Breast neoplasms: T2* susceptibility-contrast, first-pass perfusion MR imaging.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the differentiation of benign from malignant breast tumors with T2*-weighted perfusion magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (blood volume imaging) versus that with dynamic T1-weighted contrast agent-enhanced MR imaging.


METHODS
Ten healthy adult volunteers and 18 adult patients with benign or malignant lesions underwent both conventional T1-weighted dynamic contrast-enhanced breast MR imaging and repetitive first-pass, single-section, dynamic T2*-weighted perfusion MR imaging. Images were obtained before, during, and after injection of 20 mL of gadopentetate dimeglumine; peak gadopentetate dimeglumine concentrations were calculated from the maximal signal intensity loss on T2*-weighted images.


RESULTS
No perfusion effect was detectable in healthy breast parenchyma. A strong susceptibility-mediated signal intensity loss occurred in malignant breast tumors. No or only minor perfusion effects were seen in fibroadenomas, in spite of their rapid enhancement at T1-weighted dynamic imaging. Perfusion imaging was possible after conventional dynamic contrast-enhanced breast MR imaging.


CONCLUSIONS
T2*-weighted perfusion imaging exploits the susceptibility-mediated signal intensity loss of a first-pass bolus of gadopentetate dimeglumine within the capillary bed. First-pass perfusion imaging of breast lesions is feasible. It is promising in the differentiation of benign from malignant, rapidly enhancing lesions.
Kuhl
C K
CK
Department of Radiology, University of Bonn, Germany.
Bieling
H
H
Gieseke
J
J
Ebel
T
T
Mielcarek
P
P
Far
F
F
Folkers
P
P
Elevelt
A
A
Schild
H H
HH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001940:Breast / Q000473:pathology; D001941:Breast Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003287:Contrast Media; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008536:Meglumine; D008875:Middle Aged; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D004369:Pentetic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives
D003287:Contrast Media; D004338:Drug Combinations; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D008536:Meglumine; D004369:Pentetic Acid; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA