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The Super Resolution Ultrasound in Visualizing Interstitial-Lymphatic Network in Breast Tumors: A Clinical Pilot
Qing Hua1, ShuJun Xia1, CongCong Yuan1
1Department of Ultrasound, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin Er Road, 200025 Shanghai, China (Q.H., S.X., C.C.Y., Y.H.Z., R.L.T., J.L.X., Y.J.D., J.Q.Z.); College of Health Science and Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 227 Chongqing South Road, 200025 Shanghai, China (Q.H., S.X., C.C.Y., Y.J.L., Y.H.Z., R.L.T., J.L.X., Y.J.D., J.Q.Z.).
Super-Resolution Ultrasound (SRUS) revealed distinct interstitial-lymphatic network (ILN) patterns in breast tumors. Malignant tumors showed altered ILN density, flow, and structure compared to benign ones, aiding diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
- Biophysics
Background:
- The interstitial-lymphatic network (ILN) plays a crucial role in cancer progression, metastasis, and treatment response.
- Understanding ILN characteristics is vital for accurate breast tumor diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distinct characteristics of the ILN in various breast tumor types using Super-Resolution Ultrasound (SRUS).
- To differentiate between benign and malignant breast lesions based on ILN imaging parameters.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 192 patients with breast lesions (54 benign, 138 malignant).
- SRUS was performed by injecting contrast agents into the tumor interstitial space.
- Quantitative and qualitative ILN parameters were analyzed and compared between tumor groups.
Main Results:
- Malignant tumors exhibited significantly lower ILN vessel density, flow velocity, and vessel ratio compared to benign tumors (p<0.001).
- Peripheral, heterogeneous ILN patterns with reduced branching were more common in malignant lesions (p < 0.001).
- ILN structural complexity, curvature, diameter, and distance parameters differed significantly between benign and malignant tumors (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- SRUS effectively visualizes the ILN in breast tumors at micron-scale resolution.
- Distinct morphological and hydrodynamic ILN patterns identified by SRUS can differentiate between benign and malignant breast tumors.
