Image-guided Needle Biopsy Research Articles

Giant Cell Tumor of the Rib: A Report of Two Patients.

Giant cell tumor of the bone is a locally aggressive and rarely metastasizing tumor that typically affects the ends of long bones. Less than 1% of giant cell tumor of bone occur in the ribs. Our patients were a 32-year-old woman and a 45-year-old man and were detected following chest traumas. No bone alterations were detected in radiological studies performed immediately after local trauma. Six- and one- months, respectively, following chest trauma, both giant lytic heterogeneous masses arising on an anterior rib arc were radiologically observed. In the computerized tomography-guided needle biopsy, giant cell tumor of bone were diagnosed. Both tumors were completely removed by bloc resection including the adjacent ribs and posterior reconstruction were performed. One patient was preoperatively treated with denosumab. Neither local recurrences nor metastasis have been detected in follow-up. Despite its low frequency and its low degree of suspicion, giant cell tumor of bone should be included in the differential diagnosis of a rapid growing chest mass.

Adenocarcinoma originating in the anterior mediastinum diagnosed by endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial cryobiopsy: a case report

BackgroundEndobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial cryobiopsy (EBUS-cryobiopsy) is advantageous for collecting larger specimens with minimal crushing; however, it has not been widely used for mediastinal tumors.Case presentationA 73-year-old woman with a history of left breast cancer underwent surgery followed by radiotherapy. Computed tomography showed a mass in the anterior mediastinum that was in extensive contact with the sternum on the ventral side and partly with the trachea on the dorsal side. Two computed tomography-guided needle biopsies (CTNBs) were performed on the mass; however, a definitive diagnosis was not made because of severe crush artifacts. Subsequently, we performed EBUS-cryobiopsy and safely obtained sufficient specimen volume with minimal crushing. The histopathological diagnosis was adenocarcinoma, with immunobiological features distinct from those of previous breast cancers. Her overall diagnosis was a rare tumor originating in the anterior mediastinum.ConclusionsEBUS-cryobiopsy can be safely performed in narrow areas surrounded by major blood vessels, and the obtained specimens may be superior to CTNBs for histopathological diagnosis.

Hybrid peripheral nerve sheath tumours: MRI features with pathological correlation in 24 cases.

To describe the MRI features of histologically proven hybrid peripheral nerve sheath tumours (HPNST). A retrospective analysis of the MRI features of 24 histologically proven cases of HPNST over 7 years. Demographic data obtained from clinical records included age, gender, and date of diagnosis. Two readers independently assessed MRI studies and assessed the following features: involvement of a major nerve, intramuscular location, lesion morphology, entering nerve sign, exiting nerve sign, target sign, fascicular sign, split fat sign, and ancient change (cystic change). Inter-observer agreement was assessed with Cohen's kappa coefficient. Histological diagnosis was based on either image-guided needle biopsy or resection histology. The study included 9 males and 15 females with mean age 50 years (range: 24-78 years). Nine tumours (35%) involved a major nerve including spinal roots (5), radial (1), median (1), tibial (1), and axillary (1), while 5 (21%) tumours were intramuscular. The mean tumour size was 4.2 cm (standard deviation of 2.4 cm). The frequency of MRI features was as follows: lobular contour (71%; 17/24), ancient change (38%; 9/24), fascicular sign (17%; 4/24), entering nerve sign (21%; 5/24), exiting nerve sign (13%; 3/24), target sign (13%; 3/24), and split fat sign (8%; 2/24). Inter-observer agreement was high, ranging from 0.7 to 0.83. HPNST infrequently demonstrate the classical MRI signs of benign peripheral nerve sheath tumours, but commonly have a lobular morphology and can show ancient/cystic change. This is the first study in the literature analysing the MRI features of histologically proven HPNST. HPNST infrequently shows the classical MRI signs that would be expected with benign peripheral nerve sheath tumours although commonly have a lobular morphology and show cystic change.

Factors Predicting the Final Diagnosis in Image-Guided Percutaneous Needle Biopsy for Suspected Spinal Tumors.

