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Figure 2b. Primary tumor stage pT1pN1G3 in a 37-year-old patient. (a) USPIO-enhanced MR angiographic image (3D fast spoiled GRE time-of-flight 7.7/1.8; flip angle, 45°; maximum intensity projection acquired from all axial planes). (b) Gadolinium-enhanced MR image of the breast (axial early subtraction 3D fast spoiled GRE 7.7/1.8 with a 30° flip angle) obtained at the same time as was the image of the axilla. While the tumor in the left breast shows early and strong peripheral enhancement after gadolinium administration (arrow in b), it cannot be delineated on the USPIO-enhanced image. Because of the lengthy presence of the USPIO in the intravascular compartment, vessels within the breast parenchyma are well seen (arrow in a). USPIO administration does not hamper interpretation of gadolinium-enhanced MR images.