Signs in MR-Mammography

Abstract

This book describes morphologic and kinetic signs that are important in the analysis of breast MR images before and after contrast administration and in various pulse sequences. During the period from 1985 to 2006, many authors repeated the almost mantra-like claim that “MR mammography has high sensitivity but low specificity.” But it is quite possible – and by that I mean very probable – that by utilizing all the information contained in MR data sets, we can greatly increase the specificity of MRM. This would give MRM a very high overall accuracy in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of breast lesions, making it possible to detect cancers as small as 3 mm with a high degree of confidence. Based on all available scientific information, it is even reasonable to expect that the use of MRM can significantly reduce mortality rates from breast cancer while also reducing the extent of surgical procedures and the use of costly chemotherapeutic agents. If the quality of the diagnostic information can be increased, this will also justify the higher costs of MRM compared with x-ray mammography and breast ultrasound.