Diagnostic value of multimodal ultrasound imaging in triple-negative breast cancer

This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of multimodal ultrasound imaging in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

Between January 2023 and January 2025, 274 breast cancers pathologically and molecularly confirmed were enrolled, comprising 88 TNBC and 186 non-TNBC cases. Conventional two-dimensional ultrasound, shear wave elastography, and superb microvascular imaging were performed before biopsy or surgery. Using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, statistically significant variables were screened, and a nomogram was developed.

Multivariate analysis identified microcalcification, stiff rim sign, lesion shape, posterior attenuation, maximum elastic modulus, and vascular index as independent predictors of TNBC. The resulting nomogram demonstrated excellent diagnostic performance, with an area under the curve of 0.965, sensitivity of 0.849, and specificity of 0.966. The optimal diagnostic threshold for the nomogram in predicting TNBC was 0.798.

Multimodal ultrasound is a highly effective tool for the preoperative diagnosis of TNBC.