2008 Faculty Researchers

Paul S. Dale, M.D

the association of mammographic breast arterial calcifications (BAC) identified on mammography and underlying diseases such as diabetes, coronary artery disease (CAD), peripheral vascular disease, renal disease, cerebral vascular accidents (stroke)

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Department

Surgery. Division of Surgical Oncology

Office Location

115 Business Loop 70 west, DC 116.94

Phone #:

Office: (573) 882-8131
Fax: (573) 884-6054

E-Mail:

daleos@health.missouri.edu

Summary

Prior studies have indicated an association between mammogram detected vascular calcifications and diabetes, CAD and PVD.

Three separate retrospective studies performed here at MU by the PI have confirmed this association between BAC and PVD, Diabetes and CAD, each of which has been published or presented at national meetings. A more recent prospective study indicated women with BAC had a 3 fold increase in also having CAD or diabetes. Based on our initial studies we are prepared to proceed with prospective trials confirming this association. The goal of the trial is to validate breast cancer screening mammography can also be utilized as a screening tool for CAD and Diabetes.

This research is clinically oriented. The student will be involved with: Study design, reviewing mammograms, patient interviewing and examination, assimilation of data, write-up of findings and probable publication opportunities. There are several projects available for the student depending on time commitment.

1. Two retrospective studies evaluating BAC in renal and stroke patients are short term projects appropriate for a summer internship commitment. The summer internship should allow time for discussion of project, IRB application and approval, retrospective chart and mammogram review, assimilation of data and write a paper.
2. Participation of a prospective trial evaluating screening mammography in 5000 women and identifying those women with BAC. These women will then be screened for a history of diabetes or CAD. Those women with no history will be selected for this study to determine if they have sub-clinical CAD or diabetes by performing laboratory and physical testing. This project will require more hands on experience and may last longer than the summer commitment.