Abnormal Nodes Research Articles

Analysis of the clinical manifestations and 18F-FDG PET-CT findings in 40 patients with histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis.

Histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (HNL) is a rare, benign, and self-limiting inflammatory disease that mainly involves the lymph nodes. There is a lack of large sample studies concerning the clinical manifestations and imaging features of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) of HNL.The clinical symptoms, laboratory examination results, 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging features, and treatment outcome were investigated in this retrospective study.A total of 40 HNL patients were recruited. The onset age was between 14 and 65 years, with a median of 25 years. The white blood cell count was 3.9 (2.9, 7.1) × 109/L, C-reactive protein level was 20.2 (6.6, 63.8) mg/L, erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 29.0 (18.0,45.0) mm/h, and ferritin was 616.5 (205.6, 2118.1) ng/mL. An abnormal liver function was observed in 23 patients. 18F-FDG PET-CT showed that an abnormal lymph node metabolism was observed in 38 patients, among which the highest 18F-FDG maximal standard uptake value (SUVmax) of the lymph nodes ranged between 3.4 and 41.9; the nodes were mainly distributed in the neck and axilla regions. Meanwhile, a total of 2502 lymph nodes (721 lymph nodes with a short axis greater than 10 mm) were found in the 38 patients, including 1837 lymph nodes with an 18F-FDG SUVmax ≥ 2.5. The 18F-FDG SUVmax of the spleen ranged from 2.5 to 9.2 in 20 patients, while that of central and peripheral bone marrow ranged from 2.7 to 36.0 in 30 patients. After follow-up for an average period of 1 month, the symptoms improved after prednisone treatment.HNL often occurs in adolescents. Scanning with 18F-FDG PET/CT showed that most patients had multiple involved lymph nodes that were hypermetabolic, and only few lymph nodes are enlarged. Besides, the spleen or central and peripheral bone marrow could sometimes be hypermetabolic. Glucocorticoid treatment for the HNL patients is effective.

Design and Development of Ternary-Based Anomaly Detection in Semantic Graphs Using Metaheuristic Algorithm

At present, the field of homeland security faces many obstacles while determining abnormal or suspicious entities within the huge set of data. Several approaches have been adopted from social network analysis and data mining; however, it is challenging to identify the objective of abnormal instances within the huge complicated semantic graphs. The abnormal node is the one that takes an individual or abnormal semantic in the network. Hence, for defining this notion, a graph structure is implemented for generating the semantic profile of each node by numerous kinds of nodes and links that are associated to the node in a specific distance via edges. Once the graph structure is framed, the ternary list is formed on the basis of its adjacent nodes. The abnormalities in the nodes are detected by introducing a new optimization concept referred to as biogeography optimization with fitness sorted update (BO-FBU), which is the extended version of the standard biogeography optimization algorithm (BBO). The abnormal behavior in the network is identified by the similarities among the derived rule features. Further, the performance of the proposed model is compared to the other classical models in terms of certain performance measures. These techniques will be useful to detect digital crime and forensics.

CORRIGENDUM

SonographyVolume 8, Issue 3 p. 135-135 CORRIGENDUMFree Access CORRIGENDUM This article corrects the following: Oral Presentations Volume 8Issue S1Sonography pages: 3-28 First Published online: May 20, 2021 First published: 02 September 2021 https://doi.org/10.1002/sono.12273AboutSectionsPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL The content of the Oral abstract O082 entitled ‘O082 | Taking the “Kik” out of Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease- a Case Study’ by Debbie Slade has been replaced.1 The correct content is presented below: Introduction: Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease, more commonly known as Kikuchi's disease or Histiocytic Necrotizing Lymphadenitis, is a rarely encountered, widely misunderstood usually benign pathology that involves unusual swelling of the lymph nodes. The purpose of this presentation is to rectify a shortfall in available literature describing this disease. This case study describes a 42-year old Caucasian woman who presented with a unilateral neck swelling and describes etiology, ultrasound appearances, cytology, diagnosis and treatment. Method: - Ultrasound examination was performed in the region of concern using a Canon (Toshiba) XG unit and 12 MHZ linear array transducer. - Transverse, longitudinal and hilar measurements of the enlarged lymph node were documented. Borders, internal echogenicity and architecture was assessed. Power Doppler was utilized to assess vascularity. - Insonation of the entire neck was performed looking for evidence of additional abnormal lymph nodes or malignancy. - Ultrasound appearances were compared with common lymph node pathology. - Ultrasound guided FNA was performed as was surgical excision in an effort to achieve diagnosis. Results: Ultrasound Appearance: - A single enlarged hypoechoic lymph node with cystic components, lobulated cortex and hyperemic hilar flow was identified in the left anterior triangle (segment 11A). Differential diagnoses of Lymphoma, TB and cat scratch disease were suggested by ultrasound appearances. Conclusion: - FNA results were inconclusive. - Definitive diagnosis of Kikuchi disease was achieved only with excisional node biopsy. Take Home Messages: Consider Kikuchi disease as an ultrasound differential diagnosis for enlarged lymph nodes. Definitive diagnosis of Kikuchi disease can only be made by excisional node biopsy. REFERENCE 1ASA2021 Brisbane Hybrid, 27th Annual International Conference of the Australasian Sonographers Association, 28–30 May 2021. Sonography. 2021; 8(Suppl. 1): 3- 28. https://doi.org/10.1002/sono.12255 Volume8, Issue3September 2021Pages 135-135 ReferencesRelatedInformation

