Keywords:
Breast, Mammography, MR, Ultrasound, Comparative studies, Cancer
Authors:
L. Kovačević, S. Barsic Ostojic, M. Prutki; Zagreb/HR
DOI:
10.26044/ecr2021/C-11879
Purpose
Supplementary mammographic views have been an important part of the assessment process in women recalled following an abnormal screening mammogram. They are performed in addition to the standard mediolateral oblique and craniocaudal views to confirm the presence and characterize a true breast lesion rather than a pseudoabnormality simulated by summation of normal breast tissue. Traditionally, the spot view (SV) has been one of the most commonly used supplementary mammographic view in the assessment of abnormalities detected on a screening mammogram. With the incorporation of digital breast tomosynthesis into clinical use in 2011, the use of additional mammography images, including the spot view, is increasingly being questioned [1]. Furthermore, studies have shown that digital breast tomosynthesis is at least equivalent to the use of standard supplementary mammographic views in the assessment of noncalcified abnormalities (masses, distortions, and asymmetries) [2-7].
Digital breast tomosynthesis was introduced in the workup of screen-detected noncalcified abnormalities in the Department for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology at the University hospital centre Zagreb in January 2017. During the initial learning period with digital breast tomosynthesis, standard spot compression views were also performed.
Since we had spot compression views and two-view digital breast tomosynthesis available for all patients during the initial period, we compared their diagnostic value in the assessment of noncalcified abnormalities. Moreover, as an abnormal finding observed in 2D mammography or digital breast tomosynthesis requires further confirmation through breast ultrasound, and sometimes even breast magnetic resonance imaging. As both breast ultrasound and breast magnetic resonance imaging are time demanding, in this pilot study, we investigated whether the diagnostic results of the spot view (SV) performed after digital breast tomosynthesis could reduce the need for further diagnostic evaluation.