Cavity shaving for invasive breast cancer conservative surgery: Reduced specimen volume and margin positive rates.

INTRODUCTION: The cavity shaving (CS) technique was described in breast conserving surgery to reduce the rate of reoperation avoiding the need for intraoperative margin analysis. This study assesses differences in the rates of involvement of the surgical margin (requiring further surgery) and volume of surgical specimens, depending on the use or not of this technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in patients with breast carcinoma who underwent breast conserving surgery between 2013 and 2019. They were divided into two groups depending on whether the cavity shaving technique was used or not. Primary outcomes of the study included presence of final margin involvement, requiring need for further surgery, and the volume of excised tissue comparing the study groups. RESULTS: A total of 202 cases were included: 92 in the control group and 110 in the cavity shaving group. Significant differences were found regarding involvement of the final margin (19.57% control group vs. 4.55% cavity shaving group; p = 0.010). The volume of additional surgical specimens were significantly greater in the traditional technique group than in the shaving technique (46.43 vs 13.32 cm3; p = 0.01) as was total specimen volume (143.40 vs 100.63 cm3; p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: CS can reduce the positive margin and re-excision rates without larger-volume resections and should therefore be considered a routine technique in BCS for early-stage breast cancer.

A New Therapeutic Application of Platelet-Rich Plasma to Chronic Breast Wounds: A Prospective Observational Study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment for chronic wounds (CWs) of the breast. A prospective study was performed in 23 patients with CW of the breast who were treated with PRP. The procedure was repeated until the wound was closed completely. The study included patients with a history of breast cancer (n = 8) and patients without cancer (n = 15). The treatment with PRP was successful in all cases and observed in ≤4 weeks in 82.6% (19/23) of patients. The patients without breast cancer showed significantly less time for wound closure than the patients with a history of breast cancer. Moreover, a greater number of PRP treatments were necessary to achieve wound closure in patients undergoing conservative breast treatment. No patients had complications associated with the application of PRP. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to reveal that PRP treatment for CWs of the breast is safe, simple, useful and well-tolerated by patients.

A New Treatment for Mammillary Fistulas Using Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Needle Electrolysis.

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle electrolysis (PNE) in mammillary fistulas (MFs). A prospective study was performed in 18 patients with MF who were treated with the PNE technique. The technique was repeated in the case of no response or recurrence. The results obtained show that MFs revealing an elongated appearance with the ultrasound (US) are generally resolved with two sessions of PNE, whereas ovoid MFs require several sessions of PNE for complete resolution and they tend to recur. Success of the treatment with PNE was observed in 88.8% of the patients (16/18), and failure, after five or six sessions in two cases (11.2%), which were referred for surgery. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge this is the first study to reveal that the PNE technique is safe, effective, quick, and well-tolerated by patients.

A New Management Technique for Symptomatic Haematomas Following Therapeutic Vacuum-Assisted Biopsy.

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of the vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB) system in evacuating symptomatic haematomas after VAB excision of benign breast lesions. We retrospectively analysed the data of eight patients with symptomatic and large haematomas who were treated with VAB evacuation between 10 and 14 days after VAB excision. Only one case underwent the procedure 24 h after VAB excision, due to the patient reporting intense pain, which was relieved after application of the technique, even though it had to be done twice. This new clinical application of the VAB system for evacuating symptomatic breast haematomas was successful in all the cases in the present study. No technique-related complications were observed. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to reveal that VAB evacuation of symptomatic haematomas is safe, effective, quick and well-tolerated by patients.

Evaluation of rat liver with ARFI elastography: In vivo and ex vivo study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare in vivo vs ex vivo liver stiffness in rats with acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography using the histological findings as the gold standard. METHODS: Eighteen male Wistar rats aged 16-18 months were divided into a control group (n = 6) and obese group (n = 12). Liver stiffness was measured with shear wave velocity (SWV) using the ARFI technique both in vivo and ex vivo. The degree of fibrosis, steatosis and liver inflammation was evaluated in the histological findings. Pearson's correlation coefficient was applied to relate the SWV values to the histological parameters. RESULTS: The SWV values acquired in the ex vivo study were significantly lower than those obtained in vivo (P < 0.004). A significantly higher correlation value between the degree of liver fibrosis and the ARFI elastography assessment was observed in the ex vivo study (r = 0.706, P < 0.002), than the in vivo study (r = 0.623, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Assessment of liver stiffness using ARFI elastography yielded a significant correlation between SWV and liver fibrosis in both the in vivo and ex vivo experiments. We consider that by minimising the influence of possible sources of artefact we could improve the accuracy of the measurements acquired with ARFI.

Resonancia magnética en el cáncer de mama tratado con neoadyuvancia: correlación radiopatológica de la respuesta / Magnetic resonance in breast cancer treated with neoadyuvant therapy: Radiopathological correlation of response

Objetivo: La quimioterapia neoadyuvante (QTN) es una modalidad de tratamiento fundamental en el cáncer de mama (CM). El objetivo de este estudio es analizar las respuestas radiológica (RR) y patológica (RP) de pacientes con CM sometidas a QTN, estudiar su concordancia y las variables relacionadas con dichas respuestas. Pacientes y métodos: Se incluyen 63 pacientes tratadas con QTN en las que se evaluó la RR con RM pre y post-QTN, y la RP, mediante la clasificación de Miller y Payne, tanto para la enfermedad mamaria como para la axilar. Se realizó un análisis univariante y multivariante de las variables clinicopatológicas para la RR y RP, así como un análisis de concordancia entre respuestas. Resultados: Los porcentajes de respuesta fueron del 52,4% para RR, del 63,5% para RP local y del 57,2% para RP axilar. Resultaron factores predictivos independientes de la RR: un BRCA+ y el tipo de curva en la RM post-QTN. El único factor predictivo para la RP en la mama fue el realce tumoral en la RM post-QTN y para la RP axilar: realizar la BSGC y receptores hormonales negativos. Aunque se identifica correlación entre RR y RP, esta solo fue significativa en la enfermedad axilar. Conclusiones: Existen factores predictivos de RR, RP en mama y RP axilar que hacen útil el uso de la RM en la valoración de la QTN. La concordancia entre RR y RP fue mayor a nivel axilar

Aim: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is a fundamental treatment in breast cancer (BC). The objective of this study was to analyse the radiological response (RR) and pathological response (PR) of patients with BC by studying the agreement between RR and PR and response-related variables. Patients and methods: The study included 63 patients treated with NAC. We evaluated RR with pre- and post-CT MRI and PR by the Miller and Payne classification, both for breast and axillary disease. Univariate and multivariate analyses of the clinicopathological variables for RR and PR were carried out, as well as an analysis of the concordance between responses. Results: The response rates were 52.4% for RR, 63.5% for local PR and 57.2% for axillary PR. Independent predictive factors of RR were BRCA positivity and the type of curve post-NAC on MRI. The only independent predictor of PR in the breast was tumor enhancement post-NAC on MRI, while independent predictors of axillary PR were performing SSNB and negative hormone receptors. Although there was a correlation between RR and PR, it was only significant in axillary disease. Conclusions: This study found predictive factors of RR, PR in the breast and axillary PR and consequently RMI is useful in the assessment of NAC. The concordance between RR and PR was greater in the axilla

Acoustic radiation force impulse imaging for detection of liver fibrosis in overweight and obese children.

Background Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) is a non-invasive alternative to a liver biopsy for the evaluation of liver fibrosis (LF). Purpose To investigate the potential usefulness of acoustic radiation force impulse ARFI for detecting LF in overweight and obese children Material and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 148 schoolchildren. A diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and LF was based on ultrasound (US) and ARFI shear wave velocity (SWV). Results The laboratory parameters were normal in all the children. NAFLD was observed in 50 children (33.8%). The median SWV was 1.18 ± 0.28 m/s. Differences between ARFI categories and hepatic steatosis grades were observed (χ2 = 43.38, P = 0.0005). No fibrosis or insignificant fibrosis (SWV ≤ 1.60 m/s) was detected in 137 children (92.5%), and significant fibrosis (SWV > 1.60 m/s) in 11 children (7.5%), nine of whom had normal US or mild steatosis. Conclusion The present study is the first to evaluate the utility of the ARFI technique for detecting LF in overweight and obese children. The results of the study suggest that children with normal laboratory parameters such as normal liver ultrasound or mild steatosis may present with significant LF.

A new method for the prevention of skin laceration during vacuum-assisted breast biopsy.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a new technique to prevent skin laceration during ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy with the insertion of a spinal needle between the mass and the skin. METHODS: The study includes 118 patients with 118 breast imaging-reporting and data system Category 3 masses located very close to the skin or areola, which were excised using the mammotome system with a spinal needle inserted just above the site of insertion of the probe. RESULTS: The mean distance between the most superficial portion of the mass to the under surface of the overlying skin was 1.3 ± 0.4 mm. The average procedure time was 13.5 ± 4.2 min. A complete excision was achieved in 100% of the cases, and the procedure was well tolerated by all the patients. No patient experienced serious adverse events such as a skin laceration. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to prevent skin laceration during vacuum assisted breast biopsy. Advances in knowledge: The method described in this study is simple, safe and well tolerated by patients.

'Management multiple myeloma during pregnancy: a case report and review'.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematologic neoplasm characterized by plasma tumor cell proliferation in the bone marrow. It's a rare malignancy before a 40-year-old and it is extremely uncommon during pregnancy. We report the case of a 37-year-old woman with a newly diagnosed IgG λ MM (Durie-Salmon stage IIIA, International Staging System II and good prognosis cytogenetic) at the 27th week of her pregnancy. Our management during pregnancy, the delivery, and initiation of anti-myeloma treatment with bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone are published. There are a few reviews reporting the most common features and management of MM during pregnancy. We perform a comprehensive review of all 32 cases reported between 1965 and 2014 in which a MM was diagnosed during pregnancy including score, cytogenetic results, labor characteristics, and response to therapy. About 53% of pregnant women did not start treatment before partum. Cesarean section was the most common form of delivery (82%). About 88% of newborns were healthy, although most of them were premature (73%). Management of a MM diagnosed during pregnancy should be based on the presence of myeloma-related organ damage to secure survival of the mother without fetal adverse effects related to treatment. Serial fetal ultrasound may be helpful in order to avoid complications. The cesarean section may be preferred depending on maternal and fetus prognosis. Whole-body diffusion-weighted imaging minimal response could be an appropriate technique to discard plasmacytomas during pregnancy in critical situations such as the appearance of symptoms of spinal cord compression. Therapeutic choices should be agreed with the pregnant after a thorough discussion of the prognostic factors of the disease and the potential risk for the fetus and the patient. While awaiting partum, dexamethasone is a non-toxic treatment. Triple therapy including a proteasome inhibitor should be started quickly after delivery. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Estudio del cambio de perfil del médico interno residente en un período de cuatro años en un hospital de tercer nivel / Profile changes of medical postgraduate residents. A 4-year study in a tertiary hospital

Introducción: Los recientes cambios socioeconómicos pueden modificar las características de los residentes que se incorporen a la formación sanitaria especializada (FSE), por lo que es oportuno, como punto de partida, estudiar algunas de sus particularidades en estos últimos años, incluida la incidencia de la denominada 'recirculación' dentro de la FSE. Sujetos y métodos: Se analizaron los datos demográficos, número obtenido en la convocatoria y otras características de todos los médicos internos residentes (MIR) que accedieron al Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (Murcia) durante el periodo 2009-2012. El estudio de la recirculación se limitó a los MIR ingresados en 2011 y 2012. Resultados: De los 226 MIR, 55% de sexo femenino, 73% de nacionalidad española, edad mediana de 25 años (rango intercuartílico: 25-28), la elección más frecuente es una especialidad clínica, y la mediana del número de acceso MIR, de 2.413 (rango intercuartílico: 1.305-3.425). El número de acceso es mejor en los varones que en las mujeres y en especialidades quirúrgicas respecto a médicas. La proporción de mujeres y de MIR de nacionalidad no española no ha cambiado significativamente durante los cuatro años. La recirculación se evidenció en el 17,1% (9,9% por segunda especialización y 7,2% por cambio de especialidad o con titulación fuera de la FSE antes de su conclusión). Conclusiones: Nuestros MIR en un hospital de tercer nivel son mujeres en mayor proporción. Un mejor número de acceso al examen MIR se asocia a varones y especialidades quirúrgicas. La tasa de recirculación en el periodo 2011-2012 no es desdeñable, predominando la reespecialización

Introduction: Recent economic and social changes may result in changes in the profile of our Residents currently admitted to postgraduate medical training (PMT) programs. Therefore, it seemed appropriate to study the current profile of trainees and proportion of residents retraining within our PMT programs to know the extent of these changes. Subjects and methods. We analyzed the demographic, examination score and other trainee data of 226 residents admitted to PMT programs in a tertiary hospital (Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia) during the 2009-2012 period. The study of retraining was limited to years 2011 and 2012. Results: Among 226 residents, females accounted for 55%, median age was 25 years (interquartile range: 25-28), they more frequently chose a clinical specialty, their median score in the national examination was 2,413 (interquartile range: 1,305-3,425) and there was no change in the proportion of foreign residents during the study. Male gender and the option for a surgical specialty were associated with a better examination score. Retraining accounted for 17.1% of our residents: 9.9% entered the PMT system to carry out a second specialty and 7.2 % after a previously unfinished specialty. Conclusions: The residents' profile in a tertiary hospital has remained unchanged during the last four years apart from a higher proportion of females. A higher score in the PTM examination was associated with male gender and the option for a surgical specialty. The proportion of foreign trainees did not change. The retraining rate among our residents was not negligible and was mostly due to respecialization

Reproducibility of shear wave velocity measurements by acoustic radiation force impulse imaging of the liver: a study in healthy volunteers.

OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study were to investigate interobserver reproducibility using acoustic radiation force impulse imaging and to develop an acoustic radiation force impulse scoring system. METHODS: Fifty healthy volunteers with normal liver function test values were selected for the study. Shear wave velocity measurements, expressed in meters per second, were taken in a deep portion of liver segment 6. Two observers with different levels of experience performed the measurements independently and blindly. RESULTS: All of the measurements taken by the 2 observers were valid, even in volunteers with a body mass index of greater than 28 kg/m(2). The results point to very good interobserver reproducibility of shear wave velocity measurements, with an intraclass coefficient correlation of 0.86 (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that shear wave velocity measurements using the acoustic radiation force impulse technique and a standardized protocol are accurate and reproducible.

Assessment of liver steatosis in chicken by using acoustic radiation force impulse imaging: preliminary results.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging as a non-invasive tool for quantification of the grades of liver steatosis in chickens. METHODS: We used two different diets: a standard diet (SD group) and a hyperlipidaemic diet (HD group). The ARFI technique was performed in all the animals in the right hepatic lobe and shear wave velocity (SWV) was measured and expressed in metres per second (m/s). Plasma lipid levels were analysed. Steatosis was quantified by using semiquantitative analysis. Statistical analysis was used and Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated. RESULTS: Mean SWV was 0.94 ± 0.16 m/s (range 0.8-1.3 m/s) in the SD group and 1.91 ± 0.25 m/s (range 1.3-2.2 m/s) in the HD group (p < 0.001). The lowest SWVs (≤1.3 m/s) corresponded to the chickens in the SD group, with 100% of the animals returning a score of 0, whereas the range of SWV in the HD group chickens was between 1.6 and 2.2 m/s. A substantial correlation was observed between SWVs with histological semiquantitative analysis of steatosis (r = 0.85, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: ARFI imaging is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that allows discrimination between the grades of liver steatosis in chickens.