Molecular Breast Imaging for Women Presenting With a History of Non-Reproducible Bloody Nipple Discharge and Negative Findings on Routine Imaging Studies: A Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study was to assess the role of molecular breast imaging (MBI) for women with a history of non-reproducible bloody nipple discharge (BND) and negative findings on clinical breast examination, mammography, and ultrasonography. METHODS AND RESULTS MBI was performed on 14 women meeting these criteria and interpreted as negative (n=7), benign (n=6), and probably benign (n=l). Two patients with a negative result underwent duct exploration, revealing papilloma and radial scar. Median follow-up was 20 months (range, 0-35 months). One patient had another episode of BND at 37 months; excisional biopsy result was benign. Invasive carcinoma and phyllodes tumor diagnosed in two patients at 17 and 25 months were assumed to be unrelated to the reported BND episode. DISCUSSION The concordance between MBI, mammography, and ultrasonography regarding the absence of suspicious findings in women presenting with a history of non-reproducible BND is reassuring. Larger studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]