Contrast-enhanced spectral mammography improves diagnostic accuracy in the symptomatic setting.

AIM: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM), and gauge its "added value" in the symptomatic setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective multi-reader review of 100 consecutive CESM examinations was performed. Anonymised low-energy (LE) images were reviewed and given a score for malignancy. At least 3 weeks later, the entire examination (LE and recombined images) was reviewed. Histopathology data were obtained for all cases. Differences in performance were assessed using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis. Sensitivity, specificity, and lesion size (versus MRI or histopathology) differences were calculated. RESULTS: Seventy-three percent of cases were malignant at final histology, 27% were benign following standard triple assessment. ROC analysis showed improved overall performance of CESM over LE alone, with area under the curve of 0.93 versus 0.83 (p<0.025). CESM showed increased sensitivity (95% versus 84%, p<0.025) and specificity (81% versus 63%, p<0.025) compared to LE alone, with all five readers showing improved accuracy. Tumour size estimation at CESM was significantly more accurate than LE alone, the latter tending to undersize lesions. In 75% of cases, CESM was deemed a useful or significant aid to diagnosis. CONCLUSION: CESM provides immediately available, clinically useful information in the symptomatic clinic in patients with suspicious palpable abnormalities. Radiologist sensitivity, specificity, and size accuracy for breast cancer detection and staging are all improved using CESM as the primary mammographic investigation.

Qualitative mammographic findings and outcomes of surveillance mammography after partial breast reconstruction with an autologous flap.

BACKGROUND: This study describes the qualitative mammographic features after partial breast reconstruction with an autologous flap, and evaluates the diagnostic accuracy and recall rates of surveillance mammography after volume replacement in breast conserving surgery. METHODS: Patients who had autologous partial breast reconstruction (N = 102) after breast-conserving surgery using either the myocutaneous latissimus dorsi mini-flap (N = 39) or fasciocutaneous chest wall perforator flap (N = 63) were reviewed. Mammograms done at one-year post surgery were analysed for characteristic qualitative features. All surveillance mammograms, diagnostic imaging and medical records were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Mammograms of partially reconstructed breasts had distinctive features that correlated well with the surgical procedures. Median follow-up was 3 years, range 0-11 years. Of 295 surveillance mammograms, six (2%) resulted in a recall for further imaging and 3 (1%) proceeded to needle biopsy. Diagnostic imaging was performed for 13 (13/102, 12.7%) patients with symptoms, and only one (1/102, 1%) required a diagnostic biopsy. CONCLUSIONS: A conserved breast with an autologous flap within has characteristic mammographic features that differ from those after standard breast conserving surgery. Surveillance mammography after partial breast reconstruction is accurate, and recall/biopsy rates are low. Diagnostic breast ultrasound examination is effective evaluation for the symptomatic patient.

CT staging for breast cancer patients with poor prognostic tumours.

The aim of this study was to assess the value of computed tomography (CT) staging of the chest, abdomen and pelvis in patients with poor prognostic tumours and no symptoms of metastatic disease in those who have undergone primary surgical management for the treatment of breast cancer. Patients who had primary operable invasive breast cancer treated by surgery over a 2-year period were retrospectively identified. Pathological data from the surgical resection were used to calculate the Nottingham Prognostic Index. Patients with no symptoms of distant metastases who underwent CT staging of the chest, abdomen and pelvis as a result of being placed in the poor prognostic group were identified. The presence and sites of metastatic disease or any indeterminate finding were documented. Additional investigations generated as a result of the staging CT and the outcome were also recorded. Sixty-seven patients (80%) in the poor prognostic group underwent a staging CT. Forty-seven patients (70%) had no signs of metastatic disease on the staging CT. Two patients (3%) were diagnosed with metastatic disease, on the basis of the initial CT scan. Eighteen patients (27%) had an indeterminate finding requiring further investigation, generating 21 additional imaging tests - following this only one additional patient was diagnosed with metastatic disease. Seventeen patients with an initially indeterminate finding did not have metastatic disease, giving a false-positive rate of 25%. In total, three patients (4%) had a final diagnosis of metastatic disease. The routine use of CT staging in patients with no symptoms of distant metastases with primary operable breast cancer even when in a poor prognostic group is of limited value, with a low pick-up rate of metastatic disease and considerable risk of false-positive findings.

Does the insertion of a gel-based marker at stereotactic breast biopsy allow subsequent wire localizations to be carried out under ultrasound guidance?

