Benign and malignant mucocele-like tumors of the breast: mammographic and sonographic appearances

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare the mammographic and sonographic appearances of benign and malignant mucocele-like tumors. CONCLUSION: The mammographic appearance of mucocele-like tumor of the breast is characterized as pleomorphic calcifications, often increasing in number. Microcalcifications in malignant mucocele-like tumors extended over a wider area than those in benign mucocele-like tumors. Sonography often shows cysts with calcified or noncalcified mural nodules.     

99mTc sulfur colloid lymphoscintigraphy demonstrating patency of a lymphovenous shunt

Lymphedema of the lower limb can occur as a result of lymphatic obstruction secondary to malignancy or to lymphatic filariasis in endemic countries. Resistant lymphedema can be treated with microsurgical lymphovenous anastomosis, thus creating a lymphovenous shunt. Patency of these anastomoses cannot be assessed with conventional imaging modalities (lymphangiogram). Lymphoscintigraphy is useful for this purpose. Early visualization of liver and blood pool activity indirectly confirms presence of a patent lymphovenous shunt. We demonstrate the patency of lymphovenous shunt in a 48-year-old woman who underwent microsurgical lymphovenous anastomosis for severe lymphedema of the left lower limb.     

BI-RADS: use in the French radiologic community. How to overcome with some difficulties

In the United States, BI-RADS (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System) has been set up as a quality assurance system for better communication between professionals and for the follow-up of breast screening programs. It has become a reference in the field of mammographic imaging and has been adopted by several countries throughout the world. It has been translated in French. The aim of this article is to discuss the difficulties in using it in the French radiologic communities. There are few problems with vocabulary excepted for microcalcifications. BI-RADS includes a guidance chapter giving some recommendations for using properly the lexicon. Classification of normal breast remains of concern, as it is difficult to evaluate precisely the content of fat and as the final image is also dependant of technical factors. The main difficulties are related to final classification in BI-RADS categories as the lexicon does not explicit which mammographic features should be included in the categories from three to five. In France, a table concerning the classification of mammographic abnormalities has been established by the HAS (former ANAES) which represents the highest scientific health authority in France. There are no major problems for using the BI-RADS for US and MRI. BI-RADS is suitable for different categories of women and for male and training has an important impact on acceptance and proper use of the lexicon.     

Imaging findings of breast augmentation with injected hydrophilic polyacrylamide gel: Patient reports and literature review

Hydrophilic polyacrylamide gel (PAAG) is a nonresorbable soft tissue filler that has been used as implant material for breast augmentation in some countries, particularly from the Asian continent. Many complications associated with hydrogel use have been reported in the clinical literature including inflammation, persistent mastodynia, formation of multiple lumps, poor cosmetic results, glandular atrophy, and significant spread of hydrogel into the surrounding tissue. Data on long-term toxicity is currently unavailable.The radiologic features of PAAG injection mammoplasty frequently constitute a diagnostic challenge for radiologists. Indeed, the imaging appearances of uncomplicated PAAG implants may mimic conventional implants on mammography, sonography and MRI, with some distinguishing features. The location and local spread of the injected PAAG, and the eventual detection of local inflammation, are best evaluated by ultrasonography and especially MRI, considered the most sensitive technique for assessment of PAAG mammoplasty. MRI clearly depicts the volume and the distribution of gel within the breast; contrast medium enhancement allows delineation of areas of inflammation and infection. It is important to be familiar with the spectrum of imaging findings in order to make an accurate diagnosis and offer proper management.This paper aims to review the normal and abnormal mammographic, sonographic, and MR imaging characteristics of PAAG augmentation mammoplasty through presented patient reviews of three women having undergone direct PAAG injection.     

