Multimodality imaging of acute gynecological emergencies-a pictorial essay.

Gynecological emergencies can often present with a myriad of non-specific signs and symptoms, posing a diagnostic challenge to the clinician. They can be grossly divided into uterine or adnexal pathologies. Uterine pathologies can be secondary to intracavitary accumulation of blood [like in patients with transverse vaginal septum, Robert's uterus, accessory and cavitated uterine mass, unicornuate uterus with contralateral non-communicating functional horn], bleeding per vaginum [like in patients with retained products of conception, enhanced myometrial vascularity], pyometra [secondary to pelvic inflammatory disease, cervical obstruction secondary to benign and malignant causes] or complications of fibroids [like red degeneration, torsion of subserosal fibroid]. The adnexal pathologies can range from ectopic pregnancy in a urine pregnancy test (UPT) positive patient to haemorrhagic ovarian cyst, ovarian torsion, ruptured dermoid cyst and tubo-ovarian abscess in a UPT negative patient. Multimodality imaging including ultrasound (USG), computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can narrow down the differentials and help in formulating an accurate diagnosis. The objective of this article is to familiarize the readers with multimodality imaging findings in common as well as uncommon acute gynecological emergencies and provide an algorithmic imaging approach for acute gynecological emergencies. USG is typically used as the first line diagnostic modality in diagnosis of acute gynecological emergencies. CT scan & MRI are helpful as a problem-solving tool in acute gynecological emergencies when USG findings are indeterminate.

The conundrum of breast cancer mimics.

The BIRADS lexicon ensures a standard reporting terminology in breast imaging and serves as a means of smooth communication between the radiologist and the referring physician. BIRADS assessment categories 4 and 5 warrant a biopsy to rule out underlying malignancy. However, a substantial number of cases in these categories sometimes turn out to be benign on biopsy. These benign mimics encompass inflammatory, sclerosing, neoplastic and a few other miscellaneous conditions. Awareness of these various mimics of breast cancer can equip the radiologist to handle these apparent cases of radiologic-pathological (rad-path) discordance better, guide overall patient management, avoiding inadvertent excisional biopsies and help alleviate patient anxiety and confusion.

Role of Shear Wave Elastography of Placenta in Prediction of Preeclampsia in High-Risk Pregnancy.

ABSTRACT: The aim of our study was to compare the placental elasticity values between normal pregnancies and preeclamptic pregnancies and evaluate the utility of shear-wave elastography of the placenta as a predictor for preeclampsia in high-risk pregnancy. A prospective study was performed with 90 singleton high-risk pregnancies having any of the 7 risk factors for developing preeclampsia (primigravida, history of preeclampsia, family history of preeclampsia, history of pregestational diabetes, chronic hypertension, advanced maternal age [≥40 years], and body mass index ≥26 kg/m 2 ) were enrolled in the study. Shear-wave elastography was performed in all patients at 20 to 24 weeks' gestation and at 34 to 36 weeks' gestation, at 2 sites: center and edge of the placenta. The patients were divided into 2 groups: normal pregnancies (group A) or developed preeclampsia (group B). Women with posterior placentation, obstetric disorders other than preeclampsia, or multiple gestation were excluded from the study. Group comparisons were done using the χ2 test or Fisher exact test. Shear-wave elasticity values at 20 to 24 weeks' gestation for group B at the center of the placenta (21.73 vs 9.72 kPa) and at the edge of the placenta (21.6 kPa vs 10.15 kPa) were significantly higher than those for group A ( P < 0.05). Similar results were seen at 34 to 36 weeks' gestation. With a cutoff of 13.1 kPa, we attained sensitivity of 95.2%, specificity of 92.8% and diagnostic accuracy of 93.3% for predicting development of preeclampsia. Patients with preeclampsia have a significantly higher stiffness of the placenta. Shear-wave elastography is useful to evaluate placental function. Elastography can be used as a supplementary tool for prediction of preeclampsia.

Efficacy of zoledronate, denosumab or teriparatide in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus at high risk of fragility fractures: protocol of an open, blinded endpoint randomized controlled pilot trial.

