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Mammographic halo sign revisited
T E Cupples1, G W Eklund, G Cardenosa
1Susan G. Komen Breast Center, Saint Francis Medical Center, Peoria, IL 61614, USA.
Radiology
|April 1, 1996
Summary
Increased silver halide deposition in mammograms can cause true radiolucent halos around breast masses, not just perceptual illusions. These halos were observed in benign and malignant lesions, indicating a real imaging phenomenon.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Mammography
Background:
- Curvilinear areas of hyperlucency, known as halo signs, are observed surrounding breast masses on screen-film mammograms.
- The origin of these halo signs, whether a perceptual illusion or a real phenomenon, has been a subject of investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if increased silver halide deposition in mammographic film emulsion contributes to the appearance of halo signs around breast masses.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 43 women's mammograms exhibiting halo signs.
- Utilized optical magnification (x8.0-12.5) to examine the pattern of silver halide deposition in the film emulsion of masses with halos.
Main Results:
- True radiolucent halos, confirmed by increased silver halide deposition, were identified in 44 masses across 36 women.
- Partial true radiolucent halos were present in 73% of these masses.
- The majority of masses with true radiolucent halos were cysts (86%), with a small percentage of fibroadenomas, infiltrating ductal carcinomas, and axillary lymph node metastasis.
Conclusions:
- Halo signs surrounding breast masses are not exclusively perceptual illusions.
- Increased silver halide deposition can account for true radiolucent halos, indicating a tangible imaging characteristic.