A Micro CT Study in Patients with Breast Microcalcifications Using a Mathematical Algorithm to Assess 3D Structure

PLoS One. 2017 Jan 20;12(1):e0169349. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169349. eCollection 2017.

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relevance of the three-dimensional (3D) structure of breast microcalcifications (MC) as a predictor of malignancy using highly resolved micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) datasets of biopsy samples.

Material and methods: The study included 28 women with suspicious MC in their mammogram undergoing vacuum-assisted biopsy. Directly after the intervention, the specimens were scanned in a micro-CT with an isometric spatial resolution of 9 μm. Datasets were analysed regarding the number, volume and morphology of suspicious non-monomorphic MC (fl-fine linear, fp-fine pleomorphic, ch-coarse heterogeneous) and the structure model index (SMI). Histological evaluation was performed according to the B-classification: normal tissue or benign (group A: B1, B2), unclear malignant potential or suspicious of malignancy (group B: B3, B4) and malignant lesions (group C: B5).

Results: In all groups, suspicious non-monomorphic MC were found: group A exhibited fp MC in 38.5% of samples, no fl/ch; group B: fl 14.3%, fp 28.6%, ch 14.3%; group C always had at least one type of suspicious non-monomorphic MC (fl (57.1%) or fp (57.1%)) in each sample. The different histologic groups showed a similar mean SMI (benign: 2.97 ± 0.31, malignant: 3.02 ± 0.10, unclear: 2.90 ± 0.28). Between the three groups, no significant differences were found regarding number, volume or SMI value of MC.

Conclusion: 3D structure based on the SMI of MC analysed with highest spatial resolution is not significantly associated with the B-classification of breast lesions. Thus, magnification views of MC may be omitted in the analysis of MC detected in mammograms.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Algorithms*
  • Biopsy
  • Breast Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Calcinosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional
  • Middle Aged
  • X-Ray Microtomography / methods*

Grants and funding

The authors received no specific funding for this work.