Dynamic contrast-enhanced breast MR imaging

Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am. 2009 May;17(2):351-62. doi: 10.1016/j.mric.2009.01.010.

Abstract

This article discusses the basic principles of dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging (DCE-MR imaging) of the breast, including technical parameters, image acquisition, and image interpretation. Clinical DCE-MR imaging of the breast has undergone considerable growth from a once investigational technique to an important clinical tool in widespread use. Progress in MR technology and refinement of MR imaging parameters now allow for concurrent acquisition of high-spatial-resolution and adequate-temporal-resolution images, which are necessary for accurate assessment of breast lesion morphology and qualitative kinetic analysis. More advanced DCE-MR imaging techniques involving higher-temporal-resolution images and rigorous quantitative analysis of the time signal enhancement curves are currently an area of research.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Contrast Media
  • Female
  • Gadolinium
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement / methods
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Gadolinium