Clinical,mammographic, and ultrasonographic characteristics of diabetic mastopathy: A case series

PurposeDiabetic mastopathy (DMP) is a rare benign breast lesion that mimics breast cancer on ultrasound. Our aims were to identify patient characteristics and imaging features of the disease.MethodsWe conducted retrospective searches of our database for DMP lesions that were pathologically confirmed between January 2004 and November 2015. Mammographic and ultrasound features were reviewed by two experienced radiologists.ResultsTwelve women were identified with 16 lesions. Most patients (83%) had type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and over half were insulin-dependent (58.3%), with a mean time of 16.9 years between the diagnosis of DM and that of DMP. There were negative findings on mammography for 46.7% of the lesions, including larger-sized lesions. Ultrasound revealed various features, including irregular shape (81.3%), indistinct margins (100%), parallel orientation to the chest wall (93.8%), marked hypoechogenicity (87.5%), and posterior shadowing (62.5%).ConclusionsDMP was more common in patients with longstanding DM; in particular, type 2 DM and insulin-dependent patients. DMP lesions were usually occult on mammography, despite the relatively large size of DMP, which may help distinguish DMP from invasive cancer. Ultrasound detected several features that are also present in invasive cancer, making tissue sampling necessary to distinguish these.     

Neuroendocrine differentiated breast carcinoma: imaging features correlated with clinical and histopathological findings

The aim of this study was to describe the imaging features of neuroendocrine differentiated breast carcinoma (NEDBC) and to correlate the radiological findings with the clinical and histopathological findings. A retrospective review of the mammograms of 1845 histopathologically proven breast cancer cases revealed five NEDBC. The clinical, imaging, and histopathological findings were analyzed. On mammography, a high-density mass was seen in all patients. The shape of the mass was round in 4 and irregular in 1 patient. The margins were spiculated in 2, indistinct in 1, microlobulated in 1, and partially obscured in 1 patient. On sonography, 4 patients had homogeneously hypoechoic masses with normal sound transmission. In 1 patient the mass was heterogeneously hypoechoic with mild posterior acoustic enhancement. The margins were microlobulated in 2, irregular in 2, and well-circumscribed in 1 patient. Neuroendocrine differentiated breast carcinoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of mammographically dense, round masses with predominantly spiculated or lobulated margins. Sonographically, they mostly present as irregular or microlobulated, homogeneously hypoechoic masses with normal sound transmission. Electronic Publication     

Fibrous nodules found at large-core needle biopsy of the breast: imaging features

PURPOSE: To describe the imaging and histologic features of large-core needle biopsy (LCNB) specimens of fibrous nodules. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 853 breast masses in which LCNB was performed, 38 (4%) revealed histologic findings of fibrous nodules. Repeat biopsy was performed in 16 lesions (surgical excision, 13 lesions; repeat LCNB, three lesions). The mammographic and ultrasonographic findings in these 16 cases, the histologic LCNB findings, and the repeat biopsy findings were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Repeat biopsy findings confirmed the diagnosis of fibrous nodules in 15 of the 16 masses. In one mass, repeat LCNB findings showed a fibroadenoma. The imaging features of the fibrous nodules varied. Five nodules (33%) manifested as masses with indistinct margins; six (40%), as circumscribed masses. In four cases (27%), imaging suggested malignancy. None were calcified masses. An additional 22 masses had circumscribed or indistinct borders and were diagnosed with LCNB as fibrous nodules. None of these masses had suspicious findings, and repeat biopsy was not performed. CONCLUSION: Fibrous nodules usually manifest as masses with circumscribed or indistinct margins but can have findings suggestive of malignancy. LCNB can reveal histologic findings consistent with this diagnosis. In all masses in which repeat biopsy was performed, the diagnosis of a fibrous nodule was confirmed or another benign stromal lesion was diagnosed.     

Do all mucocele-like lesions of the breast require surgery?

Aim

The objective of this study is to review the imaging features and percutaneous biopsy findings of mucocele-like lesions (MLLs) of the breast and correlate these with histopathology at surgical excision (SE), where available, to determine whether all MLLs of the breast require surgery for management.

