Volumetric breast density evaluation using fully automated Volpara software, its comparison with BIRADS density types and correlation with the risk of malignancy

Abstract

Background Mammography is currently the modality of choice for mass screening of breast cancer, although its sensitivity is low in dense breasts. Besides, higher breast density has been identified as independent risk factor so it has been conceptualized that women with dense breasts should be encouraged for supplemental screening. In this study, we aimed to estimate the distribution of volumetric breast density using fully automated Volpara software and to analyze the level of agreement between volumetric density grades and Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) density grades. We also aim to estimate the distribution of breast cancer in different VDG and to find a correlation between VDG and risk of malignancy. Results VDG-c was most common followed by VDG-b and BIRADS grade B was commonest followed by grade C. The density distribution was found inversely related to the age. Level of agreement between VDG and BIRADS grades was moderate (κ = 0.5890). Statistically significant correlation was noted between VDG-c and d for risk of malignancy (p < 0.001). Conclusion Difficulties associated with the use of BI-RADS density categories may be avoided if assessed using a fully automated volumetric method. High VDG can be considered as independent risk factor for malignancy. Thus, awareness of a woman’s breast density might be useful in determining the frequency and imaging modality for screening.

Automated Breast Density Assessment in MRI Using Deep Learning and Radiomics: Strategies for Reducing Inter‐Observer Variability

“…Automatic assessment of breast density might reduce this variability 13 . Previous studies have explored the feasibility of using threshold‐based methods to estimate breast density in MRI 8,14,15 . However, the segmentation is greatly influenced by the threshold setting, which is usually determined manually.…”

“…13 Previous studies have explored the feasibility of using threshold-based methods to estimate breast density in MRI. 8,14,15 However, the segmentation is greatly influenced by the threshold setting, which is usually determined manually. The agreement between threshold-based results and radiologists' assessments only have fair to moderate agreement.…”