Predictors of pain experienced by women during percutaneous imaging-guided breast biopsies

Women's Experiences with Digital Breast Tomosynthesis and Targeted Breast Ultrasound for Focal Breast Complaints: A Survey Study

Background: Owing to its high sensitivity, as concluded in the Breast UltraSound Trial (BUST), targeted ultrasound (US) now seems a promising accurate stand-alone modality for diagnostic evaluation of breast complaints. This approach implies omission of bilateral digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) in women with clearly benign US findings. Within BUST, radiologists started with US followed by DBT. This side-study investigates women's experiences with DBT, their main motivation to undergo diagnostic imaging, and their view on US as a stand-alone modality. Methods: A subset of BUST participants completed a questionnaire on their DBT experiences, reason for undergoing diagnostic assessment, and view on US-only diagnostics. Responses were analyzed with descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses. Results: In total, 778 of 838 women (response rate 92.8%) were included (M = 47, SD = 11.16). Of them, 16.8% reported no burden of DBT, 33.5% slight burden, 31.0% moderate, and 12.7% severe burden. Furthermore, 13% reported no pain, 35.3% slight pain, 33.2% moderate, and 11.3% severe pain. Moreover, 88.3% indicated that the most important reason for breast assessment was explanation of their complaint and to rule out breast cancer, whereas 3.2% wanted to "check" both breasts. And 82.4% reported satisfaction with US only in case of a nonmalignancy. Conclusions: Our study shows that most women in the diagnostic setting experience at least slight-to-moderate DBT-related burden and pain, and that explanation for their symptoms is their main interest. Also, the majority report satisfaction with US only in case of nonmalignant findings. However, exploration of women's perspectives outside this study is needed as our participants all underwent both examinations.

Breaking Bad News in Breast Imaging: Keys to Success

The radiologist's ability to effectively communicate with patients is crucial in breast imaging. Having to tell a patient that she or he requires a biopsy procedure or has a new diagnosis of breast cancer is both a challenging task and a daily reality for many practicing breast radiologists. Despite this, communication in breast imaging is often not formally taught in most training programs, leading many breast radiologists to obtain their skills through on-the-job experience. We discuss the importance of effective communication with patients and a breast imaging-specific method for delivering bad news, adapted from approaches used in medical oncology. A conversation "script" or guide is provided along with the rationale for how to best handle these difficult conversations. Lastly, we review how to teach effective communication to those in training using our breast imaging fellowship program and recent survey results as an example.

Hemorrhagic Complications Following Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy: A Prospective Patient-Centered Study

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the clinical and imaging factors associated with hemorrhagic complications and patient discomfort following ultrasound (US)-guided breast biopsy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prospectively enrolled 94 patients who were referred to our hospital between June 2022 and December 2022 for US-guided breast biopsy. After obtaining informed consent, two breast radiologists independently performed US-guided breast biopsy and evaluated the imaging findings. A hemorrhagic complication was defined as the presence of bleeding or hematoma on US. The patients rated symptoms of pain, febrile sensation, swelling at the biopsy site, and dyspnea immediately, 20 minutes, and 2 weeks after the procedure on a visual analog scale, with 0 for none and 10 for the most severe symptoms. Additional details recorded included those of nausea, vomiting, bleeding, bruising, and overall satisfaction score. We compared the clinical symptoms, imaging characteristics, and procedural features between patients with and those without hemorrhagic complications.

RESULTS

Of 94 patients, 7 (7%) developed hemorrhagic complications, while 87 (93%) did not. The complication resolved with 20 minutes of manual compression, and no further intervention was required. Vascularity on Doppler examination (P = 0.008), needle type (P = 0.043), and lesion location (P < 0.001) were significantly different between the groups. Patients with hemorrhagic complications reported more frequent nausea or vomiting than those without hemorrhagic complications (29% [2/7] vs. 2% [2/87], respectively; P = 0.027). The overall satisfaction scores did not differ between the two groups (P = 0.396). After 2 weeks, all symptoms subsided, except bruising (50% 2/4 in the complication group and 25% [16/65] in the no-complication group).

CONCLUSION

US-guided breast biopsy is a safe procedure with a low complication rate. Radiologists should be aware of hemorrhagic complications, patient discomfort, and overall satisfaction related to this procedure.

The Impact of Virtual Reality on Anxiety and Pain During US-Guided Breast Biopsies: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy of immersive virtual reality (VR) in combination with standard local anesthetic for mitigating anxiety and pain during US-guided breast biopsies compared to local anesthetic alone.

METHODS

Patients scheduled for US-guided biopsy were invited to participate. Eligible patients were females 18 years of age or older. Patients were randomized to VR or control group at a 1:1 ratio. Patients in the VR group underwent biopsy with the addition of a VR experience and patients in the control group underwent usual biopsy. Patient-perceived levels of anxiety and pain were collected before and after biopsy via the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Physiological data were captured during biopsy using a clinically validated wristband. Differences in anxiety, pain, and physiologic data were compared between the VR and control group.

RESULTS

Sixty patients were enrolled. After excluding 2 patients with VR device malfunction, there were 29 patients in the VR and 29 patients in the control group for analysis. The VR group had reduced anxiety compared to the control group based on postintervention STAI (P <.001) and VAS (P = .036). The VR group did not have lower pain based on postintervention VAS (P = .555). Physiological measures showed higher RR intervals and decreased skin conductance levels, which are associated with lower anxiety levels in the VR group.

CONCLUSION

Use of VR in addition to standard local anesthetic for US-guided breast biopsies was associated with reduced patient anxiety. Virtual reality may be a useful tool to improve the patient biopsy experience.

Impact of a brochure and empathetic physician communication on patients' perception of breast biopsies

PURPOSE

This study investigated the effect of an intervention designed to reduce patients' emotional distress associated with breast biopsy.

METHODS

125 breast biopsy patients receiving standard of care (control group, CG) were compared to 125 patients (intervention group, IG) who received a brochure with information prior to the biopsy and were biopsied by physicians trained in empathic communication. Anxiety was assessed by the State-Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S) at four time points (pre- and post-procedural, pre- and post-histology). All participants completed pre- and post-procedural questionnaires addressing worries, pain and comprehension. We evaluated the impact of the intervention on STAI-S levels using a log-transformed linear mixed effects model and explored patients' and physicians' perceptions of the procedure descriptively.

RESULTS

Post-procedural and post-histology timepoints were associated with 13% and17% lower with STAI-S levels than at the pre-procedural timepoint on average. The histologic result had the strongest association with STAI-S: malignancy was associated with 28% higher STAI-S scores than a benign finding on average. Across all time points, the intervention did not affect patient anxiety. Nevertheless, IG participants perceived less pain during the biopsy. Nearly all patients agreed that the brochure should be handed out prior to breast biopsy.

CONCLUSION

While the distribution of an informative brochure and a physician trained in empathic communication did not reduce patient anxiety overall, we observed lower levels of worry and perceived pain regarding breast biopsy in the intervention group. The intervention seemed to improve patient's understanding of the procedure. Moreover, professional training could increase physicians' empathic communication skills.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02796612 (March 19, 2014).

Linear Regression Modeling Based Scoring System to Reduce Benign Breast Biopsies Using Multi-parametric US with Color Doppler and SWE

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

To develop a simple ultrasound (US) based scoring system to reduce benign breast biopsies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Women with BI-RADS 4 or 5 breast lesions underwent shear-wave elastography (SWE) imaging before biopsy. Standard US and color Doppler US (CDUS) parameters were recorded, and the size ratio (SzR=longest/shortest diameter) was calculated. Measured/calculated SWE parameters were minimum (SWVMin) and maximum (SWVMax) shear velocity, velocity heterogeneity (SWVH=SWVMax-SWVMin), velocity ratio (SWVR=SWVMin/SWVMax), and normalized SWVR (SWVRn=(SWVMax-SWVMin)/SWVMin). Linear regression analysis was performed by converting continuous parameters into categorical corresponding equivalents using decision tree analyses. Linear regression models were fitted using stepwise regression analysis and optimal coefficients for the predictors in the models were determined. A scoring model was devised from the results and validated using a different data set from another center consisting of 187 cases with BI-RADS 3, 4, and 5 lesions.

RESULTS

A total of 418 lesions (238 benign, 180 malignant) were analyzed. US and CDUS parameters exhibited poor (AUC=0.592-0.696), SWE parameters exhibited poor-good (AUC=0.607-0.816) diagnostic performance in benign/malignant discrimination. Linear regression models of US+CDUS and US+SWE parameters revealed an AUC of 0.819 and 0.882, respectively. The developed scoring system could have avoided biopsy in 37.8% of benign lesions while missing 1.1% of malignant lesions. The scoring system was validated with a 100% NPV rate with a specificity of 74.6%.

CONCLUSION

The linear regression model using US+SWE parameters performed better than any single parameter alone. The developed scoring method could lead to a significant decrease in benign biopsies.

Ongoing Impact of COVID-19 on Breast Radiologists' Wellness

OBJECTIVE

Assess the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on mental well-being of breast radiologists nationwide two years after the start of the pandemic and compared to early in the pandemic.

METHODS

A 27-question survey was distributed from December 2021 to January 2022 to physician members of the Society of Breast Imaging. Psychological distress and anxiety scores were calculated, and factors associated with them were identified with a multivariate logistic model.

RESULTS

A total of 550 surveys were completed (23% response rate); the mean respondent age was 50 +/- 10 years. Fifty percent (265/526) of respondents reported two or more psychological distress symptoms, down from 58% in 2020 (P = 0.002), whereas 70% (362/526) of respondents reported increased anxiety, down from 82% in 2020 (P < 0.001). As in 2020, reporting financial strain and childcare adversely affecting job ability were associated with worse psychological distress scores (OR 3.6, 95% CI: 1.6-8.3, P = 0.02 and OR 6.0, 95% CI: 2.5-14.4, P = 0.002, respectively). Less time spent consulting, educating, and discussing results with patients was associated with higher psychological distress (OR 5.3, 95% CI: 2.1-13.2, P = 0.036) and anxiety (OR 6.4, 95% CI: 2.3-17.5, P < 0.001). Diminished research collaboration was associated with higher anxiety (OR 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1-2.9, P = 0.019).

CONCLUSION

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause mental health symptoms in breast radiologists, especially for those with pandemic-specific childcare needs and financial distress. Pandemic-related decreased opportunities to connect with patients and colleagues negatively impacts radiologists' mental health.

State of Communication Training During the Breast Imaging Fellowship Year

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to survey breast imaging fellowship programs nationally on the state of communication skills training during fellowship training.

METHODS

In this IRB-exempt study, fellowship program director members of the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) were anonymously surveyed on current provision and types of communication skills training in their fellowship curricula.

RESULTS

A six-question survey was sent to all 95 SBI member fellowship program directors with a response rate of 56% (53/95). Although direct fellow patient-centered communication interactions are practiced across all respondent training programs, formal communication skills training was offered in a minority of programs with 32% (17/53) providing formal communication in the form of a didactic lecture and 17% (9/53) engaging fellows in a simulation communication skills workshop. Of the 53 programs, 12 (22%) reported no formal communication skills training of any kind, while a majority (44/53, 83%) of programs provide regular feedback based on observed fellow-patient communication interactions.

CONCLUSION

Despite nearly uniform practice of engaging breast imaging fellows in direct patient-centered interaction at the onset of the fellowship training year, the majority of fellowship programs do not provide any formal communication skills training curricula at any point during fellowship training. To equip future breast radiologists with the skills to provide value in an increasingly patient-centered field, dedicated formal communication curricula ought to be incorporated consistently into breast imaging fellowship training programs.

The Effect of Targeted Ultrasound as Primary Imaging Modality on Quality of Life in Women with Focal Breast Complaints: A Comparative Cohort Study

Background: The high diagnostic performance of modern breast ultrasound (US) opens the possibility to shift toward targeted US as initial imaging test in women with breast complaints. This comparative cohort study investigates the effects of starting with US followed by digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), as practiced in the breast ultrasound study (BUST), on women's health-related quality of life (QoL). Methods: Fifty BUST participants and 50 "controls" who underwent DBT and US in regular order filled out the EQ-5D-3L three times during their visit: BUST participants before US (T1), after US (T2), and after DBT (T3) and non-BUST participants before DBT (T1), after DBT (T2), and after US (T3). Changes in QoL from baseline to T2 and T3 were assessed using generalized least squares, also taking into account the effects of biopsy, age, and complaint type. Results: Participants' mean age was 50.6 years (BUST: SD = 12.1, controls: SD = 11.5). At T2 the overall QoL was higher [t(102.9) = 2.4, p = 0.017] and anxiety levels were lower [t(98.7) = -2.4, p = 0.020] in BUST participants compared with controls. However, from T2 to T3 these effects equalize, resulting in similar performances in QoL and anxiety at T3, respectively [t(97.6) = -2.3, p = 0.023] and [t(97.2) = 3.1, p = 0.002]. Compared with BUST participants, controls show a clear decrease in pain after US [t(106.5) = -2.8, p = 0.006]. Women undergoing biopsy had lower QoL [t(167.1) = -2.4, p = 0.017] and pain [t(154.1) = -2.1, p = 0.038], and more anxiety [t(187.4) = 4.3, p = 0.000]. Conclusions: The results suggest that changing the radiological order by starting with US has a short-term positive effect on overall QoL, anxiety, and DBT pain experience in symptomatic women. Owing to its negative impact, biopsies should be performed cautiously. In conclusion, the moment of reassurance for women advances by reversing the radiological order according to the BUST, showing the high importance of human interaction in diagnostic care in addition to the clinical performance of imaging modalities.

Communicating With Breast Imaging Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Impact on Patient Care and Physician Wellness

OBJECTIVE

Assess the impact of COVID-19 on patient-breast radiologist interactions and evaluate the relationship between safety measure-constrained communication and physician wellbeing.

METHODS

A 41-question survey on the perceived effect of COVID-19 on patient care was distributed from June 2020 to September 2020 to members of the Society of Breast Imaging and the National Consortium of Breast Centers. Non-radiologists and international members were excluded. Anxiety and psychological distress scores were calculated. A multivariable logistic model was used to identify demographic and mental health factors associated with responses.

RESULTS

Five hundred twenty-five surveys met inclusion criteria (23% response rate). Diminished ability to fulfill patients' emotional needs was reported by 46% (221/479), a response associated with younger age (OR, 0.8 per decade; P < 0.01), higher anxiety (OR, 2.3; P < 0.01), and higher psychological distress (OR, 2.2; P = 0.04). Personal protective equipment made patient communication more difficult for 88% (422/478), a response associated with younger age (OR, 0.8 per decade; P = 0.008), female gender (OR, 1.9; P < 0.01), and greater anxiety (OR, 2.6; P = 0.001). The inability to provide the same level of care as prior to COVID-19 was reported by 37% (177/481) and was associated with greater anxiety (OR, 3.4; P < 0.001) and psychological distress (OR, 1.7; P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

The majority of breast radiologists reported that COVID-19 has had a negative impact on patient care. This perception was more likely among younger radiologists and those with higher levels of anxiety and psychological distress.

Feasibility study using multifocal Doppler twinkling artifacts to detect suspicious microcalcifications in ex vivo specimens of breast cancer on US

Multifocal Doppler twinkling artifact (MDTA) imaging has shown high detection rates of microcalcifications in phantom studies. We aimed to evaluate its performance in detecting suspicious microcalcifications in comparison with mammography by using ex vivo breast cancer specimens. We prospectively included ten women with breast cancer that presented with calcifications on mammography. Both digital specimen mammography and MDTA imaging were performed for ex vivo breast cancer specimens on the day of surgery. Five breast radiologists marked cells that included suspicious microcalcifications (referred to as ‘positive cell’) on specimen mammographic images using a grid of 5-mm cells. Cells that were marked by at least three readers were considered as ‘consensus-positive’. Matched color Doppler twinkling artifact (CDTA) signals were compared between reconstructed US-MDTA projection images and mammographic images. The median detection rate for each case was 74.7% for positive cells and 96.7% for consensus-positive cells. Of the 10 cases, 90% showed a detection rate of ≥ 80%, with 50% of cases showing a 100% detection rate for consensus-positive cells. The proposed MDTA imaging method showed high performance for detecting suspicious microcalcifications in ex vivo breast cancer specimens, and may be a feasible approach for detecting suspicious breast microcalcifications with US.

The American College of Radiology/Society of Breast Imaging Updated Fellowship Training Curriculum for Breast Imaging

Since the publication of the most recent breast imaging resident and fellowship curriculum in 2013, there have been widespread changes to the field of breast imaging. Screen-film mammography has been nearly completely replaced, and there has been widespread adoption of breast MRI and digital breast tomosynthesis. Fellowship training programs are increasingly one year in length, which accommodates the rapidly evolving subspecialized field of breast imaging. Recent surveys have identified deficits in nonclinical training related to patient communication and practice audits. This updated fellowship curriculum focuses on four discrete skill sets: clinical, noninterpretive, collaborative, and scholarly. Updates to the clinical curriculum include familiarity with new and emerging imaging technologies and biopsy techniques, as well as a more comprehensive understanding of breast pathology and appropriate follow-up and/or treatment recommendations. There is an increased focus on noninterpretive skills related to the practice audit and quality control. A formal communication curriculum tailored toward discussions with patients is highly recommended. The collaborative value of multidisciplinary care and the benefits of mentorship are emphasized. Finally, scholarly activities including both the opportunity for teaching and research, as well as dedicated lectures and journal clubs, will establish a platform for lifelong learning. This updated curriculum, which has been approved by the Executive Committee of the American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging Board of Directors, is designed to develop well-rounded fellowship graduates who are positioned to be breast imaging leaders within their future practices.

Effect of music on anxiety and pain during ultrasound-guided core needle breast biopsy: a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

Although imaging-guided core needle breast biopsy is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure, it is reported that patients may experience anxiety and pain. Interventions to reduce anxiety are important for high quality health services during imaging-guided core needle breast biopsy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of music intervention on anxiety and pain levels of patients undergoing ultrasound-guided core needle breast biopsy.

METHODS

In a prospective randomized controlled design, patients who were referred for ultrasound-guided core needle breast biopsy were invited to the study and randomized into the intervention group who received standard care with classical music intervention before and during the biopsy procedure, and the control group who received only standard care. Both groups received local anesthesia. The Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used for measuring anxiety and pain levels after the procedure. One-way multivariate analysis of variance test was used to find the effect of music intervention on patient anxiety and pain.

RESULTS

There were 31 patients (48.4%) in the intervention group and 33 (51.6%) in the control group; the groups were similar in terms of sociodemographic characteristics and general (trait) anxiety levels. The patients in the music intervention group had significantly lower state anxiety score than the control group (p = 0.008) with a mean difference of 3.8 (95% CI, 1.0-6.6). The mean difference of VAS pain score was 6.0 (95% CI, 2.2-14.2), which not statistically significant between groups (p = 0.150). There was no significant correlation between the VAS and the state anxiety scale (r = 0.003, p = 0.980).

CONCLUSION

Music reduced anxiety, but not pain during ultrasound-guided core needle breast biopsy. These results have implications especially for low and middle-income countries where low-cost and easily implemented interventions are needed to address patient anxiety during breast biopsy procedures.

Bargain Hunting for Buffered Lidocaine: A Collaborative Discovery of Cost-saving Strategies That Can Improve Patient Care

Buffered lidocaine is a local anesthetic option during percutaneous needle-directed procedures in the breast. At our institution, sodium bicarbonate (the buffer) is dispensed in volumes that frequently lead to medical waste and shortages. In this study, we describe how moving the buffering of lidocaine from the procedure room to our clinical hospital pharmacy results in a reduction in costs and improves satisfaction across the breast radiology department. While cost savings are difficult to tease out in practices that opt for bundled payments, we were able to access pricing and supply data and coordinate with our pharmacy to change our practice. Making these changes saves our practice $26 000 a year and allows us to continue to offer buffered lidocaine even during sodium bicarbonate shortages. This manuscript describes how these changes came about and their economic impact.

Understanding Patient Anxiety and Pain During Initial Image-guided Breast Biopsy

OBJECTIVE

Image-guided breast biopsies are safe, efficient, and reliable. However, patients are often anxious about these procedures, particularly those who have never undergone a prior biopsy.

METHODS

This prospective IRB-approved study surveyed 163 patients undergoing their first breast biopsy. Participants provided informed consent and completed a short written survey prior to and immediately after their procedure. Level of anxiety as well as anticipated and actual levels of pain prior to and following the procedure were assessed using a 0-10-point Likert scale. Correlation, bivariate, and regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Regarding the biopsy experience, 133/163 (81.6%) of patients reported it as better than expected. Anxiety decreased significantly from a prebiopsy mean score of 5.52 to a postbiopsy mean score of 2.25 (P < 0.001). Average and greatest pain experienced during the procedure had mean scores of 2.03 and 2.77, respectively, both significantly lower compared to preprocedural expectation (mean 4.53) (P < 0.001). Lower pain scores were reported in US-guided procedures compared to stereotactic- and MRI-guided biopsies (P < 0.001). No significant differences in pain scores were seen in those undergoing single versus multiple biopsies, or when benign, elevated-risk, or malignant lesions were sampled. Positive correlations were seen with prebiopsy anxiety levels and procedural pain as well as with anticipated pain and actual procedural pain.

CONCLUSION

Image-guided biopsies are often better tolerated by patients than anticipated. We stress the benefit of conveying this information to patients prior to biopsy, as decreased anxiety correlates with lower levels of pain experienced during the procedure.

Effect of a communication lecture tutorial on breast imaging trainees' confidence with challenging breast imaging patient interactions

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of a one-hour lecture based communication curriculum on breast imaging trainees' confidence in communicating with patients in a challenging communication setting such as delivering bad news or radiologic error disclosure.

METHODS

12 breast imaging trainees from an academic fellowship program completed questionnaires before and after a communication tutorial. A four breast imaging specific scenario questionnaire assessed confidence by asking the trainees to rank agreement with statements related to their attitude in those specific settings. 12-month follow-up questionnaire was sent to the graduating fellows assessing their -overall confidence in patient communication, the contribution of the curriculum to their self-perceived communication skill and their likelihood in disclosing a radiologic error to a patient.

RESULTS

All trainees completed the pre and post lecture questionnaire. After the communication tutorial, all trainees reported increased confidence in communicating with patients in a variety of challenging settings with pre lecture survey mean confidence score of 38/98 and post lecture survey mean score of 85.3/98, P = 0.003. Three of eight trainees who completed the 12-month follow up questionnaire reported confidence in their communication skills and reported that the tutorial significantly contributed to their communication skill development. All three agreed that they would be likely to disclose a medical error should they encounter it in their future career.

CONCLUSIONS

A limited resource one-hour lecture communication tutorial provides effective communication training for breast imaging fellows and is a promising part of a breast imaging curriculum.

Recent Progress for the Techniques of MRI-Guided Breast Interventions and their applications on Surgical Strategy

With a high sensitivity of breast lesions, MRI can detect suspicious lesions which are occult in traditional breast examination equipment. However, the lower and variable specificity of MRI makes the MRI-guided intervention, including biopsies and localizations, necessary before surgery, especially for patients who need the treatment of breast-conserving surgery (BCS). MRI techniques and patient preparation should be first carefully considered before the intervention to avoid lengthening the procedure time and compromising targeting accuracy. Doctors and radiologists need to reconfirm the target of the lesion and be very familiar with the process approach and equipment techniques involving the computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) tools and the biopsy system and follow a correct way. The basic steps of MRI-guided biopsy and localization are nearly the same regardless of the vendor or platform, and this article systematically introduces detailed methods and techniques of MRI-guided intervention. The two interventions both face different challenging situations during procedures with solutions given in the article. Post-operative statistics show that the complications of MRI-guided intervention are infrequent and mild, and MRI-guided biopsy provides the pathological information for the subsequent surgical decisions and MRI-guided localization fully prepared for follow-up surgical biopsy. New techniques for MRI-guided intervention are also elaborated in the article, which leads to future development. In a word, MRI-guided intervention is a safe, accurate, and effective technique with a low complication rate and successful MRI-guided intervention is truly teamwork with efforts from patients to surgeons, radiologists, MRI technologists, and nurses.

Unmet Spiritual Care Needs in Women Undergoing Core Needle Breast Biopsy

OBJECTIVE

Spiritual care is an important part of healthcare, especially when patients face a possible diagnosis of a life-threatening disease. This study examined the extent to which women undergoing core-needle breast biopsy desired spiritual support and the degree to which women received the support they desired.

METHODS

Participants (N = 79) were women age 21 and older, who completed an ultrasound- or stereotactic-guided core-needle breast biopsy. Participants completed measures of spiritual needs and spiritual care. Medical and sociodemographic information were also collected. Independent sample t-tests and chi-square tests of examined differences based on demographic, medical, and biopsy-related variables.

RESULTS

Forty-eight participants (48/79; 60.8%) desired some degree of spiritual care during their breast biopsy, and 33 participants (33/78; 42.3%) wanted their healthcare team to address their spiritual needs. African American women were significantly more likely to desire some type of spiritual support compared to women who were not African American. Among the 79 participants, 16 (20.3%) reported a discrepancy between desired and received spiritual support. A significant association between discrepancies and biopsy results was found, χ 2(1) = 4.19, P = .04, such that 2 (7.4%) of 27 participants with results requiring surgery reported discrepancies, while 14 (26.9%) of 52 participants with a benign result reported discrepancies.

CONCLUSION

Most women undergoing core-needle breast biopsy desired some degree of spiritual care. Although most reported that their spiritual needs were addressed, a subset of women received less care than desired. Our results suggest that healthcare providers should be aware of patients' desires for spiritual support, particularly among those with benign results.

Image-guided breast biopsy and localisation: recommendations for information to women and referring physicians by the European Society of Breast Imaging

We summarise here the information to be provided to women and referring physicians about percutaneous breast biopsy and lesion localisation under imaging guidance. After explaining why a preoperative diagnosis with a percutaneous biopsy is preferred to surgical biopsy, we illustrate the criteria used by radiologists for choosing the most appropriate combination of device type for sampling and imaging technique for guidance. Then, we describe the commonly used devices, from fine-needle sampling to tissue biopsy with larger needles, namely core needle biopsy and vacuum-assisted biopsy, and how mammography, digital breast tomosynthesis, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging work for targeting the lesion for sampling or localisation. The differences among the techniques available for localisation (carbon marking, metallic wire, radiotracer injection, radioactive seed, and magnetic seed localisation) are illustrated. Type and rate of possible complications are described and the issue of concomitant antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy is also addressed. The importance of pathological-radiological correlation is highlighted: when evaluating the results of any needle sampling, the radiologist must check the concordance between the cytology/pathology report of the sample and the radiological appearance of the biopsied lesion. We recommend that special attention is paid to a proper and tactful approach when communicating to the woman the need for tissue sampling as well as the possibility of cancer diagnosis, repeat tissue sampling, and or even surgery when tissue sampling shows a lesion with uncertain malignant potential (also referred to as "high-risk" or B3 lesions). Finally, seven frequently asked questions are answered.

Procedure-Related Pain During Image-Guided Percutaneous Biopsies: A Retrospective Study of Prevalence and Predictive Factors

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and severity of pain reported during image-guided percutaneous biopsies and to identify factors associated with increased reported pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS. In this retrospective study, a database of adult patients who underwent CT- or ultrasound-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy between July 22, 2013, and February 1, 2018, was reviewed. Data collected included patient age and sex, biopsy site, biopsy type (lesion or parenchymal), needle gauge, number of passes, use of sedation, and whether it was the patient's first recorded biopsy. The maximum procedure-related pain reported on a 0-10 numeric rating scale was recorded. Multivariable logistic regression with generalized estimating equations was used to assess the association between covariates and patient-reported pain. RESULTS. A total of 13,344 biopsy procedures were performed in 10,474 patients. Patients reported no pain (0 of 10 scale) during 9765 (73.2%) procedures. Female sex, younger age at biopsy, undergoing IV sedation, and larger needle diameter were all associated with increases in patient-reported pain. Biopsies of renal allografts were the least likely to be painful, followed by hepatic allografts. CONCLUSION. Patients typically report mild or no pain from image-guided biopsy performed by radiologists. Younger patients and women report greater pain. This information can assist preprocedural counseling and reassurance of patients and may help them predict procedure-related patient needs.

Optimizing the Patient Experience during Breast Biopsy

For years, breast imaging has been the model in radiology for patient communication, and more recently, it has been a leader in the growing patient- and family-centered approach to care. To maintain high levels of patient satisfaction during image-guided core-needle breast biopsies, the radiologist should understand patient perspectives so that interventions can be developed to manage patient concerns. This article reviews patient perspectives before, during, and after imaging-guided breast biopsies, and it describes strategies to help optimize the experiences of patients as they navigate the process.

Needle Biopsy Adequacy in the Era of Precision Medicine and Value-Based Health Care

CONTEXT.—

Needle biopsy of diseased tissue is an essential diagnostic tool that is becoming even more important as precision medicine develops. However, the capability of this modality to efficiently provide samples adequate for diagnostic and prognostic analysis remains quite limited relative to current diagnostic needs. For physicians and patients, inadequate biopsy frequently leads to diagnostic delay, procedure duplication, or insufficient information about tumor biology leading to delay in treatment; for health systems, this results in substantial incremental costs and inefficient use of scarce specialized diagnostic resources.

