Differentiating solid breast masses: comparison of the diagnostic efficacy of shear wave elastography and magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

ObjectivesShear wave elastography (SWE) quantitatively determines the nature of the breast lesions. Few previous studies have compared the diagnostic value of this modality with other imaging techniques. The present study aimed to compare the diagnostic value of SWE with that of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting the nature of the breast masses.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 80 patients with breast lumps who had Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) score of three or higher based on mammography and/or screening ultrasonography, underwent 3D SWE and MRI. The lesions were classified according to MRI BI-RADS scoring; Mean elasticity (Emean) and elasticity ratio (Eratio) for each lesion were also determined by SWE. The results of these two modalities were compared with histopathologic diagnosis as the gold standard method; diagnostic value and diagnostic agreement were then calculated.ResultsOf the masses, 46.2% were histopathologically proven to be malignant. The Emean for benign and malignant masses was 34.04 ± 19.51 kPa and 161.92 ± 58.14 kPa, respectively. Both modalities had diagnostic agreement with histopathologic results (p<0.001). Kappa coefficient was 0.87 for SWE and 0.42 for MRI. The sensitivity of both methods was 94.59% (95% CI: 81.81–99.34), while the specificity and accuracy were 48.84% [95% CI: 33.31–64.54] and 70.0% [95% CI: 58.72–79.74] for MRI, and 93.02% [95% CI: 80.94–98.54] and 93.75% [95% CI: 86.01–97.94] for SWE.ConclusionsSWE has better diagnostic value in terms of determining the nature of the breast masses. SWE can increase the diagnostic function of differentiating benign masses from malignant ones.

Value of Shear Wave Elastography in Discriminating Category IV Breast Lesions According to Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System

“…Sixteen of the malignant lesions (84%) display solid criteria as score 4 and 5 and three malignant lesions (16%) display score 1 and 2 while only 6 of benign lesions (26%) display same solid criteria. These results were in agreement with the results of Ren et al [16] where 266 breast lesions investigated, 71 lesions were malignant. Qualitative assessment with SWE of theses malignant lesions showing 61 lesions (85%) display score 4 and 5 while only 32 (16%) of benign lesions display score 4 and 5.…”

“…Patients with malignant lesions had a significantly higher mean of E-mean SWV than those with benign lesions (133.8 versus 75.47 kPa, P= 0.001). By comparison to Farghadani et al study [16], a different results observed, as noticed that E-mean for benign and malignant masses was 34.04 ± 19.51 kPa and 161.92 ± 58.14 kPa, respectively. Lee et al study [17] observed that, E-mean of malignant lesions (184.3 kPa) was significantly more than that of the benign lesion (complex cystic lesions, 45.5 kPa) (P-value < 0.001).…”

“…The first study gave 68.4% sensitivity, 93.2% specificity, and 80% accuracy, while, the second one gave 78.4% sensitivity, 95.2% specificity and 84.5% accuracy. Farghadani et al study [16] showed that the sensitivity was 94.59%, while the specificity and accuracy were 93.02% and 93.75% respectively. The study concluded that SWE has better diagnostic value in determining breast masses and can increase the diagnostic function.…”

Contrast‐enhanced Ultrasound Combined With Elastography for the Evaluation of Muscle‐invasive Bladder Cancer in Rats

“…The collagen content and arrangement determine the tissue elasticity. Collagen fibers may be layered or connected, thus forming “pieces,” honeycombs, or unspecified shapes 35 . Long and straight collagen fibers may also form lumps.…”

“…Collagen fibers may be layered or connected, thus forming "pieces," honeycombs, or unspecified shapes. 35 Long and straight collagen fibers may also form lumps. When normal cells are invaded or stimulated by external stimuli, such as cancer or other pathological conditions, the cells are dynamically remodeled, resulting in the hardening of the ECM-supporting tissue.…”