Malignant Lesions In Patients Research Articles

The Utility of Contrast-Enhanced Mammography in the Evaluation of Bloody Nipple Discharge-A Multicenter Study in the Asian Population.

To assess the efficacy of contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) in differentiating benign from malignant breast lesions in Asian patients with bloody nipple discharge (BND). This retrospective study included 58 women with BND (mean age: 51.7 years) who underwent standardized CEM at institutions in Taiwan and Singapore. Lesion characteristics (size, enhancement, conspicuity, shape, margins) were evaluated on CEM by blinded radiologists. Non-enhanced mammography (MMG) and ultrasound (US) within a defined timeframe were compared for diagnostic accuracy. Benign or malignant status was confirmed by biopsy or 2-year imaging follow-up. Malignancy was found in 29 of 58 lesions (50.0%), with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) being the most common. CEM demonstrated a 100% negative predictive value (NPV) for non-enhancing lesions. Significant predictors of malignancy on multivariate analysis include enhancing lesions of size ≥ 1.5 cm (p-value 0.025) and suspicious morphological features (irregular/spiculated margins, irregular shape, segmental/linear NME distribution) (p-value < 0.001). CEM outperformed MMG (sensitivity: 58.6%) and US (sensitivity: 79.3%), achieving a sensitivity of 100% and the highest diagnostic accuracy at 81.3%. Additionally, a CEM size cut-off of 1.5 cm yielded a sensitivity of 73.5% and a specificity of 84.3%. CEM effectively differentiates benign from malignant lesions in patients with BND, improving diagnostic accuracy and potentially reducing unnecessary interventions.

Comparison of the effectiveness of contrast-enhanced mammography in detecting malignant lesions in patients with extremely dense breasts compared to the all-densities population

PurposeTo assess the effectiveness of contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) recombinant images in detecting malignant lesions in patients with extremely dense breasts compared to the all-densities population.Material and methods792 patients with 808 breast lesions, in whom the final decision on core-needle biopsy was made based on CEM, and who received the result of histopathological examination, were qualified for a single-centre, retrospective study. Patient electronic records and imaging examinations were reviewed to establish demographics, clinical and imaging findings, and histopathology results. The CEM images were reassessed and assigned to the appropriate American College of Radiology (ACR) density categories.ResultsExtremely dense breasts were present in 86 (10.9%) patients. Histopathological examination confirmed the presence of malignant lesions in 52.6% of cases in the entire group of patients and 43% in the group of extremely dense breasts. CEM incorrectly classified the lesion as false negative in 16/425 (3.8%) cases for the whole group, and in 1/37 (2.7%) cases for extremely dense breasts. The sensitivity of CEM for the group of all patients was 96.2%, speci­ficity – 60%, positive predictive values (PPV) – 72.8%, and negative predictive values (NPV) – 93.5%. In the group of patients with extremely dense breasts, the sensitivity of the method was 97.3%, specificity – 59.2%, PPV – 64.3%, and NPV – 96.7%.ConclusionsCEM is characterised by high sensitivity and NPV in detecting malignant lesions regardless of the type of breast density. In patients with extremely dense breasts, CEM could serve as a complementary or additional examination in the absence or low availability of MRI.

Diagnostic value of dual-time point 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT image for benign and malignant lesions in patients with prostate cancer.

This study aimed to ascertain the diagnostic efficacy of routine 68Ga-PSMA imaging conducted 1h post-injection, in conjunction with delayed imaging performed 3h post-injection, for differentiating between benign and malignant lesions in prostate cancer (PCa) patients. A retrospective assessment was undertaken on 44 prostate cancer patients who had undergone both routine and delayed 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT scans. Variations in SUVmax and SUVmean values in normal organs, primary prostate cancer sites, metastatic sites, and benign lesions were analyzed. Pathological examination and extended follow-ups were used to confirm all lesions. The study encompassed 44 patients, presenting 35 primary prostate cancer lesions, 44 metastatic lesions, and 30 benign lesions. Delayed imaging (3h post-injection) demonstrated a decreasing trend in the SUVmax and SUVmean for the liver, blood, and spleen. Conversely, an increasing trend was observed for the parotid, lacrimal, and submandibular glands. For primary lesions, the SUVmax and SUVmean values were 17.63 ± 9.61 and 9.77 ± 5.18 during routine imaging, and 25.09 ± 15.11 and 14.05 ± 8.02 (P < 0.001) during delayed imaging. A comparable increase in SUVmax and SUVmean was seen in the delayed images for metastatic lesions when juxtaposed with routine images. Nevertheless, benign lesions displayed a decrease in SUVmax and SUVmean during delayed imaging when set against routine imaging (SUVmax: 3.56 ± 1.49 vs 2.93 ± 1.47, P = 0.001; SUVmean: 1.99 ± 0.87 vs 1.65 ± 0.87, P = 0.003). Imaging using 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT at 3h post-injection manifested a higher uptake and target-to-background uptake in most malignant prostate cancer lesions, but a diminished uptake in benign lesions. This observation can assist clinicians in distinguishing non-specific PSMA uptake in prostate cancer patients based on PSMA PET/CT image.

