Supine versus Prone 3D Abus Accuracy in Breast Tumor Size Evaluation

Abstract

Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) with negative resection margins decreases the locoregional recurrence rate. Breast cancer size is one of the main determinants of Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TNM) staging. Our study aimed to investigate the accuracy of supine 3D automated breast ultrasound (3D ABUS) compared to prone 3D ABUS in the evaluation of tumor size in breast cancer patient candidates for BCS. In this prospective two-center study (Groups 1 and 2), we enrolled patients with percutaneous biopsy-proven early-stage breast cancer, in the period between June 2019 and May 2020. Patients underwent hand-held ultrasound (HHUS), contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) and 3D ABUS—supine 3D ABUS in Group 1 and prone 3D ABUS in Group 2. Histopathological examination (HE) was considered the reference standard. Bland–Altman analysis and plots were used. Eighty-eight patients were enrolled. Compared to prone, supine 3D ABUS showed better agreement with HE, with a slight tendency toward underestimation (mean difference of −2 mm). Supine 3D ABUS appears to be a useful tool and more accurate than HHUS in the staging of breast cancer.

Value of inversion imaging to diagnosis in differentiating malignant from benign breast masses

“…Previously, 3D inversion imaging technology was used in the obstetric field, which can significantly improve the diagnostic rate of fetal hydrocephalus, foramina malformation and urinary tract abnormalities [ 12 – 15 ]. Currently, the high frequency linear 3D probes were applied in clinical practice, it is possible to perform inversion imaging of breast masses [ 16 – 18 ]. So far, to the best of our knowledge, there was no study applying inversion imaging to solid masses, especially breast masses.…”