MR imaging of the breast: Fast imaging sequences with and without Gd-DTPA

Since March 1984 the authors performed 172 breast MR imaging studies using the spin-echo techniques and a special breast coil. In 51 cases fast imaging sequences (FLASH, FISP) were also used. Of the 57 suspected malignancies, 52 (91%) were proved to be so histologically; five (9%) were found to be benign. All cancers detected on mammography or palpation and confirmed at surgery were also visualized on MR images. MR imaging of the female breast should be performed in all cases with inconclusive mammographic findings, especially in young women with dense breasts, and to evaluate the postsurgical or postirradiation breast