Search

The impact of the COVID-19 mammography screening hiatus as well as of post-hiatus efforts promoting restoration of elective healthcare on breast cancer detection patterns and stage distribution is unknown.Newly diagnosed breast cancer patients (2019-2021) at the New York Presbyterian (NYP) Hospital Network were analyzed. Chi-square and student's t-test compared characteristics of patients presenting before and after the screening hiatus.A total of 2137 patients were analyzed. Frequency of screen-detected and early-stage breast cancer declined post-hiatus (59.7%), but returned to baseline (69.3%). Frequency of screen-detected breast cancer was lowest for African American (AA) (57.5%) and Medicaid patients pre-hiatus (57.2%), and this disparity was reduced post-hiatus (65.3% for AA and 63.2% for Medicaid).The return to baseline levels of screen-detected cancer, particularly among AA and Medicaid patients suggest that large-scale breast health education campaigns may be effective in resuming screening practices and in mitigating disparities.

Purpose To test the feasibility of using quantitative transport mapping (QTM) method, which is based on the inversion of transport equation using spatial deconvolution without any arterial input function, for automatically postprocessing dynamic contrast enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) to differentiate malignant and benign breast tumors. Materials and methods Breast DCE-MRI data with biopsy confirmed malignant (n = 13) and benign tumors (n = 13) was used to assess QTM velocity (|u|) and diffusion coefficient (D), volume transfer constant (Ktrans), volume fraction of extravascular extracellular space (Ve) from kinetics method, and traditional enhancement curve characteristics (ECC: amplitude A, wash-in rate α, wash-out rate β). A Mann-Whitney U test and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of these parameters for distinguishing between benign and malignant tumors. Results Between malignant and benign tumors, there was a significant difference in |u| and Ktrans, (p = 0.0066, 0.0274, respectively), but not in D, Ve, A, α and β (p = 0.1119, 0.2382, 0.4418,0.2592 and 0.9591, respectively). ROC area-under-the-curve was 0.82, 0.75 (95% confidence level 0.60–0.95, 0.51–0.90) for |u| and Ktrans, respectively. Conclusion QTM postprocesses DCE-MRI automatically through deconvolution in space and time to solve the inverse problem of the transport equation. Comparing with traditional kinetics method and ECC, QTM method showed better diagnostic accuracy in differentiating benign from malignant breast tumors in this study.

Background: Breast arterial calcifications (BAC) are incidentally observed on screening mammography. BAC has been shown to be associated with the presence of coronary artery calcification (CAC) and increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Given that population-based mammography is currently recommended to women, the evaluation of BAC may be important in identifying high-risk women without additional cost or radiation exposure. Aims: We sought to identify reproductive and cardiovascular risk factors associated with the presence of detectable BAC and CAC in women participated to mammography screening. Also, we aimed to determine the association between BAC and presence of CAC. Further, we investigated presence of BAC, CAC and estimated 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, reproductive history and CVD risk factors were obtained in 215 women ≥ 18 years of age that underwent mammography and cardiac computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) within 2 years of each other between January 2007 and September 2017 at Weill Cornell Medicine/ New York Presbyterian hospital (WCM/NYP). BAC was recorded in two ways: a binary scale (presence/absence) and a semi-quantitative scale (mild, moderate, severe). CAC was calculated using the Agatston method and was recorded as a binary variable (presence/absence). Information regarding reproductive history and CVD risk factors, medical history, and relevant demographics were obtained by chart review. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), with adjustment for age at study entry as a potential confounder, were estimated. The 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) was calculated using the Pooled Cohort Risk Equations. Results: The odds of presence of BAC increased with increasing age . Women age ≥60 had a near 6-fold higher odds of BAC (OR = 5.77; 95% CI = 2.45 to 16.00) compared with women P = 0.0008), systolic blood pressure ≥140 ( P = 0.0009), number of children (P = 0.01). Younger age at first birth (≤28 years) was associated with 3-fold higher odds of BAC compared with women with age at first birth >28 years. Except for age at study entry, the only factor associated with presence of CAC was hyperlipidemia ( P = 0.002). We found no association between presence of BAC with CAC. We observed women with presence of both BAC and CAC had the highest estimated 10-year risk of ASCVD: 18.54%, followed by presence of BAC but absence of CAC 11.65%, absence of BAC and presence of CAC 6.01%, and women with no BAC and no CAC presence had a mean 10-year risk of ASCVD of 5.25%. Conclusions: These findings support the value of BAC in identifying women at potentially increased risk of future cardiovascular disease without additional cost and radiation exposure.

