Sonographic appearances of galactoceles.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate and summarize the sonographic appearances of galactoceles. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the sonograms and clinical records of 10 patients with galactoceles who had been examined over a 5-year period to evaluate breast lumps that had occurred during lactation or the puerperium. RESULTS: Sonograms from all patients showed well-defined lesions with thin, echogenic walls. The internal appearances of the lesions included homogeneous contents with medium-level echoes in 6 patients and heterogeneous contents with fluid clefts and anechoic rims in 4 patients. Focal echogenic areas with distal shadowing were seen in 2 patients. Most of the lesions showed some distal acoustic enhancement, depending on the internal contents. The diagnosis of a galactocele was established by needle aspiration in 9 patients and by excision biopsy in 1 patient. Needle aspiration alone was therapeutic in 8 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Galactoceles can have a wide range of sonographic appearances and can mimic other lesions of the breast, both benign and malignant. The clues to the diagnosis are recent childbirth and lactation and the presence of a well-defined lesion with some distal acoustic enhancement. Needle aspiration of the lesion is both a diagnostic tool and an effective treatment in most patients with galactoceles.     

乳腺叶状肿瘤的二维及彩色多普勒超声诊断

目的　研究乳腺叶状肿瘤的二维声像图及彩色多普勒血流 (CDFI)特点。方法　回顾分析 5例经手术病理证实的乳腺叶状肿瘤的彩色多普勒超声所见。结果　①叶状肿瘤的二维表现为 :乳腺较大类圆形或分叶状肿物 ,形态规则 (3例 )、哑铃型 (2例 ) ,边界清晰 ,均可见包膜回声及侧方声影 (5例 ) ,内部多为欠均匀的中低回声 (4例 ) ,2例伴有不规则无回声 ;后壁回声增强。②多普勒超声表现 :多数肿物内彩色多普勒血流信号较丰富 (4 /5 )。动脉最大血流速度和RI变化范围较大。似与肿物大小有关。结论　叶状肿瘤的二维声像图具有一定特点 ,但无特异性。难于提示正确诊断。叶状肿瘤彩色多普勒血流信号较丰富 ,声像图结合CDFI有利于本病诊断和鉴别诊断。     

Posterior acoustic shadowing in benign breast lesions: sonographic-pathologic correlation.

OBJECTIVE: To show a variety of benign breast lesions that exhibit posterior acoustic shadowing on sonography. METHODS: The cases illustrate a variety of pathologic breast conditions that were collected at a referral breast center at a tertiary medical center. RESULTS: A variety of pathologic conditions are discussed, with pathologic-imaging correlation. CONCLUSIONS: Although posterior acoustic shadowing is a sonographic feature that is most commonly associated with mammary malignancies, this sonographic finding may also be seen with benign breast lesions.     

Sonographic features of breast carcinoma presenting as masses in BRCA gene mutation carriers.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to review the sonographic features of breast cancer gene BRCA1- and BRCA2-associated breast carcinomas in comparison with "sporadic" breast carcinomas and benign breast masses. METHODS: Sonograms of 233 breast masses, including 33 BRCA-associated malignant masses (BRCA1, 15; BRCA2, 18), 148 sporadic malignant masses, and 52 benign masses, were reviewed by consensus by 2 radiologists according to American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) terminology. RESULTS: Most of the sporadic and BRCA1-and BRCA2-associated cancers displayed an irregular shape (91.2%, 93.3%, and 83.3%, respectively). BRCA1-associated cancers showed microlobulated margins in 53.3% versus 33.8% (sporadic) and 33.3% (BRCA2). A parallel orientation was most frequently encountered in BRCA1-associated lesions (46.7%) versus sporadic (33.8%) and BRCA2 (33.3%), whereas posterior acoustic shadowing was least frequently seen in BRCA1-associated lesions (13.3%) versus BRCA2 (16.7%) and sporadic (31.1%). Most (73.3%) of the BRCA1-associated lesions were classified as BI-RADS category 4, whereas most of the sporadic and BRCA2-associated lesions were classified as BI-RADS category 5 (66.2% and 72.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Sonographic features of BRCA-associated and sporadic breast carcinomas do not differ substantially. BRCA1-associated breast carcinomas trend toward less malignant sonographic characteristics, but strict application of the BI-RADS categorizations demands that they be classified as category 4 or 5.     

