Mammary ductoscopy by helical CT: initial experience.
BACKGROUND
An attempt was made to visualize minute intraductal lesions using helical CT in patients with abnormal nipple discharge.


METHODS
Galactography was performed, immediately followed by CT (ductal CT examination). Based on the image data obtained, ductal images were constructed on a workstation using a Pegasus viewer (ductal CT imaging). Since no criteria for diagnosis by this method are available, ductal CT images were diagnosed by reference to the known ductal fiberscopic findings.


RESULTS
Ductal CT examination was performed in 10 cases, in 9 of whom ductal CT images were successfully constructed. Pathological examination was performed in 8 cases. It was possible to observe the structure of the luminal surface on the constructed ductoscopic images from all directions, but the color tone or the presence or absence of hemorrhage could not be observed.


CONCLUSIONS
In the examination for abnormal nipple discharge, ductal CT examination was useful for intraductal observation. Currently, it is a method that allows for observation of the most minute intraductal lesions. However, some issues still remain unresolved. The results of this study suggest that further studies with more cases hold the promise of making ductal CT imaging a useful examination method.
Matsuda
Minoru
M
Department of Surgery, Kyorin University School of Medicine, 6-20-2 Shinkawa, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-8611, Japan. m-matsuda@mth.biglobe.ne.jp
Seki
Tsuneaki
T
Kikawada
Yayoi
Y
Isaka
Hirotsugu
H
Teraoka
Hideo
H
Fukushima
Hisaki
H
Goya
Tomoyuki
T
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D018270:Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / Q000175:diagnosis; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007479:Iopamidol; D042361:Mammary Glands, Human / Q000473:pathology*; D008327:Mammography / Q000379:methods*; D009558:Nipples / Q000378:metabolism; D018300:Papilloma, Intraductal / Q000175:diagnosis; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed
D003287:Contrast Media; D007479:Iopamidol