Isolated clustered microcalcifications: diagnostic value of mammography--series of 400 cases with surgical verification.

Abstract

To determine the diagnostic value of mammographic criteria in cases of isolated clustered microcalcifications. Four hundred mammographic studies of isolated clustered microcalcifications for which surgical verification was available were reviewed. A descriptive statistical study was performed to evaluate the distribution of each criterion relative to histopathologic results, followed by a multivariate study to determine statistically significant criteria. Seven breast specialists gave a consensus opinion on the need for surgery. There were 302 benign lesions and 98 cancers. The most useful criteria were vermicular form, linear/branching shape, and irregular size of microcalcification. The number of biopsies recommended with use of these three criteria was 177 instead of the 172 recommended by the experts. Use of these three preoperative criteria permits correct diagnosis of most such malignancies (90% in our series vs 67% diagnosed by the experts).