Autologous Reconstruction After Failed Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction: A Comparative Multifactorial Outcome Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Failure of an implant-based breast reconstruction often requires a change to an autologous procedure (salvage autologous breast reconstruction [Salv-ABR]). The aim of this study was to compare surgical and patient-reported outcomes of Salv-ABR to immediate or delayed-immediate ABR (I/DI-ABR), which has hardly been addressed in the existing literature. METHODS: All patients undergoing Salv- or I/DI-ABR between January 2014 and December 2020 were asked to participate in this study. Complication rates, the aesthetic outcome (5-point Likert scale), and quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30 and -BR23, Breast-Q, Center for Epidemiology Studies Depression Scale) were compared between both procedures. RESULTS: Seventy patients participated in the study (Salv-ABR: n = 23; mean ± SD age, 53.5 ± 9.1 years; follow-up, 28.6 ± 18.5 month; I/DI-ABR: n = 45, mean ± SD age: 50.2 ± 7.3 years; follow-up, 32.8 ± 18.5 month). Main indication for Salv-ABR was a major capsular contracture (n = 14 [60.1%]). Early unplanned reoperation rates were significantly increased in the Salv-ABR (56.5% vs 14.9%; P < 0.01). Patients with I/DI-ABR showed a significantly improved overall aesthetic outcome (2.7 ± 0.9 vs 3.3 ± 0.7; P < 0.01) and scored significantly higher in several subscales of EORTC QLQ-C30/BR23 (Global Health Status, Role Functioning, Body Image; P < 0.05) and the Breast-Q (Psychosocial Well-being, Satisfaction with Breast; P < 0.05) compared with patients with Salv-ABR. CONCLUSIONS: Salvage ABR is associated with a higher complication rate, compromised aesthetic outcome, and quality of life compared with I/DI-ABR. This should be considered and discussed with the patient when planning any kind of reconstructive breast surgery.

The Partner Perspective on Autologous and Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Partner involvement in the decision-making process concerning breast reconstruction (BR) after a breast cancer diagnosis may be very supportive for the patient. So far, no study evaluates partner satisfaction with the outcome after BR and the relationship to patient satisfaction. The aim of this study was to assess and compare partner satisfaction of BR with autologous tissue (ABR) and prosthetic implants (IBR), respectively, and compare it to patient-reported outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients undergoing ABR and IBR between January 2014 and December 2020 were asked to participate with their partners. Patient and partner satisfaction with breast reconstruction, overall outcome as well as patient's perceived and self-reported psychosocial well-being were evaluated using the Breast-Q and a modified partner questionnaire, respectively. RESULTS: Fifty-three couples participated (IBR: n=30, ABR: n = 23). Patient and partner satisfaction with breast (r = 0.552), outcome (r = 0.465) as well as patient's perceived and self-report psychosocial well-being (r = 0.495) were highly correlated with partners scoring significantly higher (p<0.001). In terms of partner satisfaction, both reconstructive procedures achieved satisfactory results. ABR scored higher in terms of softness of breast and how natural the breast feels to touch whereas IBR was rated superior evaluating the breast size. CONCLUSION: Both reconstructive procedures achieve satisfactory results in terms partner satisfaction whereas patient's psychosocial well-being was highly overestimated by their partners. Hence, partner inclusion in the regular psycho-oncological support might further sensitize them of the high psychological burden of a breast cancer diagnosis and therefore stabilize patients private support system. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Prophylactic lymphaticovenous anastomoses for resection of soft tissue tumors of the thigh to prevent secondary lymphedema-a retrospective comparative cohort analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with soft tissue tumors of extremities are at risk to develop secondary lymphedema after tumor resection caused by disruption of lymphatic vessels and sclerosis. Subsequently, this study aimed to evaluate the beneficial effects of lymphaticovenous anastomoses (LVAs) after soft tissue tumor resection of the thigh in a prophylactic approach. METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study, we compared eight patients with a median age of 68.5 years (49-80) who received LVAs in combination with tumor resection for treatment of soft tissue tumors of the thigh region with a prior cohort of 20 patients with a median age of 63.0 years (23-84) who received soft tissue sarcoma resection of the thigh region. All patients of LVA cohort received 1-2 LVAs (mean 1.25 ± 0.49) at the dorsum of the foot and three patients at the SEKI-point (mean 0.375 ± 0.51). Mean maximum tumor diameter of LVA group was 19.5 ± 5.2 cm and 12.3 ± 6.6 cm of control group. All patients receiving LVA were assessed for development of lymphedema via bilateral measurements of circumference and assessment of lymphedema quality of life index (LyQLI). RESULTS: One of the eight patients who received LVAs showed moderate impairment in the LyQLI at a follow-up of 12 months while 45% of the control cohort complained about symptoms of secondary lymphedema at a median follow-up of 22 months (p-values LyQLI: p = .018 [physical domain]; p = .018 [psychosocial domain]; p = .020 [practical domain]). CONCLUSION: LVAs performed in combination with tumor resection of thigh soft tissue tumors reduce negative consequences of lymph stasis and prevent development of secondary lymphedema.

