Computed tomography-guided needle localization of nonpalpable breast lesions: review of 24 cases.
OBJECTIVE
We examined the role of computed tomography (CT) in breast imaging, especially in guiding needle localization procedures.


METHODS
We reviewed our institution's breast imaging database, from 1978 to 1994, for procedures in which CT scanning was used. Twenty-four CT-guided needle localizations were identified. Medical records, mammograms, CT scans, and pathology reports were reviewed for all patients.


RESULTS
Twenty-four needle localizations were performed on 22 female patients. The average size of the lesions localized was 12 mm. The most common reason for CT scanning was the inability to image a suspicious density by conventional mammography on two orthogonal views. Nine malignant and 15 benign lesions were localized under CT guidance. One patient developed a postoperative hematoma. No other complications occurred.


CONCLUSIONS
CT-guided breast localization is a reliable technique that may be used to define selected breast lesions that are difficult to triangulate or localize by conventional two-view mammography.
Spillane
R M
RM
Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114, USA.
Whitman
G J
GJ
McCarthy
K A
KA
Hulka
C A
CA
Hall
D A
DA
Kopans
D B
DB
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000379:methods; D001940:Breast / Q000473:pathology*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography; D008875:Middle Aged; D010173:Palpation; D015641:Radiography, Interventional; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed