Parallel vessels as a predictor of benignity in solid breast masses

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Oncology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Solid breast masses require accurate differentiation between benign and malignant conditions.
• Color Doppler ultrasound offers valuable insights into vascularity, aiding in mass characterization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the diagnostic performance of the parallel artery and vein sign in predicting benign solid breast masses.
• To determine the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of this ultrasound sign.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 526 solid breast masses evaluated with B-mode and color Doppler ultrasound.
• Calculation of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value against histology or 2-year follow-up.
• Analysis of the sign's utility across different Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) categories.

Main Results:

• The parallel vessel sign was observed in 71.6% of solid masses.
• It demonstrated a sensitivity of 74.8% and a specificity of 65% for predicting benignity.
• The sign showed a high positive predictive value (96.2%) but a low negative predictive value (17.5%).

Conclusions:

• The parallel artery and vein sign is a valuable indicator of benignity in solid breast masses.
• Its predictive power is strongest when considered with other morphological ultrasound features.
• The sign is particularly useful in BI-RADS 3 and 4 lesions, with a high rate of benignancy when present.