Magnetic resonance imaging of the breast

The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer is dependent upon accurate depiction of the disease by diagnostic imaging. In a number of clinical situations, conventional breast imaging does not adequately address these diagnostic needs. New magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods developed specifically for breast diagnosis may provide the additional capability needed to fill the gap between clinical needs and the information obtained by conventional breast imaging methods. Fat-suppressed 3D MRI has demonstrated improved sensitivity over routine breast imaging methods. MRI can also be used to differentiate between certain benign but mammographically suspicious lesions and cancer. The potential clinical roles of MRI are reviewed with clinical examples. Pitfalls in the use of MRI are defined. The problems encountered with the implementation of MRI in a clinical setting are outlined and future advances predicted.