M. Stuhrmann et al., VASCULARIZATION OF BREAST-TUMORS - USE OF AN ULTRASOUND ECHO ENHANCERIN THE EVALUATION OF DIGNITY - PRELIMINARY-RESULTS, RoFo. Fortschritte auf dem Gebiete der Rontgenstrahlen und der neuenbildgebenden Verfahren, 169(4), 1998, pp. 360-364
Citations number
16
Categorie Soggetti
Radiology,Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Journal title
RoFo. Fortschritte auf dem Gebiete der Rontgenstrahlen und der neuenbildgebenden Verfahren
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.