Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Breast

Breast MRI

What Affects the Test

Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:

• Pregnancy. An MRI test usually is not done during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, an ultrasound test may be done instead.
• Medical devices that have metal, such as a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. These devices may not function properly or can cause problems during an MRI scan.
• Other types of metal, such as surgical clips. If these will interfere with a breast MRI, the test will not be done.
• The inability to remain still during the test.
• Being very overweight. This may affect your ability to fit into the opening of some standard MRI machines.

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Author:	Bets Davis, MFA Brenda Vanden Beld, RN, MSN, MBA	Last Updated: May 21, 2008
Medical Review:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Kenneth B. Sutherland, CD, BSc, MD, FRCPC - Diagnostic Radiology
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