The Search for the Ideal Female Breast: A Nationally Representative United-States-Census Study.

INTRODUCTION: Many studies have started to search for the perfect aesthetic breast in order to create a pars-pro-toto for reconstruction, but especially for aesthetic surgery. To date, no representative study with anatomically accurate models was performed. METHODS: In an online based United-States-census-representative survey with 1049 participants, questions regarding the preferred breast were asked utilizing lifelike morphed 3D-generated female models for the first time. Attributes such as breast pole ratio, areola size, breast direction and projection were asked. RESULTS: The results show that, contrary to what has been claimed in previous studies, an upper-pole-to-lower-pole ratio of 55:45 is preferred by both female and male participants. When it comes to breast size, on the other hand, there are clear gender-specific differences. While women opted for a cup size around B, the men preferred larger cup sizes. Moreover, the smallest depicted areola size of 30 mm was favored among all groups in the survey. DISCUSSION: Most publications used rather detrimental models for their surveys. We therefore opted for computer-generated 3D models and varied their naturalness. This enabled us to ensure a more aesthetic and accurate illustration and thus obtained more comparable and reliable results paired with the representation of the US-population. Taken together this study unveiled unexpected insights into the population favored breast attributes that might change operative planning in breast surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors http://www.springer.com/00266 .

Risk Stratification with Sarculator and MSKCC in Patients with Primary and Secondary Angiosarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Sarculator and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) nomograms are freely available risk prediction scores for surgically treated patients with primary sarcomas. Due to the rarity of angiosarcomas, these scores have only been tested on small cohorts of angiosarcoma patients. In neither the original patient cohort upon which the Sarculator is based nor in subsequent studies was a distinction made between primary and secondary angiosarcomas, as the app is intended to be applied to primary sarcomas. Therefore, the objective of our investigation was to assess whether the Sarculator reveals a difference in prognosis and whether such differentiation aligns with actual clinical data. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients with primary or secondary soft tissue angiosarcoma, treated at our Sarcoma Center from 2001 to 2023, were included in the study. Actual survival rates were compared with nomogram-derived data for predicted 5-year survival (Sarculator), as well as 4-, 8- and 12-year sarcoma-specific death probabilities (MSKCC). Harrell's c-index was utilized to assess predictive validity. RESULTS: In total, 31 patients were analyzed. The actual overall 5-year survival was 22.57% with a predicted 5-year survival rate of 25.97%, and the concordance index was 0.726 for the entire cohort. The concordance index results from MSKCC for angiosarcoma patients were below 0.7 indicating limited predictive accuracy in this cohort, particularly when compared to Sarculator. SUMMARY: Nomogram-based predictive models are valuable tools in clinical practice for rapidly assessing prognosis. They can streamline the decision-making process for adjuvant treatments and improve patient counselling especially in the treatment of rare and complicated tumor entities such as angiosarcomas.

Career and life planning in the context of the postgraduate medical training - current challenges and opportunities.

