Breast MRI: Basic Evaluation and Beyond

Abstract

Abstract This teaching tool is intended for radiology resident education. Suitable learners should be familiar with basic principles of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical breast imaging. Although not necessary, familiarity with the Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) lexicon and assessment categories is helpful. Part I of the teaching tool provides an understanding of the appropriate utilization of contrast-enhanced breast MRI in the clinical breast imaging workup. First, acceptable clinical indications are reviewed. Then, the information that can be derived from each image acquisition is illustrated. Opportunities for students to master a standardized approach to evaluating breast MRI using the BI-RADS lexicon are tested through case presentations and questions. Part II of the presentation takes the audience members' learning to a higher level by showing both common and uncommon breast MRI artifacts and potential pitfalls in interpretation. The authors offer strategies to eliminate or minimize artifacts and interpretive errors. Not uncommonly, breast MRI may be interpreted in a reading room separate from that in which mammograms are interpreted. Additionally, the volume of obtained breast MRI studies is lower than those of other breast imaging studies. For these reasons, radiology residents at many training programs are infrequently exposed to contrast-enhanced breast MRI. The goal of this teaching tool is to offer a uniform basic approach to (1) the quality control assessment of contrast-enhanced breast MRI, (2) the synthesis of data provided by the different image acquisitions, and (3) the integration of clinical and other imaging information in the final interpretation.

Keywords

• BI-RADS
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Breast MRI