Metaplastic carcinoma of the breast: mammographic and sonographic findings

PURPOSE: We investigated the mammographic, sonographic, and pathologic findings in metaplastic carcinoma of the breast. METHODS: The mammographic (n = 16) and sonographic (n = 11) findings in 16 patients with metaplastic carcinoma of the breast were analyzed retrospectively along with pathologic findings. Whenever possible, results of preoperative fine-needle aspiration biopsy and immunohistochemical studies were obtained. RESULTS: All patients presented with a palpable breast mass. The mean size of the lesions at pathologic examination was 4.2 cm. On mammography, 15 patients had a mass (1 patient had 2 masses), and 1 patient had only clustered microcalcifications without an associated mass. The mean longest diameter of the 16 masses on mammography was 4.6 cm. Eleven lesions (69%) were round to ovoid in shape, 13 lesions (81%) showed ill-defined or obscured margins, and 10 lesions (63%) showed associated architectural distortion. On sonography, 6 (55%) of 11 lesions were round to ovoid, 9 lesions (82%) had well-defined margins, and 6 lesions (55%) showed complex echogenicity with solid and cystic components. At pathologic examination, 4 of these 6 lesions showed hemorrhagic or cystic necrosis. Axillary lymph nodes were positive in 6 (40%) of 15 patients in whom axillary node dissection was performed. CONCLUSIONS: Metaplastic carcinoma of the breast manifests as a rapidly growing, mammographically ill-defined round mass with associated architectural distortion on mammograms. Complex echogenicity with solid and cystic components may be seen sonographically and is related to hemorrhagic or cystic necrosis seen pathologically.     

Peripheral pulmonary lesions: ultrasonic features and ultrasonically guided fine needle aspiration biopsy

When transthoracic biopsy is required for diagnosing lung diseases, radiographic procedures are the methods of choice, sonographic application being still limited. Sixty-four consecutive patients with pulmonary lesions adjacent to the chest wall underwent sonography. Findings showed hypoechoic homogeneous lesions (56 cases) with posterior regular margin (57 cases). Increasing echoes deep to the mass and sonographic interruption of hyperechoic surface were seen in all patients. In two cases, chest wall invasion had been diagnosed. Histologic diagnosis was made in 55 of the 64 patients (85.9%). Two pneumothoraces occurred. Sonography is a useful, accurate, and safe technique for diagnosing selected pulmonary lesions.     

Pregnancy- and lactation-associated breast cancer: mammographic and sonographic findings.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the mammographic and sonographic findings of pregnancy-associated breast cancer. METHODS: A total of 22 consecutive patients with breast cancer pathologically diagnosed during pregnancy (n = 10) or lactation (n = 12) were included in this study. The ages of the patients ranged from 26 to 49 years. Both mammography and sonography were performed on 12 patients; sonography only was performed on 7 patients; and mammography only was performed on 3 patients. Mammographic and sonographic findings were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Mammography revealed positive findings in 13 (86.7%) of 15 patients, even though all 15 patients had dense breasts. Mammographic findings included masses (n = 5), masses with calcifications (n = 2), calcifications with axillary lymphadenopathy (n = 2), a mass with axillary lymphadenopathy (n = 1), calcifications alone (n = 1), asymmetric density alone (n = 1), and diffuse skin and trabecular thickening alone (n = 1). Sonographic findings were positive and showed masses for all 19 patients (100%). The common sonographic findings of masses were irregular shapes (n = 15), irregular margins (n = 16), parallel orientation (n = 11), complex echo patterns (n = 14, including marked cystic [anechoic] components [n = 4]), and posterior acoustic enhancement (n = 12). Surrounding tissue effects could be seen in 5 patients, including ductal changes (n = 2), Cooper ligament thickening (n = 1), edema (n = 3), and skin thickening (n = 3). Calcifications within or outside a mass (n = 7) and axillary lymphadenopathy (n = 8) were also detected. CONCLUSIONS: Although a mass could not be discernible by mammography because of increased radiodensity during pregnancy or lactation, calcification, asymmetric density, axillary lymphadenopathy, and skin and trabecular thickening were helpful for diagnosis of pregnancy-associated breast cancer. Sonographic findings of a solid mass with posterior acoustic enhancement and a marked cystic component were somewhat different from the appearance of breast cancer in nonpregnant women, possibly because of the physiologic changes of pregnancy and lactation.     

