Breast mass assessment on chest CT: Axial, sagittal, coronal or maximal intensity projection?

Abstract

Objectives: The goal of this work is to determine the optimal projection to detect breast masses on Chest CT.

Methods: Institutional Review Board (HIPPA compliant) approval was obtained with a waiver of consent. 10 image pairs of Chest CT images containing breast masses were selected for review by 10 chest radiologists: the pairs consisted of axial, sagittal, coronal and axial MIP images (MIP images) with each projection compared to a MIP and with one another. For each pair, the image where the mass was most conspicuous was recorded.

Results: MIPs were preferred to any cross sectional projection 82% of the time; sagittal (63%) or coronal (63%) images were preferred to the axial projection. When sagittal and coronal images were compared there was no preference.

Conclusions: MIP images should be obtained and reviewed for breast pathology; sagittal or coronal projections may provide additional information.

Keywords: Breast CT; Breast cancer; Breast mass; Chest CT; Mammography.