PD53-04 IMAGE DIRECTED STRATIFICATION OF PATIENTS TO LYMPH NODE STAGING PROCEDURES IN PENILE CANCER IMPROVE OUTCOME? 10-YEAR STUDY IN >150 PATIENTS

You have accessJournal of UrologyPenile & Testicular Cancer: Penile & Testicular Cancer II (PD53)1 Sep 2021PD53-04 IMAGE DIRECTED STRATIFICATION OF PATIENTS TO LYMPH NODE STAGING PROCEDURES IN PENILE CANCER IMPROVE OUTCOME? 10-YEAR STUDY IN >150 PATIENTS Prakrit Kumar, Arne Juette, Davina Pawaroo, Richard Ball, Krishna Sethia, and Vivekanandan Kumar Prakrit KumarPrakrit Kumar More articles by this author , Arne JuetteArne Juette More articles by this author , Davina PawarooDavina Pawaroo More articles by this author , Richard BallRichard Ball More articles by this author , Krishna SethiaKrishna Sethia More articles by this author , and Vivekanandan KumarVivekanandan Kumar More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002080.04AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Survival in penile cancer is largely determined by lymph node (LN) metastasis. Dynamic Sentinel Node Biopsy (DSNB) staging procedure has a false negative rate of 5-13%. We use image directed stratification patients to LN staging procedures as opposed to palpability and report the outcomes including survival. METHODS: 158 consecutive patients (316 inguinal basins (IB)), who had lymph node surgery for penile cancer in a tertiary referral centre from Jan 2008 to 2018, were included in the study. All patients underwent ultrasound (US) +/-fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and then MRI/ CT, if needed to stage their disease. We used combined clinical and radiological criteria to stratify patients for DSNB vs inguinal lymph node dissection (ILND). RESULTS: 241 IBs had DSNB due to clinically node negative disease (cN0) and 71 IBs had ILND due to abnormal nodes (cN+) and 4 IBs were observed due to non-drainage in sentinel node scan. 27(11.2%), 39 (54.9%) and 0 of those had nodes positive for metastasis respectively. The minimum and mean follow-up is 28 and 65 months respectively. FNR is 0%. All the 25 bilateral ILND patients had cross-sectional imaging. 13 had CT, 11 had MRI and 1 had both. Of the 108 DSNB patients, 30 had MRI, 34 had CT, and one both. 43 patients who had normal ultrasound (U1-2) and impalpable nodes did not have any cross-sectional imaging. Interestingly, only 2/43 (4.7%) patients who did not have cross-sectional imaging were DSNB-positive for micro-metastatic disease as opposed to 14/64 (21.9%) of imaged patients (p=0.03). 11 IBs in 9 patients had ILND dictated by cross-sectional imaging despite having negative US+FNAC and impalpable nodes. 3 IBs in 3 patients had metastatic disease on which 2 had CT and one MRI. We believe these 3 cases could have become a false negative in palpability+US FNAC protocols. Mean cancer specific survival (CSS) of all node-positive patients was 105 months. There was a difference in OS depending on which staging investigation was done at the outset (i.e., DSNB vs ILND (108 vs 72 months, p<0.0001). Further pN+ patients identified by DSNB had no significant difference in CSS compared to direct ILND patients (89 vs 92 months, p=0.124). CONCLUSIONS: Our enhanced clinical-radiological stratification criteria eliminated FNR for DSNB. Cross sectional imaging further sub stratifies patients in to 3 risk categories for micro-metastasis. Node positive patients had poor OS compared to node negative patients. However there was no difference in CSS in pN+ patients if either DSNB or ILND is used. This is first report of survival in lymph node staging in penile cancer. Source of Funding: none © 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 206Issue Supplement 3September 2021Page: e917-e917 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Prakrit Kumar More articles by this author Arne Juette More articles by this author Davina Pawaroo More articles by this author Richard Ball More articles by this author Krishna Sethia More articles by this author Vivekanandan Kumar More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Loading ...

Evaluation of Children and Adolescents with Thyroid Nodules: A Single Center Experience

Objective:We aimed to evaluate the clinical, radiological and pathological findings of children and adolescents with thyroid nodules.Methods:Data of 121 children and adolescent with thyroid nodules and had fine needle aspiration (FNA) were examined retrospectively. Concomitant thyroid disease, ultrasonography (US) features of the nodule, FNA and histopathological results were recorded. FNA results were assessed according to The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC).Results:Median (range) age of the cases was 14 (3-18) years and 81% were female. FNA results of patients were: insufficient in 1 (0.8%); benign in 68 (56.2%); indeterminate in 44 (36.4%); and malignant in 8 (6.6%) patients. Among 39 patients who underwent surgery, 10 (25.6%) had differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) and the overall malignancy rate was 10.0% (10/100). Follow-up FNA results showed progress based on TBSRTC in 18.7% of benign results and 4/75 patients had DTC on surgical excision. Two of 22 patients with atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) who continued follow-up was diagnosed with DTC. Male gender, presence of Hashimoto thyroiditis and US findings of uninodularity, hypoechogenicity, increased blood flow, irregular margins, solid structure, microcalcification and presence of abnormal cervical lymph nodes were associated with malignancy.Conclusion:In this study 10% of thyroid nodules were malignant in children and adolescents. Patients with AUS have a 9% potential for malignancy. Patients with initially benign FNA result may have changes on repeat FNA when assessed with TBSTRC indicating a 5.3% false negative rate.

Nodal immune flare mimics nodal disease progression following neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer

Radiographic imaging is the standard approach for evaluating the disease involvement of lymph nodes in patients with operable NSCLC although the impact of neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) on lymph nodes has not yet been characterized. Herein, we present an ad hoc analysis of the NEOSTAR trial (NCT03158129) where we observed a phenomenon we refer to as “nodal immune flare” (NIF) in which patients treated with neoadjuvant ICIs demonstrate radiologically abnormal nodes post-therapy that upon pathological evaluation are devoid of cancer and demonstrate de novo non-caseating granulomas. Abnormal lymph nodes are analyzed by computed tomography and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computer tomography to evaluate the size and the maximum standard uptake value post- and pre-therapy in NEOSTAR and an independent neoadjuvant chemotherapy cohort. NIF occurs in 16% (7/44) of patients treated with ICIs but in 0% (0/28) of patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. NIF is associated with an inflamed nodal immune microenvironment and with fecal abundance of genera belonging to the family Coriobacteriaceae of phylum Actinobacteria, but not with tumor responses or treatment-related toxicity. Our findings suggest that this apparent radiological cancer progression in lymph nodes may occur due to an inflammatory response after neoadjuvant immunotherapy, and such cases should be evaluated by pathological examination to distinguish NIF from true nodal progression and to ensure appropriate clinical treatment planning.

Candidates of Genomic Tests in HR+/HER2- Breast Cancer Patients With 1-2 Positive Sentinel Lymph Node Without Axillary Lymph Node Dissection: Analysis From Multicentric Cohorts.

BackgroundThe genomic tests such as the MammaPrint and Oncotype DX test are being gradually applied for hormone receptor positive/HER-2 negative (HR+/HER2-) breast cancer patients with up to three positive axillary lymph nodes (ALNs). The first results from RxPONDER trial suggested that Oncotype DX could be applied to patients with 1-2 positive sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) without axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), which constituted 37.4% of the intent-to-treat population. However, there was no distinctive research on how to apply genomic tests precisely to HR+/HER2- patients with 1-2 positive SLNs without ALND. The purpose was to construct a nomogram using the multi-center retrospective data to predict precisely which HR+/HER2- candidates with 1-2 positive SLNs could be subjected to genomic tests (≤ 3 positive lymph nodes).MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of 18,600 patients with stage I-III breast cancer patients treated with sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in Shandong Cancer Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, and West China Hospital. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the independent predictive factors of having ≤ 3 positive nodes among patients with 1-2 positive SLNs. A nomogram was developed based on variables in the final model with p<0.05. Calibration of the nomogram was carried out by internal validation using the bootstrap resampling approach and was displayed using a calibration curve. The discrimination of the model was evaluated using the ROC curve.ResultsBased on the database of the three institutions, a total of 18,600 breast cancer patients were identified undergoing SLNB between May 2010 and 2020. Among the 1817 HR+/HER2- patients with 1-2 positive SLNs undergoing ALND, 84.2% harbored ≤ 3 totals metastatic ALNs. The multivariate logistic regression analysis identified imaging abnormal nodes (OR=0.197, 95%CI: 0.082-0.472), the number of positive SLNs (OR=0.351, 95%CI: 0.266-0.464), the number of negative SLNs (OR=1.639, 95%CI: 1.465-1.833), pathological tumor stage (OR=0.730, 95%CI: 0.552-0.964), and lympho-vascular invasion (OR=0.287, 95%CI: 0.222-0.398) as independent predictors for the proportion of patients with ≤ 3 total metastatic ALNs (all p<0.05). These five predictors were used to create a predictive nomogram. The AUC value was 0.804 (95%CI: 0.681-0.812, p<0.001). The calibration curve showed a satisfactory fit between the predictive and actual observation based on internal validation with a bootstrap resampling frequency of 1000.ConclusionThe nomogram based on the multi-centric database showed a good accuracy and could assist the oncologist in determining precisely which HR+/HER2- candidates with 1-2 positive SLNs without ALND could perform genomic tests. In the era of SLNB and precision medicine, the combined application of genomic tests and SLNB could provide patients with a better strategy of dual de-escalation management, including the de-escalation of both surgery and systemic treatment.

