Diffusion weighted imaging in the diagnosis of breast lesions at 3.0 Tesla MRI

Objective To evaluate the clinical value of diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) for the diagnosis of breast lesions at 3.0 Tesla MRI. Methods To choose 10 cases of normal breases, 20 benign lesions and 37 malignant ones were observed. The statistical differences of ADC values calculated respectively with b values of 1200 and 0 s/mm2, 800 and 0 s/mm2, 500 and 0 s/mm2 in normal breasts, malignant breast lesions and benign ones were analyzed in order to find out the differential diagnosis value of ADC values in breast lesions. They were also calculated and compared to obtain an applicable b value in diagnosis for breast lesions at 3.0 Tesla MRI. Results (1)Of breast lesions on DWI were mostly in the high signal (48/60,80%), with the b value increased DWI signal lesions decreased, the decline in the extent of malignant lesions than benign lesions.(2) There were significant statistically differences of ADC values in normal breast, benign and malignant lesions as well as ADC values calculated with different b values. (3)When b=1200～0s/mm2 the malignant lesions average ADC value was(0.94±0.09)×10-3mm2/s,benign lesion group as the average ADC value was(1.57±0.14)×10-3mm2/s. The average ADC value (1.77±0.17)×10-3mm2/s.The same normal b value,benign and malignant groups,the corresponding difference between ADC values of significant.(4) Diagnosed as a pathological standard, ADC values from ≤0.97 × 10-3mm2/s (b=1200～0s/mm2) malignant breast lesions as a diagnostic threshold, its diagnostic sensitivity of 83.78%, 91.30% specificity, accuracy 86.96%, and better consistency of pathological diagnosis (Kappa value=0.73, P0.001). Conclusion DWI combined with ADC value measurement, benign and malignant breast lesions for the differential diagnosis with high clinical value.