Stereotactic biopsy of noncalcified breast lesions: utility of vacuum-assisted technique compared to multipass automated gun technique

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stereotactic 14-gauge, vacuum-assisted biopsy technique in diagnosing noncalcified breast lesions. Stereotactic biopsy of 116 noncalcified breast lesions was performed with either 14-gauge, vacuum-assisted technique or multipass, automated large-core technique. The number of core samples and time required for each biopsy were compared. Outcome for each technique was compared based on recommendations after the mammographic-histologic review process. Results from surgical excision and mammographic follow-up were reviewed. The vacuum-assisted technique obtained more tissue cores per lesion than the automated gun technique, showed marginal decrease in number of repeat biopsies for discordant results, and required fewer short-term follow-up mammograms, although the difference did not achieve statistical significance. The vacuum-assisted technique can be used successfully to sample noncalcified breast masses, with marginal improvement over the automated gun technique.     

Feasibility of MRI-guided large-core-needle biopsy of suspiscious breast lesions at 3 T

The feasibility of large-core-needle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided breast biopsy at 3 T was assessed. Thirty-one suspicious breast lesions shown only by MRI were detected in 30 patients. Biopsy procedures were performed in a closed-bore 3-T clinical MR system on a dedicated phased-array breast coil with a commercially available add-on stereotactic biopsy device. Tissue sampling was technically successful in 29/31 (94%) lesions. Median lesion size (n = 29) was 9 mm. Histopathological analysis showed 19 benign lesions (66%) and one inconclusive biopsy result (3%). At follow-up of these lesions, 15 lesions showed no malignancy, no information was available in three patients and two lesions turned out to be malignant (one lesion at surgical excision 1 month after biopsy and one lesion at a second biopsy because of a more malignant enhancement curve at 12-months follow-up MRI). Nine biopsy results showed a malignant lesion (31%) which were all surgically removed. No complications occurred. MRI-guided biopsy at 3 T is a safe and effective method for breast biopsy in lesions that are occult on mammography and ultrasound. Follow-up MRI at 6 months after the biopsy should be performed in case of a benign biopsy result.     

MRI-guided needle localization of suspicious breast lesions: results of a freehand technique

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect clinically and mammographically occult breast lesions. In this study we report the results of MRI-guided needle localization of suspicious breast lesions by using a freehand technique. Preoperative MRI-guided single-needle localization was performed in 220 patients with 304 MRI-only breast lesions at our hospital between January 1997 and July 2004. Procedures were performed in an open 0.5-T Signa-SP imager allowing real-time monitoring, with patient in prone position, by using a dedicated breast coil. MRI-compatible hookwires were placed in a noncompressed breast by using a freehand technique. MRI findings were correlated with pathology and follow-up. MRI-guided needle localization was performed for a single lesion in 150 patients, for two lesions in 56 patients, and for three lesions in 14 patients. Histopathologic analysis of these 304 lesions showed 104 (34%) malignant lesions, 51 (17%) high-risk lesions, and 149 (49%) benign lesions. The overall lesion size ranged from 2.0–65.0 mm (mean 11.2 mm). No direct complications occurred. Follow-up MRI in 54 patients showed that two (3.7%) lesions were missed by surgical biopsy. MRI-guided freehand needle localization is accurate and allows localization of lesions anterior in the breast, the axillary region, and near the chest wall.     

Targeting difficult accessible breast lesions: MRI-guided needle localization using a freehand technique in a 3.0 T closed bore magnet

PURPOSE: To report the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided needle localization for diagnosis of MRI detected suspicious breast lesions located in difficult accessible regions of the breast, using the freehand method in a 3.0 T closed bore magnet. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In five patients with five MRI-only breast lesions underwent MRI-guided needle localization for histopathologic evaluation of the lesions. All interventional procedures were performed in a 3.0 T MRI system with the patient in prone position and by using a dedicated phased array breast coil. MRI-guided needle localizations were performed by using a freehand technique. In our study, the high-resolution scan allowed preprocedural localization of all lesions without use of contrast enhancement. In all cases contrast-enhanced MRI was performed after insertion of the wire to confirm the tip of the wire in direct contact with the enhancing lesion. RESULTS: Needle localizations were performed in five patients. Histopathologic evaluation of tissue after surgery excision biopsy revealed one lymph node, three invasive ductal carcinoma and one ductal carcinoma in situ. Lesion size varied from 6 to 30 mm. Mean duration time was 25 min. No complications occurred during the intervention method. In the patient with the benign lesion control MRI of the breast after 6 months confirmed lesion removal. CONCLUSIONS: MRI-guided needle localization by using a freehand technique in a 3.0 T closed bore magnet is a safe and accurate method for diagnosis of difficult accessible breast lesions only visible on MRI.     

乳腺X线立体定位穿刺活检术在NPBL中的应用

目的：探究乳腺X线立体定位穿刺活检技术及其在诊断临床不可触及的乳腺病变(nonpalpable breast lesion，NPBL)上的应用。方法：对29个NPBL进行SCNB检查，并与手术病理对照，分析SCNB技术的操作方法。结果：对29个乳腺病变的检查，诊断符合率为86．2％，无假阳性。结论：本技术对应用取材部位的深度由电子计算机指导完成，定位准确，操作简单，安全可靠。熟练掌握SCNB技术，可望提高早期癌的诊断水平。     

Factors predicting successful needle-localized breast biopsy

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to identify factors that predict successful removal of nonpalpable breast lesions with mammography-guided needle-localized breast biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of the 455 consecutive patients referred for needle-localized breast biopsy of one or more nonpalpable breast lesions between January 1990 and December 1994, 272 (59.8%) had sufficiently complete data to be included in this study. Medical charts, pathology laboratory reports, wire-placement mammograms, and radiographs of specimens from each patient were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate the effect of the following factors on the success of the procedure: distance from the lesion to the localizing wire, breast density, breast size, specimen volume, and lesion volume. All radiographs were independently evaluated by two radiologists who are experts in breast imaging. RESULTS: Needle-localized breast biopsy was successful in 254 (93.3%) of 272 lesions. Placement of the localization wire within 5 mm of the breast lesion was a significant predictor of successful lesion removal (P = .007). Results from logistic regression analysis showed that needle-localized breast biopsy failure was associated with increased wire distance (P = .0006), decreased breast size (P = .02), and decreased specimen volume (P = .03). CONCLUSION: Needle localization wires should be placed within 5 mm of mammographically visible lesions to increase the probability of successful lesion excision.     

数字化三维立体导丝定位穿刺技术在乳腺微小病灶中的应用

目的:探讨数字化三维立体导丝定位穿刺术对乳腺微小病灶的诊断价值。方法:回顾性分析临床触诊阴性而影像学表现异常的患者41例(乳腺微小病灶43处),41例均行乳腺数字化三维立体导丝定位穿刺切除并进行病理学检查。结果:43处微小病灶均定位成功,病变完全切除。病理检查:恶性病变8处,其中原位癌3处,浸润性导管癌Ⅰ～Ⅱ级3处,导管内癌伴早期浸润1处,浸润性导管癌伴腋下淋巴结转移1处;良性病变35处。结论:乳腺数字化三维立体导丝定位穿刺技术定位准确、损伤小、诊断符合率高,是治疗乳腺微小病变的重要手段,也是发现早期乳腺癌的重要方法。     

Bilateral open breast coil and compatible intervention device

Dynamic contrast-enhanced breast MRI is an extremely sensitive method for breast lesion detection. For MR-only detected lesions it is essential that needle biopsy or localization prior to surgery is carried out under MR guidance. This work describes a bilateral open breast coil and prototype intervention device, which may be used in these situations. Results demonstrate that the open coil provides images superior to those obtained with a conventional closed breast coil. Initial phantom tests with the intervention device indicate a potential for this system to be used in the MR-guided localization of breast lesions. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2000;12:984-990.     

MRI-Guided Intervention for Breast Lesions Using the Freehand Technique in a 3.0-T Closed-Bore MRI Scanner: Feasibility and Initial Results

Objective

To report the feasibility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided intervention for diagnosing suspicious breast lesions detectable by MRI only, using the freehand technique with a 3.0-T closed-bore MRI scanner.

Materials and Methods

Five women with 5 consecutive MRI-only breast lesions underwent MRI-guided intervention: 3 underwent MRI-guided needle localization and 2, MRI-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy. The interventions were performed in a 3.0-T closed-bore MRI system using a dedicated phased-array breast coil with the patients in the prone position; the freehand technique was used. Technical success and histopathologic outcome were analyzed.

Results

MRI showed that four lesions were masses (mean size, 11.5 mm; range, 7-18 mm); and 1, a nonmass-like enhancement (maximum diameter, 21 mm). The locations of the lesions with respect to the breast with index cancer were as follows: different quadrant, same breast - 3 cases; same quadrant, same breast - 1 case; and contralateral breast - 1 case. Histopathologic evaluation of the lesions treated with needle localization disclosed perilobular hemangioma, fibrocystic change, and fibroadenomatous change. The lesions treated with vacuum-assisted biopsy demonstrated a radial scar and atypical apocrine hyperplasia. Follow-up MRI after 2-7 months (mean, 4.6 months) confirmed complete lesion removal in all cases.

Conclusion

MRI-guided intervention for breast lesions using the freehand technique with a 3.0-T closed-bore MRI scanner is feasible and accurate for diagnosing MRI-only lesions.     

Breast augmentation and reconstructive surgery: MR imaging of implant rupture and malignancy

The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of MRI in detecting prosthesis integrity and malignancy after breast augmentation and reconstruction. Forty-one implants in 25 patients were analyzed by MRI before surgical removal. Imaging results were compared with ex vivo findings. Magnetic resonance imaging of the breast was performed on a 1.5-T system using a dedicated surface breast coil. Axial and sagittal T2-weighted fast spin-echo as well as dynamic contrast-enhanced T1-weighted gradient-recalled-echo sequences were acquired. The linguine sign indicating collapse of the silicone shell or siliconomas indicating free silicone proved implant rupture, whereas early focal contrast enhancement of a lesion was suspicious for malignancy. The sensitivity for detection of implant rupture was 86.7% with a specificity of 88.5%. The positive and negative predictive values were 81.3 and 92.0%, respectively. The linguine sign as a predictor of intracapsular implant rupture had a sensitivity of 80% with a specificity of 96.2%. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed two lesions with suspicious contrast enhancement (one carcinoma, one extra-abdominal fibromatosis). Magnetic resonance imaging is a reliable and reproducible technique for diagnosing both implant rupture and malignant lesions in women after breast augmentation and reconstruction.     

Breast tissue bulge and lesion visibility during stereotactic biopsy – A phantom study

BackgroundDuring mammography guided stereotactic breast biopsy a bulge of tissue can form in the paddle needle biopsy aperture. This bulge has been estimated to have a height of up to 30% of the breast itself. During clinical biopsy we have noticed that lesions can appear to be less visible when tissue bulges are evident. This can make biopsy more difficult in some cases.ObjectivesThis experiment investigates how lesion visibility varies with breast bulge magnitude.MethodUsing a phantom to represent breast and breast bulge, lesion visibility was assessed using a two alternative forced choice methodology. To mimic clinical conditions, imaging was performed on a full field digital mammography system with the biopsy paddle attached using an automatic exposure device. Organ dose (breast) was estimated.ResultsAs breast bulge increases lesion visibility decreases; organ dose increases as breast bulge magnitude increases.ConclusionConsideration should be given to the impact of breast bulge magnitude and lesion visibility when performing image guided biopsy.Advances in knowledgeThe authors found no similar studies and the results of this study demonstrate a potential clinical risk.     

Stereotactic and ultrasound-guided breast biopsy

Percutaneous imaging-guided needle biopsy has increasingly become an alternative to surgical biopsy for the histologic assessment of breast lesions. Percutaneous biopsy is faster, less invasive, and less expensive than surgical biopsy. Tissue acquisition is performed with automated core needles or directional vacuum-assisted biopsy probes. Guidance for percutaneous biopsy is usually provided by stereotaxis, ultrasound, and, more recently, under the guidance of MR imaging. Imaging guidance depends on lesion type and the results of diagnostic imaging studies. This article reviews indications, advantages, limitations, and controversial issues in percutaneous imaging-guided biopsy of breast lesions under stereotactic and ultrasound guidance. The potential for new research opportunities and directions is also discussed.     

Vacuum-assisted breast biopsy on digital stereotaxic table of nonpalpable lesions non-recognisable by ultrasonography

The aim of this study was to evaluate accuracy of 11 G vacuum-assisted percutaneous biopsy (VAPB) carried out on digital stereotaxic table, on breast non-palpable lesions (NPLs), non-visible by US. Prospective study on 132 consecutive NPLs (126 patients) not reliably found by US; 82% showed microcalcifications. Surgical confirmation was obtained in all malignant cases and when VAPB reported atypical lesion (ductal or lobular), radial scar or atypical papillary lesion. All patients with benign results were included in a mammographic follow-up programme. Two cases could not be dealt with due to technical difficulties. One to 26 cylinders were obtained from the remaining 130 NPLs. Sixty-four lesions were surgically confirmed. Forty-six of the 47 malignancies were correctly diagnosed. In one case of a malignant tumour, an atypical lesion was classified with VAPB. All cases of histologically verified lobular carcinoma in situ, atypical ductal or lobular hyperplasia, radial scar or atypical papillary lesion were correctly diagnosed preoperatively. The remaining lesions were benign in VAPB, and after 1 year of follow-up, no false negative has been found. Based on this short-term follow-up, absolute sensitivity was 97.9%, absolute specificity 84.3% and accuracy was 99.2%. For predicting invasion, accuracy was 89.1%. Vacuum-assisted percutaneous biopsy is a very accurate technique for NPLs which are not detectable by US. It can replace approximately 90% of DSB with no important complications, avoiding scars and providing a higher level of comfort.     

