Rofo 2014; 186(1): 30-36
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1335972
Übersicht
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Management of Breast Lesions Detectable Only on MRI

Abklärung ausschließlich MRT-detektierbarer Mammaläsionen
K. C. Siegmann-Luz
,
S. D. Bahrs
,
H. Preibsch
,
V. Hattermann
,
C. D. Claussen
Further Information

Correspondence

PD Dr. Katja C. Siegmann-Luz
Abteilung Diagnostische und Interventionelle Radiologie, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen
Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3
72076 Tübingen
Phone: ++ 49/70 71/2 98 20 87   
Fax: ++ 49/70 71/29 58 45   

Publication History

06 November 2012

21 May 2013

Publication Date:
29 July 2013 (online)

 

Abstract

Breast MR imaging has become established as the most sensitive imaging method for diagnosing breast cancer. As a result of the increasing examination volume and improved image quality, the number of breast lesions detected only on MRI and requiring further clarification has risen in recent years. According to the S3-guideline “Diagnosis, Therapy, and Follow-Up of Breast Cancer” as revised in July 2012, institutions performing breast MRI should provide the option of an MRI-guided intervention for clarification. This review describes the indications, methods and results of MRI-guided interventions for the clarification of breast lesions only visible on MRI. Recent guidelines and study results are also addressed and alternative methods and pitfalls are presented.

Key points:

  • Up to 57 % of lesions originally visible only on MRI can be sonographically correlated and biopsied.

  • MRI-guided intervention is necessary for the clarification of BI-RADS® 4 and 5 lesions detectable only on MRI

  • MRI-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy should be preferentially used

  • MRI-guided localization and surgical excision should be used if MRI-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy is not possible

  • If BI-RADS® 4 and 5 findings visible only on MRI are not detectable on interventional MRI, a follow-up MRI should be performed within six months

Citation Format:

  • Siegmann-Luz KC, Bahrs SD, Preibsch H et al. Management of Breast Lesions Detectable Only on MRI. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2014; 186: 30 – 36


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Zusammenfassung

Die Mamma-MRT (Magnetresonanztomografie) hat sich als sensitivste bildgebende Methode in der Senologie etabliert. Durch steigende Untersuchungszahlen und verbesserte Bildqualität ist in den letzten Jahren ein Anstieg von abklärungsbedürftigen, ausschließlich MRT-detektierten Mammaläsionen zu verzeichnen. Die im Juli 2012 aktualisierte S3-Leitlinie „Diagnostik, Therapie und Nachsorge des Mammakarzinoms“ empfiehlt, dass alle Institute, die diagnostische MR-Mammografien durchführen, die Möglichkeit zur MRT-gestützten interventionellen Abklärung vorhalten sollen. Die vorliegende Übersicht beschreibt Indikationen, Methoden und Ergebnisse MRT-gestützter Interventionen zur Abklärung ausschließlich MRT-sichtbarer Mammaläsionen. Dabei werden aktuelle Leitlinien und Studienergebnisse berücksichtigt und alternative Abklärungsmethoden und Pitfalls aufgezeigt.


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Introduction

Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance mammography (MRM) has become established as the most sensitive imaging method in the field of senology [1] [2]. As a result of the increasing examination volume and improved image quality, the number of MRI-detected breast lesions requiring further clarification has risen in recent years.

In the 1990s, MRI-guided marking with subsequent excision biopsy and MRI-guided core biopsy were developed as alternative procedures. First described in 1999, vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB) [3] represents a technical advancement and, in its current form, is the method of choice. The latest german S3-guideline “Diagnosis, Therapy, and Follow-Up of Breast Cancer” accordingly mandates that MRI-VAB is to be used for the histological confirmation of lesions that are visible only on MRI [4]. This is in line with the recommendations of an interdisciplinary European consensus paper [5].

The S3-guideline as updated in July 2012 recommends performing MRM only if there is the possibility of performing an MRI-guided intervention [4]. Although external partners can be consulted, many institutions are now faced with the challenge of learning how to perform MRI-guided breast interventions. The goal of this review is to present all aspects essential for clarifying breast lesions detectable only on MRI.


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Indication for MRI-guided breast intervention

MRM findings are described and categorized according to the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS®) [6]. Using a score system or catalog of features can aid classification [7] [8] [9]. Suspicious (BI-RADS® 4) and suggestive (BI-RADS® 5) findings must be verified histologically. If these findings are undetectable via mammography and ultrasound, MRI-guided intervention is necessary ([Fig. 1]). If MRI-assisted biopsy cannot be performed for technical or patient-related reasons, MRI-guided lesion marking with subsequent surgical excision biopsy represents an alternative. In certain cases (e. g. known cancerous lesion in the same quadrant of the breast), primary MRI-guided marking of lesions detectable only on MRI can be helpful.

Zoom Image
Fig. 1 69-year-old patient with ductal carcinoma in situ of the right breast (not shown here) detected during mammographic screening. Dynamic contrast-enhanced breast MRI for preoperative diagnosis. a Transverse maximum intensity projection and b single slice of the early subtraction series. Linear lesion measuring 14 mm in diameter with suspicious contrast enhancement (white arrow, BI-RADS® 4) in the center of left breast. Since the finding could not be located by mammography or ultrasound, histological confirmation was performed using MRI-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy of the left breast. c Craniocaudal and d mediolateral mammography of the left breast. The clip implanted post-interventionally under MRI guidance is present at the lateral edge of the hematoma. Histology: Ductal carcinoma in situ of high nuclear grading (G3).

