AI-enhanced simultaneous multiparametric 18F-FDG PET/MRI for accurate breast cancer diagnosis.

PURPOSE: To assess whether a radiomics and machine learning (ML) model combining quantitative parameters and radiomics features extracted from simultaneous multiparametric 18F-FDG PET/MRI can discriminate between benign and malignant breast lesions. METHODS: A population of 102 patients with 120 breast lesions (101 malignant and 19 benign) detected on ultrasound and/or mammography was prospectively enrolled. All patients underwent hybrid 18F-FDG PET/MRI for diagnostic purposes. Quantitative parameters were extracted from DCE (MTT, VD, PF), DW (mean ADC of breast lesions and contralateral breast parenchyma), PET (SUVmax, SUVmean, and SUVminimum of breast lesions, as well as SUVmean of the contralateral breast parenchyma), and T2-weighted images. Radiomics features were extracted from DCE, T2-weighted, ADC, and PET images. Different diagnostic models were developed using a fine Gaussian support vector machine algorithm which explored different combinations of quantitative parameters and radiomics features to obtain the highest accuracy in discriminating between benign and malignant breast lesions using fivefold cross-validation. The performance of the best radiomics and ML model was compared with that of expert reader review using McNemar's test. RESULTS: Eight radiomics models were developed. The integrated model combining MTT and ADC with radiomics features extracted from PET and ADC images obtained the highest accuracy for breast cancer diagnosis (AUC 0.983), although its accuracy was not significantly higher than that of expert reader review (AUC 0.868) (p = 0.508). CONCLUSION: A radiomics and ML model combining quantitative parameters and radiomics features extracted from simultaneous multiparametric 18F-FDG PET/MRI images can accurately discriminate between benign and malignant breast lesions.

Impact of the Kaiser score on clinical decision-making in BI-RADS 4 mammographic calcifications examined with breast MRI.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether the application of the Kaiser score for breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) might downgrade breast lesions that present as mammographic calcifications and avoid unnecessary breast biopsies METHODS: This IRB-approved, retrospective, cross-sectional, single-center study included 167 consecutive patients with suspicious mammographic calcifications and histopathologically verified results. These patients underwent a pre-interventional breast MRI exam for further diagnostic assessment before vacuum-assisted stereotactic-guided biopsy (95 malignant and 72 benign lesions). Two breast radiologists with different levels of experience independently read all examinations using the Kaiser score, a machine learning-derived clinical decision-making tool that provides probabilities of malignancy by a formalized combination of diagnostic criteria. Diagnostic performance was assessed by receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis and inter-reader agreement by the calculation of Cohen's kappa coefficients. RESULTS: Application of the Kaiser score revealed a large area under the ROC curve (0.859-0.889). Rule-out criteria, with high sensitivity, were applied to mass and non-mass lesions alike. The rate of potentially avoidable breast biopsies ranged between 58.3 and 65.3%, with the lowest rate observed with the least experienced reader. CONCLUSIONS: Applying the Kaiser score to breast MRI allows stratifying the risk of breast cancer in lesions that present as suspicious calcifications on mammography and may thus avoid unnecessary breast biopsies. KEY POINTS: • The Kaiser score is a helpful clinical decision tool for distinguishing malignant from benign breast lesions that present as calcifications on mammography. • Application of the Kaiser score may obviate 58.3-65.3% of unnecessary stereotactic biopsies of suspicious calcifications. • High Kaiser scores predict breast cancer with high specificity, aiding clinical decision-making with regard to re-biopsy in case of negative results.

Can the addition of clinical information improve the accuracy of PI-RADS version 2 for the diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer in positive MRI?

AIM: To report prostate cancer (PCa) prevalence in Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2 (PI-RADS v2) categories and investigate the potential to avoid unnecessary, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided in-bore biopsies by adding clinical and biochemical patient characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present institutional review board-approved, prospective study on 137 consecutive men with 178 suspicious lesions on 3 T MRI was performed. Routine data collected for each patient included patient characteristics (age, prostate volume), clinical background information (prostate-specific antigen [PSA] levels, PSA density), and PI-RADS v2 scores assigned in a double-reading approach. RESULTS: Histopathological evaluation revealed a total of 93/178 PCa (52.2%). The mean age was 66.3 years and PSA density was 0.24 ng/ml2 (range, 0.04-0.89 ng/ml). Clinically significant PCa (csPCa, Gleason score >6) was confirmed in 50/93 (53.8%) lesions and was significantly associated with higher PI-RADS v2 scores (p=0.0044). On logistic regression analyses, age, PSA density, and PI-RADS v2 scores contributed independently to the diagnosis of csPCa (p=7.9×10-7, p=0.097, and p=0.024, respectively). The resulting area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) to predict csPCa was 0.76 for PI-RADS v2, 0.59 for age, and 0.67 for PSA density. The combined regression model yielded an AUC of 0.84 for the diagnosis of csPCa and was significantly superior to each single parameter (p≤0.0009, respectively). Unnecessary biopsies could have been avoided in 50% (64/128) while only 4% (2/50) of csPCa lesions would have been missed. CONCLUSIONS: Adding age and PSA density to PI-RADS v2 scores improves the diagnostic accuracy for csPCa. A combination of these variables with PI-RADS v2 can help to avoid unnecessary in-bore biopsies while still detecting the majority of csPCa.

[Contrast agent-free breast MRI : Advantages and potential disadvantages]. / Kontrastmittelfreie Mamma-MRT : Vorteile und potenzielle Nachteile.

BACKGROUND: Contrast-enhanced breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most sensitive method for detection of breast cancer. The further spread of breast MRI is limited by the complicated examination procedure and the need for intravenously administered contrast media. OBJECTIVES: Can diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) replace contrast-enhanced sequences to achieve an unenhanced breast MRI examination? MATERIALS AND METHODS: Narrative review and meta-analytic assessment of previously published studies. RESULTS: DWI can visualize breast lesions and distinguish benign from malignant findings. It is thus a valid alternative to contrast-enhanced sequences. As an additional technique, the use of DWI can reduce the numbers of unnecessary breast biopsies. The lack of robustness leading to variable sensitivity that is currently lower than that of contrast-enhanced breast MRI is a disadvantage of DWI. CONCLUSIONS: Presently, DWI can be recommended as an integral part of clinical breast MRI protocols. The application as a stand-alone technique within unenhanced protocols is still under evaluation.

Imaging and the completion of the omics paradigm in breast cancer.

Within the field of oncology, "omics" strategies-genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics-have many potential applications and may significantly improve our understanding of the underlying processes of cancer development and progression. Omics strategies aim to develop meaningful imaging biomarkers for breast cancer (BC) by rapid assessment of large datasets with different biological information. In BC the paradigm of omics technologies has always favored the integration of multiple layers of omics data to achieve a complete portrait of BC. Advances in medical imaging technologies, image analysis, and the development of high-throughput methods that can extract and correlate multiple imaging parameters with "omics" data have ushered in a new direction in medical research. Radiogenomics is a novel omics strategy that aims to correlate imaging characteristics (i. e., the imaging phenotype) with underlying gene expression patterns, gene mutations, and other genome-related characteristics. Radiogenomics not only represents the evolution in the radiology-pathology correlation from the anatomical-histological level to the molecular level, but it is also a pivotal step in the omics paradigm in BC in order to fully characterize BC. Armed with modern analytical software tools, radiogenomics leads to new discoveries of quantitative and qualitative imaging biomarkers that offer hitherto unprecedented insights into the complex tumor biology and facilitate a deeper understanding of cancer development and progression. The field of radiogenomics in breast cancer is rapidly evolving, and results from previous studies are encouraging. It can be expected that radiogenomics will play an important role in the future and has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of BC patients. This article aims to give an overview of breast radiogenomics, its current role, future applications, and challenges.

The frequency of missed breast cancers in women participating in a high-risk MRI screening program.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the frequency of missed cancers on breast MRI in women participating in a high-risk screening program. METHODS: Patient files from women who participated in an increased risk mammography and MRI screening program (2003-2014) were coupled to the Dutch National Cancer Registry. For each cancer detected, we determined whether an MRI scan was available (0-24 months before cancer detection), which was reported to be negative. These negative MRI scans were in consensus re-evaluated by two dedicated breast radiologists, with knowledge of the cancer location. Cancers were scored as invisible, minimal sign, or visible. Additionally, BI-RADS scores, background parenchymal enhancement, and image quality (IQ; perfect, sufficient, bad) were determined. Results were stratified by detection mode (mammography, MRI, interval cancers, or cancers in prophylactic mastectomies) and patient characteristics (presence of BRCA mutation, age, menopausal state). RESULTS: Negative prior MRI scans were available for 131 breast cancers. Overall 31% of cancers were visible at the initially negative MRI scan and 34% of cancers showed a minimal sign. The presence of a BRCA mutation strongly reduced the likelihood of visible findings in the last negative MRI (19 vs. 46%, P < 0.001). Less than perfect IQ increased the likelihood of visible findings and minimal signs in the negative MRI (P = 0.021). CONCLUSION: This study shows that almost one-third of cancers detected in a high-risk screening program are already visible at the last negative MRI scan, and even more in women without BRCA mutations. Regular auditing and double reading for breast MRI screening is warranted.

