Real-time contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in differential diagnosis of breast lesions

Objective To evaluate the value of real-time contrast-enhanced ultrasonography(CEUS)in differential diagnosis of breast lesions.Methods Fifty-nine breast lesions were examined with real-time contrast- enhanced ultrasonography.The enhancement characteristics of benign and malignant lesions were compared by analyzing the enhancement modes with vision observation and by analyzing the time-intensity curve with software. Results Significant differences were found in enhancement intensities of hyperperfusion portion and homogeneity of the signals,peak intensity,the time to peak intensity,and curve slope between the malignant and benign lesions (all P0.05).No significant difference was found between AUC and the overall peak intensity.The indicators for malignant breast lesions included significant enhancement,inhomogeneous distribution of contrast agent,time to peak intensity(PI)30 s and peak intensity of byperpeffution portion50.When more than 2 of the above indicators were present,malignant diagnosis can be made(When significant enhancement and PI50 were present,a third indicator must be present).The sensitivity,specificity and accuracy of real-time CEUS in diagnosis of breast carcinoma were 93.1%,83.3%,and 88.1%,respectively.Conclusion Real-time contrast-enhanced ultrasonograph can help to make differential diagnosis of benign and malignant breast lesions.