CAR Practice Guidelines on Breast Imaging and Interventions: Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging

This guideline presents Part IV of the Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) Practice Guidelines on Breast Imaging and Intervention and addresses breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). As the most sensitive imaging modality for breast cancer detection, MRI plays an established and expanding role in screening, staging, problem-solving, and treatment monitoring. This guideline provides updated recommendations on indications, technical requirements, contrast administration, reporting standards, quality assurance, patient safety, and facility readiness for MRI-guided intervention. Emphasis is placed on bilateral imaging protocols, multimodality correlation, and integration within multidisciplinary breast care. This guideline is intended to be used alongside the other components of the CAR Breast Practice Guidelines series, which collectively replace the 2016 consolidated guidelines and reflecting current evidence and clinical practice in Canada. While defining best practices and minimum expectations, this guideline supports flexibility in application based on patient factors, available resources, and evolving knowledge, with clinical judgment remaining the responsibility of the supervising radiologist.