Pictorial review Pitfalls of breast MRI

This article reviews some of the common pitfalls associated with breast MRI. Pitfalls can be broadly considered as ''technical'' (relating to patient factors or machine factors, which can influence image interpretation) or ''non-technical'' (relating to misinterpretation of imaging findings in the absence of technical problems). Awareness of potential pitfalls is important if MRI is to maximize its potential in breast imaging. Over the last decade MRI of the breast has progressed from a technique available in only a few selected research institutions to an imaging option offered by most major MRI equipment vendors. There have been several comprehensive reviews of breast MRI (1-3). The precise role of the technique in relation to other breast imaging modalities remains to be defined for many clinical indications, but the potential of breast MRI is generally appreciated by radiologists and clini- cians involved in the management of breast diseases. Consideration of the pitfalls associated with breast MRI have tended to concentrate on false positive and negative examinations (4, 5), but other types of problems, for example related to technical issues, may be encountered. Radiologists coming to breast MRI from the perspective of symptomatic breast imaging or breast screening may face the dual problems of relative unfamili- arity with MRI and the ''learning curve'' of breast MRI. The purpose of this article is to review some of the common pitfalls associated with breast