Long term radiographic findings of breast brachytherapy: Implications of surgical volume.

PURPOSE: Little is known about long-term radiographic findings after treatment with accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI). METHODS: Univariate and multivariate analysis of factors leading to formation and resolution of seroma were performed in patients treated with lumpectomy and APBI. RESULTS: Post-treatment images of 129 patients were reviewed by one radiologist. Median surgical excision volume was 108.9 cc (range 20.5-681.9). Primary mode of imaging was mammogram. Median time from end of RT to first and last surveillance image was 6 and 54 months, respectively. Median number of images was 7 (range 3-12). Seroma was identified in 98 (76%) patients, with median maximum diameter of 3.9 cm. Forty (41%) patients experienced resolution of seroma, at a median time of 29 months (range 6-74). On univariate analysis, surgical excision volume was associated with seroma formation, and tumor stage and margin re-excision were significant on univariate and multivariate analysis. No factors were associated with seroma resolution. CONCLUSION: Seroma formation after APBI resolves around 2.5 years for many patients, but persists for others possibly due to primary tumor and surgical excision volumes. With revised criteria on the definition of positive margins, smaller volumes may lead to decreased risk of seroma formation for future patients.

Patient blood transfusion management: discharge hemoglobin level as a surrogate marker for red blood cell utilization appropriateness.

BACKGROUND: Blood transfusion management strategies minimize transfusion-associated risks, enhance outcomes, and reduce costs. We explored an association of discharge hemoglobin (Hb) with pretransfusion Hb, transfusion indications, and red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. We stipulate that patients with discharge Hb concentrations greater than 10.0 g/dL, or even 9.0 g/dL, received excessive RBC transfusions. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We examined aggregate data from five hospitals and for one of the hospitals, the focus hospital, we reviewed patient records for a period of 6 months. Data analyses included number of RBC units transfused and Hb values before transfusion, after transfusion, and at discharge. RESULTS: In aggregate, 27% to 47% patients had discharge Hb levels greater than 10.0 g/dL. At the focus hospital, 27% had a discharge Hb level greater than 10 g/dL and 50.3% had a discharge Hb level greater than 9.0 g/dL. At the focus hospital, the mean Hb trigger for transfusion was a Hb level of 7.3 g/dL; the mean posttransfusion Hb level was 9.3 g/dL and mean discharge Hb level was 9.2 g/dL. Overall, 76% of the transfusions were of an even number of RBC units. CONCLUSION: In aggregate, overutilization exceeded 20%. At the focus hospital, approximately one-quarter of patients receiving transfusions had a Hb concentration greater than 10.0 g/dL at discharge. Transfused patients' discharge Hb concentration represents an effective indicator for retrospective monitoring of transfusion appropriateness. In light of the large number of patients receiving even number transfusions, reviewing Hb levels after transfusion of each RBC unit could reduce unnecessary transfusions. Retrospective review of discharge Hb data focuses providers on transfusion outcomes and affords an educational opportunity for blood utilization management.

Seeding of the rectus sheath with hepatocellular carcinoma after image guided percutaneous liver biopsy using coaxial biopsy needle system.

Needle track seeding following image guided needle biopsy is a known but uncommon complication in the workup of hepatocellular carcinoma. We present the case of a 55 year-old male who was found to have a recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma in the rectus sheath five years following a CT guided biopsy with the biopsy needle passing through the anterior abdominal wall muscles.