Correlation Between Breast Arterial Calcifications and Higher Cardiovascular Risk: Awareness and Attitudes Amongst Canadian Radiologists Who Report Mammography.

Background: Breast arterial calcification (BAC) on mammography correlates with increased cardiovascular risk. Reporting BAC is not standard practice. Our study evaluates the awareness of Canadian radiologists who report mammography of the clinical significance of BAC and their attitudes towards reporting BAC compared to their European and American counterparts. Methods: Following local institutional ethics approval, a 25 question survey (SurveyMonkey) was disseminated to Canadian radiologists via provincial and national society email lists. Responses were collected over 5 weeks (April-June 2022). Results: One hundred and eighty-six complete responses were collected. Sixty percent (112/186) were aware of the association between BAC and cardiovascular risk and 16% (29/186) document its presence in mammogram reports. Thirty five percent (65/186) occasionally document BAC if severe or in a young patient. Four percent (7/186) had local departmental guidelines on BAC reporting and 82% (153/186) agreed there is a need for national BAC reporting guidelines. Fewer Canadian radiologists were aware of the association between BAC and cardiovascular risk compared to European radiologists (60% vs 81%), report the presence of BAC compared to both European (15% vs 62%) and American (15% vs 35%) radiologists, and inform the patient of the presence of BAC compared to European radiologists (1% vs 46%). Conclusion: Canadian radiologists who report mammography were less aware of the association between BAC and cardiovascular risk than their European and American counterparts and were less likely to document the presence of BAC. Given the correlation of BAC with increased cardiovascular event risk, there is increased need for awareness as well as national BAC reporting guidelines.

A multimodality review of gynecologic devices in the pelvis.

There are a wide variety of gynecologic devices encountered on pelvic imaging which may not be the focus or primary reason for imaging. Such devices include pessaries, menstrual products, radiation therapy devices, tubal occlusion devices, and contraceptive devices, including intrauterine devices and intravaginal rings. This manuscript offers a comprehensive review of multimodality imaging appearances of gynecologic devices encountered on pelvic imaging and discusses device indications, positioning, and complications.

Asymptomatic pneumoperitoneum in the setting of pneumatosis intestinalis: a benign entity or surgical emergency?

Pneumatosis intestinalis is a potential cause of asymptomatic pneumoperitoneum without peritonitis. The disease can be managed conservatively and presents a clinical scenario where pneumoperitoneum does not necessitate surgical management. This case illustrates the importance of acknowledging the condition and its variable presentation, allowing for increased awareness and avoidance of invasive procedures when not indicated.

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome secondary to an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome in association with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is exceedingly rare and has been noted to occur in patients with severe abdominal pain, bilious emesis, and a history of tobacco use. When symptoms of small bowel obstruction occur, it is imperative to investigate further with cross-sectional imaging to determine the etiology. Conservative management is preferred, but in cases of SMA syndrome with concomitant AAA, aneurysm repair should be considered, regardless of size, if initial treatment fails.

Spilled stones following pyelolithotomy: An unusual mimic of peritoneal carcinomatosis.

While spillage of intraperitoneal gallstones has been reported frequently in the literature, spilled renal stones after urologic intervention is rare. The dropped renal stones may mimic peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) on imaging, causing concern and potentially leading to unnecessary diagnostic workup. Additionally, these dropped stones may cause surrounding inflammation, potentially leading to the formation of adhesions or an intra-abdominal abscess. Calcifications along the peritoneal lining are generally interpreted as peritoneal carcinomatosis until proven otherwise. However, this case highlights the importance of a detailed history and comparison with prior imaging. We describe a rare case of intraperitoneal spilled renal stones after pyelolithotomy initially mistaken for PC, in addition to a review of diagnostic pitfalls and radiologic mimics of PC.

Breast Arterial Calcifications: Reporting Preferences and Impact on Screening for Coronary Artery Disease.

OBJECTIVE: Breast arterial calcifications (BAC) have been shown to correlate with measures of coronary artery disease risk stratification, although reporting of BAC is optional by BI-RADS guidelines. The purpose of this study is to determine referring provider preferences in BAC reporting on mammography reports and if such reporting has any impact on patient management. METHODS: This study was approved by the local institutional review board. A voluntary eight-question survey regarding the preferences and outcomes of BAC reporting on mammography was distributed to 1085 primary care physicians, obstetrics and gynecologists, medical oncologists, and breast and general surgeons in our health system via a secure online platform. Data analysis including Pearson chi-square was performed with a P-value of <0.05 for significance. RESULTS: A response rate of 19.1% (207/1085) was attained, with 21/207 (10.1%) of respondents indicating they do not routinely order mammograms excluded from further analysis. A total of 62.4% (116/186) of ordering physicians indicated a preference for reporting of BAC in both the body and impression of the radiology report, with 82.3% (153/186) of respondents placing importance on the quantity of atherosclerotic calcifications. Most participants (148/186, 79.6%) reported that the presence of BAC would prompt further investigation for coronary artery disease and associated risk factors. CONCLUSION: The majority of responding physicians indicated a preference for detailed reporting of BAC and that such reporting would impact patient care. Understanding referring provider preferences regarding ancillary findings of BAC will allow for improved communication and value in mammography.