Does MRI help in the assessment of inflammatory breast disorders?

The aim of work is to evaluate the role of magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of different entities of inflammatory breast disorders. Eighty-one non-lactating patients with mastitis had been evaluated by post contrast MR imaging; their ages ranged from 22 to 70 years (Average age: 41.6 years). MRI data analysis was performed regarding qualitative criteria and parametric color maps for image post processing. Diagnosis was made up regarding resolution in follow up sessions for simple mastitis and biopsy were done for cases with suspicious imaging findings. Mammary interstitial edema with no masses or abnormal enhancement was elicited in 28.4% (n = 23/81). T2-weighed and post contrast series were the sequences of choice to rely upon in evaluation. T2 had demonstrated lesions in 64.2% (n = 52/81) and contrast uptake was detected in 68% (n = 55/81). Quantitative analysis was overlapping. MR imaging had displayed sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 87.5%, 72.3%, and 75.4% respectively in differentiating benign forms of mastitis from malignant ones. In inflammatory breast disorders, MR imaging can precisely delineate disease extent and monitor response to therapy. Immediate distinction between infectious/non-infectious and malignant mastitis is difficult to be obtained.