[Modern ultrasound diagnosis of the female breast. Possibilities and limits]

The rapid development of sonography made it seem advisable to reconsider the clinical value of breast ultrasound. Our experience with new techniques and current research will be presented.

Various indications for breast ultrasound will be discussed. New Doppler techniques extending the ability to detect low blood flow will be presented.

The differentiation of suspicious areas seen on mammography and the detection of occult breast cancer are the major challenges in breast ultrasound. A limitation is its low capability to visualize microcalcifications. A promising approach is the development of highly sensitive, color-coded techniques for the detection of minimal blood flow. Another progress is the development of an ultrasound contrast medium that is not inactivated during first lung passage.

Breast ultrasound provides complementary information to mammography. Using stable ultrasound contrast medium and highly sensitive color-coded Doppler techniques for the detection of minimal blood flow, we hope to find new criteria for the diagnosis of angioneogenesis in breast cancer.