Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasound Strain Elastography for Diagnosis of Malignant Breast Lesions

Abstract

Introduction: Current era has brought with it a dramatic climb in the incidence of malignancies especially breast carcinoma among females. It is known to be the top most diagnosed life threatening malignancy in females across the world. Such changes lead to increase need for such methods of immediate diagnosis that would lead to prompt diagnosis of the pathology, hence minimizing any delay in treatment initiation. Elastography is a technique based on the concept that hardness of the tissue increases proportionately with the pathology developing within it as compared to the normal tissue parenchyma surrounding it. Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound strain elastography for determination of malignant breast lesions. Materials and Methods: Cross sectional prospective study was carried out in the Department of Radiology, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Islamabad, from 1st November 2014 till 30th March 2015.Patients were selected according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criterias. Logic V5 ultrasound machine was used for evaluation of patient. Biopsy sample was then collected which was studied by consultant pathologist. Results: Total of 43 patients was selected for the study. All were females.42 were married while 01 was unmarried. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound strain elastography was calculated to be75%, 94%, and 91% respectively. Conclusion: Ultrasound strain elastography is an accurate, reliable and non invasive technique in the assessment of malignant breast lesions.