United States

Background
Recent evidence suggests that the high rates of comorbidity between obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) and psychosis may warrant the diagnosis of a specific condition known as schizo-obsessive disorder. Nonetheless, the lack of official diagnostic criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) for this condition and limited research on optimal management for the overlapping symptom presentations complicate both diagnosis and treatment.

Case Presentation
CM is an 18-year-old female with a history of five past psychiatric hospitalizations resulting in various diagnoses including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD); anxiety; hypothyroidism, psychosis, unspecified; and schizoaffective disorder. She was brought to the hospital by ambulance after a physical dispute with her mother following months of worsening agitation. Her history is also notable for severe anxiety preventing her from attending school, compulsions causing her to command her mother to perform repetitive actions (resulting in significant interpersonal conflict), command auditory hallucinations involving angels and the devil, and persecutory delusions of being watched in public. Treatment with fluphenazine and risperidone in two prior hospitalizations resulted in the development of extra-parkinsonism symptoms (EPS). She has repeatedly displayed non-adherence to medications including sertraline and levothyroxine between hospitalizations, reporting both side effects and ineffectiveness in managing her symptoms. Throughout this active hospitalization, CM has endorsed intrusive audio-visual thoughts and isolative behavior. She also displays avolition, anhedonia, flat affect, thought blocking, and negativism. CM continuously fluctuates between acknowledging and denying her symptoms, indicating poor insight into her condition. She is currently being transitioned from oral to intramuscular paliperidone to manage her symptoms of psychosis, as well as oral clomipramine to treat her OCS. She is under routine monitoring for EPS and signs of adverse drug interactions.

Discussion
CM’s significant history of recurrent psychiatric hospitalizations, her unstable relationship with her mother, and her poor insight into her condition may be partially explained by the inconsistencies in her diagnoses over time. With schizo-obsessive disorder, difficulties in distinguishing obsessive and compulsive symptoms from potential delusions secondary to psychosis can result in unstandardized, overcomplicated treatment plans. This can lead to adverse effects such as EPS, worsening of either OCS or psychotic symptoms, medication non-adherence, or deleterious drug interactions. Further research is warranted to better understand the intersection of OCD and psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. In addition, more research should be conducted on improving therapeutic practices and pharmacological treatment plans that target the related symptomatology while minimizing adverse effects.

AMA Research Challenge 2023

Where Obsession Meets Psychosis: A Case Study on Co-Occurring OCD and Schizophrenia in Adolescents

PERC 2022 is focused on "queering physics education" through an intersectional lens. By "queering," we are centering queer theory which breaks down social constructions and hierarchies to unpack normalized assumptions. In the context of physics education, we want to apply the theory to unpack who has power in physics to control the production of future physicists, how physics policies and practices are sometimes built on ideas of punishment and power, and how PER embeds binaries in both its content and sociological research. Further, we want to encourage a dialogue that is both a critique and an imagining of a queer future for PER.

Explicit attention will be given to constructions of race, (dis)ability, gender, sexuality and how they interact and impact lived experiences.

We have had such a fun time organizing this year’s PERC. You might be aware that we were committed to transparency and documenting our processes and decision making which we outlined here. This year has also been challenging to be a queer or otherwise marginalized person in the US. And we continue to seek and provide support for those individuals.

As such, we recommend that folks visiting Grand Rapids who have the means consider giving to some local organizations who are working to advocate for those impacted by historic and ongoing marginalization and violence.


PERC SM 22

PERC 2022 focused on "queering physics education" through an intersectional lens. By "queering," we centered queer theory which breaks down social constructions and hierarchies to unpack normalized assumptions. In the context of physics education, we apply the theory to unpack who has power in physics to control the production of future physicists, how physics policies and practices are sometimes built on ideas of punishment and power, and how PER embeds binaries in both its content and sociological research. Further, we wanted to encourage a dialogue that is both a critique and an imagining of a queer future for PER. Explicit attention was given to constructions of race, (dis)ability, gender, sexuality and how they interact and impact lived experiences.

