Ultrasound alone sufficient for evaluation of masses found on DBT, finds study

Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli

Published On 2020-08-27 12:30 GMT | Update On 2020-08-28 13:44 GMT

USA: Ultrasound alone is more effective for working up of masses identified on screening digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), suggests a recent study in the European Journal of Radiology (EJR). This means that masses recalled from screening DBT are more likely to be resolved entirely by ultrasound.

According to the study, masses recalled from screening DBT is more likely to represent true lesions whereas recalled asymmetries and focal asymmetries were more likely to be worked up with diagnostic mammography.

Jessica H. Porembka, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dallas, TX, USA, and colleagues compared the use of diagnostic mammography, diagnostic mammography with ultrasound, and ultrasound alone in the evaluation of recalled non-calcified lesions from screening mammography with DBT.

The researchers performed a retrospective review of recalled non-calcified lesions that included mass from screening DBT, focal asymmetry, asymmetry, and architectural distortion. Electronic health records were reviewed for imaging evaluations, findings and histopathology results.

Key findings of the study include:

Of 266 non-calcified lesions in 247 women, masses were significantly more likely to be evaluated with ultrasound alone compared to diagnostic mammography with ultrasound than all other recalled finding types.
Architectural distortions were more likely to be assigned a BI-RADS 4 or 5 on the diagnostic evaluation than all other lesion types.
Masses were more likely to be true lesions (90 %; 111/124) compared to 40 % (23/57) of focal asymmetries and 24 % (16/67) of asymmetries).
No significant difference was noted in the malignant versus benign biopsy outcomes among the recalled DBT lesion types.

Based on the findings the authors concluded that recalled masses from screening DBT are more likely to be worked up with ultrasound alone compared to all other non-calcified lesion types and more likely to represent true lesions on diagnostic evaluation. Recalled asymmetries and focal asymmetries were more likely to be worked up with either diagnostic mammography with ultrasound or diagnostic mammography alone.

The study, "Choice of imaging method in the work-up of non-calcified breast lesions identified on tomosynthesis screening," is published in the European Journal of Radiology.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrad.2020.109203

Article Source : European Journal of Radiology

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Medha Baranwal

Comments Policy

Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Journal Club- Assessment of radiation exposure: An in-depth analysis of dose evaluation in contrast-enhanced computed tomography abdomen imaging

2025-07-28 04:00 GMT

Ultrasound alone sufficient for evaluation of masses found on DBT, finds study

Similar News

International radiology consensus outlines best practices for post-COVID CT: Study

PET imaging links brain inflammation to speech disorder and Parkinson-like syndrome: Study

Point-of-care ultrasonography found to be effective in identifying pneumothorax: Study

New MRI approach maps brain metabolism, revealing disease signatures: Study

Journal Club- Assessment of radiation exposure: An in-depth analysis of dose evaluation in contrast-enhanced computed tomography abdomen imaging

AI System Shows Consistent Accuracy in Echocardiogram Interpretation: JAMA

CT colonography feasible than DNA stool testing in colorectal cancer screening: Study

Young Breast Cancer Patients Have Low Risk of Isolated Locoregional Recurrence After Surgery: JAMA