Extra-Mammary Findings in Diagnostic Breast MRI among Patients with Known Breast Cancer: Incidence and Cost Analysis

• Published in: The American journal of surgery
• Main Authors: Hayes, Lisa M., MD, Frebault, Julia S., BS, Landercasper, Jeffrey, MD, Borgert, Andrew J., PhD, Vang, Choua A., BS, Johnson, Jeanne M., MD, Linebarger, Jared H., MD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2016
• Subjects: Surgery; MRI; Extra-mammary findings; Breast; Cancer
• ISSN: 0002-9610
• DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2016.09.020

Abstract Background Extra-mammary findings (EMFs) are common on breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods A retrospective review of breast MRIs in breast cancer patients between January 2009 and December 2014 was performed to identify EMF occurrences, resultant evaluation, and added cost. Results EMFs were noted in 185 (59%) of 316 MRIs. Overall, 201 new EMFs were identified with 178 (89%) benign and 23 (11%) malignant. New malignant findings included 19 metastatic nodes (18 axillary, 1 internal mammary) and 4 primary malignancies (2 thyroid, 2 lung). New malignant non-axillary EMFs occurred at a rate of 1.6% (5/316). EMFs resulted in 65 patients undergoing 98 imaging studies, 37 procedures, and 10 consultations with a median [range] total charge of $3491 [$222-$29,076] and out of pocket cost of $2206 [$44-$12,780] per patient. Conclusions EMFs occurred in more than half of our patients, were usually benign, and frequently led to additional testing and costs.