Breast changes in pregnancy and lactation observed by ultrasonography

Abstract

Breast changes in pregnancy and lactation observed by ultrasonography A.A. Reginaldo de Holanda 1 , A.K. Gonçalves 2 , H.H. Carrara 3 , T.M. de Oliveira Maranhão 2 1 Januário Cicco Maternity School, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) – Natal/RN 2 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) – Natal/RN 3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of São Paulo (USP) – Ribeirão Preto/SP (Brazil) Summary Purpose of Investigation: To assess the ultrasound aspects of breasts and laser Doppler flow measurements of the internal mammary arteries (IMA) in pregnant, lactating, and non-pregnant (control) women. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observation study of 102 women, divided into three groups: control (CG), third trimester (G3), and lactation group (LG). The study variables were skin, subcutaneous adipose tissue, fibroglandular tissue, retromammary adipose tissue thickness, duct diameter, and pulsatility (PI) and resistance indices (RI) of the internal mammary arteries. Statistical analysis calculated the means and standard deviations, using two models Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) models to assess the effect of groups on the mean values found and adjusted ANOVA models for individual means. The Tukey-Kramer multiple comparisons test was used to analyze intergroup. Results: There was no intergroup age difference (mean = 27 ± 4.76 years). A significant difference was observed between the G3/LG and the CG in terms of skin (p = 0.001), fibroglandular tissue thickness, duct diameter, and laser Doppler flow measurements of the IMA (all three with p < 0.001) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (p = 0.045). Conclusion: This study showed alterations in skin, subcutaneous adipose tissue, fibroglandular tissue, and duct diameter measurements, with a difference between pregnant/lactating women and the non-pregnant controls. Key words: Pregnancy; Lactation; Breast ultrasound; Laser Doppler flowmetry.