DIAGNOSTIC-ACCURACY OF MAMMOGRAPHY AND CONTRAST-ENHANCED MR-IMAGING IN 238 HISTOLOGICALLY VERIFIED BREAST-LESIONS

Purpose: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of X-ray mammogr aphy and of MR imaging in 238 consecutively operated breasts, and to c orrelate the findings to histopathological diagnosis. Material and Met hods: Over 15 months, 220 patients scheduled for breast surgery were e xamined consecutively, before surgery, by means of both mammography an d MR imaging. Of the 220 patients, 18 underwent bilateral breast surge ry. The entire breast was examined by means of T1-weighted transversal images using a 3D fast low-angle shot (FLASH) sequence. One pre- and 2 post-contrast scans were performed. Each breast was examined by mean s of mammography and 3 views were applied as routine. All palpable and mammographically suspect lesions were examined on additional images a s microfocus magnification or spot compression. The two methods were e valuated independently of each other. Results: In total, 145 malignant and 93 benign lesions were found at histopathological examination. Th e sensitivity of mammography was 89% and MR imaging 92%. The specifici ty was 72% in both methods. When the results of the 2 methods were com bined, a sensitivity of 99% and a specificity of 55% was achieved. Con clusion: Mammography and MR imaging seemed to complement each other to produce a high sensitivity. Unfortunately it is impossible at present to supplement mammography with MR imaging in each patient as a routin e owing to the current technical and financial limitations.