Photon-counting CT of degenerative changes and rupture of silicone breast implants: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Accurate assessment of breast implants is important for appropriate clinical management. We evaluated silicone properties and diagnostic accuracy for characterizing silicone implants and detecting degenerative changes including rupture in photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT). METHODS: Over 16 months, we prospectively included patients with silicone implants and available breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) who received thoracic PCCT performed in prone position. Consensus reading of all available imaging studies including MRI served as reference standard. Two readers evaluated all implants in PCCT reconstructions for degenerative changes. In a subgroup of implants, mean density of silicone, adjacent muscle, and fat were measured on PCCT reconstructions. Contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) were calculated for implant-to-muscle and implant-to-fat. RESULTS: Among 21 subjects, aged 60 ± 13.1 years (mean ± standard deviation) with 29 implants PCCT showed the following: high accuracy for linguine sign, intraimplant fluid (all > 0.99), peri-implant silicone (0.95), keyhole sign (0.90), and folds of the membrane (0.81); high specificity for linguine sign, intraimplant fluid, keyhole sign, folds of the membrane (all > 0.99), and peri-implant silicone (0.98); and high sensitivity for linguine sign and intraimplant fluid (all > 0.99). In a subgroup of 12 implants, the highest CNR for implant-to-muscle was observed on virtual unenhanced reconstructions (20.9) and iodine maps (22.9), for implant-to-fat on iodine maps (27.7) and monoenergetic reconstructions (31.8). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that silicone breast implants exhibit distinct contrast properties at PCCT, which may provide incremental information for detection of degenerative changes and rupture of implants. RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Thoracic photon-counting computed tomography is a promising modality for the diagnostic assessment of silicone breast implants. KEY POINTS: • Thoracic photon-counting computed tomography demonstrates unique contrast properties of silicone breast implants. • Iodine map reconstructions reveal strong contrast-to-noise ratios for implant-to-muscle and implant-to-fat. • Thoracic photon-counting computed tomography shows high diagnostic accuracy in detecting implant degeneration and rupture. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trials Register number DRKS00028997, date of registration 2022-08-08, retrospectively registered.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Contrast-Enhanced Thoracic Photon-Counting Computed Tomography for Opportunistic Locoregional Staging of Breast Cancer Compared With Digital Mammography: A Prospective Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Accurate locoregional staging is crucial for effective breast cancer treatment. Photon-counting computed tomography (PC-CT) is an emerging technology with high spatial resolution and the ability to depict uptake of contrast agents in tissues, making it a promising tool for breast cancer imaging. The aim of this study was to establish the feasibility of locoregional staging of breast cancer through contrast-enhanced thoracic PC-CT, assess its diagnostic performance, and compare it with that of digital mammography (DM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer, DM, and indication of thoracic CT staging were prospectively enrolled in this clinical cohort study over a period of 6 months. Participants underwent contrast-enhanced thoracic PC-CT and breast magnetic resonance imaging in prone position. After blinding to patient data, 2 radiologists independently rated PC-CT and DM regarding the following 6 characteristics: (1) diameter of the largest mass lesion, (2) infiltration of cutis/pectoral muscle/thoracic wall, (3) number of mass lesions, (4) presence/absence of adjacent ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), (5) tumor conspicuity, and (6) diagnostic confidence. Reference standard was generated from consensus reading of magnetic resonance imaging combined with all histopathological/clinical data by an independent adjudication committee applying TNM eighth edition. RESULTS: Among 32 enrolled female subjects (mean ± SD age, 59 ± 13.0 years), diagnostic accuracy for T-classification was higher for PC-CT compared with DM (0.94 vs 0.50, P < 0.01). Moreover, the correlation of the number of detected tumor masses with the reference standard was stronger for PC-CT than for DM (0.72 vs 0.50, P < 0.01). We observed that PC-CT significantly (P < 0.04) outperformed DM regarding not only sensitivity (0.83 and 0.25, respectively) but also specificity (0.99 and 0.80, respectively) for adjacent DCIS. The κ values for interreader reliability were higher for PC-CT compared with DM (mean 0.88 vs 0.54, respectively; P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Photon-counting computed tomography outperformed DM in T-classification and provided higher diagnostic accuracy for the detection of adjacent DCIS. Therefore, opportunistic locoregional staging of breast cancer in contrast-enhanced thoracic PC-CT is feasible and could overcome limitations of DM with the potential to improve patient management.

Accelerated Diffusion-Weighted Imaging in 3 T Breast MRI Using a Deep Learning Reconstruction Algorithm With Superresolution Processing: A Prospective Comparative Study.

OBJECTIVES: Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) enhances specificity in multiparametric breast MRI but is associated with longer acquisition time. Deep learning (DL) reconstruction may significantly shorten acquisition time and improve spatial resolution. In this prospective study, we evaluated acquisition time and image quality of a DL-accelerated DWI sequence with superresolution processing (DWI DL ) in comparison to standard imaging including analysis of lesion conspicuity and contrast of invasive breast cancers (IBCs), benign lesions (BEs), and cysts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This institutional review board-approved prospective monocentric study enrolled participants who underwent 3 T breast MRI between August and December 2022. Standard DWI (DWI STD ; single-shot echo-planar DWI combined with reduced field-of-view excitation; b-values: 50 and 800 s/mm 2 ) was followed by DWI DL with similar acquisition parameters and reduced averages. Quantitative image quality was analyzed for region of interest-based signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) on breast tissue. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), SNR, contrast-to-noise ratio, and contrast (C) values were calculated for biopsy-proven IBCs, BEs, and for cysts. Two radiologists independently assessed image quality, artifacts, and lesion conspicuity in a blinded independent manner. Univariate analysis was performed to test differences and interrater reliability. RESULTS: Among 65 participants (54 ± 13 years, 64 women) enrolled in the study, the prevalence of breast cancer was 23%. Average acquisition time was 5:02 minutes for DWI STD and 2:44 minutes for DWI DL ( P < 0.001). Signal-to-noise ratio measured in breast tissue was higher for DWI STD ( P < 0.001). The mean ADC values for IBC were 0.77 × 10 -3 ± 0.13 mm 2 /s in DWI STD and 0.75 × 10 -3 ± 0.12 mm 2 /s in DWI DL without significant difference when sequences were compared ( P = 0.32). Benign lesions presented with mean ADC values of 1.32 × 10 -3 ± 0.48 mm 2 /s in DWI STD and 1.39 × 10 -3 ± 0.54 mm 2 /s in DWI DL ( P = 0.12), and cysts presented with 2.18 × 10 -3 ± 0.49 mm 2 /s in DWI STD and 2.31 × 10 -3 ± 0.43 mm 2 /s in DWI DL . All lesions presented with significantly higher contrast in the DWI DL ( P < 0.001), whereas SNR and contrast-to-noise ratio did not differ significantly between DWI STD and DWI DL regardless of lesion type. Both sequences demonstrated a high subjective image quality (29/65 for DWI STD vs 20/65 for DWI DL ; P < 0.001). The highest lesion conspicuity score was observed more often for DWI DL ( P < 0.001) for all lesion types. Artifacts were scored higher for DWI DL ( P < 0.001). In general, no additional artifacts were noted in DWI DL . Interrater reliability was substantial to excellent (k = 0.68 to 1.0). CONCLUSIONS: DWI DL in breast MRI significantly reduced scan time by nearly one half while improving lesion conspicuity and maintaining overall image quality in a prospective clinical cohort.

Accuracy of cone-beam computed tomography, digital mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis for microcalcifications and margins to microcalcifications in breast specimens.

Accurate determination of resection margins in breast specimens is important as complete removal of malignancy is a prerequisite for patients' outcome. Mammography (DM) as 2D-technique provides only limited value in margin assessment. Therefore, we investigated whether cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) or digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) has incremental value in assessing margins to microcalcifications. Three independent readers investigated breast specimens for presence of microcalcifications and the smallest distance to margins. Histopathology served as gold standard. Microcalcifications were detected in 15 out of 21 included specimens (71%). Pooled sensitivity for DM, DBT and CBCT for microcalcifications compared to preoperative DM was 0.98 (CI 0.94-0.99), 0.83 (CI 0.73-0.94) and 0.94 (CI 0.87-0.99), pooled specificity was 0.99 (CI 0.99-0.99), 0.73 (CI 0.51-0.96) and 0.60 (CI 0.35-0.85). Mean measurement error for margin determination for DM, DBT and CBCT was 10 mm, 14 mm and 6 mm (p = 0.002) with significant difference between CBCT and the other devices (p < 0.03). Mean reading time required by the readers to analyze DM, DBT and CBCT, was 36, 43 and 54 s (p < 0.001). Although DM allows reliable detection of microcalcifications, measurement of resection margin was significantly more accurate with CBCT. Thus, a combination of methods or improved CBCT might provide a more accurate determination of disease-free margins in breast specimens.

The Importance of Extended Analysis Using Current Molecular Genetic Methods Based on the Example of a Cohort of 228 Patients with Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome.

