Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 27, 2026
Clinical Imaging of Microwave Mammography
Published on: November 14, 2025
Screening MRI in Women With a Personal History of Breast Cancer
Constance D Lehman1, Janie M Lee2, Wendy B DeMartini2
1Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA (CDL); Department of Radiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA (JML, DSH, GK, SCP); Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, WA (JML, SCP); Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI (WBD); Department of Pathology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA (MHR); Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, (PP, JG); Department of Medical Oncology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA (JG). clehman@mgh.harvard.edu.
Background:
Screening MRI is recommended for individuals at high risk for breast cancer, based on genetic risk or family history (GFH); however, there is insufficient evidence to support screening MRI for women with a personal history (PH) of breast cancer. We compared screening MRI performance in women with PH vs GFH of breast cancer.
Methods:
We analyzed case-series registry data, collected at time of MRI and at 12-month follow-up, from our regional Clinical Oncology Data Integration project. MRI performance was compared in women with PH with those with GFH. Chi-square testing was used to identify associations between age, prior history of MRI, and clinical indication with MRI performance; logistic regression was used to determine the combined contribution of these variables in predicting risk of a false-positive exam. All statistical tests were two-sided.
Results:
Of 1521 women who underwent screening MRI from July 2004 to November 2011, 915 had PH and 606 had GFH of breast cancer. Overall, MRI sensitivity was 79.4% for all cancers and 88.5% for invasive cancers. False-positive exams were lower in the PH vs GFH groups (12.3% vs 21.6%, P < .001), specificity was higher (94.0% vs 86.0%, P < .001), and sensitivity and cancer detection rate were not statistically different (P > .99). Age (P < .001), prior MRI (P < .001), and clinical indication (P < .001) were individually associated with initial false-positive rate; age and prior MRI remained statistically significant in multivariable modeling (P = .001 and P < .001, respectively).
Conclusion:
MRI performance is superior in women with PH compared with women with GFH. Screening MRI warrants consideration as an adjunct to mammography in women with a PH of breast cancer.
More Related Videos
15:48Tracking the Mammary Architectural Features and Detecting Breast Cancer with Magnetic Resonance Diffusion Tensor Imaging
Published on: December 15, 2014
08:42Design and Implementation of an fMRI Study Examining Thought Suppression in Young Women with, and At-risk, for Depression
Published on: May 19, 2015
Related Concept Videos
01:27Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
01:14Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
01:24Magnetic Resonance Imaging
01:21Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI
01:30Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...