Analysis of the histopathological results of patients submitted to pterygium excision

Abstract Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of premalignant and malignant lesions in patients clinically diagnosed with pterygium who underwent excision procedures performed by 1st-year residents in ophthalmology at a teaching hospital between 2018 and 2021. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 274 medical records of patients diagnosed with pterygium who underwent excision procedures from 2018 to 2021 at Hospital PUC-Campinas in Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. Fifty-four medical records were excluded due to missing essential data. Among the 220 records included for analysis, 239 histopathological results were considered, as 19 patients underwent pterygium excision in both eyes. Results: Out of 239 histopathological results analyzed, 236 (98.74%) were compatible with pterygium, 2 (0.8%) with epithelial dysplasia, and 1 (0.4%) with actinic keratosis. Conclusion: A histopathological study is essential for the accurate differential diagnosis of pterygium. Although the frequency of ocular surface squamous neoplasia is low, premalignant and malignant lesions must be ruled out. Correct diagnosis must be made to allow proper follow-up of the patients and prevent life-threatening lesions.

Evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of combined oral and topical photoprotection with a standardized extract of Polypodium leucotomos (Fernblock®) in a Moroccan population with xeroderma pigmentosum.

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare autosomal-recessive genodermatosis resulting from a DNA-repair defect syndrome. The purpose was to evaluate the prevention on new malignant lesions in patients taking a supplement with Fernblock® (Polypodium leucotomos extract [PLE]) and secondarily correlation with the photoprotective behavior. A prospective, single-center and open cohort study was conducted over a 12-month period. The study was performed in Morocco. Optimal photoprotection behavior was recommended. Patients were instructed to take one capsule containing 480 mg of Fernblock® and 5 mcg vitamin D and to apply sunscreen with a SPF50+ and Fernblock® every 2 h during sun exposure. The demographic, clinical, and dermatoscopic patient data were collected at baseline (T0) and following visits at 3 months (T3), 6 months (T6), and 12 months (T12) when it was assessed: Investigator Global Assessment (IGA), Patient/Guardian Global Assessment (PGA), Patient/Guardian Satisfaction Questionnaire, and Photographic and Adverse Events Registration. Pertinent statistical study was performed. Eighteen patients completed the study. Eleven patients (61%) finished the study without new lesions. Seven patients developed new lesions by the end of the study. Among them, only 30% showed an ideal photoprotective behavior. The lack of an optimal photoprotective behavior increased the probability of developing lesions by 2.5 times with 95% confidence interval. In our study, more than 60% of patients taking a supplement with Fernblock® did not develop new lesions, and furthermore, we detected that patients following almost ideal photoprotection were 2.5 times less likely to develop NMSC lesions.

The "Trunk sign": A novel X-ray sign in galactography of patients with nipple discharge suggesting malignancy.

