Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

What is Bilateral Breast MRI?

Magnetic resonance breast imaging (Breast MRI) was approved for use in 1991 as a supplemental tool, in addition to mammography, to investigate breast problems first detected with mammography, physical exam or other imaging exams. Unlike mammography, which uses low dose x-rays to image the breast, MRI uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to produce high resolution images of the breast. The MRI system is able to produce views of the breast in any plane and orientation, while in x-ray mammography, the breast must be repositioned each time a new view is obtained.

At MDR, we have a special breast coil and sophisticated computer hardware and software that allows us to obtain MR images of both breasts simultaneously.

What should I expect during the procedure?

To begin the breast MRI exam, an intravenous line is placed in an arm vein. The patient is then positioned face down on a special table inside the MRI where a magnetic field is created by the magnet. The total MRI exam is comprised of a series of imaging sequences, each lasting between 2 and 10 minutes. During the exam, a radio signal is turned on and off, and is continuously measured by the scanner. These signals, or echoes, are reconstructed into images of the breast. Toward the end of the examination, a safe contrast agent, Gadolinium, is injected intravenously to highlight any areas of abnormality in the breasts. These contrast enhanced images are carefully compared to the ones obtained prior to contrast administration, so it is very important to hold still for the entire examination. An MRI exam of the breast typically takes between 30 minutes. There are no restrictions in activity after the test. Patients should be sure they are not pregnant for the exam.

What are the Common Uses of Breast MRI?

Breast MRI offers several potential benefits in helping to investigate breast problems. An MRI exam allows breast images to be taken in any plane and from any orientation. It is highly sensitive in detecting small abnormalities that can sometimes be missed with other exams. It should be noted, however, that unlike conventional mammography, MRI is unable to image small calcifications, which can often be associated with early-stage breast cancer.

In patients with a newly diagnosed breast cancer, MRI is extremely useful in determining the full extent of the cancer in one breast, and to identify potential tumor in the other breast. MRI is also useful in determining whether breast cancer has spread to the chest wall, and to detect cancer recurrences in women who have already been treated for breast cancer with lumpectomy and radiation therapy (breast conserving surgery).

Breast MRI is excellent at imaging the augmented breast, including both the breast implant itself and the breast tissue surrounding the implant. Abnormalities or signs of breast cancer can sometimes be obscured by the implant on conventional mammogram.

PLEASE NOTE: While breast MRI is extremely beneficial, it does not replace mammography. Mammography is still the best tool for evaluating breast tissue and for screening for breast cancer.

How should I prepare for the procedure?

In addition to the conventional preparation for MRI, patients for breast MRI should schedule their examination 8-13 days after the first day of their last menstrual cycle. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) should be discontinued 3 months prior to the exam.