Clinical role of breast MRI now and going forward.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a well-established method in breast imaging, with manifold clinical applications, including the non-invasive differentiation between benign and malignant breast lesions, preoperative staging, detection of scar versus recurrence, implant assessment, and the evaluation of high-risk patients. At present, dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI is the most sensitive imaging technique for breast cancer diagnosis, and provides excellent morphological and to some extent also functional information. To compensate for the limited functional information, and to increase the specificity of MRI while preserving its sensitivity, additional functional parameters such as diffusion-weighted imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient mapping, and MR spectroscopic imaging have been investigated and implemented into the clinical routine. Several additional MRI parameters to capture breast cancer biology are still under investigation. MRI at high and ultra-high field strength and advances in hard- and software may also further improve this imaging technique. This article will review the current clinical role of breast MRI, including multiparametric MRI and abbreviated protocols, and provide an outlook on the future of this technique. In addition, the predictive and prognostic value of MRI as well as the evolving field of radiogenomics will be discussed.

[Multiparametric and molecular imaging of breast tumors with MRI and PET/MRI]. / Multiparametrische und molekulare Bildgebung von Brusttumoren mit MRT und PET­MRT.

CLINICAL/METHODICAL ISSUE: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breast is an indispensable tool in breast imaging for many indications. Several functional parameters with MRI and positron emission tomography (PET) have been assessed for imaging of breast tumors and their combined application is defined as multiparametric imaging. Available data suggest that multiparametric imaging using different functional MRI and PET parameters can provide detailed information about the hallmarks of cancer and may provide additional specificity. STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS: Multiparametric and molecular imaging of the breast comprises established MRI parameters, such as dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), MR proton spectroscopy ((1)H-MRSI) as well as combinations of radiological and MRI techniques (e. g. PET/CT and PET/MRI) using radiotracers, such as fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG). METHODICAL INNOVATIONS: Multiparametric and molecular imaging of the breast can be performed at different field-strengths (range 1.5-7 T). Emerging parameters comprise novel promising techniques, such as sodium imaging ((23)Na MRI), phosphorus spectroscopy ((31)P-MRSI), chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) imaging, blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) and hyperpolarized MRI as well as various specific radiotracers. ACHIEVEMENTS: Multiparametric and molecular imaging has multiple applications in breast imaging. Multiparametric and molecular imaging of the breast is an evolving field that will enable improved detection, characterization, staging and monitoring for personalized medicine in breast cancer.

Diffusion-weighted imaging of breast tumours at 3 Tesla and 7 Tesla: a comparison.

OBJECTIVES: To compare bilateral diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DWI) at 3 T and 7 T in the same breast tumour patients. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients were included in this IRB-approved study (mean age 56 ± 16 years). Before contrast-enhanced imaging, bilateral DWI with b = 0 and 850 s/mm(2) was performed in 2:56 min (3 T) and 3:48 min (7 T), using readout-segmented echo planar imaging (rs-EPI) with a 1.4 × 1.4 mm(2) (3 T)/0.9 × 0.9 mm(2) (7 T) in-plane resolution. Apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC), signal-to-noise (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) were assessed. RESULTS: Twenty-eight lesions were detected (18 malignant, 10 benign). CNR and SNR were comparable at both field strengths (p > 0.3). Mean ADC values at 7 T were 4-22% lower than at 3 T (p ≤ 0.03). An ADC threshold of 1.275 × 10(-3) mm(2)/s resulted in a diagnostic specificity of 90% at both field strengths. The sensitivity was 94% and 100% at 3 T and 7 T, respectively. CONCLUSION: 7-T DWI of the breast can be performed with 2.4-fold higher spatial resolution than 3 T, without significant differences in SNR if compared to 3 T. KEY POINTS: • 7 T provides a 2.4-fold higher resolution in breast DWI than 3 T • 7 T DWI has a high diagnostic accuracy comparable to that at 3 T • At 7 T malignant lesions had 22 % lower ADC than at 3 T (p < 0.001).

[Treatment planning with functional MRI]. / Strahlentherapieplanung mit der funktionellen MRT.

CLINICAL/METHODICAL ISSUE: The aim of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guided radiotherapy is high precision in treatment delivery. With new developments it is possible to focus the high dose irradiation on the tumor while sparing the surrounding tissue. The achievements in precision of the treatment planning and delivery warrant equally precise tumor definition. STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS: In conventional radiation therapy it is necessary to carry out a planning computed tomography (CT). For many tumors there is also need for an additional morphological MRI because of more accurate tumor definition. In standard radiotherapy the tumor volume is irradiated with a homogeneous dose. METHODICAL INNOVATIONS: The aim of functional multiparametric MRI is to visualize and quantify biological, physiological and pathological processes at the cellular and molecular levels. Based on this information it is possible to elucidate tumor biology and identify subvolumes of more aggressive behavior. They are often radiotherapy-resistant, leading to tumor recurrence thus requiring further dose escalation. The concept of inhomogeneous tumor irradiation according to its biological behavior is called dose painting. PERFORMANCE: Dose painting is technically feasible. The expected clinical benefit is motivated by selective treatment adaptations based on biological tumor characteristics. Tumors show variable response to therapy underlining the need for individual treatment plans. This approach may lead not only to higher local control but also to better sparing of normal surrounding tissue. ACHIEVEMENTS: With the clinical implementation of dose painting, improvements in the therapeutic outcome can be expected. PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: Due to the existing technical challenges, extensive collaboration between radiation oncologists, radiologists, medical physicists and radiation biologists is needed.

Fat saturation in dynamic breast MRI at 3 Tesla: is the Dixon technique superior to spectral fat saturation? A visual grading characteristics study.

PURPOSE: To intra-individually compare the diagnostic image quality of Dixon and spectral fat suppression at 3 T. METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients (mean age 55.1 years) undergoing 3 T breast MRI were recruited for this prospective study. The image protocol included pre-contrast and delayed post-contrast spectral and Dixon fat-suppressed T1w series. Two independent blinded readers compared spectral and Dixon fat-suppressed series by evaluating six ordinal (1 worst to 5 best) image quality criteria (image quality, delineation of anatomical structures, fat suppression in the breast and axilla, lesion delineation and internal enhancement). Breast density and size were assessed. Data analysis included Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and visual grading characteristics (VGC) analysis. RESULTS: Four examinations were excluded; 48 examinations in 46 patients were evaluated. In VGC analysis, the Dixon technique was superior regarding image quality criteria analysed (P < 0.01). Smaller breast size and lower breast density were significantly (P < 0.01) correlated with impaired spectral fat suppression quality. No such correlation was identified for the Dixon technique, which showed reconstruction-based water-fat mixups leading to insufficient image quality in 20.8%. CONCLUSIONS: The Dixon technique outperformed spectral fat suppression in all evaluated criteria (P < 0.01). Non-diagnostic examinations can be avoided by fat and water image reconstruction. The superior image quality of the Dixon technique can improve breast MRI interpretation. KEY POINTS: Optimal fat suppression quality is necessary for optimal image interpretation. Superior fat suppression quality is achieved using the Dixon technique. Lesion margin and internal enhancement evaluation improves using the Dixon technique. Superior image quality of the Dixon technique improves breast MRI interpretation.

[Molecular breast imaging. An update]. / Molekulare Brustbildgebung. Ein Update.

CLINICAL/METHODICAL ISSUE: The aim of molecular imaging is to visualize and quantify biological, physiological and pathological processes at cellular and molecular levels. Molecular imaging using various techniques has recently become established in breast imaging. STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS: Currently molecular imaging techniques comprise multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), proton MR spectroscopy ((1)H-MRSI), nuclear imaging by breast-specific gamma imaging (BSGI), positron emission tomography (PET) and positron emission mammography (PEM) and combinations of techniques (e.g. PET-CT and multiparametric PET-MRI). METHODICAL INNOVATIONS: Recently, novel techniques for molecular imaging of breast tumors, such as sodium imaging ((23)Na-MRI), phosphorus spectroscopy ((31)P-MRSI) and hyperpolarized MRI as well as specific radiotracers have been developed and are currently under investigation. PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: It can be expected that molecular imaging of breast tumors will enable a simultaneous assessment of the multiple metabolic and molecular processes involved in cancer development and thus an improved detection, characterization, staging and monitoring of response to treatment will become possible.

Clinical application of bilateral high temporal and spatial resolution dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the breast at 7 T.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to evaluate the clinical application of bilateral high spatial and temporal resolution dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (HR DCE-MRI) of the breast at 7 T. METHODS: Following institutional review board approval 23 patients with a breast lesion (BIRADS 0, 4-5) were included in our prospective study. All patients underwent bilateral HR DCE-MRI of the breast at 7 T (spatial resolution of 0.7 mm(3) voxel size, temporal resolution of 14 s). Two experienced readers (r1, r2) and one less experienced reader (r3) independently assessed lesions according to BI-RADS®. Image quality, lesion conspicuity and artefacts were graded from 1 to 5. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy were assessed using histopathology as the standard of reference. RESULTS: HR DCE-MRI at 7 T revealed 29 lesions in 23 patients (sensitivity 100 % (19/19); specificity of 90 % (9/10)) resulting in a diagnostic accuracy of 96.6 % (28/29) with an AUC of 0.95. Overall image quality was excellent in the majority of cases (27/29) and examinations were not hampered by artefacts. There was excellent inter-reader agreement for diagnosis and image quality parameters (κ = 0.89-1). CONCLUSION: Bilateral HR DCE-MRI of the breast at 7 T is feasible with excellent image quality in clinical practice and allows accurate breast cancer diagnosis. KEY POINTS: • Dynamic contrast-enhanced 7-T MRI is being developed in several centres. • Bilateral high resolution DCE-MRI of the breast at 7 T is clinically applicable. • 7-T HR DCE-MRI of the breast provides excellent image quality. • 7-T HR DCE-MRI should detect breast cancer with high diagnostic accuracy.

Combined contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance and diffusion-weighted imaging reading adapted to the "Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System" for multiparametric 3-T imaging of breast lesions.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and assess a combined reading for contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (CE-MRI) and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) adapted to the BI-RADS for multiparametric MRI of the breast at 3 T. METHODS: A total of 247 patients with histopathologically verified breast lesions were included in this IRB-approved prospective study. All patients underwent CE-MR and DWI at 3 T. MRIs were classified according to BI-RADS and assessed for apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. A reading method that adapted ADC thresholds to the assigned BI-RADS classification was developed. Sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic accuracy and the area under the curve were calculated. BI-RADS-adapted reading was compared with previously published reading methods in the same population. Inter- and intra-reader variability was assessed. RESULTS: Sensitivity of BI-RADS-adapted reading was not different from the high sensitivity of CE-MRI (P = 0.4). BI-RADS-adapted reading maximised specificity (89.4 %), which was significantly higher compared with CE-MRI (P < 0.001). Previous reading methods did not perform as well as the BI-RADS method except for a logistic regression model. BI-RADS-adapted reading was more sensitive in non-mass-like enhancements (NMLE) and was more robust to inter- and intra-reader variability. CONCLUSION: Multiparametric 3-T MRI of the breast using a BI-RADS-adapted reading is fast, simple to use and significantly improves the diagnostic accuracy of breast MRI. KEYPOINTS : • Multiparametric breast 3-T MRI with BI-RADS-adapted reading improves diagnostic accuracy. • BI-RADS-adapted reading of CE-MRI and DWI is based on established reporting guidelines. • BI-RADS-adapted reading is fast and easy to use in routine clinical practice. • BI-RADS-adapted reading is robust to intra- and inter-reader variability.

Molecular imaging of cancer: MR spectroscopy and beyond.

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging is a non-invasive diagnostic tool for the investigation of cancer metabolism. As an adjunct to morphologic and dynamic magnetic resonance imaging, it is routinely used for the staging, assessment of treatment response, and therapy monitoring in brain, breast, and prostate cancer. Recently, its application was extended to other cancerous diseases, such as malignant soft-tissue tumours, gastrointestinal and gynecological cancers, as well as nodal metastasis. In this review, we discuss the current and evolving clinical applications of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging. In addition, we will briefly discuss other evolving techniques, such as phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging, sodium imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging in cancer assessment.

