We reviewed our initial clinical experience of 579 serially scanned patients utilizing automated whole breast ultrasound (AWBUS) as a supplemental screening tool and adjunct to mammography.This patient population primarily consisted of those whose breast tissue composition was heterogeneously and extremely dense.Our objective in this analysis was to determine the clinical utility of AWBUS in identifying mammographically occult breast cancers.In so doing, we quantified the associated call-back rate, determined the resulting positive predictive value of AWBUS screening (PPV1), and the positive biopsy rate for those patients...

From 2012 to 2013, 579 patients with normal screening mammograms were serially scanned utilizing the SonoCine AWBUS system.Most patients were considered average risk and had not been identified as high risk patients who would otherwise qualify for screening MRI.Automated image acquisition was methodical and reproducible. All at-risk breast tissue was scanned, including; the axilla, the infra-clavicular region, the infra-mammary fold and all breast parenchyma. The automated image acquisition process was operator independent, with the exception of maintaining probe to tissue contact and probe angle.Images were...

In this series of 579 patients who were serially scanned with AWBUS, we identified 6 mammographically occult breast cancers.5 of the 6 cancers were found to be invasive.The positive predictive value of screening (PPV1) was 4.7%.The extrapolated cancer detection rate is 10.4 per 1,000 women screened.The call-back rate was 22% and the positive biopsy rate was 29%.The mean tumor size was 7 mm .

In our early clinical experience, AWBUS, when used as a supplemental screening tool, was found to be effective in identifying mammographically occult cancers in women with heterogeneously and extremely dense breast tissue who after a normal mammogram may not otherwise qualify for high risk screening with MRI.A high cancer detection rate was achieved as a result of AWBUS screening, while maintaining an acceptable PPV1.As with the initial implementation of any new screening modality, a higher than desired recall rate resulted and can be attributed to...

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Kelly K, Dean J, Comulada W, et al. Breast cancer detection using automated whole breast ultrasound and mammography in radiographically dense breasts. Eur Radiol 2009;20:734-742.