ABSTRACT
To investigate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and plasma cell mastitis (PCM) , and to improve diagnostic accuracy for DCIS and PCM. Methods: The MRI morphology confirmed by surgical pathology and dynamic enhancement for 35 patients with DCIS and 45 patients with PCM were retrospectively analyzed, which included T1 pre-scan high signal, enhanced distribution characteristics, internal strengthening mode, whether centrifugation or centripetal diffusion, dynamic enhancement curve morphology, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) signal characteristics, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. Results: The segmental distribution, clustered ring, T1 pre-catheters diffusion and the dynamic delayed concentric diffusion were more common in DCIS than those in PCM (P<0.05). Regional distribution, internal heterogeneity enhancement, and enhanced delay period eccentric diffusion were more common in PCM than those in DCIS (P<0.05). In the PCM group, nipple repertoire, DWI center high signal, adjacent skin thickening, and sinus formation were significantly higher than those in the DCIS group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Both DCIS and PCM show a non-mass like enhancement on MRI. Images in DCIS mostly show duct-like, branch-like and segment-like distribution. The internal enhancement mode is centripetal diffusion. Images in PCM mostly show regional distribution, and the inside displays heterogeneity enhancement with the adjacent skin thickening and nipple subsided.