From the 2018 HVPAA National Conference
Babita Panigrahi (Johns Hopkins Department of Radiology), Lisa Mullen (Johns Hopkins Department of Radiology), Susan Harvey (Johns Hopkins University), Eniola Falomo (Johns Hopkins University)
Background
Annual breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is recommended to screen women at high-risk for breast cancer. The cost of annual screening MRI is high, so it is important to consider options to reduce the cost of the test, including decreasing the length of the examination, while maintaining performance metrics.
Objectives
This study assesses the performance of an abbreviated MRI protocol as a resource-efficient approach for screening patients at high-risk of breast cancer, and assesses whether the abbreviated protocol alters the assigned Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category
Methods
A prospective paired cohort study was performed in an academic ambulatory setting. MRI images of women at high risk of breast cancer were reviewed using an abbreviated MRI protocol, followed by an immediate review of additional sequences included in a full diagnostic protocol. BI-RADS assessments, including all changes and interpretation times, were recorded for both the abbreviated and full protocol reviews. Cancer detection rate, positive predictive value 3 (PPV3), sensitivity, and specificity were calculated.
Results
A total of 1052 MRI cases were reviewed. The cancer detection rate was 13.3 per 1000 with a PPV3 of 30.4% based on the full protocol. Review of sequences included in the full protocol resulted in a change in the final BI-RADS assessments in 3.4% of the cases, the majority of which did not change clinical management with respect to biopsy. The sensitivity and specificity of the abbreviated and full protocols were not significantly different.
Conclusion
This pilot study of an abbreviated MRI protocol demonstrates effective performance in cancer detection. BI-RADS assessments were rarely altered with the additional information afforded by the full protocol.
Implications for the Patient
The abbreviated screening MRI protocol holds promise for resource-efficient breast cancer screening in high-risk women. Use of the abbreviated protocol maintains performance metrics, which maintains quality and safety for patients. The shorter test saves time and cost, and may improve patient tolerance and comfort, leading to improved patient experience.
