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Retrieval of lost microcalcifications during stereotactic vacuum-assisted core biopsy
Paul D Friedman1, Linda M Sanders, Christine Menendez
1Department of Radiology, Saint Barnabas Medical Center, 94 Old Short Hills Road, Livingston, NJ 07039, USA.
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|December 20, 2002
Summary
Breast calcifications removed during stereotactic core biopsy may be lost in the Mammotome device
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Pathology
- Breast Imaging
Background:
- Stereotactic core biopsy is a common procedure for evaluating breast abnormalities.
- Accurate histopathologic diagnosis relies on the complete retrieval of tissue, including calcifications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe cases where breast calcifications were not detected on initial specimen radiography after stereotactic core biopsy.
- To identify reasons for calcification loss and recommend solutions.
Main Methods:
- Review of patient cases undergoing stereotactic core biopsy with the Mammotome device.
- Radiographic examination of initial specimens and subsequent straining of vacuum-assisted core biopsy tubing and debris canister contents.
Main Results:
- Breast calcifications, unequivocally removed, were initially missed on specimen radiography in several cases.
- These "lost" calcifications were subsequently found by straining the Mammotome device's tubing and debris canister contents.
Conclusions:
- Vacuum-assisted core biopsy can lead to aspiration of calcifications into the debris canister, potentially compromising diagnostic accuracy.
- Recommendations include changing tubing and debris canisters after each procedure and evaluating strained canister contents in specific situations.
