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Quantifying Branching Density in Rat Mammary Gland Whole-mounts Using the Sholl Analysis Method
Published on: July 12, 2017
A new method for quantitative analysis of mammographic density.
Carri K Glide-Hurst1, Neb Duric, Peter Littrup
1Karmanos Cancer Institute and Wayne State University, 110 East Warren, Hudson-Webber Cancer Research Center, Room 7040, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA. glidec@karmanos.org
Medical Physics
|December 13, 2007
Summary
A new computer-assisted method accurately quantifies mammographic percent density (MPD), correlating well with radiologist assessments. This technique offers reliable breast density measurement for monitoring interventions and improving breast cancer risk assessment.
Area of Science:
- Radiology and Medical Imaging
- Biomedical Engineering
- Oncology
Background:
- High mammographic percent density (MPD) (>50%) is linked to a threefold increased breast cancer risk.
- Accurate MPD assessment is crucial for identifying women who may benefit from supplemental screening like MRI.
- Current breast density assessment is often qualitative, necessitating more objective quantification methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and validate a novel computer-assisted method for quantifying mammographic percent density (MPD).
- To compare the quantitative MPD results with the current standard of care, the BI-RADS categorical assessment.
- To evaluate the reproducibility and reliability of the proposed MPD quantification technique.
Main Methods:
- Digitization and analysis of Craniocaudal (CC) and Mediolateral Oblique (MLO) mammograms from 104 patients.
- Development of an interactive computer-assisted segmentation routine to differentiate breast area and dense tissue.
- Comparison of calculated MPD with radiologist's BI-RADS qualitative density assessments (1-4 scale).
Main Results:
- Statistically significant correlations (p < 0.01) were found between calculated MPD and BI-RADS for both CC (rho = 0.67) and MLO (rho = 0.71) views.
- Significant differences in mean MPD were observed across BI-RADS categories for both CC and MLO views.
- High reproducibility (average SD 0.75% after refinement) and reliability (ICC = 0.80-0.85) of the MPD estimates were demonstrated.
Conclusions:
- The developed computer-assisted approach provides a feasible and quantitative method for breast density segmentation.
- This technique shows strong agreement with current assessment standards and offers high reproducibility.
- Quantitative MPD measurement may be valuable for tracking changes related to interventions like chemoprevention or diet.
