Sonographic findings of high-grade and non-high-grade ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast

Detection of microcalcifications using nonlinear beamforming techniques

OBJECTIVE

Abundant research demonstrates that early detection of cancer leads to improved patient prognoses. By detecting cancer earlier, when tumors are in their primary stages, treatment can be applied before metastases have occurred. The presence of microcalcifications (MCs) is indicative of malignancy in the breast, i.e., 30-50% of all nonpalpable breast cancers detected using mammograms are based on identifying the presence of MCs. Therefore, improving the ability to detect MCs with modern imaging technology remains an important goal. Specifically, improving the sensitivity of ultrasound imaging techniques to detect MCs in the breast will provide an important role for the early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer.

METHODS

In this work, a novel nonlinear beamforming technology for ultrasonic arrays is investigated for its ability to detect MCs. The beamforming technique, called null subtraction imaging (NSI), utilizes nulls in the beam pattern to create images using ultrasound. NSI provides improved lateral resolution, a reduction in side lobes, and an accentuation of bright singular targets. Therefore, it was hypothesized that the use of NSI would result in identification of more MCs in rat tumors having a speckle background. To test this hypothesis, rats with tumors were injected with Hydroxyapatite (HA) particles to mimic MCs. Ultrasound was used to scan the rat tumors and images were constructed using conventional delay and sum and using NSI beamforming. Three readers with experience in diagnostic ultrasound imaging examined the 1,344 images and scored the presence or absence of MCs.

DISCUSSION

In all, 336 different tumor image slices were recorded and each reconstructed using NSI or conventional delay and sum with Hann apodization. In every image where one or MCs were detected in the Hann reconstructions, MCs were detected in the NSI images. In nine rat tumor images, one or more MCs were detected in the NSI images but not in the Hann images.

CONCLUSIONS

Statistically, the results did support the hypothesis that NSI would increase the number of MCs detected in the rat tumors.

The Japan Society of Ultrasonics in Medicine guidelines on non-mass abnormalities of the breast

It is possible to appropriately diagnose non-mass abnormalities by elucidating ultrasound non-mass abnormality findings and sharing the concept. If non-mass abnormalities can be diagnosed early, the number of curable cases could increase, leading to fewer breast cancer deaths. The Japan Society of Ultrasonics in Medicine (JSUM) Terminology/Diagnostic Criteria Committee has classified non-mass abnormalities into five subtypes: hypoechoic area in the mammary gland, abnormalities of the ducts, architectural distortion, multiple small cysts, and echogenic foci without a hypoechoic area. We herein define the findings for each of these subtypes and present a summary of the JSUM guidelines on non-mass abnormalities of the breast generated based on those findings.

Features of ductal carcinoma in situ ultrasound images

Ultrasound images of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) show a wide range of variations from mass to non-mass lesions. This article describes the characteristics of ultrasound images of DCIS based on the BC-02 study conducted by The Japanese Association of Breast and Thyroid Sonology (JABTS). In the BC-02 study, ultrasound images of 705 DCIS cases were classified by imaging findings. The results showed that non-mass abnormalities accounted for 60% of all lesions and masses for 40%. Looking at each subclassification, hypoechoic areas in the mammary gland were the most common (50% of the total), followed by solid masses (31%), mixed masses (9%), and abnormalities of the ducts (8%). These four classifications accounted for 98% of the total. Echogenic foci without a hypoechoic area, architectural distortion, and clustered microcysts were very rare, accounting for about 1% of the total. The ultrasound images of DCIS were characterized by a wide range of variations from masses to non-masses abnormalities, with hypoechoic areas in the mammary gland being the most common, followed by solid masses.

The diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in breast ductal abnormalities

BACKGROUND

Ductal lesions are an important, often overlooked, and poorly understood issue in breast imaging, which have a risk of underlying malignancy ranging from 5 to 23%. Ultrasonography (US), which has largely replaced galactography or ductography, has become an important imaging method to assess patients with ductal lesions. However, it is difficult to distinguish benign from malignant ductal abnormalities only by ultrasonography, most of which are recommended to be at least in subcategory 4A; these require biopsy according to the ACR BI-RADS®atlas 5th Edition-breast ultrasound. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has been shown to be valuable for differentiating benign from malignant tumors, but its value is unclear in breast ductal lesions. Therefore, the purposes of this study were to explore the characteristics of malignant ductal abnormalities on US and CEUS imaging and the diagnostic value of CEUS in breast ductal abnormalities.

