T2-weighted Imaging of the Breast at 1.5T Using Simultaneous Multi-slice Acceleration

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the image quality and time saving using simultaneous multi-slice (SMS)-accelerated T2-weighted turbo spin echo (TSE) sequences compared to standard T2 TSE sequences in breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Patients and methods: Thirty patients were examined with an SMS-accelerated T2 TSE sequence and a standard T2 TSE sequence as part of a breast MRI protocol at 1.5T. Image quality, signal homogeneity and tissue delineation were evaluated. For quantitative assessment, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was measured from representative SNR maps.

Results: There were no significant differences regarding tissue delineation and signal homogeneity. Image quality was rated equal at the chest wall and the breasts but decreased in the axilla on SMS-T2 TSE (p=0.01) with a simultaneous decrease of SNR (p=0.03). This did not significantly impact the overall image quality (p=0.2). The acquisition time for SMS-T2 TSE was 48% shorter compared to standard T2 TSE.

Conclusion: SMS-acceleration for T2-weighted imaging of the breast at 1.5T substantially reduces acquisition time while maintaining comparable quantitative and qualitative image quality. This may pave the way for protocol abbreviation especially in a high-throughput clinical workspace.

Keywords: Breast cancer; T2-weighted imaging; breast MRI; breast imaging; simultaneous multi-slice acceleration.