Application of Ultrasound Artificial Intelligence and Elastography in Differential Diagnosis of Breast Nodules

A Multi-center Study of Differential Diagnosis Breast Nodules by Ultrasound Artificial Intelligence and Ultrasound Elastography

The application of computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) technology "S-Detect" enables qualitative and quantitative automated analysis of ultrasound images to obtain objective, repeatable and more accurate diagnostic results. The Elastic Contrast Index (ECI) technique, unlike conventional strain-elastic imaging techniques, can evaluate the elastic distribution in the region of interest. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the differential diagnosis value of ultrasound S-Detect technology for benign and malignant breast nodules and evaluate the differential diagnosis consistency of the ultrasound S-Detect technique and the examiner for benign and malignant breast nodules and explore the differential diagnosis value of Samsung ultrasound elastic contrast Index (ECI) technique for benign and malignant breast nodules.

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women and the second leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Therefore, early detection of breast cancer and timely treatment are of great significance for controlling and reducing breast cancer mortality. Breast ultrasound is an adjunct to extensive use in the detection of breast cancer, but ultrasound is highly technically dependent on the examiner, and the results are greatly influenced by the subjective nature of the examiner, adding unnecessary surgery and puncture, which causes great problems for clinicians and patients.Moreover, the value of conventional ultrasound in the differential diagnosis of breast mass is still limited, and the emergence of new technologies such as artificial intelligence and elastography has improved the accuracy of ultrasound diagnosis to varying degrees.

S-Detect technology is a computer-aided (CAD) system recently developed by Samsung Medical Center for breast ultrasound to assist in morphological analysis based on the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) description and final assessment.This provides a new way to identify the benign and malignant breast nodules.

The E-Breast technique, unlike conventional strain-elastic imaging technology, performs an elastic analysis of the entire two-dimensional image.Moreover, when measuring the elastic ratio, it is only necessary to place a region of interest (ROI) at the nodule.Compared with the average elasticity of the surrounding area, it is more reflective of the elastic ratio of the mass to the surrounding tissue.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Had breast lesions detected by ultrasound
2. Age 18 or older
3. Upcoming FNAB or surgery
4. Signing informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients who had received a biopsy of breast lesion before the ultrasound examination
2. Can not cooperate with the test operation
3. Patients who were pregnant or lactating
4. Patients who were undergoing neoadjuvant treatment.