METHODS

Overall, 82 patients with 82 suspicious ductal lesions were recruited for this prospective study. They were divided into benign and malignant groups according to the pathological results. Morphologic features and quantitative parameters of US and CEUS were analyzed by comparison and multivariate logistic regression to determine the independent risk factors. The diagnostic performance was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

RESULTS

Shape, margin, inner echo, size, microcalcification and blood flow classification on US, wash-in time, enhancement intensity, enhancement mode, enhancement scope, blood perfusion defects, peripheral high enhancement and boundary on CEUS were identified as features correlated with malignant ductal lesions. However, multivariate logistic regression showed that only microcalcification (OR = 8.96, P = 0.047) and enhancement scope (enlarged, OR = 27.42, P = 0.018) were independent risk factors for predicting malignant ductal lesions. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, accuracy and area under the ROC curve of microcalcifications combined with an enlarged enhancement scope were 0.895, 0.886, 0.872, 0.907, 0.890, and 0.92, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Microcalcification and enlarged enhancement scope are independent factors for predicting malignant ductal lesions. The combined diagnosis can greatly improve the diagnostic performance, indicating that CEUS can be useful in the differentiation of benign and malignant lesions to formulate more appropriate management for ductal lesions.

US, Mammography, and Histopathologic Evaluation to Identify Low Nuclear Grade Ductal Carcinoma in Situ

Background Low nuclear grade ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) identified at biopsy can be upgraded to intermediate to high nuclear grade DCIS at surgery. Methods that confirm low nuclear grade are needed to consider nonsurgical approaches for these patients. Purpose To develop a preoperative model to identify low nuclear grade DCIS and to evaluate factors associated with low nuclear grade DCIS at biopsy that was not upgraded to intermediate to high nuclear grade DCIS at surgery. Materials and Methods In this retrospective study, 470 women (median age, 50 years; interquartile range, 44-58 years) with 477 pure DCIS lesions at surgical histopathologic evaluation were included (January 2010 to December 2015). Patients were divided into the training set (n = 330) or validation set (n = 147) to develop a preoperative model to identify low nuclear grade DCIS. Features at US (mass, nonmass) and at mammography (morphologic characteristics, distribution of microcalcification) were reviewed. The upgrade rate of low nuclear grade DCIS was calculated, and multivariable regression was used to evaluate factors for associations with low nuclear grade DCIS that was not upgraded later. Results A preoperative model that included lesions manifesting as a mass at US without microcalcification and no comedonecrosis at biopsy was used to identify low nuclear grade DCIS, with a high area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.94, 1.00) in the validation set. The upgrade rate of low nuclear grade DCIS at biopsy was 38.8% (50 of 129). Ki-67 positivity (odds ratio, 0.04; 95% CI: 0.0003, 0.43; P = .005) was inversely associated with constant low nuclear grade DCIS. Conclusion The upgrade rate of low nuclear grade ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) at biopsy to intermediate to high nuclear grade DCIS at surgery occurred in more than a third of patients; low nuclear grade DCIS at final histopathologic evaluation could be identified if the mass was viewed at US without microcalcifications and had no comedonecrosis at histopathologic evaluation of biopsy. © RSNA, 2022 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Rahbar in this issue.

Imaging and pathologic features of non-calcified ductal carcinoma in situ: can sonography predict upgrade?

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the imaging and pathologic features and upgrade rate of non-calcified ductal carcinoma in situ (NCDCIS). The study tested the hypothesis that lesions with sonographic findings have higher upgrade rate compared to lesions seen on mammography or MRI only.

METHODS

This retrospective study included patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) diagnosed by image-guided core breast biopsy from December 2009 to April 2018. Patients with microcalcifications on mammography or concurrent ipsilateral cancer on core biopsy were excluded. An upgrade was defined as surgical pathology showing microinvasive or invasive cancer.

RESULTS

A total of 71 lesions constituted the study cohort. 62% of cases (44/71) had a mammographic finding, and 38% (27/71) of mammographically occult lesions had findings on either ultrasound, MRI, or both. Of the 67 cases that underwent sonography, a mass was noted in 56/67 (83.6%) cases and no sonographic correlate was identified in 11/67 (16.4%) cases. 21% (15/71) of lesions were upgraded on final surgical pathology. The upgrade rate of patients with sonographic correlate was 27% (15/56) vs with mammographic findings only was 0% (0/11).

CONCLUSION

DCIS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of architectural distortion, asymmetries, focal asymmetries, and masses, even in the absence of microcalcifications. NCDCIS diagnosed by ultrasound may be an independent risk factor for upgrade.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

Radiologists must be aware of imaging features of DCIS and consider increased upgrade rate when NCDCIS is diagnosed by ultrasound.

Advances and controversies in management of breast ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a non-obligate precursor of invasive breast cancer. It accounts for 25% of all breast cancers diagnosed, as a result of the expansion of breast cancer screening and is associated with a high survival rate. DCIS is particularly clinically challenging, due to its heterogeneous pathological and biological traits and its management is continually evolving towards more personalized and less aggressive therapies. This article suggests evidence-based guidelines for proper DCIS clinical management, which should be discussed within a multidisciplinary team in order to propose the most suitable approach in clinical practice, taking into account recent scientific studies. Here we include updated multidisciplinary treatment protocols and techniques in accordance with the most recent contributions published on this topic in the peer-reviewed medical literature, and we outline future perspectives.

Nonmass Findings at Breast US: Definition, Classifications, and Differential Diagnosis

A nonmass finding at US has been described as a discrete identifiable area of altered echotexture compared with that of the surrounding breast tissue that does not conform to a mass shape. Recognizing nonmass findings is important because breast cancer can manifest as such lesions, and US correlate findings for mammographic and breast MRI abnormalities may manifest as nonmass findings. The term nonmass finding is not part of the current Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System US terminology, and no standardized approach to classify and evaluate nonmass findings at US currently exists, despite the various classification systems proposed in the literature. There is also considerable overlap between the sonographic features of benign and malignant causes of nonmass findings. These limitations cause diagnostic difficulty in evaluating clinical significance and recommending appropriate management. The authors review the definitions and classification systems of US nonmass findings proposed in the literature and illustrate the sonographic features of nonmass findings to help radiologists identify them at US. A range of benign and malignant causes of nonmass findings are reviewed, and sonographic-histopathologic correlations of nonmass findings are discussed. Cases of breast MRI and mammographic findings that may manifest as US nonmass findings are presented. Radiologists can improve detection and interpretative accuracy, as well as correlation of mammographic and MRI breast lesions, by increasing their recognition and understanding of nonmass findings at US.^©RSNA, 2020.

Ultrasound evaluation of ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast

PURPOSE

To assess the role of ultrasound (US) in detecting and characterizing ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast and to investigate the correlation between ultrasonographic and biological features of DCIS.

METHODS

In total, 171 patients (mean age 44; range 39-62) with 178 lesions were retrospectively evaluated by two independent radiologists searching for US mass or non-mass lesions. Immunohistochemistry analysis was performed to determine estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression. The US detection rate and pattern distribution among the lesion types were evaluated. The χ² test was used to evaluate the correlation between the US findings and the biological factors. Statistical significance was indicated by p values < 0.05. Inter-observer agreement was calculated by Kohen's k test.

RESULTS

US detected 35% (63/178) of all lesions. Fifty-two (83%) lesions were classified as mass lesions, and 11 (17%) as non-mass lesions (p < 0.0001). Among the mass lesions, the most common shape was irregular (79%; p < 0.0001), with 45 (87%) lesions having indistinct margins. Hypoechogenicity was the most common echo pattern (49 cases, 94%; p < 0.0001). Microcalcifications were found in 23 cases (37%; p = 0.004) and were associated with mass lesions in 15 cases (65%) and with non-mass lesions in 8 cases (35%) (p = 0.21). An almost perfect inter-observer agreement (k = 0.87) was obtained between the two radiologists. A significant ER expression was found in mass lesions (83%; p < 0.0001), with no significant PR (p = 0.89) or HER2 expression (p = 0.81). Among the lesions with microcalcifications, only 7 out of 23 cases (30%) were positive for HER2 (p = 0.09).

CONCLUSION

DCIS represents a heterogeneous pathological process with variable US appearance (mass-like, non-mass-like, or occult). The most common US finding is represented by mass-type, hypoechogenic lesions with indistinct margins. A significant ER expression exists among mass-type lesions, while microcalcifications seem not to be associated with HER2 expression.

The predictive value of calcification for the grading of ductal carcinoma in situ in Chinese patients

High-grade ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) requires resection due to the high risk of developing invasive breast cancer. The predictive powers of noninvasive predictors for high-grade DCIS remain contradictory. This study aimed to explore the predictive value of calcification for high-grade DCIS in Chinese patients.This was a retrospective study of Chinese DCIS patients recruited from the Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University between January and December 2018. The patients were divided into calcification and non-calcification groups based on the mammography results. The correlation of calcification with the pathologic stage of DCIS was evaluated using the multivariable analysis. The predictive value of calcification for DCIS grading was examined using the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve.The pathologic grade of DCIS was not associated with calcification morphology (P = .902), calcification distribution (P = .252), or breast density (P = .188). The multivariable analysis showed that the presence of calcification was independently associated with high pathologic grade of DCIS (OR = 3.206, 95% CI = 1.315-7.817, P = .010), whereas the age, hypertension, menopause, and mammography BI-RADS were not (all P > .05) associated with the grade of DCIS. The ROC analysis of the predictive value of calcification for DCIS grading showed that the area under the curve was 0.626 (P = .019), with a sensitivity of 73.1%, specificity of 52.2%, positive predictive value of 72.2%, and negative predictive value of 53.3%.The presence of calcification is independently associated with high pathologic grade of DCIS and could predict high-grade DCIS in Chinese patients.

Application of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ: Analysis of 127 Cases

OBJECTIVES

To explore the characteristics of breast ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) on real-time grayscale contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging and the diagnostic value of CEUS in DCIS.

METHODS

A total of 127 histopathologically confirmed DCIS lesions and 124 fibroadenomas (FAs; controls) were subjected to conventional ultrasound and CEUS. Next, the CEUS findings of DCIS and FA lesions, including morphologic features and quantitative parameters, were analyzed.

