Advanced MRI findings in patients with breast hamartomas

PURPOSE Although it has been stated that breast hamartomas are rare tumors, radiologists frequently encounter them in their daily practices. Fat, glandular and fibrous tissues all produce a mass of disorganized but mature specialized cells. Because hamartomas do not have specific diagnostic histological features, the clinical and radiological findings are important in their diagnosis. The aim of this study is to present the advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of breast hamartomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eight patients with breast hamartomas were examined using MRI techniques in addition to ultrasonographic and/or mammographic findings. RESULTS Each of the lesions examined showed a gradual enhancement pattern in its time-signal intensity curve on dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI. On MR spectroscopy, water and lipid peaks were detected that resembled normal breast tissue. The diffusion features of the lesions were variable due to the different ratios of the tissue elements constituting them on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). CONCLUSION Advanced MRI findings may clarify diagnoses by providing additional information following sonography, especially in lactating or pregnant women, in whom mammographic examination is not preferred.