Primary breast lymphoma and MRI

Background

Primary lymphomas of the breast (PBNHL) are uncommon and exclusive to the elderly. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of these malignancies can be relevant in establishing the extent of the disease and planning the appropriate therapeutic strategy, usually represented by chemo-and radiotherapy, rather than surgery. The purpose of this study is to assess MRI features of PBNHL.

Materials and methods

MRI examination performed on four patients with known PBNHL were retrospectively evaluated.

Lesions were analysed for both morphology and kinetics.

Results

The mean MRI maximum diameter was 46mm (range 12-69).

Three lesions showed a mass-like enhancement; one lesion showed a non mass-like enhancement.

For the mass-like lesions kinetic curve assessment of initial rise showed slow enhancement in one lesion ,rapid enhancement in two lesions, and medium enhancement in one lesion.

Assessment of delayed enhancement showed plateau in 3 lesions and washout in one lesion.

Conclusions

MRI features of primary breast lymphomas in this study cohort suggest that the occurrence of a PBNHL should be considered in the presence of large enhancing lesions of the breast , especially if associated whit skin thickening. MRI may also have an important role in the assessment of response to therapy and diagnosis of recurrence.