AIM: To investigate whether the insertion of a gel-based marker at the time of stereotactic breast biopsy allows subsequent preoperative localization to be performed under ultrasound guidance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred consecutive women who underwent either a 10 G stereotactic vacuum-assisted breast biopsy or 14 G stereotactic core biopsy with marker placement, followed by wire localization and surgical excision were identified. All had mammographic abnormalities not initially visible with ultrasound. The method of preoperative localization was recorded and its success judged with reference to the wire position on the post-procedure films relative to the mammographic abnormality and the marker. Histopathology data were reviewed to ensure the lesion had been adequately excised. RESULTS: Eighty-three women (83%) had a successful ultrasound-guided wire localization. Successful ultrasound-guided localization was more likely after stereotactic vacuum biopsy (86%) compared to stereotactic core biopsy (68%), although this did not quite reach statistical significance (p=0.06). CONCLUSION: The routine placement of a gel-based marker after stereotactic breast biopsy facilitates preoperative ultrasound-guided localization.

The prognostic significance of computerised tomography findings in women with liver metastases from breast cancer.

AIMS: While computerised tomography (CT) is used for diagnosis and assessing response to treatment little work has been performed on the prognostic significance of the CT findings in women with liver metastases. The aim of this study was to assess if the CT findings in women diagnosed with liver metastases at the time of first presentation with metastatic breast cancer have any prognostic significance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The staging CT scans of 78 consecutive women diagnosed with liver metastases at the time of first presentation of metastatic breast cancer were reviewed independently by two radiologists who were blinded to survival and the histological features of the tumour. The number and enhancement characteristics of liver metastases, whether metastases were solitary, multiple or diffuse, the diameter of the largest and the sum of the diameter of the five largest lesions, an estimate of % involvement (<10%, 10-50%, >50%), and the presence of metastases at other sites were assessed. HER-2 and ER status and histological grade of the patient's primary breast cancer were also recorded. Survival was ascertained from hospital records. The prognostic significance of these factors was assessed in a univariate and multivariate fashion. RESULTS: At univariate analysis, number of liver metastases, sum of the diameter of the five largest lesions, percentage estimated involvement, presence of ascites, chest metastases and HER-2 status were significantly associated with reduced survival. Liver metastasis pattern (i.e. whether discrete or multiple), enhancement characteristics, ER status and histological grade were not associated with a significant outcome. At multivariate analysis estimated percentage liver involvement and the presence of chest metastases retained prognostic significance. Estimated percentage involvement was reproducible with 90% concordance between the two observers. CONCLUSIONS: The CT appearances of patients with liver metastases at first presentation with metastatic breast cancer provide prognostic information which may be clinically useful.

Frequency and patterns of metastatic disease in locally advanced inflammatory and non-inflammatory breast cancer.

AIMS: To determine the frequency and pattern of metastatic disease as detected by staging computed tomography in patients presenting with locally advanced primary breast cancer, comparing non-inflammatory and inflammatory subtypes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent staging computed tomography for locally advanced breast cancer were identified from the hospital's computerised radiology system. The computed tomography scans, breast imaging and pathology were reviewed. RESULTS: Over a 29 month period, 97 patients underwent staging computed tomography for locally advanced primary breast cancer. Sixteen patients (16%) were found to have metastatic disease at presentation. Thirty-eight patients (39%) presented with the inflammatory subtype and 59 patients (61%) with the non-inflammatory subtype. Metastases were significantly more likely in patients with the inflammatory subtype, with 10 patients (26%) having metastases at presentation compared with six patients (10%) with the non-inflammatory subtype (P=0.034). Metastases to the lung and the pleura were the most commonly encountered sites, with pleural-based metastases more likely in patients with the inflammatory subtype (P=0.05). CONCLUSION: Routine computed tomography staging of patients with locally advanced breast cancer is worthwhile with the inflammatory subtype of locally advanced disease having the higher risk of metastatic disease at presentation. Pleural-based metastatic disease is more likely in patients with the inflammatory subtype.

A survey of current UK practice regarding the biopsy of clinically and radiologically benign breast masses in young women.

AIM: To determine current practice in the UK of needle sampling of clinically and radiologically benign breast masses in young women. METHOD: A questionnaire regarding needle sampling practice in young women with clinically and radiologically benign breast masses was sent to 481 members of the Royal College of Radiologists Breast Group. This included questions on whether a written protocol is in place to allow avoidance of biopsy, and if so, the clinical and radiological criteria used. RESULTS: Responses were available for analysis from 80 units. Forty-two (53%) units had no written policy in place, whilst 38 (47%) adhered to a written policy. Of those with a policy, an age criterion for safe avoidance of biopsy was present in 36 out of the 38 units (95%). The age limit used ranged from <25 years to <35 years. Twenty-seven (71%) written policies included clinical criteria but only four (10%) policies included a size criterion. Radiological criteria were present in all policies and the majority (74%) adhered to full Stavros criteria. Seven units (18%) used a revised form of the Stavros criteria and three units used their own criteria. CONCLUSION: There is little concordance between symptomatic breast clinics regarding the criteria for avoidance of breast biopsy in this young patient group. Given the very low incidence of breast carcinoma in women less than 25 years old it is considered safe and feasible to adopt a standardized protocol across the UK and avoid the often-unnecessary benign biopsies in these patients.

Does computer-aided detection have a role in the arbitration of discordant double-reading opinions in a breast-screening programme?

AIMS: To investigate whether a computer-aided detection (CAD) system could act as an arbitrator of discordant double-reading opinions, replacing the need for an independent third film reader. METHODS: The mammograms of the 240 women that underwent arbitration by an independent third reader were identified from the 16,629 women attending our screening centre between July 2003 and April 2004. Mammograms of the arbitration cases were digitized and analysed by a CAD system. To assess the ability of CAD to act as the arbitrator, the site of the CAD prompts was retrospectively compared to the site of any abnormality noted by the original film readers. If a CAD prompt was placed on a region marked by one of the film readers then the decision of CAD as the arbitrator was that the women should be recalled for further assessment. If no mark was placed then the region was considered low risk and the decision was not to recall. The decision of CAD as the arbitrator was retrospectively compared with the original recall decision of the independent third reader. RESULTS: There were 21 cancer cases in the group of women undergoing arbitration, diagnosed both at the original screening episode and subsequently. The independent third reader recalled 15/18 (83%) of the cancers that corresponded with the arbitrated lesion. CAD as the arbitrator would have recalled 16/18 (89%) of the cancers that corresponded to the arbitrated lesion. CAD acting as the arbitrator would have resulted in a significant increase in normal women being recalled to assessment in the arbitration group (P<0.001). The extra 50 recalls would have potentially increased the overall recall rate to assessment from 3.1 to 3.4%; a relative increase of 10%. CONCLUSIONS: The main effect of CAD acting as an arbitrator of discordant double-reading opinions is to increase the recall rate, significantly above what is found when arbitration is performed by an independent third reader. Using CAD as an arbitrator may be an option to deal with discordant double-reading opinions when no other method of consensus or arbitration is available.

Can computerised tomography replace bone scintigraphy in detecting bone metastases from breast cancer? A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine whether bone scans (BS) can be avoided if pelvis was included in CT thorax and abdomen to detect bony metastases from breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Results of 77 pairs of CT (thorax, abdomen, and pelvis) and BS in newly diagnosed patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) were compared prospectively for 12 months. Both scans were blindly assessed by experienced radiologists and discussed at multidisciplinary team meetings regarding the diagnosis of bone metastases. RESULTS: CT detected metastatic bone lesions in 43 (98%) of 44 patients with bone metastases. The remaining patient had a solitary, asymptomatic bony metastasis in shaft of femur. BS was positive in all patients with bone metastases. There were 11 cases of false positive findings on BS. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest routine BS of patients presenting with MBC is not required if CT (thorax, abdomen, and pelvis) is performed.

The pathological and radiological features of screen-detected breast cancers diagnosed following arbitration of discordant double reading opinions.

AIM: To compare the mammographic background pattern, the mammographic and the pathological features of screen-detected cancers diagnosed following arbitration of discordant double reading opinions with screen-detected cancers diagnosed following concordant double reading. METHODS: Between April 2002 and December 2003, 249 patients were diagnosed with screen-detected malignancies following concordant double reading. In the same period 38 patients were diagnosed with screen-detected malignancies after their mammograms had undergone arbitration prior to recall. Mammograms of both groups of patients were reviewed retrospectively and the mammographic features documented. Histological data for both groups were also compared. RESULTS: Cancers detected following arbitration were more likely to manifest as parenchymal distortions (44 versus 8%, p<0.001) and less likely to manifest as spiculate masses (19 versus 42%, p=0.014). Arbitration cancers were less likely to be detected in fatty breasts (4 versus 29%, p=0.01). Arbitration cancers were smaller (p=0.045). Lobular cancers were commoner in the arbitration group, although this was of borderline significance (19 versus 8%, p=0.057) There was no significant difference in patient age, tumour grade or lymph node stage between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Cancers detected following arbitration are smaller and more likely to manifest as a parenchymal distortion compared with cancers detected by both readers. Arbitration cancers have broadly similar prognostic features to cancers detected by concordant double reading. It is estimated that approximately 11% more cancers are detected as a result of double reading with arbitration compared with single reading alone, after taking into consideration second reader bias.

