Coherence Metrics for Reader-Independent Differentiation of Cystic From Solid Breast Masses in Ultrasound Images

Traditional breast ultrasound imaging is a low-cost, real-time and portable method to assist with breast cancer screening and diagnosis, with particular benefits for patients with dense breast tissue. We previously demonstrated that incorporating coherence-based beamforming additionally improves the distinction of fluid-filled from solid breast masses, based on qualitative image interpretation by board-certified radiologists. However, variable sensitivity (range: 0.71–1.00 when detecting fluid-filled masses) was achieved by the individual radiologist readers. Therefore, we propose two objective coherence metrics, lag-one coherence (LOC) and coherence length (CL), to quantitatively determine the content of breast masses without requiring reader assessment. Data acquired from 31 breast masses were analyzed. Ideal separation (i.e., 1.00 sensitivity and specificity) was achieved between fluid-filled and solid breast masses based on the mean or median LOC value within each mass. When separated based on mean and median CL values, the sensitivity/specificity decreased to 1.00/0.95 and 0.92/0.89, respectively. The greatest sensitivity and specificity were achieved in dense, rather than non-dense, breast tissue. These results support the introduction of an objective, reader-independent method for automated diagnoses of cystic breast masses.     

超声造影在乳腺囊实性复合肿块良恶性鉴别及活检决策中的作用

目的 探讨超声造影在鉴别乳腺囊实性复合肿块良恶性并是否行超声引导下活检指导中的应用。方法 回顾性研究2020年1月至2021年1月经超声诊断为乳腺囊实性复合肿块患者74例,结合病理及随访结果分析常规超声及超声造影声像图特征并对乳腺囊实性肿块恶性诊断效能进行评价;分别统计常规超声及超声造影后决定行组织穿刺活检的例数。结果 病理证实的60例患者中良性45例,恶性15例。超声造影乳腺囊实性复合肿块实性部分有无强化、强化范围是否增大及实性部分基底部突破特征对于区分肿块良、恶性差异有统计学意义(p<0.05)。超声造影可提高乳腺囊实性复合肿块恶性病变诊断的敏感性。超声造影后对乳腺囊实性肿块活检的决定被改变25.7%;而对于怀疑恶性乳腺囊实性复合肿块超声造影不会改变穿刺的决策。结论 超声造影在乳腺囊实性复合肿块的良恶性鉴别中有一定作用,为指导超声引导下乳腺穿刺活检决策提供新方法。     

超声引导下乳腺小病变的活检

目的评估实时超声引导下穿刺活检对乳腺小病变良恶性的鉴别诊断价值。方法21例乳腺小病变均经高频超声与彩色多普勒超声检查,并根据二维声像特征按Stasrov分类法将乳腺小病变分成恶性组(5例)、性质未定组(13例)及良性组(3例)。所有病例均在实时超声引导下行乳腺活检取得病理诊断。结果高频彩超诊断为恶性可能组的5例中,3例活检病理证实为恶性肿瘤,2例活检病理为良性,误诊率为40%;高频彩超诊断为性质未定组13例中除1例活检病理证实为恶性外,其余12例活检病理均为良性。高频彩超诊断为良性组3例,活检病理均为良性。21例中有7例乳腺病变作手术切除,术后病理与穿刺病理相一致。结论实时超声引导下行乳腺小病变穿刺活检,可以进一步提高早期乳腺癌的确诊率,是一种理想的术前诊断方法之一。     

Comparative Study of Automated Breast 3-D Ultrasound and Handheld B-Mode Ultrasound for Differentiation of Benign and Malignant Breast Masses

The automated breast volume scanner (ABVS) represents a new technology for diagnosing breast masses. In this study, a total of 219 breast masses in 175 patients underwent both conventional handheld B-mode ultrasound (HHUS) and ABVS examinations, and the differences in the diagnostic values of the two modalities for benign and malignant breast masses were compared with the final pathologic findings. In addition, the diagnostic accuracy for breast masses with features including retraction phenomenon and hyperechoic rim in the coronal plane of the ABVS was evaluated. There were no differences between the ABVS and HHUS in terms of sensitivity (92.5% vs. 88.0%), specificity (86.2% vs. 87.5%), accuracy (88.1% vs. 87.2%), false-positive rate (13.8% vs. 12.5%), false-negative rate (11.8% vs. 7.5%), positive predictive value (74.7% vs. 75.6%) and negative predictive value (96.3% vs. 94.3%) (p > 0.05 for all). However, there were significant differences between the malignant and benign masses with respect to retraction phenomenon and hyperechoic rim in the coronal plane of the ABVS. For retraction phenomenon, both the specificity and positive predictive value of a malignant diagnosis reached 100%, and the accuracy and false-positive rate were 96.8% and 0, respectively; for the hyperechoic rim, the specificity, negative predictive value and accuracy of a benign diagnosis were 92.8%, 95.3% and 95.9%, respectively. Overall, ABVS is a promising modality for the clinical diagnosis of breast masses with retraction phenomenon and hyperechoic rim in the coronal plane, although the ABVS and HHUS do not differ in diagnostic accuracy for the differentiation of malignant or benign breast masses.     

乳房肿块的超声诊断价值

本文报告２５０例共３１７只乳房肿块的超声检查资料，所有病例均经手术和病理证实。乳腺癌诊断符合率为８１．４１％，腺瘤为８７．２５％。发现的最小良性病灶４×５ｍｍ，最小癌６×６ｍｍ。本文就乳癌的早期发现、良恶性病灶的鉴别及部分病例误诊原因分析等几方面作了讨论。作者认为高分辨率、高频探头的应用为乳腺内小病灶的发现提供了基础。肿块的边界、包膜及形态是鉴别良恶性病灶的首要标准。而彩色多普勒信号仅能在此基础上起辅助作用。对发现的不能明确其性质的病灶可在超声引导下穿刺活检。     

彩色多普勒超声在乳腺肿块诊断中的临床应用价值分析

目的:探讨彩色多普勒超声在乳腺肿块诊断中的临床应用价值分析。方法:从2018年6月-2019年5月于我院进行彩色多普勒超声检查的乳腺肿块患者中随机抽取80例患者的病例资料进行回顾性分析,比较与手术病理学确诊结果对比的准确率、良性肿块和恶性肿块的图像特征。结果:彩色多普勒超声诊断良性肿块准确率98.31%,恶性肿块准确率85.71%;在彩色多普勒超声乳腺肿块图像表现中,良性肿块和恶性肿块的回声和后方衰竭比较不具有统计学意义(P>0.05),病灶边缘、微钙化特征比较具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:彩色多普勒超声在乳腺肿块的临床诊断中具有较高的诊断价值。     

高频超声引导下穿刺活检在小乳癌及乳腺癌前病变中的应用价值

目的 探讨高频超声引导下穿刺活检在小乳癌及乳腺癌前病变诊断和治疗中的临床价值.方法 对超声发现的92例乳腺小病灶,在高频超声引导下进行穿刺活检取得病理结果 ,并与手术后病理进行对照.结果 穿刺病理结果 为56例乳腺癌、7例乳腺癌前病变及29例乳腺良性病变,91例与手术后病理结果 相符,仅1例活检穿刺报告为腺病者手术后病理证实为导管内原位癌.超声引导下穿刺活检诊断乳腺癌和癌前病变的敏感性为100%,特异性为96.6%,准确性为98.9%.结论 高频超声引导下对乳腺小病灶进行穿刺活检是安全、可靠的术前早期诊断方法 .     

Prospective cross-validation of Doppler ultrasound examination and gray-scale ultrasound imaging for discrimination of benign and malignant pelvic masses.

OBJECTIVE: To cross-validate, prospectively, the diagnostic performance of established ultrasound methods for discrimination of benign and malignant pelvic masses. METHODS: A total of 173 consecutive women with a pelvic mass judged clinically to be of adnexal origin underwent preoperative ultrasound examination including color and spectral Doppler techniques. A total of 149 tumors were benign, and 24 were malignant. The sensitivity and false-positive rate with regard to malignancy were calculated for the following methods, using cut-off values recommended in previous publications: Lerner score; ultrasound morphology, i.e. tumors without solid components being classified as benign and tumors with solid components as malignant; tumor color score; pulsatility index; resistance index; time-averaged maximum velocity; peak systolic velocity; the combined use of ultrasound morphology and tumor color score and the combined use of ultrasound morphology and peak systolic velocity. Sensitivity and false-positive rate were also calculated for subjective evaluation of the gray-scale ultrasound image and for subjective evaluation of the gray-scale ultrasound image supplemented with subjective evaluation of color Doppler ultrasound examination. The confidence with which the diagnosis was made, based on subjective evaluation, was rated on a visual analog scale. RESULTS: Subjective evaluation of the gray-scale ultrasound image was by far the best method for distinguishing benign from malignant tumors (sensitivity 88%, false-positive rate 4%), followed in descending order by subjective evaluation of the gray-scale ultrasound image supplemented with color Doppler examination, the Lerner score and the time-averaged maximum velocity. Adding Doppler examination to subjective evaluation of the gray-scale image did not increase the number of correct diagnoses, but it increased the confidence with which a correct diagnosis was made in 14% of tumors. In 11 tumors (6% of the series as a whole), the addition of Doppler examination changed the diagnosis based on subjective evaluation of the gray-scale ultrasound image from an incorrect (n = 1) or uncertain (n = 10) diagnosis to a correct and confident diagnosis. CONCLUSION: In experienced hands, subjective evaluation of the gray-scale ultrasound image is the best ultrasound method for discriminating between benign and malignant adnexal masses. The main advantage of adding Doppler examination to subjective evaluation of the gray-scale image is an increase in the confidence with which a correct diagnosis is made.     

人工智能系统评估BI-RADS 4类乳腺肿块的应用价值

目的探讨人工智能（AI）系统在乳腺影像报告与数据系统（BI-RADS）4类乳腺肿块良恶性鉴别诊断中的价值。 方法回顾性选取2018年1月至2020年2月于青岛市市立医院超声科初诊为BI-RADS 4类乳腺肿块的女性患者226例。所有患者均行常规超声检查,并经手术或穿刺活检取得病理结果。AI系统与不同年资乳腺超声专科医师（2、4、6年）分别对乳腺肿块超声图像进行分析并判断良恶性,应用四格表计算AI系统及不同年资医师对乳腺癌的诊断准确性,采用χ²检验比较AI系统与不同年资医师对不同大小乳腺癌肿块的诊断准确性。 结果226例乳腺肿块均经病理证实,其中良性病灶96例,恶性病灶130例。AI系统诊断乳腺恶性肿块的敏感度、特异度、阳性预测值、阴性预测值和准确性分别为93.84%、92.71%、94.57%、91.75%、93.36%,均高于不同年资医师。AI系统与不同年资医师诊断≤0.5 cm、＞0.5~1.0 cm、＞1.0~1.5 cm的乳腺癌肿块,其诊断准确性差异均有统计学意义（P=0.029、0.011、0.002）;诊断＞1.5~2.0 cm、＞2.0 cm的乳腺癌肿块,其诊断准确性差异均无统计学意义（P=0.117、0.668）。AI系统与2年资医师诊断≤0.5 cm、＞0.5~1.0 cm、＞1.0~1.5 cm的乳腺癌肿块,其诊断准确性差异均有统计学意义（P=0.006、0.002、0.001）。 结论AI系统在BI-RADS 4类乳腺肿块良恶性判断中具有较高的诊断价值,尤其对直径≤1.5 cm的乳腺癌的诊断;其可辅助低年资超声医师提高乳腺癌的诊断率。     

Breast cancer diagnosis and screening

Approximately 180,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed annually, accounting for about 48,000 deaths per year in the United States. The screening guidelines for the diagnosis of breast cancer are continually changing. Because of increased awareness of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and the use of screening mammograms, breast cancers are increasingly being diagnosed at earlier stages. Annual mammograms and clinical breast examinations are recommended for women older than 40 years. Women older than 20 years should be encouraged to do monthly breast self-examinations, and women between 20 and 39 years of age should have a clinical breast examination every three years. These guidelines are modified for women with risk factors, particularly those with a strong family history of breast cancer. Ultrasonographic studies are most useful to evaluate cystic breast masses. For solid masses, diagnostic biopsy techniques include fine-needle aspiration, core biopsy and excisional biopsy.     

Comparison of ultrasound elastography, mammography, and sonography in the diagnosis of solid breast lesions.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the value of ultrasound elastography (UE) in differentiating benign versus malignant lesions in the breast and compare it with conventional sonography and mammography. METHODS: From September 2004 to May 2005, 296 solid lesions from 232 consecutive patients were diagnosed as benign or malignant by mammography and sonography and further analyzed with UE. The diagnostic results were compared with histopathologic findings. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values, and false-positive and -negative rates were calculated for each modality and the combination of UE and sonography. RESULTS: Of 296 lesions, 87 were histologically malignant, and 209 were benign. Ultrasound elastography was the most specific (95.7%) and had the lowest false-positive rate (4.3%) of the 3 modalities. The accuracy (88.2%) and positive predictive value (87.1%) of UE were higher than those of sonography (72.6% and 52.5%, respectively). The sensitivity values, negative predictive values, and false negative rates of the 3 modalities had no differences. A combination of UE and sonography had the best sensitivity (89.7%) and accuracy (93.9%) and the lowest false-negative rate (9.2%). The specificity (95.7%) and positive predictive value (89.7%) of the combination were better, and the false-positive rate (4.3%) of the combination was lower than those of mammography and sonography. CONCLUSIONS: In a clinical trial with Chinese women, UE was superior to sonography and equal or superior to mammography in differentiating benign and malignant lesions in the breast. A combination of UE and sonography had the best results in detecting cancer and potentially could reduce unnecessary biopsy. Ultrasound elastography is a promising technique for evaluating breast lesions.     

Three-dimensional ultrasound-validated large-core needle biopsy: is it a reliable method for the histological assessment of breast lesions?

OBJECTIVE: The use of three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound may help to determine the exact position of the needle during breast biopsy, thereby reducing the number of core samples that are needed to achieve a reliable histological diagnosis. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy of 3D ultrasound-validated large-core needle biopsy (LCNB) of the breast. METHODS: A total of 360 core needle biopsies was obtained from 169 breast lesions in 146 patients. Additional open breast biopsy was performed in 111 women (127/169 breast lesions); the remaining 42 lesions were followed up for at least 24 months. 3D ultrasound visualization of the needle in the postfiring position was used to classify the biopsy as central, marginal or outside the lesion. Based on this classification it was decided whether another sample had to be obtained. RESULTS: A median of two core samples per lesion provided for all the lesions a sensitivity for malignancy of 96.9%, specificity of 100%, false-positive rate of 0% and false-negative rate of 3.1%, and for the excised lesions a sensitivity of 96.5%, specificity of 100%, false-positive rate of 0%, false-negative rate of 3.5% and an underestimation rate of 3.4%. CONCLUSIONS: 3D ultrasound validation of the postfiring needle position is an efficient adjunct to ultrasound-guided LCNB. The advantages of 3D ultrasound validation are likely to include a reduction in the number of core samples needed to achieve a reliable histological diagnosis (and a possible reduction in the risk of tumor cell displacement), reduced procedure time and lower costs.     

Real-time three-dimensional optical coherence tomography image-guided core-needle biopsy system

Advances in optical imaging modalities, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), enable us to observe tissue microstructure at high resolution and in real time. Currently, core-needle biopsies are guided by external imaging modalities such as ultrasound imaging and x-ray computed tomography (CT) for breast and lung masses, respectively. These image-guided procedures are frequently limited by spatial resolution when using ultrasound imaging, or by temporal resolution (rapid real-time feedback capabilities) when using x-ray CT. One feasible approach is to perform OCT within small gauge needles to optically image tissue microstructure. However, to date, no system or core-needle device has been developed that incorporates both three-dimensional OCT imaging and tissue biopsy within the same needle for true OCT-guided core-needle biopsy. We have developed and demonstrate an integrated core-needle biopsy system that utilizes catheter-based 3-D OCT for real-time image-guidance for target tissue localization, imaging of tissue immediately prior to physical biopsy, and subsequent OCT imaging of the biopsied specimen for immediate assessment at the point-of-care. OCT images of biopsied ex vivo tumor specimens acquired during core-needle placement are correlated with corresponding histology, and computational visualization of arbitrary planes within the 3-D OCT volumes enables feedback on specimen tissue type and biopsy quality. These results demonstrate the potential for using real-time 3-D OCT for needle biopsy guidance by imaging within the needle and tissue during biopsy procedures.     

高频彩色多普勒超声诊断乳腺实性肿块的价值研究

目的 探讨高频彩色多普勒超声在乳腺实性肿块良恶性鉴别诊断中的价值。方法 对27例乳腺良性肿块和44例乳腺癌肿块进行彩色多普勒超声检查,分析病灶的声像图特点,并与病理结果进行对照。结果彩色多普勒超声对良、恶性肿块的诊断符合率分别为89％、93％。良、恶性肿块在二维灰阶声像图及彩色多普勒血流分级方面比较差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论 二维灰阶声像图结合彩色血流成像的典型表现,可以判断其性质,对一些非典型病例,还应结合病史综合分析,以便做出正确判断。     

High frequency breast ultrasound. Hand-held versus automated units; examination for palpable mass versus screening

Four hundred forty-five patients had one or more breast ultrasound examinations with equipment from six manufacturers, operating at 5, 7.5, or 10 MHz. Two hundred seven patients were examined by both automated and hand-held units. In revealing cysts and solid masses, the automated and hand-held units performed nearly identically. Of 198 patients who had screening mammograms, ultrasound evaluation revealed that 85 (43%) had cysts, while 32 (16%) had solid masses. Of the 207 patients who had diagnostic mammograms for a palpable mass, 63 (30.4%) had cysts, while an equal number had solid masses. Of 45 solid masses from both groups that were imaged and biopsied, all 15 that were malignant were palpable. No nonpalpable malignancies were found by ultrasound alone.     

弹性成像结合卡方自动交互检测法在鉴别乳腺肿块良恶性中的应用

目的利用卡方自动交互检测法开发一种简单的算法来鉴别乳腺肿块的良恶性。方法经过病理证实的201例乳腺肿块患者纳入此项研究,每例患者都有一个乳腺肿块经常规超声检查、声触诊组织成像(VTI)及声触诊组织量化(VTQ)技术成像,并测量出VTI面积比(肿块VTI面积或肿块二维面积)及肿块VTQ或腺体VTQ。利用受试者操作特性曲线评价各项超声弹性成像参数的诊断性能,再使用卡方自动交互检测法进行分类分析。结果分类算法包括肿块VTQ及VTI面积比,其深度为两个分支(肿块VTQ>3.958或≤3.958,如果肿块VTQ≤3.958接着考虑VTI面积比≤1.304或1.304~1.493或>1.493)。分类算法的AUC为0.901、灵敏度为98.2%、特异度为68.1%,应用该算法,有30.8%的病例可以避免活检。结论联合应用肿块VTQ及VTI面积比的分类算法具有较高的诊断性能,准确度达97%,减少30%以上不必要的穿刺活检。     

Real-time sonography in breast diagnosis. Indication and value

With improvement in ultrasound technique, sonography is gaining increasing importance in the evaluation of breast lesions. The following conclusions are drawn on the basis of experience in the use of real-time sonography in 200 patients. Palpable masses are most suitable for examination by sonography, whereas the diagnostic yield in diffuse breast disease is relatively low. The most important task is the differentiation between benign cystic and solid masses. Differential diagnosis of solid tumours may be difficult or even impossible and biopsy should not be carried out solely on the basis of a sonographic examination. Palpation and mammography must still be considered as basic methods of examination, which may be successfully complemented by sonography.     