The etiology of nipple discharge is often unclear, and there are few studies exploring diagnostic approaches of nipple discharge. Galactography is a common method for clinical diagnosis of patients with nipple discharge. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the use of galactography in differentiating between benign and malignant lesions in patients with nipple discharge. A retrospective study of 161 patients with nipple discharges, who were evaluated with galactography and underwent surgery in Qilu Hospital of Shangdong University between January 2018 and December 2019, was conducted. Baseline characteristics were obtained from their electronic records including age, menstruation status, physical examination, galactography, cytology, and pathology. There were 110 cases of benign disease, 12 cases of high-risk disease, and 39 cases of malignant disease. With respect to benign diseases there were 26 (23.6%) patients with hyperplasia and ductal ectasia, and 94 (76.4%) with intraductal papilloma. With respect to high risk diseases, there were 2 (16.7%) patients with atypical intraductal papilloma and 10 (83.4%) with atypical hyperplasia. With respect to malignant lesions, 19 (48.7%) patients had intraductal carcinoma, 4 (10.3%) had solid papillary carcinoma, and 16 (41.0%) had invasive carcinoma. The significant findings of our study are as follows: patients with malignant diseases had a higher proportion of concomitant masses (74.4% vs 41.7% vs 22.7%, P < .001), positive spill cytology (51.3% vs 41.7% vs 2.7%, P < .001), and trunk signs (71.8% vs 33.3% vs 10.9%, P < .001). A forest plot revealed that trunk signs were related to an increased risk of malignant diseases in almost all the subgroups. Galactography is important for the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant lesions in nipple discharge, and the "Trunk sign" is an important radiographic sign of malignant lesions. Combining galactography with other methods is advisable to improve the accuracy of diagnosis in patients with nipple discharge.

Clinical features combined with ultrasound-based radiomics nomogram for discrimination between benign and malignant lesions in ultrasound suspected supraclavicular lymphadenectasis.

Conventional ultrasound (CUS) is the first choice for discrimination benign and malignant lymphadenectasis in supraclavicular lymph nodes (SCLNs), which is important for the further treatment. Radiomics provide more comprehensive and richer information than radiographic images, which are imperceptible to human eyes. This study aimed to explore the clinical value of CUS-based radiomics analysis in preoperative differentiation of malignant from benign lymphadenectasis in CUS suspected SCLNs. The characteristics of CUS images of 189 SCLNs were retrospectively analyzed, including 139 pathologically confirmed benign SCLNs and 50 malignant SCLNs. The data were randomly divided (7:3) into a training set (n=131) and a validation set (n=58). A total of 744 radiomics features were extracted from CUS images, radiomics score (Rad-score) built were using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression. Rad-score model, CUS model, radiomics-CUS (Rad-score + CUS) model, clinic-radiomics (Clin + Rad-score) model, and combined CUS-clinic-radiomics (Clin + CUS + Rad-score) model were built using logistic regression. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. A total of 20 radiomics features were selected from 744 radiomics features and calculated to construct Rad-score. The AUCs of Rad-score model, CUS model, Clin + Rad-score model, Rad-score + CUS model, and Clin + CUS + Rad-score model were 0.80, 0.72, 0.85, 0.83, 0.86 in the training set and 0.77, 0.80, 0.82, 0.81, 0.85 in the validation set. There was no statistical significance among the AUC of all models in the training and validation set. The calibration curve also indicated the good predictive performance of the proposed nomogram. The Rad-score model, derived from supraclavicular ultrasound images, showed good predictive effect in differentiating benign from malignant lesions in patients with suspected supraclavicular lymphadenectasis.

Role of ultra-high b-value DWI in the imaging of hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma (HLRCC).

Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma (HLRCC) syndrome is associated with an aggressive form of renal cell carcinoma with high risk of metastasis, even in small primary tumors with unequivocal imaging findings. In this study, we compare the performance of ultra-high b-value diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) sequence (b = 2000s/mm2) to standard DWI (b = 800s/mm2) sequence in identifying malignant lesions in patients with HLRCC. Twenty-eight patients (n = 18 HLRCC patients with 22 lesions, n = 10 controls) were independently evaluated by three abdominal radiologists with different levels of experience using four combinations of MRI sequences in two separate sessions (session 1: DWI with b-800, session 2: DWI with b-2000). T1 precontrast, T2-weighted (T2WI), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) sequences were similar in both sessions. Each identified lesion was subjectively assessed using a six-point cancer likelihood score based on individual sequences and overall impression. The ability to distinguish benign versus malignant renal lesions improved with the use of b-2000 for more experienced radiologists (Reader 1 AUC: Session 1-0.649 and Session 2-0.938, p = 0.017; Reader 2 AUC: Session 1-0.781 and Session 2-0.921, p = 0.157); whereas no improvement was observed for the less experienced reader (AUC: Session 1-0.541 and Session 2-0.607, p = 0.699). The inclusion of ultra-high b-value DWI sequence improved the ability of classification of renal lesions in patients with HLRCC for experienced radiologists. Consideration should be given toward incorporation of DWI with b-2000s/mm2 into existing renal MRI protocols.

