MR perfusion imaging using the arterial spin labeling technique for breast cancer

Purpose:

To investigate the feasibility of perfusion imaging using an arterial spin labeling (ASL) technique for breast cancer.

Materials and Methods:

Thirteen female patients with primary breast cancers were included in this study. All examinations were performed on 1.5 Tesla MRI systems. Visual evaluations of the colored perfusion map and MRI perfusion values were assessed. MRI and computed tomography (CT) perfusion values were compared.

Results:

Thirteen of 14 tumor lesions could be visualized on the colored perfusion map. CT perfusion examinations were performed in eight breasts, and the relationship between the blood flow values of CT perfusion and of MR perfusion showed a significant correlation.

Conclusion:

Nonenhanced MR imaging by an ASL technique is valid for depicting breast cancer, and the MR perfusion value is thought to be helpful for quantitative diagnosis of breast cancer. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;436‐440. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.