乳腺微小实性病灶的弹性应变率比值分析

目的：探讨弹性应变率比值（Strain ratio,SR）在乳腺微小实性病灶（≤10 mm）良恶性鉴别诊断中的价值.方法：对165例共184个乳腺微小病灶进行术前超声实时组织弹性成像（Ultrasonography real-time tissue elastography,URTE）检查,采用SR法分析计算病灶与周围对照组织的SR及其平均值.以病理诊断为金标准,构建受试者工作特征曲线（Receiver operating characteristic,ROC）,获得SR的最佳诊断临界值并分析其对乳腺微小实性病灶良恶性鉴别诊断的价值.结果：184个乳腺病灶中,良性114个,恶性70个.良、恶性病灶SR平均值分别为1.81±0.334,2.92±0.753.根据本组良恶性病灶SR绘制的ROC曲线,曲线下面积（Area under the ROC curve,AUC）为0.891,面积标准误为0.023.面积的95％可信区间为0.846～0.935,不包括0.5,P=0.000,差异具有显著统计学意义.通过ROC曲线分析确定良恶性病灶SR的最佳诊断临界值为2.165.其对应的诊断敏感性（Se）81.4％,特异性（Sp）77.2％,约登指数（YI）为0.586,Se与Sp之和最大（1.586）,误诊率与漏诊率之和最小（0.414）.结论：SR能提供乳腺微小实性病灶硬度信息,有助于病灶的良恶性鉴别诊断.     

超声对儿童睾丸肿瘤的诊断价值

目的总结儿童睾丸肿瘤的超声表现,探讨超声对儿童睾丸肿瘤的诊断价值。方法对我院2005年1月至2009年12月经手术或睾丸穿刺活检后病理证实的72例儿童睾丸肿瘤病例的彩色多普勒超声及二维超声图像进行回顾性分析。结果卵黄囊瘤(19例)超声声像图表现为中等或低回声的实性包块,可见不规则低回声或小囊区。畸胎瘤(25例,其中隐睾发生3例)超声声像图为囊性、实性和(或)钙化按不同比例组成的混合回声包块。表皮样囊肿(6例)超声声像图呈中等或稍强不均匀回声包块,偶见包膜环状钙化。皮样囊肿(6例)超声声像图显示为囊性和(或)实性不均质包块。睾丸白血病浸润(9例)和睾丸淋巴瘤(5例)超声声像图均呈结节、团块或弥漫性分布的睾丸内低回声灶。睾丸转移瘤2例。结论儿童睾丸肿瘤中生殖细胞瘤发病率最高。儿童睾丸肿瘤的超声表现特点突出,超声是其首选的检查方法。     

Ultrasound-guided biopsy of palpable breast masses

Objective: Breast ultrasound and US-guided interventional procedures of the breast are increasingly being applied and integrated in the diagnostic work-up and management of breast patients. The aim of the study was to assess the reliability of ultrasound-guided (US-guided) needle core biopsy of palpable breast masses with a 1.2 mm needle (18 gauge) in a fully automated firing device as an alternative to the existing surgical routine, i.e. surgical excision or palpation-guided Tru-Cut biopsy with a 2.0 mm needle (14 gauge) in a semi-automated device. Method: US-guided biopsy of palpable breast masses was prospectively, consecutively and openly compared to open surgical biopsy in a design closely connected to the routine diagnostic work-up of these patients. Results: 106 Patients with a palpable mass in one of their breasts were included in this study. The final diagnosis was the histological result of the open surgical biopsies, which were: 49 malignant lesions, 14 fibroadenomas, and 43 cases of fibrocystic disease. Forty-six malignant tumors were detectable ultrasonically and US-guided biopsy was performed, yielding adequate and correctly positive diagnoses in 41 cases (89%). Three US-guided samples were adequate for diagnosis but yielded a false-negative result. Two samples were excessively fragmented and thus inadequate for diagnosis. All 14 fibroadenomas were correctly diagnosed ultrasonically and US-guided sampling yielded a correct diagnosis in all but one case which was inadequate. The remaining 43 cases showed no abnormality on the sonogram and open biopsy yielded fibrocystic disease. Conclusion: US-guided biopsy of palpable breast masses can obviate open surgical biopsy whenever a mass is ultrasonically visible and it is strongly advocated to implement the procedure in the diagnostic work-up of these patients.