This study was to investigate the association between tCho and the clinical characteristics and biomarker status of breast cancer. Sixty-two patients with breast cancer which was 1.5 cm or larger in size on MR images were studied. The tCho concentration was correlated with the MR imaging features, the contrast enhancement kinetics, clinical variables, and biomarkers. Pair-wise two-tailed Spearman’s non-parametric test was used for the statistical analysis. The tCho was higher in high grade than moderate/low grade tumor (p=0.04) and in tumors with higher Ktrans and kep (p<0.001 for both). The association of tCho with age (p=0.05) and triple negative biomarker (p=0.09) approached significance. tCho was not detected in 17 patients, including 15 invasive ductal cancer and 2 infiltrating lobular cancer. Fifteen of the 17 patients had moderate to low grade cancers, and 11 had HER-2 negative cancer, suggesting these two factors might lead to false negative choline. Higher tCho in high grade tumors and tumors with higher Ktrans and kep indicates choline is associated with cell proliferation and tumor angiogenesis. Higher choline level in younger women may be due to their more aggressive tumor type. The results presented here may aid in better interpretation of 1H MRS for diagnosis of breast lesions.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of Q-switched ruby laser in the treatment of nevus of Ota, a pigmented lesion on the face. The Q-switched ruby laser has been shown to remove tattoos without scarring. With this in mind, the nevus of Ota with pigmented cells in the dermis could be effectively treated with Q-switched ruby laser. Eighty patients (19 men, and 61 women) with nevus of Ota on the face were enlisted to be tested in evaluating the efficiency of Q-switched ruby laser therapy. The age of patients ranged from 1 to 62 years. The energy fluence used varied from 6 to 8.5 J/cm2. Treatment intervals ranged from 4 to 16 weeks, and the number of treatment sessions varied between 1 to 9 visits. During a 2-year follow-up period, more than fifty percent removal of nevus-pigment was noted in 64 of the 80 patients. Transient hyperpigmentation was noted in 32 patients lasting for 2 to 6 months after treatment; transient hypopigmentation was seen in 3 cases which recovered within one year. No patients had permanent textural or pigmentary changes or scarring. Q-switched ruby laser therapy appears to be an effective and safe modality for the treatment of nevus of Ota.

We report a case of leukemia cutis with atypical skin manifestations, presented with generalized various sized dark brownish to erythematous patches with plaques on the whole body of a 42-year-old man. Skin lesions developed 6 months ago and had no signs of itching or tenderness. He complained of sustaining fevers with abdominal discomfort. Laboratory findings showed elevation of leukocyte count and peripheral blood smear revealed 86% of lymphocyte. Histologic examination showed diffuse infiltration of abnormal cells that appeared to be leukemic in nature.