Metallic marker placement after stereotactic core biopsy of breast calcifications: comparison of two clips and deployment techniques

OBJECTIVE: Two methods of deployment of metallic clips at the site of stereotactic core biopsy for breast calcifications are compared retrospectively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred nineteen clips deployed through an 11-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsy probe at core biopsy sites were compared with 109 vascular ligating clips deployed at biopsy sites using an 18-gauge spinal needle. The distance of each clip from the position of the target calcification was assessed using stereotactic coordinates in 52 sequential cases and was measured on mammograms before and after biopsy in 108 clips deployed through an 11-gauge probe and 98 clips deployed using an 18-gauge needle. Variance in clip position between postbiopsy and follow-up mammograms was measured in 43 clips placed with an 11-gauge probe and in 44 clips placed with an 18-gauge needle. Comparable measurements of variance in position of fat necrosis calcifications between screening mammograms were used as controls. RESULTS: Ninety-seven percent of the clips placed with an 11-gauge probe and 98% of the clips placed using an 18-gauge needle were within 1 cm of the target calcifications using stereotactic coordinates. On mammograms obtained after biopsy, 70% of the clips placed with an 11-gauge probe and 63% of the clips placed using an 18-gauge needle were within 1 cm of the target calcifications, and the position of 91% of the clips placed with an 11-gauge probe and 90% of the clips placed using an 18-gauge needle varied less than 15 mm on follow-up mammograms. Both clips provided accurate targets for wire-localized excisions. The cost of the 11-gauge needle and clip is $320. The 14-gauge probe, vascular clip, and 18-gauge spinal needle cost $191.58. CONCLUSION: A vascular ligating clip delivered to a stereotactic core biopsy site by an 18-gauge spinal needle is comparable in apparent accuracy and stability to a clip deployed through an 11-gauge probe. This technique allows core biopsies to be performed with instruments smaller than 11-gauge and at a 40% savings in equipment cost.     

Clip migration after 11-gauge vacuum-assisted stereotactic biopsy: case report

A 68-year-old woman underwent stereotactic biopsy of a small cluster of calcifications. The post-biopsy mammograms showed the biopsy-marking clip to be located correctly at the biopsy site. Follow-up mammograms 1 year later showed that the clip migrated to another quadrant of the breast. Findings in this case demonstrate that at long-term follow-up a biopsy-marking clip may not be accurately marking the biopsy site.     

Movement of a biopsy-site marker clip after completion of stereotactic directional vacuum-assisted breast biopsy: case report.

A 51-year-old woman underwent stereotactic core biopsy of suspicious microcalcifications in the upper outer left breast with subsequent metallic clip deployment. Postprocedure mammograms demonstrated accurate placement of the clip. However, mammography 10 months later revealed movement of the clip 4 cm medially in the breast.     

乳腺可疑微钙化灶金属标记夹放置的筛选条件及近期移位的影响因素

目的 探讨乳腺微钙化灶活检过程中放置金属标记夹的筛选条件和影响标记夹移位的因素.方法 108例患者中的114处乳腺微钙化灶做了11 G真空辅助立体定位活检.活检后在每一处病灶都放置了标记央,采用Gel Mark Ultra(82处)或MicroMark Ⅱ标记央(32处).所有钙化簇按照直径和(或)分布被划分成直径<10、10～20、>20 mm的单簇和多簇钙化,并判断金属夹放置的筛选条件.在乳腺X线片上直接测量标记夹和活检部位的距离,按照<10、10～20、>20 mm分成3组.结果 直径<10 mm(25例)和直径10～20 mm之间的单簇钙化(20例)中分别有88.0%(22例)和70.0%(14例)的病灶在活检后显示钙化被取净,直径>20 mm的单簇钙化(17例)没有病灶能被取净.65.8%(75/114)的标记夹准确定位,39个标记夹发生移位,其中34个(87.2%)是沿针道移位,即"手风琴效应"移位.4例患者在活检部位发生大血肿,其中只有1例标记夹能准确定位.结论 直径<20 mm的单簇钙化及多簇钙化灶在活检后都需要放置标记夹,只有直径>20 mm的单簇钙化不需要放置.影响标记夹近期移位的主要因素是"手风琴效应"和血肿.     

Displacement of microcalcifications during stereotactic 11-gauge directional vacuum-assisted biopsy with marking clip placement: case report

A 53-year-old woman with right breast microcalcifications of intermediate concern underwent stereotactic directional vacuum-assisted biopsy with marking clip placement. Postbiopsy mammograms showed displacement of a few of the targeted microcalcifications adjacent to misplaced marker clips. Mammography following stereotactic breast biopsy is important to document the location and number of residual calcifications and to determine the adequacy and location of clip placement.     

Metallic clip deployment during stereotactic breast biopsy: retrospective analysis

PURPOSE: To determine the visibility of presumably excised lesions on screen-film mammograms obtained after biopsy and to determine the accuracy of clip deployment on the basis of measurements obtained on routine pre- and postbiopsy mammograms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred eleven cases of core-needle biopsy with clip deployment were reviewed. In each, the type of lesion, lesion location, and biopsy approach were recorded. Pre- and postbiopsy images were reviewed, and the distance between the clip and biopsy site was measured. Postbiopsy images were reviewed to determine whether the targeted lesion remained visible. RESULTS: In 62 (56%) cases, the clip was located within 5 mm of the target on postbiopsy images (craniocaudal and mediolateral), while in 18 (16%), the clip was within 6-10 mm on one projection. However, 31 (28%) clips were more than 1 cm from the target on at least one postbiopsy image. Of the 111 cases, 39 (35%) were malignant or atypical and required excision. Of these, 18 (46%) had clips at least 1 cm from the targeted lesion on at least one projection. CONCLUSION: Metallic clips placed during core-needle breast biopsy are intended to mark the biopsy site when the visible lesion is excised, in case additional biopsy is required. The data suggest that the position of metallic clips placed during stereotactic core-needle biopsy may differ substantially from the location of the biopsy site. Postbiopsy mammography should be performed in two orthogonal planes to document clip position relative to the biopsy site.     

Clip or marker migration 5-10 weeks after stereotactic 11-gauge vacuum-assisted breast biopsy: report of two cases

Two women, aged 50 and 51 years, underwent stereotactic, 11-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsy from the cranial approach of small lesions in the upper outer quadrant of the right breast with removal of lesions that were detected with mammography. Postbiopsy mammograms showed the metal clip or marker at the biopsy sites in both patients. Histologic analysis of both lesions indicated atypical hyperplasia. Mammograms obtained prior to surgical excision showed caudal z-axis migration of the clip or marker to be 6.5 cm at 5 weeks and 4.5 cm at 10 weeks, respectively. By ignoring the clip or marker that had migrated to an inaccurate location and by using internal and external breast landmarks to guide presurgical excision needle localization, the biopsy sites were successfully excised in both patients.     

Scar formation after stereotactic vacuum-assisted core biopsy of benign breast lesions

AIM: To evaluate scar formation of impalpable breast lesions with benign histological outcome using stereotactic 11-gauge vacuum-assisted core biopsy (VACB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and ten lesions with benign histology for which follow-up mammograms were available, were assessed for scar formation at the biopsy site. All biopsies were performed using stereotactic VACB with 11-gauge needle. The incidence of post-biopsy scar formation and the number of specimens removed were determined. RESULTS: In 4.3% (9/210) of the lesions for which a biopsy was performed with 11-gauge directional vacuum-assisted technique, the follow-up mammogram revealed a scar formation. Of these, six were minimal scars, two were moderate scars and one was a marked scar. Minimal and moderate scars were diagnosed on imaging only. However, the case with marked scar formation required tissue diagnosis to rule out malignancy. CONCLUSION: Although uncommon, scar formation can be seen in the follow-up mammograms after percutaneous breast biopsies. It is important that the radiologist interpreting follow-up mammograms is aware of the features of this lesion and its relationship to the biopsy procedure.     

Stereotactic breast biopsy with an 8-gauge,directional, vacuum-assisted probe: initial experience

This study was prospectively conducted to assess the feasibility, safety and accuracy of an 8-G directional vacuum-assisted biopsy (DVAB) probe in the diagnostic management of nonpalpable breast lesions (NPBL). Of 170 planned procedures which were indicated for investigation of BI-RADS category-3 to category-5 lesions, 153 were performed in 138 consecutive patients. The probe was targeted by the stereotactic unit of a prone table (United States Surgical Corporation, Norwalk, Conn.; and Lorad, Danbury, Conn.). Four to 18 (mean 8) core specimens were obtained for each lesion. In case of complete removal of the lesion, a localizing clip was deployed at the biopsy site. Adequate material for histopathologic examination was obtained in all cases (100%). Four of 138 (3%) patients experienced mild hematomas. We observed 15 of 39 failures (38%) to place the localizing clips. Thirteen of 153 (8%) procedures were inconclusive and required reintervention. Following DVAB, 42 of 138 (30%) patients underwent surgery. Subject to incomplete follow-up of the entire cohort, we observed no false-positive and one false-negative diagnosis. These preliminary results suggest that DVAB using an 8-G probe are feasible, safe and accurate. In our experience, clip placement was problematic. It is probable that increasing the dimensions of DVAB will only be relevant in a limited number of clinical situations, primarily the desire to obtain complete radiologic resections of the target abnormality.     

Benign breast lesions: minimally invasive vacuum-assisted biopsy with 11-gauge needles patient acceptance and effect on follow-up imaging findings

PURPOSE: To evaluate patient acceptance of stereotactic or ultrasonographically (US) guided directional vacuum-assisted 11-gauge needle biopsy of breast lesions and short- and long-term changes at mammography and US resulting from the procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For 91 benign lesions that had been sampled at either stereotactic or US-guided directional vacuum-assisted breast biopsy performed with 11-gauge needles, clinical, mammographic, and US changes were evaluated 1 week after biopsy; 6-month follow-up findings were available for 74 lesions. The subjective outcome of the procedure and patient satisfaction were assessed on the basis of a patient-completed questionnaire that incorporated a multistage scoring system. Statistical analysis of scores for condition for both biopsy methods was performed with the chi2 test. RESULTS: Adverse events occurred during the procedure in four patients. Clinically visible hematomas were observed at 1-week follow-up in 79% of patients. Densities were observed on mammograms in 46% of patients 1 week after biopsy; hematomas with a maximum diameter of 2 cm were seen on sonograms in 74%. Six months after biopsy, mammography revealed discrete architectural changes in one case. No abnormalities were found at 6-month follow-up US. Fifteen patients had various complaints during the procedure; six reported feeling constrained during the first few days after biopsy, and one patient was not satisfied with the cosmetic result. No patient reported a retrospective preference for surgical biopsy instead of directional vacuum-assisted biopsy. Analysis of scores for the stereotactic and US-guided methods revealed a significant difference (P <.001) in favor of the stereotactic method for condition during biopsy, while scores for condition in the first days after biopsy were more equally distributed between the two methods (P =.386). CONCLUSION: Directional vacuum-assisted 11-gauge needle biopsy of the breast is well accepted by patients and rarely produces changes that may alter the mammographic or sonographic appearance of the breast at 6-month follow-up.     

Use of a hemostasis introducer sheath to guide clip delivery during stereotactic directional vacuum-assisted breast biopsy when the biopsy system malfunctions

Stereotactic directional vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (ST DVAB) is an accurate biopsy method. Marking the biopsy site with a clip is mandatory after ST DVAB, in case excision is required. With the ST DVAB system we use, clip was delivered through the biopsy probe. We report a case with malfunctioning of the ST DVAB system during the procedure, and thus the clip could not be placed through the biopsy probe. To salvage the procedure, we placed the clip to the biopsy site via a hemostasis introducer sheath.     

Safety and MRI artifact evaluation at 1.5 T of metallic mounting sheath of a marking clip inadvertently deployed at stereotactic biopsy

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to assess the MRI risk factors for the patient after an unusual case of inadvertent deployment of the mounting sheath of a metallic clip used at stereotactic breast biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated the materials for ferromagnetic properties, heating, and artifacts. RESULTS: Our analysis showed significant deflection and prominent susceptibility artifacts of the sheath at 1.5 T, although the clip itself showed no deflection and only minimal artifact. Our study shows that a device and its delivery apparatus may have significantly different ferromagnetic properties. CONCLUSION: In case of inadvertent deployment of the sheath, a delay of 6-8 weeks before MRI is recommended as a conservative approach to ensure tissue ingrowth and to minimize the chance of harm to the patient. In the case of metallic clips used for breast biopsy, caution is warranted when a portion of the device unintended for placement is introduced into the breast.     

