MRI Breast with Contrast

What is MRI Breast with Contrast?

An MRI Breast with Contrast is a painless imaging test that uses a strong magnetic field, radio waves, and a safe dye called gadolinium to create highly detailed pictures of the inside of your breast. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, MRI does not use radiation.

How the scan creates detailed breast images

• You lie face-down on a cushioned table with openings for your breasts.
• A special breast coil surrounds the breast to boost signal clarity.
• Gadolinium is injected into a vein; it lights up abnormal areas on the scan.
• Powerful magnets capture hundreds of cross-sectional images in minutes.

• Detect early breast cancer in dense tissue
• Accurate staging and treatment planning
• Monitoring for local recurrence after surgery or radiation

• High sensitivity for lesions as small as 2–3 mm
• Zero radiation—safe for repeated use
• Complementary to mammography and ultrasound, not a replacement

• Invasive ductal carcinoma
• Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
• Paget’s disease of the breast

• Fasting: None required; eat normally unless sedation is planned.
• Medications: Continue usual drugs; bring a list to review.
• Allergies & implants: Notify us of pacemakers, joint replacements, or prior contrast reactions.
• Menstrual timing: Premenopausal women should book days 7–14 of cycle for clearest images.

• Renal function test (eGFR) within 30 days
• Previous imaging (mammogram, ultrasound) for comparison
• Signed consent after explanation of risks and benefits

• Days 7–14 after your period starts (lower hormone-related enhancement)
• At least 6 weeks after biopsy or surgery to reduce inflammation artefacts

• High-risk individuals ≥25 years
• BRCA carriers or first-degree relatives of carriers
• Ineligible if: eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m², pregnancy, documented gadolinium allergy

1. Positioning: Lie face-down; breasts fit into cushioned openings.
2. IV line: Contrast is injected halfway through the scan.
3. Scan sequences: Multiple 3–6 minute runs totalling 30–45 minutes.
4. Monitoring: Intercom keeps you in touch; music is available on request.

• Remove all metal: Jewellery, watches, hairpins, credit cards with magnetic strips.
• Disclose implants: Cochlear, spinal stimulators, or older pacemakers may be contraindicated.
• Arrange a driver if you opt for oral sedation.

• Contrast allergy: Rare (≈0.1%); tell us if you have prior reactions to dyes or shellfish.
• Kidney considerations: Gadolinium is removed by the kidneys; we’ll check your eGFR blood test first.
• False positives: MRI may highlight harmless spots, leading to extra tests.
• Claustrophobia: Our wide-bore machine and optional mild sedation keep you comfortable.
• Implant compatibility: Most modern implants are MRI-safe; we verify this beforehand.