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A method of coil localization for breast lesions seen only on MRI

¹Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Box 97 Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 2QQ and ²Magnetic Resonance Research Unit, The Royal Marsden Hospital, Downs Road, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5PT, UK

Breast lesions may be identified on MRI that are not shown on mammography or ultrasound owing to the high sensitivity and relatively poor specificity of contrast enhanced MRI. Techniques for diagnostic biopsy of such lesions are not widely available. A method is described that uses standard mammographic localization methods to place an MR compatible cerebral coil at the site of the suspect lesion. Confirmatory MRI can then be obtained before the lesion is surgically removed using a mammographic hook wire. This method is described and illustrated in detail for one case, and in summary for three further cases, to show the potential flexibility of application. The method is commended because it is simple and cheap, uses standard breast procedures and can be undertaken outside the MRI suite. The procedure will make full use of breast MRI possible to those who do not have dedicated localization equipment.