Epithelial displacement after stereotactic 11-gauge directional vacuum-assisted breast biopsy

OBJECTIVE: Displaced epithelial fragments at percutaneous biopsy of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) may mimic stromal invasion. This study was undertaken to determine the frequency of epithelial displacement in DCIS lesions of patients who underwent stereotactic 11-gauge directional vacuum-assisted breast biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 28 consecutive DCIS lesions in patients who underwent stereotactic 11-gauge directional vacuum-assisted breast biopsy followed by surgery. Surgical specimens were examined for histologic evidence of epithelial displacement, consisting of fragments of epithelium in artifactual spaces in breast parenchyma or in lymphovascular channels, accompanied by hemorrhage, fat necrosis, inflammation, hemosiderin-laden macrophages, or granulation tissue. RESULTS: The median number of specimens obtained per lesion was 14 (range, seven to 45). The median interval from stereotactic biopsy to surgery was 27 days (range, 10-59 days). Surgery revealed DCIS in 19 (68%) of 28 lesions, DCIS and infiltrating carcinoma in four lesions (14%), and no residual carcinoma in five lesions (18%). Reactive changes at the biopsy site were identified in all cases. Displacement of benign epithelium into granulation tissue at the stereotactic biopsy site was identified in two cases (7%). We found no evidence of displacement of malignant epithelium. CONCLUSION: Epithelial displacement is uncommon after stereotactic 11-gauge directional vacuum-assisted biopsy of the breast. We observed displacement of benign epithelium in two (7%) of 28 DCIS lesions and no displacement of malignant epithelium.     

Accuracy of marker clip placement after mammotome breast biopsy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess, after stereotaxic, vacuum-assisted breast biopsy, the accuracy of marker clip deployment for guiding subsequent needle localization procedures and surgery. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of 100 vacuum-assisted core breast biopsies that were followed by marker clip deployment. Craniocaudal (CC) and mediolateral oblique (MLO) mammograms were used to locate clips relative to the centre of the target lesion in 5-mm increments. RESULTS: In the 94 of 100 cases adequate for review, maximum marker clip displacement of less than 10 mm on either the CC or MLO views was observed in 68 (72%) cases. In 9 (10%) cases, the localization clip was positioned more that 24 mm from the target lesion. CONCLUSION: Post-biopsy CC and MLO radiographs are recommended to identify those cases in which there is a significant difference between the location of the marker clip and the biopsied lesion.     

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

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

MRI-guided 9-gauge vacuum-assisted breast biopsy: initial clinical experience

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate our initial clinical experience with MRI-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy as an alternative to surgical excision. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review revealed 112 consecutive nonpalpable, mammographically occult MRI-detected breast lesions scheduled for MRI-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy. Biopsy was performed with a 9-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsy probe (Suros Surgical Systems) followed by clip placement (Artemis Medical). Medical records and histologic findings were reviewed. RESULTS: Among 112 lesions, biopsy was cancelled because of nonvisualization of the lesion in 14 (12%). Of the remaining 98 lesions, tissue was successfully acquired in 95 (97%). The median number of specimens obtained was 12 (range, 6-20). The median time to perform MRI-guided biopsy was 33 min for one lesion and 56 min for two lesions. Histology in 95 lesions was benign and concordant in 52 (55%), cancer in 24 (25%), high-risk in 10 (11%), and discordant in nine (9%). MRI-guided biopsy histologies in 24 cancers were ductal carcinoma in situ in 13 (54%) and infiltrating carcinoma in 11 (46%). Seven additional cancers were found at surgery in four discordant lesions and in three high-risk lesions. The clip successfully deployed in 86 (95%) of 91 lesions. Six complications (three hematomas, two instances in which the biopsy probe pierced the skin on the far side of the breast, and one vasovagal reaction) resolved without sequelae. CONCLUSION: MRI-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy is a fast and safe alternative to surgical biopsy for MRI-detected breast lesions. Imaging-histologic correlation is necessary to ensure lesion sampling.     

立体定位穿刺留置导丝引导手术活检隐匿性乳腺病灶

目的　评价立体定位穿刺留置导丝引导手术活检术对临床触诊阴性而乳腺X线摄影发现的隐匿性乳腺病变定位活检的价值。材料与方法　临床扪诊阴性 ,而乳腺X线片显示成簇的细小钙化、模糊小结节及局部结构紊乱等可疑的恶性病灶 ,通过计算机立体定位下穿刺 ,留置导丝于可疑的病灶区 ,然后手术取活体组织行病理学检查。结果　 31例患者 ,乳腺X线检查发现病灶34个 ,定位穿刺留置导丝 32根 ,导丝引导下手术活检 32例次均一次性成功定位与切除 ,定性诊断正确率为 10 0 %。病理检查结果 :恶性病变 9例次 11个病灶 ,良性病变 2 3例次。恶性病变中浸润性导管癌 4例次 5个病灶 ,导管内癌 3例次 ,乳腺单纯癌 2例次 3个病灶。结论　立体定位穿刺留置导丝引导手术活检术对乳腺隐匿性病变定位活检准确 ,既解决了外科医生术中对乳腺微小的病变定位的困难 ,又解决了盲目手术切除或针穿活检假阴性的问题。此技术创伤小 ,简单易行 ,是目前诊断早期乳腺癌的有效方法和技术保证     

The use of carbon marking after stereotactic large-core-needle breast biopsy

PURPOSE: To investigate the use of activated charcoal to mark the biopsy site and needle track after large-core-needle breast biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three hundred seventy-six consecutive patients (with 383 lesions) were referred for stereotactic breast biopsy. Two hundred forty-seven lesions were carbon marked when the need for surgery was likely. Patients who underwent marking were followed up for the results of surgery or mammography performed at our institution. Specimen sizes obtained by using the carbon mark were compared with sizes of consecutive biopsy specimens obtained after hook-wire localization. RESULTS: Carbon marking was well tolerated in all cases. All 132 surgeries performed at the authors' institution were successful in removing the marked target. Specimen sizes compared favorably with sizes of comparison hook-wire localization specimens. All 68 lesions followed mammographically revealed no changes that were attributable to the use of carbon. Two minor complications were observed. Two small cancers were completely removed at needle biopsy. CONCLUSION: Carbon marking is safe and effective for marking the biopsy site and needle track created by stereotactic large-core-needle biopsy of the breast. Marking eliminates the need for postprocedural needle localization. It remains effective when small lesions have been completely removed. This technique should be considered in properly selected cases by those performing large-core-needle biopsy of the breast.     

Contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM)-guided breast biopsy as an alternative to MRI-guided biopsy

Objective:Contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) breast biopsy has been recently introduced into clinical practice. This short communication describes the technique and potential as an alternative to MRI-guided biopsy.Methods and materials:An additional abnormality was detected on a breast MRI examination in a patient with lobular carcinoma. The lesion was occult on conventional mammography, tomosynthesis and ultrasound and required histological diagnosis. Traditionally, this would have necessitated an MRI-guided breast biopsy, but was performed under CESM guidance.Results:A diagnostic CESM study was performed to ensure the lesion visibility with CESM and then targeted under CESM guidance. A limited diagnostic study, CESM scout and paired images for stereotactic targeting were obtained within a 10 min window following a single injection of iodinated contrast agent. The time from positioning in the biopsy device to releasing compression after biopsy and marker clip placement was 15 min. The biopsy confirmed the presence of multifocal breast cancer.Conclusion:CESM-guided breast biopsy is a new technique that can be successfully used as an alternative to MRI-guided breast biopsy.Advances in knowledge:CESM-guided biopsy can be used to sample breast lesions which remain occult on standard mammography and ultrasound.     

Sonographically occult screen detected breast masses: a retrospective analysis of cases undergoing biopsy

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate nonpalpable breast masses identified on mammograms that are sonographically occult. METHODS: The pathology data base at the Woman's Place for Breast Care of the Woman's Hospital of Texas was searched to identify patients who had undergone biopsy for a nonpalpable breast mass identified on mammograms in which a mass was not visible at sonography. RESULTS: There were 32 of 231 such nonpalpable masses that were sonographically occult. Twenty-eight of the masses were histologically benign; four were malignant. CONCLUSION: A small percentage of mammographically visible nonpalpable breast masses are sonographically occult; a majority of these masses are benign. However, biopsy of such masses should be considered and the decision to biopsy based on mammographic features and interval change.