Does 3-D sonography bring any advantage to noninvasive breast diagnostics?

Ultrasound Med Biol. 2004 May;30(5):583-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2004.03.002.

Abstract

The aim of this prospective trial was to evaluate if 3-D ultrasound (US) brings any advantage to breast diagnostics. A total of 65 women with breast lesions (42 malignant, 23 benign) were examined preoperatively with 2-D and 3-D US. The impact of the use of the 3-D coronal plane for the visualization of the infiltrative zone in comparison to 2-D US was evaluated. Additionally, 3-D surface imaging and volumetry were performed. The coronal plane was of benefit when the infiltrative zone was unclear (6 of 8 cases) or not visible (17 of 39 cases; 43.6%) using 2-D imaging. The surface mode was advantageous for imaging complex structures (e.g., a multinodular fibroadenoma). Volumetry yielded a highly significant correlation between 2-D and 3-D US. 3-D US of breast lesions as adjunct to 2-D sonography can offer a better assessment of the infiltrative zone. Moreover, it enables accurate documentation of data.

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / diagnostic imaging
  • Female
  • Fibroadenoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Papilloma, Intraductal / diagnostic imaging
  • Preoperative Care / methods
  • Prospective Studies
  • Ultrasonography, Mammary / methods*