Contrast Enhanced Tomography of the Breast
Contrast mammography refers to the imaging of an iodinated contrast agent using mammographic x-ray imaging equipment. Contrast mammography is useful because the contrast agent has been shown to accumulate preferentially in lesions that are metabolically active. It therefore can be used to identify lesions and potential malignancies.
Additionally, the imaging of the contrast agent is mostly unaffected by dense breast tissue, so contrast mammography can be useful in dense breasts, where the performance of conventional imaging degrades.
The potential clinical uses contrast mammography, are to:
- Evaluate breasts that are difficult to interpret with mammography
- Identify potentially undetected malignancies
- Image patients contraindicated for MRI
- Monitor effectiveness of drug therapy
- Evaluate extent of disease
After administering intravenous dye, a sequence of images is obtained at 2 minute intervals. These images are then processed by powerful computers and projected on a dedicated mammography viewing monitor. Breast abnormalities such as cancers are usually detectable as bright spots in these images.
At CareScan, our specialist radiologists have obtained specific training on contrast enhanced tomography to be able to offer these services to the patients.
