Accuracy of Various Lymph Node Staging Criteria in Rectal Cancer with Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Introduction

The accuracy of pretherapeutic staging of lymph nodes (LN) in rectal cancer by MR imaging (MRI) is still limited. The aim of the study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of different morphological criteria in nodal staging.

Material and Methods

LN were analyzed by MRI in 60 patients with rectal cancer and primary surgery. Signs of LN metastasis (cN+) were spiculated/indistinct border contour, inhomogeneous signal intensity, or LN size. The accuracy of these signs for clinical LN staging was analyzed with conclusive postoperative histological lymph node examination.

Results

68.3% of patients with nodal metastasis (pN+) were correctly identified by size with a cutoff value of 7.2 mm. This, however, was not inferior to the 76.7% identified using the inhomogeneous morphological signal intensity and spiculated/indistinct border contour criteria (p = 0.096). 3.3 versus 5% were overstaged, and 28.3 versus 18.3% understaged by these criteria. Sensitivities/specificities for (a) size, (b) spiculated/indistinct border contour, and (c) inhomogeneous signal intensity and spiculated/indistinct border contour were (a) 32%/94%, (b) 56%/86%, and (c) 56%/91%, respectively.

Conclusions

The accuracy of LN staging in rectal cancer was not improved by morphological criteria. These limitations suggest being reticent when recommending neoadjuvant chemoradiation merely based on preoperative positive LN staging.

     

乳腺癌腋窝淋巴结B超检查特异性回顾性分析

目的 探讨各辅助检查方法对乳腺癌腋窝淋巴结转移的诊断价值。方法 对天津医科大学附属肿瘤医院2009年3月至2009年6月253例经手术病理证实乳腺癌病人术前B超与钼靶、MRI、PET-CT资料进行回顾性分析,比较灵敏度、特异度、阳性及阴性预测值和准确性。结果 B超（253例）灵敏度,特异度,阳性及阴性预测值,准确性为70.6%,87.4%,84.8%,75.0%和79.1%;钼靶（220例）为14.6%,100%,100%,53.9%和57.3%;MRI（27例）为50.0%,100%,100%,71.4%,77.8%;PET-CT（23例）为90.0%,92.3%,90.0%,92.3%,91.3%。B超与病理对照的Kappa值为0.581,与病理的一致性一般;高年资组B超医师的灵敏度、特异度、准确性为与低年资组比较差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。结论 判断乳腺癌腋窝淋巴结转移状况B超优于其他检查,而且超声检查者的经验影响诊断结果。     

Predicting Consistency of Meningioma by Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Objective Meningioma consistency is important because it affects the difficulty of surgery. To predict preoperative consistency, several methods have been proposed; however, they lack objectivity and reproducibility. We propose a new method for prediction based on tumor to cerebellar peduncle T2-weighted imaging intensity (TCTI) ratios.Design The magnetic resonance (MR) images of 20 consecutive patients were evaluated preoperatively. An intraoperative consistency scale was applied to these lesions prospectively by the operating surgeon based on Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator (Valleylab, Boulder, Colorado, United States) intensity. Tumors were classified as A, very soft; B, soft/intermediate; or C, fibrous. Using T2-weighted MR sequence, the TCTI ratio was calculated. Tumor consistency grades and TCTI ratios were then correlated.Results Of the 20 tumors evaluated prospectively, 7 were classified as very soft, 9 as soft/intermediate, and 4 as fibrous. TCTI ratios for fibrous tumors were all ≤ 1; very soft tumors were ≥ 1.8, except for one outlier of 1.66; and soft/intermediate tumors were > 1 to < 1.8.Conclusion We propose a method using quantifiable region-of-interest TCTIs as a uniform and reproducible way to predict tumor consistency. The intraoperative consistency was graded in an objective and clinically significant way and could lead to more efficient tumor resection.     

