Citations

Pseudoaneurysm (PSA) formation is a potential complication of breast biopsies. Ultrasound is the most common imaging modality used for evaluation and treatment of a PSA. Color Doppler images show a cystic structure with swirling flow inside in a “to‐and‐fro” pattern. Treatment options for PSA include observation, ultrasound‐guided focused compression, thrombin injection, open surgical repair, and percutaneous embolization. The risks and benefits of these treatment options will be discussed in the following cases.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate diffusion weighted magnetic rsonance imaging (MRI) acquisitions in delineating posterior extent of breast tumors and in predicting chest wall invasion prior to treatment. To our knowledge, there has not been any literature specifically evaluating the utility of diffusion-weighted acquisitions in chest wall invasion of breast tumors. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of our breast imaging database for keywords “chest wall invasion” and “breast MRI” was performed over the last 14 years. Diffusion sequences, T1 sequences (pre and post contrast), and T2 sequences were evaluated. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in tumor and chest wall were assessed. Imaging findings were correlated with surgical pathology. Results: 23 patients met inclusion criteria. All 23 had loss of fat plane on T2 sequences. 22/23 had loss of fat plane on postcontrast T1 sequences. Pectoralis muscle enhancement was present in 19/23 (83%) tumors and chest wall enhancement was present 9/23 (39%) tumors. Qualitative restricted diffusion within the pectoralis muscle was present in 18/23 (71%) tumors and in the chest wall was present in 8/23 (35%) tumors. Mean ADC values were 1.15 s/mm2 in the tumor and 1.29 s/mm2 in the chest wall. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 100%, 36%, 63%, and 100% for chest wall enhancement respectively and 69%, 36%, 61%, and 80% for chest wall diffusion-weighted imaging restriction respectively. Conclusion: Diffusion weighted sequences can be helpful in characterizing chest wall invasion of breast tumors.

Key Clinical Message This case highlights the role of molecular breast imaging (MBI) in evaluating persistent clinical concerns after a negative diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound. MBI is especially useful in the diagnosis of invasive lobular carcinoma due to its occult nature on conventional imaging modalities.

Preoperative localization of breast malignancies using traditional ultrasound and digital techniques can be challenging, particularly after neoadjuvant chemotherapy when the target is not conspicuous. The purpose of this paper is to pictorially present nontraditional techniques that have been helpful in preoperative localization before surgery. We will discuss techniques for breast lesion localization using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as well as axillary lymph node localization using tomosynthesis, CT, and MRI.