乳腺影像报告和数据系统在国人女性乳腺癌筛查中的应用价值

目的 探讨乳腺影像报告和数据系统(BI-RADS)评估分类在国人女性乳腺癌筛查中的应用价值.方法 搜集2009年8月至12月参加乳腺癌筛查项目中行乳腺X线摄影的3483名妇女资料,参照BI-RADS标准对乳腺评估分类,对于疾病的诊断最终以组织病理结果为金标准,计算BI-RADS评估分类的准确度、敏感度、特异度及BI-RADS各类的阳性预测值(PPV)和阴性预测值(NPV).结果 3483名受检妇女乳腺组成中脂肪型、散在腺体型、不均匀致密型和高度致密型分别有267、1245、1890和81名.进行BI-RADS评估分类,0～5类分别为273(7.8%)、1011(29.0%)、1741(50.0%)、383(11.0%)、59(1.7%)和16(0.5%)名.71例受检者的77个乳腺病变经病理证实,包括恶性病变29例,良性病变48例.BI-RADS评估分类的准确度为63.6%(49/77),敏感度为93.1%(27/29),特异度为45.8%(22/48),BI-RADS总体PPV为50.9%(27/53),0类、4类和5类的PPV分别为25.0%(1/4)、36.4%(12/33)和87.5%(14/16),2类、3类的NPV分别为90.9%(10/11)和100.0%(12/12).结论 乳腺X线摄影应用BI-RADS评估分类可以有效地预测乳腺恶性病变,在国人女性乳腺癌筛查应用中有一定价值.     

乳腺影像报告和数据系统在国人女性乳腺癌筛查中的应用价值

目的 探讨乳腺影像报告和数据系统(BI-RADS)评估分类在国人女性乳腺癌筛查中的应用价值.方法 搜集2009年8月至12月参加乳腺癌筛查项目中行乳腺X线摄影的3483名妇女资料,参照BI-RADS标准对乳腺评估分类,对于疾病的诊断最终以组织病理结果为金标准,计算BI-RADS评估分类的准确度、敏感度、特异度及BI-RADS各类的阳性预测值(PPV)和阴性预测值(NPV).结果 3483名受检妇女乳腺组成中脂肪型、散在腺体型、不均匀致密型和高度致密型分别有267、1245、1890和81名.进行BI-RADS评估分类,0～5类分别为273(7.8%)、1011(29.0%)、1741(50.0%)、383(11.0%)、59(1.7%)和16(0.5%)名.71例受检者的77个乳腺病变经病理证实,包括恶性病变29例,良性病变48例.BI-RADS评估分类的准确度为63.6%(49/77),敏感度为93.1%(27/29),特异度为45.8%(22/48),BI-RADS总体PPV为50.9%(27/53),0类、4类和5类的PPV分别为25.0%(1/4)、36.4%(12/33)和87.5%(14/16),2类、3类的NPV分别为90.9%(10/11)和100.0%(12/12).结论 乳腺X线摄影应用BI-RADS评估分类可以有效地预测乳腺恶性病变,在国人女性乳腺癌筛查应用中有一定价值.

Abstract：

Objective To study the value of breast imaging reporting and data system (BI-RADS)in Chinese breast cancer screening. Methods A total number of 3483 women participated in breast cancer screening with mammography in Hexi district in Tianjin from August to December 2009, which was organized by ministry of public health. BI-RADS assessment categories and recommendations were compared with histological findings. The precision, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated. Results Among 3483 screening mammography cases, 267 were almost entirely fat breast, 1245 were scauered fibroglandular, 1890 were dense and 81 extremely dense.There were 1011 patients(29.0%) with category 1, 1741 (50.0%) with category 2, 383 (11.0%) with category 3, 59 patients(1. 7%) with category 4 and 16 (0. 5%) with category 5 according to BI-RADS assessment categories. Totally, 71 women with 77 lesions were confirmed by histological examinations. There were 29 malignant and 48 benign lesions. The diagnostic precision, sensitivity, specificity of BI-RADS were 63. 6% (49/77) , 93. 1% (27/29) and 45.8% (22/48) . The general PPV of BI-RADS was 50. 9%(27/53). The PPV of categories 0, 4, 5 were 25.0% (1/4), 36. 4% (12/33) and 87. 5% (14/16). The NPV of categories 2 and3 were90.9% (10/11), 100.0% (12/12). Conclusions B1-RADS is of much value in assessing the breast malignancy. It is applicable in Chinese breast cancer screening.     

MRI对于乳腺X线摄影BI-RADS 4～5类微钙化病变的诊断价值

目的探讨MRI对于X线摄影乳腺影像报告和数据系统(BI-RADS)4～5类微钙化病变的诊断价值。方法回顾性分析经活检或手术病理证实、乳腺X线摄影发现BI-RADS 4～5类微钙化病变且行乳腺MRI检查的118例女性病人(共119个病灶),年龄27～66岁,平均(46.6±9.3)岁。参照BI-RADS标准,对乳腺X线摄影和MR影像进行BI-RADS分类。在MR DWI的ADC图上测量病灶的ADC值,X线摄影、MRI与病理分别测量病灶大小。采用卡方检验和t检验分别比较良恶性病变微钙化形态、分布及ADC值的差异。采用Wilcoxon符号秩和检验比较X线摄影、MRI与病理测量病灶大小的差异。以病理结果为金标准,计算X线摄影和MRI诊断的敏感度、特异度、准确度、阳性预测值(PPV)、阴性预测价值(NPV)。采用受试者操作特征(ROC)曲线评价诊断效能。采用Z检验比较X线摄影和MRI诊断微钙化病变的ROC曲线下面积(AUC)。采用Spearman相关分析和Bland-Altman法评价X线摄影、MRI与病理测量乳腺癌肿瘤大小的相关性和一致性。结果 119个病灶中,良性病灶46个,恶性病灶73个。良恶性病变微钙化形态、分布及ADC值差异均有统计学意义(均P0.05)。乳腺X线摄影和MRI诊断的敏感度、特异度、准确度、PPV、NPV分别为84.93%、32.61%、64.71%、66.67%、57.59%和95.89%、71.74%、86.55%、84.34%、91.67%,MRI的AUC大于X线摄影(P0.05)。X线摄影、MRI测得的肿瘤大小均大于病理测量结果(均P0.05)。X线摄影、MRI与病理测量肿瘤大小均具有中度相关性(rs分别为0.602、0.603,均P0.05)。Bland-Altman分析显示,与病理结果比较,X线摄影、MRI均高估肿瘤大小,一致性欠佳。结论乳腺MRI对X线摄影BI-RADS 4～5类微钙化的敏感度和阴性预测值较高。与病理学结果比较,MRI与X线摄影均高估肿瘤大小。     

BI-RADS分类标准在高危人群乳腺癌钼铑双靶X线摄影筛查中的应用

目的 :探讨影像报告和数据系统(BI-RADS)在鲁西北高危人群乳腺癌钼铑双靶X线摄影筛查中的应用价值。方法 :1 371例触诊阳性及有家族史人群作为筛查对象,均行全数字钼铑双靶X线摄影,并根据第5版BI-RADS分类标准进行图像分析,将BI-RADS分类评估结果与病理结果进行比较。结果:钼铑双靶X线摄影筛查乳腺癌辐射剂量明显减低,有效减少散射线;与病理结果比较,BI-RADS分类对乳腺病变的诊断符合率为83.67%,敏感度89.85%,特异度78.80%,阳性预测值为76.90%,阴性预测值为90.81%;受试者工作特征曲线下面积为0.701。结论:全数字钼铑双靶X线摄影辐射剂量低,且BI-RADS分类标准对乳腺癌的诊断和鉴别诊断有重要作用,有利于指导临床治疗方案的制订。     

乳腺钼靶在ACR BI-RADS 4类亚类中的应用价值:基于美国国家乳腺钼靶数据库的研究结果

目的评价国家乳腺钼靶数据库(NMD)的X线检查在美国放射学会(ACR)乳腺影像报告和数据系统(BIRADS)第4类亚类中的应用价值和阳性预测值(PPV)。材料与方法回顾性评估2008年1月1日—2014年12月30日间向NMD提交的乳腺钼靶检查数据。比较BI-RADS 4类亚类的利用率,分别为年、设施(类型、位置、人群区域)和检查(适应证、表现)特征。PPV3(活检的阳性预测值)根据第4类亚类进行整体计算。采用χ2检验进行相关分析。结果乳腺钼靶检查共计1 309 950例,其中125 447例(9.6%)为第4类,4类中33.33%(41 841/125 447)进行了亚类评价。BIRADS 4类亚类分析率较高见于:社区、郊区或西部的钼靶检查,具有乳腺癌病史的检查,其他影像学发现乳腺结构紊乱(P0.001);用于乳腺癌前期检查结果分析;或用于展示结构改变的影像表现。41 841例BI-RADS 4类的病人,4A占55.6%(23 258/41 841),4B占31.8%(13 302/41 841),4C占12.6%(581/41 841)。91 563例病人有病理结果 ,BI-RADS 4类的病人PPV3是21.1%(19 285/91 563例),且BI-RADS 4类各亚类的PPV3差异均有统计学意义(P0.001):4A的PPV为7.6%(1 274/16 784),4B为22%(2 317/10 408),4C为69.3%(2 839/4 099)。结论乳腺钼靶BI-RADS 4类亚类评价应用仍较少(33.3%),在亚类评价中,PPV3属于BI-RADS指定的恶性肿瘤范围。本研究结果证实BI-RADS 4类亚类评价应更广泛应用于临床让病人获益。     

实时超声造影对提高乳腺肿瘤BI-RADS分类准确性的价值

目的探讨超声造影对提高乳腺肿瘤乳腺影像报告和数据系统(BI-RADS)分类准确性的价值。资料与方法收集151个乳腺肿瘤的常规超声及超声造影资料,根据常规超声进行BI-RADS分类;并行超声造影检查,结合病灶造影增强扫描特点重新进行分类,与病理结果进行比较,并比较常规超声BI-RADS分类与结合超声造影的BI-RADS分类对乳腺肿物恶性风险分层的评估能力。结果结合超声造影增强扫描特点后,BI-RADS分类的变化主要发生在3类和4A类,常规超声BI-RADS分类评估诊断敏感度、特异度、准确度、阳性预测值、阴性预测值分别为92.2%、52.1%、72.8%、80.5%、75.7%;结合超声造影图像特点后的BI-RADS分类,其诊断特异度、准确度、阴性预测值分别提高至72.9%、86.8%、83.3%,与常规超声比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。常规超声BI-RADS分类评估ROC曲线下面积为0.802,与结合超声造影后的曲线下面积0.878比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论在常规超声BI-RADS分类的基础上,结合病灶的造影增强模式有助于提高超声BIRADS分类对乳腺肿块恶性风险分层的评估能力。     

基于第五版BI-RADS对乳腺4类钙化恶性风险分层的应用研究

目的 探讨乳腺X线摄影中BI-RADS 4类钙化影像特征结合临床特征预测乳腺高危病变恶性风险分层的价值。方法 回顾性分析经乳腺X线摄影检查发现的BI-RADS 4类钙化376例,由乳腺诊断医师在未知病理结果的情况下依据第五版BI-RADS对这些钙化的形态和分布进行描述并给出最终分类,以病理结果为金标准,计算各形态和各分布及组合分类的阳性预测值(PPV)。再结合患者的相关临床因素,分析影响BI-RADS 4类钙化恶性风险的因素。结果 376例患者中包括193例恶性病灶,183例良性病灶,PPV为51.3%。其中无定形、粗糙不均质、细小多形性和细线样及细分支状钙化的PPV分别为34.0%、38.1%、81.4%和95.2%。区域性、团簇状、线样和段样分布的钙化的PPV分别为26.0%、46.5%、90.0%和89.6%。综合考虑钙化的形态和分布后,区域性分布的无定形钙化的PPV降为13.0%,符合BI-RADS 4B类;线样和段样分布的无定形钙化的PPV为100.0%和75.0%,符合BI-RADS 5类和4C类;区域性分布的粗糙不均质钙化的PPV为0%,符合BI-RADS 2类;段样分布...     

