Concerning the distribution of the microcalcifications,
in 29 cases (56%) they were classified as clustered,
in 13 cases (25%) as linear (Figure 1),
and in 10 cases (19%) as segmental (Figure 2).
The number of microcalcifications per squared centimeter: below 10 per sq.cm – 24 (46%),
10-25 microcalcifications per sq.cm- 19 cases (37%),
and more than 25 microcalcification per sq.cm -9 cases (17%) (Table 1)
Of 52 screening women examined,
12 (23%) were diagnosed with breast malignancy (eight invasive cancers,
four DCIS),
and 40 (77%) were benign.
For a detailed overview of the histopathological results,
see Table 2.
Lesions,
identified by "MicroPure" were more likely to be malignant,
than those not detectable by "MicroPure" mode.
Out of 12 patients with breast cancer,
microcalcifications were identified with “MicroPure” in 10 cases (83%),
while in other 40 patients with benign changes microcalcifications were clearly detected only in 21 cases (52%)(p=0.008)
A statistically significant reverse correlation between tumor grade and the possibility of identification of microcalcification with "MicroPure" technique was identified (r=0,6,
p = 0,95% CI = (0,47;0,71).) (Figure 3)
Overall sensitivity of "MicroPure" technique was 43%,
specificity 83.7%.
Sensitivity and specificity was then calculated for different types of microcalcifications: clustered,
segmental and linear types of microcalcifications.
For linear,
clustered and segmental types sensitivity and specificity were 37,1% and 100%; 51,4% and 68,8%; 41,8% and 100% correspondingly.
Within the framework of this study,
an experimental ultrasound-guided core biopsy of microcalcifications seen with "MicroPure" was performed in 6 women (Figure 4 and 5).
The indications were the presence of clustered microcalcifications categorized as BIRADS M4,
a good vizualization of microcalcifications by ultrasound,
informed consent of the woman.
In all cases,
the presence of microcalcifications in the sample was pathomorphologically verified.
In one case,
breast carcinoma was detected,
in five others benign changes identified.
All women are under further follow-up.