J Korean Soc Med Ultrasound.  2000 Sep;19(3):191-196.

The Usefulness of US with Contrast Agent on Breast Tumors

• Jung HA
• Jung JI
• Kim HH
• Son SB
• Byun JY
• Lee JM
• Hahn ST
• Kim CY

Abstract

PURPOSE
To evaluate the usefulness of US with contrast agent on breast tumors.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Fifteen breast tumors in fourteen patients underwent color Doppler US before and after intravenous injection of a microbubble contrast agent (Levovist(r), Schering AG, Berlin, Germany). Benign le-sions were 8 and malignant lesions were 7 among these. Real-time power Doppler ultrasonographic images were recorded on a videotape and representative images were color-printed. Tumor vascularity was analyzed on real-time images in regard to its presence or absence, and changes in diameter and number of vessels, presence or absence of blush around the vessels. Two observers reached a consensus. Results of malignant tumors were compared with those of benign tumors.
RESULTS
Color Doppler signal intensity increased in 12 of 15 cases (80%). Number of vessel increased in 9 of 15 cases (60%) and diameter of vessel increased in 12 of 15 cases (80%). Vascular blush around the enhanced ves-sel was present in 5 of 15 patients (53%). Color Doppler signal increased in 5 of 8 benign lesions (63%) and 7 of 7 malignant lesions (100%). Number of vessel increased in 4 of 8 benign lesions (50%) and 5 of 7 malignant le-sions (71%). Diameter of vessel increased in 5 of 8 benign lesions (63%) and 7 of 7 malignant lesions (100%). Blush around the enhanced vessel was present in one of 8 benign lesions (13%) and 4 of 7 malignant lesions (57%). The time to peak enhancement was shorter in malignant cases (mean = 45 sec) than benign cases (mean = 82 sec)
CONCLUSION
US with contrast agent on breast tumors is effective to detect blood flow within the mass and may be helpful to differentiate malignant from benign lesions.

MeSH Terms

Berlin
Breast Neoplasms*
Breast*
Consensus
Humans
Injections, Intravenous
Microbubbles
Videotape Recording