Amaja Garcia-Lallana, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Ramon Saiz Mendiguren, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Iker Anton Ibañez, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Arlette Elizalde, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Fernando Martinez-Regueira, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Luis Javier Pina MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

The purpose of this study is to assess the utility of routine ultrasound after normal digital mammography in the detection of additional cancers in density ACR patterns 2, 3 and 4 in a clinical setting.

We have performed a retrospective study from November 2008 to March 2011. In this period of time 12,917 digital mammographic exams (using a selenium-based mammograph, Inspiration, Siemens, Germany) were performed in a reference centre and classified according to the ACR density patterns: pattern 1 (1,163 cases); 2 (3,996); 3 (5,172) and 4 (2,586). Routine US  examinations (8-15MHz linear array probe, Esaote, Italy) were performed in density patterns 2, 3 and 4 (11,754 cases) in order to evaluate the role of US in the detection of additional cancers after a normal mammogram study. Statistical analysis was performed calculating a Pearson Chi-square test using 15.0 SPSS software.

US after normal digital mammograms detected 43 additional cancers not seen on mammography: 13 cases on ACR 2 (0.33%); 15 cases in ACR 3 (0.29 %); and 15 cases in ACR 4 (0,58 %). No significant differences were found among the three groups (p=0.12). However, statistical differences were found between ACR 2-3 and ACR 4 (p<0.05).  

The addition of US increased the detection of breast cancer in ACR patterns 2, 3 and 4. There were not significant differences among the three ACR density patterns. Therefore, US can be useful not only in dense patterns (3 & 4) but also in pattern 2. However, the detection rate was higher in pattern 4 when it was compared with patterns 2 and 3 together.

Digital mammography is superior than analogic for dense breasts, however, the addition of US can improve the detection of breast cancers not only in ACR pattens 3 and 4 but also in ACR pattern 2.

Garcia-Lallana, A, Saiz Mendiguren, R, Anton Ibañez, I, Elizalde, A, Martinez-Regueira, F, Pina, L, The Role of Ultrasound after Normal Mammography in Density ACR Patterns 2, 3, and 4 in the Detection of Breast Cancer.  Radiological Society of North America 2011 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 2, 2011 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2011/11012385.html