Three-dimensional sonographic study of breast nodules

Purpose

We examined breast nodules with three-dimensional (3D) sonography and power-Doppler to identify new parameters that might be useful in differentiating benign and malignant lesions.

Materials and methods

Breast nodules in 34 women were examined with a Voluson-GE 730 scanner and a 7.5 MHz linear-array dedicated 3D probe. Each nodule was examined in the B-mode, and its vascular characteristics were evaluated with power-Doppler; 3D reconstruction was used in both studies. All examinations were performed by the same operator, who was unaware of the case characteristics. The examiner classified each lesion as benign or malignant based on B-mode appearance, margin characteristics, infiltration, and blood vessel distribution on power-Doppler; lesion volume was also calculated for T staging. Results were compared with those of biopsies, which were performed on all nodules after the sonographic examination.

Results

Biopsy findings revealed that 29 nodules were benign and 5 malignant. Based on the 3D sonographic examination, 27 lesions were considered benign, and 7 were classified as malignant. Two of the latter diagnoses were false-positives; there were no false negatives (specificity: 93.1%, sensitivity: 100%, accuracy: 94.1%).

Conclusions

3D sonography can be used to calculate lesional mass for T1 staging of malignant breast nodules. It can also reveal wall irregularities in benign lesions that are missed on two-dimensional (2D) scans and the limits of infiltration of malignant lesions. The 3D power-Doppler examination provides a panoramic full-length view of blood vessels supplying the nodule, and the number of vessels visualized with this approach is higher than that observed on 2D studies.     

Clinically and mammographically occult breast lesions: detection and classification with high-resolution sonography.

With recent significant advances in ultrasound technology, the potential of high-resolution sonography to improve the sensitivity of cancer diagnosis in women with dense breasts has become a matter of interest for breast imagers. To determine how often physician-performed high-resolution sonography can detect nonpalpable breast cancers that are not revealed by mammography, 8,970 women with breast density grades 2 through 4 underwent high-resolution sonography as an adjunct to mammography. All sonographically detected, clinically and mammographically occult breast lesions that were not simple cysts were prospectively classified into benign, indeterminate, or malignant categories. Diagnoses were confirmed by ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration, core-needle biopsy, or surgical biopsy. In 8,103 women with normal findings at mammography and physical examination, 32 cancers and 330 benign lesions were detected in 273 patients with sonography only. Eight additional cancers were found in 867 patients with a malignant (n = 5) or a benign (n = 3) palpable or mammographically detected index lesion. The overall prevalence of cancers detected with screening sonography was 0.41%, and the proportion of sonographically detected cancers to the total number of nonpalpable cancers was 22%. The mean size of invasive cancers detected only by sonography was 9.1 mm, and was not statistically different from the mean size of invasive cancers detected by mammography. The sensitivity of prospective sonographic classification for malignancy was 100%, and the specificity was 31%. In conclusion, the use of high-resolution sonography as an adjunct to mammography in women with dense breasts may lead to detection of a significant number of otherwise occult cancers that are no different in size from nonpalpable mammographically detected cancers. Prospective classification of these lesions based on sonographic characteristics resulted in an acceptable benign-to-malignant biopsy rate of 6.3:1.     

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound findings in soft-tissue lesions: preliminary results

Objectives

There is currently no widely available, minimally invasive first-level examination that allows physicians to identify soft-tissue lesions that are likely to be malignant. The aim of this pilot study was to explore the potential suitability of dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (DCE-US) for this purpose.

Materials and methods

23 patients were referred to the Veneto Oncological Institute for work-up of superficial soft-tissue lesions. Fourteen lesions were examined with CEUS and enhancement kinetics was analyzed. Subsequently, all lesions were surgically removed and subjected to histological analysis.

