Diagnostic accuracy of perforated compression grid approach for mammographically guided core needle biopsy of breast lesions

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of large core breast biopsy with the use of the perforated compression grid (PCG) in a s eries of 106 consecutive mammographically detected breast lesions. The PCG consists in a fenestrated paddle that replaces the usual mammographic compr essor. Each hole in the grid is marked by letters and numbers in order to o btain the coordinates of the area to biopsy. By analysing the two orthogona l projections, the depth of the lesion in the breast is calculated. With th e breast positioned in the PCG, a skin incision is made. After calculations about the depth of needle insertion, the tip of the needle is inserted pro ximally to the target area. In such a way, taking into consideration the to tal running of the needle (23 mm), a correct sampling is assured, and multi ple needle passes are performed. Sensitivity was of 90.62 and 90.90%, speci ficity was of 100 and 95.45% and positive predictive value was of 100 and 9 0.90% by excluding and including suspicious diagnoses, respectively, for ea ch computation. In conclusion, the study indicated that image-guided core b iopsy performed by the approach of PCG is a cost-effective, simple and accu rate technique for the diagnosis of breast lesions, and it could be propose d as a low-cost alternative where the stereotactic equipment is not availab le. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.