Additional value of electrical impedance scanning: experience of 240 histologically-proven breast lesions

The aim of this study was to quantify the clinical value of using electrica l impedance scanning (EIS) as an adjunct to other diagnostic techniques in order to identify cancerous tissue based upon its inherent altered local di electric properties. 210 consecutive women with 240 sonographically and/or mammographically suspicious findings were examined using EIS. All lesions w ere histologically-proven. 86/103 malignant and 91/137 benign lesions were correctly identified using EIS (87.8% sensitivity, 66.4% specificity). NPV Bind PPV of 84.3% and 65.2% were observed, respectively. Excluding cases as defined by a priori criteria, i.e, lesions located deeper than 35 tnm, les ions larger than 35 mm, and retroareolar lesions, a sensitivity of 85.5% wa s observed, and for invasive cancers, 91.7%. The detection rate for ductal carcinoma in site (DCIS) was poor (57.1%, n-14). By adding EIS to mammograp hy and ultrasound, the sensitivity rose from 86.4 to 95.1%, whereas the acc uracy decreased from 82.3 to 75.7%. EIS appears to be of interest as an adj unct to breast diagnostic techniques, performing with a reasonable sensitiv ity. Further investigations on histomorphological characteristics and the r easons for false-negative findings are essential to gain further knowledge about the bioelectricity of breast lesions, and prove the value of this new technology, (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.