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Recognizing and Interpreting Artifacts and Pitfalls in MR Imaging of the Breast¹

¹ From the Department of Radiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio. Presented as an education exhibit at the 2006 RSNA Annual Meeting. Received March 16, 2007; revision requested April 25 and received May 22; accepted May 30. K.A.C. consults for Johnson & Johnson (Peninsula Pharmaceuticals, Mountain View, Calif, and Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Cincinnati, Ohio); M.C.M. is a member of the speakers bureau for Johnson & Johnson (Ethicon Endo-Surgery); the other author has no financial relationships to disclose. Address correspondence to H.O.F., Department of Radiology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Dr, #0846, La Jolla, CA 92093-0846 (e-mail: hojeda{at}ucsd.edu).

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the breast has evolved into an important adjunctive tool in breast imaging with multiple and ever-increasing indications for its use. As with other types of MR imaging, there are a number of technical artifacts and pitfalls that can potentially limit interpretation of the images by masking or simulating disease. Because of the coils and computer-aided detection software specific to breast MR imaging, there are additional technical considerations that are unique to this type of MR imaging. Motion and misregistration artifacts, wraparound artifact, susceptibility artifact, poor fat saturation, lack of contrast material, and poor timing of the contrast material bolus are some of the artifacts and pitfalls that can make interpretation of breast MR images challenging and lead to misdiagnosis. Other important considerations in proper interpretation of breast MR images include acquisition of a sufficient medical history, knowledge of benign and abnormal lesion enhancement, morphologic versus kinetic assessment, evaluation of areas outside the breast, and positioning. By using the recommended strategies, one can reduce or eliminate common artifacts and pitfalls in breast MR imaging that prevent proper interpretation of the results of this important diagnostic tool.

© RSNA, 2007