Category 4b Research Articles

Immunohistochemical Subtypes of Breast Cancer: Correlation with Clinicopathological and Radiological Factors.

BackgroundThe relationship between biomarkers and imaging features is important because imaging findings can predict molecular features.ObjectivesTo investigate the relationship between clinicopathologic and radiologic factors and the immunohistochemical (IHC) profiles associated with breast cancer.Patients and MethodsFrom December 2004 to September 2013, 200 patients (mean age, 56 years; range, 29 - 82 years) were diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery at our institution. Their medical records were reviewed to determine age, symptom presence, mammographic findings (including mass, asymmetry, microcalcifications, or negativity), sonographic Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category, pathologic type of cancer (invasive ductal, mucinous, medullary, or papillary carcinoma), histologic grade, T-stage, and IHC subtypes. Based on the IHC profiles, tumor subtypes were classified as luminal A, luminal B, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) enriched, or triple-negative (TN) cancers. Using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, we looked for correlations between four IHC subtypes and two IHC subtypes (TN and non-triple negative [non-TN]) and clinicopathologic and radiologic factors, respectively.ResultsBased on our univariate analyses with the four subtypes, the TN subtype showed a higher incidence of masses on mammography compared to the other subtypes (P = 0.037), and the TN subtype also tended to have the highest histologic grade among the subtypes (P < 0.001). With regard to the two IHC subtypes, the TN subtype had a significant association with medullary cancer (P = 0.021), higher histologic grade (grade 3; P < 0.001), and higher T stage (T2; P = 0.027) compared to the non-TN subtypes. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis of the clinicoradiologic factors compared to luminal A, the HER2 subtype had a significant association with BI-RADS category 4b (odds ratio [OR], 9.005; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.414 - 57.348; P = 0.020) and borderline significance with category 4c (OR, 4.669; 95% CI, 0.970 - 22.468; P = 0.055). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis of the clinicoradiologic factors associated with the non-TN subtypes, the TN subtype was significantly correlated with medullary carcinoma (OR, 7.092; 95% CI, 1.149 - 43.772; P = 0.035).ConclusionThese results suggest that patients with the TN subtypes are more likely to have higher-histologic-grade tumors and medullary cancer. The HER2 subtype was typically associated with a higher BI-RADS category.

Application of Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System in the Ultrasound Assessment of Thyroid Nodules According to Physician Experience.

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the diagnostic performances of the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) in differentiating benign and malignant thyroid nodules according to the level of physician experience. From March to October 2013, 1102 patients with 1128 thyroid nodules who underwent initial ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration were included in this study. Thyroid nodules were categorized according to TIRADS. Diagnostic performances of ultrasound were compared according to performer experience using the χ test or Fisher exact test. Of 1128 thyroid nodules, 281 were malignant, and 847 were benign. The risk of malignancy of each TIRADS category by the experienced and less experienced physicians were as follows: category 3 (0.9% vs 0%), category 4a (3.5% vs 1.3%), category 4b (7.3% vs 12.1%), category 4c (67.5% vs 44.9%), and category 5 (97.7% vs 76.5%). Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 99.1%, 35.9%, 52.5%, 35.5%, and 99.1%, respectively, for experienced physicians and 100%, 20.9%, 37.6%, 35.2%, and 100%, respectively, for less experienced physicians. Specificity, accuracy, and positive predictive value were statistically higher for experienced physicians than those for less experienced physicians (P < 0.001, 0.001, and 0.004). There was a significant difference in areas under the curve between the 2 groups (P < 0.001). In conclusion, the diagnostic performance of the stratification of malignancy risk according to TIRADS categories was comparable between the experienced and less experienced physician groups. The application of TIRADS is reproducible, and it was easy to predict the probability of thyroid malignancy in both the experienced and less experienced physician groups.

