Fusion of Preoperative and Postoperative Imaging May Predict the Diagnostic Yield of Stereotactic Needle Brain Biopsies.

BACKGROUND: Stereotactic needle brain biopsy is a commonly used neurosurgical procedure. However, up to 15% of biopsies result in undiagnostic pathology reports. Repeat biopsy or continued management without a diagnosis are often considered after undiagnostic biopsies. There have been no reports about the role of postoperative imaging in predicting the diagnostic yield of stereotactic biopsies. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed all stereotactic biopsies performed over an 11-year period. We performed fusion of immediate postoperative computed tomography (CT) with preoperative MRI, to document whether the air bubble in the postoperative CT was located within the targeted lesion. We then evaluated the association of this fusion-based accuracy assessment with the diagnostic yield of the biopsy. RESULTS: Fewer than 5% of biopsies did not have an air bubble on postoperative CT. A total of 226 biopsies were performed for 219 patients. In our sample, 213 of 226 biopsies were accurate (94.2% accuracy rate), and 203 of 226 biopsies gave a definitive diagnosis (89.8% diagnostic rate). In those cases where the fusion was accurate, the diagnostic rate was 93.9%. When the fusion was inaccurate, the diagnostic rate was only 23.1% (odds ratio 51.5, 95% confidence interval 12.6-210.44, P < 0.001). Of all patient, imaging, surgical, and admission parameters, the only parameter that correlated with diagnostic outcome of the biopsy was the fusion construct accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: Fusion of immediate postoperative CT with preoperative imaging is predictive of the diagnostic rate. In cases where the pathology report following a biopsy is not diagnostic, this fusion may be useful in making decisions regarding repeat biopsy or considering other diagnostic options.

Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy Performed by RNs: A Review of Clinical Practice.

: Background: At our institution, RNs have performed bone marrow aspiration and biopsy procedures for more than 10 years. A recent review of our institutional policies and practices regarding RN-performed bone marrow procedures was intended to ensure that we were using a safe and evidence-based approach and prompted this program evaluation. METHODS: We conducted a literature search and review of our institutional policies and practices regarding RN-performed bone marrow procedures. All elements of our clinical practice were reviewed and evaluated, including outcomes. RESULTS: Between 2010 and 2017, the RN team completed a total of 10,867 bone marrow procedures in our hospital-based ambulatory infusion center. The team included 15 nurses who completed up to eight patient procedures each weekday. Patient satisfaction rates were consistently high and complication rates were very low: less than 1% of all patients experienced postprocedure bleeding, and less than 2% required urgent medical care within 24 hours of the procedure. In an analysis of bone marrow procedures performed between 2016 and 2017, the quality of bone marrow samples obtained by the RN team remained high, consistently meeting or exceeding our 95% clinical adequacy goal. CONCLUSIONS: There is limited evidence in the literature supporting the practice of RN-performed bone marrow procedures. Our review revealed a robust program with excellent clinical and diagnostic outcomes that can be emulated by other institutions interested in pursuing RN-performed bone marrow procedures.