结合MRI和X线分类对乳腺X线筛查为BI-RADS 4类肿块的处理体会

目的:评价结合MRI和X线分类对乳腺X线筛查为BI-RADS 4类肿块的良恶性评估价值,探讨BI-RADS 4类肿块新的处理建议.方法:X线筛查为BI-RADS 4a类(105个)、4b类(42个)和4c类(19个)的151例共166个乳腺肿块,在活检前行MRI.动态增强结合扩散加权成像(DWI)进行MRI BI-RADS分类.结合X线与MRI分类提出新的良恶性评估法.统计X线与MRI诊断乳腺癌的敏感度、特异度及诊断符合率;绘制两者的ROC曲线,Z检验比较曲线下面积;统计结合MRI和X线的新的良恶性评估法发现乳腺癌的敏感性、诊断符合率和对良性病变检出率.结果:2名X线诊断医师和2名MRI诊断医师的BI-RADS分类的Kappa值分别为0.70和0.76,一致性较好.166个肿块,恶性41个,占24.7％.X线BI-RADS 4a类105个:恶性12个,MRI分类为4、5类12个;良性93个,MRI为2、3类81个.X线BI-RADS 4b类42个:恶性16个,MRI分类为4、5类15个;良性26个,MRI为2、3类16个.X线BI-RADS 4c类19个:恶性13个,MRI分类为4、5类12个;良性6个,MRI为3类2个.X线诊断敏感度、特异度为70.7％、74.4％,诊断符合率为73.5％.MRI诊断敏感度、特异性及诊断符合率为95.1％、79.2％和83.1％.X线及MRI诊断乳腺癌的ROC曲线下面积分别为0.749及0.927,两者差异有统计学意义(Z=2.282,P＜0.05).新的良恶性评估法发现乳腺癌的敏感度为100％,诊断符合率为77.7％,良性病变检出率为53.0％.结论:MRI对乳腺X线筛查为BI-RADS 4类肿块有较高的诊断价值.结合X线及MRI分类进行新的良恶性评估,能减少良性肿块不必要的活检.     

BI-RADS~-MRI4类乳腺癌阳性预测值与亚分类的初探

目的分析MRI的乳腺影像报告和数据系统(breast imaging reporting and data system,BI-RADS-MRI)4类病例乳腺癌阳性预测值(positive predictive value,PPV),初步探讨其亚分类。方法回顾性总结BI-RADS-MRI4类286例患者的MRI资料,以病理及随访结果为金标准,统计该类病例活检率及PPV,并用Logistic回归法分析各征象的PPV和优势比(OR)。结果 BI-RADS-MRI 4类活检率为75.5%,PPV为30.6%。不规则型肿块呈不均匀强化,平台型或流出型曲线的PPV为0.56;毛刺肿块,强化均匀的PPV为0.45;圆形/椭圆形肿块,边缘光滑,强化均匀的PPV为0.11。病灶呈导管/段样分布、不均匀强化的PPV为0.35;病灶呈局灶/区域/广泛分布、强化均匀的PPV为0.22。结论 PPV能初步对BI-RADS-MRI 4类行亚分类,但仍需进一步研究。     

彩色多普勒血流显像与超声弹性成像联合诊断BI-RADS4类乳腺病变

目的 探讨彩色多普勒血流显像(CDFI)与超声弹性成像(UE)联合诊断乳腺影像报告和数据系统(BI-RADS)4类乳腺病变的价值.资料与方法 132例BIRADS4类乳腺病变,根据病变血流Adler半定量分级及弹性评分对BI-RADS分类进行调整,绘制ROC曲线,比较BI-RADS分类及校正BI-RADS分类.结果 132例病灶中,良性病灶75个,恶性病灶57个.CDFI诊断乳腺癌的敏感度为87.72％,特异度为48.00％,准确度为65.15％;UE诊断乳腺癌的敏感度为87.72％,特异度为61.33％,准确度为72.73％.校正BI-RADS分类诊断4类乳腺病变的ROC曲线下面积为0.845,明显高于BI-RADS分类的0.760 (Z=2.963,P＜0.01).结论 CDFI联合UE可以明显提高对BI-RADS 4类乳腺病变的诊断准确率,有效减少不必要的术前活检.     

The positive predictive value of the breast imaging reporting and data system (BI-RADS) as a method of quality assessment in breast imaging in a hospital population

Evaluation of the diagnostic performance of mammography and US in our hospital, based upon the positive predictive value (PPV) for breast cancer of the breast imaging reporting and data system (BI-RADS) final assessment categories, has been performed. A follow-up study of 2,762 mammograms was performed, along with 955 diagnostic exams and 1,807 screening exams. Additional US was performed in 655 patients (23.7%). The combined reports were assigned a BI-RADS category. Follow-up was obtained by pathologic examination, mammography at 12 months or from PALGA, a nationwide network and registry of histo- and cytopathology. Overall sensitivity was 85% (specificity 98.7%); sensitivity of the diagnostic examinations was 92.9% (specificity 97.7%) and of the screening examinations 69.2% (specificity 99.2%). The PPV of BI-RADS 1 was 5 of 1,542 (0.3%), and of BI-RADS 2, it was 6 of 935 (0.6%). BI-RADS 3 was 6 of 154 (3.9%), BI-RADS 4 was 39 of 74 (52.7%) and BI-RADS 5 was 57 of 57 (100%). The difference between BI-RADS 1 and 2 vs. BI-RADS 3 was statistically significant (P<0.01). Analysis of BI-RADS 3 cases revealed inconsistencies in its assignment. Evaluation of the BI-RADS final assessment categories enables a valid analysis of the diagnostic performance of mammography and US and reveals tools to improve future outcomes.     

Screening US in Patients with Mammographically Dense Breasts: Initial Experience with Connecticut Public Act 09-41

Purpose: To determine performance and utilization of screening breast ultrasonography (US) in women with dense breast tissue who underwent additional screening breast US in the 1st year since implementation of Connecticut Public Act 09-41 requiring radiologists to inform patients with heterogeneous or extremely dense breasts at mammography that they may benefit from such examination. Materials and Methods: Informed consent was waived for this institutional review board-approved, HIPAA-compliant retrospective review of 935 women with dense breasts at mammography who subsequently underwent handheld screening and whole-breast US from October 1, 2009, through September 30, 2010. Results: Of 935 women, 614 (65.7%) were at low risk, 149 (15.9%) were at intermediate risk, and 87 (9.3%) were at high risk for breast cancer. Of the screening breast US examinations, in 701 (75.0%), results were classified as Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category 1 or 2; in 187 (20.0%), results were classified as BI-RADS category 3; and in 47 (5.0%), results were classified as BI-RADS category 4. Of 63 aspirations or biopsies recommended and performed in 53 patients, in nine, lesions were BI-RADS category 3, and in 54, lesions were BI-RADS category 4. Among 63 biopsies and aspirations, three lesions were malignant (all BI-RADS category 4, diagnosed with biopsy). All three cancers were smaller than 1 cm, were found in postmenopausal patients, and were solid masses. One cancer was found in each risk group. In 44 of 935 (4.7%) patients, examination results were false-positive. Overall positive predictive value (PPV) for biopsy or aspirations performed in patients with BI-RADS category 4 masses was 6.5% (three of 46; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.7%, 19%). Overall cancer detection rate was 3.2 cancers per 1000 women screened (three of 935; 95% CI: 0.8 cancers per 1000 women screened, 10 cancers per 1000 women screened). Conclusion: Technologist-performed handheld screening breast US offered to women in the general population with dense breasts can aid detection of small mammographically occult breast cancers (cancer detection rate, 0.8-10 cancers per 1000 women screened), although the overall PPV is low. ? RSNA, 2012.     

Contrast-enhanced MR mammography for evaluation of the contralateral breast in patients with diagnosed unilateral breast cancer or high-risk lesions

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate accuracy of gadobenate dimeglumine-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) mammography for depiction of synchronous contralateral breast cancer in patients with newly diagnosed unilateral breast cancer or high-risk lesions, with histologic analysis or follow-up as reference. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study had ethics committee approval; all patients provided written informed consent. One hundred eighteen consecutive women (mean age, 52 years) with unilateral breast cancer or high-risk lesions and negative findings in the contralateral breast at physical examination, ultrasonography, and conventional mammography underwent gadobenate dimeglumine-enhanced 1.5-T MR mammography. Transverse three-dimensional T1-weighted gradient-echo images were acquired before and at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 minutes after gadobenate dimeglumine administration (0.1 mmol per kilogram body weight). Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) was used to categorize breast density and the level of suspicion for malignant contralateral breast lesions. Results were compared with histologic findings. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values for contrast-enhanced MR mammography were evaluated. RESULTS: Contrast-enhanced MR mammography revealed contralateral lesions in 28 (24%) of 118 patients. Twenty-four lesions were detected in patients with dense breasts (BI-RADS breast density category III or IV). Lesions in eight (29%) of 28 patients were BI-RADS category 4; patients underwent biopsy. Lesions in 20 (71%) patients were BI-RADS category 5; patients underwent surgery. At histologic analysis, 22 lesions were confirmed as malignant; six lesions were fibroadenomas. No false-negative lesions were detected; none of the fibroadenomas were BI-RADS category 5. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values of contrast-enhanced MR mammography for depiction of malignant or high-risk contralateral lesions were 100%, 94%, 95%, 79%, and 100%, respectively. Follow-up findings (12-24 months) confirmed absence of contralateral lesions in 90 of 118 patients with negative contrast-enhanced MR mammographic findings in the contralateral breast. CONCLUSION: Contrast-enhanced MR mammography is accurate for detection of synchronous contralateral cancer or high-risk lesions in patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer or high-risk lesions.     