Background: People with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are at high risk of fragility fractures; however, there are no randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of anti-osteoporosis drugs as a primary pre-specified endpoint in T2D. Objectives: To compare the efficacy of anti-osteoporotic drugs in postmenopausal women with T2D. Design: Prospective, randomized, open, blinded endpoint clinical pilot trial. Methods: Postmenopausal women (⩾50 years) with T2D (duration ⩾5 years), HbA1c 7-10%, eGFR ⩾45 mL/min/1.73 m2 and prior vertebral (clinical/morphometric), hip, radius, humeral fragility fracture or bone mineral density (BMD) T-score (adjusted for diabetes) at lumbar spine/femoral neck ⩽-2.5 and high FRAX score will be eligible for inclusion. Subjects with secondary causes of osteoporosis, prior exposure to bone-active therapies or history of use of glucocorticoids/pioglitazone/thiazides/canagliflozin will be excluded. Finally, eligible subjects will undergo estimation of serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone, 25-hydroxyvitamin D and bone turnover markers (BTMs) (total procollagen type I N-propeptide, ß-CTX) along with trabecular bone score (TBS) and high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) of non-dominant hand and leg. After a 2-week run in phase, they will be randomized in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to receive yearly zoledronate, or biannually denosumab or daily teriparatide (in addition to standard of care, i.e., calcium 1000 mg/day and cholecalciferol 1000 IU/day) or only standard of care (control). The primary endpoints will be change in areal BMD and frequency of incident fractures at 18 months. The secondary endpoints will be change in HR-pQCT parameters, TBS and BTMs at 18 months. Adverse events will be recorded for all randomized participants. Ethics: The study has been approved by the Institute Ethics Committee. Written informed consent will be obtained from each participant. Discussion: The trial is expected to provide information regarding optimal anti-osteoporotic therapy in people with T2D and bone fragility. Registration: Prospectively registered in Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI/2022/02/039978).

Nipple Discharge: When is it Worrisome?

Nipple discharge is the third most common breast related complaint seen in the breast clinics. Although the majority of cases are due to a benign etiology, 5%-12% cases of pathological nipple discharge may be harboring an underlying malignancy. A thorough radiological workup in cases of pathological nipple discharge is thus of utmost importance, with the initial imaging modality depending on the age of the patient. The imaging modalities include mammogram (MG) and ultrasound (US) with addition of breast MRI if the nipple discharge is clinically suspicious and no MG or US correlate is identified. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) also holds promise in demonstrating the exact extent of a pathology detected on US and thus aids in the planning of further management.

Predicting Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer After the Second Cycle of Chemotherapy Using Shear-Wave Elastography-A Preliminary Evaluation.

ABSTRACT: The primary objective of the study was to determine whether shear wave elastography can be used to predict the response of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in women having invasive breast cancer. A prospective study involving 28 patients having invasive breast cancer and undergoing NACT followed by surgery was done after institutional review board approval. All the patients underwent 2-dimensional B-mode ultrasound and 2-dimensional shear wave elastography before the start of chemotherapy and after 2 cycles of completion of chemotherapy, and mean stiffness was recorded. The patients were segregated to responders and nonresponders based on residual cancer burden scoring. Difference in mean elasticity was compared between the 2 groups. The results showed that the mean stiffness after 2 cycles was significantly different between the responders and nonresponders and so was the change in the mean stiffness after 2 cycles of NACT. Using a cutoff value of 45.5 kPa (20.53%), change in mean elasticity after 2 cycles of NACT, sensitivity of 76.9%, and specificity of 80% with negative predictive value of 80.1 was attained. Responders show greater change in mean stiffness after 2 cycles of NACT as compared with nonresponders on shear wave elastography; thus, it can be used to predict response to NACT after 2 cycles.

Multiparametric MRI Evaluation of Complex Ovarian Masses.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of diffusion-weighted imaging and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in the categorization of complex ovarian masses into benign and malignant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study was done on 33 complex ovarian masses. T1 and T2-weighted sequences, diffusion-weighted imaging, apparent diffusion coefficient, and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging were performed on 1.5 T MRI. Time-intensity curves, tissue signal intensity on unenhanced T1 images (SI0), maximum absolute contrast enhancement (SImax), time to reach SImax (Tmax), maximum relative SI (SIrel = [SImax - SI0]/SI0 ×100), maximum Slope (Slopemax = SIrel/Tmax ×100), and wash in rate (WIR = [SImax - SI0]/Tmax) were calculated. Histopathological diagnosis was taken as gold standard. RESULTS: A total of 20/33 masses were benign, 2/33 were borderline tumors, and 11/33 were malignant. Diffusion restriction was seen in all malignant masses and 13/20 benign masses. The mean apparent diffusion coefficient values showed a significant difference between malignant and benign, with 81.8% sensitivity and 63.6% specificity. Type III curve showed 100% specificity for malignant lesions. Tmax and Slopemax were useful in differentiating benign and malignant masses; with Tmax cut-off at 73.5 seconds having a high specificity (81.8%) and Slopemax cut-off at 0.83%/s having high sensitivity (91%) and negative predictive value (94.4%). CONCLUSION: Multiparametric MRI confers high diagnostic accuracy in stratifying complex ovarian masses.

Mammographic breast density and breast cancer risk: Evaluation using volumetric breast density software.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to assess breast density as a risk factor for breast malignancy using automated volumetric breast density software and to study the relationship of breast density with tumor histopathological characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and thirty-four women with unilateral core biopsy-proven breast cancer were taken in the "case group." Two hundred and one women with normal bilateral screening mammograms were enrolled in the "control group." The cases and controls were further divided into pre- and post-menopausal subgroups. The mammograms of the contralateral breast of the cases and bilateral breasts of the controls were evaluated by automated volumetric breast density software and classified into four density grades. The tumor histopathological characteristics in the various density grades were also evaluated. RESULTS: In premenopausal women, the odds of having breast cancer was significantly higher for Grade 3 breasts (odds ratio [OR] 3.03; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.19-7.71]) versus Grade 1 and 2 breasts. Grade 4 premenopausal breasts also had greater odds (OR 3.09; 95% CI [0.89-10.78]) of developing breast cancer. No such relationship was established for postmenopausal women. No significant difference was seen in the histopathology of breast cancer among various breast density groups. CONCLUSION: Increased breast density can be considered as an inherent, independent risk factor for breast cancer in premenopausal women.

