Pregnancy-lactation cycle: how to use imaging methods for breast evaluation.

Pregnancy and lactation constitute states of intense hormonal variation with secretory and structural changes in the breast parenchyma. These changes translate into important features on breast imaging, as well as the emergence of specific benign and malignant lesions. This literature review aims to discuss the safety of the use of breast imaging methods (mammography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging) during the pregnancy-lactation cycle, and to present the expected physiological changes and imaging appearance of the main breast diseases that may occur in this period, such as galactocele, lactating adenoma, fibroadenoma, puerperal mastitis, and pregnancy-associated breast cancer.

Accuracy of breast magnetic resonance imaging in evaluating the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy: a study of 310 cases at a cancer center.

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breasts in the identification of a pathological complete response in patients with breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC).

Materials And Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective, observational study designed to validate a diagnostic test. The following variables were evaluated: age; results of the histological and immunohistochemical analysis of the biopsy; post-NAC MRI findings; and results of the histological analysis of the surgical specimen, using the residual cancer burden index.

Impact of breast magnetic resonance imaging on the locoregional staging and management of breast cancer.

Objective: To assess the impact of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on the locoregional staging of breast cancer.

Materials And Methods: We evaluated 61 patients with breast cancer who underwent pre-treatment breast MRI, between August 2015 and April 2016. An experienced breast surgeon determined the surgical treatment, on the basis of the findings of conventional imaging examinations, and made a subsequent treatment recommendation based on the MRI findings, then determining whether the MRI changed the approach, as well as whether it had a positive or negative impact on the treatment.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the breast: role in the evaluation of ductal carcinoma in situ.

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a precursor mammary lesion whose malignant cells do not extend beyond the basement membrane and presents a risk of progression to malignant disease. Its early detection increased with screening mammography. The objective of this study was to review the literature on the main presentations of DCIS on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), through searches of the Medline/PubMed, Latin-American and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences Information (Lilacs), and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) databases.

Ultrasound-guided biopsy of breast calcifications using a new image processing technique: initial experience.

The aim of this paper is to describe the use of a new ultrasound imaging processing technique to guide biopsies of suspicious breast calcifications. We used this technique in 13 patients with suspicious breast calcifications that could not be submitted to stereotactic biopsy. Suspicious calcifications were identified by ultrasound, and the biopsy was successfully performed in all cases.

Can diffusion-weighted imaging add information in the evaluation of breast lesions considered suspicious on magnetic resonance imaging?

Objective: To assess the role of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the evaluation of breast lesions classified as suspicious on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), correlating the findings with the results of the histological analysis.

Materials And Methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive study based on a review of the medical records of 215 patients who were submitted to MRI with DWI before undergoing biopsy at a cancer center. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were calculated for each lesion, and the result of the histological analysis was considered the gold standard.

Role of magnetic resonance imaging in the planning of breast cancer treatment strategies: comparison with conventional imaging techniques.

Objective: To assess the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the planning of breast cancer treatment strategies.

Materials And Methods: The study included 160 women diagnosed with breast cancer, who underwent breast MRI for preoperative staging. Using Pearson's correlation coefficient (), we compared the size of the primary tumor, as determined by MRI, by conventional imaging (mammography and ultrasound), and in the pathological examination (gold standard).

Elastographic Evaluation of Indeterminate Breast Masses on Ultrasound.

 To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of elastography for breast cancer identification in patients with indeterminate lesions on ultrasound.  This prospective, descriptive study included patients with indeterminate breast lesions in the ultrasound and with indication for percutaneous or surgical biopsy. The elastography was evaluated by qualitative analysis and by two methods for the semi quantitative analysis.

Imaging features of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis - Case report.

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis is a rare disorder of unknown etiology. This disease occurs mostly in young women and often after the lactation period. Women usually present with a fixed, painful mass, sparing the retroareolar region, associated with skin thickening and possible ulceration that mimics carcinoma.

Lobular Carcinoma in Situ with Atypical Mass Presentation: a Case Report.

Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer and accounts for 1 to 2% of all breast cancers. LCIS diagnosis currently remains one of the major identifiable risk factors for subsequent breast cancer development. Imaging methods are becoming increasingly sensitive, and the consequent detection of small lesions and subtle abnormalities increases the chance of detection of in situ and invasive carcinomas, leading to a reduction in mortality.

Correlation between PET/CT results and histological and immunohistochemical findings in breast carcinomas.

Objective: To correlate the results of (18)F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose ((18)F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) performed with a specific protocol for assessment of breasts with histological/immunohistochemical findings in breast carcinoma patients.

Materials And Methods: Cross-sectional study with prospective data collection, where patients with biopsy-confirmed breast carcinomas were studied. The patients underwent PET/CT examination in prone position, with a specific protocol for assessment of breasts.

[Sternalis muscle simulating a breast nodule].

Purpose: To report a series of three cases of a normal variation known as sternal muscle, simulating a breast lesion.

Methods: The diagnostic suspicion was based on the clinical picture, findings in the physical examination and imaging, being confirmed by sectional imaging methods such as computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A review of the literature has been made in the data Medline and in breast radiology textbooks about the anatomic, clinical and imaging aspects of the sternal muscle.