[MR mammography at 0.5 tesla. I. Comparison of image quality and sensitivity of MR mammography at 0.5 and 1.5 T]

Rofo. 1995 May;162(5):381-9. doi: 10.1055/s-2007-1015904.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Purpose: To determine whether dynamic MR mammography is possible on midfield systems without loss of diagnostic sensitivity when compared to the standard highfield technique.

Materials and methods: 42 consecutive patients were examined twice: Once using the standard dynamic 2D gradient echo technique at 1.5 T; a second examination was performed on a 0.5 T system. For the midfield examinations a 3D sequence with optimized T1 contrast was used to compensate for the shorter T1 relaxation times at 0.5 T. Subtraction images were calculated to improve detectability of enhancing lesions.

Results: Image quality was comparable on both systems. Mean enhancement of lesions was higher at 0.5 T/3D as compared to 1.5 T/2D (161% versus 112%). In malignant lesions, enhancement at 0.5 T/3D surpassed that at 1.5 T/2D in 88% of cases; average maximum signal intensity increase of cancers was significantly higher at 0.5 T/3D as compared to 1.5 T/2D (183% versus 108% relative to baseline). One satellite lesion of a recurrent carcinoma was detected on the 0.5 T/3D images only.

Conclusion: A 3D gradient echo pulse sequence can be used to compensate for the T1 shortening effect of the lower field strength. With a 3D sequence, sensitivity of MRM at 0.5 T is even superior to that of the standard 2D highfield technique.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Breast / pathology*
  • Breast Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma in Situ / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / diagnosis
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Echo-Planar Imaging
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Female
  • Fibroadenoma / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging* / methods
  • Middle Aged
  • Sensitivity and Specificity