Patients prefer spiral breast CT over digital mammography—and diagnostic results are comparable
Spiral breast CT scans offer results comparable to digital mammography, potentially placing the exam as a more comfortable, achievable option for cancer screening, according to new research published in the European Journal of Radiology
Previous studies have shown that 61% of patients undergoing compression during digital mammography report significant pain, which could negatively affect screening rates and possibly delay cancer diagnoses. While DM is the standard imaging modality for early detection, research into other options that are less likely to deter patients is necessary, experts said Thursday.
SBCT scans have started attracting more interest in recent years, as they capture high-resolution images and have the option of full 3D imaging.
“Since the technology does not require breast compression, SBCT might also increase patient comfort and reduce compression-related pain compared to DM,” Matthias Wetzl, with the Department of Radiology at University Hospital Erlangen, and co-authors explained.
For this research 79 patients underwent SBCT and DM for assessment of BI-RADS 4-6 lesions. Patients answered questions about their exams afterwards and were asked to rate their overall comfort, pain, etc on a 5-point Likert scale. Using that same scale, radiologic technologists rated their workflow utilizing SBCT compared to DM.
The results revealed that patients experienced a significant decrease in pain and discomfort during SBCT. And this was most prevalent among premenopausal women. Survey data also showed the spiral CT workflow was suitable for radiologic technologists.
More importantly, the interrater agreement among radiologists proved to be “favorable.” Contrast-enhanced SBCT detected microcalcifications consistently and at a radiation dose comparable to DM.
“Provided that future studies confirm diagnostic noninferiority, SBCT may be considered as an alternative imaging method to DM,” the authors concluded.
In addition to her background in journalism, Hannah also has patient-facing experience in clinical settings, having spent more than 12 years working as a registered rad tech. She began covering the medical imaging industry for Innovate Healthcare in 2021.