乳腺脂肪坏死的X线表现与鉴别诊断

目的:探讨乳腺脂肪坏死的X线诊断及其鉴别诊断,提高脂肪坏死的认识,减少误诊。方法:回顾性分析58例经病理证实的乳腺脂肪坏死的X线表现。结果:乳腺脂肪坏死根据其病因及时期X线表现多种多样:①无任何阳性X线表现9例;②脂性囊肿5例;③肿物11例;④结节2例;⑤不对称致密4例;⑥斑片影5例;⑦脂肪层内星芒状、索条状、网状影18例;⑧结构扭曲2例;⑨颗粒状、片状不规则钙化、多形性钙化2例。在多种多样的X线表现中,腺体内的脂性囊肿及皮下脂肪层内的局限星芒状、索条状、不规则网状影为脂肪坏死的特征性表现。结论:乳腺X线检查对脂肪坏死具有重要的诊断价值。认真询问病史(如外伤、手术及炎症史等),对本病有重要帮助。     

乳腺脂肪坏死的X线诊断

目的 评价乳腺脂肪坏死的X线征象及其病理学基础。方法 回顾性分析14例经病理证实的乳腺脂肪坏死的X线平片,对其中2例活检的病人进行了短期随访。结果 主要X线征象：（1）油脂性囊肿5例,其中2例伴囊壁钙化。（2）不对称性密度增加6例。（3）不规则肿块3例。 14例中8例伴有病灶周围结构紊乱。2例随病灶均无明显变化。结论 乳腺不死的X线表现与其病灶内纤维结缔组织的反应强度有关,在多种多样的X线表现中油脂性囊肿是特异性的X线表现。     

Can mammographic assessments lead to consider density as a risk factor for breast cancer?

Admitting that mammographic breast density is an important independent risk factor for breast cancer in the general population, has a crucial economical health care impact, since it might lead to increasing screening frequency or reinforcing additional modalities. Thus, the impact of density as a risk factor has to be carefully investigated and might be debated. Some authors suggested that high density would be either a weak factor or confused with a masking effect. Others concluded that most of the studies have methodological biases in basic physics to quantify percentage of breast density, as well as in mammographic acquisition parameters. The purpose of this review is to evaluate mammographic procedures and density assessments in published studies regarding density as a breast cancer risk. No standardization was found in breast density assessments and compared density categories. High density definitions varied widely from 25 to 75% of dense tissues on mammograms. Some studies showed an insufficient follow-up to reveal masking effect related to mammographic false negatives. Evaluating breast density impact needs thorough studies with consensual mammographic procedures, methods of density measurement, breast density classification as well as a standardized definition of high breast density. Digital mammography, more effective in dense breasts, should help to re-evaluate the issue of density as a risk factor for breast cancer.     

Gadolinium-enhanced MRI of breast hamartoma

Hamartoma of the breast is a relatively rare, well-circumscribed benign breast tumour that lacks a true capsule, and is composed primarily of dense, fibrous tissue with associated ducts and a variable amount of fat. A typical mammographic finding is a well-delineated, non-homogeneous mass containing mottled densities corresponding to fat, epithelium and connective tissue. Ultrasonographically, hamartoma has a well-circumscribed heterogeneous internal echo pattern corresponding to areas of fat and soft tissue components. This is the first original paper to describe the MRI findings of hamartomas. Mammography and ultrasonography usually enable a diagnosis of hamartoma; however, gadolinium-DTPA enhanced dynamic MRI is the only method in the preoperative management of atypical hamartomas that allows the exclusion of malignancy elsewhere in the breast and hamartoma. Correspondence to: K. K. Oh     

Stereotactic Core-Needle Biopsy of Non-Mass Calcifications: Outcome and Accuracy at Long-Term Follow-Up

Objective

To determine, by means of long-term follow-up evaluation, the outcome and accuracy of stereotactic core-needle biopsy (SCNB) of non-mass calcifications observed at mammography, and to analyze the factors contributing to false-negative findings.

Materials and Methods

Using a 14-gauge needle, SCNB was performed in cases involving 271 non-mass calcified lesions observed at mammography in 267 patients aged 23-72 (mean, 47) years. We compared the SCNB results with those of long-term follow-up which included surgery, mammography performed for at least six months, and reference to Korean Cancer Registry listings. We investigated the retrieval rate for calcifications observed at specimen mammography and histologic evaluation, and determined the incidence rate of cancer, sensitivity, and the underestimation rate for SCNB. False-negative cases were evaluated in terms of their mammographic findings, the effect of the operators'' experience, and the retrieval rate for calcifications.

