The application of background parenchymal enhancement in breast MR imaging

Normal parenchymal enhancement in breast MR imaging is referred to as background parenchymal enhancement (BPE). The primarily effect factor includes anatomic and hormone influences. To be familiar with the typical and atypical imaging features and combining with history is essential for radiologist to make accurate diagnosis. Recently, more and more authors pay attention on the other applications of BPE, such as the risk prediction of breast cancer, the margin evaluation after breast-conserving surgery, the response to the neoadjuvant chemotherapy and the potential effects on high-risk population. In this review we summarized the multiple effect factors on BPE, imaging features and the recent literatures concerning BPE in clinical application. (authors)