超声积分法对乳腺实性肿块的鉴别诊断价值的研究

目的 探讨超声积分法在乳腺实性肿块良、恶性中的鉴别诊断价值.方法 选择经手术病理证实的125例136个乳腺实性肿块,常规记录全部乳腺肿块的超声征象,并给予赋值评分,计算每个肿块的总积分.根据病变的评分值将其分类,与病理结果对照,采用受试者工作特性曲线(ROC曲线)评价超声积分的诊断价值.结果 由肿块的形态、边界、有无包膜、纵横比例、后方回声、内部回声、有无微钙化及血流显示8项指标综合而成的肿块的总积分有差异,恶性肿块得分高于良性肿块;ROC曲线下的面积Az=0.915,其95%可信区间为(0.863、0.968).总积分13.5分作为临界值,其敏感性、特异性分别为84.9%、88.9%.结论 超声积分法能半定量分析乳腺实性肿块的二维及彩色多普勒超声征象,可以提高超声诊断的准确率.     

New observations in the sonographic evaluation of intrauterine contraceptive devices

The in vitro sonographic appearance of the four currently available intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) now used in the United States and Canada were analyzed and compared with in vivo scans. While plastic IUD limbs demonstrated entrance-exit echoes in all scan planes, copper IUDs showed posterior reverberation when optimal gain settings were used. Regardless of the transducer used, posterior acoustic shadowing was only seen when IUD limbs were scanned perpendicular to their long axis and at the junction of long and short limbs. The authors feel that these refined ultrasound characteristics will be helpful in accurately identifying IUDs within the uterus.     

Benign papillary lesions of the breast: sonographic-pathologic correlation.

We reviewed the sonographic findings of 42 benign papillary lesions of the breast and correlated them with pathologic findings. Sonography detected 95% of papillomas (22 intraluminal masses, four extraductal masses, nine purely solid masses, and five mixed type masses). The sonographic margins of the mass were well defined in 20 lesions and poorly defined in 14 lesions. Poorly defined margins on sonography were frequent in papillomas with pathologic pseudoinvasion and in juvenile papillomatosis. Most benign papillary lesions of the breast have the sonographic findings suggestive of intraductal origin. The sonographic findings of papillary lesions correlated well with pathologic findings.     

Adnexal masses during pregnancy: accuracy of sonographic diagnosis and outcome

We sought to determine the accuracy of sonographic diagnosis and perinatal outcome in pregnancies with maternal adnexal masses. All patients with a prenatal sonographic diagnosis of an adnexal mass measuring 4 cm or greater beyond 12 weeks of gestation were identified. Only masses associated with live fetuses, for which pathologic follow-up or direct visualization of the ovary was available at a single hospital, were included in the study. Sonographic evaluation of the pelvic mass was done prospectively at the time of the original scan and characterized on the basis of morphologic criteria. One hundred and twenty-five pregnant patients 21 to 47 years old with 131 lesions formed the study group. The pathologic diagnoses included 40 dermoids, 15 endometriomas, 14 cysts, 13 cystadenomas, nine tubal cysts, four fibroids, and one ovarian cancer. Six patients had complex pathologic lesions and five had unusual diagnoses. Twenty-four patients had normal ovaries on follow-up examination. Sonographically benign appearing lesions were seen in 89.3% of patients. Ninety-five percent of dermoids, 80% of endometriomas, and 71% of simple cysts were characterized correctly. Fourteen of the 131 lesions (10.7%) had sonographic characteristics suggestive of malignancy. One of these 14 patients (7%) had ovarian cancer. This represents a 0.8% malignancy rate among the total number of lesions. Twenty-four of the 125 patients (19%) underwent second trimester laparotomy at the discretion of their managing obstetricians, with no pregnancy losses. One patient had acute torsion of a dermoid at 39 weeks. Prenatal sonography can accurately characterize maternal adnexal lesions.     

乳腺脂肪坏死的超声表现及病理对照分析

目的：探讨乳腺脂肪坏死的超声表现及病理基础。方法：回顾性分析经病理证实的33例（其中4例为双侧乳腺脂肪坏死，共37个病变）乳腺脂肪坏死超声表现，并与病理结果对照。结果：主要超声表现：等回声病灶5个（13．5％），低回声病灶16个（43．2％），无回声病灶10个（27．0％），囊实混合回声病灶6个（16．2％）。所有病灶均无血流信号，部分病灶可伴钙化，边界不清，低、无回声病灶后方回声可增强或衰减。病灶位于皮下组织层内7个，腺体内30个。病理表现：①脂肪细胞坏死液化，融合成大的脂肪空泡，周边可见上皮样细胞及泡沫细胞聚集，外围有薄层肉芽组织，伴有大量淋巴细胞和部分浆细胞浸润；②囊壁不同程度增厚，纤维化和玻璃样变，可出现钙盐沉积；⑧病灶已部分或全部被纤维组织取代，周围残留部分纤维组织形成小腔或瘢痕。通常不同病理形式的超声表现常同时出现。结论：超声检查对诊断乳腺脂肪坏死具有重要价值。     

Sonographic findings in focal fibrocystic changes of the breast

The purpose of this study was to identify the spectrum of sonographic appearances in histologically proven focal fibrocystic changes (FC) of the breast to enhance understanding of imaging findings in this commonly encountered benign condition of the breast. During a 28-month period, the pathology database at two breast centers was searched to identify all patients with a pathologic diagnosis of focal FC resulting from biopsy of a focal mammographic, sonographic, or palpable abnormality and who had undergone sonographic evaluation before biopsy. The authors included lesions with a pathologic diagnosis of FC with or without a specific histologic subtype, such as stromal fibrosis, sclerosing adenosis, and apocrine metaplasia. In 58 patients, there were 60 lesions with a pathologic diagnosis of focal FC. Sonographically, focal FC appeared as solid mass in 28 cases (46.6%) and as cysts in eight (13.3%). In nine cases (15%), heterogeneously echogenic tissue was seen, and in the remaining 15 (25%) cases, there was no sonographically visible focal change. Thirteen of the 28 (46.4%) masses were classified as sonographically indeterminate. One mass was classified as probably malignant, and 14 masses were sonographically benign. A significant number of focal FC appear as solid masses. The sonographic features are not specific enough to differentiate between those that have a dominant component of focal fibrosis, sclerosing adenosis, or apocrine metaplasia from FC without a specific histologic subtype. Many of these solid masses may appear indeterminate, based on published criteria. An understanding of the imaging findings also helps to avoid repeat biopsy for discordant histologic and imaging findings.     

Mesenteric cyst: sonographic findings

Background: Mesenteric cyst (MC) is a relatively rare disease, and its sonographic characteristics have not been sufficiently analyzed. Methods: We studied the sonographic findings of eight patients with MC, with attention paid to its size, shape, internal echoes, and especially the presence or absence of lateral shadowing and the mode of back echoes. In four cases, the sound velocity and acoustic impedance of cystic fluid were also measured. The mode of blood flow was evaluated by color Doppler sonography. Results: Six cases showed an oval or comma-shaped mass. Internal echoes were present in six cases, and two of them showed a pseudosolid pattern. In these cases, M-mode sonography confirmed the movement of these internal echoes. Only one case showed a posterior echo enhancement, and no case showed lateral shadowing. Sound velocity measured in four cases was 1515–1537 m/s, with an acoustic impedance of 1.550–1.576 kg/m²/s. No blood flow signals were obtained from the lesion. Conclusion: MC exhibits so many patterns on ultrasound that we should consider the possibility of MC when encountering an avascular oval mesenteric mass. Received: 30 August 1999/Accepted: 6 October 1999     

乳腺实质性导管内乳头状瘤的超声特征

目的 探讨超声在乳腺实质性导管内乳头状瘤诊断中的价值.方法 回顾性分析2007年4月-2009年4月经我院超声提示为实质性肿块、病理证实为导管内乳头状肿瘤的97例患者共112个病灶的超声声像图特征.结果 112个病灶中良性92个,恶性20个.超声检查良性病灶多表现为:形态不甚规则,边界较清,纵横比<0.7,内部呈低回声且分布不均匀,后方回声增强,内部血流信号较丰富.良、恶性病灶的超声特征差异无统计学意义.结论 乳腺实质性导管内乳头状瘤的超声表现具有一定特征,有助于早期诊断,但超声鉴别病灶的良恶性仍有一定困难.     

肾上腺皮质大腺瘤超声表现

目的分析肾上腺皮质大腺瘤（直径≥4．0em）超声声像图表现。方法回顾性分析2006年1月至2012年8月中国医学科学院肿瘤医院经手术及病理证实的13例肾上腺皮质大腺瘤（直径≥4．0cm）患者的超声声像图表现。结果13例肾上腺皮质大腺瘤患者均为单侧单发。13个肾上腺皮质大腺瘤均有完整包膜,肿瘤直径为4．0～8．8cm,平均（5．5±1．6）cm。3个呈均匀低回声,10个内部回声不均,其中7个肿瘤内部呈结节样低回声及高回声分隔;3个肿瘤内见无回声区;3个肿瘤内见粗大强回声伴后方声影;2个肿瘤内见斑片状高回声。彩色多普勒血流成像示肿瘤内部无或少量血流信号。结论肾上腺皮质大腺瘤具有包膜完整,回声混杂,可伴分隔、钙化、液化坏死等特点,以上特点均与常见肾上腺腺瘤超声表现不同,超声医师应提高对该病的认识。     

