Rieber A, Merkle E, Bohm W, Brambs HJ, Tomczak R. MRI of histologically confirmed mammary carcinoma: clinical relevance of diagnostic procedures for detection of multifocal or contralateral secondary carcinoma. J Comput Assist Tomogr 1997; 21:773-9.
PURPOSE: 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. METHOD: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.
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