Breast neoplasms: T2* susceptibility-contrast, first-pass perfusion MR imaging

Radiology. 1997 Jan;202(1):87-95. doi: 10.1148/radiology.202.1.8988196.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the differentiation of benign from malignant breast tumors with T2*-weighted perfusion magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (blood volume imaging) versus that with dynamic T1-weighted contrast agent-enhanced MR imaging.

Materials and methods: Ten healthy adult volunteers and 18 adult patients with benign or malignant lesions underwent both conventional T1-weighted dynamic contrast-enhanced breast MR imaging and repetitive first-pass, single-section, dynamic T2*-weighted perfusion MR imaging. Images were obtained before, during, and after injection of 20 mL of gadopentetate dimeglumine; peak gadopentetate dimeglumine concentrations were calculated from the maximal signal intensity loss on T2*-weighted images.

Results: No perfusion effect was detectable in healthy breast parenchyma. A strong susceptibility-mediated signal intensity loss occurred in malignant breast tumors. No or only minor perfusion effects were seen in fibroadenomas, in spite of their rapid enhancement at T1-weighted dynamic imaging. Perfusion imaging was possible after conventional dynamic contrast-enhanced breast MR imaging.

Conclusion: T2*-weighted perfusion imaging exploits the susceptibility-mediated signal intensity loss of a first-pass bolus of gadopentetate dimeglumine within the capillary bed. First-pass perfusion imaging of breast lesions is feasible. It is promising in the differentiation of benign from malignant, rapidly enhancing lesions.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Breast / pathology
  • Breast Diseases / diagnosis
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Contrast Media
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Drug Combinations
  • Female
  • Gadolinium DTPA
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging* / methods
  • Meglumine
  • Middle Aged
  • Organometallic Compounds
  • Pentetic Acid / analogs & derivatives

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Drug Combinations
  • Organometallic Compounds
  • Meglumine
  • Pentetic Acid
  • Gadolinium DTPA