MR imaging properties of breast cancer molecular subtypes

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aim at investigating the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features of molecular subtypes, according to the BIRADS Atlas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The preoperative MRI examinations of 104 breast cancer patients were reviewed retrospectively using the 5th Edition Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) Atlas. According to BIRADS. cases were classified as mass or nonmass enhancement. Background parenchymal enhancements of the cases were evaluated. The population was examined for shape. contour, enhancement characteristics of masses. distribution and internal enhancement patterns of nonmass enhancements, background parenchymal enhancement. multifocal/multicentric (MFMS) status, presence of axillary LAP. ADC values, and kinetic aspects. The Kruskal-Wallis and Chisquare tests were used to explore the connection between molecular subtypes and MR data. RESULTS: The link between molecular subtypes and mass/non-mass enhancement was discovered to be statistically significant (p=0.007). The shape (p=0.001) and contour (p=0.001) properties of the masses were observed to differ depending on the molecular subtypes. The Luminal types were usually irregularly shaped with irregular/spiculated contours, whereas the HER-2 (+) and Triple (-) subtypes were mostly oval/round with smooth contours. The subtype with the highest non-mass enhancement rate (70%) was HER2 (+). Axillary lymphadenopathy was most common (64.3%) in the Triple (-) subtype (p=0.033). CONCLUSIONS: According to the BIRADS Atlas, molecular subtypes exhibit a wide range of imaging properties in MR in our study.

Automated summary

This study investigated the MR imaging features of breast cancer molecular subtypes according to the BIRADS Atlas. Different molecular subtypes showed significant differences in mass/non-mass enhancement, shape, contour, and axillary lymphadenopathy rates in MRI imaging.