[Magnetic resonance imaging of the breast]

This article reviews the current benefits and limitations of MR imaging of the breast. Techniques and results based on a review of the literature are first presented then analyzed. This imaging modality is clearly indicated for the diagnosis of recurrent disease and clinically occult breast cancers. Its value in other fields (neoadjuvant chemotherapy, staging of cancers, genetic cancers) is still experimental. Owing to its variable specificity, MRI is not currently recommended for the diagnosis of microcalcifications or evaluation of asymptomatic mammographically dense breasts. MR-guided interventional procedures should improve the value of this technique in breast pathology.