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Mammographic and sonographic correlation (“second look”)

Once a patient is diagnosed with a suspicious breast lesion (BI-RADS® 4 or 5) that is visible only on MRI, the mammograms should first be re-examined and a targeted ultrasound examination (“second look”) should be performed. If originally obscured findings are visible on mammography or ultrasound ([Fig. 2]), ultrasound- or mammography-guided biopsy should be performed [4] [5]. To ensure optimal ultrasound detection, the examination should be performed by a person possessing a high level of breast ultrasound as well as MRM expertise [10]. In any case, the MRM image data should be available during the ultrasound examination in order to ensure the best possible correlation in terms of the morphology, size and location of the findings. Additionally, a high-resolution linear transducer (ideally ≥ 12 MHz) can be helpful to localize even small findings with certainty. In fact, up to 57 % of lesions originally visible only on MRI can be sonographically correlated and biopsied when a transducer of at least 12 MHz is used [10] [11] [12]. A positive correlation is present if the ultrasound finding matches the contrast-enhanced lesion detected by MRI in terms of location in the breast, shape and size [10]. Otherwise, MRI-guided clarification is advised [11]. In the case of a benign ultrasound-guided biopsy of the MRI finding and a clear ultrasound correlate, a follow-up examination is recommended if there is a concordant pathological-radiological correlation [4] [5]. Per the S3-guideline, a histopathologically benign biopsy of a lesion classified as BI-RADS® 4 or 5 warrants one-time follow-up imaging after a period of 6 to 12 months [4]. Because lesions that are suspicious on MRI but lack a correlate in "second-look” ultrasound are malignant in 13 – 22 % of cases [11] [12] [13], these should also be histologically verified via MRI-guided intervention.

Zoom Image
Fig. 2 50-year-old patient with history of breast cancer and breast-conserving therapy of the right breast a year ago. Mammography and ultrasound show no identifiable findings (not shown). a Early transverse subtraction series of the dynamic T1-weighted gradient echo sequence of breast MRI. Lower right breast with suspicious contrast enhancing lesion measuring 25 mm in diameter (long arrow, BI-RADS® 4) lateral to the clip artifact (short arrow) in the area of the former tumor bed. b Subsequent ultrasound examination (“second look”) showing a hypoechoic finding correlating with the MRI BI-RADS® 4 lesion. Histological analysis of sonographically guided core biopsy: ductal carcinoma in situ of high nuclear grading.

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Technical aspects

In principle, the same technical and equipment-related prerequisites as for diagnostic MRM apply to MRI-guided breast interventions [14] [15] [16]: field strength of at least 1.5 Tesla, surface coils, dynamic T1-weighted (T1-w) 2 D or preferably 3 D gradient echo (GE) sequence with the highest possible spatial resolution at a temporal resolution of 60 – 120 seconds per series, preferably transverse slice orientation, automated IV contrast medium injection (0.1 – 0.2 mmol gadolinium chelates per kg of body weight) with a flow rate of 3 milliliters (ml) per second and subsequent bolus injection of 20 ml physiological saline solution (0.9 % NaCl). For reliable lesion imaging, subtraction series of every contrast-enhanced series should be acquired.

The patient is in a prone position during the examination. The procedure of performing MRI-guided breast intervention in a supine position as developed in the 1990 s [17] is no longer used because of its disadvantages (above all limited breast fixation capability and unfavorable ventrodorsal access). In addition to the surface coil, a targeting system and an apparatus for breast fixation must be present. Dedicated multi-channel breast biopsy coils – currently available from any MRI equipment manufacturer – should preferably be used. These allow breast compression along the mediolateral axis. As targeting systems, post-pillars or grids can be mounted medially or laterally ([Fig. 3]). In principle, the shortest possible access should be selected, the medial access being more difficult due to the longer distance in conjunction with the reduced light and operating space beneath the patient. At our center we therefore use medial access only if the distance from the lesion to the medial skin is less than 10 mm and safe lateral access is not possible. If lateral access is selected for medially located findings, post-biopsy clip insertion or, in the case of MRI-guided marking, clip or coil insertion (no wire) is recommended to ensure short intramammary wire routing through subsequent ultrasound- or mammography-assisted wire marking of the clip or coil. Alternatively to biopsy coils, perforated plate systems can be used together with flexible ring coils placed around the breast. In our experience, perforated plate systems are sometimes advantageous for reaching findings close to the thoracic wall. Compared to multi-channel breast biopsy coils, however, a ring coil is associated with a reduced signal-to-noise ratio and thus inferior image quality. This is true particularly for findings far from the coil (close to the nipple).

Zoom Image
Fig. 3 Multi-channel breast biopsy coil (a). Either a grid (b) or a post-pillar (c ) can be used as the targeting system. Blocks perforated in the direction of puncture and with variable hole diameters are used in the grid system. For MRI-guided intervention, the puncture channel with the best correlation with the calculated lesion coordinates is selected. The advantage of the post-pillar system is not only that coordinates can be plotted with greater flexibility regardless of the specified puncture channels, but also that the needle holder can be angled between + 30° and –30°.

All targeting systems are equipped with MRI-visible markers, known as fiducial markers, which serve as references for determining lesion coordinates. These coordinates can be ascertained either manually by reading out the slice coordinates and depth measurements on the MRI console or automatically by means of special targeting software. The lesion coordinates ultimately have to be transferred manually to the targeting system. Automated transfer as in the case of stereotactic VAB is not possible.


