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A survey by the European Society of Breast Imaging on the utilisation of breast MRI in clinical practice

Clauser P, Mann R, Athanasiou A, Prosch H, Pinker K, Dietzel M, Helbich TH, Fuchsjaeger M, Camps-Herrero J, Sardanelli F, Forrai G, Baltzer PAT (2018)

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Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2018

Journal

Book Volume: 28

Pages Range: 1909-1918

Journal Issue: 5

DOI: 10.1007/s00330-017-5121-4

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered a helpful diagnostic tool in breast imaging, discussions are ongoing about appropriate protocols and indications. The European Society of Breast Imaging (EUSOBI) launched a survey to evaluate the utilisation of breast MRI in clinical practice. METHODS: An online survey reviewed by the EUSOBI board and committees was distributed amongst members. The questions encompassed: training and experience; annual breast MRI and MRI-guided-intervention workload; examination protocols; indications; reporting habits and preferences. Data were summarised and subgroups compared using χ2 test. RESULTS: Of 647 EUSOBI members, 177 (27.4%) answered the survey. The majority were radiologists (90.5%), half of them based in academic centres (51.9%). Common indications for MRI included cancer staging, treatment monitoring, high-risk screening and problem-solving, and differed significantly between countries (p≤0.03). Structured reporting and BI-RADS were mostly used. Breast radiologists with ≤10 years of experience preferred inclusion of additional techniques, such as T2/STIR (p=0.03) and DWI (p=0.08) in the scan protocol. MRI-guided interventions were performed by a minority of participants (35.4%). CONCLUSIONS: The utilisation of breast MRI in clinical practice is generally in line with international recommendations. There are substantial differences between countries. MRI-guided interventions and functional MRI parameters are not widely available. KEY POINTS: • MRI is commonly used for the detection and characterisation of breast lesions. • Clinical practice standards are generally in line with current recommendations. • Standardised criteria and diagnostic categories (mainly BI-RADS) are widely adopted. • Younger radiologists value additional techniques, such as T2/STIR and DWI. • MRI-guided breast biopsy is not widely available.

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How to cite

APA:

Clauser, P., Mann, R., Athanasiou, A., Prosch, H., Pinker, K., Dietzel, M.,... Baltzer, P.A.T. (2018). A survey by the European Society of Breast Imaging on the utilisation of breast MRI in clinical practice. European Radiology, 28(5), 1909-1918. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00330-017-5121-4

MLA:

Clauser, Paola, et al. "A survey by the European Society of Breast Imaging on the utilisation of breast MRI in clinical practice." European Radiology 28.5 (2018): 1909-1918.

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