Results

For specimen mammography and histologic evaluation of SCNB, the retrieval rate for calcifications was, respectively, 84% and 77%. At SCNB, 54 of 271 lesions (19.9%) were malignant [carcinoma in situ, 45/54 (83%)], 16 were borderline, and 201 were benign. SCNB showed that the incidence of cancer was 5.0% (6/120) in the benign mammographic category and 31.8% (48/151) in the malignant category. The findings revealed by immediate surgery and by long-term follow-up showed, respectively, that the sensitivity of SCNB was 90% and 82%. For borderline lesions, the underestimation rate was 10%. For false-negative cases, which were more frequent among the first ten cases we studied (p = 0.01), the most frequent mammographic finding was clustered amorphous calcifications. For true-negative and false-negative cases, the retrieval rate for calcifications was similar at specimen mammography (83% and 67%, respectively; p = 0.14) and histologic evaluation (79% and 75%, respectively; p = 0.47).

Conclusion

In this study group, most diagnosed cancers were in-situ lesions, and long-term follow-up showed that the sensitivity of SCNB was 82%. False-negative findings were frequent during the operators'' learning period.     

Accuracy of assigned BI-RADS breast density category definitions

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Quantitative criteria for the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) mammographic density categories have recently been defined as <25% dense for almost entirely fatty, 25%-50% dense for scattered fibroglandular densities, 51%-75% for heterogeneously dense, and >75% dense for the extremely dense category. The purpose of this study is to compare the range of percent mammographic densities with radiologist-assigned BI-RADS mammographic density categories and compare with the recently issued definitions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 200 consecutive negative analog screening mammograms were assigned BI-RADS mammographic density categories independently by three radiologists blinded to the other readers' density assignment. Quantitative assessment of percent mammographic density was performed using previously validated software. RESULTS: All three readers agreed on BI-RADS mammographic density categories in 98 cases (49%), and two of three readers agreed in all 200 cases. Using two reader's consensus, median mammographic density (range) was 6.0% (0.5%-19.2%) for fatty, 14.8% (1.2%-52.7%) for scattered densities, 51.2% (15.9%-82.2%) for heterogeneously dense, and 78.4% (60.1%-87.9%) for extremely dense breasts. The percent mammographic density ranges for fatty and extremely dense breasts correlated well with BI-RADS definitions, whereas the ranges of densities in the scattered and heterogeneously dense categories were considerably broader. CONCLUSION: Fatty and extremely dense BI-RADS categories compare relatively well to defined criteria, and therefore may be helpful in breast cancer risk models. Scattered fibroglandular densities and heterogeneously dense categories have broad percent mammographic density ranges and may not function well in breast cancer risk models.     

Calcified trichinosis of pectoral muscle: mammographic appearance

By mammographic screening we had detected six asymtomatic women who showed numerous tiny and well-delineated round to ovoid microcalcifications superimposed on pectoral shadows, in the oblique medio-lateral (OML) view. Our objective was to achieve a better evaluation of these calcifications and investigate their origin. Magnified mammograms of pectoral muscles were done in the six women. A questionnaire concerning the patients' diets was also administered. Trichinella antibody titres were quantified by sero-agglutination. Microcalcifications within pectoral muscle fibres were demonstrated in all the cases. Five women admitted to having eaten home-made pork products in the past. One of them showed a slightly elevated antibody titre. We confirmed the suspected diagnosis of calcified trichinosis by a surgical biopsy of the pectoral muscle performed on one of the patients. We conclude that chronic calcified trichinosis of the pectoral muscle can be visualised in the OML view of a conventional mammogram. The mammographic appearance of this entity is very characteristic and biopsy would not be required for its diagnosis in the future. Correspondence to: L. Apesteguía Ciriza     

Differentiation of phyllodes tumors versus fibroadenomas

Purpose: To determine if mammographic and sonographic findings allow discrimination between phyllodes tumor and large sized fibroadenoma, which mimic each other in the clinical, radiologic and histopathologic appearances.Material and Methods: Thirty-one histopathologically proven masses including 12 phyllodes tumors and 19 fibroadenomas 3 cm or greater in diameter were compared. In total 28 women were retrospectively evaluated by mammography and pre-operative sonography.Results: Mammography revealed a high-density mass compared with surrounding fibroglandular breast tissue to be present in 9 of the 12 (75%) phyllodes tumors and 7 of the 19 (37%) fibroadenomas. At sonography a mass, which had a round or lobulated shape, marked posterior acoustic enhancement and intramural cystic areas, were statistically significantly more likely to be phyllodes tumors than fibroadenomas. None of the other mammographic or sonographic characteristics proved to be useful in differentiating phyllodes tumors and fibroadenomas.Conclusion: Although masses of high density at mammography, circumscribed border associated with posterior acoustic enhancement and internal cystic areas at sonography should suggest the diagnosis of phyllodes tumors rather than large sized fibroadenomas, there was a substantial overlap in the mammographic and sonographic characteristics of these two tumors. Therefore, an excisional biopsy would be necessary for equivocal masses.     

