Ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted core breast biopsy: experience with 406 cases.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine the indications, accuracy and complications of vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB) performed using ultrasonographic (US) guidance for non-palpable lesions.


METHODS
This was a prospective study in which results from consecutive US-guided VABB performed between January 1999 and April 2003 were subsequently compared to those from excisional biopsy or to long-term follow-up imaging.


RESULTS
Four hundred and six lesions were submitted to VABB procedures. Out of those, 78.9% were benign, 18.8% were malignant, 1.7% was lobular neoplasia, and 0.4% was atypical duct hyperplasia. Underestimation occurred in 2.6% of the cases and false negative results in 0.6%. Sensitivity to VABB was 97%, specificity went up to 100%, negative predictive value was 99%, positive predictive value was 100%, and accuracy was 99%. Complications occurred in 9% of the patients.


CONCLUSIONS
US-guided VABB is an accurate and safe procedure. The main indication is the non-palpable suspicious breast lesions (category 4). This new technique could be a good alternative for percutaneous and surgery biopsy.
Cassano
Enrico
E
Breast Imaging Unit, Department of Radiology, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy.
Urban
Linei A B D
LA
Pizzamiglio
Maria
M
Abbate
Francesca
F
Maisonneuve
Patrick
P
Renne
Giuseppe
G
Viale
Giuseppe
G
Bellomi
Massimo
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000379:methods*; D001940:Breast / Q000473:pathology*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016217:Ultrasonography, Mammary; D014618:Vacuum