In the human body there is an endocannabinoid system consisting of cannabinoid receptors and endogenous transmitters - the endocannabinoids (anandamides).This cannabinoid system works by certain principles: the presynaptic neuron releases the neurotransmitter that reaches the postsynaptic neuron, activating it; at this level endocannabinoids are synthesized, whichhave retrograde transmission through the synaptic gap, reaching the cannabinoid receptors where they can inhibit the anterograde release of neurotransmitters. At the same level, certain exogenous substances, derived from plants and called phytocannabinoids may also work, the most known one being tetrahydrocannabinol. 9-D-Tetrahydrocannabinol is a component extracted from hemp plant with intense psychotic action but also with some medical applications. The result of the cannabinoid system activity is to obtain certain psychoactive effects, euphoria, relaxation, intense sensory experiences, pain relief but also changes in perception, attention deficit, etc. Synthetic cannabinoids are obtained to mimic the effects of marijuana, are major cannabinoid receptor agonists and are at increased risk of toxicity. Chronic consumption of such substances can cause memory disorders, pulmonary disorders and, most importantly, addiction.
Purpose
To evaluate strain elastography as a complementary tool for characterization of lesions identified during second‐look MRI‐directed sonographic examination.
Methods
We reviewed 83 breast lesions evaluated with MRI, secondlook ultrasound (US) and strain elastography in 75 consecutive patients (median age, 56 years). US‐guided biopsies were performed in all cases.
Results
After histopathological examination, 44 lesions were benign, 38 were malignant and 1 was high‐risk. At MRI, the mean size of the lesions was 12 mm. Forty lesions (48.2%) appeared as masses, 30 (36.1%) as “non‐masses” and 13 (15.7%) as “foci.” At second‐look US examination, 56 (67.5%) appeared as masses (mean size, 7 mm) and 27 (32.5%) as non‐masses (mean size, 14 mm). At strain elastography, among the 39 malignant/high risk lesions, 5 (12.8%) had a score of 4 or 5, whereas 16 (41%) had a score of 1 and 2 (false negative). Among the 44 benign lesions, 36 (82%) had a score of 1 or 2, whereas none had a score of 5. Sensitivity and specificity of strain elastography in the diagnosis of breast cancer were 58% and 81%, respectively.
Conclusion
The addition of strain elastography offers no benefit in the characterization of lesions identified on second‐look US after breast MRI.(E1, 3).
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