Major and Minor Discordance in Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry Diagnosis of Osteoporosis - A Cross-Sectional, Population-Based, Observational Study in Indian Women.

OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to evaluate the presence of major and minor discordance in the diagnosis of osteoporosis in a population-based screening program of Indian women using hip and spine dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). METHODS: In this institutional review board-approved study, a population-based screening program was offered to women aged > 40 using a mobile van model. A total of 5708 women underwent DEXA between May 2012 and May 2016 as a population-based, opt-in screening program offered to women as an outreach program. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured at the hip and spine, which was used to derive T-scores and to determine the prevalence of discordance. RESULTS: The densitometry scores were concordant in 42.50% of the cases, with abnormal bone mineral density, whereas in 54.15% of cases, there was minor discordance and major discordance in 3.35% of cases. Body mass index, weight, age, and postmenopausal status of the patient were important predictors of the presence of discordance. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians and epidemiologists should be prepared for at least five out of every ten women screened to have discordance of the T scores at the two anatomical sites scanned. If there is discordance of BMD in underweight persons or in those with low body mass index, then causes other than physiological discordance should be considered, which may be further evaluated.

Does Shear Wave Elastography Score Over Strain Elastography in Breast Masses or Vice Versa?

OBJECTIVE: This study was done to compare parameters of strain elastography (SE) and shear-wave elastography (SWE) for differentiation of benign and malignant breast masses and determine their best cut-offs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: B mode ultrasound (USG), SE, and SWE were performed in 199 breast masses. During SE, 5-point visual elastography score (SEvisual score) and strain ratio (SEstrain ratio) were obtained. During SWE, mean and maximum elasticity values in kilopascals, and shear wave ratio were obtained in two orthogonal planes. The shear wave mean average (SWEmean avg), shear wave maximum average (SWEmax avg) and shear wave ratio average (SWEratio avg) were calculated by averaging the respective values in the two planes. The SE and SWE parameters of every mass were correlated with its histopathology. RESULTS: The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of SEvisual score, SEstrain ratio, SWEmean avg, SWEmax avg, and SWEratio avg were 0.815, 0.814, 0.846, 0.846, and 0.799, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The best cut-off values that achieved the highest sensitivity and specificity for SEstrain ratio, SWEmean avg, SWEmax avg, and SWEratio avg were 3.91, 113 kPa, 123.5 kPa, and 7.32, respectively. Quantitative parameter of SE showed comparable diagnostic performance with quantitative parameters of SWE.

Tale of a mermaid.

Sirenomelia is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by the presence of a median single lower appendage. The affected fetus is popularly referred to as a "Mermaid baby," due to the uncanny resemblance to the fictious fable character. The manifestation is a result of the merger of the lower limbs with variable fusion or complete absence of bones. Sirenomelia is universally fatal due to the associated lethal anomalies involving the internal organs, which are usually part of the VACTER or VACTERL complex. However, this sirenomelia-afflicted fetus is unique in being associated with VACTERL as well as congenital hydrocephalus.

Prospective Study to Quantify Expansion Volumes Around the Involved Pelvic Lymph Nodes to Plan Simultaneous Integrated Boost in Patients With Cervical Cancer Undergoing Pelvic Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to calculate the expansion margins around enlarged pelvic lymph nodes to encompass internal motion and setup errors during intensity modulated radiation therapy with simultaneous integrated boost for cervical cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Four-dimensional computed tomography scans were obtained for 19 patients with cervical cancer, and 32 fluorodeoxyglucose-avid pelvic lymph nodes were delineated in different respiratory phases to calculate respiratory displacement. Setup variations during daily treatments were estimated from on-board imaging. Descriptive statistics were used to quantify the expansion margins using Mc Kenzie and Van Herk formulas separately. An analysis of variance was used to analyze the volumetric impact of the margins. RESULTS: Based on the McKenzie formula, an internal margin (internal target volume) of 3 mm and setup margin (planning target volume) of 5 mm was required to adequately encompass respiratory and setup uncertainties, respectively. Although the use of the Van Herk formula necessitated a single 6 mm expansion margin for all uncertainties, which resulted in a significant reduction in boost volume, inherent limitations in our methodology might pose a higher risk of target miss with such smaller margins. CONCLUSIONS: An isotropic expansion margin of 3 mm for the internal target volume and 5 mm for the planning target volume is necessary for enlarged pelvic lymph nodes while planning intensity modulated radiation therapy with simultaneous integrated boost for cervical cancer.