MR imaging features of pure mucinous carcinoma of the breast

• Published in: European journal of radiology Vol. 60; no. 3; pp. 405 - 413
• Main Authors: Okafuji, Takashi, Yabuuchi, Hidetake, Sakai, Shuji, Soeda, Hiroyasu, Matsuo, Yoshio, Inoue, Takahiro, Hatakenaka, Masamitsu, Takahashi, Naoki, Kuroki, Syoji, Tokunaga, Eriko, Honda, Hiroshi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Shannon Elsevier Ireland Ltd 01.12.2006; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous - pathology; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biological and medical sciences; Breast; Breast Neoplasms - pathology; Contrast Media; Female; Gadolinium DTPA; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Humans; Magnetic resonance (MR); Magnetic Resonance Imaging - methods; Mammary gland diseases; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Neoplasm; Tumors; Neoplasm; Breast; Magnetic resonance (MR); Mucinous carcinoma; Mammary gland diseases; Breast carcinoma; Medical imagery; Breast cancer; Malignant tumor; Mammary gland; Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging
• ISSN: 0720-048X; 1872-7727
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2006.08.006

To characterize MR imaging features of pure mucinous carcinoma of the breast. MR images obtained from 16 women (age range, 29–81; mean age, 57 years) with pure mucinous carcinoma of the breast determined at surgery were reviewed. The MR findings used were shape, margin, internal mass enhancement, kinetic curve pattern on dynamic study, signal intensity on short time inversion recovery (STIR) T2-weighted images, and non-mass-like enhancement around the main tumor. Non-mass-like enhancement was compared with the presence of extensive intraductal component (EIC) on histopathological findings. Eleven tumors (69%) had lobular contour, and nine tumors (56%) had smooth margin. Eight tumors (50%) showed rim enhancement and six tumors (38%) showed heterogeneous enhancement. Fourteen tumors (88%) showed a persistent enhancing pattern on kinetic curve. Fifteen tumors exhibited homogenous strongly high signal intensity on STIR T2-weighted images. In six cases with EIC, five cases had non-mass-like enhancement around the main mass. MR findings such as lobular shape, rim or heterogeneous enhancement, persistent pattern on kinetic curve, and homogeneous strongly high signal intensity on STIR T2-weighted images may be useful in diagnosing pure mucinous carcinoma. Moreover, linear-ductal enhancement around main mass may indicate presence of EIC.