Demonstration of the value of diffusion weighted MR imaging for differentiation of benign from malignant breast lesions

Abstract

Background: Radiologic evaluation of breast lesions is being achieved through several imaging modalities. Mammography has an established role in breast cancer screening and diagnosis. Still however, it shows some limitations particulary in dense breast.

Methods : Magnetic resonance imaging is an attractive tool for the diagnosis of breast tumors¹ and the use of magnetic resonance imaging of the breast is rapidly increasing as this technique becomes more widely available.¹ As an adjunct to mammography and ultrasound, MRI can be a valuable addition to the work-up of a breast abnormality. MRI has the advantages of providing a three-dimensional view of the breast, performing with high sensitivity in dense breast tissue and using non-ionizing radiation.²

Results : Recent advances in MRI have shown the potential in bridging the gap between sensitivity and specificity. Methods based on differences in physiological, cellular and biochemical characteristics of malignant, benign and normal tissues were developed to monitor changes in diffusion. Among these techniques is diffusion- weighted MRI (DWI).³

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging detects Brownian motion of water protons, thus reflecting the biologic character of tissue. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) is used to quantify the Brownian motion^4-5

Conclusion :The use of DWI for breast tumors has recently been considered in clinical application, and many studies have shown lower ADC values for breast cancer compared to normal breast tissue or benign tumors ³.