Effect of 0.5 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging on the surgical management of breast cancer patients
Presented at the Fourth Annual Meeting of the American Society of Breast Surgeons, Atlanta, Georgia, April 30–May 4, 2003
Received 3 June 2003; received in revised form 21 June 2003
Abstract
Background
This trial examines the utility of breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detection of occult breast disease and its effect on surgical treatment.
Methods
Between October 2000 and March 2002, 76 of 1,289 patients underwent bilateral breast MRI within 4 months of a mammogram. The MRI scan, mammogram, pathology reports, and physicians' notes were reviewed to determine impact of MRI on surgical treatment.
Results
Magnetic resonance imaging detected 23 additional lesions in 19 patients not detected by mammogram. Cancer occult to mammography was detected by MRI in 6 women, constituting 7.9%. Magnetic resonance imaging impacted surgical treatment plans in 10 of 76 (13.2%) patients.
Conclusions
Magnetic resonance imaging is effective at identifying new subclinical breast disease not seen on mammography. Ten of 76 patients (13.2%) who underwent MRI had their surgical management altered due to MRI findings. Specific criteria should be studied to know which subgroups would benefit most from breast MRI.
ABSTRACT