<p>Qualitative Evaluation of Virtual Touch Imaging Quantification: A Simple and Useful Method in the Diagnosis of Breast Lesions</p>

Abstract

Objective: To test the value of qualitative virtual touch imaging quantification (VTIQ) features in differentiating benign from malignant breast lesions. Methods: From November 2016 to August 2017, 230 lesions were subjected to conventional US and virtual touch imaging quantification before biopsy. The maximum shear wave velocity (SWVmax) was measured using a standardized method. Qualitative VTIQ features, including the "stiff rim" sign and color pattern classification, were assessed according to a binary classification. The sensitivity, specificity and area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) of Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS), SWVmax, qualitative VTIQ features, and combined data were compared. Results: Among the 230 breast lesions, 150 were benign and 80 were malignant. Compared to the benign lesions, the malignant ones had higher SWVmax values and were more likely to show the "stiff rim" sign and VTIQ pattern 2 (P <0.001 for all). The AUC value was 0.885 for the qualitative VTIQ combination (the presence of the "stiff rim" sign and/or the display of VTIQ pattern 2), similar to that for SWVmax (P=0.472). BI-RADS combined with the qualitative VTIQ combination and with SWVmax yielded similar results, including significantly higher AUC values (P = 0.018 and 0.014, respectively), significantly higher specificities (P<0.001 for both), and nonsignificantly decreased sensitivities (P = 0.249 for both) compared to BI-RADS alone. Conclusion: The dual-category classification of qualitative VTIQ features according to the presence of the "stiff rim" sign and/or the classification of VTIQ pattern 2 is a simple and useful method that may be representative of quantitative VTIQ parameters in the evaluation of breast masses.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Shear Wave Elastography and Superb Microvascular Imaging in the Evaluation of Breast Masses

“…In these studies, the cutoff values for velocity in distinguishing benign from malignant lesions were reported as 3.2 to 5.1 m/s. [27][28][29][30] Our study affirmed similar results. We obtained the maximum velocity value for each lesion and found that the velocity value was significantly higher in malignant lesions (P < 0.0001).…”

“…Several studies examine the utility of velocity, one of the quantitative parameters obtained by SWE, in differentiating malignant and benign breast lesions. In these studies, the cutoff values for velocity in distinguishing benign from malignant lesions were reported as 3.2 to 5.1 m/s 27–30 . Our study affirmed similar results.…”

“…32 In studies examining breast masses using SWE, quantitative parameters were studied only in kilopascals 2,[23][24][25][26] or meters per second. [27][28][29][30] Because the elasticity values can be obtained in both units (kilopascals and meters per second) in our US device, we measured the elasticity values of the masses in both. Thus, we had the facility to compare the quantitative SWE values we obtained for breast masses with many studies.…”

Role of shear wave elastography in assessment of placental elasticity in normal and high-risk pregnancies in third trimester

“…Previously, multiple studies have been done to see the SWE role in detecting elasticity of liver, breast, thyroid and lymph nodes (LNs). 3 There are few studies that have been reported in placental tissue assessment. 4 There are limited studies available regarding placental elasticity using SWE worldwide and only 2-3 studies have been conducted in Pakistan to date.…”