In about 20-30% of all women with breast cancer, an increased number of cases of breast cancer can be observed in their family history. However, currently, only 5-10% of all breast cancer cases can be attributed to a pathogenic gene alteration. Molecular genetic diagnostics underwent enormous development within the last 10 years. Next-generation sequencing approaches allow increasingly extensive analyses resulting in the identification of additional candidate genes. In the present work, the germline molecular diagnostic analysis of a cohort of 228 patients with suspected hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC) was evaluated. The 27 pathogenic gene variants initially detected are listed, and their distribution in the high-risk BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes is presented in this study. In ten high-risk patients, in whom, to date, no pathogenic variant could be detected, an extended genetic analysis of previously not considered risk genes was performed. Three variants of uncertain significance and one pathogenic variant could be described. This proves the importance of extended analysis using current molecular genetic methods.

Multiple Angulated Mammography Reconstructions in Digital Breast Tomosynthesis for the Diagnosis of Microcalcifications - Added Value to Standard Stack Reconstructions and Synthesized Mammography.

PURPOSE: To compare ratings regarding the depiction, diagnostic accuracy and lesion characterization of conventional synthesized mammography (SM), multiple angulated mammography reconstructions (INSIGHT3D), and standard stack reconstructions in digital breast tomosynthesis for microcalcifications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective, multicase, multireader study. We included patients with digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), microcalcifications and histology over a period of four months in our institution and the same number of normal cases. Three radiologists, who were blinded to patient data, independently rated the depiction, distribution, morphology and BI-RADS score of microcalcifications in SM, INSIGHT3D and standard stack reconstructions. Deidentified images were presented in random order. Reading time was measured. Friedman and post hoc Nemenyi tests, Cochrane's Q and post hoc Wilcoxon signed rank tests, Fleiss' kappa and receiver operating characteristics were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: We included 41 histopathologically proven and 41 normal cases. Depiction of microcalcifications was rated better in INSIGHT3D than in SM and better in stack reconstructions than in INSIGHT3D and SM (P < 0.001). The reading time was lower in SM and INSIGHT3D compared to stack reconstructions (P < 0.001). The diagnostic accuracy and inter-rater correlation were comparable between all tested modes of reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: INSIGHT3D has higher ratings regarding the depiction of microcalcifications compared to SM while maintaining a short reading time. Our preliminary assessment suggests that INSIGHT3D provides added value to SM. KEY POINTS: · INSIGHT3D depicts microcalcifications better than synthesized mammography while maintaining a low reading time.. · The diagnostic accuracy and inter-rater correlation were comparable between INSIGHT3D and synthesized mammography.. · INSIGHT3D may be a potential successor to synthesized mammography.. CITATION FORMAT: · Neubauer J, Neubauer C, Wicklein J et al. Multiple Angulated Mammography Reconstructions in Digital Breast Tomosynthesis for the Diagnosis of Microcalcifications - Added Value to Standard Stack Reconstructions and Synthesized Mammography. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2018; DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-100726.

Pooled analysis of the prognostic relevance of progesterone receptor status in five German cohort studies.

The progesterone receptor (PR) has been increasingly well described as an important mediator of the pathogenesis and progression of breast cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the role of PR status as a prognostic factor in addition to other well-established prognostic factors. Data from five independent German breast cancer centers were pooled. A total of 7,965 breast cancer patients were included for whom information about their PR status was known, as well as other patient and tumor characteristics commonly used as prognostic factors. Cox proportional hazards models were built to compare the predictive value of PR status in addition to age at diagnosis, tumor size, nodal status, grading, and estrogen receptor (ER) status. PR status significantly increased the accuracy of prognostic predictions with regard to overall survival, distant disease-free survival, and local recurrence-free survival. There were differences with regard to its prognostic value relative to subgroups such as nodal status, ER status, and grading. The prognostic value of PR status was greatest in patients with a positive nodal status, negative ER status, and low grading. The PR-status adds prognostic value in addition to ER status and should not be omitted from clinical routine testing. The significantly greater prognostic value in node-positive and high-grade tumors suggests a greater role in the progression of advanced and aggressive tumors.

Pancreatico-mediastinal fistula with a mediastinal mass lesion demonstrated by MR imaging.

Internal pancreatic fistulas are uncommon but well-recognized complications of inflammatory pancreatic disease. A case of a pancreatico-mediastinal fistula with a mediastinal mass lesion in a patient with a documented history of chronic alcohol consumption and previous episodes of acute pancreatitis is described. Since the clinical symptomatology was dominated by pulmonary complaints, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging using a breathhold coronal T2-weighted sequence with spectral fat saturation was essential in clarifying this difficult and rare pathology. Furthermore, the depiction of a fistulous tract between a mediastinal mass lesion and the retroperitoneum posterior to the pancreas, i.e., a pancreatico-mediastinal fistula by MR imaging has not been previously reported, to the best of our knowledge.