Background A distinct pattern of edema distribution is seen in breast cancer-related lymphedema. The area of edema sparing has not been characterized in relation to anatomy. Specifically, alternate lymphatic pathways are known to travel adjacent to the cephalic vein. Our study aims to define the location of edema sparing in the arm relative to the cephalic vein. Methods A retrospective review of patients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between March 2017 and September 2018 was performed. Variables including patient demographics, arm volumes, and MRI data were extracted. MRIs were reviewed to define the amount of sparing, or angle of sparing, and the deviation between the center of sparing and the cephalic vein, or angle of deviation. Results A total of 34 consecutive patients were included in the analysis. Five patients demonstrated circumferential edema (no sparing) and 29 patients demonstrated areas of edema sparing. Advanced age (69.7 vs. 57.6 years) and greater excess arm volume (40.4 vs. 20.8%) correlated with having circumferential edema without sparing (p = 0.003). In 29 patients with areas of edema sparing, the upper arm demonstrated the greatest angle of sparing (183.2 degrees) and the narrowest in the forearm (99.9 degrees; p = 0.0032). The mean angle of deviation to the cephalic vein measured 3.2, –0.1, and –5.2 degrees at the upper arm, elbow, and forearm, respectively. Conclusion Our study found that the area of edema sparing, when present, is centered around the cephalic vein. This may be explained by the presence of the Mascagni-Sappey (M-S) pathway as it is located alongside the cephalic vein. Our findings represent a key springboard for additional research to better elucidate any trends between the presence of the M-S pathway, areas of sparing, and severity of lymphedema.
Rationale and Objectives: Radiology participation is necessary in oncology multidisciplinary conferences (MDCs), but the resources required to do so are often unaccounted for. In this prospective study we provide an analysis of resource utilization as a function of outcomes for all MDCs covered by an entire radiology section and provide a time-based cost estimate. Materials and Methods: Following institutional review board approval, prospective data on all MDCs covered by abdominal radiologists at a single tertiary care academic center were obtained over nine weeks. A predefined questionnaire was used by a single observer who attended every imaging review and recorded the total time spent by the radiologists and several outcome measures. The total time recorded was used to provide a time-based cost estimate using a national salary survey. Results: Six radiologists participated in a total of 57 MDCs, with 577 cases reviewed and discussed. 181 (31%) cases were performed at outside facilities requiring full reinterpretation. Clinically significant revisions to original reports were recorded in 107 (18.5%) cases. Radiologist input directly resulted in alteration of cancer staging in 65 (11%) patients and specific recommendations for follow-up diagnostic workup in 280 (48%) of cases. The mean total time devoted by the staff radiologist per week to MDCs was 18.7 hours/week, nearly a half of full-time effort, or 8% of total effort per radiologist. The total annual projected cost of radiology coverage for each weekly MDC was $26,920. Conclusion: Section-wide radiologist participation in MDCs directly resulted in change in clinical management in nearly half of reviewed cases. This was achieved at a notable time cost, highlighting the need for efficient integration of radiology MDC participation into radiologist workflow and compensation models.
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