Utility of Breast MRI in Evaluating Newly Diagnosed DCIS

Background: Although breast MRI has been shown to correlate best with pathologic extent of disease when compared to mammography or ultrasound, its routine use in pre-operative evaluation of cancer extent remains controversial. Published data have shown that preoperative MRI results in a higher rate of mastectomy without improvement in overall prognosis. Objective: To assess the utility of breast MRI in evaluation of newly diagnosed ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Methods: A clinical database was searched over a 4-year retrospective period to identify patients who underwent preoperative breast MRI and subsequent surgical treatment. Patients who were diagnosed with DCIS on core needle biopsy were included. Original interpretation of MRI examination was reviewed to identify size of index cancer, location, and additional findings that may have affected surgical management. Results: 308 patients were included in the analysis, of which 65% were ultimately treated with breast conservation more...