The latest diagnostic tool for use in detecting, classifying and staging breast cancer, 4D MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the breast, is now available at Dearborn County Hospital.  "DCH is very excited to offer this exceptional, new technology," announced Roger Howard, DCH Director of Clinical Services and Facilities. "We strongly believe that magnetic resonance imaging of the breast will help prolong and ultimately save lives due to its outstanding detection capabilities.

"In a significant number of cases, MRI of the breast is able to detect lesions that are not visible on mammograms due to the size or location of the tumor or other factors," explained Mr. Howard. "This is especially relevant for women with abnormal mammograms, those with a current diagnosis of breast cancer or breast cancer survivors."

"We feel extremely fortunate that DCH was able to acquire the General Electric 1.5T EXCITE HD (high definition) VIBRANT Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging System," stated Dr. William Drew, Board Certified Radiologist with River Valley Imaging. "By having the ability to utilize breast MRI in conjunction with mammography and/or ultrasound for clinically indicated patients, we believe that significantly more cases of breast cancer will be able to be diagnosed in their earlier stages. It also better allows for the early detection of multiple lesions in the same or other breast.

"Initially the hospital is offering MRI of the breast as a diagnostic examination, meaning it is not used for the routine screening of healthy, asymptomatic women," continued Dr. Drew. "For now, screening mammograms are still the first line of defense in detecting breast cancer in the general population, however, DCH hopes to initiate breast MRI screenings in the near future."

Some of the more common clinical indications for the use of MRI of the breast include:

"The VIBRANT MRI System is equipped with numerous features that provide for exceptional quality images including both sagittal (side) and axial (horizontal views)," Dr. Drew added. "It also is capable of simultaneously imaging both breasts. This is especially important for patients who require the use of contrast during their scan, otherwise, each breast would have to be scanned separately with a significant amount of wait time between each procedure.

"DCH is working in conjunction with the Breast MRI Institute, located in Flint, Michigan," explained Dr. Drew. "The Board Certified Radiologists of the Institute are specialists in this relatively new field. Through the Institute, their team of Radiologists examines thousands of breast MRI exams so they are well experienced in interpreting this modality.   "The raw data derived from a breast MRI scan at DCH, consisting of approximately 900 images, will be sent to the Breast MRI Institute in Michigan. There, the data is processed through specialized computer aided detection systems to produce approximately 4,000 images," elaborated Dr. Drew.  "A Radiologist at the Institute will then use this extensive collection of images to formulate an interpretation.

"By working with the Breast MRI Institute, area patients will have both the convenience of having a breast MRI performed at DCH and the knowledge that their exam was read and interpreted by a Radiologist who specializes in this field of imaging," concluded Dr. Drew.  Individuals requesting an MRI of the breast must meet certain medical criteria and have an order from their physician. The ordering physician is not required to be a member of the Dearborn County Hospital Medical Staff. Results of the scan, including the Radiologist's interpretation, will be sent to the ordering physician for follow-up.