Arteriovenous fistulae after renal biopsy: diagnosis and outcomes using Doppler ultrasound assessment.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous renal biopsy (PRB) is an important technique providing relevant information to guide diagnosis and treatment in renal disease. As an invasive procedure it has complications. Most studies up to date have analysed complications related to bleeding. We report the largest single-center experience on routine Doppler ultrasound (US) assessment post PRB, showing incidence and natural history of arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) post PRB. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 327 consecutive adult PRB performed at Ramon Cajal University Hospital between January 2011 and December 2014. All biopsies were done under real-time US guidance by a trained nephrologist. Routine Doppler mapping and kidney US was done within 24 h post biopsy regardless of symptoms. Comorbidities, full blood count, clotting, bleeding time and blood pressure were recorded at the time of biopsy. Post biopsy protocol included vitals and urine void checked visually for haematuria. Logistic regression was used to investigate links between AVF, needle size, correcting for potential confounding variables. RESULTS: 46,5% were kidney transplants and 53,5% were native biopsies. Diagnostic material was obtained in 90,5% (142 grafts and 154 native). Forty-seven AVF's (14.37%) were identified with routine kidney Doppler mapping, 95% asymptomatic (n = 45), 28 in grafts (18.4%) and 17 natives (9.7%) (p-value 0.7). Both groups were comparable in terms of comorbidities, passes, cylinders or biopsy yield (p-value NS). 80% were <1 cm in size and 46.6% closed spontaneously in less than 30 days (range 3-151). Larger AVF's (1-2 cm) took a mean of 52 days to closure (range 13-151). Needle size was not statistically significant factor for AVF (p-value 0.71). CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to historical data published, AVF's are a common complication post PRB that can be easily missed. Routine US Doppler mapping performed by trained staff is a cost-effective, non-invasive tool to diagnose and follow up AVF's, helping to assess management.

Conventional TBNA experience over a 10-year period: Diagnostic yield and associated limitations in a tertiary care government set-up.

INTRODUCTION: It is challenging for pulmonologists to sample mediastinal lymph nodes or some endobronchial lesions because of safety concerns. C-TBNA (conventional transbronchial needle aspiration) is a procedure to sample such sites, but is underutilized. We present a retrospective review of patients subjected to C-TBNA through fibre-optic bronchoscopy over a 10-year period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Year-wise statistics of C-TBNA was reviewed and results were analyzed with regard to sampling sites and type of intraluminal lesions encountered, diagnosis made and their correlation with sampling sites, sex and age. RESULTS: 160 patients underwent successful C-TBNA with 111/160 (69.4%) males and 49/160 (30.6%) females. Non-availability of in-house needles dramatically decreased the number of procedures. 17 (10.6%) patients underwent C-TBNA from intraluminal bulge, 41 (25.6%) from endobronchial growth and 102 (63.8%) from enlarged lymph nodes. Subcarinal lymph node alone was predominantly aspirated in 83/102 (81.4%) lymph node sampled patients. In 100 (62.5%) patients, diagnosis was achieved as follows: 57/100 as tumour, 30/100 as infection and 13/100 as sarcoidosis. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and tuberculosis (TB) predominated in tumour and infection groups, respectively. Patients with intraluminal growth or bulge had higher chances of being diagnosed with tumour (p<0.001). Intraluminal bulge and growth predominated in older ages while enlarged lymph nodes predominated in the young (p=0.018). Infection was predominantly diagnosed in younger patients, sarcoidosis in the middle aged, and tumour in older patients (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: C-TBNA should be used as a diagnostic tool in developing countries like India. It can give confirmatory results in difficult cases with intraluminal growths and submucosal lesions. Cost constraints are of paramount importance, and hence continuous supply of expensive accessories should be ensured.

Trends in use and safety of image-guided transthoracic needle biopsies in patients with cancer.

PURPOSE: Image-guided transthoracic needle biopsy (IGTTNB) is an important tool in the diagnosis of patients with cancer. Common complications include pneumothorax and chest tube placement, with rates ranging from 6% to 57%. We performed a population-based study to determine patterns of use, complications, and costs associated with IGTTNB. METHODS: The Premier Perspective database was used to identify patients with cancer with ≥ one claim for IGTTNB from 2006 to 2012. Patients were stratified on the basis of inpatient versus outpatient setting. Pneumothorax was defined by a new claim within 1 month of IGTTNB; hospitalization and chest tube placement rates were analyzed. Multivariable analysis was used to identify factors associated with pneumothorax. RESULTS: We Identified 79,518 patients with cancer who underwent IGTTNB: 42,955 (54.0%) outpatients and 36,563 (46.0%) inpatients. Of patients who underwent outpatient IGTTNB, 5,261 (12.2%) developed a pneumothorax. Of those, 1,006 (19.1%, 2.3% of total) were hospitalized, and 180 (3.4%, 0.42% of total) required chest tubes. Pneumothorax after outpatient IGTTNB was associated with number of comorbidities, rural site, hospital bed size of more than 600, and biopsy of parenchymal as opposed to pleural lesions. Of patients who underwent inpatient IGTTNB, 7,830 (21.4%) developed a pneumothorax, and 2,894 (36.0%, 7.9% of total) required chest tube. Over time, total IGTTNB volume increased by 40.6%, and mean outpatient cost per procedure increased by 24.4%. CONCLUSION: While pneumothorax was frequent in outpatients, rates of hospitalization and chest tube placement were low. As screening for lung cancer increases, we anticipate an increased need for IGTNBB. Patients can be reassured by the low rate of serious complications.

