Conventional galactography and MR contrast galactography for diagnosing nipple discharge: preliminary results.
OBJECTIVE
We wanted to compare the clinical usefulness of conventional galactography and MR contrast galactography for diagnosing patients with nipple discharge.


METHODS
Both conventional galactography and MR contrast galactography were performed prospectively in 16 patients. Gadopentate dimeglumine (0.1 ml) was mixed with non-ionic contrast medium (0.9 ml) to obtain a resultant volume of 1 ml and this was used for both examinations. Following conventional galactography, MR contrast galactography was performed after direct injection of contrast media into the duct.


RESULTS
Conventional galactography and MR contrast galactography were concordant in 13 (81%) of 16 patients; the results were normal in five, ductal dilatation was noted in four and intraductal filling defects were noted in four. The remaining three (19%) patients demonstrated discordant findings on the two examinations. While conventional galactography revealed filling defects, the MR contrast galactography results were normal in two patients. The third patient had kinks-stricture on conventional galactography and MR contrast galactography showed ductal dilatation. This suggested there were false positive results for the three patients' conventional galactography, and all the three patients with discordant results underwent surgery and the histopathologic evaluation showed fibrocystic changes.


CONCLUSIONS
MR contrast galactography may be used as an alternative imaging modality for making the diagnosis of pathologic nipple discharge. However, statistically supported studies with large pools of subjects for comparing the galactography and MR contrast galactography results are needed to confirm our findings.
Department of Radiology, S.B. Ankara Diskapi Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. yucecun2000@yahoo.com
Cüneyt
C
Yücesoy
Emine
E
Oztürk
Yusuf
Y
Ozer
Tahsin
T
Edgüer
Baki
B
Hekimoglu
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001941:Breast Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D003287:Contrast Media; D005122:Exudates and Transudates; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009558:Nipples / Q000378:metabolism*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography
D003287:Contrast Media; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA