Contrast enhanced mammography for dummies

Introduction: Contrast-enhanced Spectral Mammography (CESM) is an innovative application of digital mammography that allows the detection of local changes in breast perfusion through tumor angiogenesis. Recent findings: This examination is more and more performed today, due to its excellent diagnostic performance globally equivalent to MRI, particularly in women being diagnose with breast cancer. CESM cost and acquisition time are significantly lower than Breast MRI exams. A contrast-enhanced mammography module can most often be installed on a digital mammography system without the need to acquire a new machine. Although CESM is a promising imaging modality, the radiation dose is slightly increased and there is a small risk of adverse reactions to the iodinated contrast material injected. In France, the “Haute Autorité de Santé” recently published recommendation in favor to integrate CESM in the diagnostic management of breast cancer in specific situations, such as contraindications to breast MRI. Conclusion: Contrast enhanced mammography is still a relatively uncommon technique, and it now seems essential to highlights its place in the diagnostic approach in breast imaging by detailing all its possible applications.