Breast MR imaging screening in 192 women proved or suspected to be carriers of a breast cancer susceptibility gene: Preliminary results

PURPOSE: To compare magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with conventional imagi ng in screening high-risk women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective trial included 192 asymptomatic and six symptomatic women who, on the basis of personal or family history or g enetic analysis, were suspected or proved to carry a breast cancer suscepti bility gene. RESULTS: Fifteen breast cancers were identified: nine in the 192 asymptomat ic;women (six in the first and three in the second screening round) and six in the :symptomatic patients. Concerning the asymptomatic women, four of t he nine breast cancers were detected and correctly classified with mammogra phy and ultrasonography (US) combined; another two cancers were visible as well-circumscribed masses and were diagnosed as fibroadenomas. MR imaging a llowed the correct classification and local staging of all nine cancers. In 105 asymptomatic women with validation of the 1st-year screening results, the sensitivities of mammography, US, and MR imaging were 33%, 33% (mammogr aphy and US combined, 44%), and 100%, respectively; the positive predictive values were 30%, 12%, and 64%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The accuracy of MR imaging is significantly higher than that of conventional imaging in screening high-risk women. Difficulties can be cau sed by an atypical manifestation of hereditary breast cancers at both conve ntional and MR imaging and by contrast material enhancement associated with hormonal stimulation.