Adenoma of the nipple: correlation of magnetic resonance imaging findings with histologic features

Adenoma of the nipple (nipple adenoma) is a rare breast tumor that can show various histologic features. We present magnetic resonance (MR) and other imaging findings of a case of nipple adenoma and correlate them with detailed histologic features of the tumor. The lesion showed early strong enhancement with rim enhancement on dynamic contrast-enhanced MR images, and internal portions of the lesion showed washout on delayed MR images. Histologically, the tumor showed expansive growth with surrounding dense collagenous tissue and large vessels. Internal portions of the lesion showed a relatively low degree of fibrosis compared with that of the surrounding area, and tiny vessels were observed. These features were clearly reflected in the MR findings.     

MR imaging of the skin and nipple of the breast: differentiation between tumour recurrence and post-treatment change

Contrast-enhanced MR imaging of the breast has been found to be valuable in the assessment of local recurrence of previously treated breast cancer. We looked specifically at the appearances of the skin and nipple of the treated breast in order to describe the appearances of post-treatment change and recurrence in this region. Thirty-nine women treated for breast cancer had MR imaging of one or both breasts reviewed retrospectively with particular attention to the nipple and skin. The skin and chest wall were assessed for patients with mastectomies. All available histology of the skin and/or nipple, obtained following MR imaging, was reviewed. In patients who did not undergo surgery following MR imaging, clinical follow-up was obtained. Six of 39 cases had nodular enhancing areas seen on MR imaging, which correlated with histology demonstrating tumour recurrence within the skin and/or nipple. Of the remaining 33 patients, changes of linear or diffuse enhancement were seen in the skin and/or nipple of 15 patients. These changes were shown to be benign post-treatment changes at surgery/biopsy in 4 cases or by clinical follow-up in the remainder. In this article we demonstrate differing patterns of contrast enhancement within the skin and nipple in recurrent breast carcinoma vs. post-treatment changes. This suggests that contrast-enhanced MR imaging of the breast may be a useful tool in differentiating tumour recurrence from post-treatment changes within the skin and nipple.     

Value of mammography and breast ultrasound in male patients with nipple discharge

Objective

To assess the contribution of mammography and ultrasound in men with nipple discharge.

Materials and methods

All men with nipple discharge who underwent mammography and/or ultrasound between 1993 and 2011 in our hospital were retrospectively evaluated. Radiological findings were classified according to BI-RADS lexicon. The final diagnosis was made based on histopathological results or clinical–radiological follow-up. The diagnostic performance of physical examination, mammography and ultrasound was calculated and compared.

Results

26 men with 21 mammograms and 19 ultrasounds were reviewed. The final diagnoses were: 6 carcinomas (23.1%), 10 gynaecomastias, 2 pseudogynaecomastias and 8 normal breast tissues. Mammograms and ultrasounds performed on all five patients with infiltrating carcinoma showed a mass (categories 4 and 5). In all these patients except one, a breast mass was also noted and the physical examination was positive or suspected malignancy. In the patient with carcinoma in situ, the only conspicuous clinical sign was bloody nipple discharge and the mammography showed calcifications (category 4) that were not visible on ultrasound. Radiological findings of all patients without malignancy were classified as categories 1 and 2. The diagnostic performance of physical examination was lower than mammography and ultrasound (P > 0.05). Mammography was more sensitive than ultrasound (100% vs. 83.3%). Both techniques showed the same specificity (100%).

Conclusions

Men with nipple discharge have a high incidence of breast carcinoma. Nipple discharge may be the only clinical sign of carcinoma in situ. Mammography and ultrasound are useful in the evaluation of men with nipple discharge, diagnosing carcinoma in initial stages, avoiding unnecessary biopsies.     

The troublesome nipple shadow

In a review of 1000 routine chest examinations, the nipple of the male or female breast was visible about 10% of the time. In 14 instances (1.4%), the reviewing radiologist thought that uncertainty of identification warranted additional films. In four of these instances, the density proved to be something other than nipple. In all other instances when a nipple shadow was identified (8.9%), follow-up was not deemed necessary for various, often somewhat subjective reasons. Thus the frequency of erroneous identification of nipples could have been higher. Certainty of nipple identification would have involved considerable cost and inconvenience in repeat examinations. In another group of 500 patients, identification of the nipple with a lead marker on all patients eliminated uncertainty and the necessity for any repeat examinations. The patients placed low cost markers at the time of disrobing. Convenience and certainty were served by this simple maneuver.     