The magnetic resonance enterography imaging features of symptomatic Meckel's diverticulum in pediatric patients: a retrospective observational study of 31 cases.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to explore the magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) imaging manifestations of a symptomatic Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) in pediatric patients in order to provide a reference for the diagnosis of the condition.MethodsThe medical records of 31 pediatric patients with MD from May 2014 to October 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The inclusion criteria were patients with MD accompanied by unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding, anemia (except hematological diseases), chronic persistent abdominal pain, repeated intussusception, or intussusception in older pediatric patients during surgery. The clinical variables (age, sex, and hemoglobin) and imaging, surgical, and pathological findings were recorded.ResultsMD was definitively identified in 28 patients, with the following characteristics: a blind-ending fluid-filled and/or gas-filled structure (n=23), an elongated shape (n=1), a dumbbell shape (n=1), and a solid mass (n=3). The diverticula were located in the right lower quadrant (n=16), the right abdomen at the level of the umbilicus (n=3), the right upper quadrant (n=2), the left upper quadrant (n=2), and the midline lower abdomen (n=5). Supply arteries were visualized in nine cases. In all cases, mural enhancement was comparable to that of the adjacent small-bowel (SB). Extravasation of the intravascular contrast medium was seen in two cases. Peripheral structural abnormalities included mesenteric fat stranding (n=7), hemorrhage in the adjacent lumen (n=3), free intraperitoneal gas (n=1), abnormal fluid retention (n=2), intestinal obstruction (n=1), and lymph node enlargement (n=7). A normal appendix was identified in 18 cases.ConclusionsMRE is an appropriate method of diagnosing symptomatic MD in pediatric patients and is particularly useful in the assessment of complications.

The lungs were on fire: a pilot study of 18F-FDG PET/CT in idiopathic-inflammatory-myopathy-related interstitial lung disease

BackgroundInterstitial lung disease (ILD) and its rapid progression (RP) are the main contributors to unfavourable outcomes of patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM). This study aimed to identify the clinical value of PET/CT scans in IIM-ILD patients and to construct a predictive model for RP-ILD.MethodsAdult IIM-ILD patients who were hospitalized at four divisions of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (FAHZJU), from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2020 were reviewed. PET/CT scans and other characteristics of patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were collected and analysed.ResultsA total of 61 IIM-ILD patients were enrolled in this study. Twenty-one patients (34.4%) developed RP-ILD, and 24 patients (39.3%) died during follow-up. After false discovery rate (FDR) correction, the percent-predicted diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO%, P = 0.014), bilateral lung mean standard uptake value (SUVmean, P = 0.014) and abnormal mediastinal lymph node (P = 0.045) were significantly different between the RP-ILD and non-RP-ILD groups. The subsequent univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses verified our findings. A “DLM” model was established by including the above three values to predict RP-ILD with a cut-off value of ≥ 2 and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.905. Higher bilateral lung SUVmean (P = 0.019) and spleen SUVmean (P = 0.011) were observed in IIM-ILD patients who died within 3 months, and a moderate correlation was recognized between the two values.ConclusionsElevated bilateral lung SUVmean, abnormal mediastinal lymph nodes and decreased DLCO% were significantly associated with RP-ILD in IIM-ILD patients. The “DLM” model was valuable in predicting RP-ILD and requires further validation.