Comprehensive Axillary Evaluation in Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Patients With Ultrasonography and Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

Background There is ongoing debate regarding the optimal sequence of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CTX) for breast cancer. We report the accuracy of comprehensive pre–neoadjuvant CTX and post–neoadjuvant CTX axillary staging via ultrasound imaging, fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy, and SLN biopsy.Methods From 2001 to 2004, 91 neoadjuvant CTX patients at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center underwent axillary staging by ultrasonography, ultrasound-guided FNA biopsy, SLN biopsy, or a combination of these.Results Axillary staging was pathologically negative by pre–neoadjuvant CTX SLN biopsy in 53 cases (58%); these patients had no further axillary surgery. In 38 cases (42%), axillary metastases were confirmed at presentation by either ultrasound-guided FNA or SLN biopsy. These 38 patients underwent completion axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) after delivery of neoadjuvant CTX. Follow-up lymphatic mapping was attempted in 33 of these cases, and the SLN was identified in 32 (identification rate, 97%). One third of these cases were completely node negative on ALND. Residual metastatic disease was identified in 22 cases, and the SLN was falsely negative in 1 (4.5%).Conclusions Patients receiving neoadjuvant CTX can have accurate axillary nodal staging by ultrasound-guided FNA or SLN biopsy. In cases of documented axillary metastasis at presentation, repeat axillary staging with SLN biopsy can document the post–neoadjuvant CTX nodal status. This strategy optimizes pre–neoadjuvant CTX and post–neoadjuvant CTX staging information by distinguishing the patients who are node negative at presentation from those who have been downstaged to node negativity and offers the potential for avoiding unnecessary ALNDs in both of these patient subsets.Published by Springer Science+Business Media, Inc. © 2005 The Society of Surgical Oncology, Inc.     

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Pressure Sores in Spinal Cord Injured Patients: Accuracy in Predicting Osteomyelitis

Objective:

Identify key magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features that have a significant correlation with osteomyelitis of pressure ulcers in spinal injury patients.

Design:

Retrospective review study.

Participants:

Adult patients admitted to the National Spinal Injuries Centre with spinal cord injury (SCI) and signs of pressure ulceration investigated with MRI.

Methods:

Analysis of MRI examinations and clinical records collected over a 4-year period. Images were independently assessed by 2 experienced radiologists for osteomyelitis based on assigned predictive indicators including cortical bone erosion, soft tissue edema, deep collections, heterotopic new bone, hip effusion, and abnormal signal change of the marrow.

Results:

Thirty-seven patients underwent 41 MRI scans. The prevalence of osteomyelitis was highly correlated with cortical bone erosion (r = 0.84) and abnormal bone marrow changes on T1-weighted images (r = 0.82).     

The Accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Radical Prostatectomy

Aims

The aim of this study was to examine the accuracy of standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the localised staging of prostate cancer in those who had undergone radical prostatectomy.

Patients and Methods

The cohort consisted of 110 patients who had undergone MRI for staging of prostate cancer and subsequently underwent radical prostatectomy. T stage was analysed both on MRI and from the specimen following radical surgery.

Results

Of the patients 57% of patients had their disease up-staged following radical surgery from preoperative MRI findings. Of those patients who had their disease up-staged following surgery, nearly 50% of patients had gone from organ confined disease at time of MRI to extra-prostatic involvement from the surgical specimen.

Conclusion

We have reported that MRI has a wide range of accuracy. Given developments in MRI technologies further work should be pursued to help in the staging of this disease for which decision to treat is difficult.Key Words: Magnetic resonance imaging, Prostate cancer, Prostatectomy     

乳腺癌乳腔镜腋窝淋巴结清扫术与常规手术的比较

目的比较乳腔镜腋窝淋巴结清扫术与常规腋窝淋巴结清扫术的优缺点。方法将2008年12月～2010年6月48例腔镜腋窝淋巴结清扫术与50例传统腋窝淋巴结清扫术的临床资料进行回顾性分析,比较2组手术时间、术中出血量、清扫淋巴结数目、住院时间、住院费用以及术后并发症的发生率。结果腔镜组手术时间(222.8±19.4)min显著长于常规组(140.1±13.9)min(t=24.333,P=0.000),腔镜组住院费用(18587.9±2055.8)元显著高于常规组(14203.8±1396.5)元(t=12.393,P=0.000),但腔镜组术中出血量(36.5±8.5)ml显著少于常规组(58.9±7.0)ml(t=-14.265,P=0.000),2组淋巴结清扫数目无统计学差异[(16.7±2.6)枚vs(15.9±4.8)枚,t=1.035,P=0.303]。2组随访未发现复发及远处转移。结论乳腔镜腋窝淋巴结清扫术具有创伤小、并发症少、瘢痕小等优点,值得推广,但腔镜操作缺乏触感,灵活性不足,延长了手术时间,增加了住院费用。     

Imaging Response and Residual Metastatic Axillary Lymph Node Disease after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Primary Breast Cancer

Background

Although surgical management of the breast after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) may be governed by treatment response, axillary management continues to be determined by stage at presentation. Axillary ultrasound (AUS) with fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is used to detect lymph node (LN) metastases for pre-NAC staging, but imaging assessment of treatment response in the axilla remains undefined. We evaluated post-NAC axillary imaging and surgical pathology to understand how imaging might direct axillary surgery.

Methods

We evaluated pre- and post-NAC axillary imaging and clinicopathologic data in 272 patients who received NAC for primary breast cancer and underwent operation at our institution from 2010 to 2012. Treatment response on imaging was categorized as complete (CR), partial (PR), and none/progression (NR).

Results

Pre-NAC axillary staging classified patients as AUS negative/no FNA (n = 61), FNA/LN negative (n = 42), and FNA/LN positive (n = 169). Post-NAC axillary imaging included AUS (n = 146), MRI (n = 139), and PET-CT (n = 38). At operation, 128 of 272 patients (47 %) were LN positive: 23.3 % (24 of 103) of cN0 and 61.5 % (104 of 169) of cN1-AUS/FNA-positive patients at presentation. Of the 65 cN1-ypN0 patients, 58.1 % (25 of 43) had an imaging CR by US, 58.6 % (17 of 29) by MRI, and 84.6 % (11 of 13) by PET-CT. The sensitivity of post-NAC axillary imaging in detecting persistent LN metastases for cN1-AUS/FNA-positive patients was 69.8 % for US, 61.0 % for MRI, and 63.2 % for PET-CT.

Conclusions

Performance characteristics of AUS, MRI, and PET-CT, while informative, were inadequate to preclude surgical axillary staging of in breast cancer patients after NAC. Whether this information might be used to tailor surgical and postsurgical treatment requires further investigation.     

Value of Preoperative Ultrasound-Guided Axillary Lymph Node Biopsy for Preventing Completion Axillary Lymph Node Dissection in Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Purpose

This meta-analysis was designed to evaluate the utility of preoperative axillary ultrasound combined with US-guided lymph node biopsy if indicated (AUS ± biopsy), in terms of staging the axilla and preventing two-step axillary surgery in the form of sentinel node biopsy (SNB) followed by completion axillary lymph node (ALN) dissection.

Methods

We systematically searched electronic databases for studies that addressed preoperative assessment of ALN status by AUS ± biopsy. A pooled estimate was calculated for the false-negative rate (FNR) of AUS ± biopsy (defined as the proportion of women with a negative AUS ± biopsy result subsequently proven to have a positive axilla) and sensitivity (defined as the proportion of women with a positive AUS ± biopsy result among all women with a tumor positive axilla).

Results

The pooled FNR was 25 % (95 % confidence interval [CI] = 24–27) and the pooled sensitivity was 50 % (95 % CI = 43–57). There was substantial heterogeneity across studies for both FNR (I ² = 69.42) and sensitivity (I ² = 93.25), which was not explained by between-study differences in biopsy technique, mean/median tumor size, biopsy indication, or study design. Sensitivity was increased in studies with a high prevalence of ALN metastases.

