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Stereotactic core needle breast biopsy marker migration: An analysis of factors contributing to immediate marker migration

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Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate breast biopsy marker migration in stereotactic core needle biopsy procedures and identify contributing factors.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed 268 stereotactic biopsy markers placed in 263 consecutive patients undergoing stereotactic biopsies using 9G vacuum-assisted devices from August 2010-July 2013. Mammograms were reviewed and factors contributing to marker migration were evaluated. Basic descriptive statistics were calculated and comparisons were performed based on radiographically-confirmed marker migration.

Results

Of the 268 placed stereotactic biopsy markers, 35 (13.1%) migrated ≥1 cm from their biopsy cavity. Range: 1–6 cm; mean (± SD): 2.35 ± 1.22 cm. Of the 35 migrated biopsy markers, 9 (25.7%) migrated ≥3.5 cm. Patient age, biopsy pathology, number of cores, and left versus right breast were not associated with migration status (P> 0.10). Global fatty breast density (P= 0.025) and biopsy in the inner region of breast (P = 0.031) were associated with marker migration. Superior biopsy approach (P= 0.025), locally heterogeneous breast density, and t-shaped biopsy markers (P= 0.035) were significant for no marker migration.

Conclusions

Multiple factors were found to influence marker migration. An overall migration rate of 13% supports endeavors of research groups actively developing new biopsy marker designs for improved resistance to migration.

Key Points

• Breast biopsy marker migration is documented in 13% of 268 procedures.

• Marker migration is affected by physical, biological, and pathological factors.

• Breast density, marker shape, needle approach etc. affect migration.

• Study demonstrates marker migration prevalence; marker design improvements are needed.

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Abbreviations

BI-RADS:

Breast Imaging-reporting and data system

SD:

Standard deviation

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ashali Jain.

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Guarantor

The scientific guarantor of this publication is Dr. B. Nicolas Bloch.

Conflict of interest

The authors of this manuscript declare no relationships with any companies, whose products or services may be related to the subject matter of the article.

Funding

The authors state that this work has not received any funding.

Statistics and biometry

No complex statistical methods were necessary for this paper.

Informed consent

Written informed consent was waived by the Institutional Review Board.

Ethical approval

Institutional Review Board approval was obtained.

Study subjects or cohorts overlap

Some study subjects or cohorts have been previously reported at the European Congress of Radiology in 2014 and 2016.

Methodology

• retrospective

• cross-sectional study

• performed at one institution

Additional information

Ashali Jain and Maria Khalid contributed equally to this work.

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Jain, A., Khalid, M., Qureshi, M.M. et al. Stereotactic core needle breast biopsy marker migration: An analysis of factors contributing to immediate marker migration. Eur Radiol 27, 4797–4803 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-017-4851-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-017-4851-7

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