The use of a short-acting benzodiazepine to reduce the risk of syncopal episodes during upright stereotactic breast biopsy.

The use of sublingual lorazepam provides a safe and effective means of reducing the risk of syncopal episodes during upright stereotactic breast biopsy. Sublingual lorazepam, 2-4mg, was received by 19 women undergoing a total of 20 stereotactic procedures. Of 14 women who had previously fainted during upright stereotactic biopsy, 13 had a successful repeat biopsy following administration of sublingual lorazepam. All 4 women who received lorazepam for significant anxiety had successful biopsies. Stereotactic guided wire localization also was performed in 2 cases.

Breast imaging findings in women with BRCA1- and BRCA2-associated breast carcinoma.

AIM: To document the breast imaging findings of women with BRCA1 and BRCA2-associated breast carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Family history clinic records identified 18 BRCA1 and 10 BRCA2 cases who collectively were diagnosed with 27 invasive breast carcinomas and four ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) lesions. All underwent pre-operative imaging (29 mammogram and 22 ultrasound examinations). All invasive BRCA-associated breast carcinoma cases were compared with age-matched cases of sporadic breast carcinoma. RESULTS: Within the BRCA cases the age range was 26-62 years, mean 36 years. Two mammograms were normal and 27 (93%) abnormal. The most common mammographic features were defined mass (63%) and microcalcifications (37%). Thirty-four percent of women had a dense mammographic pattern, 59% mixed and 7% fatty. Ultrasound was performed in 22 patients and in 21 (95%) indicated a mass. This was classified as benign in 24%, indeterminate in 29% and malignant in 48%. Mammograms of BRCA1-associated carcinomas more frequently showed a defined mass compared with BRCA2-associated carcinomas, 72 versus 36% (73% control group) whilst mammograms of BRCA2-associated carcinomas more frequently showed microcalcification, 73 versus 12% (8% control group; p < 0.001). Thirty-six percent of the BRCA2-associated carcinomas were pure DCIS while none of the BRCA1 associated carcinomas were pure DCIS (p = 0.004). Of those patients undergoing regular mammographic screening, 100% of BRCA2-associated carcinomas were detected compared with 75% of BRCA1-associated carcinomas. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that the imaging findings of BRCA1 and BRCA2-associated carcinomas differ from each other and from age-matched cases of sporadic breast carcinoma.

Brain metastases from breast cancer: identification of a high-risk group.

AIMS: Brain metastases from breast cancer are an uncommon initial presentation of metastatic breast cancer, but brain metastases commonly occur later in women's metastatic illness. The aims of this study were to document the type, frequency, and temporal occurrence of brain metastases from breast cancer as well as the survival of women with such metastases, and to attempt to identify a subgroup of women at high risk of brain metastases who may benefit from pre-emptive medical intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The radiological reports of all women presenting with metastases aged under 70 years who had subsequently died were examined. The type, frequency, temporal occurrence and survival with brain metastases were documented. Correlations were sought between the frequency of brain metastases and age at metastatic presentation, tumour grade, histological type and oestrogen receptor (ER) status. RESULTS: Of 219 patients who had died with metastatic disease and who were under 70 years of age at metastatic presentation, 49 (22%) developed brain metastases. The development of brain metastases was related to young age (P = 0.0002), with 43% of women under 40 years developing brain metastases. Brain metastases were more common in women whose tumours were ER negative (38%) compared with women with ER-positive disease (14%) (P = 0.0003). By combining age and ER status, it is possible to identify a group of women (age under 50 years and ER negative) with a 53% risk of developing brain metastases. This group included many women who had chemotherapy for visceral metastases, and 68% had either stable disease or disease response at other sites at the time of brain metastases presentation. CONCLUSION: It is possible to identify a subgroup of women with metastatic breast cancer at high risk of brain metastases who may benefit from pre-emptive medical intervention, such as screening or prophylactic treatment.

Metastatic carcinoma of the breast with tubular features: differences compared with metastatic ductal carcinoma of no specific type.

