Ainhum (dactylolysis spontanea): A Radiological survey of 6000 patients

Dactylolysis spontanea is an idiopathic condition affecting the fifth toe, and sometimes other toes, that is frequently bilateral, with lesions in different stages. Between 1977 and 1999, a total 6000 radiographic studies of the feet were reviewed in a mainly African American population in Chicago, Illinois. After an initial screening based on the Cole criteria, 581 patients were selected and re-examined, and amplification techniques were performed. After reviewing the complementary exams, 102 patients were diagnosed with dactylolysis spontanea or ainhum. Soft-tissue constriction was the most frequently presented radiological sign on the initial screening. Kurtosis at the digit plantar fold and marked rotation of the fifth toe were normal findings in asymptomatic patients. Demographics, comorbidities, and radiological findings were analyzed in the selected population. Associated diseases occurring in these patients appeared to have no specific etiologic correlation with ainhum. African Americans and the dark-skinned population are affected exclusively by this condition, presumably due to the fibrogenic tendency of these individuals. Early diagnosis and accurate staging of ainhum are facilitated by radiological examination of the feet. The findings suggest that this condition is underdiagnosed and overlooked because its low prevalence and variable clinical presentations that might mimic more common etiologies, including localized trauma.     

Advances in oncologic imaging

Imaging has become a pivotal component throughout a patient's encounter with cancer, from initial disease detection and characterization through treatment response assessment and posttreatment follow‐up. Recent progress in imaging technology has presented new opportunities for improving clinical care. This article provides updates on the latest approaches to imaging of 5 common cancers: breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal cancers, and lymphoma. CA Cancer J Clin 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.     

The Connecticut Experiments Second Year: Ultrasound in the Screening of Women with Dense Breasts

To determine if the addition of screening breast ultrasound in women with mammographically normal but dense breasts improves breast cancer detection. The study utilized a retrospective chart review. Data collected included: (a) total number of screening mammograms; (b) total number of dense breast screening ultrasounds; (c) screening ultrasound Breast Imaging Reporting Data System (BI‐RADS) code results; (d) biopsy results; and (e) demographic data on women with malignant biopsies. Data were obtained from sites throughout Connecticut from November 1, 2010 to October 31, 2011. Data from 5 Connecticut radiology practices covering 10 sites were collected. Sites conducted a total of 57,417 screening mammograms and 10,282 dense breast screening ultrasounds. Of the screening ultrasounds, 87% (8,972/10,282) were BI‐RADS 1 or 2, 9% (875/10,282) were BI‐RADS 3, 4% (435/10,282) were BI‐RADS 4 or 5, and 39 were found to have a cancer or high‐risk lesion on biopsy. This correlates to 3.8 cancers or high‐risk lesions per 1,000 women screened. If high‐risk lesions are excluded, there are 24 cases of biopsy proven malignancy corresponding to 2.3 cancers per 1,000 women screened. In this study, screening breast ultrasound in women with mammographically normal but dense breasts demonstrated a positive predictive value of 9% (39/435) and specificity of 96% (8,972/9,368). Based on the data collected from sites throughout Connecticut, screening breast ultrasound in women with dense breast parenchyma detects mammographically occult malignancy and high‐risk lesions. The results are especially significant given recent studies suggesting that breast density is an independent risk factor for breast cancer and that mammography is less effective in detecting cancer in dense breasts. The improved specificity and sensitivity between the 1st and 2nd years’ suggests there is a learning curve that may continue to improve the results.     

Detection and Clinical Significance of Sternal Lesions on Breast MRI

The purpose of this study is to characterize sternal lesions detected on breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), compare MRI detection of sternal lesions with other imaging modalities (bone scan, positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and chest CT), and ascertain how often patient management is altered by discovery of sternal lesions. Retrospective review of 1143 breast MRIs between 2007 and 2012 identified 17 patients with sternal lesions including 15 patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer and two patients with remote history of breast cancer. Tumor size, histopathology, receptor status, nodal and distant metastasis, and images of breast MRI, and other modalities were reviewed. Sternal lesions in 9 of the 17 patients were determined to be malignant (metastasis) either by biopsy or presence of widespread metastases. Sternal lesions in 8 of the 17 were benign, confirmed by biopsy or presumed benign as not detected by other modalities. The malignant group had statistically significant larger breast cancer size (malignant: 6.4 cm; benign: 2.3 cm), a higher percentage of diffuse sternal lesions (malignant: 56%; benign: 0%), and more frequently showed rapid initial enhancing (malignant: 100%; benign: 63%) and delayed washout curves (malignant: 67%; benign: 13%). Although not statistically significant, the malignant group had a higher frequency of invasive lobular carcinoma (malignant: 44%; benign: 13%) and more lymph node involvement (malignant: 78%; benign: 50%). Breast MRI detected more sternal lesions than did bone scan, PET/CT and chest CT. Four of the 17 (24%) patients were upgraded to stage 4 due to unsuspected metastatic sternal lesions on breast MRI. In conclusion, breast MRI is more sensitive than other modalities in detecting sternal lesions. Sternal metastases occur more frequently in aggressive breast cancer and exhibit malignant‐type dynamics on breast MRI. Detection of unsuspected sternal metastasis alters staging and improves patient management with more appropriate treatment.