Three-dimensional gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging of the breast: pulse sequence with fat suppression and magnetization transfer contrast. Work in progress

A pulse sequence with magnetization transfer contrast and fat suppression was used in three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging of the breast. Two healthy volunteers, one person with silicone implants, and 12 patients with clinical and/or mammographic findings suspicious for malignancy were evaluated prior to and following infusion of gadopentetate dimeglumine. Imaging time was approximately 7 minutes for each set of data (128 sections). Final voxel dimensions ranged from 1.4 x 0.8 x 0.8 mm to 1.6 x 0.9 x 0.9 mm. All carcinomas, including ductal and lobular types, were enhanced before and after infusion of contrast medium. Multifocal carcinoma and inflammatory carcinoma could be clearly visualized. Enhancement was not evident in patients with fat necrosis (n = 1) or scar (n = 1). Fibrocystic changes in one patient were visible as areas of increased signal intensity on preinfusion images. Resolution and contrast of MR images obtained with this pulse sequence appeared to be improved over that achieved with conventional breast MR imaging techniques. This method has the potential to supplement conventional diagnostic methods in the evaluation of breast disease.