Application of Dual-Energy Computed Tomography for Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the possibility of using dual-energy computed tomography (CT) before therapy to discriminate between normal breast tissue and tumor tissue in patients with breast cancer, without the need to use a contrast medium. The following patient data were extracted by interview and from the hospital's radiology information system: height, weight, age, menstrual cycle, CT images of normal tissue and tumors with or without contrast medium, and the histopathological diagnosis of the aspiration biopsy. The median age of the 43 participants was 56 years (range, 30-80 years). The CT values were evaluated using a clinical analytical program based on the three-material decomposition technique. Breast cancer was classified into ductal carcinoma in situ, invasive ductal carcinoma, invasive lobular carcinoma, fibromatosis-like metaplastic carcinoma, and apocrine carcinoma. In all conditions, regardless of contrast medium, the CT values of tumor tissues were higher than those of normal breast tissue, indicating the effectiveness of dual-energy CT (DE-CT) in the diagnosis of breast cancer. By contrast, DE-CT showed limited potential for distinguishing ductal carcinoma in situ from invasive ductal carcinoma. There have only been a few reports regarding CT examination of breast cancer, and it is expected this study encourage the development of DE-CT imaging to improve tumor detection in patients with breast cancer.

An attempt to evaluate intraductal components of breast cancer by dual energy computed tomography

“…Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the utility of contrast-enhanced DECT for visualizing and evaluating an IC of breast cancer. Some previous studies have focused on DECT examination of breast tissue or breast cancer [24][25][26][27][28][29], and it is expected that the findings of the present study will encourage further advancement in DECT imaging and will help improve visualization of an IC in patients with breast cancer.…”

Dual‐Energy CT in Breast Cancer: Current Applications and Future Outlooks

“…A study 39 showed that DECT has limited potential for differentiating DCIS and Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. DECT does not have the capability to differentiate between DCIS and benign lesions, which is a diagnostic challenge that can be resolved through the use of MRI.…”

Giant epidermal inclusion cyst with infection arising within the breast parenchyma: a case report

“…In recent years, dual-energy CT has been used to characterize breast lesions. 22 This technique exploits the same physical principle of CESM. It can not only evaluate the effective uptake of contrast medium by the lesion but can also characterize tissue using z-analysis.…”