Correlation between PET/CT results and histological and immunohistochemical findings in breast carcinomas.
OBJECTIVE
To correlate the results of (18)F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose ((18)F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) performed with a specific protocol for assessment of breasts with histological/immunohistochemical findings in breast carcinoma patients.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study with prospective data collection, where patients with biopsy-confirmed breast carcinomas were studied. The patients underwent PET/CT examination in prone position, with a specific protocol for assessment of breasts. PET/CT findings were compared with histological and immunohistochemical data.


RESULTS
The authors identified 59 malignant breast lesions in 50 patients. The maximum diameter of the lesions ranged from 6 to 80 mm (mean: 32.2 mm). Invasive ductal carcinoma was the most common histological type (n = 47; 79.7%). At PET/CT, 53 (89.8%) of the lesions demonstrated anomalous concentrations of (18)F-FDG, with maximum SUV ranging from 0.8 to 23.1 (mean: 5.5). A statistically significant association was observed between higher values of maximum SUV and histological type, histological grade, molecular subtype, tumor diameter, mitotic index and Ki-67 expression.


CONCLUSIONS
PET/CT performed with specific protocol for assessment of breasts has demonstrated good sensitivity and was associated with relevant histological/immunohistochemical factors related to aggressiveness and prognosis of breast carcinomas.
PhD, Titular Physician, Department of Imaging, A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Almir Galvão Vieira
AG
Bitencourt
PhD, Physician Responsible for the Unit of Nuclear Medicine at A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Eduardo Nóbrega Pereira
EN
Lima
PhD, MD, Director, Department of Imaging, A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Rubens
R
Chojniak
Physician Responsible for the Unit of Breast Imaging at A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Elvira Ferreira
EF
Marques
Titular Physicians, Department of Imaging, A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Juliana Alves
JA
de Souza
Titular Physicians, Department of Imaging, A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Luciana
L
Graziano
Master, Titular Physician, Department of Mastology, A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Wesley Pereira
WP
Andrade
Master, Titular Physician, Department of Pathology, A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Cynthia Aparecida Bueno de Toledo
CA
Osório
Breast cancer; Histology; PET/CT