US-guided Vacuum-assisted Biopsy Research Articles

Upgrade risk of image-targeted radial scar and complex sclerosing lesions diagnosed at needle-guided biopsy: a retrospective study.

To determine the upgrade rate of radial scar (RS) and complex sclerosing lesions (CSL) diagnosed with percutaneous biopsy. The secondary objectives were to determine the new atypia rate after surgery and to assess the diagnosis of subsequent malignancy on follow-up. This single-institution retrospective study had IRB approval. All image-targeted RS and CSL diagnosed with percutaneous biopsy between 2007 and 2020 were reviewed. Patient demographics, imaging presentation, biopsy characteristics, histological report, and follow-up data were collected. During the study period, 120 RS/CSL were diagnosed in 106 women (median age, 43.5years; range, 23-74), and 101 lesions were analyzed. At biopsy, 91 (90.1%) lesions were not associated with another atypia or malignancy and 10 (9.9%) were associated with another atypia. Out of the 91 lesions that were not associated with malignancy or atypia, 75 (82.4%) underwent surgical excision, and one upgrade to low-grade CDIS was detected (1.3%). Among the 10 lesions initially associated with another atypia, 9 were surgically excised and no malignancy was detected. After a median follow-up of 47months (range: 12-143months), two (1.98%) developed malignancy in a different quadrant; in both cases, another atypia was present at biopsy. We found a low upgrade rate on image-detected RS/CSL, with or without another atypia associated. Associated atypia was underdiagnosed at biopsy in almost one-third of cases. Subsequent cancer risk could not be established because the only two cases were associated with another high-risk lesion (HRL), which might have increased the patient's risk of developing malignancy. Our upgrade rates of RS/CSL with or without atypia diagnosed with core needle biopsy are almost as low as the ones reported with larger sampling methods. This result has particular importance in places with limited accessibility to US-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy. •New evidence is showing lower upgrade rates of RS and CSL after surgery, leading to a more conservative management with extensive sampling using VAB or VAE. •Our study showed only one upgrade to a low-grade DCIS after surgery, yielding an upgrade rate of 1.33%. •During follow-up, no new malignancy was detected in the same quadrant where RS/CSL was diagnosed, including patients without surgery.

Innovative use of magnetic resonance imaging-guided focused ultrasound surgery for non-invasive breast cancer: a report of two cases

ObjectiveThis report describes the first clinical experience with magnetic resonance imaging-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) using the ExAblate 2100 system for non-invasive breast cancer.MethodsTwo women with non-invasive breast cancer underwent MRgFUS treatment. One week after the MRgFUS treatment, US-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy was performed for the ablated lesions at the same time as breast-conserving surgery.ResultsThe patients experienced good cosmetic outcomes and did not experience any severe adverse events, such as skin burns. Pathological examination of the surgical specimens revealed a few degenerated intraductal lesions around the breast biopsy markers.ConclusionPerforming MRgFUS with the new ExAblate 2100 system appears to be safe and feasible. The histopathological results revealed that adequate ultrasound energy in the appropriate location can induce tumor necrosis.

Prediction of postoperative hematoma occurrence after ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy in minimally invasive surgery for percutaneous removal of benign breast lesions.

The exact factors and mechanisms involved in the development of hematoma after breast ultrasound (US)-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB) are not clear. This study aimed to analyze the occurrence, prognosis, and risk factors of hematoma after US-guided VAB for the removal of benign breast lesions. This was a retrospective study of consecutive female patients with breast lesions (BI-RADS 3/4a/4b and confirmed as benign by core needle biopsy) removed by percutaneous excisional biopsy by US-guided VAB at the Beijing Chaoyang Hospital from April 2016 to December 2018. Univariable analyses were conducted to identify the factors associated with hematoma (age, nodule size, laterality, nodule location, number of nodules, BI-RADS classification of ultrasound, pathology, breast shape, menstrual period, efficacy time of bandage, and hemostatic agents). Multivariable analysis was performed to identify the factors independently associated with hematoma. A total of 293 patients (343 breast lesions) were included. Lesion removal was successful in all cases. Hematomas ≥1 cm were found in 39 patients. Finally, 38 (97.4%) hematomas were absorbed completely within 6 months. The multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that lesion size (P<0.001; OR: 5.775; 95% CI: 2.752-12.121), number of lesions (P=0.011; OR: 3.205, 95% CI: 1.311-7.834), and the efficacy time of bandage 12-24 h (P=0.003; OR: 5.257, 95% CI: 1.792-15.421) were independently associated with hematoma occurrence after US-guided VAB excision of breast lesions. A lesion size cut-off of 23.4 mm (AUC 0.764, 95% CI: 0.692-0.837; 59.0% sensitivity; 80.3% specificity; 77.5% accuracy; P<0.001) could predict hematoma occurrence. US-guided excisional VAB can effectively remove benign breast lesions. The factors independently associated with postoperative hematoma are lesion size, lesion number, and effective postoperative compression time of bandage.

Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia on Ultrasonography-Guided Vacuum-Assisted Biopsy of the Breast: Considerations for Further Surgical Excision.

The purposes of this study are to evaluate the upgrade rate of atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) diagnosed with ultrasonography (US)-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB) to malignancy and to identify the factors behind the underestimation. We retrospectively reviewed the pathologic results of US-guided VAB of the breast. A total of 50 ADH lesions that were surgically excised or with more than 12 months of follow-up were included. The upgrade rate of ADH was determined by dividing the number of lesions that were proven malignant on surgical excision by the total number of ADH diagnosed on VAB. Clinical, radiologic, procedural, and pathologic variables were analyzed to identify the factors behind the underestimation. The upgrade rate of ADH was found to be 16.0% (8/50 lesions). In univariable and multivariable analyses, the upgrade rates of ADH did not significantly differ among variables. In a subgroup analysis, according to history of breast cancer, the upgrade rates of ADH were significantly lower for lesions of mass than for lesions of nonmass (0% [0/23 lesions] vs 28.6% [4/14 lesions], P = 0.015), and for lesions without calcifications than for lesions with calcifications (0% [0/22 lesions] vs 26.7% [4/15 lesions], P = 0.021) in the negative history subgroup. ADH lesions in masses or without calcifications in patients without a family or personal history of breast cancer were associated with low upgrade rates. Thus, we suggest that ADH with these features can be followed rather than surgically excised after US-guided VAB.

Breast hamartoma: Ultrasound, elastosonographic, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound features.

To present the ultrasound (US), shear-wave elastography (SWE), and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) features of breast hamartomas. In this retrospective analysis, we included 36 breast hamartomas of 36 female patients who had been scheduled for US-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB) or surgical excision between May 2013 and October 2016. In the 36 patients, US, CEUS, and SWE were performed, and the pathology results from surgical or VAB were obtained. The US, SWE, and CEUS features of the lesions were analyzed. All breast hamartomas had an oval-shaped and a circumscribed margin. Of the 36 hamartomas, 30 (83.3%) had heterogeneous echogenicity and 28 (77.8%) displayed no changes in posterior echogenicity. There were no significant differences in the maximum, mean, and minimum elasticity between the hamartomas and peripheral parenchyma (P = 0.885, 0.683, and 0.451, respectively). All hamartomas appeared with a clear edge on CEUS, and none showed lesion diameter expansion after the injection of contrast. Compared with the peripheral parenchyma, 10 hamartomas (27.8%) showed rapid perfusion mode, 23 (63.9%) showed equal perfusion mode, 24 (66.7%) showed equal enhancement, and 9 (25.0%) showed hyperenhancement. The mean peak intensity and area under the curve of hamartomas were significantly higher than those of peripheral parenchyma (P = 0.013 and P = 0.011, respectively). The peak time and increasing-start time were not significantly different between hamartomas and peripheral parenchyma (P = 0.321 and P = 0.215, respectively). Hamartomas have typical features on US, SWE, and CEUS. Applying multiple ultrasound techniques would be helpful for their diagnosis.

Ultrasonography-guided 14-gauge core biopsy of the breast: results of 7 years of experience.