Materials and Methods

A search of two pathology databases was performed to identify 44 patients who had been diagnosed with MLL of the breast and who had corresponding imaging findings available for review. These patients' medical records were reviewed to determine patient age at diagnosis, site of disease/affected breast, symptoms at diagnosis, mammographic and sonographic findings and methods used for histopathologic diagnosis (percutaneous biopsy and/or SE).

Results

The mean age of all patients was 56 years (range, 35-76 years). Sixteen patients had MLLs diagnosed by core needle biopsy (CNB) or fine needle aspiration biopsy followed by SE. Eighteen patients had CNB without SE and had clinical and imaging follow-up. Ten patients had MLL diagnosed at SE without prior percutaneous biopsy. In total, 29 patients (66%) had MLLs without atypia, while 10 patients had MLLs associated with atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) (23%) and five patients had MLLs associated with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) (11%). Findings were upgraded at SE following the percutaneous biopsy from ADH to DCIS in 19% (3/16) of patients.

Conclusion

Surgical excision following the identification of MLL is warranted to exclude coexisting in situ carcinoma in specific situations where CNB detects the presence of associated ADH or where a mass with indistinct or irregular margins is shown by mammography or sonography.     

High-spatial-resolution MR imaging of focal breast masses: interpretation model based on kinetic and morphological parameters

PURPOSE: To assess a new interpretation model combining kinetic pattern and morphologic characteristics using high-spatial-resolution MR imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Breast MR imaging was performed in 58 patients with 63 pathologically proved focal breast masses (49 malignant and 14 benign). MR imaging was performed on a 1.5-Tesla system using the volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE) sequence. Morphological parameters were lesion shape, mass margin, rim enhancement (RE), enhancing internal septations, and internal signal on T2-weighted images. Lesion shape/margin was classified into four categories as follows: smooth (smooth/round or smooth/oval), lobulated (lobular shape), irregular (irregular margin or irregular shape), and spiculated (spiculated margin). RE was sub-classified as early RE at 60 sec and delayed RE at 4 min. Strongly high signal and the presence of internal black septations were evaluated over the entire lesion on T2-weighted images. The kinetic parameter was visually assessed as follows: washout, plateau, and progressive. RESULTS: The most frequent types of lesion shape/margin in the malignant lesions were irregular (47%) and spiculated (43%), whereas 13 of the benign lesions had smooth or lobular margins (93%). The most frequent characteristics in breast cancers with lobulated configuration were washout pattern (80%), whereas 78% of the lobulated benign lesions were negative for visual washout. The positive predictive value (PPV) was 98% (49/50). CONCLUSION: "Washout with enhancing septations" is thought be specific for carcinoma with a lobulated configuration (80%). A combination of morphological criteria (including lesion shape/margins, strongly high signal on T2-weighted images) and visual washout is useful for differentiating between benign and malignant lesions.     

Mammographic,sonographic and MR imaging features of invasive micropapillary breast cancer

Purpose

Describe mammographic, sonographic and MRI findings of invasive micropapillary carcinoma (IMPC) of the breast.

Materials and methods

Review of the pathology database identified 43 patients (mean age, 59.3 years) with the diagnosis of breast IMPC. Three patients had no available imaging studies. Mammograms (40), breast ultrasounds (33) and MRIs (8) were retrospectively evaluated by two radiologists in consensus following the BI-RADS Lexicon. Clinical, histopathologic features, as well as hormone status were recorded.

Results

Twenty patients presented with palpable abnormality (20/40, 50%). Thirty-five patients had an abnormal mammogram (87.5%, 35/40) showing 39 lesions, 29 corresponding to masses (29/39, 74.4%), 11 associated with microcalcifications and two associated with architectural distortion. Sonography identified 41 masses (in 33 patients) displaying an irregular shape (30/41, 73.2%), appearing hypoechoic (39/41, 95%), with spiculated or angular margins (26/41, 63.4%), non-parallel orientation (26/41, 63.4%) and combined acoustic posterior pattern (18/41, 44%). MRI identified 13 lesions (in eight patients), 12 as masses (12/13, 92.3%) with irregular or spiculated margins (12/12, 100%), eight displaying an irregular or lobulated shape (8/12, 66.7%), six with homogeneous internal enhancement (6/12, 50%) and eight with type 3 enhancement curve (8/12, 61.5%). Associated non-mass like enhancement was noted in two patients. Twenty-nine patients had associated lymphovascular invasion (29/40, 72.5%) and axillary lymph node metastases were present in 22 of the 39 patients (22/39, 56%).

Conclusion

Invasive ductal carcinoma with IMPC features display imaging findings highly suspicious of malignant lesions. They are associated with high lymphovascular invasion and lymph node metastases rates.     

Breast carcinoma: effect of preoperative contrast-enhanced MR imaging on the therapeutic approach

PURPOSE: To determine if magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can help determine the therapeutic approach in women with breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preoperative contrast-enhanced MR imaging of the breast was performed in 463 patients with probably benign lesions (n = 63), suspicious lesions (n = 230), or lesions highly suggestive of malignancy (n = 170) per established clinical, mammographic, and/or ultrasonographic (US) criteria. T1-weighted fast low-angle shot MR imaging was performed before and after administration of gadopenetetate dimeglumine. MR imaging findings were correlated with other imaging results and histopathologic findings. Special attention was paid to multifocality and multicentricity. RESULTS: Histopathologic analysis revealed 143 benign and 405 malignant lesions. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 58%, 76%, and 62% for clinical examination; 86%, 32%, and 72% for conventional mammography; 75%, 80%, and 76% for US; and 93%, 65%, and 85% for contrast-enhanced MR imaging. Multifocality in 30 of 42 patients, multicentricity in 24 of 50 patients, and additional contralateral carcinomas in 15 of 19 patients were depicted with MR imaging alone. Due to the MR imaging findings, therapy was changed correctly in 66 patients (14.3%); unnecessary open biopsy was performed in 16 patients (3.5%). CONCLUSION: Contrast-enhanced MR imaging of the breast is highly sensitive for invasive breast cancer. MR imaging may reveal unsuspected multifocal, multicentric, or contralateral breast carcinoma and result in therapy changes.     

Efficacy of MRI-Directed Breast Ultrasound and Lesion Characteristics Affecting Visualization on Breast Ultrasound

ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-directed ultrasound (US) in further characterizing lesions detected on MRI and to evaluate the correlation between lesion characteristics and their visibility on US.MethodsA retrospective review was performed of the records of patients with breast abnormalities detected on MRI between May 2018 and December 2020. All patients who were given a Breast Imaging-Reported and Data System Assessment Category 4 or 5 on breast MRI and sent to breast US for assessment of the MRI abnormality were included. Patients lost to follow-up or those who did not get their subsequent ultrasound at our institution were excluded. The following factors were recorded for all lesions described on the MRI reports: breast density, degree of background parenchymal enhancement, type of MRI finding (mass, areas of non-mass enhancement [NME], enhancing focus), largest dimension, T2 signal intensity, kinetics, shape, margins, enhancement pattern, and presence of ipsilateral breast malignancy. For the subset of the lesions that were identified on MRI-directed US, we recorded the following sonographic features: largest dimension, shape, and margin. The chi-square or Fisher exact tests of association were used to compare categorical characteristics.ResultsTwo hundred and thirty-three MRI-detected breast lesions were included in the study, which consisted of 171 masses, 7 enhancing foci, and 55 NME lesions. Of all lesions, 52% (89/171) of masses, 29% (16/55) of areas of NME, and 29% (2/7) of foci were seen on US. Moreover, 43 per 63 (68%) of malignant, 18 per 47 (38%) of high-risk and 46 per 123 (37%) of benign lesions were seen on MRI-directed US. Of the invasive malignant lesions, 77% (36/47) had a sonographic correlate. For masses, the average size on MRI was 1.1 cm, and MRI size had a statistically significant association with US visibility (P value 0.01). Similarly, spiculated margins on MRI for masses had a significant association with US visibility (P value 0.0006). Linear, segmental, and regional distributions of areas of NME were associated with decreased likelihood of sonographic visibility (P = 0.049).ConclusionMRI-directed US is a useful tool in the management of MRI-detected breast lesions. Our study indicates that masses, particularly those with spiculated margins on MRI, should be sent to US for further assessment. Additionally, masses are more likely to be seen under US as their size increases. MRI-directed US is less likely to visualize areas of NME and enhancing foci, which may be managed with MRI follow-up or MRI-guided biopsy depending on their level of suspicion.     

Identification of a correlation between the sonographic appearance and molecular subtype of invasive breast cancer: A review of 311 cases

PurposeTo identify the ultrasound and clinical features related to the different molecular subtypes of invasive breast cancer.MethodsSonographic and clinical data of 311 surgically confirmed breast cancer cases were retrospectively reviewed and compared based on various subtypes.ResultsLuminal A (LA) breast cancers were associated with a low histologic grade, spiculated margins, an echogenic rim and posterior acoustic attenuation. The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) subtype was characterized by a high grade, indistinct and spiculated margins, enhanced posterior acoustics, calcifications, and vascularity. Triple negative breast cancers (TNBCs) were more likely to present with a high tumor grade, circumscribed and microlobulated margins, and the absence of an echogenic rim and calcifications; to be markedly hypoechoic; and to have posterior acoustic enhancement and hypovascularity. Luminal B (LB) cancers were more likely to be associated with an indistinct margin and relative vascularity.ConclusionOur study demonstrated that the sonographic and clinical features of breast cancer were significantly correlated with the molecular subtype. The imaging findings of the different subtypes and their biological implications may provide additional auxiliary information for clinical diagnosis, systemic treatment and prognosis prediction.     

Tuberculosis versus lymphomas in the abdominal lymph nodes: evaluation with contrast-enhanced CT

OBJECTIVE: Tuberculosis in the abdominal lymph nodes may be difficult to distinguish from lymphomas. This study evaluated specific CT imaging criteria for differentiating these entities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the anatomic distribution and CT enhancement patterns of disease in 69 patients, 26 (38%) with tuberculosis and 43 (62%) with untreated lymphomas involving abdominal lymph nodes. Of the patients with tuberculosis, five (19%) had disseminated disease and 21 (81%) had nondisseminated disease. Of the patients with lymphomas, 16 (37%) had Hodgkin's disease and 27 (63%) had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. RESULTS: Disseminated and nondisseminated tuberculosis involved predominantly lesser omental, mesenteric, anterior pararenal, and upper paraaortic lymph nodes. Lower paraaortic lymph nodes were involved more often in Hodgkin's disease (15 patients [94%]), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (24 patients [89%]), and disseminated tuberculosis (five patients [100%]) than in nondisseminated tuberculosis (one patient [5%]). Mesenteric lymph nodes were involved more often in disseminated tuberculosis (four patients [80%]) and nondisseminated tuberculosis (11 patients [52%]) than in Hodgkin's disease (one patient [6%]) (p < .01). Anatomic distribution was not different between disseminated tuberculosis and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Tuberculous lymphadenopathy commonly showed peripheral enhancement, frequently with a multilocular appearance, whereas lymphomatous adenopathy characteristically showed homogeneous attenuation (14 patients [87.5%] with Hodgkin's disease and 19 patients [70%] with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma [p < .01]). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that the anatomic distribution and specific enhancement patterns of lymphadenopathy seen on contrast-enhanced CT can be useful in differentiating between tuberculosis and untreated lymphomas of the abdominal lymph nodes.     

The Wavelia Microwave Breast Imaging system–tumour discriminating features and their clinical usefulness

Objective:The Wavelia Microwave Breast Imaging (MBI) system, based on non-ionising imaging technology, has demonstrated exciting potential in the detection and localisation of breast pathology in symptomatic patients. In this study, the ability of the system to accurately estimate the size and likelihood of malignancy of breast lesions is detailed, and its clinical usefulness determined.Methods:Institutional review board and Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) approval were obtained. Patients were recruited from the symptomatic unit to three groups; breast cancer (Group-1), unaspirated cysts (Group-2) and biopsied benign lesions (Group-3). MBI, radiological and histopathological findings were reviewed. MBI size estimations were compared with the sizes determined by conventional imaging and histopathology. A Quadratic Discriminant Analysis (QDA) classifier was trained in a 3D feature space to discriminate malignant from benign lesions. An independent review was performed by two independent breast radiologists.Results:24 patients (11 Group-1, 8 Group-2 and 5 Group-3) underwent MBI. The Wavelia system was more accurate than conventional imaging in size estimation of breast cancers. The QDA accurately separated benign from malignant breast lesions in 88.5% of cases. The addition of MBI and the Wavelia malignancy risk calculation was deemed useful by the two radiologists in 70.6% of cases.Conclusion:The results from this MBI investigation demonstrate the potential of this novel system in estimating size and malignancy risk of breast lesions. This system holds significant promise as a potential non-invasive, comfortable, and harmless adjunct for breast cancer diagnosis. Further larger studies are under preparation to validate the findings of this study.Advances in knowledge:This study details the potential of the Wavelia MBI system in delineating size and malignancy risk of benign and malignant breast lesions in a symptomatic cohort. The usefulness of the Wavelia system is assessed in the clinical setting.     

Incidental enhancing lesions found on preoperative breast MRI: management and role of second-look ultrasound

Purpose

This study prospectively assessed second-look ultrasound (US) for the evaluation of incidental enhancing lesions identified on preoperative breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Materials and methods

Between 2004 and 2007, 182 patients with malignant breast lesions detected on US and/or X-ray mammography and confirmed by cytology/histology underwent preoperative breast contrast-enhanced (CE)-MRI. Patients with incidental lesions on breast MRI underwent second-look high-resolution US directed at the site of the incidental finding. Diagnosis of incidental lesions was based on biopsy or 24-month follow-up.

Results

Breast MRI detected 55 additional lesions in 46/182 (25.2%) patients. Forty-two of 55 (76.3%) lesions were detected on second-look US in 38/46 (82.6%) patients. Malignancy was confirmed for 24/42 (57.1%) correlate lesions compared with 7/13 (53.8%) noncorrelate lesions. Second-look US depicted 8/9 (88.8%) Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) 5, 16/22 (72.7%) BI-RADS 4 and 18/24 (75%) BI-RADS 3 lesions. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and positive and negative predictive values for lesion detection/diagnosis was 100%, 88.9%, 94.6%, 90.3% and 100% for MRI and 64.3%, 70.4%, 67.3%, 69.2% and 65.5% for second-look US. Improved performance for US was obtained when masslike lesions only were considered.

Conclusions

Second-look US is a confirmatory method for incidental findings on breast MRI, particularly for mass-like lesions.     

Apparent ipsilateral decrease in breast size at mammography: a sign of infiltrating lobular carcinoma

PURPOSE: To assess if infiltrating lobular carcinoma (ILC) is associated with an ipsilateral mammographic decrease in breast size. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mammographic change in size was evaluated by measuring the distance from the nipple to the pectoralis major muscle on the mediolateral oblique view of the diagnostic mammogram and on a preceding mammogram in 30 patients with ILC. Clinical, mammographic, and histopathologic findings were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Five patients (17%) had an ipsilateral decrease in mammographic size. No patients noticed a physical decrease in breast size. Patients with an ipsilateral decrease in mammographic size most commonly had breast thickening at examination (four of five patients [80%], P < .001) and either a focal asymmetry density (three of five patients [60%]) or architectural distortion (one of five patients [20%]) at mammography; those patients with no change in size most commonly had a palpable mass (six of 25 patients [24%]) or normal findings (19 of 25 patients [76%]) and a mass (13 of 25 patients [52%]) at mammography. The mean tumor size was 66 mm for those with an ipsilateral size decrease and 16 mm for those with no size decrease (P < .001). At histologic analysis, tumors associated with an ipsilateral decrease in mammographic size had more diffuse involvement of the breast, and discrete masses were not seen. CONCLUSION: An apparent decrease in mammographic size may help identify cases of ILC, especially when associated with thickening at clinical examination and focal asymmetric density at mammography.     

Radiologist Quality Assurance by Nonradiologists at Tumor Board

PurposeTo explore the use of nonradiologists as a method to efficiently reduce bias in the assessment of radiologist performance using a hepatobiliary tumor board as a case study.Materials and MethodsInstitutional review board approval was obtained for this HIPAA-compliant prospective quality assurance (QA) effort. Consecutive patients with CT or MR imaging reviewed at one hepatobiliary tumor board between February 2016 and October 2016 (n = 265) were included. All presentations were assigned prospective anonymous QA scores by an experienced nonradiologist hepatobiliary provider based on contemporaneous comparison of the imaging interpretation at a tumor board and the original interpretation(s): concordant, minor discordance, major discordance. Major discordance was defined as a discrepancy that may affect clinical management. Minor discordance was defined as a discrepancy unlikely to affect clinical management. All discordances and predicted management changes were retrospectively confirmed by the liver tumor program medical director. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine what factors best predict discordant reporting.ResultsApproximately one-third (30% [79 of 265]) of reports were assigned a discordance, including 51 (19%) minor and 28 (11%) major discordances. The most common related to mass size (41% [32 of 79]), tumor stage and extent (24% [19 of 79]), and assigned LI-RADS v2014 score (22% [17 of 79]). One radiologist had 11.8-fold greater odds of discordance (P = .002). Nine other radiologists were similar (P = .10-.99). Radiologists presenting their own studies had 4.5-fold less odds of discordance (P = .006).ConclusionsQA conducted in line with tumor board workflow can enable efficient assessment of radiologist performance. Discordant interpretations are commonly (30%) reported by nonradiologist providers.     

Imaging of tuberculous disease involving breast

The aim of our study was to evaluate radiologic findings of the tuberculosis involving breast. We evaluated the radiologic features of 17 patients (18 lesions) with tuberculous disease involving the breast. The radiologic examinations, including mammography (16 patients), ultrasonography (12 patients), and Gd-DTPA-enhanced dynamic MRI (6 patients), were analyzed. Mammographic findings included mass (12 of 17 lesions), calcification (3 of 17 lesions), asymmetric density with spiculated margin (5 of 17 lesions), and axillary lymph node enlargement (8 of 17 lesions). On ultrasonography, a smooth bordered mass (7 of 13 lesions) with thin boundary (7 of 13 lesions) and heterogeneous, intermediate internal echoes (9 of 13 lesions) were most commonly demonstrated. On Gd-DTPA-enhanced dynamic MRI, 3 lesions showed significant enhancement at the first minute after injection (3 of 7 lesions). The maximun enhancing amount was greater than 500 normalized units, and the enhancing pattern was smooth or irregular ring appearance. Breast involvement with tuberculosis is rare but should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a woman living in an endemic area or when extramammary foci of tuberculosis are present. A multimodality imaging approach with clinical evaluation will help to establish the diagnosis of tuberculosis involving breast. Received 26 May 1997: Revision received 4 September 1997; Accepted 19 January 1998     

Renal neoplasms amenable to partial nephrectomy: MR imaging.

PURPOSE: To determine the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging characteristics of renal lesions in patients who undergo technically successful partial nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between February 1991 and September 1997, 38 patients (41 lesions) who underwent partial nephrectomy at a single institution were preoperatively evaluated with contrast material-enhanced, multiplanar, surface-coil MR imaging. Imaging findings that could affect the decision to perform partial nephrectomy were retrospectively evaluated: tumor size; tumor location; presence of pseudocapsule; suspected tumor invasion of renal sinus fat, renal collecting system, renal vein, or perinephric fat; and morphologic and physiologic status of the contralateral kidney. Correlation was made with surgical and pathologic findings. RESULTS: Thirty-three of 41 lesions (80%) were renal cell carcinomas, five were oncocytic neoplasms (12%), two were hemorrhagic cysts (5%), and one was an angiomyolipoma (2%). Twenty-four of 41 (59%) lesions had pseudocapsules. In most cases, the perinephric fat (n = 38 [93%]), the renal sinus fat (n = 31 [76%]), and the renal collecting system (n = 39 [95%]) were correctly interpreted as being uninvolved by tumor. CONCLUSION: Renal neoplasms amenable to partial nephrectomy can be identified and characterized with contrast-enhanced, multiplanar, surface-coil MR imaging.