Core breast biopsy under MR control : preliminary results

Background: Breast MR examination is capable of detecting suspected lesions that are not visualized by other imaging techniques, such as mammography or ultrasonography. In all cases such lesions should be verified histopathologically by MR-guided core biopsy. The aim of the study was the determination of effectiveness of MR-guided breast core biopsy in detection of breast pathologies. Material/Methods: Twelve women with suspected lesions detected by MR (GEMS Signa Excite 1.5 T with 4-channel open breast coil manufactured by MRI Devices Corporation) were qualified to MR-guided breast biopsy. Obtained image data were transferred to DYNACAD workstation for calibration, lesion localization, and automatic calculation of target coordinates for MR-guided intervention. Biopsy was performed using automated 14G biopsy needle. Results: MR-guided breast biopsy was performed in 9 women and confirmed lobular and ductal carcinoma in 2 patients respectively, lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) in 1, intraductal papilloma in 2, and intraductal hyperplasia without atypia. In 3 patients histopathologic examination revealed benign fibrocystic lesions. Three women were disqualified from biopsy because pre-biopsy MR sequences did not reveal the lesion in 1 case, and due to the target localization out of reach of the biopsy needle in other 2 cases. Conclusions: All non-palpable lesions visualized by MR (contrast-enhanced signal in dynamic examination) should be verified by MR-guided breast biopsy. In each case histopathologi