PurposeThis study assessed the outcomes of ultrasound (US)-guided core needle biopsies (CNBs) of breast lesions with at least 2 years of follow-up to determine the false-negative rate and to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of CNB.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 13,254 consecutive US-guided 14-gauge CNBs for breast lesions. We excluded biopsies if non-malignant biopsy result was not confirmed by surgical excision or US-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy, or fewer than 2 years of follow-up data were available. A total of 4,186 biopsies were excluded, and 9,068 breast masses from 7,039 women were included. The pathologic findings from each CNB were assessed using the standard diagnostic reference, defined based on the results of surgical excision, vacuum-assisted biopsy, or at least 2 years of long-term imaging follow-up. The false-negative rate and underestimation rate were calculated.ResultsOf the 9,068 CNBs, benign pathology was found in 64.2%, high-risk results in 3.5%, and malignant results in 32.3%. Of the 5,821 benign CNBs, an additional malignancy was found at excision in 63 lesions, leading to a false-negative rate of 2.0% (63 of 3,067). The underestimation rate was 33.6% (111 of 330) for ductal carcinoma in situ and 24.5% (79 of 322) for high-risk results at surgical excision. Most false-negative diagnoses (84.1%, 53 of 63) were recognized through imaging-histology correlations, and immediate rebiopsies were performed. Ten malignancies (15.9%, 10 of 63) had delayed diagnoses and showed progression in follow-up US imaging.ConclusionUS-guided 14-gauge CNB provided optimal diagnostic information. Imaging-histology correlations and appropriate imaging follow-up should be performed to avoid delayed diagnoses.

Breast Microcalcifications: Diagnostic Outcomes According to Image-Guided Biopsy Method.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the diagnostic outcomes of ultrasonography-guided core needle biopsy (US-CNB), US-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy (US-VAB), and stereotactic-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy (S-VAB) for diagnosing suspicious breast microcalcification.Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 336 cases of suspicious breast microcalcification in patients who subsequently underwent image-guided biopsy. US-CNB was performed for US-visible microcalcifications associated with a mass (n = 28), US-VAB for US-visible microcalcifications without an associated mass (n = 59), and S-VAB for mammogram-only visible lesions (n = 249). Mammographic findings, biopsy failure rate, false-negative rate, and underestimation rate were analyzed. Histological diagnoses and the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) categories were reported.ResultsBiopsy failure rates for US-CNB, US-VAB, and S-VAB were 7.1% (2/28), 0% (0/59), and 2.8% (7/249), respectively. Three false-negative cases were detected for US-CNB and two for S-VAB. The rates of biopsy-diagnosed ductal carcinoma in situ that were upgraded to invasive cancer at surgery were 41.7% (5/12), 12.9% (4/31), and 8.6% (3/35) for US-CNB, US-VAB, and S-VAB, respectively. Sonographically visible lesions were more likely to be malignant (66.2% [51/77] vs. 23.2% [46/198]; p < 0.001) or of higher BI-RADS category (61.0% [47/77] vs. 22.2% [44/198]; p < 0.001) than sonographically invisible lesions.ConclusionUltrasonography-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy is more accurate than US-CNB when suspicious microcalcifications are detected on US. Calcifications with malignant pathology are significantly more visible on US than benign lesions.

Breast Lesions with Imaging-Histologic Discordance During 16-Gauge Core Needle Biopsy System: would Vacuum-Assisted Removal get Significantly More Definitive Histologic Diagnosis Than Vacuum-Assisted Biopsy?

The aim of this study was to determine the role of vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB) in patients with ultrasound imaging-histologic discordance during 16-gauge core needle biopsy (CNB) and to compare VAB with vacuum-assisted removal (VAR) in diagnostic accuracy in patients with ultrasound imaging-histologic discordance. From January 2006 to October 2008, a consecutive biopsy was performed on 1532 lesions with ultrasound-guided 16-gauge CNB. Sixty two lesions were considered to be ultrasound imaging-histologic discordant. Among the 62 lesions, 55 lesions underwent subsequent VAB or VAR, which made up our study population. Among the 55 cases, 22 underwent subsequent US-guided VAR, and the other 33 lesions underwent subsequent US-guided VAB. All malignant lesions at VAB and VAR got subsequent surgery, and all benign lesions at VAR or VAB were followed up for at least 1 year. Five lesions of the VAR group were diagnosed as having carcinoma (5/22, 22.7% of pathologic changing rate). Seven lesions of the VAB group were diagnosed as having carcinoma (7/33, 21.2% of pathologic changing rate). Subsequent surgery further demonstrated the diagnosis of VAB for all the lesions with pathologic change. There was no significant difference in pathologic changing rate between these two groups (p < 0.05). A US-guided VAB was a valuable alternative to VAR or surgery excision to obtain definitive diagnosis in patients with breast lesions showing imaging-histologic discordance during 16-gauge CNB.

E5. Breast ultrasound – update

The advances made in recent years in high frequency ultrasound (US) transducer technology using broad bandwidth and high-dynamic range technology have led to considerable improvements in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) greyscale diagnostic imaging of the breast. The role of elastography, focusing on the differentiation between benign and malignant lesions, continues to be evaluated. US is the method of choice to assess and sample, with core biopsy, most breast abnormalities, while stereotactical guided vacuum assisted biopsy (VAB) is the method of choice to sample screen-detected microcalcifications and architectural distortions not seen on US. In the dense breast, the addition of US to screening mammography improves the sensitivity for cancer considerably. The mean supplemental diagnostic yield of US after negative mammography is 3.2 per 1000 women with dense breasts. US is the first line imaging technique for symptomatic breast patients and women under the age of 40. The International Breast Ultrasound School (IBUS) and Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) breast US guidelines have introduced some consistency to examination technique and reporting. Intraoperative surgeon-performed ultrasound focuses on the accurate definition of the resection segment or sector and the margin analysis of the resection specimen. US-guided VAB is being used increasingly for diagnosis of borderline lesions, to complete preoperative staging in patients with extensive ductal component and for therapeutic excision. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful preoperatively to assess the extent of ipsilateral disease and to exclude the contralateral breast cancer, particularly for women at increased risk of mammographically occult disease.

Ultrasonography-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy of microcalcifications: Comparison of the diagnostic yield of calcified cores and non-calcified cores on specimen radiographs

Microcalcifications found on mammography of asymptomatic women can be sampled by ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous breast biopsy when stereotactic core biopsy is unavailable or unsuccessful. The role of specimen radiograph needs to be reevaluated after US-guided biopsy. To compare retrospectively the histological diagnoses of calcified cores and non-calcified cores as depicted on specimen radiographs after a US-guided, 11-gauge, vacuum-assisted biopsy using surgical histology as the reference standard. A total of 135 consecutive patients underwent a US-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy for calcifications with malignant histological results from 135 lesions. For each lesion, calcification was identified in at least one core on specimen radiographs. Calcified cores and non-calcified cores depicted on specimen radiographs were separately submitted to the pathology department. The pathological diagnoses of calcified cores and non-calcified cores were compared with final diagnoses at surgical excision. Of a total of 2049 core specimens that were obtained (mean, 15 per lesion; range, 4-35 per lesion), 794 cores (mean, 5.9 per lesion; range, 1-17 per lesion) contained calcifications and 1255 cores (mean, 9.3 cores per lesion; range, 1-34 cores per lesion) did not contain calcifications. Calcified cores were more likely to enable an accurate diagnosis of cancer as compared to non-calcified cores (67%, 91 of 135 versus 52%, 70 of 135; P = 0.009). A diagnosis of cancer was more likely to be missed with non-calcified cores as compared to calcified cores (16%, 21 of 135 versus 4%, 5 of 135; P = 0.002). There was no difference in the underestimation of malignancy between calcified cores (29%, 39 of 135) and non-calcified cores (33%, 44 of 135) (P = 0.510). Calcified cores depicted on specimen radiographs are more accurate for a diagnosis of cancer as compared to non-calcified cores obtained during US-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy of microcalcifications.

Ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy of microcalcifications detected at screening mammography

Microcalcifications detected at screening mammography are frequently diagnosed by means of a stereotactic biopsy. Ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous breast biopsy has several advantages over stereotactic biopsy, e.g., it offers real-time needle visualization, improves patient comfort, the procedure time is generally considered to be shorter, and it usually does not require ionizing radiation or dedicated equipment. To assess the frequency of calcification retrieval and factors affecting retrieval success for US-guided 11-G vacuum-assisted biopsies of microcalcifications. Seventy-five consecutive women (age range: 25-68 years, mean age: 47 years) with 75 lesions of microcalcifications detected at screening mammography underwent US-guided 11-G vacuum-assisted biopsy. Calcification retrieval was defined as being successful when calcifications were detected in radiographs of specimens. Mammographic, ultrasonographic, and histologic findings were analyzed to identify factors that affected calcification retrieval. Among 75 lesions that had US-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy, calcifications were retrieved in 53 (71%) lesions. Calcification retrieval was more frequent for lesions; associated with masses or dilated ducts at US (85% [41/48] vs. 44% [12/27], P<0.001), located in the anterior or middle part of the breast vs. posterior part of the breast (81% [47/58] vs. 35% [6/17], P=0.001), of maximal diameter more than 10 mm (82% [41/50] vs. 48% [12/25], P=0.002), with a segmental or regional distribution vs. clustered distribution (95% [18/19] vs. 63% [35/56], P=0.008), or lesions of category 4c or 5 vs. category 4a or 4b (100% [8/8] vs. 67% [45/67], P=0.054) at mammography. US-guided 11-G vacuum-assisted biopsy retrieved calcifications from 71% (53/75) of lesions. Successful calcification retrieval was found to be related to the visibility of associated masses or dilated ducts by US, and to lesion depth, size, and distribution, and level of suspicion at mammography.

False-negative ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy of the breast: difference with US-detected and MRI-detected lesions

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively examine the frequency and causes of a false-negative result of ultrasound (US)-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy. A retrospective review was performed of 835 patients with 986 consecutive lesions who had undergone US-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy (US-VAB) using 11-gauge probes. We divided the lesions into two groups (US-detected and MRI-detected lesions). The sizes of the lesions on US, number of cores taken, rates of repeat biopsy, and the false-negative rate were compared between the two groups. The overall false-negative rate of US-VAB was 7.4% (13/175). The final number of malignant pathologic diagnoses was 175 (18%), including 13 false-negative lesions and 6 upgraded high-risk lesions. The false-negative rate for MRI-detected lesions (26%; 8/31) was significantly higher than that for US-detected lesions (3.5%; 5/144) (P = 0.0002). The causes of a false-negative result in the case of US-detected lesions were considered to be technical error in two cases and difficulty in histologic interpretation in three cases. The average size, as measured by US, average number of core samples, and repeat biopsy rate of US-detected lesions and MRI-detected lesions were 11 vs 9.7 mm (P = 0.0005), 13 vs 13 (P = NS), and 7.0% (43/611) vs 9.4% (18/191) (P = NS), respectively. The high false-negative result for MRI-detected lesions might arise from the difficulties in MRI-US correlation, which indicates the need for MRI-guided biopsy.

US-Guided Vacuum-Assisted Biopsy of Microcalcifications in Breast Lesions and Long-Term Follow-Up Results

ObjectiveTo evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the use of an ultrasonography (US)-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy for microcalcifications of breast lesions and to evaluate the efficacy of the use of US-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy with long-term follow-up results.Materials and MethodsUS-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy cases of breast lesions that were performed between 2002 and 2006 for microcalcifications were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 62 breast lesions were identified where further pathological confirmation was obtained or where at least two years of mammography follow-up was obtained. These lesions were divided into the benign and malignant lesions (benign and malignant group) and were divided into underestimated group and not-underestimated lesions (underestimated and not-underestimated group) according to the diagnosis after a vacuum-assisted biopsy. The total number of specimens that contained microcalcifications was analyzed and the total number of microcalcification flecks as depicted on specimen mammography was analyzed to determine if there was any statistical difference between the groups.ResultsThere were no false negative cases after more than two years of follow-up. Twenty-nine lesions were diagnosed as malignant (two invasive carcinomas and 27 carcinoma in situ lesions). Two of the 27 carcinoma in situ lesions were upgraded to invasive cancers after surgery. Among three patients diagnosed with atypical ductal hyperplasia, the diagnosis was upgraded to a ductal carcinoma in situ after surgery in one patient. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of specimens with microcalcifications and the total number of microcalcification flecks between the benign group and malignant group of patients and between the underestimated group and not-underestimated group of patients.ConclusionUS-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy can be an effective alternative to stereotactic-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy in cases where microcalcifications are visible with the use of high-resolution US.

