The lactating breast: MRI findings and literature review

Normal physiologic changes in the breast related to pregnancy and lactation can reduce the sensitivity of imaging modalities, such as mammography. This is likely to be true for other breast imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Although malignancy is relatively uncommon in lactating breasts, patients may develop palpable abnormalities that require imaging evaluation. Physiologic changes from pregnancy and lactation can complicate breast imaging. We report the MRI appearance of the lactating breast and address potential difficulties that may be encountered in this clinical situation.