Abstract Objective: To describe the indications for breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at a referral center for breast cancer in Brazil. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study in which we reviewed the clinical records, including physician requests and patient questionnaires, of women who underwent breast MRI between 2014 and 2018 at a referral center for the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Results: The most common indication for breast MRI was as a complement to mammography/ultrasonography (in 43.6% of cases), followed by breast cancer staging (in 25.1%), the screening of patients at high risk (in 17.4%), the evaluation of breast implants (in 10.1%), and the evaluation of the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (in 3.8%). Conclusion: Although there is strong evidence supporting the use of breast MRI, mainly for the screening of high-risk patients, the imaging method is underutilized in Brazil.
Guidelines for the Optimal Use of Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for Screening of Breast Cancer in High Risk Women, Version 1. 2