Objective To examine the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on our department's Radiology Consultation Service (RCS) related to breast imaging, and how utilization of the provided services may have differed as compared to prior to the pandemic. Materials and methods A retrospective cohort study of patients and health care providers who consulted the RCS, as well as those patients who had a screening mammogram and/or ultrasound between January 1, 2019 and September 1, 2020. Consultations were performed by an RRA, RN and one of 17 breast imaging radiologists assigned to consults on daily. Descriptive statistics were performed to describe the study subject population. Results Between January 1, 2020 and July 31, 2020, a total of 1623 consultations were performed, in comparison to the control period from the year prior (January 1, 2019 to July 31, 2019), when a total of 1398 consultations were performed, representing a 16% increase in one year. Between March 1, 2020 and June 30, 2020, a total of 679 consultations were performed, in comparison to the control period from the year prior (March 1, 2019 to June 30, 2019), when 583 consultations were performed, representing a 16.5% increase in a four-month period. 350 out of 679 (36.8%) consultations addressed COVID concerns. Conclusions While much of radiology experienced an unprecedented decrease in imaging studies during the initial peak of COVID-19 crisis, the RCS at our institution showed a significant increase in services provided, evolving to address pressing concerns related to COVID-19.

With the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and now Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccines readily available to the general population, the appearance of vaccine-induced axillary adenopathy on imaging has become more prevalent. We are presenting follow up to the first reported four cases of vaccine induced unilateral axillary adenopathy on imaging to our knowledge, which demonstrate expected self-resolving adenopathy. Our hope is that by providing this follow-up and reviewing current management guidelines, clinicians as well as patients will appreciate that this is an expected, benign, and self-resolving finding. In addition, we hope to quell any vaccine hesitancy brought about by recent mainstream media attention to this topic and ultimately empower patients to receive both the COVID-19 vaccine and undergo routine screening mammography, as both are vital to their health.

With the recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approval and rollout of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, it is important for radiologists to consider recent COVID-19 vaccination history as a possible differential diagnosis for patients with unilateral axillary adenopathy. Hyperplastic axillary nodes can be seen on sonography after any vaccination but are more common after a vaccine that evokes a strong immune response, such as the COVID-19 vaccine. As the differential of unilateral axillary adenopathy includes breast malignancy, it is crucial to both thoroughly evaluate the breast for primary malignancy and to elicit history of recent vaccination. As COVID-19 vaccines will soon be available to a larger patient population, radiologists should be familiar with the imaging features of COVID-19 vaccine induced hyperplastic adenopathy and its inclusion in a differential for unilateral axillary adenopathy. Short-term follow-up for unilateral axillary adenopathy in the setting of recent COVID-19 vaccination is an appropriate recommendation, in lieu of immediately performing potentially unnecessary and costly axillary lymph node biopsies., Highlights • Imaging features of new onset unilateral axillary adenopathy in recipients of COVID-19 vaccine are presented • Recognition of recent COVID-19 vaccine status as a cause of unilateral axillary adenopathy is clinically relevant • Short-term follow-up in the setting of unilateral axillary adenopathy and recent COVID-19 vaccine should be considered

Physician burnout is a recognized problem within medicine and its prevalence appears to be increasing. The symptoms include three major components; exhaustion, depersonalization and feeling a lack of accomplishment. The presence of burnout can have major professional and personal consequences. While there has been much commentary on the impact of burnout, little has been published addressing ways to prevent and resolve the issue. Our department has taken a novel and individualized approach to lower burnout. This includes allowing faculty to personalize their schedules as demonstrated by the perspectives of four breast imaging faculty. We as physicians are as diverse as the patient population we treat which needs to be recognized when addressing solutions to burnout. We propose that most practices and departments can find meaningful ways to allow physicians to increase their sense of autonomy through flexibility and control in scheduling. Having leadership open to unique and sometimes unconventional approaches enables a mutually beneficial culture of respect, productivity, and wellness.

