Maximizing Mentorship Throughout Your Breast Imaging Career.

Unlike many other subspecialties in radiology, breast radiologists practice in a patient-facing and interdisciplinary environment where team building, communication, and leadership skills are critical. Although breast radiologists can improve these skills over time, strong mentorship can accelerate this process, leading to a more successful and satisfying career. In addition to providing advice, insight, feedback, and encouragement to mentees, mentors help advance the field of breast radiology by contributing to the development of the next generation of leaders. During the mentorship process, mentors continue to hone their listening, problem-solving, and networking skills, which in turn creates a more supportive and nurturing work environment for the entire breast care team. This article reviews important mentorship skills that are essential for all breast radiologists. Although some of the principles apply to all mentoring relationships, ensuring that every breast radiologist has the skills to be both an effective mentor and mentee is key to the future of the profession.

Breast density analysis of digital breast tomosynthesis.

Mammography shifted to digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) in the US. An automated percentage of breast density (PD) technique designed for two-dimensional (2D) applications was evaluated with DBT using several breast cancer risk prediction measures: normalized-volumetric; dense volume; applied to the volume slices and averaged (slice-mean); and applied to synthetic 2D images. Volumetric measures were derived theoretically. PD was modeled as a function of compressed breast thickness (CBT). The mean and standard deviation of the pixel values were investigated. A matched case-control (CC) study (n = 426 pairs) was evaluated. Odd ratios (ORs) were estimated with 95% confidence intervals. ORs were significant for PD: identical for volumetric and slice-mean measures [OR = 1.43 (1.18, 1.72)] and [OR = 1.44 (1.18, 1.75)] for synthetic images. A 2nd degree polynomial (concave-down) was used to model PD as a function of CBT: location of the maximum PD value was similar across CCs, occurring at 0.41 × CBT, and PD was significant [OR = 1.47 (1.21, 1.78)]. The means from the volume and synthetic images were also significant [ORs ~ 1.31 (1.09, 1.57)]. An alternative standardized 2D synthetic image was constructed, where each pixel value represents the percentage of breast density above its location. Several measures were significant and an alternative method for constructing a standardized 2D synthetic image was produced.

Breast Density Analysis Using Digital Breast Tomosynthesis.

We evaluated an automated percentage of breast density (BD) technique (PDa) with digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) data. The approach is based on the wavelet expansion followed by analyzing signal dependent noise. Several measures were investigated as risk factors: normalized volumetric; total dense volume; average of the DBT slices (slice-mean); a two-dimensional (2D) metric applied to the synthetic images; and the mean and standard deviations of the pixel values. Volumetric measures were derived theoretically, and PDa was modeled as a function of compressed breast thickness. An alternative method for constructing synthetic 2D mammograms was investigated using the volume results. A matched case-control study (n = 426 pairs) was analyzed. Conditional logistic regression modeling, controlling body mass index and ethnicity, was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for each measure with 95% confidence intervals provided parenthetically. There were several significant findings: volumetric measure [OR = 1.43 (1.18, 1.72)], which produced an identical OR as the slice-mean measure as predicted; [OR =1.44 (1.18, 1.75)] when applied to the synthetic images; and mean of the pixel values (volume or 2D synthetic) [ORs ~ 1.31 (1.09, 1.57)]. PDa was modeled as 2nd degree polynomial (concave-down): its maximum value occurred at 0.41×(compressed breast thickness), which was similar across case-control groups, and was significant from this position [OR = 1.47 (1.21, 1.78)]. A standardized 2D synthetic image was produced, where each pixel value represents the percentage of BD above its location. The significant findings indicate the validity of the technique. Derivations supported by empirical analyses produced a new synthetic 2D standardized image technique. Ancillary to the objectives, the results provide evidence for understanding the percentage of BD measure applied to 2D mammograms. Notwithstanding the findings, the study design provides a template for investigating other measures such as texture.

