lower pCR rates and shorter PFS with palliative HER2-targeted therapy than those with wild-type PIK3CA. Precise targeted-therapy is needed to improve survival of patients with HER2+/PIK3CAm breast cancer.

Contribution of objectively measured grating acuity by sweep visually evoked potentials to the diagnosis of unexplained visual loss.

PURPOSE: To investigate the diagnostic contribution of grating visual acuity (GVA) measured by sweep pattern-reversal visually evoked potentials (SPRVEP) in unexplained visual loss (UVL). METHODS: This case-control study included adult patients under suspicion of UVL referred to SPRVEP and transient pattern-reversal visually evoked potentials (TPRVEP) testing. Optotype visual acuity (OVA) was measured by ETDRS 4-meter chart and GVA by SPRVEP. UVL patients were assigned into three distinctive categories, according to the presence of ocular disease, motivation, and electrophysiological evaluation, as follows: exaggerators, malingerers, and psychogenic. Healthy controls and patients with organic visual loss were also tested. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of GVA and TPRVEP parameters. RESULTS: A total of 76 patients with UVL were analyzed: 60 (79.0%) exaggerators, 11 (14.4%) malingerers, and 5 (6.6%) psychogenic. Controls were 49 subjects evaluated for TPRVEP and 28 subjects for SPRVEP. There were 13 patients with organic visual loss enrolled. Mean difference between OVA and GVA was 1.19±0.67 (median=0.84; 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.34) in UVL and 0.14 ±0.09 (median= 0.14; 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.20) in organic visual loss. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of GVA to distinguish UVL from healthy controls was 0.998 with a cutoff of 0.09 logMAR showing specificity of 100% and sensitivity of 96.0%. CONCLUSIONS: GVA measured by SPRVEP had good diagnostic validity to discriminate patients with unexplained visual loss from healthy controls and patients with organic visual loss, demonstrating its contribution to the diagnosis of this condition.

Trends in cataract surgical treatment within the Brazilian national public health system over a 20-year period: Implications for Universal Eye Health as a global public health goal.

Cataract is a highly prevalent, treatable, and sight threatening condition considered one of the main focuses of public health policies addressing visual impairment and blindness towards Universal Eye Health. We aimed to investigate the trends on number of cataract surgical procedures performed through the Brazilian national health system (SUS) from 2000 to 2019 while also evaluating costs associated with it. The Brazilian Public Health System Information Database (DATASUS) was used as the primary data source for procedures including extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) and phacoemulsification. Trends along the years were evaluated through generalized linear models. A total of 8,424,521 cataract procedures were performed from 2000 to 2019, with a significant increase along the years from 228,145 in 2000 to 663,186 in 2019 (p<0.001), a cataract surgical procedure rate change from 13.15 to 32.28 procedures per 10,000 people. It was observed a significant increase on the number of phacoemulsification (p<0.001) and a significant decrease on the number of ECCE (p<0.001). A shift on the predominant technique has occurred between 2007 and 2008 with phacoemulsification increasing its percentual representativity from 34.3% to 69.7% of all procedures, reaching 96.1% in 2019. Phacoemulsification costs per procedure increased 30.5% from from USD$119.00 to USD$155.33 (p = 0.007) and the ECCE costs per procedure increased 29.1% from USD$78.57 to USD$101.43 (p = 0.001). There is an increasing trend of procedures related to cataract treatment performed through SUS along the 20-years period and a switch on the technique predominance from ECCE to phacoemulsification was observed after 2007. The costs associated with both techniques have increased but have not followed the country's overall inflation. Data derived from DATASUS is important to understand the overall panorama of ocular health offered by the national health system and to provide information to guide healthcare leaders on management and planning of public health policies within the system.

Mammographic, Sonographic, and MRI Features of Primary Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Breast: A Case Report

Primary neuroendocrine carcinomas of the breast are a rare, distinct category of breast carcinomas that require immunohistochemical staining for diagnosis. Currently, there is not enough evidence on the clinical pattern, prognosis, and proper management of the disease. Only few case series have described the imaging findings of neuroendocrine carcinomas of the breast. We herein present a case of a primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the breast (small cell) presenting as a locally aggressive tumor with metastatic disease, and describe the radiologic findings.

