Application Value of Conventional Ultrasound Classification and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Non-Mass Breast-Like Lesions

Objective To investigate the application value of conventional ultrasound typing and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in non-mass breast like lesions (NMLs).

Methods A total of 50 patients (50 lesions) who were pathologically confirmed to have breast NMLs in Tianjin Fifth Central Hospital. The corresponding relationship between conventional ultrasound typing of NMLs and BI-RADS classification was analyzed, and CEUS was performed on breast NMLs to compare the diagnostic value of combined BI-RADS and CEUS.

Results The NMLs conventional ultrasound classified Ⅰa and Ⅱa lesions corresponded to BI-RADS classification 4a; Ⅲ and Ⅳ lesions corresponded to BI-RADS classification 4b; Ⅰb and Ⅱb lesions corresponded to BI-RADS classification 4c. A statistically significant correlation was observed between the expansion of lesion range and the presence of "crab foot sign" in benign and malignant lesions after the enhancement (P < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that enlarged lesion area, "crab foot sign, " peak intensity, and area under the curve were associated with malignant breast NMLs. The diagnostic value of CEUS combined with BI-RADS was higher than that of conventional ultrasound BI-RADS.

Conclusion NMLs conventional ultrasonographic classificationsⅠa andⅡa have the lowest malignant risk, whereas classifications Ⅰb and Ⅱb have the highest value. The expansion of lesion range and the presence of "crab foot sign" after enhancement are helpful for rapid differentiation of benign and malignant NMLs.