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Over the past several years, magnetic resonance imaging of the breast has become an increasingly important modality for screening for and diagnosing breast cancer. This activity reviews the indications, contraindications, and technique involved in performing magnetic resonance imaging of the breast and highlights the role of the interprofessional team in the care of patients undergoing this imaging modality. Objectives: Identify the screening indications for magnetic resonance imaging of the breast. Review the diagnostic indications for magnetic resonance imaging of the breast. Outline the technique involved in performing magnetic resonance imaging of the breast. Explain the importance of improving coordination amongst the interprofessional team to enhance care for patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging of the breast. Access free multiple choice questions on this topic.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has come to light as a valuable tool in breast imaging. It is an ultimate supplementary imaging modality in addition to mammography and ultrasonography in the evaluation of breast disease. Breast MRI is most commonly obtained to evaluate and characterize malignancy. Screening breast MRI has shown higher sensitivity rates in the detection of breast cancer compared to mammography, ultrasonography or both combined in asymptomatic high-risk women.[1] The purpose of screening is to find smaller and node-negative cancers, which reduces breast cancer-specific mortality.[1] This article aims to review the indications for screening and diagnostic breast MRI, discuss the technique and some of the most commonly encountered artifacts.

Breast cancer ranks as the most common malignancy in women. Annual screening mammography is recommended to every woman starting at age 40. MRI of the breast is an ideal complementary imaging study to mammography and ultrasound for the evaluation of breast disease. The primary care provider and nurse practitioner must be aware of the screening recommendations and indications for breast MRI. The interpreting radiologists must be aware of the commonly encountered artifacts of breast MRI, to prevent them and improve the quality of the scan. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI is the most sensitive non-invasive imaging modality to differentiate benign and malignant breast lesions. The malignant lesions are small and often node-negative when identified with MRI compared to mammography alone. This diagnostic modality leads to early detection of breast cancer, better patient management, and outcome. Overall, the mortality rate for breast cancer has been decreasing due to screening and improved management, which is best accomplished with an interprofessional team approach using the various physician specialties (radiology, oncology, and the PCP) along with the nursing staff and radiology techs.