Detection of masses in mammograms via statistically based enhancement, multilevel-thresholding segmentation, and region selection

A method for automatic detection of mammographic masses is presented. As part of this method, an enhancement algorithm that improves image contrast based on local statistical measures of the mammograms is proposed. After enhancement, regions are segmented via thresholding at multiple levels, and a set of features is computed from each of the segmented regions. A region-ranking system is also presented that identifies the regions most likely to represent abnormalities based on the features computed. The method was tested on 57 mammographic images of masses from the Mini-MIAS database, and achieved a sensitivity of 80% at 2.3 false-positives per image (average of 0.32 false-positives per image).     

Clip placement facilitating the approach to breast lesions

We describe a novel technique for marking non-palpable breast lesions with the aim of selecting the best approach prior to performing a biopsy. The technique employs a new coil, specifically designed for breast localization, guided by stereotaxy. This technique is reserved for selected cases in which the lesion is seen peripherally in only one mammographic view with negative or non-conclusive ultrasonographic results, and deeply seated after a stereotactic study. Once the coil is released beside the lesion, the shortest approach from the skin may be employed to perform the biopsy. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this technique.     

Atypical evolution of a calcified lipid cyst presenting spontaneously as a suspicious cluster of microcalcifications

We report an infrequent mammographic case in which a gross-calcified lipid cyst evolved spontaneously to form a cluster of pleomorphic microcalcifications which were indistinguishable from those seen in breast cancer. The biopsy performed was consistent with fat necrosis. Ultrasonography of the specimen showed a nodule with mixed echogenicity surrounded by a hypoechoic rim. To our knowledge, this behavior is extremely rare, with only one similar case reported in the literature.     

临床不能扪及的乳腺导管原位癌及其早期浸润的X线征象分析

目的:分析临床不能扪及的乳腺导管原位癌(DCIS)及其早期浸润的X线征象。方法:经手术、病理证实的乳腺导管原位癌16例和原位癌伴早期浸润9例,观察其X线表现,并与病理对照。结果:25例X线表现均为钙化,其中按钙化形态分导管原位癌以碎石样钙化为主(6/16,37.5%),原位癌伴早期浸润以杆状钙化为主(5/9,55.56%);按钙化分布分,导管原位癌以成簇钙化为主(11/16,68.75%),原位癌伴早期浸润以成簇、段样为主(两者均为4/9,44.44%)。结论:DCIS及其早期浸润的X线表现有一定特征,通过乳腺X线检查,可提高DCIS及其早期浸润的检出率。     

Applications and literature review of the BI-RADS classification

The Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) of the American College of Radiology (ACR) is a tool created to reduce variability in the terminology used in mammographic reports. An illustration of mammographic examples from our institution interpreted according to the BI-RADS lexicon of the American College of Radiology (ACR) is presented. A literature review concerning the usefulness and limitations of the BI-RADS lexicon is given.     

乳腺导管原位癌X线表现与病理学免疫组织化学分型关系的分析

目的:探讨乳腺导管原位癌（DCIS）X线摄影表现与病理学免疫组织化学分型的关系。方法:回顾性分析2016年1月至2019年10月在青岛大学附属医院经手术病理证实的505例DCIS患者共514个病灶的资料。根据免疫组织化学结果将全部DCIS病灶分为雌激素受体（ER）阳性型（215个病灶）、人表皮生长因子受体2（HER2）...     

Avoiding Pitfalls in Mammographic Interpretation

There is a public misconception that screening mammography detects all breast malignancies. The objective of this pictorial essay is to review classic mammographic features of malignancy that, if missed, could potentially result in malpractice litigation. By identifying radiologic themes, we attempt to improve awareness about the imaging characteristics of a variety of subtle malignancies.