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Abstract
Objectives
The purpose of our study was to assess whether there is a potential additional value of real-time virtual sonography (RVS) to second-look ultrasound (US) examination and biopsy for breast lesions identified on MRI alone.
Methods
A retrospective review of the records of 70 consecutive patients (78 lesions) with breast abnormalities identified on MRI alone was performed. All suspicious enhancing lesions were subsequently evaluated with second-look US. Lesions not observed on second-look US underwent RVS. Pathological findings were confirmed by subsequent percutaneous biopsy or excision.
Results
Of the 78 MRI-detected lesions, second-look US correlation was made in 50 (64 %), including 22 malignant and 28 benign lesions. The remaining 28 lesions (36 %) were scheduled to undergo RVS. Four lesions were not visible on the second breast MRI. The remaining 24 lesions were RVS correlated and underwent RVS-guided biopsy; these included seven malignant and 17 benign lesions. Overall, 74 of 74 (100 %) true MRI-detected lesions were confirmed by histological results without using MRI-guided breast biopsy. The cancer rate was 29 %.
Conclusions
RVS can increase the sonographic detection and biopsy rate of lesions identified on breast MRI alone.
Key Points
* All 74 MRI-detected lesions were confirmed without using MRI-guided biopsy.
* Four lesions were not visible on second breast MRI.
* RVS can increase sonographic detection of lesions identified on breast MRI alone.
* RVS-guided breast biopsy can be an alternative to MRI-guided biopsy.