Multimodality Imaging of Postmastectomy Breast Reconstruction Techniques, Complications, and Tumor Recurrence

For women undergoing mastectomy, breast reconstruction can be performed by using implants or autologous tissue flaps. Mastectomy options include skin- and nipple-sparing techniques. Implant-based reconstruction can be performed with saline or silicone implants. Various autologous pedicled or free tissue flap reconstruction methods based on different tissue donor sites are available. The aesthetic outcomes of implant- and flap-based reconstructions can be improved with oncoplastic surgery, including autologous fat graft placement and nipple-areolar complex reconstruction. The authors provide an update on recent advances in implant reconstruction techniques and contemporary expanded options for autologous tissue flap reconstruction as it relates to imaging modalities. As breast cancer screening is not routinely performed in this clinical setting, tumor recurrence after mastectomy and reconstruction is often detected by palpation at physical examination. Most local recurrences occur within the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Diagnostic breast imaging continues to have a critical role in confirmation of disease recurrence. Knowledge of the spectrum of benign and abnormal imaging appearances in the reconstructed breast is important for postoperative evaluation of patients, including recognition of early and late postsurgical complications and breast cancer recurrence. The authors provide an overview of multimodality imaging of the postmastectomy reconstructed breast, as well as an update on screening guidelines and recommendations for this unique patient population. ©RSNA, 2024 Test Your Knowledge questions for this article are available in the supplemental material.

Patient Preferences of Breast Radiologists' Attire and Appearance

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

To assess patient preferences for breast radiologists' attire and appearance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A multi-institutional anonymous, voluntary 19-question survey was administered to patients undergoing screening and diagnostic mammography examinations over a 5-week period. Using a 5-point Likert scale, respondents were asked about their preferences for gender-neutral attire (white coat), male-presenting attire (scrubs, dress shirt with tie, or dress shirt without tie), and female-presenting attire (scrubs, dress, blouse with pants, and blouse with skirt). Patient responses were compared to demographic data using bivariable analysis and multivariable regression.

RESULTS

Response rate was 84.7% (957/1130). Mean respondent age was 57.2 years±11.9. Most respondents agreed/strongly agreed that the breast radiologist's appearance mattered (52.5%, 502/956) followed by being indifferent (28.1%, 269/956). Respondents with greater education levels felt less strongly (p=0.001) about the radiologist's appearance: 63.3% (70/110) less than college cared about appearance compared to 53.5% (266/497) college/vocational and 47.4% (165/348) graduate. Most respondents felt indifferent about a breast radiologist wearing a white coat (68.9%, 657/954) or about male-presenting breast radiologists wearing a tie (77.1%, 734/952) without significant demographic differences. Almost all respondents either prefer/strongly prefer (60.1%, 572/951) or were indifferent (39.6%, 377/951) to all breast radiologists wearing scrubs when performing procedures. While respondents approved of all attire choices overall, most respondents preferred scrubs for both male- and female-presenting breast radiologists (64.0%, 612/957 and 64.9%, 621/957, respectively).

CONCLUSION

A variety of breast radiologists' attire can be worn while maintaining provider professionalism and without compromising patient expectations.

Now or Later? Patient Satisfaction and Anxiety Among Women Undergoing Breast Biopsies Performed the Same Day as Recommended Versus a Later Day

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine differences in patient satisfaction and anxiety among women undergoing core-needle breast biopsies performed the same day as recommended versus a future date.

METHODS

After institutional review board exemption was granted, a survey was administered to patients at four sites on the day of imaging-guided core-needle breast biopsy. The survey was available from November 2020 through January 2022. Questions pertained to biopsy timing (same day versus later day), pre- and postbiopsy satisfaction with overall breast-care experience, biopsy wait-time satisfaction, pre- and postbiopsy anxiety, radiologist-patient communication, demographics, life stressors, breast cancer history, and risk factors. Comparisons were made between same-day and later-day biopsies by multivariable analysis.

RESULTS

Of 974 respondents (response rate 65.6%), almost half were scheduled for same-day biopsies (47.8% [466 of 974]). In multivariate analyses, same-day biopsies were associated with higher prebiopsy overall breast-care satisfaction (P < .001), higher wait-time satisfaction (P < .001), and higher prebiopsy (P = .001) and postbiopsy anxiety (P = .001). Better radiologist-patient communication was associated with lower prebiopsy anxiety (P < .001) and greater prebiopsy overall (P < .001) and wait-time (P < .001) satisfaction. Compared with White women, Black women reported lower postbiopsy anxiety (P < .001) but also lower prebiopsy satisfaction (P = .03) and wait-time satisfaction (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Same-day versus later-day biopsies resulted in better prebiopsy overall breast-care and wait-time patient satisfaction scores; however, no satisfaction differences were noted after biopsy. Clinically significant anxiety was associated with both same- and later-day biopsies but was higher for same-day biopsies. Higher anxiety levels correlated with lower overall satisfaction, suggesting that interventions to reduce anxiety and improve communication could improve patient experiences during same-day biopsies.

Breast Cancer Screening for Women at Higher-Than-Average Risk: Updated Recommendations From the ACR

Early detection decreases breast cancer death. The ACR recommends annual screening beginning at age 40 for women of average risk and earlier and/or more intensive screening for women at higher-than-average risk. For most women at higher-than-average risk, the supplemental screening method of choice is breast MRI. Women with genetics-based increased risk, those with a calculated lifetime risk of 20% or more, and those exposed to chest radiation at young ages are recommended to undergo MRI surveillance starting at ages 25 to 30 and annual mammography (with a variable starting age between 25 and 40, depending on the type of risk). Mutation carriers can delay mammographic screening until age 40 if annual screening breast MRI is performed as recommended. Women diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50 or with personal histories of breast cancer and dense breasts should undergo annual supplemental breast MRI. Others with personal histories, and those with atypia at biopsy, should strongly consider MRI screening, especially if other risk factors are present. For women with dense breasts who desire supplemental screening, breast MRI is recommended. For those who qualify for but cannot undergo breast MRI, contrast-enhanced mammography or ultrasound could be considered. All women should undergo risk assessment by age 25, especially Black women and women of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage, so that those at higher-than-average risk can be identified and appropriate screening initiated.

Managing Challenging Patient Interactions in Breast Imaging

Managing challenging patient interactions can be a daily stressor for breast imaging radiologists, leading to burnout. This article offers communication and behavioral practices for radiologists that help reduce radiologists' stress during these encounters. Patient scenarios viewed as difficult can vary among radiologists. Radiologists' awareness of their own physical, mental, and emotional states, along with skillful communications, can be cultivated to navigate these interactions and enhance resiliency. Understanding underlying causes of patients' emotional reactions, denial, and anger helps foster empathy and compassion during discussions. When exposed to extremely disruptive, angry, or racially abusive patients, having pre-existing institutional policies to address these behaviors helps direct appropriate responses and guide subsequent actions. These extreme behaviors may catch breast imaging radiologists off guard yet have potentially significant consequences. Rehearsing scripted responses before encounters can help breast imaging radiologists maintain composure in the moment, responding in a calm, nonjudgmental manner, and most effectively contributing to service recovery. However, when challenging patient encounters do trigger difficult emotions in breast imaging radiologists, debriefing with colleagues afterwards and naming the emotion can help the radiologists process their feelings to regain focus for performing clinical duties.

Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Biology, Language, and Active Surveillance: A Survey of Breast Radiologists' Knowledge and Opinions

PURPOSE

To understand how breast radiologists perceive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 19-item survey was developed by the Society of Breast Imaging Patient Care and Delivery Committee and distributed to all Society of Breast Imaging members. The survey queried respondents' demographics, knowledge of DCIS biology, language used to discuss a new diagnosis of DCIS, and perspectives on active surveillance for DCIS. Five-point Likert scales (1 = strongly disagree, 3 = neutral, 5 = strongly agree) were used.

RESULTS

There were 536 responses for a response rate of 41%. There was agreement that DCIS is the primary driver of overdiagnosis in breast cancer screening (median 4), and respondents provided mean and median overdiagnosis estimates of 29.7% and 25% for low-grade DCIS as well as 4.2% and 0% for high-grade DCIS, respectively. Responses varied in how to describe DCIS but most often used the word "cancer" with a qualifier such as "early" (32%) or "pre-invasive" (25%). Respondents disagreed (median 2) with removing the word "carcinoma" from DCIS. Finally, there was agreement that current standard of care therapy for some forms of DCIS is overtreatment (median 4) and that active surveillance as an alternative management strategy should be studied (mean 4), but felt that ultrasound (median 4) and MRI (median 4) should be used to exclude women with occult invasive disease before active surveillance.

CONCLUSIONS

Breast radiologists' opinions about DCIS biology, language, and active surveillance are not homogenous, but general trends exist that can be used to guide research, education, and advocacy efforts.

Importance of presurgical breast MRI in patients 60 years of age and older

Objective:

To demonstrate the importance of presurgical bilateral breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in women 60 years of age and older.

Materials and Methods:

Institutional review board approval was obtained with waiver of informed consent for this retrospective review. From December 2003 to December 2011, all patients 60 years and older who had presurgical bilateral breast MRI were reviewed, revealing 1268 presurgical MRI examinations; 310 had a new lesion identified by MRI. Cases were excluded due to incomplete or missing data, resulting in 243 patients with 272 findings eligible for analysis. Data recorded included patient demographics, core biopsy method and pathology, type of surgery, and surgical pathology results.

Results:

Of 1268 exams performed in this population, 272 (21.5%) patients with suspicious MRI findings underwent needle biopsy. Malignancy was found in 114 (42%), benign findings in 127 (47%), and atypia in 31 (11%). Of the malignancies, 83 were in the ipsilateral breast and 31 in the contralateral breast to the original diagnosis. Of the ipsilateral findings, 47 were in the same quadrant as the primary diagnosis, 28 in a different quadrant, and 8 were metastatic lymph nodes. Of the 31 atypical findings, 14 were contralateral to the primary diagnosis and 17 were ipsilateral. Two hundred and thirty-three patients underwent surgical excision; 111 changed their surgical management as a lesion was seen on MRI and was diagnosed as cancer on needle biopsy.

Conclusions:

Among the patients aged 60 years and above who had presurgical bilateral breast MRI, we found additional cancers in 9.0% (n = 114/1268) and atypia in 2.4% (n = 31/1268). A change in management as a result of the MRI-detected lesion occurred in 8.8% (n = 111/1268). These results demonstrate that performing presurgical bilateral breast MRI is of value in women 60 years of age and above.

Preliminary clinical experience with digital breast tomosynthesis in the visualization of breast microcalcifications

OBJECTIVES

To compare the visualization and image quality of microcalcifications imaged with digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) versus conventional digital mammography.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with microcalcifications detected on full field digital mammography (FFDM) recommended for needle core biopsy were enrolled in the study after obtaining patient's consent and institutional review board approval (n = 177 patients, 179 lesions). All had a bilateral combination DBT exam, after undergoing routine digital mammography, prior to biopsy. The study radiologist reviewed the FFDM and DBT images in a non-blinded comparison and assessed the visibility of the microcalcifications with both methods, including image quality and clarity with which the calcifications were seen. Data recorded included patient demographics, lesion size on FFDM, DBT, and surgical excision (when applicable), biopsy, and surgical pathology, if any.

RESULTS

Average lesion size on DBT was 1.5 cm; average lesion size on FFDM was 1.4 cm. The image quality of DBT was assessed as equivalent or superior in 92.2% of cases. In 7.8% of the cases, the FFDM image quality was assessed as equivalent or superior.

CONCLUSION

In our review, DBT image quality appears to be comparable to or better than conventional FFDM in terms of demonstrating microcalcifications, as shown in 92.2% of cases.

CAD May Not be Necessary for Microcalcifications in the Digital era, CAD May Benefit Radiologists for Masses

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of computer-aided detection (CAD) to mark the cancer on digital mammograms at the time of breast cancer diagnosis and also review retrospectively whether CAD marked the cancer if visible on any available prior mammograms, thus potentially identifying breast cancer at an earlier stage. We sought to determine why breast lesions may or may not be marked by CAD. In particular, we analyzed factors such as breast density, mammographic views, and lesion characteristics.

Materials and Methods:

Retrospective review from 2004 to 2008 revealed 3445 diagnosed breast cancers in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients; 1293 of these were imaged with full field digital mammography (FFDM). After cancer diagnosis, in a retrospective review held by the radiologist staff, 43 of these cancers were found to be visible on prior-year mammograms (false-negative cases); these breast cancer cases are the basis of this analysis. All cases had CAD evaluation available at the time of cancer diagnosis and on prior mammography studies. Data collected included patient demographics, breast density, palpability, lesion type, mammographic size, CAD marks on current- and prior-year mammograms, needle biopsy method, pathology results (core needle and/or surgical), surgery type, and lesion size.

Results:

On retrospective review of the mammograms by the staff radiologists, 43 cancers were discovered to be visible on prior-year mammograms. All 43 cancers were masses (mass classification included mass, mass with calcification, and mass with architectural distortion); no pure microcalcifications were identified in this cohort. Mammograms with CAD applied at the time of breast cancer diagnosis were able to detect 79% (34/43) of the cases and 56% (24/43) from mammograms with CAD applied during prior year(s). In heterogeneously dense/extremely dense tissue, CAD marked 79% (27/34) on mammograms taken at the time of diagnosis and 56% (19/34) on mammograms with CAD applied during the prior year(s). At time of diagnosis, CAD marked lesions in 32% (11/34) on the craniocaudal (CC) view, 21% (7/34) on the mediolateral oblique (MLO) view. Lesion size of those marked by CAD or not marked were similar, the average being 15 and 12 mm, respectively.

Conclusion:

CAD marked cancers on mammograms at the time of diagnosis in 79% of the cases and in 56% of the cases from the mammograms with CAD applied in the prior year(s). Our review demonstrated that CAD can mark invasive breast carcinomas in even dense breast tissue. CAD marked a significant portion on the CC view only, which may be an indicator to radiologists to be especially vigilant when a lesion is marked on this view.

US elastography of breast and prostate lesions

Elastography is a technique that maps relative tissue stiffness. Ultrasonographic (US) elastography (sonoelastography) is a novel modality that is the subject of active research for clinical applications, primarily breast and prostate lesion imaging. Breast and prostate tumors generally have biomechanical properties different from those of normal tissues: Tumors are usually stiffer. This phenomenon is responsible for tissue contrast on elastograms. For the prostate gland and breast, the main image acquisition techniques are vibration sonoelastography and compression sonoelastography. The sonoelastographic appearances of several common breast lesions, including fibroadenomas, simple and complex cysts, ductal carcinomas, malignant lymph nodes, and hematomas, are reviewed. In addition, the US elastographic appearances of the normal prostate gland, prostate carcinomas, and benign prostate hyperplasia are illustrated. Potential pitfalls in the interpretation of elastograms, including false-positive and false-negative images, are illustrated. These imaging findings are derived from ongoing research because sonoelastography is not yet accepted for routine clinical use.

Can computer-aided detection with double reading of screening mammograms help decrease the false-negative rate? Initial experience

PURPOSE

To retrospectively evaluate the role of computer-aided detection (CAD) in reducing the rate of false-negative (FN) findings on screening mammograms considered normal at initial double reading.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

At the authors' institution, independent prospective double readings in which the second reader is not blinded to results of the first reading are performed routinely for all mammograms. When cancer is diagnosed, prior mammograms also are reviewed with double reading to determine cancer visibility. Findings are categorized as (a) no evidence of cancer on any prior screening mammogram and patient presents more than 1 year after prior screening, (b) no evidence of cancer on any prior screening mammogram and patient presents with symptoms within 1 year after prior screening (year-interval occult false-negative), or (c) cancer visible. The clinical director separately evaluates each case in the same way. In 2000, 519 histologically proved breast cancers were diagnosed, including 132 for which patients sought a second opinion and FN findings were not tracked. Prior screening mammograms were available in 318 of the other 387 cases. Five radiologists in two reading sessions independently reviewed current and prior mammograms to categorize visible cancers as either threshold or actionable FN findings. Visible cancers deemed actionable by at least three of five readers were analyzed with a commercially available CAD system. FN rates were calculated prior to and after CAD analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven occult and 71 visible cancers were found (total FN findings, 98). Three of five readers considered 52 (73%) of 71 visible cancers actionable. The CAD system correctly marked 37 (71%) of these 52 on prior screening mammograms (19 [65%] of 29 masses, seven [88%] of eight microcalcifications, seven [78%] of nine architectural distortions, and four [67%] of six masses with microcalcifications). The FN rate was 98 (31%) of 318 before CAD and 61 (19%) of 318 after CAD.

CONCLUSION

In this retrospective review of this small subset of cancers, it appears that CAD has the potential to decrease the FN rate at double reading by more than one-third (from 31% to 19%). The CAD system correctly marked 37 (71%) of 52 actionable findings read as negative in previous screening years.