A Proposal to Define Three New Breast Calcification Shapes: Square, Sandwich, and Teardrop, Pill & Capsule

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 186-191
Author(s):  
Jay A Baker ◽  
Lars J Grimm ◽  
Karen S Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Breast Imaging ◽  
Interobserver Variability ◽  
Institutional Review Board ◽  
Observer Variability ◽  
Preliminary Assessment ◽  
Clinical Value ◽  
Institutional Review ◽  
Index Study ◽  
Breast Radiologist ◽  
Breast Calcification

Abstract Objective To define and illustrate three new descriptors for microcalcification morphology on mammography, and provide a preliminary assessment of their potential clinical value. Methods The institutional review board approved this retrospective study and waived the requirement for informed consent. One thousand consecutive biopsy-proven cases of microcalcifications were retrospectively reviewed by the index study observer, a fellowship-trained breast radiologist blinded to histologic outcome. Each case was evaluated for traditional Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) morphology descriptors, as well as for the presence of one of three proposed new calcification morphology descriptors: (1) square, (2) sandwich, and (3) teardrop, pill & capsule. Positive predictive value (PPV) for each proposed shape was calculated. Interobserver variability was calculated on a subset of 200 cases, which were evaluated by two additional breast radiologists blinded to the interpretation of the index observer. Results Of 1000 cases, 702 (70.2%) were benign, and 298 (29.8%) were malignant. There were 51 (5.1%) square and 60 (6.0%) sandwich calcification cases, which were all benign at biopsy (PPV, 0%). Of the 106 (10.6%) cases that included teardrop, pill & capsule calcifications, 90 were malignant (PPV, 84.9%). Interobserver variability for the traditional BI-RADS morphology descriptors (κ = 0.40) was comparable to observer variability of the proposed new morphologies: square (κ = 0.39), sandwich (κ = 0.47), and teardrop, pill & capsule (κ = 0.49). Conclusion The proposed calcification descriptors square and sandwich-shaped had a PPV of 0%, and they may represent new typically benign morphologies. In contrast, teardrop, pill & capsule–shaped calcifications indicate a higher likelihood of malignancy than that of previously established descriptors.

Breast Imaging Fellowship Match: Applicants’ Perspectives of Years Two and Three

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (5) ◽  
pp. 471-477 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle V Lee ◽  
Janine T Katzen ◽  
Rend Al-Khalili ◽  
Sadia Choudhery ◽  
Gary Whitman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Imaging ◽  
Rank Order ◽  
Great Majority ◽  
Institutional Review Board ◽  
Positive Experience ◽  
Match Process ◽  
Institutional Review ◽  
Final Rank ◽  
Universal Application

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study is to summarize the results of a survey distributed by the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) to assess applicants’ experience with the 2018 and 2019 Breast Imaging Fellowship Match process. Methods In this institutional review board–exempt study, the SBI issued an anonymous survey to all matched applicants in an attempt to gauge their experience with the 2018 and 2019 Match process. Results The survey was sent to all 2018 and 2019 matched applicants and 105/236 (45%) responses were received. The majority (75%, 79/105) of respondents reported a positive experience with the Match, with at least a 4/5 rating, and only 3% (5/105) reported a rating below 3/5. There was some improvement in 2019, with 86% (24/28) of respondents reporting at least a 4/5 rating compared to 71% (55/77) in 2018. No respondent reported a score below a 3/5 rating in 2019. The most commonly cited issues with the Match were the timing of the Match process, the need for a universal application, and the burden of travel. Location and program reputation were the two most important factors contributing to the final rank order of programs. Conclusion The great majority of applicants felt that the Match created a positive experience. Planned areas of improvement include the implementation of a universal application, the transition to virtual interviews, and a condensed timeline. These measures are likely to increase applicant satisfaction and provide a fair and efficient experience for future breast radiologists.

scholarly journals Characteristics and Management of Male Breast Parenchymal Cysts

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 330-335
Author(s):  
Santo Maimone ◽  
Idris T Ocal ◽  
Kristin A Robinson ◽  
Martha C Wasserman ◽  
Robert W Maxwell
Keyword(s):  
Breast Imaging ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Male Breast ◽  
Institutional Review Board ◽  
Rare Entity ◽  
Case Review ◽  
Breast Cyst ◽  
Radiology Reports ◽  
Institutional Review

Abstract Objective Parenchymal breast cysts are considered to be rare in men and are sparsely described in the literature. The purpose of this study was to review our institution’s experience with male breast cysts in an effort to improve overall understanding and management of this rare entity. Methods An institutional review board–exempt retrospective study was performed. Radiology reports for males who underwent mammogram and/or breast ultrasound at any of our institution’s primary or satellite locations from January 1995 to January 2020 were screened to find males with breast cysts. If cysts were reported and images were available, case review was performed to confirm parenchymal breast cyst(s) and patient characteristics were collated. Results Of 5425 male cases presenting for breast imaging, 19 (0.4%) cases of male breast cysts were confirmed, with a mean patient age of 41.6 years (range: 2–81 years). The most common indication leading to cyst discovery was a palpable lump, corresponding to the site of the cyst in 5 (26.3%) patients and near the site where cyst(s) were ultimately discovered in 7 (36.8%) patients. There were 8 (42.1%) instances of cysts without concurrent gynecomastia. Three (15.8%) men underwent needle sampling. There were no cases of atypia or malignancy on needle biopsy or on subsequent clinical follow-up, with median clinical follow-up of 70.3 months (range: 3.3–259.4 months). Conclusion Male breast parenchymal cysts are rare, but their prevalence is likely underestimated. If detected incidentally or upon targeted evaluation, biopsy may be averted if classic benign cyst features are identified.

scholarly journals The Impact of NORTH STAR on Suicidality, Substance Problems, Intimate Partner Violence, and Child Abuse

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy M Smith Slep ◽  
Richard E Heyman ◽  
Michael F Lorber ◽  
David J Linkh
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Child Abuse ◽  
Air Force ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Absolute Risk ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Institutional Review Board ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Institutional Review ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction We evaluated the effectiveness of New Orientation for Reducing Threats to Health from Secretive-problems That Affect Readiness (NORTH STAR), a community assessment, planning, and action framework to reduce the prevalence of suicidality, substance problems, intimate partner violence, and child abuse. Materials and Methods One-third of U.S. Air Force bases worldwide were randomly assigned to NORTH STAR (n = 12) or an assessment-and-feedback-only condition (n = 12). Two Air Force-wide, cross-sectional, anonymous, web-based surveys were conducted of randomly selected samples assessing risk/protective factors and outcomes. This study was reviewed and approved by the institutional review board at the investigators’ university and by the institutional review board at Fort Detrick. Results NORTH STAR, relative to control, bases experienced a 33% absolute risk reduction in hazardous drinking rates and cumulative risk, although, given the small number of bases, these effects were not statistically significant. Conclusions Given its relatively low cost, use of empirically supported light-touch interventions, and emphasis on sustainability with existing resources, NORTH STAR may be a useful system for prevention of a range of adult behavioral health problems that are difficult to impact.

scholarly journals 2019 Novel Coronavirus Vaccination among Post-graduate Residents and Fellows

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 215013272110229
Author(s):  
Mostafa Abohelwa ◽  
Mohamed Elmassry ◽  
John Abdelmalek ◽  
Drew Payne ◽  
Kenneth Nugent
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Sciences ◽  
Institutional Review Board ◽  
Institutional Review ◽  
Texas Tech University ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
United States Healthcare

Background Coronavirus-2 (COVID-19) has caused a worldwide pandemic since December 2019. Since then, clinical trials with vaccines have been started and completed, and at present, 3 COVID-19 vaccines have been approved for use in the United States. Healthcare providers were among the first to get vaccinated, but the precise attitudes of healthcare workers toward vaccination are uncertain. Objective To understand residents and fellows’ attitudes toward vaccination and record any side effects after vaccination. Methods We conducted an anonymous survey that was open from 3-1-2021 to 3-12-2021 using distribution lists from the Graduate Medical Education office on the Lubbock campus of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center after getting approval from the Institutional Review Board (L21-088). Results Eighty-one residents and fellows (26.6% out of 304) responded to our survey. Among those who responded, 63 (77.8 %) were between 25 and 35 years old, and 41 (50.6%) were males. Seventy-seven (95.1%) received the vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech), 78 (96.3%) reported that they supported vaccination, and 3 (3.7%) reported that they did not want vaccination. Eight members (9.8%) had tested positive for COVID-19 infection before vaccination, but only 1 (1.23%) had tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies. All residents and fellows reported side effects after the vaccination, including pain at the injection site (77; 100%), local redness (9; 11.6%), local swelling (13; 16.8%), fever (25; 32.5%), fatigue (25; 32.5%), chills (34; 44.1 %), headache (38; 49.4%). Conclusions Most medical trainees have a high interest in COVID-19 vaccination; however, a few reported that they did not want vaccination.

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