In cases of suspected spinal tumors on imaging studies, a biopsy is often necessary for establishing the diagnosis. Predictive factors for tumors or malignancies may help in scheduling biopsies or avoiding unnecessary ones. However, there have been few studies on determining these factors. We aimed to determine the factors associated with the final diagnosis in cases requiring spinal biopsy. This study included 117 patients who underwent image-guided (fluoroscopy- or computed tomography [CT]-guided) needle biopsy of the spine. Data on patient demographic, pathological diagnoses, and final diagnoses were retrospectively collected from the medical records. The imaging features and location of lesions were also evaluated on CT and magnetic resonance imaging. Furthermore, factors related to tumors or malignancies were analyzed. The diagnostic accuracy of biopsy was 94.0%, and there was no difference in the diagnostic accuracy between the fluoroscopic and CT-guided biopsies. Sixty-six and fifty-six patients were diagnosed with spinal tumors and malignant tumors, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that a history of malignant tumors and the presence of pedicle lesions and/or extravertebral lesions were related factors for both tumors or malignancy in the final diagnosis. These findings can help determine the necessity for or timing of biopsy in patients with suspected spinal tumors.

Phantom-based assessment of motion and needle targeting accuracy of robotic devices for magnetic resonance imaging-guided needle biopsy.

The current study proposes simple methods for assessing the performance of robotic devices intended for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-guided needle biopsy. In-house made agar-based breast phantoms containing biopsy targets served as the main tool in the evaluation process of an MRI compatible positioning device comprising a needle navigator. The motion accuracy of mechanical stages was assessed by calliper measurements. Laboratory evaluation of needle targeting included a repeatability phantom test and a laser-based method. The accuracy and repeatability of needle targeting was also assessed by MRI. The maximum error of linear motion for steps up to 10mm was 0.1mm. Needle navigation relative to the phantom and alignment with the various biopsy targets were performed successfully in both the laboratory and MRI settings. The proposed biopsy phantoms offered tissue-like signal in MRI and good haptic feedback during needle insertion. The proposed methods could be valuable in the process of validating the accuracy of MRI-guided biopsy robotic devices in both laboratory and real environments.

Comparative Evaluation of 2 Different Percutaneous Techniques of Simultaneous Needle Biopsy With Microwave Ablation of Suspected Malignant Pulmonary Nodules.

Background: To compare the safety and efficacy of 2 different computed tomography-guided puncture techniques for simultaneous needle biopsy and microwave ablation of suspected malignant pulmonary nodules. Methods: This retrospective comparative before-and-after study analyzed the data of 81 patients (each with a suspected malignant pulmonary nodule) who underwent computed tomography-guided needle biopsy with simultaneous microwave ablation between September 2016 and September 2021. In group A, 41 patients (41 pulmonary nodules) underwent microwave ablation immediately through the biopsy channel, whereas in group B, 40 patients (40 pulmonary nodules) underwent computed tomography-guided percutaneous needle biopsy and microwave ablation through separate needle channels. Clinical data, technical success rates, complications, and short-term efficacy were compared between the groups to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of both techniques. Results: Of the 81 patients, 78 successfully underwent needle biopsy and microwave ablation, with a technical success rate of 96.3%. The incidence of pneumothorax was 56.1% (23 out of 41) and 30% (12 out of 40) in groups A and B, respectively, while that of chest pain was 34.1% (14 out of 41) and 40% (16 out of 40) in groups A and B, respectively. The differences were statistically insignificant (p = .127 and p = .759). However, the incidence of hemoptysis was 39.0% (16 out of 41) and 17.5% (7 out of 40), respectively, which was statistically significant (P = .015). Air embolism, bronchopleural fistula, and needle implantation metastasis were not observed in both groups. At a 6-month follow-up, there were no other complications in both groups, and complete ablation was observed in all cases. Conclusion: Computed tomography-guided biopsy combined with microwave ablation is safe and effective for the treatment of suspected malignant pulmonary nodules, and clinicians can use both techniques.

