OBJECTIVETo assess the clinical value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in early diagnosis of breast cancer.

METHODSCEUS was performed in 107 cases of ultrasound BI-RADS(®) category 3 or category 4 small breast tumors (diameter no greater than 10 mm) before surgery. The range, type and patter of enhancement of the tumor and the surrounding tissues were observed, and the time-intensity curve (TIC) was analyzed for TIC curve type, basic and peak intensity, enhancement intensity, rising slope, and enhancement intensity. The results were analyzed comparatively between benign and malignant tumors.

RESULTSThe peak intensity, enhancement intensity index and peak time in CEUS were statistically significant between benign and malignant breast tumor (t=-2.310, -2.592, -2.127, P=0.021, 0.010, 0.033), and the intensity difference and rising slope also differed significantly (t=-3.422, -3.388, P=0.001, 0.001). TIC curve type, enhancement pattern, enhancement types and enhancement range were statistically significantly between benign and malignant breast tumor (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONBenign and malignant BI-RADS(®) category 3 or 4 small breast tumors differ in the peak intensity, enhancement intensity index and peak time in CEUS. More nodular hyperplasia showed no enhancement in CEUS, and 97.8% of the lesions without enhancement are benign. In enhanced breast nodules, malignant breast lesions show more quick wash-in and wash-out type and quick wash-in and slow wash-out type, and the latter is more common; benign lesions often show a slow wash-in and slow wash-out type. In CEUS, the range of enhancement in malignant nodules is wider than that in two-dimensional ultrasound.

Breast Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; Contrast Media ; Early Detection of Cancer ; Female ; Humans ; Ultrasonography

Objective To assess the clinical value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in early diagnosis of breast cancer. Methods CEUS was performed in 107 cases of ultrasound BI-RADS? category 3 or category 4 small breast tumors (diameter no greater than 10 mm) before surgery. The range, type and patter of enhancement of the tumor and the surrounding tissues were observed, and the time-intensity curve (TIC) was analyzed for TIC curve type, basic and peak intensity, enhancement intensity, rising slope, and enhancement intensity. The results were analyzed comparatively between benign and malignant tumors. Results The peak intensity, enhancement intensity index and peak time in CEUS were statistically significant between benign and malignant breast tumor (t=-2.310,-2.592,-2.127, P=0.021, 0.010, 0.033), and the intensity difference and rising slope also differed significantly (t=-3.422,-3.388, P=0.001, 0.001). TIC curve type, enhancement pattern, enhancement types and enhancement range were statistically significantly between benign and malignant breast tumor (P<0.001). Conclusion Benign and malignant BI-RADS? category 3 or 4 small breast tumors differ in the peak intensity, enhancement intensity index and peak time in CEUS. More nodular hyperplasia showed no enhancement in CEUS, and 97.8%of the lesions without enhancement are benign. In enhanced breast nodules, malignant breast lesions show more quick wash-in and wash-out type and quick wash-in and slow wash-out type, and the latter is more common;benign lesions often show a slow wash-in and slow wash-out type. In CEUS, the range of enhancement in malignant nodules is wider than that in two-dimensional ultrasound.

A 56-year male patient was implanted with a third generation magnetic levitation HeartCon left ventricular assist device (LVAD) for refractory heart failure through a left antero-lateral thoracotomy. Inflow cannula of the HeartCon blood pump was inserted via the left apex and outflow tract with the artificial blood vessel was sutured to the descending aorta. The operation process was smooth, the LVAD worked stably, and results of left ventricular assist was good. Implantation of HeartCon LVAD through the left antero-lateral thoracotomy is an alternative technique with less surgical complications, less trauma and satisfactory results.