Ultrasound-guided radar reflector localization of axillary lymph nodes facilitates targeted axillary dissection.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated feasibility and patient outcomes for targeted axillary lymph node (LN) dissection (TAD) with SAVI SCOUT® ultrasound-guided radar reflector localization (RRL). METHODS: In this IRB-approved retrospective study, 800 consecutive patients who underwent ultrasound-guided RRL between November 2017 and June 2020 were reviewed. Of these patients, those with axillary LN RRL were included in this study. Reports in the electronic medical record were reviewed to determine RRL placement, retrieval, and surgical outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 147 patients met inclusion criteria. Of these, axillary RRL was performed for biopsy-proven metastatic disease in 134 and inconclusive or benign biopsy in 13. RRL was successful in 146/151 lymph nodes (97%). Two patients had placement >10 mm from target and 3 had no post-placement signal. In all 5, the targets were successfully retrieved at surgery. Specimen radiographs were performed in 135 cases and confirmed the intended target in all 135 (100%). In 109 patients who underwent TAD + sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), the RRL LN and the SLN(s) were different in 18 (17%). In 3 of these, the RRL LN was the only malignant LN (3%). In the 105 patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy, 43% (45/105) achieved nodal pCR and 85% (89/105) had <3 metastatic lymph nodes at surgery. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided RRL of axillary LNs is a feasible approach to facilitate TAD with high placement and retrieval success rates. This enables TAD as an alternative to complete axillary LN dissection (cALND), sparing some patients with low nodal tumor burden from cALND.

MRI Response to Pre-operative Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy (SABR) in Early Stage ER/PR+ HER2- Breast Cancer correlates with Surgical Pathology Tumor Bed Cellularity.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates breast MRI response of ER/PR+ HER2- breast tumors to pre-operative SABR with pathologic response correlation. METHODS: Women enrolled in a phase 2 single institution trial of SABR for ER/PR+ HER2- breast cancer were retrospectively evaluated for radiologic-pathologic correlation of tumor response. These patients underwent baseline breast MRI, SABR (28.5 Gy in 3 fractions), follow-up MRI 5 to 6 weeks post-SABR, and lumpectomy. Tumor size and BI-RADS descriptors on pre and post-SABR breast MRIs were compared to determine correlation with surgical specimen % tumor cellularity (%TC). Reported MRI tumor dimensions were used to calculate percent cubic volume remaining (%VR). Partial MRI response was defined as a BI-RADs descriptor change or %VR ≤ 70%, while partial pathologic response (pPR) was defined as %TC ≤ 70%. RESULTS: Nineteen patients completed the trial, and %TC ranged 10% to 80%. For BI-RADS descriptor analysis, 12 of 19 (63%) showed change in lesion or kinetic enhancement descriptors post-SABR. This was associated with lower %TC (29% vs. 47%, P = .042). BI-RADS descriptor change analysis also demonstrated high PPV (100%) and specificity (100%) for predicting pPR to treatment (sensitivity 71%, accuracy 74%), but low NPV (29%). MRI %VR demonstrated strong linear correlation with %TC (R = 0.70, P < .001, Pearson's Correlation) and high accuracy (89%) for predicting pPR (sensitivity 88%, specificity 100%, PPV 100%, and NPV 50%). CONCLUSION: Evaluating breast cancer response on MRI using %VR after pre-operative SABR treatment can help identify patients benefiting the most from neoadjuvant radiation treatment of their ER/PR+ HER2- tumors, a group in which pCR to neoadjuvant therapy is rare.

Quantitative Changes in Intratumoral Habitats on MRI Correlate With Pathologic Response in Early-stage ER/PR+ HER2- Breast Cancer Treated With Preoperative Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy.

