Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) arises as a result of a specific relationship among the anatomical structures that may cause compression in the muscles, nerves, and/or blood vessels in the neck, thereby compromising the local circulation. The aim of the current study was to establish the presence of sleep disturbance and disability in the shoulder, arm, and hand in individuals affected by TOS, as well as to ascertain if there are any differences in these findings relative to TOS-free individuals. The study sample comprised 82 TOS patients and 81 TOS-free individuals aged 19–66 years. Data were gathered by administering the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) instruments. The results showed that both the DASH (t = −13.21, p < 0.001) and PSQI (t = −7.27, p < 0.001) scores obtained by the TOS group were higher relative to the controls and were strongly and positively correlated (ρ = 0.58, p < 0.01). As positive DASH scores may be indicative of TOS, they signal the need for further diagnostic evaluations. In individuals in whom TOS is already diagnosed, high DASH scores imply that further sleep quality assessments are required, as compromised sleep patterns may undermine quality of life.

Introduction. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative rheumatic disease of the peripheral joints. It mostly affects one joint, usually the hip and knee joints, as well as the distal interphalangeal joints of the wrist and thumb carpometacarpal joint. The clinical symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, crepitus, muscle atrophy, subluxation, as well as reduced joint mobility, greatly affecting the quality of life of patients. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life of patients with knee osteoarthritis and determine whether there is a difference in the quality of life of patients with unilateral and patients with bilateral knee osteoarthritis. Material and Methods. The study was designed as a retrospective study including 60 patients, 30 patients with unilateral gonarthrosis and 30 patients with bilateral gonarthrosis. The EuroQoL five dimensions questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life. Results. There is no statistically significant difference in the quality of life between individuals with unilateral and bilateral knee osteoarthritis, but there is a significant positive correlation between the pain intensity and difficulties in the domains of quality of life. Conclusion. People with osteoarthritis of the knee mostly take painkillers and have a good or excellent response to therapy. There is no statistically significant difference in the quality of life among people with unilateral and bilateral knee osteoarthritis. There is a significant positive correlation between the pain intensity and difficulties in the domains of quality of life. There is a significant negative correlation between the perception of general health and all five domains of quality of life.

Background/Aim. Breast cancer is a leading global health concern. Contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) presents a promising advancement in early breast cancer detection, excelling in sensitivity, specificity, and cost-effectiveness. The aim of the study was to assess the overall diagnostic efficacy of CEM in breast cancer screening, particularly in distinguishing benign from malignant lesions in dense breasts. Methods. A two-year retrospective study was conducted at the Center for Radiology, including a total of 279 women undergoing CEM following standard mammography. Results. CEM demonstrated high sensitivity (92.4%), specificity (75.1%), and a noteworthy negative predictive value of 97.0%, significantly reducing unnecessary biopsies. Conclusion. CEM is a valuable screening tool, offering enhanced diagnostic capabilities and the potential to reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies. It is particularly beneficial for patients with dense breasts or inconclusive traditional mammography results.

Introduction. Calcifications and microcalcifications are mineral deposits in the breast tissue. Breast calcifications are a common mammographic finding, present on over 80% of images, and they are usually benign. Characteristics such as size, shape, number, distribution pattern, location, density, and other findings help determine the pathology. Dermal calcifications of the breast are superficial and benign calcifications that are usually found on the sebaceous glands of the skin. In some cases, calcifications can be the first marker of underlying cancer development. They may be associated with the presence of ductal carcinoma in situ or even invasive ductal carcinoma that has spread to the surrounding breast tissue. By correct identification of benign calcifications as such, unnecessary interventions and use of limited resources can be avoided. Case Report. A 66-year-old female patient presented for a regular mammography check-up. On the previous mammographic examination, she was categorized as bilateral breast imaging reporting and data system 1. The new mammography images showed numerous newly formed grouped microcalcifications at the junction of the lower quadrants of the right breast, and a stereotactic vacuum-assisted biopsy was indicated. During the biopsy attempt, the image guided biopsy program did not detect any calcifications in the parenchyma or in any projection and therefore it did not allow the biopsy procedure to continue after several attempts. Examination of the right breast skin revealed lesions treated by the patient for a few weeks; a repeat mammogram was performed and it was observed that the calcifications were of dermal origin. Conclusion. Dermal calcifications are mostly tiny, about the size of skin pores, single or clustered, and often have a calcified rim surrounding a lucent center. However, dermal calcifications deserve a special attention, because they sometimes lack a lucent center and simulate grouped intraparenchymal calcifications that require careful monitoring or biopsy.

Introduction. Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women. While mammography remains the only screening method proven to reduce breast cancer mortality, its sensitivity is significantly lower in women with dense breast tissue, ranging from 30% to 48%. Supplementary ultrasound screening is effective in detecting mammographically occult cancers in these women. Case Report. A 40-year-old female presented for a baseline mammogram, which revealed very dense breast tissue but no pathological changes. However, a cluster of altered lymph nodes was detected in the right axilla. Subsequent ultrasound examination identified speculated soft tissue changes in the retroareolar region of the right breast, as along with pathologically altered lymph nodes in the right axilla. The findings were classified as Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System 5 l.dex, prompting a CORE biopsy. Pathohistological analysis confirmed breast cancer (Estrogen Receptor 0, Progesterone Receptor 0, Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2 3+, Ki-67 Antigen 31%) with axillary metastasis (Estrogen Receptor 0, Progesterone Receptor 0, Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2 3+, Ki-67 Antigen 15%). Conclusion. Mammography remains the gold standard for breast cancer screening tool but has reduced sensitivity in women with dense breast tissue compared to women with fatty replaced tissue. This case underscores the importance of supplemental ultrasound in detecting mammographically occult breast cancer.