Breast sonoelastography: Now and in the future

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to identify practice trends and opinions concerning breast sonoelastography in two different health care systems, one in Europe (France) and the other in North America (Province of Québec/Canada).Materials and methodsWe distributed an 11-item online survey among French and Canadian breast radiologists. The survey comprised of four sections: (i) personal practice characteristics, (ii) breast sonoelastography usage in daily practice and evaluation of its usefulness, (iii) limitations and roles of sonoelastogrpahy in their clinical practice, and (iv) types of elastographic technique and interpretation.ResultsWe found that sonoelastography of the breast appears unpopular among Canadian radiologists, and poorly credible among French radiologists, who perceive it as an unreliable technique. To date, its real impact in clinical practice remains uncertain.ConclusionContinued learning and awareness of the indications, advantages and limitations of breast sonoelastography may motivate breast radiologists to adopt its use.