Adaptive bilateral breast MRI using projection reconstruction time-resolved imaging of contrast kinetics.
OBJECTIVE
To introduce a bilateral implementation of an adaptive imaging technique in which both dynamic and high resolution breast MR images are acquired simultaneously.


METHODS
Adaptive three-dimensional bilateral breast imaging in the sagittal plane was achieved by combining two elements: a projection reconstruction time-resolved imaging of contrast kinetics (PR-TRICKS) k-space trajectory and a slab interleaved sequence that imaged alternate breasts every TR. A pilot study was performed to evaluate image quality and contrast uptake behavior, using eight patients with previously identified benign lesions.


RESULTS
Adaptive reconstruction demonstrated breast lesions in all eight women with similar image quality and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) to Cartesian images with comparable imaging parameters. Contrast enhancement curves covering the entire postinjection time period were obtained from the dynamic images and in one case compared to previous enhancement profiles from a conventional Cartesian trajectory.


CONCLUSIONS
Bilateral dynamic and high spatial resolution images with high SNR can be achieved in a clinically feasible manner, providing both kinetic and morphologic analysis with a single data set. This may obviate the need for multiple MRI examinations for a thorough breast MRI workup.
Ramsay
E
E
Division of Imaging Research, Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Causer
P
P
Hill
K
K
Plewes
D
D
D016477:Artifacts; D001706:Biopsy; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D007700:Kinetics; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012984:Software; D013997:Time Factors
D003287:Contrast Media