AIMS: To compare the metastatic pattern at presentation and the prognosis with metastases of 48 patients with carcinomas with tubular features (45 tubular mixed and three pure tubular) and 302 patients with tumours of ductal of no special type (DNST). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We carried out a retrospective study from a prospectively maintained database of all patients who developed metastatic disease from carcinoma of the breast in Nottingham, U.K., since 1997. We recorded site of first presentation with metastatic disease, radiological features, histological features and characteristics of the primary tumour. RESULTS: The group of patients with tubular features were older at metastatic presentation (63.9 years vs 59.6 years; P=0.012), had a longer disease-free interval (87 months vs 34 months: P<0.001) and a longer survival with metastases (P<0.002). This group were less likely to have liver metastases (23% vs 41%; P=0.028), in particular multiple liver metastases (50% vs 71%; P=0.015) than the patients with DNST. Other factors known to be associated with prolonged survival, such as low histological grade of the primary invasive tumour and positive oestrogen receptor (ER) status, were more common in the group of patients with tumours with tubular features (Grade 1: 33% vs 3%; Grade 2: 42% vs 25%; Grade 3: 25% vs 72%; P<0.001), (ER positivity 76% vs 52%; P=0.009). When patients with grade 2 tumours were compared, the age at metastatic presentation, disease-free interval and the presence of multiple liver metastases were still significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Patients with metastatic breast carcinoma with tubular features have a longer survival with metastases than patients with metastatic DNST carcinoma. This improved survival can be explained by better well-recognised prognostic features, such as metastatic site pattern, histological grade, ER status and disease-free interval.

Diagnosis of axillary nodal metastases by ultrasound-guided core biopsy in primary operable breast cancer.

The purpose of this study was to examine the use of ultrasound (US)-guided core biopsy of axillary nodes in patients with operable breast cancer. The ipsilateral axillae of 187 patients with suspected primary operable breast cancer were scanned. Nodes were classified based on their shape and cortical morphology. Abnormal nodes underwent US-guided core biopsy/fine needle aspiration (FNA), and the results correlated with subsequent axillary surgery. The nodes were identified on US in 103 of 166 axillae of patients with confirmed invasive carcinoma. In total, 54 (52%) met the criteria for biopsy: 48 core biopsies (26 malignant, 20 benign node, two normal) and six FNA were performed. On subsequent definitive histological examination, 64 of 166 (39%) had axillary metastases. Of the 64 patients with involved nodes at surgery, preoperative US identified nodes in 46 patients (72%), of which 35 (55%) met the criteria for biopsy and 27 (42%) of these were diagnosed preoperatively by US-guided biopsy. In conclusion, US can identify abnormal nodes in patients presenting with primary operable breast cancer. In all, 65% of these nodes are malignant and this can often be confirmed with US-guided core biopsy.

Mammographic features of invasive lobular and invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast: a comparative analysis.

The mammographic appearances of 86 invasive lobular carcinomas were compared with those of 86 invasive ductal carcinomas of no special type matched for age, size and stage. There was no significant difference in the frequency of a mammographic abnormality consistent with malignancy between the lobular carcinoma (90%) and ductal carcinoma (96%) groups. A spiculate mass was the commonest feature in both groups (69% and 63%, respectively). There were no differences in the imaging features of masses in the two groups. In the lobular carcinoma group any mammographic abnormality was more likely to be seen on only one view and calcifications were less frequently observed. Multiple lesions were more frequent in the ductal carcinoma group. However, although these differences appeared to reach statistical significance, as they were only apparent in a study with a large number of comparisons, it is unlikely that these differences are practically significant. Analysis of the lobular invasive group failed to demonstrate any significant differences in the imaging features of the classical and mixed sub-types, a spiculate mass being the most common single abnormality in both. No mammographic differences of practical use to distinguish invasive lobular from invasive ductal carcinoma of no special type were demonstrated.

Review article: computed tomography and magnetic resonance in the diagnosis of intraventricular cerebral masses.

We describe a series of 60 cases of patients with masses arising within the cerebral ventricles. The site and relative frequency is noted for each histological type. The differential diagnosis depends on patient age and sex, site, morphology and number of masses, presence and type of hydrocephalus and the characteristics of the mass on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) images. A review of the literature has been performed and this information collated with our own experience to give detailed descriptions of the typical features of each intraventricular mass. Attention is drawn to intraventricular neurocytoma, a recently described tumour that may be mistaken histologically for intraventricular oligodendroglioma or ependymoma. A comparison is made of the value of CT and MR in the diagnosis of intraventricular masses.