Comparison of diagnostic values of two magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocols for diagnosis of breast lesions.

Abstract

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has a pivotal role in diagnosing breast lesions. Here we aimed to compare the diagnostic values of Abbreviated and Full Breast MRI for breast lesions.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study performed in 2017-2021 on 80 women with breast lesions. Using the available MRI analysis software, the necessary sequences for the Abbreviated MRI were extracted from standard breast MRI protocol. First, a Full Breast MRI was examined by a radiologist giving Breast imaging-reporting and data system (BI-RADS). Then, from this Full Breast MRI, the necessary sequences for Abbreviated Breast MRI were prepared. The second expert radiologist read them in this field and BIRADS was reported. The data relating to each patient were recorded in the patient-specific profile and then the pathology results were followed for each patient.

Results: Modified breast MRI had 84% sensitivity and 58.18% specificity, while full Breast MRI had 100% sensitivity and 38.18% specificity. Comparing the results of pathology (benign or malignant) for breast tumors and BIRADS reported by modified breast MRI indicated that these results were similar in 53 cases (66.3%) and different in 27 patients (33.8%). On the other hand, similar assessments for Full Breast MRI and pathology reports showed that the results were the same in 46 patients (57.5%) and different in 34 patients (42.5%).

Conclusion: Abbreviated breast MRI has lower sensitivity and higher specificity than full breast MRI.