Motion Artifact on Breast MRI

IMAGING FINDINGS: ​

Motion artifact is evident on the color map kinetic analysis of a breast MRI manifesting as a line of color along the skin​ edge.

WHY IT MATTERS:

1. The absence of patient motion is critical to a contrast enhanced breast MRI because it is a dynamic exam where pre- and post-contrast images are obtained.   
   
2. Motion significantly affects subtraction images as well as kinetic analysis. 
   
3. Signs of motion on kinetic analysis include washout (usually red) kinetics on the edge of the breast, edge of tissue or along one edge or portion of a lesion. 
   
   
   

FURTHER READING:
Breast MR Imaging Artifacts: How to Recognize and Fix Them (RadioGraphics, 2007)