[3D ultrasound (3D US) in the diagnosis of focal breast lesions]

It was to analyse whether 3D breast US is able to enhance the diagnosis of focal breast lesions.

60 patients were examined with 2D- and 3D US (GE logiq 9, 14 MHz). The solid lesions were analyzed by using the BIRADS classification. As standard of reference, histopathologic results were available in all cases.

38 malignant and 22 benign lesions were analyzed. With 2D US the sensitivity/specificity was 92/81%, with 3D US 97/72%, and by combination of 2D and 3D 97/81%. Characteristics of benign solid masses included a round or oval shape as well as clearly defined and sharply demarcated margins.

3D US allows to demonstrate breast masses in multiple planes. Distorsion of the surrounding soft tissues is an important sign indicative of malignancy.