Insufficiency fracture of the supra-acetabulum that required differentiation from a pathological fracture secondary to a malignant bone tumor: a case report

BackgroundThe supra-acetabulum is a common site for malignant bone tumors, which can be difficult to differentiate from insufficiency fractures. We report a rare case of a stress fracture of the supra-acetabulum that required differentiation from a malignant bone tumor.Case presentationA 74-year-old Japanese man presented to the hospital because of right hip joint pain. X-rays showed no obvious abnormalities. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an abnormality in the right supra-acetabulum, and he was referred to our department. A linear, low-signal region and its surrounding equal signal region were observed at the same site in the T1-weighted image, and a linear low-signal region and high signal region were observed in the surrounding area in the T2-weighted image. On the contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, the lesion was still unclear and the whole area was gradually enhanced. A computed tomography-guided needle biopsy was performed, but no tumor cells were observed, therefore the lesion was presumed to be a fracture healing. The bone density was 66% for the lumbar spine (young adult mean, L2–4), and blood biochemistry showed an increase in alkaline phosphatase and total type I procollagen N-terminal propeptide.ConclusionThis case was diagnosed as an insufficiency fracture of the supra-acetabulum in a male patient with primary osteoporosis by biopsy specimen. Initially, a pathological fracture associated with a malignant lesion was considered. On magnetic resonance imaging, the boundary around the fracture line was unclear and a signal change that was gradually enhanced by gadolinium was observed. This is likely to be bone marrow edema associated with the stress fracture, and we believe this to be a useful finding that may help in differentiating a stress fracture from a pathological fracture secondary to a malignant lesion.

CTガイド下肺生検術で大量血胸に至り緊急手術を要した1例

CTガイド下肺生検術で大量血胸に至り緊急手術を要した1例

High-Risk Lesion Management

High-risk lesions or lesions of uncertain malignant potential are frequent findings on image-guided needle biopsy of the breast and comprise a number of distinct entities. These lesions are known for having risk of underlying malignancy and are usually associated with an increased lifetime risk for breast cancer. Surgical excision was traditionally recommended for all high-risk lesions but recent studies have demonstrated that vacuum-assisted excision or surveillance may be adequate for some lesions. While management of high-risk lesion varies among institutions, this chapter describes the management recommendations based on recent literature of the most frequent types of lesions.

Older Age and Abnormal Pulmonary Ventilation Function Do Not Increase the Risk of Pulmonary Hemorrhage Caused by CT-Guided Percutaneous Core Needle Biopsy.

Purpose The aim of this study was to analyze the differences in risk factors for pulmonary hemorrhage in elderly and young patients with percutaneous computed tomography-guided needle biopsies (PCNBs). The correlations between the incidence of pulmonary hemorrhage and pulmonary function indicators before CT-guided PCNB were also discussed. Methods Between January 2018 and December 2019, 1,100 consecutive patients underwent CT-guided PCNBs at Qilu Hospital. Both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified risk factors for hemorrhage. Results The occurrence of pulmonary hemorrhage was 22.1% in elderly patients and was 22.6% in young patients. In elderly patients, pulmonary hemorrhage was significantly influenced by needle depth to the lesion and dwell time, while in young patients, pulmonary hemorrhage was independently associated with lesion size, needle depth to the lesion, and dwell time. However, pulmonary function parameters, including FVC (% pred), FEV1 (% pred), FEV1/FVC ratio (%), small airway function parameters (FEF50%, FEF75%, and FEF25–75%), and large airway function parameters (MVV, PEF, and FEF25%), were not risk factors for hemorrhage. Furthermore, the incidence of pulmonary hemorrhage was not associated with different types of pulmonary dysfunctions. The risk of pulmonary hemorrhage did not increase with the severity of pulmonary dysfunctions. Conclusions In this study, age is no longer a risk factor in evaluating pulmonary hemorrhage. Longer needle depth to the lesion and longer dwell time were significantly high risk factors of hemorrhage in both elderly patients and young patients. Patients with severe pulmonary dysfunctions did not show increased risks of pulmonary hemorrhage here.

Sustained Inflammation of Breast Tumors after Needle Biopsy

Introduction: Needle biopsy is essential for definitive diagnosis of breast malignancy. Significant histologic changes due to tissue damage have been reported in solid tumors. This study investigated the association between time from needle biopsy and inflammation in breast tumors. Methods: A total of 73 stage I–II invasive breast cancer cases diagnosed by image-guided needle biopsy who had surgery as their first definitive treatment were retrospectively analyzed. Time from biopsy to surgical excision ranged from 8 to 252 days. Histological sections of surgically resected tumors with a visible needle tract were reviewed by histologic evaluation. Data were analyzed by McNemar’s test for proportional differences, and the Benjamini-Hochberg procedure was used to assess the association between immune cell prevalence and clinical variables. Results: Characteristic histology changes, including foreign body giant-cell reaction, synovial-cell metaplasia, desmoplastic repair changes, granulation tissue, fat necrosis, and inflammation, were frequently detected adjacent to the needle tract. Spatial comparison indicated that a higher proportion of cases had neutrophils, eosinophils, and macrophages adjacent to the needle tract than tumors distant from it. The presence of inflammatory cells adjacent to the needle tract was not associated with time from biopsy or subtype. Still, plasma cells were associated with residual carrier material from biopsy markers. Conclusion: Macrophages and eosinophils are highly abundant and retained adjacent to the needle tract regardless of time from the biopsy.

Tachypnea without dyspnea in child with giant anterior mediastinal lipoblastoma

Lipoblastoma is a rare, benign, rapidly growing tumor. These lesions are usually asymptomatic or symptomatic due to the compression of surrounding structures. The majority of them were diagnosed in early childhood. We report the case of a 2 years old boy with giant anterior mediastinal lipoblastoma who was apparently asymptomatic except for persistent fast berating. The mass was diagnosed by computed tomography-guided needle biopsy and confirmed after removal by thoracotomy.

Management of Architectural Distortion on Digital Breast Tomosynthesis With Nonmalignant Pathology at Biopsy.

BACKGROUND. Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) has led to increased detection and biopsy of architectural distortion, which may yield malignancy, radial scar, or other benign pathologies. Management of nonmalignant architectural distortion on DBT remains controversial. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to determine upgrade rates of architectural distortion on DBT from nonmalignant pathology at biopsy to malignancy at surgery. METHODS. This retrospective study included cases of mammographically detected architectural distortion from July 1, 2016, to June 30, 2019, that were nonmalignant at image-guided needle biopsy and underwent surgical excision. Mammographic examinations included digital 2D mammography and DBT. Imaging data were extracted from radiology reports. Upgrade rates were summarized using descriptive statistics. Features of upgraded and nonupgraded cases were compared using Pearson chi-square test and Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS. The study included 129 cases of architectural distortion with nonmalignant pathology at biopsy that underwent excision in 125 women (mean age, 54 years; range, 23-90 years). At biopsy, 92 (71.3%) were radial scars and 37 (28.7%) were other nonmalignant pathologies. Of 66 radial scars without atypia at biopsy, one (1.5%) was upgraded to ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) at surgery and none to invasive cancer. Of 24 benign pathologies without atypia at biopsy, one was considered discordant. Of the 23 remaining concordant cases, one (4.3%) was upgraded to DCIS at surgery and none to invasive cancer. The overall upgrade rate to cancer of architectural distortion with concordant nonmalignant pathology at biopsy was 10.2% (13/128). The upgrade rate to cancer of architectural distortion without atypia was 2.2% (2/89) and with atypia was 28.2% (11/39). Explored features (age, personal or family breast cancer history, presentation by screening vs diagnostic mammography, breast density, associated mammographic findings, presence and size of ultrasound correlate, biopsy modality) showed no signifi-cant associations with upgrade risk (p > .05). CONCLUSION. Architectural distortion on DBT with concordant nonmalignant pathology at biopsy has an overall upgrade rate to malignancy at surgery of 10.2%. Architectural distortion without atypia has a low upgrade rate of 2.2%. CLINICAL IMPACT. Imaging surveillance can be considered for architectural distortion on DBT yielding radial scar without atypia or other concordant benign pathologies without atypia at biopsy.

Role of Image-Guided Percutaneous Needle Biopsy in the Age of Precision Medicine

With the remarkable progress in cancer precision medicine, the demand for biopsy has been increasing, and the role of biopsy has been changing. In this review, we discuss the current state and recent advances in the role of image-guided percutaneous needle biopsy (PNB) in facilitating precision medicine. Biopsies are useful not only in the diagnosis of cancer and histological sub-type but also in the analysis of its molecular characteristics for targeted treatments. PNB specimens have been shown to provide high DNA yields for genomic analysis. Liquid biopsy is an emerging technology but is under development; therefore, PNB is the current standard of practice and is performed complimentarily with liquid biopsy. In the age of precision medicine, interventional oncologists play a key role in optimal tissue collection for adequate genomic analysis. Effective PNB may improve its diagnostic utility and help optimize precision medicine.

A New Treatment Algorithm That Incorporates Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pyogenic Spondylodiscitis in the Thoracic and Lumbar Spines: The Results of Its Clinical Application to a Series of 34 Patients.

Background and Objectives: Spinal minimally invasive surgery (MIS) experts at the university hospital worked as a team to develop a new treatment algorithm for pyogenic spondylodiscitis in lumbar and thoracic spines. They modified a flow chart introduced for this condition in a pre-MIS era to incorporate MIS techniques based on their extensive experiences accumulated over the years, both in MIS for degenerative lumbar diseases and in the treatment of spine infections. The MIS procedures incorporated in this algorithm consisted of percutaneous pedicle screw (PPS)–rod fixation and transpsoas lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF). The current study analyzed a series of 34 patients treated with prospective selection of the methods according to this new algorithm. Materials and Methods: The algorithm first divided the patients into those who had escaped complicated disease conditions, such as neurologic impairment, extensive bone destruction, and the need to be mobilized without delay (Group 1) (19), and those with complicated pyogenic spondylodiscitis (Group 2) (15). Group 1 had image-guided needle biopsy followed by conservative treatment alone with antibiotics and a spinal brace (12) (Group 1-A) or a subsequent addition of non-fused PPS–rod fixation (7) (Group 1-B). Group 2 underwent an immediate single-stage MIS with non-fused PPS–rod fixation followed by posterior exposure for decompression and debridement through a small midline incision (12) (Group 2-A) or an additional LLIF procedure after an interval of 3 weeks (3) (Group 2-B). Results: All patients, except four, who either died from causes unrelated to the spondylodiscitis (2) or became lost to follow up (2), were cured of infection with normalized CRP at an average follow up of 606 days (105–1522 days). A solid interbody fusion occurred at the affected vertebrae in 15 patients (50%). Of the patients in Group 2, all but two regained a nearly normal function. Despite concerns about non-fused PPS–rod instrumentation, only seven patients (21%) required implant removal or replacement. Conclusions: Non-fused PPS–rod placements into infection-free vertebrae alone or in combination with posterior debridement through a small incision worked effectively in providing local stabilization without contamination of the metal implant from the infected tissue. MIS LLIF allowed for direct access to the infected focus for bone grafting in cases of extensive vertebral body destruction.

Computed Tomography Image: Guided Needle Biopsy in the Diagnosis of Lung Malignant Tumors under Artificial Intelligence Algorithm

The computed tomography (CT) image-guided needle biopsy was applied in the diagnosis of lung malignant tumors based on artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm under convolutional neural network (CNN) to explore the effect of artificial intelligence algorithms segmentation in needle biopsy surgery and to guide the diagnosis of lung malignant tumors. The subjects of the study were 100 patients with lung malignant tumors admitted to the hospital. The cases were diagnosed as lung cancers by CT, and they were divided into two groups with 50 people in each group. Among them, 50 people in the control group did not use algorithms for guidance and 50 people in the experimental group used algorithms for guidance. The 50 patients who received needle biopsy without guidance of any algorithm were included in the control group. The results showed that the average coincidence rate of automatic segmentation and manual segmentation by the artificial intelligence algorithm was 97.46%, and the average false positive rate (FPR) and false negative rate (FNR) were 0.07% and 0.08%, respectively. The segmentation time of the algorithm group was 12.5 s, which was significantly shorter than the 36.11 s of the control group, and the segmentation speed was significantly faster. The positive rate of pathology in the control group was 78%, and the pathological positive rate of the algorithm group was 80%. The difference in the pathological positive rate between the two groups was 2%, and the detection effect of the pathological positive rate in the algorithm group was close to that in the control group, which was of positive significance in pathological detection. The satisfaction rate of patients in the algorithm group with the detection effect was 88%, and that of the patients in the control group was 94%. The difference in the detection satisfaction rate between the two groups was 6%. The number of patients with pneumothorax in the algorithm group was 22, the number of patients with bleeding was 21, and the number of patients with infection was 2. The number of patients with pneumothorax in the control group was 17, the number of patients with bleeding was 19, and the number of patients with infection was 3. The patients had a higher probability of pneumothorax and bleeding and a lower probability of infection; there was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups of patients. In summary, the intelligent algorithm was effective and feasible in segmenting lesions, and the accuracy of segmentation could meet the clinical needs, which can be used as a reference for surgery. CT images based on artificial intelligence algorithms were a good way to guide the needle biopsy in the diagnosis of lung malignant tumors, improving the accuracy and sensitivity of the diagnosis of lung malignant tumors.

