MRI of histologically confirmed mammary carcinoma: clinical relevance of diagnostic procedures for detection of multifocal or contralateral secondary carcinoma.

Purpose: MR mammography (MRM) is a sensitive diagnostic method for the detection of mammary carcinomas. The present study evaluates whether MRM can yield additional relevant data in cases of histologically confirmed mammary carcinoma.
Method: Thirty-four patients with histologically confirmed mammary carcinoma were examined at MRM using a T1-weighted GE sequence and a T2-weighted SE sequence. Morphologic criteria and the dynamic contrast medium behavior of the tumors were evaluated.
Results: MRM showed a 100% sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy in the detection of mammary carcinomas. Additionally, three unexpected contralateral carcinomas were discovered. In 26 patients, there was a multifocal or multicentric tumor process. In 24 patients, peritumoral edema was visualized, which corresponded histologically in 21 patients with lymphangiosis and in 3 with an inflammatory peritumoral reaction.
Conclusion: Because of its high sensitivity in the diagnosis of multifocal disease and of contralateral carcinomas, MRM would seem to represent a useful addition to preoperative diagnostic procedures. The potential benefit to the patient and its cost efficiency, however, remain to be clarified.