Rationale and objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the application of a new method of through-transmission ultrasonography (US) to breast imaging.
Materials and methods: Through-transmission US was used to image breast tissue in 18 women; 12 had no known lesions, and six had masses, five of which were palpable. Of those with no known lesions, two had implants, and two had mammary duct ectasia. Lesion sizes and locations on the through-transmission sonograms were correlated with findings from conventional imaging to determine successful imaging. Histopathologic findings and lesion size were recorded from pathology reports. Detailed comparative analyses of through-transmission US, conventional x-ray mammography, and conventional US were performed. The following lesion variables were compared: maximum diameter, shape, margins, and internal architecture.
Results: Through-transmission US produced images of all masses, some of which were mammographically occult. Comparisons among through-transmission US, mammography, and conventional US showed high correlation in lesion characteristics such as maximum diameter, shape, margins, and internal architecture. For two malignant masses, through-transmission US appeared to be more accurate in assessing tumor extent, compared with mammography and conventional US.
Conclusion: This new method of through-transmission US produces images of breast tissue in women with a variety of breast types and can be used to detect and characterize a variety of lesions, some of which are mammographically occult.