[Evaluation of suspicious nipple discharge with MRI: review of 50 cases].

PURPOSE: To determine the role of MRI in the evaluation and management of patients with suspicious nipple discharge and normal mammographic and US evaluation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 50 patients with suspicious nipple discharge and normal mammographic and US evaluation prospectively underwent MRI. The first 16 patients underwent routine breast MRI, while MR-ductography with image fusion at the console was added for the last 34 patients.

RESULTS: In 22 of 25 high-risk and malignant lesions, MRI showed enhancement whereas it was normal in three cases. In 25 benign cases (resolution of discharge/benign non-proliferative breast disease), MRI was negative in 22 cases and falsely positive in three cases.

CONCLUSION: In this clinical setting, MRI shows excellent sensitivity, PPV and NPV. A negative result on MRI would support clinical follow-up as opposed to surgery.