Diagnostic, detailed, medical, imaging, women-focused.
Initial results regarding magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breast were published more than 30 years ago. But clinical use started during the 1990s after the introduction of contract-enhanced (CE) protocols.
Breast MRI is today one of the main methods for diagnosing breast diseases, together with mammography, ultrasound, and image – guided needle biopsy.
It is based on the use of (a) a strong magnetic field provided by a high-quality magnet; (b) low-energy electromagnetic waves (radiofrequency waves, similar to those of radio, television, and portable phones) radiated and received by special coils (antennas) inside the magnet and positioned close to the investigated body part. MRI can be used to differentiate lesions and abnormalities of the breast well. However, in order to diagnose or exclude a cancer, intravenous administration of a gadolinium-containing contrast material (CM) is needed3,4. Injection of CM is not required for evaluation of breast implant integrity. MRI does not expose the patient to potentially dangerous radiation, but other important precautions, contraindications, and potential side effects (including those regarding CM) should be considered.
You may need to wear a hospital gown. Or you may be allowed to wear your own clothing if it is loose-fitting and has no metal fasteners.
Guidelines about eating and drinking before an MRI vary between specific exams and facilities. Unless you are told otherwise, take food and medications as usual.
Tell the technologist or radiologist if you have any serious health problems or recently had surgery.
If you have claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces) or anxiety, you may want to ask your doctor to prescribe a mild sedative prior to your exam.
Leave all jewelry and other accessories at home or remove them prior to the MRI scan. Metal and electronic items can interfere with the magnetic field of the MRI unit, and they are not allowed in the exam room. They may cause burns or become harmful projectiles within the MRI scanner room. These items include:
jewelry, watches, credit cards and hearing aids, all of which can be damaged
pins, hairpins, metal zippers and similar metallic items, which can distort MRI images
removable dental work
pens, pocket knives and eyeglasses
body piercings
Mobile phones, electronic watches and tracking devices.
In most cases, an MRI exam is safe for patients with metal implants, except for a few types. People with the following implants may not be scanned and should not enter the MRI scanning area without first being evaluated for safety:
some cochlear (ear) implants
some types of clips used for brain aneurysms
some types of metal coils placed within blood vessels
some older cardiac defibrillators and pacemakers
Tell the technologist if you have medical or electronic devices in your body. These devices may interfere with the exam or pose a risk. Many implanted devices will have a pamphlet explaining the MRI risks for that particular device. If you have the pamphlet, bring it to the attention of the scheduler before the exam. MRI cannot be performed without confirmation and documentation of the type of implant and MRI compatibility. You should also bring any pamphlet to your exam in case the
Tell the technologist or radiologist about any shrapnel, bullets, or other metal that may be in your body. Foreign bodies near and especially lodged in the eyes are very important because they may move or heat up during the scan and cause blindness. Dyes used in tattoos may contain iron and could heat up during an MRI scan. This is rare. Tooth fillings, braces, eye shadows and other cosmetics usually are not affected by the magnetic field. However, they may distort images of the facial area or brain. Tell the radiologist about them.