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MRI-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy

While only the Mammotome® (Devicor Inc., Cincinnati, USA) was available during the early years of MRI-assisted biopsy in the late 1990 s, multiple manufacturers now offer equipment for MRI-guided VAB of the breast. In addition to the Mammotome®, the ATEC® (Hologic Inc., Bedford, USA), Vacora® (Bard GmbH, Karlsruhe, Germany) and EnCor™ (Senorx or Enspire, Bard GmbH, Karlsruhe, Germany) are Europe’s most widely used biopsy devices. MRI-guided VAB was originally performed using an 11-gauge (G) needle. As in stereotactic VAB, MRI-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy has trended toward larger needle gauges (10G-7G), since these allow the collection of the same tissue volume with fewer individual samples [18], thereby possibly shortening the examination time. For stereotactic VAB, the current S3-guideline recommends taking at least 12 10G samples or an equivalent tissue volume if other needle gauges are used [4]. The S3-guideline does not define a number of samples for MRI-VAB, but a European consensus paper on the use of MRI-VAB recommends taking at least 24 11G samples or an equivalent tissue volume if larger needle gauges are used [5]. However, the recommended numbers of mammography-guided stereotactic vacuum-assisted biopsy samples were simply adopted here, since there are no studies regarding the sufficiency of MRI-VAB as a function of the number of samples.

Most VAB devices have a cable connection to the vacuum source located outside the MRI examination room. The Vacora® is the only battery-operated system and thus the only true handheld system. The disadvantage of this system is that the device has to be removed from the breast after each sample is taken. While the Mammotome® also takes individual samples, the biopsy system remains in the breast during the entire intervention. The samples are transported to a chamber in the handle, where they can later be removed. The ATEC® and EnCor™ provide the advantage of the automated removal of multiple samples in immediate succession. The ATEC® additionally provides the option of rinsing the biopsy cavity with saline. Finally, all of these devices deliver satisfactory precision and provide reliable sampling ([Table 1]).

Table 1

Success and malignancy rates of MRI-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy in selected publications from the past 10 years with number of cases n> 50 [26] [28] [35] [39] [40] [41] [42] [43].

publication

number

needle gauge [G] and equipment

mean lesion size

malignant

benign

lesions at risk[1]

non-representative

Perlet et al. 2002

341

11 G/Mammotome®

84 (25 %)

233 (70 %)

17 ADH (5 %)

 7 (2 %)

Liberman et al. 2005

98

9 G/ATEC

10 mm

24 (24 %)

52 (53 %)

10 (10 %)

 3 (3 %)

Perlet et al. 2006

538

11 G/Mammotome®

138 (27 %)

362 (70 %)

17 ADH (3 %)

21 (4 %)

Orel at al. 2006

85

9 G/ATEC®

17 mm

52 (61 %)

15 (18 %)

18 (21 %)

 2 (2 %)

Mahony et al. 2008

55

10 G/EnCor™

10 mm

10 (18 %)

38 (69 %)

 7 (13 %)

 0

Malhaire et al. 2010

72

10 G/Vacora®

Median: 12 mm

33 (46 %)

29 (40 %)

10 (14 %)

 2 (2 %)

Fischer et al. 2009

389

9 G/ATEC®; 10 G/Vacora®

106 (27 %)

231 (59 %)

50 (13 %)

 0

Oxner et al. 2012

187

10 Gauge/Vacora®

Range: 4 – 12 mm

44 (24 %)

126 (68 %)

15 (8 %)

1 Benign lesions with unclear biological potential (B3): atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), flat epithelial atypia (FEA), lobular neoplasia (LN), radial scars/complex sclerosing lesions, papillary lesions, suspected phyllodes tumor.


Following MRI-VAB, it is necessary to verify whether the tissue sampling was successful, i. e., whether at least portions of the targeted lesion have been removed. In this process it should be documented whether the biopsy was representative, questionably representative or not representative [5]. According to the recommendations of the Breast Diagnostics Working Group of the German X-ray Society, MRI-VAB is representative if the findings are smaller in size or no longer detectable or if the location of the resection bed is representatively in the area of the non-visible lesion [15]. Due to increasing contrast enhancement of the surrounding parenchyma and wash-out of the suspected lesion, the latter often cannot be identified with certainty in the post-interventional T1-w GE-series. Transferring a region-of-interest (ROI) that has been drawn prior to intervention to the post-interventional image series is helpful for evaluating biopsy results. Because lesion dislocation (e. g. caused by a hematoma) can potentially occur, resulting in incorrect transfer of the ROI to the post-interventional image series, additional anatomic structures should be used for evaluating biopsy results. According to an interdisciplinary European consensus recommendation, contrast medium can be re-administered to improve biopsy result evaluation [5]. However, bleeding and resulting contrast enhancement in the biopsy cavity can hamper immediate post-interventional evaluation. In addition, interventional MRI image quality is often inferior to that of diagnostic MRI. A general recommendation regarding the performing of another contrast-enhanced MRM following MRI-VAB cannot be derived from the data published to date. However, a follow-up MRI after 24 hours would be advisable at least in the case of questionably representative MRI-VAB [19]. To keep the risk of developing nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) low, this approach should optimally be considered only in patients with healthy kidneys and when using stable contrast mediums with a low risk of NSF (macrocyclic gadolinium chelates).

All MRI-VAB should be presented and discussed in an interdisciplinary conference [5]. The correlation of the histopathological diagnosis with the imaging should be determined and the further procedure should be specified. In the case of a representative MRI-VAB of a BI-RADS® 4 or 5 lesion with a correlating, benign histopathological diagnosis (e. g. lymph nodes, fibroadenoma, mastitis, focal tumor-like adenosis), a single follow-up MRI examination should be performed after 6 to 12 months [4] [5].


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Clip marking following MRI vacuum-assisted biopsy

Like stereotactic VAB, clip marking following MRI-VAB is advisable especially in the case of small lesions, since they can frequently be removed entirely or to a great extent by VAB [5]. In the case of benign findings as well, an implanted clip can be useful for relocating the biopsied lesion on follow-up MRI. In addition, MRI-guided marking of surgery-relevant corner points following representative MRI-VAB is advisable in cases of extensive cancer findings and planned breast-conserving therapy, particularly when segmental or regional contrast enhancement is present (BI-RADS®: “non-mass-like enhancement”).

Numerous manufacturers offer a wide assortment of MRI-compatible clips. Specifically developed clips are available from the respective manufacturer for each of the VAB devices presented in this article with the exception of the Vacora®. Using these clips is recommended for achieving optimal compatibility with the guide needle. A mammogram should be performed in two views to check the clip location [5] [15]. Like stereotactic VAB, MRI-VAB entails the risk of clip dislocation. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure correlation of the location of the clip and lesion [20].


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MRI-guided lesion marking

Primary MRI-guided lesion marking with subsequent excision biopsy should only be performed for the histological confirmation of suspected lesions visible exclusively on MRI if MRI-VAB is not possible [4] [5]. This can be the case, for example, when the lesion is in an unfavorable location (close to the thoracic wall or nipple) or when implants are present. Various MRI-compatible metal wires or clips from numerous suppliers as well as metal coils (MReye® breast localization coil, Cook, Bjaeverskov, Denmark) can be used as markers. Clips and coils can be preoperatively localized using ultrasound- or mammography-guided wire marking. One advantage of clips and coils over the relatively soft MRI-compatible wires is that they remain securely in position in the breast, resulting in a lower incidence of secondary dislocation in our experience. After the completion of MRI-guided lesion marking, the position of the marker should be checked by means of two-view mammography [5, [Fig. 4]].

Zoom Image
Fig. 4 61-year-old patient with mammographically detected 10-mm BI-RADS® 4 microcalcification in the right breast at the 12 o'clock position 5 mm from the nipple, histology indicating ductal carcinoma in situ of intermediate nuclear grading (G2). Preoperative breast MRI due to limited ability to evaluate mammography and ultrasound. Right-sided maximum intensity projections (a transverse, b sagittal) of the early subtraction series (T1w-GE) with suspicious contrast enhancement measuring 60 mm in diameter in the center of the right breast. MRI-guided marking of the craniolateral and dorsomedial lesion edges using coils prior to breast-conserving therapy. Post-interventional mammography in craniocaudal c and d mediolateral projection with visualization of microcalcifications and MRI marking material. The double preoperative sonographic wire marking of the coils and mammographic imaging prior to segment resection are not shown. Histology: Two invasive ductal breast cancers (T1c, 20 mm, G2) and accompanying DCIS (G2) measuring 40 mm in diameter.

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Pitfalls – False findings on diagnostic MRM

Hormonal stimulation and motion artifacts can cause false findings on MRM. In fact, a recently published study showed an increase in false-positive findings of 17 % when premenopausal patients are examined at a time other than during the second week of their menstrual cycle [21]. If diagnostic MRM is performed at the incorrect point in the menstrual cycle in premenopausal women or during hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women and if a hormonal cause for the contrast enhancement is suspected, another MRM should be performed [5] [16]. This applies particularly for BI-RADS® 4 findings that do not present as space-occupying focal findings (BI-RADS®: “mass”) but rather as segmental or regional contrast enhancement (BI-RADS®: “non-mass-like enhancement”). To reduce hormone-based contrast enhancement and minimize false-positive findings, the examination should be adapted to the patient’s menstrual cycle, ideally being performed during the second week of the cycle [22] [23]. Hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women should be suspended four weeks prior to the subsequent MRM. Patients undergoing MRM for local staging of a known breast carcinoma should be re-examined only if doing so would not result in any relevant delay of the planned treatment.

In the subtraction images of the T1-weighted contrast enhanced series, motion artifacts can result in hyperintense findings and be interpreted as lesions of increased contrast medium enhancement [24]. To avoid such false findings, the unsubtracted series should also be included in the evaluation [23]. If the artifacts are so severe that reliable diagnostic evaluation is not possible, MRM should be repeated to reveal any false-positive findings and reduce the number of unnecessary MRI interventions.


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Findings not visible on interventional MRI

According to the literature, 2 – 16 % of interventions are discontinued due to lesions no longer being visible on MRI [25] [26] [27] [28] [29]. If BI-RADS® 4 or 5 findings detected on diagnostic MRI are no longer visible, it is necessary to first rule out technical causes. For example, strong breast compression may result in reduced contrast enhancement [25] [27] [30] [31]. If there is reasonable suspicion that this is the case, a new MRI with reduced breast compression would be recommended. The unsubtracted series should also be reviewed to check whether the contrast medium was properly administered. If the lesion is located eccentrically especially when using a ring coil, a subsequent intervention with a dedicated breast biopsy coil may be advisable. Furthermore, hormone-based contrast enhancement may be responsible for the findings not being visible on interventional MRI if diagnostic MRM was not properly adapted to the patient’s menstrual cycle [25].

The malignancy rate of lesions no longer visible on interventional MRI is low. A rate of 2 % has been reported in a recently published study [29]. When lesions are no longer visible on interventional MRI, the same procedure as specified for BI-RADS® 3 findings is recommended, i. e., performing a short-term follow-up examination that is adapted to the menstrual cycle of premenopausal women within 6 months [16] [29].


