Breast Neoplasms: Schulz-Wendtland R

Albert US, Altland H, Duda V, Engel J, Geraedts M, Heywang-Köbrunner S, Hölzel D, Kalbheim E, Koller M, König K, Kreienberg R, Kühn T, Lebeau A, Nass-Griegoleit I, Schlake W, Schmutzler R, Schreer I, Schulte H, Schulz-Wendtland R, Wagner U, Kopp I. · Faculty of Medicine, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany. · J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. · Pubmed #18661152 No free full text.

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The goal of the 2008 updated guideline: early detection of breast cancer in Germany is to support physicians as well as healthy and affected women in the decision-making process involved in the diagnostic chain for the early detection of breast cancer by providing them with evidence- and consensus-based recommendations. The updated guideline replaces the guideline issued in 2003. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The guideline forms the basis for developing an effective and efficient national early breast cancer detection program that meets the standards set by the Council of Europe and WHO for cancer control programs. The guideline presents the current, evidence- and consensus-based state of scientific knowledge in a multidisciplinary approach for the entire diagnostic chain, consisting of history taking and risk consultation, information on health behavior, clinical breast examination, diagnostic imaging, image-guided percutaneous tissue-acquisition techniques, open surgical excisional biopsy and pathomorphological tissue evaluation. The guideline recommends a set of quality indicators to assure resource availability, performance quality and outcomes enhancing total quality management for early breast cancer diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Currently, early detection of breast cancer offers the most promising possibility to optimize the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and, as a result, reduce breast cancer mortality and improve health related quality of life in women.

Albert US, Altland H, Duda V, Engel J, Geraedts M, Heywang-Köbrunner S, Hölzel D, Kalbheim E, Koller M, König K, Kreienberg R, Kühn T, Lebeau A, Nass-Griegoleit I, Schlake W, Schmutzler R, Schreer I, Schulte H, Schulz-Wendtland R, Wagner U, Kopp I. · Planungskommission und Arbeitsgruppenleiter der Konzertierten Aktion Brustkrebs-Früherkennung in Deutschland, Deutschland. · Chirurg. · Pubmed #18463837 No free full text.

Abstract: The updated 2008 German Guideline for Early Detection of Breast Cancer provides evidence-based and consensus-based recommendations of the knowledge gained by the German Society for Surgery and the German Society of Plastic, Aesthetic, and Reconstructive Surgeons together with 29 professional societies, associations, and nonmedical organizations. The guideline is meant to assist physicians, healthy women, and patients in medical decisions with recommendations regarding the diagnostic chain in early detection of breast cancer. In addition to these recommendations, the guideline also includes descriptions of quality assurance for resources, procedures, outcomes, and evaluation using a set of quality indicators. It updates the previous version from 2003. The guideline's recommendations are presented. They are described in detail in the full publication (in German) Geburtsh Frauenh 2008; 68:251-261. The long version of the Guideline, methods report, and evidence report are available on the internet at www.awmf-leitlinien.de (reg. no. 077/001) with free access.

Albert US, Altland H, Duda V, Engel J, Geraedts M, Heywang-Köbrunner S, Hölzel D, Kalbheim E, Koller M, König K, Kreienberg R, Kühn T, Lebeau A, Nass-Griegoleit I, Schlake W, Schmutzler R, Schreer I, Schulte H, Schulz-Wendtland R, Wagner U, Kopp I. · Planungskommission und Arbeitsgruppenleiter der Konzertierten Aktion Brustkrebs-Früherkennung in Deutschland. · Rofo. · Pubmed #18438746 No free full text.

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Weingart O, Sonntag D, Trapp H, Bartsch HH, Baumeister RG, Goerke K, Giersiepen K, Hindenburg HJ, Ming K, Schulz-Wendtland R, Störkel S, Kober T, Thole H, Kirchner H, Ollenschläger G, Anonymous00064. · Arztliches Zentrum für Medizin. · Z Arztl Fortbild Qualitatssich. · Pubmed #15487388 No free full text.

