Modern imaging methods in paediatric breast examination.
OBJECTIVE
To diagnose premature or prepubertal breast development or breast diseases.


METHODS
Harmless, non-invasive examinations were conducted on young girls by the use of ultrasound and liquid crystal thermography with discs of various sensitivity.


METHODS
The study was conducted at the Radiological Department of the Postgraduate Medical University in Budapest, Hungary.


METHODS
The study entailed examination of 283 patients, all under age 14, of the paediatric gynaecological ward and the outpatient service who had breast problems.


METHODS
Aspiration cytology or surgical intervention were used only in rare cases.


METHODS
The outcome was measured based on the accuracy and expediency of the diagnostic procedures.


RESULTS
The most frequent problems observed were precocious breast development, precocious pubertal development and asymmetric breasts. Precocious thelarche was observed in 117 patients, four patients were found to have cysts, and there were 59 cases of inflammation or abscess.


CONCLUSIONS
Liquid crystal thermography and ultrasound proved to be sufficient and accurate means of diagnosis breast problems.
Orley
J N
JN
Postgraduate Medical University, Budapest, Hungary.
Göblyös
P
P
D000293:Adolescent; D001940:Breast / Q000254:growth & development / Q000473:pathology; D001941:Breast Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011627:Puberty; D011629:Puberty, Precocious / Q000175:diagnosis; D013817:Thermography; D016217:Ultrasonography, Mammary