Mark Alan Helvie MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Ajay Kapur PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Pascale Rondot, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Marilyn A. Roubidoux MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

J. Brian Fowlkes, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Mitchell M. Goodsitt PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

We are developing a combined full field digital mammography (FFDM) and automated 3D ultrasound scanning (AUS) system for whole breast diagnostic and screening imaging. FFDM and AUS are performed sequentially during a single breast compression. We report patient evaluation/acceptance of the prototype equipment.

Institutional review board approval was obtained. The combined system incorporates a General Electric(GE) 2000D FFDM unit and GE Logiq9 US scanner. An ultrasound transducer translation system was developed located on top of a special compression plate. This allows acquisition of mammographic images and sequential 3-D ultrasound images of the whole breast while the patient is seated during a single compression. Geographic correlation between the mammographic image and sonographic image is possible for any point in the breast. 25 recruited research subjects included normal volunteers, patients with breast carcinoma, or with known benign lesions such as cysts. After scanning, patients completed a questionnaire to compare their experience with the prototype scanner with conventional mammography and ultrasound. Eight areas were addressed which included subject stress level, time of scanning, appearance of compression plate apparatus, noise, level of compression, concern of probe movement, temperature of compression plate , and posture during scanning. A scale of 1 to 5 was used ( 5 representing a positive experience; 3 similar to routine care and 1 negative experience). Twenty-one of 25 patients completely filled out the evaluations. Age ranged from 31 to 60 (mean 49).

All patients tolerated the procedure without complication. Most felt the procedure to be similar or easier than routine mammography. Time of scanning was cited most often as an area for improvement. Mean patient ratings for the eight categories were as follows: stress 3.9, time 3.3 appearance 4.9, noise 4.9, compression 4.1, probe movement 5, temperature 4.9, and posture 4.4.

A high level of subject satisfaction/tolerance was recorded for the combined prototype FFDM and 3D AUS system. Duration of scanning, although well tolerated, was the most frequently cited area for improvement.

M.A.H.,M.A.R.,A.K.,P.R.,J.F.,M.M.G.: Supported by PHS grant RO1 CA91713-01 General Electric Corp.

Helvie, M, Kapur, A, Rondot, P, Roubidoux, M, Fowlkes, J, Goodsitt, M, Combined Digital Mammography/Automated 3D Whole Breast Ultrasound System for Breast Imaging: Patient Acceptance of Prototype Scanning System.  Radiological Society of North America 2004 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2004 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2004/4407132.html