IS 13 MHZ HIGH-RESOLUTION ULTRASOUND A VA LUABLE MEANS TO FACILITATE PREOPERATIVE LOCALIZATION AND MARKING OF CLUSTERS OF MICROCALCIFICATIONS

Purpose: The value of 13 MHz ultrasound regarding the preoperative loc alisation in combination with mammography were investigated into. Mate rial and method: Out of 112 mammographically detected calcifications, 30 (30 patients) were clusters of microcalcifications. Out of these, 2 3 were classified as suspicious of malignancy and were preoperatively localised with a 7.5 and 13 MHz probe. Upon marking the skin, a fine n eedle was inserted, and after due correction blue dye or coal solution was instilled. Results: Following mammographically shown position, 23 clusters of microcalcifications could be localised using the 13 MHz p robe. A localisation with the 7.5 MHz probe was impossible in all case s. A single correction of the needle's site was necessary with 35% (8/ 23) of patients. The maximum distance of the needle's tip in case of m isposition measured 11 mm. Conclusion: Giving a known mammographic pos ition and a sonographic perceptibility of clusters of microcalcificati ons in a maximal depth of penetration of 2 cm, 13 MHz high resolution ultrasound examination in combination with mammography prove to be a v aluable means in facilitating the preoperative localisation.