Introduction
The automated breast volume scanner (ABVS) is the first of its kind and utilises a large, 17 cm × 15 cm high-frequency ultrasound probe which sweeps across the whole breast generating images that can be reformatted into multiple planes and a 3D volume. ABVS will change breast ultrasound practice by: introducing operator standardisation, reproducibility and repeatability of measurement and interpretation; changing who acquires the volume set and how breast ultrasounds are reported; and allowing accurate comparison of previous and current examinations for screening and assessing treatment change.
Methods
Patients presented to the symptomatic clinic for conventional 2D ultrasound assessment with a variety of conditions. An additional ABVS was performed.
Results
Cases were classified into: benign - for example, cysts, fibroadenomas, diabetic mastopathy; and malignant.
Conclusion
We present a review of our initial experience and highlight its advantages over conventional ultrasound, which include: improved mapping of lesions enabling more accurate future assessment and follow-up, and improved assessment of distortion over conventional 2D ultrasound. Further research is required to explore other potential benefits.
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Hughes, E., Nassar, L., Lim, A. et al. Automated breast volume scanner: an initial experience. Breast Cancer Res 13 (Suppl 1), O1 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1186/bcr2947
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/bcr2947