Conclusions

Preoperative axillary ultrasound-guided biopsy is a useful step in the process of axillary staging. Approximately 50 % of women with axillary involvement can be identified preoperatively. Still, one in four women with an ultrasound-guided biopsy-“proven” negative axilla has a positive SNB.     

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Diabetic Foot Osteomyelitis: Imaging Accuracy in Biopsy-Proven Disease

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the recommended diagnostic imaging technique for diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFO). The gold standard to diagnose osteomyelitis is bone biopsy with a positive culture and/or histopathology finding consistent with osteomyelitis. The purpose of this study is to assess the accuracy of MRI readings in biopsy-proven diabetic foot osteomyelitis with a second read done by a blinded, expert musculoskeletal radiologist. A retrospective chart review of 166 patients who received a bone biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of a suspected DFO at a large county hospital between 2010 and 2014. A second, blinded musculoskeletal radiologist reviewed the images for accuracy, once the official reading was recorded. Imaging results were correlated with the final diagnosis of osteomyelitis determined by bone biopsy. In 17 of 58 patients (29.3%), the diagnosis of DFO by MRI was not confirmed by bone biopsy. There were 12 false positives and 5 false negatives. After the second expert read, there were 5 false positives and 4 false negatives. The overall accuracy was 84% for the second read. Our study demonstrated results comparable to the previously reported meta-analysis findings. There is a clear variation on the read of MRI that could lead to an incorrect diagnosis of DFO. An integrated approach with evaluation of clinical findings, communication with radiologist about the MRI results when indicated, and bone biopsy is warranted for accurate diagnosis management of DFO.     

Accuracy of High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Preoperative Staging of Rectal Cancer

Background  

To achieve better prognosis and quality of life for patients with rectal cancer, extent of surgery and neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy should accurately reflect disease extent. The aim of this study was to evaluate accuracy of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI) for preoperative staging of rectal cancer.     

Comparative Study of Breast Implant Rupture Using Mammography,Sonography, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Correlation with Surgical Findings

Abstract: Purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of mammography, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in the detection of breast implant rupture and to make a correlation with findings at explantation. The study population consisted of 63 women with 82 implants, undergoing surgical explantation. Implant rupture status was blindly determined obtaining diagnosis of rupture, possible rupture, or intact implant. Strictly predetermined rupture criteria were applied and compared with findings at surgery, which were considered the gold standard. False‐positives and false‐negatives were retrospectively evaluated to identify pitfalls in the investigation. All associations between imaging signs and surgical findings were evaluated by using chi‐square test. The respective sensitivity and specificity of investigations are reported. Our experience suggests that MRI is the more accurate method for identification of breast implant rupture, even if it should be performed following the diagnostic algorithm proposed.     

Role of Combined Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy and Axillary Node Sampling in Clinically Node-Negative Breast Cancer

Axillary lymph node status is a prognostic marker in breast cancer management, and axillary surgery plays an important role in staging and local control. This study aims to assess whether a combination of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) using patent blue dye and axillary node sampling (ANS) offers equivalent identification rate to dual tracer technique. Furthermore, we aim to investigate whether there are any potential benefits to this combined technique. Retrospective study of 230 clinically node-negative patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery for single T1–T3 tumours between 2006 and 2011. Axillae were staged using a combined blue dye SLNB/ANS technique. SLNs were localized in 226/230 (identification rate 98.3 %). Three of one hundred ninety-two patients with a negative SLN were found to have positive ANS nodes and 1/4 failed SLNB patients had positive ANS nodes. Thirty-four of two hundred twenty-six patients had SLN metastases and 11/34 (32.4 %) also had a positive non-sentinel lymph node on ANS. Twenty-one of twenty-four (87.5 %) node-positive T1 tumours had single node involvement. Nine of thirty-eight node-positive patients progressed to completion axillary clearance (cALND), and the rest were treated with axillary radiotherapy. Axillary recurrence was nil at median 5 year follow-up. Complementing SLNB with axillary node sampling (ANS) decreases the unavoidable false-negative rate associated with SLNB. Appropriate operator experience and technique can result in an SLN localization rate of 98 %, rivalling a dual tracer technique. The additional insight offered by ANS into the status of non-sentinel nodes has potential applications in an era of less frequent cALND.     