Abstract: In order to promote the quality of health care and guidelines in Germany the German Guideline Clearinghouse (Sponsors: German Medical Association, National Association of the Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, German Hospital Federation, Associations of the Sickness Funds and the Statutory Pension Insurance) was established at the Agency for Quality in Medicine (AQuMed) in 1999. The results of the 10th Guideline Clearing Project, the Guideline Clearing Report "Breast Cancer", were published in December 2003. In a systematic search using English/German language guideline databases and literature databases (Medline, Healthstar, Embase), 16 national guidelines were identified which were in accordance to the inclusion criteria (breast cancer treatment; German or English language; published after 1992; new guideline or genuine update (no adaptation); recommended for country-wide implementation). The methodological quality of these 16 guidelines was evaluated using the appraisal instrument of the German Guideline Clearinghouse, the checklist "Methodological Quality of Clinical Practice Guidelines". A peer review of the guidelines was performed by a multidisciplinary focus group of experts (intended guideline users from clinical and ambulatory settings as well as patients). This group consented comments and recommendations for actions of health care policy makers in Germany for a German breast cancer guideline based on examples from the appraised guidelines. None of the identified guidelines contained information about all of the 24 key topics that the focus group considered to be relevant for a German national guideline. The selected exemplary text extracts from the evaluated guidelines can be used as benchmarks and example sources for the development of a national German breast cancer guideline. From the beginning, patients should be involved in the development process within a multidisciplinary team. Due to the rapid emergence of new evidence, oncology guidelines need an effective procedure for updating in order to ensure that they are able to promote health care quality by giving current recommendations based on best available evidence. International networks such as the Guidelines International Network (G-I-N) will be helpful to collect and appraise the evidence for the national guideline development groups in an effective way.

Janssens JP, Rotenberg L, Sentis M, Motmans K, Schulz-Wendtland R. · No affiliation provided · Eur J Cancer Prev. · Pubmed #17106323 No free full text.

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Cusumano P, Polkowski WP, Liu H, Schulz-Wendtland R, Janssens J. · Breast Clinic, Cliniques St Joseph, Liège, Belgium. · Eur J Cancer Prev. · Pubmed #18562956 No free full text.

Abstract: Quite a number of radiologists indicate that complete removal of an imaged lesion in the breast by transdermal tissue acquisition is beneficial for the patient. Although this claim is technologically feasible with the vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB) devices and, by virtue of a similar technology of aspiration, liposuction, there is no scientific or clinical proof that the extended procedure is indeed valuable for the patient. The optimal treatment of malignant or premalignant lesions remains open surgery with the goal to obtain pathologically free margins whenever possible. Complete removal by imaging is quite different from complete pathological removal. Hence, VAB elimination of suspect or malignant lesions can be considered less optimal and even malpractice in many cases. In addition, there is no evidence that complete removal of benign lesions is good for the patient. When benign lesions can be considered precursors for malignancy, they should be surgically removed as for other premalignant lesions. Most benign lesions can be treated medically as they are usually dispersed in the breast and hormone dependent. The rest of benign breast lesions need removal only to relieve the patient of psychological stress or because of symptoms. Evidence indicates furthermore that increase in cancer risk is related to the number and extent of breast interventions in the past. VAB and other large core biopsy devices remain a useful tool in the diagnosis of breast cancer but not for treatment purposes.

Schulz-Wendtland R, Hermann KP, Wacker T, Bautz W. · Radiologisches Institut, Gynäkologische Radiologie, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen. · Radiologe. · Pubmed #18335192 No free full text.

Abstract: Digital mammography has extensively replaced conventional film screen mammography and is now the standard in combination with soft copy reading in clinical as well as screening mammography. Large international multicenter studies demonstrate an equivalent or superior detection rate of breast cancers by digital in comparison to conventional mammography especially in dense breasts, premenopausal and perimenopausal women and women less than 50 years old. Computer-aided detection (CAD) is important for the experienced investigator (increased specificity). Digital mammography also offers further options, such as tomosynthesis, digital contrast-enhanced mammography and the combination of digital mammography and ultrasound. The future in breast diagnosis will be the fusion of images from different digital systems.

Schulz-Wendtland R, Becker N, Bock K, Anders K, Bautz W. · Radiologisches Institut, Gynäkologische Radiologie, Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91056, Erlangen, Deutschland. · Radiologe. · Pubmed #17375277 No free full text.

Abstract: Exclusive biannual mammography screening for women ages 50-69 years reduces the mortality from breast cancer among participants by 35%. Compared with 50% of clinically detected cancers, only 20% of carcinomas detected in screening have nodal metastases, and up to 55% of screening carcinomas are in the T1 stage of "minimal cancer." In many European countries (including Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, and Great Britain), mammography screening programmes have been established for more than 10 years. In Germany, the aim is to establish, by 2008, a nationwide organised programme on the basis of the European Guidelines for Quality Assurance. This goal requires 80-100 mammography screening units. The first screening units went into use in 2005. Women between 50 and 69 years are invited to participate in 2-year intervals.

