Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Breast

1.  Introduction

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breast was first performed in the late 1980s. At first, differentiation between benign and malignant breast lesions was primarily based on their differences in T1 and T2 relaxations times (Rausch et al., 2006). Due to the large overlap in T1 and T2 relaxation times in benign and malignant breast lesions, it became apparent that contrast administration was mandatory for reliable breast MRI. Heywang et al. demonstrated that breast carcinomas showed significant enhancement within 5 minutes after contrast administration (Heywang et al., 1989). 

Since then, increasing field strengths, dedicated breast  coil designs, and improvements in sequence protocols have led to a large improvement in diagnostic accuracy of breast MRI. Currently, the sensitivity of contrast-enhanced MRI for detecting breast cancer reaches 88%, with a specificity of 68%. The positive predictive value is reported to be 72%, with a negative predictive value of 85% (Bluemke et al., 2004). The reported sensitivity and specificity may vary in different publications due to differences in study populations, and technical and diagnostic criteria used. Reported sensitivities therefore vary from 83-100%, with reported specificities varying from 29-100% (Rausch et al., 2006).

New dental MRI study yields best images yet

Dental researchers are making progress in their quest to develop a  practical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device that can be used in the operatory for  hard- and soft-tissue analysis and diagnosis.
For the first time ever—and only from Sirona—there's now a complete range of both digital  impressioning systems and single-visit chairside restoration systems to choose from, each  available in a wide range of configurations and price points to fit the framework of any practice and any budget.

SWIFT, a novel MRI technique, can simultaneously image both hard and soft dental tissue. Image courtesy of Djaudat Idiyatullin, Curt Corum, and Steen Moeller (CMRR).

New CT foot scanner at RNOH is transforming diagnosis and treatment

Despite the proliferation of wearable and fashionable health & wellness technologies in recent years, fashion and health are not often a harmonious couple. Most of our readers will be keenly aware of the sacrifices made in the name of sophisticated shoe-wear. High heels, more than any other shoe, are the bane of podiatrists who most deal with the corns, Morton’s neuroma and plantar fasciitis among the numerous conditions which can arise from excessive wear.

Traditionally, 2D X-rays were the tool of choice for podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons assessing foot injury. However, a relatively new product from CurveBeam of Warrington, PA is bringing 3D load-bearing CT scanning to the fight against harmful heels.

CurveBeam’s pedCAT  scanner enables office-based foot and ankle scanning in a load bearing posture. The scan takes just over a minute, and image reconstruction is complete within 2 minutes. The system was approved by the FDA in April 2012 and has made its way to the UK this summer.

Researchers at the Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculo-Skeletal Sciences at University College London in conjunction with the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital are using the system to treat and manage shoe-related symptoms. The researchers have released a video which includes a wince-inducing CT scan of a foot in high heels. Commentary is provided by Mr Andy Goldberg, a consultant orthopedic surgeon who explains the advantages of the system and highlights the particular injuries that can arise from high heels.