Proto-explore of ultrasound contrast agents injected subcutaneously for enhancement in sentinel lymph nodes of breast masses / 中华超声影像学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To discuss application value for detecting sentinel lymphatic node(SLN) in patients with breast mass by subcutaneous injection SonoVue. Methods Forty-two cases with breast masses who were detected by conventional techniques were injected subcutaneously with 1.25 ml Sono Vue to the borderline of breast tumor at each 3,6,9, 12 points. The changes of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) of the ipsilateral axillary SLN were observed and the start time of enhancement of lymphatic channel and lymph nodes, the position and numbers of enhancement of the lymph nodes, the time of regression were recorded. Compared with Methylene blue and surgicalbiopsy, the accuracy of detection of SLN by CEUS were evaluated. Results SLN were successfully detected in 30 of 42 patients, the detection rate was 71.4%. The total number of detected SLN was 40.Five nodes were detected in 5 of 10 (50%)patients with benign masses. Thirty-five nodes were detected in 25 of 32 (78.1%) patients with breast cancer. Fifty-seven SLN were successfully detected in 39 of 42 patients with Methylene blue, the accurate rate was 92.9%. Seven of 10 patients with benign masses and all 32 patients with breast cancer were Methylene blue positive. There were total 64 SLN found, including 11 with benign masses and 53 with lymph nodes metastasis of breast cancer cells. Conclusions The subcutaneous injection SonoVue is effective to detect SLN in patients with breast mass and apply clinical value for forecasting whether the lymph node metastases in patients with breast cancer.