Thomas Fischer MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Sergej Filimonow MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Bernd K. Hamm MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Anke Thomas, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

The diagnostic value of 3D ultrasound (US) was evaluated in comparison to 2D US using a set of predefined criteria for breast lesions.

A total of 92 breast lesions were examined; these were malignant in 61 cases and benign in 31 as confirmed by histology. The 2D and 3D data sets were stored digitally (Aplio 80, Toshiba). The vascular tree was stored separately using 3D fusion. A total of 644 individual images were evaluated by two independent readers using established criteria (BI-RADS classification). For statistical evaluation, the individual US criteria were classified and Spearman’s correlation coefficients, sensitivities, specificities and Odds ratios (OR) were calculated. 2D and 3D were compared directly using kappa (ĸ) statistics.

Altogether, the diagnostic value of 3D was comparable to that of 2D with only slight differences in individual criteria. When comparing 2D and 3D, there was mostly moderate (ĸ=0.412) to good (ĸ=0.789) agreement. Crucial criteria for lesion characterization were the effect of the lesion on adjacent breast tissue (OR 47.8) in 2D and the lesion margin (OR 36.4) and the 3 additional criteria of the frontal plane (OR 21.9-32.9) in 3D US. The two techniques had comparable sensitivities (2D/3D 95-97%/92-95%) and specificities (2D/3D 83-90%/80-86%). The reconstructed 3D view of the vascular tree was subjectively considered to be helpful.

The diagnostic role of 3D ultrasound in the diagnostic evaluation of breast cancer is comparable to that of 2D US. Our findings underline the significance of the frontal views for lesion characterization.

The diagnostic role of 3D ultrasound in the diagnostic evaluation of breast cancer is comparable to that of 2D US. Our findings underline the significance of the frontal views for lesion characterization. The 3D technique allows for standardized documentation of breast lesions, thereby enabling comfortable reassessment of the findings by an experienced examiner.

Fischer, T, Filimonow, S, Hamm, B, Thomas, A, Characterization of Sonographically Detected Breast Lesions Using Three-dimensional Data Sets.  Radiological Society of North America 2006 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 1, 2006 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2006/4434932.html