Correlation of real-time gray scale contrast-enhanced ultrasonography with microvessel density and vascular endothelial growth factor expression for assessment of angiogenesis in breast lesions. |
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Authors: | Jing Du Feng-Hua Li Hua Fang Jian-Guo Xia Cai-Xia Zhu |
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Institution: | Department of Ultrasound, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 1630 Dongfang Rd, 200127 Shanghai, China. |
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Abstract: | OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation of real-time gray scale contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic (CEUS) patterns and parameters with microvessel density (MVD) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression for assessment of angiogenesis in breast lesions. METHODS: Real-time gray scale CEUS was performed in 53 women with breast lesions. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic patterns and quantitative parameters were analyzed. Mean MVD and VEGF expression in breast lesions were measured by immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: Surgical pathologic analysis showed 25 benign and 28 malignant lesions. Different CEUS patterns were observed in the high- and low-MVD and -VEGF groups. Microvessel density and VEGF expression were significantly associated with heterogeneous enhancement with or without perfusion defects and radial or penetrating vessels surrounding the lesions (P< .05). The enhancement order and degree were significantly related to MVD (P< .01) but not correlated with VEGF expression (P> .05). Malignant and benign lesions did not differ significantly in time-intensity parameters (P> .05). The peak intensity, rise in intensity, maximum rise slope of the curve, wash-out slope of the curve, and area under the time-intensity curve (area) were statistically correlated with MVD (P< .05). The highest correlation (r=0.56; P< .001), however, was between the area and MVD. No significant association was found between any CEUS parameters and VEGF expression (P> .05). CONCLUSIONS: Contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic patterns and parameters of breast lesions are more closely correlated with MVD than VEGF expression. Real-time gray scale CEUS has a potential role in evaluating angiogenesis in breast lesions, but CEUS parameters are not correlated with the malignancy or benignity of breast tumors. |
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Keywords: | breast lesion contrast-enhanced ultrasonography microvessel density vascular endothelial growth factor |
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