Objective Three-dimensional bioabsorbable tissue marker (BTM) placement during breast surgery is performed for the purpose of improved surgical cavity delineation for radiotherapy and improved cosmetic outcome. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the postsurgical imaging findings of BTM. Methods This Institutional Review Board-approved retrospective review included all patients implanted with BTM at breast surgery from January 2017 to September 2018. Demographics, tumor characteristics, imaging, and histologic findings were evaluated. Medical records were reviewed during a three-year period to evaluate for tumor recurrence. Results Ninety-seven patients had BTM implanted, of which 76 patients had imaging follow-up of at least 1 year. Of the 76 patients who had mammographic follow-up, 3 (3.9%) developed suspicious microcalcifications requiring biopsy, yielding ductal carcinoma in-situ in 2 patients and benign calcifications in 1 patient. Of 61 patients who had sonographic follow-up, 44 (72.1%) patients had complex fluid collections containing avascular, heterogeneously hyperechoic solid components, which remained stable or decreased in size over time; no recurrent tumors were found in this group. One patient (1.6%) had a vascular solid mass, which yielded recurrent papilloma. Four (6.6%) patients developed irregular hypoechoic masses at the surgical site, one of which corresponded with a developing asymmetry mammographically; biopsy yielded fibromatosis. Tissue sampling of the remaining three cases yielded invasive ductal carcinoma, fat necrosis, and radiation changes, respectively. Conclusion Accurate identification of the expected postoperative imaging appearance of BTM may prevent unnecessary biopsy. Suspicious findings necessitating biopsy are pleomorphic calcifications, developing asymmetry and vascular and irregular hypoechoic masses.

The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of synthetic 2D imaging generated from 3D tomosynthesis (DBT) with traditional 2D full-field digital mammography (FFDM) by use of the most up-to-date software algorithm in an urban academic radiology practice.The records of patients undergoing screening mammography with DBT, synthetic 2D imaging, and FFDM between August 13, 2014, and January 31, 2016, were retrospectively collected. The cohort included all biopsy-proven breast cancers detected with screening mammography during the study period (n = 89) and 100 cases of negative or benign (BI-RADS category 1 or 2) findings after 365 days of follow-up. In separate sessions, three readers blinded to outcome reviewed DBT plus synthetic 2D or DBT plus FFDM screening mammograms and assigned a BI-RADS category and probability of malignancy to each case. The diagnostic performance of each modality was assessed by calculating sensitivity and specificity. Reader performance was assessed by ROC analysis to estimate the AUC of the likelihood of malignancy.No statistically significant difference was found in diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, or negative predictive value) between DBT plus synthetic 2D mammography and DBT plus FFDM. There was no statistically significant difference between the AUC of DBT plus synthetic 2D mammography and the AUC of DBT plus FFDM for any reader.DBT plus synthetic 2D mammography performs as well as and not worse than DBT plus FFDM in measures of diagnostic accuracy and may be a viable alternative for decreasing radiation dose without sacrificing diagnostic performance.

Screening mammography improves breast cancer survival through early detection, but Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is more difficult to detect on mammography and has lower survival compared to non-TNBC, even when detected at early stages. TNBC is twice as common among African American (AA) compared to White American (WA) women, thereby contributing to the 40% higher breast cancer mortality rates observed in AA women. The role of screening mammography in addressing breast cancer disparities is therefore worthy of study.Outcomes were evaluated for TNBC patients treated in the prospectively-maintained databases of academic cancer programs in two metropolitan cities of the Northeast and Midwest, 1998-2018.Of 756 TNBC cases, 301 (39.8%) were mammographically screen-detected. 46% of 189 AA and 38.5% of 460 WA patients had screen-detected TNBC (p = 0.16). 25.3% of 257 TNBC cases ≤50 years old had screen-detected disease compared to 47.3% of 499 TNBC cases50 years old (p 0.0001). 220/301 (73.1%) screen-detected TNBC cases were T1 lesions versus 118/359 (32.9%) non-screen-detected cases (p 0.0001). Screen-detected TNBC was more likely to be node-negative (51.9% v. 40.4%; p 0.0001). Five-year overall survival was better in screen-detected TNBC compared to nonscreen-detected TNBC (92.8% v. 81.5%; p 0.0001) in the entire cohort. The magnitude of this effect was most significant among AA patients (Fig. 1). Screening-related survival patterns were similar among AA and WA patients in both cities.Data from two different cities demonstrates the value of screening mammography to mitigate breast cancer disparities in AA women through the early detection of TNBC.

