No abstract

Introduction: Diffusion weighted Imaging "DWI" is a specific modality to produce images of tissues weighted with the local microstructural characteristics of water diffusion. DWI can give information as regards cellularity of breast lesions and it can be used for distinguishing between benign and malignant breast lesions, differentiating surgical scar from recurrence and monitoring therapies in locally advanced breast cancer Aim of the work: To assess the diagnostic value of diffusion weighted imaging as an adjuvant to breast magnetic resonance imaging for detection and differentiation of suspicious breast lesions and correlation with histopathologic findings, available clinical data or follow up. Methods: The studied group included 50 female patients referred for MRI breast for workup of a suspicious clinical, mammographic, or sonographic abnormality. Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) was added to the routine study. Results of the contrast enhanced bilateral breast MRI and DWI of the 50 patients were all reported and compared with the histo-pathological results of surgery or biopsy and with the results of follow up of lesions that were not surgically removed or biopsied. Results: there was a highly significant relation between DWI and histopathological/ Follow Up results with p value = 0.000. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of DWI for characterization of suspicious breast lesions in patients included in the study, were 89.5%, 100%, 100%, and 93.94% respectively. Conclusion: DWI is a short unenhanced scan that can be inserted easily into standard clinical breast MRI protocols as a potential adjunct that can be added routinely to conventional breast MRI, and can accurately differentiate benign from malignant breast lesions with high sensitivity and specificity.

Background: Many international organizations have recognized obesity as a chronic disease, with significant contribution to the global mortality and morbidity. Besides, obese patients are at higher risk of death than non-obese individuals. Obesity is a major driver for disability, early retirement, and psychological disorders as well.Abdominal wall fat index (AFI) is a widely utilized sonographic measure for regional fat accumulation; it is calculated as a ratio of the highest to lowest preperitoneal and subcutaneous fat thicknesses, respectively. Carotid Intima Media Thickness (CIMT) is a well-established marker for early atherosclerosis.In this study we investigated the relationship between abdominal wall fat index (AFI) and Carotid Intima Thickness (CIMT) with lipid profile among overweight and obese patients. Aim of Study:Investigating the relationship between abdominal wall fat index (AFI) and Carotid Intima Media Thickness (CIMT) as measured by ultrasonography with lipid profile among overweight and obese patients.Patients and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on 60 adult participants ranging from 22 to 66 years old of both genders. The patients were divided into three groups according to the AFI value into: Group I (AFI <0.7), group II (AFI <1.4), and group III (AFI ≥ 1.4). AFI and CIMT measured using ultrasonography and lipid profile was obtained.Results: Participants in group III (mean=53.7 ± 11.0 years old) were significantly older than other studied groups; and were more likely to be hypertensive and diabetic. There was a statistically significant difference between studied groups regarding body mass index (BMI; p=0.001), the highest level was among group III (mean BMI=34.1 ±5.8Kg/m 2 ). There were positive correlations between lipid profile parameters and the AFI. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant difference between groups regarding CIMT (p=0.001). CIMT was the highest among group III (mean of 1.4 ±0.3mm), followed by group II (mean of 1.2 ±0.3mm), and group I