Retrieval of lost microcalcifications during stereotactic vacuum-assisted core biopsy

The purpose of our report was to describe patients in whom calcifications in the breast that were unequivocally removed during stereotactic core biopsy using the Mammotome device were not detected on the initial specimen radiograph. The lost calcifications in each instance were subsequently found when the tubing and contents of the debris canister were strained through a nonadhering dressing and radiographed. Additional situations in which calcifications are not seen on the initial specimen radiograph are described and recommendations are made.

When vacuum-assisted core biopsy procedures are performed, it is important to be aware of the possibility that calcifications may be aspirated into the debris canister, thus compromising the accuracy of the histopathologic diagnosis. We recommend changing the tubing and the debris canister after each procedure and, in certain situations, sending the strained canister contents to pathology for evaluation.