Value of Virtual Touch Tissue Imaging Quantification for Evaluation of Ultrasound Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System Category 4 Lesions

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the value of 2-D shear wave elastography (SWE) of virtual touch tissue imaging quantification (VTIQ) for ultrasound (US) Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category 4 lesions. One hundred sixteen lesions were subject to conventional US, conventional strain elastography (SE) of elasticity imaging (EI), acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI)-induced SE of virtual touch tissue imaging (VTI) and VTIQ before biopsies. Of the 116 lesions, 69 (59.5%) were benign and 47 (40.5%) were malignant. Significant differences were found between benign and malignant lesions in EI score, VTI score and shear wave speed (SWS) on VTIQ (both p < 0.05). The cut-off values were EI score ≥4, VTI score ≥4 and SWS ≥3.49 m/s, respectively. The diagnostic performance of VTIQ in terms of area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) were the highest (i.e., AUROC = 0.907), in comparison with EI, VTI alone or a combination of both. The associated sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 87.2%, 82.6% and 84.5%, respectively. The combination of VTI and VTIQ, however, was similar with US BI-RADS (p = 0.475) in sensitivity in that only two (4.3%) of 47 malignant lesions were misdiagnosed as benign that were BI-RADS category 4b on US. VTIQ is valuable to differentiate benign from malignant BI-RADS category 4 lesions, and the combination of VTI and VTIQ might be useful for patient selection before biopsy.

A Prospective Study to Evaluate the Reliability of Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System in Differentiation between Benign and Malignant Thyroid Lesions.

Objectives:To evaluate diagnostic reliability of the daily use of thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TIRADS) classification proposed by Kwak et al., in differentiating between a benign and a malignant thyroid lesion, to calculate inter-observer variability in the interpretation of each of the TIRADS ultrasound features and to evaluate role of TIRADS system in reducing unnecessary biopsies of benign lesions.Materials and Methods:Three hundred and sixty-five patients with clinically suspected thyroid lesions during the period from November 1, 2011, to August 31, 2015, were prospectively scanned on gray-scale and Doppler imaging by six radiologists separately. We used GE VOLUSON 730 PRO machine (GE healthcare, Milwaukee, USA) equipped with a 7.5–12 MHz high-frequency linear array transducer with color and power Doppler capability. We evaluated five sonological features: Internal composition, echogenicity, margins, presence and type of calcification, and shape of the lesion. Based on the TIRADS proposed by Kwak et al., we determined categories of the thyroid lesions. The diagnostic performance of TIRADS classification system was evaluated by comparison with the fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) reports which were subsequently obtained after taking informed consent from the patients. All follicular neoplasms on FNAC were further followed up with excision biopsy and histology. The cytopathological report was used as the standard final diagnosis for comparison. The P value and odds ratio were determined to quantify how strongly the presence or absence of a particular ultrasound feature was associated with benignity or malignancy in the study population. The risk of malignancy was stratified for each TIRADS category-based on the total number of benign and malignant lesions in that category. Cervical lymph nodes were also evaluated for their size, loss of the central, echogenic hilum, presence of irregular and indistinct margin, microcalcification, and necrotic changes. Cohen's Kappa coefficient was determined separately for each of the five TIRADS malignant features to study the inter-observer agreement. Furthermore, the percentage of benign cases that were accurately determined by TIRADS which could have avoided unnecessary FNAC was determined.Results:The risk of malignancy in TIRADS categories 1 and 2 was found to be 0%, 0.64% in category 3, 4.76% in category 4A, 66.67% in category 4B, 83.33% in category 4C, and 100% in category 5. Out of the five suspicious sonological features, irregular margins showed the highest positive predictive value (95.45%) for malignancy followed by taller than wide shape (92.86%), microcalcifications (66.67%), marked hypoechogenicity (54.55%), and solid composition (48.15%). The specificity of three sonological features (completely cystic structure, hyperechogenicity, and macrocalcification) in classifying a nodule as benign was 100%. Loss of central echogenic hilum, presence of an irregular and indistinct margin, microcalcification and necrosis were found to have sensitivity of 100%, 63.63%, 27.27%, and 9.09%, respectively and specificity of 95.7%, 98.5%, 100%, and 100%, respectively for cervical lymph node to be malignant. The Kappa value for taller than wide shape, microcalcification, marked hypoechogenicity, solid composition, and irregular margins was 1.0 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1–1), 1.0 (95% CI: 1–1), 0.90 (95% CI: 0.82–1), 0.88 (95% CI: 0.77–0.92), and 0.82 (95% CI: 0.64–1), respectively. The estimated decrease in unnecessary FNACs was found to be 43.83–86.30%.Conclusions:TIRADS proposed by Kwak et al., combined with evaluation for sonological features of malignant lymph nodes is a valuable, safe, widely available, and easily reproducible imaging tool to stratify the risk of a thyroid lesion and helps in precluding unnecessary FNACs in a significant number of patients. TIRADS features convincingly show comparable results in the interpretation of TIRADS features more so, in the hands of radiologists experienced in thyroid imaging.

Shear Wave Elastography (SWE): An Analysis of Breast Lesion Characterization in 83 Breast Lesions

Qualitative and quantitative shear wave elastography (SWE) criteria were assessed to differentiate between malignant and benign breast lesions. This prospective study included 83 lesions. SWE features measured included maximal stiffness values inside the lesion (Elesion) and in the peri-lesion area (Eperilesion) and ratio values (Rlesion and Rperilesion) according to the formula Elesion or Eperilesion/Efat, with Efat corresponding to normal fatty tissue. We compared ultrasonography (B-mode), SWE and histologic sizes. With qualitative and quantitative SWE analysis, sensitivity was 94% and specificity 73%. Malignant lesions appeared more heterogeneous, with higher stiffness and ratio values than benign lesions (p < 0.001). For malignant lesions, SWE size was better correlated to histologic size than B-mode size. Using benign SWE signs to selectively downgrade category 4a and 4b lesions, the specificity improved from 13% to 51% without loss in sensitivity (100%) compared to ultrasound.

Sonographic Features and Diagnostic Analysis of Benign Chronic Inflammatory Breast Lesions in Nonlactating Women.

Sonographic Features and Diagnostic Analysis of Benign Chronic Inflammatory Breast Lesions in Nonlactating Women.

Thyroid incidentalomas detected on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography: Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) in the diagnosis and management of patients

Our aim was to evaluate the role of the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) in the risk stratification of thyroid incidentalomas detected on (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography ((18)F-FDG-PET/CT) scans. Eighty-seven thyroid nodules in 84 patients showing incidentally detected increased uptake on (18)F-FDG-PET/CT who also had ultrasonography (US)-guided fine needle aspiration performed were included. On review of the US images, a TIRADS category was assigned to each thyroid nodule based on the number of suspicious US features. The correlation between the TIRADS category and the standard uptake values (SUV) on (18)F-FDG-PET/CT were calculated and compared. Of the 87 thyroid nodules, 47 (54%) were benign, and 40 (46%) were malignant. The malignancy rate of the TIRADS categories were as follows: 9% for category 3, 15% for category 4a, 39% for category 4b, 72% for category 4c, and 100.0% for category 5. Combining the TIRADS with the SUV showed increased specificity and positive predictive value but decreased sensitivity and negative predictive value compared with TIRADS alone (all P < .05). The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve value of TIRADS was the greatest, comparable with the combined TIRADS and SUV (0.737 to 0.724, P = .788). TIRADS may be applied in the risk stratification of thyroid incidentalomas detected on (18)F-FDG-PET/CT. Considering the high malignancy rate of thyroid incidentalomas showing increased (18)F-FDG uptake, ultrasonography-guided fine needle aspiration is mandatory even if there are no suspicious features present on US.

Differences between the clinical and histopathological tumor stages in breast cancer diagnosed using vacuum-assisted breast biopsy.

