Correlation of targeted ultrasound with magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities of the breast

Background Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breast is highly sensitive for cancer. However, MRI frequently detects additional lesions that mandate further evaluation. The intent of this study was to assess the ability of targeted ultrasound to identify additional lesions detected on MRI in patients undergoing evaluation for breast cancer. Methods Between January 1, 1999, and July 15, 2004, 270 women underwent breast MRI at Grant Medical Center. MRI was obtained in 191 women during evaluation for documented or suspected breast cancer. Fifty-two patients had additional suspicious lesions on MRI, prompting targeted ultrasound; these patients constituted our study population. Results Seventy-five additional suspicious lesions were detected on breast MRI in 52 women. Two women underwent mastectomy without targeted ultrasound. Targeted ultrasound identified 65 of the remaining 73 lesions (89%). Eight lesions (11%) were not visible on targeted ultrasound. Conclusion Targeted ultrasound can be a reliable method to correlate MRI abnormalities in breast cancer patients.