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Minimum number of MRI-guided interventions

EUSOMA (European Society of Breast Cancer Specialists) requires a minimum of 10 MRI-guided breast interventions per year [23]. This is in accordance with the recommendations of an international consensus paper on MRI-VAB [5], which requires 15 MRI-VABs for learning the procedure and 10 MRI-VABs for maintaining competence. At a German consensus conference, all participants favored minimums for performing MRI-guided breast interventions, with most advocating a minimum of > 25 MRI interventions per year [16].


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Results in the literature

According to more recent studies, histologically confirmed lesions visible only on MRI have a malignancy rate of 22 – 33 %, which varies depending on the patient cohort examined and the MRI evaluation criteria employed [8] [32] [33] [34] [35]. In these studies, MRI-guided lesion marking proved to be a valid and precise method [36]. Larger studies involving n> 50 lesions have reported technical success rates of 97 – 98 % [30] [37] [38]. However, MRI-guided lesion marking has since been replaced by MRI-VAB and is only warranted in isolated cases (see above). [Table 1] shows an overview of the success and malignancy rates of MRI-VAB [26] [28] [35] [39] [40] [41] [42] [43]. Overall, MRI-VAB has a very high success rate of 96 – 100 % regardless of lesion size and needle size (11 – 9G). The malignancy rate is between 18 % and 61 % with a mean of 28 %, and the incidence of benign lesions exhibits a similar range of 18 – 70 % with a mean of 62 %. High-risk lesions, i. e., benign lesions with unclear biological potential (B3), were detected in 21 % of cases [40]. In such cases, the further treatment plan must be defined on an interdisciplinary basis. For example, the diagnosis of a radial scar or complex sclerosing lesion through vacuum-assisted biopsy generally results in a classification of B3 and is an indication for excision biopsy [4].

MRI-VAB is associated with a very low complication rate. In the largest multicenter study published to date, Perlet et al. [35] reported that complications occurred in only 17 of 538 (3 %) MRI-VABs using an 11G needle. Specifically, these cases involved five vasovagal reactions, one infected hematoma, six large hematomas (> 3 cm) and five cases of significant bleeding during the intervention, two of which required surgical hemostasis. A more recent study involving 389 MRI-VABs using 9G and 10G needles [28] reports an even lower complication rate of 1 % (n = 4). Two cases involved post-interventional secondary hemorrhage, while the other two cases concerned pain persisting for more than seven days. Overall, the complication rates of MRI-VAB are comparable to those of mammography-guided stereotactic vacuum-assisted biopsy, the latter being described as having complication rates of 1.8 % and 1.3 % in larger study cohorts of 500 and 1,114 patients, respectively [44] [45].


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Conclusion

Suspicious breast lesions detectable only on MRI (BI-RADS® 4 und 5) should be histologically confirmed by MRI-guided intervention. It must be demonstrated beforehand that these lesions cannot be clarified using other image-guided methods (mammography/ultrasound). In addition, the presence of false findings must be ruled out.

MRI-VAB is a very safe procedure with an extremely low complication rate and it should be used as the method of first choice for clarifying MRI-BI-RADS® 4 and 5 findings. MRI-guided lesion marking with subsequent surgical biopsy should be used only in exceptional cases for clarifying suspicious MRI findings, e. g., if MRI-VAB is not possible. MRI-guided marking of surgery-relevant corner points can serve to better define the target volume in cases of extensive cancer findings without mammographic or sonographic correlation.

If BI-RADS® 4 and 5 findings visible only on MRI are not detectable on interventional MRI, a follow-up MRI should be performed within six months. For premenopausal women, the procedure should optimally be scheduled during the second week of the menstrual cycle.


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Deutscher Artikel/German Article

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  • 20 Perlet C, Sittek H, Reiser M et al. Clipmarkierung nach MRT-gesteuerter Vakuumbiopsie der Mamma. Radiologe 2005; 45: 230-236
  • 21 Baltzer PA, Dietzel M, Vag T et al. Clinical MR mammography: impact of hormonal status on background enhancement and diagnostic accuracy. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2011; 183: 441-447
  • 22 Delille JP, Slanetz PJ, Yeh ED et al. Physiologic changes in breast magnetic resonance imaging during the menstrual cycle: perfusion imaging, signal enhancement, and influence of the T1 relaxation time of breast tissue. Breast J 2005; 11: 236-241
  • 23 Sardanelli F, Boetes C, Borisch B et al. Magnetic resonance imaging of the breast: recommendations from the EUSOMA working group. Eur J Cancer 2010; 46: 1296-1316
  • 24 Ojeda-Fournier H, Choe KA, Mahoney MC. Recognizing and interpreting artifacts and pitfalls in MR imaging of the breast. Radiographics 2007; 27 (Suppl. 01) S147-164
  • 25 Perlet C, Schneider P, Amaya B et al. MR-Guided vacuum biopsy of 206 contrast-enhancing breast lesions. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2002; 174: 88-95
  • 26 Perlet C, Heinig A, Prat X et al. Multicenter study for the evaluation of a dedicated biopsy device for MR-guided vacuum biopsy of the breast. Eur Radiol 2002; 12: 1463-1470
  • 27 Hefler L, Casselman J, Amaya B et al. Follow-up of breast lesions detected by MRI not biopsied due to absent enhancement of contrast medium. Eur Radiol 2003; 13: 344-346
  • 28 Fischer U, Schwethelm L, Baum FT et al. Aufwand, Zuverlässigkeit und histologische Ergebnisse der MR-gesteuerten Vakuumbiopsie suspekter Mammabefunde – retrospektive Auswertung von 389 Interventionen. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2009; 181: 774-781
  • 29 Brennan SB, Sung JS, Dershaw DD et al. Cancellation of MR imaging-guided breast biopsy due to lesion nonvisualization: frequency and follow-up. Radiology 2011; 261: 92-99
  • 30 Kuhl CK, Elevelt A, Leutner CC et al. Interventional breast MR imaging: clinical use of a stereotactic localization and biopsy device. Radiology 1997; 204: 667-675
  • 31 Viehweg P, Heinig A, Amya B et al. MR-guided interventional breast procedures considering vacuum biopsy in particular. Eur J Radiol 2002; 42: 32-39
  • 32 Lehman CD, Blume JD, Thickman D et al. Added cancer yield of MRI in screening the contralateral breast of women recently diagnosed with breast cancer: results from the International Breast Magnetic Resonance Consortium (IBMC) trial. J Surg Oncol 2005; 92: 9-15
  • 33 Lehman CD et al. MRI evaluation of the contralateral breast in women with recently diagnosed breast cancer. N Engl J Med 2007; 356: 1295-1303
  • 34 Liberman L, Mason G, Morris EA et al. Does size matter? Positive predictive value of MR-detected breast lesions as a function of lesion size. Am J Roentgenol 2006; 186: 426-430
  • 35 Perlet C, Heywang-Köbrunner SH, Heinig A et al. Magnetic resonance-guided, vacuum-assisted breast biopsy: results from a European multicenter study of 538 lesions. Cancer 2006; 106: 982-990
  • 36 Obenauer S, Grabbe E, Knollmann F. Stellenwert der MR-gestützten Lokalisation und Biopsie von Brustläsionen. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2006; 178: 477-483
  • 37 Fischer U, Kopka L, Grabbe E. Magnetic resonance guided localization and biopsy of suspicious breast lesion. Top Magn Reson Imaging 1998; 9: 44-59
  • 38 Schneider JP, Schulz T, Rüger S et al. MRT-gestüzte Markierung und Stanzbiopsie suspekter Mammaläsionen. Radiologe 2002; 42: 33-41
  • 39 Liberman L, Bracero N, Morris E et al. MR-guided 9-gauge vacuum-assisted breast biopsy: initial clinical experience. Am J Roentgenol 2005; 185: 183-193
  • 40 Orel SG, Rosen M, Mies C et al. MR imaging-guided 9-gauge vacuum-assisted core-needle breast biopsy: initial experience. Radiology 2006; 238: 54-61
  • 41 Mahoney MC. Initial clinical experience with a new MRI vacuum-assisted breast biopsy device. J Magn Reson Imaging 2008; 28: 900-905
  • 42 Malhaire C, El Khoury C, Thibault F et al. Vacuum-assisted biopsies under MR guidance: results of 72 procedures. Eur Radiol 2010; 20: 1554-1562
  • 43 Oxner CR, Vora L, Yim J et al. Magnetic resonance imaging-guided breast biopsy in lesions not visualized by mammogram or ultrasound. Am Surg 2012; 78: 1087-1090
  • 44 Kettritz U, Morack G, Decker T. Stereotactic vacuum-assisted breast biopsies in 500 women with microcalcifications: radiological and pathological correlations. Eur J Radiol 2005; 55: 270-276
  • 45 Salem C, Sakr R, Chopier J et al. Pain and complications of directional vacuum-assisted stereotactic biopsy: comparison of the Mammotome and Vacora techniques. Eur J Radiol 2009; 72: 295-299

Correspondence

PD Dr. Katja C. Siegmann-Luz
Abteilung Diagnostische und Interventionelle Radiologie, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen
Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3
72076 Tübingen
Phone: ++ 49/70 71/2 98 20 87   
Fax: ++ 49/70 71/29 58 45   

  • Literature

  • 1 Hrung JM, Sonnad SS, Schwartz JS et al. Accuracy of MR imaging in the work-up of suspicious breast lesions: a diagnostic meta-analysis. Acad Radiol 1999; 6: 387-397
  • 2 Peters NH, Borel RinkesIH, Zuithoff NP et al. Meta-analysis of MR imaging in the diagnosis of breast lesions. Radiology 2008; 246: 116-124
  • 3 Heywang-Köbrunner SH, Heinig A, Schaumlöffel U et al. MR-guided percutaneous excisional and incisional biopsy of breast lesions. Eur Radiol 1999; 9: 1656-1665
  • 4 Leitlinienprogramm Onkologie der AWMF, Deutschen Krebsgesellschaft e. V. und Deutschen Krebshilfe e.V (eds). Interdisziplinäre S3-Leitlinie für die Diagnostik, Therapie und Nachsorge des Mammakarzinoms. 3. Auflage. Germering/München: Zuckerschwerdt; 2012
  • 5 Heywang-Köbrunner SH, Sinnatamby R, Lebeau A et al. Interdisciplinary consensus on the uses and technique of MR-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VAB): results of a European consensus meeting. Eur J Radiol 2009; 72: 289-294
  • 6 American College of Radiology (ACR). Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System Atlas (BI-RADS® Atlas). Reston, Va: © American College of Radiology; 2003. http://www.acr.org/Quality-Safety/Resources/BIRADS/Mammography
  • 7 Fischer U, Kopka L, Grabbe E. Breast Carcinoma: Effect of preoperative contrast-enhanced MR Imaging on the therapeutic approach. Radiology 1999; 213: 881-888
  • 8 Siegmann KC, Moron HU, Baur A et al. Diagnostische Wertigkeit des Göttinger Scores zur Malignitätsvorhersage von ausschließlich in der MRT darstellbaren Mammaläsionen. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2009; 181: 1-8
  • 9 Dietzel M, Baltzer PA, Vag T et al. Magnetic resonance mammography in small vs. advanced breast lesions – systematic comparison reveals significant impact of lesion size on diagnostic accuracy in 936 histologically verified breast lesions. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2011; 183: 126-135
  • 10 Abe H, Schmidt RA, Shah RN et al. MR-directed (“second-look”) ultrasound examination for breast lesions detected initially on MRI: MR and sonographic findings. Am J Roentgenol 2010; 194: 370-377
  • 11 Demartini WB, Eby PR, Peacock S et al. Utility of targeted sonography for breast lesions that were suspicious on MRI. Am J Roentgenol 2009; 192: 1128-1134
  • 12 Meissnitzer M, Dershaw DD, Lee CH et al. Targeted ultrasound of the breast in women with abnormal MRI findings for whom biopsy has been recommended. Am J Roentgenol 2009; 193: 1025-1029
  • 13 LaTrenta LR, Menell JH, Morris EA et al. Breast lesions detected with MR imaging: utility and histopathologic importance of identification with US. Radiology 2003; 227: 856-861
  • 14 Kuhl C. The current status of breast MR imaging. Part I. Choice of technique, image interpretation, diagnostic accuracy, and transfer to clinical practice. Radiology 2007; 244: 356-378
  • 15 Fischer U. Qualitätssicherung „MR-gesteuerte Interventionen”. Empfehlungen der AG Mammadiagnostik der Deutschen Röntgengesellschaft, Konsensus 02/2007. http://apps.drg.de/mammaAG/QS_MRM_Intervention.pdf
  • 16 Müller-Schimpfle MP, Heindel W, Kettritz U et al. Konsensustreffen der Kursleiter in der Mammadiagnstik am 7.5.2011 in Frankfurt am Main – Magnet-Resonanz-Tomografie der Mamma. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2012; 184: 919-924
  • 17 Fischer U, Rodenwaldt J, Hundertmark C et al. MRT-gestützte Biopsie und Lokalisation der Mamma. Radiologe 1997; 37: 692-701
  • 18 Poellinger A, Bick U, Freund T et al. Evaluation of 11-gauge and 9-gauge vacuum-assisted breast biopsy systems in a breast parenchymal model. Acad Radiol 2007; 14: 677-684
  • 19 Hauth EA, Jaeger HJ, Lubnau J et al. MR-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy with a handheld biopsy system: clinical experience and results in postinterventional MR mammography after 24h. Eur Radiol 2008; 18: 168-176
  • 20 Perlet C, Sittek H, Reiser M et al. Clipmarkierung nach MRT-gesteuerter Vakuumbiopsie der Mamma. Radiologe 2005; 45: 230-236
  • 21 Baltzer PA, Dietzel M, Vag T et al. Clinical MR mammography: impact of hormonal status on background enhancement and diagnostic accuracy. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2011; 183: 441-447
  • 22 Delille JP, Slanetz PJ, Yeh ED et al. Physiologic changes in breast magnetic resonance imaging during the menstrual cycle: perfusion imaging, signal enhancement, and influence of the T1 relaxation time of breast tissue. Breast J 2005; 11: 236-241
  • 23 Sardanelli F, Boetes C, Borisch B et al. Magnetic resonance imaging of the breast: recommendations from the EUSOMA working group. Eur J Cancer 2010; 46: 1296-1316
  • 24 Ojeda-Fournier H, Choe KA, Mahoney MC. Recognizing and interpreting artifacts and pitfalls in MR imaging of the breast. Radiographics 2007; 27 (Suppl. 01) S147-164
  • 25 Perlet C, Schneider P, Amaya B et al. MR-Guided vacuum biopsy of 206 contrast-enhancing breast lesions. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2002; 174: 88-95
  • 26 Perlet C, Heinig A, Prat X et al. Multicenter study for the evaluation of a dedicated biopsy device for MR-guided vacuum biopsy of the breast. Eur Radiol 2002; 12: 1463-1470
  • 27 Hefler L, Casselman J, Amaya B et al. Follow-up of breast lesions detected by MRI not biopsied due to absent enhancement of contrast medium. Eur Radiol 2003; 13: 344-346
  • 28 Fischer U, Schwethelm L, Baum FT et al. Aufwand, Zuverlässigkeit und histologische Ergebnisse der MR-gesteuerten Vakuumbiopsie suspekter Mammabefunde – retrospektive Auswertung von 389 Interventionen. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2009; 181: 774-781
  • 29 Brennan SB, Sung JS, Dershaw DD et al. Cancellation of MR imaging-guided breast biopsy due to lesion nonvisualization: frequency and follow-up. Radiology 2011; 261: 92-99
  • 30 Kuhl CK, Elevelt A, Leutner CC et al. Interventional breast MR imaging: clinical use of a stereotactic localization and biopsy device. Radiology 1997; 204: 667-675
  • 31 Viehweg P, Heinig A, Amya B et al. MR-guided interventional breast procedures considering vacuum biopsy in particular. Eur J Radiol 2002; 42: 32-39
  • 32 Lehman CD, Blume JD, Thickman D et al. Added cancer yield of MRI in screening the contralateral breast of women recently diagnosed with breast cancer: results from the International Breast Magnetic Resonance Consortium (IBMC) trial. J Surg Oncol 2005; 92: 9-15
  • 33 Lehman CD et al. MRI evaluation of the contralateral breast in women with recently diagnosed breast cancer. N Engl J Med 2007; 356: 1295-1303
  • 34 Liberman L, Mason G, Morris EA et al. Does size matter? Positive predictive value of MR-detected breast lesions as a function of lesion size. Am J Roentgenol 2006; 186: 426-430
  • 35 Perlet C, Heywang-Köbrunner SH, Heinig A et al. Magnetic resonance-guided, vacuum-assisted breast biopsy: results from a European multicenter study of 538 lesions. Cancer 2006; 106: 982-990
  • 36 Obenauer S, Grabbe E, Knollmann F. Stellenwert der MR-gestützten Lokalisation und Biopsie von Brustläsionen. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2006; 178: 477-483
  • 37 Fischer U, Kopka L, Grabbe E. Magnetic resonance guided localization and biopsy of suspicious breast lesion. Top Magn Reson Imaging 1998; 9: 44-59
  • 38 Schneider JP, Schulz T, Rüger S et al. MRT-gestüzte Markierung und Stanzbiopsie suspekter Mammaläsionen. Radiologe 2002; 42: 33-41
  • 39 Liberman L, Bracero N, Morris E et al. MR-guided 9-gauge vacuum-assisted breast biopsy: initial clinical experience. Am J Roentgenol 2005; 185: 183-193
  • 40 Orel SG, Rosen M, Mies C et al. MR imaging-guided 9-gauge vacuum-assisted core-needle breast biopsy: initial experience. Radiology 2006; 238: 54-61
  • 41 Mahoney MC. Initial clinical experience with a new MRI vacuum-assisted breast biopsy device. J Magn Reson Imaging 2008; 28: 900-905
  • 42 Malhaire C, El Khoury C, Thibault F et al. Vacuum-assisted biopsies under MR guidance: results of 72 procedures. Eur Radiol 2010; 20: 1554-1562
  • 43 Oxner CR, Vora L, Yim J et al. Magnetic resonance imaging-guided breast biopsy in lesions not visualized by mammogram or ultrasound. Am Surg 2012; 78: 1087-1090
  • 44 Kettritz U, Morack G, Decker T. Stereotactic vacuum-assisted breast biopsies in 500 women with microcalcifications: radiological and pathological correlations. Eur J Radiol 2005; 55: 270-276
  • 45 Salem C, Sakr R, Chopier J et al. Pain and complications of directional vacuum-assisted stereotactic biopsy: comparison of the Mammotome and Vacora techniques. Eur J Radiol 2009; 72: 295-299

