BI-RADS Category Research Articles

Fine-needle aspiration of metastatic renal cell carcinoma to a male breast: A rare initial presentation.

Fine-needle aspiration of metastatic renal cell carcinoma to a male breast: A rare initial presentation.

Contrast-enhanced spectral mammography in patients referred from the breast cancer screening programme

Feasibility studies have shown that contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) increases diagnostic accuracy of mammography. We studied diagnostic accuracy of CESM in patients referred from the breast cancer screening programme, who have a lower disease prevalence than previously published papers on CESM. During 6 months, all women referred to our hospital were eligible for CESM. Two radiologists blinded to the final diagnosis provided BI-RADS classifications for conventional mammography and CESM. Statistical significance of differences between mammography and CESM was calculated using McNemar's test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed for both imaging modalities. Of the 116 eligible women, 113 underwent CESM. CESM increased sensitivity to 100.0% (+3.1%), specificity to 87.7% (+45.7%), PPV to 76.2% (+36.5%) and NPV to 100.0% (+2.9%) as compared to mammography. Differences between conventional mammography and CESM were statistically significant (p < 0.0001). A similar trend was observed in the ROC curve. For conventional mammography, AUC was 0.779. With CESM, AUC increased to 0.976 (p < 0.0001). In addition, good agreement between tumour diameters measured using CESM, breast MRI and histopathology was observed. CESM increases diagnostic performance of conventional mammography, even in lower prevalence patient populations such as referrals from breast cancer screening. • CESM is feasible in the workflow of referrals from routine breast screening. • CESM is superior to mammography, even in low disease prevalence populations. • CESM has an extremely high negative predictive value for breast cancer. • CESM is comparable to MRI in assessment of breast cancer extent. • CESM is comparable to histopathology in assessment of breast cancer extent.

Patient Compliance and Diagnostic Yield of 18-Month Unilateral Follow-Up in Surveillance of Probably Benign Mammographic Lesions

The purpose of this study is to determine the patient compliance with and diagnostic yield of 18-month unilateral mammography in surveillance of probably benign (BI-RADS category 3) lesions. This retrospective study identified lesions prospectively classified BI-RADS 3 in asymptomatic women from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2008. Surveillance protocol for BI-RADS 3 lesions included 6-month (unilateral), 12-month (bilateral), 18-month (unilateral), and 24-month (bilateral) imaging, with subsequent annual screening. Demographics, surveillance data, BI-RADS upgrades and downgrades, and biopsy results were abstracted from the longitudinal medical record. One thousand one hundred eighty-eight lesions in 1077 patients (mean age, 51.5 years; age range, 26-89 years) had BI-RADS 3 assessment, representing 1.07% of all screening examinations. The compliance rates for follow-up at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months were 83.3%, 75.9%, 54.8%, and 53.9%, respectively. Sixty lesions were upgraded to BI-RADS 4 or 5 during surveillance. Biopsy revealed 15 cancers (cancer yield of 1.47%) from 1017 lesions with either 24-month imaging stability or tissue diagnosis available. Five, six, one, and three cancers were detected at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, respectively. Cancers were all stage 0 or 1 except for one stage 2A cancer. Seven hundred forty-four of 1188 (62.6%) BI-RADS 3 lesions were downgraded before completing 2-year surveillance. Most (11/15 [73%]) breast cancers initially assessed as BI-RADS 3 are diagnosed at up to 12 months' surveillance. Eighteen-month unilateral mammography performed as BI-RADS 3 surveillance contributes minimally to cancer detection and has poor patient compliance.

Nanostructured transdermal hormone replacement therapy for relieving menopausal symptoms: a confocal Raman spectroscopy study

OBJECTIVE:To determine the safety and efficacy of a transdermal nanostructured formulation of progesterone (10%) combined with estriol (0.1%) + estradiol (0.25%) for relieving postmenopausal symptoms.METHODS:A total of 66 postmenopausal Brazilian women with climacteric symptoms of natural menopause received transdermal nanostructured formulations of progesterone and estrogens in the forearm daily for 60 months to mimic the normal ovarian secretory pattern. Confocal Raman spectroscopy of hormones in skin layers was performed. Clinical parameters, serum concentrations of estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone, blood pressure, BI-RADS classification from bilateral mammography, and symptomatic relief were compared between baseline and 60 months post-treatment. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02033512.RESULTS:An improvement in climacteric symptoms was reported in 92.5% of women evaluated before and after 60 months of treatment. The serum concentrations of estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone changed significantly (p<0.05) after treatment; the values of serum follicle-stimulating hormone decreased after 60 months from 82.04±4.9 to 57.12±4.1 IU/mL. A bilateral mammography assessment of the breasts revealed normal results in all women. No adverse health-related events were attributed to this hormone replacement therapy protocol.CONCLUSION:The nanostructured formulation is safe and effective in re-establishing optimal serum levels of estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone and relieving the symptoms of menopause. This transdermal hormone replacement therapy may alleviate climacteric symptoms in postmenopausal women.

Radiopathological correlations: Masses, non-masslike enhancements and MRI-guided biopsy

MRI-guided biopsy is a recent interventional breast technique. Validating the procedure poses a new problem because the signal targeted is created by the injection of a paramagnetic contrast agent and is thus transitory. In the first instance, the procedure is validated by the radiologist, who checks that targeting is accurate and inserts a clip at the end of the procedure, and secondly by analysis of the histopathological results, which should be representative of the lesion. The pathologist needs to know the nature of the image, i.e. whether it is of mass or non-masslike enhancement, and its BI-RADS classification. The objective is that the image and the pathological result should concur. If the result is non-specific and benign, a follow-up MRI is required six months later.

Breast Diagnosis: Concordance Analysis Between the BI-RADS Classification and Tsukuba Sonoelastography Score.

Aims.To establish the correlations between the ultrasound (US) BI-RADS classification and Tsukuba elastography score when assessing breast lesions. To determine which type of breast lesion (BI-RADS category) would benefit most from an elastographic assessment.Patients and methods.The investigated sample of imaging comprised a number of 129 images belonging to 92 subjects examined with a Hitachi 8500 US device. Each lesion was assessed according to the BI-RADS and Tsukuba elastography score. Histopathology was obtained by means of percutaneous biopsy or post-surgery. Fibroadenoma-like lesions unchanged over a period of 3 years were considered benign.Results.The 1, 2 and BGR Tsukuba scores mostly correlated with BI-RADS II and III lesions such as cysts, hamartomas, lipomas, hematomas, non-palpable fibroadenomas. Palpable fibroadenomas initially included in BI-RADS IVa/b category, usually received benign elasticity scores (1 or 2), the exception being represented by a minority of cases of old, fibrotic or calcified lesions (elastic score 3 or 4). Non-specific BI-RADS IVa/b lesions, such as mastopathic nodules demonstrated rather soft, elastic properties on elastogram (score 1 or 2). The 4 and 5 Ueno-Itoh scores were predominantly correlated with BI-RADS IVc and V categories represented by high risk lesions (radial scar, papillomas, atypical epithelial ductal hyperplasia) and in situ or invasive carcinomas.Conclusions.Generally the BI-RADS classification correlates well with the Tsukuba elasticity score, the main exception being represented by fibrotic, calcified lesions which falsely appear more suspicious post-elastography. BI-RADS III and IV lesions would benefit most from an elastographic assessment, a low Tsukuba score allowing a less invasive approach, while a high score imposes histopathological evaluation.

超音波におけるカテゴリー分類はBI-RADSを踏襲すべき

乳癌の分野においても診断と治療の専門化が進み，それぞれの担当者が責任をもって次の診療方針を指示する傾向が米国を中心に広がってきた。特にBI-RADSのCategory分類は単に診断を予測するものではなく，次の戦略を指示するものとして高い評価を受け，ヨーロッパのみならずアジア各国にも普及した。一方，国内においては細胞診の判定のPapanicolaouのクラス分類をカテゴリーという言葉に置き換えたのみで，国際的な標準の評価方法とは異なっている。今までアジアの各国において超音波の指導を行ってきたが，日本のカテゴリー分類については混乱を招くと批判が多く届けられた。今後，超音波の検診が認められた際には，マンモグラフィとの整合性，国際的な整合性が問われ，さらにはMRIとの整合性も問われるところとなるであろう。国内のマンモグラフィのカテゴリー分類はわが国においてそれなりの評価はあったものの，今後の国際化，多種の診断技術との比較を考慮するとBI-RADSのCategory分類に合わせることが適切と考える。

Low-cost quasi-real-time elastography using B-mode ultrasound images.

