Mathijn Dirk-Jan Franciscus De Jong MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Gerrit Jaiv Jager MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ivo Dubelaar MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Thomas A. Fassaert MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Matthieu Rutten MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To prospectively assess the performance characteristics of 3D ultrasound (3DUS) for the detection and classification of breast tumors compared to breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histopathology.

Two hundred twentyone patients with an indication to undergo breast MRI provided informed consent were enrolled in an institutional review board-approved 3DUS study protocol. Patients underwent 1.5T MRI and 3DUS within 10 days. 3DUS was performed with a 5-14 MHz broadband transducer featuring Harmonic Imaging and compound scanning. The 3D US findings were reviewed by 2 observers independently, who were blinded for histopathological diagnoses and prior imaging findings such as mammography, handheld 2D US and MRI. Histopathological findings or MRI with 12 months clinical follow-up were used as reference standard. Diagnostic yield, sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values were determined.

3DUS scanning was technically successful in 220 patients. One patient was excluded due to erroneous data transfer. Each breast was evaluated with 3 to 5 scans. The overall examination time was 15-20 (mean 14) minutes per patient. Mean patient age was 48 years (range 18-78). 194 and 191 benign and 43 and 46 malignant breast tumors were detected with 3D-US and MRI, respectively. In 61 patients 67 histopathological findings were available as reference standard. The sens, spec, PPV and NPV of 3D US was compared to MRI 85, 97, 91, 96, respectively, and compared to the histopathological findings 93, 96, 91, 98, respectively.

3D US is a reliable imaging technique for the detection and classification of benign and malignant breast tumors.

3DUS can reliably be used in a clinical setting and can probably be feasible for dense breasts in a screening program.

De Jong, M, Jager, G, Dubelaar, I, Fassaert, T, Rutten, M, 3D Breast Ultrasound: Diagnostic Yield Compared to MR Imaging and Histopathology.  Radiological Society of North America 2013 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, December 1 - December 6, 2013 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2013/13026424.html