OBJECTIVE.—

To review current needle biopsy technology, devices, and practice with a perspective to identify current limitations and opportunities for improvement in the context of advancing precision medicine.

DATA SOURCES.—

PubMed searches of fine-needle aspiration and core needle biopsy devices and similar technologies were made generally, by tissue site, and by adequacy as well as by health economics of these technologies.

CONCLUSIONS.—

Needle biopsy adequacy can be improved by recognizing the importance of this diagnostic tool by promoting common criteria for needle biopsy adequacy; by optimizing needle biopsy procedural technique, technologies, clinical practice, professional education, and quality assurance; and by bundling biopsy procedure costs with downstream diagnostic modalities to provide better accountability and incentives to improve the diagnostic process.

The relationship between holding back from communicating about breast concerns and anxiety in the year following breast biopsy

PURPOSE

Evidence suggests open communication about breast cancer concerns promotes psychological adjustment, while holding back can lead to negative outcomes. Little is known about the relationship between communication and distress following breast biopsy. Design/ Sample: Women (N = 128) were assessed at the time of breast biopsy and again one week and three, six, and 12 months post-result.

METHODS

Linear mixed modeling examined relationships between holding back and anxiety for women with benign results (n = 94) or DCIS/invasive disease (n = 34) following breast biopsy.

FINDINGS

Anxiety increased among women with a benign result engaging in high but not low or average levels of holding back. Holding back was positively associated with anxiety post-result in breast cancer survivors, with anxiety decreasing over time. Conclusions/ Implications: Interventions to enhance communication are warranted, and knowledge of the differences among women with benign results and/or DCIS/invasive disease may allow for the development of tailored interventions.

An evaluation of patient experience during percutaneous breast biopsy

OBJECTIVE

Percutaneous breast biopsy in a tertiary referral high volume breast centre: can we improve the patient experience?

PURPOSE

The study was performed to evaluate patient experience during ultrasound-guided (UGB) and vacuum-assisted stereotactic breast biopsy (SBB) and determine what factors could improve the patient experience.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent image guided breast biopsy from 01- 05/30, 2015 were approached in a structured telephone interview to evaluate pain and bruising from the procedure. Three hundred and fifty-one patients were interviewed (116 SBB and 235 UGB). Information about the radiologist performing the biopsy, biopsy type, needle gauge, and number of cores was collected from the biopsy reports. Correlation was done using Spearman rank test.

RESULTS

Average patient scores of pain with UGB and SBB were 2.3 and 3.1 (out of 10). There was a significant correlation between pain during SBB and physician experience (p = 0.013), and no correlation with pain during UGB (p > 0.05). No correlation was found between needle gauge and pain experienced during breast biopsy or between numbers of cores and pain (p > 0.05). Body position during SBB was mentioned to cause discomfort and pain in 28% of patients while during UGB was mentioned by 0.4% of patients.

CONCLUSION

SBB was inferior to UGB for patient experience, but years of radiologists' experience correlated with improved patient scores of pain for SBB.

KEY POINTS

• To achieve high quality, an institution must emphasise patient-centred care. • Increased radiologist training with stereotactic biopsy may contribute to improved patient experience. • Stereotactic breast biopsy was inferior to ultrasound biopsy for patient experience. • Radiologists' experience correlated with improved patient scores of pain for stereotactic biopsy.

Impact of Sodium Bicarbonate-Buffered Lidocaine on Patient Pain During Image-Guided Breast Biopsy

PURPOSE

This randomized, double-blind controlled study evaluated the effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate-buffered lidocaine on reducing pain during imaging-guided breast biopsies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective, HIPAA-compliant study randomly assigned 85 women undergoing ultrasound- or stereotactic-guided core-needle breast biopsies to receive intradermally and intraparenchymally either 1% lidocaine buffered with sodium bicarbonate (9:1 ratio) (bicarbonate study group) or 1% lidocaine alone (control group). Pain was evaluated using a 0-to-10 Likert pain scale during both intradermal and intraparenchymal anesthesia injections and during tissue sampling. Prebiopsy breast pain, anxiety, medical history, demographics, biopsy type, radiologist level of training, breast density, and lesion histology were recorded. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and analysis of covariance.

RESULTS

Unadjusted mean pain scores were 1.47 and 2.07 (study and control groups, respectively; P = .15) during intradermal injections, and 1.84 and 2.98 (study and control groups, respectively; P = .03) during intraparenchymal injections. Tissue sampling mean pain scores were .81 and 1.71 (study and control groups, respectively; P = .07). Moderator analyses found (1) among patients with preprocedural pain, those in the bicarbonate group experienced less intradermal injection pain (0.85 ± 1.23) than patients in the control group (2.50 ± 2.09); (2) among patients with fatty or scattered fibroglandular tissue, those in the bicarbonate group (1.35 ± 1.95) experienced less intraparenchymal injection pain than the control group (3.52 ± 3.13); and (3) during ultrasound-guided biopsies, patients in the bicarbonate group experienced less tissue-sampling pain (0.23 ± 0.63) than the control group (1.79 ± 3.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, buffering lidocaine with sodium bicarbonate significantly reduced pain during intraparenchymal injections, and additional pain reduction was found in certain patient subgroups during intradermal injections, intraparenchymal injections, and tissue sampling.