Transperineal biopsy of the prostate--is this the future?

Transperineal prostate biopsy is re-emerging after decades of being an underused alternative to transrectal biopsy guided by transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS). Factors driving this change include possible improved cancer detection rates, improved sampling of the anteroapical regions of the prostate, a reduced risk of false negative results and a reduced risk of underestimating disease volume and grade. The increasing incidence of antimicrobial resistance and patients with diabetes mellitus who are at high risk of sepsis also favours transperineal biopsy as a sterile alternative to standard TRUS-guided biopsy. Factors limiting its use include increased time, training and financial constraints as well as the need for high-grade anaesthesia. Furthermore, the necessary equipment for transperineal biopsy is not widely available. However, the expansion of transperineal biopsy has been propagated by the increase in multiparametric MRI-guided biopsies, which often use the transperineal approach. Used with MRI imaging, transperineal biopsy has led to improvements in cancer detection rates, more-accurate grading of cancer severity and reduced risk of diagnosing clinically insignificant disease. Targeted biopsy under MRI guidance can reduce the number of cores required, reducing the risk of complications from needle biopsy.

Trends in breast biopsies for abnormalities detected at screening mammography: a population-based study in the Netherlands.

BACKGROUND: Diagnostic surgical breast biopsies have several disadvantages, therefore, they should be used with hesitation. We determined time trends in types of breast biopsies for the workup of abnormalities detected at screening mammography. We also examined diagnostic delays. METHODS: In a Dutch breast cancer screening region 6230 women were referred for an abnormal screening mammogram between 1 January 1997 and 1 January 2011. During two year follow-up clinical data, breast imaging-, biopsy-, surgery- and pathology-reports were collected of these women. Furthermore, breast cancers diagnosed >3 months after referral (delays) were examined, this included review of mammograms and pathology specimens to determine the cause of the delays. RESULTS: In 41.1% (1997-1998) and in 44.8% (2009-2010) of referred women imaging was sufficient for making the diagnosis (P<0.0001). Fine-needle aspiration cytology decreased from 12.7% (1997-1998) to 4.7% (2009-2010) (P<0.0001), percutaneous core-needle biopsies (CBs) increased from 8.0 to 49.1% (P<0.0001) and surgical biopsies decreased from 37.8 to 1.4% (P<0.0001). Delays in breast cancer diagnosis decreased from 6.7 to 1.8% (P=0.003). CONCLUSION: The use of diagnostic surgical breast biopsies has decreased substantially. They have mostly been replaced by percutaneous CBs and this replacement did not result in an increase of diagnostic delays.

Patient demographics, quality of life, and disease features of men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer: trends in the PSA era.

OBJECTIVE: To describe how demographic and diagnostic characteristics of men with prostate cancer in the United States have changed since 1999, using data from the Cancer of the Prostate Strategic Urologic Research Endeavor (CaPSURE) registry. METHODS: The medical records of patients enrolled in CaPSURE between 1999 and 2011 were evaluated. Baseline demographics, disease features, and imaging use were assessed. Mantel-Haenszel chi-square was used to test for trends across diagnostic years. RESULTS: Between 1999 and 2011, a total of 9572 patients were diagnosed with prostate cancer and enrolled in CaPSURE at community (36), academic (3), and Veteran's Affairs (4) hospitals. Over the study period, mean age at diagnosis decreased, P <.01. In 2008-2011, a significant increase in diagnostic Gleason 7 or higher was observed relative to 1999-2001 (50% vs 36%, P <.01), congruent with recent guideline modifications of the Gleason classification system. An increase in the mean number of diagnostic biopsy cores (13.3 vs 8.3, P <.01) was also observed. A significant decrease in use of any imaging modality was seen (19% vs 45%, P <.01). Average pretreatment urinary and bowel function scores did not change, although there were significant increases in sexual function observed overall (P <.01). CONCLUSION: In the United States, several trends in the demographics and disease profile of men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer were observed over the past 12 years. Decreased imaging use and increased number of cores taken during diagnostic biopsy are in line with national urologic guidelines on prostate cancer diagnosis and management.

Time trends and geographic variation in use of minimally invasive breast biopsy.

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines recommend minimally invasive breast biopsy (MIBB) as the gold standard for the diagnosis of breast lesions. The purpose of this study was to describe geographic patterns and time trends in the use of MIBB in Texas. METHODS: We used 100% Texas Medicare claims data (2000-2008) to identify women older than 66 years of age who underwent breast biopsy. Biopsies were classified as open or MIBB. Time trends, racial/ethnic variation, and geographic variation in the use of biopsy techniques were examined. RESULTS: A total of 87,165 breast biopsies were performed on 75,518 breast masses in 67,582 women; 65.8% of the initial biopsies were MIBB. Radiologists performed 70.3% and surgeons performed 26.2% of MIBB. Surgeons performed 94.2% of open biopsies. Hispanic women were less likely to undergo MIBB (55.9%) compared with white (66.6%) and black (68.9%) women (p < 0.0001). Women undergoing MIBB were also more likely to live in metropolitan areas and have higher income and educational levels (p < 0.0001). The rate of MIBB increased from 44.4% in 2001 to 79.1% in 2008 (p < 0.0001). There are clear geographic patterns in MIBB use, with highest use near major cities. Although rates are increasing overall, rates of improvement in the use of MIBB vary considerably across geographic regions and remain persistently low in more rural areas. CONCLUSIONS: Despite an increase in the use of MIBB over time, MIBB use was consistently lower than recommended. We must identify specific barriers in rural areas to effectively change practice and achieve the statewide goal of 90% MIBB.

Imaging-guided prostate biopsy: conventional and emerging techniques.

Transrectal ultrasonography (US)-guided biopsy is the standard approach for histopathologic diagnosis of prostate cancer. However, this technique has multiple limitations owing to the operator's inability in most cases to directly visualize and target prostate lesions. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the prostate overcomes many of these limitations by directly depicting areas of abnormality and allowing targeted biopsies. Accuracy in the detection of prostate cancer is improved by the combined use of standard T2-weighted MR imaging and advanced MR imaging techniques such as diffusion-weighted imaging, dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging, and MR spectroscopy. Suspicious-appearing regions of the prostate seen on MR images can be targeted at real-time transrectal US-guided biopsy to improve the diagnostic yield. MR imaging also can be performed for real-time guidance of transrectal prostate biopsy. Studies among patients who underwent at least one transrectal US-guided biopsy with a negative result before undergoing an MR imaging-guided biopsy showed improved detection rates with MR imaging-guided biopsy in comparison with the detection rates achieved with a repeat transrectal US-guided biopsy; however, MR imaging-guided biopsy is a more time-consuming procedure. A technique known as fused MR imaging- and transrectal US-guided biopsy, which relies on the coregistration of previously acquired MR images with real-time transrectal US images acquired during the procedure, shows promise but is limited by deformation of the prostate; this limitation is the subject of ongoing investigation. Another technique that is currently under investigation, MR imaging-guided prostate biopsy with robotic assistance, may one day help improve the accuracy of biopsy needle placement.

[Prostate biopsy: Diagnostic responsibility and recent changes]. / Biopsia prostática: responsabilidad diagnóstica y cambios recientes.

In this bibliographic review we reexamine the different features in relation to indication, performance and interpretation of prostatic biopsy (PB). The main objective is to place methodological features involving PB in the current scientific scenario, establishing the correlation between the most relevant and analyzing the historic evolution this procedure has followed, particularly over the last two decades. Prostate biopsy has evolved to be a regular element in urologists` daily practice and its learning process has been simplified to the point it can be approached with adequacy during the first years of residency in Urology. This privileged position PB enjoys in daily practice and the performance obtained from it would have not been a reality without optimization of transrectal ultrasound or local anesthesia techniques, yet reviled in some forums, the real responsible of such success. The consensus reached in the various scientific associations, the clinical guidelines of which are widely consulted worldwide, is the best to support the current state of the art, being the starting point for the addition of new improvements to PB.

La punción del acceso vascular en hemodiálisis es una necesidad, el método Buttonhole una opción / Vascular access puncture in haemodialysis is a necessity. The buttonhole method is an option

Introducción. La técnica de punción del acceso, además de influir en la supervivencia de éste, es motivo de ansiedad y disconfort para el paciente. Existen tres técnicas de punción: escalera, área de punción y Buttonhole. Estudios realizados sobre esta última la asocian con disminución de dolor y de las complicaciones asociadas a la punción. Objetivo Introducción del método de punción Buttonhole en nuestra Unidad. Metodología Estudio descriptivo observacional, realizado en nuestra unidad de hemodiálisis. Se han incluido en este estudio todos los pacientes de hemodiálisis portadores de fístula arterio-venosa sana y no protésica. La muestra será de 35 pacientes randomizados aleatoriamente con un periodo de seguimiento de 6 meses. Previamente al inicio del estudio enfermería se formó en la técnica y se creó un protocolo de punción específico. Cada hemodiálisis se recogen todas las variables a analizar en una hoja de registro. Se aplica estadística descriptiva para las variables. t de Student para la diferencia entre medias y x2 y prueba exacta de Fisher para la de proporciones, considerando significativo p<0.05. Análisis de la supervivencia Kaplan-Meier. Paquete estadístico SPSS 14.0. Resultados La sensación de dolor durante la punción y el tiempo de hemostasia han disminuido significativamente en todos los pacientes. Durante el periodo del estudio no se ha producido ninguna complicación. Conclusiones La técnica Buttonhole disminuye el dolor percibido por el paciente comportando una mayor satisfacción. El Buttonhole es una buena alternativa para accesos poco desarrollados o con problemas de punción favoreciendo las opciones de auto-punción y hemodiálisis domiciliaria (AU)

Introduction. The access puncture technique, as well as affecting survival, is a cause for anxiety and discomfort for the patient. There are three puncture techniques: rope-ladder, area and buttonhole. Studies carried out on this last method associate it to a reduction in pain and the complications associated to puncture. Aim To introduce the buttonhole puncture method in our Unit. Methodology Observational descriptive study, carried out at our haemodialysis unit. All the patients on haemodialysis with a healthy and non-prosthetic arteriovenous fistula were included in this study. The sample will be 35 randomized patients with a monitoring period of 6 months. Prior to commencing the study, nursing staff were trained in the technique and a specific puncture protocol was created. All the variables to be analysed are recorded at each haemodialysis session. Descriptive statistics is applied for the Student t variable for the difference between means and x2 and Fisher’s exact test for the proportions, where p<0.05 is considered significant. Kaplan- Meier survival analysis. SPSS 14.0. statistical package. Results The sensation of pain during puncture and bleeding time were reduced significantly in all patients. No complications occurred during the study period. Conclusions The buttonhole puncture technique reduces the pain perceived by the patient, giving greater satisfaction. The buttonhole puncture technique is a good alternative for accesses that are not well developed or have puncture problems, favouring self-puncture and home haemodialysis options (AU)

Core needle biopsy versus fine needle aspiration biopsy in breast--a historical perspective and opportunities in the modern era.