Progressive Transformation of Germinal Centers in Axillary Lymph Nodes Mimicking Metastatic Lymphadenopathy after Breast Cancer Surgery: A Case Report

Progressive transformation of germinal centers (PTGC) is a rarely diagnosed, benign disease of the lymph nodes that commonly manifests as chronic lymphadenopathy. PTGC may be characterized by single or multiple non-tender lymph nodes, and it commonly involves the cervical, axillary, and inguinal areas. Although PTGC is identified with concurrent lymphoma in some patients, it is not considered as a premalignant entity. Histopathologic diagnosis of PTGC is rarely made, and imaging findings have been reported in very few studies. We present a case of PTGC that occurred at the contralateral axillary lymph nodes and mimicked metastatic lymphadenopathy after breast cancer surgery. We also discuss its imaging findings.

Assessment of Additional MRI-Detected Breast Lesions Using the Quantitative Analysis of ContrastEnhanced Ultrasound Scans and Its Comparability with Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI Findings of the Breast

Purpose@#To assess the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for additional MR-detected enhancing lesions and to determine whether or not kinetic pattern results comparable to dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) of the breast can be obtained using the quantitative analysis of CEUS. @*Materials and Methods@#In this single-center prospective study, a total of 71 additional MR-detected breast lesions were included. CEUS examination was performed, and lesions were categorized according to the Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS). The sensitivity,specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of CEUS were calculated by comparing the BI-RADS category to the final pathology results. The degree of agreement between CEUS and DCE-MRI kinetic patterns was evaluated using weighted kappa. @*Results@#On CEUS, 46 lesions were assigned as BI-RADS category 4B, 4C, or 5, while 25 lesions category 3 or 4A. The diagnostic performance of CEUS for enhancing lesions on DCE-MRI was excellent, with 84.9% sensitivity, 94.4% specificity, and 97.8% positive predictive value. A total of 57/71 (80%) lesions had correlating kinetic patterns and showed good agreement (weighted kappa = 0.66) between CEUS and DCE-MRI. Benign lesions showed excellent agreement (weighted kappa = 0.84), and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) showed good agreement (weighted kappa = 0.69). @*Conclusion@#The diagnostic performance of CEUS for additional MR-detected breast lesions was excellent. Accurate kinetic pattern assessment, fairly comparable to DCE-MRI, can be obtained for benign and IDC lesions using CEUS.

Mammographic, Sonographic, and MRI Features of Primary Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Breast: A Case Report

Primary neuroendocrine carcinomas of the breast are a rare, distinct category of breast carcinomas that require immunohistochemical staining for diagnosis. Currently, there is not enough evidence on the clinical pattern, prognosis, and proper management of the disease. Only few case series have described the imaging findings of neuroendocrine carcinomas of the breast. We herein present a case of a primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the breast (small cell) presenting as a locally aggressive tumor with metastatic disease, and describe the radiologic findings.

Progressive Transformation of Germinal Centers in Axillary Lymph Nodes Mimicking Metastatic Lymphadenopathy after Breast Cancer Surgery: A Case Report

Progressive transformation of germinal centers (PTGC) is a rarely diagnosed, benign disease of the lymph nodes that commonly manifests as chronic lymphadenopathy. PTGC may be characterized by single or multiple non-tender lymph nodes, and it commonly involves the cervical, axillary, and inguinal areas. Although PTGC is identified with concurrent lymphoma in some patients, it is not considered as a premalignant entity. Histopathologic diagnosis of PTGC is rarely made, and imaging findings have been reported in very few studies. We present a case of PTGC that occurred at the contralateral axillary lymph nodes and mimicked metastatic lymphadenopathy after breast cancer surgery. We also discuss its imaging findings.