Objective: To quantitatively evaluate intratumoral habitats on dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) breast MRI to predict pathologic breast cancer response to stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR). Methods: Participants underwent SABR treatment (28.5 Gy x3), baseline and post-SABR MRI, and breast-conserving surgery for ER/PR+ HER2- breast cancer. MRI analysis was performed on DCE T1-weighted images. MRI voxels were assigned eight habitats based on high (H) or low (L) maximum enhancement and the sequentially numbered dynamic sequence of maximum enhancement (H1-4, L1-4). MRI response was analyzed by percent tumor volume remaining (%VR = volume post-SABR/volume pre-SABR), and percent habitat makeup (%HM of habitat X = habitat X voxels/total voxels in the segmented volume). These were correlated with percent tumor bed cellularity (%TC) for pathologic response. Results: Sixteen patients completed the trial. The %TC ranged 20%-80%. MRI %VR demonstrated strong correlations with %TC (Pearson R = 0.7-0.89). Pre-SABR tumor %HMs differed significantly from whole breasts (P = 0.005 to <0.00001). Post-SABR %HM of tumor habitat H4 demonstrated the largest change, increasing 13% (P = 0.039). Conversely, combined %HM for H1-3 decreased 17% (P = 0.006). This change correlated with %TC (P < 0.00001) and distinguished pathologic partial responders (≤70 %TC) from nonresponders with 94% accuracy, 93% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value, and 67% negative predictive value. Conclusion: In patients undergoing preoperative SABR treatment for ER/PR+ HER2- breast cancer, quantitative MRI habitat analysis of %VR and %HM change correlates with pathologic response.

Mentorship Interest in Breast Imaging: Survey Results From the Society of Breast Imaging.

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed mentorship interest within the breast radiologist community to guide development of a mentorship program through the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI). METHODS: A 19-question survey developed by the SBI mentorship committee was distributed electronically to its members March 16, 2021, to May 7, 2021, to gauge interest in forming a society-sponsored mentorship program. Responses were analyzed, with subgroups compared using chi-square analysis. RESULTS: There was an 18% response rate (598/3277), and 65% (381/588) professed interest in an SBI-sponsored mentorship. Respondents were evenly distributed between academic (241/586, 41%) and private practice (242/586, 41%). Most were breast imaging fellowship-trained (355/593, 60%) and identified as female (420/596, 70%). For practice years, 50% (293/586) were late career (11+ years) with the remainder early-mid career (201/586, 34%) or trainees (92/586, 16%). For mentorship content areas, work/life balance was the most popular choice (275/395, 70%) followed by leadership (234/395, 59%). Most respondents were not currently mentors (279/377, 74%) or mentees (284/337, 84%). Those interested in a mentorship relationship were statistically younger (<45 years old, 234/381, 61% vs 31/207, 15%, P < 0.00001), female (289/381, 76% vs 123/207, 59%, P = 0.00003), academics (189/381, 50% vs 48/207, 23%, P < 0.00001), identified as a racial/ethnic minority (138/381, 64% vs 121/297, 15%, P < 0.00001), and fellowship-trained (262/381, 69% vs 88/207, 43%, P < 0.00001). CONCLUSION: There is demand, especially among the society's young and minority members, for an SBI-sponsored mentorship program. Work/life balance and leadership were the most popular choices for guidance.

Transition to digital breast tomosynthesis-guided biopsies: Results and complications compared to stereotactic biopsies.

This study evaluates targeting success, pathologic results, and complications of upright digital breast tomosynthesis-guided biopsies (DBTB) compared to prone stereotactic breast biopsies (PSBB) performed during the same time period. In this retrospective study, 252 consecutive mammographically guided vacuum-assisted 9-gauge breast biopsies performed at a single institution from December 2017 to August 2018 were evaluated. This included 153 DBTBs compared to 99 PSBBs. A total of 153 DBTBs (in 139 patients) and 99 PSBBs (in 96 patients) were performed during the study period. Targeting success was similar for DBTB (99%) and PSBB (99%). DBTB was used to target both calcifications (110) as well as non-calcified targets (43), while PSBB only targeted calcifications. Malignant biopsies from DBTB were more likely to be invasive (n = 12, 8%) than PSBB (n = 2, 2%), with P = .03. Moreover, DBTB targets classified as calcifications only were less likely to yield invasive malignancy (2/109, 2% vs 10/43, 23%), with P = .0001. PPV3 was similar for DBTB (24%) and PSBB (27%) as were high-risk pathology results (23% and 18%, respectively). Tissue marker migration > 1cm occurred at a similar frequency (14% vs 13%). Hematomas were slightly more frequent with DBTB (19/152, 13%) than with PSBB (4/98, 4%), with P = .026. Finally, the average number of core biopsies with DBTB was higher than with PSBB (8.32 vs 7.39, respectively), with P = .02. Compared to prone stereotactic breast biopsy, upright digital breast tomosynthesis biopsy has a similar high targeting success frequency, low complication frequency, and additionally allows targeting of calcified and non-calcified targets.

