J Korean Soc Radiol.  2015 Sep;73(3):158-163. 10.3348/jksr.2015.73.3.158.

Effect of the Menstrual Cycle on Background Parenchymal Enhancement Observed on Breast MRIs in Korean Women

• Park VY
• Kim EK
• Moon HJ
• Yoon JH
• Kim MJ

• KMID: 2043605
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jksr.2015.73.3.158

Abstract

PURPOSE
To evaluate the effect of the menstrual cycle on background parenchymal enhancement observed on breast MRIs in Korean women, and to suggest an optimal period for scheduling breast MRIs.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Between March and December 2012, 214 premenopausal breast cancer patients who underwent breast MRIs for preoperative evaluation were included. Levels of background parenchymal enhancement were retrospectively compared according to the menstrual cycle.
RESULTS
There was no significant difference between levels of background parenchymal enhancement (minimal, mild, moderate, and marked) according to the weeks of the menstrual cycle. However, the 1st and 2nd week of the menstrual cycle showed a significantly higher proportion of patients with minimal background parenchymal enhancement than the 3rd and 4th week of the menstrual cycle (47.0% vs. 32.0%; p = 0.025).
CONCLUSION
For screening purposes and for the follow-up of Korean breast cancer patients, breast MRIs should be performed during the 1st or 2nd week of the menstrual cycle.

MeSH Terms

Breast Neoplasms
Breast*
Contrast Media
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
Mass Screening
Menstrual Cycle*
Retrospective Studies
Contrast Media

Figure

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  Fig. 1 A 42-year-old woman with left breast cancer who underwent a preoperative breast MRI during the second week of her menstrual cycle. The first subtraction axial image shows minimal background parenchymal enhancement at her right breast.

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  Fig. 2 A 34-year-old women with left breast cancer who underwent a preoperative breast MRI during the third week of her menstrual cycle. The first subtraction axial image shows marked background parenchymal enhancement at her right breast.

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