Zoom Image
Fig. 1 69-year-old patient with ductal carcinoma in situ of the right breast (not shown here) detected during mammographic screening. Dynamic contrast-enhanced breast MRI for preoperative diagnosis. a Transverse maximum intensity projection and b single slice of the early subtraction series. Linear lesion measuring 14 mm in diameter with suspicious contrast enhancement (white arrow, BI-RADS® 4) in the center of left breast. Since the finding could not be located by mammography or ultrasound, histological confirmation was performed using MRI-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy of the left breast. c Craniocaudal and d mediolateral mammography of the left breast. The clip implanted post-interventionally under MRI guidance is present at the lateral edge of the hematoma. Histology: Ductal carcinoma in situ of high nuclear grading (G3).
Zoom Image
Fig. 2 50-year-old patient with history of breast cancer and breast-conserving therapy of the right breast a year ago. Mammography and ultrasound show no identifiable findings (not shown). a Early transverse subtraction series of the dynamic T1-weighted gradient echo sequence of breast MRI. Lower right breast with suspicious contrast enhancing lesion measuring 25 mm in diameter (long arrow, BI-RADS® 4) lateral to the clip artifact (short arrow) in the area of the former tumor bed. b Subsequent ultrasound examination (“second look”) showing a hypoechoic finding correlating with the MRI BI-RADS® 4 lesion. Histological analysis of sonographically guided core biopsy: ductal carcinoma in situ of high nuclear grading.
Zoom Image
Fig. 3 Multi-channel breast biopsy coil (a). Either a grid (b) or a post-pillar (c ) can be used as the targeting system. Blocks perforated in the direction of puncture and with variable hole diameters are used in the grid system. For MRI-guided intervention, the puncture channel with the best correlation with the calculated lesion coordinates is selected. The advantage of the post-pillar system is not only that coordinates can be plotted with greater flexibility regardless of the specified puncture channels, but also that the needle holder can be angled between + 30° and –30°.
Zoom Image
Fig. 4 61-year-old patient with mammographically detected 10-mm BI-RADS® 4 microcalcification in the right breast at the 12 o'clock position 5 mm from the nipple, histology indicating ductal carcinoma in situ of intermediate nuclear grading (G2). Preoperative breast MRI due to limited ability to evaluate mammography and ultrasound. Right-sided maximum intensity projections (a transverse, b sagittal) of the early subtraction series (T1w-GE) with suspicious contrast enhancement measuring 60 mm in diameter in the center of the right breast. MRI-guided marking of the craniolateral and dorsomedial lesion edges using coils prior to breast-conserving therapy. Post-interventional mammography in craniocaudal c and d mediolateral projection with visualization of microcalcifications and MRI marking material. The double preoperative sonographic wire marking of the coils and mammographic imaging prior to segment resection are not shown. Histology: Two invasive ductal breast cancers (T1c, 20 mm, G2) and accompanying DCIS (G2) measuring 40 mm in diameter.