Results

The 14 lesions included in the study were histologically classified as malignant (n = 7) or benign (n = 7, including 3 schwannomas). A statistically significant difference between benign and malignant lesions was found in terms of mean times to peak enhancement intensity (p = 0.03) but not mean filling times (FT). When schwannomas were analyzed as a separate group, their mean FT was found to be significantly different from that of the other benign lesions (p = 0.001) and from that of the group comprising other benign lesions as well as malignant lesions (p < 0.005).

Conclusions

CEUS with analysis of contrast-enhancement kinetics is a relatively low-cost, minimally invasive imaging technique, which appears to be a potentially effective first-level method for identifying suspicious soft-tissue masses.     

Identifying predictive morphologic features of malignancy in eyelid lesions: The LUI triage key

Objective

To determine features of eyelid lesions most predictive of malignancy, and to design a key to assist general practitioners in the triaging of such lesions.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

Department of Ophthalmology at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ont.

Participants

A total of 199 consecutive periocular lesions requiring biopsy or excision were included.

Main outcome measures

First, potential features suggestive of malignancy for eyelid lesions were identified based on a survey sent to Canadian oculoplastic surgeons. The sensitivity, specificity, and odds ratios (ORs) of these features were then determined using 199 consecutive photographed eyelid lesions of patients who presented to the Department of Ophthalmology and underwent biopsy or excision. A triage key was then created based on the features with the highest ORs, and it was pilot-tested by a group of medical students.

Results

Of the 199 lesions included, 161 (80.9%) were benign and 38 (19.1%) were malignant. The 3 features with the highest ORs in predicting malignancy were infiltration (OR = 18.2, P < .01), ulceration (OR = 14.7, P < .01), and loss of eyelashes (OR = 6.0, P < .01). The acronym LUI (loss of eyelashes, ulceration, infiltration) was created to assist in memory recall. After watching a video describing the LUI triage key, the mean total score of a group of medical students for correctly identifying malignant lesions increased from 46% to 70% (P < .001).

Conclusion

Differentiating benign from malignant eyelid lesions can be difficult even for experienced physicians. The LUI triage key provides physicians with an evidence-based, easy-to-remember system for assisting in the triaging of these lesions.     

Can contrast-enhanced ultrasonography characterize focal liver lesions and differentiate between benign and malignant,thus providing a one-stop imaging service for patients?

Purpose

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) displays high sensitivity and specificity in characterizing focal liver lesions (FLLs). We attempted to determine how often CEUS provides an unequivocal diagnosis of FLLs that does not require additional imaging studies.

Materials and methods

Seventy-three patients with 146 FLLs were scanned with B-mode, Doppler, and contrast-enhanced US (2 × 2.4 ml SonoVue, low MI, 4–6 MHz curved array transducer, Toshiba Aplio/Siemens–Acuson Sequoia). Data were digitally stored and transferred to a work station with the GE PACS system. Images were reviewed by a consultant radiologist experienced in CEUS and interpreted in accordance with the criteria for characterizing FLLs published by the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology. Diagnoses were compared with those based on computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance (MR) findings if these were available. However, our aim was to assess the frequency with which CEUS provided diagnoses that were considered reliable enough to exclude the need for other imaging studies. Therefore, the CEUS diagnoses were not necessarily confirmed by other methods.

Results

Based on CEUS findings alone, 130/146 (89.0%) FLLs could be classified as benign or malignant, and in 118/146 (80.8%) cases, the lesion could be specifically identified. The other 28/146 (19.2%) FLLs could not be characterized based on CEUS data alone. In 58 (80.8%) of the 73 patients with multiple FLLs, CEUS findings were sufficient to establish the benign vs. malignant nature of all the patient''s lesions; in 51/73 (69.9%) patients, all the lesions could also be characterized with CEUS. In the remaining cases, at least one lesion required additional imaging to determine whether it was malignant (14/73, 19.2%) or to establish its identity (22/73, 30.1%). In 4/73 (5.5%) patients, CEUS revealed additional lesions not detected on B-mode US.

Conclusions

CEUS alone was sufficient to classify 89.0% of the FLLs as benign or malignant, and in 80.8% it was also regarded as sufficient to identify the lesion. It served as a one-stop diagnostic test for 80.8% of the patients, reducing the need for CT–MR scans and providing savings in terms of radiation exposure, time, and money.keywords: Ultrasound, Contrast agents, Focal liver lesions, Cost benefit     

The value of superficial parts and endoanal ultrasonography in evaluating pilonidal disease and exclusion of perianal sepsis

Introduction

Pilonidal disease is a benign anorectal inflammatory disease that involves the subcutaneous adipose tissue overlying the sacrococcygeal region.

The aim of the work

The current study aimed to assess the value of preoperative evaluation of pilonidal disease and the exclusion of perianal sepsis using superficial parts ultrasonography and endoanal ultrasound.

Methodology

Referred 30 patients were clinically diagnosed as pilonidal disease, all were examined with superficial parts ultrasonography and if the disease was extending to the perianal region further endoanal US was performed to exclude perianal sepsis.

Results

7 patients showed subcutaneous abscesses and 23 patients showed pilonidal sinus tracts. Among patients with pilonidal sinus tracts, six tracts (26 %) seen as superficially situated, short narrow tracts with straight course, no side branches and with a blind end situated away from the anal canal wall. 2 (9 %) tracts showed vertical orientation and three tracts (13 %) were wide and deeply situated reaching the presacral fascia. 7 cases (30 %) showed branching pilonidal sinus tracts, two cases of them showed more than one external opening. 5 patients (22 %) showed abnormally long tracts seen reaching the perianal region.

Conclusion

Ultrasonography is an available, inexpensive, safe imaging modality that yields a high degree of accuracy in evaluating pilonidal disease and in exclusion of perianal sepsis.     

Predictors of Willingness to Participate in Window-of-Opportunity Breast Trials

Objective

We conducted a pilot survey to evaluate breast cancer patients’ willingness to participate in a preoperative chemoprevention (ie, window-of-opportunity) study.

Design

A 27-question written survey was developed and administered to participants.

Setting

A breast cancer specialty clinic at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics.

Participants

30 adult patients with newly diagnosed operable breast cancer participated after signing informed consent.

Methods

A convenience sample of 30 participants was recruited from July 2005 through January 2006. Participants were administered the survey in clinic. Univariate ordinal logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of willingness to participate in window-of-opportunity trials.

Results

Overall, 26.7% of respondents were willing to participate in a research trial between the time of breast cancer diagnosis and surgery. Univariate ordinal logistic regression models identified that women with a prior history of breast cancer (P=0.060), prior research participation (P=0.006), more education (P=0.034), and self-reported breast cancer knowledge (P=0.043) were more willing to participate. On average, women preferred to have surgery 7 days (range 1–14) after their diagnosis, but the actual average wait time between diagnostic biopsy and surgery was 37.5 days (standard deviation = 23.4 days).

Conclusion

There is ample time before breast surgery to conduct preoperative window-of-opportunity trials. Interventions aimed at expanding patients’ breast cancer knowledge may improve accrual to window-of-opportunity studies.     

Quebec breast cancer screening program: A study of the perceptions of physicians in Laval, Que

OBJECTIVE

To identify physicians’ perceptions of breast cancer prevention in order to generate strategies to increase women’s participation in the Quebec breast cancer screening program (QBCSP).

DESIGN

Qualitative study using archival data and in-depth interviews.

SETTING

Laval, Que, a suburban city north of Montreal.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty family physicians and 1 gynecologist practising in Laval who had received at least 1 screening mammography report in 2004 or 2005.

METHODS

Archival data were obtained in order to refine our understanding of the QBCSP. In-depth individual interviews were conducted with participating physicians until data saturation was reached in order to determine physicians’ knowledge of, beliefs and attitudes about, and behaviour toward preventive breast cancer practices, as well as their suggestions for enhancing patient compliance. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded, and the content was analyzed.

MAIN FINDINGS

Respondents indicated that the screening age groups, the age for beginning clinical breast examination, and the instructions to patients about breast self-examination should be harmonized. Letters to patients should be shortened, simplified, and endorsed by physicians. Screening mammography reports should include more details and be clearer about patient follow-up. The need for patients to sign authorization forms for transmission of information related to their participation in the QBCSP should be reinforced by their physicians. Following abnormal mammogram results, services and procedures should be simplified and delays in appointments decreased. Referral for “orphan patients” (ie, patients without family physicians) should be supervised by nurse practitioners, with physician consultations when needed.

CONCLUSION

This study provides a qualitative understanding of improvements or modifications needed in order to reach a screening mammography participation rate sufficient to reduce breast cancer mortality in women.     

Consequences of Screening in Breast Cancer (COS-BC): development of a questionnaire

Objective

The aims of the study were to translate and adapt both the negative and positive items of the Psychological Consequences Questionnaire (PCQ) into Danish and to test the translated version for comprehension, suitability, and content coverage by developing new items in a setting of false-positive screening mammography.

Design

The translation was carried out following an internationally accepted method involving two panels: bilingual and lay.

Subjects

The suitability and the content coverage of the PCQ were tested in six group interviews. Participants in the interviews were women who had had a false-positive screening mammography. They were grouped according to additional examinations they experienced following abnormal screening mammography. The audio-recordings from the group interviews were thematically analysed to identify the key consequences of abnormal and false-positive screening mammography.

Results

Fifteen new items were generated to cover the negative psychosocial consequences of abnormal and false-positive screening mammography comprehensively. Five new items were produced that concerned the consequences of screening mammography during the period after being declared “free from” suspicion of cancer. Three items from the PCQ were deleted because they were judged by interviewees to be irrelevant. Response options for the positive items were changed to allow responses in both positive and negative directions.

Conclusion

Because of the major changes to both parts of the PCQ the measure derived from this study should be regarded as a new questionnaire with two parts: Consequences Of Screening in Breast Cancer (COS-BC). Part II focuses on the long-term consequences of a false-positive screening mammography.     

The Role of Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Evaluation of Pulmonary Nodules and Masses

Objective

The aim of our study was to determine whether or not dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with kinetic and morphological parameters can reveal significant differences between malignant and benign pulmonary lesions, and thus to evaluate the use of dynamic MRI in the management of pulmonary nodules.

Patients and Methods

Thirty-one patients (4 women and 27 men) underwent 1.5 T MRI, where 10 consecutive dynamic series were performed every 30 s by using 3D fast low-angle shot sequences. The percentage increase in the signal intensity of the lesions was determined for each time point. Time-enhancement curves of the lesions were drawn and classified into four types: A, B, C and D. Early peak (EP) and maximum peak (MP) values of the curves were calculated and compared with the diagnoses of the patients. The usefulness of these parameters was tested statistically. In addition to the comparison of the parameters between the groups, receiver-operating characteristic analysis was used to assess sensitivity, specificity, and both positive and negative predictive values of EP and MP parameters.

Results

Of the 31 pulmonary lesions, 16 (52%) were malignant. These showed a stronger enhancement with higher median values of EP and MP (77.08 and 123.15, respectively) than those corresponding to the benign lesions (14.45 and 32.53, respectively). There were significant differences between the benign and malignant lesions (p < 0.001). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 75, 93, 92 and 78% for EP and 93, 86, 88 and 93% for MP, respectively.

Conclusion

A combination of kinetic and morphological evaluation in dynamic MRI provided accurate differentiation between benign and malignant pulmonary lesions. It was a useful and noninvasive method of evaluating pulmonary nodules.Key Words: Pulmonary nodules, Dynamic MRI, Kinetic parameters     

超声对致密型乳腺疾病的诊断价值

目的 探讨超声在致密型乳腺疾病中的诊断价值.方法 回顾性分析115例致密型乳腺患者和304例非致密型乳腺患者的超声声像图表现,并与其钼靶X线检查结果和病理结果相比较,统计分析超声对致密型乳腺疾病的检出率和诊断准确率.结果 超声对致密型、非致密型乳腺中的病灶检出率分别为96.3%、98.3%,均显著高于钼靶(36.0%、...     

Role of US in evaluating breast implant integrity

Purpose

To assess the diagnostic accuracy and inter-observer variability of ultrasound (US) in recognizing signs of intra or extra-capsular rupture of silicone breast implants by using the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings as the reference standard.

Methods

150 patients for a total of 300 implants underwent breast US and subsequently MR examination searching for signs of intra or extra-capsular rupture. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and diagnostic accuracy were calculated for breast US having MRI findings as the reference standard. Cohen’s kappa statistics was used in order to assess inter-observer agreement for US.

Results

170/300 (57 %) implant ruptures were detected at US (intra-capsular n = 110, extra-capsular n = 60). By comparing US findings with MR results, overall sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, and NPV of 79, 63, 70, 65, and 77 %, respectively, were found for breast US. In case of intra-capsular rupture, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, and NPV of 63, 63, 63, 45, and 77 %, respectively, were obtained; 100 % values were found for extra-capsular rupture US diagnosis.

Conclusion

US can be used as the first examination in patients with breast implants. US intra-capsular rupture detection requires further evaluation by MRI; in case of extra-capsular rupture US diagnosis, surgical implant removal could be proposed without further investigations.     

Joint effusion of the knee: potentialities and limitations of ultrasonography

Purpose

This study aimed at comparing the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the detection of joint effusion of the knee.

Methods

For this retrospective study, approbation by the institutional review board was not required, and written informed consent from the patients was waived. One hundred and fifty-eight patients (83 men and 75 women; median age 41.2 years; age range 13–81 years) who underwent US and MRI of the knee were included in the study. The sensitivity and specificity of US with respect to MRI in the evaluation of the effusion of the knee and in each recess were compared.

Results

In evaluating joint effusion of the knee, compared with MRI, US correctly identified 78 of 96 patients with joint effusion, showing a sensitivity of 81.3 % and a specificity of 100 %, with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 100 % and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 77.5 % (p value = 0.001). Various results were obtained comparing ultrasound with MRI, regarding the various recesses.

Conclusion

US showed high specificity and sensitivity in diagnosing knee joint effusion and could be used in patients who cannot undergo MRI.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s40477-015-0180-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

钼钯乳腺X线摄影误诊病例分析

目的 分析乳腺钼钯X线摄影误诊的原因及探讨避免误诊的方法和经验。方法 回顾性分析69例经病理证实而乳腺钼钯X线摄误诊的乳腺疾病影像资料。结果 69例误诊中，良性诊断为恶性者24例，恶性诊断为良性者45例。误诊原因主要为乳腺致密肿块难以对比等客观原因，以及病变X线表现不典型所致。结论 规范乳腺的钼钯X线摄影方法以及加强读片一定程度可以减少误诊。     

Association of primary care physician sex with cervical cancer and mammography screening

Objective

To assess whether the sex of primary care physicians is associated with differing rates of cervical cancer and mammography screening in a contemporary multicultural context.

Design

Structured medical record review of a retrospectively defined cohort.

Setting

Academic urban primary care clinic in Montreal, Que.

Participants

Seven male physicians and 9 female physicians, and all female patients aged 14 to 69 years registered to one of the physicians (N = 1948).

Main outcome measures

Screening compliance rates as measured by the elapsed time between the last visit and cervical cancer screening for all women in the study. In addition, in women aged 50 to 69 years, elapsed time between the last visit and mammography screening.

