Outcome of Imaging and Biopsy of BI-RADS Category 3 Lesions: Follow-Up Compliance, Biopsy, and Malignancy Rates in a Large Patient Cohort.

OBJECTIVES: To identify biopsy rates and indications for BI-RADS 3 lesions in a large cohort of patients and compare with follow-up compliance and malignancy outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all BI-RADS category-3 lesions seen on mammography and/or ultrasound between 2013 and 2015. Patient age, lesion size, follow-up rates at 6-, 12-, and 24-months were collected. Biopsy timing, indication, and outcomes (malignant vs benign) were recorded using at least 2-year follow-up or biopsy pathology as endpoint. RESULTS: Of 2319 BI-RADS 3 lesions in 2075 women analyzed, biopsy was performed in 173 (7.5%). Most biopsies were performed upfront (99, 57.2%), followed by at 6 (44, 25.4%), 12 (21, 12.1%), and 24-month follow-up (9, 5.2%; P < .001). Palpable (P < .001) and larger (median 1.4 vs 1.0 cm, P < .001) lesions in women <40 years (15.2% vs 4.8%, P < .001) were more likely to undergo biopsy. Most biopsies were prompted by patient/physician desire (64.5%, P < .001). Of 783 lesions with available endpoint, 5 (0.6%) were cancer. All cancers were identified either at presentation (in 0-5 months, n = 1) or 6-month follow-up (in 5-9 months, n = 4) with biopsy prompted by either morphology change (n = 3) or lesion growth (n = 2). Of the 1855 lesions which were expected for follow up, only 310 (16.7%) underwent all follow-ups, while 482 (26.1%) had two, 489 (26.5%) one, and 565 (30.6%) had no follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, BI-RADS category 3 lesions had significantly higher biopsy rates compared with the small malignancy rate, all of which were identified at baseline or first follow-up. Overall patient follow-up compliance low. Imaging follow-up, especially at first 6-month time point, should be encouraged in BI-RADS 3 lesions, instead of upfront biopsies.

ACR BI-RADS Category 3 Lesions in Women Younger Than 30: Follow-up Outcomes and Factors Associated With Biopsy.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate imaging follow-up patterns and assessment of malignancy rate of BI-RADS 3 lesions in women younger than 30 years. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed consecutive studies between January 1, 2013 and January 1, 2015 with BI-RADS 3 assessment in women <30 years. Lesion size, follow-up rate, and biopsy rate were recorded. Completion of 24-month imaging follow-up or biopsy determined the endpoint. Statistical analysis of follow-up rates and biopsy timing was performed. RESULTS: Of 2525 BI-RADS 3 lesions, 278 were identified in 215 women <30 years. Fifty-two (24%) women underwent a biopsy which was more frequently done at patient request than for lesion growth [33 (63.4%) versus 19 (36.5%), P <.01]. The odds of having biopsy upfront was significantly higher in lesions >2 cm in diameter (OR: 4.4 [95% CI 2.1-9.4], P <.01). The malignancy rate in our cohort was 0% (95% CI 0-1.7%). Of the 188 women expected for follow-up imaging, 58 (30%) were lost to follow-up, while 103 (55%) had 6-month follow-up, 74 (39%) 12-month follow-up, and 56 (30%) 24-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: BI-RADS 3 lesions identified in our cohort had high biopsy rates and low compliance with no cancers. Our findings suggest that probable fibroadenomas in young women may only warrant abbreviated short-term follow-up at 6-months.

Management of Palpable Pediatric Breast Masses With Ultrasound Characteristics of Fibroadenoma: A More Conservative Approach.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to describe our experience with pathologically proven breast masses at a tertiary care pediatric institution, review published management strategies, and propose new management recommendations for the pediatric population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All pediatric breast ultrasound examinations performed at a dedicated pediatric facility over a 4-year period were reviewed. Maximum measurements of solid masses with features of a fibroadenoma were recorded. The subsequent management and histopathologic findings for patients undergoing biopsy were reviewed, and management strategies were compared with published recommendations. RESULTS: Of 277 breast masses with features typical of fibroadenomas, 115 (42%) underwent pathologic evaluation. All were benign; there were 107 simple fibroadenomas, four juvenile fibroadenomas, three benign phyllodes tumors, and one granular cell tumor. Simple fibroadenomas ranged in size from 0.9 to 9.1 cm and were statistically significantly different in size compared with juvenile fibroadenomas and phyllodes tumors (range, 1.7-12.5 cm). All 47 masses undergoing follow-up ultrasound before tissue diagnosis were fibroadenomas; five showed 50% or greater interval growth. The retrospective application of published pediatric breast management criteria yielded no difference in sensitivity for the detection of nonsimple fibroadenoma masses. CONCLUSION: Management of pediatric breast masses resembling fibroadenomas at sonography can be based on size and interval growth rate. The routine performance of surgical excision or biopsy of masses with ultrasound characteristics typical of fibroadenomas is not recommended.

Breast ultrasound utilization in a safety net emergency department.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to (1) assess the diagnostic yield of ultrasounds performed in the emergency department for suspected breast abscess and determine the rates of reimaging, discordance, and emergent intervention in a large, busy safety net hospital and (2) determine clinical factors significantly associated with abscess as a way to improve patient selection for emergent breast ultrasounds. METHODS: A total of 581 consecutive breast ultrasounds performed in the emergency department for suspected abscess over 15 months were retrospectively reviewed for imaging, demographics, laboratory data, and physical exam findings. Breast abscess was confirmed by combining imaging, clinical, and laboratory data. Linear logistic regression analysis estimated the likelihood of abscess, and the cross-validated area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) evaluated diagnostic performance. RESULTS: Final diagnoses included abscess (153/581, 26%), cancer (29/581, 5%), granulomatous mastitis (41/581, 7%), normal (120/581, 21%), and other/indeterminate (238/581, 41%). Factors associated with abscess included induration, fluctuance, erythema, drainage, smoking, diabetes, and Black race. Based on these factors, the AUC of the characteristics predictive of abscess was 0.77 (CI, 0.72-0.81). Six breast cancers were not diagnosed on ultrasound. 40% of ultrasounds (231/581) were considered incomplete/inadequate. CONCLUSION: 74% (428/581) of emergent breast ultrasounds in our population were negative for abscess, while 21% (6/29) of cancers were not diagnosed, and 40% (231/581) of exams were incomplete/inadequate. Patient selection for emergent ultrasounds can be improved, allowing patients with a low likelihood of abscess to be imaged in a more optimal setting.

Breast Lesions in Women Aged Younger than 30 Years: Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, and Management.

Women aged younger than 30 years frequently present with palpable breast lesions, breast pain, and nipple discharge. Diagnostic work-up often results in benign findings, including a variety of benign solid masses, infectious or inflammatory conditions, pregnancy- or lactation-related abnormalities, and normal variants. While rare, breast cancer can occur within this demographic, and it is often more advanced and aggressive than in older women. Other rare tumors can present within this patient demographic, including primary sarcoma of the breast and granular cell tumors. A knowledge of the clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, and management of this spectrum of pathologic entities is crucial to ensure optimal and cost-effective care within this patient demographic.

Lymphangitic spread of invasive lobular carcinoma to the contralateral breast.

Breast cancer typically spreads primarily to regional lymph nodes and subsequently to distant sites via hematogenous routes. Occasionally metastasis can occur through lymphangitic spread, usually to the lungs, resulting in lymphangitic carcinomatosis. Lymphangitic spread of several malignancies have been reported at other sites in the body with varying degrees of clinical significance. In this case report, we describe a rare case of lymphangitic spread of invasive lobular carcinoma to the contralateral breast identified on imaging as significant background enhancement without a discrete suspicious mass.

Granular cell tumor in a premenstrual female breast.

Granular cell tumor is an exceedingly rare pediatric breast mass, derived from Schwann cells which are most commonly observed in the oral cavity, skin, and subcutaneous tissue. When they occur in the breast, they can mimic intrinsic breast masses. Most cases are benign, but malignant cases have been reported. We present a case of a premenstrual, African-American 9 year old female with a painful right breast mass originally felt to be an epidermal inclusion cyst. An ultrasound was performed 17 months after original presentation which demonstrated a 1 cm well-circumscribed solid ovoid mass. Despite the relatively small size and benign imaging appearance of the mass, surgical resection was performed for symptom relief given the associated pain. This is the first known case of granular cell tumor of the breast in a premenstrual female.

Radiologic and histologic presentation of male mammary myofibroblastoma.

Mammary myofibroblastoma is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm that typically presents in older men and women. Less commonly, these benign tumors may also occur in soft tissues located outside of the breast, in which case they are referred to as mammary-type myofibroblastomas. The histologic composition of this benign spindle cell tumor can be markedly varied. We present a case of a large mammary myofibroblastoma in a male patient and discuss the typical imaging and histologic makeup of these tumors.

The role of a radiology electronic notification system in the emergency department setting and its impact on patient care.

BACKGROUND: To determine the impact of a radiology electronic notification system (ENS) on emergency department (ED) patient care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of de-identified patient data for a 2-year period (1 year prior to and 1 year following ENS implementation) was approved by the hospital's institutional review board. The effect of a radiology ENS on ED patient care was investigated by analyzing the intervals between completion of a chest radiograph and the times antibiotics were ordered/administered on patients presenting with symptoms of community acquired pneumonia (CAP). The square root transformation of the means was analyzed with an ANOVA model to determine statistical significance. RESULTS: During the 24-month study protocol, 1,341 patients who were evaluated in the ED met the study eligibility criteria. The least square estimates of the mean times from when the chest radiograph was completed to when antibiotics were ordered prior to and after the implementation of the ENS were 89 and 107 minutes, respectively (P < 0.01). The least square estimates of the mean times from when the chest radiograph was completed to when antibiotics were administered prior to and after the implementation of the ENS were 115 and 132 minutes, respectively (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: The implementation of a radiology ENS does have advantages for the radiologist in streamlining the communication and documentation processes but may negatively impact time to treatment and thus patient care.