Ex vivo MRI evaluation of breast tumors: a novel tool for verifying resection of nonpalpable only MRI detected lesions.

A fundamental question in surgery of only magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-detected breast lesions is to ensure their removal when they are not palpable by clinical examination and surgical exploration. This is especially relevant in the case of small tumors, carcinoma in situ or lobular carcinoma. Thirty-nine patients were enrolled in the study, 21 patients with breast lesions detected by both conventional imaging and breast MRI (bMRI) and 18 patients with bMRI findings only.

Radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors: quantitative assessment of tumor coverage through CT image processing.

Background: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is one of the most promising non-surgical treatments for hepatic tumors. The assessment of the therapeutic efficacy of RFA is usually obtained by visual comparison of pre- and post-treatment CT images, but no numerical quantification is performed.

Methods: In this work, a novel method aiming at providing a more objective tool for the evaluation of RFA coverage is described.

Effects of the magnetic resonance field on breast tissue expanders.

Background: Tissue expansion for breast reconstruction after mastectomy is a safe and effective procedure. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan can be requested for patients with a breast expander to evaluate concurrent diseases. The electromagnetic field of the MR can interfere with biomedical devices, resulting in potential hazards, compromising the diagnosis, or creation of artifacts.

A multi-tissue mass-spring model for computer assisted breast surgery.

The aim of this work was to develop and validate a 3D female breast deformation model for computer assisted breast surgery. Magnetic resonance (MR) image data of a patient undergoing breast biopsy, were acquired using two different protocols with the patient in prone position: (i) uncompressed breast and (ii) compressed breast, with lateral single breast compression, realized with a movable slab. The acquired images were then segmented using a semi-automatic procedure and from the extracted volumes of interest tetrahedral meshes representing skin, fat and mammary glands were generated.

Multicenter surveillance of women at high genetic breast cancer risk using mammography, ultrasonography, and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (the high breast cancer risk italian 1 study): final results.

Objectives: : To prospectively compare clinical breast examination, mammography, ultrasonography, and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a multicenter surveillance of high-risk women.

Materials And Methods: : We enrolled asymptomatic women aged ≥ 25: BRCA mutation carriers; first-degree relatives of BRCA mutation carriers, and women with strong family history of breast/ovarian cancer, including those with previous personal breast cancer.

Results: : A total of 18 centers enrolled 501 women and performed 1592 rounds (3.

Is there a specific magnetic resonance phenotype characteristic of hereditary breast cancer?

Aims And Background: The aim of the study was to investigate the growth rate of inherited breast cancer, to analyze its T2 signal intensity besides kinetic and morphologic aspects, and to verify whether there is any correlation between magnetic resonance imaging phenotype and BRCA status.

Methods: Between June 2000 and September 2009, we enrolled 227 women at high genetic risk for breast cancer in a surveillance program, within a multicenter project of the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (Rome).

Results: Thirty-four cancers were detected among 31 subjects.

MRI in the early detection of breast cancer in women with high genetic risk.

Aims And Background: Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 germline mutations have an elevated risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer. Because of the early onset of the disease, screening of this group of women should start at an earlier age than in the general population. The association of breast magnetic resonance imaging (BMRI) and ultrasonography (US) with mammography (MX) and clinical breast examination (CBE) in the regular surveillance of these individuals has been proposed and seems to improve the early detection of breast cancer.

Breast MRI screening in patients with increased familial and/or genetic risk for breast cancer: a preliminary experience.

Aims And Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women, and it is associated with or due to a genetic predisposition in 5%-10% of the cases. Owing to the higher risk of developing breast cancer and the early onset of the disease in women proved or suspected to be carriers of a breast cancer susceptibility gene, a dedicated screening should be offered as a less invasive approach with the otherwise suggested prophylactic mastectomy. This should be optimized in order to overcome the limitations of conventional breast imaging with the application of new technologies such as breast magnetic resonance imaging.

Breast microcalcifications studied with 3D contrast-enhanced high-field magnetic resonance imaging: more accuracy in the diagnosis of breast cancer.

Aims: To evaluate the reliability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed with three-dimensional (3D) sequences in mammographically detected breast microcalcifications.

Methods: During an 8-month period, a group of 28 patients with mammographically detected microcalcifications suspicious for malignancy underwent MRI. Their ages ranged from 33 to 65 years.