Introduction: The possibility of balancing career and family is meanwhile a central concern for most physicians when choosing a job. The aim of this study was to identify current barriers and opportunities for physician education and career planning. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted as an online survey between 11/2021 and 02/2022 and targeted physicians at all career levels in Germany who were members of a clinical professional association. Alternative and consent questions were used to assess experiences/attitudes toward various aspects of life and career planning, as well as alternative work and parental leave models, depending on gender, specialty, and hierarchical level. Results: The majority of the 2060 participants were female (69%) and had children (66%). Many childless residents reported that they felt they had to choose between children and a career. The majority of female residents, specialists and attending physicians (Ø 55.5%) stated that they had experienced career losses as a result of taking parental leave, while most men did not share this experience (Ø 53.7%). 92% of all participants agreed with the statement that men and women have different career opportunities. Job-sharing models were considered feasible at all levels of the hierarchy by an average of 55.6% of all medical executives. Conclusion: Parenthood and the use of parental leave and part-time work appear to have a significant impact on the career paths of those surveyed. Although the majority of directors of medical training programs are open to job-sharing models, further measures are needed in order to equalize career opportunities for men and women.

[Aggressive Fibromatosis: Retrospective Analysis of 110 Patients]. / Die Aggressive Fibromatose. Eine retrospektive Analyse von 110 Patienten.

Aggressive fibromatosis, histologically classified as benign due to the absence of metastasis, is characterised by locally invasive and destructive growth with high recurrence rates after resection. For this reason, prognostic recurrence factors, in particular the extent of resection, are much debated, and treatment decisions seem challenging for interdisciplinary tumour conferences. Between the years 2000 and 2020, 110 patients with aggressive fibromatosis of the extremities or trunk received surgical treatment at BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil (Bochum, Germany). Univariate analyses were performed to detect any potential prognosis factors. The median follow-up time was 5.9 years. A total of 57 (51.8%) of these patients developed recurrence during this period. The 5-year recurrence-free survival was 52.9% (95% CI: 42.4-62.3) in the entire cohort. In R0-resected patients, the 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) was significantly better (p<0.001) at 69.2% compared with patients with R1 or R2-resected tumours (32.6%). Beyond that, no other significant influencing factors were identified. The results of this study indicate that R0 resection or R0 resectability were associated with a significantly better local control. The therapeutic recommendation for resection should be made individually by an interdisciplinary tumour board in due consideration of tumour progression, possible therapeutic alternatives, and foreseeable functional impairment.

Free-flap reconstruction of the lower limb in octogenarians - A comparative analysis of indications, management, and outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Impaired microcirculation, along with an increase in chronic medical conditions in the geriatric cohort, may favor the development of soft-tissue defects in the lower extremity and equally impair the options for plastic-reconstructive surgery. In particular, outcome analyses in the increasing patient cohort ≥ 80 years (octogenarians) are limited. METHODS: Setting 80 years as the cutoff, we conducted an age-related outcome analysis of all patients undergoing free-flap reconstruction of the lower extremity from 2014 to 2020, comprising the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) as the possible outcome predicting factors. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 424 free flaps were performed in 385 patients (∅: 54.7 years ± 16.1; range: 9-89), including 19 octogenarians. Compared with the younger patient cohort, there was a significantly higher rate of early flap revision (p = 0.023) and flap loss (p = 0.028). Furthermore, the mean length of hospital (60.6 ± 37.6 vs. 51.1 ± 37.0) and intensive care unit/intermediate care stay (6.5 ± 15.0 vs. 3.5 ± 8.5) was extended (n.s.). The ASA score presented an independent predictor for major surgical [odds ratio (OR): 1.66; p = 0.041) and medical complications (OR: 3.97; p<0.001). Neither the CCI nor the ASA served as an independent predictor for total flap loss. CONCLUSION: Free-flap reconstruction of the lower extremity in octogenarians is associated with a higher risk of flap revision and flap loss. Considering the prolonged immobilization associated with increased morbidity following limb amputation, it presents still a reasonable option to achieve limb salvage in carefully chosen patients. An adequate tool to predict the success of free-flap survival is still unavailable.

Digital Media Play a Key Role in Influencing Female Breast Perception.

The female breast is a symbol of femininity and plays a key role in the female body image. However, factors influencing the preferences for different breast shapes and sizes are still not elucidated. In particular, the role of the emerging social media in breast perception has not been analyzed yet. A representative cohort of 1,049 adults completed a web-based questionnaire containing hyperrealistic 3D models of the female breast in the United States. A machine-learning algorithm (Classification and Regression Tree [CART]) was implemented to identify the most influential factors. The study was able to identify the frequency of pornographic and social media consumption as the most influencing factor for altered breast preferences. Although digital media exposure did not alter satisfaction with the own breast among female participants, the tendency to undergo or history of conducted aesthetic surgery correlated with higher access frequency to digital media. Taken together, the overpowering impact of social media and pornographic consumption on the own body image was shown in preference alterations for different anatomical aspects of the breast in the whole population and distorted self-perception about the breast in female participants.

