Breast MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging of the breast (breast MRI), commonly used for dense breasts, is a highly accurate imaging modality for detecting early breast cancer and other abnormalities without using excess radiation. It’s often used alongside digital mammograms and digital breast tomosynthesis to offer detailed visualization of breast lesion margins. 

Breast MRI example showing a signal void in right breast (arrow) caused by biopsy on an axial contrast-enhanced in-phase Dixon image. It shows a signal void in right breast (arrow), which corresponded with a MammoMark/CorMark Bread Tie biopsy clip. Image courtesy of AJR.

New scoring system for 'second look' breast lesions could decrease biopsies by 30% or more

A team of experts recently developed the new system to differentiate between malignant and benign "second look" lesions on MRI for women with known breast cancer.

axillary lymphadenopathy after COVID booster

Follow-up imaging for reactive adenopathy s/p COVID booster might not be necessary

Experts recently gained a better understanding of how axillary lymphadenopathy presents on breast MRI following COVID boosters.

synthetic contrast-enhanced breast MRI

GBCA dose drops significantly in breast MRI thanks to machine learning

The use of synthetic images could reduce the amount of gadolinium-based contrast agents needed for breast MRI examinations, according to new data published this week in Radiology

#DCIS #invasivebreastcancer #cancerupgrade #breastMRI

Ultrafast MRI predicts breast cancer upgrade

Preoperative ultrafast MRI could help guide biopsy and surgical management decision in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ. 

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Contrast-enhanced mammography for breast cancer staging offers significant cost savings

Prior research has shown that not only is contrast-enhanced spectral mammography comparable to CE-MRI in accuracy of loco-regional staging, but some studies have even found it to perform better.

Telemammography

4 key trends in breast imaging

These trends include growth in 3D mammography, supplemental imaging for women with dense breasts and in the role of artificial intelligence.

Example of various breast MRI protocol sequences that offer different types of soft tissue enhancement. Imaging performed on a Siemens Magnetom system. Breast MRI can help see through dense breast tissue to better detect cancers. #densebreasts #Breastdensity #BreastMRI

MRI a 'far superior' modality for dense breast imaging

The modality outperformed digital breast tomosynthesis, handheld ultrasound and automated breast ultrasound for cancer detection in a large cohort of women with dense breast tissue.

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ACR recommendations result in 15-fold increase in breast MRI eligibility among cancer survivors

Prior to 2018, it was recommended that women at higher-than-average risk undergo supplemental breast MRI screening only if they had a personal history of breast cancer in addition to carrying a hereditary breast cancer gene mutation.

Around the web

Positron, a New York-based nuclear imaging company, will now provide Upbeat Cardiology Solutions with advanced PET/CT systems and services. 

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.