Magnetization transfer ratio as a predictor of malignancy in breast lesions: Preliminary results.

Bonini, Ruth Helena Morais; Zeotti, Denise; Saraiva, Luciano Albuquerque Lima; Trad, Clovis Simao; Filho, Joaquim Moraes Sarmento; Carrara, Helio Humberto Angotti; de Andrade, Jurandyr Moreira; Santos, Antonio Carlos; Muglia, Valdair Francisco

MRI is an important tool for investigating breast cancer. Although recognized as the method of choice for screening high-risk patients, and for other indications the role of MRI for lesion characterization remains controversial. Recently some authors have advocated the use of morphologic and postcontrast features for this purpose. Quantitative breast MRI techniques have not been applied extensively in breast diseases. Magnetization transfer (MT) is a quantitative MR technique commonly used to investigate neurological diseases. In breast diseases the use of MT has been limited to improving visualization of areas of enhancement in postcontrast images. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and utility of MT in discriminating benign from malignant breast lesions. Fifty-two lesions, BIRADS 4 and 5, from 49 patients, were prospectively evaluated using the MT ratio (MTR). Patients were divided into two groups: benign and malignant lesions. The MTR of fat, pectoralis major muscle, fibroglandular tissue, and breast lesions were calculated. A statistically significant difference was found between MTR from benign and malignant lesions ( P < 0.001). Preliminary results suggest that MT can be used to evaluate breast lesions. Further studies are necessary to better define the utility and applicability of this technique. Magn Reson Med 59:1030-1034, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, 2008, Vol 59, Issue 5, p1030

0740-3194

Academic Journal

10.1002/mrm.21555