Les macrobiopsies échoguidées assistées par le vide peuvent-elles constituer une alternative à l’exérèse chirurgicale de papillome bénin ?

The purpose of this study is to assess the value of US guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy compared to surgery for management of intraductal papilloma. This retrospective study included 13 patients with hypoechoic nodular lesion corresponding to small benign intraductal papillomas on biopsy and visible by US. The lesions were removed using US-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy and all tissue material was reviewed at histology. The mean size of papillomas was 9.3 mm (5-16 mm). Vacuum-assisted tumor removal was considered total for all 13 lesions. Maximum follow-up was 57 months. Two patients had tumor recurrence at 22 and 28 months respectively. In one case, atypical ductal hyperplasia was present at the periphery of the papilloma, requiring complementary surgery. US-guided vacuum-assisted excision of small benign tumors such as solitary intraductal papillomas appears to be an alternative to surgical biopsy. Because of the large volume of tissue removed, total tumor excision is possible allowing detection of incidental associated lesions.

The Role of the Use of US-guided Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy for the Total Removal of Sonographic Evidence in Low- and High-Risk Benign and Malignant Breast Lesions

Purpose: To determine the role of the use of a US-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy for the removal of sonographic evidence (excisional mammotome) for low- and high-risk benign and malignant breast lesions. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the pathological results of 678 excisional mammotomes (611 low- and 46 high-risk benign and 21 malignant lesions). We compared the pathological results of the excisional mammotomes and the corresponding subsequent surgery of 27 high-risk benign (7/46 cases) and malignant (20/21 cases) lesions. We also reviewed the follow-up US findings of low- (306/611 cases) and high-risk benign lesions (33/39 cases). Results: Fifteen of 27 (55.6%) surgical cases revealed a residual lesion on the excisional mammotome. There was no case of upgrade pathology seen for a surgical specimen. Follow-up sonography of 306 low-risk benign lesions showed a negative finding for 231 (75.2%) cases, post-biopsy changes in 56 (17.8%) cases, and residual lesions in 19 (5.7%) cases. None of the lesion was palpable. Follow-up sonography of 33 high-risk benign lesions revealed a negative finding in 28 (85%) cases, a post-biopsy scar in 4 (12%) cases, and a local recurrence in 1 (3%) case; none of the cases showed a residual lesion. Conclusion: We suggest that an excisional mammotome can replace surgical excision for low-risk cases and may avoid the immediate surgery for high-risk benign lesions; however, surgery is crucial for a malignancy.

2224: The usefulness of US-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy for the bi-rads category 3 and 4 lesions

2224: The usefulness of US-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy for the bi-rads category 3 and 4 lesions

Les macrobiopsies échoguidées assistées par le vide peuvent-elles constituer une alternative à la chirurgie diagnostique en cas de microbiopsies non contributives ?

Purpose To assess US-guided vacuum-assisted biopsies in the diagnosis of suspicious sonographic breast lesions after non-diagnostic core needle biopsies (CNB). Patients and methods Retrospective study of 42 females with suspicious breast lesions at US. CNB previously performed were non-diagnostic. Because of the larger sample size, vacuum-assisted biopsies were performed, instead of surgical biopsy. Results Vacuum-assisted biopsies showed 32 benign lesions. Histologic examination of the CNB showed non-specific fibrous tissue in 43% of cases as opposed to 7.1% for vacuum-assisted biopsies. The latter provided a more specific diagnosis (mainly fibrocystic breast disease). From a total of 4 lesions that were suspicious at CNB, 3 were diagnosed as malignancies after vacuum-assisted biopsy and one case was a “borderline” lesion. Three additional malignant and three additional borderline lesions were diagnosed on vacuum-assisted biopsies. In 11 cases, surgical excision was performed, and all diagnoses from vacuum-assisted biopsies were confirmed at microscopy, except in one case where it was underestimated (ADH versus DCIS). Conclusion US-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy is a reliable technique. Because it provides more tissue than CNB, it can be an alternative to diagnostic surgery after non-diagnostic CNB. Indeed, it allows confirmation of the diagnosis and provides a more specific diagnosis of benign lesions. With regards to malignant and borderline lesions, it avoids the risk of false-negative CNB and overlooking carcinomas.