title: The emerging role of breast magnetic resonance imaging.
abstract: The barriers to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the staging and diagnosis of breast cancer are being resolved through merging technologies and the new ability to perform MRI-guided biopsies. Detailed spatial resolution and excellent sensitivity are the strengths of this modality, whereas specificity is the primary challenge, requiring a strong commitment by the interested radiologist. While the original indication for breast MRI was in the evaluation of implant integrity, this modality is now recommended for: mapping tumor extent in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, diagnosing breast cancer when conventional imaging is complex and indeterminate, and possibly for screening high-risk patients who have dense mammograms. A breast-dedicated magnetic resonance unit offers several advantages, including the first commercially available biopsy device. RODEOtm software (ROtating Delivery of Excitation Off-resonance) is an anticipated upgrade to this breast-dedicated unit, offering such a high degree of sensitivity and resolution that improved detection of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ will be possible.
authors.affiliation: Mercy Women's Center, 4300 McAuley Blvd., OKC, OK 73120, USA.
authors.forename: Alan B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Hollingsworth
authors.forename: Rebecca G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Stough
mesh_terms: D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D002285:Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008327:Mammography