Correlation between ferromagnetic and isotopic tracers for sentinel lymph node detection in cutaneous melanoma: IMINEM study.

Background: The usefulness of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in staging cutaneous melanoma has been proven. Therefore, different tracers have been used to identify the sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs). The use of isotopic tracers together with radioactivity detectors allowed a much more precise and direct approach to the SLNs.

PET-CT gamma probe-guided lymph node biopsy: a new diagnostic surgical approach.

Purpose: The higher sensitivity of new diagnostic tools makes it easier to detect relapse in asymptomatic stages when classic procedures of lymph node biopsies are difficult to perform. The aim of this article is to describe the combination of gamma probe and 18F-FDG positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) images in combination with sentinel lymph node biopsy technique for detection of nonpalpable lymph nodes.

Methods: After a dose of 18F-FDG was administered and PET-CT images that showed the location of suspected pathologic lymph nodes were obtained, transcutaneous localization of the lymph nodes with the highest captation of the tracer was done.

[Technical features of interest in lymphatic basin localization in breast cancer sentinel lymph node biopsy].

Objectives: The sentinel node is defined as the node with the highest probability of being involved in the case of lymphatic spread from a tumor. Accurate identification and biopsy of this node can avoid unnecessary lymphadenectomies. The aim of this study was to determine if there are differences in the number of isolated sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer according to whether a mixed technique (vital dye plus isotopic tracer) or radiotracer alone is used and if there are differences in the detection of more than one lymphatic basin and in the number of lymphatic nodes depending on the site of tracer injection.

[Anatomical location of the primary tumor as a variable to be considered in sentinel node biopsy of cutaneous melanoma].

Introduction: The anatomical location of cutaneous melanoma has been suggested to be an independent prognostic factor. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the location of the primary tumor influences sentinel node detection in cutaneous melanoma.

Patients And Method: Two hundred twelve patients with primary cutaneous melanoma (96 of the limbs, 89 of the trunk and 27 of the head or neck) who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy were studied.

[Addition of an angiotensin II receptor blocker to maximal dose of ACE inhibitors in heart failure].

In heart failure, the benefits of adding angiotensin-receptor blockade to ACE inhibitors have been studied only with submaximal doses of ACE inhibitors. We included 20 patients (LVEF 24 7%, NYHA II-III), with no clinical or therapeutic variations in the previous three months, who were receiving maximal doses of ACE inhibitors. We added losartan 50 mg once a day.