Introduction: In patients with the mammographic findings of a radial scar,
contrast enhanced (CE) MR mammography was evaluated in a retrospective stud
y. Material and methods: In 24 women with radial opacities and blade star c
onfigurations, CE MR mammography was performed. Examinations were done on a
1.5T system using bilateral superficial coil (2D technique, T-1-weighted F
LASH-sequence, T-R 336 ms, T-E 5 ms, FA 90). Findings in mammography and MR
mammography were compared with the histological results. Results: 15 radia
l scars (including 4 with additional ADH) and 9 carcinomas (6 in coexistenc
e with a radial scar) presenting with a diameter of 3 mm to 13 mm were eval
uated. There was no evidence of malignancy in MRI in 12 of 15 radial scars.
In MR mammography 6 of the carcinomas fulfilled the criteria for malignant
tumors. There were 3 borderline cases (scored 3 points) corresponding hist
ologically to 1 radial scar, and to 2 carcinomas. Within the results found
in MRI there were 2 false positives and 1 false negative. Conclusion: CE MR
mammography is superior to other imaging modalities in the differentiation
between radial scars and carcinomas. However, lesions suggestive of radial
scars have to be removed surgically.