Automated breast ultrasound: basic principles and emerging clinical applications

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Handheld ultrasound (HHUS) for breast imaging is operator-dependent and time-consuming.
• Dense breast tissue reduces mammography sensitivity, increasing the need for supplemental screening.
• Growing awareness of breast density risks and legislative changes drive demand for advanced screening tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the current state-of-the-art in Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) technology and applications.
• To emphasize ABUS's role in breast cancer screening.
• To discuss methods for overcoming ABUS limitations.

Main Methods:

• Review of current Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) technology.
• Analysis of ABUS applications in breast cancer screening.
• Exploration of strategies to address ABUS limitations.

Main Results:

• ABUS standardizes breast ultrasonography, reducing operator dependence and physician time.
• Multiplanar reconstructions, including coronal views, provide novel diagnostic information.
• ABUS demonstrates potential as an adjunctive screening tool, especially for dense breasts.

Conclusions:

• ABUS offers improved reproducibility and efficiency compared to HHUS.
• ABUS has significant potential to meet the increasing demand for supplemental breast cancer screening.
• Familiarization with ABUS technology and its limitations is crucial for its effective implementation.