High-density foci within axillary lymph nodes are associated with a number of potential diagnoses. In this case series, we present four tattooed patients who had mammographic findings that demonstrated high-density material in axillary lymph nodes, indicative of tattoo pigment migration. The aim of presenting these cases is to highlight the importance of recognizing such pigment migration in order to help breast radiologists form an appropriate differential diagnosis that might include this entity.

The tent sign is a subtle mammographic finding that is not well delineated in current literature. It refers to localized retraction of the breast parenchyma causing a characteristic inverted “V” shape, or tent sign. It can often be the only indication that an underlying malignancy exists. We present the case of a 50 year-old female who presented on screening mammogram with a tent sign with pathology yielding invasive carcinoma.

Purpose During MRI-guided breast biopsy, a metallic biopsy marker is deployed at the biopsy site to guide future interventions. Conventional MRI during biopsy cannot distinguish such markers from biopsy site air, and a post-biopsy mammogram is therefore performed to localize marker placement. The purpose of this pilot study is to develop dipole modeling of multispectral signal (DIMMS) as an MRI alternative to eliminate the cost, inefficiency, inconvenience, and ionizing radiation of a mammogram for biopsy marker localization. Methods DIMMS detects and localizes the biopsy marker by fitting the measured multispectral imaging (MSI) signal to the MRI signal model and marker properties. MSI was performed on phantoms containing titanium biopsy markers and air to illustrate the clinical challenge that DIMMS addresses and on 20 patients undergoing MRI-guided breast biopsy to assess DIMMS feasibility for marker detection. DIMMS was compared to conventional MSI field map thresholding, using the post-procedure mammogram as the reference standard. Results Biopsy markers were detected and localized in 20 of 20 cases using MSI with automated DIMMS post-processing (using a threshold of 0.7) and in 18 of 20 cases using MSI field mapping (using a threshold of 0.65 kHz). Conclusion MSI with DIMMS post-processing is a feasible technique for biopsy marker detection and localization during MRI-guided breast biopsy. With a 2-min MSI scan, DIMMS is a promising MRI alternative to the standard-of-care post-biopsy mammogram.

10555 Background: The COVID-19 surge in March 2020 resulted in a hiatus placed on screening mammography programs in support of shelter-in-place mandates and diversion of medical resources to pandemic management. The COVID-related economic recession and ongoing social distancing policies continued to influence screening practices after the hiatus was lifted. We evaluated the effect of the hiatus on breast cancer stage distribution on the diverse patient population of a health care system in New York City, the first pandemic epicenter in the United States. Methods: Breast cancer patients diagnosed January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020 were analyzed, with comparisons of stage distribution and mammography screen-detection for three intervals: Pre-Hiatus, During Hiatus (March 15, 2020 to June 15, 2020), and Post-Hiatus. Results were stratified by African American (AA), White American (WA), Asian (As) and Hispanic/Latina (Hisp) self-reported racial/ethnic identity. Results: A total of 894 patients were identified; of these, 549 WA, 100 AA, 104 As, and 93 Hisp comprised the final race/ethnicity-stratified study population. Overall, 588 patients were diagnosed Pre-Hiatus, 61 During-Hiatus, and 245 Post-Hiatus. Nearly two-thirds (65.5%) of the Pre-Hiatus cases were screen-detected versus 49.2% During-Hiatus and 54.7% Post-Hiatus (p = 0.002). Frequency of tumors diagnosed < 1 cm declined from 41.9% Pre-Hiatus to 31.7% Post-Hiatus (p = 0.035). WA patients were more likely to have screen-detected disease compared to AA in the Pre-Hiatus period (69.1% vs. 56.1%; p = 0.05) but non-significantly more likely to have screen-detected disease compared to As and Hisp patients (66.2% vs. 56.9%; p = 0.08). In the Post-Hiatus period, the frequency of screen-detected disease was highest among WA patients (63.0%) compared to all other racial/ethnic groups (AA; 48.1%, As-33.3%, and Hisp-40%; p = 0.007). Similar patterns were observed for frequency of tumors diagnosed ≤1cm Pre-Hiatus (WA-44.3% vs AA-26%, p = 0.02; and vs. As-41.3%, Hisp-48%; p = 0.09), and Post-Hiatus (WA-37.7% vs. AA-18.2%, As-30.8%, Hisp-23.5%; p = 0.25). Conclusions: The 3-month pandemic-related mammography screening hiatus resulted in a more advanced stage distribution for New York City breast cancer patients, and worsened pre-existing race/ethnicity-associated disparities, especially for AA pts.

