Correlation between high resolution dynamic MR features and prognostic factors in breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To correlate high resolution dynamic MR features with prognostic factors in breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and ninety-four women with invasive ductal carcinomas underwent dynamic MR imaging using T1-weighted three-dimensional fast low-angle shot (3D-FLASH) sequence within two weeks prior to surgery. Morphological and kinetic MR features were determined based on the breast imaging and reporting data system (BI-RADS) MR imaging lexicon. Histological specimens were analyzed for tumor size, axillary lymph node status, histological grade, expression of estrogen receptor (ER), expression of progesterone receptor (PR), and expression of p53, c-erbB-2, and Ki-67. Correlations between the MR features and prognostic factors were determined using the Pearson chi(2) test, linear-by-linear association, and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: By multivariate analysis, a spiculated margin was a significant, independent predictor of a lower histological grade (p < 0.001), and lower expression of Ki-67 (p = 0.007). Rim enhancement was significant, independent predictor of a higher histological grade (p < 0.001), negative expression of ER (p = 0.001), negative expression of PR (p < 0.001) and a larger tumor size (p = 0.006). A washout curve may predict a higher level of Ki-67 (p = 0.05). Most of the parameters of the initial enhancement phase cannot predict the status of the prognostic factors. Only the enhancement ratio may predict a larger tumor size (p = 0.05). CONCLUSION: Of the BI-RADS-MR features, a spiculated margin may predict favorable prognosis, whereas rim enhancement or washout may predict unfavorable prognosis of breast cancer.     

Prognostic value of contrast-enhanced MR mammography in patients with breast cancer

The objective of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of contrast-enhanced MR mammography in patients with breast cancer. A total of 190 patients with breast cancer (37 noninvasive carcinomas, 153 invasive carcinomas) underwent dynamic contrast-enhanced MR mammography preoperatively. Using 1.5-T unit, T1-weighted sequences (2D FLASH) were obtained repeatedly one time before and five times after IV administration of 0.1 mmol gadopentetate-dimeglumine per kilogram body weight. The findings on MR imaging were correlated with histopathologically defined prognostic factors (histological type, tumor size, tumor grading, metastasis in lymph nodes). In addition, immunohistochemically defined prognostic factors (c-erbB-1,c-erbB-2, p53, Ki-67) were correlated with the signal increase on MR mammogram in 40 patients. There was no significant correlation between the findings on MR mammography and the histopathological type of carcinoma, the grading, and the lymphonodular status. Noninvasive carcinomas showed a higher rate of moderate (38 %) or low (27 %) enhancement on MR imaging than invasive carcinomas (6 and 3 %). The results on MR mammography and the results of immunohistochemical stainings did not correlate significantly. Noninvasive carcinomas showed significantly lower enhancement than invasive carcinomas. However, the signal behavior of contrast-enhanced MR mammography is not related to established histopathological prognostic parameters as subtyping, grading, nodal status, and the expression of certain oncogenes/tumor suppressor genes. Received 29 August 1996; Revision received 28 October 1996; Accepted: 29 November 1996     

乳腺癌动态增强MRI表现与病理、分子预后指标的相关性分析

目的:探讨乳腺癌磁共振动态增强表现与病理、分子预后指标之间的相关性。材料和方法:对104例原发性乳腺癌患者术前行乳腺MR扫描,根据MRI乳腺影像报告和数据系统(BI-RADS)描述乳腺癌的形态学和血流动力学表现。术后标本检测分析肿瘤大小、淋巴结状态和组织学分级并行免疫组化染色测定癌细胞雌激素受体(estrogen receptor,ER)、孕激素受体(progesterone receptor,PR)、CerbB-2、Ki-67以及nm23的表达情况,采用Spearman等级相关和二元Logistic回归统计学方法分析与MRI表现的相关性。结果:形态不规则的肿瘤体积较大(P<0.001);肿瘤形态不规则形能预测ER阴性表达(P=0.035);环形强化是ER及PR阴性表达的预测因子(P=0.022,P=0.012);肿瘤信号增强率(SER)可以预测淋巴结状态(P=0.003),且SERmax值>133%易发生淋巴结转移。结论:乳腺癌MRI形态学和血流动力学表现与病理、分子预后指标之间存在一定相关性,可根据乳腺癌MRI表现对乳腺癌病灶的生物学行为和预后进行评估。肿瘤形态不规则、环形强化常提示患者预后不良。     

Is there different correlation with prognostic factors between “non-mass” and “mass” type invasive ductal breast cancers?

