Use of shear-wave elastography to distinguish complex and complicated fibroadenomas from simple fibroadenomas

PURPOSESimple fibroadenomas (SFAs), complex fibroadenomas (CFAs), and cellular fibroadenomas (CeFAs) are variants of fibroadenomas. Additionally, some degenerative, hyperplastic, and metaplastic changes may occur in fibroadenomas, forming complicated fibroadenomas. Distinctive ultrasonography (US) features in variants of fibroadenomas and complicated fibroadenomas have not been reported. Shear-wave elastography (SWE) can be applied to effectively discriminate between these variants and complicated fibroadenomas. In this study, we aimed to evaluate SWE findings to discriminate between SFAs and other variants.METHODSIn total, 48 patients (26 with SFAs, 16 with CFAs, 3 with CeFAs, and 3 with complicated fibroadenomas) participated in this study. The lesions were classified into two groups according to histopathologic diagnoses. The SWE evaluation and lesion elasticity scores (Emax, Emean, and Emin) were both assessed in m/s and k/Pa, respectively. Two observers measured Emax, Emean, and Emin. Brightness (B)-mode US findings based on the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System categorization and elasticity scores were recorded. In the statistical analyses, the chi-square test and non-parametric tests were performed. Fisher’s exact test was used to compare independent groups, and Spearman’s correlation coefficients were used to correlate the SWE data between the two observers. Additionally, receiver operating characteristic curves were analyzed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the elasticity values.RESULTSThe B-mode US features in both groups showed no statistical significance. The set of SWE values of both observers demonstrated strong statistical significance in discriminating between group 1 (SFAs) and Group 2 (CFAs, CeFAs, and complicated fibroadenomas).CONCLUSIONAs the fibroadenoma variants and complicated fibroadenomas have similar US findings, SWE in addition to a conventional B-mode examination can increase the diagnostic performance to discriminate SFAs from other complex and complicated forms of fibroadenomas

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on diabetic ketoacidosis management in the pediatric intensive care unit

Background Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a common endocrine emergency in pediatric patients. Early presentation to health facilities, diagnosis, and good management in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) are crucial for better outcomes in children with DKA. Methods This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study conducted between February 2015 and January 2022. Patients with DKA were divided into two groups according to pandemic status and diabetes diagnosis. Results The study enrolled 59 patients, and their mean age was 11±5 years. Forty (68%) had newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), and 61% received follow-up in the pre-pandemic period. Blood glucose, blood ketone, potassium, phosphorus, and creatinine levels were significantly higher in the new-onset T1DM group compared with the previously diagnosed group (P=0.01, P=0.02, P<0.001, P=0.01, and P=0.08, respectively). In patients with newly diagnosed T1DM, length of PICU stays were longer than in those with previously diagnosed T1DM (28.5±8.9 vs. 17.3±6.7 hours, p<0.001). The pandemic group was compared with pre-pandemic group, there was a statistically significant difference in laboratory parameters of pH, HCO3, and lactate and also Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM) III score. All patients survived, and there were no neurologic sequelae. Conclusion Patients admitted during the pandemic period were admitted with more severe DKA and had higher PRISM III scores. During the pandemic period, there was an increase in the incidence of DKA in the participating center compared to that before the pandemic