RESULTS

Binary logistic regression was used to identify the independent risk factors from DCIS and FA lesions detected by CEUS. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound revealed significant differences between DCIS and FA. The wash-in time, enhancement mode, enhancement intensity, blood perfusion defects, peripheral high enhancement, enhancement scope, intratumoral vessels and their courses and dilatation degree, and penetrating vessels on CEUS were identified as features correlated with DCIS (P < .05). Moreover, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was developed, and the area under receiver operating characteristic curve of each index was generated, including the wash-in time, enhancement intensity, blood perfusion defects, enhancement scope, penetrating vessels, arrival time, and peak intensity (P < .05; area under the curve, >0.6).

CONCLUSIONS

The contrast-enhancement patterns and DCIS parameters appeared different from FA lesions, thus suggesting that CEUS can be very useful in distinguishing DCIS from FA lesions.

MRI for assessment of pathologic nipple discharge: is it mandatory?

Background

Benign breast lesions is the most common cause of nipple discharge; however, a rare but major cause is breast cancer. This study assesses the superadded value of MRI in diagnosing causes of pathologic nipple discharge. Ninety-three patients with pathologic nipple discharge were evaluated by sonomammography and DCE-MRI. Sonomammography and MR imaging features were analyzed and correlated with the histopathology.

Results

Histopathology revealed 69 benign, three high-risk, and 21 malignant lesions. Simply dilated ducts and presence of a mass on US examination as well as non-mass enhancement and STIR signal changes on MRI were of statistically significant probability in differentiation between benign and malignant causes of pathological nipple discharge (p value = 0.017 and 0.001) and (p value ≤ 0.001). Sensitivity and specificity of mammogram and ultrasound in differentiation between benign and malignant causes of pathologic nipple discharge were 71.4% and 54.2% respectively with positive predictive value of 31.2%,negative predictive value of 86.7%, and accuracy of 58.1%. MRI gave higher sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 83.3% with positive predictive value of 63.6%, negative predictive value of 100%, and accuracy of 87.1%.

Conclusion

Magnetic resonance imaging is superior to sonommagraphy in diagnosis of pathologic nipple discharge and we recommend it in special situations.

Non-mass versus mass-like ultrasound patterns in ductal carcinoma in situ: is there an association with high-risk histology?

AIM

To review the ultrasound (US) patterns of pure ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) using a non-mass-like (NML) versus mass-like (ML) classification and to investigate histopathological associations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study was a retrospective analysis of sonographically evident pure DCIS lesions detected in a mammographic (MG) screening programme over a 7-year period from 2008. All lesions had undergone US-guided 14 G core biopsies with no upgrades to invasive disease on surgical histopathology. Lesions that were three-dimensional with convex margins were classified as ML and all others as NML. ML lesions were subdivided into solid, cystic, or mixed, and NML lesions into ductal and non-ductal. Imaging and pathological characteristics of NML versus ML lesions were investigated using logistic regression.

RESULTS

There were 78 lesions in 75 participants. NML lesions accounted for 45 (58%) lesions, comprising 27 (60%) ductal and 18 (40%) non-ductal subtypes. There were 33 (42%) ML lesions; the largest subgroup being solid (n=21, 64%). Significant associations between lesion type and lesion size on US (<15 versus ≥15 mm), presence of US and mammographic calcification and posterior shadowing on sonography were identified. NML lesions had fivefold higher odds (OR=5.41 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.03, 14.39, p=0.001) to be high grade and sevenfold higher odds (OR=7 95% CI: 1.75, 27.99, p=0.006) to have comedo necrosis on histopathology.

CONCLUSION

DCIS lesions can be successfully classified using ML and NML lesion descriptors and NML morphology on US is associated with histological features of "high-risk" DCIS.

Characterization of Breast Microcalcifications Using a New Ultrasound Image-Processing Technique

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate a new commercial image-processing technique (MicroPure; Toshiba America Medical Systems, Tustin, CA) for detection and characterization of breast microcalcifications in patients undergoing stereotactic or ultrasound-guided biopsies using mammography as the reference standard.

METHODS

One hundred female patients, with a total of 104 lesions, scheduled for an image-guided biopsy of an area with breast microcalcifications (identified on a prior mammogram) underwent MicroPure examinations of the breast using an Aplio XG scanner (Toshiba America Medical Systems) with a broad-bandwidth linear array. MicroPure combines nonlinear imaging and speckle suppression to mark suspected calcifications as white spots in a blue overlay image. Four independent and blinded readers (2 radiologists and 2 physicists) analyzed 208 digital clips consisting of dual grayscale ultrasound and MicroPure imaging, counting the number of microcalcifications seen with MicroPure. The observers also assessed the level of suspicion on a qualitative, visual analog, 6-point scale from 0 (no findings) over 1 (benign) to 5 (malignant).

RESULTS

The mean number of microcalcifications ± SD seen was 6.3 ± 3.5, whereas mammography saw 28.9 ± 24.6 (P = .66). When the MicroPure level of suspicion scores were compared with pathologic results using a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the areas under the curve ranged from 0.54 to 0.59. Nonetheless, malignant cases were seen to have significantly more microcalcifications than benign cases (mean number of microcalcifications, 6.9 ± 5.1 versus 5.3 ± 3.7; P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

MicroPure can be used to identify areas with breast microcalcifications but cannot effectively characterize such areas. Instead, MicroPure may represent a new imaging method for guiding a biopsy to areas of microcalcifications.

Re-excision rate after sector resection for breast cancer: A 5-year retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Positive margins after Breast conserving surgery (BCS) for breast cancer can result in local recurrence (LR) requiring further surgery. This can lead to unnecessary patient anxiety, poor prognosis and impose additional economic burden to our health system. The aim of this study is to assess the rate of re-excision for positive margins after BCS using the sector resection technique.

METHODS

This single centre retrospective cohort study included all women who underwent BCS using sector resection between the years of 2012 and 2016. A total of 456 patients underwent sector resection. We evaluated the margin status, re-excision rates and their predictive risk factors.

RESULTS

415 (91%) patients had clear margins. 41 (9%) patients underwent further re-excision for positive or close margin. 75.6% of those patients had DCIS and 51% had invasive carcinoma involving the margins. Patient and tumour characteristics associated with an increased risk of positive margin were women under the age of 50 (p = 0.19), tumours >50 mm (p = 0.001), grade-2 (p = 0.48) and grade-3 (p = 0.63), HER-2 positivity (p = 0.02), sentinel lymph node positivity (p = 0.03), and patients undergoing axillary lymph node dissection (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

BCS using the sector resection technique has a low re-excision rate for positive margins. Younger patients and aggressive tumour biology are important predictive risk factors for positive margins.

Usefulness of the twinkling artifact on Doppler ultrasound for the detection of breast microcalcifications

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the twinkling artifact on Doppler ultrasound imaging corresponds to microcalcifications previously seen on mammograms and to evaluate the usefulness of this finding in the ultrasound management of suspicious microcalcifications.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We used ultrasonography to prospectively examine 46 consecutive patients with groups of microcalcifications suspicious for malignancy identified at mammography, searching for the presence of the twinkling artifact to identify the microcalcifications. Once we identified the microcalcifications, we obtained core-needle biopsy specimens with 11G needles and then used X-rays to check the specimens for the presence of microcalcifications. We analyzed the percentage of detection and obtainment of microcalcifications by core-needle biopsy with this technique and the radiopathologic correlation. Microcalcifications that were not detected by ultrasound or discordant lesions were biopsied by stereotaxy at another center. We also used ultrasound guidance for preoperative marking with clips, usually orienting them radially.

RESULTS

We identified and biopsied 41 of the 46 lesions under ultrasound guidance, including 24 of 25 carcinomas (17 in situ). B-mode ultrasound was sufficient for biopsying the microcalcifications in 14 patients, although the presence of the twinkling artifact increased the number of microcalcifications detected and thus enabled more accurate preoperative marking. Thanks to the twinkling sign, we were able to identify 27 additional groups of microcalcifications (89% vs. 30%; p < 0.05). All the surgical specimens had margins free of disease.

CONCLUSIONS

The twinkling artifact is useful for microcalcifications in ultrasound examinations, enabling a significant increase in the yield of ultrasound-guided biopsies and better preoperative marking of groups of microcalcifications.

Ultrasound Detection of Microcalcifications in Surgical Breast Specimens

The objective was to evaluate a commercial image processing technique (MicroPure, Canon Medical Systems, Tustin, CA, USA) for detection of microcalcifications in breast surgical specimens. Twenty women scheduled for surgical excision of an area with breast calcifications were enrolled, their surgical specimens underwent grayscale ultrasound (US) and MicroPure examination using an Aplio XG scanner (Canon). Four independent and blinded readers analyzed 54 US and 54 MicroPure digital clips to determine the number of calcifications and scored image quality and artifacts on a 10-point scale. All readers saw significantly more microcalcifications with MicroPure than with US, 14.0 ± 12.0 versus 3.0 ± 3.2 (p <0.0001). Three readers preferred MicroPure image quality over that of US (p <0.009) and vice versa for one reader (p = 0.003). Three readers saw fewer Cooper's ligament artifacts with MicroPure than with US (p <0.0001); one reader saw no significance difference between them (p = 0.58). In conclusion MicroPure identified more breast microcalcifications than grayscale US in ex vivo surgical breast specimens.

Histopathology findings of non-mass cancers on breast ultrasound

Background

There is little research done on non-mass cancers (NMCs) on breast ultrasound (US).

Purpose

To evaluate large-sectional histopathology findings of NMCs on breast US.

Material and Methods

The mammographic and histopathology features of biopsy proven 36 breast cancers which showed pure non-mass lesions on US were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

The most common mammographic finding was microcalcification (23/35, 65.7%); fine pleomorphic microcalcification was predominant (18/23, 78.3%). The main tumor type was pure ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) (14/36, 38.9%) and DCIS with micro- or minimal invasion (11/36, 30.6%). Among the 25 DCIS, histologic grade was high in 15 (60.0%) and intermediate in nine (36%); comedo necrosis was seen in 17 (68%). Immunohistochemical analysis was available in 27 lesions and showed HER2-overexpression in 12 (44.4%) and triple-negative in two (7.4%).

