The Diagnostic Accuracy of a Novel Scoring System Using Multi-Detector Computed Tomography to Diagnose Lung Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Lung cancer is the leading cause amongst the cancer deaths in the world. Detection of malignancy at an early stage and with precision is the utmost objective of radiological evaluation. The final diagnosis of lung cancer is histopathological evaluation of the mass. The authors hereby have tried to convert the multi-detector CT (MDCT) characteristics and patient demographics into quantitative data to formulate a scoring system that can predict lung malignancy as close to histopathology as possible. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After obtaining ethical clearance, 104 cases of suspected lung cancer by history, clinical and radiographic evaluation were enrolled in the study. These patients were undergoing CT thorax (contrast) on 384 slice siemens somatom force. After undergoing the radiological evaluation biopsy of the mass was done either by CT guided or bronchoscopy guided. Radiological and histopathological findings were correlated. Patients aged >50, lymphadenopathy, tumor volume >50 cc, enhancement >15 HU (Hounsfield unit) after contrast injection were given a score of 15 each. History of smoking, bronchus cut off, spiculated/lobulated margins, mediastinal/pleural involvement, and angiogram sign positive were given a score of 20 each. So, a maximum score of 160 can be achieved by history and MDCT evaluation. RESULTS: Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPV), negative predictive values (NPV), and diagnostic accuracy of MDCT by using conventional parameters against histopathology was 97.5%, 85%, 96.29%, 89.47%, and 95.0%. The sensitivity and specificity calculated through Receiver-Operating-Characteristic (ROC) for predicting malignancy were found to be 98.8% and 90.0% for a cut-off score of >97.5 out of maximum of 160.  Conclusion: MDCT serves as a tool for early diagnosis of lung cancer, and it is the utmost important tool for cases where biopsy or fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is not possible. By creating a quantitative criterion to diagnose lung malignancy, the subjective nature of MDCT diagnosis can be converted into an objective based evaluation.

A Low-Cost, Low-Skill Model for Efficient Breast Cancer Screening in Low Resource Rural Settings of a Developing Country.

Objective To suggest a low-cost, easily-operable, non-invasive imaging modality for cancer detection in rural settings. Method A total of 212 cases with palpable breast masses aged 18 - 65 years were enrolled and underwent thorough clinical, mammographic, and ultrasonographic (USG) evaluation. Imaging findings were reported using the American College of Radiology (ACR) Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS®) criteria. The findings were confirmed histopathologically. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test. Results The malignancy rate was 35.8% (n = 76). On mammography, lesions size, margins, shape, calcification, and distorted arch/skin thickening were significantly associated with malignancy. On USG, the number of nodules, shape, margins, echotexture, posterior wall echo, through transmission changes, distorted arch/skin thickening, microlobulation, duct extension, and height/width ratio were significantly associated with malignancy. Independently, mammography and USG had a sensitivity of 78.1% and 80.3%, respectively, and a specificity of 83.3% and 89.0%, respectively. Using a positive result of either study as the criteria, the sensitivity was 97.4% and the specificity was 80.1%. Conclusion The combined use of mammography and USG provides high sensitivity and specificity, thus showing that a combination of two can be used as a screening tool for use in low resource rural settings.

Evaluation of Prostatic Lesions by Transrectal Ultrasound, Color Doppler, and the Histopathological Correlation.

Objective To evaluate the role of a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided biopsy and a color Doppler test in the detection of prostate cancer in patients with increased serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and/or an abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE). Method A total of 40 cases, ranging in age from 50 to 80 years and showing increased serum PSA levels (4-10 ng/ml) and/or abnormal DRE, were enrolled and underwent TRUS evaluation followed by color Doppler flowmetric studies. A TRUS-guided biopsy was performed in all the cases. The findings were confirmed histopathologically. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test. Results Histopathologically, a total of 13 cases (32.5%) were malignant. On TRUS, irregular shape, heterogeneous echotexture loss of differentiation between the peripheral and internal zones, less mean weight of the prostate, and capsular invasion were significantly associated with malignancy. On flowmetry, moderate vascularity and focal asymmetry were significantly associated with malignancy. The combined use of TRUS and color Doppler flowmetry was found to be 100% sensitive and 92.6% specific and had a positive predictive value (PPV) and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 86.7% and 100%, respectively. Conclusion TRUS with color Doppler flowmetry was highly sensitive and specific in the detection of prostate malignancy.

