Magnetic resonance imaging in potential postsurgical recurrence of breast cancer: pitfalls and limitations.

Objective: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breast for detecting recurrent carcinoma.

Patients And Methods: Thirteen patients ranging in age from 47 to 77 years who had undergone lumpectomy 5 months to 8 years earlier and who had mammographic findings suggestive of recurrence underwent contrast-enhanced dynamic MRI. Histologic confirmation was obtained in all cases.

Results: Of the eight lesions (in seven patients) for which biopsy proved recurrence, MRI correctly identified six; there were two false negative results. Of the six benign lesions, four were correctly identified by MRI. The two false positive results involved fat necrosis and a foreign-body reaction respectively.

Conclusion: These results confirm previous reports of the poor specificity of MRI of focal breast lesions. The authors therefore recommend caution in the use of breast MRI in the assessment and management of suspected recurrent carcinoma.