Contrast enhancement features of tubular adenoma, MRI and contrast enhanced mammography pictorial report

Abstract

Introduction: Tubular adenomas are rare benign epithelial neoplasms of the breast resembling fibroadenomas on both imaging and pathology. We aimed at characterizing and differentiating these lesions on contrast enhanced mammography and MRI.

Material and methods: Out of all percutaneous breast biopsies performed at the Rabin medical center between the years 2010-2019, five cases which also had contrast-based imaging including contrast enhanced mammography and MRI were retrieved. Morphology and enhancement patterns of the lesions were analyzed by two dedicated breast radiologists.

Results: The contrast imaging characteristics of all lesions were enhancing masses measuring 4-17 mm. The shape of the lesions was oval, borders well circumscribed, on both CEM and MRI. CEM revealed marked homogenous enhancement. MRI enhancement patterns of the small tumors showed homogenous enhancement, whereas the larger mass showed a more heterogeneous enhancement. Kinetic curves on MRI were of rapid marked enhancement.

Conclusion: Tubular adenomas diverge pathologically from known enhancement patterns of fibroadenomas.