VASCULARIZATION OF BREAST-TUMORS - USE OF AN ULTRASOUND ECHO ENHANCERIN THE EVALUATION OF DIGNITY - PRELIMINARY-RESULTS

Purpose: The objectives of the present study were to investigate the u tility of an ultrasound echo enhancer in the evaluation of the dignity of breast tumors and to identify the best examination parameters. Pat ients and Methods: 68 breast tumors in 61 female patients who were ref erred for operative tumor removal were examined by color-coded duplex sonography before and after administration of Levovist(R). The investi gated parameters were: a) the degree of enhancement, b) the number of tumor vessels, c) the time to maximum enhancement, and d) the morpholo gical pattern and course of vessels. Results: With regard to parameter s A, B, and C there were in part pronounced overlaps between malignant (n = 44) and benign (n = 24) lesions. The best differentiation was fo und for parameter D with a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 83% . In all previously operated patients a distinction between a postoper ative scar (n = 8) and a tumor recurrence (n = 13) was possible. Concl usions: The use of Levovist(R) leads to a clear improvement in the eva luation of dignity by duplex sonography. On the basis of our prelimina ry results, the characteristic pattern of vascular morphology and cour se is the best examination parameter. In particular, the otherwise dif ficult distinction between scar and recurrence appears to be an intere sting application.