Dedicated double breast coil for magnetic resonance mammography imaging,biopsy, and preoperative localization

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the performance of a dedicated double breast coil for MR imaging and intervention with a standard diagnostic double breast coil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) were determined for both coils by using a water phantom. Fourteen patients were examined, 11 underwent preoperative hookwire localization, two were biopsied, and one received diagnostic imaging. Breast images were acquired in three patients with both coils and were visually compared. Harvested specimen from the biopsies and surgeries following hookwire localization were histopathologically evaluated. RESULTS: SNR was superior with the interventional coil in the posterior (axillary) part of the imaging volume and inferior in the anterior part compared with the standard coil. Anatomic MR breast images were of similar diagnostic quality. For the two biopsy procedures the trocar was correctly placed in front of the suspicious lesion. Hookwires were correctly located inside the lesion in nine patients and in contact with the lesion in one patient. In one patient a 2 mm distance between the lesion and the wire was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic imaging followed by subsequent MR-guided intervention is possible within a single session by using the dedicated interventional coil. The correct final position of the hookwires demonstrates the precision of the MR guided localization procedure.     

MRT-gestützte Markierung und Stanzbiopsie suspekter Mammaläsionen Möglichkeiten und Erfahrungen an einem vertikal offenen 0,5-T-System

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility of performing breast interventions in a vertically open 0.5 T MR system (SIGNA SP/i, GE Medical Systems). To develop fitted equipment and to establish preoperative wire localization and percutaneous breast core biopsy as clinical routine procedures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Initially, we applied a localization method with the patient placed in a sitting position in 31 cases using a single loop coil and a self-developed fixation device. Subsequently, 46 wire localizations and 28 percutaneous core biopsies were carried out in prone patient position using an open breast coil with an integrated biopsy device. The used instruments were either MR-compatible (18 G biopsy needle and localization wire, 14 G coaxial needle, prototype of a 16 G double-shoot gun) or MR-safe (double-shoot gun with 16 G needle). RESULTS: After biopsy we found the needle tip (18 G for a wire localization and 14 G for a percutaneous core biopsy, respectively) placed either within or close to the lesions (< 10 mm distance) for all patients. Out of a total of 66 benign lesions and 39 malignant tumors we missed the lesion (12 mm mean diameter, 4-25 mm range) during open biopsy in two cases and obtained a false negative result for one percutaneous biopsy of a 5 mm lesion. CONCLUSION: Preoperative wire localization and percutaneous core biopsy of suspicious breast lesions demonstrated by MRI can be carried out a vertically open 0.5 T MR scanner. The degree of accuracy is comparable with that of X-ray or ultrasound-guided procedures. A follow-up has to be performed in cases with a negative biopsy.     

MRI-guided breast biopsy at 3T using a dedicated large core biopsy set: Feasibility and initial results

Objective

The increasing importance of breast MRI in the diagnostic processes concerning breast cancer yield often lesions that are visible on MRI only. To assess the nature of these lesions, pathologic analysis is necessary. Therefore, MR-guided biopsy should be available. Breast MRI at 3T has shown advantage over 1.5T. Unfortunately, current equipment for MR-guided biopsy is better suited for intervention at 1.5T due to the danger of heating titanium co-axial sleeves and large susceptibility artifacts. We evaluated a dedicated 3T breast biopsy set that uses plastic coaxial needles to overcome these problems.

Materials and methods

We performed MRI-guided breast biopsy in 23 women with 24 MRI-only visible breast lesions at 3T. Biopsy procedures were performed with plastic coaxial needles in a closed bore 3T clinical MR system on a dedicated phased array breast coil with a commercially available add-on stereotactic biopsy device.

Results

Width of the needle artifact was 2 mm in all 24 cases. Biopsy procedure was completed between 35 and 67 min. The procedure was judged moderately easy in 12 and normal in 10 cases. One procedure was judged difficult and there was one technical failure.

Conclusion

MRI-guided breast biopsy at 3T is a fast and accurate procedure. The plastic coaxial needles reduce the susceptibility artifact largely and do not increase the difficulty of the procedure. The diagnostic yield is at least equal to the diagnostic yield of the same procedure at 1.5T. Therefore, this technique can be safely used for lesions only visible at 3T MRI.     

Concordant or Discordant? Imaging-Pathology Correlation in a Sonography-Guided Core Needle Biopsy of a Breast Lesion

An imaging-guided core needle biopsy has been proven to be reliable and accurate for the diagnosis of both benign and malignant diseases of the breast, and has replaced surgical biopsy. However, the possibility of a false-negative biopsy still remains. Imaging-pathology correlation is of critical importance in imaging-guided breast biopsies to detect such a possible sampling error and avoid a delay in diagnosis. We will review five possible categories and corresponding management after performing an imaging-pathology correlation in a sonography-guided core needle biopsy of a breast lesion, as well as illustrate the selected images for each category in conjunction with the pathologic finding. Radiologists should be familiar with the imaging features of various breast pathologies and be able to appropriately correlate imaging findings with pathologic results after a core needle biopsy.     

超声引导Mammotome系统在乳腺肿块中的临床应用

目的：探讨超声引导下Mammotome微创旋切系统在乳腺肿块诊断及治疗中的应用价值。方法：对105例118个乳腺肿块患者行常规超声检查后在实时超声引导下运用Mammotome旋切系统对肿块进行微创旋切术。结果：超声引导成功率100%,术中冷冻切片提示恶性病灶9个,良性病灶109个,与术后病理诊断相符。术后1周超声复查4例有血肿形成（原病变均为乳腺纤维腺瘤）,3个月复查血肿完全吸收。恶性病灶无原发灶残留和复发,良性病灶也未发现残留灶。结论：超声引导Mammotome旋切系统可以对乳腺肿块进行精确的活组织取材,对适宜的良性病灶可以进行完整切除,该技术安全、微创、确诊率高、并发症少,是乳腺肿块诊治的有效方法。     

Tissue bulge during stereotactic core biopsy

In full field digital mammography (FFDM) the whole breast is subjected to compression with a perspex compression paddle in order to reduce breast thickness and improve image quality. Once a mammographic abnormality has been detected using FFDM and a decision to proceed with a stereotactic (X-ray) guided core biopsy has been made, a different compression paddle is utilised. This paddle has a central aperture in order to allow access to the lesion for biopsy.Clinical observations made during biopsy procedures have revealed that a bulge of tissue forms within the aperture. The magnitude of the bulge of tissue and BI-RAD breast density was recorded in 15 consecutive patients. Results showed an average of 18.7% (range 11.3–30%) increase in the breast thickness (over the bulge region) compared to the surrounding compressed breast.BI-RAD breast density category 3 had on average the lowest measured thickness and the greatest percentage of tissue bulge. Overall, results confirm that for all patients there was a measurable tissue bulge that varied from 6 mm to 10 mm, representing between 10.14% and 23.08% of additional tissue not measured by the machine. In clinical practice a perceivable difference in lesion visibility was subjectively indicated between the FFDM images and the stereotactic scout biopsy image.The suggested hypothesis from these observations is that there may be an association between the magnitude of the tissue bulge and the ability to accurately perceive certain lesions during stereotactic biopsy procedures. A phantom study is in progress to determine how lesion visibility varies with the amount of tissue bulge.     

Magnetic resonance-guided biopsy of suspicious breast lesions with a handheld vacuum biopsy device

Purpose: To evaluate a handheld vacuum-assisted device system for magnetic resonance image (MRI)-guided breast lesion biopsy.

Material and Methods: In 32 patients, a total of 42 suspicious breast lesions (mean diameter 7.5 mm for mass lesions, 11.6 mm for non-masslike diffuse lesions) seen with MRI (no suspicious changes in breast ultrasound or mammography) were biopsied (27 lateral, 15 medial) using a 10G vacuum-assisted breast biopsy device under MR guidance. Histology of biopsy specimens was compared with final histology after surgery or follow-up in benign lesions.

Results: In all biopsies, technical success was achieved. Histology revealed 11 lesions with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or invasive cancer, three with intermediate lesions (LCIS) and 28 with benign breast lesions (adenosis, infected hematoma). In one patient with discordant results of MRI and histology, surgical excision revealed medullary cancer. In the follow-up (mean 18 months) of the histological benign lesions, no breast cancer development was observed. Besides minor complications (hematoma, n = 6), with no further therapeutic interventions, no complications occurred.

Conclusion: MRI-guided breast lesion biopsy using a handheld vacuum-assisted device is a safe and effective method for the work-up of suspicious lesions seen with breast MRI without changes in mammography or ultrasound. In the case of discordant histology of vacuum biopsy and breast MRI appearance, surgical excision is recommended.