Asymmetric uptake on molecular breast imaging: A manifestation of unilateral breastfeeding

Abstract

Molecular breast imaging (MBI) is an adjunctive screening tool that can be helpful in evaluating women with dense breasts or in high-risk patients. We present the case of a 43-year-old female who had markedly asymmetric uptake in one of her breasts on MBI study. Further evaluation with diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound did not demonstrate any suspicious findings in the affected breast. Discussion with the patient and additional clinical history revealed that the patient was exclusively breastfeeding from that side, accounting for the unilateral MBI findings.

Keywords: Asymmetric uptake; Dense breasts; Lactation; Molecular breast imaging.

Fig. 1

Bilateral molecular breast imaging (MBI) study shows both breasts in craniocaudal (CC) compression with images from the (A) upper detectors, (B) lower detectors, and both breasts in mediolateral oblique (MLO) compression with images from the (C) medial detectors, and (D) lateral detectors. The study demonstrates marked diffuse patchy uptake throughout the left breast which is asymmetric when compared to the right breast.

Fig. 2

Diagnostic full field mammograms of the left breast in the (A) craniocarudal (CC) and (B) mediolateral oblique (MLO) projections show a few scattered benign calcifications. No suspicious mass, asymmetry, architectural distortion, or worrisome calcifications noted.

Fig. 3

Sonographic evaluation of the (A) left lower inner breast and (B) left upper outer breast was performed since these were the areas with the most intense MBI uptake. Ultrasound images demonstrate dense normal fibroglandular tissue without any focal sonographic abnormality in these regions.