Comparison of rebiopsy rates after stereotactic core needle biopsy of the breast with 11-gauge vacuum suction probe versus 14-gauge needle and automatic gun

OBJECTIVE: The 11-gauge vacuum suction probe is an alternative to the 14-gauge needle and automatic gun for performing stereotactic core needle biopsies. This study compares rebiopsy rates after stereotactic core needle biopsies that were performed with the two methods. The study also assesses the outcomes of those repeat biopsies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five hundred ninety-two stereotactic core needle biopsies using a 14-gauge needle and automatic gun and 354 using an 11-gauge vacuum suction probe were performed consecutively. Excluding malignancies, the number of cases requiring rebiopsy and the reasons for rebiopsy were determined for each group. The histologic diagnoses of the repeat biopsies were assessed. RESULTS: The rebiopsy rate was significantly lower with the 11-gauge vacuum suction probe (9.0%) than with the 14-gauge needle and automatic gun (14.9%) (p = .013). Significant reductions were found in cases of insufficient sampling (probe, 1.7%; needle, 4.4%; p = .042) and mammographic-pathologic discrepancy (probe, 0.8%; needle, 3.4%; p = .026). The rebiopsy rate for masses was 6.1% with the vacuum probe versus 10.7% with the 14-gauge needle (p = .12) and for calcifications was 11.6% with the vacuum probe versus 23.7% with the 14-gauge needle (p = .003). After rebiopsy, the percentage of cases in which malignancy was found was 18.5% with the vacuum probe versus 13.7% with the 14-gauge needle. On rebiopsy, the percentage of malignancies found in each category were atypical hyperplasia: probe 26.7%, needle 20.0%; insufficient sample: probe 0%, needle 9.5%; pathologist recommendation: probe 50.0%, needle 12.5%; and lobular carcinoma in situ: probe 0%, needle 100%. CONCLUSION: Use of the 11-gauge vacuum-assisted device significantly decreases but does not eliminate the need for rebiopsy after stereotactic core needle biopsy. The rebiopsy rate for calcifications was significantly reduced by using the vacuum suction probe rather than the 14-gauge needle; however, the rate for masses was reduced only slightly. On rebiopsy, malignancies were found in both groups.     

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.     

11-gauge vacuum assisted directional biopsy of breast calcifications, using upright stereotactic guidance

To assess the use of a prototype vacuum assisted biopsy device on a standard upright mammography unit, using a slightly modified digital stereotactic add-on component. A group comprised of 42 sequential patients, who had been recalled from an asymptomatic mammographic screening programme, were studied. All 42 were recalled for assessment of small clusters of microcalcification, graded as indeterminate. Group 1 (21 patients) were biopsied using 14-gauge automated large core needle biopsy. Group 2 (21 patients) were biopsied using 11-gauge vacuum assisted biopsy. Both groups had mammographic guidance on the same upright mammographic unit (Siemens 3000), with Opdima Digital Stereotactic add-on. A total of 86% of specimen radiographs in Group 2 patients (vacuum assisted biopsy) showed successful sampling of the calcifications, compared to 62% of Group 1 patients (14-gauge automated large core biopsies). This study shows that vacuum assisted biopsy is possible using upright stereotactic mammography units. The technique shows promise as a biopsy tool, offering larger cores compared to 14-gauge automated large core biopsy, while requiring less space and lower purchase price compared to dedicated prone biopsy tables. The technique also offers access to biopsy in patients with posterior lesions and for patients who cannot tolerate prone positioning.     

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.     

Cost-effectiveness of stereotactic 11-gauge directional vacuum-assisted breast biopsy

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to determine the frequency with which stereotactic 11-gauge directional vacuum-assisted breast biopsy obviated a surgical procedure and to calculate cost savings attributable to that biopsy method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 200 consecutive solitary nonpalpable lesions on which stereotactic 11-gauge directional vacuum-assisted breast biopsy was performed. Cost savings were calculated using Medicare reimbursements. Mammograms, histologic findings, and medical records were reviewed. RESULTS: Stereotactic 11-gauge directional vacuum-assisted biopsy obviated a surgical procedure in 151 (76%) of 200 lesions, including 112 (73%) of 154 calcific lesions and 39 (85%) of 46 masses. Reasons for not obviating a surgical procedure in 49 lesions (25%) included recommendation for surgical biopsy in 35 lesions (18%), small carcinomas treated by excision in 10 lesions (5%), and histologic underestimation in four lesions (2%). Stereotactic 11-gauge directional vacuum-assisted biopsy decreased the cost of diagnosis by S264 per case, a 20% ($264/$1289) decrease in the cost of diagnosis compared with surgical biopsy. Of 200 lesions that had stereotactic 11-gauge directional vacuum-assisted biopsy, 106 (53%) would not have been amenable to 14-gauge automated core biopsy because of their small size, their superficial location, or inadequate breast thickness. CONCLUSION: Stereotactic 11-gauge directional vacuum-assisted breast biopsy obviated a surgical procedure in 76% of lesions, yielding a 20% decrease in cost of diagnosis compared with surgical biopsy. Although savings per case are modest, 11-gauge directional vacuum-assisted biopsy expands the spectrum of lesions amenable to stereotactic biopsy, increasing cost savings in the population.     

Analysis of false-negative results after US-guided 14-gauge core needle breast biopsy

Objectives

To determine the false-negative rate and to evaluate the clinical, radiologic or histologic features of false-negative results at ultrasound (US)-guided 14-gauge core needle biopsy (CNB).

Methods

A total of 3,724 masses from 3,308 women who had undergone US-guided 14-gauge CNB and who had a rebiopsy or at least 2 years’ follow-up were included. The histology of CNB was correlated with the rebiopsy or long-term imaging follow-up. In cases of missed cancer, the time interval between CNB and rebiopsy, the reasons for rebiopsy, and the procedural or lesion characteristics were analysed.

Results

Of 1,706 benign CNBs, 50 additional malignancies were found at excision (false-negative rate, 2.5% of 1,982 with a final diagnosis of malignancy). Of 50 false negatives, 41 were found immediately of which 28 had rebiopsy because of imaging-histological discordance. Regarding the frequency of malignancy according to the reasons for rebiopsy, suspicious imaging finding (24%) showed significantly higher frequency than suspicious clinical findings or request (1%). Regarding the characteristics except invasiveness, no significant differences in false-negative rates were found.

Conclusions

Most false negatives were found immediately and imaging-histological discordance was the most important clue. Careful correlation of clinical, radiological and histological results as well as appropriate follow-up is essential.

     

Ultrasonographic findings 6 months after 11-gauge vacuum-assisted large-core breast biopsy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the ultrasonographic features of post-biopsy change 6 months after 11-gauge vacuum-assisted large-core breast biopsy of pathologically proven benign lesions. Using the literature as a reference, we hypothesized that large-core breast biopsy would result in tissue changes that may mimic malignancy and may be more apparent on ultrasonography than on mammography. METHODS: Two radiologists whose subspecialty is breast imaging retrospectively reviewed the pre-biopsy and 6-month follow-up sonograms of 24 patients with pathologically proven benign lesions. The images were assessed for the number and type of ultrasonographic features. A Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category was assigned to each lesion before biopsy and at 6-month follow-up. The composition of breast tissue surrounding the lesion was assessed as fatty, mixed fibroglandular or dense. RESULTS: The frequency of ultrasonographic changes at 6 months after 11-gauge vacuum-assisted large-core breast biopsy was more frequent than the rate of post-biopsy change previously reported to occur mammographically. The nature of these changes may mimic malignancy in some cases. CONCLUSION: The ultrasonographic appearance of the breast after large-core breast biopsy may mimic malignancy and is, therefore, a potential pitfall when interpreting a post-biopsy sonogram.     

Stereotactic breast biopsy of noncalcified lesions: a cost-minimization analysis comparing 14-gauge multipass automated core biopsy to 14- and 11-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsy

A decision model was used to compare the relative costs of the 14-gauge automated gun technique to the 14-gauge and 11-gauge vacuum-assisted techniques for stereotactic biopsy of noncalcified breast lesions. Probability and cost variables were estimated from clinical experience with 76 automated gun biopsies, seventy-eight 14-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsies and thirty-nine 11-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsies. The 14-gauge automated gun was the preferred strategy from a cost standpoint: the 14-gauge vacuum technique was 1.19 times more expensive, and the 11-gauge was 1.22 times more expensive.     

