title: High-frequency breast ultrasound for the detection of microcalcifications and associated masses in BI-RADS 4a patients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To retrospectively evaluate the diagnostic value of high-frequency ultrasound for the detection of microcalcifications screening in BI-RADS 4a patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 52 women (mean age 60.5±6.5 years) classified as BI-RADS 4a with microcalcifications, but without associated masses after X-ray mammography (XRM) underwent ultrasound (US) examination (B-mode, ApliPure™ , and MicroPure™ imaging). The results were assessed by two independent investigators and analyzed in relation to the B-classification. Written informed consent was obtained before enrolment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The rate of US microcalcification detection was 98.1% (B-mode), 100% (ApliPure™) and 25% (MicroPure™), respectively. The microcalcification extent was significantly underestimated with all US modalities in comparison with XRM, but the difference was lower for ApliPure™ as compared to B-mode. ApliPure™ was also superior in terms of puncture feasibility, facilitating US-guided biopsy in 67.3% as compared to 48.1% (B-mode) and 15.4% (MicroPure™).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In BI-RADS 4a patients, both high-frequency B-mode US and ApliPure™ imaging are highly sensitive for the detection of microcalcifications, whereas MicroPure™ ultrasound imaging is unsuitable. ApliPure™ imaging allowed US guided biopsy for 67.3% of lesions, providing a convenient and economical alternative to stereotactically guided biopsy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Hyssensstift Kliniken-Essen-Mitte, Henricistrasse 92, 45136 Essen, Germany. f.stoeblen@kliniken-essen-mitte.de
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Stöblen
authors.forename: Solveig
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Landt
authors.forename: Rami
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ishaq
authors.forename: Ruth
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Stelkens-Gebhardt
authors.forename: Mahdi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rezai
authors.forename: Per
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Skaane
authors.forename: Jens-Uwe
authors.initials: JU
authors.lastname: Blohmer
authors.forename: Jalid
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sehouli
authors.forename: Sherko
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kümmel
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography; D008875:Middle Aged; D014463:Ultrasonography