Specimen tomosynthesis provides no additional value to specimen ultrasound in ultrasound-visible malignant breast lesions.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and added value of specimen tomosynthesis (ST) to specimen ultrasound (SUS) in margin assessment of excised breast specimens in breast-conserving therapy for non-palpable US-visible breast lesions. MATERIALS: Between January 2018 and August 2019, all consecutive patients diagnosed with non-palpable breast cancer visible by ultrasound (US), treated with breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and requiring radiological intraoperative breast specimen assessment, were included in this study. Excised breast specimens were examined with SUS by radiologists blinded to the ST results, and margins smaller than 10 mm were recorded. STs were evaluated retrospectively by experienced radiologists. RESULTS: A total of 120 specimens were included. SUS showed a statistically significant correlation with pathological margin measurements, while ST did not and provided no additional information. The odds ratios (ORs) for SUS to predict a positive margin was 3.429 (confidence interval (CI) = 0.548-21.432) using a 10-mm cut-off point and 14.182 (CI = 2.134-94.254) using a 5-mm cut-off point, while the OR for ST were 2.528 (CI = 0.400-15.994) and 3.188 (CI = 0.318-31.998), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: SUS was superior in evaluating intraoperative resection margins of US-visible breast resection specimens when compared to ST. Therefore, ST could be considered redundant in applicable situations.

Diagnostic performance of tomosynthesis, digital mammography and a dedicated digital specimen radiography system versus pathological assessment of excised breast lesions.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to compare the performance of full-field digital mammography (FFDM), digital breast tomosynthesis and a dedicated digital specimen radiography system (SRS) in consecutive patients, and to compare the margin status of resected lesions versus pathological assessment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Resected tissue specimens from consecutive patients who underwent intraoperative breast specimen assessment following wide local excision or oncoplastic breast conservative surgery were examined by FFDM, tomosynthesis and SRS. Two independent observers retrospectively evaluated the visibility of lesions, size, margins, spiculations, calcifications and diagnostic certainty, and chose the best performing method in a blinded manner. RESULTS: We evaluated 216 specimens from 204 patients. All target malignant lesions were removed with no tumouron-ink. One papilloma had positive microscopic margins and one patient underwent reoperation owing to extensive in situ components. There were no significant differences in measured lesion size among the three methods. However, tomosynthesis was the most accurate modality when compared with the final pathological report. Both observers reported that tomosynthesis had significantly better lesion visibility than SRS and FFDM, which translated into a significantly greater diagnostic certainty. Tomosynthesis was superior to the other two methods in identifying spiculations and calcifications. Both observers reported that tomosynthesis was the best performing method in 76.9% of cases. The interobserver reproducibilities of lesion visibility and diagnostic certainty were high for all three methods. CONCLUSIONS: Tomosynthesis was superior to SRS and FFDM for detecting and evaluating the target lesions, spiculations and calcifications, and was therefore more reliable for assessing complete excision of breast lesions.

Dual-Layer Rotation: A Versatile Therapeutic Mammoplasty Technique.

BACKGROUND: Multifocal or complex breast lesions are a challenge for breast-conserving surgery, particularly surgery in small breasts or those located in the upper inner quadrant. The dual-layer rotation technique exploits the idea of manipulating the skin and glandular tissue in separate layers to fill the resection cavity via vertical mammoplasty if skin excision is not required, except in the central area. METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective review of consecutive breast cancer patients who underwent DLR mammoplasty between 2017 and 2019 at a single institution. Clinical data, reoperations, surgical complications, delays in adjuvant treatments, and the need for late revisional surgery were evaluated. Aesthetic outcomes were evaluated objectively and subjectively from photographs. RESULTS: The study included 46 breasts of 40 patients. Tumors were located in the UIQ (30%, 14/46) or in multiple quadrants (22%, 10/46). One third (33%, 13/40) of the patients had a small breast cup size (A-B). Negative margins were primarily achieved in 45 of the 46 breasts. Major complications occurred in three patients, who needed reoperation, and adjuvant therapy was delayed for one of these patients. Late refinement surgery was needed for two patients. The objective and subjective aesthetic outcomes were good or excellent regardless of the tumor position. CONCLUSION: As a novel oncoplastic approach, DLR mammoplasty offers a one-step procedure to treat selected breast cancer patients with challenging resection defects due to different breast sizes or lesion locations. The technique preserves the breast's natural appearance.

