MRI and comparison mammography: a worthy diagnostic alliance for breast microcalcifications?

There is a lack of data concerning diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with new or increasing microcalcifications.

To evaluate suspicious microcalcifications by using comparison mammography, MRI, and a combination of both methods.

Our study group consisted of 55 patients with mammographically detected BI-RADS (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System) 3-5 microcalcifications for whom comparison mammograms were available. All patients underwent breast MRI before SVAB (stereotactic vacuum-assisted biopsy). Diagnostic performances of comparison mammography and MRI were evaluated, as well as the combination of the respective imaging findings.

Of the 55 microcalcification cases, 35 showed progression and 20 were stable between interval screenings. The negative predictive value (NPV) of comparison mammography was 100%, whereas the NPV of MRI was 92%. However, the specificity of combination of findings was 97%, significantly higher than the 42% specificity of comparison mammography (P < 0.001). Additionally, the positive predictive value of combination of findings was 93% versus 44% of comparison mammography (P = 0.001).

A biopsy is recommended when MRI positive lesion corresponding the area of new or increasing mammographic microcalcifications is detected. Patients with stable microcalcifications can continue follow-up mammography, regardless of MRI result.