Results

Crude rates of Papanicolaou tests for patients of female primary care physicians were higher than for patients of male primary care physicians in all patient age groups. The lowest rates of Pap testing were among the youngest and oldest patients. After adjustment for patient age, first language, and region of birth, as well as physician age, the odds ratio of having a Pap test was 2.24 (95% CI 1.18 to 4.28) for the patients of female physicians, relative to those of male physicians. The adjusted odds ratio for mammography screening was 1.25 (95% CI 0.97 to 1.61) for patients of female physicians.

Conclusion

Male primary care physician sex is associated with lower rates of cervical cancer screening in an urban multicultural context. The study did not detect a physician sex effect in the mammography cohort.     

Red Cell Distribution Width Can Predict the Significance of Angiographically Intermediate Coronary Lesions

Objective

In the present study, the association between red cell distribution width (RDW) with functional significance of intermediate coronary artery lesions was investigated.

Materials and Methods

Two hundred and forty-six consecutive patients, 168 males and 78 females, who underwent fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurement for angiographically intermediate coronary stenosis (40-70% in quantitative coronary analysis) in the left anterior descending coronary artery were enrolled into the study. The functional significance of intermediate coronary artery lesions was determined by FFR measurement. An FFR value <0.75 was defined as functionally significant. Venous blood samples were taken within 48 h before the FFR measurement, and RDW levels were determined by a Coulter LH Series hematology analyzer. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between functional significance in FFR measurement and other variables.

Results

Of the 246 patients, 62 (25.2%) exhibited significant functional stenosis (FFR <0.75) in the FFR measurement. The mean RDW level was significantly higher in patients with significant stenosis (14.19 ± 0.73 vs. 13.69 ± 0.77, p < 0.001). In stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis, RDW (OR = 2.489, 95% CI = 1.631-3.799, p < 0.001) and male gender (OR = 2.826, 95% CI = 1.347-5.928, p = 0.006) were independent predictors of significant functional stenosis.

Conclusion

Increased RDW levels were associated with functional significance of angiographically intermediate coronary artery stenoses.Key Words: Coronary artery stenosis, Fractional flow reserve, Erythrocyte indices, Red cell distribution width     

LOWER LIMB ASYMMETRIES IN RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS ATHLETES

Background

Different limb training demands and limb preference may determine anthropometric and muscle force inter-limb asymmetries in Rhythmic Gymnastics (RG) athletes.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of lateral preference of the lower extremity on anthropometric, range of motion, and isokinetic torque measurements of RG athletes.

Study Design

Cross sectional study

Methods

Lower limb anthropometric measurements (girth, estimated anatomical cross-sectional area), hip, knee and ankle range of motion, flexor and extensor isokinetic torques (angular velocities = 60, 180, e 240 °·s⁻¹) and bilateral asymmetry index were evaluated in 11 international level Rhythmic Gymnastics athletes (17.9 ± 4.0 years of age; 9.1 ± 5,1 years of experience; 26.8 ± 6.0 weekly training hours).

Results

The preferred limb showed larger thigh girth and anatomical cross-sectional area, higher ankle dorsiflexor range of motion, higher hip flexor torque at 60 °·s⁻¹ and higher plantarflexor torque at 180 °·s⁻¹ compared to the non-preferred limb.

Conclusions

The observed differences seem to be strictly related to lateral preference and rhythmic gymnastics training.

Levels of Evidence

3     

Transrectal ultrasound in patients with hematospermia

Introduction

To illustrate the lesions detected with transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) in patients with hematospermia.

Material and methods

This study included 74 male patients (25–73 years old) affected by hematospermia. Clinical history was obtained and all patients underwent rectal examination as well as TRUS examination in both axial and coronal planes to evaluate the prostate, ejaculatory ducts and seminal vesicles. Biopsy was performed in 10 patients.

