MR imaging features of pure mucinous carcinoma of the breast.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize MR imaging features of pure mucinous carcinoma of the breast.


METHODS
MR images obtained from 16 women (age range, 29-81; mean age, 57 years) with pure mucinous carcinoma of the breast determined at surgery were reviewed. The MR findings used were shape, margin, internal mass enhancement, kinetic curve pattern on dynamic study, signal intensity on short time inversion recovery (STIR) T2-weighted images, and non-mass-like enhancement around the main tumor. Non-mass-like enhancement was compared with the presence of extensive intraductal component (EIC) on histopathological findings.


RESULTS
Eleven tumors (69%) had lobular contour, and nine tumors (56%) had smooth margin. Eight tumors (50%) showed rim enhancement and six tumors (38%) showed heterogeneous enhancement. Fourteen tumors (88%) showed a persistent enhancing pattern on kinetic curve. Fifteen tumors exhibited homogenous strongly high signal intensity on STIR T2-weighted images. In six cases with EIC, five cases had non-mass-like enhancement around the main mass.


CONCLUSIONS
MR findings such as lobular shape, rim or heterogeneous enhancement, persistent pattern on kinetic curve, and homogeneous strongly high signal intensity on STIR T2-weighted images may be useful in diagnosing pure mucinous carcinoma. Moreover, linear-ductal enhancement around main mass may indicate presence of EIC.
Okafuji
Takashi
T
Department of Clinical Radiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
Yabuuchi
Hidetake
H
Sakai
Shuji
S
Soeda
Hiroyasu
H
Matsuo
Yoshio
Y
Inoue
Takahiro
T
Hatakenaka
Masamitsu
M
Takahashi
Naoki
N
Kuroki
Syoji
S
Tokunaga
Eriko
E
Honda
Hiroshi
H
D002288:Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous / Q000473:pathology*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged
D003287:Contrast Media; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA