MR MAMMOGRAPHY OF FATTY TISSUE NECROSIS

Purpose: To evaluate MR-imaging for the differentiation of fatty necro sis (FN) of the breast. Material and methods: In 1016 MR mammographies FN was found in 13 patients aged 44 to 69 years. In all studies we us ed a proton-weighted fat suppressed sequence (STIR) and serial T-1-wei ghted gradient echo sequences before and after bolus injection of Gd-D TPA, MRI was correlated to ultrasound and in 8 cases to mammographic f indings. Results: All 15 FN displayed fat-isointense signal on T-1-wei ghted and on proton-weighted, fat-suppressed sequences. They were deli neated by a more or less wide rim of low signal intensity with sharp b order to the center. After intravenous injection of gado-pentetate dim eglumine they showed no increase of signal intensity in the centre and no increase, or only a minor increase, of the rim. Ultrasound could n ot distinguish FN from recurrent tumour in 6 cases. 7 FN looked like a typical cysts. Conclusion: MR-mammography is very promising in the dia gnosis of FN.