MR imaging of the breast

Investigation into MR imaging as a potential breast imaging modality contin ues. MR imaging seems to be the most accurate method for the detection of i mplant failure, and although it is the most costly of the available implant imaging techniques, it may be the study of choice when there is a question of implant integrity that cannot be answered with conventional methods. Im aging techniques and findings associated with intact and ruptured implants have been well described and will be reviewed. MR imaging as a method to de tect, diagnose, and stage breast cancer, however, remains in the investigat ional stage. Several studies have demonstrated the potential of MR imaging for increased sensitivity and specificity in the detection and diagnosis of breast cancer compared with conventional imaging methods. Technical requir ements, potential clinical applications, and potential pitfalls of contrast -enhanced MR imaging as a method to detect, diagnose, and stage breast canc er will be described.