title: Breast Ultrasonography: Findings in Pediatric Patients.
abstract: PurposeTo analyze referral indications, imaging findings and diagnoses in breast sonography in a division of pediatric radiology.Materials and MethodsBreast ultrasound examinations of 270 patients were analyzed for referral reasons, imaging findings and final diagnoses (152 females, 118 males). The mean age of the patients was 8.8 years (range, 6 days-18 years). Each breast was examined systematically in two orthogonal probe orientations. Pathological findings were documented on two orthogonal imaging planes. Color Doppler ultrasonography was used additionally. Images and clinical data were reviewed in all cases.ResultsThe most frequent referral reasons in female patients were breast enlargement (104 patients), palpable mass (24 patients) and mastodynia (23 patients). The most frequent diagnoses were normal gland tissue (101 patients), cysts (9 patients), augmented adipose tissue (7 patients) and hemangiomas (7 patients). The most frequent referral reasons in male patients were breast enlargement (106 patients), palpable mass (13 patients) and mastodynia (9 patients). The most frequent diagnoses were gland tissue (79 patients), augmented adipose tissue (24 patients) and cysts (10 patients). Only 2 malignant masses were diagnosed: A Burkitt lymphoma and a relapsed ALL.ConclusionFear of breast cancer and permanent damage to the breast leads to low-threshold medical consultations and referrals. Sensitive handling is required especially in adolescent patients. Most disorders arise due to the variability of breast development. Ultrasound serves as a means to exclude significant diseases of the breast.
authors: Department of Radiology, University of Gießen, Germany.
authors: Sebastian
authors: S
authors: Harth
authors: Department of Radiology, University of Gießen, Germany.
authors: Christopher
authors: C
authors: Behrens
authors: Department of Radiology, University of Gießen, Germany.
authors: Fritz Christian
authors: FC
authors: Roller
authors: Department of Pediatric Radiology, University of Gießen, Germany.
authors: Gerhard Ferdinand Peter
authors: GFP
authors: Alzen
authors: Department of Radiology, University of Gießen, Germany.
authors: Gabriele Anja
authors: GA
authors: Krombach
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001940:Breast; D001941:Breast Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016217:Ultrasonography, Mammary