Diagnostic challenges in primary ovarian carcinoid: Insights from radiological imaging-A case study.

Primary ovarian carcinoid (POC) is a very rare subset of ovarian tumors, presenting diagnostic challenges due to its inconclusive radiological imaging. In this case study, we present a 30-year-old nulliparous female with subfertility complaints and irregular menstrual cycles, who was initially misdiagnosed with an ovarian cyst. Subsequent comprehensive imaging, including Color Doppler, revealed high vascularity, and prompting suspicion of malignancy. Surgical resection and histopathological evaluation ultimately confirmed the presence of a rare Carcinoid tumor, insular type. This case emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to the early detection and accurate diagnosis of POCs.

Evaluation of Association Between Adenomyosis and Cesarean Scar Defect.

PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate and compare quantitative factors of the cesarean scar defect (CSD) in symptomatic patients with and without uterine adenomyosis. METHOD: This study was conducted as a case-control study. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were divided into two groups: with adenomyosis (case) and without adenomyosis (control). The demographic data, medical history, and sonohysterography findings were extracted from the patient's documents and archived images. RESULT: During 2 years, 310 symptomatic women with a history of previous cesarean section underwent sonohysterography. Among them, 204 patients met the inclusion criteria. The most common chief complaints were post-menstrual bleeding (34.3%) and prolonged bleeding (27%). Cesarean scar depth and width significantly differed between these two groups, and patients with underlying adenomyosis had significantly larger defects (P-value of .009 and .005, respectively). Mean RMT/AMT ratio was 31.83% in the case group and 42.88% in the control group. In our study, RMT/AMT ratios were significantly lower in the case group (P-value of .001). In addition, we performed analysis on a subgroup of patients with one prior cesarean section. Similar results were achieved with a lower RMT/AMT ratio in case group (mean of 31.20% in case group and 46.47% in control group; P-value of .000). CONCLUSION: Our study showed a strong association between the presence of adenomyosis and larger clinically more significant CSDs. To establish a causative relationship, we suggest a prospective cohort study to follow up the patients and compare the evolution of CSD in patients with and without adenomyosis.

The association of metformin and aspirin intake with mammographic breast density: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Our purpose was to investigate the association between Mammographic breast density (MBD), a known strong marker for breast cancer and metformin and aspirin use and duration of use alone or simultaneously, in a sample of Iranian women considering other confounding factors. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 712 individuals were selected out of women referred to two university hospitals for screening mammography. Participants' information was collected with a questionnaire. Four-category density scale (a = almost entirely fatty, b = scattered fibroglandular densities, c= heterogeneously dense, and d = extremely dense) was categorized as low (a&b) and high (c&d) density. Results: The mean age of the participants was 49.80 ± 7.26 years. Sixty-five percent of women belonged to the high and 35% to the low MBD category. Both aspirin and metformin had a significantly negative association with MBD, however, when confounding factors were entered into the models, only aspirin after adjustment for age and BMI had an inverse association with MBD (OR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.35-0.94). Simultaneous use of metformin and aspirin (OR = 0.44, 95 %CI: 0.17-1.12) was associated with lower MBD. Furthermore, in women who used metformin (OR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.09-0.62) and aspirin (OR= 0.35, 95% CI: 0.17-0.72) for 2 to 5 years, MBD was significantly lower. However, after the adjustment of confounding factors, these associations were not statistically significant. Conclusion: It seems metformin and aspirin intakes are associated with MBD. However, further studies with more sample size are needed.

Spectrum of ultrasound findings in patients with history of breast conservative treatment.

Breast conservative treatment (BCT) is currently accepted as the standard treatment option for breast cancer. Targeted ultrasound helps detect recurrent lesions, postoperative changes, and scarring tissue. In this pictorial essay, we review the ultrasound features of benign (seroma, hematoma, fat necrosis, traumatic neuroma, fibrosis/scarring) and malignant (recurrence, new primary cancer) causes of palpable lumps after BCT and provide images from our patients to illustrate some typical findings of common pathologies. Ultrasound, especially as an adjunct to mammography, can make a specific diagnosis in most cases.

A simplified approach to ovarian lesions based on the O-RADS US risk stratification and management system.

Compared to the risk-oriented approach to ovarian lesions that is presented in the Ovarian- Adnexal Reporting and Data System (O-RADS) US Risk Stratification and Management System as a guideline, a lesion-oriented flowchart is more user-friendly for radiologists. In the present article, the O-RADS guideline has been depicted in the form of a single flowchart to explain how to approach ovarian lesions in an algorithmic manner. In addition to providing a practical flowchart, this pictorial article contains some images of the related ovarian lesions.

Air pollution exposure and mammographic breast density in Tehran, Iran: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Air pollution is one of the major public health challenges in many parts of the world possibly has an association with breast cancer. However, the mechanism is still unclear. This study aimed to find an association between exposure to six criteria ambient air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, O3, and CO) and mammographic breast density (MBD), as one of the strongest predictors for developing breast cancer, in women living in Tehran, Iran. METHODS: Participants were selected from women attending two university hospitals for screening mammography from 2019 to 2021. Breast density was rated by two expert radiologists. Individual exposures to 3-year ambient air pollution levels at the residence were estimated. RESULTS: The final analysis in 791 eligible women showed that low and high breast density was detected in 34.8 and 62.2 of participants, respectively. Logistic regression analysis after considering all possible confounding factors represented that an increase in each unit of NO2 (ppb) exposure was associated with an increased risk of breast density with an OR equal to 1.04 (95CI: 1.01 to 1.07). Furthermore, CO level was associated with a decreasing breast density (OR = 0.40, 95CI = 0.19 to 0.86). None of the other pollutants were associated with breast density. CONCLUSION: Higher MBD was associated with an increased level of NO2, as a marker of traffic-related air pollution. Furthermore, CO concentration was associated with a lower MBD, while other criteria air pollutants were not related to MBD. Further studies are needed to evaluate the association between ambient air pollutants with MBD.

Evaluation of the association of endometriosis and mammographic breast density, a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis is a common benign but painful gynecologic condition. Studies suggest that the risk of some types of malignancies such as breast cancer is higher in women with endometriosis. Mammographic breast density (MBD) is known as an important predictor for breast cancer. The present study aimed to investigate the potential relationship between endometriosis and MBD. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 370 women over 40 years of age. Laparoscopic surgery was carried out for the diagnosis of endometriosis. MBD was classified into four categories according to the ACR BI-RADS classification. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software to evaluate the potential association between variables. RESULTS: The mean age of all participants was 47.2 ± 6.4 years, and most participants (76.8%) were premenopausal. Multivariate analysis of the potential predictors of MBD, including age, body mass index, oral contraceptive consumption, progesterone consumption, family history of breast cancer and endometriosis showed that age (P value = 0.002), history of progesterone consumption (P value = 0.004) and endometriosis (P value = 0.006) were independent factors for MBD. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that endometriosis had an inverse association with MBD. Age and history of progesterone use were also independent influential factors for MBD. This finding shows that the positive association between breast cancer and endometriosis is not mediated through MBD.

A Practical, Clinical User-Friendly Format for Breast Ultrasound Report.

OBJECTIVE: Breast ultrasound (BUS) is often performed as an adjunct to mammography in breast cancer screening or for evaluating breast lesions. Our aim was to design a practical and user-friendly format for BUS that could include the details of the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System. MATERIALS AND METHODS: As a team of radiologists and surgeons trained in the management of breast diseases, we gathered and carried out the project in four phases-literature search and collection of present report formats, summarizing key points and preparing the first draft, seeking expert opinion and preparing the final format, and pilot testing-followed by a survey was answered by the research team's radiologists and surgeons. RESULTS: It produced a list of items to be stated in the BUS report, the final BUS report format, and the pilot format guide. Then, the radiologists used the format in three active ultrasound units in university-affiliated centers, and reports were referred to the surgeons. At the end of the project, the survey showed a high degree of ease of use, clarity, conciseness, comprehensiveness, and well-classified structure of the report format; but radiologists believed that the new organization took more time. CONCLUSION: We propose our design as a user-friendly and practical format for BUS reports. It should be used for a longer time and by various ultrasound centers in order to ascertain its benefits.

Effect of Soy Isoflavone on Hot Flushes, Endometrial Thickness, and Breast Clinical as well as Sonographic Features.

BACKGROUND: Phytoestrogens treatment to relieve hot flushes in menopausal women was considered recently. However, the actual effectiveness and safety are not clear. METHODS: Randomized clinical trial (IRCT#20100706004329N5) was performed in 204 patients who complained of hot flushes in Arash Women's Hospital, Tehran, Iran from 2013-2015. The first group received 50 mg isoflavone (group A) once daily and the second group received placebo (group B) in the same regimen. Patients were evaluated for breast examination (BE) and breast sonography (BS) as well as vaginal sonography at initial presentation and at 6th and 12th week follow-ups. Patients were educated to record frequency and severity of hot flushes. RESULTS: Group A experienced less hot flushes attack (6 vs 9 patients with 5< attacks in 6 wk (P= 0.05), 7 Vs 13 patients with 5< in 12 wk (P=0.01)) which was also less severe (8 vs 12 patients with severe symptoms in 6 wk (0.04) and 3 Vs 10 patients with severe symptoms in 12 wk (0.001). Isoflavone had no effect on neither breast density nor nodularity (in 6 wk, P=0.50 and 0.80, respectively and in 12 wk, P=0.32 and 0.43) and neither breast tenderness nor nipple discharge (in 6 wk, P=0.40 and 0.34 respectively and in 12 wk, P= 0.31 and 0.26). There were no significant differences in endometrial thickness in 6 and 12wk. CONCLUSION: Effects of isoflavone on frequency and severity of hot flushes in perimenopausal women is observed. Some clinical and ultrasonographic benign non-significant changes of the breast and endometrium are noted after isoflavone intake.

The Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Breast Density Changes: A Clinical Trial Study.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of supplementation with 50,000 IU/monthly vitamin D for 1 yr on breast density in Iranian women. METHODS: This double-blind, placebo-controlled, single center clinical trial was conducted among 400 women aged 40 yr and older. Participants were allocated to 2 groups. Group 1 received vitamin D (Cholecalciferol) 50,000 IU in tablet form, monthly, for 1 yr. Group 2 received vitamin E 400 IU in tablet form, monthly, for the same period of time. Participants had follow-up clinic visits every 6 mo and received an annual mammogram. RESULTS: Final data were evaluated based on 216 and 194 women in the vitamin D and control groups. The mean decrease in mammographic density was -5.01%(95% CI, -9.9% to -0.01%) and -2.34 %(95% CI, -6.84% to -2.15%) in the vitamin D and control groups, respectively. There was no significant association between vitamin D consumption and breast density after 1 yr (OR = 0.7, 95% CI, 0.46 to 1.06; P = 0.1).Similar results were observed when multivariate model of logistic regression analysis was performed. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that monthly consumption of 50,000 IU of vitamin D supplementation for 1 yr did not affect breast density.

Successful local and systemic medical treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy and a subsequent term pregnancy after treatment: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is controversial. The objective of this study was to report our successful experience in the medical treatment of CSP with potassium chloride (KCl) and methotrexate. CASE: This is a case series of six patients between 6-12 gestational weeks with the diagnosis of CSP. In five cases the fetus was alive and in one case, despite being at a gestational age of 12 weeks based on CRL, there was no fetal heart activity. In four of these cases, an ultrasound- guided KCl injection in the heart was performed on four living fetuses and then systemic methotrexate was administered. In two other cases, methotrexate was injected into the gestational sac and subsequently the systemic methotrexate was administered. During follow-up, the patients were stable and no complications occurred. Additionally, serum beta human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) was negative between five to 11 weeks later. One of the patients became pregnant one year later. Her pregnancy continued without any complication and she was delivered by cesarean section at the gestational age of 38 weeks. During caesarean section, it was noticed that the appearance of previous cesarean scar was normal and there was no scar. CONCLUSION: Based on our experience, the combination of systemic Methotrexate with local Methotrexate or KCl is feasible and can be performed as an outpatient procedure and is successful in the treatment of CSP.

Diagnostic accuracy of sonohysterography compared to endometrial biopsy in pre-menopausal women with abnormal uterine bleeding.

BACKGROUND: AUB is a common cause of women's referring to gynecologists. Although hysteroscopy is known as the gold standard technique for diagnosing the cause of AUB, sonohysterography is less invasive, and it is performed by general gynecologists. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of sonohysterography compared to the results of the endometrial biopsy, guided by hysteroscopy in premenopausal women with AUB. METHODS: This cross- sectional Study was conducted at the gynecological clinic of Roointan -Arash women's Hospital from February 2011 to February 2012. The study participants were 90 premenopausal female patients, who visited the clinic for AUB, for whom, hormonal, iatrogenic and systemic causes were ruled out. They underwent sonohysterography and hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy. The results of sonohysterography and pathological reports of endometrial biopsy were compared, and the diagnostic accuracy of sonohysterography for normal endometrium, endometrial polyps, sub mucosal fibroids and endometrial hyperplasia was evaluated. RESULTS: The diagnostic accuracy of sonohysterography was found to be 89.1% for the normal endometrium, 90% for endometrial polyps, 99% for sub mucosal fibroids and 94.4% for endometrial hyperplasia. CONCLUSION: Sonohysterography is an accurate, non-invasive and cost-effective method for diagnosing AUB causes compared to hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy. Therefore, as an initial diagnostic step, it can replace the alternative and less accurate methods such as transvaginal ultrasound, blind endometrial curettage or more costly and invasive methods such as hysteroscopy requiring anesthesia.

Association of mammographic breast density with dairy product consumption, sun exposure, and daily activity.

Background. Mammographic density is a risk factor, for breast cancer and its association with various factors is under investigation; we carried out a study to assess its relationship with daily dairy intake, sun exposure, and physical activities. Patients and Methods. Women ≥40 years of age were interviewed about habits of dairy product consumption, daily sun exposure and physical activity. Exclusion criteria consisted of history of breast cancer, consumption of calcium and vitamin D supplements, hormone replacement therapy, or renal disease. Mammographic densities were classified according to the classification system of the American College of Radiologists into 4 classes. Results. Overall 703 cases were entered in the study. The mean age was 48.2 ± 6.2 years. The most common and least frequent classes of mammographic density were classes 2 and 4, respectively. There was no significant association between mammographic density and rate of dairy consumption, amount of sunlight exposure, and daily physical activity. Conclusion. Relation of sunlight exposure and intake of milk products with mammographic density need further study, while the subject of physical activity can be evaluated by a systematic review and meta-analysis of the existing literature.

Levels of serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin d in benign and malignant breast masses.

BACKGROUND: The true association between breast cancer and vitamin D is currently under investigation. We compared serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels in women with benign and malignant breast masses and controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Levels of vitamin D were measured by electrochemiluminescense. Serum levels >35 ng/ml, 25-35 ng/ml, 12.5-25 ng/ml and <12.5 ng/ml were considered as normal, mild, moderate and severe vitamin D deficiency, respectively. RESULTS: Overall, 364 women were included in the control, 172 in the benign and 136 in the malignant groups. The median serum vitamin D level was significantly lower in breast cancers than controls. Levels were also lower in malignant than benign cases and in benign cases than controls although statistically non-significant. CONCLUSIONS: Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that severe vitamin D deficiency causes a three-fold increase in the risk of breast cancer while this was not the case for moderate and mild deficiency.

Imperfect correlation of mammographic and clinical breast tissue density.

BACKGROUND: Clinicians determine degree of mammographic density based on tissue firmness on breast examination. The study aimed to compare breast density in mammography and clinical breast examination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six-hundred sixty three women 40 years of age or older were studied. The breast exam density was graded from 1 to 4 by two expert surgeons and the mammographic parenchymal density by two expert radiologists. Then for practical reasons, grades 1 and 2 were considered as low-density and grades 3 and 4 as high-density. RESULTS: High and low densities were detected in 84.5% and 15.5% of clinical breast examinations and 59.7% and 40.3% of mammographies, respectively. The statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the breast tissue densities in breast examination with those in mammography. CONCLUSIONS: A clinically dense breast does not necessarily imply a dense mammographic picture.

Clinical and ultrasonographic changes of the breast after use of soy isoflavones.

BACKGROUND: Phytoestrogens may be an alternative therapy in control of menopausal symptoms but their definite effects on breast tissue must be determined. Our study aimed to define the clinical and ultrasonographic changes of the breast after use of soy isoflavones in menopausal women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Menopausal women with hot flashes were randomly grouped as cases and controls and cases received soy isoflavones for 12 weeks. Breast examination (BE) and ultrasonography (US) were done at 0, 6 and 12 weeks. Tenderness and nodularity on BE were graded 1-4 by breast surgeons. RESULTS: There were 30 women in the case and 26 in the control group. The mean age was 51.3 years and the mean age of menopause was 49.2 years. There was no change in the BE and US at 6 weeks in controls. In the case group, 10% had grade 1 tenderness and 13.3% grade 2 tenderness and grade 1 nodularity in BE accompanied with diffuse small cysts in US. At 12 weeks, there was no change in BE and US in the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: There was no statistically significant difference in the BE of the 2 groups at 6 and 12 weeks (p value=0.36 and 0.41 for nodularity and tenderness respectively) and in the US results. Although the literature contains many facts concerning PEs and the breast, further prospective studies are needed to identify structural breast changes produced by PEs in order to identify the appropriate dosage and indications of use.

Sildenafil citrate and uteroplacental perfusion in fetal growth restriction.

BACKGROUND: To determine whether the phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, Sildenafil citrate, affects uteroplacental perfusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on a randomized double-blinded and placebo-controlled trial, forty one pregnant women with documented intrauterine growth retardation at 24-37 weeks of gestation were evaluated for the effect of a single dose of Sildenafil citrate on uteroplacental circulation as determined by Doppler ultrasound study of the umbilical and middle cerebral arteries. Statistical analysis included χ(2)-test to compare proportions, and independent-samples t-test and paired student's t-test to compare continuous variables. RESULTS: Sildenafil group fetuses demonstrated a significant decrease in systolic/diastolic ratios (0.60 [SD 0.40] [95% Cl 0.37-0.84], P=0.000), and pulsatility index (0.12 [SD 0.15] [95% Cl 0.02-0.22], P=0.019) for the umbilical artery and a significant increase in middle cerebral artery pulsatility index (MCA PI) (0.51 [SD 0.60] [95% Cl 0.16-0.85], P=0.008). CONCLUSION: Doppler velocimetry index values reflect decreased placental bed vascular resistance after Sildenafil. Sildenafil citrate can improve fetoplacental perfusion in pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction. It could be a potential therapeutic strategy to improve uteroplacental blood flow in pregnancies with fetal growth restriction (FGR).