Characterization and guided-procedures of breast suspicious microcalcifications: can MicroPure ultrasound do it?

ObjectiveTo assess the diagnostic value of high-frequency (MicroPure) ultrasound in evaluating suspicious microcalcifications and to determine its capability in biopsy guidance.Subjects and methodsSixty-two cases with suspicious microcalcifications detected on mammographic examination had been re-evaluated by MicroPure US. The studied cases underwent true cut tissue/surgical excision biopsy. Histopathology revealed 25 benign and 37 malignant lesions and was considered the gold standard of reference.ResultsMalignant microcalcifications were easier to be visible at MicroPure US, as they were detected in 86.5% (n = 32/39) compared to only 68% (n = 17/25) of the benign lesions. US depicted more breast masses associated with malignant microcalcifications in 78% (n = 29/37) than those associated with benign ones seen in 36% (n = 9/25).Visibility of suspicious microcalcifications at US was aided by preliminary mammogram. Given known mammography location of these microcalcifications had made their visualization accessible by MicroPure US in 79% (n = 49) of the cases.ConclusionMicroPure ultrasound cannot discriminate benign from malignant breast microcalcifications. MicroPure can be useful in detecting clustered microcalcifications that are not accessible by B-mode ultrasound; provided knowledge of their mammographic location and thus can provide better guidance for pre-surgical wire localization and ultrasound-guided biopsies.