Schulz-Wendtland R, Hermann KP, Bautz W. · Institut für Diagnostische Radiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. · Radiologe. · Pubmed #15744483 No free full text.

Abstract: Digital mammography is the technology of the future in breast diagnosis. This article provides an overview of all digital mammography units admitted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), results of clinical studies, soft copy reading, CAD (computer aided detection), and presents an overview on possible further developments. It is obvious that clinical results are equivalent to conventional screen film mammography and digital mammography.

Schulz-Wendtland R, Sinn HP. · Institut für Diagnostische Radiologie, Gynäkologische Radiologie, Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen. · Radiologe. · Pubmed #15250098 No free full text.

Abstract: Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor in women: almost 10 % will suffer from breast cancer during their life and almost half of these will die of it. The spectrum of radiologic methods for diagnosing breast cancer is wide, including X-ray mammography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance mammography, and minimally invasive biopsies. After long-lasting controversies, breast cancer screening using X-ray mammography has now been introduced in Germany, following the projects in the Netherlands and Sweden. However, assessing mammographic films under screening conditions requires skills distinctly different from those needed under clinical conditions. This first part of two covers the histopathological basics and X-ray mammography; the second will deal with ultrasound of the breast and magnetic resonance mammography.

Schulz-Wendtland R, Aichinger U, Krämer S, Lang N, Bautz W. · Institut für Diagnostische Radiologie, Gynäkologische Radiologie, Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsstr. 21-23, 91054 Erlangen. · Radiologe. · Pubmed #11388060 No free full text.

Abstract: As well as in the complementary mamma diagnosis (clinical examination, mammography, sonography) including the dynamic MRI and the mammography screening projects the interventional methods like mammographically/stereotactically guided vacuumbiopsy/excisional biopsy are established methods to avoid unnecessary open operations and they are integrated in the clinical routine. By using strict criterias it is a way to improve the specificity and the negative predictive value in the mamma diagnosis. In addition the interventional methods requires less costs, less time and reduces the morbidity in comparison to an open operation.

Säbel M, Aichinger U, Schulz-Wendtland R, Bautz W. · Frauenklinik der Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. · Rontgenpraxis. · Pubmed #10574025 No free full text.

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Rotenberg L, Verhille R, Schulz-Wendtland R, Verswijfel G, Gelin J, Van Migem D, Janssens JP. · Centre de Radiologie Henri Hartmann, 26 boulevard Victor Hugo, 92200 Neuilly sur Seine, France. · Eur J Cancer Prev. · Pubmed #15548942 No free full text.

Abstract: The increasing interest in accurate pretreatment diagnosis of solid tumours by morphology, immunohistochemistry, genetics and molecular biology requires clinicians to obtain undamaged large core biopsies. Simultaneously, medical imaging and surgery give priority to minimal tissue injury, affordable technology and optimal patient compliance. A new large core soft tissue biopsy device has been developed to meet the above criteria. After intensive preclinical testing, 30 patients gave informed consent and 26 underwent the new diagnostic biopsy procedure. The sample was studied by morphology, immunohistochemistry and, where indicated, by molecular biology. Successful diagnosis was considered when in line with clinical follow-up and, as for all malignant lesions, when confirmed by open biopsy or surgery. No difficulties in the technique were encountered in 25 patients. In one patient the procedure was prematurely stopped because of anxiety. In all other 25 procedures a complete diagnosis was reached with regard to morphology, immunohistochemistry and molecular biology. A number of radiologists suggested some automation of the technique. This new large core soft tissue biopsy system performs well in the clinical context without injury to the breast parenchyma or artefacts in the harvested tissue specimen. The system meets almost all of the proposed technical and financial requirements. Automation is underway.

Aichinger U, Schulz-Wendtland R. · No affiliation provided · Strahlenther Onkol. · Pubmed #10356619 No free full text.

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Kuefner MA, Anders K, Schulz-Wendtland R, Papadopoulos T, Bautz W, Wenkel E. · Radiologisches Institut, Universitat Erlangen. · Ultraschall Med. · Pubmed #19241512 No free full text.

Abstract: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a slow growing soft tissue neoplasm of dermal fibroblastic origin characterised by local invasion and a high propensity for local recurrence. We report a 31-year-old woman with subcutaneous DFSP of the breast, which is an unusual localisation. Diagnostic work-up comprised clinical examination, mammography and ultrasound. Definitive diagnosis was not possible prior to histological analysis of the lesion. Wide excision of the tumour was performed, which is the therapy of choice in DFSP. Ultrasound played an important role in histological diagnosis before definitive surgery and might be helpful in follow-up of patients with DFSP of the breast.

Adamietz B, Melzer K, Schulz-Wendtland R. · Universität Erlangen, Maximilian Platz 1, 91054 Erlangen, Germany. · Rofo. · Pubmed #18975250 No free full text.

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Hinkmann FM, Schulz-Wendtland R, Wenkel E. · Universitätsklinikum Erlangen-Nürnberg, Maximilansplatz 1, 91054 Erlangen. · Rofo. · Pubmed #18850510 No free full text.

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Schwab SA, Uder M, Schulz-Wendtland R, Bautz WA, Janka R, Wenkel E. · Department of Radiology, Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Maximiliansplatz 1, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany. · Radiology. · Pubmed #18796667 No free full text.

Abstract: PURPOSE: To compare T1- and T2-weighted direct magnetic resonance (MR) galactography, indirect MR galactography, and conventional galactography in women with pathologic nipple discharge. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was approved by the institutional review board. Written informed consent was obtained from all patients. Twenty-three women (age range, 30-85 years) with pathologic nipple discharge and pathologic conventional galactographic findings underwent physical examination, ultrasonography, and MR imaging before surgery. A T2-weighted sequence of the affected breast was performed before (indirect MR galactography), and T1- and T2-weighted sequences were performed after (direct MR galactography), gadopentetate dimeglumine was injected into the discharging duct. MR galactographic findings were analyzed and compared with conventional galactographic findings. Sequences used were T2-weighted three-dimensional constructive interference in steady state (CISS), T1-weighted volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE), and T1-weighted fast low-angle shot (FLASH). RESULTS: The 23 patients had a total of 57 findings at conventional galactography. Indirect MR galactography with CISS showed pathologic findings in eight (42%) of 19 patients and showed 15 (33%) of 46 of all findings. Direct MR galactography with CISS showed pathologic findings in 23 (100%) of 23 patients and 47 (82%) of 57 of all findings, that with VIBE showed pathologic findings in 19 (83%) of 23 patients and 38 (67%) of 57 of all findings, and that with FLASH showed pathologic findings in 16 (100%) of 16 patients and 31 (80%) of 39 of all findings. There was a significant (P < .01) difference between indirect MR galactography and all direct MR galactography sequences in the detection of ductal disease. Eight (35%) of 23 women showed additional findings at direct MR galactography in comparison with standard MR imaging sequences. CONCLUSION: MR galactography has the potential to be used in the diagnostic work-up of pathologic nipple discharge. Direct MR galactography shows more disease than does indirect MR galactography. The highest detection rate for ductal disease compared with that at conventional galactography was found with the direct MR galactography CISS and FLASH sequences.

Wenkel E, Heckmann M, Heinrich M, Schwab SA, Uder M, Schulz-Wendtland R, Bautz WA, Janka R. · Radiologisches Institut, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen. · Rofo. · Pubmed #18704878 No free full text.

Abstract: PURPOSE: Evaluation of an automated breast ultrasound system (ABUS) regarding the detection and classification of breast lesions according to BI-RADS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women were selected for the study who had unclear findings in breast diagnosis performed elsewhere (palpation, sonography or mammography) and who were referred for further work-up. All patients received a hand-held ultrasonography (HHUS) with a 13 MHz transducer, clinical examination and mammography of both breasts. Additionally, the affected breast received the ABUS (SomoVuTM, U-Systems, Inc., San Jose, CA, USA; EC Representative: Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) which was performed with an 8 MHz transducer. Five radiologists independently evaluated the ABUS images regarding lesion detectability. All detected lesions were classified according to BI-RADS assessment. The examiners had no knowledge of the patients' clinical examination or of the result of the mammography or the HHUS. Results of the ABUS were compared to HHUS. RESULTS: 35 women were included in the study. 25 BI-RADS 4 or 5 lesions had further histological (n = 23) or cytological (n = 2) work-up which revealed 13 malignant and 12 benign findings. The size of all lesions ranged from 6 to 32 mm (median 14 mm). With the ABUS all examiners detected 29 to 30 lesions while HHUS revealed 30 lesions. One suspicious area in HHUS was not reported by any of the five examiners with the ABUS. Histology of this area revealed mastopathic disease. No benign lesion was classified as BI-RADS 5 with the ABUS or HHUS. All breast cancers were found with the ABUS by all examiners and correctly classified as BI-RADS 4 or 5. There was good agreement regarding BI-RADS classification of HHUS and ABUS for the five different examiners with Kappa values between 0.83 and 0.87. CONCLUSION: These preliminary results show that the ABUS allows detection of solid and cystic lesions and their BI-RADS classification with a high reliability in a selected patient group.

Bani MR, Lux MP, Heusinger K, Wenkel E, Magener A, Schulz-Wendtland R, Beckmann MW, Fasching PA. · Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Breast Center for Franconia, Erlangen University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany. · Eur J Surg Oncol. · Pubmed #18539425 No free full text.

Abstract: AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate factors affecting the risk for reexcision following breast-conserving surgery. Positive tumor margins are critical for local disease control following surgery for breast cancer. Several factors, including tumor size, multifocality, and an extensive in situ component, may be associated with a higher rate of repeat operations due to positive margins. This study included mammographic density in the analysis. METHODS: A total of 565 breast cancer patients were considered eligible for breast-conserving therapy after a core biopsy had confirmed malignancy. The patients' mammographic findings were reviewed, and mammographic density was documented in addition to the histopathological features of the lesions. Associations between these factors and the risk for a second operation were analyzed using the chi-squared test, and a model was developed for multivariate analysis. RESULTS: At least one repeat operation was necessary in 121 patients (21.4%), and mastectomy was ultimately necessary in 54 patients (9.6%). Tumor size, multifocality, and the presence of an in situ component were identified as risk factors. A mammographic density of category 4 was associated with a need for further surgery (OR 3.2; 95% CI, 1.2-11). CONCLUSIONS: Mammographic density is an additional risk factor for a second operation following breast-conserving procedures, and it may make radiographic and intraoperative localization of the tumor technically difficult. Using mammographic density to define a group of patients with a higher risk of reexcision might allow these patients to benefit from more sophisticated methods of localization and margin assessment.

Schrauder M, Frank S, Strissel PL, Lux MP, Bani MR, Rauh C, Sieber CC, Heusinger K, Hartmann A, Schulz-Wendtland R, Strick R, Beckmann MW, Fasching PA. · University Breast Center for Franconia, Erlangen University Hospital, Universitaetsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany. · J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. · Pubmed #18264724 No free full text.

Abstract: PURPOSE: Various ATM (ataxia telangiectasia-mutated) mutations and polymorphisms have been reported to be associated with an increased breast cancer risk. Recent studies have produced contradictory results regarding the association between ATM genetic variants and breast cancer risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The common ATM polymorphism 5557G>A (p.D1853N) (rs1801516), previously suggested to be associated with bilateral breast cancer, was analyzed using real-time PCR in 514 unselected patients with breast cancer and 511 age-matched healthy control individuals. DNA was obtained from peripheral blood draw. RESULTS: The ATM genotype was weakly associated with the risk for breast cancer (P = 0.04 for the overall test). The odds ratio for women with a heterozygous genotype was 0.70 (95% CI, 0.52-0.94) and for the homozygous variant 0.63 (95% CI, 0.27-1.49). Disease-free survival and overall survival showed no significant association with specific genotypes. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study might suggest a minor association between polymorphism 5557G>A and a reduced risk of breast cancer.

Fasching PA, Loehberg CR, Strissel PL, Lux MP, Bani MR, Schrauder M, Geiler S, Ringleff K, Oeser S, Weihbrecht S, Schulz-Wendtland R, Hartmann A, Beckmann MW, Strick R. · University Breast Center for Franconia, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany. · Breast Cancer Res Treat. · Pubmed #18049890 No free full text.

