Isolated clustered microcalcifications: diagnostic value of mammography--series of 400 cases with surgical verification.

PURPOSE: To determine the diagnostic value of mammographic criteria in cases of isolated clustered microcalcifications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four hundred mammographic studies of isolated clustered microcalcifications for which surgical verification was available were reviewed. A descriptive statistical study was performed to evaluate the distribution of each criterion relative to histopathologic results, followed by a multivariate study to determine statistically significant criteria. Seven breast specialists gave a consensus opinion on the need for surgery. RESULTS: There were 302 benign lesions and 98 cancers. The most useful criteria were vermicular form, linear/branching shape, and irregular size of microcalcification. The number of biopsies recommended with use of these three criteria was 177 instead of the 172 recommended by the experts. CONCLUSION: Use of these three preoperative criteria permits correct diagnosis of most such malignancies (90% in our series vs 67% diagnosed by the experts).