D-galactose-based signal-enhanced color Doppler sonography of breast tumors and tumorlike lesions.

Abstract

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES:

This study sought to evaluate prospectively the diagnostic potential of unenhanced and enhanced color Doppler and power Doppler for the differentiation of tumors and tumorlike lesions of the breast.

METHODS:

Ninety-two patients with 110 tumors or tumorlike lesions of the breast were investigated by unenhanced and enhanced color and power Doppler ultrasound. The sonomorphologic aspects of vascularization were analyzed. In addition, maximal systolic frequency shift, resistance, and pulsatility indices were determined.

RESULTS:

In 15 (24%) of 63 primary carcinomas, 15 (68%) of 22 fibroadenomas, and all (100%) of 14 postoperative lesions, the sonomorphologic analysis for the differential diagnosis of breast tumors was improved after contrast enhancement in color Doppler mode. In comparing unenhanced color Doppler to power Doppler, the latter was found to be slightly superior (sensitivity, 60% vs. 67%; specificity, 39% vs. 45%, respectively); after enhancement, both modes were equivalent (sensitivity, 100% vs. 100%; specificity, 95% vs. 95%, respectively). Signal enhancement resulted in a significant improvement in sensitivity and specificity (P < 0.01). Typical signs of malignancy were irregular vessel calibers, serpiginous courses, penetration of the tumor's margin, and irregular reticular vascularization. The quantitative parameters proved not to be helpful for the differential diagnosis of breast tumors.

CONCLUSIONS:

By improved analysis of the vascularization pattern, d-galactose-enhanced color Doppler sonography was found to provide more reliable differential diagnostic information than unenhanced Doppler ultrasound in tumors and tumorlike lesions of the breast.

• Authors: R J Schroeder, J Maeurer, T J Vogl, N Hidajat, J Hadijuana, S Venz, S Weber, R Felix
• Journal: Investigative radiology (Invest Radiol) Vol. 34 Issue 2 Pg. 109-15 (Feb 1999) ISSN: 0020-9996 [Print] United States
• PMID: 9951790 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Galactose

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Breast Diseases (diagnostic imaging, physiopathology)
• Breast Neoplasms (blood supply, diagnostic imaging, physiopathology)
• Breast Neoplasms, Male (blood supply, diagnostic imaging, physiopathology)
• Carcinoma (blood supply, diagnostic imaging, physiopathology)
• Cysts (blood supply, diagnostic imaging, physiopathology)
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Female
• Fibroadenoma (blood supply, diagnostic imaging, physiopathology)
• Galactose (administration & dosage)
• Gynecomastia (diagnostic imaging, physiopathology)
• Humans
• Image Enhancement (methods)
• Injections, Intravenous
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Prospective Studies
• Pulsatile Flow
• Sensitivity and Specificity
• Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color
• Vascular Resistance