Phenotyping of chronic pain in breast cancer survivors: an original study using the cancer pain phenotyping (CANPPHE) Network multidisciplinary international guidelines.

PURPOSE: The primary aim of this cross-sectional study is to examine the prevalence of pain phenotypes in breast cancer survivors (BCS). A secondary aim entails examining whether health related quality of life differs between the main pain phenotypes in BCS. METHODS: BCS who experienced chronic pain were asked to complete the numeric pain rating scale for pain, Margolis pain diagram, and short form 36 (SF-36). Following administration of questionnaires and quantitative sensory examinations were applied. To determine the prevalence of the predominant type of pain, a recently proposed classification system by the Cancer Pain Phenotyping (CANPPHE) Network was used. RESULTS: Of the 86 female participants, 19 (22.09%) had dominant neuropathic pain, 18 (20.93%) had dominant nociceptive pain and 14 (16.28%) had dominant nociplastic pain. 35 participants (40.70%) were classified as having mixed pain. One-way ANOVA revealed a significant difference between the four pain groups for the SF-36 general health (F = 3.205, p = 0.027), social functioning (F = 4.093, p = 0.009), and pain (F = 3.603, p = 0.017) subscale scores. CONCLUSION: This study found that pain in BCS was mostly of mixed phenotype, followed by predominantly neuropathic and nociplastic pain. Furthermore, it was found that, compared to BCS with predominant neuropathic and nociceptive pain, BCS with predominant nociplastic pain have lower health related quality of life in the areas of bodily pain and social functioning.

Towards precision pain medicine for pain after cancer: the Cancer Pain Phenotyping Network multidisciplinary international guidelines for pain phenotyping using nociplastic pain criteria.

Pain after cancer remains underestimated and undertreated. Precision medicine is a recent concept that refers to the ability to classify patients into subgroups that differ in their susceptibility to, biology, or prognosis of a particular disease, or in their response to a specific treatment, and thus to tailor treatment to the individual patient characteristics. Applying this to pain after cancer, the ability to classify post-cancer pain into the three major pain phenotypes (i.e. nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic pain) and tailor pain treatment accordingly, is an emerging issue. This is especially relevant because available evidence suggests that nociplastic pain is present in an important subgroup of those patients experiencing post-cancer pain. The 2021 International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) clinical criteria and grading system for nociplastic pain account for the need to identify and correctly classify patients according to the pain phenotype early in their treatment. These criteria are an important step towards precision pain medicine with great potential for the field of clinical oncology. Within this framework, the Cancer Pain Phenotyping (CANPPHE) Network, an international and interdisciplinary group of oncology clinicians and researchers from seven countries, applied the 2021 IASP clinical criteria for nociplastic pain to the growing population of those experiencing post-cancer pain. A manual is provided to allow clinicians to differentiate between predominant nociceptive, neuropathic, or nociplastic pain after cancer. A seven-step diagnostic approach is presented and illustrated using cases to enhance understanding and encourage effective implementation of this approach in clinical practice.

Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of fetal maxillary sinuses.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The growth of maxillary sinus is closely connected to the development of facial structures. However, its definition and reference standards on fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have not been analyzed so far. In this study, the objectives were to define and evaluate the fetal maxillary sinus (fMS) formation with MRI. METHODS: We reviewed T2-weighted coronal MRI images of 75 fetuses. The MRI features, time of appearance, and boundaries of fMS were defined. Craniocaudal and transverse diameters of both maxillary sinuses and bone biparietal diameters were measured and statistically evaluated. RESULTS: In 150 fMS site analysis, 91 fMSs were identified. The fMSs were visualized as a hyperintense structures on T2-weighted image above the tooth bud. It first appeared at the 22nd gestational week, and in 4% (3/75) of fetuses, there was unilateral development. Mean craniocaudal length was 2.84 mm (1.1-4.8 mm), and mean transverse diameter was 2.67 mm (1.5-4.2 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance imaging features of fMS that should be sought for the assessment of craniofacial anatomy are identified in this study. Fetal maxillary sinuses can be observed as hyperintense structures on T2-weighted MRI images starting from 22 weeks of gestation. The growth of fMS follows a predictable course throughout gestation; however, the dimensions are larger than the previously reported ex vivo series.

[Our results of postoperative radiation therapy in patients with salivary gland cancer]. / Tükürük bezi kanserli olgularda ameliyat sonrasi radyoterapi sonuçlarimiz.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate our single center experience in patients with a salivary gland tumor receiving postoperative radiation therapy (RT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 1996 and December 2011, the records of 34 salivary gland tumor patients who were operated and referred to our clinic for adjuvant RT were retrospectively analyzed. Radiation therapy was applied to the primary tumor and lymphatics at a median dose of 60 Gy (54 to 60 Gy) with 1.8-2 Gy/fraction. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 38 months (range, 3 to 204 months). The most common site of involvement was the parotid gland in 21 patients (62%), followed by the submandibular gland in 11 patients (%24) and minor salivary gland in two patients (9%). Five-year overall survival (OS) was 49% (range, 3 to 206 months) and disease free survival (DFS) was 61% (range, 1 to 173 months). Six patients had local or regional recurrences (18%), while 13 patients (38%) had distant metastasis. A tumor size larger than 4 cm, over six weeks referral time to RT, and existence of metastatic lymph node were found to be poor prognostic factors for OS (p=0.023, p=0.039, respectively), and DFS (p=0.046). While extracapsular involvement significantly reduced the DFS and OS (p=0.022, p=0.050, respectively), overall RT time affected DFS alone (p=0.046). CONCLUSION: We recommend adjuvant RT in high-risk patients operated due to a salivary gland tumor.

Dobrava hantavirus infection complicated by panhypopituitarism, Istanbul, Turkey, 2010.

We identified Dobrava-Belgrade virus infection in Turkey (from a strain related to hantavirus strains from nearby countries) in a patient who had severe symptoms leading to panhypopituitarism, but no known risk for hantavirus. Our findings emphasize the need for increased awareness of hantaviruses in the region and assessment of symptomatic persons without known risk factors for infection.

Fluence map analyzer reduces low dose volume in locally advanced post mastectomy breast cancer patients.

Multi-leaf collimator dose leakage in intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) plans causes higher low dose volume which increases the long-term risks of radiotherapy. We have developed Fluence Map Analyzer (FMA) program that suggests the ideal field geometry to reduce low dose volume in locally advanced breast cancer IMRT plans. In this comparative experimental study, FMA has been applied to standard IMRT plans (STD-IMRT) of randomly selected 15 left and 15 right-sided locally advanced breast cancer patients. All patients underwent a modified radical mastectomy. The chest wall, IMN, axillary, and supraclavicular lymph nodes are included in planning target volume (PTV). The heart, lungs, contralateral breast, and medulla spinalis were delineated as organs at risk (OARs). Two sets of plans, namely STD-IMRT and FMA-IMRT, were generated for each patient. The dosimetric analysis was performed using dose-volume histogram (DVH) and standard evaluation parameters of PTV and OARs. No differences could be observed among the two techniques for PTV coverage. However, FMA-IMRT plans achieved significantly lower V5volumes and mean doses of the heart, lungs, contralateral breast, and body contours. FMA-IMRT used a smaller number of sub-fields and fewer monitor units (MU). FMA automizes the field geometry determination process for locally advanced breast cancer IMRT planning while reducing low dose volume significantly.

Use of three-dimensional MRI-angiography in preoperative evaluation and postoperative management of hemangiomas of head and neck region.

Hemangiomas (proliferating endothelial tumors) are the most common benign tumors of infancy. Most often hemangiomas are self-regressing lesions without any treatment. Approximately 10% of hemangiomas cause complications such as major ulceration/destruction, distortion of involved tissues, and obstruction of a vital structure. When the situation becomes complicated, there are different treatment alternatives, ranging from systemic or local corticosteroid use to surgery. Sclerotherapy using intralesional polidocanol (Aethoxysklerol) injection may be used before surgery to decrease blood loss or when a vital structure of the face is in danger because of sudden increase in size of a surrounding hemangioma. Before any kind of treatment for both hemangiomas and vascular malformations, preoperative diagnosis and anatomic position of the lesion must be documented thoroughly. With the help of magnetic resonance imaging, tridimensional vascular pattern of such lesions can be shown successfully. We used three-dimensional contrast-enhanced time-resolved magnetic resonance angiography to detect the changes of lesions for 2 children who have large hemangiomas on their faces, before and after sclerotherapy with polidocanol injection. The findings of three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging studies help to better assess the success rate of treatment not only for us as the physicians but also for the parents of these children who cannot understand anything with standard two-dimensional radiologic imaging.

Current treatment strategies in malignant pleural mesothelioma with a treatment algorithm.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is arare disease with apoor prognosis. The main therapeutic options for MPM include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy (RT). Although multimodality therapy has been reported to improve survival, not every medically operable patient is able to undergo all recommended therapy. With improvements in surgical techniques and systemic therapies, as well as advancements in RT, there has been apotential new paradigm in the management of this disease. In this review, we discuss the current literature on MPM management and propose afunctional treatment algorithm.