Positive and negative mood following imaging-guided core needle breast biopsy and receipt of biopsy results

Positive and negative mood are independent psychological responses to stressful events. Negative mood negatively impacts well-being and co-occurring positive mood leads to improved adjustment. Women undergoing core needle breast biopsies (CNB) experience distress during CNB and awaiting results; however, influences of mood are not well known. This longitudinal study examines psychosocial and biopsy- and spirituality-related factors associated with mood in patients day of CNB and one week after receiving results. Ninety women undergoing CNB completed questionnaires on psychosocial factors (chronic stress, social support), biopsy experiences (pain, radiologist communication), and spirituality (peace, meaning, faith) day of CNB. Measures of positive and negative mood were completed day of CNB and one week after receiving results (benign n = 50; abnormal n = 25). Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. Greater positive mood correlated with greater peace (β = .25, p = .02) day of CNB. Lower negative mood correlated with greater peace (β = -.29, p = .004) and there was a trend for a relationship with less pain during CNB (β = .19, p = .07). For patients with benign results, day of CNB positive mood predicted positive mood post-results (β = .31, p = .03) and only chronic stress predicted negative mood (β = .33, p = .03). For women with abnormal results, greater meaning day of CNB predicted lower negative mood post-results (β = -.45, p = .03). Meaning and peace may be important for women undergoing CNB and receiving abnormal results.

Research Lumbar Punctures among African Americans and Caucasians: Perception Predicts Experience

African Americans are under-represented in Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related biomarker studies, and it has been speculated that mistrust plays a major factor in the recruitment of African Americans for studies involving invasive procedures such as the lumbar puncture (LP). We set out to determine factors associated with non-participation in a biomarker study aiming to explore cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) AD biomarker differences between older African Americans and Caucasians. We also surveyed participants' procedure-related perception (a standard medical procedure vs. a frightening invasive procedure) and reluctance, as well as the rate and type of post-procedure discomfort and complications. Among 288 subjects approached for study participation, 145 (50.3%) refused participation with concerns over LP being the most commonly reported reason. Relatively more African Americans than Caucasians reported concerns over LP as the main reason for non-participation (46% vs. 25%, p = 0.03), but more African Americans also did not provide a specific reason for non-participation. Among those who completed study participation (including the LP), African Americans and Caucasians were similar in pre-LP perceptions and reluctance, as well as post-LP rates of discomfort or complication. Perceiving LP as a frightening invasive procedure, not race, is associated with increased likelihood of post-LP discomfort or complication (RR 6.2, 95% confidence interval 1.1-37.0). Our results indicate that LP is a well perceived procedure in a cohort of African American and Caucasian research participants, and is associated with few serious complications. The pre-procedure perception that the LP is a frightening invasive procedure significantly increases the risk of self-reported discomfort of complications, and African Americans may be more likely to turn down study participation because of the LP. Future studies will need to address factors associated with negative LP perceptions to further assure participants and reduce complication rates.

Microcalcification on mammography: approaches to interpretation and biopsy

This article discusses the significance of microcalcifications on mammography and the changes in technology that have influenced management; it also describes a pragmatic approach to investigation of microcalcification in a UK screening programme.

Application of a topical vapocoolant spray decreases pain at the site of initial intradermal anaesthetic injection during ultrasound-guided breast needle biopsy

AIM

To assess whether the application of a topical vapocoolant spray immediately prior to initial intradermal anaesthetic injection during ultrasound-guided breast biopsy decreases pain at the site of the initial injection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this institutional review board-approved, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-compliant study, 50 women aged 49.1 ± 1.6 years (mean ± standard error) were recruited and provided written informed consent. Participants served as their own controls and were blinded as to whether a topical vapocoolant spray or a placebo was used immediately prior to the initial local anaesthetic injection at two separate biopsy sites. With the exception of the application of vapocoolant or placebo, the entire ultrasound-guided procedure was performed according to a routine protocol. Participants recorded pain at initial injection site on a visual analogue scale. General linear mixed models for repeated measures analysis of variance and a 0.05 significance level were used.

RESULTS

Application of topical vapocoolant spray was shown to significantly decrease pain at the site of initial intradermal anaesthetic injection as compared to placebo (p<0.001). Treatment effect was independent of age of the subject, race/ethnicity, operator, type of biopsy device, and histopathology result. No complications from vapocoolant spray use were reported.

CONCLUSION

Application of a topical vapocoolant spray immediately prior to initial intradermal anaesthetic injection during ultrasound-guided breast biopsy significantly decreases pain at the site of the initial injection and could contribute to improve the patient's overall procedural experience.