Paget's disease of the nipple and differential diagnosis

Clinical evaluation of the nipple-areolar complex is a routine component of the breast screening examination. All persistent unilateral nipple lesion should be viewed with suspicion and Paget's disease of the nipple should be considered. The diagnosis is established by nipple scrape cytology. It is a rare variant of ductal carcinoma in situ. The breast imaging work-up should include a search for an underlying malignancy, present in over 80% of cases, not infrequently multifocal. Preoperative MRI is useful if breast conservative surgery is contemplated because of the high rate of occult malignancy on mammograms and ultrasound. Erosive adenomatosis of the nipple is a benign process that may simulate Paget's disease isolated to the nipple. Less frequently, pagetoid basal cell carcinoma, Bowen's disease and melanoma may be more difficult to differentiate clinically and share the unilateral and chronic features of Paget's disease. Biopsy is needed for diagnosis. Cutaneous extension of a breast cancer is rare but should be suspected in patients with retraction and/or fixed nipple. Eczema is characterized by the bilateral nature of the process, the absence of nipple deformity, the presence of flare-ups and the favorable response to local steroid therapy.     

Imaging pitfalls of pancreatic serous cystic neoplasm and its potential mimickers

The aim of this article is to clarify diagnostic pitfalls of pancreatic serous cystic neoplasm (SCN) that may result in erroneous characterization. Usual and unusual imaging findings of SCN as well as potential SCN mimickers are presented. The diagnostic key of SCN is to look for a cluster of microcysts (honeycomb pattern), which may not be always found in the center. Fibrosis in SCN may be mistaken for a mural nodule of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN). The absence of cyst wall enhancement may be helpful to distinguish SCN from mucinous cystic neoplasm. However, oligocystic SCN and branch duct type IPMN may morphologically overlap. In addition, solid serous adenoma, an extremely rare variant of SCN, is difficult to distinguish from neuroendocrine tumor.     

Infiltrating syringomatous adenoma presenting as microcalcification in the nipple on screening mammogram: case report and review of the literature of radiologic features

Infiltrating syringomatous adenoma (ISA) of the nipple, first described by Rosen in 1983 (Am J Surg Pathol, 1983, 7, 739–745), is a rare benign tumor that can be misdiagnosed as a malignancy. ISA is characterized by its specific location in the subareolar region, its distinct histologic appearance resembling sweat duct or syringomatous tumors, and its locally infiltrating growth. We describes a case of ISA of the nipple presenting as microcalcification that was found on screening mammography. We also reviewed previously reported radiologic features of ISA.     

An evaluation of the Nissen fundoplication.

The characteristic radiological findings which follow a Nissen fundoplication are reviewed. The esophagus may be narrowed but is intrinsically normal. A pseudotumor at the medial aspect of the fundus is generally present. The history and radiographic findings can normally differentiate this defect from neoplasm or a nonoperated hiatal hernia. Postoperative clinical evaluation has shown this procedure to be very valuable in the amelioration of symptoms.     

乳管镜下乳头溢液的性状与乳管内病变的相关性

 目的 探讨乳头溢液颜色及溢液量与乳管内相应病变之间的关系。方法 对2014-05至2014-12于武警总医院门诊行乳管镜检查并行相应治疗的174例乳头溢液患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析。结果 174例乳头溢液患者有乳管内占位性病变者共83例(47.7%),其中乳腺癌5例;乳管内无占位性病变者91例(52.3%)。单侧溢液、单孔溢液分别较双侧溢液、多孔溢液在乳管镜下发现乳管内占位的可能性大(P<0.05),血性溢液、淡黄色溢液较其他颜色溢液在乳管镜下发现乳管内占位的可能性大(P<0.05),血性溢液较非血性溢液提示乳腺癌可能性大(P<0.05),单侧溢液中单孔溢液和多孔溢液两者乳管内占位发生率比较无统计学差异。结论 乳头溢液是乳管内病变的早期表现,其中单侧溢液、单孔溢液、血性溢液、淡黄色溢液均提示乳管内占位性病变可能性大,单纯血性溢液是乳腺癌高危因素,单侧溢液无论单孔还是多孔都有临床意义。     

CT characteristics of orbital pseudotumors and other orbital inflammatory processes

Orbital pseudotumor is a nonspecific inflammatory process of unknown etiology that may mimic a true orbital neoplasm, specifically lymphoma. It exhibits a highly variable clinical and radiographic presentation. Thirty-nine patients with a presumptive diagnosis of orbital inflammatory disease were examined with CT and evaluated with respect to 13 findings associated with inflammatory disease of the orbit. Pseudotumor was included as part of the differential diagnosis in 25 patients. Twenty-one cases received a final (clinical) diagnosis of pseudotumor. The remainder were comprised of a broad range of orbital inflammatory conditions. Key radiographic features required to entertain or exclude the diagnosis of pseudotumor included establishing the presence of an orbital mass, extraocular muscle enlargement, bony erosion, enhancement, and associated paranasal sinus disease.     

MRI visualization of the aortic nipple

The aortic nipple, a small “pseudotumor” adjacent to the aortic arch, is the left superior intercostal vein. In our series of 40 patients it was demonstrated in six; all had a right upper thoracic mass and four had a superior vena caval syndrome. Coronal magnetic resonance, images (MRI) of the thorax were superior to all other imaging methods in demonstrating the nipple. It is concluded that in patients with masses in the right upper chest, coronal MR chest examinations are valuable in demonstrating an aortic nipple, a sign of impending present superior vena caval or innominate, vein obstruction.     

增强CT扫描在甲状腺肿瘤鉴别诊断中的价值

目的探讨增强CT扫描在甲状腺肿瘤鉴别诊断中的价值及重要性.方法回顾性分析经手术及病理证实的27例甲状腺肿瘤的术前CT增强前后表现,其中甲状腺腺瘤18例,甲状腺乳头状癌9例.结果增强扫描18例腺瘤中,12例囊性腺瘤有完整性强化环,6例实体腺瘤瘤内岛形强化结节.9例乳头状癌中均无完整强化环,其中4例瘤壁强化结节.9例乳头状癌中7例瘤内有钙化(呈斑点状、细颗粒状或二者混合状),4例甲状腺周围器官侵犯.结论甲状腺肿瘤必须强调增强扫描才能显示甲状腺肿瘤的病理特征,对鉴别诊断具有重要价值.甲状腺周围器官侵犯是诊断甲状腺癌的肯定征象.瘤壁乳头状强化结节和瘤内斑点状、颗粒状钙化是甲状腺乳头状癌的可靠诊断征象.瘤周完整性强化环、瘤壁光滑锐利是良性腺瘤的征象.     

Soft-tissue abnormalities of the external auditory canal: subject review of CT findings

We review the normal anatomy and discuss characteristic findings of soft-tissue abnormalities of the external auditory canal (EAC). The indications for computed tomography (CT) of the temporal bone have been significantly expanded with the inclusion of soft-tissue abnormalities of the external ear and the auditory canal. Soft-tissue abnormalities of the EAC that can be evaluated with CT include atresia, edema, hemorrhage, fracture, posttraumatic or infection-caused keloid, malignant external otitis, hemangioma, lymphangioma, papilloma, keratosis obturans, acquired cholesteatoma, adenoma, ceruminoma, fibroma, mixed tumor, sarcoma, and basal cell, squamous cell, or adenocystic carcinoma. CT scans of 25 patients who had soft-tissue abnormalities of the EAC were reviewed. The clinical data were correlated with the radiographic findings. We conclude that CT is the best overall radiographic modality for evaluating the extent and character of soft-tissue abnormalities of the EAC. Significant clinical information that is helpful in patient management decisions is added by this technique.     

The diagnostic value of galactography in patients with nipple discharge

To evaluate preoperative galactographic findings in the differentiation between the benign and malignant lesions in patients presenting spontaneous nipple discharge without mass. Of the 215 patients who have undergone the galactography, 181 cases with abnormal galactography had surgery performed. All galactrograms were reviewed and galactographic findings were correlated to the pathological results to determine diagnostic differentiation. Of the 181 cases we operated on, 112 cases were macroscopically bloody, with 30 cases having cancers (26.8%). Fifty-four cases with serous discharge had seven cancer cases (13.0%). No cancer cases with other color discharge were found. Of the 37 cancer cases, 11 cases had lesions located in the main mammary ducts (lactiferous duct and the segmental duct) (29.7%) and 26 cases had lesions in the peripheral ducts (the subsegmental duct and its branches) (70.3%) (P<.05). Of 113 cases with benign proliferative ductal lesions, 88 cases were located in the main mammary duct (77.9%) and 25 cases in the peripheral mammary duct (22.1%) (P<.05). Otherwise, 29 cancer cases (82.9%) had ductal obstructions and 28 cancer cases (75.7%) had irregular intraductal defects that appeared in the galactograms, which is different from the 113 benign proliferative ductal lesion cases that had 88 cases (71.7%) with ductal dilatation and 90 cases (79.6%) with lobular or smooth intraductal defects (P<.05). These results showed that the cancer cases had a higher rate of locating in the peripheral duct, irregular intraductal duct defects, and ductal obstruction, and a lower rate associated with ductal dilatation or torsion. The galactographic findings were evaluated using the tumor location, types of intraductal defects, ductal obstruction, and dilatation. Preoperative diagnostic galactography is useful in differentiating between the benign or malignant lesions in patients with spontaneous nipple discharge.     

高频彩色多普勒超声对血性乳头溢液的病因诊断

目的:探讨高频彩色多普勒超声对血性乳头溢液的病因诊断价值。方法:应用彩色多普勒超声对136例血性乳头溢液患者术前进行检查,并将超声诊断与手术及病理诊断结果对比。结果:本组136例中,导管内乳头状瘤80例(58.82%),乳腺癌34例(25%),导管扩张15例(11.03%),乳腺囊性增生5例(3.68%),炎症2例(1.47%)。经与手术及病理诊断结果对比,超声诊断符合率达85.29%(116/136)。结论:高频彩色多普勒超声对血性乳头溢液患者病变的定位及定性具有较高的诊断价值,为临床制定合理的治疗措施提供重要的参考依据。     

高频超声对乳头溢液性病变的诊断价值

目的探讨应用高频超声对乳头溢液性病变的诊断价值。方法对92例乳头溢液患者术前应用高频超声进行乳腺检查，检查结果与手术病理结果相对照。结果92例中最多见的是导管内乳头状瘤(69．57％)，其次为乳腺囊性增生病(26．74％)、乳腺导管扩张症(5．43％)、导管内乳头状癌(3．26％)。高频超声对乳头溢液性病变的诊断准确率、敏感性和特异性分别为73．00％，66．70％，87．24％。结论高频超声检查可作为乳头溢液性病变的首选方法，为临床制定合理的治疗方案能够提供重要的参考依据。     

MR imaging in patients with nipple discharge: initial experience

PURPOSE: To investigate the potential of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in patients with nipple discharge. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between February 1992 and December 1998, 23 patients with nipple discharge underwent contrast material-enhanced MR imaging at 1.5 T. Mammographic findings were negative in 22 of 23 patients and revealed asymmetry in one patient. Galactography was attempted in two patients, with negative findings in one patient and no success in the other. Fifteen of 23 patients underwent excisional biopsy-seven of 15 with MR imaging-guided localization, and one of 15 with mammographic localization. Eight of 23 patients were followed up clinically (range, 7-24 months; mean, 20 months). RESULTS: In 11 of the 15 (73%) patients who underwent excisional biopsy, MR imaging findings correlated with histopathologic findings. MR imaging demonstrated four of six benign papillomas and one of two fibroadenomas as circumscribed, enhancing subareolar masses. Findings of one MR imaging examination were negative, and benign tissue was found at excisional biopsy. MR imaging findings were suspicious in six of the seven patients with excisional biopsy findings of malignancy (regional enhancement [n = 2], ductal enhancement [n = 2], peripherally enhancing mass [n = 1], and spiculated mass [n = 1]). In one of the seven patients, a benign-appearing intraductal mass was identified at MR imaging; excisional biopsy revealed a benign papilloma with an adjacent focus of DCIS. CONCLUSION: MR imaging can help identify both benign and malignant causes of nipple discharge. It potentially offers a noninvasive alternative to galactography.     

Conventional galactography and MR contrast galactography for diagnosing nipple discharge: preliminary results

OBJECTIVE: We wanted to compare the clinical usefulness of conventional galactography and MR contrast galactography for diagnosing patients with nipple discharge. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Both conventional galactography and MR contrast galactography were performed prospectively in 16 patients. Gadopentate dimeglumine (0.1 ml) was mixed with non-ionic contrast medium (0.9 ml) to obtain a resultant volume of 1 ml and this was used for both examinations. Following conventional galactography, MR contrast galactography was performed after direct injection of contrast media into the duct. RESULTS: Conventional galactography and MR contrast galactography were concordant in 13 (81%) of 16 patients; the results were normal in five, ductal dilatation was noted in four and intraductal filling defects were noted in four. The remaining three (19%) patients demonstrated discordant findings on the two examinations. While conventional galactography revealed filling defects, the MR contrast galactography results were normal in two patients. The third patient had kinks-stricture on conventional galactography and MR contrast galactography showed ductal dilatation. This suggested there were false positive results for the three patients' conventional galactography, and all the three patients with discordant results underwent surgery and the histopathologic evaluation showed fibrocystic changes. CONCLUSION: MR contrast galactography may be used as an alternative imaging modality for making the diagnosis of pathologic nipple discharge. However, statistically supported studies with large pools of subjects for comparing the galactography and MR contrast galactography results are needed to confirm our findings.     

Role of breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in patients with unilateral nipple discharge: preliminary study

PURPOSE: This study was performed to assess the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with unilateral nipple discharge. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four patients with bloody or serosanguineous nipple discharge and negative mammographic findings (35/44 cases) underwent MRI for evaluation of breast ducts. Ultrasonography, negative in 18 patients, identified 26 cases of ductal ectasia (12 simple, nine with solid intraductal echoes and wall thickening, five with inhomogeneous parenchyma). Galactography was negative in three patients and positive in nine. Nineteen patients were followed up by clinical examination, ultrasonography, and cytological evaluation of nipple discharge (6-12 months); three patients underwent excisional biopsy, ten core biopsy and 12 cytological biopsy (followed by excisional biopsy). RESULTS: MRI identified 25 enhancing lesions Breast Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (BI-RADS) 3 or 4) and confirmed the galactographic findings (ductal ectasia, intraluminal filling defects). Five papillomatoses appeared as patchy, homogeneous enhancing areas, 15 intraductal papillomas as areas with well-defined margins and type II time-intensity curves, and two atypical ductal hyperplasias as diffuse nodular enhancement. One micropapillary ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), one papillary carcinoma and one infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC) were visualised as two segmental areas of enhancement and one mass-like enhancement with poorly defined margins (BI-RADS 4). The follow-up was negative, showing no pathological enhancement (BI-RADS 1) in 12 patients and benign enhancement (BI-RADS 2) in seven. CONCLUSIONS: Breast MRI can be considered a valuable examination in the diagnosis of suspected ductal disease and an alternative to galactography when the latter cannot be used.     

溢液性乳腺疾病导管造影X线征象与病理结果分析

目的:分析溢液性乳腺疾病的乳腺导管造影表现及病理基础,以提高其X线诊断水平。方法:回顾性分析216例溢液性乳腺疾病患者的导管造影及病理资料。结果:共有226支导管造影成功。无明显异常呈阴性表现者占7.5%(17/226);肿瘤性疾病占26.5%(60/226),包括导管内乳头状瘤、导管癌,其中以导管内乳头状瘤多见(22.0%);非肿瘤性疾病占59.7%(135/226),包括导管扩张、炎症及乳腺囊性增生,其中以炎症最多见(39.4%,89/226)。结论:乳腺导管造影对溢液性乳腺疾病的诊断与鉴别诊断有重要价值。