Survey of abdominal and lymph node sonographic findings in the follow-up of patients with breast cancer in Iran

Background:studies in developed countries have shown that abdominal sonography is useful for foiiow-up of breast cancer patients. the aim of this study was to evaluate usefulness of abdominal sonography for the foiiow-up of patients with breast cancer in iran. additionaiiy, we assessed the value of regional lymph node sonography in patients with breast cancer.methods: retrospectively, abdominal ultrasound examination reports of 330 patients with breast cancer who were referred to cancer institute radiology department were reviewed.results: a bdominal sonography revealed liver metastases in 10% of patients. multiple liver metastases found in 7.9% of patients, single liver metastases found in 2.1% of patients.hypoecho and hyperecho lesions within liver observed in 8.5% and 2.1% of patients, respectively. ascites was present in 2.4 %. para aortic adenopathy was found in1.2% of patients. spleen and kidney involvement were not reported. although abdominal lymphadenopathy was rare, correlation between age and abdominal lymphadenopathy was significant in our study. the incidence of echogen regions increased when the time between 'diagnosis' and sonography exam increased.conclusion: because sonography considers as a non-invasive, rapid, inexpensive and accurate method; it is suggested for foiiow-up evaluations of patients with breast cancer in iran.