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Background
Pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma is a rare subtype of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) characterized by the presence of sarcoma or sarcoma-like elements. It represents 0.2 to 1% of all lung cancers. PSC is identified by the presence of spindle and/or giant cells, which make up a minimum of 10% of the tumor or comprise the entire carcinoma.
Case Presentation 
A 49-year-old male with a medical history of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) complicated by chronic ambulatory difficulties, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic hydrocephalus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and clinically suspected chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, tobacco dependence with a history of over 50-pack years presented from a skilled nursing facility due to worsening dyspnea, acute on chronic progressive productive cough with clear to white sputum, moderate in amount. Upon presentation, the patient's vitals and initial labs were unremarkable, except for mild leukocytosis. However given the increased work of breathing on the exam, a CXR was ordered which was suggestive of consolidation in the right upper lobe. The patient was started on empiric antibiotic therapy for possible community-acquired pneumonia however, it failed to improve. This prompted a CT scan of the chest, revealing a large mass involving the right upper lobe measuring approximately 14.6 x 13.1 x 12.2 cm (anteroposterior and superior-inferior). The right upper lobe bronchus was not visible, raising suspicion of bronchogenic carcinoma. The mass caused compressive atelectasis of the right middle lobe and it was invading the upper portion of the middle mediastinum and posterior mediastinum, exerting mass effect on the esophagus. CT-guided biopsy of the mass revealed markedly atypical cells consistent with sarcomatoid non-small cell cancer, likely squamous cell lung cancer. Immunohistochemical staining was only positive for p63. Based on the labs, imaging, and biopsy results, the patient was diagnosed with Pulmonary Sarcomatoid Non-Small Cell Cancer, arising from the right upper lobe bronchus. The mass exhibited invasive properties, compressive atelectasis, and mass effect on adjacent structures in the mediastinum. Unfortunately, the patient clinically deteriorated before initiating treatment and was ultimately transitioned to inpatient hospice. 
Discussion 
With this case, we would like to reinforce the point that in patients with a history of smoking, and COPD and with initial imaging suggestive of a benign infectious process fitting with clinical exam, a low threshold must be maintained to further investigate with CT imaging, especially if patients do not improve with first-line therapy as malignant tumors may often mimic the appearance of a consolidative process which can further delay treatment and lead to a poor outcome.

Sarcomatoid NSCLC: A Rare Entity with Unpredictable Behavior

Background
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD) is an underrecognized genetic condition affecting an estimated 1 in 2,000 to 1 in 5,000 individuals worldwide, with approximately 70,000 to 100,000 cases reported in the United States. Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT) plays a crucial role in protecting the lungs by inhibiting the activity of neutrophil elastase (NE), but in cases of AAT deficiency, uncontrolled NE activity can lead to lung damage through quantum proteolysis. Recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax is a significant complication observed in patients with underlying lung diseases like AATD and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The association between AATD and spontaneous pneumothorax remains relatively unexplored, presenting unique challenges in managing recurrent pneumothorax in these patients. This case report aims to provide valuable insights into the clinical features, diagnostic workup, and therapeutic interventions and associated challenges in managing a patient with recurrent spontaneous
pneumothorax in the context of AATD and COPD, with the objective of offering diagnostic and therapeutic considerations for similar cases.

Case Presentation
61 yo M with A1AT deficiency with severe bullous disease, no known cirrhosis, OSA intolerant of CPAP, hx of recurrent Lt pneumothorax and associated COPD presented with dyspnea. Examination revealed absent lung sounds on the left side. Oxygen support was initiated, and a chest x-ray confirmed left-sided pneumothorax. The patient underwent a successful left-sided pigtail catheter placement procedure to relieve the pneumothorax. This was his fourth episode of Secondary Spontaneous Pneumothorax. Two episodes occurred when he was younger, and the most recent two episodes required the implantation of a left chest tube. The very last episode
appeared on 5/2021. The patient's history of heavy smoking, substance abuse, and occupational asbestos exposure contributed to the severity of respiratory issues. Although his condition improved with pulmonary rehabilitation and medical therapy, the limitations of available interventions underscore the need for individualized approaches in complex cases. Lung volume reduction surgery and endobronchial valves were not viable due to extensive lung involvement and airway hyperdynamic collapse. The recommendation for lung transplantation aimed to enhance the quality of life and life expectancy. Pleurodesis emerged as a potential option if transplantation was not feasible. Further investigations were conducted for the transplant workup, leading to approval by the Medical Review Board. Following the successful placement of the Heimlich valve, the patient was discharged with instructions for outpatient follow-up.

Discussion
This case emphasizes the association between AATD and Recurrent secondary spontaneous pneumothorax, bringing attention to the difficulties encountered in the management of this condition. Further research is needed to optimize treatment approaches, explore the efficacy of alternative interventions, and understand long-term outcomes in this complex patient population.

