Ultrasound Elastography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings of Breast Angiosarcoma Mimicking a Benign Lesion by Elastography: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Primary and secondary angiosarcomas of the breast are rare neoplasms. Radiologically, magnetic resonance imaging, mammography, and ultrasound (US) findings of angiosarcomas have been reported previously. However, ultrasound (US) elastography findings of angiosarcoma have not been reported yet. Currently, US elastography should be used commonly to decide biopsy or short-term follow-up of breast lesions.

Case Presentation: A 39-year-old female from Adana, Turkey, was admitted to Dr.Turgut Noyan Adana Teaching and Medical Research Center at the breast center of Baskent University, with a palpable right breast mass, which had been enlarging for one year in 2015. Our breast center is a tertiary referral center. B-mode US and US elastography findings suggested that the lesion was benign; however, magnetic resonance imaging showed a mass enhancing intensely at early phases with rapid wash out. The final diagnosis of the mastectomy specimen confirmed low-grade angiosarcoma. If the recommendation would have been based on the elastography findings, it would have been catastrophic because angiosarcomas tend to rapidly increase in size.

Conclusions: B-mode US and elastography findings of breast angiosarcoma may mimic benign lesions.