ABSTRACT

Purpose:

Several guidelines have been published to standardize to use of breast MRI for breast diseases in developed countries. However, each country should consider their own infrastructure and create their guidelines. We aim in this study to evaluate current MR usage practice in Turkey.

Method:

A survey which included 19 questions was sent to members of Turkish Federation of Breast Diseases Societies, Turkish Surgical Association, Turkish Radiological Society, Medical Oncology Society and Turkish Society for Radiation Oncology via e-mail.

Results:

One hundred and eleven surveys were completed. Eighty six percent of participants had a breast MRI facility in their own institute, and breast MRI intervention was performed in 90% by using 1.5-Tesla magnet, in 10% by using 3-Tesla magnet, and in 90% using specific dedicated breast MRI coil and in 95% using dynamic contrast enhancement. Of the participants 36% reported lack of technique and reporting system in more than 10% in their practice. Of those 43% always used second look US after breast MRI, and of those 66% always performed US guided biopsy when a lesion was detected with US. Nine percent of participants have interventional MRI guided facility. The rate of request for minimum technical requirement among radiologist was found to be 84%-96 %. Sixty percent of radiologists performed breast MRI less than 5 times a week.

Conclusion:

The results of this survey may provide professional organizations in Turkey and similar developing countries a source for creating national practice guidelines and for education program as well in the future.