Dynamic optical breast imaging: a novel technique to detect and characterize tumor vessels.
OBJECTIVE
To prospectively determine the diagnostic accuracy of optical absorption imaging in patients with Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) 3-5 breast lesions.


METHODS
Forty-six patients with BI-RADS classification 3 (11%), 4 (44%) or 5 (44%) lesions, underwent a novel optical imaging examination using red light to illuminate the breast. Pressure was applied on the breast, and time-dependent curves of light absorption were recorded. Curves that consistently increased or decreased over time were classified as suspicious for malignancy. All patients underwent a core or surgical biopsy.


RESULTS
Optical mammography showed a statistical difference in numbers of suspect pixels between benign (N=12) and malignant (N=35) lesions (respectively 1325 vs. 3170, P=0.002). In this population, optical imaging had a sensitivity of 74%, specificity of 92%, and diagnostic accuracy of 79%. The optical signal did not vary according to any other parameter including breast size or density, age, hormonal status or histological type of lesions.


CONCLUSIONS
Optical imaging is a low-cost, non-invasive technique, yielding physiological information dependent on breast blood volume and oxygenation. It appears to have a good potential for discriminating benign from malignant lesions. Further studies are warranted to define its potential role in breast cancer imaging.
Fournier
Laure S
LS
Université Paris Descartes, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Radiology Department, 20 rue Leblanc, 75015 Paris, France. laure.fournier@gmail.com
Vanel
Daniel
D
Athanasiou
Alexandra
A
Gatzemeier
Wolfgang
W
Masuykov
I V
IV
Padhani
Anwar R
AR
Dromain
Clarisse
C
Galetti
Ken
K
Sigal
Robert
R
Costa
Alberto
A
Balleyguier
Corinne
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000465:Algorithms; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008029:Lighting / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000473:pathology*; D010781:Photography / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D055815:Young Adult