Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of a MRI localization procedure using a non-dedicated body coil in lesions only visible in MRI.
Material and methods: In 18 patients, we performed a contrast enhanced (i.v. 0.2 mmol Gd-DTPA/kg b.w.) breast MRI on a 1.0 Tesla system (Magnetom Impact, Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) using a body coil and a GRE 3D sequence. In prone position, the patients were placed in a customized positioning device offering lateral access to the breast. The localizations were done with a MRI-compatible wire (n = 21). In addition, all patients underwent the same imaging protocol using a dedicated breast coil (without localization). For both MRI modalities, the signal intensities of the lesion, the normal breast tissue, and the background noise were measured. The lesion-to-fat contrast (LFC), the lesion-to-fat contrast (LFC), the lesion-to-breast tissue contrast (LBC) and the percentage of signal change pre and post contrast administration were calculated and compared. The localisation results were correlated to pathologic findings.
Results: There was no difference in lesion detection (lesion size: 0.5 to 1.2 cm) between the body coil and the dedicated breast coil. Regarding the LFC and LBC, the body coil was superior to the dedicated breast coil (no statistical significance). However, the background noise was higher using the body coil. In all cases the localisation was successful.
Conclusion: In our preliminary experience, detection of breast lesions and wire-localization of the lesion by MRI is efficient and reliable using a non-dedicated body coil.