Ultrasound-Based Noncontrast Microvascular Imaging for Evaluation of Breast Lesions: Imaging Techniques and Review of Diagnostic Criteria

Vascularity plays a pivotal role in the progression of breast lesions and may be associated with their aggressiveness and likelihood of being malignant. Contrast-enhanced imaging techniques are necessary to evaluate vascularity due to the limited sensitivity of conventional color Doppler techniques,...

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Main Authors: Namita Mohindra, Neetu Soni
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Pvt. Ltd.
Series:Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.thieme-connect.de/DOI/DOI?10.1055/s-0044-1782162
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author Namita Mohindra
Neetu Soni
author_facet Namita Mohindra
Neetu Soni
author_sort Namita Mohindra
collection DOAJ
description Vascularity plays a pivotal role in the progression of breast lesions and may be associated with their aggressiveness and likelihood of being malignant. Contrast-enhanced imaging techniques are necessary to evaluate vascularity due to the limited sensitivity of conventional color Doppler techniques, in which motion artifacts are eliminated using wall filters. However, in this process, low-flow signals from small vessels also get removed unintentionally. Advancements in technology have revolutionized the way ultrasound images are generated, resulting in tremendous improvements in Doppler imaging techniques. The new, ultrasound-based noncontrast microvascular imaging techniques overcome the limitations of conventional Doppler, and are highly sensitive for detecting microvessels and low flow. The resultant high Doppler sensitivity leads to detection of vascularity in more breast lesions. It is important for radiologists to understand the imaging principles and the clinical implications of the new techniques, to optimally utilize them and aid correct diagnosis. Angio-PLUS is one such recent advancement, which uses unfocused or plane waves and three-dimensional wall filtering to analyze tissue motion in time, space, and amplitude domains that effectively distinguish between blood flow and tissue. The information is beneficial for assessing the lesion vascularity without using contrast. This article aims to explain the Doppler imaging techniques, their clinical applications, scanning methods, and review the common Doppler-based diagnostic criteria used in the evaluation of breast lesions.
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spelling doaj.art-66f3da57f474460fa3a16026bcfc81612024-03-17T23:30:30ZengThieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Pvt. Ltd.Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging0971-30261998-380810.1055/s-0044-1782162Ultrasound-Based Noncontrast Microvascular Imaging for Evaluation of Breast Lesions: Imaging Techniques and Review of Diagnostic CriteriaNamita Mohindra0https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3043-1218Neetu Soni1https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2082-1634Department of Radio-diagnosis, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rae Bareli Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, IndiaRadiology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, United StatesVascularity plays a pivotal role in the progression of breast lesions and may be associated with their aggressiveness and likelihood of being malignant. Contrast-enhanced imaging techniques are necessary to evaluate vascularity due to the limited sensitivity of conventional color Doppler techniques, in which motion artifacts are eliminated using wall filters. However, in this process, low-flow signals from small vessels also get removed unintentionally. Advancements in technology have revolutionized the way ultrasound images are generated, resulting in tremendous improvements in Doppler imaging techniques. The new, ultrasound-based noncontrast microvascular imaging techniques overcome the limitations of conventional Doppler, and are highly sensitive for detecting microvessels and low flow. The resultant high Doppler sensitivity leads to detection of vascularity in more breast lesions. It is important for radiologists to understand the imaging principles and the clinical implications of the new techniques, to optimally utilize them and aid correct diagnosis. Angio-PLUS is one such recent advancement, which uses unfocused or plane waves and three-dimensional wall filtering to analyze tissue motion in time, space, and amplitude domains that effectively distinguish between blood flow and tissue. The information is beneficial for assessing the lesion vascularity without using contrast. This article aims to explain the Doppler imaging techniques, their clinical applications, scanning methods, and review the common Doppler-based diagnostic criteria used in the evaluation of breast lesions.http://www.thieme-connect.de/DOI/DOI?10.1055/s-0044-1782162ultrasound-based microvascular imagingAngio-PLUSbreast lesionsbreast cancerDoppler imaging
spellingShingle Namita Mohindra
Neetu Soni
Ultrasound-Based Noncontrast Microvascular Imaging for Evaluation of Breast Lesions: Imaging Techniques and Review of Diagnostic Criteria
Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging
ultrasound-based microvascular imaging
Angio-PLUS
breast lesions
breast cancer
Doppler imaging
title Ultrasound-Based Noncontrast Microvascular Imaging for Evaluation of Breast Lesions: Imaging Techniques and Review of Diagnostic Criteria
title_full Ultrasound-Based Noncontrast Microvascular Imaging for Evaluation of Breast Lesions: Imaging Techniques and Review of Diagnostic Criteria
title_fullStr Ultrasound-Based Noncontrast Microvascular Imaging for Evaluation of Breast Lesions: Imaging Techniques and Review of Diagnostic Criteria
title_full_unstemmed Ultrasound-Based Noncontrast Microvascular Imaging for Evaluation of Breast Lesions: Imaging Techniques and Review of Diagnostic Criteria
title_short Ultrasound-Based Noncontrast Microvascular Imaging for Evaluation of Breast Lesions: Imaging Techniques and Review of Diagnostic Criteria
title_sort ultrasound based noncontrast microvascular imaging for evaluation of breast lesions imaging techniques and review of diagnostic criteria
topic ultrasound-based microvascular imaging
Angio-PLUS
breast lesions
breast cancer
Doppler imaging
url http://www.thieme-connect.de/DOI/DOI?10.1055/s-0044-1782162
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