First, 3D breast volumes will be compared with MRI measurements because the authors regard this as the current gold standard in literature. In this study we want to investigate whether the Vectra XT 3D imaging is a reliable tool for objective breast volume determination in clinical practice. This might lead to subjective results of breast volume, which makes operative planning more difficult and could eventually even lead to post-operative asymmetry. Plastic surgeons now prefer to use their clinical judgment to estimate breast volume instead. 3D imaging is however well-tolerated, non-invasive, and performed within a short time and easy to handle.

14 Others lack an objective gold standard or a sufficient study population.Īs a result, objective breast volume measurement is not often performed in clinical practice. described a correlation between 3D imaging and MRI in only 22 women.

have a limited study population of 12 breasts in 6 patients. 10– 13 However, there are a few studies available directly comparing 3D breast volume with MRI measured volume of the breast, which is the best objective standard for breast volume. Volumetric analysis can be used to document changes in breast morphology and is described in several studies. However, this technique is relatively expensive and time-consuming.ģD imaging is regaining popularity worldwide. 1 It was regarded as the best method available to determine the breast volume. 5, 6, 8, 9 MRI scanning consistently demonstrated the highest accuracy, reporting errors lower than 10%, and highest reproducibility. 3 Most available methods to measure breast volume are associated with a large (>200 ml) uncertainty in breast volume. 2, 4– 7 Despite the fact that the community accepts water displacement of excided breast tissue as the gold standard, 7 a review of different measurement techniques for breast tissue has led to a different conclusion. Available techniques include medical imaging modalities (eg, mammography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography), casting, anthropometric measurements, and three-dimensional (3D) imaging. Many measurement techniques have been proposed to determine breast volume. This has limited the use of breast volume measurement methods in routine clinical practice. Many have not met the requirements of reproducibility, patient compliance, and cost efficiency. There is no widely accepted technique for breast volume measurement due to a lack of information regarding the accuracy and comparability of each method.

It influences the degree of breast reduction, the choice of breast implants, or the amount of tissue needed for autologous breast reconstruction, and is used for progression control in autologous fat transplantation. Accurate breast volume assessment is needed for pre-operative planning and follow-up results. Breast volumetry is an important tool in breast reconstructive surgery.

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