Galactography: an application of the Galactogram Imaging Classification System (GICS).
BACKGROUND
Galactography is the technique of choice for investigating pathological nipple discharge. However, there is no standardized interpretation system for this procedure.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate radiological and histological correlation using a Galactogram Imaging Classification System (GICS).


METHODS
We retrospectively studied all galactograms obtained in 62 women with pathological nipple discharge who subsequently had biopsy at our institution between 1999 and 2007. The GICS proposes five categories for galactographic findings: GICS 1: negative; GICS 2: benign; GICS 3: probably benign; GICS 4: suspect for malignancy; GICS 5: highly suspect for malignancy.


RESULTS
The galactographic findings were classified as follows: GICS 2: 25.8% (16/62); GICS 3: 30.6% (19/62); GICS 4: 25.8% (16/62); and GICS 5: 17.7% (11/62). A good correlation was observed between histological diagnosis and GICS categories (P < 0.05). All the cases diagnosed with carcinoma (n = 11) were classified in GICS category 5.


CONCLUSIONS
The present study shows a good correlation between GICS categories and histological diagnosis.
Berná-Serna
Juan D
JD
Department of Radiology, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, El Palmar, Spain. jdberna@gmail.com
Torres-Alés
Carolina
C
Berná-Mestre
Juan D
JD
Sola-Pérez
Joaquín
J
Canteras-Jordana
Manuel
M
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001706:Biopsy; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003287:Contrast Media; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005122:Exudates and Transudates / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009558:Nipples / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D003287:Contrast Media