Diagnostic accuracy of mammography and contrast-enhanced MR imaging in 238 histologically verified breast lesions.

PURPOSE: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of X-ray mammography and of MR imaging in 238 consecutively operated breasts, and to correlate the findings to histopathological diagnosis.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Over 15 months, 220 patients scheduled for breast surgery were examined consecutively, before surgery, by means of both mammography and MR imaging. Of the 220 patients, 18 underwent bilateral breast surgery. The entire breast was examined by means of T1-weighted transversal images using a 3D fast low-angle shot (FLASH) sequence. One pre- and 2 post-contrast scans were performed. Each breast was examined by means of mammography and 3 views were applied as routine. All palpable and mammographically suspect lesions were examined on additional images as microfocus magnification or spot compression. The two methods were evaluated independently of each other.
RESULTS: In total, 145 malignant and 93 benign lesions were found at histopathological examination. The sensitivity of mammography was 89% and MR imaging 92%. The specificity was 72% in both methods. When the results of the 2 methods were combined, a sensitivity of 99% and a specificity of 55% was achieved.
CONCLUSION: Mammography and MR imaging seemed to complement each other to produce a high sensitivity. Unfortunately it is impossible at present to supplement mammography with MR imaging in each patient as a routine owing to the current technical and financial limitations.