A low cost, quasi real-time elastography system, displacement-gradient elastography (DGE), was developed by applying digital image correlation (DIC) method and smoothing algorithm to B-mode ultrasound images. In order to achieve quasi real-time elastogram display, a new fast pattern matching algorithm, decoupled cross-correlation (DCC), was proposed and validated. By applying the DGE to various phantoms, elastograms were generated to identify the lesion with wide variations of stiffness ratio and applied strain. The performance of DGE was qualitatively compared with those from a high-end ultrasound scanner using the elastograms of a commercial elastography breast phantom. DGE was also applied to the ultrasound images of human breast lesions in various BI-RADS categories. This study suggests that DGE may have comparable performance to conventional elastography in detecting breast cancer, while it can be easily implemented onto conventional ultrasound scanners.

High resolution compression elastography and color doppler sonography in characterization of breast fibroadenoma.

To evaluate the use of color Doppler sonography and free hand sonoelastography in the assessment of breast fibroadenomas according to their size and shape. From December 2012 to March 2013 women with 16 solid breast masses, classified as BI-RADS category 3 or 4 were examined with B-mode ultrasound, sonoelastography and color Doppler sonography. Lesions were subdivided according to their shape in round, ovoid or macrolobulated and according to their size (<2.0 cm or ≥2.0 cm). Two readers assessed sonoelastographic findings at 12.5 MHz using the tsukuba elasticity score and results of Doppler sonography using a score of 0, 1 or 2, depending on the degree of perfusion. Among the 16 examined lesions 3 showed a round shape, 9 were ovoid and in 4 cases a macrolobulated appearance could be seen. No significant differences concerning Tsukuba-score depending on various shapes of fibroadenomas in B-mode sonography could be shown (p = 0.91) and also comparison of Tsukuba-scores and size of masses revealed no significant differences (p = 1.0). Sizes of fibroadenomas ≥2 cm were significantly associated with an increased vascularization of the lesions (p = 0.04) and a macrolobulated appearance in B-mode sonography (p = 0.04). The combination of color Doppler sonography and sonoelastography in addition to B-mode sonography leads to an increased accuracy in distinguishing benign from malignant breast masses and to an improvement in characterization of fibroadenomas independent of their shape or size.

Using Topical Applications of Tamoxifen and a Combination of Phytonutrients Based on Breast MRI to Inhibit Estrogen-Related Proliferation of Human Breast Tissue

Objective: In January of 2013, the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence of United Kingdom have announced that taking tamoxifen for five years could reduce breast cancer risk, include positive family history or chronic estrogen and phytoestrogen users. However, routinely oral intake of tamoxifen for breast cancer prophylaxis on high risk women is occasionally difficult because of its potential side effects. The intention of this study is to prove transdermal delivery by using minimal dose of tamoxifen and phytonutrients for breast protection. Methods: We retrospectively studied 2795 breast MRI images from Taiwanese women and classified them as either healthy or unhealthy according to BI-RADS categories. A subgroup of the study patients had received estrogen supplements containing estrogen components or phytoestrogen for at least 3 months. Based on breast MRI analysis, these 2 groups were compared and found significant different. The overuse of estrogen or phytoestrogen supplements can increase breast glandular tissue proliferation, as reflected in MRI images. Such proliferation may increase the risk of future breast cancer. We also studied the efficacy of tamoxifen and the phytonutrients to inhibit proliferation of mammary glandular cell, as well as their transdermal absorption in animal models. Results: We demonstrated cell proliferative change of normal breast cells (MCF-10a) under estrogen treatment. For studied of transdermal absorption by topical application, we used Franz cell with artificial skin membrane to demonstrate positive transdermal diffusion using animal urine/feces, blood samples and subcutaneous skin retention for HPLC analysis. Conclusion: We successful demonstrate the transdermal absorption of topical application of tamoxifen and phytonutrients; it may help to reduce breast cancer development in regular estrogen and phytoestrogen users.

Comparison of Mammography in Combination with Breast Ultrasonography Versus Mammography Alone for Breast Cancer Screening in Asymptomatic Women

To compare the agreement of screening breast mammography plus ultrasound and reviewed mammography alone in asymptomatic women. All breast imaging data were obtained for women who presented for routine medical checkup at National Cancer Institute (NCI), Thailand from January 2010 to June 2013. A radiologist performed masked interpretations of selected mammographic images retrieved from the computer imaging database. Previous mammography, ultrasound reports and clinical data were blinded before film re-interpretation. Kappa values were calculated to assess the agreement between BIRADS assessment category and BIRADS classification of density obtained from the mammography with ultrasound in imaging database and reviewed mammography alone. Regarding BIRADS assessment category, concordance between the two interpretations were good. Observed agreement was 96.1%. There was moderate agreement in which the Kappa value was 0.58% (95%CI; 0.45, 0.87). The agreement of BI-RADS classification of density was substantial, with a Kappa value of 0.60 (95%CI; 0.54, 0.66). Different results were obtained when a subgroup of patients aged ≥60 years were analyzed. In women in this group, observed agreement was 97.6%. There was also substantial agreement in which the Kappa value was 0.74% (95%CI; 0.49, 0.98). The present study revealed that concordance between mammography plus ultrasound and reviewed mammography alone in asymptomatic women is good. However, there is just moderate agreement which can be enhanced if age- targeted breast imaging is performed. Substantial agreement can be achieved in women aged ≥60. Adjunctive breast ultrasound is less important in women in this group.

Avoidable surgical consultations in women with a positive screening mammogram: Experience from a southern region of the Dutch breast screening programme

IntroductionAccording to current Dutch guidelines, all women with a positive screening mammogram are referred for a full hospital assessment, which includes surgical consultation and radiological assessment. Surgical consultation may be unnecessary for many patients. Our objective was to determine how often surgical consultations can be avoided by radiological pre-assessment. Materials and methodsAll women with a positive screening mammogram, referred to our radiology department between 2002 and 2007, were included (n=1014). Percentage of women that was downstaged to BI-RADS category 1 or 2 by radiological pre-assessment was calculated. Negative predictive value (NPV) for malignancy was estimated from the in-hospital follow-up, which was available up to September 2012. Results423 of 1014 women (42%) were downstaged to BI-RADS category 1 or 2 by radiological pre-assessment. During follow-up, 8 of these 423 women (2%) developed a malignancy in the same breast. At least 6 of these malignancies were located at a different location as the original screening findings which led to the initial referral. The estimated NPV for malignancy was 99.5% (95%CI, 98.3–99.9). ConclusionBy referring women with a positive screening mammogram to the radiology department for pre-assessment, a surgical consultation was avoided in 42%, with an estimated NPV of 99.5% for malignancy.

Abstract P1-02-09: Positive predictive value (PPV) of the diagnosis of atypia in breast core biopsies: An audit of MSKCC breast pathology service

Abstract Percutaneous needle core biopsy is the standard of care in the assessment of suspicious breast lesions. The diagnostic term “Atypia” is used in breast biopsy reporting when histologic appearances are suspicious but not diagnostic of malignancy. Multiple histopathological appearances are encompassed by the umbrella term “atypia”, including atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), columnar cell change with atypia (CCCWA), which is also known as flat epithelial atypia (FEA), and a miscellaneous group of diagnoses, known as atypia NOS. A pathologic diagnosis of “atypia” in breast core biopsies usually leads to a recommendation to surgically excise the lesion. Many studies have correlated the diagnosis of “atypia” in core biopsies with the subsequent finding of carcinoma in the surgical excisions, and the percentage of carcinoma found represents the positive predictive value (PPV) of the diagnosis. To date, there is no agreed target PPV for the diagnosis of breast atypia on biopsy, but the most studies have demonstrated a PPV of 20- 40%. Individual “atypia” diagnoses such as CCCWA have an even lower PPV of 10-15%. One method of performance review is an audit of the average breast-atypia PPV within individual pathology departments, which then can be monitored and studied over time, to detect trends and “diagnostic drift” at an early stage. In addition, assessment of the individual PPV of each breast pathologist allows for analysis of the consistency of the diagnostic practice of each individual with their colleagues. Surprisingly, there have been no major studies assessing the intradepartmental range of PPVs for breast atypia diagnoses to date. In contrast, the American College of Radiology has designed the BIRADS classification system in order to audit and monitor the PPV of breast imaging in diagnosing malignancy. We undertook to measure the departmental PPV for malignancy following a biopsy diagnosis of breast atypia, and performed an anonymized subanalysis in order to establish the range of PPVs of atypia diagnoses between the sub-specialized breast pathologists within the department. This study established that the baseline PPV in our department is comparable to previously reported studies at 24%, while the range of PPV for an atypia diagnosis between pathologists is between 22.8 and 25% for 5 of 6 pathologists, with one pathologist demonstrating a higher PPV of 36.8%. ADH was the most common diagnosis of the atypia subtypes, and the PPV for ADH alone was 29.9%. 15% of ADH diagnoses were described as “ADH bordering on low grade DCIS”; within this subgroup the PPV was 48.5%. The PPV for a diagnosis of CCCWA alone was 10%. This study demonstrates that the PPV for breast atypia in a major tertiary cancer center is approximately 24%. We have demonstrated very reproducible use of this diagnostic term within the department. We plan to use the findings of this study to identify subgroups of patients with a sufficiently low PPV to justify a decision not to proceed to surgical intervention. We aim to develop an algorithm for use in the clinical setting in order to direct further patient management. The ultimate aim of this research is to reduce the number of patients undergoing unnecessary surgical interventions. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P1-02-09.

Computerized detection of breast cancer on automated breast ultrasound imaging of women with dense breasts

Develop a computer-aided detection method and investigate its feasibility for detection of breast cancer in automated 3D ultrasound images of women with dense breasts. The HIPAA compliant study involved a dataset of volumetric ultrasound image data, "views," acquired with an automated U-Systems Somo●V(®) ABUS system for 185 asymptomatic women with dense breasts (BI-RADS Composition/Density 3 or 4). For each patient, three whole-breast views (3D image volumes) per breast were acquired. A total of 52 patients had breast cancer (61 cancers), diagnosed through any follow-up at most 365 days after the original screening mammogram. Thirty-one of these patients (32 cancers) had a screening-mammogram with a clinically assigned BI-RADS Assessment Category 1 or 2, i.e., were mammographically negative. All software used for analysis was developed in-house and involved 3 steps: (1) detection of initial tumor candidates, (2) characterization of candidates, and (3) elimination of false-positive candidates. Performance was assessed by calculating the cancer detection sensitivity as a function of the number of "marks" (detections) per view. At a single mark per view, i.e., six marks per patient, the median detection sensitivity by cancer was 50.0% (16/32) ± 6% for patients with a screening mammogram-assigned BI-RADS category 1 or 2--similar to radiologists' performance sensitivity (49.9%) for this dataset from a prior reader study--and 45.9% (28/61) ± 4% for all patients. Promising detection sensitivity was obtained for the computer on a 3D ultrasound dataset of women with dense breasts at a rate of false-positive detections that may be acceptable for clinical implementation.

Role of magnetic resonance imaging in probably benign (BI-RADS category 3) microcalcifications of the breast

This study was undertaken to evaluate whether magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is able to rule out malignancy in the case of BI-RADS 3 microcalcifications, providing a sufficient negative predictive value (NPV) for early work-up, and to reduce unnecessary stereotactically guided vacuum-assisted biopsy (SVAB) procedures. We prospectively enrolled consecutive women with BI-RADS 3 microcalcifications, who subsequently underwent MR imaging and SVAB. The MR studies were reviewed according to the MR-BI-RADS classification system; lesions assessed as MR-BI-RADS 1 and 2 were considered negative for malignancy, categories MR-BI-RADS 3, 4 and 5 indicated malignant lesions. The presence of additional findings was recorded. Histologic analysis and follow-up were the reference standard. MR sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and NPV were calculated. The final population consisted of 71 lesions. Histologic analysis showed malignancy in six cases (malignancy rate 8%). At MR analysis, 60 (85%) lesions were considered negative for malignancy and 11 (15%) malignant. Additional MR imaging findings were identified in 19 (27%) patients, all corresponding to nonmalignant lesions. MR sensitivity was 33%, specificity 86%, PPV 18% and NPV 93%. Because of its relatively low NPV, MR imaging is not able to safely exclude malignancy in the case of BI-RADS 3 microcalcifications. The relatively high malignancy rate found in this study might support SVAB in the case of BI-RADS 3 microcalcifications.

