Background Parenchymal Enhancement on Breast MRI

IMAGING FINDINGS: ​​

Maximum intensity projection (MIP) image demonstrates moderate to marked symmetric background parenchymal enhancement bilaterally.
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WHY IT MATTERS:
     1.  Background parenchymal enhancement is reported on all breast MRI’s. The four categories are:                                   
                          a.  Minimal     
                          b.  Mild
                          c.  Moderate
                          d.  Marked

     2.  Background parenchymal enhancement is assessed as either symmetric or asymmetric.  The MIP image gives a good overview of both breasts.​

FURTHER READING:
Background Parenchymal Enhancement at Breast MR Imaging: Normal Patterns, Diagnostic Challenges, and Potential for False-Positive and False-Negative Interpretation (RadioGraphics, 2014)