Role of automated breast 3D ultrasound in detection and characterization of different breast lesions referral to post contrast MRI and pathological results

Abstract

Aim: To assess the agreement between automated breast 3D ultrasound (ABUS) and post contrast MRI in detection and characterization of breast lesions, using the pathological result as a gold standard.

Methods: This prospective study included 30 female patients presenting with palpable breast masses detected through clinical or mammographic examination. All patients underwent automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) and contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CEMRI). Images from both modalities were analyzed by two experienced radiologists, and results were compared with each other and with pathological findings.

Result: 60 lesions were statistically evaluated in this study, among which 25 were benign and 35 were malignant. The sensitivity and specificity of ABUS in characterization of breast lesions were 91.4 and 83.3, respectively while for MRI were 100 and 84 respectively.

Conclusions: Automated breast ultrasound and CE MRI are two promising modalities in breast imaging. Their diagnostic indices in this study were very close to each other. Due to high cost of MRI and its contraindication for certain patients, ABUS can be used as an adjunct modality to mammography for detection and characterization of breast lesions especially in dense breasts.