Assessment of Additional MRI-Detected Breast Lesions Using the Quantitative Analysis of ContrastEnhanced Ultrasound Scans and Its Comparability with Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI Findings of the Breast

Purpose@#To assess the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for additional MR-detected enhancing lesions and to determine whether or not kinetic pattern results comparable to dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) of the breast can be obtained using the quantitative analysis of CEUS. @*Materials and Methods@#In this single-center prospective study, a total of 71 additional MR-detected breast lesions were included. CEUS examination was performed, and lesions were categorized according to the Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS). The sensitivity,specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of CEUS were calculated by comparing the BI-RADS category to the final pathology results. The degree of agreement between CEUS and DCE-MRI kinetic patterns was evaluated using weighted kappa. @*Results@#On CEUS, 46 lesions were assigned as BI-RADS category 4B, 4C, or 5, while 25 lesions category 3 or 4A. The diagnostic performance of CEUS for enhancing lesions on DCE-MRI was excellent, with 84.9% sensitivity, 94.4% specificity, and 97.8% positive predictive value. A total of 57/71 (80%) lesions had correlating kinetic patterns and showed good agreement (weighted kappa = 0.66) between CEUS and DCE-MRI. Benign lesions showed excellent agreement (weighted kappa = 0.84), and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) showed good agreement (weighted kappa = 0.69). @*Conclusion@#The diagnostic performance of CEUS for additional MR-detected breast lesions was excellent. Accurate kinetic pattern assessment, fairly comparable to DCE-MRI, can be obtained for benign and IDC lesions using CEUS.

Impaired Ganglion Cell Function Objectively Assessed by the Photopic Negative Response in Affected and Asymptomatic Members From Brazilian Families With Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy.

Purpose: The photopic negative response (PhNR) is an electrophysiological method that provides retinal ganglion cell function assessment using full-field stimulation that does not require clear optics or refractive correction. The purpose of this study was to assess ganglion cell function by PhNR in affected and asymptomatic carriers from Brazilian families with LHON. Methods: Individuals either under suspicion or previously diagnosed with LHON and their family members were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. Screening for the most frequent LHON mtDNA mutations was performed. Visual acuity, color discrimination, visual fields, pattern-reversal visual evoked potentials (PRVEP), full-field electroretinography and PhNR were tested. A control group of healthy subjects was included. Full-field ERG PhNR were recorded using red (640 nm) flashes at 1 cd.s/m2, on blue (470 nm) rod saturating background. PhNR amplitude (µV) was measured using baseline-to-trough (BT). Optical coherence tomography scans of both the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell complex (GCC) were measured. PhNR amplitudes among affected, carriers and controls were compared by Kruskal-Wallis test followed by post-hoc Dunn test. The associations between PhNR amplitude and OCT parameters were analyzed by Spearman rank correlation. Results: Participants were 24 LHON affected patients (23 males, mean age=30.5 ± 11.4 yrs) from 19 families with the following genotype: m.11778G>A [N = 15 (62%), 14 males]; m.14484T>C [N = 5 (21%), all males] and m.3460G>A [N = 4 (17%), all males] and 14 carriers [13 females, mean age: 43.2 ± 13.3 yrs; m.11778G>A (N = 11); m.3460G>A (N = 2) and m.14484T>C (N = 1)]. Controls were eight females and seven males (mean age: 32.6 ± 11.5 yrs). PhNR amplitudes were significantly reduced (p = 0.0001) in LHON affected (-5.96 ± 3.37 µV) compared to carriers (-16.53 ± 3.40 µV) and controls (-23.91 ± 4.83; p < 0.0001) and in carriers compared to controls (p = 0.01). A significant negative correlation was found between PhNR amplitude and total macular ganglion cell thickness (r = -0.62, p < 0.05). Severe abnormalities in color discrimination, visual fields and PRVEPs were found in affected and subclinical abnormalities in carriers. Conclusions: In this cohort of Brazilian families with LHON the photopic negative response was severely reduced in affected patients and mildly reduced in asymptomatic carriers suggesting possible subclinical abnormalities in the latter. These findings were similar among pathogenic mutations.

Population-Based Cataract Surgery Complications and Their Impact on Visual Status in the Brazilian Amazon Region.

PURPOSE: To investigate cataract surgery prevalence, complications, visual outcomes, and coverage in a population of older adults from the Brazilian Amazon region. DESIGN: Population-based cross-sectional study. METHODS: Individuals ≥45 years of age from urban and rural areas of Parintins City, Brazil, were identified by cluster random sampling. Participants underwent ophthalmic examination, including uncorrected visual acuity, acuity with presenting correction (APC), and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from each eye. In those with previous cataract surgery, surgical technique and complications including its contribution to vision impairment were noted. The association of surgical complications and surgical coverage with sociodemographic variables was assessed by multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 2,384 persons were determined to be eligible, and 2,041 (85.6%) were examined. Overall, prevalence of cataract surgery was 8.6%, with 11.3% urban and 5.0% rural. Surgical complications were associated with males, older age, and urban residency and were found in 60.4%, with posterior capsule opacification in 29.6% and posterior capsule rupture in 16.3%. Among the 270 eyes having cataract surgery, APC ≥20/32 was found in 44.4%, APC 20/40 to 20/63 in 20.8%, APC <20/63 to 20/200 in 14.4%, APC <20/200 to 20/400 in 2.6%, and APC <20/400 in 17.8%. Low surgical coverage was found with 57.9% of those with visual impairment due to cataract not being treated surgically. CONCLUSIONS: Although a reasonable prevalence of cataract surgery was found, a high complication rate, poor visual outcomes, and low cataract surgery coverage indicated that actions to improve quality and appropriate postsurgical management should be planned and implemented by public health authorities.

A Prospective Study on the Value of Ultrasound Microflow Assessment to Distinguish Malignant from Benign Solid Breast Masses: Association between Ultrasound Parameters and Histologic Microvessel Densities

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of ultrasound (US) microflow assessment in distinguishing malignant from benign solid breast masses as well as the association between US parameters and histologic microvessel density (MVD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-eight breast masses (57 benign and 41 malignant) were examined using Superb Microvascular Imaging (SMI) and contrast-enhanced US (CEUS) before biopsy. Two radiologists evaluated the quantitative and qualitative vascular parameters on SMI (vascular index, morphology, distribution, and penetration) and CEUS (time-intensity curve analysis and enhancement characteristics). US parameters were compared between benign and malignant masses and the diagnostic performance was compared between SMI and CEUS. Subgroup analysis was performed according to lesion size. The effect of vascular parameters on downgrading Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category 4A masses was evaluated. The association between histologic MVD and US parameters was analyzed. RESULTS: Malignant masses were associated with a higher vascular index (15.1 ± 7.3 vs. 5.9 ± 5.6), complex vessel morphology (82.9% vs. 42.1%), central vascularity (95.1% vs. 59.6%), penetrating vessels (80.5% vs. 31.6%) on SMI (all, p < 0.001), as well as higher peak intensity (37.1 ± 25.7 vs. 17.0 ± 15.8, p < 0.001), slope (10.6 ± 11.2 vs. 3.9 ± 4.2, p = 0.001), area (1035.7 ± 726.9 vs. 458.2 ± 410.2, p < 0.001), hyperenhancement (95.1% vs. 70.2%, p = 0.005), centripetal enhancement (70.7% vs. 45.6%, p = 0.023), penetrating vessels (65.9% vs. 22.8%, p < 0.001), and perfusion defects (31.7% vs. 3.5%, p < 0.001) on CEUS (p ≤ 0.023). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) of SMI and CEUS were 0.853 and 0.841, respectively (p = 0.803). In 19 masses measuring < 10 mm, central vascularity on SMI was associated with malignancy (100% vs. 38.5%, p = 0.018). Considering all benign SMI parameters on the BI-RADS assessment, unnecessary biopsies could be avoided in 12 category 4A masses with improved AUCs (0.500 vs. 0.605, p < 0.001). US vascular parameters associated with malignancy showed higher MVD (p ≤ 0.016). MVD was higher in malignant masses than in benign masses, and malignant masses negative for estrogen receptor or positive for Ki67 had higher MVD (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: US microflow assessment using SMI and CEUS is valuable in distinguishing malignant from benign solid breast masses, and US vascular parameters are associated with histologic MVD.

