Added value of ultrafast sequence in abbreviated breast MRI surveillance in women with a personal history of breast cancer: A multireader study

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the added value of ultrafast MRI in abbreviated breast MRI (AB-MRI) surveillance in women with a personal history of breast cancer (PHBC).

Method: Between September 2017 and November 2019, consecutive postoperative surveillance AB-MRIs with ultrafast MRIs (20 images with a 4.0-second temporal resolution using 4D time-resolved angiography with keyhole technique) were retrospectively collected. Four blinded radiologists independently classified the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category for AB-MRI alone versus the combined protocol (AB-MRI + ultrafast MRI). Readers were recommended to change BI-RADS category according to the time to enhancement cut-off of 12 s in ultrafast MRI. McNemar test and generalized estimation equation model were used to compare the diagnostic performances.

Results: A total of 867 MRI examinations in 867 women (mean age ± standard deviation, 51 years ± 8) were evaluated. The sensitivity of both protocols among all readers was the same, at 90% (9/10). Addition of ultrafast MRI improved the specificity (a mean of 95.3% vs. 88.6 %, p < 0.001 for all readers) and positive predictive value 1 (PPV₁) (a mean of 21% vs. 10%, p < 0.001 for all readers) compared to AB-MRI alone. Downgrading BI-RADS category 3 to 2 in four readers in a mean of 6.7% (57 of 857) of negative or benign findings was the main reason for the improved specificity and PPV₁.

Conclusion: Addition of ultrafast MRI to AB-MRI improved the specificity and PPV₁ by reducing unnecessary short-term follow-ups without compromising sensitivity in postoperative surveillance.

Keywords: Breast; Magnetic resonance imaging; Neoplasms.