Breast MRI

Breast Imaging

• Mammography is recommended as a screening tool and is widely available in most medical centers.
• MRI is used to evaluate breast implants and does not use ionizing radiation.
• Tomosynthesis involves the x-ray tube moving in an arc over the compressed breast to obtain multiple images from different angles.
• Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT) is known for its improved sensitivity and specificity to small abnormalities compared to normal mammography.
• Women over 40 years old should undergo early detection of breast cancer.
• The retro-mammary space plays a role in breast implantation.

Mammography Techniques

• MRI has the advantage of not using ionizing radiation for breast examination.
• Mammograms are recommended to be performed every year or two for women over 40 years old.
• The Mediolateral Oblique (MLO) view is preferred for assessing the axillary lymph nodes.
• Mammograms are best performed when the breast tissue is least stimulated, usually the week after menstruation.
• Women should avoid wearing deodorant or perfume before a mammogram.
• Ultrasound is highly sensitive in detecting lesions in younger females, especially those with dense breasts.

Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS)

• The main purpose of BI-RADS is to classify and report breast lesions.
• Patients with suspicious or indeterminate findings on imaging would benefit from additional evaluation according to the BI-RADS scale.

Quality Control and Quality Assurance

• Frederick Winslow Taylor is considered the Father of scientific management.
• The main goal of Quality Control (QC) in the imaging department is to ensure optimal image quality and minimize radiation exposure.
• There are three levels of testing in Radiographic Quality Control: acceptance testing, constancy testing, and performance testing.
• QA (Quality Assurance) in the imaging department focuses on ensuring optimal image quality and minimizing radiation exposure.
• Risk Management in the Quality Management program aims to identify and mitigate potential risks.
• Risk Management is also known as Occurrence Reporting.
• Radiographic Quality Control in the Medical Imaging Department ensures optimal image quality and minimizes radiation exposure.
• Types of QC tests performed in the Medical Imaging Department include equipment performance, film, and image quality tests.
• The main aim of Quality Control (QC) in the imaging department is to ensure optimal image quality and minimize radiation exposure.
• Quality Assurance (QA) activities in the imaging department aim to ensure optimal image quality and minimize radiation exposure.

Quality Management

• Quality management in diagnostic radiography aims to minimize variables to achieve high image quality and low patient dose.
• Variables in radiography include patient, equipment, and technical variables.
• Perceived quality is influenced by outside factors, such as word of mouth from friends or relatives.
• The main aim of quality management in diagnostic radiography is to achieve high image quality and low patient dose.
• Achievement quality is influenced by statistical data and considers all factors that can influence the final outcome.
• The three levels of quality in diagnostic radiography are perceived, achievement, and excellence quality.

Test your knowledge on the advantages and disadvantages of Breast MRI. Learn about its ability to detect lesions, its sensitivity in younger females, and its use in combination with digital mammography. Understand the potential increase in false-positives and its effectiveness in dense breasts. Discover why Breast MRI is a valuable tool despite being operator dependent.