Interpretation of breast MRI: correlation of kinetic and morphological parameters with pathological findings

Abstract

Breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) has emerged as a highly sensitive modality for imaging of breast tumors. Differences in MR enhancement characteristics between benign and malignant lesions are believed to reflect differences in vascularity, vessel permeability, and extracellular diffusion space. However, interpretation of breast MRI remains a challenging task. Precise MR-pathologic correlations may also lead to an improved understanding of the histological heterogeneity of breast cancers and definitions of diagnostic criteria.