Role of Breast MRI in the Evaluation and Detection of DCIS: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

Historically, breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was not considered an effective modality in the evaluation of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Over the past decade this has changed, with studies demonstrating that MRI is the most sensitive imaging tool for detection of all grades of DCIS. It has been suggested that not only is breast MRI the most sensitive imaging tool for detection but it may also detect the most clinically relevant DCIS lesions. The role and outcomes of MRI in the preoperative setting for patients with DCIS remains controversial; however, several studies have shown benefit in the preoperative evaluation of extent of disease as well as predicting an underlying invasive component. The most common presentation of DCIS on MRI is nonmass enhancement (NME) in a linear or segmental distribution pattern. Maximizing breast MRI spatial resolution is therefore beneficial, given the frequent presentation of DCIS as NME on MRI. Emerging MRI techniques, such as diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), have shown promising potential to discriminate DCIS from benign and invasive lesions. Future opportunities including advanced imaging visual techniques, radiomics/radiogenomics, and machine learning / artificial intelligence may also be applicable to the detection and treatment of DCIS. Level of Evidence: 3 Technical Efficacy Stage: 3 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:697-709.

Keywords: breast MRI; diffusion tensor imaging; diffusion weighted imaging; ductal carcinoma in situ.