Feasibility of velocity-selective arterial spin labeling in breast cancer patients for noncontrast-enhanced perfusion imaging

Franklin, S.L.; Voormolen, N.; Bones, I.K.; Korteweg, T.; Wasser, M.N.J.M.; Dankers, H.G.; Cohen, D.; Stralen, M. van; Bos, C.; Osch, M.J.P. van

doi:doi:10.1002/jmri.27781

Background Dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI is the most sensitive method for detection of breast cancer. However, due to high costs and retention of intravenously injected gadolinium-based contrast agent, screening with DCE-MRI is only recommended for patients who are at high risk for developing breast cancer. Thus, a noncontrast-enhanced alternative to DCE is desirable.Purpose To investigate whether velocity selective arterial spin labeling (VS-ASL) can be used to identify increased perfusion and vascularity within breast lesions compared to surrounding tissue.Study Type Prospective.Population Eight breast cancer patients.Field Strength/Sequence A 3 T; VS-ASL with multislice single-shot gradient-echo echo-planar-imaging readout.Assessment VS-ASL scans were independently assessed by three radiologists, with 3-25 years of experience in breast radiology. Scans were scored on lesion visibility and artifacts, based on a 3-point Likert scale. A score of 1 corresponded to "lesions...Show moreBackground Dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI is the most sensitive method for detection of breast cancer. However, due to high costs and retention of intravenously injected gadolinium-based contrast agent, screening with DCE-MRI is only recommended for patients who are at high risk for developing breast cancer. Thus, a noncontrast-enhanced alternative to DCE is desirable.Purpose To investigate whether velocity selective arterial spin labeling (VS-ASL) can be used to identify increased perfusion and vascularity within breast lesions compared to surrounding tissue.Study Type Prospective.Population Eight breast cancer patients.Field Strength/Sequence A 3 T; VS-ASL with multislice single-shot gradient-echo echo-planar-imaging readout.Assessment VS-ASL scans were independently assessed by three radiologists, with 3-25 years of experience in breast radiology. Scans were scored on lesion visibility and artifacts, based on a 3-point Likert scale. A score of 1 corresponded to "lesions being distinguishable from background" (lesion visibility), and "no or few artifacts visible, artifacts can be distinguished from blood signal" (artifact score). A distinction was made between mass and nonmass lesions (based on BI-RADS lexicon), as assessed in the standard clinical exam.Statistical Tests Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) for interobserver agreement.Results The ICC was 0.77 for lesion visibility and 0.84 for the artifact score. Overall, mass lesions had a mean score of 1.27 on lesion visibility and 1.53 on the artifact score. Nonmass lesions had a mean score of 2.11 on lesion visibility and 2.11 on the artifact score.Data Conclusion We have demonstrated the technical feasibility of bilateral whole-breast perfusion imaging using VS-ASL in breast cancer patients.Evidence Level 1Technical Efficacy Stage 1Show less

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Feasibility of velocity-selective arterial spin labeling in breast cancer patients for noncontrast-enhanced perfusion imaging