MRI of histologically confirmed mammary carcinoma: clinical relevance of diagnostic procedures for detection of multifocal or contralateral secondary carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
MR mammography (MRM) is a sensitive diagnostic method for the detection of mammary carcinomas. The present study evaluates whether MRM can yield additional relevant data in cases of histologically confirmed mammary carcinoma.


METHODS
Thirty-four patients with histologically confirmed mammary carcinoma were examined at MRM using a T1-weighted GE sequence and a T2-weighted SE sequence. Morphologic criteria and the dynamic contrast medium behavior of the tumors were evaluated.


RESULTS
MRM showed a 100% sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy in the detection of mammary carcinomas. Additionally, three unexpected contralateral carcinomas were discovered. In 26 patients, there was a multifocal or multicentric tumor process. In 24 patients, peritumoral edema was visualized, which corresponded histologically in 21 patients with lymphangiosis and in 3 with an inflammatory peritumoral reaction.


CONCLUSIONS
Because of its high sensitivity in the diagnosis of multifocal disease and of contralateral carcinomas, MRM would seem to represent a useful addition to preoperative diagnostic procedures. The potential benefit to the patient and its cost efficiency, however, remain to be clarified.
Rieber
A
A
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Ulm, Germany.
Merkle
E
E
Böhm
W
W
Brambs
H J
HJ
Tomczak
R
R
D002288:Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001941:Breast Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D018270:Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D018275:Carcinoma, Lobular / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D018276:Carcinoma, Medullary / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004487:Edema / Q000175:diagnosis; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005682:Gadolinium / Q000008:administration & dosage; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008205:Lymphangitis / Q000175:diagnosis; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D008413:Mastitis / Q000175:diagnosis; D008875:Middle Aged; D009378:Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D016609:Neoplasms, Second Primary / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D009942:Organometallic Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004369:Pentetic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D003287:Contrast Media; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D004369:Pentetic Acid; C064925:gadodiamide; D005682:Gadolinium; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA