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Ultraschall Med 2017; 38(05): 500-507
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-108010
Original Article
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Breast Ultrasonography: Findings in Pediatric Patients

Mammasonografie: Befunde bei pädiatrischen Patienten
Sebastian Harth
1   Department of Radiology, University of Gießen, Germany
,
Christopher Behrens
1   Department of Radiology, University of Gießen, Germany
,
Fritz Christian Roller
1   Department of Radiology, University of Gießen, Germany
,
Gerhard Ferdinand Peter Alzen
2   Department of Pediatric Radiology, University of Gießen, Germany
,
Gabriele Anja Krombach
1   Department of Radiology, University of Gießen, Germany
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

28 November 2014

10 August 2015

Publication Date:
04 February 2016 (online)

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Abstract

Purpose To analyze referral indications, imaging findings and diagnoses in breast sonography in a division of pediatric radiology.

Materials and Methods Breast ultrasound examinations of 270 patients were analyzed for referral reasons, imaging findings and final diagnoses (152 females, 118 males). The mean age of the patients was 8.8 years (range, 6 days–18 years). Each breast was examined systematically in two orthogonal probe orientations. Pathological findings were documented on two orthogonal imaging planes. Color Doppler ultrasonography was used additionally. Images and clinical data were reviewed in all cases.

Results The most frequent referral reasons in female patients were breast enlargement (104 patients), palpable mass (24 patients) and mastodynia (23 patients). The most frequent diagnoses were normal gland tissue (101 patients), cysts (9 patients), augmented adipose tissue (7 patients) and hemangiomas (7 patients). The most frequent referral reasons in male patients were breast enlargement (106 patients), palpable mass (13 patients) and mastodynia (9 patients). The most frequent diagnoses were gland tissue (79 patients), augmented adipose tissue (24 patients) and cysts (10 patients). Only 2 malignant masses were diagnosed: A Burkitt lymphoma and a relapsed ALL.

Conclusion Fear of breast cancer and permanent damage to the breast leads to low-threshold medical consultations and referrals. Sensitive handling is required especially in adolescent patients. Most disorders arise due to the variability of breast development. Ultrasound serves as a means to exclude significant diseases of the breast.

Zusammenfassung

Ziel Ziel der Studie war es, Überweisungsgründe, Befunde und Diagnosen der Mammasonografie in einer Abteilung für Kinderradiologie zu analysieren.

Material und Methoden Es wurden Mammasonografien von 270 Kindern hinsichtlich des Überweisungsgrundes, der Bildbefunde und der abschließenden Diagnose untersucht (152 Mädchen, 118 Jungen). Das mittlere Alter der Kinder war 8,8 Jahre (6 Tage – 18 Jahre). Beide Mammae wurden systematisch in zwei senkrecht zueinander stehenden Ebenen untersucht. Pathologische Befunde wurden in zwei senkrecht zueinander stehenden Ebenen dokumentiert. Zusätzlich wurde die Farbdopplersonografie angewendet. Bildgebung und klinische Daten wurden in allen Fällen gesichtet.

Ergebnisse Die häufigsten Überweisungsgründe für Mädchen waren Brustvergrößerung (104 Fälle), tastbare Raumforderung (24 Fälle) und Mastodynie (23 Fälle), die häufigsten Diagnosen waren normales Drüsengewebe (101 Fälle), Zysten (9 Fälle), vermehrtes Fettgewebe (7 Fälle) und Hämangiome (7 Fälle). Die häufigsten Überweisungsgründe bei Jungen waren Brustvergrößerung (106 Fälle), tastbare Raumforderung (13 Fälle) und Mastodynie (9 Fälle), die häufigsten Diagnosen waren Drüsengewebe (79 Fälle), vermehrtes Fettgewebe (24 Fälle) und Zysten (10 Fälle). Nur in 2 Fällen wurden maligne Neoplasien diagnostiziert (Burkitt-Lymphom und Rezidiv einer ALL).

Schlussfolgerung Angst vor Brustkrebs und einem bleibenden Schaden der Brust führt zu niedrigschwelligen Konsultierungen und Überweisungen zur Mammasonografie im Kindesalter. Insbesondere jugendliche Patienten erfordern einen feinfühligen Umgang. Die meisten Beschwerden beruhen auf der Variabilität der Brustentwicklung. Die Hauptrolle des Ultraschalls ist es, relevante Erkrankungen auszuschließen.

Key words

breast - mammography - ultrasound - children - adolescents
 

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