To determine which modalities [2D mammography (2D), digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), whole breast sonography (WBS)] are optimal for screening depending on breast density.Institutional retrospective cohort study of 2013 screening mammograms (16,789), sorted by modalities and density.Cancer detection is increased by adding WBS to 2D (P=.02) for the overall study population. Recall rate was lowest with 2D+DBT (10.2%, P.001) and highest with 2D+DBT+WBS (23.6%, P.001) for the overall study population as well.Women with dense and nondense breasts benefit from reduced recall rate with the addition of DBT; however, this benefit is negated with the addition of WBS.

Increasingly, states are mandating notification to patients if they are found to have dense breast tissue. Information describes the increased risk of cancer and limitations of mammography for this patient group. Such notification often creates anxiety and results in uncertainty as no evidence-based guidelines for additional screening of dense breasts are available. Through an organized consultation service, patients and physicians were provided consultations with radiologists in order to ensure an appropriate screening plan based on individualized histories and preferences. This manuscript describes our dense breast consultation program, examines initial data, and provides lessons for practices interested in providing similar service.

Due to an increasing number of breast cancer diagnoses in younger women anecdotally noted at our institution, we conceived of this study %was to retrospectively review the records of women diagnosed with breast cancer under the age of 40 for potentially alterable versus unalterable risk factors in their history. Between 2007 and 2013, there were 52 patients less than 40 years of age with breast cancer at our institution: 79% (41/52) presented with a clinical abnormality (palpable mass, nipple discharge or inversion) and 21% (11/52) were asymptomatic but diagnosed on early screening mammograms. Seventy-five percent (39/52) of the cancers had an invasive component and 87% (45/52) were intermediate to high grade. Sixty percent (31/52) of subjects had stage 0 or I disease, but 40% (21/52) had later stage disease (stage II or greater). The vast majority of the cancers were ER+ (82%) and PR+ (78%). Fifty-six percent (28/50; 2 unknown) of the subjects had a documented history of hormonal contraception. Fifty-three percent (27/51; 1 unknown) of had no family history of breast cancer whatsoever, and 80% (41/51) had no family history of breast cancer in a first degree relative. Six were positive for BRCA 1, 2, or a variant (6/52 = 12%).

ContextRadial scars are benign sclerosing lesions that are routinely excised when diagnosed in a needle core biopsy. Optimal management for patients with incidental and small (≤5 mm) radial scars is uncertain.ObjectiveTo assess pathologic upgrade of radial scars diagnosed in needle core biopsy samples and identify a subset of patients who could benefit from conservative management.DesignPatients with a diagnosis of radial scar in a needle core biopsy who underwent excision of the biopsied area were identified. Radial scars greater than 5 mm in size and those with coexisting atypia, carcinoma, and papillary lesions were excluded. After histologic-radiographic correlation, rates of pathologic upgrade were assessed.ResultsSeventy-seven radial scars diagnosed in 66 patients were included. Overall, 9 of 77 (12%) showed upgrade to a high-risk lesion (6 lobular carcinoma in situ, 2 atypical ductal hyperplasia, 1 atypical lobular hyperplasia), while none (0%) showed upgrade to invasive carcinoma or ductal carcinoma in situ. One of 22 incidental radial scars (4.5%) showed upgrade on excision versus 6 of 36 (16.7%) for radial scars considered to be the radiographic target (P = .23). Older age was associated with upgrade (P < .001).ConclusionsNo incidental or small (≤5 mm) radial scars excised revealed invasive carcinoma or ductal carcinoma in situ on excision. Provided there is good pathologic-radiologic concordance, it appears reasonable for these patients to be managed conservatively.

The purpose of this study was to review screening mammograms obtained in one practice with the primary endpoint of determining the rate of detection of breast cancer and associated prognostic features in women 40-44 and 45-49 years old.The retrospective cohort study included women in their 40s with breast cancer detected at screening from June 2014 through May 2016. The focus was on cancer detection rate, pathologic findings, and risk factors.A total of 32,762 screens were performed, and 808 biopsies were recommended. These biopsies yielded 224 breast cancers (cancer detection rate, 6.84 per 1000 screens). Women 40-49 years old had 18.8% of cancers detected; 50-59 years, 21.8%; 60-69 years, 32.6%; and 70-79 years, 21.4%. Among the 40- to 49-year-old women, women 40-44 years old underwent 5481 (16.7%) screens, had 132 biopsies recommended, and had 20 breast cancers detected (cancer detection rate, 3.6/1000). Women 45-49 years old underwent 5319 (16.2%) screens, had 108 biopsies recommended, and had 22 breast cancers detected (cancer detection rate, 4.1/1000). Thus, women 40-44 years old had 8.9% and women 45-49 years old had 9.8% of all screen-detected breast cancers. Of these only a small percentage of women with detected cancers had a first-degree relative with breast cancer (40-44 years, 15%; 45-49 years, 32%) or a BRCA mutation (40-44 years, 5%; 45-49 years, 5%), and over 60% of the cancers were invasive.Women 40-49 years old had 18.8% of all screen-detected breast cancers. The two cohorts (40-44 and 45-49 years old) had similar incidences of screen-detected breast cancer (8.9%, 9.8%) and cancer detection rates within performance benchmark standards, supporting a similar recommendation for both cohorts and the American College of Radiology recommendation of annual screening mammography starting at age 40.

Purpose The aim of this study was to determine the recall rate of screening ultrasound with automated breast volumetric scanning (ABVS) in women with dense breasts (BI-RADS density classification 3 or 4 on mammogram). Materials and Methods In this retrospective cohort study, at the end of the “first quarter” (August–October 2013) of use, our practice database was searched for all ABVS examinations performed and specifically, the positive examinations (defined as abnormal/BI-RADS 0) for which patients were recalled for additional imaging evaluation with handheld ultrasound (HHUS); the latter group was reviewed with respect to final BI-RADS and pathology if relevant. Results During the 3-month study time period, 558 ABVS studies were performed: 453 (81%) were initially BI-RADS 1 or 2 and 105 (19%) were BI-RADS 0-incomplete and recalled, corresponding with an overall recall rate of 19%; specifically, the recall rate trended down from 24.7% in August to 12.6% in October. To date, 98 of the 105 recalled women have returned for HHUS, with the resultant final BI-RADS as follows: 25/98=25% BI-RADS 1, 46/98=47% BI-RADS 2, 13/98=13% BI-RADS 3, 14/98=15% BI-RADS 4, and 0/98=0% BI-RADS 5. All biopsies performed to date of the ABVS-detected BI-RADS 4 lesions have yielded benign results, with the most common pathology being fibroadenoma. Conclusion The recall rate of screening ABVS in women with dense breasts at our institution was under 20% overall during its first quarter of use, and trended down from nearly 25% in the first month to under 13% in the third. The clinical implication is that ABVS does have a learning curve, but that is a potentially feasible way to meet the increasing demands for screening ultrasound in women with dense breasts.

In this case report, the history and imaging of two patients with invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) in the skin are presented, followed by a discussion of both benign and malignant intradermal findings on breast ultrasound. Although the majority of dermal findings are benign, these cases are a reminder that malignancy can manifest within the skin. The purpose of presenting these cases together is to remind breast imagers of the importance of considering malignancy in the differential diagnosis of intradermal lesions on breast ultrasound, especially in special circumstances such as a personal history of breast cancer or associated clinical findings.

Seroma has long been listed as a complication of MammoSite brachytherapy. Palpable abnormalities are clinically apparent months after treatment and a vast majority of patients demonstrate seroma formation in radiologic studies. We embarked on this study to evaluate the actual sonographic incidence and eventual sonographic resolution, possible contributing factors, cosmesis, pain, and local control associated with seroma formation after MammoSite partial breast irradiation (PBI). We investigated 160 patients who underwent MammoSite PBI from 2002 to 2006 of whom 100 patients had serial sonographic information. Clinical and tumor variables, infection, pain, and cosmesis were investigated. Dosimetric data including volume of balloon, dose at balloon surface, and at skin were analyzed. After a median follow-up of 36 months, the incidence of sonographically confirmed post-radiation seroma was 78% within the first 1 year following radiation and steadily decreased with time. The average size of a seroma cavity was 2.3 cm (range 0.6-6 cm) with a decline to an average of 1.4 cm after 1 year, with complete resolution in 65% of patients at 2 years. No statistically significant correlation was found between patient characteristics, tumor variables, and volumetric or dosimetric data for seroma formation. Excellent/good cosmetic scores were achieved in 94% of women with and 92% without seroma. Local control was equivalent between patients with and without seroma. Consecutive sonographic imaging reveals a high rate of seroma formation after MammoSite PBI, with resolution in 65% of patients by 2 years without intervention. Seroma formation does not prevent an excellent cosmetic result or alter local control.