Conclusion

According to our limited patient sample, NMCs on breast US were mainly associated with high-grade DCIS.

Clinics in diagnostic imaging (180). Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)

A 26-year-old woman presented with a slow-growing right breast lump. Excision biopsy of the lump showed invasive ductal carcinoma with adjacent ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Preoperative imaging was performed to assess the extent of disease. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the breasts showed an area of clustered ring enhancement deep to the biopsy site, which was representative of residual DCIS. DCIS is a common noninvasive malignancy that manifests as a primary breast tumour or in association with other lesions. The radiological features of DCIS are discussed herein, with special attention to the clustered ring enhancement pattern on MR imaging.

Ultrasonographic features of pure ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast: correlations with pathologic features and biological markers

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ultrasonographic features of pure ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast and to evaluate the correlations of ultrasonographic features with pathologic and biological features.

Methods

A total of 141 lesions in 138 women with pure DCIS who underwent preoperative breast ultrasonography were retrospectively reviewed. Ultrasonographic features were analyzed using the American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) ultrasonography lexicon and the diagnostic criteria of the Japan Society of Ultrasonics in Medicine. Pathologic features including the nuclear grade and presence of comedonecrosis were evaluated. Biological markers including estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status, as well as the Ki-67 index, were recorded. Ultrasonographic features were compared with pathologic findings and biological markers using the chi-square test. P-values of <0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance.

Results

Of the 141 lesions, 75 (53.2%) were mass lesions, 56 (39.7%) were non-mass lesions, and 10 (7.1%) were not visible. The most common feature of the mass pattern was a mass with irregular shape (32.6%), an indistinct margin (27.7%), and hypoechogenicity (37.6%). Microcalcifications were observed in 48 cases (36.6%) as an associated feature. Calcifications outside of a mass were more common than calcifications within a mass. Ultrasonographic microcalcifications and ductal changes were frequently observed in non-mass lesions. Ultrasonographic non-mass lesions were associated with high-grade DCIS (P=0.004) and the presence of comedonecrosis (P=0.006). Microcalcifications were significantly associated with high-grade DCIS (P<0.001), the presence of comedonecrosis (P<0.001), an elevated Ki-67 (P<0.001), and HER2 positivity (P=0.003).

Conclusion

The most common ultrasonographic feature of pure DCIS was an irregular, hypoechoic mass with an indistinct margin. Ultrasonographic microcalcifications and ductal changes were more frequent in non-mass lesions, which were correlated with poor prognostic factors, such as a high nuclear grade, comedonecrosis, HER2 positivity, and an elevated Ki-67 index.

Ultrasound Image Classification of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) of the Breast: Analysis of 705 DCIS Lesions

The Japan Association of Breast and Thyroid Sonology (JABTS) proposed, in 2003, a conceptual classification system for non-mass abnormalities to be applied in addition to the conventional concept of masses, to facilitate detecting ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) lesions. The aim of this study was to confirm the utility of this system and to clarify the distribution of these findings in DCIS lesions. Data on 705 surgically treated DCIS lesions from 16 institutions in Japan were retrospectively reviewed. All 705 DCIS lesions could be classified according to the JABTS classification system. The most frequent findings were hypo-echoic areas in the mammary gland (48.6%), followed by solid masses (28.0%) and duct abnormalities (10.2%) or mixed masses (8.1%). Distortion (1.3%), clustered microcysts (1.4%) and echogenic foci without a hypo-echoic area (2.5%) were uncommon. These results suggest that the concept of non-mass abnormalities is useful in detecting DCIS lesions.

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

OBJECTIVE

To 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 METHODS

We 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.

RESULTS

Biopsy 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.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasonography-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.

Correlation between sonographic findings and clinicopathologic and biologic features of pure ductal carcinoma in situ in 691 patients

OBJECTIVE

The objective of our study was to compare the sonographic features of pure ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) lesions with the initial clinical presentation and histopathologic findings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The images and records of 691 patients with pure DCIS who underwent preoperative mammography and whole-breast sonography as part of staging workup in a single institution from January 1, 1996, through July 31, 2009, were reviewed. The BI-RADS sonography lexicon was used when reviewing the sonographic studies. Histopathologic features recorded included estrogen receptor (ER) status, nuclear grade, and presence or absence of comedonecrosis. Statistical comparisons were made using the Student t test, chi-square test, Fisher exact test, Kruskal-Wallis or Wilcoxon rank sum test, multiple logistic regression analysis, and Pearson correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

A total of 304 (44%) tumors were visible on mammography and sonography; 315 (46%), on mammography only; 58 (8%), on sonography only; and 14 (2%), on neither mammography nor sonography. The most common sonographic appearance of DCIS was an irregular hypoechoic mass with indistinct margins and normal posterior features that was indistinguishable from invasive carcinoma. Patients with symptomatic high-nuclear-grade DCIS, dense breasts, and comedonecrosis were younger and had larger tumors on sonography than asymptomatic women with nondense breasts and low-nuclear-grade and noncomedo DCIS. Women with ER-negative DCIS were older and had larger tumors on sonography than women with ER-positive DCIS. ER-negative tumors were more frequently visible on sonography than ER-positive tumors (p=0.007). High-grade DCIS (p<0.0001) and comedo DCIS (p<0.0001) presented more frequently as microcalcifications, architectural distortion, and ductal changes on sonography than low-grade DCIS or noncomedo DCIS.

