An investigation into the use of sensitivity-encoded techniques to increase temporal resolution in dynamic contrast-enhanced breast imaging.
Gadolinium-enhanced dynamic magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is playing an increasingly important diagnostic role in patients with breast cancer. Because of the multi-focal nature of the disease, it is mandatory to cover all of both breasts, not only in the initial scan, but also at subsequent follow-up. This requires volume acquisitions with a temporal resolution limited to 60-80 seconds, which is insufficient to clearly discriminate malignant from benign rates of contrast uptake. In this work, we performed sensitivity-encoded imaging using a commercially available four-channel breast coil (MRI Devices Corporation) on a commercial 0.5-T scanner with moderate gradient performance to give increased temporal resolution in these dynamic contrast-enhanced scans. A two-fold increase in temporal resolution was readily achievable with this coil. Image reconstruction was robust and image quality was assessed qualitatively to be good. We also investigated higher speed-up factors using two directions of sensitivity-encoded reduction and discussed some of the potential artifacts associated with such imaging.
Larkman
D J
DJ
The Robert Steiner MR Unit, Imperial College School of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Ducane Road, London, W12 0HS, UK.
deSouza
N M
NM
Bydder
M
M
Hajnal
J V
JV
D016477:Artifacts; D001940:Breast / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D009068:Movement; D013997:Time Factors