Potential role of shear-wave ultrasound elastography for the differential diagnosis of breast non-mass lesions: preliminary report

To report our preliminary experience with shear-wave elastography (SWE) for non-mass lesions (NMLs) in the breast and suggest a potential ancillary role of SWE for BI-RADS Category 4a NMLs in reducing the number of unnecessary benign biopsies. A total of 310 breast lesions in 286 consecutive women who had been scheduled for US-guided automated gun biopsy or vacuum-assisted biopsy between June and December 2012 were initially included in this study. Finally, 33 women with 34 breast lesions classified as NMLs constituted our study population. Diagnostic performances of each quantitative SWE parameter were calculated. Histological diagnosis was used as a reference standard. Among the 34 breast NMLs, 22 (65%) were benign and 12 (35%) were malignant. Emean value with cut-off set at 41.6 kPa had the highest Az value 0.788 (95% CI, 0.625-0.951), showing sensitivity of 83.3% and specificity of 68.2%. By applying an Emean value of 41.6 kPa or less as a criterion for downgrading soft BI-RADS category 4a NMLs to category 3 NMLs, 15 unnecessary biopsies could have been eliminated from the 19 BI-RADS category 4a lesions (79%). SWE features could increase positive predictive values and reduce unnecessary benign biopsies of category 4a NMLs. • Ultrasound elastography is increasingly used to assess the stiffness of breast lesions • Shear-wave elastography provides useful information about non-mass breast lesions • Shear-wave elastography may render some biopsies of non-mass breast lesions unnecessary.

Performance of users in tropical areas with the BI-RADS classification of breast lesions for predicting malignancy

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of radiologists in Cameroon using the BI-RADS classification to interpret mammograms and ultrasound scans together for the prediction of malignant breast lesions. This cross-sectional study took place at the Women's and Children's Hospital in Yaounde from July 2009 to April 2010 and included 211 women with breast lesions identified on mammograms during a breast screening campaign and subsequently assessed with ultrasonography and histology. The BI-RADS classifications of these lesions were compared to the corresponding histology results to evaluate the accuracy of predictions of malignancy from the mammograms and ultrasound scans interpreted with the BI-RADS system. The rate of malignancy in each ACR-classified category was also compared to the standard ACR categories as stipulated in the ACR classification. In all, 339 women aged from 16 to 78 years were screened, and lesions requiring biopsies were identified for 211. The age group included most often was the 41-50 year-old group (n = 98, 46.4%). Overall, 135 (64%) women had benign lesions and 76 (36%) malignant. Invasive carcinoma was found in 49 (65%) of the malignant lesions, in situ intraductal carcinoma in 23 (30%), and sarcoma in 4 (5%). Based on the BI-RADS classification, 124 (58.7%) breast lesions were classified as ACR2, 15 (7.1%) as ACR3, 44 (20.8%) as ACR4, and 28 (13.3%) as ACR5. Comparison of the BI-RADS classification and the histological findings showed that 19% of ACR2-classified lesions were malignant, 13% of those classified ACR3, 66% ACR4, and 75% ACR5. The global accuracy in the prediction of malignancy the BI-RADS classification was 77.3%. The accuracy of the radiologists using the BI-RADS classification in our hospital was good at 77.3%, although shortcomings in the evaluation and interpretation of some lesions resulted in a relatively high prevalence of malignant lesions in categories ACR2 and ACR3.

