Perfusion curve f (t) analysis of breast cancer by contrast-enhanced ultrasonography

BACKGROUND: Imaging the perfusion of contrast media in breast tumors may allow improved diagnosing and treating breast cancer. PURPOSE: To compare the perfusion curve f (t) characteristics of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in benign and malignant breast tumors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with breast tumors (n = 87) were evaluated with contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and the perfusion curve f (t) parameters were calculated using Sonoliver(®) software to compare analysis (tumor) and reference (normal) tissue areas. Differences between breast and breast tumors were assessed. RESULTS: Compared to benign tumors, malignant tumors had faster enhancement time and a shorter mean transit time (all P values < 0.05). The intensity of the signal was also greater for malignant compared with benign tumors. CONCLUSION: Perfusion curve f (t) parameter measurements can distinguish differences in vascular flow between malignant and benign breast tumors and may provide a new quantitative indicator of breast tumor.