Autologous vs. implant-based breast reconstruction after skin- and nipple-sparing mastectomy-A deeper insight considering surgical and patient-reported outcomes.

Introduction: Autologous (ABR) and implant-based breast reconstruction (IBR) represent the most common procedures after skin- and nipple-sparing mastectomy. This cross-sectional study is a comprehensive analysis of ABR and IBR considering surgical and patient-reported outcomes. Patients and methods: Eligible patients underwent breast reconstruction (ABR and IBR) after skin- and nipple-sparing mastectomy between January 2014 and December 2020. Outcome parameters included quality of life (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer - EORTC - QLQ30, BR23, Breast-Q, CES-D), complication rates, aesthetic result, and breast sensitivity. Results: 108 patients participated in the study (IBR: n = 72, age 48.9 ± 9.9 years; ABR: n = 36, age: 46.6 ± 7.3 years). Mean follow-up was 27.1 ± 9.3 (IBR) and 34.9 ± 20.5 (ABR), respectively. IBR patients suffered significantly more often from major complications (30.6% vs. 8.3%; p = 0.01), while ABR patients underwent secondary procedures significantly more often to improve the aesthetic result (55.6% vs. 29.2%, p = 0.004). Unilateral reconstructions revealed superior aesthetic results in ABR (n.s.), while in bilateral reconstruction IBR tended to score higher (n.s.). Scar evaluation resulted in a better result of IBR in both categories (p < 0.01). Breast sensitivity was severely impaired in both groups. The Breast-Q revealed a significantly higher "patient satisfaction with breast" after ABR (p = 0.033), while the other QoL-tests and subscales showed no significant differences between the two procedures. Conclusion: ABR is associated with a higher patient satisfaction despite the high probability of secondary procedures to improve the aesthetic outcome, whereas IBR-patients suffer more often from major complications. Furthermore, the laterality of reconstruction should be included in the individual decision-making process.

TGF-beta pathway inhibition as the therapeutic acceleration of diabetic bone regeneration.

Bone regeneration and fracture healing are impaired in diabetic patients due to defective functions of associated cells. Thus, the search for molecular causes and new treatment strategies are of particular clinical relevance. We investigated the gene expression profile of bones from type 2 diabetic (db- /db- ) mice and wild-type (wt) mice by comparative microarray analyses before and after placing tibial defects and examined the expression of several osteogenesis- and osteoclastogenesis-related markers by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. In regenerating wt bones, pathways related to, for example, inhibition of matrix metalloproteases were activated, whereas in db- /db- bones activation of pathways related to, for example, osteoarthritis, transforming growth factor-beta (Tgfb), or hypoxia-inducible factor 1a were detected during regeneration. We defined the Tgfb pathway as a potential therapeutic target and locally applied a single dose (0.5 µg) of the Tgfb 1, 2, and 3 neutralizing antibody 1D11 on tibial defects in db- /db- mice (n = 7). Seven days postoperation, histological and immunohistochemical stainings were performed. Decreased bone regeneration, osteogenic differentiation, osteoclast invasion, and angiogenesis in db- /db- mice were significantly restored by local 1D11 application in comparison to the phosphate-buffered saline controls. Thus, local treatment of db- /db- bony defects with Tgfb neutralizing antibody 1D11 might be considered a good candidate for the successful acceleration of bone regeneration.

Inhibition of Pathological Increased Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP) Activity for Improvement of Bone Regeneration in Diabetes.

Patients with diabetes suffer from poor fracture healing. Molecular reasons are not fully understood and our previous gene expression microarray analyses of regenerating bones from mice with type 2 diabetes (db-/db-) revealed accelerated activation of pathways concerning matrix metalloproteases (MMPs). Thus, we picked out the pathological MMP acceleration as a target for profound gene expression analyses and additional therapeutic intervention in the present study. In the first part, gene expression of ECM degrading proteinases and inhibitors was investigated three and seven days postoperatively. Mmp3, Mmp9, Mmp13 and gene expression of MMP inhibitor Timp2 was significantly higher in regenerating bone fractures of db-/db- compared to wild type animals. Timp1 and metalloproteinase AdamTS4 showed no differences. In the second part, we locally applied a single dose (1 µL of 5 µM solution) of the broad-spectrum molecular MMP inhibitor Marimastat on tibial defects in db-/db-. We performed immunohistochemical and histological stainings seven days post operation. Impaired bone healing, collagen content, angiogenesis, and osteoclast invasion in db-/db- were restored significantly by application of Marimastat compared to PBS controls (n = 7/group). Hence, local intervention of bone defects by the molecular MMP inhibitor Marimastat might be an alternative therapeutic intervention for bone healing in diabetes.

Role of Autonomous Neuropathy in Diabetic Bone Regeneration.

Diabetes mellitus has multiple negative effects on regenerative processes, especially on wound and fracture healing. Despite the well-known negative effects of diabetes on the autonomous nervous system, only little is known about the role in bone regeneration within this context. Subsequently, we investigated diabetic bone regeneration in db-/db- mice with a special emphasis on the sympathetic nervous system of the bone in a monocortical tibia defect model. Moreover, the effect of pharmacological sympathectomy via administration of 6-OHDA was evaluated in C57Bl6 wildtype mice. Diabetic animals as well as wildtype mice received a treatment of BRL37344, a ß3-adrenergic agonist. Bones of animals were examined via µCT, aniline-blue and Masson-Goldner staining for new bone formation, TRAP staining for bone turnover and immunoflourescence staining against tyrosinhydroxylase and stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1). Sympathectomized wildtype mice showed a significantly decreased bone regeneration, just comparable to db-/db- mice. New bone formation of BRL37344 treated db-/db- and sympathectomized wildtype mice was markedly improved in histology and µCT. Immunoflourescence stainings revealed significantly increased SDF-1 due to BRL37344 treatment in diabetic animals and sympathectomized wildtypes. This study depicts the important role of the sympathetic nervous system for bone regenerative processes using the clinical example of diabetes mellitus type 2. In order to improve and gain further insights into diabetic fracture healing, ß3-agonist BRL37344 proved to be a potent treatment option, restoring impaired diabetic bone regeneration.

[Necrotizing Fasciitis]. / Die nekrotisierende Fasziitis.

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a soft tissue infection spreading along the fasciae to the surrounding subcutaneous fat, overlying skin and finally musculature, that may rapidly lead to septic shock and death. In order to avoid a massive systemic spread of the infective process, an immediate and extensive radical debridement of necrotic tissues is mandatory complemented by a broad spectrum intravenous antibiotic therapy. Nevertheless, mortality is persistently high at 20-40 %. Because of the lack of specific clinical features in the initial stage of the disease, it is often underestimated or confused with cellulitis or abscess. Hence, early diagnosis is missed or delayed in 85 %-100 % of cases with the passage of valuable time.The aim of this review is to give an overview of the clinical and laboratory elements to be considered for diagnosis as well as the essential therapeutic patterns.

Myostatin Deficiency Protects C2C12 Cells from Oxidative Stress by Inhibiting Intrinsic Activation of Apoptosis.

Ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury remains an important topic in clinical medicine. While a multitude of prophylactic and therapeutic strategies have been proposed, recent studies have illuminated protective effects of myostatin inhibition. This study aims to elaborate on the intracellular pathways involved in myostatin signaling and to explore key proteins that convey protective effects in IR injury. We used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to introduce a myostatin (Mstn) deletion into a C2C12 cell line. In subsequent experiments, we evaluated overall cell death, activation of apoptotic pathways, ROS generation, lipid peroxidation, intracellular signaling via mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), cell migration, and cell proliferation under hypoxic conditions followed by reoxygenation to simulate an IR situation in vitro (hypoxia reoxygenation). It was found that mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 3/6, also known as MAPK/ERK Kinase 3/6 (MEK3/6), and subsequent p38 MAPK activation were blunted in C2C12-Mstn-/- cells in response to hypoxia reoxygenation (HR). Similarly, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation was negated. We also found the intrinsic activation of apoptosis to be more important in comparison with the extrinsic activation. Additionally, intercepting myostatin signaling mitigated apoptosis activation. Ultimately, this research validated protective effects of myostatin inhibition in HR and identified potential mediators worth further investigation. Intercepting myostatin signaling did not inhibit ROS generation overall but mitigated cellular injury. In particular, intrinsic activation of apoptosis origination from mitochondria was alleviated. This was presumably mediated by decreased activation of p38 caused by the diminished kinase activity increase of MEK3/6. Overall, this work provides important insights into HR signaling in C2C12-Mstn-/- cells and could serve as basis for further research.