Clinical utility of bilateral whole-breast US in the evaluation of women with dense breast tissue.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical utility of bilateral whole-breast ultrasonography (US) as an adjunct examination to mammography in asymptomatic women with dense (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System [BI-RADS] density category 3 or 4) breast tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between July 1998 and April 2000, 1,862 patients with negative findings at clinical examinations, negative mammographic results, and breast tissue with BI-RADS category 3 or 4 density were evaluated with bilateral whole-breast US for occult cystic and solid masses, areas of architectural distortion, and acoustic shadowing. Suggestive findings were compared with tissue diagnoses from US-guided core biopsy specimens. US was initially performed by a US or a mammography technologist. The average time to perform the examination was approximately 10 minutes. Abnormal findings were corroborated by a fellowship-trained breast-imaging radiologist. RESULTS: In the 1,862 women examined with bilateral whole-breast US, 57 biopsies were recommended in 56 patients; follow-up data were available in 51 of the 56 patients. Six breast cancers were detected (cancer detection rate, 0.3%). CONCLUSION: Bilateral whole-breast US, when performed in patients with dense (BI-RADS category 3 or 4 density) breast tissue, is useful in detecting breast cancer not discovered with mammography or clinical breast examination. The 0.3% cancer detection rate compares favorably with that of screening mammography and with that in previously published studies involving bilateral whole-breast US.     

Outcome of breast lesions detected at screening ultrasonography

Objective

To assess the final outcome of breast lesions detected during screening ultrasonography (US) and categorized by BI-RADS final assessment.

Materials and methods

During a 1-year period, 3817 consecutive asymptomatic women with negative findings at both clinical breast examinations and mammography underwent bilateral whole breast US and BI-RADS categories were provided for US-detected breast lesions. The reference standard was a combination of histology and US follow-up (≥12 months), and the final outcomes of 1192 US-detected lesions were analyzed.

Results

Of 904 category 2 lesions, 890 remained stable for 12–60 months. Biopsies of 14 lesions revealed no malignancies (NPV = 100%). Of 247 category 3 lesions, 232 remained stable for 12–60 months. Biopsies of 15 lesions revealed 2 malignancies, which were diagnosed within 6 months of the index examination and were node negative (NPV = 99.2%). Of 41 category 4 lesions, biopsies of 38 lesions revealed 5 malignancies (PPV = 12.2%), and 3 remained stable for 37–51 months. No US-detected lesion was classified as category 5.

Conclusion

The rates of malignancy for US-detected BI-RADS categories 2, 3, and 4 lesions were 0%, 0.8%, and 12.2%, respectively. The final assessment of US BI-RADS categorization showed it to be an appropriate predictor of malignancy for screening US-detected breast lesions.     

Palpable masses in breast during lactation

OBJECTIVES: Diagnosis of breast cancer is more difficult in pregnant and lactating women. In the present study, the value of different radiological methods has been evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-seven patients with palpable breast masses during the lactation period were evaluated. All masses were investigated in the clinical course as well as in ultrasound. If ultrasound demonstrated a suspicious lesion a mammogram was done. If clinical course, ultrasound, and mammography could not rule out breast cancer, MR mammography was done. RESULTS: Eighteen ultrasound-guided biopsies were done, revealing three cysts, seven hyperplasias/mastopathia, three cases of papilloma, and two carcinomas. The 18 mammograms were classified as BI-RADS 1 and 2 in nine cases, as BI-RADS 3 in seven case, as BI-RADS 4 in one cases, and as BI-RADS 5 in also one case. MR mammography was done in 9 cases revealing three BI-RADS 4 categories and one BI-RADS 5 category, all of them showed a malignant histology. CONCLUSIONS: The density of the lactating breast compromises breast cancer diagnosis. Ultrasound should be the method of choice. If possible mammography and MR mammography should be done after lactating period.     