Rationale of Using Dynamic Imaging for Characterization of Suspicious Lung Masses into Benign or Malignant on Contrast Enhanced Multi Detector Computed Tomography.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the utility of dynamic imaging namely, wash-in and wash-out characteristics through multidetector contrast-enhanced computed tomography in differentiating benign and malignant pulmonary masses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-three patients who were suspected to have malignant pulmonary mass on the basis of clinical symptoms and chest radiograph were included in the study. All the patients underwent multidetector computed tomography scanning, and three series of images were obtained for each patient-noncontrast, early enhanced, and 15 min delayed enhanced scans. Computed tomography (CT) findings were assessed in terms of washin, absolute, and relative percentage washout of contrast. Biopsy of the mass was done and sent for histopathological evaluation. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under curve for diagnosing malignancy in the lung masses were calculated by considering both the wash-in and wash-out characteristics at dynamic CT and plotting the receiver operating curve after the final diagnosis which was obtained by histopathological evaluation. RESULTS: Threshold net enhancement (washin) value of >22.5 HU had sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of 88.5%, 57.1%, and 82%, respectively, in predicting malignancy. Threshold relative percentage washout of <16.235% had 98.1%, 85.7%, and 94% sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy, respectively, and threshold absolute percentage washout of <42.72% had 98.1%, 95.2%, and 95% sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy, respectively, in predicting malignancy. CONCLUSION: Threshold net enhancement (washin), absolute and relative washout percentages can be used to predict malignancy with very high diagnostic yield, and possibly obviate the need of invasive procedures for diagnosis of bronchogenic carcinoma.

Twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence: a rare entity.

Twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence is an extremely rare complication of monochorionic multi-fetal pregnancy, occurring once in 35,000 births. This condition is characterized by a malformed fetus without a cardiac pump being perfused by a structurally normal (pump) twin via an artery-to-artery anastomosis in a reverse direction. We report a case of a primigravida, who came for routine antenatal checkup to our hospital at 31 weeks gestational age. Ultrasound imaging and magnetic resonance imaging revealed twin monochorionic intrauterine pregnancy with a viable, normal-appearing first twin and amorphous structured second twin connected by umbilical vessels. The patient was monitored with weekly ultrasonography, echocardiography, and Doppler ultrasound examination to ascertain the well-being of the pump twin. She delivered successfully at term a normal live baby and an acardius acephalus fetus. Plain X-ray of the acardius acephalus fetus confirmed the absence of cephalic structures. The perinatal mortality of the pump twin ranges from 35 to 55%; hence, it is essential to diagnose the presence of a pump twin at an early gestational age through improved imaging techniques, so that intervention can be planned early in the pregnancy for a better outcome of the pump twin.

Awareness and attitude towards human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among medical students in a premier medical school in India.

BACKGROUND: As preventing cancer with the help of a vaccine is a comparatively new concept, awareness and education about it will have important implication in the implementation of this strategy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Present explorative questionnaire based survey included 618 MBBS students for final analysis. RESULTS: Majority of participants (89.6%) were well aware of the preventable nature of cervical cancer. Most of them (89.2%) knew that necessary factor responsible for cervical cancer is infection with high risk HPV. Awareness regarding the availability of vaccine against cervical cancer was 75.6%. Females had a better awareness regarding availability of vaccine, target population for vaccination and about the catch up program. Overall acceptance of HPV vaccine among the population studied was 67.8%. Medical teaching had a definitive impact on the understanding of this important public health issue. Females seemed to be more ready to accept the vaccine and recommend it to others. For our study population the most common source of information was medical school teaching. Majority of participants agreed that the most important obstacle in implementation of HPV vaccination program in our country is inadequate information and 86.2% wanted to be educated by experts in this regard. CONCLUSION: HPV vaccine for primary prevention of cervical cancer is a relatively new concept. Health professional will be able to play a pivotal role in popularizing this strategy.