Early experience with intraluminal reinforcement of stapled gastrojejunostomy during laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: The use of extraluminal staple-line buttressing material during laparoscopic Roux-en-y gastric bypass has shown the potential to reduce staple-line leak and bleeding. We herein present our early experience with intraluminal reinforcement of linear-cutting stapled gastrojejunal anastomosis with the use of bioabsorbable glycolide copolymer staple-line reinforcement. METHODS: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was performed in 80 consecutive non-randomized morbidly obese patients. Gastrojejunal anastomosis was performed using a linear-cutting stapler without staple-line reinforcement in 40 patients (group A), while in the other 40 patients (group B), gastrojejunostomy was performed using a linear cutting stapler with intraluminal reinforcement material (bioabsorbable glycolide copolymer). Demographic data were collected. The rate of gastrojejunal anastomotic leak, bleeding, and stricture was determined. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant reduction in bleeding complications between the two groups (15% bleeding in group A vs. no bleeding in group B, P value=0.0255). Stricture rate was higher in-group A (10% group A vs. 2.5% in group B); however, the difference was not statistically significant (P value=0.2007). None of our patients developed a gastrojejunal leak. CONCLUSION: Intraluminal reinforcement of gastrojejunal anastomosis during laparoscopic gastric bypass is safe and feasible. The use of intraluminal bioabsorbable glycolide copolymer staple-line reinforcement significantly reduces the incidence of gastrojejunal bleeding.

Penile Mondor disease and its effect on erectile function: results of 30 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the treatment outcomes among patients diagnosed with penile Mondor disease and to evaluate the effect of the disease on erectile function. METHODS: A total of 30 patients diagnosed with penile Mondor disease were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent physical examination and penile Doppler ultrasonography and filled in the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire at regular intervals. Pharmacotherapy was started when penile Mondor disease was diagnosed. After the data were confirmed to be normally distributed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, the differences between the 3 IIEF-5 scores were evaluated using repeated measures analysis of variance and post hoc Bonferroni tests. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 34.3 years (range, 25-48 years). Ten patients had prolonged sexual intercourse, 4 had recent intestinal infection history, 2 had recent long-haul flights, 1 had sickle cell anemia, and 2 had penile trauma caused by sexual intercourse. Nine patients were considered idiopathic. Mean IIEF-5 scores at the baseline and at 1- and 2-month follow-ups were 20.87, 20.07, and 20.93, respectively. Although no significant difference was found between the baseline and the 2-month follow-up IIEF-5 scores, significant differences between the baseline and the 1-month (P = .004) and the 1- and 2-month follow-up IIEF-5 scores (P = .0001) were detected. CONCLUSION: Penile Mondor disease is a rare complication that can be successfully treated with medical therapy and conservative approach. Our series showed that penile Mondor's disease does not lead to permanent deformation of the penis or erectile dysfunction.

Evaluation of the placenta with relative apparent diffusion coefficient and T2 signal intensity analysis.

PURPOSE: We aimed to test the null hypothesis that relative apparent diffusion coefficient (rADC) and relative signal intensity values (rSI(HASTE)) do not change in the evaluation of placental maturation with advancing gestational age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-six fetuses with diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) data were enrolled in this retrospective study. Fetuses were analyzed in three different gestational age groups: group 1, 18-23 weeks; group 2, 24-28 weeks; and group 3, 29-38 weeks. The rADC (mean ADC/ADC(globe)) and rSI(HASTE) values (mean SI(HASTE)/SI(globe)) were obtained. Two radiologists experienced in fetal MRI who were blinded to the patient information reviewed MRI images independently. Kruskal-Wallis Test was used to compare the rADC and rSI(HASTE) with gestational age groups. The agreement between the two blinded readers was tested using Krippendorff's alpha ratio. RESULTS: Both placental rADC values and placental rSI(HASTE) values were not significantly different between the gestational age groups (P = 0.688 and P = 0.280, respectively). rADC and rSI(HASTE) measurements were reproducible with a good agreement between the two readers (Krippendorff's alpha ratio was 0.613 and 0.778, respectively). CONCLUSION: The rADC and rSI(HASTE) values do not change with advancing gestational age.

Will a crushed concha bullosa form again?

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: This study endoscopically and radiologically evaluated whether a surgically crushed concha bullosa (CB) can form again. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. METHODS: This study included 14 adults who underwent CB surgery between March 2010 and February 2011. The middle turbinate was examined endoscopically and classified pre- and postoperatively into four groups according to size. The CB volume of all patients was measured using pre- and postoperative paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT). The pre- and postoperative measurements were compared using the paired t test. RESULTS: This study included 22 CB in 11 men and 3 women with a mean age of 35.85 (range, 20-47) years. The mean follow-up period was 4.42 (range, 2-10) months. The middle turbinates were significantly smaller postoperatively (P < .0005), as was the CB volume measured using paranasal sinus CT (P < .0005). CONCLUSIONS: The CB crushing technique is an easy, conservative treatment modality. As the CB does not appear to reform after crushing, this technique can be considered a definitive treatment. Nevertheless, these patients should be followed for the long term.