Extended field-of-view two-dimensional ultrasonography of the breast: improvement in lesion documentation.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of extended field-of-view two-dimensional ultrasonographic imaging for improvement in overall breast lesion documentation. Sonographic images of 59 patients with breast lesions or silicone implants were evaluated by three radiologists retrospectively to compare traditional static linear array images alone with images obtained with the addition of an extended field of view to determine if documentation of lesions was improved. The addition of extended field-of-view imaging improved lesion conspicuity by 21% over traditional images. It provided overall improvement in lesion documentation by including a reference point (nipple) or by more completely imaging large masses in 79% and implants in 69%. The larger field of view of this technique is promising as an adjunct to traditional sonography for breast lesion documentation.

Value of the Extended Field of View Modality in the Sonographic Imaging of Cutaneous Melanoma: A Pictorial Essay

“…The EFOV image is obtained using a standard probe and manual, translational movement of the transducer along the patient's skin. [12][13][14][15] While moving the probe laterally, the operator tracks the area of interest and obtains a large, nondeformed image. This image is transformed geometrically in relation to the calculated probe movement, and each frame is progressively summed to the previous one into a final reconstruction.…”

“…An indication appears on the screen to highlight the percentage of size loss, which is proportional to the scan length. [12][13][14][15] As a general rule, we suggest using the highest probe frequency available and regulating the scan depth superficially to have a final image depicting the abnormalities with an adequate size and resolution. It is also important to obtain these images in a standardized way, placing the right side of the patient on the right of the image.…”

Extended Field-of-View Sonography

“…In cases of large pathologic lesions, the relationship between lesions and adjacent structures was made clear with conventional sonography by mental reconstruction, but with EFOV imag-ing, these relationships were clearly evident on a single image (Figs. [1][2][3][4]. This is especially apparent with high-resolution linear arrays, which have a small field of view and in which the identifiable landmarks are usually excluded.…”

“…Because measurements of large structures on EFOV images are accurate and reproducible, sequential EFOV sonograms allow monitoring of large neoplasms or fluid collections during therapy or follow-up periods (Figs. [3][4][5]. Indeed, in one of our patients with an abdominal lymphoma, which manifested with extensive retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy, sequential EFOV sonograms at 3-month intervals were useful for monitoring the therapeutic response ( Fig.…”

“…Many clinical applications of EFOV sonography and its utility have been reported. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8] To date, it has been reported that EFOV imaging plays its most important role in relatively superficial small parts imaging. One article about the clinical utility of EFOV even reported the limitation and ineffectiveness of abdominal applications.…”