Controversies in breast MRI.

When used for appropriate indications, breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful diagnostic tool. However, breast MRI has its share of controversies. These controversies can be a source of confusion for the radiologist or referring physician.

Standardized pretreatment breast MRI--accuracy and influence on mastectomy decisions.

Background And Objectives: Routine pretreatment breast magnetic resonance imaging in newly diagnosed cancer patients remains controversial. We assess MRI accuracy and influence on mastectomy decisions after institution of standardized pretreatment MRI.

Methods: A prospectively collected database of 74 consecutive new invasive breast cancer patients with pretreatment breast MRI was reviewed for treatment choice, radiologic, and pathologic results.

Bone tumor mimics: avoiding misdiagnosis.

Whether discovered incidentally or as part of a focused diagnostic evaluation, the finding of a benign osseous lesion that has radiologic features resembling a bone tumor is not uncommon. Some of the more common benign and nonneoplastic entities that can sometimes be confused with tumors are the following: cortical desmoid, Brodie abscess, synovial herniation pit, pseudocyst, enostosis, intraosseous ganglion cyst, fibrous dysplasia, stress fracture, avulsion fracture (healing stage), bone infarct, myositis ossificans, brown tumor, and subchondral cyst. Accurate diagnosis and management of these lesions require a basic understanding of their epidemiology, clinical presentations, anatomic distributions, imaging features, differential considerations, and therapeutic options.