Anomaly detection method of packet loss node location in heterogeneous hash networks

When the current method is used to detect the location anomaly of packet loss nodes in heterogeneous hash networks, the detection takes a long time, and the detection results obtained have large errors, which have the problems of low detection efficiency and low accuracy. This paper presents an anomaly detection method for packet loss node location in heterogeneous hash networks, The node distribution model and heterogeneous hash network topology are constructed, It provides relevant information for location anomaly detection of packet loss nodes, The high-pass graph filter is used to process the network signal to obtain high-frequency components, divide heterogeneous hash networks, obtain specific frequency components corresponding to sub-graph output signals, judge sub-graph signals through thresholds, establish suspected abnormal node sets, and compare suspected abnormal node sets and sub-graph node sets to realize abnormal detection of packet loss node location. The experimental results show that the method has good positioning effect, high detection efficiency, and better detection effectiveness and stability than the comparative test method.

Long-Term Surgical Outcomes of Carotid Body Tumors With Pathological Fibrosis: A Cohort Study.

ObjectiveTo compare the surgical outcomes of carotid body tumor (CBT) with or without pathological fibrosis, and evaluate the associated factors of fibrous CBT (FCBT).Materials and MethodsParaffin-embedded tissues of 236 patients with unilateral CBTs at our center were retrospectively reviewed from January 2008 to May 2020. Based on the pathologic features, CBTs were divided into FCBT and conventional CBT (CCBT) groups. The clinical data and surgical outcomes of the two groups were compared.ResultsOf 236 patients, 53 had FCBT and 183 had CCBT. FCBTs showed higher vascular invasion (24.53%), marked pleomorphism (22.64%), internal carotid artery reconstruction (37.74%), estimated blood loss (559.62 cm3), and postoperative nerve injury (49.06%), with lower 10-year recurrence- (89.2%) and major adverse event-free survival (87.3%) compared to CCBTs. Nerve injury was correlated with the Shamblin grade; major adverse events and nerve injury were both correlated with pathological fibrosis.ConclusionCompared with CCBT, FCBT is prone to increased recurrence, metastasis, major adverse events, and nerve injury risk. Early surgical resection, routine excision of surrounding abnormal lymph nodes, and closer clinical surveillance in FCBT patients are recommended.

5,6,7,8-Tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivative attenuates lupus nephritis with less effect to thymocyte development.

Retinoic‑acid‑receptor‑related orphan nuclear hormone receptor gamma t (RORγt), a critical transcriptional factor of Th17 cells, is a potential therapeutic target for Th17-mediated autoimmune diseases. In addition, RORγt is essential for thymocyte survival and lymph node development, and RORγt inhibition or deficiency causes abnormal thymocyte development, thymus lymphoma, and lymph node defect. Recent study demonstrated that specific regulation of Th17 differentiation related to the hinge region of RORγt. In this research, we investigated the effect of RORγt inhibitor, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivative (TTP), in the therapy of lupus nephritis and its safety on thymocyte development. We demonstrated that TTP repressed the development of Th17 cells and ameliorated the autoimmune disease manifestation in the pristane-induced lupus nephritis mice model. The treatment of TTP in the mice did not interfere with thymocyte development, including total thymocyte number and proportion of CD4+CD8+ double-positive populations in the thymus, and had no substantial effects on the pathogenesis of thymoma. The TTP had a stronger affinity with full-length RORγt protein compared with the truncated RORγt LBD region via surface plasmon resonance, which indicated TTP binding to RORγt beyond LBD region. Molecular docking computation showed that the best binding pocket of TTP to RORγt is located in the hinge region of RORγt. In summary, as a RORγt inhibitor, TTP had a potential to develop the clinical medicine for treating Th17-mediated autoimmune diseases with low safety risk for thymocyte development.

Evaluation of whole axillary status with lymphatic contrast-enhanced ultrasound in patients with breast cancer.

