-
Bloch Bock posted an update 5 months, 4 weeks ago
To determine the variability of breast density assessment and the need for additional imaging using computed radiography (CR) mammography versus digital radiography (DR) mammography.
Cohort study.
Department of Radiology, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi from March to June 2018.
Patients who underwent screening CR mammography, followed by DR mammography a year later, were selected. Only disease-free individuals were included in the study. Evaluation of breast density was done subjectively, using the breast imaging reporting and data system (BI-RADS) by two independent experienced radiologists. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcox Signed Rank-sum test to compare both modalities. Fisher Exact method was used to compare the need for ultrasound imaging. click here Results A total of 295 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 52.76 ± 0.64 years. There was a significant difference in the change of breast density when comparing both modalities (Z= -11.839, p <0.nk-sum test to compare both modalities. Fisher Exact method was used to compare the need for ultrasound imaging. Results A total of 295 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 52.76 ± 0.64 years. There was a significant difference in the change of breast density when comparing both modalities (Z= -11.839, p less then 0.001). A statistically significant reduction in the need for further breast ultrasound was observed after DR mammography than with CR mammography (p less then 0.001). Conclusion Use of DR mammography, especially in patients with dense breast parenchyma, is a better screening tool overall. It translates to better feasibility for the radiologist and is more economical for the patient. DR mammography decreases unnecessary imaging and leads to better visualisation, thus providing a more accurate categorisation of breast density. Key Word Computed radiography mammography, Breast density, Screening, Breast cancer, Digital mammography, Ultrasound.Surgical resection of a potentially resectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) may lead to additional clinical benefits for the patients. In some cases, patients with initially unresectable lesions can be converted to resectable ones after induction of chemotherapy; and these patients are primarily treated with fluorouracil-based systemic chemotherapy preoperatively. However, the optimal protocol for neoadjuvant therapy has not been determined yet, and it remains a source of controversy about whether systemic chemotherapy combined with cetuximab can increase the surgical resection rate and obtain more clinical benefits. Metastatic CRC patients that received chemotherapy combined with cetuximab were compared with those undergoing chemotherapy alone. The hazard ratio (HR) and odds ratio (OR) were used as the efficacy indicators. The 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was used as interval estimation method. Seven studies including 1,895 patients were selected. Compared with patients undergoing chemotherapy, the patients receiving systemic chemotherapy combined with cetuximab of the R0 resection was not improved (OR=1.25; 95% CI, 0.76-2.06; p=0.08); The progression-free survival (PFS) of the patients received chemotherapy combined with cetuximab was slightly longer than those received chemotherapy alone (HR=0.88; 95% CI, 0.77-1; p=0.005); and the overall survival (OS) of patients undergoing systemic chemotherapy combined with cetuximab was not prolonged relative to that in patients receiving chemotherapy alone (HR=0.98; 95% CI, 0.86-1.11; p=0.04). Compared with patients receiving chemotherapy alone, the surgical resection rate and PFS are not increased in patients undergoing chemotherapy combined with cetuximab, but the OS is slightly prolonged. Key Words Chemotherapy, Cetuximab, Colorectal cancer, Metastatic tumor, Surgery.
To ascertain the safety and efficacy of percutaneous nephrolithomy in patients with previous open renal surgery.
Descriptive study.
The Kidney Centre Postgraduate Training Institute, Karachi from January to December 2018.
Patients with previous open renal surgery underwent percutaneous nephrolithomy during study period (Group A). Equal number of percutaneous nephrolithomy patients without previous open surgery taken as controls (Group B). Safety was defined in terms of ‘blood loss’ as change in hemoglobin (HB) level and ‘blood transfusion,’ while efficacy was defined in terms of ‘stone clearance’ and were compared between both the groups.
There were a total of 87 patients. Both groups had comparative gender ratio . Mean age and BMI of patients in both groups was not significantly different from each other. Both groups showed no statistically significant difference in terms of values of stone size , stone laterality stone location ,utaneous nephrolithomy is safe and effective in previously operated kidneys despite the possibility of calyceal anatomy distortion and scarring. Key Words Percutaneous nephrolithotomy, Open surgery, Kidney calculi.
To analyse epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients presenting with cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) in Pakistan; and to compare the results with other studies.
Case series.
Shaukat Khaum Memorial Cancer Hospital (SKMCH) from January 1997 to December 2017.
All patients presenting to the study centre with a diagnosis of CMM were included in the study. Non-cutaneous melanoma cases were excluded. Patient demographics, tumor type, and tumor stage were recorded retrospectively. All data were analysed in SPSS and descriptive statistics were determined.
A total of 169 CMM patients were registered during a 20-year period. The highest incidence of melanoma was seen in the age group 40-59 years (n=69, 40.8%). Most common clinical subtype was unspecified melanoma (n=154, 91%). The most frequently observed T-stage at presentation was Tx (n=124, 73.4%), followed by T4 (n=23, 13.6%). With regard to body distribution, CM was seen most commonly in the lower limb including hip.
CMM is a rare disease in Pakistan. However, patients tend to present at a more advanced stage. Identification of risk factors and tumor characteristics is, therefore, of paramount importance in managing these patients. Key Words Cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM), Pakistan, Lower middle income country, Stage.
CMM is a rare disease in Pakistan. However, patients tend to present at a more advanced stage. Identification of risk factors and tumor characteristics is, therefore, of paramount importance in managing these patients. Key Words Cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM), Pakistan, Lower middle income country, Stage.
Please follow & like us :)
All content contained on CatsWannaBeCats.Com, unless otherwise acknowledged,is the property of CatsWannaBeCats.Com and subject to copyright.