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Unleashed:
A Case Report On Tackling Recurrent Secondary Spontaneous Pneumothorax

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a spontaneously occurring, progressive, fibrosing disease of the lung, most commonly identified in adults 50 years of age and older.[1] Diagnosis may be made via high-resolution CT (HRCT) when a Usual Interstitial Pneumonia (UIP) pattern is present; however, if the diagnosis remains questionable, surgical lung biopsy (SLB) is often pursued.[2]

We present the case of a 39-year-old African-American male with a medical history of bronchiectasis accompanied by chronic, productive cough and social history including ongoing tobacco use and prior shipyard employment. He presented with two weeks of progressive exertional dyspnea, increased sputum production, and fever. 

Examination revealed tachycardia, bilateral inspiratory rales and digital clubbing. Progression of baseline bilateral interstitial opacities was noted on chest x-ray, and HRCT revealed diffuse interstitial thickening and ground-glass opacities with basilar predominance, and diffuse bronchiectasis. Evaluation for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, cystic fibrosis mutations, celiac disease, autoimmune serologies, and immunoglobulin deficiency were unremarkable. Bronchoalveolar lavage analysis demonstrated neutrophil predominance with negative microbiologic testing. He ultimately underwent SLB of the right upper and lower lobes demonstrating diffuse alveolar damage superimposed on patchy collagen fibrosis with associated architectural distortion in the form of honeycomb changes consistent with UIP. Per the 2019 IPF guidelines, he was diagnosed with IPF and given an “IPF Likely” grade.[2]

IPF is thought to develop from repetitive micro-injury to chronically dysregulated alveolar epithelium, though the exact etiology remains undetermined. Our patient’s tobacco history or occupational exposures may have been the nexus for his interstitial lung damage[1] 

UIP is the radiologic/histopathologic hallmark of IPF, demonstrating reticular fibrosis and subpleural honeycombing with basilar predominance. Bronchiectasis in IPF is the result of fibrosis applying traction to the airways with diffuse bronchiectasis being uncommon.[2,3] Conversely, our case demonstrates a diffuse bronchiectatic process that preceded significant fibrotic changes of IPF. Whether the development of IPF is attributable to recurrent injury from exacerbations of idiopathic bronchiectasis, or this patient’s bronchiectasis was an unappreciated indicator of an underlying, progressive ILD is difficult to ascertain.

This case raises questions about the potential benefit of periodic imaging in bronchiectasis patients. Society guidelines only recommend it at time of diagnosis and clinical deterioration.[2,4] We argue that periodic imaging should be tailored to bronchiectasis etiology, as otherwise unexplained disease may be an indicator of risk for ILD development.

We encourage physicians to be mindful that patients with bronchiectasis may be at risk for IPF development.

1. Richeldi L, Collard HR, Jones MG. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Lancet. 2017;389(10082):1941-1952. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(17)30866-8
2. Raghu G, Remy-Jardin M, Richeldi L, et al. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (an Update) and Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis in Adults: An Official ATS/ERS/JRS/ALAT Clinical Practice Guideline. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2022;205(9):E18-E47. doi:10.1164/rccm.202202-0399ST
3. Piciucchi S, Tomassetti S, Ravaglia C, et al. From “ traction bronchiectasis ” to honeycombing in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis : A spectrum of bronchiolar remodeling also in radiology ? BMC Pulm Med. Published online 2016:1-4. doi:10.1186/s12890-016-0245-x
4. Lynch DA, Sverzellati N, Travis WD, et al. Diagnostic criteria for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a Fleischner Society White Paper. Lancet Respir Med. 2018;6(2):138-153. doi:10.1016/S2213-2600(17)30433-2

Which Came First: Bronchiectasis or IPF?

Background: Lipoid pneumonia is a rare condition caused by the inflammation of lung tissue due to the accumulation of lipid substances from inhalation or aspiration. There are two main types: exogenous lipoid pneumonia, caused by the inhalation or aspiration of external sources like vegetable oil or mineral oil typically in industrial settings, and endogenous lipoid pneumonia, caused by internal factors such as airway obstruction, abnormal lipid metabolism or gastro-esophageal reflux disease. Both types present respiratory symptoms like chest pain, cough and shortness of breath. Prompt diagnosis is crucial for preventing complications and promoting 
lung healing. There are limited case reports on endogenous lipoid pneumonia. We present a case of a 72 year-old elderly patient with microscopic airway obstruction leading to endogenous lipoid pneumonia.
Case Presentation: A 72-year-old chronic smoker male presents with cough, sputum 
production and shortness of breath with no fevers, chills, rigors except for right sided pleuritic chest pain which is being treated for pneumonia with Augmentin and azithromycin along with prednisone for 6 months. CT scan of chest revealed a right upper lobe anterior segment newly discovered lung mass along with mediastinal adenopathy. The patient underwent bronchoscopy with biopsy of the lung mass which showed the combination of focal organizing pneumonia and prominent non-necrotizing granulomatous inflammation along with foamy macrophages, suggesting proximal airway obstruction also known as microscopic obstructive pneumonia.
Discussion: Endogenous lipoid pneumonia usually develops in association with bronchial obstruction from lung cancers, infection or lipid storage disease. In this case, the patient with endogenous disease didn't have any above mentioned conditions except for obstruction from granulomatous inflammation. And thus the microscopic proximal airway obstruction can lead to endogenous lipid accumulation causing pneumonia.

Endogenous lipoid pneumonia due to microscopic airway obstruction: A 
diagnostic dilemma

Background

Adenocarcinoma of the lung has shown an increasing incidence, but Pulmonary mucinous adenocarcinoma, a variant of invasive adenocarcinoma, remains a rare entity with non-specific clinical manifestations. Invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma (IMA) accounts for 5 % of pulmonary adenocarcinoma. IMA exhibits distinct characteristics, including invasive patterns characterized by either columnar or goblet cells. Because of its unique clinical characteristics, such as its peripheral location and a high incidence of multifocal, multi-lobular, and bilateral presence, it has been recognized as a distinct entity. 

Case Presentation

A 69-year-old male patient with a known history of interstitial lung disease presented with a gradual onset chronic nonproductive cough with exercise intolerance on exertion, which significantly worsened over the past six months. Two bronchoscopies with transbronchial biopsy and bronchoalveolar lavage in the past year failed to give any diagnosis. A recent scan, one month ago revealed worsening of bilateral infiltrates on CT from the previous scans; along with interstitial thickening, mosaic attenuation, and a new cavitary lung lesion with a left lobe atelectatis, and necrotic lung tissue. Cell count at that time did not show eosinophilia. The patient had no exposure to asbestos, chemicals, fumes, dust, silica, or mold nor weight loss. Antinuclear antibody and Antineutrophilic-cytoplasmic-antibody were negative. Due to travel history to southeast Asia and South America, workup for Mycobacterium Tuberculosis , Histoplasma , Blastomyces , and Aspergillus was done which came negative. A wedge biopsy of the left lung revealed involvement morphologically similar to adenocarcinoma with mucinous features which were characterized by atypical mucinous tumor cells. These findings can be found in IMA However, the adenocarcinoma had atypical features and presented as a diffuse and multifocal distribution, which is uncommon for this type of tumor. 

Discussion
Common symptoms observed in individuals with IMA include nonspecific manifestations such as sputum production, cough, shortness of breath, and fever but our patient presented with a chronic nonproductive cough and dyspnea on exertion, without other symptoms. Diffuse, right upper lobe involvement was present instead of the typical peripheral lower lobe, predominance in IMA. Surgical lung biopsy and CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy have been known to achieve a diagnostic yield of 100%. However, it is worth noting that biopsied specimens obtained through this approach may primarily consist of acellular mucin pools. A multidisciplinary approach should be adopted to address respiratory symptoms, facilitate the use of anticancer drugs, and extend patient survival while carefully weighing the risks and benefits of surgery.

Hidden in Plain Sight: A Unique Presentation of Lung Adenocarcinoma

Background
Described in 1770, Bouveret’s syndrome is rare and characterized by gastric outlet obstruction caused by gallstone-driven fistulization between the gallbladder and the stomach or duodenum, accounting for 1-3% of gallstone ileus. Women with a mean age of 71 years are the primary demographic. 91% undergo surgical intervention for obstruction relief. Mortality ranges from 12-27%, with morbidity reaching 50%. We present a case of Bouveret’s syndrome with gallstone migration to the jejunum resulting in gallstone ileus, with the benefit of multiple imaging modalities. 

Case Presentation
A 54-year-old female presented with 4-day history of right upper quadrant abdominal pain. Ultrasound (US) elicited sonographic Murphy’s sign and showed gallbladder wall thickening and a gallstone. Subsequent computed tomography (CT) with contrast demonstrated cholecystitis, pneumobilia, and a cholecytoduodenal fistula. A large radiolucent gallstone was impacted in the duodenum resulting in gastric outlet obstruction. 

On hospital day 2, she developed vomiting with abdominal distension and a nasogastric tube provided relief. Abdominal radiographs showed new small bowel dilation concerning for small bowel obstruction (SBO). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) the following day redemonstrated cholecystitis and cholecystoduodenal fistula. Importantly, it also showed a new proximal SBO, with transition point in the jejunum, which was secondary to interval migration of the gallstone from duodenum to jejunum. 

Exploratory laparotomy was performed on hospital day 5 and a 5 cm cholelith was removed from the jejunum, relieving the obstruction. The patient tolerated the procedure well. She was discharged the following day and was stable at follow up. 

Discussion
This case illustrates the uncommon diagnosis of Bouveret’s syndrome with subsequent gallstone migration into the jejunum resulting in gallstone ileus with the benefit of US, CT, XR, and MRI imaging modalities. There is an average of 7 days from symptom onset to surgery, with 9 days for this patient. As mortality and morbidity rates are high, early diagnosis of Bouveret’s syndrome is crucial, which can be challenging due to its non-specific presentation of abdominal pain and vomiting, and because gallstones are frequently radiolucent making them difficult to detect on CT. The classic Rigler’s triad (ectopic gallstone, pneumobilia, and SBO) associated with gallstone ileus is not always visualized on imaging. CT is the most accurate imaging test for diagnosis of Bouveret’s syndrome and is therefore the imaging test of choice, although US and MRI can be very helpful adjunct to aid in detecting radiolucent gallstones, as in this case.

Multiple Imaging Modalities of Bouveret's Syndrome with Further Gallstone Migration

Background: Primary aldosteronism is the most common cause of secondary hypertension. In patients with primary aldosteronism, CT imaging and adrenal vein sampling (AVS), a minimally invasive procedure, are common workups to determine lateralization of hormone production prior to adrenalectomy. This is an important distinction as the management varies based upon a unilateral versus bilateral nature as well as a realization that imaging alone may lead to inappropriate adrenalectomy. 

Case: Patient is a 66-year-old male diagnosed with primary aldosteronism after presenting with poorly controlled hypertension and persistent hypokalemia despite being on five antihypertensive medications and potassium supplementation. CT abdomen showed a 2 cm left sided adrenal nodule. He was referred to interventional radiology for AVS. Cosyntropin infusion was used to stimulate hormone production prior to sampling. Venous samples were collected from the left adrenal vein, right adrenal vein and IVC. Samples at each site were tested for cortisol and aldosterone levels. Lateralization index of right adrenal vein samples was 5.5, indicating right sided hypersecretion, discordant from the CT findings of a left sided nodule that was presumed to be the source of aldosteronism. Based on the AVS results, the patient instead underwent right sided adrenalectomy. Since surgery, his potassium has normalized without the need for supplementation and he is weaning off antihypertensive medications. 

Conclusion: Discrepancies in imaging and adrenal vein sampling, as described in this case, are common, therefore, patients with primary aldosteronism should undergo AVS to determine lateralization to guide further surgical or medical treatments. While CT has benefits, such as allowing assessment of nodules or masses that may be present as well as visualization of vascular anatomy, surgical intervention should not solely rely on imaging findings. 


Discordance Between Imaging and Adrenal Vein Sampling in Patient with Primary Aldosteronism


Persistent sciatic artery is a rare congenital malformation, with an incidence under 0.04%. The sciatic artery is a branch of the internal iliac artery, supplying the lower limb in the early embryonic stage. Normally, the sciatic artery involutes, while the superficial femoral artery becomes the major blood supply of the lower extremity. However, the absence of femoral artery development leads to the sciatic artery becoming the dominant blood supply.
Uterine artery embolization is widely used, has minimal morbidity and high technical success rates. However; in the few reported cases of patients undergoing Uterine artery embolization where a persistent sciatic artery wasn’t recognized, there was non-targeted embolization and failure to embolize the uterine artery. 
In the patient’s case, the uterine artery bifurcates off the persistent sciatic artery and is crucial to identify in order to properly conduct the uterine artery embolization. If this vascular variant was not properly identified it is possible that non-targeted embolization could have occurred leading to catastrophic consequences.



Uterine Artery Embolization in a Patient with a Persistent Sciatic Artery

Background: Mammary Paget’s Disease (MPD) of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) is a rare disorder of the breast associated with an underlying carcinoma affecting 1-4% of breast cancer patients. The etiology of MPD is thought to arise from a malignant conversion of pluripotent keratinocyte stem cells or cells of apocrine gland ducts; that is supported by structural similarity between Paget and Toker cells – epithelial cells found in the NAC of 10% of women. MPD presents as eczematous patches of scaly tissue surrounding the NAC associated with tingling and pruritis. 

Case Presentation: Here we describe a 74-year-old patient with local recurrence of breast cancer >20 years following treatment. She initially presented with a right breast stage IA (cT1cN0M0) invasive ductal carcinoma involving right upper inner quadrant in year 2000. She was treated with partial mastectomy (PM) and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) followed by adjuvant whole breast radiation therapy and 2.5 years of adjuvant tamoxifen. She remained disease free until year 2022 when she presented with waxing and waning four-month history of skin irritation involving the right nipple. Exam demonstrated a small, 1 centimeter (cm), crusty erythematous rash. Initial trial of antibiotics did not improve symptoms. She underwent a punch biopsy which demonstrated MPD. Breast MRI showed a right NAC enhancement with a 0.5 cm mass at 12:00 o’clock position. Biopsy of the central mass demonstrated a grade 2 invasive ductal carcinoma, ER/PR+ without HER2 amplification. She underwent right mastectomy with SLNB with final pathology demonstrating stage IA disease (pT1apN0[sn]). 

Discussion: This case highlights a unique clinical sign for breast cancer recurrence despite a long period of remission. Several factors are associated with a high risk of late recurrence including ER+ tumors, diagnosis before the age of 40, treatment involving breast conserving surgery, 4 or more positive lymph nodes, and a T2 or higher tumor stage. It is challenging to know if the new breast cancer is recurrent or new primary, although management is similar. For patients with underlying malignancy, the rate of SLNB was 17% warranting nodal evaluation. MPD local recurrence has been shown to be common in patients who previously underwent nipple sparing mastectomy. Small, single institution, series found that patients with underlying MPD had worse survival compared to those without MPD. Unfortunately, no high quality, prospective, data exist to guide management for patients with MPD versus non-MPD recurrence; general approach includes SLNB followed by mastectomy; an alternative approach to mastectomy in women who recur a decade or two after initial PM and adjuvant radiation who are averse to mastectomy would be to repeat PM followed by partial breast radiotherapy. This case emphasizes the importance of early cancer surveillance to prevent delays in intervention.


Mammary Paget’s disease of the nipple as a sign of local recurrence two decades after properly treated breast cancer

Background: Mucinous Carcinoma of the breast is a rare subtype. It accounts for about 2% of all breast carcinomas. Mucinous Carcinomas are often mistakenly diagnosed as benign tumors. It is important to recognize the overlapping benign clinical, mammographic, sonographic and magnetic features to avoid delayed diagnosis.

Case Presentation: A 65-year-old African American woman presented with a palpable mass on her left breast. The patient had no family history or personal history of breast cancer prior to this appointment. The patient underwent a mammography, where the patient’s palpable mass was displayed as a high-density mass with well-defined margins. After the mammography, the patient had undergone both a breast MRI and an ultrasound guided biopsy, (which involved a biopsy marker clip in the palpable mass). The breast MRI showed the palpable mass with high signal intensity on T2 weighted imaging, and benign appearing kinetics. However, from the ultrasound guided biopsy, it was shown that the patient had Mucinous Carcinoma of the breast. After treatment, the patient chose to receive a mastectomy. 

Discussion: Mucinous Carcinoma of the breast is a rare subtype of breast cancer that typically occurs in women over 60 years old. It typically presents as a lump or mass in the breast. Mucinous Carcinomas tend to be larger in size compared to other breast cancers at the time of diagnosis. They often have well-defined borders and can be mobile within the breast tissue. Diagnosis of Mucinous Carcinoma of the breast typically involves imaging tests, such as mammography, and or ultrasound, along with a tissue biopsy. On mammography, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Pure Mucinous subtype presents as a well-circumscribed mass and, therefore, can be confused with a benign lesion. On MRIs, Pure Mucinous Carcinoma of the breast has higher diffusion coefficient values and therefore presents as high signal intensity T2-weighted imaging and benign-appearing kinetics with persistent enhancement. These MRI features could be difficult to distinguish from benign lesions, such as cysts fibroadenomas or intramammary lymph nodes and can often result in a delayed diagnosis. Knowledge of this is necessary because delayed diagnosis can lead to poorer health outcomes and health disparities in the future.


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