Purpose

To investigate the association between non-mass type breast cancer and common clinical–pathological prognostic factors, compared with mass type breast cancer.

Materials and methods

After institutional review board approval, retrospective blind review of contrast-enhanced breast MRI was carried out for 88 histologically proven breast invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) patients, presenting from January 2008 to December 2011. Two radiologists assessed the images of each lesion for the morphologic enhancement type [mass enhancement or non-mass-like enhancement (NMLE)] and the distribution/internal enhancement of NMLE. Two pathologists evaluated the histological grade of IDC, presence or absence of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), lymph node status, presence or absence of vascular invasion, and expression status of estrogen receptor (ER)/progesterone receptor (PR)/HER-2/p53 tumor suppressor gene (p53)/Ki-67. Inter-observer agreement was assessed with kappa test. Chi-square test and Spearman rank correlation were performed to explore the associations of morphologic enhancement type with the age, lesion size and the above pathological prognostic factors

Results

Inter-observer agreement was excellent, with kappa > 0.75. Morphologic enhancement type was significantly correlated with age (P = 0.02), with NMLE more commonly seen in women less than 50 y/o. The size of NMLE was larger than that of mass and, with the increase of lesion size, proportion of NMLE among the cases increased (P = 0.001). NMLE was also significantly correlated with low histologic grade of IDC (P = 0.003) and presence of DCIS (P < 0.001). There was no significant correlation between morphologic enhancement type and lymph node status, vascular invasion, ER/PR/HER-2/p53/Ki-67 status. The histological grade was higher in clumped enhancement than non-clumped (P = 0.011). There was no correlation between enhancement distribution and prognostic factors

Conclusions

Non-mass type breast cancer may not necessarily have worse prognosis than the mass type, due to lower histological grade and closely related to DCIS component, although it may has larger tumor size. Clumped enhancement may have worse prognosis than non-clumped enhancement.     

Correlation of Primary Tumor FDG Uptake with Clinicopathologic Prognostic Factors in Invasive Ductal Carcinoma of the Breast

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation of primary tumor FDG uptake to clinicopathological prognostic factors in invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 136 of 215 female patients with pathologically proven invasive ductal breast cancer from January 2008 to December 2011 who underwent F-18 FDG PET/CT for initial staging and follow-up after curative treatment with analysis of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epithelial growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of the primary breast tumor was measured and compared with hormonal receptor and HER2 overexpression status.

Results

The high SUVmax of primary breast tumors is significantly correlated with the clinicopathological factors: tumor size, histologic grade, TNM stage, negativity of ER, negativity of PR, HER2 overexpression and triple negativity. The recurrent group with non-triple negative cancer had a higher SUVmax compared with the non-recurrent group, though no significant difference in FDG uptake was noted between the recurrence and non-recurrent groups in subjects with triple-negative cancer. Lymph node involvement was the independent risk factor for cancer recurrence in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

In conclusion, high FDG uptake in primary breast tumors is significantly correlated with clinicopathological factors, such as tumor size, histologic grade, TNM stage, negativity of the hormonal receptor, HER2 overexpression and triple negativity. Therefore, FDG PET/CT is a helpful prognostic tool to direct the further management of patients with breast cancer.     

Correlation of contrast-enhanced ultrasound kinetics with prognostic factors in invasive breast cancer

Objectives

To correlate contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) kinetic parameters with traditional and molecular prognostic factors in invasive breast cancer.

Methods

Seventy-five invasive breast cancers were evaluated with contrast harmonic imaging after the injection of a bolus dose of 2.4 ml sulphur hexafluoride microbubble contrast agent. The lognormal function was used for quantitative analysis of kinetic data. These parameters correlated with traditional prognostic factors (tumour size, histological type, tumour grade, axillary lymph node status) and immunohistochemical biomarkers (ER, PR and HER2 status).

Results

Statistically significant correlation was found between time-to-peak and tumour grade (P value?=?0.023), PR status (P value?=?0.042) and axillary node status (P value?=?0.025). Wash-out ratio, measured at 21 s was significantly associated with ER status (P value?=?0.042) and PR status (P value?=?0.026).

Conclusions

Invasive breast carcinomas exhibiting earlier peak enhancement and faster elimination of microbubble contrast agent at CEUS are found to be associated with established predictors of poor prognosis.

Key Points

? Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) can potentially determine the aggressiveness of invasive breast cancers. ? Early peak enhancement and accelerated wash-out at CEUS suggest poor prognosis. ? CEUS kinetics are similar to that of DCE-MRI in assessing tumour aggressiveness.     

Dynamic MR imaging of breast lesions: correlation with microvessel distribution pattern and histologic characteristics of prognosis

PURPOSE: To evaluate the association of dynamic enhancement parameters of benign and malignant breast lesions at magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with microvessel distribution and histologic prognostic tumor characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Regional review board approval and informed consent were obtained. Surgical resection specimens of breast lesions (32 benign, 86 malignant) in 118 patients (age range, 28-86 years; mean, 58 years) who had undergone dynamic T1-weighted MR imaging of both breasts were included in the study. Different MR enhancement parameters and microvessel density (MVD) distribution were determined. In malignant lesions, TNM stage, tumor grade, proliferative activity, and hormone receptor expression were determined. Spearman correlation coefficients; Wilcoxon, Fisher exact, Kruskal Wallis, and chi(2) tests; and logistic regression analysis were used for evaluation. RESULTS: Malignant lesions exhibited a higher ratio of microvessels in tumor periphery versus tumor center than did benign lesions (P < .0005). High vessel ratios (P = .001) and low central vessel numbers (P = .007) were associated with high tumor grade. In malignant lesions, initial enhancement ratios of periphery to center of lesion correlated with the corresponding microvessel ratios (r = 0.61). Yet, a high peripheral MVD was not associated with strong peripheral enhancement (r = -0.09). High enhancement ratios, washout rates, and early enhancement peaks were associated with unfavorable, albeit not significant, prognostic indicators. Visible rim enhancement was the most accurate prognostic enhancement criterion for estrogen receptor status (P = .007), tumor grade (P = .06), and lymph node status (P = .046). Washout was the best discriminating criterion for proliferative activity. CONCLUSION: The different enhancement behaviors of malignant and benign breast lesions cannot be explained by MVD alone; however, a low MVD in the center of carcinoma is reflected quantitatively by a high enhancement ratio and qualitatively by rim enhancement, with an implication of adverse prognosis.     

Correlation of perfusion parameters on dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI with prognostic factors and subtypes of breast cancers

Purpose:

To investigate whether a correlation exists between perfusion parameters obtained from dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and prognostic factors or immunohistochemical subtypes of breast cancers.

Materials and Methods:

Quantitative parameters (K^trans, k_ep, and v_e) of 70 invasive ductal carcinomas were obtained using DCE‐MRI as a postprocessing procedure. Correlations between parameters and prognostic factors, including tumor size, axillary nodal status, histologic grade, nuclear grade, expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), Ki‐67, p53, bcl‐2, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and subtypes categorized as luminal (ER or PR‐positive), triple negative (ER or PR‐negative, HER2‐negative), and HER2 (ER and PR‐negative, HER2 overexpression) were analyzed.

Results:

Mean K^trans was higher in tumors with a high histologic grade than with a low histologic grade (P = 0.007), with a high nuclear grade than with a low nuclear grade (P = 0.002), and with ER negativity than ER positivity (P = 0.056). Mean k_ep was higher in tumors with a high histologic grade than with a low histologic grade (P = 0.005), with a high nuclear grade than with a low nuclear grade (P = 0.001), and with ER negativity than with ER positivity (P = 0.043). Mean v_e was lower in tumors with a high histologic grade than with a low histologic grade (P = 0.038) and with ER negativity than with ER positivity (P = 0.015). Triple‐negative cancers showed a higher mean k_ep than the luminal type (P = 0.015).

Conclusion:

Breast cancers with higher K^trans and k_ep, or lower v_e, had poor prognostic factors and were often of the triple‐negative subtype. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:145–151. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Correlation between 3 T apparent diffusion coefficient values and grading of invasive breast carcinoma

PurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate whether the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) provided by 3.0 T (3 T) magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) varied according to the grading of invasive breast carcinoma.Materials and methodsA total of 92 patients with 96 invasive breast cancer lesions were enrolled; all had undergone 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for local staging. All lesions were confirmed by histological analysis, and tumor grade was established according to the Nottingham Grading System (NGS). MRI included both dynamic contrast-enhanced and DWI sequences, and ADC value was calculated for each lesion. ADC values were compared with NGS classification using the Mann–Whitney U and the Kruskal–Wallis H tests. Grading was considered as a comprehensive prognostic factor, and Rho Spearman test was performed to determine correlation between grading and tumor size, hormonal receptor status, HER2 expression and Ki67 index. Pearson's Chi square test was carried out to compare grading with the other prognostic factors.ResultsADC values were significantly higher in G1 than in G3 tumors. No significant difference was observed when G1 and G3 were compared with G2. Tumor size, hormonal receptor status, HER2 expression and Ki67 index correlated significantly with grading but there was a significant difference only between G1 and G3 related to the ER and PR status, HER2 expression and Ki67 index. There was no statistically significant difference in lesion size between the two groups.ConclusionADC values obtained on 3 T DWI correlated with low-grade (G1) and high-grade (G3) invasive breast carcinoma. 3 T ADC may be a helpful tool for identifying high-grade invasive breast carcinoma.     

Molecular markers,pathology, and ultrasound features of invasive breast cancer

IntroductionUltrasound is commonly used in breast cancer screening and diagnosis. The use of ultrasound features to predict the subtypes of invasive breast cancer is of great clinical significance, since it facilitates a fast and early diagnosis and treatment. The correlation between breast lesion ultrasound features and the breast cancer subtypes requires further investigation.Methods388 patients with invasive breast cancer were retrospectively analyzed by two sonographers. The tumor size, shape, margin, echogenicity, echotexture, posterior echo attenuation microcalcification, and blood vessel density were recorded. The correlation between the tumor ER, PR, HER2, and Ki67 status, the molecular subtypes, and the ultrasound features was analyzed using the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and multiple logistic regression.ResultsER and PR positivity were correlated with a low histologic grade, lymph node metastasis, and smaller-sized tumors. A hyperechoic or a mixed echogenicity was rare in the tumors of all groups but was enriched in the ER and PR tumors (9.57% and 7.64%, respectively, p < 0.01). A high percentage of posterior echo attenuation was found in the Ki67 low (53.94%) and ER+ (51.28%) tumors. Furthermore, heterogeneous and microcalcifications were enriched in HER2-positive tumors. In terms of the molecular subtypes, the luminal A subtype group had the lowest lymph node positivity and the smallest primary tumor size. The luminal B subtype had the lowest percentage of hyperechoic or mixed tumors. The HER2 subtype was positively correlated with microcalcification. Finally, TNBC showed the highest percentage of hyperechoic or mixed tumors and the lowest percentage of posterior echo attenuation and microcalcification.ConclusionTumor pathologic and ultrasound features were correlated with invasive breast tumor molecular marker positivity and its molecular subtypes.     

乳腺专用γ显像的肿瘤/正常组织比值与乳腺浸润性导管癌病理学的对比研究

目的 探讨乳腺专用γ显像（BSGI）的肿瘤摄取半定量方法与乳腺浸润性导管癌（IDC）临床病理学的对比研究。 方法 回顾性分析2016年4月至2017年8月贵州省人民医院符合纳入标准的84例女性IDC患者,年龄30~76（53.2±13.1）岁。患者术前均行BSGI检查,通过乳腺影像报告和数据系统（BIRADS）对BSGI图像进行视觉评分。根据BSGI的阳性结果,将肿瘤与正常组织放射性比值（TNR）与病理学结果进行比较,阳性与阴性结果的比较采用t检验和χ2检验,多组病理亚型的比较采用方差分析;采用单因素分析、多因素分析和Pearson积差相关性分析明确TNR与组织病理学因素之间的相关性。 结果 84例IDC患者BSGI诊断为阳性75例,灵敏度为89.3%（75/84）。单因素分析结果显示,肿瘤大小（t=4.13,P<0.01）、腋窝淋巴结是否转移（χ2=5.04,P=0.005）、病理组织学分级（F=11.05,P=0.034）、孕激素受体（PR）表达（χ2=3.12,P=0.041）和细胞增殖核抗原Ki-67（简称Ki-67)指数（χ2=16.20,P=0.008）的差异对TNR的影响有统计学意义。多因素分析结果显示,乳腺癌的病理危险因素有肿瘤长径≥2 cm、腋窝淋巴结转移和PR阴性（OR=2.186、1.673、0.420,P=0.004、0.047、0.032）。Pearson相关性分析结果显示,TNR与肿瘤大小的相关性较差（r=0.353,P=0.004）;与Ki-67指数呈中度正相关（r=0.452,P=0.014）;与PR Allred评分呈负相关（r=?0.364,P=0.026）。 结论 BSGI的高TNR与乳腺癌病理不良因素相关,TNR可作为乳腺癌预后评估的有价值的预测指标。     

Diagnosis of breast cancer extent and enhancement patterns using 3D-dynamic MR imaging: correlation with intraductal component]

The usefulness of 3D-dynamic MR imaging with fat suppression and magnetization transfer contrast for assessing breast cancer extent and tumor profile was evaluated in 74 breasts with 67 malignant and 7 benign lesions. We classified breast cancer by the intraductal component of the main tumor. Five histological types were assigned: type 1 (DS 0) invasive carcinoma without intraductal component, type 2 (DS 1): intraductal component is less than 50% of whole tumor, type 3 (DS 2): intraductal component is nearly equal to 50%, type 4 (DS 3): intraductal component is more than 50%, type 5 (DS 4): pure DSIC or DCIS associated with microinvasive foci. Histologic results and preoperative MR imaging were analyzed regarding tumor size and enhancement pattern for the various tumor types (DS 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4). The three tumors occult to MR imaging were two DCIS and one Paget's disease. The other 64 breast cancers were detected on MR imaging. Tumor size measured with MR imaging correlated closely with histologic measurement in DS 0, 1 and 2, whereas less accuracy was noted in DS 3 and 4. Rapid enhancement was frequently seen in DS 0, 1, 2 and 3. Peripheral enhancement was highly specific for breast cancer. However, peripheral enhancement was not found in all cases of DS 4. Linear and nodular enhancement was frequently seen in DS 3 and 4. MR imaging was useful in predicting the intraductal component.     

Estrogen receptor and breast MR imaging features: a correlation study

PURPOSE: To compare the MRI features between estrogen receptor (ER) positive and negative breast cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Breast MRI of 90 consecutive patients confirmed with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), 51 ER positive and 39 ER negative, were analyzed. The tumor morphology and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) kinetics were evaluated based on the American College of Radiology (ACR) Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) MRI lexicon and compared. Enlarged axillary lymph nodes on MRI and choline (Cho) detection using MR spectroscopy (MRS) were also analyzed and compared. For patients receiving axillary node dissection the pathological nodal status was also compared. RESULTS: ER negative breast cancer had bigger tumors compared to ER positive cancer (3.6 +/- 2.0 cm vs. 1.8 +/- 1.3 cm, P < 0.00005). ER negative cancer was more likely to exhibit nonmass type enhancements compared to ER positive cancer (P < 0.005). Enlarged axillary lymph nodes were more frequently identified on MRI in ER negative compared to ER positive patients (P < 0.05). After excluding patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy, auxiliary lymph node status did not show significant difference between ER positive and ER negative cancer on MRI and pathology. ER negative cancer was more likely to show the malignant type enhancement kinetics (P = 0.15), rim enhancement (P = 0.15), and Cho detection on MRS (P = 0.23) compared to ER positive cancer, but it did not reach a level of statistical significance. CONCLUSION: ER negative breast cancer was more aggressive, with larger tumor size, more non-mass-type enhancement lesions, and a higher percentage showing enlarged axillary nodes on MRI. These features might be related to its poorer cellular differentiation and/or a higher angiogenesis.     

Correlation between mammographic and sonographic findings and prognostic factors in patients with node-negative invasive breast cancer

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to correlate sonographic and mammographic findings with prognostic factors in patients with node-negative invasive breast cancer.

Methods

Sonographic and mammographic findings in 710 consecutive patients (age range 21–81 years; mean age 49 years) with 715 node-negative invasive breast cancers were retrospectively evaluated. Pathology reports relating to tumour size, histological grade, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), extensive intraductal component (EIC), oestrogen receptor (ER) status and HER-2/neu status were reviewed and correlated with the imaging findings. Statistical analysis was performed using logistic regression analysis and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

On mammography, non-spiculated masses with calcifications were associated with all poor prognostic factors: high histological grade, positive LVI, EIC, HER-2/neu status and negative ER. Other lesions were associated with none of these poor prognostic factors. Hyperdense masses on mammography, the presence of mixed echogenicity, posterior enhancement, calcifications in-or-out of masses and diffusely increased vascularity on sonography were associated with high histological grade and negative ER. Associated calcifications on both mammograms and sonograms were correlated with EIC and HER-2/neu overexpression. The ICC value for the disease extent was 0.60 on mammography and 0.70 on sonography.

Conclusion

Several sonographic and mammographic features can have a prognostic value in the subsequent treatment of patients with node-negative invasive breast cancer. Radiologists should pay more attention to masses that are associated with calcifications because on both mammography and sonography associated calcifications were predictors of positive EIC and HER-2/neu overexpression.The three strongest prognostic factors in invasive breast cancer are widely accepted to be lymph node stage, histological grade and the size of histologically invasive cancer [1–4]. Axillary lymph node stage is an important prognostic factor in invasive breast cancer: the prognosis progressively worsens with an increasing number of involved nodes. Although controversial, micrometastatic disease continues to have clinical significance. Most series have shown that nodal micrometastasis appears to have a more or less adverse effect on disease-g0ree and overall survival [5]. The three strongest prognostic factors in invasive breast cancer provide more valuable information when taken into account altogether than when any single individual factor is used alone. The Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI) uses these three factors and has been externally validated by several studies [2, 6–8]. In addition, histological grade, tumour size and oestrogen receptor (ER) status are usually used as significant factors in guiding adjuvant systemic chemotherapy in node-negative patients [9].Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) shows a clear relationship with nodal status [10–13] and local recurrence [12, 13]. LVI is also related to distant metastasis and overall survival in node-negative breast cancer [14, 15]. Patients with breast cancers that exhibit a high proportion of intraductal components have a higher risk of local recurrence after conservative surgery [16, 17]. Hence, accurate evaluation of intraductal spread is considered to be a key issue in determining tumour margins before planning breast-conserving surgery [18]. HER-2/neu overexpression in node-negative cancers is related to disease relapse and to disease-related death, regardless of tumour size, histological grade and ER status [19].In terms of treatment, most patients with node-positive invasive breast cancers measuring greater than 2 mm are offered adjuvant chemotherapy, with additional hormone therapy or trastuzumab (Herceptin) based upon necessity according to their hormone receptor and HER-2/neu status. On the other hand, patients with node-negative invasive cancer might not be offered adjuvant therapy, adjuvant hormone therapy or chemotherapy depending on the size, LVI, histological grade, their hormone receptor responsiveness and HER-2/neu status, and their age [20]. Therefore, in patients with node-negative breast cancers, knowing the hormone receptor and HER-2/neu status, histological grade and extent of LVI is very important in guiding the treatment plan and determining the prognosis.Several studies have looked at the correlation between imaging findings and prognostic factors [18, 21–27]. To our knowledge, however, no report has correlated imaging findings in node-negative invasive breast cancers that were analysed according to the Breast Imaging Report and Data System (BI-RADS) lexicon with prognostic factors. The purpose of our study was to correlate sonographic and mammographic findings with prognostic factors in patients with node-negative invasive breast cancer and to determine whether or not the imaging findings could have prognostic value. We also determined the relative accuracy of mammography and sonography in evaluating the extent of disease in patients with node-negative invasive breast cancer.     

Correlation of the apparent diffusion coefficient value and dynamic magnetic resonance imaging findings with prognostic factors in invasive ductal carcinoma

Purpose

To evaluate the correlation of the mean and minimal apparent diffusion coefficient values (ADC_mean, ADC_minimal) and dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings with prognostic factors in invasive ductal carcinoma.

Materials and Methods

A total of 107 women with invasive ductal cancer underwent breast MRI. The ADC_mean and ADC_minimal of the cancers were computed. MRI findings were retrospectively evaluated according to the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI‐RADS) lexicon: mass or nonmass type, mass shape, mass margin, nonmass distribution, and enhancement pattern. Histological records were reviewed for tumor size, lymph node metastasis, histologic grade, and expression of estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), c‐erbB‐2(HER2), Ki‐67, and epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR). Correlations of ADC values and MR findings with prognostic factors were determined using the Mann–Whitney U‐test and the Kruskal–Wallis test.

Results

The mean ADC_minimal was 0.78 ± 0.24 (×10^?3 mm²/s), and the mean ADC_mean was 1.01 ± 0.23 (×10^?3 mm²/s). There was a significant correlation of the ADC_mean value with ER expression (P = 0.027) and HER2 expression (P = 0.018). There was no significant relationship between ADC_minimal and prognostic factors or between ADC_mean and traditional prognostic factors, PR, Ki‐67 and EGFR. The majority of the mass type lesions were less than 5 cm in size and the majority of nonmass type lesions were more than 2 cm in size (P = 0.022). The margin of mass was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis (P = 0.031), ER expression (P = 0.013), PR expression (P = 0.036), HER2 expression (P = 0.019), and EGRF expression (P = 0.041). The rim internal enhancement was significantly correlated with Ki‐67 expression (P = 0.008).

Conclusion

The low ADC_mean value was related to positive expression of ER and negative expression of HER2. A spiculated margin was related to a good prognosis, but rim enhancement was associated with a poor prognosis. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;33:102–109. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

     

Fischer’s score criteria correlating with histopathological prognostic factors in invasive breast cancer

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate whether the Fischer score criteria on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (CE-MR) imaging could correlate with histopathological prognostic factors in invasive breast cancer.

Materials and methods

Seventy-two women with histologically proven invasive breast cancer underwent preoperative CE-MR imaging. Images were assessed for the following parameters, according to the scoring system described by Fischer in 1999: tumour shape, margins, internal enhancement, signal intensity increase, signal intensity course and overall Fischer score. Evaluated histopathological prognostic factors included histological type, associated extensive intraductal component, diameter, lymph node metastasis, tumour grade, and oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PgR), Ki67 proliferation, oncogene c-erbB-2 (HER2/neu) expression. Fisher’s exact test was used to correlate the CE-MR imaging parameters and histopathological findings (with significance set a p < 0.05).

Results

Fischer’s score was 0–4 in 14/72 (19%) cases, >4 in 58/72 (81%) and 3 in 5/72 (7%; false negative), with a sensitivity of 93%. A significant correlation (p=0.02) was found between stellate-dendritic shape and the presence of an associated extensive intraductal component (EIC), which was found in 78% of stellate tumours vs. 49% of round-oval tumours. A significant correlation (p=0.039) was found between Ki67 expression and signal intensity course (Ki67 overexpression was present in 81% of tumours with washout course vs. 21% with plateau course).

Conclusions

The CE-MR imaging findings that correlate with prognostic factors are shape and signal intensity curve. Fischer’s multifactorial analysis was helpful in the interpretation of CE-MR images, showing a sensitivity of 93% for invasive breast cancer.     