Galactoceles mimicking suspicious solid masses on sonography.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sonographic appearance of a galactocele that can sonographically mimic a suspicious solid mass and to differentiate between a galactocele and a solid mass. METHODS: From September 2002 to February 2004, 33 galactoceles classified as Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System category 4 were included. They were all confirmed by sonographically guided core biopsies. Their sonographic imaging and clinical findings were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: The lesions had a round or irregular shape in 26 patients (78.8%), a noncircumscribed margin in 31 (93.9%), a nonparallel orientation in 22 (66%), and posterior shadowing in 13 (39.4%). Twenty-five nodules (75.8%) had internal hypoechogenicity or mixed echogenicity. Twenty-nine (87.9%) of 33 lesions showed a relatively sharp convex echogenic rim on the anterior or posterior wall. CONCLUSIONS: Galactoceles have various sonographic findings, many of which are similar to those of suspicious solid breast masses. However, there is a tendency for a galactocele to appear as a small, round hypoechoic nodule with an indistinct or microlobulated margin and mild posterior shadowing. It is helpful to search for a partial anterior or posterior echogenic rim to identify a galactocele.     

Characterization of sonographic and mammographic features of granular cell tumors of the breast and estimation of their incidence.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this series was to review the spectrum of sonographic and mammographic features of granular cell tumors (GCTs) of the breast and to compare their frequency relative to breast carcinoma. METHODS: Ten cases of a breast GCT diagnosed during the last 13 years were analyzed for the imaging characteristics and clinical features. Sonographic images were reviewed for location, size, echogenicity, margins, height-width ratio, and sound transmission. Mammograms were reviewed for tumor size, location, margin characteristics, spiculations, and calcifications. The frequency of GCTs was compared with that of breast carcinoma during the same study period. RESULTS: Of 10 GCT cases, 9 tumors occurred in female patients, and 1 occurred in a male patient. The mean patient age was 51.8 years, and the mean lesion size was 1.57 cm. All 7 tumors visualized on sonography were hypoechoic masses. Posterior enhancement was noted in 3 of 7 cases, and posterior shadowing was noted in 2 of 7 cases. Two of 7 did not show any posterior enhancement or shadowing. Two of 7 masses were taller than wide. Of 8 tumors visualized on mammography, 5 were spiculated, and 3 were well circumscribed. Calcifications were not visualized in any tumor. During the same period, 1482 cases of breast carcinoma were diagnosed, making the frequency of GCTs of the breast about 6.7 per thousand breast carcinomas. CONCLUSIONS: Granular cell tumors of the breast are rare neoplasms with a relative frequency of 6.7 per thousand breast carcinomas in our series, which was higher than reported in literature. Spiculations are a common imaging feature and mimic carcinoma when present.     

Sonography of hemorrhagic ovarian cysts

The sonographic appearance of hemorrhagic ovarian cysts (HOC) has received little attention aside from a recent report in adolescent girls. We reviewed the sonographic findings in 14 adults with 15 pathologically proven HOC to see whether there were any consistent sonographic findings that, along with the clinical history, might make possible the diagnosis. The majority (93%) of patients presented with the abrupt onset of lower abdominal or pelvic pain, and each, when clinically appropriate, had a negative serum pregnancy test. Sonographically, all of the masses were cystic except one. The cyst wall was thin and well defined in six cases and thick and irregular in eight. The majority (87%) had internal echoes. These echoes were scattered and low level or diffuse and homogeneous (27%) or complex and echogenic (53%) in nature. Two cysts had numerous septations, and another had a fluid--debris interface. If the pain subsides and the hematocrit remains stable, the premenopausal patient can be managed conservatively. Sonographic follow-up is recommended so that an underlying hemorrhagic ovarian cystic neoplasm can be excluded. This was present in three of our patients, two of whom were postmenopausal.     

肌内黏液瘤超声影像特征

目的观察并分析肌内黏液瘤的超声表现特征。方法回顾性分析8例经手术病理证实的肌内黏液瘤的二维及CDFI超声表现特征,并进行文献复习。结果 8例肌内黏液瘤中,5例位于下肢肌肉,2例位于上肢肌肉,1例位于腰大肌;8例均表现为边界清楚,形态规则的肿块,后方回声增强,内部为不均匀弱回声,6例肿块内可见片状无回声区。8例肿块周边均有"亮环征",7例可见"亮帽征"。CDFI显示6例肿块内无血流,2例部分区域内见点线状血流信号。结论肌内黏液瘤好发于四肢骨骼肌,超声表现特征为边界清楚,形态规则,后方回声增强,内部为不均匀弱回声、可见片状无回声区,周边可见"亮环征"及"亮帽征",内部血流多不丰富。