Image-guided or needle-localized open biopsy of mammographic malignant-appearing microcalcifications?

Background: The evaluation and initial management of abnormalities detected on screening mammography have evolved substantially over the last decade. This study was designed to evaluate the most appropriate initial diagnostic biopsy technique for patients presenting with malignant-appearing microcalcifications on screening or diagnostic mammography.

Study Design: An institutional review of a prospective database was performed to compare initial image-guided breast biopsy (IGBB) and needle-localized open biopsy (NLOB) in patients presenting with malignant-appearing microcalcifications.

Needle localization and biopsy of nonpalpable lesions of the breast.

Two hundred and three consecutive needle hookwire guided biopsies for nonpalpable lesions of the breast were performed upon 174 patients over a three year period. Patients ranged in age from 25 to 83 years (a mean of 55.4 years).

Mesenteric vascular insufficiency and claudication following acute dissecting thoracic aortic aneurysm.

Mesenteric vascular insufficiency and claudication of the left leg were observed in a patient 6 weeks after intraluminal aortic prosthesis placement for acute type III thoracic aortic dissection. Aortography revealed double-channel deformity of the thoracoabdominal aorta and complete occlusion of the celiac axis, inferior mesenteric artery, and left common iliac artery. An aortobi-iliac interposition graft placed end to end with an additional limb to the common hepatic artery was curative.