Dynamic three-dimensional imaging with partial k-space sampling: initial application for gadolinium-enhanced rate characterization of breast lesions.

PURPOSE

To evaluate a method to monitor gadolinium enhancement patterns at magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with high temporal resolution and full coverage through both breasts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 12 patients with 13 masses, including nine carcinoma, nonenhanced three-dimensional MR imaging was performed with full-matrix resolution. At dynamic imaging, 32 serial passes were made during bolus administration of contrast material, and temporal resolution was reduced to 12 seconds by collecting the central (low spatial frequency) 32 x 16 or 16 x 16 phase-encode views. Full-matrix dynamic images were reconstructed by complementing central phase-encode data with precontrast data from peripheral high-spatial-frequency views.

RESULTS

Results at time-course analysis with a mono-exponential saturation model indicated malignant lesions tend to show rapid (< 60 seconds) contrast change relative to benign masses and normal tissues. One cancer displayed an exceptionally slow contrast change (260 seconds).

CONCLUSION

The technical objectives of full tissue coverage, rapid temporal sampling, and quantification of enhancement curves are met with this method for certain lesions (> 5 mm in largest diameter).