Radial scars diagnosed at stereotactic core-needle biopsy: surgical biopsy findings

We retrospectively reviewed surgical biopsy findings of lesions diagnosed as radial scars (RS) at stereotactic core-needle biopsy (SCNB). RS was diagnosed in 52 of 1415 (3.7%) consecutive mammographically detected lesions that underwent 14-gauge automated SCNB. Subsequent surgical biopsy findings were available for 43 lesions in 41 women constituting the study group. Of these 43 lesions, histopathological analysis of the surgical specimen yielded RS in 27 (63%), RS plus atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) in 8 (18%), RS plus carcinoma in five (12%), and only carcinoma in three (7%). Carcinomas underestimated at SCNB (n=8) were two in situ carcinomas, two invasive ductal carcinomas not otherwise specified, and four tubular carcinomas. A statistically significant difference (P=0.02) was found between the mean pathologic size of RS without carcinoma and of RS containing carcinoma. Mammographic features could not be used reliably to predict the presence of carcinoma at excision of lesions diagnosed as RS at SCNB. The results suggest that the diagnosis of RS at 14-gauge SCNB of mammographically detected lesions is an indication for surgical biopsy because of the high prevalence of carcinoma in these lesions.     

MRI-guided breast biopsy: clinical experience with 14-gauge stainless steel core biopsy needle

OBJECTIVE: Core needle biopsy has proven advantages for wire localization and excision; however, MRI-guided core biopsy has been limited by less satisfactory sampling efficiency and less availability of MRI-compatible biopsy needles. We evaluated the feasibility and diagnostic yield of MRI-guided biopsy using 14-gauge stainless steel core biopsy needles and MRI-compatible coaxial sheaths in a closed 1.5-T scanner. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five consecutive breast biopsies performed in 29 women between March 2001 and August 2002 were retrospectively reviewed. For each procedure, an MRI-compatible sheath was placed under MRI guidance using a dedicated breast coil and biopsy guidance system. With the patient out of the magnet, a 14-gauge steel core biopsy needle was used to obtain multiple samples. Lesion characteristics, including size, morphology, and enhancement, were recorded. Histology of all the lesions was obtained; and surgical, imaging, or clinical follow-up was performed. RESULTS: Targeted masses and enhancing foci ranged from 3 to 17 mm. Regional enhancement ranged from 14 to 70 mm. Thirty-four of the 35 biopsies were technically successful. Histology revealed malignancy in eight lesions (23%), atypical ductal hyperplasia in five lesions (14%), and benign entities in 21 lesions (60%). Surgery confirmed all eight core biopsies with malignant findings. Two of five lesions with atypical ductal hyperplasia were upgraded to malignancy after surgery. CONCLUSION: This new method of MRI-guided breast biopsy with a 14-gauge stainless steel core biopsy needle and a closed 1.5-T MRI scanner is feasible, safe, and effective and produces satisfactory diagnostic yield. This method offers an alternative to MRI-guided wire localization and to MRI-guided core biopsy with nonferrous needles.     

Renal biopsy in diffuse renal disease--experience with a 14-gauge automated biopsy gun.

The diagnostic and complication rates of 104 percutaneous renal biopsies performed for diffuse renal disease in native kidneys were retrospectively reviewed. Biopsies were performed by one radiologist using continuous ultrasound guidance and a 14-gauge biopsy needle in an automated gun (Biopty TM, Radiplast TM, Uppsala). 103 of 104 (99%) biopsies resulted in adequate tissue for a definitive histological diagnosis which improves on previously published diagnostic rates. Four patients (3.8%) experienced transient macroscopic haematuria. There were two symptomatic peri-renal haematomas, both of whom required transfusion, and one arteriovenous fistula which was successfully embolized (total 2.9% significant complications). Our results compare favourably with results using more conventional techniques. We suggest that use of real-time ultrasound with the 14-gauge Biopty needle should be the method of choice for percutaneous renal biopsy in adults.     

Clip migration within 8 days of 11-gauge vacuum-assisted stereotactic breast biopsy: case report

A 49-year-old woman underwent 11-gauge vacuum-assisted stereotactic biopsy of a cluster of indeterminate calcifications in the left breast. A clip was deployed accurately at the biopsy site as confirmed on mammograms obtained immediately after biopsy. The patient returned 8 days later for additional stereotactic biopsies of the left breast. Repeat mammograms revealed that the clip deployed at the original biopsy site had migrated 5 cm inferiorly.     

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.