Detection of microcalcifications in core biopsies of the breast: Direct magnification (7(x)) specimen radiography in comparison to histopathology.

Purpose: Comparing the sensitivity in detecting microcalcifications in ster eotactically guided core biopsy specimen of the breast of direct magnificat ion (DIMA) specimen radiography (x 7) with the histological examination. Ma terials and Methods: In 52 patients 509 stereotactically obtained core biop sy (14-gauge) specimens of the breast were radiographed by direct magnifica tion (DIMA) specimen radiography (x 7) and examined histologically. Results : in 188 specimen microcalcifications were detected by magnification radiog raphy compared to 98 by histological examination. Only 3% of the specimen m icrocalcifications were seen exclusively in the histological examination. I n core biopsies with malignancy the relative proportion of biopsies with ra diologically detected microcalcifications was increased (59% versus 32%). C onclusion: Concerning the detection of microcalcifications in core biopsy s pecimen of the breast, the direct magnification (DIMA) radiography (x 7) wa s superior compared to the histological examination. Due to the high relati ve proportion of biopsies with radiologically detected microcalcification a nd malignancy, we recommend a comprehensive histological examination of the se specimen. Confirmation of microcalcifications in core biopsies should be achieved by magnification radiography to prove that the suspicious area in the breast was truly sampled. Specimen radiography simultaneously with the biopsy procedure can reduce the number of punctures in the process of docu menting the presence of calcifications early in the biopsy procedure.