The purpose of the study was to review screening mammography examinations at our institution from 2007 through 2013 with the primary endpoint of determining the incidence of breast cancer and the associated histologic and prognostic features in women 75 years old or older.Patients who presented for screening mammography who ultimately received a BI-RADS assessment of category 4 or 5 for a suspicious abnormality were followed retrospectively through completion of care and were analyzed with respect to pathology results, treatment, and family history.From 2007 through 2013, 68,694 screening mammography examinations were performed. Of these screening examinations, 4424 (6.4%) were performed of patients 75 years old or older. On the basis of these examinations, 64 biopsies were recommended. Sixty biopsies were performed, and these biopsies detected 26 breast cancers. These results correspond to a breast cancer detection rate of 5.9 per 1000 screening examinations and a positive predictive value 2 (PPV2), defined as the probability of breast cancer after a BI-RADS assessment category of 4 (suspicious abnormality) or 5 (highly suggestive of malignancy), of 40.6%. Approximately 85% (22/26) of the screening-detected cancers in the women in this age group were invasive. For those with known genetic status (18 of 26), 33% had a first-degree relative with breast cancer.Although women 75 years or older accounted for less than 10% of the total screening population during the study time period, the breast cancer detection rate in this cohort was 5.9 per 1000 screening examinations, which is compatible with the American College of Radiology's recommendations, and most of these breast cancers were invasive. These results are relevant when considering appropriate age ranges for annual screening mammography.

BACKGROUND. The purpose of the current study was to determine the frequency of imaging-histologic discordance at percutaneous breast biopsy and to assess the likelihood of carcinoma in these discordant lesions. METHODS. Percutaneous imaging guided breast biopsy was performed on 1785 consecutive lesions during a 7-year period under stereotactic (n = 1205) or sonographic (n = 580) guidance, using an automated needle (n = 1044) or directional vacuum-assisted probe (n = 741). Lesions were prospectively classified according to the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) as Category 3 (probably benign), Category 4 (suspicious), or Category 5 (highly suggestive of malignancy). Imaging-histologic discordance was considered to have occurred when the percutaneous biopsy histology did not provide a sufficient explanation for the imaging features; in such cases, repeat biopsy was recommended. Medical records, imaging studies, and histologic findings were reviewed. RESULTS. Imaging-histologic discordance was present in 56 of 1785 (3.1%) lesions. The frequency of discordance was significantly higher in our first 2 years of experience with percutaneous biopsy than in later years (18 of 361 = 5.0% vs. 38 of 1424 = 2.7%; P < 0.04) and was significantly higher for lesions that were BI-RADS Category 5 rather than BI-RADS Category 4 (20 of 416 = 4.8% vs. 36 of 1366 = 2.6%; P < 0.04). The frequency of discordance was significantly lower with the 11-gauge vacuum-assisted probe than other devices for calcifications (7 of 414 = 1.7% vs. 16 of 251 = 6.8%; P = 0.001) but not for masses (6 of 161 = 3.7% vs. 26 of 959 = 2.7%; P = 0.44). Repeat biopsy, performed in 45 discordant lesions revealed carcinoma in 11 (24.4%; 95% confidence intervals, 12.9-39.5%). The frequency of carcinoma was significantly higher among discordant BI-RADS Category 5 than discordant BI-RADS Category 4 lesions (7 of 16 = 43.8% vs. 4 of 29 = 13.7%; P < 0.04). CONCLUSIONS. Imaging-histologic discordance occurred in 3.1% of lesions that had percutaneous breast biopsy. Imaging-histologic discordance was an indication for surgical excision because of the high (24.4%) prevalence of carcinoma in these lesions.

To evaluate the ability to use breast magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to assess disease extent in patients with posterior breast masses who are suspected to have tumor invasion into underlying muscle.Nineteen patients with posterior breast masses underwent three-dimensional, gradient-echo, 1.5-T MR imaging before and after the administration of gadopentetate dimeglumine. Thirteen had deep palpable masses that were clinically determined to be fixed to the underlying chest wall. Twelve had mammographic findings that caused muscle involvement to be suspected, and seven had normal mammograms. All patients underwent surgery. MR images were reviewed and were correlated with histologic findings.Enhancing masses were identified on MR images in all 19 patients. Five (26%) of the 19 patients had masses that abutted the muscles, with obliteration of the fat plane and muscle enhancement. All five had muscle involvement at surgery. In the remaining 14 (74%) patients, no enhancement of muscle was seen; none of these had invasion of the muscle at surgery.Extension of adjacent tumor into underlying musculature was indicated by abnormal enhancement within these structures. Violation of the fat plane between tumor and muscle, without other findings, did not indicate tumor involvement of these deep structures.

The objective of our study was to review screening mammography examinations performed at our institution from 2007 through 2010 with the primary endpoint of determining the incidence of breast cancer and associated histologic and prognostic features in women in their 40s.Patients who presented for screening mammography who ultimately (i.e., after additional imaging, including diagnostic mammographic views and ultrasound) received a BI-RADS assessment of a category 4 or 5 for a suspicious abnormality were followed retrospectively through completion of care and were analyzed with respect to pathology results after biopsy, treatment, and family history.During the study period, 43,351 screening mammography examinations were performed; 1227 biopsies were recommended on the basis of those studies and yielded 205 breast cancers (cancer detection rate of 4.7 per 1000 screening examinations). These screening examinations included 14,528 (33.5%) screening examinations of patients in their 40s; 413 biopsies were recommended and yielded 39 breast cancers (39/205 = 19%) (cancer detection rate of 2.7 per 1000 screening examinations). More than 50% (21/39) of the cancers in women in their 40s were invasive. Only 8% (3/39) of the women in their 40s with screening-detected breast cancer had a first-degree relative with breast cancer.From 2007 through 2010, patients in their 40s accounted for one third of the population undergoing screening mammography and for nearly 20% of the screening-detected breast cancers--more than half of which were invasive. This information should be a useful contribution to counseling women in this age group when discussing whether or not to pursue regular screening mammography.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to determine the benefit of routine pelvic CT in the evaluation of patients with primary breast cancer and to assess the frequency with which equivocal or abnormal findings on pelvic CT prompted the performance of additional studies or procedures that yielded results relevant to patient care. MATERIALS AND METHODS. The reports of 6628 body CT scans that included images of at least the pelvis in 2426 patients with breast cancer during a 9-year period were reviewed. The presence and sites of reported definite or probable metastases or pelvic tumors were recorded for each scan. Also, the types and results of diagnostic examinations and procedures prompted by equivocal or abnormal findings on pelvic CT were recorded. RESULTS. Pelvic metastases shown on CT were the only known site of metastasis in 13 (0.5%) of 2426 patients, and four other patients (0.2%) had new or enlarging pelvic metastases despite the presence of stable extrapelvic metastases. The pelvic metastases in these 17 patients were located in bone only in 1 1 Patients, in adnexa only in five patients, and in adnexa, endometrium, and bone in one patient. In addition, pelvic CT led to the performance of 204 additional radiologic examinations, including 186 pelvic sonographic examinations, and 50 surgical procedures; 215 (84.6%) of these 254 additional examinations and procedures yielded normal, benign, or indeterminate results. CONCLUSION. The routine use of pelvic CT in the evaluation of patients with breast cancer has an extremely low yield and often prompts performance of pelvic sonographic or surgical procedures, the results of which were rarely relevant to cancer therapy.

Our objective is to report 4 cases of incidentally discovered acoustic neuromas (ANs) and to determine the incidence of asymptomatic ANs. A prospective study of 161 consecutive patients undergoing gadolinium-enhanced MRI (Gd-MRI) at a tertiary-care university-affiliated medical center was carried out from September 1994 to April 1995. The Gd-MRI scans were performed for tentative diagnoses other than AN or sensorineural hearing loss. In 161 consecutive patients examined, no ANs were found incidentally on Gd-MRI scans. Previous studies have suggested that the incidence of occult ANs is as high as 1%. On the basis of our results, we suggest that the actual incidence may be lower. However, our study is limited by its small size and the low incidence of ANs in the general population. Also reported are the clinical and MRI characteristics of 4 patients with incidentally diagnosed ANs.