title: Breast density estimation from high spectral and spatial resolution MRI.
abstract: A three-dimensional breast density estimation method is presented for high spectral and spatial resolution (HiSS) MR imaging. Twenty-two patients were recruited (under an Institutional Review Board--approved Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant protocol) for high-risk breast cancer screening. Each patient received standard-of-care clinical digital x-ray mammograms and MR scans, as well as HiSS scans. The algorithm for breast density estimation includes breast mask generating, breast skin removal, and breast percentage density calculation. The inter- and intra-user variabilities of the HiSS-based density estimation were determined using correlation analysis and limits of agreement. Correlation analysis was also performed between the HiSS-based density estimation and radiologists' breast imaging-reporting and data system (BI-RADS) density ratings. A correlation coefficient of 0.91 ([Formula: see text]) was obtained between left and right breast density estimations. An interclass correlation coefficient of 0.99 ([Formula: see text]) indicated high reliability for the inter-user variability of the HiSS-based breast density estimations. A moderate correlation coefficient of 0.55 ([Formula: see text]) was observed between HiSS-based breast density estimations and radiologists' BI-RADS. In summary, an objective density estimation method using HiSS spectral data from breast MRI was developed. The high reproducibility with low inter- and low intra-user variabilities shown in this preliminary study suggest that such a HiSS-based density metric may be potentially beneficial in programs requiring breast density such as in breast cancer risk assessment and monitoring effects of therapy.
authors.affiliation: University of Chicago , Department of Radiology, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC 2026, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States.
authors.forename: Hui
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: University of Chicago , Department of Radiology, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC 2026, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States.
authors.forename: William A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Weiss
authors.affiliation: University of Chicago , Department of Radiology, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC 2026, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States.
authors.forename: Milica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Medved
authors.affiliation: University of Chicago , Department of Radiology, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC 2026, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States.
authors.forename: Hiroyuki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Abe
authors.affiliation: University of Chicago , Department of Radiology, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC 2026, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States.
authors.forename: Gillian M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Newstead
authors.affiliation: University of Chicago , Department of Radiology, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC 2026, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States.
authors.forename: Gregory S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Karczmar
authors.affiliation: University of Chicago , Department of Radiology, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC 2026, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States.
authors.forename: Maryellen L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Giger
keywords: SENSE acceleration; breast cancer screening and diagnosis; breast density measurement; echo planar spectroscopic imaging; high spatial and spectral resolution MRI