Contrast-enhanced MR imaging in patients with BI-RADS 3-5 microcalcifications

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with microcalcifications classed as Breast Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (BI-RADS) 3-5. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-five patients with mammographic microcalcifications classified as BI-RADS categories 3, 4 or 5 underwent MRI and biopsy with stereotactic vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB). Our gold standard was microhistology in all cases and histology with histological grading in patients who underwent surgery. Patients with a microhistological diagnosis of benign lesions underwent mammographic follow-up for at least 12 months. MRI was performed with a 1.5-Tesla (T) unit, and T1 coronal three-dimensional (3D) fast low-angle shot sequences were acquired before and after injection of paramagnetic contrast agent (0.1 mmol/kg). MRI findings, according to the Fisher score, were classified into BI-RADS classes. In patients with cancer who underwent surgery, we retrospectively compared the extension of the mammographic and MRI findings with histological extension. RESULTS: Histology revealed 26 ductal in situ cancers (DCIS) and ductal microinvasive cancers (DCmic), three atypical ductal hyperplasias (ADH) and 26 benign conditions. Histological grading of the 26 patients with cancer revealed four cases of G1, 11 cases of G2 and 11 cases of G3. If we consider mammographic BI-RADS category 3 as benign and BI-RADS 4 and 5 as malignant, mammography had 77% sensitivity, 59% specificity, 63% positive predictive value (PPV), 74% negative predictive value (NPV) and 67.2% diagnostic accuracy. If we consider MRI BI-RADS categories 1, 2 and 3 as benign and 4 and 5 as malignant, MRI had 73% sensitivity, 76% specificity, 73% PPV, 76% NPV and 74.5% diagnostic accuracy. As regards disease extension, mammography had 45% sensitivity and MRI had 84.6% sensitivity. CONCLUSION: Mammography and stereotactic biopsy still remain the only techniques for characterising microcalcifications. MRI cannot be considered a diagnostic tool for evaluating microcalcifications. It is, however, useful for identifying DCIS with more aggressive histological grades. An important application of MRI in patients with DCIS associated with suspicious microcalcifications could be to evaluate disease extension after a microhistological diagnosis of malignancy, as it allows a more accurate presurgical planning.     

The negative predictive value of electrical impedance scanning in BI-RADS category IV breast lesions

OBJECTIVES: We sought to prospectively assess the value of electrical impedance scanning (EIS) in discriminating benign from malignant lesions classified as BI-RADS category IV in mammography in comparison with ultrasound (US), with a special focus on negative prediction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: EIS was performed on 128 BI-RADS category IV lesions in 121 women (mean, 51.8 years). The newly developed EIS software 2.67 calculates a BI-RADS-like level of suspicion (LOS) on a 5-grade scale. LOS 1, 2, and 3 were considered negative; LOS 4 and 5 were considered positive. Histopathologic results were obtained in all lesions. RESULTS: Histology proved 37 lesions malignant, 91 benign. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of EIS compared with US were 94.6%, 74.7%, 80.5%, 60.3%, 97.1% versus 90.5%, 33.8%, 47.2%, 29.7%, 92.0%, respectively. In 43 lesions sized < or = 10 mm, EIS demonstrated better sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, and NPV of 100%, 83.3%, 90.7%, 82.6%, and 100%, respectively. Although NPV was also high, US showed no sufficient results in 39 (30.5%) lesions because of microcalcifications. Receiver operating curve analysis revealed best results for a combined use of US and EIS. CONCLUSIONS: With a NPV of 97.1% of EIS in BI-RADS category IV breast lesions, a negative result in these lesions could be firm indication to manage them as BI-RADS-category III and refer patients for a 6-month short-interval follow-up rather than performing a biopsy. The best adjunctive diagnostic performance can be achieved by a combination of US and EIS. Costs and patient morbidity could be minimized.