[Dynamic MRI of intraductal papilloma]

MRI findings were retrospectively investigated in five cases of papilloma of the breast. The tumors, which had a smooth margin, were 8-28 mm in size and round(3), oval(1), and irregular(1)in shape. All tumors were well enhanced with Gd-DTPA: four were enhanced homogeneously and one inhomogeneously. Dynamic study demonstrated two different time-intensity curves: 1) an early enhancement pattern and 2) a slower enhancement pattern. Three tumors showed the early enhancement pattern, which is well known to be characteristic of malignancy, while the other two showed the slower enhancement pattern. In the latter cases, the intensity could not be measured accurately because the tumors were too small to set the ROI exactly within them. In conclusion, three of five papillomas demonstrated the early enhancement pattern on dynamic study, which means that the time-intensity curve cannot distinguish papilloma from carcinoma. Therefore, morphological features should also be taken into consideration in making the diagnosis.