Breast Imaging Modalities

Inexpensive Limited sensitivity, particularly in dense breasts ULTRASOUND Targeted ultrasound very useful for palpable Widespread availability Limited specificity, particularly screening or mammographic findings Good sensitivity Very operator dependent Delineates cystic from solid, and many benign Inexpensive solid abnormalities from malignancies Screening ultrasound controversial due to low positive predictive value of findings MRI MRI using dedicated coils, done prior to and Excellent sensitivity and specificity Expensive following injection of non-iodinated contrast Largely independent of breast tissue density MRI limitations of weight and body size Cannot be performed in patients w/pacemakers Cannot be performed in open units Least comfortable for patient (prone on a raised platform), although no breast compression