The present study aimed to determine the difference between the clinical tumor stage (T stage) based on pre-operative ultrasound and the histopathological T stage subsequent to surgery in vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB)-diagnosed breast cancer. Tumor sizes measured ultrasonography (USG) and histologically were retrospectively calculated and analyzed using paired t-tests in 209 patients diagnosed with breast cancer using VABB. The patients were classified into two groups, consisting of breast imaging reporting and data system (BI-RADS) category 4a or below, who underwent complete resection by VABB, and BI-RADS category 4b or above, who underwent incisional biopsy by VABB. The histopathological tumor size was found to be smaller compared with the USG-determined size in 92.3% of pT1a, 75.5% of pT1b, 44.2% of pT1c, 47.7% of pT2 and 0% of pT3 cases. Furthermore, the histopathological tumor size was smaller compared with the USG-determined size in 62.8% of cases classified as BI-RADS category 3–4a and in 53.7% of cases classified as BI-RADS category 4b-5. The smaller the primary tumor at the time of diagnosis by VABB, the higher the likelihood of pathological underestimation on post-operative histopathological assessment compared to pre-operative USG.

Non-mass-like breast lesions at ultrasonography: Feature analysis and BI-RADS assessment

ObjectiveTo analyze the features of non-mass-like (NML) breast lesions on ultrasound (US) and determine their corresponding malignancy rate and to stratify these lesion patterns according to US BI-RADS categories. Materials and methodsOne hundred sixty-four consecutive lesions were retrospectively classified into four types according to the US features, the corresponding positive predictive values (PPVs) were obtained. Clinical, imaging, and histopathological findings were reviewed. ResultsAmong the 164 lesions, 39 (24%) were classified as type Ia, 14 (8%) as type Ib, 39 (24%) as type IIa, 19 (12%) as type IIb, 19 (12%) as type III, and 34 (21%) as type IV. The PPVs for malignancy were 21% for type Ia, 79% for type Ib, 10% for type IIa, 58% for type IIb, 16% for type III, and 21% for type IV. All NML lesions were classified as BI-RADS category 4a (type IIa), 4b (type Ia, III and IV) and 4c (type Ib and IIb) according to their PPVs. There was a significantly higher frequency of malignancy among lesions of type Ib and type IIb compared with the other types (P<0.01 for each). Lesions with associated calcifications, presence of abnormal axillary nodes, or a mammographic finding of suspected malignancy had a higher probability of malignancy (P<0.05 for each). ConclusionUS is useful in clarifying the indication for biopsy of NML lesions. The types of US classifications used in our study establish reliable references for the NML patterns when stratified according to the BI-RADS categories.

Ultrasound screening of contralateral breast after surgery for breast cancer

ObjectiveTo determine whether supplemental screening ultrasound (US) to mammography could improve cancer detection rate of the contralateral breast in patients with a personal history of breast cancer and dense breasts. Materials and methodsDuring a one-year study period, 1314 screening patients with a personal history of breast cancer and dense breasts simultaneously underwent mammography and breast US. BI-RADS categories were given for mammography or US-detected lesions in the contralateral breast. The reference standard was histology and/or 1-year imaging follow-up, and the cancer rate according to BI-RADS categories and cancer detection rate and positive biopsy rate according to detection modality were analyzed. ResultsOf 1314 patients, 84 patients (6.4%) were categorized as category 3 with one interval cancer and one cancer which was upgraded to category 4A after 6-month follow-up US (2.5% cancer rate, 95% CIs 1.5–9.1%). Fifteen patients (1.1%) had category 4A or 4B lesions in the contralateral breast. Four lesions were detected on mammography (two lesions were also visible on US) and 11 lesions were detected on US and 5 cancers were confirmed (33.3%, 95% CIs 15.0–58.5%). Six patients (0.5%) had category 4C lesions, 2 detected on mammography and 4 on US and 4 cancers were confirmed (66.7%, 95% CIs 29.6–90.8%). No lesions were categorized as category 5 in the contralateral breast. Cancer detection rate by mammography was 3.3 per 1000 patients and that by US was 5.0 per 1000 patients, therefore overall cancer detection rate by mammography plus US was 8.3 per 1000 patients. Positive biopsy rate of mammography-detected lesions was 66.7% (4 of 6) and that of US-detected lesions was 40.0% (6 of 15). ConclusionUS can be helpful to detect mammographically occult breast cancer in the contralateral breast with high positive biopsy rate and low category 3 rate in patients with a previous history of breast cancer and dense breasts.

Diagnostic value of commercially available shear-wave elastography for breast cancers: integration into BI-RADS classification with subcategories of category 4

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of shear-wave elastography (SWE) for breast cancer and to determine whether the integration of SWE into BI-RADS with subcategories of category 4 improves the diagnostic performance. A total of 389 breast masses (malignant 120, benign 269) in 324 women who underwent SWE before ultrasound-guided core biopsy or surgery were included. The qualitative SWE feature was assessed using a four-colour overlay pattern. Quantitative elasticity values including the lesion-to-fat elasticity ratio (Eratio) were measured. Diagnostic performance of B-mode ultrasound, SWE, or their combined studies was compared using the area under the ROC curve (AUC). AUC of Eratio (0.952) was the highest among elasticity values (mean, maximum, and minimum elasticity, 0.949, 0.939, and 0.928; P = 0.04) and AUC of colour pattern was 0.947. AUC of combined studies was significantly higher than for a single study (P < 0.0001). When adding SWE to category 4 lesions, lesions were dichotomised according to % of malignancy: 2.1 % vs. 43.2 % (category 4a) and 0 % vs. 100 % (category 4b) for Eratio and 2.4 % vs. 25.8 % (category 4a) for colour pattern (P < 0.05). Shear-wave elastography showed a good diagnostic performance. Adding SWE features to BI-RADS improved the diagnostic performance and may be helpful to stratify category 4 lesions. • Quantitative and qualitative shear-wave elastography provides further diagnostic information during breast ultrasound. • The elasticity ratio (E ratio ) showed the best diagnostic performance in SWE. • E ratio and four-colour overlay pattern significantly differed between benign and malignant lesions. • SWE features allowed further stratification of BI-RADS category 4 lesions.

Complications of synthetic slings used in female stress urinary incontinence and applicability of the new IUGA-ICS classification

To analyze different complications of synthetic suburethral slings, and to apply the new "IUGA-ICS classification of complications directly related to the insertion of prosthesis (meshes, implants, tapes) and grafts in female pelvic floor surgery" to the list of complications, check its applicability, and give suggestions regarding possible improvements. This study is an analysis of complications of synthetic suburethral slings. Data on type of complication, time interval between the insertion of the prosthesis and the onset of symptoms of complication, type and nature of prosthesis, and management process were documented. Additional descriptions of the sling position in relation to lower urinary tract, shrinkage or prominence of the prosthesis, and intra-operative nature of the prosthetic material were collected for analysis. From the year 2003 to 2010, 376 women with complications of synthetic suburethral slings were managed surgically and the data were analyzed. Overactive bladder (OAB) at 54%, lower urinary tract obstruction (48%), vaginal exposure (19%), and pain (14%) were the most frequent complications. Infection, fistulae, urinary tract penetration, and groin/thigh pain were other complications. The new IUGA-ICS classification could be applied to most of the types of complications, a notable exception being de novo development of overactive bladder. Also category 4B of IUGA-ICS classifications encompasses a wide clinical variety of complications and may need reconsideration. De novo OAB seems to be the commonest complication of synthetic suburethral slings, followed by obstruction, vaginal exposure, and long term pain. The new IUGA-ICS classification on complications has good general applicability; some minor changes may be useful in the future.

Elastography ultrasound and questionable breast lesions: Does it count?

ObjectiveTo check possible additional value of using elastography ultrasound in the specification of questionable breast lesions. Subjects and methodsQuestionable breast lesions on gray scale ultrasound examination had been further evaluated by elastography ultrasound in 97 cases with median age of 42 years. The studied lesions were pathologically proven (58 benign and 39 malignant) using true cut tissue/surgical excision biopsy that was considered the gold standard of reference. ResultsConventional ultrasound categorization before biopsy included: category 3 (probably benign) in 42.3% (n=41), category 4a (low suspicion of malignancy) in 13.4% (n=13), category 4b (intermediate suspicion of malignancy) in 16.5% (n=16) and category 4c (moderate suspicion of malignancy) in 27.8% (n=27). We had evaluated elastography ultrasound regarding elastography strain scoring and quantitative strain ratio.Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 89.7%, 86.2% and 87.6% for conventional ultrasound, 92.3%, 74.1% and 81.4% for elastogram 5-point scoring method and 87.1%, 89.6% and 88.6% for the calculated strain ratios respectively in the assessment of the examined breast lesions. ConclusionUltrasound elastography, using both qualitative and quantitative methods can improve the performance of conventional B-mode ultrasound and enhance its specificity and accuracy in the diagnosis of questionable (BI-RADS categories 3 and 4) breast lesions.

