Comparative value of 99mTc-sestamibi scintimammography and sonography in the diagnostic workup of breast masses.
OBJECTIVE
This study was conducted to assess the relative roles of 99mTc-sestamibi scintimammography and sonography in the evaluation of breast lesions that are indeterminate or suspicious on mammography or clinical examination.


METHODS
Twenty-five patients with 33 biopsy-proven breast lesions underwent both scintimammography and sonography. Lesions were categorized as benign or requiring biopsy on the basis of the absence or presence of a focus of increased activity on scintimammography and the shape, orientation, and echogenicity of the lesion on sonography.


RESULTS
Sensitivity and specificity in detecting breast cancer were 92% and 95%, respectively, for scintimammography and 100% and 48%, respectively, for sonography. The higher specificity of scintimammography was statistically significant (p < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Although the overall accuracy of 99mTc-sestamibi scintimammography in the diagnosis of breast cancer was high, it has several disadvantages in comparison with sonography. Scintimammography has a slightly higher false-negative rate for breast cancer, is unable to reveal cysts, is more expensive, takes longer to perform, and involves ionizing radiation. For these reasons, scintimammography with 99mTc-sestamibi is unlikely to either replace sonography or be frequently used in addition to sonography.
Klaus
A J
AJ
Radiology Imaging Associates and The Sally Jobe Breast Center, Englewood, CO 80111, USA.
Klingensmith
W C
WC
Parker
S H
SH
Stavros
A T
AT
Sutherland
J D
JD
Aldrete
K D
KD
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D001940:Breast / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000191:economics / Q000473:pathology; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D017256:Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi; D016217:Ultrasonography, Mammary / Q000191:economics
D017256:Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi