[Breast MRI: Artefacts and pitfalls]

Abstract

Multiple artefacts and pitfalls may occur with breast MRI. Artefacts are secondary to the MR technique itself while pitfalls often are the result of human error. The most common artefacts include motion, pulsation, chemical shift and magnetic susceptibility. The most common pitfalls include improper contrast injection, poor patient positioning, improper placement of the ROI and improper characterization of physiological and iatrogenic contrast enhancement. The identification of these artefacts and pitfalls on breast MR images may reduce their impact or even eliminate them. The use of optimized protocols is necessary. It is important to explain to patients the sequence of the examination, ensure proper placement of the breasts in the coil and optimize the contrast injection. The ROI should always be placed over the most suspicious region of the lesion. Finally, it is recommended to perform the MRI during the second week of the menstrual cycle and to discontinue the use of HRT 2 months prior to scanning when possible.