Breast fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) by palpation is on the decline, due to its limitations in diagnostic accuracy, decreased sensitivity, and its replacement with core needle biopsy (CNB). Despite its decreasing utility, superficial fine-needle aspiration (FNA) in breast is still the main modality for evaluating metastatic lesions, recurrence, and axillary lymph node metastasis. New modalities including proteomic pattern expression and methylation profiling of breast lesions are other promising techniques that can be used as ancillary tests for refining the diagnosis of breast lesions using FNAB. Image-guided breast FNA proves to be a successful alternative with high sensitivity and specificity. In this review, the advantages, disadvantages, and inherent limitations of breast FNA and CNB, and new advanced techniques are discussed.

Papilomatosis múltiple: presentación clínica y radiológica / No disponible

La papilomatosis múltiple (PM) de mama es una entidad poco frecuente que se ha asociado a un potencial premaligno. Se caracteriza por la presencia de proyecciones papilares con un centro revestido por células epiteliales y mioepiteliales que ocupan la luz dilatada de los ductos terminales. Puede encontrarse de manera aislada, asociada a atipia o a procesos neoplásicos. Se asocia con mayor frecuencia que el papiloma solitario a transformación maligna, en especial carcinoma ductal in situ (en algunas series hasta el 40%). Pese a este hecho, no está consensuado el manejo de esta entidad, siendo frecuente la recomendación de extirpación cuando existe algún grado de atipia en el diagnóstico histológico. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 44 años que consulta por una historia de telorrea unilateral muy abundante de larga evolución. La realización de una galactografía puso de manifiesto un área extensa de defectos de replección pseudonodulares que ocupaba casi la mitad de la mama. Pese a tratarse de una enfermedad benigna, la opción de tratamiento propuesta fue la realización de una mastectomía(AU)

Multiple Papillomatosis (MP) of the breast is uncommon and often associated with premalignant potential. MP is restricted to papillary projections characterized by a fibrovascular core lined by epithelial and myoepithelial cells occupying the dilated lumina of terminal ductules. It is found to occur either in isolation or associated with other types of proliferative lesions such atypia, hyperplasia or malignant conditions (some series report 40% of ductal carcinoma in situ). Despite of this fact, MP is open to debate in terms of clinical management. Wide excision is often suggested when atypia is found in the pathologic tissue. We present a case of a 44-year-old woman with a long copious unilateral nipple discharge. Galactography showed an extensive replection defects area occupying almost half breast. Although this is a benign disorder, the real extent can entail the performance of a mastectomy(AU)

Diseño y manufactura de una aguja para aspirado de médula ósea / Technological research for optimizing the dsign and manufacturing of a bone marrow aspiration needle

Objetivo: Manufacturar y evaluar una aguja para realizar el aspirado de médula ósea y biopsia del hueso en una sola punción para reducir el tiempo de la toma de la muestra, además de facilitar su extracción y manejo. Material y metodología: El dispositivo (Penneedle®) está constituido por una aguja de acero inoxidable y un mango de polímero ABS. La metodología estuvo constituida por la manufactura de un prototipo funcional, realización de pruebas de punción in vitro y un estudio comparativo para dispositivos similares. Resultados: Obtuvimos unas dimensiones geométricas y efectuamos los cambios convenientes en el dispositivo, ofreciendo un mejor acoplamiento ergonómico y óptimo manejo. Además, analizamos su comercialización y las ventajas competitivas que permiten un modelo de negocio atractivo (AU)

Aim: Manufacture and evaluate the prototype of an one-step-needle for bone marrow aspiration and bone biopsy. Material and methodology: consisted in the following steps, functional prototype manufacturing (Penneedle®), puncture testing in vitro and a comparative study for similar devices. Results: we obtained the pattern of the geometric dimensions and determined appropriate changes that can occur when coupling device for better ergonomic and optimum handling (AU)