[Diagnostic value of color Doppler ultrasound in breast tumors]

The aim of this study was the validation of the minimal Resistance Index (min RI) measured by colour Doppler sonography as parameter of tumour neoangiogenesis. 107 patients with clinically or radiologically diagnosed breast tumour with a sonographically detectable lump had preoperative measurements and analysis of blood flow in the tumour area and in the healthy parenchyma of both breasts. The min RI was compared with histology, menopausal status and age. In all 107 patients blood flow could be measured in the tumour area and in 98% of the bilaterally investigated quadrants. Irrespective of tumour status the mean min RI was lower in the tumour area (0.62) than in the other quadrants of the affected (RI = 0.65, p = 0.002) or contralateral breast (RI = 0.65, p = 0.0003). The mean min RI of benign tumours was 0.60 (+/- 0.11 SD) and of malignant tumours 0.64 (+/- 0.11 SD), this difference was not significant (p = 0.07). Irrespective of tumour status postmenopausal patients had a higher mean min RI than premenopausal patients. This was true for the tumour area (RI = 0.64 vs 0.60, p = 0.11) and also for the quadrants (RI = 0.68 vs 0.62, p = 0.0002). In postmenopausal women there was a statistically significant correlation with age (r = 0.58, p = 0.0001). We conclude that the min RI is of no diagnostic relevance for the classification of breast tumours as benign or malignant.