Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the performance of 2D versus 3D T2-weighted spin echo imaging in the breast. Materials and Methods 2D and 3D T2-weighted images were acquired in 25 patients as part of a clinically indicated breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam. Lesion-to-fibroglandular tissue signal ratio was measured in 16 identified lesions. Clarity of lesion morphology was assessed through a blinded review by three radiologists. Instances demonstrating the potential diagnostic contribution of 3D versus 2D T2-weighted imaging in the breast were noted through unblinded review by a fourth radiologist. Results The lesion-to-fibroglandular tissue signal ratio was well correlated between 2D and 3D T2-weighted images (R2 = 0.93). Clarity of lesion morphology was significantly better with 3D T2-weighted imaging for all observers based on a McNemar test (P ≤ 0.02, P ≤ 0.01, P ≤ 0.03). Instances indicating the potential diagnostic contribution of 3D T2-weighted imaging included improved depiction of signal intensity and improved alignment between DCE and T2-weighted findings. Conclusion In this pilot study, 3D T2-weighted imaging provided comparable contrast and improved depiction of lesion morphology in the breast in comparison to 2D T2-weighted imaging. Based on these results further investigation to determine the diagnostic impact of 3D T2-weighted imaging in breast MRI is warranted.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 332-338 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging |
Volume | 39 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 2014 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- breast imaging
- extended echo train
- high-resolution
- spin-echo
- T2-weighted
- three-dimensional
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging