Publications by authors named "Valerie Fein-Zachary"

Background: The effect of gender-affirming testosterone therapy (TT) on breast cancer risk is unclear. This study investigated the association between TT and breast tissue composition and breast tissue density in trans masculine individuals (TMIs).

Methods: Of the 444 TMIs who underwent chest-contouring surgeries between 2013 and 2019, breast tissue composition was assessed in 425 TMIs by the pathologists (categories of lobular atrophy and stromal composition) and using our automated deep-learning algorithm (% epithelium, % fibrous stroma, and % fat).

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Objective: Determine the association between TT and breast tissue composition and breast tissue density in trans masculine individuals (TMIs).

Design: This is a cross-sectional study.

Setting: TMIs (n=444) underwent chest-contouring surgeries to treat their gender dysphoria between 2013 and 2019 at an urban medical center.

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There is limited literature about breast cancer in the transgender population. Very little is known about how gender-affirming hormone therapy affects their breast cancer risk. On the other end, for those diagnosed with breast cancer, there are no clinical guidelines to manage their breast cancer, specifically, how to manage their gender-affirming hormone therapy during breast cancer treatment.

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We previously reported breast histopathologic features associated with testosterone therapy in transmasculine chest-contouring surgical specimens. During that study, we observed a high frequency of intraepidermal glands in the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) formed by Toker cells. This study reports Toker cell hyperplasia (TCH)-the presence of clusters of Toker cells consisting of at least 3 contiguous cells and/or glands with lumen formation-in the transmasculine population.

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Objective: Low-energy (LE) images of contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) have been shown to be noninferior to digital mammography. However, our experience is that LE images are superior to 2D mammography. Our purpose was to compare cancer appearance on LE to 2D images.

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In the United States, silicone and saline breast implants with their familiar radiologic appearance are the mainstays of breast augmentation. However, less well-known sequelae of unconventional injected materials introduced for cosmetic and noncosmetic purposes may also be encountered on breast imaging-for example, free silicone, paraffin and/or oil, polyacrylamide gel, autologous fat, and hyaluronic acid, which are encountered in the setting of breast augmentation. Breast injection of go-yak is not cosmetic but also results in characteristic imaging findings.

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Testosterone therapy (TT) is administered to enhance masculinization in transgender individuals. The long-term effect of exogenous testosterone on breast tissues remains unclear. Our study evaluated the modulation of breast morphology by TT in transgender individuals with special attention to duration of TT.

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To characterize a cohort of transgender men and masculine-centered gender nonconforming individuals who underwent gender-affirming chest-contouring surgeries at our institution between 2013 and 2018. Demographics, medical history, and breast histopathological assessment for 340 patients were retrieved from medical records. Most of our patients were white, non-Hispanic (75.

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Purpose: Our purpose was twofold. First, we sought to determine whether 2 orthogonal oriented views of excised breast cancer specimens could improve surgical margin assessment compared to a single unoriented view. Second, we sought to determine whether 3D tomosynthesis could improve surgical margin assessment compared to 2D mammography alone.

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The purpose is to determine whether an abbreviated MRI protocol (ABMR) is ready to be used for breast cancer screening in an academic practice setting. Two hundred and fifty nine breast MRIs from 1/1/2012 to 6/30/2012 were retrospectively reviewed using ABMR (MIP, Pre-contrastT1, single dynamic post-contrastT1, and subtraction). Five breast radiologists (4-28 year-expr) participated in this reader study performed in two phases: Phase1 - radiologist's privy to clinical history but not to comparison imaging.

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Contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) is a promising new imaging modality that uses a dual-energy acquisition to provide both morphologic and vascular assessment of breast lesions. Although no official BI-RADS lexicon exists, interpretation entails using the mammographic BI-RADS lexicon in combination with that for breast MRI. CEM has comparable performance to breast MRI, with sensitivity of 93-100% and specificity of 80-94%.

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Objective: The purpose of this article is to discuss the essential steps involved in performing, interpreting, managing, and reporting findings on contrast-enhanced mammography for successful implementation into clinical practice.

Conclusion: To successfully implement contrast-enhanced mammography into clinical practice, an understanding about the acquisition of images, image interpretation, and reporting of the spectrum of negative, benign, and malignant findings is essential.

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Objective: In 2013, the ACR and Society of Breast Imaging created a curriculum to standardize the knowledge of graduates from breast imaging fellowships. Despite this, however, there remains a need to provide guidance to programs as to how to structure and organize the fellowship. In this article, we review key elements of a breast imaging fellowship to ensure that programs graduate radiologists that are well prepared to practice safely and independently.

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To evaluate the prevalence of malignancy in imaging-detected abnormal lymph nodes (LNs) in women without concurrent cancer and to identify imaging features predictive of malignancy in this population. This is an IRB-approved study with waived informed consent. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all image-guided LN FNAs and CNBs performed at our institution from 1/1/08 through 12/31/10.

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Although dense breast tissue is a normal and routine finding on screening mammography, dense breast tissue is associated with an independent increased risk for breast cancer. It is well known that screening mammography has a decreased sensitivity for cancer detection in women with dense breasts. Over the past decade, there has been increased interest generated among patients, physicians, and legislators regarding how best to screen dense-breasted women culminating in 2009 with the passage of a breast density notification law in Connecticut.

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Purpose: Incidental hepatic lesions identified on breast MR can be a diagnostic dilemma due to concern for liver metastases or other significant hepatic lesions. The purpose of this study was to identify the incidence and nature of liver lesions seen on breast MR, and determine if additional imaging is necessary.

Methods And Materials: Imaging reports of all breast MR examinations performed at our institution from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2011 were reviewed to identify reports with hepatic abnormalities.

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Introduction: The introduction of new technologies and teaching strategies to educate the digital learner creates the potential for a better and more standardized training experience across programs. Thus, we sought to create an instructional video on stereotactic core breast biopsy that simulates best practices and could be readily accessed by training programs to improve and standardize resident education.

Methods: At our institution, we use the video and questions as part of a flipped classroom educational activity.

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Performance benchmarks exist for mammography (MG); however, performance benchmarks for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are not yet fully developed. The purpose of our study was to perform an MRI audit based on established MG and screening MRI benchmarks and to review whether these benchmarks can be applied to an MRI practice. An IRB approved retrospective review of breast MRIs was performed at our center from 1/1/2011 through 12/31/13.

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Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether mammography adds clinical value in the diagnostic imaging workup of women 30 years old and older who present with palpable breast lumps.

Materials And Methods: We retrospectively identified the records of all women 30 years old and older who underwent imaging evaluation with mammography and ultrasound for a palpable lump between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2010. Imaging reports were reviewed for findings related to the lump and for incidental nonpalpable findings.

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Objective: The purpose of our study is to review the clinical presentation, multimodality appearance, and management of the most common benign and malignant spindle cell lesions of the breast.

Conclusion: Spindle cell lesions of the breast exhibit characteristic features at mammography, ultrasound, and MRI. Although a definitive diagnosis of these lesions cannot be made with diagnostic imaging alone, knowledge of their characteristic imaging features can assist in refining the differential diagnosis and guiding appropriate management.

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Purpose: Our study evaluates patient preferences toward screening CESM versus MRI.

Materials And Methods: As part of a prospective study, high-risk patients had breast MRI and CESM. Patients completed an anonymous survey to evaluate preferences regarding the two modalities.

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Purpose: Using the iPad application Explain Everything™, the authors created a "how to" video for stereotactic breast core biopsy to enhance their breast imaging curriculum. The objective was to show that video integration into residency training enhances resident learning.

Methods: A pretest was provided to all 40 radiology residents (postgraduate years 2-5) at the authors' institution.

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Purpose To review mammographic, ultrasonographic (US), and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features and pathologic characteristics of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, lymph node-negative invasive breast cancer and to determine the relationship of these characteristics to Oncotype DX (Genomic Health, Redwood City, Calif) test recurrence scores (ODRS) for breast cancer recurrence. Materials and Methods This institutional review board-approved retrospective study was performed in a single large academic medical center. The study population included patients with ER-positive, lymph node-negative invasive breast cancer who underwent genomic testing from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2013.

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