Kinetic Features of Invasive Breast Cancers on Computer-Aided Diagnosis Using 3T MRI Data: Correlation with Clinical and Pathologic Prognostic Factors

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation of kinetic features of breast cancers on computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) of preoperative 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data and clinical-pathologic factors in breast cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between July 2016 and March 2017, 85 patients (mean age, 54 years; age range, 35–81 years) with invasive breast cancers (mean, 1.8 cm; range, 0.8–4.8 cm) who had undergone MRI and surgery were retrospectively enrolled. All magnetic resonance images were processed using CAD, and kinetic features of tumors were acquired. The relationships between kinetic features and clinical-pathologic factors were assessed using Spearman correlation test and binary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Peak enhancement and angio-volume were significantly correlated with histologic grade, Ki-67 index, and tumor size: r = 0.355 (p = 0.001), r = 0.330 (p = 0.002), and r = 0.231 (p = 0.033) for peak enhancement, r = 0.410 (p = 0.005), r = 0.341 (p < 0.001), and r = 0.505 (p < 0.001) for angio-volume. Delayed-plateau component was correlated with Ki-67 (r = 0.255 [p = 0.019]). In regression analysis, higher peak enhancement was associated with higher histologic grade (odds ratio [OR] = 1.004; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.001–1.008; p = 0.024), and higher delayed-plateau component and angio-volume were associated with higher Ki-67 (OR = 1.051; 95% CI: 1.011–1.094; p = 0.013 for delayed-plateau component, OR = 1.178; 95% CI: 1.023–1.356; p = 0.023 for angio-volume). CONCLUSION: Of the CAD-assessed kinetic features, higher peak enhancement may correlate with higher histologic grade, and higher delayed-plateau component and angio-volume correlate with higher Ki-67 index. These results support the clinical application of kinetic features in prognosis assessment.

A Case of Diffuse Extramammary Paget's Disease of Vulva and Anus Showing a Good Response to Radiotherapy / 대한피부과학회지

No abstract available.

A Case of Dermatomyofibroma on Inguinal Area in a Middle Aged Woman / 대한피부과학회지

No abstract available.

A Case of Stewart-Treves Syndrome on Lower Extremity Related to Hysterectomy and Total Hip Replacement Surgery / 대한피부과학회지

Stewart-Treves syndrome (STS) is a rare cutaneous angiosarcoma that develops in chronic lymphedema. The majority of STS is described in the upper extremity after aggressive locoregional therapy for breast cancer and is rarely reported in lower extremities. A 68-year-old woman presented with a 3-month history of multiple purpuric tumorous plaques and nodules on the right posterior thigh. She had a history of radical hysterectomy with lymph node dissection and postoperative radiotherapy due to uterine cervical cancer 16 years ago. She received right total hip replacement surgery due to hip joint avascular necrosis 14 years ago. She had suffered from chronic leg edema, especially on the right side. Skin biopsy on the right posterior thigh showed irregular vascular channels lined by atypical endothelial cells. Special stains showed positivity for CD31, CD34, factor VIII, and D2~40, which are pan-vascular or lymphatic markers. She showed a pelvic mass and pelvic bone metastasis on radiologic staging work-up. She refused all treatment, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, except for pain control. She died 2 months after diagnosis of this highly malignant tumor. The lymphedema on both lower extremities after uterine cervical cancer treatment was aggravated especially on the right lower extremity after right total hip replacement surgery. Increased weight of the right lower extremity resulted in 4 episodes of recurrent hip dislocation. We contend that these multiple factors (uterine cervical cancer treatment, total hip replacement surgery on the right side, and recurrent hip dislocations) attributed to development of Stewart-Treves syndrome. We herein report a case of Stewart-Treves syndrome of the lower extremity following chronic leg lymphedema after uterine cervical cancer treatment and hip surgery.