Interobserver and intraobserver variability of RECIST assessment in ovarian cancer

ObjectivesMeasurement of Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST) relies on reproducible unidimensional tumor measurements. This study assessed intraobserver and interobserver variability of target lesion selection and measurement, according to...

Histopathological Study of Endometrium in Postmenopausal Bleeding

Background &amp; objectives: Postmenopausal bleeding is frequent in gynecology and occurs approximately in 5% to 10 % of postmenopausal women. About 10% women with postmenopausal bleeding have a primary or secondary malignancy. Common malignancies among them are endometrial or cervical carcinoma and rarely, ovarian cancer. The incidence of malignancy in postmenopausal period remains sufficiently high, so it requires immediate investigations for early diagnosis, prompt treatment and vigilant follow up. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the causes of postmenopausal bleeding based on histopathology of endometrium and the percentage of various benign, premalignant and malignant lesions in patients with post-menopausal bleeding.&#x0D; Methods: A retrospective study was undertaken on 78 women presenting with postmenopausal bleeding in Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic disorders (BIRDEM) Hospital, Dhaka, from July 2018 to June 2019. Histopathological reports and patient’s profile were reviewed. Causes of bleeding were identified and related to patients’ age.&#x0D; Results: Among of 78 cases of postmenopausal bleeding, we found 8 cases of cancer (10.26%). Among them 2 cases were cancer of uterine cervix and 6 cases were cancer of uterine corpus. Benign pathology was more frequent (63 cases: 80.77%), essentially presented with endometrial hyperplasia without atypia 20.52% cases, endometrial polyp 16.67% cases, cervical polyp 14.11% cases, leiomyoma found in 9% cases and preinvasive disease about 9% cases. Histopathological findings in 2 cases of carcinoma cervix were invasive squamous cell carcinoma and 6 cases of endometrial cancer were endometrial adenocarcinoma. Cancer increased with increasing age while the incidence of bleeding decreased with age.&#x0D; Conclusion: Despite the fact that benign pathology is more frequent than malignancy as a cause of postmenopausal bleeding, we must always rule out a cancer by endometrial and cervical biopsy.&#x0D; Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2020; Vol. 35(2): 112-116

Application and accuracy analysis of three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound in the diagnosis of endometrial lesions in postmenopausal women.

Objectives:To evaluate the value of three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound (3D-TVS) for endometrial lesions in postmenopausal women, so as to improve the accuracy of clinical diagnosis of endometrial lesions in postmenopausal women.Methods:A total of 170 female patients admitted to Tianjin Central Hospital of Gynecology and Obstetrics from April 2018 to April 2020 were included in this study. Among them, 110 patients with pathologically confirmed postmenopausal endometrial lesions were divided into the study group (65 patients with benign lesions, 45 patients with malignant lesions), while 60 healthy postmenopausal women were divided into the volunteer group. PASS software was used to calculate the sample size. 3D-TVS was performed in both groups, and the results of the different groups were compared and analyzed.Results:The pathological results were invoked as the gold standard for detection, and the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of 3D-TVS were 97.27%, 77.78% and 80% respectively. Patients in the study group had higher endometrial thickness and endometrial volume than those in the volunteer group (p<0.05). The results of ultrasound parameters in the benign lesion group were lower than those in the malignant lesion group (p<0.05), while the vascular index and micro-vessel density in the malignant lesion group were significantly higher than those in the benign lesion group (p<0.05).Conclusion:3D-TVS has obvious clinical value in the diagnosis of endometrial lesions in postmenopausal women, boasting a variety of advantages, such as high accuracy, sensitivity and specificity, effectively reflecting the blood flow of patients with endometrial lesions, and further determining the degree of benign and malignant lesions in patients.

Diagnostic Accuracy of MRC in Benign and ML in Obstructive Jaundice Patients, Taking Histopathology as Gold Standard

Objectives: To find out the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in benign and malignant lesions in patients of obstructive jaundice, taking histopathology as gold standard. Material and methods: This cross sectional study was conducted at Department of Radiology, Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur October 2019 to April 2020. A total of 164 patients with suspected cases of obstructive jaundice and age 25-65 years of either gender were included. Then magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) was performed in every patient by 1.5 Tesla MR System using a torso phased-array coil. After this, each patient was undergone operation in the concerned ward. Findings of MRCP were compared with the findings of histopathology. Results: In MRCP positive patients, 78 were true positive (TP) and 13 were false positive (FP). Among 73, MRCP negative patients, 08 were false negative (FN) whereas 65 were True Negative (TN). Overall specificity, sensitivity, NPV, PPV and diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in benign and malignant lesions in patients of obstructive jaundice, taking histopathology as gold standard was 90.70%, 83.33%, 85.71%, 89.04% and 87.20% respectively. Conclusion: This study concluded that magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is the non-invasive modality of choice with diagnostic accuracy in diagnosing in benign and malignant lesions in obstructive jaundice patients. Keywords: obstructive jaundice, sensitivity, magnetic resonance imaging.

Clinical performance of a novel hyperspectral imaging device for cutaneous melanoma and pigmented skin lesions in Caucasian skin.

The quest for diagnostic tools for the detection of cutaneous malignant melanoma (cMM) is ongoing. A challenge in cMM care is not overlooking cMM at an early stage, while simultaneously avoiding unnecessary biopsies or excisions of benign pigmented skin lesions (PSLs). A novel hyperspectral imaging (HSI) device is shown to have potential for differentiating equivocal PSLs in Asian skin types. Our objective was to assess the accuracy of the HSI device in distinguishing between cMM and benign PSLs in patients with Caucasian skin types. Patients with Caucasian skin types (Fitzpatrick I-II), enrolled for excisional biopsies of PSLs were included and examined using the HSI device. The discrimination index (DI) was used to demonstrate the sensitivity (SE) and specificity (SP) in comparison with the re-evaluated histopathology diagnoses. In 186 patients, 202 pigmented skin lesions were included. The sensitivity to detect cMM was 96.7% (87/90), and the specificity for benign lesions was 42.1% (45/107). The AUC was 0.800 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.740-0.861). Our novel HSI device showed a high sensitivity in detecting malignant lesions in patients with Caucasian skin types. Compared with analogous technologies, as multispectral imaging or electrical impedance spectroscopy, our device showed similar or better accuracy in differentiating cMM from benign PSLs. Therefore, it might be a useful clinical tool in skin types I-IV and where further triage of pigmented skin lesions is important.

Analysis of the causes of cervical lymphadenopathy using fine-needle aspiration cytology combining cell block in Chinese patients with and without HIV infection

BackgroundCervical lymphadenopathy refers to a frequently observed clinical presentation in numerous pathological conditions. A wide spectrum of diseases can cause cervical lymphadenopathy, irrespective of the fact that the patients are infected with HIV or not. The present study focuses on validating whether the causes of cervical lymphadenopathy differ significantly in HIV and non-HIV patients by using fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) combining cell block.MethodsA total of 589 patients with cervical lymphadenopathy were recruited in the FNA clinic. The samples were obtained by an auto-vacuumed syringe that benefited the sampling more materials. The cytological smears were prepared by Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE), Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS), Gomori’s methenamine silver (GMS) and acid-fast staining. Cell blocks were made if required, and immunohistochemistry stain was performed on the cell block section.ResultsThe study found 453 (76.9%) patients with HIV and 136 (23.1%) patients without HIV infection. The average age of HIV-infected patients was 34.8 ± 10.2 years, which was significantly lower than that of non-HIV-infected patients (42.9 ± 18.1 years) (p < 0.01). Of all patients infected with HIV, 390 (86.1%) were males. This proportion was significantly higher than that of non-HIV-infected patients [65/136 (47.8%)] (p < 0.01). The major causes of cervical lymphadenopathy in HIV positive patients were mycobacterial infection (38.4%), reactive hyperplasia (28.9%), non-specific inflammation (19.9%), and malignant lesions (4.2%). In contrast, the most common causes in HIV negative patients were reactive hyperplasia (37.5%), malignancy (20.6%), non-specific inflammation (19.1%) and mycobacterial infection (12.5%). Opportunistic infections such as non-tuberculous mycobacteria (4.2%), cryptococcosis (1.5%), Talaromyces marneffei (1.5%) and other fungi (0.4%) were found only in HIV-infected individuals. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (2.4%) was the most common malignant lesion in patients with HIV infection, followed by Kaposi’s sarcoma (0.9%) and metastatic squamous cell carcinomas (0.7%). However, the most common malignancy in non-HIV-infected patients was metastatic carcinomas (14%) including small cell carcinomas, adenocarcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas and hepatocellular carcinoma, which were noticeably greater than the HIV patients (p < 0.01).ConclusionsThere were significantly different causes of cervical lymphadenopathy in HIV infected and non-HIV infected patients. FNAC was a useful diagnostic method for differential diagnosis of cervical lymphadenopathy.

