Dynamic contrast-enhanced breast MRI at 7 Tesla utilizing a single-loop coil: a feasibility trial.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of dynamic contrast-enhanced ultra-high-field breast imaging at 7 Tesla.


METHODS
A total of 15 subjects, including 5 patients with histologically proven breast cancer, were examined on a 7 Tesla whole-body magnetic resonance imaging system using a unilateral linearly polarized single-loop coil. Subjects were placed in prone position on a biopsy support system, with the coil placed directly below the region of interest. The examination protocol included the following sequences: 1) T2-weighted turbo spin echo sequence; 2) six dynamic T1-weighted spoiled gradient-echo sequences; and 3) subtraction imaging.


RESULTS
Contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging at 7 Tesla could be obtained at high spatial resolution with short acquisition times, providing good image accuracy and a conclusively good delineation of small anatomical and pathological structures. T2-weighted imaging could be obtained with high spatial resolution at adequate acquisition times. Because of coil limitations, four high-field magnetic resonance examinations showed decreased diagnostic value.


CONCLUSIONS
This first scientific approach of dynamic contrast-enhanced breast magnetic resonance imaging at 7 Tesla demonstrates the complexity of ultra-high-field breast magnetic resonance imaging and countenances the implementation of further advanced bilateral coil concepts to circumvent current limitations from the coil and ultra-high-field magnetic strength.
Umutlu
Lale
L
Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Hospital Essen, Germany. Lale.Umutlu@uk-essen.de <Lale.Umutlu@uk-essen.de>
Maderwald
Stefan
S
Kraff
Oliver
O
Theysohn
Jens M
JM
Kuemmel
Sherko
S
Hauth
Elke A
EA
Forsting
Michael
M
Antoch
Gerald
G
Ladd
Mark E
ME
Quick
Harald H
HH
Lauenstein
Thomas C
TC
D000328:Adult; D001940:Breast / Q000473:pathology*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003287:Contrast Media; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016684:Prone Position
D003287:Contrast Media