Results

Abnormalities were detected in 59 patients. Calculi (n = 20) were seen within the prostate, seminal vesicles and along the course of the ejaculatory ducts. Chronic prostatitis (n = 14) appeared as hyperechoic and hypoechoic areas within the prostate with capsule thickening suggesting seminal vesiculitis (n = 8). Granulomatous prostatitis (n = 3) appeared as hyperechoic and calcified areas scattered within the prostate and the seminal vesicles. Hypoechoic focal lesions and heterogeneous texture were seen in prostate cancer (n = 5). Utricular cysts (n = 3) appeared as small midline lesions, and Mullerian duct cysts (n = 8) appeared as larger midline cysts protruding above the prostate. Ejaculatory duct cysts (n = 4) appeared as thick walled cystic lesions along the course of the ejaculatory duct. Seminal vesicle cysts were detected in 2 patients.

Conclusion

Our conclusion is that TRUS is a safe, non-invasive technique which can be used to detect lesions of the prostate, seminal vesicles and the ejaculatory ducts in patients with hematospermia.     

Physicians�� attitudes and behaviour toward screening mammography in women 40 to 49 years of age

Objective

To determine family physicians’ attitudes and behaviour toward screening mammography, breast self-examination, and breast awareness in women aged 40 to 49 at average risk of breast cancer.

Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting

Women’s College Hospital and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, both in Toronto, Ont.

Participants

Family medicine residents, fellows, and staff physicians at 2 academic family practice health centres affiliated with the University of Toronto (n = 95).

Main outcome measures

Physicians’ answers to questions about offering screening mammography and promoting breast self-examination and breast awareness.

Results

Fifty-two completed surveys were returned (response rate 55%). Less than half of all surveyed family physicians (46%) routinely offered screening mammography to women aged 40 to 49 who were at average risk of breast cancer. Although 40% of physicians did not think breast cancer screening was necessary for women aged 40 to 49, 62% indicated that they would offer screening if their patients requested it. Physicians’ reasons not to offer screening included no evidence of decreasing breast cancer deaths (63%), grade A recommendation to screen women starting at age 50 and not at age 40 (25%), and the harms of screening outweighing the benefits (19%). Physicians’ reasons to offer screening included patient request (55%), personal clinical practice experience or mentors’ recommendations (27%), and guideline recommendations (18%). Breast self-examination was not recommended by most physicians (74%), yet most encouraged women to practise breast awareness (81%).

Conclusion

Many women at average risk of breast cancer are not being offered the opportunity to discuss and initiate mammographic screening before 50 years of age. While breast-self examination is not recommended, most physicians promote breast awareness.     

Distribution of abnormal potentials in chronic myocardial infarction using a real time magnetic resonance guided electrophysiology system

Background

Identification of viable slow conduction zones manifested by abnormal local potentials is integral to catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) sites. The relationship between contrast patterns in cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and local electrical mapping is not well characterized. The purpose of this study was to identify regions of isolated, late and fractionated diastolic potentials in sinus rhythm and controlled-paced rhythm in post-infarct animals relative to regions detected by late gadolinium enhancement CMR (LGE-CMR).

Methods

Using a real-time MR-guided electrophysiology system, electrogram (EGM) recordings were used to generate endocardial electroanatomical maps in 6 animals. LGE-CMR was also performed and tissue classification (dense infarct, gray zone and healthy myocardium) was then correlated to locations of abnormal potentials.

Results

For abnormal potentials in sinus rhythm, relative occurrence was equivalent 24%, 27% and 22% in dense scar, gray zone and healthy tissue respectively (p = NS); in paced rhythm, the relative occurrence of abnormal potentials was found to be different with 30%, 42% and 21% in dense scar, gray zone and healthy myocardium respectively (p = 0.001). For location of potentials, in the paced case, the relative frequency of abnormal EGMs was 19.9%, 65.4% and 14.7% in the entry, central pathway and exit respectively (p = 0.05), putative regions being defined by activation times.

Conclusions

Our data suggests that gray zone quantified by LGE-CMR exhibits abnormal potentials more frequently than in healthy tissue or dense infarct when right ventricular apex pacing is used.