Rationale and objectives: We examined the role of computed tomography (CT) in breast imaging, especially in guiding needle localization procedures.
Methods: We reviewed our institution's breast imaging database, from 1978 to 1994, for procedures in which CT scanning was used. Twenty-four CT-guided needle localizations were identified. Medical records, mammograms, CT scans, and pathology reports were reviewed for all patients.
Results: Twenty-four needle localizations were performed on 22 female patients. The average size of the lesions localized was 12 mm. The most common reason for CT scanning was the inability to image a suspicious density by conventional mammography on two orthogonal views. Nine malignant and 15 benign lesions were localized under CT guidance. One patient developed a postoperative hematoma. No other complications occurred.
Conclusion: CT-guided breast localization is a reliable technique that may be used to define selected breast lesions that are difficult to triangulate or localize by conventional two-view mammography.