The role of elastography in the characterization of solid breast masses

Purpose: In this prospective study, it is aimed to correlate the histopathological evaluation findings of the patients having lesions referred for excisional biopsy due to BI-RADS (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System) 3, BI-RADS 4, BI-RADS 5 lesions detected by ultrasonography, with their elastography elasticity index values, to investigate the role of elastography and to determine elastography elasticity index cut-off value for the malignant benign differentiation of these lesions. Material and Method: In November 2008-February 2009, seventy female patients referred to the Department of Radiology in Dr. Abdurrahman Yurtaslan Oncology Training and Research Hospital, who were found to have solid breast lesions by ultrasonography, were evaluated prospectively. The colour score and elasticity index values of the masses were assessed. Results: Statistically, elasticity index cut-off value for the malignant-differentiation of the lesions was calculated as 4.05. For the same differention, the sensitivity and specificity of elastography were calculated as 90% and 97%, respectively, whereas positive predictive value and negative predictive value were determined as 90% and 97.5%, respectively. Conclusion: Real-time elastography is a quite useful imaging technique, that is useful for benign malignant differentiation of suspicious breast lesions with high sensitivity and specificity as well as high positive and negative predictive values