Automated Breast Ultrasound: Interobserver Agreement, Diagnostic Value, and Associated Clinical Factors of Coronal-Plane Image Features

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the interobserver agreement, diagnostic value, and associated clinical factors of automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) coronal features in differentiating breast lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study enrolled 457 pathologically confirmed lesions in 387 female (age, 46.4 ± 10.3 years), including 377 masses and 80 non-mass lesions (NMLs). The unique coronal features, including retraction phenomenon, hyper- or hypoechoic rim (continuous or discontinuous), skipping sign, and white wall sign, were defined and recorded. The interobserver agreement on image type and coronal features was evaluated. Furthermore, clinical factors, including the lesion size, distance to the nipple or skin, palpability, and the histological grade were analyzed. RESULTS: = 0.040). CONCLUSION: The coronal plane of ABUS may provide useful diagnostic value for breast lesions.