Value of the US BI-RADS final assessment following mastectomy: BI-RADS 4 and 5 lesions

Clinical examination is not entirely sufficient for evaluation of the postoperative site for follow-up of patients with mastectomy. A few studies have reported that postoperative follow-up US evaluation allows early detection and proper management of local tumor recurrence. To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the American College of Radiology (ACR) ultrasonographic (US) Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) categories 4 and 5 breast lesions at the mastectomy site. Our institutional review board approved this study and waived the need for informed consent. We retrospectively reviewed the consecutive post-mastectomy US exams for palpable and non-palpable lesions in the post-mastectomy chest wall that were categorized as BI-RADS 4 (subcategorized 4a, 4b, and 4c) or 5 between January 2007 and April 2010. The positive predictive value (PPV) for final assessment was evaluated. From 2681 post-mastectomy US examinations, we obtained a study population of 50 patients with 50 lesions (20 palpable, 30 non-palpable). There were nine (45%) malignancies among the palpable lesions and six (20%) malignancies among the non-palpable lesions. The palpability showed no significant correlation with malignancy in overall subcategorization (P >0.05). The PPVs of categories 4 and 5 were 14.3% for category 4a, 62.5% for category 4b, 100% for category 4c, and 100% for category 5. The ACR US BI-RADS categorization of 4a, 4b, 4c, and 5 for breast lesions at the mastectomy site is a feasible method for predicting local recurrence. All lesions should be managed according to US characteristics during evaluation of local recurrence at the mastectomy site, regardless of palpability.

Shear-wave Elastography Improves the Specificity of Breast US: The BE1 Multinational Study of 939 Masses

To determine whether adding shear-wave (SW) elastographic features could improve accuracy of ultrasonographic (US) assessment of breast masses. From September 2008 to September 2010, 958 women consented to repeat standard breast US supplemented by quantitative SW elastographic examination in this prospective multicenter institutional review board-approved, HIPAA-compliant protocol. B-mode Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) features and assessments were recorded. SW elastographic evaluation (mean, maximum, and minimum elasticity of stiffest portion of mass and surrounding tissue; lesion-to-fat elasticity ratio; ratio of SW elastographic-to-B-mode lesion diameter or area; SW elastographic lesion shape and homogeneity) was performed. Qualitative color SW elastographic stiffness was assessed independently. Nine hundred thirty-nine masses were analyzable; 102 BI-RADS category 2 masses were assumed to be benign; reference standard was available for 837 category 3 or higher lesions. Considering BI-RADS category 4a or higher as test positive for malignancy, effect of SW elastographic features on area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity after reclassifying category 3 and 4a masses was determined. Median participant age was 50 years; 289 of 939 (30.8%) masses were malignant (median mass size, 12 mm). B-mode BI-RADS AUC was 0.950; eight of 303 (2.6%) BI-RADS category 3 masses, 18 of 193 (9.3%) category 4a lesions, 41 of 97 (42%) category 4b lesions, 42 of 57 (74%) category 4c lesions, and 180 of 187 (96.3%) category 5 lesions were malignant. By using visual color stiffness to selectively upgrade category 3 and lack of stiffness to downgrade category 4a masses, specificity improved from 61.1% (397 of 650) to 78.5% (510 of 650) (P<.001); AUC increased to 0.962 (P=.005). Oval shape on SW elastographic images and quantitative maximum elasticity of 80 kPa (5.2 m/sec) or less improved specificity (69.4% [451 of 650] and 77.4% [503 of 650], P<.001 for both), without significant improvement in sensitivity or AUC. Adding SW elastographic features to BI-RADS feature analysis improved specificity of breast US mass assessment without loss of sensitivity.

Classification of Metastatic versus Non-Metastatic Axillary Nodes in Breast Cancer Patients: Value of Cortex-Hilum Area Ratio with Ultrasound

PurposeTo investigate the significance of the cortex-hilum (CH) area ratio and longitudinal-transverse (LT) axis ratio and the blood flow pattern for diagnosis of metastatic axillary lymph nodes by ultrasound in breast cancer patients.MethodsFrom October 2005 to July 2006, we prospectively evaluated axillary nodes with ultrasound in 205 consecutive patients who had category 4B, 4C or 5 breast lesions according to the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System-Ultrasound (BI-RADS-Ultrasound®). Among the 205, there were 24 patients who had pathologic verification of breast cancer and axillary lymph node status. For a total of 80 axillary nodes we measured the areas of the cortex and hilum of lymph nodes and calculated the area ratio. We also measured the length of the longitudinal and transverse axis of the lymph nodes and calculated the length ratio. We evaluated the blood flow pattern on power Doppler imaging and classified each lymph node into a central or peripheral pattern. Diagnostic performance was analyzed according to positive criteria for lymph node metastasis (CH area ratio >2, LT axis ratio <2, peripheral type on power Doppler imaging).ResultsThe sensitivity of the CH area ratio was superior to that of the LT axis ratio (94.1% vs. 82.3%, p=0.031) and to that of the blood flow pattern (94.1% vs. 29.4%, p=0.009). For specificity, all three evaluating parameters had high values (89.1-95.6%) and no significant differences were found (p=0.121). The CH area ratio had a better positive predictive value than the LT axis ratio (94.1% vs. 80.0%, p=0.030) and power Doppler imaging (94.1% vs. 66.6%, p=0.028). For the negative predictive value, the CH area ratio was superior to the LT axis ratio (95.6% vs. 86.6%, p=0.035) and the blood flow pattern (95.6% vs. 63.0%, p=0.027).ConclusionWe recommend the CH area ratio of an axillary lymph node on ultrasound as a quantitative indicator for the classification of lymph nodes. The CH area ratio can improve diagnostic performance when compared with the LT axis ratio or blood flow pattern.

Category assessment based on 3D volume data acquired by automated breast ultrasonography

To assess the validity of categorization of ultrasonographic findings using automated breast ultrasonography (US). Bilateral whole-breast US was performed using an automated breast volume scanner (ABVS) in 400 women. The 3D data were evaluated using the ABVS workstation, and final assessment categories were recorded based on the following criteria. Irregular-shaped masses with a spiculated margin or echogenic halo were defined as category 5. Solid masses with one of the three suspicious findings (no circumscribed margin, no parallel orientation, and microcalcifications) were defined as category 4a, and masses with two or more suspicious findings were defined as category 4b. For non-mass lesions, localized hypoechoic areas with one of the three suspicious findings (segmental distribution, ductal change, and microcalcifications) were defined as category 4a. Localized hypoechoic areas with two or three suspicious findings were defined as category 4b or 5, respectively. Malignancy was confirmed histologically in 57 women (invasive, n = 38; in situ, n = 19). The rate of malignant findings was 0.6% (1/168) in category 3, 12% (15/129) in category 4a, 53% (31/59) in category 4b and 100% (10/10) in category 5. Categorization of ultrasonographic findings using automated breast US are useful for predicting the likelihood of malignancy.

Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia of the Breast Diagnosed by Ultrasonographically Guided Core Needle Biopsy

We analysed the ultrasonographic (US) features of atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) of the breast diagnosed by US-guided core needle biopsy (CNB) with the aim of identifying factors that affect the underestimation of ADH. A total of 134 ADH lesions sampled by US-guided CNB were reviewed retrospectively. All lesions were evaluated for pattern, size, lesion characteristics and margins, and the corresponding surgical outcome or imaging follow-up was obtained. Each patient's clinical and radiological features were analysed to identify factors involved in ADH underestimation. The prevalence of malignancy in each pattern of lesions following surgical excision was 32/81 (40%) for solid masses, 14/31 (45%) for ductal patterns, 5/17 (29%) for complex cystic lesions and 2/5 (40%) for architectural distortions. Based on the results of surgical and US follow-up, none of the category 3 lesions was proven to be a malignancy. Malignancy was found in 17 (21%) of the 80 BI-RADS (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System) category 4a lesions, 20 (74%) of the 27 category 4b lesions, 12 (92%) of the 13 category 4c lesions, and four (100%) of the four category 5 lesions. Lesions with a higher US assessment category, lacking circumscribed margins, or a mammographic finding of suspected malignancy were all significantly associated with underestimation (p < 0.05 for each). US is useful in evaluating ADH lesions and in clarifying the indication for biopsy of these lesions. Familiarity with the frequency associated with malignancy for each feature will improve the utility of US in the work-up of these breast abnormalities.

Does power Doppler ultrasonography improve the BI-RADS category assessment and diagnostic accuracy of solid breast lesions?

Power Doppler ultrasonography (US) is used in addition to B-mode US as a tool for the differential diagnosis between benign and malignant lesions. However, there are few data showing how useful power Doppler US is for BI-RADS category assessment. To assess how much power Doppler US contributed to increasing the category diagnosis from Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR BI-RADS(®)-US) category 3 to category 4. A total of 2426 patients (age range 16-91 years, mean 52 years) who underwent B-mode and power Doppler breast US using a linear 10-MHz transducer were analyzed. We devised integrated US category classification (BI-RADS-Integral) based on BI-RADS descriptors and vascularity. Masses with a circumscribed margin, parallel orientation, and negative vascularity on power Doppler US were defined as category 3. Irregular-shaped masses with a spiculated margin or echogenic halo were defined as category 5. Masses with one of the four suspicious findings (no circumscribed margin, no parallel orientation, microcalcifications, and positive vascularity) were defined as category 4a, and masses with two or more suspicious findings were defined as category 4b. There were 98 breast cancer cases, and the average sizes of invasive and non-invasive cancers were 15 mm and 18 mm, respectively. The frequency of breast cancer according to category was: 0.4% (3/714) of the category 3 cases, 2.7% (7/256) in category 4a, 64% (47/73) in category 4b, and 100% (41/41) in category 5. Among the cases with a category 4a mass lesion, there were 183 lesions whose category diagnosis had been raised from category 3 to category 4a based on the Doppler blood flow findings alone, and 3 (1.6%) of those lesions were breast cancer. All three of them were ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) cases. When the cut-off point was placed between category 3 and category 4, BI-RADS-Integral and BI-RADS-US without power Doppler had a sensitivity of 96.9% and 93.9%, respectively, specificity of 72.1% and 90.4%, respectively, and accuracy of 74.4% and 90.7%, respectively. The presence of Doppler blood flow increases the malignancy pick-up rate, but at the expense of a significant decrease in specificity and diagnostic accuracy and an increase in biopsy rate.

Subcategorization of Ultrasonographic BI-RADS Category 4: Positive Predictive Value and Clinical Factors Affecting It

The objective of this study was to evaluate the positive predictive value (PPV) in ultrasonographically (US)-detected breast lesions of BI-RADS category 4a, 4b and 4c and to find how various clinical factors influenced the PPV of category 4. A total of 2142 women with 2430 breast lesions diagnosed on US as BI-RADS category 4 and underwent biopsy were included. Among them, 452 (18.6%) were pathologically confirmed as malignancy. PPV of each US BI-RADS subcategory was 7.6% (149/1963) for category 4a, 37.8% (68/180) for category 4b and 81.9% (235/287) for category 4c. Several clinical factors were more significantly seen in malignancy of category 4a and 4b, whereas none of the factors showed significance in category 4c. Subcategorization of category 4 is a feasible method in predicting malignancy in which patients’ age, lack of multiplicity and symptoms affected the PPV of category 4 lesions. (E-mail: ekkim@yuhs.ac)