MRI guided biopsies are usually performed for lesions that are found on for example liver or breast MRI procedures and that are not seen on computed tomography, ultrasonography or mammography. The identification of cancer on breast MRI is dependent on uptake of intravenous contrast agents.
First an MRI scan, using a dedicated breast coil and biopsy guidance system is performed to found the lesion. After skin disinfection and local anesthesia, the biopsy procedure starts. Possible MR guided interventions include fine needle aspiration, core needle biopsy and vacuum-assisted biopsy (VABB) to sample tissue from the lesion; or wire localization prior to surgery for lesions that are not palpable.

See also Breast MRI.

(MR mammography) Magnetic resonance imaging of the breast is particularly useful in evaluation of newly diagnosed breast cancer, in women whose breast tissue is mammographically very dense and for screening in women with a high lifetime risk of breast cancer because of their family history or genetic disposition.
Breast MRI can be performed on all standard whole body magnets at a field strength of 0.5 T - 1.5 Tesla. Powerful gradient strengths over 15 mT/m will help to improve the balance between spatial resolution, scanning speed, and volume coverage. The use of a dedicated bilateral breast coil is obligatory.
Malignant lesions release angiogenic factors that increase local vessel density and vessel permeability. Breast cancer is detectable due to the strong enhancement in dynamic breast imaging that peaks early (about 1-2 min.) after contrast medium injection. If breast cancer is suspected, a breast biopsy may be necessary to secure the diagnosis.

See also Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI, Biopsy and MR Guided Interventions.

Requirements in breast MRI procedures:
For Ultrasound Imaging (USI) see Breast Ultrasound at Medical-Ultrasound-Imaging.com.

See also the related poll result: 'MRI will have replaced 50% of x-ray exams by'

(CAD) 'Computer aided detection' or 'computer assisted diagnosis' systems are tools to improve the efficiency and workflow in medical imaging procedures. The aim of CAD is to increase the diagnostic accuracy of screening procedures by using a computer system to locate abnormalities, improve image management, correct patient movement and assist the radiologists in the interpretation and analysis of data-intensive studies. Typical applications include the tumor detection in mammography, breast MRI, colonography, and lung imaging. Newer applications like prostate MRI are under investigation.

See also MR Guided Interventions, Breast MRI and Hybrid Imaging.

Founded in 1969, Elscint is headquartered in Haifa, Israel. Elscint developed advanced computerized imaging systems in Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Nuclear Medicine (NM) and Mammography (MAM) for international markets.
In November 1998, General Electric Medical Systems (GEMS) acquired the Nuclear Medicine and MRI divisions of Elscint, including an unique MRI gradient system concept and technology (twin gradient system).
Elscint Ltd. signs definitive agreement to sell its Nuclear Medicine and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Businesses for $100 Million. Elscint's shareholders approved the sale of its NM, and MRI division to GE (now GE Healthcare). Picker International acquires the Computed Tomography Division of Elscint Ltd. in the same year.

See also Marconi Medical Systems.

Hologic's main businesses are osteoporosis assessment, mammography and breast biopsy. In September 2005 Hologic Inc. entered an exclusive distribution and service agreement for extremity MRI imaging systems manufactured by Esaote SpA (initial term of three years, with automatic 1-year renewal options). Under this agreement Hologic, Inc. distributes the C-Scan™, the Opera E-SCAN™ XQ and the S-Scan in the USA.