Specialized Second Opinion Review of Breast MRI Impacts Management and Increases Cancer Detection.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study is to determine MRI review discrepancy frequency and the subsequent impact on patient management for patients pursuing breast imaging second opinions. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on 1,000 consecutive patients with second opinion radiology interpretations performed by subspecialty-trained breast radiologists at a dedicated cancer center July 1 through December 31, 2016. Of these, 205 included review of outside breast MRI. Outside imaging reports were compared with second opinion reports to categorize breast MRI review discrepancies. These included relevant BI-RADS category changes or identification of additional extent of disease >4 cm. The discrepancy frequency, relevant alterations in patient management, and incremental cancer detection were measured. Statistical analyses were performed using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Discrepant second opinion breast MRI review was seen in 36 of 205 patients (18%). Additional cancer was detected through image-guided biopsy in 3 of these 36 patients and through excision in 2 (5 of 205, 2%). Additionally, five biopsies yielded high-risk pathologic results without upstage on excision. Findings suspicious for additional extent of disease >4 cm were noted in five patients (2%) treated with mastectomies. Finally, five patients had BI-RADS category downgrades. Ultimately, completion of second opinion MRI review recommendations resulted in altered management in 10% of patients (20 of 205). The absence of prior imaging studies for comparison was associated with increased discrepancy frequency (P = .005). CONCLUSION: Second opinion breast MRI review by subspecialized breast imaging radiologists increases cancer detection and results in clinically relevant changes in patient management.

SAVI SCOUT® localization of breast lesions as a practical alternative to wires: Outcomes and suggestions for trouble-shooting.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to determine the frequency of successful SAVI SCOUT® localizations, to identify the factors contributing to unsuccessful procedures, and to provide a problem-solving algorithm to address those factors. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was performed following IRB approval. We included all consecutive patients with SCOUT® reflector placement performed at a single tertiary-care cancer center. Each case was reviewed and the following data were recorded: patient age, breast density, localization target, imaging modality used for guidance, post procedure mammogram reflector to skin and reflector to target distances, presence of the reflector in the specimen radiograph, excisional biopsy pathology and any procedure complications. RESULTS: In 129 women, 152 SAVI SCOUT® reflectors were placed. Most patients had only 1 reflector placed, but 19 (15%) women had multiple reflectors placed for the purposes of bracketing, multiple excisions in 1 breast, bilateral excisions, or any combination thereof. The most common target was a mass (65%) and the most common modality for guidance was ultrasound (73%). SAVI SCOUT® localization was successful in 97%of reflectors, including 89% of reflectors targeting axillary lymph nodes. The most common failure encountered was the inability to obtain a signal in the radiology suite, due to (1) excessive target depth for the radiology suite handpiece and console, (2) obscuration by a hematoma, or (3) faulty reflector. No post-operative complications occurred. CONCLUSION: The SAVI SCOUT® surgical guidance system is an accurate and reliable method for localization of non-palpable breast lesions, bracketing, and axillary lymph nodes.

Specialized Second Opinion Interpretations of Breast Imaging: Impact on Additional Workup and Management.

