Objective To evaluate the role of breast MRI in detecting the primary malignancy in patients presenting solely with axillary lymph node metastases. Methods Thirty-three patients with axillary lynph node metastases but negative findings on either physical examination or mammography underwent breast MRI to identify occult breast carcinoma. MRI of the breast was assessed according to BI-RADS criteria. The pathologic diagnosis was made according to the standard criteria by the WHO Classification of Tumor. Results Among 33 patients presenting solely with axillary metastases, 30 patients underwent modified radical mastectomy. Primary breast carcinoma was proven in 17 patients. MRI detected lesions in 16 patients, including 10 masses and 6 non-mass lesions. Size of the masses ranged from 0. 5 to 2. 6 cm (mean 1.5 cm). Six lesions were smaller than 1.5 cm in size. Non-mass lesions showed ductal enhancement in 4 cases and segmental enhancement in 2 cases. One patient with tumor detected by histopathology showed no abnormal enhancement on MRI. No tumor was found at mastectomy in the other 13 womeu, and negative MR findings were revealed in 9. Four cases with suspicious enhancement on MRI had no corresponding primary foci on pathology. Three patients didn't undergo surgical procedure. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MRI in the diagnosis of the primary malignancy were 94. 1%,69. 2%, and 83.3%, respectively. Conclusions Small size of mass and ductal or segmental enhancement of non-mass lesion were common MR features of occult malignancy. MRI showed high sensitivity and accuracy in diagnosing occult breast carcinoma. Breast MRI should be taken in search of occult malignancy in patients with axillary metastases.

Objective To assess the enhancement characteristic of breast lesions of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in comparison with contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Methods Between August 2011 and March 2013,72 women with 72 lesions were enrolled.All patients underwent ultrasound,CEUS and MRI.The histopathologic results obtained from ultrasound-guided core biopsy or operation excisions were used as the reference standard.CEUS section evaluations were made similar with MRI regarding the size and shape of lesions.Different contrast enhancement patterns including homogeneous/heterogeneous,the tumor areas,the perfusion defect areas,and modality of time-intensity curve were evaluated.Pearson's correlation coefficient,Student's t-tests,and the concordance test were used for evaluation.Results Of the 72 lesions,pathologic examination revealed 56 (77.8％) malignant lesions and 16 (22.2％) benign lesions.The tumor areas measured by CEUS and MRI agreed well,with a correlation of r =0.894,P =0.000.The difference between the two measurements was not significant according to a paired t test (P =0.886).The concordance tests gave a value of the coefficient Kappa =-0.153 (P =0.061),indicating a low concordance between the results obtained with CEUS and those obtained with MRI regarding the enhanced uniformity.There were statistically significant differences in the perfusion defect areas as measured by CEUS and MRI (P =0.01).The CEUS estimates [(0.837 ± 0.827)cm2] were consistently higher than the MRI estimates [(0.576 ± 0.524)cm2].The time-intensity curve patterns between the two groups showed no correlation.Conclusions The enhancement patterns evaluated by CEUS and MRI partly agreed well.There was no direct association between the two methods regarding the enhancement patterns because of the different contrast agent.

Objective To describe a new technique with mini-open reconstruction of lateral ligaments of ankle with partial tendon of its peroneus brevis and evaluate its effect in treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability. Methods A total of 11 cases of chronic lateral ankle instability;at mean age of 27.6 years(16-42 years),were treated with mini-open reconstruction of the lateral ligaments of the ankle with partial tendon of its peroneus brevis.The mean delay between the initial episode of ankle sprain and the surgery was 10.3 months(4-32 months).Postoperatively,all cases were examined with MRI,stress X-rays and comparative stability of bilateral ankle inspection at clinical follow-up.The function of the ankle were evaluated bv American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS)score and ankle-hind foot scale. Results The average duration of follow-up was 17.5 months(12-37 months).The mean AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score was 88.3 points(72-96 points)at the time of the latest follow-up,including excellent result in 6 cases(55%),good in 4(36%)and fair in 1(9%).MRI results showed that the ruptured lateral collateral ligaments of the ankle were repaired and remodeled very well in all patients.There was no recurrence of the ankle instability or other complications. Conclusion Mini-open reconstruction of the lateral ligaments of ankle with partial tendon of its peroneus brevis is safe and effective for treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability.

Objective To retrospectively analyze the clinical results of peroneal tendon insertion and reconstruction with suture anchors in the treatment of avulsion fractures of the fifth metatarsal base.Methods Five patients (three males and two females) with the fifth metatarsal base fractures were in zone 1, with average seven days of duration before surgery. The result of radiological examination confirmed that all fractures were in zone 1 of the fifth metatarsal base, with some small, comminuted and obviously displaced pieces. After removal of the small comminuted fracture pieces, the peroneal tendon insertion was dissociated and sutured to the fifth metatarsal base by suture anchors (5 mm in diameter) with line. The feet were immobilized by plaster in the vagus position. The patients began to walk with weightbearing six weeks after operation. Results All patients were followed up for at least six months, which showed no deformity of the feet. The function of forefoot valgus and abduction restored to normal. There was no any loss in muscle force compared with the normal side. Conclusions Peroneal tendon insertion and reconstruction by suture anchors is very helpful to solve the problem in the fixation of the small fracture fragments. The function of the peroneal tendon recovers very well. The surgery has the advantages of easy manipulation and small area of dissection, without requirement of secondary surgery.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical results of minimally invasive ankle arthrodesis with percutaneous cannulated screws.MethodsBetween April 2005 and October 2010, 12 patients with the ankle arthrodesis for unilateral severe arthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence class Ⅲ) were prospectively analyzed, including 2 cases of rheumatoid arthritis, 8 cases of post-traumatic arthritis, and 2 cases of osteoarthritis. There were 7 males and 5 females with an average age of 42.0 years(range, 25-7 1). The average disease duration was 7.3 years (range, 1-21). The anterior median incision of 3.0-5.0 cm was made to explore the ankle joint.The cartilage of tibial-talus joint was completely debrided. Two guide pins were inserted from posterosuperior to anteroinferior, and cannulated screws were implanted to fix ankle joint. All patients were physically examined with an extended protocol of questionnaires and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle and Hindfoot Scales. Ankle fusion in all patients was evaluated by clinical examination, and conventional radiography including anterior-posterior, lateral and mortise views of the ankle. ResultsAll 12 patients were followed up postoperatively for an average of 21.5 months(range, 6-55), and were proved be bone union by clinical examination and radiology with a mean of 13.5 weeks (range, 9-21). The AOFAS rating scale improved from a mean of 42.8±8.6 points at pre-operation to a mean of 66.6±5.4 points at post-operation 6 months,showing significant difference(t=-3.075, P=O.012), and to a mean of 72.3±4.6 at the final follow-up, also showing significant difference with pre-operation (t=-8.595, P=-0.006). There was no infection,local skin necrosis, screw loosing, and so on. ConclusionThe minimally invasive ankle arthrodesis with percutaneous cannulated scews is a recommend procedure, with mini-invasion, short surgery time, high fusion rate, good clinical outcomes, few complications.

Objective To establish normative data for the fetal cisterna magna septa (CMS) at various gestational age,and to evaluate its clinical significance.Methods A total of consecutive fetal between 14 and 40 gestational week(GW) were included in this prospective study.The length and width of CMS were measured by two-dimensional ultrasonography.Regression analysis was used to study the relationship between the width and length of the fetal cisterna magna septa and gestational age.Twenty-five case of fetuses with the absence of CMS and 12 case of fetuses with the enlargement of CMS were retrospectively analyzed in the past six years in our hospital.Results ①The fetal CMS length and width increased gradually between 14 and 22 GW,then plateaued between 23 GW and 36 GW,and decreased after 37 GW.This ultrasonographic pattern was in agreement with normal development of rhombencephalon.②The absence of CMS in the fetuses were common in Dandy-Walker syndrome,holoprosencephaly,severe hydrocephalus,neural tube defects,rhombencephalon synapsis and Arnold-Chiari malformation.The enlargement of CMS in the fetuses may be shown in physiologic enlargement of posterior fossa.ConclusionsCMS is a potential new marker for normal development of rhombencephalon.The enlargement and absence of CMS are related to various malformations of central neural system,especially in the abnormalities of posterior fossa.

Objective:This study aims to evaluate the sonographic features of phyllodes tumors of the breast (PTBs) and the cor-relation between sonographic and pathologic findings to improve the understanding of the disease. Methods:Sonographic findings of 85 PTBs from 83 patients were reviewed. The sonographic findings included the results of two-dimensional ultrasound and color Dop-pler flow imaging, elastographic features, and pathologic data. Results:Of the 85 lesions, 33 were the benign tumors, 28 were border-line, and 24 were malignant according to the pathologic diagnosis. Tumor morphology revealed that most masses were lobulated, with a clear-cut boundary, smooth verge, and inhomogeneous internal echo. Clear boundary was more common in the benign phyllodes tumors (χ2=12.721, P=0.002), and a cystic echo-free area was more commonly observed in these malignant tumors (χ2=9.677, P=0.046). LevelⅡandⅢsignals of the blood flow were observed in 75.3%of PTB cases. Of all lesions, only 26 were subjected to elasticity imaging, and the elastographic scores ranged from 2 to 3 in 88.5%of the cases (23/26). Conclusion:Conventional ultrasound and elastographic findings on PTBs exhibited definite characteristics. The border and cystic areas in the tumors can be used to differentiate between be-nign and malignant PTBs.

Objective To evaluate surgical management of pancreatic duct stones.Methods From 1997 to 2007, 24 cases of pancreatic duct stones underwent surgical treatment, the clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. Results In this study, 17 cases underwent lithotomy by longitudinal pancreatic duct incision, Roux-en-Y anastomosis(side-to-side) of pancreatic duct to jejunum, extra drainageof the main pancreatic duct was done in two cases, hepaticojejunostomy in three cases, pancreaticcystojejunostomy in one case. One case suffered from postoperative bleeding at pancreatic ojejunostomy, one from stress ulcer, and both were cured by conservative treatment. Three cases underwent pancreaticeduodenectomy, anastomosis bleeding occurred in one patient, and was cured by conservative method. One case underwent duodenum-preserving resection of the head of the pancreas, 2 cases underwent distal pancreatectomy, one case underwent lithotomy by pancreatic duct incision and primary closure, no postoperative complications occurred among those patients. 21 cases were followed up, results were excellentin 17 patients. Conclusions Lithotomy by longitudinal pancreatic duct incision, Roux-en-Y anastomosisof pancreatic duct to jejunum is the main and effective surgical procedure, while duodenum preserving pancreatic head resection and lithotomy by pancreatic duct incision and primary closure are also rational for the treatment of pancreatic duct stones.

OBJECTIVETo compare the effects between mild moxibustion and specific electromagnetic spectrum therapy apparatus (TDP) for obsolete collateral ligament injury of interphalangeal joints.

METHODSSixty patients were randomly divided into a mild moxibustion group and a TDP group, 30 cases in each one. In the mild moxibustion group, pure moxa sticks were used at the affected digital joints locally for 20-30 min a time. In the TDP group, TDP was applied at the affected digital joints locally for 20-30 min a time. The treatment was given once a day for two courses, and 10-day treatment was made into a course. Visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, swelling degree of the affected digital joints before and after treatment were observed and the clinical efficacy and safety were evaluated in the two groups.

RESULTSThe excellent rate was 56.7% (17/30) and the excellent and, good rate was 83.4% (25/30) in the mild moxibustion group,which were better than 36.7% (11/30) and 76.7% (23/30) in the TDP group respectively (both P < 0.01). After treatment the score of VAS and digital joints swelling degree were improved than those before treatment in the two groups (P < 0.01, P < 0.05), and the improvements of the mild moxibustion group were better than those of the TDP group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONMild moxibustion can apparently relieve the painful and swelling degree of obsolete collateral ligament injury of interphalangeal joints, which is superior to TDP.

Acupuncture Points ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Collateral Ligaments ; injuries ; Electromagnetic Radiation ; Female ; Humans ; Joint Diseases ; therapy ; Magnetic Field Therapy ; Male ; Moxibustion ; Pain Measurement ; Young Adult

BACKGROUND:Upright rat intervertebral disc degeneration model can prove that intervertebral fusion can aggravate the adjacent-segment intervertebral disc degeneration, but cannot affirm that spinal non-fusion technology has more advantages. OBJECTIVE:Base on the affirmed intervertebral disc degeneration models of Beagle dog, we performed intervertebral fusion to affirm whether or not the intervertebral fusion can aggravate the adjacent-segment intervertebral disc degeneration. METHODS:Twelve Beagle dogs were randomly divided into two groups. The control group animals were stabbed percutaneous to injure L5/6 disc. The experimental group animals were stabbed percutaneous to injur L5/6 disc. One month later, we made L4/5 intervertebral fusion. At 3 and 6 months postoperatively, lumbar MRI was conducted. L5/6 discs were harvested and subjected to histological observation and PCR. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) MRI:in the experimental group, 3 and 6 months after fusion, different degrees of intervertebral disk herniation appeared. In the control group, no obvious intervertebral disk herniation appeared. (2) Histological observation:6 months after fusion, in the experimental group, intervertebral disc annulus and nucleus pulposus were disordered;there was a gap in the fold, and the number of nucleus pulposus cel s decreased. In the control group, nucleus pulposus and anulus fibrosus boundary was clear;col agen was loose and arranged regularly. Cel number was more. Anulus fibrosus was close to normal. Col agen fibers were regular and dense. In the experimental group, 3 and 6 months after fusion, type II col agen-positive cel s were less than the control group (P<0.05). Moreover, type II col agen-positive cel s were less at 6 months than at 3 months in the experimental group (P<0.05). (3) PCR:Bone morphogenetic protein 15 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metal oproteinase 1 gene expression was higher in the experimental group than in the control group at 3 and 6 months after fusion (P<0.05). Bone morphogenetic protein 15 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metal oproteinase 1 gene expression was higher in the experimental group at 6 months than that at 3 months (P<0.05). (4) These results suggest that intervertebral fusion can aggravate the adjacent-segment intervertebral disc degeneration.