Oncoplastic breast consortium recommendations for mastectomy and whole breast reconstruction in the setting of post-mastectomy radiation therapy.

AIM: Demand for nipple- and skin- sparing mastectomy (NSM/SSM) with immediate breast reconstruction (BR) has increased at the same time as indications for post-mastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) have broadened. The aim of the Oncoplastic Breast Consortium initiative was to address relevant questions arising with this clinically challenging scenario. METHODS: A large global panel of oncologic, oncoplastic and reconstructive breast surgeons, patient advocates and radiation oncologists developed recommendations for clinical practice in an iterative process based on the principles of Delphi methodology. RESULTS: The panel agreed that surgical technique for NSM/SSM should not be formally modified when PMRT is planned with preference for autologous over implant-based BR due to lower risk of long-term complications and support for immediate and delayed-immediate reconstructive approaches. Nevertheless, it was strongly believed that PMRT is not an absolute contraindication for implant-based or other types of BR, but no specific recommendations regarding implant positioning, use of mesh or timing were made due to absence of high-quality evidence. The panel endorsed use of patient-reported outcomes in clinical practice. It was acknowledged that the shape and size of reconstructed breasts can hinder radiotherapy planning and attention to details of PMRT techniques is important in determining aesthetic outcomes after immediate BR. CONCLUSIONS: The panel endorsed the need for prospective, ideally randomised phase III studies and for surgical and radiation oncology teams to work together for determination of optimal sequencing and techniques for PMRT for each patient in the context of BR.

Can supine breast magnetic resonance imaging help hit the target in extreme oncoplastic surgery?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical value of supine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for tumor localization in breast cancer patients with large or multifocal tumors detected by prone MRI, scheduled for oncoplastic breast conserving surgery (OBCS). Outcomes were compared with those of patients who underwent wide local excision (WLE) or OBCS without MRI guidance. METHODS: Over a 2-year period, consecutive patients with large or multifocal disease scheduled for OBCS with MRI-only findings were invited to participate (Group-1). Supplementary supine MRI was performed, and tumor margins were marked in the surgical position. Consecutive patients with early, non-palpable breast cancer who underwent WLE (Group-2) or OBCS (Group-3) were included for comparisons. The primary outcome was reoperation due to an insufficient margin. Secondary outcomes included surgical complications and delayed adjuvant treatment. RESULTS: Altogether, 102 breasts (98 patients) were analyzed. All preoperative demographic data were comparable among the three groups. Multifocality, tumor-to-breast volume ratio, and the volume of excised breast tissue were significantly greater in Group-1 than in Groups-2 and 3. Operation time was longer and the need for axillary clearance or surgery for both breasts was more common in Groups-1 and 3 than in Group-2. Adequate margins were achieved in all patients in Groups-1 and 2, and one patient underwent re-excision in Group-3. CONCLUSIONS: Supine MRI in the surgical position is a new, promising method to localize multifocal, large tumors visible on MRI. Its short-term outcomes were comparable with those of conventional WLE and OBCS.

The feasibility of ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted evacuation of large breast hematomas.

Background Breast hematoma is an often underrated and disregarded post-procedural complication in the literature. Current treatment modalities are comprised of either surgical or expectant therapy, while percutaneous procedures play a smaller role in their treatment. We aimed to examine the efficacy of vacuum-assisted evacuation (VAE) in the treatment of clinically significant large breast hematomas as an alternative to surgery. Patients and methods We retrospectively analysed patients that underwent breast interventions (surgical and percutaneous), who later developed clinically significant large hematomas and underwent a trial of VAE of hematoma in our hospital within the period of four years. Patient and procedure characteristics were acquired before and after VAE. Success of intervention was based on ≥ 50% clearance of hematoma volume and patients' subjective resolution of symptoms. All patients were followed clinically and by ultrasound if needed at different intervals depending on the severity of presenting symptoms. Results Eleven patients were included in the study. The mean largest diameter of hematomas was 7.9 cm and mean surface area was 32.4 cm2. The mean duration of the procedure was 40.5 min. In all patients VAE of hematoma was implemented successfully with no complications. Control visits showed no major residual hematoma or seroma formation. Conclusions Our results show that VAE of hematoma can be implemented as a safe alternative to surgery in large, clinically significant hematomas, regardless of aetiology or duration. The procedure carries less risk, stress and cost with the added benefit of outpatient treatment when compared to surgical treatment.

Galactography is not an obsolete investigation in the evaluation of pathological nipple discharge.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the malignancy rate and diagnostic performance of galactography in patients with pathological nipple discharge (PND) after negative clinical breast examination, mammography and ultrasound. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated all galactograms obtained between January 2006 and December 2014 in women with PND. Galactographic findings were classified into 6 groups according to a modified Galactogram Image Classification system (GICS) to comply with the breast imaging reporting and data system classification. Observers were blinded to the final histology and clinical outcome at the time of analysis. MRI was performed as a problem solving ancillary examination. Imaging findings, pathological diagnosis and follow-up data were evaluated. The diagnostic performance of MRI and technically successful galactography in the detection of neoplastic or risk lesions were separately calculated. RESULTS: A total of 146 patients with PND (mean age, 51.5 years; range, 17-93) were examined. Malignant lesions were detected in only 4 patients (2.7%) and risk-lesions in 5 patients (3.4%). Only one low-grade ductal carcinoma in situ was missed by galactography (GICS 1) and MRI. MRI examinations were performed in 21 (14.4%) patients; one of these patients (4.8%) had a malignant finding (GICS 0), two (9.5%) had risk-lesions (GICS 2 and 5). In the detection of neoplastic or risk lesions the sensitivity and specificity of galactography were 77.4% and 75.7% and of MRI 85.7% and 71.4%, consecutively. CONCLUSION: The malignancy rate is negligible if clinical, mammography, ultrasound and galactography examinations are negative. Galactography remains a practical, valuable and cost-effective examination procedure. If galactography is technically unsuccessful, MRI should be considered as an additional ancillary tool to evaluate the possible etiology of symptoms, but the routine use of MRI in all patients cannot be justified.

[Axillary ultrasound for a breast cancer patient and changing international treatment practices]. / Rintasyöpäpotilaan kainalon kaikukuvaus ja muuttuvat kansainväliset hoitokäytännöt.

INTRODUCTION: We explored the effects of novel treatment practices on radiological examinations of the axilla in Finland. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Axillary ultrasound was performed for 178 new breast cancer patients preoperatively. A core biopsy was taken from the suspected lymph nodes, and the finding was compared with the postoperative results. RESULTS: Ultrasound in combination with the core biopsy detects 61.6% of the macrometastases. Ultrasound detected almost all axilla having a high tumor burden. CONLUSIONS: Preoperative axillary ultrasound and core biopsy for suspected lymph nodes before the operation is still recommended for all breast cancer patients. Frozen section examination of the sentinel lymph node can be omitted if preoperatively the primary tumour is unifocal, less than 15mm and the axillary ultrasound finding negative.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound -guided axillary lymph node core biopsy: Diagnostic accuracy in preoperative staging of invasive breast cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate accuracy of contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS)-sentinel procedure followed by core biopsy (CB) and marking in patients with breast cancer. To compare the axillary metastatic tumour burden in patients with positive vs. negative CB results. METHODS: Two radiologists in our tertiary care hospital performed axillary CEUS sentinel procedures on consecutive US node negative breast cancer patients. The first enhancing lymph node (LN) was core biopsied and marked with a breast coil. The results were compared to final histopathology. We analysed the diagnostic performance of CEUS CB and its ability to detect patients with higher axillary burden (>2 metastasis). RESULTS: During the study period between January 2013 and December 2014, altogether 54 patients (mean age 60.4 years) were included in the statistical analysis. The sensitivity for CEUS CB was 66.7%, specificity 100%, PPV 100%, NPV 93.8% and overall accuracy 94.4%. The method correctly recognised all the axillae with higher tumour burdens (sensitivity 100%, N=3) and 59.3% of coils marking the LNs were discovered. CONCLUSION: CEUS -guided axillary CB proved to be feasible and accurate procedure with moderate sensitivity and it clearly identified the higher axillary tumour burden. The coil marking of LNs as used cannot be recommended. In clinical routine, CEUS procedure might be recommended in selective patient populations.

Axillary lymph node biopsy in newly diagnosed invasive breast cancer: comparative accuracy of fine-needle aspiration biopsy versus core-needle biopsy.

PURPOSE: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonographically (US)-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and core-needle biopsy (CNB) of the axillary lymph nodes (LNs) of patients with newly diagnosed invasive breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective single-center study had institutional review board approval, and written informed consent was obtained. Between April 2011 and March 2012, 178 consecutive patients (182 axillae) were evaluated by using axillary US. Sixty-six axillae fulfilled the inclusion criteria (cortical thickness greater than 2 mm or abnormal morphologic characteristics), and patients with these axillae underwent US-guided axillary LN biopsy. Both FNAB and CNB were obtained from the same suspicious LN. Patients with biopsy-proved metastasis underwent axillary clearance, and those with a negative biopsy underwent sentinel LN biopsy with completion axillary clearance if needed. Diagnostic performance was calculated separately for US, FNAB, and CNB. Statistical differences in sensitivities were evaluated by using the McNemar test. RESULTS: From the total study population, 45.6% (83 of 182 axillae) had metastases. A total of 66 axillae underwent both FNAB and CNB. The sensitivity for US was 61.4% (51 of 83 axillae), and specificity was 84.8% (84 of 88 axillae). The sensitivities for FNAB and CNB were 72.5% (37 of 51 axillae) and 88.2% (45 of 51 axillae), respectively (P = .008). Specificity for both was 100% (15 of 15 axillae). The negative predictive value for FNAB was 81.7%, and that for CNB was 91.2%. The positive predictive value was 100% for both methods. CONCLUSION: When accurate preoperative staging of the axilla is needed in patients with newly diagnosed invasive breast cancer, CNB is more sensitive than FNAB.

Role of quantitative cholescintigraphy for planning laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with gallbladder dyskinesia and chronic abdominal pain.

Our aim was to examine the diagnostic role and therapeutic guide of quantitative cholescintigraphy in 122 patients with a biliary-type chronic abdominal pain and normal abdominal ultrasound. The patients with severe symptoms and an impaired ejection fraction (EF35%, n=38) EF. An impaired gallbladder emptying was found in 84/122 of patients (69%) and LC was performed in 32/122 (26%) of the patients, that is, 2.2% of all cholecystectomies in our hospital. After the mean follow-up of 4 years, chronic abdominal pain was totally improved or diminished in 92% in the LC group, 45% in the nonoperative group with EF35%, respectively (P=0.0003). Quantitative cholescintigraphy is a useful aid when considering the treatment options in patients with chronic biliary-type abdominal pain and a negative abdominal ultrasound.

Metabolic response in microvascular flaps during partial pedicle obstruction and hypovolemic shock.

To investigate tissue metabolism during suboptimal blood perfusion, we used in situ microdialysis in an experimental model of myocutaneous flaps. We assessed concentrations of glucose, lactate, and pyruvate in flaps subjected to partial pedicle obstruction and to hemorrhagic shock. When the arterial flow was restricted, the glucose concentration decreased in the flap muscle, and the lactate concentration increased in all flap components. The restriction ofvenous outflow resulted in lactate overproduction and a decrease of glucose in skin and muscle. The lactate-to-pyruvate ratio remained normal during arterial obstruction but increased during venous obstruction. During hypovolemic shock, the lactate production increased and the glucose concentration decreased or remained normal. The metabolic changes occurring during partial pedicle obstruction and hypovolemic shock are moderate and different from those seen in total pedicle obstruction. Microdialysis is a feasible method for assessing local tissue metabolism and can be used to monitor flap ischemia.