Pitfalls in Breast MRI

MR mammography, also known as breast MRI, is a non-invasive imaging technique used to examine breast tissue. MR mammography is typically used in conjunction with other imaging techniques such as mammography and ultrasound and is often recommended for women who are at high risk for breast cancer or who have dense breast tissue that may be difficult to image using other methods. MR mammography is a valuable tool in the early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer and can be an important part of a woman’s breast health screening routine. To obtain the most accurate results, MR Mammography usually involves the use of a gadolinium-based contrast agent, which is administered intravenously during the exam. There have been studies that have shown that breast MRI without the contrast agent has no diagnostic value. Kinetic analysis of the Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced (DCE) MRI reflects perfusion of the lesion, which can help in the differentiation of the lesions. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) has emerged as both a complementary and potentially alternative technique to evaluate the breast. The combination of DCE and DWI increased specificity along with sensitivity and maximized diagnostic accuracy. The combination of DCE and DWI increased the specificity and sensitivity of the breast MRI. Although currently, DWI is not part of the BI-RADS lexicon, the inclusion of DWI is encouraged by different communities. In this presentation, we will discuss some technical pitfalls of the DCE and DWI in breast MRI.