Invasive cancers detected after breast cancer screening yielded a negative result: relationship of mammographic density to tumor prognostic factors

PURPOSE: To evaluate common breast tumor prognostic characteristics, including estrogen receptor (ER) status, grade, size, and method of detection, in relationship to mammographic density. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 121 women who had negative results at both screening mammography and breast physical examination within 17 months before a diagnosis of breast cancer. Mammographic density was classified according to Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System patterns 1 through 4 (where 1 indicates a fatty breast and 4 indicates a dense breast). Axillary nodal status and tumor histologic ER status, histologic grade, size, stage, and method of detection (mammography alone, palpation alone, or both palpation and mammography) were analyzed by density category and tested for statistically significant differences across categories by using analysis of variance. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences (P <.05) by density category were found for the following variables: ER positivity (15 of 15 tumors in category 1 breasts, 32 of 41 tumors in category 2 breasts, 37 of 49 tumors in category 3 breasts, and eight of 16 tumors in category 4 breasts were ER positive), occurrence of grade 1 tumors (eight, 11, 19, and four tumors in category 1, category 2, category 3, and category 4 breasts, respectively, were grade 1), mean tumor size (11.3, 13.0, 14.7, and 19.7 mm for category 1, category 2, category 3, and category 4 breasts, respectively), detection with mammography alone (13, 31, 36, and four tumors in category 1, category 2, category 3, and category 4 breasts, respectively, were detected with mammography alone), and occurrence of stage I tumors (10, 25, 28, and five tumors in category 1, category 2, category 3, and category 4 breasts, respectively, were stage I). CONCLUSION: In women with negative results at clinical and mammographic screening within 17 months before breast tumor detection, subsequently diagnosed cancers tend to be ER negative, of higher grade, and larger in size in those with dense tissue patterns than in those with fat patterns.     

三阴性乳腺癌3 T磁共振表现及临床病理特征研究

目的:研究三阴性乳腺癌(TNBC)3 T磁共振表现和临床病理特征,并与非三阴性乳腺癌(NTNBC)进行比较。方法:回顾性分析经病理证实的TNBC和NTNBC患者的MRI表现及病理组织学分型、分级等临床病理特征,用t检验及χ~2检验分析差异有无统计学意义。结果:TNBC与NTNBC在形态、内部强化及病理分级方面差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05),而在患者年龄、病灶大小、边缘及时间-信号强度曲线上,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:MRI影像表现及病理特征有助于诊断TNBC。     

Breast masses with peripheral rim enhancement on dynamic contrast-enhanced MR images: correlation of MR findings with histologic features and expression of growth factors

PURPOSE: To investigate the histologic bases of rim enhancement of breast masses demonstrated on dynamic contrast material-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dynamic MR images of breast lesions (invasive carcinoma, n = 29; other, n = 6) in 35 women were reviewed. In each patient, subtraction images of the dynamic contrast-enhanced study were obtained, and early and delayed rim enhancement and delayed internal enhancement were evaluated. The MR findings were correlated with the ratio of microvessel density of the peripheral to the central portion of the lesion, fibrosis, and other histologic features, including expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor ss1. RESULTS: Early rim enhancement was observed in 29% and delayed rim enhancement was noted in 60% of all patients. Small cancer nests, a high ratio of peripheral-to-central microvessel density, peripheral VEGF expression, and a low ratio of peripheral-to-central fibrosis were correlated with early rim enhancement. Delayed rim enhancement was correlated with a high degree of fibrosis and inflammatory changes. Delayed internal enhancement was correlated with a high degree of fibrosis. CONCLUSION: Rim enhancement of breast lesions at MR imaging is due to a combination of angiogenesis, distribution and degree of fibrosis, expression pattern of VEGF, and various histologic features.     

乳腺癌MR动态增强与预后因子的相关性研究

目的探讨MR动态增强(DCE-MRI)活体评估乳腺癌预后的可行性。资料与方法分析DCE-MRI参数与乳腺癌分子预后因子的相关性,对34例乳腺癌患者术前行DCE-MRI检查,病理组织免疫组织化学染色记录分子预后因子ER、Ki-67、c-erbB-2、uPA/PAI-1的表达情况,用Spearman等级相关分析分析时间-信号强度曲线、动态增强参数(强化率、峰值时间、初始斜率、流出率)与预后因子的相关性。结果曲线类型与uPA/PAI-1阳性表达呈正相关(r=0.507);峰值时间与ER阳性表达呈正相关(r=0.532),与Ki-67(r=-0.542)、c-erbB-2(r=-0.535)、uPA/PAI-1(r=-0.640)阳性表达呈负相关。结论部分DCE-MRI参数与乳腺癌预后因子表达具相关性,可以间接预测乳腺癌的预后,从而指导临床治疗方案的制定。