First clinical use of a standardized three-dimensional ultrasound for breast imaging

Objectives: The feasibility, image quality, and diagnostic potential of the prototype of an automated ultrasound (US) breast scanner were examined. Methods: Ninety-seven patients with suspicious breast lesions had mammograms, manual US, and an automated breast US. The data were evaluated according to the breast imaging reporting and data system (BIRADS) classification, image quality, and amount to diagnostic information. All lesions were confirmed histological. Results: The image quality of the three-dimensional (3D) data sets was equal to or satisfactory compared with cross-sectional images from manual US in at least 72% of cases (p < 0.05). The diagnostic information was equal or superior in at least 63% of cases (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Standardized 3D US scanning is a promising diagnostic adjunct to mammography, but is no substitute for manual US at the current stage of development.