American Journal of Roentgenology, Vol 173, 1643-1649, Copyright © 1999 by American Roentgen Ray Society
Mammographic determination of breast volume: comparing different methods
CL Kalbhen, JJ McGill, PM Fendley, KW Corrigan and J Angelats
Department of Radiology, Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL 60153, USA.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy and
reproducibility of different methods for calculating breast volume when
using measurements made on mammograms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The volumes
of 32 breasts were determined by pathologic evaluation of mastectomy
specimens. Two radiologists independently measured breast height and width
on the preoperative craniocaudal mammograms and measured height, width, and
width at half-height on mediolateral oblique mammograms. Compression
thicknesses used on the craniocaudal and mediolateral oblique projections
were recorded. Volume was then calculated using six different formulas. The
accuracy of each method was determined and compared using bivariate and
univariate linear regression analyses. Interobserver variability in
measurement was also assessed. RESULTS: The most accurate method for
calculating breast volume was the one that assumed a half-elliptic cylinder
shape for the compressed breast in the craniocaudal projection.
Measurements made on the craniocaudal view were more reproducible than
those made on the mediolateral oblique view. CONCLUSION: Breast volume can
be accurately and reproducibly determined on mammograms by making two
measurements on the craniocaudal view and knowing the compression
thickness. This information may be useful to plastic surgeons,
investigators who study parenchymal patterns, and physicians who examine
cancer patients being considered for breast conservation surgery.
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