Ultrasonographic findings 6 months after 11-gauge vacuum-assisted large-core breast biopsy.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the ultrasonographic features of post-biopsy change 6 months after 11-gauge vacuum-assisted large-core breast biopsy of pathologically proven benign lesions. Using the literature as a reference, we hypothesized that large-core breast biopsy would result in tissue changes that may mimic malignancy and may be more apparent on ultrasonography than on mammography.


METHODS
Two radiologists whose subspecialty is breast imaging retrospectively reviewed the pre-biopsy and 6-month follow-up sonograms of 24 patients with pathologically proven benign lesions. The images were assessed for the number and type of ultrasonographic features. A Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category was assigned to each lesion before biopsy and at 6-month follow-up. The composition of breast tissue surrounding the lesion was assessed as fatty, mixed fibroglandular or dense.


RESULTS
The frequency of ultrasonographic changes at 6 months after 11-gauge vacuum-assisted large-core breast biopsy was more frequent than the rate of post-biopsy change previously reported to occur mammographically. The nature of these changes may mimic malignancy in some cases.


CONCLUSIONS
The ultrasonographic appearance of the breast after large-core breast biopsy may mimic malignancy and is, therefore, a potential pitfall when interpreting a post-biopsy sonogram.
Docktor
Bobbie Jo L
BJ
Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Alta. bobbie.docktor@calgaryhealthregion.ca
MacGregor
John Henry
JH
Burrowes
Paul W
PW
D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000379:methods*; D001941:Breast Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D016217:Ultrasonography, Mammary; D014618:Vacuum