Sara C. Chen MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Ann Katherine Carton PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Michael Albert PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Emily Fox Conant MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Mitchell Dennis Schnall MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Andrew D. A. Maidment PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To assess the clinical feasibility of contrast-enhanced digital breast tomosynthesis (CE-DBT) as an adjunct to digital mammography. To compare lesion enhancement characteristics and morphology obtained with CE-DBT to digital mammography, ultrasound, and MR.

CE-DBT (GE Senographe 2000D, Milwaukee, WI) was performed as a pilot study in an ongoing NCI-funded grant (P01 CA85484) studying multimodality breast imaging for lesion characterization and management. Patients with known cancers or ACR BI-RADS category 4 breast lesions destined for biopsy were included in the study. Digital mammography, ultrasound, MR, and CE-DBT were all performed on a single day. CE-DBT was performed at 45-49 kVp with a rhodium target and a 0.3 mm copper filter. Pre- and post-injection DBT image sets were acquired in the MLO projection with slight compression. Each DBT image set was obtained with a mean glandular x-ray dose comparable to a single mammographic view. A single bolus of iodinated-contrast agent (1 ml/kg at 2 ml/s; Omnipaque-300, Amersham Health Inc., Princeton, NJ) was administered into the contralateral antecubital vein. Each image set consists of 9 images acquired over a 50º arc. Images were reconstructed using filtered-backprojection in 1 mm increments, and transmitted to a clinical PACS workstation.

Early experience suggests that 3-dimensional localization and vascular characteristics are demonstrable with CE-DBT. Thus far, when pre- and post-injection DBT images are compared, the maximum increase in attenuation occurs in the known breast lesion. These findings are similar to the qualitative vascular information obtained with MR on the same patient.

As an adjunct to digital mammography, CE-DBT offers the potential to visualize the vascular characteristics of breast lesions.

Chen, S, Carton, A, Albert, M, Conant, E, Schnall, M, Maidment, A, Initial Experience with Contrast-enhanced Digital Breast Tomosynthesis.  Radiological Society of North America 2005 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 27 - December 2, 2005 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2005/4418824.html