IntroductionThe automated breast volume scanner (ABVS) is the fi rst 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 classifi ed into: benign -for example, cysts, fi broadenomas, diabetic mastopathy; and malignant. ConclusionWe 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 benefi ts. O2Symptomatic breast services in Ireland: how do they compare with national and international standards?
SUMMARY Dense artery sign of the middle cerebral artery on non‐enhanced computed tomography is recognized as an early sign of ensuing major cerebral infarction and is usually a consequence of thrombosis or embolism of an ischaemic stroke. A case is described resulting from trauma that correlated with angiographic and Doppler ultrasound findings and the significance of this sign in this case is discussed.
A 52-year-old lady was seen in the breast clinic after an 8 mm lesion was found in her left breast on screening mammogram. Clinical examination was normal. The left breast mammogram showed an 8 mm rounded density posteriorly in the inner half of breast and ultrasound also showed a 7 mm, well-defined ovoid echogenic lesion (R3, U3). Biopsy confirmed the lesion was fibro-fatty tissue containing a diffuse infiltrate of lymphoid cells macroscopically (B3/4)—findings in line with a diagnosis of a myofibroblastoma. A myofibroblastoma is a rare benign mesenchymal tumour comprising of spindle cells. Most breast myofibroblastomas described in the literature have been excised by wide local excision. In this patient’s case, a vacuum-assisted technique was discussed and suggested at the multidisciplinary meeting. It was excised using ultrasound-guided Vacora® breast biopsy system. The lesion was completely excised with the encore biopsy measuring 24×17mm. This is the first documented case of such a technique for the excision of a breast myofibroblastoma. There still is uncertainty about breast myofibroblastomas, their aetiology, associations, and how they are best investigated. Regarding management, vacuum-assisted technique, being less invasive and cheaper than local excisions, is adequate for small lesions.