Breast vibro-acoustography: initial results show promise

A recently developed combined mammography-VA system for in vivo breast imaging was tested on female volunteers, aged 25 years or older, with suspected breast lesions on their clinical examination. After mammography, a set of VA scans was acquired by the experimental device. In a masked assessment, VA images were evaluated independently by 3 reviewers who identified mass lesions and calcifications. The diagnostic accuracy of this imaging method was determined by comparing the reviewers' responses with clinical data.We collected images from 57 participants: 7 were used for training and 48 for evaluation of diagnostic accuracy (images from 2 participants were excluded because of unexpected imaging artifacts). In total, 16 malignant and 32 benign lesions were examined. Specificity for diagnostic accuracy was 94% or higher for all 3 reviewers, but sensitivity varied (69% to 100%). All reviewers were able to detect 97% of masses, but sensitivity for detection of calcification was lower (≤ 72% for all reviewers).VA can be used to detect various breast abnormalities, including calcifications and benign and malignant masses, with relatively high specificity. VA technology may lead to a new clinical tool for breast imaging applications.As a focus of intense research, breast cancer imaging technology is evolving rapidly. For many years, mammography has been the main tool used in breast imaging and is the most widely used and recommended method. The overall sensitivity of screening mammography for women ranges from 51% to 66%; women younger than 40 years have lower detectability rates, predominantly because of the greater density of breast tissue [1].Conventional B-mode ultrasonography (US) is increasingly used as an adjunct to mammography for breast imaging; it improves sensitivity and has a considerable role in detection of cysts and solid masses [2-6]. However, it is still associated with a large number of false negative results. The sensitivity of US for detecting ductal ca