ObjectiveTo explore the influence of different concentrations of iodinated contrast agent on image quality of galactography. MethodsBetween June 2008 and October 2009, 50 non-pregnancy and non-lactation patients with mammary papilla discharge underwent breast galactography with digital mammography. All the patients' left breasts were in group L, and right breasts were in group R. The iohexol concentration of iopamidol injection was 370 mg/mL in group L and 300 mg/mL in group R. The image quality and the evaluation of average density of the two groups was analyzed and compared. ResultsThe image quality score of group L and R was 2.8±0.2 (P>0.05). The mean density of main duct of breast axial view in two groups was (4 020.25±96.26) and (3 984.75±117.67) HU, respectively; the mean density of the lateral oblique view was (4 067.13±24.69) and (3 971.25±167.32) HU, respectively; the mean density of the lateral view was (4 058.88±52.07) and (4 034.75±67.54) HU, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). ConclusionNo obvious difference between the two concentrations of non-ionic iodinated contrast agents (300 and 370 mg/mL) in galactography diagnosis is found.
Mammography imaging is one of the most demanding imaging modalities from the point of view of the balance between image quality (the visibility of small size and/or low contrast structures) and dose (screening of many asymptomatic people). Therefore, since the introduction of the first dedicated mammographic units, many efforts have been directed to seek the best possible image quality while minimizing patient dose. The performance of automatic exposure control (AEC) is the manifestation of this demand. The theory of AEC includes exposure detection and optimization and also involves some accomplished methodology. This review presents the development and present situation of spectrum optimization, detector evolution, and the way how to accomplish and evaluate AEC methods.
ObjectiveTo summarize the basic principles, techniques, and clinical applications of contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM).MethodsThe literatures about CESM in recent years were collected to make an review.ResultsCESM had a low energy image and subtracted image, could provide both morphology information and enhancement characteristics of breast lesions. CESM had been adopted in some clinical applications, such as problem solving of inconclusive findings, preoperative evaluation of tumor extent, and assessing residual malignancy after neoadjuvant systemic therapy.ConclusionCESM has equal clinical value with MRI, but it needs short examination time, and lead to easy accessibility and fewer cost, which might be a suitable alternative in the department that do not have MRI.
Objective To describe the role of breast palpation imaging (PI) in breast cancer screening. Method We searched the latest research and previous literatures of PI in the diagnosis of breast cancers, and made an review after reading the articles. Results PI had better diagnostic efficiency than clinical breast examination (CBE) in breast cancer screening. PI combined with mammography (MG) and/or breast ultrasound (BUS) could further improve the diagnostic efficiency. Conclusion PI has important value in breast cancer screening, and is an important supplement to existing breast cancer screening methods.