Abstract: PURPOSE: Estrogen exposure is involved in both breast cancer susceptibility and the prognosis in patients with breast cancer. Aromatase is involved in the production of estrogens, and altered expression of it might be associated with the prognosis. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the aromatase gene, CYP19A1, on the prognosis, and in relation to tumor and patient characteristics in a cohort of breast cancer patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The cohort analyzed in this study consisted of 1,257 patients with invasive primary breast cancer. Polymorphisms rs10046, rs4646 and rs700519 were genotyped within this group. RESULTS: The variant genotypes of rs10046 and rs4646 were associated with a lower percentage of HER2-positive tumors. There was no association of rs700519 and rs4646 with disease-free survival (DFS) or overall survival (OS). The variant genotype of rs10046 was significantly associated with a better 5-year DFS (hazards ratio 0.51; 95% CI, 0.32 to 0.81; P=0.004) adjusted for age, nodal status, tumor size grading, and hormone receptor status. This effect appeared to be determined in the subgroup of premenopausal patients. CONCLUSION: SNPs rs10046 and rs4646 may influence the HER2 status of breast cancer tumors, and rs10046 genotypes are associated with an altered DFS. Genotypes of aromatase polymorphisms may influence the prognosis for breast cancer patients not only by affecting the extent of estrogen exposure but also through an alteration in tumor characteristics.

Hinkmann FM, Schulz-Wendtland R, Schwab S. · No affiliation provided · Rofo. · Pubmed #17948197 No free full text.

This publication has no abstract.

Wenkel E, Geppert C, Schulz-Wendtland R, Uder M, Kiefer B, Bautz W, Janka R. · Radiologic Institute, University of Erlangen, Germany, Maximiliansplatz 1, 91054 Erlangen, Germany. · Acad Radiol. · Pubmed #17707315 No free full text.

Abstract: RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Comparison of two different diffusion weighted (DW) sequences in breast MRI regarding the differentiation between benign and malignant lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Breast MRI including two different DW sequences was performed in 165 consecutive women. Inclusion criteria for DW imaging and ADC evaluation were histologically proven focal mass lesions with a diameter of more than 5 mm in dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI. The DW sequences were pre-contrast echo-planar imaging with spectral fat saturation (EPI fs) and DW EPI with inversion recovery (EPI STIR) (b-values: 50, 400, and 800). Lesions were analyzed regarding visibility in DW sequences and ADC values. RESULTS: Inclusion criteria were fulfilled in 56 women with 69 lesions. Five lesions could not be evaluated for different reasons. Finally, DW sequences were evaluated in 51 women with 64 focal mass lesions (15 benign, 49 malignant). The visibility of the lesions was significantly better in the EPI fs sequence (P<0.05). The ADC values (10(-3) mm(2)/s) in the EPI fs were 1.76, 2.58, and 1.21 (mean, maximum, minimum, respectively) for benign lesions and 0.90, 1.19, and 0.34 for malignant lesions. Respective values in the EPI STIR sequence were 1.92, 3.20, 1.10, and 0.91, 1.43, 0.35. Only in the EPI fs sequence there was no overlap in ADC values between benign and malignant lesions. CONCLUSION: The DW MRI of the breast with EPI fs and EPI STIR sequences has a high potential to differentiate between benign and malignant breast lesions. Due to better lesion visibility and selectivity, the EPI fs sequence should be preferred.

Schulz-Wendtland R, Hermann KP, Wenkel E, Adamietz B, Lell M, Böhner C, Uder M, Bautz WA. · Radiologisches Institut--Gynäkologische Radiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. · Rofo. · Pubmed #17436183 No free full text.

Abstract: PURPOSE: Evaluation of the diagnostic value of breast specimen imaging with a digital mammographic system using a detector system with changeable pixel size compared to standard mode imaging in different monitor display modes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the digital mammographic system SenoScan (Fischer Imaging, Denver, USA), 50 diagnostic breast specimens with microcalcifications were visualized in both standard mode (pixel size 54 microm) and high resolution mode (pixel size 27 microm). The resulting radiographs were displayed 1:1 on a monitor. Standard mode images (pixel size 54 microm) were additionally displayed in a 2:1 mode. A total of 5 readers with different mammographic experience analyzed the type of the microcalcifications on the basis of the different display modes. The images were presented randomly. The findings were subsequently compared to the histology. RESULTS: The high resolution mode yielded slightly but not significantly better results than the standard mode on average for all 5 readers. Compared to a sensitivity of 80 % and a specificity of 72 % (PPV = 74 %, NPV = 78 %) in the standard mode, the high resolution mode provided a sensitivity of 86 % and a specificity of 74 % (PPV = 77 %, NPV = 83 %). The standard mode images on a 2:1 monitor display yielded 84 % and 74 % (PPV = 76 %, NPV = 82 %). CONCLUSION: The high resolution mode did not significantly increase the sensitivity and specificity of the microcalcification reading. A similar improvement was achieved by the 2:1 display mode, i. e. digital monitor zooming. For the clinical situation this means that there is no diagnostic advantage from using a high resolution target view with this mammographic system.