Contrast-Enhanced Dual-Energy Mammography: A Promising New Imaging Tool in Breast Cancer Detection

Abstract

Contrast-enhanced dual-energy mammography (CEDM) is a promising new breast imaging tool for breast cancer detection. In CEDM, an iodine-based contrast agent is intravenously administered and subsequently, dual-energy mammography is performed. This results in a set of images containing both a regular mammogram and an image that contains contrast enhancement information. Preliminary studies have indicated that CEDM is superior to conventional mammography and might even match the diagnostic performance of breast MRI. In this review, the imaging technique, protocol and patient handling of CEDM is presented. Furthermore, an overview of current results on CEDM and potential future indications are outlined.

Contrast-enhanced spectral mammography in recalls from the Dutch breast cancer screening program: validation of results in a large multireader, multicase study

“…In CESM, an iodine-based contrast agent is intravenously administered, after which dual-energy mammography is performed. As a result, the radiologist can view a low-energy image (which is similar to a conventional FFDM) and a recombined image, showing areas of enhancement [7, 16]. In a previous study, it was shown that CESM is an excellent problem-solving tool for women recalled from the breast cancer screening program [5].…”

Evaluation of low-energy contrast-enhanced spectral mammography images by comparing them to full-field digital mammography using EUREF image quality criteria

“…CESM is a promising new breast imaging modality that has been shown to be superior to conventional mammography in the detection of breast cancer [ 2 , 3 , 10 ]. No studies so far have compared the quality of the LE images to that of FFDM in a standardized and structured manner, using well established EUREF image quality criteria.…”

“…One of these is contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM). Recent studies continue to show that CESM is superior to conventional mammography in breast cancer detection [ 2 – 5 ].…”

Effects of bisphosphonate ligands and PEGylation on targeted delivery of gold nanoparticles for contrast-enhanced radiographic detection of breast microcalcifications

“…However, these methods each have their own limitations in sensitivity, specificity, spatial resolution, radiation dose, availability, cost, and other barriers to widespread adoption [7][8][9]. Contrast-enhanced dual-energy mammography, which utilizes conventional mammography and iodinated contrast agents to distinguish tumors via vascularity, was recently demonstrated to exhibit detection rates comparable to MRI [10,11].…”