Changes in fibroglandular volume and water content of breast tissue during the menstrual cycle observed by MR imaging at 1.5 T.
MR imaging at 1.5 T was used to investigate variations in breast parenchyma during the menstrual cycle. Seven subjects were examined twice weekly over at least one menstrual cycle. A three-point Dixon technique (TE = 19 msec, TR = 2000 msec) provided images of fat, water, and static magnetic field (Bo), from which two quantitative whole breast parameters were calculated: the mean relative volumetric water content, <WC>, and the mean volumetric fibroglandular fraction, <FV>. Four of seven subjects showed unequivocal cyclic variations in <WC> and <FV> consistent with expected histologic changes; <WC> and <FV> values were elevated during menses and reduced in mid-cycle. The maximum deviation measured for each of the four subjects was < or = 10% in <WC> and <FV> units. These variations probably do not influence significantly the clinical interpretation of unenhanced MR breast images. Quantitative measurements of breast parenchyma, however, should recognize these effects.
Graham
S J
SJ
Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Sunny-brook Health Science Centre, Ontario, Canada.
Stanchev
P L
PL
Lloyd-Smith
J O
JO
Bronskill
M J
MJ
Plewes
D B
DB
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D000328:Adult; D001834:Body Water / Q000378:metabolism*; D001940:Breast / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000502:physiology*; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D012016:Reference Values; D015203:Reproducibility of Results