Stuhrmann M, Aronius R, Roefke C, Schietzel M
Röntgenabteilung, Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Herdecke.
Rofo. 1998 Oct;169(4):360-4. doi: 10.1055/s-2007-1015300.
The objectives of the present study were to investigate the utility of an ultrasound echo enhancer in the evaluation of the dignity of breast tumors and to identify the best examination parameters.
68 breast tumors in 61 female patients who were referred for operative tumor removal were examined by color-coded duplex sonography before and after administration of Levovist. The investigated parameters were: a) the degree of enhancement, b) the number of tumor vessels, c) the time to maximum enhancement, and d) the morphological pattern and course of vessels.
With regard to parameters A, B, and C there were in part pronounced overlaps between malignant (n = 44) and benign (n = 24) lesions. The best differentiation was found for parameter D with a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 83%. In all previously operated patients a distinction between a postoperative scar (n = 8) and a tumor recurrence (n = 13) was possible.
The use of Levovist leads to a clear improvement in the evaluation of dignity by duplex sonography. On the basis of our preliminary results, the characteristic pattern of vascular morphology and course is the best examination parameter. In particular, the otherwise difficult distinction between scar and recurrence appears to be an interesting application.