Deficiency of myostatin protects skeletal muscle cells from ischemia reperfusion injury.

Ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury plays a pivotal role in many diseases and leads to collateral damage during surgical interventions. While most studies focus on alleviating its severity in the context of brain, liver, kidney, and cardiac tissue, research as regards to skeletal muscle has not been conducted to the same extent. In the past, myostatin (MSTN), primarily known for supressing muscle growth, has been implicated in inflammatory circuits, and research provided promising results for cardiac IR injury mitigation by inhibiting MSTN cell surface receptor ACVR2B. This generated the question if interrupting MSTN signaling could temper IR injury in skeletal muscle. Examining human specimens from free myocutaneous flap transfer demonstrated increased MSTN signaling and tissue damage in terms of apoptotic activity, cell death, tissue edema, and lipid peroxidation. In subsequent in vivo MstnLn/Ln IR injury models, we identified potential mechanisms linking MSTN deficiency to protective effects, among others, inhibition of p38 MAPK signaling and SERCA2a modulation. Furthermore, transcriptional profiling revealed a putative involvement of NK cells. Collectively, this work establishes a protective role of MSTN deficiency in skeletal muscle IR injury.

Posttraumatic Lymphedema after Open Fractures of the Lower Extremity-A Retrospective Cohort Analysis.

Secondary lymphedema is a very common clinical issue with millions of patients suffering from pain, recurrent skin infections, and the constant need for a decongestive therapy. Well-established as a consequence of oncologic procedures, secondary lymphedema is also a well-known phenomenon after trauma. However, precise epidemiological data of lymphedema progress upon severe extremity injuries are still missing. In the present work, we analyzed a patient cohort of 94 individuals who suffered open fractures of the lower extremity and soft tissue injury, of 2nd and 3rd grade according to Tscherne classification, between 2013 and 2019. Typical symptoms of lymphedema have been obtained via interviews and patient medical records in a retrospective cohort analysis. Of all patients, 55% showed symptoms of secondary lymphedema and 14% reported recurrent skin infections, indicating severe lymphedema. Furthermore, comparing patients with and without lymphedema, additional parameters, such as obesity, total number of surgeries, infections, and compartment syndrome, related to lymphedema progress could be identified. According to these data, posttraumatic secondary lymphedema has a highly underestimated clinical prevalence. Further prospective studies are needed to validate this first observation and to identify high-risk groups in order to improve patient's health care.

A Highly Reliable Convolutional Neural Network Based Soft Tissue Sarcoma Metastasis Detection from Chest X-ray Images: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: soft tissue sarcomas are a subset of malignant tumors that are relatively rare and make up 1% of all malignant tumors in adulthood. Due to the rarity of these tumors, there are significant differences in quality in the diagnosis and treatment of these tumors. One paramount aspect is the diagnosis of hematogenous metastases in the lungs. Guidelines recommend routine lung imaging by means of X-rays. With the ever advancing AI-based diagnostic support, there has so far been no implementation for sarcomas. The aim of the study was to utilize AI to obtain analyzes regarding metastasis on lung X-rays in the most possible sensitive and specific manner in sarcoma patients. METHODS: a Python script was created and trained using a set of lung X-rays with sarcoma metastases from a high-volume German-speaking sarcoma center. 26 patients with lung metastasis were included. For all patients chest X-ray with corresponding lung CT scans, and histological biopsies were available. The number of trainable images were expanded to 600. In order to evaluate the biological sensitivity and specificity, the script was tested on lung X-rays with a lung CT as control. RESULTS: in this study we present a new type of convolutional neural network-based system with a precision of 71.2%, specificity of 90.5%, sensitivity of 94%, recall of 94% and accuracy of 91.2%. A good detection of even small findings was determined. DISCUSSION: the created script establishes the option to check lung X-rays for metastases at a safe level, especially given this rare tumor entity.