[Diagnose importance of multiparametric magnetic resonance tomography for prostate cancer]. / Stellenwert der multiparametrischen Magnetresonanztomographie beim Prostatakarzinom.

Prostate cancer is biologically and clinically a heterogeneous disease which makes imaging evaluation challenging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has considerable potential to improve prostate cancer detection and characterization. Until recently morphologic MRI has not been routinely incorporated into clinical care because of its limitation to detect, localize and characterize prostate cancer. Performing prostate gland MRI using functional techniques has the potential to provide unique information regarding tumor behavior, including treatment response. In order for multiparametric MRI data to have an impact on patient management, the collected data need to be relayed to clinicians in a standardized way for image construction, analysis and interpretation. This will ensure that patients are treated effectively and in the most appropriate way. Scoring systems similar to those employed successfully for breast imaging need to be developed.

[Magnetic resonance tomography-guided interventional procedure for diagnosis of prostate cancer]. / MRT-gezielte interventionelle Verfahren zur Abklärung des Prostatakarzinoms.

In recent years magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been increasingly established in the diagnosis of prostate cancer in addition to transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS). The use of T2-weighted imaging allows an exact delineation of the zonal anatomy of the prostate and its surrounding structures. Other MR imaging tools, such as dynamic contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging or diffusion-weighted imaging allow an inference of the biochemical characteristics (multiparametric MRI). Prostate cancer, which could only be diagnosed using MR imaging or lesions suspected as being prostate cancer, which are localized in the anterior aspect of the prostate and were missed with repetitive TRUS biopsy, need to undergo MR guided biopsy. Recent studies have shown a good correlation between MR imaging and histopathology of specimens collected by MR-guided biopsy. Improved lesion targeting is therefore possible with MR-guided biopsy. So far data suggest that MR-guided biopsy of the prostate is a promising alternative diagnostic tool to TRUS-guided biopsy.

The impact of digital mammography on screening a young cohort of women for breast cancer in an urban specialist breast unit.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the diagnostic performance of full-field digital mammography (FFDM) with screen-film mammography (SFM) in a corporate screening programme including younger women. METHODS: Data were available on 14,946 screening episodes, 5010 FFDM and 9936 SFM. Formal analysis was by logistic regression, adjusting for age and calendar year. FFDM is compared with SFM with reference to cancer detection rates, cancers presenting as clustering microcalcifications, recall rates and PPV of recall. RESULTS: Overall detection rates were 6.4 cancers per thousand screens for FFDM and 2.8 per thousand for SFM (p < 0.001). In women aged 50+ cancer detection was significantly higher for FFDM at 8.6 per thousand vs. 4.0 per thousand, (p = 0.002). In women <50, cancer detection was also significantly higher for FFDM at 4.3 per thousand vs. 1.4 per thousand, (p = 0.02). Cancers detected as clustering microcalcifications increased from 0.4 per thousand with SFM to 2.0 per thousand with FFDM. Rates of assessment recall were higher for FFDM (7.3% vs. 5.0%, p < 0.001). FFDM provided a higher PPV for assessment recall, (32 cancers/364 recalls, 8.8%) than SFM, (28 cancers/493 recalls, 5.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Cancer detection rates were significantly higher for FFDM than for SFM, especially for women <50, and cancers detected as clustering microcalcifications.

[Imaging of molecular structures of breasts with new sonography techniques]. / Bildgebung molekularer Strukturen der Brust mit neuen Techniken der Sonographie.

Sonography has become one of the most important imaging methods in breast diagnostics. Through the development of high-frequency transducers and the use of ultrasound contrast agents, the number of indications for sonography of the breast has continued to increase in recent years. Visualization of very small vessels under 100 µm enables sensitive detection and quantification of tissue perfusion. Thus, breast ultrasound can play an essential role in answering questions about certain pathologies. Further technical advances, such as automated breast ultrasound systems, provide an essential step for standardization of investigations. Targeted ultrasound is a new important development of this technique. Specific markers which are conjugated with the surface of contrast medium microspheres allow targeted molecular endothelial structures to be selectively visualized and quantified. These developments will strengthen the role of sonography in the future as a non-invasive and easy to use method.