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MR imaging in patients with nipple discharge: initial experience
S G Orel1, C S Dougherty, C Reynolds
1Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. orel@oasis.rad.upenn.edu
Radiology
|July 11, 2000
Summary
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can identify benign and malignant causes of nipple discharge, offering a noninvasive alternative to galactography for diagnosing breast conditions.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Breast Imaging
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Nipple discharge is a common clinical presentation requiring accurate diagnosis.
- Conventional imaging like mammography often yields negative findings in cases of nipple discharge.
- Galactography, while invasive, has limitations in evaluating the underlying cause.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for nipple discharge.
- To compare MR imaging findings with histopathologic results in patients with nipple discharge.
Main Methods:
- 23 patients with nipple discharge underwent contrast-enhanced MR imaging at 1.5 T.
- Mammography was negative in most patients; galactography was attempted in two.
- Excisional biopsy was performed in 15 patients, with MR imaging-guided localization in seven.
Main Results:
- MR imaging findings correlated with histopathology in 73% of patients who underwent excisional biopsy.
- MR imaging correctly identified benign lesions like papillomas and fibroadenomas.
- Suspicious findings on MR imaging were associated with malignancy in six of seven patients, including ductal and regional enhancement patterns.
Conclusions:
- Contrast-enhanced MR imaging is effective in identifying both benign and malignant etiologies of nipple discharge.
- MR imaging serves as a valuable noninvasive tool, potentially replacing invasive procedures like galactography.