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Polyhedral microcalcifications on mammograms: prevalence and morphometric analysis
C Frouge1, J M Guinebretière, J Juras
1Service de Radiologie Centrale, Hôpital de Bicêtre, France.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and the mammographic appearance of polyhedral microcalcifications.
Materials And Methods:
Prospectively, we evaluated screening mammograms in 2000 women for polyhedral microcalcifications. The number of polyhedral microcalcifications on routine and magnification views was established, and a quantitative analysis was done to determine if the shape of the polyhedral microcalcifications varied in the different projections. The ratio between the longer axis (R) and the shorter axis (r) was calculated.
Results:
Two radiologists detected at least two polyhedral microcalcifications on one projection in 58 (3%) women. The number of polyhedral microcalcifications detected ranged from 2 to 47 (mean, 8.2) for screening mammograms and from 2 to 62 (mean, 13.4) on magnification views. Polyhedral microcalcifications were bilateral in 22 cases, scattered in one breast in 19 cases, segmental in 10 cases, and grouped in a cluster in seven cases. Lateral projections showed more rhombohedral microcalcifications, and craniocaudal projections showed more square microcalcifications.
Conclusion:
The frequency of polyhedral microcalcifications is 3%. The shape of polyhedral microcalcifications varies: craniocaudal views show them to be square and lateral views show them to be rhombohedral.
Insights
Polyhedral microcalcifications appear in 3% of women
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Microcalcifications are common findings on mammograms.
- Understanding their morphology is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of polyhedral microcalcifications.
- To describe the mammographic appearance and shape variations of polyhedral microcalcifications.
Main Methods:
- Prospective evaluation of screening mammograms from 2000 women.
- Quantitative analysis of microcalcification shape and distribution using routine and magnification views.
- Calculation of the axis ratio (R/r) to assess shape.
Main Results:
- Polyhedral microcalcifications detected in 3% (58/2000) of women.
- Mean number of microcalcifications: 8.2 on routine views, 13.4 on magnification views.
- Shape variations observed: square in craniocaudal views, rhombohedral in lateral views.
Conclusions:
- The incidence of polyhedral microcalcifications is 3%.
- The shape of polyhedral microcalcifications is projection-dependent.
- Craniocaudal views reveal square shapes, while lateral views show rhombohedral shapes.