Magnetization transfer ratio as a predictor of malignancy in breast lesions: preliminary results.
MRI is an important tool for investigating breast cancer. Although recognized as the method of choice for screening high-risk patients, and for other indications the role of MRI for lesion characterization remains controversial. Recently some authors have advocated the use of morphologic and postcontrast features for this purpose. Quantitative breast MRI techniques have not been applied extensively in breast diseases. Magnetization transfer (MT) is a quantitative MR technique commonly used to investigate neurological diseases. In breast diseases the use of MT has been limited to improving visualization of areas of enhancement in postcontrast images. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and utility of MT in discriminating benign from malignant breast lesions. Fifty-two lesions, BIRADS 4 and 5, from 49 patients, were prospectively evaluated using the MT ratio (MTR). Patients were divided into two groups: benign and malignant lesions. The MTR of fat, pectoralis major muscle, fibroglandular tissue, and breast lesions were calculated. A statistically significant difference was found between MTR from benign and malignant lesions (P < 0.001). Preliminary results suggest that MT can be used to evaluate breast lesions. Further studies are necessary to better define the utility and applicability of this technique.
Bonini
Ruth Helena Morais
RH
Imaging and Medical Physics Center, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes 3800, Campus Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
Zeotti
Denise
D
Saraiva
Luciano Albuquerque Lima
LA
Trad
Clovis Simao
CS
Filho
Joaquim Moraes Sarmento
JM
Carrara
Helio Humberto Angotti
HH
de Andrade
Jurandyr Moreira
JM
Santos
Antonio Carlos
AC
Muglia
Valdair Francisco
VF
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001940:Breast / Q000473:pathology*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012372:ROC Curve