Diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging of the breast: protocol optimization, interpretation, and clinical applications.
Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (DWI) has shown promise for improving the positive predictive value of breast MR imaging for detection of breast cancer, evaluating tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and as a noncontrast alternative to MR imaging in screening for breast cancer. However, data quality varies widely. Before implementing DWI into clinical practice, one must understand the pertinent technical considerations and current evidence regarding clinical applications of breast DWI. This article provides an overview of basic principles of DWI, optimization of breast DWI protocols, imaging features of benign and malignant breast lesions, promising clinical applications, and potential future directions.
Department of Radiology, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109-1023, USA. scp3@u.washington.edu
Savannah C
SC
Partridge
Elizabeth S
ES
McDonald
D001940:Breast / Q000473:pathology*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
Apparent diffusion coefficient; Breast MR imaging; Breast cancer; Diffusion-weighted imaging; Neoadjuvant chemotherapy; Oncologic imaging; b-value