CONTRAST-ENHANCED MR-IMAGING OF THE BREAST IN PATIENTS WITH BREAST IMPLANTS AFTER CANCER-SURGERY

The purpose of the study was to determine the value of contrast-enhanc ed MR imaging in the assessment of local recurrence in breast cancer p atients who underwent mastectomy and breast reconstruction with an imp lant. Eighty-three patients have been evaluated by semidynamic contras t-enhanced MR imaging. The T1-weighted FLASH 3-D sequence was repeated twice postcontrast for evaluation of the entire breast bilaterally. T he findings were compared to physical examination, mammography and his topathology. Recurrence verified by histopathology occurred in 14 of 8 3 patients (17%). Contrast-enhanced MR imaging was superior to palpati on and mammography in revealing recurrences, especially when these wer e located close to the chest wall. MR was also more sensitive in detec ting multiple foci of cancers. Our study revealed that MR imaging was influenced by size, type and composition of the tumor, as illustrated by the false-negative results. Therefore, the use of all 3 investigati on methods is necessary for detecting recurrence at an early stage dur ing the postoperative follow-up.