MR-guided localization of suspected breast lesions detected exclusively by postcontrast MRI.

OBJECTIVE: We describe and evaluate a preoperative MRI localization procedure for suspected breast lesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen consecutive patients underwent MR localization of suspected breast lesions discovered with contrast-enhanced MRI but not detected by conventional mammography or ultrasound. In each case diagnostic MRI was repeated after the application of special skin markers. A non-magnetic wire was subsequently inserted into the breast and a second MRI performed to document the position of the wire tip relative to the lesion.

RESULTS: The procedure was successful in all 14 patients, enabling excision of the lesion and allowing histological diagnoses.

CONCLUSION: We found the described procedure to be quite useful.