Sonographic Breast Parenchymal Pattern among 500 Nigerian Women in Sokoto, North Western Nigeria

Background: Sonographic breast density refers to the relative component of fibro-glandular tissue and fatty tissue in the breast as demonstrated following ultrasonography. Breast composition changes with age, hormonal status, pregnancy, lactation, and menopause. Breast ultrasound is particularly useful when mammographic density is high.

Aim and Objective: This study is aimed at assessing the pattern of breast parenchyma following routine ultrasonography among 500 Nigerian women in Sokoto, North Western, Nigeria.

Materials and Method: From January 2016 to January 2026, 500 women had breast ultrasonography in private facilities using ultrasound machines Mindray make DP-2200 and DP-10 respectively. All the patients consented to the examinations, and variables mainly age and sex with observed parenchymal pattern were recorded. Patients breasts were scanned in longitudinal and transverse positions with respect to quadrants and positions respectively.

Result: Breast density changes with age due to hormonal activity, glandular involution and fatty replacement. The most common breast parenchymal pattern was the glandular pattern (category 2) and seen among the 26-35 age group.