Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the breast

Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is increasingly used as a complementary diagnostic modality in breast imaging. The sensitivity of MR imaging of the breast for malignancy has consistently been reported to be excellent. The specificity hers been rather variable. Study methods and ima ging techniques are not standardized and there is still a great deal of unc ertainty about MR imaging's place in clinical practice. Nevertheless, radio logists should be familiar with the current technique and the varying MR ap pearance of breast tumors to improve the accuracy of this method. This pape r reviews the techniques for breast MK imaging. the pathopysiologic basis o f contrast enhancement in breast tumors, and the current knowledge about de tection and differentiation of breast tumors. In addition, future direction s for breast MR imaging are discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Lt d. All rights reserved.