A computer-assisted system for handheld whole-breast ultrasonography

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiology
• Diagnostic Technology

Background:

• Breast ultrasonography (US) is an alternative to mammography for young individuals and complementary for dense breasts.
• Current handheld US lacks methods for monitoring breast coverage and identifying missed regions during whole-breast examinations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a computer-aided system for monitoring breast coverage during handheld whole-breast ultrasound.
• To identify and map missed regions in whole-breast examinations to improve diagnostic accuracy.

Main Methods:

• A computer-aided system integrating a standard US device, electromagnetic 3D tracking, and software was developed.
• The system estimates probe trajectory, time spent in breast segments, and generates a map of missed regions.
• A case study involved 75 asymptomatic patients examined by four radiologists using the system.

Main Results:

• The mean examination time per breast was consistent, with slight variations between junior and senior radiologists.
• Coverage analysis revealed better examination of central breast areas compared to the periphery.
• Missed regions were identified in a significant percentage of examinations, particularly in the central breast areas.

Conclusions:

• Handheld whole-breast ultrasound examinations frequently result in missed regions.
• The developed computer-aided system is a valuable tool for monitoring probe position and improving breast coverage during US examinations.