CONCLUSION

Of the 691 pure DCIS lesions, 362 (52%) were visible on sonography and presented most commonly as a mass. Lesion visibility of DCIS on sonography was not related to nuclear grade or the presence of comedonecrosis.

Microcalcifications versus artifacts: initial evaluation of a new ultrasound image processing technique to identify breast microcalcifications in a screening population

A new commercial image processing technique (MicroPure, Toshiba America Medical Systems, Tustin, CA, USA) that identifies breast microcalcifications was evaluated at the time of patients' annual screening mammograms. Twenty women scheduled for annual screening mammography were enrolled in the study. Patients underwent bilateral outer-upper-quadrant real-time dual gray scale ultrasound and MicroPure imaging using an Aplio XG scanner (Toshiba). MicroPure combines non-linear imaging and speckle suppression to mark suspected calcifications as white spots in a blue overlay image. Four independent and blinded readers analyzed digital clips to determine the presence or absence of microcalcifications and artifacts. The presence of microcalcifications determined by readers was not significantly different from that of mammography (p = 0.57). However, the accuracy was low overall (52%) and also in younger women (<50 years, 54%). In conclusion, although microcalcifications can be identified using MicroPure imaging, this method is not currently appropriate for a screening population and should be used in more focused applications.

Photoacoustic imaging of breast microcalcifications: a preliminary study with 8-gauge core-biopsied breast specimens

Background

We presented the photoacoustic imaging (PAI) tool and to evaluate whether microcalcifications in breast tissue can be detected on photoacoustic (PA) images.

Methods

We collected 21 cores containing microcalcifications (n = 11, microcalcification group) and none (n = 10, control group) in stereotactic or ultrasound (US) guided 8-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsies. Photoacoustic (PA) images were acquired through ex vivo experiments by transmitting laser pulses with two different wavelengths (700 nm and 800 nm). The presence of microcalcifications in PA images were blindly assessed by two radiologists and compared with specimen mammography. A ratio of the signal amplitude occurring at 700 nm to that occurring at 800 nm was calculated for each PA focus and was called the PAI ratio.

Results

Based on the change of PA signal amplitude between 700 nm and 800 nm, 10 out of 11 specimens containing microcalcifications and 8 out of 10 specimens without calcifications were correctly identified on blind review; the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive and negative predictive values of our blind review were 90.91%, 80.0%, 85.71%, 83.33% and 88.89%. The PAI ratio in the microcalcification group was significantly higher than that in the control group (the median PAI ratio, 2.46 versus 1.11, respectively, P = .001). On subgroup analysis in the microcalcification group, neither malignant diagnosis nor the number or size of calcification-foci was proven to contribute to PAI ratios.

Conclusion

Breast microcalcifications generated distinguishable PA signals unlike breast tissue without calcifications. So, PAI, a non-ionizing and non-invasive hybrid imaging technique, can be an alternative in overcoming the limitations of conventional US imaging.

Breast US in patients with breast cancer presenting as only microcalcifications on mammography: can US differentiate ductal carcinoma in situ from invasive cancer?

PURPOSE

To retrospectively review sonographic findings of breast cancers presenting as only microcalcifications on mammography and to evaluate factors essential for differentiating ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) from invasive cancers.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 620 consecutive patients with confirmed breast cancer according to surgery performed between March 2008 and October 2011 at our institution. Of these, 53 lesions from 52 patients who had only microcalcifications without a mass or other associated findings on mammography were selected. Sonographic findings of microcalcification areas were analyzed and correlated with the histopathological findings.

RESULTS

Of the 53 lesions, 26 (49.18 %) were classified as invasive cancer and 27 (50.9 %) as DCIS. Ultrasonography (US) showed only echogenic calcifications in five (9.4 %), calcifications within hypoechoic parenchymal thickening in 14 (26.4 %), calcifications within ductal changes in three (5.7 %), and calcifications within a mass in 14 (26.4 %). Seventeen (32.1 %) lesions were not visible on US. Negative findings in US were more frequently observed for DCIS (n = 15, 55.6 %) than for invasive cancers (n = 2, 7.7 %) (p < 0.001). Masses (n = 11, 42.3 % of invasive cancer; n = 3, 11.1 % of DCIS; p = 0.01) were more frequently observed in invasive cancers than in DCIS.

CONCLUSIONS

US findings of breast cancers presenting as only mammographic microcalcifications were significantly different between DCIS and invasive cancers. Targeted US of microcalcifications might be helpful for predicting invasive cancers and for determining the clinical preoperative work-up, including axillary staging.

Breast ultrasonography: state of the art

Ultrasonography (US) is an indispensable tool in breast imaging and is complementary to both mammography and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the breast. Advances in US technology allow confident characterization of not only benign cysts but also benign and malignant solid masses. Knowledge and understanding of current and emerging US technology, along with the application of meticulous scanning technique, is imperative for image optimization and diagnosis. The ability to synthesize breast US findings with multiple imaging modalities and clinical information is also necessary to ensure the best patient care. US is routinely used to guide breast biopsies and is also emerging as a supplemental screening tool in women with dense breasts and a negative mammogram. This review provides a summary of current state-of-the-art US technology, including elastography, and applications of US in clinical practice as an adjuvant technique to mammography, MR imaging, and the clinical breast examination. The use of breast US for screening, preoperative staging for breast cancer, and breast intervention will also be discussed.

Low re-excision rate for positive margins in patients treated with ultrasound-guided breast-conserving surgery

BACKGROUND

Re-excision is a necessary procedure in obtaining clean margins for breast-conserving surgery (BCS)-treated patients. Re-excision rates vary widely among different breast cancer management procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound (US)-guided BCS to decrease the re-excision rate in patients with US-detectable breast cancer, as well as the relationship between positive margins and ultrasonographic characteristics of tumor.

METHODS

Between 2008 and 2009, we identified consecutive patients who underwent initial US-guided BCS for breast in situ or invasive carcinoma, which was preoperatively detected using US examination and on the basis of image-guided biopsy findings. The margins achieved after BCS were separately assessed by performing frozen section analysis of shaved margins. The negative margin and positive margin groups were compared for clinicopathological features and ultrasonographic findings.

RESULTS

Of 381 patients undergoing US-guided BCS, 126 (33.1%) had palpable tumors and 255 (66.9%) had nonpalpable tumors. Positive margins were noted in 35 patients (9.2%). These patients underwent re-excision and were margin-free; no further surgery was required for these patients. There were no significant intergroup differences in clinicopathological features and ultrasonographic findings.

CONCLUSION

Breast US is an effective modality for intraoperative tumor localization and can thus help obtain clean margins and reduce the re-excision rate in cases in which breast-conserving therapy has been performed. Furthermore, frozen section analysis of cavity shaved margins is a feasible method for minimizing the need for further surgery.

New image processing technique for evaluating breast microcalcifications: a comparative study

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new commercial image processing technique (MicroPure; Toshiba America Medical Systems, Tustin, CA) for identifying breast microcalcifications compared to gray scale ultrasound imaging (US) using mammography as the reference standard.

METHODS

Twenty women, with breast calcifications identified mammographically, underwent gray scale US and MicroPure examinations of the breast. Still images and digital clips of the target area were acquired using gray scale US and MicroPure (at 3 different sensitivity levels: 0, 1, and 2). The images were analyzed by 4 independent and blinded readers (2 radiologists and 2 physicists) to determine the number of calcifications as well as to score image quality and artifacts.

RESULTS

For all 4 readers, there were significantly more calcifications seen with MicroPure (at the 2 highest sensitivity levels) compared to gray scale US (P < .009). Agreement between readers consistently increased from gray scale US to MicroPure imaging (gray scale intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.02-0.44; versus MicroPure intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.34-0.71). The agreement improved between mammography and MicroPure (13.2%-28.3%) when compared with mammography and gray scale US (1.7%-5.2%); the 2 radiologists saw a bigger improvement. Two readers preferred the MicroPure image quality over gray scale US (P < .001) and vice versa for the other 2 readers(P < .001). All 4 readers saw fewer artifacts with MicroPure (at level 2) than with gray scale US (P < .02).

CONCLUSIONS

MicroPure imaging identified significantly more breast microcalcifications than gray scale US.

Ductal carcinoma in situ in the Department of Defense

OBJECTIVE

Our objective is to investigate some of the trends and variables within the ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) diagnosed population and to compare them with the greater civilian populations to identify any possible areas of deficiency or superiority in comparison with civilian institutions.

DESIGN

A retrospective analysis of 5023 patients.

SETTING

81st Medical Group Clinical Research Laboratory at Keesler AFB, Mississippi.

PARTICIPANTS

All patients treated for ductal carcinoma in situ entered into the Automated Central Tumor Registry (ACTUR) between January 1988 and December 2009.

RESULTS

Overall, the rate of finding invasive components after surgery for suspected DCIS was 8.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 7.79-9.33). Compared with other published rates, the military has a statistically significant lower rate (p < 0.001). From age 25 until age 65, there is a significant negative correlation of finding invasive cancer after treatment for DCIS (Spearman Rank Correlation = -0.051, p = 0.001). No statistically significant correlations were found between tumor size or grade and finding an invasive component.

CONCLUSIONS

The military medical system has provided a reduced probability of finding invasive cancer after treatment for DCIS compared to civilian institutions. Reduced physician workload, patient proactiveness, and public health involvement are among the likely factors.