BACKGROUND: Women with breast imaging often seek second opinions at tertiary care centers. Our study measures the frequency of discrepancy between initial and second opinion breast imaging recommendations and evaluates the impact on patient management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on 504 consecutive patients with second opinion breast radiology interpretations performed by 6 sub-specialized breast radiologists at a dedicated cancer center from January 1, 2014 through September 1, 2014. Outside imaging reports were compared with second opinion reports to categorize discrepancies. Interpretations were considered discrepant in cases with Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category changes, recommendation for additional imaging, or identification of previously undiagnosed additional extent of disease greater than 5 cm. The frequencies of discrepancy, alterations in surgical management, and incremental cancer detection were measured. Statistical analysis of associated factors was performed with the Fisher exact test, with a P-value < .05 considered significant. RESULTS: Second opinion evaluation discrepancies were seen in 287 (57%) patients and resulted in percutaneous image-guided biopsies in 92 (18%). Forty-five additional sites of cancer were biopsy-detected in 41 (8%) patients, including 20 breast malignancies and 25 axillary metastases. Another 9 biopsies yielded high-risk pathology. Second opinion interpretations altered surgical management in 66 (13%) patients. Factors associated with increased discrepancy frequency were cancer diagnosis at presentation (P = .004), dense breasts (P = .005), and the absence of prior studies for comparison (P = .007). CONCLUSION: Although additional imaging and resources are required, second opinion radiology review by subspecialized breast radiologists increases cancer detection and results in clinically relevant changes in patient management.

Estrogen receptor-positive primary squamous cell carcinoma of the breast.

Pure primary squamous cell carcinoma of the breast (SCCB) represents around 0.1% of breast carcinomas. Diagnosis requires independence from adjacent skin without metastatic disease. SCCB is often large at presentation with nonspecific mammographic and ultrasound findings. It is typically hormone receptor negative and aggressive. Mastectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy is the most common treatment, although treatment guidelines are not well established. We present a case of pure primary SCCB detected by high risk screening mammogram and treated with breast conserving surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. We discuss clinical, radiologic, and pathologic findings.

Focal angiomatosis of the breast with MRI and histologic features.

Angiomatosis of the breast is an extremely rare, benign vascular lesion. This is a diagnostic challenge, given the limited number of cases reported in the literature. Additionally, due to similar features of the more common malignant vascular tumor, angiosarcoma familiarity with angiomatosis in the differential diagnosis is important. We present a case of angiomatosis of the breast in a 28-year-old female. The lesion presented as an incidental enhancing mass on computed tomography scan initially and subsequent mammogram and ultrasound studies did not show a correlate. Next, magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an enhancing correlate for which magnetic resonance imaging biopsy and subsequent excisional biopsy demonstrated angiomatosis of the breast.

Magnetic resonance imaging-guided core needle breast biopsies resulting in high-risk histopathologic findings: upstage frequency and lesion characteristics.

UNLABELLED: Analysis of magnetic resonance imaging-guided breast biopsies yielding high-risk histopathologic features at a single institution found an overall upstage rate to malignancy of 14% at surgical excision. All upstaged lesions were associated with atypical ductal hyperplasia. Flat epithelial atypia and atypical lobular hyperplasia alone or with lobular carcinoma in situ were not associated with an upstage to malignancy. INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the present study w as to determine the malignancy upstage rates and imaging features of high-risk histopathologic findings resulting from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided core needle breast biopsies. These features include atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH), flat epithelial atypia (FEA), and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective medical record review was performed on all MRI-guided core needle breast biopsies at a single institution from June 1, 2007 to December 1, 2013 to select biopsies yielding high-risk histopathologic findings. The patient demographics, MRI lesion characteristics, and histopathologic features at biopsy and surgical excision were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 257 MRI-guided biopsies had been performed, and 50 yielded high-risk histopathologic features (19%). Biopsy site and surgical excision site correlation was confirmed in 29 of 50 cases. Four of 29 lesions (14%) were upstaged: 1 case to invasive ductal carcinoma and 3 cases to ductal carcinoma in situ. ADH alone had an overall upstage rate of 7% (1 of 14), mixed ADH/ALH a rate of 75% (3 of 4), ALH alone or with LCIS a rate of 0% (0 of 7), and FEA a rate of 0% (0 of 4). Only mixed ADH/ALH had a statistically significant upstage rate to malignancy compared with the other high-risk histopathologic subtypes combined. No specific imaging characteristics on MRI were associated with an upstage to malignancy on the statistical analysis. CONCLUSION: MRI-guided breast biopsies yielding high-risk histopathologic features were associated with an overall upstage to malignancy rate of 14% at surgical excision. All upstaged lesions were associated with ADH. FEA and ALH alone or with LCIS were not associated with an upstage to malignancy.