Recent Advances in Ultrasound Breast Imaging: From Industry to Clinical Practice
Orlando Catalano, Roberta Fusco, Federica De Muzio, Igino Simonetti, Pierpaolo Palumbo, Federico Bruno, Alessandra Borgheresi, Andrea Agostini, Michela Gabelloni, Carlo Varelli, Antonio Barile, Andrea Giovagnoni, Nicoletta Gandolfo, Vittorio Miele, Vincenza Granata
Abstract
Breast ultrasound (US) has undergone dramatic technological improvement through recent decades, moving from a low spatial resolution, grayscale-limited technique to a highly performing, multiparametric modality. In this review, we first focus on the spectrum of technical tools that have become commercially available, including new microvasculature imaging modalities, high-frequency transducers, extended field-of-view scanning, elastography, contrast-enhanced US, MicroPure, 3D US, automated US, S-Detect, nomograms, images fusion, and virtual navigation. In the subsequent section, we discuss the broadened current application of US in breast clinical scenarios, distinguishing among primary US, complementary US, and second-look US. Finally, we mention the still ongoing limitations and the challenging aspects of breast US.