Effect of 0.5 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging on the surgical management of breast cancer patients

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 1289 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.