Takayoshi Uematsu MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Kouiku Asakura MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Hiroki Ikuma MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Akihiro Sawada MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Takeshi Aramaki, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Michihisa Moriguchi MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Hiroyoshi Furukawa MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To determine the prevalence and positive predictive value (PPV) of cluster amorphous microcalcifications among screening mammography detected microcalcification lesions that had stereotactic vacuume-assisted breast biopsy and to assess the histologic findings associated with cluster amorphous microcalcifications.

Retrospective review was performed of 102 nonpalpable microcalcification lesions without mass that had stereotactic vacuume-assisted breast biopsy (SVAB). Lesions were reviewed by two radiologists who were unaware of the histologic outcomes and were classified according to a BI-RADS lexicon. Mammography and histologic findings of cluster amorphous microcalcifications were reviewed.

Cluster amorphous microcalcifications accounted for 19 (19%) of 102 microcalcification lesions. Histologic finding in these 19 lesions were ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in four (21%); atypical ductal hyperplasia in three (16%); and benign in 12 (63%). Cluster punctate microcalcifications accounted for 17 (17%) of 102 microcalcification lesions. Histologic finding in these 17 lesions were all benign (100%). PPV for cluster amorphous microcalcifications was 21% compared with the PPV for cluster punctate microcalcifications of 0% (Mann-Whiteny test, p = 0.048).

Cluster amorphous microcalcifications accounted for 19% of nonpalpable microcalcification lesions that had SVAB and the PPV of 21%, of which all were DCIS. Cluster amorphous microcalcifications should be considered suspicious and referred for biopsy.

Amorphous microcalcifications have been considered indeterminate concern with variable recommendations. Cluster amorphous microcalcifications should be considered suspicious and referred for biopsy.

Uematsu, T, Asakura, K, Ikuma, H, Sawada, A, Aramaki, T, Moriguchi, M, Furukawa, H, Should Cluster Amorphous Microcalcifications Be Considered Suspicious and Referred for Biopsy?.  Radiological Society of North America 2007 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2007 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2007/5002603.html