Lu Yin MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Zhao Xiang Ye, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To assess the diagnostic value of CBBCT in breast cancer detection and diagnosis with comparison to conventional full field digital mammography（FFDM）.

This study was performed from October 2012 to March 2013. 28 patients with pathologically confirmed breast cancer were studied. All patients met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled under an IRB approved study protocol. The CBBCT exam was performed after FFDM. 6 patients had contrast-enhanced CBBCT (CE-CBBCT). The CBBCT and FFDM images were reviewed separately. Patient demographics, breast density, lesion type, size on CBBCT and FFDM were recorded. Vessels around the lesion on CBBCT and CE-CBBCT were evaluated and the ΔCT number (CT number difference between CBBCT and CE-CBBCT) were recorded. The accuracy of CBBCT and FFDM in breast cancer diagnosis and the detection of masses (ill-defined, lobulated and speculated), and calcifications were compared with Chi-square test.

There was no statistically significant difference in detecting breast cancer between CBBCT and FFDM (p>0.05). The difference between CBBCT and FFDM in the detection of lobulated masses and calcifications had no statistics significance (p>0.05). There were statistically significant differences in detecting ill-defined and speculated masses on two modalities (p<0.05). 23 cases with increased vessels around the lesion were observed on CBBCT and CE-CBBCT. For the 6 patients who had CE-CBBCT, all masses had heterogeneous enhancement. The ΔCT number was greater than 50 HU in all six cases. Two cases were detected with new multifocal lesions with CE-CBBCT, which were not found in CBBCT or FFDM.

CBBCT can provide high quality 3D images to visualize various manifestations of breast cancer and accurate localization of the lesions. Vessels around the lesions can be clearly displayed in the 3D space to help with the diagnosis of breast cancer. CE-CBBCT could be used to further help with breast cancer diagnosis and evaluating extent of disease.

CBBCT can provide high quality 3D images without compression of the breast with radiation dose comparable to FFDM.

Yin, L, Ye, Z, Cone Beam Breast Computed Tomography (CBBCT) on Breast Cancer Assessment.  Radiological Society of North America 2013 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, December 1 - December 6, 2013 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2013/13044241.html