Efficacy of fine needle aspiration cytology in the early diagnosis of different head and neck malignancies: a hospital based prospective study

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a very useful diagnostic modality for early diagnosis of cancers in the head and neck region where large majority of the lesions are in the form of cervical lymphadenopathy, thus FNAC is easily feasible. This can be used as a significant screening tool if sensitivity is found to be high.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; A hospital based prospective study to find the accuracy of FNAC in correctly diagnosing malignant lesions in patients with visible or palpable mass lesions in the head and neck area where both FNAC and histopathological examination (HPE) is possible taking HPE as gold standard. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; FNAC is a very effective tool in the early diagnosis of different head and neck malignancies with sensitivity of 91.37% and specificity of 97.62%.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; FNAC is a simple, quick and safe diagnostic modality for different head and neck malignancies with significant sensitivity and specificity, thus can be used as a screening tool effectively. &lt;/p&gt;

Low specificity of washout to diagnose hepatocellular carcinoma in nodules showing arterial hyperenhancement in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome

It remains unclear whether the classic imaging criteria for the non-invasive diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can be applied to chronic vascular liver diseases, such as Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS). Herein, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of washout for the discrimination between benign and malignant lesions in patients with BCS. This retrospective study included all patients admitted to our institution with a diagnosis of BCS and focal lesions on MRI from 2000 to 2016. MRI images were reviewed by 2 radiologists blinded to the nature of the lesions. Patient and lesion characteristics were recorded, with a focus on washout on portal venous and/or delayed phases. Lesions were compared using Chi-square, Fisher's, Student's t or Mann-Whitney U tests. A total of 49 patients (mean age 35 ± 12 years; 34 women [69%] and 15 men [31%]) with 241 benign lesions and 12 HCC lesions were analyzed. Patients with HCC were significantly older (mean age 44 ± 16 vs. 33 ± 9 years, p = 0.005), with higher alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels (median 16 vs. 3 ng/ml, p = 0.007). Washout was depicted in 9/12 (75%) HCC, and 69/241 (29%) benign lesions (p <0.001). A total of 52/143 (36%) lesions ≥1 cm with arterial hyperenhancement showed washout (9 HCC and 43 benign lesions). In this subgroup, the specificity of washout for the diagnosis of HCC was 67%. Adding T1-w hypointensity raised the specificity to 100%. A serum AFP >15 ng/ml was associated with 95% specificity. Washout was observed in close to one-third of benign lesions, leading to an unacceptably low specificity for the diagnosis of HCC. The non-invasive diagnostic criteria proposed for cirrhotic patients cannot be extrapolated to patients with BCS. Washout on MRI is depicted in a significant proportion of benign nodules in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS), limiting its value for the differentiation between benign and malignant lesions. Criteria proposed for the non-invasive diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis cannot be extrapolated to patients with BCS. Additional imaging findings and patient characteristics, including alpha-fetoprotein serum level, can help determine the probability of a nodule being HCC in patients with BCS.

Is SUVmax Helpful in the Differential Diagnosis of Enlarged Mediastinal Lymph Nodes? A Pilot Study.

Objective To explore the diagnostic value of maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) from 18F-FDG PET/CT images in enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes of unknown etiology. Methods We performed a retrospective study of patients with enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes on 18F-FDG PET/CT scans. SUVmax and the short axis and long axis of lymph nodes were recorded. These parameters were compared among the five commonest causes of mediastinal lymphadenopathy: lymphoma, metastatic disease, sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, and lymphadenitis. Histopathologic diagnosis was recorded as the final golden standard. Results A total of 94 patients (62 men and 32 women; age range 7–85 y) were included with final diagnoses of 42 patients with benign pathology and 52 patients with malignancies. The sensitivity, specificity, and the accuracy of PET/CT in diagnosis of the benign and malignant mediastinal lymph nodes were 94.2%, 73.8%, and 85.1%, respectively. The SUVmax of benign and malignant groups were 13.10 ± 5.21 and 12.59 ± 5.50, respectively, which had no statistical difference (P > 0.05). However, the long axis and the short axis of lymph nodes in the benign and malignant groups were 2.86 ± 1.02 cm, 1.77 ± 0.60 cm and 6.04 ± 3.83 cm, 3.95 ± 2.08 cm, respectively (P < 0.05). The diagnostic values of PET/CT were higher than those of the long or short axis. However, the specificity of PET/CT was lower (73.8%) than that from the long or short axis (90.5% and 92.9%, respectively), although no statistical difference existed. Among the five common causes of mediastinal lymphadenopathy, significant differences could be seen in SUVmax and in the long axis and the short axis of lymph nodes (P < 0.05). Conclusions SUVmax, a commonly used semiquantitative measurement, was not helpful for differentiation between benign and malignant lesions in patients with enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes in this study. Many benign lesions, such as sarcoidosis and tuberculosis, had high FDG uptake, possibly a trend that the size of the lymph nodes seems to have some diagnostic value.

Enhanced Endoscopy in Bladder Cancer.

Endoscopy coupled with targeted resections represents a cornerstone in the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of patients with bladder cancer. Direct visualization can be challenging and imprecise due to patient-, tumor-, and surgeon-specific factors. We will review contemporary endoscopic technologies and techniques used to improve our ability to safely identify and resect malignant lesions in patients with bladder cancer. Enhanced endoscopic imaging technology may improve detection rates for bladder cancer throughout the upper and lower urinary tract, which may lead to improvements in recurrence and progression rates for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). New techniques including narrow-band imaging (NBI), photodynamic diagnosis (PDD), Storz Professional Image Enhancement System (SPIES), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and others have shown benefit and may further improve our ability to detect and stage bladder tumors. Enhanced endoscopy technologies have already demonstrated value in improving the sensitivity of bladder cancer detection and early results suggest they may improve short- and long-term oncologic outcomes.

A new combined criterion to better predict malignant lesions in patients with pancreatic cystic neoplasms.

Objective:Cystic lesions of the pancreas have been increasingly recognized. Some lesions exhibit benign behavior, while others have unequivocal malignant potential. Thus, accurate identification of malignancy in patients diagnosed with pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCNs) remains a major challenge. The aim of this study was to define a combined criterion to better predict malignant lesions in patients with PCNs.Methods:We retrospectively analyzed 165 patients who underwent resection of PCNs from October 2011 to May 2017. The relationship among malignancy and serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and the presence of enhanced solid component on imaging was analyzed.Results:NLR before surgery in patients with malignant PCNs (2.81±2.14) was significantly higher than that in patients diagnosed with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (1.90±0.69, P=0.013) or healthy volunteers (1.40±0.48; P<0.001). Serum CA19-9 ≥39 U/mL, NLR >1.976 and presence of enhanced solid component were independent predictors of PCN malignancy. A combined criterion meeting any two or more of the three elements including CA19-9 ≥39 U/mL, NLR >1.976, and presence of enhanced solid component on computed tomography imaging is an indicator with a high positive predictive value of 80.5% and a high negative predictive value of 87.9%, and thus, represents a highly accurate test (86.1%). Conclusions:The new combined criterion is an effective predictor of tumor malignancy in patients with PCNs.

Relationship between solitary pulmonary nodule lung cancer and CT image features based on gradual clustering

Abstract Background The relationship between the medical characteristics of lung cancers and computer tomography (CT) images are explored so as to improve the early diagnosis rate of lung cancers. Methods This research collected CT images of patients with solitary pulmonary nodule lung cancer, and used gradual clustering methodology to classify them. Preliminary classifications were made, followed by continuous modification and iteration to determine the optimal condensation point, until iteration stability was achieved. Reasonable classification results were obtained. Results the clustering results fell into 3 categories. The first type of patients was mostly female, with ages between 50 and 65 years. CT images of solitary pulmonary nodule lung cancer for this group contain complete lobulation and burr, with pleural indentation; The second type of patients was mostly male with ages between 50 and 80 years. CT images of solitary pulmonary nodule lung cancer for this group contain complete lobulation and burr, but with no pleural indentation; The third type of patients was also mostly male with ages between 50 and 80 years. CT images for this group showed no abnormalities. Conclusions the application of gradual clustering methodology can scientifically classify CT image features of patients with lung cancer in the initial lesion stage. These findings provide the basis for early detection and treatment of malignant lesions in patients with lung cancer.