Digital spot mammography using an add-on upright unit: diagnostic application in daily practice.
BACKGROUND
To present the use of digital spot mammography (DSM) in a diagnostic practice.


METHODS
Digital spot images of 779 women requiring a spot compression or a spot magnification view were collected. The digital images were acquired on a digital spot upright unit using a 61 mm x 61 mm field of view. Lesions reported included masses, calcifications, and areas of distortions.


RESULTS
1065 lesions required additional views with DSM. Lesions reported included masses (n = 113), masses and microcalcifications (n = 53), spiculated masses (n = 34), architectural distortions (n = 16), and microcalcifications (n = 849). DSMs were considered to be adequate in 97.7% of patients. Unsatisfactory exams resulted from difficulties encountered in targeting the area of interest at the beginning of our experience.


CONCLUSIONS
DSM, most commonly used to perform interventional procedures, can also be used in a diagnostic practice taking advantage of post-processing of images not available with conventional spot compression and magnification.
Mesurolle
Benoît
B
McGill University Health Center, Cedar Breast Clinic, Royal Victoria Hospital, 687 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, Que., Canada. benoit.mesurolle@muhc.mcgill.ca
Mignon
François
F
Ariche-Cohen
Michèle
M
Kao
Ellen
E
Gagnon
Jean H
JH
Goumot
Pierre-Alain
PA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001941:Breast Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000295:instrumentation*