title: Sonographic Elastography of Mastitis.
abstract: Sonographic elastography has been shown to be a useful imaging modality in characterizing breast lesions as benign or malignant. However, in preliminary research, mastitis has given false-positive findings on both strain and shear wave elastography. In this article, we review the findings in mastitis with and without abscess formation on both strain and shear wave elastography. The elastographic findings in all cases were suggestive of a malignancy according to published thresholds. In cases of mastitis with abscess formation, there is a characteristic appearance, with a central very soft area (abscess cavity) and a very stiff outer rim (edema and inflammation). This appearance should raise the suspicion of mastitis with abscess formation, since these findings are rare in breast cancers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, Ohio USA. Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Beaumont Health System, Royal Oak, Michigan USA.
authors.forename: Nicholas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sousaris
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, Ohio USA. Radiology Consultants, Southwoods Imaging, Youngstown, Ohio USA rgbarr@zoominternet.net.
authors.forename: Richard G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Barr
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001940:Breast / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D054459:Elasticity Imaging Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D008413:Mastitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016217:Ultrasonography, Mammary / Q000379:methods*
keywords: breast; breast ultrasound; elastography; mastitis; shear wave elastography; strain elastography