European Society of Breast Imaging (EUSOBI) guidelines on the management of axillary lymphadenopathy after COVID-19 vaccination: 2023 revision.

Axillary lymphadenopathy is a common side effect of COVID-19 vaccination, leading to increased imaging-detected asymptomatic and symptomatic unilateral axillary lymphadenopathy. This has threatened to negatively impact the workflow of breast imaging services, leading to the release of ten recommendations by the European Society of Breast Imaging (EUSOBI) in August 2021. Considering the rapidly changing scenario and data scarcity, these initial recommendations kept a highly conservative approach. As of 2023, according to newly acquired evidence, EUSOBI proposes the following updates, in order to reduce unnecessary examinations and avoid delaying necessary examinations. First, recommendation n. 3 has been revised to state that breast examinations should not be delayed or rescheduled because of COVID-19 vaccination, as evidence from the first pandemic waves highlights how delayed or missed screening tests have a negative effect on breast cancer morbidity and mortality, and that there is a near-zero risk of subsequent malignant findings in asymptomatic patients who have unilateral lymphadenopathy and no suspicious breast findings. Second, recommendation n. 7 has been revised to simplify follow-up strategies: in patients without breast cancer history and no imaging findings suspicious for cancer, symptomatic and asymptomatic imaging-detected unilateral lymphadenopathy on the same side of recent COVID-19 vaccination (within 12 weeks) should be classified as a benign finding (BI-RADS 2) and no further work-up should be pursued. All other recommendations issued by EUSOBI in 2021 remain valid.

MRI prediction of neoadjuvant chemotherapy response is equivalent in patients with or without mammographic calcifications: a step towards adapting surgical approach?

OBJECTIVES: Current surgical policy recommends comprehensive excision of tumorous calcifications in breast cancer patients following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) regardless of MRI outcomes, despite MRI defining tumor response superior to mammography. The current study examines MRI prediction of response in tumors with vs without calcifications, using post-NAC surgical pathology as the standard of reference. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 114 NAC patients between 2011 and 2018 including demographics, mammography, 3 T-MRI, and pathology compared two sub-groups: without (n = 62) or with (n = 52) mammographic calcifications. In the calcification cohort, the mammographic extent of calcifications and MRI enhancement overlapped. MRI prediction of response to NAC was correlated with pathology. Two-tailed paired T and Fisher's exact tests and Cohen's kappa coefficient were applied for analysis. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two sub-groups regarding demographics. Tumors demonstrated equivalent features regarding size, lymph node involvement, and DCIS component. ER-negative/HER2-positive tumors more commonly exhibited calcifications (33% n = 17 calcified vs 13% n = 8 non-calcified; p < 0.05); triple negative pathology rarely calcified (6% n = 3 calcified vs 33% n = 20 non-calcified; p < 0.05). NME was more common with calcifications (62% n = 32 calcified vs 29% n = 18 non-calcified; p < 0.05) and mass enhancement without (90% n = 56 non-calcified vs 81% n = 42 calcified; p < 0.05). Both groups responded similarly to NAC (pCR = 37% non-calcified vs 38% calcified); response on MRI equally correlated with pathology (69% both subgroups; p = 0.988). CONCLUSION: We propose utilizing post-NAC MRI findings rather than mammography in planning surgery, as MRI prediction is independent of the presence or absence of calcifications. Prospective studies to evaluate this approach are warranted. KEY POINTS: • No difference was found in demographic, clinical, pathology, or imaging characteristics between patients with or without tumoral calcifications on mammography prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. • Residual mammographic calcifications are inadequate predictors of residual invasive disease. MRI accurately recognized complete response and correctly correlated with post-treatment surgical pathology in 69% of patients, regardless of the presence or absence of mammographic calcifications. • We propose utilizing post-NAC MRI findings rather than mammography in planning post-NAC surgery, as MRI prediction of response is independent of the presence or absence of calcifications.

Preoperative MRI for Evaluation of Extent of Disease in IDC Compared to ILC.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the incremental value of preoperative breast MRI over mammography and US in depicting the accurate extent of disease in invasive duct carcinoma (IDC) compared to invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of pre-operative mammography, US and MRI was performed in 239 patients with either IDC (n = 193) or ILC (n = 46). Images were evaluated for solitary, multifocal or multi centric disease and compared for concordance with postsurgical pathology. Discordance was documented as either overestimation or underestimation. Two tailed paired T and Fischer's exact tests were used for analysis. RESULTS: Multifocality was present on pathology in 35% and 61% of patients with IDC and ILC (P < .05) and multicentricity in 23% and 41% respectively (P = .84). In ILC, MRI demonstrated better concordance with pathology compared to mammography and US (89%, 44%, 49% for multifocality [P < .05] and 80.5%, 63%, 71% for multicentricity [P = .3]). For IDC, concordance with pathology for all modalities was similar (65%-76%). Among discordant cases, underestimation was significantly more common for mammography and US, while MRI more frequently overestimated disease extent. MRI very rarely overestimated multifocal disease in ILC (2%). CONCLUSION: MRI demonstrates an 80% to 90% concordance rate with pathology for ILC, superior to mammography and US. The addition of MRI in IDC patients may decrease underestimation of disease extent and potentially contribute to a reduction in post-operative residual disease.

Breast Cancer with Low Recurrence Score on Oncotype DX©: Interplay Between Early Recurrence, Lobular Histology and BRCA Mutation.

INTRODUCTION: The 21-gene recurrence score assay Oncotype DX© (ODX) has clear prognostic and predictive value regarding adjuvant chemotherapy. However, recent studies have shown the clinical distinctiveness of both BRCA1/2-driven early breast cancer (EBC) and invasive lobular (ILC) breast cancers. We evaluated the association between BRCA1/2-driven EBC/ILC and Oncotype DX failure despite a recurrence score ≤ 20. METHODS: Here, we describe a small cohort of 16 patients from our center who, despite a low recurrence score (RS) ≤ 20, suffered from early disease recurrence. Clinical parameters of our cohort of patients were compared to a cohort from the general population of Clalit Health Service (CHS). RESULTS: Median age at diagnosis in our cohort was significantly younger. BRCA mutational status was available in 14 patients in our cohort. A high percentage of these patients had BRCA1/2 mutations (35.7%), either germline (in 3) or somatic (in 2). Half of our cohort was diagnosed with lobular carcinoma (ILC) relative to 10-15% in the general population of BC (p = 0.02). The median time to recurrence was 44 months. CONCLUSION: BRCA1/2 mutation and ILC are highly represented in this cohort. Although our cohort is small, these data may suggest that a RS ≤ 20 in these subgroups may not reflect a low risk of recurrence.

Breast cancer screening in women with extremely dense breasts recommendations of the European Society of Breast Imaging (EUSOBI).

Breast density is an independent risk factor for the development of breast cancer and also decreases the sensitivity of mammography for screening. Consequently, women with extremely dense breasts face an increased risk of late diagnosis of breast cancer. These women are, therefore, underserved with current mammographic screening programs. The results of recent studies reporting on contrast-enhanced breast MRI as a screening method in women with extremely dense breasts provide compelling evidence that this approach can enable an important reduction in breast cancer mortality for these women and is cost-effective. Because there is now a valid option to improve breast cancer screening, the European Society of Breast Imaging (EUSOBI) recommends that women should be informed about their breast density. EUSOBI thus calls on all providers of mammography screening to share density information with the women being screened. In light of the available evidence, in women aged 50 to 70 years with extremely dense breasts, the EUSOBI now recommends offering screening breast MRI every 2 to 4 years. The EUSOBI acknowledges that it may currently not be possible to offer breast MRI immediately and everywhere and underscores that quality assurance procedures need to be established, but urges radiological societies and policymakers to act on this now. Since the wishes and values of individual women differ, in screening the principles of shared decision-making should be embraced. In particular, women should be counselled on the benefits and risks of mammography and MRI-based screening, so that they are capable of making an informed choice about their preferred screening method. KEY POINTS: • The recommendations in Figure 1 summarize the key points of the manuscript.

"High-Risk Breast Cancer Screening in BRCA1/2 Carriers Leads to Early Detection and Improved Survival After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis".

BACKGROUND: Germline BRCA1/2 pathogenic variant (PV) carriers have high lifetime risk of developing breast cancer and therefore subjected to intense lifetime screening. However, solid data on the effectiveness of high-risk screening of the BRCA1/2 carrier population is limited. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospectively, we analyzed 346 women diagnosed with breast tumors. Patients were divided according to the timing of BRCA1/2 PVrecognition, before (BRCA-preDx awareness, N = 62) or after (BRCA-postDx awareness group, N = 284) cancer diagnosis. RESULTS: Median follow-up times were 131.42 and 93.77 months in the BRCA-preDx awareness and BRCA-postDx awareness groups, respectively. In the BRCA-preDx awareness group, 78.7% of the patients had invasive tumors and 21.3% were diagnosed with pure ductal carcinoma in situ. In contrast, in the BRCA-postDx awareness group over 93% of women were diagnosed with invasive cancer and only 6.4% had in situ disease. The mode of tumor detection differed significantly between the groups: 71.9% in the BRCA-postDx awareness group and 26.2% in the BRCA-preDx awareness group were diagnosed after personally palpating a lump. Tumor size and nodal involvement were significantly more favorable in the BRCA-preDx awareness group. T stage was significantly lower in the BRCA-preDx awareness group: 54.84% at T1 and 20.96% at Tis. In the BRCA-postDx awareness group, only 37.54% were at T1 and 6.49% at Tis. The N stage was also significantly lower in the BRCA-preDx awareness group: 71% had no lymph node metastases, compared with 56.1% in the BRCA-postDx awareness group. Additionally, therapeutic procedures varied between the groups: BRCA-preDx awareness group patients underwent more breast conserving surgeries. Axillary lymph node dissection was done in 38% of women in the BRCA-postDx awareness group and in only 8.7% of the BRCA-preDx awareness group patients. Interestingly, improved survival was found among patients who underwent high-risk screening (hazard ratio=0.34). CONCLUSIONS: High-risk screening might facilitate downstaging of detected breast tumor among BRCA1/2 carrier population.

Axillary lymphadenopathy at the time of COVID-19 vaccination: ten recommendations from the European Society of Breast Imaging (EUSOBI).

Unilateral axillary lymphadenopathy is a frequent mild side effect of COVID-19 vaccination. European Society of Breast Imaging (EUSOBI) proposes ten recommendations to standardise its management and reduce unnecessary additional imaging and invasive procedures: (1) in patients with previous history of breast cancer, vaccination should be performed in the contralateral arm or in the thigh; (2) collect vaccination data for all patients referred to breast imaging services, including patients undergoing breast cancer staging and follow-up imaging examinations; (3) perform breast imaging examinations preferentially before vaccination or at least 12 weeks after the last vaccine dose; (4) in patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer, apply standard imaging protocols regardless of vaccination status; (5) in any case of symptomatic or imaging-detected axillary lymphadenopathy before vaccination or at least 12 weeks after, examine with appropriate imaging the contralateral axilla and both breasts to exclude malignancy; (6) in case of axillary lymphadenopathy contralateral to the vaccination side, perform standard work-up; (7) in patients without breast cancer history and no suspicious breast imaging findings, lymphadenopathy only ipsilateral to the vaccination side within 12 weeks after vaccination can be considered benign or probably-benign, depending on clinical context; (8) in patients without breast cancer history, post-vaccination lymphadenopathy coupled with suspicious breast finding requires standard work-up, including biopsy when appropriate; (9) in patients with breast cancer history, interpret and manage post-vaccination lymphadenopathy considering the timeframe from vaccination and overall nodal metastatic risk; (10) complex or unclear cases should be managed by the multidisciplinary team.

Image-guided breast biopsy and localisation: recommendations for information to women and referring physicians by the European Society of Breast Imaging.

We summarise here the information to be provided to women and referring physicians about percutaneous breast biopsy and lesion localisation under imaging guidance. After explaining why a preoperative diagnosis with a percutaneous biopsy is preferred to surgical biopsy, we illustrate the criteria used by radiologists for choosing the most appropriate combination of device type for sampling and imaging technique for guidance. Then, we describe the commonly used devices, from fine-needle sampling to tissue biopsy with larger needles, namely core needle biopsy and vacuum-assisted biopsy, and how mammography, digital breast tomosynthesis, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging work for targeting the lesion for sampling or localisation. The differences among the techniques available for localisation (carbon marking, metallic wire, radiotracer injection, radioactive seed, and magnetic seed localisation) are illustrated. Type and rate of possible complications are described and the issue of concomitant antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy is also addressed. The importance of pathological-radiological correlation is highlighted: when evaluating the results of any needle sampling, the radiologist must check the concordance between the cytology/pathology report of the sample and the radiological appearance of the biopsied lesion. We recommend that special attention is paid to a proper and tactful approach when communicating to the woman the need for tissue sampling as well as the possibility of cancer diagnosis, repeat tissue sampling, and or even surgery when tissue sampling shows a lesion with uncertain malignant potential (also referred to as "high-risk" or B3 lesions). Finally, seven frequently asked questions are answered.

Intravenous Line Phase-Wrap Artifact at Bilateral Axial 3-T Breast MRI: Identification, Analysis, and Solution.

Purpose: To understand and remove the source of a phase-wrap artifact produced by residual contrast agent in the intravenous line during acquisition of bilateral axial 3-T dynamic contrast material-enhanced (DCE) breast MRI. Materials and Methods: A two-part study involved a phantom experiment, followed by an institutional review board approved clinical intervention, to evaluate the phase-wrap artifact at MRI. A phantom model evaluated artifact production by using an intravenous line filled with fluids with varying concentrations of gadolinium-based contrast agent (0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, and 2 mmol/mL) and by positioning the simulated intravenous line within several fields of view (FOV) at 3-T MRI in breast coils. Next, a clinical assessment was performed with a total of 400 patients (control group:interventional group, 200:200) to determine the effect of taping the intravenous line to the patients' backs. Breast MR images were assessed blindly for the presence of the artifact. Software was used for statistical analysis with a P value of less than .05 considered a significant difference. Results: In the phantom model, the artifact was produced only with a 0.4 mmol/mL gadolinium concentration and when the tubing was either close to the edge or within a FOV of 350-450 mm. In the clinical experiment, the artifact was more prevalent in the retrospective control group than in the prospective intervention group (52.5% [105 of 200] vs 22% [44 of 200]; P < .005). Conclusion: The presence of phase-wrap artifacts can be reduced by moving the contrast agent intravenous line out of the FOV during acquisition by taping it to a patient's back during bilateral axial 3-T DCE breast MRI.Keywords: Breast, MR-Imaging, Phantom Studies© RSNA, 2020.

Regulation of Cellular Heterogeneity and Rates of Symmetric and Asymmetric Divisions in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.

Differentiation events contribute to phenotypic cellular heterogeneity within tumors and influence disease progression and response to therapy. Here, we dissect mechanisms controlling intratumoral heterogeneity within triple-negative basal-like breast cancers. Tumor cells expressing the cytokeratin K14 possess a differentiation state that is associated with that of normal luminal progenitors, and K14-negative cells are in a state closer to that of mature luminal cells. We show that cells can transition between these states through asymmetric divisions, which produce one K14+ and one K14- daughter cell, and that these asymmetric divisions contribute to the generation of cellular heterogeneity. We identified several regulators that control the proportion of K14+ cells in the population. EZH2 and Notch increase the numbers of K14+ cells and their rates of symmetric divisions, and FOXA1 has an opposing effect. Our findings demonstrate that asymmetric divisions generate differentiation transitions and heterogeneity, and identify pathways that control breast cancer cellular composition.

Mammographic breast density in recent and longer-standing ethiopian immigrants to israel.

High breast density is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer development. Little is known concerning ethnic variations in breast density and its relevant contributing factors. We aimed to study breast density among Ethiopian immigrants to Israel in comparison with Israeli-born women and to determine any effect on breast density of the length of residency in the immigrant population. Mammographic breast density using the BI-RADS system was estimated and compared between 77 women of Ethiopian origin who live in Israel and 177 Israeli-born controls. Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the odds ratios (OR) for high density (BI-RADS score ≥ 3) vs low density (BI-RADS score < 3) cases, comparing the 2 origin groups. Ethiopian-born women had a crude OR of 0.15 (95% CI: 0.08-0.26) for high breast density compared with Israeli-born women. Adjustments for various cofounders did not affect the results. Time since immigration to Israel seemed to modify the relationship, with a stronger association for women who immigrated within 2 years prior to mammography (OR:0.07, 95% CI: 0.03-0.17) as opposed to women with a longer residency stay in Israel (OR:0.23, 95% CI:0.10-0.50). Adjustments of various confounders did not alter these findings. Breast density in Ethiopian immigrants to Israel is significantly lower than that of Israeli-born controls. Our study suggests a positive association between time since immigration and breast density. Future studies are required to define the possible effects of dietary change on mammographic density following immigration.

Optical Imaging of the Breast: Basic Principles and Clinical Applications.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article is to summarize the physical principles, technology features, and first clinical applications of optical imaging techniques to the breast. CONCLUSION: Light-breast tissue interaction is expressed as absorption and scattering coefficients, allowing image reconstruction based on endogenous or exogenous contrast. Diffuse optical spectroscopy and imaging, fluorescence molecular tomography, photoacoustic imaging, and multiparametric infrared imaging show potential for clinical application, especially for lesion characterization, estimation of cancer probability, and monitoring the effect of neoadjuvant therapy.

Position paper on screening for breast cancer by the European Society of Breast Imaging (EUSOBI) and 30 national breast radiology bodies from Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Israel, Lithuania, Moldova, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey.

EUSOBI and 30 national breast radiology bodies support mammography for population-based screening, demonstrated to reduce breast cancer (BC) mortality and treatment impact. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the reduction in mortality is 40 % for women aged 50-69 years taking up the invitation while the probability of false-positive needle biopsy is <1 % per round and overdiagnosis is only 1-10 % for a 20-year screening. Mortality reduction was also observed for the age groups 40-49 years and 70-74 years, although with "limited evidence". Thus, we firstly recommend biennial screening mammography for average-risk women aged 50-69 years; extension up to 73 or 75 years, biennially, is a second priority, from 40-45 to 49 years, annually, a third priority. Screening with thermography or other optical tools as alternatives to mammography is discouraged. Preference should be given to population screening programmes on a territorial basis, with double reading. Adoption of digital mammography (not film-screen or phosphor-plate computer radiography) is a priority, which also improves sensitivity in dense breasts. Radiologists qualified as screening readers should be involved in programmes. Digital breast tomosynthesis is also set to become "routine mammography" in the screening setting in the next future. Dedicated pathways for high-risk women offering breast MRI according to national or international guidelines and recommendations are encouraged. KEY POINTS: • EUSOBI and 30 national breast radiology bodies support screening mammography. • A first priority is double-reading biennial mammography for women aged 50-69 years. • Extension to 73-75 and from 40-45 to 49 years is also encouraged. • Digital mammography (not film-screen or computer radiography) should be used. • DBT is set to become "routine mammography" in the screening setting in the next future.

Introduction: Imaging in reproduction.

The authors of this Views and Reviews outline in detail the indispensable role of imaging tools-ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging-in the diagnosis and treatment of female and male factor infertility. Equipment producing diagnostic images, coupled with ever-increasing computing power, will pave the way for novel functional dynamic studies that will expand the understanding of reproductive processes and their management.

Gemcitabine in combination with paclitaxel for advanced soft-tissue sarcomas.

A limited number of chemotherapeutic agents have been found to be active against advanced soft-tissue sarcomas (STSs), particularly sarcomas that have progressed following doxorubicin treatment. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the response to treatment with gemcitabine plus paclitaxel in patients with STSs. Data were collected on all patients with advanced non-resectable STS who were treated with a fixed dose 700 mg/m2 gemcitabine in combination with 70 mg/m2 paclitaxel on days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks. A total of 30 patients were included, with a median age of 56.4 years (range, 40-70 years). The gemcitabine/paclitaxel combination was well tolerated, with an overall response in 27% and a clinical benefit in 57% of the patients. The median progression-free survival was 6.1 months and the overall survival was 14.3 months. In conclusion, gemcitabine plus paclitaxel was found to be tolerable and effective in patients with advanced STSs.

JOURNAL CLUB: Is screening MRI indicated for women with a personal history of breast cancer? Analysis based on biopsy results.

OBJECTIVE: American College of Radiology and Society of Breast Imaging guidelines call for routine breast MRI screening only for women with the highest risk profiles for development of breast cancer, suggesting that screening of women at lower risk might result in an increased frequency of false-positive biopsy results. The purpose of this study was to test this assumption by comparing MRI-guided biopsy outcomes of lesions detected at MRI screening of women with a personal history of breast cancer with outcomes among women with genetic or familial high risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Outcomes of 130 MRI-guided biopsies were analyzed. One group consisted of women with hereditary (genetic or familial) risk, and the other group consisted of women with a personal history of breast cancer. Biopsies were performed with a 9-gauge vacuum-assisted device or surgically after MRI localization. RESULTS: Of 130 MRI-guided biopsies, 20 (15%) yielded malignant histologic findings, 14 (11%) yielded high-risk lesions, and 96 (74%) had benign findings. There was a slightly higher malignancy rate for the personal-risk group (19%) compared with the hereditary-risk group (13.5%). There also was a slightly higher combined rate of malignancy and high-risk lesions (34% vs 22%) with no statistically significant difference (p < 0.25, p < 0.12). Patients in the hereditary-risk group were younger (44 ± 1.2 vs 54 ± 1.7 years; p < 0.001) than those in the personal-risk group. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary data show no difference between the two risk groups with respect to probability of an MRI-guided biopsy result of malignancy, calling into question the proposed assumption. Further prospective studies of the role of MRI screening combined with MRI-guided biopsy when required for patients with previously treated localized breast cancer may be indicated.

A novel functional infrared imaging system coupled with multiparametric computerised analysis for risk assessment of breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated a functional three-dimensional (3D) infrared imaging system (3DIRI) coupled with multiparametric computer analysis for risk assessment of breast cancer. The technique provides objective risk assessment for the presence of a malignant tumour based on automated parameters derived from a clinically known training set. METHODS: Following institutional review board approval, we recruited 434 women for this prospective multicentre trial, including 256 healthy woman undergoing routine screening mammography with BI-RADS-1 results and 178 women with newly diagnosed breast cancer. This was a two-phase study: an initial training and calibration phase, followed by a two-armed blinded evaluation phase (52 healthy and 66 with breast cancer). 3DIRI data sets were acquired using a non-contact, no radiation system. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of functional infrared imaging in providing the correct risk for the presence of breast cancer were 90.9 % and 72.5 %, respectively. The area under the ROC curve was 86 %. Forty-two of the 60 (70 %) cancers in women correctly classified by the system as suspicious were smaller than 20 mm in size. CONCLUSION: The preliminary blinded results of this novel technology show sufficient performance of functional infrared imaging in providing risk assessment for breast cancer to warrant further clinical studies. KEY POINTS: • 3D functional infrared imaging (3DIRI) provides new metabolic signatures from breast lesions. • 3DIRI offers high sensitivity for risk assessment of breast cancer. • It also has reasonable specificity. • This initial experience warrants further evaluation in larger clinical trials.

Blind spots at oncological CT: lessons learned from PET/CT.

Improved accuracy in oncological computed tomography (CT) could lead to a decrease in morbidity and improved survival for oncology patients. Visualization of metabolic activity using the glucose analogue [(18)F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) in combination with the high anatomic resolution of CT in an integrated positron emission tomography (PET)/CT examination has the highest sensitivity and specificity for the detection of primary and metastatic lesions. However, PET/CT costs are high and patient access is limited; thus CT remains the primary imaging modality in oncology patients. We have noted that subtle lesions are more easily detected on CT by radiologists with PET/CT experience. We aimed to provide a brief review of the literature with comparisons of multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) and PET/CT in primary and metastatic disease with an emphasis on findings that may be overlooked on MDCT in cancer of the breast, lung, colon, and ovaries, and in melanoma, as well as thrombosis in oncology patients. We further reviewed our experience for illustrative comparisons of PET/CT and MDCT studies. Experience in interpreting conventional CT scans alongside PET/CT can help the reader develop an appreciation for the subtle appearance of some lesions on CT that might otherwise be missed. This could improve detection rates, reduce errors, and improve patient management.

Magnetic resonance-guided interventional procedures of the breast: initial experience.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging of the breast has emerged as a valuable imaging tool in addition to conventional imaging modalities. It has high sensitivity for malignant lesions and can detect mammographically, sonographically and clinically occult cancers. "MR only" lesions are best biopsied under MR guidance; however, this may be a challenging task. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate our initial clinical experience with MR-guided core needle breast biopsy and MR-guided needle localization. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 81 women with 97 lesions, who were scheduled for guided core needle biopsy or MR-guided needle localization followed by surgery. Lesions were categorized as malignant, high risk, or benign according to the BI-RADS MR classification system. MR findings were compared with final histopathology or with follow-up imaging findings. RESULTS: Fifteen (16%) lesions were malignant (9 invasive ductal carcinoma, 2 invasive lobular carcinoma, 4 ductal carcinoma in situ); 7 (7%) lesions were high risk (4 atypical ductal hyperplasia, 3 radial scars); 75 (77%) lesions were benign, mainly fibrocystic changes. Other benign findings were sclerosing adenosis, pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia, fat necrosis, intraductal papilloma, fibroadenoma, capillary hemangioma, and florid ductal hyperplasia. No major complications were encountered. CONCLUSIONS: MR-guided interventional procedures of the breast are accurate, safe and feasible methods for sampling breast lesions detected only by MR and have become a significant tool in the management of certain patients.

Breast magnetic resonance imaging characteristics in women with occult primary breast carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Occult breast cancer without clinically or mammographically detectable breast tumor is an uncommon presentation. OBJECTIVES: To assess the role of breast MRI in women with metastatic carcinoma and an occult primary, and to define the MRI characteristics of the primary breast tumor. METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated 20 women with metastatic carcinoma of unknown origin who underwent breast MRI between 2000 and 2006. Four women were excluded, leaving 16 in the study group. Probability of malignancy was assessed according to BIRADS classification. MRI performance in detecting lesions and evaluating disease extent was assessed, with the gold standard being surgical or biopsy pathology. RESULTS: MRI detected suspicious lesions in 15 patients. Lesion size ranged from 0.4 to 7 cm (median 1.5 cm). MRI detected a single lesion in 6 patients (40%), multifocal disease in 3 (20%), multicentric disease in 4 (27%), and bilateral breast lesions in 2 (13%). In 13 patients MRI depicted the primary breast cancer. Initial treatment was surgical in 9; MRI correctly estimated disease extent in 6 (67%), underestimated disease extent in 1 (11%), and overestimated it in 2 (22%). Four patients had biopsy followed by chemotherapy; one had multicentric disease and one had multifocal disease. MR findings were false positive in two patients and false negative in one. CONCLUSIONS: MRI is sensitive in detecting the primary tumor and beneficial in assessing tumor extent. Small size and multiple foci are common features. We suggest that bilateral breast MRI be part of the evaluation of women with metastatic carcinoma and an occult primary.