Effect of a gel retainment dam on automated ultrasound coverage in a dual-modality breast imaging system

The goal of this work was to evaluate a possible improvement in ultrasound coverage for a dual-modality breast imaging system in the mammographic geometry.

A pilot study was performed to evaluate use of a rubber dam to retain ultrasound gel and improve imaging coverage at the breast periphery on a combined imaging system consisting of an ultrasound scanner and a digital x-ray tomosynthesis unit. Several dams were constructed to encompass the shapes of various sizes of compressed breasts. Visual tracings of the breast-to-paddle contact area and breast periphery were made for 8 breasts to estimate coverage area. Two readers independently reviewed the resulting images and were asked to rate the overall breast image quality.

The percentages of breast in contact with the paddle were greater (P < .01) and the linear dimensions of breast in contact with the paddle were larger (P < .05) with the rubber dam than without it. With the dam, the mean estimated area of the breast in contact with the paddle increased 14%, whereas the mean increase in the fraction of the total breast area in contact with paddle was 30%. The difference was due to the mean total projected area of the breast decreasing 12% as the dam was pressed against it. The image quality of automated ultrasound with the rubber dam was consistently judged to be superior to that without the dam.

This method can enhance the absolute and percentage area of the breast in contact with the paddle, reducing noncontact gaps at the breast periphery. Gently pressing the breast periphery with the dam inserted toward the chest wall improves coverage in automated breast ultrasound scanning.