New MRI features, especially from T2-weighted images, are promising for more reliable and accurate interpretation of breast lesions. Prospective studies of these findings are required to define cut-off values and test clinical practicality.

Objective. To visualize early experimental arthritis with near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging in a murine model of antigen-induced arthritis (AIA).Methods. The target of NIRF was the F4/80 antigen present on the surface of macrophages infiltrating the inflamed synovial membrane. Imaging was performed using anti-F4/80 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) labeled with Cy5.5 fluorochrome. On day 7 of AIA, 6 mice received an intravenous (IV) injection of labeled mAb; control AIA mice (n ‫؍‬ 6) received an IV injection of Cy5.5-labeled isotype control antibody. NIRF imaging was performed before injection (baseline) and until 72 hours thereafter. Histologic evaluation of arthritis severity and immunohistochemical assessment of F4/80 antigen density were also performed on day 7.Results. NIRF imaging showed an accumulation of fluorochrome probes in the inflamed knee joints and, to a lesser extent, in the contralateral (nonarthritic) knee joints. The signal induced by mAb F4/80 was clearly higher than that generated by the isotype control. Accumulation of fluorochrome probes in the joints was confirmed histologically by confocal laser scanning microscopy.Conclusion. The use of fluorochromes allows imaging of arthritis in the near-infrared range. Accumulation in the contralateral, nonarthritic knee joints can be explained by the presence of sentinel macrophages in normal synovium or by a mild contralateral response due to systemic activation or neurogenic mechanisms.

It has long been established that cancer cells exhibit altered local dielectric properties compared with normal cells. Consequently, different electrical conductivity and capacitance are measurable in malignant vs normal tissues. In this study we evaluated the reliability of electrical impedance scanning (EIS), a new technology, for the classification of suspicious lesions: differentiating benign from malignant, and as a primary means of detection of breast cancer. Fifty-two women with 58 sonographically and/or mammographically suspicious findings were examined using electrical impedance scanning. Two different examination modes of TransScan TS2000 (Siemens, Erlangen, Germany), the standard-resolution mode for a routine overview examination, and the targeted high-resolution mode for a local examination of the suspicious lesion were used. All patients were additionally imaged by MR mammography (MRM) and underwent core-biopsy and/or surgical treatment after the EIS examination. With respect to the histopathological findings (29 malignant and 29 benign lesions) 27 of 29 (93.1%) malignant lesions were correctly identified using the high-resolution mode of EIS, whereas 19 of 29 (65.5%) benign lesions were correctly identified as benign (10 of 29 benign lesions showed as false-positive findings). Negative and positive predictive values of 90.5 and 73.0% were observed, respectively. Using the standard-resolution mode 22 of 29 malignancies were correctly detected (sensitivity 75.9%), whereas 22 of 29 were correctly identified as benign (specificity 72.4%). Electrical impedance scanning appears to be a promising new technology providing a relatively high sensitivity for the verification of suspicious mammographic and/or sonographic lesions especially using the high-resolution mode for local examinations. Artifacts, such as signals from superficial skin lesions, poor contact, and air bubbles, are currently a limitation.

Compared with MRI, CT scans overestimate prostate volume by 35%. CT-MRI image fusion-based treatment planning allows more accurate prediction of the correct staging and more precise target volume identification in prostate cancer patients.