CAD Improves Breast Ultra Sonography
New research conducted by a team of Chinese researchers indicates that B-CAD significantly improves the detection rate for ultrasound used to assess patients for breast cancer. Improvement was particularly noted with masses smaller than 1 cm. The study findings were published by Health Imaging News.
The team evaluated studies from 100 patients, who had biopsy-confirmed breast cancer. Three different scenarios of the breast ultrasound interpretation were compared: reading by one radiologist, two readings by independent physicians, and a single radiologist reading the study with the aid of CAD. Researchers were blinded to pathologic findings. For this study, the researchers employed Medipattern’s B-CAD v2.
For analysis purposes, lesions were placed into one of three categories: masses larger than 2 cm, between 1-2 cm, and less than 1 cm. Imaging was assessed in accordance with the criteria from the American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System Lexicon.
Data analysis indicated that diagnostic accuracy improved 44 percent for the single reader using B-CAD for the smallest lesions, those that are less than 1 cm. B-CAD can accurately identify all the masses with high sensitivity. The team notes the potential benefits for reduced workflow if studies only require review by one clinician.
Researchers will present findings from their study at the National Consortium of Breast Centers in March. B-CAD v2 from Medipattern is currently not available for use in the United States.
February 19, 2008 Related topics: Imaging, Diagnostic, Radiology