Computer-assisted detection as a second reader in symptomatic Asian women with palpable breast cancer

The development of breast radiology: the Acta Radiologica perspective

The encouraging results of modern breast cancer care builds on tremendous improvements in diagnostics and therapy during the 20th century. Scandinavian countries have made important footprints in the development of breast diagnostics regarding technical development of imaging, cell and tissue sampling methods and, not least, population screening with mammography. The multimodality approach in combination with multidisciplinary clinical work in breast cancer serve as a role model for the management of many cancer types worldwide. The development of breast radiology is well represented in the research published in this journal and this historical review will describe the most important steps.

A comparison of computer-assisted detection (CAD) programs for the identification of colorectal polyps: performance and sensitivity analysis, current limitations and practical tips for radiologists

AIM

To directly compare the accuracy and speed of analysis of two commercially available computer-assisted detection (CAD) programs in detecting colorectal polyps.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

In this retrospective single-centre study, patients who had colorectal polyps identified on computed tomography colonography (CTC) and subsequent lower gastrointestinal endoscopy, were analysed using two commercially available CAD programs (CAD1 and CAD2). Results were compared against endoscopy to ascertain sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) for colorectal polyps. Time taken for CAD analysis was also calculated.

RESULTS

CAD1 demonstrated a sensitivity of 89.8%, PPV of 17.6% and mean analysis time of 125.8 seconds. CAD2 demonstrated a sensitivity of 75.5%, PPV of 44.0% and mean analysis time of 84.6 seconds.

CONCLUSION

The sensitivity and PPV for colorectal polyps and CAD analysis times can vary widely between current commercially available CAD programs. There is still room for improvement. Generally, there is a trade-off between sensitivity and PPV, and so further developments should aim to optimise both. Information on these factors should be made routinely available, so that an informed choice on their use can be made. This information could also potentially influence the radiologist's use of CAD results.

Recent Advances in Breast-Specific Imaging

Background

Imaging the breast is a vital component not only for breast cancer screening, but also for diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, and follow-up of patients with breast cancer.

Methods

The author reviews recent advances and also provides her personal experience in describing the status of digital mammography, computer-aided detection, dedicated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron-emission mammography for evaluating the breast.

Results

Full-field digital mammography is superior to standard mammography in women under 50 years of age and in those with dense breasts. Computer-aided detection assists inexperienced mammographers and enhances detection of microcalcifications in dense breasts. Breast MRI is useful in preoperative evaluation, clarification of indeterminate mammograms, and follow-up of BRCA mutation carriers. The specificity of MRI remains problematic, however. Positron-emission mammography promises enhanced detection of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), even when not associated with microcalcifications, and should aid surgical planning.

Conclusions

These four significant advances in breast imaging have all improved the sensitivity of detecting breast abnormalities. Cost issues, however, may limit the widespread application of these advances.