Characterization of breast masses: a comparative study between automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT)

Background Automated three-dimensional (3D) breast ultrasound (US) systems and breast tomosynthesis are promising breast imaging modalities. The study aims to compare the diagnostic indices of the 3D imaging techniques: digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) and automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) in the characterization of breast masses. This prospective study included 32 women with breast masses either detected by means of clinical examination or with the mammographic exam. All of them have been subjected to tomosynthesis and automatic breast ultrasound examinations. The images from both modalities were then analyzed one at a time by two experienced representative radiologists in consensus. Results were compared to each other and to pathology and follow-up of typically benign findings Results The masses statistically evaluated in this study were 37 in number, among which 16 were benign and 21 were malignant. The sensitivity and specificity of tomosynthesis in the characterization of breast masses were 100% and 81.25%, respectively, while automated breast ultrasound were 100% and 75%, respectively. Conclusion Tomosynthesis and automated breast ultrasound are two promising modalities in breast imaging. Their diagnostic indices in this study were very close to one another; therefore, they can be used as an adjunct modality to mammography for early diagnosis of breast cancer.