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

• Published in: European radiology Vol. 27; no. 11; pp. 4797 - 4803
• Main Authors: Jain, Ashali, Khalid, Maria, Qureshi, Muhammad M., Georgian-Smith, Dianne, Kaplan, Jonah A., Buch, Karen, Grinstaff, Mark W., Hirsch, Ariel E., Hines, Neely L., Anderson, Stephan W., Gallagher, Katherine M., Bates, David D. B., Bloch, B. Nicolas
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.11.2017; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Biopsy; Biopsy, Large-Core Needle - instrumentation; Biopsy, Large-Core Needle - methods; Breast; Breast - diagnostic imaging; Breast - pathology; Breast cancer; Breast Density; Breast Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging; Breast Neoplasms - pathology; Breasts; Cores; Density; Diagnostic Radiology; Female; Foreign-Body Migration - diagnostic imaging; Humans; Imaging; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Internal Medicine; Interventional Radiology; Mammography; Markers; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Middle Aged; Migration; Neuroradiology; Radiology; Retrospective Studies; Statistical analysis; T shape; Ultrasound; Vacuum; Core-needle biopsy; Breast cancer; Image-guided biopsy; Marker migration; Breast biopsy
• ISSN: 0938-7994; 1432-1084
• DOI: 10.1007/s00330-017-4851-7

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.