Background Information/Purpose:  

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breast is an adjunct technique to standard imaging modalities in the breast. MRI has increased sensitivity over mammography and has unique advantages over standard images, however the specificity greatly varies. Although very small lesions are detectable by MRI, it can be challenging differentiating benign from malignant lesions as both can enhance. Currently MRI is used for evaluation of extent of breast cancer, response to therapy and evaluation of recurrence, it can additionally be used in evaluation for breast implant rupture and screening in high risk patient with dense breasts. The main contraindication to breast MRI is low GFR, however with new guidelines on group II gadolinium substances, MRI will become available to more patients.  This educational exhibit aims to introduce the learner to breast MRI basics, teaching residents how interpret images focusing on morphology of the breast, internal enhancement patterns, common artifacts as well as interpretation of breast pathology on MR, both benign and malignant. 

Education Goals/Teaching Points:  

After participating in this educational presentation, the learner will be familiar with: 1) Clinical indications for breast MR  2) How Breast MR works including MR sequences, interpretation and kinetic analysis 3) Evaluation of pathology by breast MR 4) Pearls and Pitfalls of MR  

Conclusion:  

MRI has had a large impact in breast imaging, more specifically the role it plays in breast cancer diagnosis and response to treatment.  It is important for the radiologist to know how to interpret MRI of the breast and be able to navigate through artifacts and breast cancer mimics. This education exhibit aims to teach the beginner radiologist about MRI, its indications and interpretation.

Breast MR Basics: What Residents Should Know.