This study aims to evaluate the whole axillary status of patients with breast cancer by lymphatic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (LCEUS). LCEUS was applied for 169 patients with suspected breast cancer. Abnormal patterns in lymphatic channels, sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs), and non-enhanced but abnormal lymph nodes were investigated. The signs of distorted, attenuated, netted, or interrupted lymphatic channels, defective-filling or no-filling SLNs, and the appearance of non-enhanced but abnormal lymph nodes were designated as features of axillary metastasis. A positive outcome was given when any of the abnormal patterns was found in the LCEUS. The diagnostic efficiencies were calculated to differentiate the axillary lymphatic status using LCEUS for the whole axilla, compared with conventional ultrasound (US) and LCEUS for SLNs. The LCEUS procedure was successfully performed for 157 breast cancer patients with axillary dissection. Compared to normal axillae, abnormal patterns had a significantly higher frequency in metastatic axillae (p = 0.000). Using conventional US to evaluate the whole axillae, the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 69.1%, 71.9%, and 70.7%, respectively. When LCEUS was used for SLN evaluation to predict the whole axilla, the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 66.2%, 89.9%, and 79.6%, respectively. When LCEUS was used as the whole axillary evaluation method, the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 76.5%, 86.5%, and 82.2%, respectively. LCEUS can be an accurate method to observe the whole axillae in breast cancer patients. Lymphatic channels, SLNs, and non-enhanced but abnormal lymph nodes constitute the LCEUS for whole axillary evaluation. • LCEUS can be an accurate method to observe the whole axillae in breast cancer patients. • Three aspects in the LCEUS for whole axillary evaluation are the lymphatic channels, sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs), and non-enhanced but abnormal lymph nodes. • Signs of distorted, attenuated, netted, or interrupted lymphatic channels, defective-filling or no-filling SLNs, and the appearance of non-enhanced but abnormal lymph nodes were considered as features of axillary metastasis.

Preliminary Results of a Phase II Study of CC-5013 (Lenalidomide, Revlimid®) in Patients with Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma.

Background: Mycosis fungoides (MF)/Sézary syndrome (SS) represent the most common type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) comprising 50% of cutaneous lymphomas. No treatment cures patients with CTCL and patients ultimately develop advanced or relapsed disease that is refractory to standard treatment options. The direct antitumor effects associated with potent anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory and T-cell co-stimulatory activity and favorable toxicity profile of lenalidomide provided the rationale to use this agent in patients with MF/SS. Preliminary results of this ongoing phase II trial indicate encouraging early signs, responses and manageable toxicity.Methods: The study is designed to accrue 29 evaluable patients. Nine patients have been enrolled between April and August 2005. Eight patients are evaluable for response and toxicity. Lenalidomide was administered orally on an outpatient basis. Patients received 25 mg daily for 21 days with 7 days rest of a 28-day cycle. Patients with stable disease and partial response will continue treatment with a maximum of 2 years if tolerated or unless unforeseen toxicities occur. Response was assessed after every cycle using Composite Assessment (CA) of Index Lesion Disease Severity for skin lesions, absolute Sézary cell count for quantification of circulating malignant lymphocytes and/or CT scans for evidence of adenopathy or visceral disease.Results: The median patient age was 60 years (range, 47–69) and patients had received a median of 6 prior treatment regimens (range, 2–9). Preliminary results indicate that a total of 3 patients (38%) have already experienced an objective response (defined as a CA ratio less than or equal to 0.5 with no new clinically abnormal lymph nodes, no progression of existing clinically abnormal lymph nodes, and no new cutaneous tumors) after 1 to 3 cycles of therapy. Four patients have achieved a minor response such as regression of cutaneous tumor lesions and cervical lymphadenopathy in one patient each, and skin improvement from initial generalized erythroderma to less severe erythema with less scaling and remain on therapy. The most common side effects were fatigue (4 patients-grade I) and lower leg edema (3 patients-grade II). GI symptoms (grade I) and anemia (grade II) was noted in one patient each. One patient discontinued treatment after one cycle because of neurological symptoms (slurred speech) possibly related to the study drug and one patient for progressive disease after 3 cycles following a minor response.Conclusions: In our study lenalidomide has shown encouraging activity in heavily pretreated patients with advanced MF/SS and a mild toxicity profile. Accrual is ongoing. Revlimid® is a registered trademark of Celgene Corporation.

Ultrasound and shear-wave elastography patterns of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine-related axillary, supra and subclavicular lymphadenopathy

In this pictorial essay, we illustrate the ultrasound appearance of COVID-19 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine-related lymph node abnormalities, which can occur at different stations ipsilateral to the site of vaccination, after either first or second vaccine dose and can represent a diagnostic dilemma when encountered in patients with underlying conditions. Typically, they appear as enlarged hypoechoic nodes with loss of fat hilum, increased hilar and cortical vascularization at color-Doppler, but low to intermediate cortical consistence at shear-wave elastography. Asymmetric or diffuse cortical thickening is also frequently encountered. They can be observed in patients without and with clinical symptoms, such as armpit pain, fever and fatigue.