Needle core biopsy for breast lesions: An audit of 467 needle core biopsies

Background:Breast cancer is the commonest cancer among women in urban India. Triple assessment includes clinical, radiological and cytological assessment of breast lesions. Guided core needle biopsy has replaced fine needle aspiration cytology in most of the western countries. In resource poor countries FNAC is still a very valuable and cost effective method to diagnose breast lesions. Pitfalls include increased rates of non diagnostic smears, and inadequate smears. Further procedures may be required and this increases the cost, anxiety and delay in diagnosis.Aims:The aim of this study is to analyze the concordance of radiological and histopathology findings in BI-RADS category 3,4,5 lesions following a core biopsy.Materials and Methods:Data was retrospectively collected from consecutive symptomatic and opportunistic screen detected patients with abnormalities who underwent ultrasound guided interventional procedures from Jan 2010 to Aug 2011. Symptomatic patients underwent clinical examination, mammogram and breast ultrasound. Women under 35 years of age had only breast ultrasound. Core biopsy was performed under ultrasound guidance or clinically by a breast surgeon/ radiologist for BI-RADS category 3,4,5 lesions.Statistical Methods:Chi square test was done to show the strength of association of imaging findings and histopathology results of core biopsy.Results:437 patients were symptomatic and 30 patients had screen detected abnormalities. The positive predictive value for BI-RADS 5 lesions for malignancy is 93.25% and the negative predictive value of BI-RADS category 3 lesions for cancer is 98.4%. False negative diagnosis on core biopsy was 0.85%. We were able to defer surgery in 60% of the patients with a clear radiological and pathological benign diagnosis.Conclusion:The PPV and NPV for cancer is high with needle core biopsy in BI-RADS 3,4,5 lesions. Where there is no discordance between clinical, radiology and pathology findings, surgery can be avoided in benign lesions. While in resource poor countries FNAC continues to be a valuable method in the diagnosis of palpable and non palpable breast lesions, the practice of needle core biopsy provides the most accurate and optimal diagnostic information.

Columnar Cell Lesions Without Atypia Initially Diagnosed on Breast Needle Biopsies: Is Imaging Follow-Up Enough?

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the underestimation rate and predictive factor of underestimation of columnar cell lesions (CCLs) without atypia diagnosed through breast core needle biopsies (CNBs). From January 2007 through December 2011, 141 CCLs without atypia, including columnar cell change and columnar cell hyperplasia, were diagnosed in 138 women by CNB. Excisional (n = 16) or imaging follow-up (n = 125) findings were available in all cases. On a per-lesion basis, the underestimation rate and predictive factor of underestimation were evaluated. Among the 16 surgically excised lesions, there were two malignancies (one ductal carcinoma in situ and one invasive ductal carcinoma) and one lobular carcinoma in situ. Overall, the pooled underestimation rate of malignancy was 1.4% (2/141). With regard to lesion variables, the mean lesion size was significantly larger in the underestimation group of CCLs (p = 0.007). Fine pleomorphic morphology of microcalcifications (p < 0.001), the distribution of the microcalcifications (p = 0.007), BI-RADS final assessment (p = 0.001), and imaging-pathologic correlation (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with underestimation. Multivariate analysis showed that fine pleomorphic morphology of microcalcifications (p < 0.0001) was an independent predictor of underestimation in 58 lesions with microcalcifications on mammography. The overall underestimation rate of malignancy was 1.4%. Imaging follow-up is reasonable for CCLs without atypia at CNB, especially in small lesions with less suspicious imaging findings. Fine pleomorphic microcalcifications and higher BI-RADS category might be helpful in the prediction of underestimation of a high-risk lesion or malignancy.

Supplemental screening ultrasound increases cancer detection yield in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers

This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of ultrasound for the early detection of breast cancers in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers. Between 01/1997 and 10/2008 221 BRCA1/2 mutation carriers participated in a breast cancer screening program which included semi-annual ultrasound in combination with annual mammography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Women underwent on average (median) five semi-annual screening rounds with a range of one to 22 appointments, totaling 1,855 rounds of screening. All three imaging modalities were coded according to the American College of Radiology (BI-RADS classification). In total, we detected 27 BRCA-associated breast cancers in 25 patients. The sensitivity was 77% for ultrasound, 27% for mammography, and 100% for MRI. Three tumors were detected directly as a result of only the semi-annual ultrasound screen. Due to the specific tumor morphology and the considerably elevated tumor doubling time, mutation carriers benefit from the addition of semi-annual ultrasound screening as a sensitive and cost-effective method.