Computed Tomography-Guided Percutaneous Lung Biopsy Complicated by Symptomatic Systemic Air Embolism: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Computed tomography-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy of the lung is an undoubtedly useful and well-established interventional radiological procedure for the diagnosis of indeterminate pulmonary lesions. Complications of percutaneous core needle biopsy, such as pneumothorax and hemoptysis are considered mild and self-resolving, however systemic air embolism is considered a potentially fatal complication. Systemic air embolism occurs when the air enters a pulmonary vein secondary to a percutaneous CT-guided lung biopsy and is expelled into systemic circulation. Systemic air embolism is extremely rare: incidence of clinically apparent SAE is estimated at 0.061–0.17%, while clinically silent systemic air embolism may be as high as 3.8–4.8%. This study reports a case of air embolism in the cerebral arteries that resulted from a complex CT-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy of the lung. The present case highlights the main mechanisms of this pathology, risk factors, importance of complete thoracic CT after procedure, as well as management of rare complications.

Impact of multidisciplinary radiologic-pathologic correlation conference for benign image-guided breast biopsies on discordance rates and patient outcomes in a community teaching hospital

As the assessment for radiologic-pathologic concordance, particularly for benign image-guided breast biopsies, is crucial in the management of patients with imaging abnormalities, many health institutions now conduct multidisciplinary conferences to assess the imaging and pathology findings in patients who had image-guided needle biopsy. We aimed to identify the radiologic-pathologic discordance rates and changes in patient outcomes resulting from the implementation of radiologic-pathologic correlation conferences in a community teaching hospital. Twenty-two (5.6%) out of 393 cases presented were deemed discordant given that the imaging characteristics of the lesions were far too suspicious radiologically to correlate with the benign pathology. Six cases were recommended for further imaging (four had stable lesion on follow- up, one was lost to follow-up and one case eventually had surgical excision which showed atypia); 14 cases for repeat core needle/excisional biopsy (seven had surgical excision with benign histology, five did not have surgery but showed stable lesion on imaging, two were lost to follow-up); one case for close imaging follow-up (lesion ultimately disappeared); the remaining case for second opinion (no follow-up data). The rad-path correlation conference led to a higher level of patient care with significant change in practice across our hospital network.

Alternatives of histological material collection - When and how is histological confirmation by ultrasound (US), computer tomography (CT) or endosonography (EUS) useful?

Histological classifications of tumorous lesions together with adequate staging are necessary for stage-appropriate and personalized therapies. The indications, technical possibilities, and limitations as well as potential complications of image-guided needle biopsy by ultrasound, computed tomography, and endosonography are described. Which procedure for which organ and which lesion?

Axillary Imaging Following a New Invasive Breast Cancer Diagnosis-A Radiologist's Dilemma.

Traditionally, patients with newly diagnosed invasive breast cancer underwent axillary US to assess for suspicious axillary lymph nodes (LNs), which were then targeted for image-guided needle biopsy to determine the presence of metastasis. Over the past decade, there has been a shift towards axillary preservation. For patients with palpable lymphadenopathy, the decision to perform axillary imaging with documentation of the number and location of abnormal LNs in preparation for image-guided LN sampling is straightforward. Since LN involvement correlates with cancer size, it is reasonable to image the axilla in patients with tumors larger than 5 cm; however, for tumors smaller than 5 cm, axillary imaging is often deferred until after the tumor molecular subtype and treatment plan are established. Over the last decade, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is increasingly used for smaller cancers with more aggressive molecular subtypes. In most cases, detecting axillary metastasis is critical when deciding whether the patient would benefit from NACT. There is increasing evidence that abnormal axillary US findings correlates with LN metastases and reliably establishes a baseline to monitor response to NACT. Depending on hormone receptor status, practices may choose to image the axilla in the setting of clinical stage T1 and T2 cancers to evaluate nodal status and help determine further steps in care. Radiologists should understand the nuances of axillary management and the scope and challenges of LN marking techniques that significantly increase the precision of limited axillary surgery.