Detection of ductal carcinoma in situ with mammography, breast specific gamma imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging: a comparative study

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the sensitivity of high-resolution breast-specific gamma imaging (BSGI) for the detection of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) based on histopathology and to compare the sensitivity of BSGI with mammography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the detection of DCIS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty women, mean 55 years (range 34-76 years), with 22 biopsy-proven DCIS were retrospectively reviewed. After injection of 25-30 mCi (925-1,110 MBq) technetium 99m-sestamibi, patients had BSGI with a high-resolution, small-field-of-view gamma camera in craniocaudal and mediolateral oblique projections. BSGI studies were prospectively classified according to focal radiotracer uptake using a 1 to 5 scale, as normal 1), with no focal or diffuse uptake; benign 2), with minimal patchy uptake; probably benign 3), with scattered patchy uptake; probably abnormal 4), with mild focal radiotracer uptake; and abnormal 5), with marked focal radiotracer uptake. Imaging findings were compared to findings at biopsy or surgical excision. The sensitivity of BSGI, mammography, and when performed, MRI were determined for the detection of DCIS. Breast MRI was performed on seven patients with eight biopsy-proven foci. The sensitivities were compared using a two-tailed t-test and confidence intervals were determined. RESULTS: Pathologic tumor size of the DCIS ranged from 2 to 21 mm (mean 9.9 mm). Of 22 cases of biopsy-proven DCIS in 20 women, 91% were detected with BSGI, 82% were detected with mammography, and 88% were detected with magnetic resonance imaging. BSGI had the highest sensitivity for the detection of DCIS, although this small sample size did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference. Two cases of DCIS (9%) were diagnosed only after BSGI demonstrated an occult focus of radiotracer uptake in the contralateral breast, previously undetected by mammography. There were two false-negative BSGI studies CONCLUSIONS: BSGI has higher sensitivity for the detection of DCIS than mammography or MRI and can reliably detect small, subcentimeter lesions.     

钼靶结合MRI对乳腺导管原位癌诊断价值的探讨

目的:分析乳腺导管原位癌的X线及MRI表现,评价钼靶结合MRI对DCIS术前诊断价值。方法:回顾性分析经手术病理证实的乳腺DCIS病例13例,所有病例均于术前行动态增强MRI和钼靶X线检查,同时行免疫组化标记。结果:①将病灶的X线表现分成恶性钙化、中间性钙化和非钙化3组,PR与C-erbB-2在3组中的分布有统计性意义(P<0.05);②13例病灶中11例MR表现为非肿块样强化,以BI-RADS分级中的4、5级为MR和X线检查的阳性指标,其正确诊断率差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:DCIS的钼靶X线表现可以作为乳腺DCIS的预后因子,乳腺MRI对导管原位癌及导管原位癌伴微浸润有特征性表现,钼靶X线和MR检查相结合能提高早期导管原位癌的检出率及正确诊断率。     

MRI of the Breast for the Detection and Assessment of the Size of Ductal Carcinoma in Situ

Objective

The aim of the study was to compare the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and mammography for the detection and assessment of the size of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

Materials and Methods

The preoperative contrast-enhanced MRI and mammography were analyzed in respect of the detection and assessment of the size of DCIS in 72 patients (age range: 30-67 years, mean age: 47 years). The MRI and mammographic measurements were compared with the histopathologic size with using the Pearson''s correlation coefficients and the Mann-Whitney u test. We evaluated whether the breast density, the tumor nuclear grade, the presence of comedo necrosis and microinvasion influenced the MRI and mammographic size estimates by using the chi-square test.

Results

Of the 72 DCIS lesions, 68 (94%) were detected by MRI and 62 (86%) were detected by mammography. Overall, the Pearson''s correlation of the size between MRI and histopathology was 0.786 versus 0.633 between mammography and histopathology (p < 0.001). MRI underestimated the size by more than 1 cm (including false negative examination) in 12 patients (17%), was accurate in 52 patients (72%) and overestimated the size by more than 1 cm in eight patients (11%) whereas mammography underestimated the size in 25 patients (35%), was accurate in 31 patients (43%) and overestimated the size in 16 patients (22%). The MRI, but not the mammography, showed significant correlation for the assessment of the size of tumor in noncomedo DCIS (p < 0.001 vs p = 0.060). The assessment of tumor size by MRI was affected by the nuclear grade (p = 0.008) and the presence of comedo necrosis (p = 0.029), but not by the breast density (p = 0.747) or microinvasion (p = 0.093).

Conclusion

MRI was more accurate for the detection and assessment of the size of DCIS than mammography.     

Detection of Contralateral Breast Cancer Using Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Women with Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer: Comparison with Combined Mammography and Whole-Breast Ultrasound

ObjectiveTo compare the screening performance of diffusion-weighted (DW) MRI and combined mammography and ultrasound (US) in detecting clinically occult contralateral breast cancer in women with newly diagnosed breast cancer.Materials and MethodsBetween January 2017 and July 2018, 1148 women (mean age ± standard deviation, 53.2 ± 10.8 years) with unilateral breast cancer and no clinical abnormalities in the contralateral breast underwent 3T MRI, digital mammography, and radiologist-performed whole-breast US. In this retrospective study, three radiologists independently and blindly reviewed all DW MR images (b = 1000 s/mm² and apparent diffusion coefficient map) of the contralateral breast and assigned a Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System category. For combined mammography and US evaluation, prospectively assessed results were used. Using histopathology or 1-year follow-up as the reference standard, cancer detection rate and the patient percentage with cancers detected among all women recommended for tissue diagnosis (positive predictive value; PPV₂) were compared.ResultsOf the 30 cases of clinically occult contralateral cancers (13 invasive and 17 ductal carcinoma in situ [DCIS]), DW MRI detected 23 (76.7%) cases (11 invasive and 12 DCIS), whereas combined mammography and US detected 12 (40.0%, five invasive and seven DCIS) cases. All cancers detected by combined mammography and US, except two DCIS cases, were detected by DW MRI. The cancer detection rate of DW MRI (2.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3%, 3.0%) was higher than that of combined mammography and US (1.0%; 95% CI: 0.5%, 1.8%; p = 0.009). DW MRI showed higher PPV₂ (42.1%; 95% CI: 26.3%, 59.2%) than combined mammography and US (18.5%; 95% CI: 9.9%, 30.0%; p = 0.001).ConclusionIn women with newly diagnosed breast cancer, DW MRI detected significantly more contralateral breast cancers with fewer biopsy recommendations than combined mammography and US.     

Evaluation of the extent of ductal carcinoma in situ: comparison of MDCT and high-spatial-resolution MR imaging

PURPOSE: To compare dual-phase contrast-enhanced multidetector-row CT (MDCT) with high-spatial-resolution MRI using a three-dimensional volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE) sequence for evaluation of the extent of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted in 17 consecutive patients with DCIS in which both MDCT and MRI had been performed. The early phase of MDCT and MRI was started 60 sec after commencing contrast injection. The late phase was started 4 min after the injection. The size of the lesion on MDCT and MRI was measured in coronal images obtained during the early and late phases. Histological evaluation of the size was considered the gold standard, and the deviation in tumor size as measured in the early- and late-phase images from the histologically determined tumor size was calculated. RESULTS: The sensitivity rates of MDCT and MRI for the detection of DCIS were 88.2% (15/17)and 100%, respectively, and no lesions were detected in the late-phase images alone. The accuracy of detection of tumor diameters with a deviation of less than 2 cm was 76.5% (13/17) with MDCT and 94.1% (16/17) with MRI. The tumor diameter was overestimated by more than 2 cm in 2 lesions (11.8%) on MDCT and one lesion (5.9%)on MRI, in both early- and late-phase scans. Tumor diameter was underestimated in early- as compared to late-phase scans in 3 cases on MDCT and one case on MRI. CONCLUSION: High-spatial-resolution MRI using the VIBE sequence is more accurate for the detection and evaluation of the extent of DCIS than MDCT. In dynamic studies, more accurate evaluation of the extent of DCIS is possible in late-phase images.     

Contrast-enhanced MRI of ductal carcinoma in situ: characteristics of a new intensity-modulated parametric mapping technique correlated with histopathologic findings

PURPOSE: To identify morphologic and dynamic enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of pure ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) by using a new intensity-modulated parametric mapping technique, and to correlate the MRI features with histopathologic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients with pure DCIS on pathology underwent conventional mammography and contrast-enhanced (CE) MRI using the intensity-modulated parametric mapping technique. The MR images were reviewed and the lesions were categorized according to morphologic and kinetic criteria from the ACR BI-RADS-MRI Lexicon, with BI-RADS 4 and 5 lesions classified as suspicious. RESULTS: With the use of a kinetic curve shape analysis, MRI classified seven of 14 lesions (50%) as suspicious, including four with initial-rapid/late-washout and three with initial-rapid/late-plateau. Using morphologic criteria, MRI classified 10/14 (71%) as suspicious, with the most prominent morphologic feature being a regional enhancement pattern. Using the intensity modulated parametric mapping technique, MRI classified 12/14 cases (86%) as suspicious. Parametric mapping identified all intermediate- and high-grade DCIS lesions. CONCLUSION: The intensity-modulated parametric mapping technique for breast MRI resulted in the highest detection rate for the DCIS cases. Furthermore, the parametric mapping technique identified all intermediate- and high-grade DCIS lesions, suggesting that a negative MRI using the parametric mapping technique may exclude intermediate- and high-grade DCIS. This finding has potential clinical implications.     

Accuracy of contrast-enhanced spectral mammography compared with MRI for invasive breast cancers: Prospective study in population of predominantly underrepresented minorities

ObjectivesThis prospective study compares contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) with contrast-enhanced breast MRI in assessing the extent of newly diagnosed breast cancer in a multiethnic cohort.MethodsThis study includes 41 patients with invasive breast cancer detected by mammography or conventional ultrasound imaging from May 2017 to March 2020. CESM and MRI scans were performed prior to any treatment. Results are compared with each other and to histopathology. Detection of the malignant lesion was assessed by sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV. Consistency of malignant tumor size measurement was compared between modalities using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC).ResultsIn a multiethnic cohort with over 65% Hispanic and African-American women, the sensitivity of detecting malignant lesions for CESM is 93.1% (77.23%, 99.15%) and MRI is 96.55% (82.24%, 99.91%). The PPV for CESM 96.43% (81.65%, 99.91%) is better compared to MRI 82.35% (65.47%, 93.24%). CESM is as effective as MRI in evaluating index cancers and multifocal/multicentric/contralateral disease. CESM has greater specificity and PPV since MRI tends to overcall benign lesions. There is a good agreement of tumor size between CESM to surgery and MRI to surgery with ICC of 0.85 (95% CI 0.69, 0.93) and 0.87 (95% CI 0.74, 0.94), respectively. There is good agreement of malignancy detection between CESM and MRI with Kappa of 0.74 (95% CI 0.52, 0.95).ConclusionsCESM is an effective imaging modality for evaluating the extent of disease in newly diagnosed invasive breast cancers and a good alternative to MRI in a multiethnic population.     

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.     

3-T breast magnetic resonance imaging in patients with suspicious microcalcifications on mammography

Objective

To investigate the diagnostic value of 3-Tesla (T) breast MRI in patients presenting with microcalcifications on mammography.

Methods

Between January 2006 and May 2009, 123 patients with mammographically detected BI-RADS 3–5 microcalcifications underwent 3-T breast MRI before undergoing breast biopsy. All MRIs of the histopathologically confirmed index lesions were reviewed by two breast radiologists. The detection rate of invasive carcinoma and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) was evaluated, as well as the added diagnostic value of MRI over mammography and breast ultrasound.

Results

At pathology, 40/123 (33 %) lesions proved malignant; 28 (70 %) DCIS and 12 (30 %) invasive carcinoma. Both observers detected all invasive malignancies at MRI, as well as 79 % (observer 1) and 86 % (observer 2) of in situ lesions. MRI in addition to conventional imaging led to a significant increase in area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve from 0.67 (95 % CI 0.56–0.79) to 0.79 (95 % CI 0.70–0.88, observer 1) and to 0.80 (95 % CI 0.71–0.89, observer 2), respectively.

Conclusions

3-T breast MRI was shown to add significant value to conventional imaging in patients presenting with suspicious microcalcifications on mammography.

Key points

? 3-T MRI is increasingly used for breast imaging in clinical practice. ? On 3-T breast MRI up to 86 % of DCIS lesions are detected. ? 3-T MRI increases the diagnostic value in patients with mammographically detected microcalcifications.     

Assessment of suspected breast cancer by MRI: a prospective clinical trial using a combined kinetic and morphologic analysis

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to assess the incremental value of contrast-enhanced MRI in the diagnosis and treatment planning using both a three-time point kinetic and morphologic analysis in addition to mammography and sonography in patients thought to have early-stage breast cancer. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Contrast-enhanced bilateral breast MRI was performed prospectively on 65 patients with highly suspicious imaging findings (BI-RADS category 4 or 5). All enrolled patients were believed to be candidates for breast conservation on the basis of clinical examination, mammography, and sonography. The primary index lesion's characteristics, size, and extent were assessed. Also, additional lesions detected by MRI that could represent potential malignancies in both the ipsilateral and contralateral breast were evaluated. Morphologic assessment and kinetic analysis were performed on each lesion using dedicated postprocessing and display software. The patients were reevaluated as to whether they were still candidates for breast-conservation therapy after the MRI examination and subsequent biopsies. RESULTS: There were 46 patients (71%) whose primary breast lesion (detected by mammography, sonography, or both) was found to be malignant (39 invasive breast cancers, five intraductal cancers, and two lymphomas). For the primary index lesions, the sensitivity for MRI was 100% (44/44) for predicting a breast malignancy and the specificity was 73.7% (14/19) for predicting benign lesions. MRI detected an additional 37 lesions, of which 23 were cancerous, beyond those suspected on mammography or sonography. One or more additional ipsilateral breast cancers were detected in 32% (14/44) of breast cancer patients and contralateral breast cancers in 9% (4/44) of the breast cancer patients. MRI also resulted in an incremental recommendation of mastectomy in 18% (8/44) of the pathologically confirmed breast cancer patients. MRI resulted in additional biopsy of only 14 benign lesions, six of which were shown to be atypical ductal hyperplasia. CONCLUSION: When added to the standard evaluation of clinical examination, mammography, and sonography in patients thought to have early-stage breast cancer, contrast-enhanced MRI using both a kinetic and morphologic analysis will often result in changes in recommended patient management and better treatment planning and will result in no significant increase in biopsies of benign lesions. In addition, there is a significant detection rate of occult contralateral breast cancers.     

超声、钼靶X线联合MRI在乳腺癌术前评价中的应用

目的 探讨超声、钼靶X线联合MRI在乳腺癌术前评价中的作用.资料与方法 经超声、钼靶X线和MRI检查后拟诊为乳腺癌的58例患者,均经手术或穿刺病理证实,比较三种检查方法对癌灶检出率、癌灶大小符合率、淋巴结转移情况及手术方式的影响.结果 钼靶X线对癌灶的检出率及对浸润性导管癌(IDC)和浸润性小叶癌(LDC)的检出率最低(P＜0.05);超声、钼靶X线和MRI联合对癌灶的检出率和对导管内原位癌(DCIS)的检出率均高于超声(P＜ 0.05),对转移淋巴结的检出率高于钼靶X线、MRI(P＜0.05);癌灶影像学测值与病理测值的符合度:MRI最高,超声次之,钼靶X线最低(P=0.000).对手术方案的影响:拟行保乳术25例,最终实施16例,超声、钼靶X线、MRI和术中病理分别使2例(2/25,8.0％)、1例(1/25,4.0％)、5例(5/25,20.0％)、1例( 1/25,4.0％)改行根治术.结论 超声、钼靶X线联合MRI可进一步确诊乳腺癌,并对手术方案的确立提供更详细准确的依据.     

Diagnostic accuracy of high-resolution MRI using a microscopy coil for patients with presumed DCIS following mammography screening

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate the accuracy of high-resolution (HR)-MRI as a secondary examination in women with abnormal calcifications detected on mammography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used a 4.7-cm microscopy coil to acquire HR-MRI signal data. We examined 52 women with breast lesions preoperatively using HR-MRI and vacuum-assisted core needle biopsy. The lesions were suspicious of malignancy, classified as category 3-5 on mammography (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System [BI-RADS]), and without a palpable mass. All visualized suspicious lesions were correlated with histological findings. We compared the HR-MRI and pathological findings and calculated the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. RESULTS: We compared the breast HR-MRI results with the gold standard of pathological results for studies of malignancy (DCIS and invasive cancer), and found a sensitivity of 88.5%, specificity of 92.3%, and accuracy of 90.4%. The positive predictive value (PPV) was 92%, and the negative predictive value (NPV) was 88.9%. When breast MRI was compared with pathological results for studies that diagnosed DCIS only, the results revealed a sensitivity of 88.6%, specificity of 88.2%, accuracy of 88.5%, PPV of 93.9%, and NPV of 78.9%. CONCLUSION: HR-MRI using a microscopy coil is a useful, reliable, safe, and minimally invasive procedure that is a good choice for secondary assessment of abnormal calcification in the breast.     

Does size matter? Positive predictive value of MRI-detected breast lesions as a function of lesion size

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of lesion size on the positive predictive value (PPV) of biopsy in MRI-detected breast lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of 666 consecutive nonpalpable, mammographically occult lesions that had MRI-guided localization. MRI examinations were performed using a 1.5-T magnet. Lesions were measured by the interpreting radiologist before biopsy. Malignancy rate versus lesion size was determined. RESULTS: The median MRI lesion size was 1 cm (range, 0.3-7.0 cm). Malignancy was present in 149/666 (22%) lesions, of which 80 (54%) were ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), 66 (44%) were invasive cancer, and three (2%) were lymphoma. The frequency of malignancy increased significantly (p = 0.0005) with lesion size, with malignancy found in one (3%) of 37 lesions less than 5 mm, 44 (17%) of 254 lesions 5-9 mm, 37 (25%) of 151 lesions 10-14 mm, 21 (28%) of 74 lesions 15-19 mm, and 46 (31%) of 150 lesions 20 mm or larger. Lesions less than 5 mm accounted for 37 (6%) of 666 lesions that had a biopsy and one (< 1%) of 149 cancers (one DCIS). Among lesions less than 10 mm, the likelihood of malignancy was highest in postmenopausal women (22% malignant) and in the extent of disease setting (22% malignant), and lowest in premenopausal women (10% malignant) and in the high-risk screening setting (10% malignant). CONCLUSION: The PPV of biopsy for lesions identified at breast MRI using a 1.5-T magnet significantly increased with increasing lesion size. Biopsy is rarely necessary for lesions smaller than 5 mm because of their low (3%) likelihood of cancer. Further work is needed to develop an algorithm that uses size in addition to other patient and lesion factors to guide biopsy recommendations for MRI-detected breast lesions.     

Diagnostic imaging of lobular carcinoma of the breast: mammographic, ultrasonographic and MR findings

PURPOSE: To evaluate the most frequent mammographic, US and MR findings of invasive lobular carcinoma and the role of MRI in defining multifocality and/or multicentricity of this tumor histotype. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 45 lobular carcinomas (39 patients) were selected from 421 breast cancers. Core biopsy with a 14 G needle was performed in 39 cases, under US guidance in 36/39 and under mammographic guidance in 3/39 cases. Surgical biopsy was performed in 2 cases and the diagnosis could be made only after mastectomy in 5 cases. All patients were examined with mammography and US and (10-13 MHz) and 8 also with MRI. RESULTS: 28/46 palpable lesions (60.9%). Core biopsy correctly diagnosed 38/39 lesions (97.4%). The most frequent mammographic findings was that of a nodular opacity without microcalcifications (34.8%), followed by a mass with spiculated borders (30.4%). Microcalcifications were seen in one case only (2.2%). Mammography detected no abnormalities in 15.2% of cases, but US showed a lesion in 2 of these cases. The most frequent US pattern was that of a hypoechoic lesion (43.5%), followed by posterior US beam attenuation. No US signs of abnormality were seen 15.2%. MRI correctly detected 13 lesions. Contrast enhancement was greater than 70% at one minute in 10 cases and greater than 40% in one case; two lesions exhibited atypical slow contrast enhancement, peaking at 5 minutes. MRI detected 5 lesions missed at both mammography and US and showed multifocal (3 and 2) lesions where the other techniques had detected one lesion only. DISCUSSION: At mammography and US invasive lobular carcinoma exhibits no different features than ductal carcinoma but is difficult to identify especially in its early stages. US is a useful tool especially to characterize mammography-detected lesions but in our experience it also demonstrated 2 lesions missed at mammography. MRI is a precious examination to define the multifocal, multicentric or bilateral character of invasive lobular carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: Invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast is often very difficult to diagnose. Thus, we suggest the use of integrated diagnostic imaging with mammography, US and, in some cases, MRI for earlier diagnosis and to identify further tumor localizations.     

MRI for the size assessment of pure ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): A prospective study of 33 patients

Objective

To determine whether MRI assesses the size of ductal carcinomas in situ (DCIS) more accurately than mammography, using the histopathological dimension of the surgical specimen as the reference measurement.

Materials and methods

This single-center prospective study conducted from March 2007 to July 2008 at the Antoine-Lacassagne Cancer Treatment Center (Nice, France) included 33 patients with a histologically proven DCIS by needle biopsy, who all underwent clinical examination, mammography, and MRI interpreted by an experienced radiologist. All patients underwent surgery at our institution. The greatest dimensions of the DCIS determined by the two imaging modalities were compared with the histopathological dimension ascertained on the surgical specimen. The study was approved by the local Ethical Research Committee and was authorized by the French National Health Agency (AFSSAPS).

Results

The mean age of the 33 patients was 59.7 years (±10.3). Three patients had a palpable mass at clinical breast examination; 82% underwent conservative surgical therapy rather than radical breast surgery (mastectomy); 6% required repeat surgery. MRI detected 97% of the lesions. Non-mass-like enhancement was noted for 78% of the patients. In over 50% of the cases, distribution of the DCIS was ductal or segmental and the kinetic enhancement curve was persistent. Lesion size was correctly estimated (±5 mm), under-estimated (<5 mm), or over-estimated (>5 mm), respectively, by MRI in 60%, 19% and 21% of cases and by mammography in 38%, 31% and 31% (p = 0.05). Mean lesion size was 25.6 mm at histopathology, 28.1 mm at MRI, and 27.2 mm on mammography (nonsignificant difference).The correlation coefficient between histopathological measurement and MRI was 0.831 versus 0.674 between histopathology and mammography. The correlation coefficient increased with the nuclear grade of the DCIS on mammography; this coefficient also increased as the mammographic breast density decreased.

Conclusion

MRI appears to assess the size of DCIS better than mammography by limiting the number of under- and over-estimations compared to histopathology findings.     

MR imaging features of infiltrating lobular carcinoma of the breast: histopathologic correlation

OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed to correlate the dynamic contrast-enhanced MR appearance of infiltrating lobular carcinoma of the breast with histopathologic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the high-resolution, fat-suppressed and dynamic contrast-enhanced MR images of 13 of 20 women diagnosed with pathologically proven infiltrating lobular carcinoma of the breast. Twelve of the 13 women presented with breast symptoms and underwent mammography. Five of the women also had breast sonography. MR imaging was performed for evaluation of disease extent before the patients underwent modified radical mastectomy (n = 11) or lumpectomy (n = 2). Three experienced radiologists reviewed the MR scans. The tumor pattern types described on imaging were correlated with a detailed analysis of the pathology. RESULTS: We found three patterns of infiltrating lobular carcinoma on MR imaging. The tumor pattern on imaging correlated with pathologic tumor morphology. We found the following patterns of infiltrating lobular carcinoma: a solitary mass with irregular margins (n = 4) that corresponded to the same appearance at pathology; multiple lesions, either connected by enhancing strands (n = 6) or separated by nonenhancing intervening tissue (n = 2), that correlated with the pathologic appearance of noncontiguous tumor foci, with malignant cells streaming in single-file fashion in the breast stroma or small tumor aggregates separated by normal tissue; and enhancing septa only, which were correlated with the histopathologic appearance of tumor cells streaming in the breast stroma (n = 1). CONCLUSION: Infiltrating lobular carcinoma may be detected on MR imaging as solitary or multiple lesions that correspond to tumor morphology on pathologic examination. The appearance of multiple lesions or of enhancing fibroglandular breast elements on MR imaging is suggestive of infiltrating lobular carcinoma.     

Histologic breast cancer extent after neoadjuvant chemotherapy: comparison with multidetector-row CT and dynamic MRI

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of dynamic multidetector-row CT (MDCT) in assessing residual cancer extent after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), and to compare MDCT results with those derived from dynamic three-dimensional MRI using the volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE) sequence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MDCT before and after NAC was performed in 19 consecutive patients with breast cancer. MRI was also performed before surgery. The early phase of MDCT and MRI was started 60 sec after commencing contrast injection. The late phase was started at a 4-min delay from the injection. The injection rate was 3 mL/sec. The distribution pattern of contrast enhancement (CE) by CT before NAC was classified into two groups: replaced lesion (diffuse CE in whole quadrants) and non-replaced lesion (localized CE). RESULTS: Pathological complete response (pCR) was obtained in one case. In replaced lesions, accuracy for the detection of tumor extent with a deviation of less than 2 cm in length was 0% (0/7) with early-phase CT/MRI and 100% (7/7) with late-phase CT/MRI. In non-replaced lesions, accuracy was 55% (6/11) with early-phase CT/MRI and 82% (9/11) with late-phase CT/MRI. One case of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) could be detected only with late phase MRI. CONCLUSION: Late-phase images obtained by MDCT and MRI may be accurate in the diagnosis of residual cancer extent after NAC. The tumor distribution determined by MDCT before NAC is thought to be useful in the evaluation of shrinkage pattern following NAC.     

Sonographic, mammographic, and histopathologic correlation of symptomatic ductal carcinoma in situ

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the features of symptomatic ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast shown on high-resolution sonography and to correlate them with findings from mammography and histopathology to evaluate the prognostic ability of sonographic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed mammographic and sonographic images of 60 DCIS lesions from 55 symptomatic women. Images were reviewed by a radiologist who knew that the patients had DCIS but had no other information regarding pathology. Lesions were evaluated pathologically and classified using the Van Nuys classification system. Statistical comparisons were made using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Of the 60 lesions, 33 were classified as Van Nuys group 1, 19 as Van Nuys group 2, and eight as Van Nuys group 3. Six (10%) of the 60 lesions were not visible on sonography, and 12 lesions (20%) were not visible on mammography. Sonography revealed a mass in 43 cases (72%), ductal changes in 14 cases (23%), and architectural distortion in four cases (7%). Eight lesions had more than one of these features. A sonographically visualized, irregularly shaped mass with indistinct or angular margins and no posterior acoustic shadowing or enhancement was associated with a high Van Nuys classification (p < 0.05). Microcalcifications were visible on sonography in 13 (22%) of the 60 lesions or on mammography in 25 lesions (42%). Both findings were associated with a high Van Nuys classification (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although sonography can reveal microcalcifications within masses, it is unreliable in depicting and characterizing the morphology and extent of microcalcifications, particularly when they are in isolation. Therefore, sonography should not be used to replace mammography but instead as an adjunctive tool to increase the sensitivity of mammography in breast diagnosis.     

US of ductal carcinoma in situ.

Little is known about the ultrasonographic (US) features of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast because this entity usually manifests as pure mammographic calcifications and is rarely evaluated with US. US findings were recorded in 70 patients with DCIS and then analyzed and correlated with mammographic and histologic findings. A microlobulated mass with mild hypoechogenicity, ductal extension, and normal acoustic transmission was the most common US finding in DCIS. Spiculated margins, marked hypoechogenicity, a thick echogenic rim, and posterior acoustic shadowing at US often suggested the presence of invasion. US performed with a 10-13-MHz transducer and optimal technique can be used as a complement to mammography in detecting and evaluating DCIS of the breast, as it demonstrates breast lesions associated with malignant microcalcifications in most cases. The main benefit of identifying a US abnormality in women with mammographically detected DCIS is to allow the use of US to guide interventional procedures (eg, needle biopsy, needle localization). US may also be helpful in detecting DCIS without calcifications and in evaluating disease extent in women with dense breasts. Nevertheless, further research is needed to delineate the role of US in the evaluation of patients with DCIS.     

Stereotactic and sonographic large-core biopsy of nonpalpable breast lesions: results of the Radiologic Diagnostic Oncology Group V study

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of stereotactically and sonographically guided core biopsy (CB) for the diagnosis of nonpalpable breast lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two institutions enrolled 2,403 women who underwent imaging-guided fine needle aspiration followed by imaging-guided large-CB of nonpalpable breast abnormalities. All mammograms were reviewed for study eligibility by one of two breast imaging radiologists. The protocol for image-guided biopsy, using either ultrasound (USCB) or stereotactic (SCB) guidance, was standardized at all institutions and all biopsy specimens were over-read by one of three expert pathologists. Patients with atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), atypical lobular hyperplasia, or lobular neoplasia on CB underwent surgical excision. Those with negative CB but suspicious ("discordant") pre-biopsy mammography also underwent surgical excision. Patients having a negative CB that was concordant with the pre-biopsy mammography suspicion were assigned to follow-up mammography at 6, 12, and 24 months following CB. RESULTS: A gold standard diagnosis based on definitive histopathologic diagnosis, mammography follow-up, or an imputed gold standard diagnosis was established for 1,681 patients. Of 310 cases with a gold standard diagnosis of invasive breast carcinoma, 261 (84.2%) were invasive carcinoma, 31 (10%) were ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), four (1.3%) were ADH, one (0.3%) was a non-breast cancer, and 13 (4.2%) were benign on CB. For 138 cases with a gold standard diagnosis of DCIS, 113 (81.9%) were DCIS, 20 (14.5%) were ADH, and five (3.6%) were benign on CB. For 57 cases (13 masses, 44 calcifications) with an initial CB diagnosis of ADH, atypical lobular hyperplasia or lobular neoplasia, 20 (35.1%) had a gold standard diagnosis of DCIS (4 masses, 16 calcifications) and four (7.0%) had a gold standard diagnosis of invasive cancer (4 calcifications). Of 144 cases (22 masses, 122 calcifications) with an initial CB diagnosis of DCIS, 31 (21.5%) had a gold standard diagnosis of invasive cancer (10 masses, 21 calcifications). The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for CB by either imaging guidance method in this trial were .91, 1.00, and .98, respectively. The sensitivity, predictive value negative, and accuracy of CB for diagnosing masses (.96, .99, and .99, respectively) were significantly greater (P < .001) than for calcifications (.84, .94, and .96, respectively). The sensitivity (.89) of SCB for diagnosing all lesions was significantly lower (P = 0.029) than that of USCB (.97) because of the preponderance of calcifications biopsied by SCB versus USCB. There was no difference between USCB and SCB in sensitivity, predictive value negative, or accuracy for the diagnosis of masses (97.3, 98.9, and 99.2, respectively for USCB; 95.6, 98.5, and 98.9 respectively for SCB). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous, imaged-guided core breast biopsy is an accurate diagnostic alternative to surgical biopsy in women with mammographically detected suspicious breast lesions.