What Is an Abbreviated Breast MRI?
Abbreviated Breast MRI (AB-MRI) is a supplemental screening tool used in conjunction with mammography for women with dense or very dense breast tissue. Breast imaging begins with mammogram and ultrasound, and in specific instances, MRI can be offered. MRI uses a magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to produce detailed images of your breast. MRI does not use radiation. Your doctor will likely order abbreviated breast MRI (AB-MRI) if you have dense or very dense breasts and your lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is less than 20%. Calculate your lifetime risk here. Additional imaging may be necessary. Abbreviated Breast MRI (AB-MRI) is not covered by insurance. Payment of $449 is due at the time of service.
Because your comfort is important to us, we provide music headsets and blankets to make your experience more comfortable. Our knowledgeable, professional team will put you at ease and answer all your questions before the exam.
What Happens During The Test?
Our technologist will take a brief medical history. You will be asked to lie down on your stomach on an exam table, where your breasts will hang into cushioned openings. The table will then slide into the scanning area. During the test, the MRI will make a rapid tapping noise. Just relax and remain still. Initial images will be obtained, and then contrast material will be injected into a vein in your arm. After injection, additional images will be taken.
You should plan 45 minutes of total clinic time. The scan typically takes 10-15 minutes. You may return to normal activities following your exam.
How Do I Prepare for the Test?
Typically, no preparation is required before the exam. Because abbreviated breast MRI (AB-MRI) requires a contrast injection, a current creatinine test (within 45 days) is required if you are on dialysis. The creatinine test is a blood draw to evaluate your kidney function and will normally be performed at your physician’s office or lab prior to the exam. No fasting is necessary. For premenopausal women, this exam is scheduled 6-10 days after the first day of your period. You will need to remove all jewelry, hairclips, and bobby pins. In addition, you will need to remove your bra and any clothing containing metal. You will be provided a gown and a secure locker in which you can place valuables. You may take oral anti-anxiety medication as prescribed by your doctor. Iowa Radiology does not administer or prescribe anti-anxiety medications. Please ensure you have a driver.
When Can I Expect the Results?
A radiologist will review the images and send a report to your referring physician within two business days. Your doctor will review the report and contact you with the results.
What Contradictions Should I Be Aware Of?
If you are pregnant, have had an aneurysm clip, have had ear or eye prosthesis, or have a pacemaker, you may not be a candidate for an MRI. Because this exam requires an injection of intravenous (IV) contrast, please inform your doctor if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or past or current renal insufficiency or acute vascular disease.
FAQ’s
Density is determined using a 4- level scale:
| A- Almost entirely fatty | 10% of women are in class A | |
| B- Scattered areas of fibro glandular density | 40% of women are in class B | |
| C- Heterogeneously dense | 40% of women are in class C | |
| D- Extremely Dense | 10% of women are in class D |
Beginning at age 40, get a yearly mammogram. A mammogram is the only medical imaging screening test proven to reduce breast cancer deaths. It is the gold standard screening tool and many cancers are found because of this exam. Iowa Radiology has adopted 3D digital mammography as standard of care because it has been proven to reduce callbacks and to detect breast cancers much earlier than traditional 2D mammograms.
If you do or don’t have dense breasts, talk to your doctor. Breast density is just one determining factor that may place you at increased risk of developing breast cancer. You and your doctor can decide if additional testing is appropriate for you.
Iowa Radiology has always reported breast density to your referring provider and beginning in January 2018, in accordance with the changes in Iowa law, we also began reporting density to you in your results letter.
|
|
|
Iowa Radiology routinely calculates your lifetime risk of breast cancer which is included in our report to your provider.
Do You Have Questions Regarding Your Test?
Phone: 515-531-5863
Contact Form: Click Here to Contact Us
* The safety of our patients and those who accompany them to our office is of the utmost importance to the physicians and staff at Iowa Radiology. Please make arrangements for someone to care for your child/children during your exam. Thank you for your cooperation.