Curve and surface reconstruction based on MTLS algorithm combined with k-means clustering

Curve and surface reconstruction methods play an important role in many research and engineering fields. It is an imperative procedure to carry out surface reconstruction from measurement data in reverse engineering, which is complicated with the presence of outliers. To achieve better accuracy and robustness of reconstruction, an improved moving total least squares (MTLS) algorithm based on k-means clustering called a KMTLS method is proposed in this article. Based on MTLS, KMTLS adjusts the weight of discrete points within the support domain by adopting a two-step fitting procedure. Firstly, an ordinary least squares (OLS) method is adopted to obtain the pre-fitting result and calculate the residuals as the input of k-means clustering. In k-means clustering, abnormal nodes are classified into one cluster and a weight function based on clustering information is introduced to deal with these nodes. Secondly, based on the compact weight function in MTLS and the weight obtained in the pre-fitting procedure, a weighted total least squares method is conducted to determine the final estimated value. The process of detecting outliers is automatic without setting threshold artificially. The simulation and experiment show that KMTLS has great robustness and accuracy.

Local recurrences in western low rectal cancer patients treated with or without lateral lymph node dissection after neoadjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy: An international multi-centre comparative study

BackgroundIn the West, low rectal cancer patients with abnormal lateral lymph nodes (LLNs) are commonly treated with neoadjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy (nCRT) followed by total mesorectal excision (TME). Additionally, some perform a lateral lymph node dissection (LLND). To date, no comparative data (nCRT vs. nCRT + LLND) are available in Western patients. MethodsAn international multi-centre cohort study was conducted at six centres from the Netherlands, US and Australia. Patients with low rectal cancers from the Netherlands and Australia with abnormal LLNs (≥5 mm short-axis in the obturator, internal iliac, external iliac and/or common iliac basin) who underwent nCRT and TME (LLND-group) were compared to similarly staged patients from the US who underwent a LLND in addition to nCRT and TME (LLND + group). ResultsLLND + patients (n = 44) were younger with higher ASA-classifications and ypN-stages compared to LLND-patients (n = 115). LLND + patients had larger median LLNs short-axes and received more adjuvant chemotherapy (100 vs. 30%; p < 0.0001). Between groups, the local recurrence rate (LRR) was 3% for LLND + vs. 11% for LLND- (p = 0.13). Disease-free survival (DFS, p = 0.94) and overall survival (OS, p = 0.42) were similar. On multivariable analysis, LLND was an independent significant factor for local recurrences (p = 0.01). Sub-analysis of patients who underwent long-course nCRT and had adjuvant chemotherapy (LLND-n = 30, LLND + n = 44) demonstrated a lower LRR for LLND + patients (3% vs. 16% for LLND-; p = 0.04). DFS (p = 0.10) and OS (p = 0.11) were similar between groups. ConclusionA LLND in addition to nCRT may improve loco-regional control in Western patients with low rectal cancer and abnormal LLNs. Larger studies in Western patients are required to evaluate its contribution.

Disentangling the Gordian Knot of Drug-Resistant Epilepsy.

Structural Brain Network Abnormalities and the Probability of Seizure Recurrence After Epilepsy Surgery Sinha N, Wang Y, Moreira da Silva N, et al. Neurology. 2021;96(5):e758-e771. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000011315Objective:We assessed preoperative structural brain networks and clinical characteristics of patients with drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) to identify correlates of postsurgical seizure recurrences.Methods:We examined data from 51 patients with TLE who underwent anterior temporal lobe resection (ATLR) and 29 healthy controls. For each patient, using the preoperative structural, diffusion, and postoperative structural magnetic resonance imaging, we generated 2 networks: presurgery network and surgically spared network. Standardizing these networks with respect to controls, we determined the number of abnormal nodes before surgery and expected to be spared by surgery. We incorporated these 2 abnormality measures and 13 commonly acquired clinical data from each patient into a robust machine learning framework to estimate patient-specific chances of seizures persisting after surgery.Results:Patients with more abnormal nodes had a lower chance of complete seizure freedom at 1 year, and, even if seizure-free at 1 year, were more likely to relapse within 5 years. The number of abnormal nodes was greater and their locations more widespread in the surgically spared networks of patients with poor outcome than in patients with good outcome. We achieved an area under the curve of 0.84 ± 0.06 and specificity of 0.89 ± 0.09 in predicting unsuccessful seizure outcomes (International League Against Epilepsy [ILAE] 3-5) as opposed to complete seizure freedom (ILAE 1) at 1 year. Moreover, the model-predicted likelihood of seizure relapse was significantly correlated with the grade of surgical outcome at year 1 and associated with relapses up to 5 years after surgery.Conclusion:Node abnormality offers a personalized, noninvasive marker that can be combined with clinical data to better estimate the chances of seizure freedom at 1 year and subsequent relapse up to 5 years after ATLR. Classification of evidence: This study provides class II evidence that node abnormality predicts postsurgical seizure recurrence.

