DETECTION OF NODULAR FORMATIONS IN THE MAMMARY GLAND USING MRI: MODERN APPROACHES AND POSSIBILITIES

Аннотация

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a modern, highly informative method for diagnosing nodular lesions in the mammary gland. This method is especially effective in cases where mammography and ultrasound do not provide unambiguous results. MRI allows one to differentiate benign and malignant tumors, assess tissue changes, and detect tumors at early stages. The article discusses the main advantages of MRI, its operating principles, indications for use, as well as limitations and possible difficulties associated with this method. Despite some shortcomings, MRIremains an important tool fordiagnosing and monitoringbreast diseases. Key words: Magnetic resonance imaging, MRI of the mammary gland, nodular formations, cancer diagnostics, tumors, mammary gland, contrast agent, visualization, diagnostic methods, oncology. Introduction. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most accurate and safe methods for diagnosing nodular lesions in the mammary gland. High spatial resolution and soft tissue contrast make this method indispensable in assessing the morphological and functional characteristics of tumors. Modern protocols for MRI of the mammary gland include dynamic contrast enhancement (DCE-MRI), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and spectroscopy, which allows notonly todetect neoplasms, but also todetermine their biological nature. Figure 1.MRIofthemammary gland with contrast enhancement http://www.internationaljournal.co.in/index.php/jasass 792 Volume15Issue03, March2025 Impact factor: 2019: 4.679 2020: 5.015 2021: 5.436, 2022: 5.242, 2023: 6.995, 2024 7.75 Advantages andfeatures ofMRI ofthe mammary gland MRIis superior to traditionaldiagnostic methods(mammography and ultrasound)in cases of: •High densityof breast tissue, when mammography is uninformative. •Ambiguous results of otherdiagnosticmethods. •Suspected multifocal ormulticentric cancer. •Evaluation oftheeffectiveness ofchemotherapy. One of the key advantages of MRI is the ability to detect changes in vascularization and differentiatebenign and malignant tumors. Figure 2.MRI(a) and mammography (b) ofbreast cancer HowMRI works MRI is based on the phenomenon of nuclear magnetic resonance, in which hydrogen nuclei in tissues interact with a magnetic field and radiofrequency pulses to emit signals that form an image. In thecontextof breast diagnostics thefollowing are used: •T1-weighted images –foranatomical visualization. •T2-weighted images –toassess tissuestructureand detect edema. •DCE-MRI(dynamiccontrast enhancement) –toassess tumorvascularization . http://www.internationaljournal.co.in/index.php/jasass 793 Volume15Issue03, March2025 Impact factor: 2019: 4.679 2020: 5.015 2021: 5.436, 2022: 5.242, 2023: 6.995, 2024 7.75 •DWI(diffusion-weighted imaging) –to determinecell density. Theuseofgadolinium-based contrast agents significantly increases thesensitivity ofthemethod. Indications forMRI ofthemammary gland Key indications include: •Suspected cancer withdense breast tissuestructure. •Assessment oftheextentof tumorspread before surgical treatment. •Monitoringpatients after organ-preserving surgeries. •Screening of women at high risk (carriers ofBRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations). Materials andmethods Materials The study used data from women who underwent breast MRI scans. The studies were conducted ona[GE HealthCare ]with magneticfield strength [1.5T]. Methods •T1-, T2-weighted, DWIandDCE-MRIsequences were used. •Agadolinium-based contrast agent was used. •Imageanalysis was performed bytwo independent radiologists. MRI technique The procedure took 20–40 minutes. Patients were placed in a prone position in a special breast coil. In the case of contrast enhancement, the drug was administered intravenously, after which dynamic sequences were performed. It is important to remain still during the scan, as motion artifactscan reduce image quality . http://www.internationaljournal.co.in/index.php/jasass 794 Volume15Issue03, March2025 Impact factor: 2019: 4.679 2020: 5.015 2021: 5.436, 2022: 5.242, 2023: 6.995, 2024 7.75 Limitations andpossibledifficulties Despiteitshigh information content, MRIhas limitations: •Limited availability ofequipment insmall medical centers. •High cost ofexamination. •Possiblecontraindicationstocontrast (allergy, renal failure). •Motionartifacts may reduce image quality. Conclusion. MRI is one of the most accurate methods for diagnosing nodular formations in the mammary gland. The use of modern visualization protocols ( DCE - MRI , DWI ) allows not only to detect tumors, but also to assess their malignancy. Despite its limitations, the method remains a key tool inthe early diagnosis and monitoring ofbreast cancer.