Improving the Specificity of High Resolution Breast MRI by Optimizing Data Acquisition and Diagnostic Models
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques have the potential to greatly improve breast cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment. The purpose of this study was to develop new diagnostic criteria for improved characterization of breast tissue using MRI. A high-resolution, three time-point, contrast-enhanced MR technique was optimized for image quality, breast coverage, and time efficiency, and over 200 patients were imaged prior to undergoing surgery. Several models incorporating the dynamic enhancement response of the breast tissue were proposed and the diagnostic value of each was tested against pathology results. One of the best performing models was the signal enhancement ratio (SER), which compared early to late enhancement behavior in the tissue. SER values successfully differentiated between benign and malignant tissue (p<0.05), and showed promising results for quantifying tumor aggressiveness. Additionally, the diagnostic value of diffusion-weighted MRI of the breast was investigated. Diffusion-weighted images were acquired using a newly developed technique, and apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) were calculated in the breast tissue of volunteers. Mean ADC values were found to be significantly different (p<0.01) for tumor, normal tissue and cysts measured in the breast. The optimized models are now being evaluated for detecting neoadjuvant treatment response in breast tumors, and may be capable of detecting changes much earlier than current clinical methods.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA390191
Entities
People
- Savannah C. Partridge
Organizations
- University of California, San Francisco