Establishment of a preoperative prediction model for axillary lymph node burden in patients with early breast cancer

Objective: To explore the method of predicting high lymph node load in patients with early breast cancer to avoid unnecessary sentinel lymph node biopsy. Methods: The clinicopathological and thoracic multi-slice spiral CT (MSCT) data of 2620 patients with early (cT1~2N0M0) breast cancer treated in the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 1, 2014 to August 1, 2018 were collected. According to the postoperative pathological results, the patients were divided into the group with axillaryhigh lymph node burden (HNB) and the non-HNB group. The influencing factors of axillary lymph node burden in patients with early breast cancer were determined by univariate and multivariate analysis, and the diagnostic model of MSCT to HNB was established. The best cutoff value for the diagnosis of HNB was determined through analyzing the receiver operative characteristic (ROC) curve, and the consistency between MSCT diagnosis and pathological diagnosis was evaluated by Kappa test. Results: Among the 2 620 patients, 168 were diagnosed of HNB. Univariate analysis showed that the tumor size, the status of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2), the number of abnormal lymph nodes showed in MSCT, the ratio of the length to the diameter of the maximum abnormal lymph node as shown in MSCT, the condition of the maximum abnormal lymph node door, and the parenchyma of the maximum abnormal lymph node were related to axillary lymph node burden in patients with early breast cancer (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the number of abnormal lymph nodes showed in MSCT was an independent influencing factor of axillary HNB in patients with early breast cancer. Compared with patients without abnormal lymph nodes, the OR values of patients with 1, 2, 3 or more abnormal lymph nodes displayed by MSCT and in axillary HNB status were 3.305, 9.379, 126.163 and 780.953, respectively. Using 3 or more abnormal lymph nodes detected by MSCT to predict the area under the ROC curve of axillary HNB in patients with early breast cancer, the area was 0.928, the sensitivity was 82.1%, the specificity was 95.4%, and the accuracy was 94.5%. Kappa test showed that the consistency between MSCT diagnosis and pathological diagnosis was relatively high (Kappa=0.629, P<0.001). Conclusions: The number of abnormal lymph nodes showed in MSCT is an independent influencing factor of axillary HNB in patients with early breast cancer. Taking 3 or more abnormal lymph nodes showed in MSCT as the threshold can help to predict the axillary HNB status of early breast cancer patients and exempt some of them from unnecessary sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Isolated same-basin lymph node recurrence after precision lymph node excision for clinically evident melanoma metastasis.

9576 Background: While management of the nodal basin for melanoma has largely moved to observation for microscopic sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis, complete lymph node dissection (CLND) remains the current standard of care for melanoma patients with macroscopic, clinically detectable lymph node metastases (cLN). As CLND is associated with high surgical morbidity, we sought to study whether cLN may be safely managed by excision of only clinically abnormal nodes (precision lymph node dissection, PLND). Currently, a small subset of patients with cLN do not undergo CLND because of frailty or patient preference. We hypothesized that in these selected patients, PLND would provide acceptable regional control rates. Methods: Retrospective chart review was conducted at four academic tertiary care hospitals to identify melanoma patients who underwent PLND for cLN. cLN were defined as palpable or radiographically abnormal nodes. Recurrences were categorized as local/in-transit, same-basin lymph node, or distal lymph node/visceral. The primary outcome was isolated same-basin recurrence after PLND. Results: Twenty-one patients underwent PLND for cLN without synchronous distant metastases (characteristics of primary lesions summarized in Table). Reasons for forgoing CLND included patient preference (n=8), imaging indeterminate for distant metastases (n=2), comorbidities (n=4), loss to follow up (n=1), partial response to checkpoint blockade (n=1), or not reported (n=5). The inguinal node basin was the most common site (n=10), followed by the axillary (n=8) and cervical basins (n=3). A median of 2 nodes were resected at PLND, and 68% of resected nodes were positive for melanoma (median: 1, range: 1-3 nodes). Median follow-up was 23 months from PLND, and recurrence was observed in 28.6% of patients overall. Only 1 patient (4.8%) developed an isolated same-basin recurrence. The 3-year cumulative incidence of isolated same-basin recurrence was 5.3%, while risk of isolated local/in-transit recurrence or distant basin/visceral metastasis were 19.8% and 33.3%, respectively. Complications from PLND were reported in 1 patient (4.8%) and were limited to post-operative seroma and lymphedema. Conclusions: These pilot data suggest that PLND may offer acceptable regional disease control for cLN. Post-operative morbidity from PLND was also low, raising the possibility that PLND may provide adequate regional disease control without the morbidity associated with CLND. These data justify additional, prospective evaluation of PLND in selected patients.[Table: see text]