Microstructural breast tissue characterization: A head-to-head comparison of Diffusion Weighted Imaging and Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse elastography with clinical implications

Abstract Purpose Head-to-head comparison of Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI) and Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) elastography regarding the characterization of breast lesions in an assessment setting. Method Patients undergoing an ultrasound examination including ARFI and an MRI protocol including DWI for the characterization of a BI-RADS 3–5 breast lesion between 06/2013 and 10/2016 were eligible for inclusion in this retrospective, IRB-approved study. 60 patients (30–84 years, median 50) with a median lesion size of 16 mm (range 5–55 mm) were included. The maximum shear wave velocity (SWVmax) and mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCmean) for each lesion were retrospectively evaluated by a radiologist experienced in the technique. Histology was the reference standard. Diagnostic performances of ARFI and DWI were assessed using ROC curve analysis. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and multivariate logistic regression were used to investigate the independence of both tests regarding their diagnostic information to distinguish benign from malignant lesions. Results Corresponding areas under the ROC curve for differentiation of benign (n = 16) and malignant (n = 49) lesions were 0.822 (ARFI) and 0.871 (DWI, p-value = 0.48). SWVmax and ADCmean values showed a significant negative correlation (ρ = −0.501, p-value Conclusion Significant correlation between quantitative findings of ARFI and DWI in breast lesions exists. Thus, ARFI provides similar diagnostic information as a DWI-including protocol of an additional "problem-solving" MRI for the characterization of a sonographically evident breast lesion, improving the immediate patient management in the assessment setting

Differentiation of ductal carcinoma in situ versus fibrocystic changes by magnetic resonance imaging: are there pathognomonic imaging features?

Background In breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) remains controversial; the most challenging cause of false-positive DCIS diagnosis is fibrocystic changes (FC). Purpose To search for typical and pathognomonic patterns of DCIS and FC using a standard clinical MRI protocol. Material and Methods Consecutive patients scheduled for breast MRI (standardized protocols @ 1.5T: dynamic-T1-GRE before/after Gd-DTPA [0.1 mmol/kg body weight (BW)]; T1-TSE), with subsequent pathological sampling, were investigated. Sixteen MRI descriptors were prospectively assessed by two experienced radiologists in consensus (blinded to pathology) and explored in patients with DCIS (n = 77) or FC (n = 219). Univariate and multivariate statistics were performed to identify the accuracy of descriptors (alone, combined). Furthermore, pathognomonic descriptor-combinations with an accuracy of 100% were explored (χ2 statistics; decision trees). Results Six breast MRI descriptors significantly differentiated DCIS from FC (Pcorrected < 0.05; odds ratio < 7.9). Pathognomonic imaging features were present in 33.8% (n = 100) of all cases allowing the identification of 42.9% of FC (n = 94). Conclusion Pathognomonic patterns of DCIS and FC were frequently observed in a standard clinical MRI protocol. Such imaging patterns could decrease the false-positive rate of breast MRI and hence might help to decrease the number of unnecessary biopsies in this clinically challenging subgroup

A survey by the European Society of Breast Imaging on radiologists' preferences regarding quality assurance measures of image interpretation in screening and diagnostic mammography

OBJECTIVES: Quality assurance (QA) of image interpretation plays a key role in screening and diagnostic mammography, maintaining minimum standards and supporting continuous improvement in interpreting images. However, the QA structure across Europe shows considerable variation. The European Society of Breast Imaging (EUSOBI) conducted a survey among the members to collect information on radiologists' preferences regarding QA measures in mammography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An anonymous online survey consisting of 25 questions was distributed to all EUSOBI members and national breast radiology bodies in Europe. The questions were designed to collect demographic characteristics, information on responders' mammography workload and data about QA measures currently used in their country. Data was analysed using descriptive statistical analysis, the χ 2 test, linear regression, and Durbin-Watson statistic test. RESULTS: In total, 251 breast radiologists from 34 countries completed the survey. Most respondents were providing both screening and symptomatic services (137/251, 54.6%), working in an academic hospital (85/251, 33.9%) and reading 1000-4999 cases per year (109/251, 43.4%). More than half of them (133/251, 53%) had established QA measures in their workplace. Although less than one-third (71/251, 28.3%) had to participate in regular performance testing, the vast majority (190/251, 75.7%) agreed that a mandatory test would be helpful to improve their skills. CONCLUSION: QA measures were in place for more than half of the respondents working in screening and diagnostic mammography to evaluate their breast imaging performance. Although there were substantial differences between countries, the importance of having QA in the workplace and implemented was widely acknowledged by radiologists. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Although several quality assurance (QA) measures of image interpretation are recommended by European bodies or national organisations, the QA in mammography is quite heterogenous between countries and reporting settings, and not always actively implemented across Europe. KEY POINTS: The first survey that presents radiologists' preferences regarding QA measures of image interpretation in mammography. Quality assurance measures in the workplace are better-established for breast screening compared to diagnostic mammography. Radiologists consider that performance tests would help to improve their mammography interpretation skills

Image quality of DWI at breast MRI depends on the amount of fibroglandular tissue: implications for unenhanced screening

Objectives: To compare image quality of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and contrast-enhanced breast MRI (DCE-T1) stratified by the amount of fibroglandular tissue (FGT) as a measure of breast density. Methods: Retrospective, multi-reader, bicentric visual grading analysis study on breast density (A–D) and overall image and fat suppression quality of DWI and DCE-T1, scored on a standard 5-point Likert scale. Cross tabulations and visual grading characteristic (VGC) curves were calculated for fatty breasts (A/B) versus dense breasts (C/D). Results: Image quality of DWI was higher in the case of increased breast density, with good scores (score 3–5) in 85.9% (D) and 88.4% (C), compared to 61.6% (B) and 53.5% (A). Overall image quality of DWI was in favor of dense breasts (C/D), with an area under the VGC curve of 0.659 (p < 0.001). Quality of DWI and DCE-T1 fat suppression increased with higher breast density, with good scores (score 3–5) for 86.9% and 45.7% of density D, and 90.2% and 42.9% of density C cases, compared to 76.0% and 33.6% for density B and 54.7% and 29.6% for density A (DWI and DCE-T1 respectively). Conclusions: Dense breasts show excellent fat suppression and substantially higher image quality in DWI images compared with non-dense breasts. These results support the setup of studies exploring DWI-based MR imaging without IV contrast for additional screening of women with dense breasts. Clinical relevance statement: Our findings demonstrate that image quality of DWI is robust in women with an increased amount of fibroglandular tissue, technically supporting the feasibility of exploring applications such as screening of women with mammographically dense breasts. Key Points: • Image and fat suppression quality of diffusion-weighted imaging are dependent on the amount of fibroglandular tissue (FGT) which is closely connected to breast density. • Fat suppression quality in diffusion-weighted imaging of the breast is best in women with a high amount of fibroglandular tissue. • High image quality of diffusion-weighted imaging in women with a high amount of FGT in MRI supports that the technical feasibility of DWI can be explored in the additional screening of women with mammographically dense breasts. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]

Axillary lymphadenopathy at the time of COVID-19 vaccination: ten recommendations from the European Society of Breast Imaging (EUSOBI).

Unilateral axillary lymphadenopathy is a frequent mild side effect of COVID-19 vaccination. European Society of Breast Imaging (EUSOBI) proposes ten recommendations to standardise its management and reduce unnecessary additional imaging and invasive procedures: (1) in patients with previous history of breast cancer, vaccination should be performed in the contralateral arm or in the thigh; (2) collect vaccination data for all patients referred to breast imaging services, including patients undergoing breast cancer staging and follow-up imaging examinations; (3) perform breast imaging examinations preferentially before vaccination or at least 12 weeks after the last vaccine dose; (4) in patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer, apply standard imaging protocols regardless of vaccination status; (5) in any case of symptomatic or imaging-detected axillary lymphadenopathy before vaccination or at least 12 weeks after, examine with appropriate imaging the contralateral axilla and both breasts to exclude malignancy; (6) in case of axillary lymphadenopathy contralateral to the vaccination side, perform standard work-up; (7) in patients without breast cancer history and no suspicious breast imaging findings, lymphadenopathy only ipsilateral to the vaccination side within 12 weeks after vaccination can be considered benign or probably-benign, depending on clinical context; (8) in patients without breast cancer history, post-vaccination lymphadenopathy coupled with suspicious breast finding requires standard work-up, including biopsy when appropriate; (9) in patients with breast cancer history, interpret and manage post-vaccination lymphadenopathy considering the timeframe from vaccination and overall nodal metastatic risk; (10) complex or unclear cases should be managed by the multidisciplinary team

European Society of Breast Imaging (EUSOBI) guidelines on the management of axillary lymphadenopathy after COVID-19 vaccination: 2023 revision

Axillary lymphadenopathy is a common side effect of COVID-19 vaccination, leading to increased imaging-detected asymptomatic and symptomatic unilateral axillary lymphadenopathy. This has threatened to negatively impact the workflow of breast imaging services, leading to the release of ten recommendations by the European Society of Breast Imaging (EUSOBI) in August 2021. Considering the rapidly changing scenario and data scarcity, these initial recommendations kept a highly conservative approach. As of 2023, according to newly acquired evidence, EUSOBI proposes the following updates, in order to reduce unnecessary examinations and avoid delaying necessary examinations. First, recommendation n. 3 has been revised to state that breast examinations should not be delayed or rescheduled because of COVID-19 vaccination, as evidence from the first pandemic waves highlights how delayed or missed screening tests have a negative effect on breast cancer morbidity and mortality, and that there is a near-zero risk of subsequent malignant findings in asymptomatic patients who have unilateral lymphadenopathy and no suspicious breast findings. Second, recommendation n. 7 has been revised to simplify follow-up strategies: in patients without breast cancer history and no imaging findings suspicious for cancer, symptomatic and asymptomatic imaging-detected unilateral lymphadenopathy on the same side of recent COVID-19 vaccination (within 12 weeks) should be classified as a benign finding (BI-RADS 2) and no further work-up should be pursued. All other recommendations issued by EUSOBI in 2021 remain valid

Image-guided breast biopsy and localisation: recommendations for information to women and referring physicians by the European Society of Breast Imaging

Abstract: We summarise here the information to be provided to women and referring physicians about percutaneous breast biopsy and lesion localisation under imaging guidance. After explaining why a preoperative diagnosis with a percutaneous biopsy is preferred to surgical biopsy, we illustrate the criteria used by radiologists for choosing the most appropriate combination of device type for sampling and imaging technique for guidance. Then, we describe the commonly used devices, from fine-needle sampling to tissue biopsy with larger needles, namely core needle biopsy and vacuum-assisted biopsy, and how mammography, digital breast tomosynthesis, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging work for targeting the lesion for sampling or localisation. The differences among the techniques available for localisation (carbon marking, metallic wire, radiotracer injection, radioactive seed, and magnetic seed localisation) are illustrated. Type and rate of possible complications are described and the issue of concomitant antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy is also addressed. The importance of pathological-radiological correlation is highlighted: when evaluating the results of any needle sampling, the radiologist must check the concordance between the cytology/pathology report of the sample and the radiological appearance of the biopsied lesion. We recommend that special attention is paid to a proper and tactful approach when communicating to the woman the need for tissue sampling as well as the possibility of cancer diagnosis, repeat tissue sampling, and or even surgery when tissue sampling shows a lesion with uncertain malignant potential (also referred to as “high-risk” or B3 lesions). Finally, seven frequently asked questions are answered

TRY plant trait database – enhanced coverage and open access

Plant traits - the morphological, anatomical, physiological, biochemical and phenological characteristics of plants - determine how plants respond to environmental factors, affect other trophic levels, and influence ecosystem properties and their benefits and detriments to people. Plant trait data thus represent the basis for a vast area of research spanning from evolutionary biology, community and functional ecology, to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem and landscape management, restoration, biogeography and earth system modelling. Since its foundation in 2007, the TRY database of plant traits has grown continuously. It now provides unprecedented data coverage under an open access data policy and is the main plant trait database used by the research community worldwide. Increasingly, the TRY database also supports new frontiers of trait‐based plant research, including the identification of data gaps and the subsequent mobilization or measurement of new data. To support this development, in this article we evaluate the extent of the trait data compiled in TRY and analyse emerging patterns of data coverage and representativeness. Best species coverage is achieved for categorical traits - almost complete coverage for ‘plant growth form’. However, most traits relevant for ecology and vegetation modelling are characterized by continuous intraspecific variation and trait–environmental relationships. These traits have to be measured on individual plants in their respective environment. Despite unprecedented data coverage, we observe a humbling lack of completeness and representativeness of these continuous traits in many aspects. We, therefore, conclude that reducing data gaps and biases in the TRY database remains a key challenge and requires a coordinated approach to data mobilization and trait measurements. This can only be achieved in collaboration with other initiatives