Diffusion MR imaging in malign and benign breast lesions

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to research the seperation benign and malign breast masses with diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 66 patients (26 benign, 40 malign) who have taken MRG for any purpose have been incorporated to the research. Rutin contrast enhancement dinamic MRI and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) applied on 66 lesions. Contrast enhancement MRI and DWI charecteristics of lesions have been evaluated as retrospective for each lesion. Kinetic curves of contrast enhancement pattern of lesions have been evaluated in accordance with BIRADS classifications. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements have been obtained numerical from DWI's at work stations. Also, ADC values of normal fibrogranduler tissue (NFT) at opposite breast of each patient have been measured. ADC values of NFT, benign and malign lesions have been compared. RESULTS: Avarage ADC values of benign and malign lesions, NFT in benign and malign patients, were respectively: 1,535 x10-3 mm²/sn, 1,169 x10-3 mm²/sn, 1,879 x10-3 mm²/sn, 1,852 x10-3mm²/sn. Avarage ADC values of NFT were statistically significant higher than values of bening and malign lesions. Avarage ADC values of malign lesions were statistically significant lower than ADC rates of bening lesions (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Distinguish between bening and malign breast lesions with ADC values is an auxiliary paremeter which can be used together with dinamic contrast enhancement curves of lesions and morphological criterias. We suggest routinely usage of DWI during breast MRI. KEYWORDS: Magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion, breast, malign, benign