J Korean Radiol Soc.  2002 Feb;46(2):175-180. 10.3348/jkrs.2002.46.2.175.

Correlation of Power Doppler Ultrasonographic Findings and Histopathologic Maximum Microvessel Density of Solid Breast Masses

• Kook SH
• Kim MS

• KMID: 1832983
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jkrs.2002.46.2.175

Abstract

PURPOSE
To compare the power Doppler ultrasonographic (PDUS) findings of angiogenesis occurring in solid breast with the histopathologic findings.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Thirty-one cases of pathologically proven solid breast lesions (eight benign, 23 malignant) were retrospectively reviewed, focusing on tumor size (< 3 cm, >= 3 cm), the amount (none, mild, marked), morphology (none/linear, branching, disordered) and pattern (none/peripheral, central, penetrating), as demonstrated by power Doppler ultrasonography. We compared the PDUS findings with microscopic micro- vessel density (Max-MVD, the number of micro-vessels revealed at pathologic examination after factor-VIII staining). Statistical significance was determined using the x2-test.
RESULTS
Max-MVD tended to increase according to fumor size, but the relationship was not statistically significant. In solid breast lesions there was close correlation between the observed increase in the intensity of Doppler signals and increased Max-MVD (p < 0.05). Morphologically, branching and disordered vessels were more often seen in malignant lesions, though the relationship between this finding and increased Max-MVD was not statistically significant. Penetrating and central Doppler signals were more frequent in malignant lesions and showed close correlation with increased Max-MVD (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
The increased intensity of Doppler signals and the central and penetrating pattern of solid breast lesions seen at power Doppler sonography were closely related with increases in Max-MVD.

Keyword

Breast neoplasms; Ultrasound (US), Doppler studies; Angiogenesis

MeSH Terms

Breast Neoplasms
Breast*
Microvessels*
Retrospective Studies
Ultrasonography, Doppler