Eighteen Sensations After Breast Cancer Surgery: A 5-Year Comparison of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy and Axillary Lymph Node Dissection

Background The aim of this study is to evaluate prevalence, severity, and level of distress of 18 sensations at baseline (3–15 days) and 5 years after breast cancer surgery, and compare sensations after sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) with those after SLNB plus immediate or delayed axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Methods A total of 187 patients with breast cancer completed the Breast Sensation Assessment Scale at baseline and at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 60 months after surgery to assess prevalence, severity, and level of distress of sensations. Of these, 133 had SLNB, and 54 had SLNB and ALND. Additionally, of the 187 patients, 141 had breast-conservation therapy and 46 had total mastectomy. Results Sensations were less prevalent, severe, and distressing after SLNB compared with ALND at baseline and at 5 years. This difference was most evident in those who had breast-conservation therapy. Most sensations after SLNB and ALND, even if prevalent, were not severe or distressing. Some sensations remained notably prevalent at 5 years, including tenderness and twinges after SLNB, and tightness and numbness after ALND. Phantom sensations were frequently reported by mastectomy patients. Conclusions Prevalence, severity, and level of distress of sensations were lower after SLNB compared with ALND, but some morbidity existed after SLNB. Certain sensations remained highly prevalent in both groups for up to 5 years.     

Distribution of Local Anesthetic in Axillary Brachial Plexus Block: A Clinical and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

Background: There is an unsettled discussion about whether the distribution of local anesthetic is free or inhibited when performing brachial plexus blocks. This is the first study to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to help answer this question.

Methods: Thirteen patients received axillary block by a catheter-nerve stimulator technique. After locating the median nerve, a total dose of 50 ml local anesthetic was injected via the catheter in four divided doses of 1, 4, 15, and 30 ml. Results of sensory and motor testing were compared with the spread of local anesthetic as seen by MRI scans taken after each dose. The distribution of local anesthetic was described with reference to a 20-mm diameter circle around the artery.

Results: Thirty minutes after the last dose, only two patients demonstrated analgesia or anesthesia in the areas of the radial, median, and ulnar nerve. At that time, eight of the patients had incomplete spread of local anesthetic around the artery, as seen by MRI. Their blocks were significantly poorer than those of the five patients with complete filling of the circle, although incomplete blocks were also present in the latter group.     

Analysis of Factors that Influence the Accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Predicting Response after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to predict residual lesion size after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and to determine the factors that influence the accuracy of response prediction.

Methods

This study comprised 166 patients who underwent MRI before and after NAC, but before surgery. The longest diameter of the residual cancer was measured using MRI and correlated with pathologic findings. Patients were further divided into subgroups according to various radiologic and histopathologic factors. Pathologic complete response (pCR) was defined as the absence of residual invasive cancer cells. The Pearson correlation was used to correlate tumor size as determined by MRI and pathology, and the Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare MRI-pathologic size discrepancies according to various clinical, histopathologic factors, and MRI findings.

Results

Of the 166 women, 40 achieved pCR. The overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for diagnosing invasive residual disease by using MRI were 96, 65, and 89 %, respectively. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient between the tumor sizes measured using MRI and pathology was 0.749 (P < 0.001). The size discrepancy was significantly greater in patients with estrogen receptor-positive cancer (P = 0.037), in cancers with low nuclear grade (P = 0.007), and in cancers shown as diffuse non-mass–like enhancement on MRI (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Size prediction is less accurate in cases with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, low nuclear grade, and diffuse non-mass–like enhancement on initial MRI.