Negative predictive value of mammography and sonography in XXXX with negative physical findings.

@entity1 @entity5026 @entity5
OBJECTIVE: To determine the negative predictive value of mammography and sonography in @entity1 with focal/ diffuse @entity5026 with negative physical examination of the breasts. METHODS: A descriptive study, conducted at Radiology Department ofAga Khan University Hospital from 2006-2007 for a period of 2 years. A total of 207 @entity1 were referred for mammography and sonography because of focal or diffuse @entity5026 . Complete follow-up was available only in 55 @entity1 . The outcome or gold standard was mammograms or ultrasound after an average follow-up period of 18 months with negative/benign findings or histopathology of the suspicious lesion or imaging which was the gold standard to determine the negative predictive value. RESULTS: Out of 55 @entity1 , 17 (31%) had negative findings, benign findings were reported in 34 @entity1 (62%), and 4 (7%) @entity1 were subjected to mammographically guided breast biopsy. All the biopsies were done on the basis of abnormal findings on mammograms. All of the 4 @entity1 had no evidence of @entity5 on subsequent histopathology. The negative predictive value of mammography and ultrasound in @entity1 with focal or diffuse @entity5026 was 100%. CONCLUSION: Breast imaging using mammography and/or sonography in @entity1 who present with local or diffuse @entity5026 is of significant value, to reassure the @entity1 as well as the clinician. However if imaging findings are suggestive of pathology a biopsy should not be delayed.
